Matchup Meter: Bills, Cards offer fantasy medicine to Jets, Rams
Fantasy owners like to pick on the Colts run defense, and for good reason -- the unit allows 144.0 yards per game. But Indianapolis' pass defense is just as vulnerable. No secondary has permitted more touchdowns (15), and the Colts have allowed opposing passers to post a QB Rating of 111.2 (also worst in the league).
Sounds like an opportunity for Atlanta's offense to work out a few kinks.
Matt Ryan has yet to reach the 10-touchdown mark, and he ranks 26th in the league in yards per attempt (6.68). But thanks to the team's bye week, Ryan should finally have his receiving corps intact, with rookie deep threat Julio Jones expected back from a nagging hamstring injury.
This could also be a breakout game for Roddy White, who has logged just one 100-yard game and three touchdowns in seven contests this season. But against the Colts, White may be singing "Me and Julio down by the end zone" all day long.
These matchups suggest success is around the corner for a number of suspect fantasy starters ...
NY Jets' rushing attack vs. Buffalo's defense
The Bills give up 4.9 yards per carry (sixth most among NFL defenses) and have allowed eight rushing scores. And excluding last week's win over the Redskins, the Bills have been run over by opposing backs this past month. Cedric Benson had 104 yards at the start of October, and in Week 6 the Giants' Ahmad Bradshaw matched that total and found the end zone three times.
Expect a big day from: The Jets have toyed with the idea of redistributing the workload, but for this week it's probably safe to assume Shonn Greene will still be New York's primary rusher. He's well rested coming off the bye, and the last time he faced the Bills (Week 4, 2010) he gained 117 yards on 22 carries.
St. Louis' receivers vs. Arizona's defense
Who hasn't burned Arizona's secondary this year? Sidney Rice, Hakeem Nicks and Anquan Boldin all had season-best performances against the Cardinals, and Carolina's Steve Smith (178 yards) was three yards shy of his season best. Arizona ranks 30th in passing yards allowed per game and 26th in opponent passer rating.
Expect a big day from: There is a chance Sam Bradford will find his way back to the lineup this week, but even if he does not, the St. Louis receivers have value. Brandon Lloyd has caught six passes in each of his two games with the Rams, while Greg Salas could be an option for fantasy owners desperate at receiver.
Tampa Bay's rushing attack vs. New Orleans' defense
New Orleans has failed to stop the run for much of the year, and ranks 24th in the league in yards allowed per game (124.1). A scarier stat is the number of yards the Saints allow per carry -- a league-worst 5.5. Last week St. Louis' Steven Jackson averaged 6.4 yards per carry and scored twice.
Expect a big day from: The Buccaneers do not have Steven Jackson on their roster, but fantasy owners may be satisfied with LeGarrette Blount. Fresh off an injury, Blount is expected to carry the full workload for a banged-up Buccaneers backfield.
These fantasy stars might need a rest this week due to an unfavorable matchup on the horizon ...
Tennessee's rushing attack vs. Cincinnati's defense
Chris Johnson blew his opportunity for redemption last week when he failed to find yards against Indianapolis. This week's opponent is far less tolerable. Cincinnati ranks second in both fewest yards allowed per game (85.4) and per carry (3.3). And the Bengals are the only team to have held Buffalo's Fred Jackson to fewer than 100 yards from scrimmage.
Who to bench: Sit CJ"no"K, sit Javon Ringer. Play a short-yardage specialist if you have to, just don't play a Tennessee back.
San Diego's passing attack vs. Green Bay's defense
On paper, the Packers' 31st-ranked pass defense looks like an easy target. But yards do not tell the entire story. Green Bay ranks among the top 10 in opponent passer rating (79.3) and is tied for second in interceptions (13).
Who to bench: More bad news for Philip Rivers, who has already frustrated fantasy owners with his 80.7 QB Rating. And while Antonio Gates and Vincent Jackson are must plays, this might be a week for fantasy owners to sit Malcom Floyd, who is already limited by a bum hip.
Dallas' rushing attack vs. Seattle's defense
The Seahawks have controlled the line of scrimmage, allowing a league-low 3.2 yards per carry to opposing ball carriers. And it's not as if Seattle has beaten up on a series of stiffs: Frank Gore (22 carries, 59 yards), Rashard Mendenhall (19 for 66), Michael Turner (26 for 70) and Ahmad Bradshaw (17 for 58).
Who to bench: Felix Jones doesn't appear ready for action yet, but fantasy owners may want to give DeMarco Murray a breather anyhow. The Cowboys rookie back has been brilliant the past two weeks, but on Sunday he'll have to stand pat and watch the Dallas passing game take over.