RADIO
What’s that? Ben Roethlisberger scored six touchdowns last week following my call out? And Marshawn Lynch managed to score over twenty points?
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Well listen here haters. I hit on Philip Rivers (who posted a dreaded negative game) and Keenan Allen so I’m painting a big ol’ green W on last week’s column.
Unfortunately, I don’t have anything semi-snarky to open the column up with this week so we’re going to jump straight to the football call outs.
As usual, here are ten players who I am hesitant to play (potential busts) this weekend after considering the defenses that they are facing, the pressure on their head coach and the amount of Mark Sanchez presence hanging over them.
Top 10 Potential Busts & Disappointments for Week 10
1. Jordan Matthews - WR, Philadelphia Eagles
That shiver going down your spine right now? That’s the presence of Mark Sanchez. Your body feels it in the air and it’s reacting uncomfortably to it. You know, deep in your heart, that there is probably nothing good that can come out of this. Enter Matthews. A boom-or-bust receiver fantasy-wise, Matthews will feel the Wrath of Sanchez this weekend.
Carolina, playing under the Monday Night Lights with their season on the cusp of hopelessness, will keep the pressure on the former USC quarterback and the usual inexperience between a back-up quarterback and a rookie wide receiver will be in full effect. Expect a lot of LeSean McCoy and quick throws to Jeremy Maclin but expect the cold shoulder for Mr. Matthews.
2. Le’Veon Bell - RB, Pittsburgh Steelers
Opposing teams going to the Meadowlands to play the Jets have a habit of being forced to play a ground out, ugly form of football. In theory, this should benefit Bell. Instead, he’ll be forced into the only part of this New York team that is actually formidable: their front seven.
Once Ben Roethelisburger realizes how laughable the Jet’s secondary is, he’ll start carving it up, shifting his attention away from his back field. After nine weeks of wear and tear, I’m sure Le’Veon won’t be too upset at being given the chance to watch. Of course, Pittsburgh has no issue lining up the Michigan State product at wide receiver so he is actually way less bustable in PPR leagues.
3. Zach Mettenburg - QB, Tennessee Titans
Oh goodness. This is not good. This is not good at all. The former LSU quarterback has the misfortune of coming out of his bye to face the likes of Terrell Suggs, Ladarius Webb and Courtney Upshaw in Baltimore this weekend. At M&T Bank Stadium.
Where Ray Lewis’ ghost roams the halls, reminding defensive players on a nonstop basis to “protect this house.” And nobody wants to tick off the ghost of Ray Lewis. He’s scary. Good luck, Mettenburg. Stay alive, dawg.
4. Ryan Tannehill - QB, Miami Dolphins
What a revelation the former Texas A&M Aggie is turning into. Anyone not paying attention to the Dolphins may be missing the progress that we are witnessing with Tannehill, who seems hell bent on proving that he was the second best quarterback in the QB-heavy 2011 draft. Unfortunately, he’s not quite there yet and continues to struggle generating scoring drives when facing better-than-average fantasy defenses (check his Week 2 and 3 games against Buffalo and Kansas City, respectfully).
The Lions boast one of those better-than-average defenses. The emotional boost of coach Joe Philbin’s family situation will not have nearly as intense of an impact as it did against the Chargers and Detroit will force Tannehill to stay in the pocket and attempt to pick apart their secondary. Chances are: the cannon won’t have enough time to even get loaded before Tannehill sees pressure. Expect a low scoring affair in Detroit.
5. Green Bay Defense and 6. Chicago Defense
Just picture it. It’s Saturday night. You’ve been enjoying adult beverages all night. You walk into the bathroom to find Aaron Rodgers and Jay Cutler screaming at each other, taunting the other about how badly they’re about to tear up the opposing defense.
You are frozen with awe in the presence of two celebrities. Cut to you waking up underneath the urinal, covered in urine and full of shame. And for some reason no one believes that you witnessed two rivals in each other’s faces the night before.
And you’re sitting there wondering if you really needed me to make up a story of drunken hallucinations to convince you to avoid two awful fantasy defenses. Probably not. But I needed a way to subliminally convince you to ride any and all offensive players in this match-up. Like even Brandon Bostick, Green Bay’s third string tight end. Because there is going to be points scored at Lambeau this weekend. A lot of them.
(Please don’t really play Brandon Bostick. I won’t feel even a little sorry for you).
7. Bobby Rainey - RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
I can’t lie and say I am completely confident in this call out because Rainey could end up putting up a huge game against the lowly Falcons. But with Charles Sims ready to pounce on the running back job in Tampa Bay, the Buccaneers may be better suited to give their promising rookie some running room, especially in a game like this where he can be showcased against a weaker opponent to help build up some initial confidence.
But of course, Lovie Smith could already be feeling his seat heating up and instead decide to side with his veterans in hopes to save his job going forward. Keep an eye on Sims and how much they’re discussing using him leading up to this weekend.
8. Mark Ingram - RB, New Orleans Saints
Ingram has been quite the pleasant surprise, continuing his productive games even after returning from a recent hand injury. His ability to find the endzone on the ground keeps his fantasy owners especially content, considering how sparse rushing touchdowns have been this season.
Unfortunately, he’ll have to grind it out against an approaching-desperate San Francisco team that specializes in stopping the run. Ingram’s sway throughout the rest of the year can be one of the biggest in the league. But against a 49er’s defense that is giving up less than 14 points per game to running backs on the season? His influence will be a bit more muted this week.
9. Jason Witten - TE, Dallas Cowboys
It’s definitely hard to pass over any offensive player who is playing against the Jaguars. If you were ever to decide to avoid the scary, scary Jaguars, it should be with Witten this week. Let’s face it. Dallas’ defense and special teams should score three times themselves.
Throw in the obligatory score for DeMarco Murray and one to keep Dez Bryant from quitting the sport completely, and it just doesn’t seem like there is enough to go around to the Cowboys’ long time tight end. And if my hunches aren’t enough to convince you, then take into account that the Jags are the fifth best defense against tight ends during the last four games, giving up just under 4 points a game. So there. Numbers never lie. Except when they do.
10. Golden Tate - WR, Detroit Lions
Just as Ryan Tannehill should be on the look out for the Lions’ defense, Tate’s going to have his hands full with the Dolphins’ cornerbacks that I’ve been hyping up for weeks now.
The physicality of Brent Grimes and Cortland Finnegan will wear down Calvin’s replacement and Matthew Stafford will feel the pressure from the suffocating defensive backs. If by chance Calvin Johnson ends up suiting up for this one, it adds even more bust potential to Tate as the offense will look to get Megatron back to a game ready state as quickly as possible.
That means that all the balls that Golden Tate has been seeing over the past few weeks are going to be thrown to Johnson instead and Tate’s fantasy value will suffer because of it (like being a WR2 on a high octane offense is really that bad anyway).
