Week 10 Fantasy Advice

Did you have a good week 9 (and 8 for that matter)? Sorry I couldn’t write last week, things happen. But, at least the NFL hasn’t turned completely upside down in that time (here’s looking at you New England).


Writers Note: This column won’t include the BAL/ATL Thursday Night Game.

Who to Start:

QB Eli Manning (NYG) vs. DAL: I have missed the Cowboys epic collapse, and teams are now feasting on that horrible secondary. Eli Manning has been red hot, along with the rest of the Giants, and this game could turn very ugly, very quickly, as Eli may rack up huge numbers, along with his wideouts.

RB Jamaal Charles (KC) vs. DEN: Even though Thomas Jones got the bulk of the carries last week in Oakland, Charles has been the one racking up yards. He had big numbers against Denver last year, 315 yards and 3 TD’s to be exact, and Denver’s D is pretty abysmal.

WR Steve Johnson (BUF) vs. DET: Who is he again? The Bills new go-to guy through the air, that’s who. He should feast on a bad Lions secondary, as he continues to rack up numbers that perennial fantasy stars haven’t yet reached this year.

WR Mike Wallace (PIT) vs. NE: When Colt McCoy has a good game against you (no disrespect), you know you’re in for trouble against better pass offenses. Pittsburgh is one of those. So, Big Ben will look to his deep threat early and often, giving him the potential for a big day.

TE Marcedes Lewis (JAX) vs. HOU: He’s been this year’s feast or famine guy in fantasy, either having great games, or doing nothing. I expect the former to happen this week, against a Houston pass D that is last in the league, and has allowed 6 TD’s to Tight Ends, 2 of which came against Randy McMichael(who?).

DEF Tampa Bay vs. CAR: Poor Panthers. So many injuries and so little offense all year for them, it’s been pretty painful to watch. With both of the Panthers great running backs nursing injuries, and their pass offense being dreadful, look for the Bucs to capitalize, once again feasting on a bad opponent.

Who to Sit:

QB Carson Palmer (CIN) vs. IND: I know that he had a good game against Pittsburgh on Monday, but Indy despite its problems stopping the run, have defended the pass pretty well with all of their injuries. They’ve only allowed 9 TD passes all year.

RB Felix Jones (DAL) vs. NYG: Not only does the Giants stop the run very well, the ‘Boys have almost completely abandoned the run. So, don’t expect Jones, or Marion Barber, to do anything against the Giants on Sunday.

WR Steve Smith (CAR) vs. TB: I’ve already said that the Panthers offense is offensive, and Steve Smith has done nothing when Jimmy Clausen is starting, which Clausen will on Sunday. 5 catches for 33 yards is all Smith has done in that time.

WR Santana Moss (WSH) vs. PHI MON: He typically does nothing against the Eagles, averaging 26 yards a game in his last 5 against Philly, and only scoring 1 TD against them in that same span. He should again struggle, because the Eagles did a great job stopping Peyton Manning last week.

TE Greg Olsen (CHI) vs. MIN: Other than the fact that the Tight End is sparsely used in the Mike Martz offense, which has been proven all year, the Vikings have allowed 298 yards TOTAL to Tight Ends in 8 games this year. That’s 37 yards a game. Avoid.

DEF New England vs. PIT: It’s been awhile, but now New England doesn’t have a great D to compliment that offense. New England may hit the skids defensively against the aforementioned Steelers offense.

5(Technically 6) Super Sleepers for Week 10 (2 extra because I missed you guys so much):

QB Josh Freeman (TB) vs. CAR: Mr. 4th quarter this season should have a fun matchup against a bad Carolina secondary, of whom he had a good game against in week 2, throwing at 70% completion and having 2 TD’s.

RB Tim Hightower (ARZ) vs. SEA: If Beanie Wells is out and injured on Sunday, look for Hightower to have some success against a Seattle Rush D that has been pretty poor of late.

WR Mike-Sims Walker (JAX) and Kevin Walter (HOU): I have these guys put up in the same line for the same reason: they’re facing each other’s truly terrible pass D, and both could have breakout games.

WR Blair White (IND) vs. CIN: Well, with the Colts rash of injuries to wideouts, it looks like it’s time for Blair White to step up in the slot receiver role. He should perform very well against a poorer than expected Cincy D.

TE Brandon Pettigrew (DET) vs. BUF: Even though Matt Stafford has probably been lost for the year, look for Shaun Hill to target Pettigrew often, who is starting to get his season back on track.

Good Luck in Week 10!