As always, there are plenty of great matchups that can be exploited in your favor. Last week I whiffed on my quarterback picks but my options were pretty limited; aside from that I had a pretty solid week, given all the players I recommend are available in such a large amount of leagues. This week I polished my crystal ball and think I will actually give a solid quarterback option.
Quarterback
Matt Moore or Ryan Tannehill (MIA) at Indianapolis
I handcuff these two because I’m not sure which one will start, considering Tannehill left last week with a knee/quad injury. The Colts give up the 22nd most FP to quarterbacks and Miami is actually in the playoff hunt. Tannehill has been surprisingly good this season and Moore was a formidable starter last year for the Dolphins. There is a limited number of starting quarterbacks in free agency at this point of the season but I believe whoever starts against Indy will put up over 12 FP.
Matt Cassel (KC) at San Diego
This is a Thursday night special and Cassel is trying to get his starting job back from the injured Brady Quinn. Cassel played well in limited time against Oakland this past Sunday, and with the added incentive of earning a job, I believe he is going to surpass 12 FP. I have put the number at 12 simply because I feel that if you get 12 FP out of a replacement, there is no room for complaint.
Running Back
LaRod Stephens-Howling (ARI) at Green Bay
The free agent pool is crazy thin at running back but Stephens-Howling is a guy who is available and going against an average-at-best run defense in Green Bay. Sure he wasn’t good against San Francisco but who is? Give him another chance because if you are hurting this badly for a running back, you really don’t have much of a choice. Expect seven or more FP.
Jonathan Dwyer (PIT) at New York Giants
Rashard Mendenhall and Isaac Redmond are both banged up and Dwyer has stepped in admirably. Back-to-back 100 yard games have me optimistic that Dwyer will produce once again this week to the tune of double-digit FP.
Wide Receiver
Titus Young (DET) at Jacksonville
Young was unreal in his first game as the clear-cut second wideout in Detroit on Sunday and I see no reason this won’t continue. Calvin Johnson is the ultimate decoy for Young and I expect him to score a touchdown and score over 10 FP.
Brandon LaFell (CAR) at Washington
LaFell averages almost seven FP per game and has been pretty consistent this season. Washington gives up the second-most FP to wideouts this year and I figure this week will be no different. The combination of LaFell’s consistency and the Redskins commitment to mediocrity makes me believe that LaFell is due for at least 10 FP.
Tight End
Jermaine Gresham (CIN) versus Denver
Gresham has caught three or more passes in each game this season and is second on the team in targets with 43. Denver has allowed six touchdowns to tight ends in seven games this year. This is a recipe for Gresham to score a touchdown and score double-digit FP.
Greg Olsen (CAR) at Washington
Quite frankly Olsen hasn’t been very good this season, but that can be attributed to the struggling Panther offense. Washington has given up seven touchdowns to tight ends in eight games this season. Olsen and Carolina are prepared to break out of their offensive funk this week. Expect at least eight FP from Olsen.
Kicker
Connor Barth (TB) at Oakland
Oakland gives up the most points to opposing kickers. Barth is playing Oakland. He is available in 90 percent of leagues. Expect 10 FP from him.
Defense/Special Teams
Detroit at Jacksonville
The Lions defense leaves much to be desired, but since they are playing the Jaguars they should be able to force a few turnovers. The Jags average just 14.7 points per game so I don’t think the Lions have much to worry about. They should score over 10 FP.
That is all the knowledge I’ll drop this week but don’t fret, I will be back next week.
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