After some rough performances to begin the season, this will be the weekend when your top draft picks make you look smart for taking them. In particular, running backs Steve Slaton and Matt Forte will have bounce-back performances after disappointing their owners in the first two weeks of the season. Their coaches want to give these guys their confidence back and games against the Jaguars (Slaton) and Seahawks (Forte) are just the ticket to help these sophomores return to fantasy dominance. There are tons of juicy matchups this week as the Saints face the Bills, the Texans play the Jaguars, the Colts meet the Cardinals and the Eagles matchup with the Chiefs. Now, here are some individuals I think will either exceed or fail to meet expectations this weekend.
Trent Edwards QB/BUF – New Orleans is not exactly known for its defense, particularly after Kevin Kolb (who is also a great play on Sunday) lit them up for 391 yards and two touchdowns last week. When the Saints build a big lead, and they will, Edwards will throw time after time trying to catch up. With players like Terrell Owens, Lee Evans and Fred Jackson catching the ball, I like his chances for a big day.
Maurice Jones-Drew RB/JAC – Call me fickle after saying he would have a rough go of it last week (he did), but this week I think he will explode. Houston has the league’s worst-ranked defense and allowed Chris Johnson to rack up 284 yards and three touchdowns. This bodes well for MJD, right?
Eli Manning QB/NYG – It pains me to say it because I love the Bucs as much as I hate Eli, but Manning is in for a big day against Tampa. In two games so far, QB’s are averaging over 20 fantasy points against the Bucs and Manning comes in fresh off a 330 yard two touchdown performance versus the Cowboys last Sunday.
Tim Hightower RB/ARI – The Colts defense has yet to give up a passing touchdown this year, but in two games the rush defense has given up 335 yards and three touchdowns. Hightower, who has already been racking up yardage this season, has the potential for a glorious day.
Kurt Warner QB/ARI – As mentioned above, the Colts are one of only four teams that have not surrendered a touchdown pass this season. Warner has been inconsistent at best, and coach Ken Whisenhunt, historically a run-oriented coach, will likely rush the ball early and often to keep Peyton Manning off the field.
Willie Parker RB/PIT – Due to perceptions about the Bengals, Cincinnati may seem like a nice matchup for Fast Willie. In reality, it is a horrible one. The Bengals have only allowed opposing rushers 59 yards per game this season and that includes the likes of Ryan Grant and Knowshon Moreno. Consider the shaky play of the Steelers offensive line, and I would sit Parker quickly if you have anything resembling a better option.
Kevin Smith RB/DET – The Lions may actually get their first win in what seems like about six years. If they do, it will be through the air. The Redskins, with free-agent addition Albert Haynesworth, have been fairly stout against the run. They have faced two of the league’s premier backs in Brandon Jacobs and Steven Jackson, and no one has reached the end zone on the ground against the ‘Skins.
Brett Favre QB/MIN – Favre has yet to throw an interception this season, an amazing feat in its self, and the Niners have picked off three passes so far, putting them on pace for an astounding 24. Believe it or not, the 49ers are playing incredible defense through two games. Something has to give, and I would guess the all-time interception leader comes away worse for the wear.
As I mentioned, there are tons of fantasy-friendly matchups this week. Here a few more players I think will benefit from it: Jason Campbell, LeSean McCoy, Matt Ryan, Dustin Keller, Mark Sanchez, Santana Moss and Dwayne Bowe.
But, of course, not everyone can do well. Here are a few you might want to lower expectations for: Frank Gore, Brandon Marshall, Kerry Collins, Bernard Berrian, Larry Fitzgerald and Cedric Benson.