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Quarterback Matt Moore – I will admit, I was high on Moore before the season (I predicted the Panthers to go to the Super Bowl), and after seeing his performance vs. the 49ers last Sunday I was reminded why. Moore lit up San Francisco for 308 yards and two touchdowns as Carolina relied on the pass since DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart decided to take 2010 off. The Rams pass defense is far from intimidating (18th in the league), and with Steve Smith healthy, Moore should air it out 30-35 times. Moore could finish 2010 just like he did 2009, so keep an eye on Moor going forward.
Running Back Felix Jones – With the loss of Tony Romo for the next eight weeks, the Cowboys emphasis on the run will be heavy Jones leading the way. When John Kitna entered the Monday night debacle vs. the Giants, Jones got a ton of carries, and was the second option in the passing game behind Jason Witten. Jones should touch the ball around 20 times between rushing and receiving and with his break away ability; he’s always capable of a homerun. The Jaguars possess the leagues 25th best rushing defense, so Jones should be starting all formats.
Wide Receiver Patrick Crayton – Last week Crayton was the hottest waiver wire addition and on Sunday he produced with seven catches for 82 yards. With Malcom Floyd still sidelined and Antonio Gates hobbling around on a bad toe, Crayton becomes a number two receiver in terms of fantasy. The Chargers are the number best passing team in the league, with arguably the best fantasy quarterback in the league in Phillip Rivers, so Crayton’s clearly a viable option.
Tight End Jacob Tamme – Just being part of Peyton Manning’s arsenal of weaponry makes you a legitimate fantasy threat, so Tamme is getting the call in week eight. Dallas Clark and Austin Collie out with injuries have been targeted 51.6 percent of Manning’s 254 pass attempts, so Tamme has an opportunity to become a fantasy stud. With Reggie Wayne and Pierre Garcon getting double teamed, Tamme should see some red zone action making him a top 12 tight end for this week’s matchup vs. the Texans pathetic defense.
Defense Seattle Seahawks – Surprise Surprise, the first place team in the NFC West is Pete Carrols Seahawks. Seattle has the second ranked rush defense in the league, so that Darren McFadden 40 point fantasy game isn’t likely. Defensive End Chris Clemons leads Seattle with five in a half sacks, and should cause tons of pressure to the Raiders offensive line as well as Jason Campbell. I’m a believer in this defense, that’s the talk of town in a hopeless sports city
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Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger – Roethlisberger has clearly improved the Steelers offense, but the Saints defense has been kryptonite quarterbacks in 2010. New Orleans has the third ranked pass defense giving up les then 180 yards a game. The Steelers offensive line is their Achilles heel, so Roethlisberger will likely be running around trying to create as much as possible with his feet. Roethlisberger has yet to put together a complete game, and this Sunday night will be another week of inconsistency.
Running Back Ryan Mathews – Rookie running backs are rarely first round picks, so when Mathews was regarded as a top 12 pick I was surprised. Sadly for those owners, Mathews hasn’t lived up to impossible expectations, and you’re fantasy team has paid for it. Mathews has split carries all season long with Ryan Tolbert, and has been second in line when the Chargers are in the red zone. Mathews is a bottom tier flex play, and you’re better off going with Shonne Greene and Fred Jackson.
Wide Receiver Brandon Lloyd – Look, owners of Lloyd received 709 yards and three touchdowns through seven games, making Lloyd the biggest surprise at the receiver position thus far. But going forward, knowing that it’s his seventh season can we buy Lloyd at the age of 29 breaking out for a career season? Not only is Lloyd slowing down statistically of late, but the entire Broncos passing game is taking a hit, as Kyle Orton’s 41.3 completion percentage over the last two games has been dreadful. Lloyd’s targets are dropping in the offense, while Denver can’t get a W, meaning the Tim Tebow era for the Broncos could be starting sooner then later. My advice is to keep Lloyd on your bench and to move him while his stock is high.
Tight End Jermaine Gresham – The highly touted rookie has disappointed in 2010 and while there are brighter days ahead, 2010 probably isn’t the year. Gresham has yet to score double digits fantasy points and the chances are slim to none. Carson Palmer has been incredibly inconsistent and Terrell Owens and Ochocinco demand the ball. The Dolphins have been great against the pass, especially against the tight end, as Dustin Keller is the only one at the position to score a touchdown.
Defense Tennessee Titans – The Titans defense has been strong recently, but on the road against the number one passing team does not sit well with me. Tennessee has been lucky to play a Jaguars team that concussed David Garrard and an Eagles squad that was without their best receiver DeSean Jackson. Rivers could make me look like an all pro wideout. I wouldn’t worry about the injuries in the Chargers passing game; as they are going to put 20 plus points on every team they play.