Detroit @ Seattle
The Lions enter Week 9 ranked 27th against the pass and 21st in the NFL against the run. Seattle currently ranks 18th against the pass and 10th against the run.
Key Injuries
DET: RB Kevin Smith (shoulder), WR Calvin Johnson (knee)
SEA: OT Sean Locklear (ankle)
Snapshot of Lions
QB Matthew Stafford still is not a viable play in any format, especially when owners have to consider that he could not even muster 200 yards or throw a TD pass against the lowly St. Louis Rams last week in their loss.
RB Kevin Smith split carries last week as he attempted to rest his sore shoulder, with the aid of backup RB Maurice Morris. Seattle has a Top 10 rushing defense, and has not allowed a RB to top 70 yards with the exception of Frank Gore in Week 2, so neither one presents a strong start this week.
WR Calvin Johnson’s status will likely come down to the last minute again, as he continues to battle a knee injury. Owners have no choice but to monitor his status right up until game time, and if he is active, then should be started without hesitation.
Snapshot of Seahawks
QB Matt Hasselbeck gets a strong play nod this week, as the Lions allow the highest average opposing QB rating of anyone in the NFL. Hasselbeck averages over three TD passes per game in his two home starts this season, and should equal or better that this week.
RBs Julius Jones and Justin Forsett will see a few more carries each with the release of RB Edgerrin James this week, but neither has done enough this season to warrant more than a speculative flex play option this week, even against the Lions defense.
WR Nate Burelson could post Top 15 WR numbers this week, and WR T.J. Houshmandzedah makes for a strong WR2 play as well, against a Lions secondary that ranks in the bottom six in the NFL for points per game allowed to WRs.
Green Light
QB Matt Hassel beck - averaging over 260 passing yards per game in home starts.
WR Calvin Johnson - knee may be questionable, but talent is not.
WR Nate Burleson - Lions have no answer for the pass.
WR T.J. Houshmandzedah - has been quiet last two games, will add to his urgency.
SEA Def - Lions offense gives up 10th most fantasy points per game to defenses.
Red Light
QB Matthew Stafford - rookie is way to inconsistent, may be without Johnson.
RB Kevin Smith - sore shoulder may result in more split carries.
DET Def- Lions should get shredded through the air, giving up big points.
San Diego @ New York
The Chargers come into Week 9 ranked sixth against the pass, yet 27th against the run. The Giants enter this week ranked third against the pass, but 19th against the run.
Key Injuries
SD: C Nick Hardwick (knee)
NYG: RB Ahmad Bradshaw (foot), TE Kevin Boss (ankle), WR Mario Manningham (shoulder-questionable)
Snapshot of Chargers
QB Philip Rivers is a top tier QB talent and should be started each week. The Giants tend to give up big plays, and have given up over 20 pass plays of 20 or more yards. Rivers loves throwing the deep ball, and will be counted on heavily again this week.
RB LaDanian Tomlinson has been a great source of TDs the past three weeks, but still has barely averaged over 3 yards per carry in that span. The Giants have given up the most running plays over 20 yards in the entire league, so Tomlinson makes for a solid start this week on paper. RB Darren Sproles and his speed also make for a solid flex position play this week against a defense capable of giving up big plays.
WR Vincent Jackson and TE Antonio Gates are always strong plays, and it’s no different this week, facing a Giants secondary still without CB Aaron Ross. The Giants were shredded through the air last week against the Eagles, and have been awful the past three weeks against the pass. WR Malcolm Floyd remains a strong flex play candidate, as he takes over the WR2 role with his big play ability (three catches over 40 yards).
Snapshot of Giants
QB Eli Manning has struggled his last three games, throwing six interceptions, and completing less than 50 percent of his passes. Manning could have a sub par game, as the Chargers are susceptible against the run, and Manning may focus more on short to intermediate passes to avoid turnovers.
RB Brandon Jacobs has averaged almost 4.5 yards per carry over the past five weeks, and makes for a very strong play against the 27th ranked run defense in San Diego. Backup RB Ahmad Bradshaw may not be his normal explosive self, and may see his normal 12-15 touches cut back because he’s dealing with a stress fracture in his foot.
WR Steve Smith should be the main recipient of the short to intermediate passes from Manning this week, and will accumulate decent yardage in the 60-70 range. WR Hakeem Nicks gets a bump if WR Mario Manningham (shoulder) can’t go. If Manningham does go, look for Manning to spread the ball around even more, rendering all of the Giants’ wide outs speculative flex plays at best.
TE Kevin Boss is dealing with an ankle injury, and will probably be asked to block more this week anyways against a weak run defense.
Green Light
QB Philip Rivers - a must start. Chargers rely on his arm every game.
RB LaDanian Tomlinson - good for a TD or two, and maybe a few big gains this week.
RB Darren Sproles - Giants defense gives up big plays, Sproles has big-play ability.
RB Brandon Jacobs - going against soft run defense.
WR Vincent Jackson - Top five WR catching balls from a Top 5 QB.
WR Steve Smith - held scoreless past three games, but will get yardage over the middle.
TE Antonio Gates – must-start TE play each week.
Red Light
QB Eli Manning - horrible slump as of late, Giants won’t ask him to do too much.
WR Mario Manningham - shoulder injury and Nicks take away from his touches.
TE Kevin Boss - ankle may slow him down, as will run heavy game plan.
NYG Def - not a good time to be struggling against pass vs. San Diego.
SD Def - can’t stop the run, going against a strong running team.
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Article first appeared Nov. 6, 2009