Fantasy Player Breakdowns – Week 10

By: Kevin

Take a second to look over your player’s match-ups this week, as well as some solid analysis on how they might fare. In addition, set your line-up with some help from our five-star rating, symbolized by the (*) sign.

Teams on bye this week: Houston Texans, New York Giants

Chicago Bears @ San Francisco 49ers

QB Jay Cutler: Cutler played well last week and the 49ers can be passed on. ****
RB Matt Forte: 49ers haven’t been great against run, but hes been slacking. ***
WR Devin Hester: At least six grabs in four straight games makes him a dependable WR3. ***
WR Earl Bennett: Caught a good amount of balls last week, but isn’t a great option. **
WR Johnny Knox: Always has the potential to get a couple deep, but not consistent. **
TE Greg Olsen: He won’t get three scores again, but his stock is rising. ***

QB Alex Smith: Kurt Warner lit up the Bears for 5 TD’s, so there’s promise there. ***
RB Frank Gore: Bears defense isn’t itself, and Gore has been solid. ****
WR Michael Crabtree: Had a down week last week, but could break-out on Sunday. ***
WR Jason Hill: Scored twice last week, but unlikely to match that production again. *
TE Vernon Davis: Getting tons of targets and should be very active. ****

Atlanta Falcons @ Carolina Panthers

QB Matt Ryan: Facing elite pass defense and hasn’t looked good. **
RB Michael Turner: Has been on fire and Panthers can be run on. *****
WR Roddy White: Poor showing last week, but should bounce back as solid WR2. ****
WR Michael Jenkins: Could get some looks, but not a great play. *
TE Tony Gonzalez: Always has potential to do damage, so you have to play him. ***

QB Jake Delhomme: Falcons pass defense isn’t great, but neither is Delhomme. **
RB DeAngelo Williams: Falcons are only so-so against the run, and he’s on fire. *****
RB Jonathan Stewart: Should get enough carries to be a decent Flex. **
WR Steve Smith: He’s still a solid WR3 at the worst, and has a decent match-up this week. ***
WR Dwayne Jarrett: He caught four passes last week, but that might be his ceiling. *

Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Miami Dolphins

QB Josh Freeman: Looked great in his debut, and Miami isn’t a terrible match-up. **
RB Carnell Williams: Is still getting most of the carries and Miami isn’t too scary. **
RB Derrick Ward: Got back in the mix and should stay relevant this week. *
WR Antonio Bryant: Missed last week, but could find some big plays if he can go this week. **
WR Sammie Stroughter: Scored last week and could be a top option for Freeman again this week. *
WR Maurice Stovall: He was mildly active last week, but isn’t dependable. *
TE Kellen Winslow: Should continue to be active as the rookie Freeman will need him. ***

QB Chad Henne: Has looked good and Buccaneers are still bad on defense. ***
RB Ronnie Brown: Excellent match-up and should be very busy. *****
RB Ricky Williams: Will get enough touches to make it worth your while. ***
WR Davone Bess: OK in PPR leagues, but offers little else. **
WR Greg Camarillo: Has been mildly active, but still risky. **
TE Joey Haynos: Risky play, but is out-playing Fasano. **

Detroit Lions @ Minnesota Vikings

QB Matthew Stafford: Will have to pass all day, and that won’t be a good thing. *
RB Kevin Smith: Won’t find much success against the Williams Wall. **
WR Calvin Johnson: Should do better than last week, and Vikings pass defense can get beat. ***
WR Bryant Johnson: Scored last week, but is still too inconsistent. *
TE Brandon Pettigrew: Is getting more tread, and Stafford will need him this week. **

QB Brett Favre: Lions are awful against quarterbacks, and Favre is on a roll. *****
RB Adrian Peterson: Should get a full workload against bad Lions defense. *****
RB Chester Taylor: Could get some late-game touches in likely blow-out. **
WR Sidney Rice: Had an off game against Green Bay, but should resurface this week. ****
WR Bernard Berrian: Still looking for the deep ball, but not a bad play this week. ***
WR Percy Harvin: A demon in return yardage leagues, and becoming reliable WR3. ***
TE Visanthe Shiancoe: Always active near the goal-line, so worth a shot. ***

Cincinnati Bengals @ Pittsburgh Steelers

QB Carson Palmer: Steelers pass defense isn’t invincible, but not a great match-up. **
RB Cedric Benson: He’ll get the carries, but success will be hard to find against Steelers. ***
WR Chad Ochocinco: Could be very active with Steelers likely stopping the run. ***
WR Laveranues Coles: Is getting more involved, but don’t expect the world. **
WR Andre Caldwell: Will see a few more targets, but not very reliable. *

QB Ben Roethlisberger: Continues to play well against top defenses, so start him. ****
RB Rashard Mendenhall: Ditto. ****
WR Hines Ward: Ward loves facing the Bengals, so a solid play. ***
WR Santonio Holmes: Still looking for first score since week one. Is this the week? ***
WR Mike Wallace: Good for some yards and a possible score on any given week. **
TE Heath Miller: Weak showing against Denver, but is still involved well enough. ***

Buffalo Bills @ Tennessee Titans

QB Trent Edwards: Titans pass defense is getting better and Edwards hasn’t been good. *
RB Marshawn Lynch: Yards will be tough to come by, but should get the carries. **
RB Fred Jackson: Is slipping out of the offense, but can still be used as a Flex. *
WR Lee Evans: The only “reliable” option in Buffalo, and that is being nice. **
WR Terrell Owens: Can’t be counted on, even against a 2-6 team. **

QB Vince Young: Will let the rush offense do the work, so don’t expect much. **
RB Chris Johnson: Should continue his ridiculous roll against horrible run defense *****
RB Lendale White: Could get some action against bad run defense. ***
WR Justin Gage: Looking sharp and had an awesome catch last week. **
WR Kenny Britt: Too inconsistent to rely on. *
TE Bo Scaife: Young likes him, and Bills are only so-so against tight ends. **

Denver Broncos @ Washington Redskins

QB Kyle Orton: Washington’s defense is fairly stingy, and he hasn’t been playing well. **
RB Knowshon Moreno: Michael Turner burned them, so he has a chance to bounce back. ***
RB Correll Buckhalter: Still getting solid amount of carries, but tough match-up. **
WR Brandon Marshall: Redskins are falling apart, but pass defense is still holding up. ***
WR Eddie Royal: Isn’t getting it done enough to even be a consistent WR3 right now. **
TE Tony Scheffler: Not a reliable option, no matter the opponent. *

QB Jason Campbell: Will he even last the game? Tough match-up. *
RB Ladell Betts: Should get the bulk of the carries, so worth a shot as a Flex. **
RB Clinton Portis: Unlikely to play with concussion. *
WR Santana Moss: Only real threat on offense, so he’ll get some looks. **
TE Fred Davis: Was a disappointment last week and Denver stops tight ends pretty well. *

New Orleans Saints @ St. Louis Rams

QB Drew Brees: Only real concern is a big lead may take him out of the game *****
RB Pierre Thomas: Gets the majority of the carries and will be able to run all day. ****
RB Mike Bell: Had an off week last week, but good match-up and he gets the ball. ***
RB Reggie Bush: Only a threat as a receiver now, and way too inconsistent. **
WR Marques Colston: Should bounce back after registering just one catch against Panthers. *****
WR Devery Henderson: Definitely potential here, but may not be needed. ***
WR Robert Meachem: Ditto. **
TE Jeremy Shockey: Could be targeted early, but probably won’t finish the game. ***

QB Marc Bulger: Will throw all day, but Saints pass defense can terrorize at times. **
RB Steve Jackson: Could gash the Saints vulnerable run defense if he gets going. ****
WR Donnie Avery: Not a huge threat, but they should throw while behind. **
WR Keenan Burton: Can get some grabs, but not much else. *
WR Danny Amendola: Coming back from injury and should be active underneath. **

Jacksonville Jaguars @ New York Jets

QB David Garrard: Looked OK last week, but just hasn’t been reliable. **
RB Maurice Jones-Drew: Jets can be run on now, and you don’t sit him. *****
WR Mike Sims-Walker: Had a huge game last week, so roll with him. ***
WR Torry Holt: Hasn’t scored all season, and not likely to do so this week. **
TE Marcedes Lewis: Hasn’t been consistent lately. *

QB Mark Sanchez: Has looked confident and sharp, and Jaguars D is weak. ***
RB Thomas Jones: Should run all day to ease pressure off of Sanchez. *****
RB Shonn Greene: If Jones gets going, he’ll help out with 10+ carries. ***
WR Jerricho Cotchery: Could see some targets to help the run game. ***
WR Braylon Edwards: Nice match-up to try some deep balls, so worth a shot. ***
TE Dustin Keller: Was stellar in last game, and nice match-up. ***

Kansas City Chiefs @ Oakland Raiders

QB Matt Cassel: Came on late last week, but Raiders pass defense is tough. **
RB Jamaal Charles: Splitting carries and role uncertain, but Oakland’s run D is weak. **
RB Kolby Smith: Got involved last week, and should see solid action this week. **
WR Dwayne Bowe: He’ll get targets, but the match-up isn’t easy. ***
WR Chris Chambers: Blew everyone away in his debut, so there’s hope. **
WR Lance Long: Came out of nowhere, and could continue to surprise from the slot. **

QB Jamarcus Russell: It’s the Chiefs, so even Russell could do some damage. *
RB Darren McFadden: First game back, so don’t expect the world. **
RB Justin Fargas: Should still get some carries, even if McFadden starts. **
TE Zach Miller: Could be pretty active as Oakland receivers are trash. **

Seattle Seahawks @ Arizona Cardinals

QB Matt Hasselbeck: Cardinals destroyed him last time, but AZ secondary is terrible. ***
RB Julius Jones: Just doesn’t show up to games, and Cardinals stop run OK. **
RB Justin Forsett: Was active in the passing game, so could get more involved. *
WR Nate Burleson: Hasselbeck’s favorite target should get open plenty. ***
WR TJ Houshmandzadeh: Finally put it all together last week, but can’t guarantee repeat performance. ***
TE John Carlson: Is this the week he finally hooks up with Hasselbeck? ***

QB Kurt Warner: Coming off of huge game and Seattle’s defense isn’t too scary. ****
RB Tim Hightower: Had a nice game but is still sharing carries with Wells. **
RB Chris Wells: Looking better every week, but still in timeshare. **
WR Larry Fitzgerald: Must-start every week. *****
WR Anquan Boldin: Should be good to go, and plays well against Seattle. ***
WR Steve Breaston: Is very reliable and a decent WR3. ***

Dallas Cowboys @ Green Bay Packers

QB Tony Romo: Packers couldn’t stop Josh Freeman, so you have to like the match-up. *****
RB Marion Barber: Splitting carries hurts his value, and he hasn’t scored in a while. ***
RB Tashard Choice: Scored last week but the touches just aren’t there. **
RB Felix Jones: Poor showing last week, but has been fairly involved. **
WR Miles Austin: Cannot be stopped right now, and it won’t happen this week. ****
WR Roy Williams: Turned in solid effort against Philly, and plays well against Pack. ***
TE Jason Witten: Packers cover right end well, but he plays more like a WR. ***

QB Aaron Rodgers: He’s the top fantasy QB, so you can’t sit him. ****
RB Ryan Grant: Can’t run against teams with winning records, so sit him. **
WR Donald Driver: Has been very active all season, so great play. ****
WR Greg Jennings: Cowboys secondary will keep him in check. **
WR James Jones: Could be active underneath with Jennings under wraps. ***
TE Donald Lee: Limited value, especially if Finley plays. **
TE Jermichael Finley: If fully healthy, could be a solid play. **

Philadelphia Eagles @ San Diego Chargers

QB Donovan McNabb: Chargers pass defense is decent, but he should be okay. ***
RB LeSean McCoy: Has a shot at his second straight start, and Bolts run D is weak. ***
RB Brian Westbrook: Even if he plays, what can you really expect from him? **
RB Leonard Weaver: Keeps stealing carries, so could have value if Westbrook is out. **
WR DeSean Jackson: Locked down last week, so should do something this week. ****
WR Jeremy Maclin: Has been OK and fairly reliable, so worth a shot. ***
TE Brent Celek: Isn’t flashy, but fairly consistent and reliable. ***

QB Phillip Rivers: Can’t bet against Rivers as he’s on fire right now. *****
RB LaDainian Tomlinson: Hasn’t looked good and Eagles are solid. **
RB Darren Sproles: Too inconsistent to rely on. *
WR Vincent Jackson: Makes plays in every game, so have to start him. ****
WR Malcom Floyd: Not a flashy starter, and isn’t a great start. **
TE Antonio Gates: Eagles did well against Witten, so a little worrisome. ***

New England Patriots @ Indianapolis Colts

QB Tom Brady: Colts pass defense continues to dominate, but you have to play him. ****
RB Laurence Maroney: Will they be going after Larry Johnson? **
WR Randy Moss: Has been very good, and should cause match-up problems. ****
WR Wes Welker: Hard to cover underneath, and is always active. ****
TE Benjamin Watson: Can’t be depended on, but scores randomly. **

QB Peyton Manning: Shouldn’t have any major problems, but Patriots defense isn’t bad. *****
RB Joseph Addai: Is playing better, and Manning likes throwing to him. ***
RB Donald Brown: Not as involved as he was and still has nagging injuries. **
WR Reggie Wayne: As long as he doesn’t keep throwing anymore picks he’ll be fine. *****
WR Pierre Garcon: Has gotten more looks the past two weeks, so worth a shot. ***
WR Austin Collie: Had an off game against Houston, but should be active. ***
TE Dallas Clark: Always a safe start, and match-up isn’t terrible. *****

Baltimore Ravens @ Cleveland Browns

QB Joe Flacco: The Browns overall defense is pretty bad, so expect a solid game. ****
RB Ray Rice: He should roam free all day against a horrid run defense. *****
WR Derrick Mason: Is too smart and crafty to drop a weak effort on this team. ***
WR Mark Clayton: Is involved enough to be a decent Flex play if needed. **
WR Kelley Washington: Way too inconsistent to be relied upon. *
TE Todd Heap: If he’s going to have a big game again, this might be it. **

QB Brady Quinn: Reportedly getting the start against a match-up from hell. *
QB Derek Anderson: Reportedly benched, but you never know. *
RB Jamal Lewis: Ran OK against Chicago, and Baltimore did let Benson run wild. **
RB Jerome Harrison: Is merely a third down option, so shouldn’t even be owned. *
WR Mohamed Massaquoi: Drops way too many passes, but Quinn will throw to him. **
WR Josh Cribbs: Gets touches in the Wildcat, but true value is in returns. *