ONE TO START, ONE TO SIT
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.
Sunday’s Match-ups
Falcons @ Buccaneers
Best Option
ATL- Harry Douglas
TB- Brian Leonard / Bobby Rainey
The Bucs have allowed four TD’s to opposing WR’s over the past two games. Keep in mind the last time these two teams met, Douglas torched the Bucs (7 catches, 149 yards, 1 TD). While his standard fantasy points have not been up to par recently, Douglas still remains a PPR machine and oddly enough, the most consistent and strongest weapon on the Falcons (not quite sure if that’s a compliment to Douglas or a shot at just how far ATL has fallen).
While it was Bobby Rainey who scored the TD and had the more productive day it was Leonard that had more time on the field. As a better blocker, and pass catcher, Leonard should be the feature back in this offense now that Doug Martin and Mike James are both out. Rainey is a nice change of pace back, and will probably get 10 touches to Leonard’s 15-20, but against Atlanta’s 27th ranked rushing defense, who have given up a rushing TD to a RB as well as two 140+ yard rushers over the past 3 weeks, both Leonard and Rainey remain a sneaky pick.
Worst Option
ATL- Roddy White
TB- Mike Glennon
It took Tampa 8 weeks, but finally they’ve figured out how to use Darrelle Revis. Turns out, all you have to do is put him man to man on a Wideout, and that WR doesn’t do much the entire game (ask Mike Wallace – 4 catches, 15 yards). While fellow pass catchers Tony Gonzalez (toe) and Harry Douglas (knee) are also questionable, out of the three Roddy has the best chance of playing, but if Revis is on him all game, hinder your expectations.
Kind of a cop out I know, but over the past 3 weeks, the Falcons secondary has held opposing QB’s to an average of 13 fantasy points and 236 yards passing a game. Glennon has not cracked over 200 yards passing over the past two weeks. I know not many of you were planning on starting Glennon (unless you had Romo on bye) but don’t be surprised if he repeats his numbers on Monday night in this game (139 yards passing, 1 TD, 1 INT).
Jets @ Bills
Best Option
NYJ- Christopher Ivory
BUF- Scott Chandler
I still don’t know what the Jets are doing in their backfield, but if any back has been as impressive over last few weeks, it’s Ivory. In 2 of the last three games, he’s had over 15 carries. While he has only 4 games where he’s received the ball 10 or more times, he seems to be the hot hand in NY that could lead the Jets backfield against the 22nd ranked Bills rushing defense.
Stevie Johnson and Robert Woods may be both out, so Chandler may be the guy the Bills turn to in the passing game in this one. Ironically enough, it was against the Jets that Chandler had his best game this season (5 catches, 79 yards, and 1 TD). With Manuel at QB, Chandler will get his opportunities (has yet to have a goose-egg this season with EJ under center) and against the Jets 4th friendliest defense against the TE, Chandler has the chance to be the Bills leading WR on Sunday.
Worst Option
NYJ- Geno Smith
BUF- EJ Manuel
Going back to what I’ve said about Geno before, look at his fantasy stats, he’s great/horrible every other week. However, with the Jets being on bye last week, it makes you wonder if that his awful week (which he’s in line for) will be there. He put up 24 fantasy points the last time he played the Bills, and posted his only 300 yard game this season. However, Buffalo has given up an average of 213.5 yards through the air over the past 4 weeks. Opposing QB’s have averaged 15.5 fantasy points against this squad over that span. However, that spread is tainted due to Drew Brees 35 point performance agains this squad, while Alex Smith, and Ben Roethlisberger were held to under 10 points.
Manuel may be without his top two WR’s; Stevie Johnson and Robert Woods in this game, which could lead to two things. 1) Scott Chandler is now the top option in Buffalo’s passing game, and 2) Pressure! Pressure! Pressure! That’s all EJ is going to see from the Jets, and unless the running game can help him out in any way (120 total yards rushing in their last matchup), look for Manuel to struggle.
Browns @ Bengals
Best Option
CLE- Jason Campbell
CIN- Marvin Jones
The Jason Campbell Lives tour continues. Two games against two of the three highest sack leaders in the NFL (Baltimore and KC) and two straight 20 plus point performances. Include the Browns trusting him with the ball (71 pass attempts in two games),Campbell being next to brilliant in the passing game (zero interceptions, 5 TD’s and an average of 277.5 yards passing a game), and going against a hurt Bengals defense. Campbell could hit the trifecta in this game with another 20 plus point fantasy performance.
Normally, the WR that’s going up against Joe Haden will have their hands full all game (although I expect AJ to have a better day than his 7 catch, 51 yard outing against the Browns earlier this season). Which will leave Marvin Jones to deal with Buster Skrine which could lead to a big day or a lot of pass interference calls. Jones has been a boom/bust player for most of the season but has come on as of late as a reliable target for Andy Dalton (22 targets over the past 3 games). While he may make/break your team, next to AJ Green and with the Browns stingy defense opposing him, Jones is my next to best option for this offense.
Worst Option
CLE- Willis McGahee
CIN- Andy Dalton
Two words, Chris Ogbonnaya (O-ba-nye-ya). Since signing with the Browns, McGahee has put out a feeble 2.6 yards a carry. He hasn’t rushed more than 72 yards in a game (on 26 carries), and is no factor in the passing game. Over their bye week, Browns coach Rob Chudzinksi has talked about giving Ogbonnaya an extended role in the backfield. How much of a workload is unknown, but Ogbonnaya has proven to be a factor in the passing game (28 receptions this season) and is averaging 5.3 yards on 19 carries this season. McGahee’s chance to revive his career in Cleveland may be up if Ogbonnaya can be the spark in the backfield this offense needs.
As I said last week, AFC North divisional games tend to be on the lighter side of scoring and big time stats (Cincy has not scored more than 20 points against any AFC North team so far). The last time he played the Browns, Dalton put up a feeble 7 fantasy points. He is coming off of two straight games where he’s thrown 3 interceptions and has gotten the ball into the end zone just twice (one being a fluke hail-mary catch). While the Browns have struggled against the pass, this defense seems to raise their game against divisional foes, holding opposing QB’s to an average of 12 fantasy points.
Ravens @ Bears
Best Option
BAL- Joe Flacco
CHI- Josh McCown
Even though he had an awful (stat wise) performance last week, Flacco still had the best fantasy day of any Ravens player. This week, you should get more bang for your buck with Flacco, the Bears stink against the pass (22nd) and the run (31st), are missing Charles Tillman (Torrey Smith should have a monster game!), and for some strange reason, The Ravens are still struggling to run the ball (84 rushing attempts between Rice and Pierce over the last 4 games compared to 145 passing attempts). In this potential shootout, look for the QB’s on both squads to put up big numbers.
In his 2 full games this year, McCown has proven to be a viable and strong backup QB that the Bears have desperately needed (could go as far as to make a case as a potential starter next season?). While partial credit can go to the guys he’s throwing the ball to, McCown is no slouch in this matchup. The Ravens rank 19th against the pass, and have averaged nearly 17 points to opposing QB’s over the past 3 weeks. While having Brandon Marshall, Alshon Jeffrey, Martellus Bennett to throw to and Matt Forte as a check down option doesn’t hurt either. Look for McCown to have another 15-20 point fantasy outing.
Worst Option
BAL- Ray Rice
CHI- Matt Forte
What the hell happened to Ray Rice this season? The Raven’s have committed to him as their lead back (getting about a 2-1 carry ratio against Bernard Pierce), and he still hasn’t had more than 74 rushing yards this season. Over the past 3 games, he’s averaging nearly 2.1 yards a carry. The Bears are coming off of 4 straight games where the opposing RB has rushed for 90 yards, so the potential of a Rice breakout game is here. I’m hoping I’m wrong with putting Rice here, but due to his recent play, I have no other option. Consider Rice a Boom/Bust play this week.
Baltimore has given up just one rushing TD all season (Fred Jackson) and have gone 2 straight weeks holding opposing rushers under 60 yards. While Forte has been dominant all season (just 1 game under double digit fantasy points), don’t expect much in his rushing yards, he’ll have to play a big role in the passing game to score points in this one.
Chiefs @ Broncos
Best Option
KC- Alex Smith
DEN- Eric Decker
Denver has allowed an average of 26 points a game to opposing offenses. For as good as KC’s defense is, Denver is going to score points w/Peyton Manning under center. Someone’s gotta step up, who better than the leader of the offense, Alex Smith. After starting the season with 4 straight double digit fantasy performances, Smith has somewhat fallen off the map. In 5 of his last games, Smith has thrown for 2 TD’s. He has averaged just 11 fantasy points a game and while the Chiefs remain a run first offense, Smith is still a dangerous and safe passing QB. Against the awful Broncos secondary, Smith will have to be on his game for KC to have any chance in this one.
There is literally no logic behind me picking Decker, like I said before if you have any Bronco player with the last name Thomas, Welker, Decker, Manning, and Moreno, you’re going to start them. Decker’s been underperforming as of late, and I don’t think KC is going to let D.Thomas beat them like he’s been doing over the past 2 weeks.
Worst Option
KC- KC defense
DEN- Peyton Manning
It’s Denver, it’s Peyton Manning, Denver has averaged 41 points a game. While I do worry about Manning in this one, unless he’s knocked out of the game (knock on wood), this is the one matchup I would recommend sitting the top ranked fantasy defense.
Really worried about Manning going into this game. His ankle’s have been bothering him and you know the Chiefs (NFL leaders in Sacks) are going to get to him, it’s just a matter of how many times the Den O-Line can hold them. I hope I’m wrong, but don’t be surprised if Manning’s streak of throwing over 300 yards in every game this season comes to an end on Sunday night.
Lions @ Steelers
Best Option
DET- Joique Bell/Reggie Bush
PIT- Ben Roethlisberger
Surprisingly, the Steelers rank close to the bottom in running defenses. Having gven up the 3rd highest rushing TD’s this season, opponents are also averaging 127 yards on the ground against them. The Lions running game has been a mixed bag this year, with some games being just Reggie Bush, while others seeing a healthy dose of Bush and Bell, it’s kind of hard to see where exactly they are going with this. Bush is going to play, but has had knee problems recently, so I’d expect another outing between the two close to what we saw last week vs. Chi, with Bush getting 17-20 touches and Bell with 10-12. Bush is definitely a #1 RB this week, but Bell’s recent output and ability to be a factor in the passing game gives him flex consideration as well.
Detroit has been terrible against the pass lately. Over the last 3 games, they’ve given up 8 TD passes to 1 interception (surprisingly enough, Det is ranked 12th in the league in Interceptions), and opponents have averaged nearly 300 yards passing against them. While Roethlisberger has struggled over that same 3 week span (5 INT’s in 3 games), the opportunity of him having a monster game against this defense is just too great.
Worst Option
DET- Matthew Stafford
PIT- Le’Veon Bell
While Stafford has been great on the road this season (averaging close to 19 fantasy points per game), he’s never faced a passing defense quite like the one Pittsburgh has. In home games this year, the Steelers have held opposing QB’s to an average of 9.5 fantasy points. No QB has thrown for over 215 yards against them, and they have that secondary that can limit a monster WR such as Calvin. Stafford is going to have his problems in this one, consider him a boom/bust player this week.
The Lions have been dominant against opposing RB’s lately, holding Matt Forte to under 50 total yards last week, and ranking 8th in the NFL with 100.7 rushing yards given up to opposing teams. While the workload Bell gets every week gives him huge opportunities to score fantasy points (hasn’t had a game this season where he hasn’t touched the ball less than 18 times), the way the Lions defense has been playing as of late offers a tough matchup for the rookie.
Raiders @ Texans
Best Option
OAK- Rashad Jennings
HOU- Case Keenum
With 2 straight games of 100 total yards, Jennings looks to be the best weapon on the Raiders offense in this game. Backup QB Matthew McGloin appears to be starting over injured Terrelle Pryor. The Texans running defense has come on strong as of late, holding opposing RB’s to under 60 yards rushing in two straight games but if I had to endorse any Raider this week, Jennings would be the guy.
I take back everything negative I’ve said about Keenum when he first got the starting nod over Matt Schaub. 3 games, 7 TD passes, and 2 straight games of 20 plus point fantasy performances. How can you go wrong? Against a struggling Raider defense that’s still hurting from the 7 TD performance Nick Foles put on them 2 weeks ago and the revival Keenum has given Andre Johnson, can anyone stop him? Maybe in a few weeks, when the Texans play New England, but until then, Keenum is a borderline QB 1.
Worst Option
OAK- Denarius Moore
HOU- Ben Tate
Terrelle Pryor probably out of this game, a QB making his 2nd career start, facing a defense that give up the fewest passing yards a game, hasn’t scored a TD or reached double digit fantasy points in 3 weeks. What exactly is there to like in this matchup?
Oakland’s running defense has been weird, not exactly giving up the yards but have surrendered 4 TD’s to opposing RB’s over the past 4 games. Ben Tate is still playing with bruised ribs, and hasn’t lived up to his potential since taking the starting role from an injured Arian Foster (2 games, 37 carries for 137 yards and zero TD’s). While Dennis Johnson isn’t taking that much time from Tate, it is the play of Case Kennum that is moving the chains for Houston. Expect another heavy load for Tate on Sunday with probable single digit fantasy results.
Chargers @ Dolphins
Best Option
SD- Ryan Mathews
MIA- Ryan Tannehill
While Danny Woodhead continues to be a factor out of the backfield, Mathews has scored a TD in two of his last three games (including a goal line run against Denver last week). Miami allows the 3rd most fantasy points to opposing RB’s, so the matchup is there for Mathews to have a monster day. He has averaged 4.2 yards a carry or better in his last 4 games, and while he isn’t much of a factor in the passing game, if Mathews can continue to be a factor in the goal line, he could be a valuable fantasy comity down the line.
This guy is like a machine at home, all he does is score 14-16 points. Against the Chargers who allow the 4th most fantasy points to QB’s, the matchup is obviously there for Tannehill to break this streak. Include the fact that WR Rishard Matthews seems to be taking the spot held by Brandon Gibson (aka leading Red Zone WR) before he got hurt, as well as the never ending questionable running game, and you got yourselves a possible breakout week for the 2nd year QB.
Worst Option
SD- Antonio Gates
MIA- Lamar Miller
While Miami has stunk against the run lately, their defense against opposing TE’s has been stellar. Five straight games of holding opposing TE’s to 5 or less fantasy points. Gates has struggled lately as well, not scoring in the double digits for 5 straight games. While he remains one of Phillip Rivers favorite targets, you might be better off benching him this week.
Who knows which Lamar Miller is going to show up from week to week. Two straight weeks of double digit touches and over 100 total yards is followed up by a 9 touches for 11 total yards (ZERO Fantasy points) outing on Monday Night. How could anyone feel comfortable starting this guy on a week to week basis? Include the never ending problems the O-Line is having, his favorable matchup against the Chargers (20th against the run) doesn’t even seem like a factor.
Vikings @ Seahawks
Best Option
MIN- John Carlson
SEA- Percy Harvin
With Kyle Rudolph going down for a few weeks, Carlson has stepped up to be Christian Ponder’s security blanket. After his 15 point performance last week against the Redskins, Carlson looks to be in line for another heavy target day against the Seahawks. Although Seattle ranks 2nd against the pass, Carlson’s the safest bet for any Vikings pass catcher to produce points.
There’s absolutely no doubt in my mind on this. Percy Harvin, Snap count or not, will have a double digit fantasy performance this week. It’s against his former team, Minn’s passing defense is terrible, it’s his season debut, and you know Seattle is going to use him to his full potential whenever he’s on the field in this game.
Worst Option
MIN- Christian Ponder
SEA- Doug Baldwin
It doesn’t matter what I say, if you have AP, you’re playing him, anyone else from Minnesota is a crapshoot to say the least. I hate repeating myself, but Seattle’s passing defense is awesome. They allow the 2nd fewest fantasy points to opposing QB’s, score an average 11-12 points defensively at home, and are one of four teams in the NFL to actually have more interceptions than TD’s allowed (CAR/KC/TENN). Don’t like Ponder’s chances at all.
Coming off back to back weeks of 7 or more fantasy points, Baldwin’s stock took a major hit with the return of Percy Harvin. Downgraded to the 3rd WR spot, Baldwin is now regarded as a TD or bust option. Minnesota’s passing defense may be bad, but Russell Wilson doesn’t put up enough yards (averages 195 passing yards a game) to be able to give 3 WR’s huge fantasy days.
49ers @ Saints
Best Option
SF- Colin Kaepernick
NO- Pierre Thomas
The way to beat the Saints is through the ground game. Frank Gore is going to see a lot of touches in this one, and don’t be surprised if Kaep gets you a few points from his running as well. Eliminating last week’s game, Kaepernick had scored 29 points on his rushing alone over the past 3 weeks. With Vernon Davis questionable, San Fran’s passing game is going to be hurting since the Saints hold opposing QB’s to 220 yards passing while playing at home, and a 5 to 7 TD/INT ratio. If Kaep uses his legs, he’ll be a huge factor in this game.
Both Thomas and Mark Ingram had big games last week against Dallas, both breaking 20 fantasy points. However, Thomas’ ability in the passing game continues to be his edge over both Ingram and Thomas. He’s certainly the best of both worlds (running and receiving) in the Saints backfield. San Fran’s running defense has allowed 8 rushing TD’s already, look for that number to trend upward against the Saints powerful offense.
Worst Option
SF- Vernon Davis
NO- Marques Colston
While he is questionable (concussion), Davis faces a defense that has allowed an average of 38.7 receiving yards and just 2 TD’s to opposing TE’s this season. Week 4 was the last time a TE (Charles Clay) scored against this squad, since then, only Scott Chandler managed to put up 70+ yards against them. Having just scored 17 fantasy points over the past 3 weeks (after his monster 30 point outing), don’t expect Davis to be a big factor in this one.
Is he back? That seems to be the question of the week regarding the Saints offense. After 6 games of pitiful outings, Colston racked up 16 fantasy points against Dallas’ defense. So is he back? I’ll answer this with several other questions. Is Mark Ingram back? Is Jimmy Graham on a limited snap count? Is Lance Moore back to being… Well Lance Moore? One game of big stats is not a return to form, it is if anything a tease and possibly a reason to keep Colston in your lineup for the remainder of the season. I’ll be the first to admit if he has another great outing against the 49ers I’ll reconsider my stance, but against the 8th best passing defense in the NFL, I’ll take my chances with him out of my lineup.
Packers @ Giants
Best Option
GB- Jordy Nelson / Jarrett Boykin
NYG- Giants Defense
While the loss of Aaron Rodgers may be hurting him stat wise, Jordy is still seeing a lot of targets thrown his way (19 over the past 2 weeks). The Giants meanwhile have allowed just one offensive TD in the past 3 games. While having Scott Tolzien doesn’t help Jordy much in the passing game you can’t ignore the chances he and Jarret Boykin are getting. If any GB WR is going to have a big game, it’s one of these two.
Where the hell did this come from?! After scoring a combined NEGATIVE 5 points their first 6 weeks, the Giants have come on strong their past 3 games to score a total of 45 points! What the? When did?! WHAT DID THEY CHANGE?! This week they go up against GB’s third string QB Scott Tolzien. While he did nearly put up a 300 yard game against Philly. The Giants have held opposing QB’s to a combined 18 fantasy points over their last 3 games. To be fair those games were against Matt Barkley, Josh Freeman, and Terrelle Pryor. However, it’s not like Scott Tolzien is so much better. Right? I say ride the wave of the Giants defense while it’s hot.
Worst Option
GB- Eddie Lacy
NYG- Eli Manning
5 straight games, 5 RB’s held to under 7 fantasy points rushing. Green Bay’s O-Line is hurting with Center Evan Dietrich-Smith and RT Don Barclay hurt with knee injuries, and it’s not like their QB is scaring anyone in the secondary. Lacy has seen an outrageous 26 touches per game since he came back from a concussion earlier this season. So it’s quite obvious Lacy is going to see a monstrous amount of touches in this game, however, with the way the Giants are playing right now, I tend to doubt that Lacy will have a big game in this one. At the most, I’d say he’ll get 12 points in this one.
Will the real Eli Manning please stand up? 4 games of double digit fantasy performances. 2 passing TD’s in his last 3 games. Green Bay may be struggling against the pass lately (giving up 5 TD’s to Josh McCown and Nick Foles over the past two weeks), but Eli is simply just not performing. He’s got the weapons (Cruz and Nicks) at his helm, as well as a revamped running game with Andre Brown and Peyton Hillis (who is great at catching dump off passes) to turn to. Eli is simply just not performing. While the matchup is prime for him to breakout on paper. I just can’t endorse him being a fantasy threat in any standard league.
Redskins @ Eagles
Best Option
WASH- Leonard Hankerson
PHI- Riley Cooper
Hankerson had a career day in week 1 vs the Eagles, catching 5 passes for 80 yards and two TDs. Since then, he’s had just 1 TD pass, and has averaged just 36.5 yards a game. So why is he here? This game has the makings of a shootout and Philly’s passing defense ranks near the bottom of the NFL. Hankerson may not be flashy, but he remains consistent in the Redskins passing game (averaging a little more than 5 targets a game). Jordan Reed may see some problems in his matchup (read below), so Hankerson may pick up his numbers in this potential shootout.
12 Catches for 362 yards and 6 TD’s when Nick Foles is starting at QB. While he is just averaging a little less than 6 targets a game with Foles under center, against Washington’s 26th ranked passing defense, look for another big outing from Philly’s WR’s.
Worst Option
WASH- Jordan Reed
PHI- Nobody
Philly’s defense has surrendered just one TD to opposing TE’s this season. While Reed is enjoying a breakout season and has scored a TD and double digit fantasy points in 2 of his last 4 games, in his previous matchup against the Eagles, he was held to just 38 yards. Reed has quickly become RG3’s secondary passing option and remains a top play for the Redskins down the road, I just believe Philly may have his number in this one.
I got nothing, Washington’s defense is bad enough where Foles, McCoy, Cooper, and Jackson should all have big games against them.
Cardinals @ Jaguars
Best Option
ZONA- Arizona’s Defense
JAX- Jacksonville’s defense
The Jags allow the 2nd most fantasy points to opposing defenses. The Cards are coming off of 2 straight double digit fantasy performances, have allowed 3 rushing TD’s this season (equaling MJD’s total) and are tied for 5th in Interceptions. Throw in the fact that they love to pressure the QB and there’s more than enough reason why to start this defense.
Call me crazy, I know, but with Carson Palmer coming to town, you know an Interception is coming (Palmer has thrown at least one INT in every game so far). Also, the Jags defense is coming off their best game of the season, a 16 point outing against the Titans. The Cards have a strong 1-2 punch at RB with Andre Ellington (if he gets enough carries) and Rashad Mendenhall, but the Jags have an underrated passing defense that could steal a few points in this one.
Worst Option
ZONA- Carson Palmer
JAX- Maurice Jones Drew
Did you not see above? Palmer turns the ball over at least once a game! Need more of a reason? Okay, while the Jags offer the third most fantasy points to opposing QB’s, Palmer has yet to score more than 15 fantasy points since week 1, hasn’t thrown for 300 yards this season, and has yet to throw for more than two TD’s in a single game. Arizona is going to put up points in this game, but I’d be shocked if Palmer ended up with more TD’s than Ellington and Mendenhall. Look for Zona to run it in the red zone and abuse Jacksonville’s league worst rushing defense a lot more than their secondary.
MJD has yet to topple 75 rushing yards in a single game and Arizona holds the third best rushing defense in the NFL. While he has seen an increase in touches over the past 2 games and remains the dominant force in Jacksonville’s backfield, Zona just amounts to too many problems and too strong of a matchup for MJD to overcome. Consider him a TD or bust option.
Patriots @ Panthers
Best Option
NE- Tom Brady
CAR- Greg Olsen
I’m sorry if I sound a little bias with this, but it’s Tom Brady, it’s Monday Night Football, and he’s had 2 weeks to prepare for Carolina. I know the Panthers defense has been strong this entire season, but New England’s offense is finally healthy, Amendola, Gronksowski, Vareen, are all back, and against Brady… I just can’t bet against it.
The backfield’s a mess in Carolina. Can’t trust Stewart and Williams because they eat into each other’s time and don’t get goal line carries. Can’t trust Tolbert cause all he does is get goal line carries when Cam doesn’t feel like rushing it. Steve Smith should see Aqib Talib all game, so who does that leave besides Cam? Greg Olsen. While the Pats secondary is pretty scary, they do seem to give up yards to the TE (averaging 50 yards a game over the past 4 games). Olsen isn’t flashy, but he has scored a TD in 2 of his last 3 games. If there’s a Panther WR I have to trust, it’s him.
Worst Option
NE- Stevan Ridley
CAR- Steve Smith
While there are very few questions about the pecking order in the Pats passing game, their running game remains a mess. Shane Vareen is scheduled to return this week, joining a backfield consisting of LeGarrette Blount, Brandon Bolden, and Ridley. Bolden and Blount are still stealing carries, and Vareen looks to be the passing down back, so what does that lead for Ridley? Who knows. He’s scored 6 TD’s in the past 4 games, but the Panthers rank 2nd in TD’s scored and holding RB’s (82 rushing yards a game). I would bench Ridley this week due to the given circumstances and monitor the touches he gets in this game as a blueprint for future matchups.
If Aqib Talib plays, expect to see another Mike Wallace vs Darrelle Revis type of night. If Talib doesn’t play, Smith will have a better night, but will probably remain in the single digits fantasy-wise. Smith owners heavily rely on him scoring a TD due to his inability to get them yards (hasn’t cracked 70 yards receiving yet). Consider him a TD or bust type of player.