One to start, One to sit is a weekly column where each NFL game will be evaluated and the best/worst fantasy match-ups will be listed.
TONIGHT’S MATCHUP
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS @ DENVER BRONCOS
Best Option- Phillip Rivers
Denver’s secondary ranks 29th overall and opposing QB’s are averaging 17.3 fantasy points against them over the past three weeks. While Rivers scored just 12 points against the Broncos in their last matchup, he still remains the 6th highest scorer in all of fantasy football this season. With Denver’s offense being as overpowering as its been all season, opposing offenses always seem to have to air it out just to keep pace with them. Don’t expect a repeat of Rivers’ numbers from his last game against the Broncos (he threw just 29 passes for 218 yards and one TD). If San Diego is going to win this one, it’ll be due to their offense out slinging Denver. Look for a huge game from Rivers tonight.
Worst Option- Denver and San Diego Defense
With the exception of Antonio Gates, the offensive playmakers for both teams have been on fire lately. No matter what stat I put, or what I say, you would be crazy to bench D.Thomas, Decker, Knowshon, Peyton, J.Thomas, and even Montee Ball at this point (Ball has gotten at least 14 touches in the last two games). Decker and D.Thomas are playing great and with Welker out of the game tonight, could see more targets. Same goes with Julius Thomas who returned from a 2 week hiatus (knee) with a TD reception last week. Knowshon and Ball who are splitting carries, but both serve big time purpose in Denver’s running game and are both sure handed out of the backfield. Finally, do I really have to explain Peyton? No.. Good.
With San Diego, the tandem of Mathews and Woodhead are like Knowshon and Ball lite (in terms of they’re two good running backs that compliment each other very well, but lack Peyton Manning at QB to pad their stats even more). Mathews has been playing very well lately, scoring a TD in 2 of his last 3 games. Meanwhile, Woodhead is the leader of all running backs in receiving yards and receptions. Keenan Allen has been playing out of his mind and could be considered this year’s offensive rookie of the year. He’s caught for over 100 yards in two of his last three games and had two TD’s last week. Finally, Antonio Gates, while he hasn’t performed (just 9 fantasy points over the last 3 games) and has Ladarius Green being the big play TE Rivers looks to, is still the most trusted WR Rivers has.
So what does all this mean to the defenses? With all the talent listed above and how they’ve all (sans Gates) been playing over the past several weeks, would you risk your playoff chances by starting either Denver or San Diego’s defense this week?…. I thought not.