Each week Studs & Duds
will take a look at the best and worst match-ups from around the NFL and choose four players that could mean the difference between fantasy success or failure.
Based on the scoring system
established by Yahoo!'s Flames and Lames, Studs and Duds can't seem to
get back to a winning record. After going 2-6 in last week's picks, S&D's
season record now stands at 30-34. Do
you have some of your own Studs and Duds in mind? If so, put your picks and
predictions (no explanation for picks necessary) in the comment section below
and see if you can beat us at our own game.
Studs
Matt Cassel / QB / Kansas City Chiefs-
(vs. Jaguars) Although Cassel hasn't necessarily been the model of consistency this
year, he'll provide owners with some solid stats during a week that once again
will see six teams sporting a bye. The Chiefs will face-off against a Jaguars
team that is allowing over 242 passing yards per game, and has also given up 13
passing scores. It also bodes well for Cassel that Kansas City is having
problems with their running back situation, as it should lead to plenty passing
opportunities. That's because starting RB Jamaal Charles will likely
take a few drives or quarters to get used to his new role.
Michael Crabtree / WR / San Francisco 49ers- (vs.
Titans) Crabtree has looked very solid in his first two games with the 49ers.
He gets a great match-up this week against the Titans who still rank as the
worst pass defense in the NFL. QB Alex Smith has been solid since reclaiming
his starting role, and Crabtree has been one of his favorite targets. If he's
still available in your league, now would be the time to grab him since his
stock is likely to soar. Considering that the WR has done great in two games
against two solid pass defenses, owners shouldn't be surprised when he ranks as
one of the top wide-outs this week.
Clinton Portis / RB / Washington Redskins-(vs.
Falcons) The Redskins are coming off their bye week, and that's very good news
for Portis owners. With time to rest a few of the bumps and bruises that have
been nagging him all year, he'll likely come out at or close to
100%. He'll face off a Falcons rush D that's been allowing over 121
rushing ypg, and has allowed almost 19 points per game to opposing RB's. If the
Redskins' passing game is finally able to get their act together, then Portis could
be in store for a huge fantasy day as a balanced attack will open a few more
running holes.
Jason Witten / TE / Dallas Cowboys-
(vs. Eagles) Witten did not perform as well as predicted last week, but
this week he will redeem himself. In his career, Witten has done pretty well against the Eagles. Combine his
past success with the fact that the Eagles are allowing almost 12 points per
game to opposing TE's, and it's not hard to imagine Witten putting up solid fantasy numbers.
Prediction: 6 receptions,
80 yards, 1 touchdown
Duds
Ben Roethlisberger / QB / Pittsburgh Steelers-
(vs. Broncos) Big Ben has put up solid fantasy numbers all year, but this week
will be different. With the exception of his game against the Chargers, he has
yet to face a real quality passing defense. Well, that's exactly what he'll see in the Broncos. Denver
has the eighth ranked pass D, but the important number to consider is
that they've only allowed 4 passing touchdowns. When you take into account how
good the Broncos D has been with the fact that the Steelers will be on the road, Roethlisberger owners should definitely prepare for a dud-worthy
week.
Roddy White / WR / Atlanta Falcons-
(vs. Redskins) White has managed to haul in a touchdown in five of his last six
games, helping to make him one of the top fantasy WR's of the year. Despite
that, His value will take a hit this week, as he faces a tough
Washington pass D. The Redskins are only allowing 165 passing ypg, and have
only allowed six passing TD's. White will have trouble getting open as it's likely
he'll be double teamed most of the day. If that's the case, he could easily
put up his worst fantasy day of the year, and cause plenty of grief for owner's
who feel compelled to start him despite the tough match-up.
Ronnie Brown / RB / Miami Dolphins-
(vs. Patriots) Brown is a very poor play this week for a few reasons. First of
all, he has no rushing touchdowns on the road this year as all seven of his
scores have come at home. With the Dolphins rolling into Gillette to face a
tough Patriots defense, he's likely to stay on that current trend. Secondly, New England has only allowed one rushing TD on the year. Finally, Brown managed
just 47 total yards in his last game against the Patriots. After considering
all of those factors it just seems foolish to risk playing Brown. It's easy to
predict that the Patriots will be able to tame the Dolphins'
wildcat.
Jeremy Shockey / TE / New Orleans Saints-
(vs. Panthers) Shockey has put up three stud-worthy games in a row as the
Saints have managed to remain undefeated in '09. Although the Saints will
likely roll to their eighth win of the year, Shockey won't contribute
much from a statistical standpoint. The Panthers have the top ranked pass D,
and it's unlikely the Saints will throw as often as they have in past games.
That's because Carolina has the 24th ranked rushing defense. New
Orleans will rely heavily on their trio of strong RB's to help carry them to
victory, and that means Shockey will do more blocking than receiving in week
nine.