Fantasy Forum Week 13: Studs/Duds

After a week hiatus due to the Thanksgiving festivities, little bit of Views from the Couch family time if you will, the fantasy forum is back in action for week 13. Week 12 was a doozy with fantasy dud to this point in the season CJ1K going off for 190 yards against the hapless Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense and Mark Sanchez torching the Bills atrocious defense for 4 TD’s. Rest assured if there had been a fantasy forum for week 12 they both would’ve been on the studs list. Onto the week 13 studs and duds!

Season: 12-7 (4-3 last week)

STUDS

Tony Romo QB Dallas Cowboys vs. Arizona Cardinals secondary

For four straight weeks Romo has thrown at least 2 TD passes with two 3/0 TD/INT games thrown into the mix. He’s gone off for 20, 22, 23, and 13 points the past four weeks. He threw his only two interceptions during the four game streak against the Dolphins defense on Thanksgiving but the Fins have a very respectable front seven on defense and a solid secondary. The Cardinals have neither an exceptional front seven nor secondary aside from rookie CB Patrick Peterson has made a bigger impact in the return game than on defense I don’t see him being able to slow down Dez Bryant or Laurent Robinson. Speaking of Laurent Robinson that’s 7 TD’s in the past 5 games I see Romo keeping the hot hand alive.

Stats: 323 yards, 3 TDs, 0 Int, 2 rush, 5 yards

Tom Brady QB New England Patriots vs. the NFL’s punching bag Indianapolis Colts

Tom Brady tends to sit in the stud realm on a weekly basis but this week we’re looking at the possibility of 6 TDs throw the air and over 400 yards in about 3 quarters worth of work. The only thing that’s going to slow him down is whether or not Bill Belichick sits Tom early in the game and knowing the Hoodie I don’t think Brady sits until late in the 4^th. He’s never been shy about leaving his superstar QB in late into blowouts and by his own admission Tom Terrific doesn’t like leaving games until the clocks read 00:00. Brady is going to go wild and send the Colts to 0-12. ESPN has him projected at 25 but I see that as a little light I’m going over 30 fantasy points.

Stats: 382 yards, 5 TDs, 0 Int

New England Patriots D/ST vs. the Indianapolis ‘Suck for Luck’ Colts offense

Dan Orlovsky, need I say more? Orlovsky is attempting to become the first QB in NFL history to lead TWO teams, the 2008 Detroit Lions and this years Colts, to 0-16 records. I’m pulling for you Danny boy and I hope the Patriots can help you along your trek towards the history books. The last three games the Patriots defense has forced 7 turnovers and allowed 13.0 PPG. They lit up Tyler Palko for 19 points I see them being able to top that this week.

Stats: 193 yards against, 7 points against, 3 sacks, 2 Ints, 2 FumRec, 1 TD

DUDS

Steven Jackson RB St. Louis Rams vs. San Francisco 49ers #1 run defense

The Rams offense is terrible and it all starts with their horrendous offensive line. A porous offensive line has caused young QB Sam Bradford to take leaps backward after appearing to be a future superstar last year. Bradford and the passing games inefficiency have caused the Rams to lean quite heavily on Jackson. The only problem is that the offensive line isn’t any better at run blocking then it is pass blocking. Jackson had a few very good games against a few subpar run defenses he was held in check the past two weeks as the offense struggled severely to move the ball. A horrible offensive line, an out of sync offense, and a matchup with the 49ers #1 ranked run defense means bad news Bears for our man S-Jax. Its never easy to sit a usually reliable RB but if you have alternatives I’d look their direction.

Stats: 18 carries, 43 yards, 0 TD, 3 rec, 22 yards

Andre Johnson WR Houston Texans vs. Atlanta Falcons pass defense

After a 6 week hiatus one of the top 3 receivers drafted in this years fantasy drafts Johnson was expected by owners to come back last week against the Jaguars and rack up big yards and fantasy points. Wrong. Johnson was targeted only 3 times and reeled in 2 catches for 22 yards. He appeared to be out of rhythm and with the Texans down to third string QB T.J. Yates I don’t see Johnson’s number going up anytime soon. If he can’t reel in a touchdown pass or the Texans don’t find themselves down early I don’t see the Texans abandoning the run and throwing the ball very often. With Arian Foster and Ben Tate the Texans have one of the most potent rushing attacks in the league and they’ll lean on them heavily at the expense of Johnson.

Stats: 3 rec, 36 yards, 0 TDs

C.J. Spiller RB Buffalo Bills vs. Tennessee Titans

All the fantasy owners out there that hurried to pick up Spiller after stud RB Fred Jackson went down for the year had to be disappointed in last week’s production. Spiller was handed the starting job against the Jets and subsequently given 22 touches but what he did with those touches wasn’t too encouraging: 19 carries, 55 yards, 3 rec, 15 yards. The Bills drafted Spiller 9^th overall in the 2010 draft under the impression that he was a big play back who could break it on any given play. That hasn’t come to fruition yet and I don’t see it happening this week against a halfway decent Titans defense. He’s going to get upwards of 20 touches but I don’t see him reaching the end zone and in fantasy that’s what gets you points and wins you matchups. Don’t start Spiller.

Stats: 18 carries, 61 yards, 4 rec, 18 yards

There you have it folks week 13’s fantasy forum: studs and duds. Take the advice you’ve been given and start ‘em or sit ‘em. Good luck to all dedicated readers as the fantasy football playoffs creep up next week.  Until we cross paths again…

Geoff Jablonski

Fantasy Forum Week 11: Studs/Duds with a little Sleeper action

Last week: 5-1

Season totals: 8-4

Week 11 has arrived folks and its time for this week’s Studs/Duds here at the Fantasy Forum brought to you by Views from the Couch. Last week was a strong week for yours truly nailing 5 out of 6 picks, thanks for not showing up for your meeting DeSean Jackson making me look like a genius appreciate it. This week we’re going to be bringing you a special edition with 4 studs, 3 duds, and 2 sleepers.

STUDS

Carson Palmer QB Oakland Raiders vs. Minnesota Vikings inadequate pass defense

Since being acquired from the Bungals and Mike Brown for 2 future 1^st round picks (nice trade Oakland) Palmer hasn’t exactly lit the world on fire. He’s thrown 5 TD passes as opposed to 7 interceptions and fumbled twice for good measure. Expect all of that to change this week however. Palmer has managed to sling the rock for 332 and 299 yards the past two weeks respectively and he’s now facing the 31^st ranked pass defense. Denarious Moore also appears poised to continue his ascent up the Raiders WR depth chart and Palmer loves lobbying it up deep to him. Expect big things this week in Minnesota for Carson.

Stats: 30-44, 325 yards 3 TD 1 INT

Brandon Marshall WR Miami Dolphins vs. Buffalo Bills pass defense

Buffalo is 25^th against the pass this year and is 31^st against opposing teams #1 wide receivers, which is exactly what Marshall is for the Dolphins. Since coming out of the gate on fire in the first 2 weeks and then slowing down for a few games Marshall has picked it up the past 2 games going for 8 rec, 106 yards and a score and 7 rec for 98 yards. He gets targeted on more than 50% of the Dolphins pass plays so opportunities are aplenty on a weekly basis for the man with the notorious case of the dropsies. He’ll get his yards every week the question as always is can he find the end zone and grab those 6 extra fantasy points. This week I’m going to go with yes.

Stats: 7 rec, 112 yards 1 TD

Brandon Jacobs RB New York Giants vs. Philadelphia Eagles atrocious run defense

With Ahmad Bradshaw already having been ruled out for the 3^rd consecutive week Jacobs is in line to get the lion’s share of the carries against the Eagles this week. The Eagles can’t stop anyone on the ground and Jacobs used to be a good back. I see the possibility of him regaining some of that old form this week against a run defense that is surrendering over 20 fantasy points a game to opposing backfields. He’s received 18 carries in each of the last two games I think he’ll get around 20 this game and make the most of them while finding the end zone to boot.

Stats: 20 carries, 85 yards, 1 TD, 2 Rec, 12 yards

New England Patriots D/ST vs. Kansas City Chiefs and starting QB Tyler Palko

The Patriots defense has struggled all year to stop anyone, which you already know if you live in the New England area and read the paper, watch TV, or listen to the radio. It’s well documented how the Patriots lack elite personnel on defense to create turnovers at the same clip they did last year when they finished a league best +28 in takeaways/giveaways. Insert the Kansas City Chiefs sans QB Matt Cassel and RB Jamaal Charles and viola all your defensive ills are cured. Last week against the Sanchize and the Jets the Pats D/ST racked up 17 points I think they can approach that number again this week. Palko was cut from NFL Europe a few years back, enough said. The Patriots defense will have a strong day for the second straight week.

Stats: 275 yards against, 7 points, 2 INT, 1 FumRec, 3 Sacks

DUDS

Andy Dalton QB Cincinnati Bengals vs. Baltimore Ravens

Last week Dalton somewhat came back to earth against a strong Steelers defense in an AFC North showdown. This week is another AFC North battle against a Baltimore Ravens defense that always brings the pressure and heat on opposing QB’s. In none of the past 3 weeks has Dalton thrown for more than 217 yards twice finishing under 200 I see that continuing this week especially with star rookie and favorite target WR AJ Green banged up and approaching the rookie wall. UPDATE: Green has been ruled doubtful for this weeks tilt against the Ravens making Dalton’s task even taller against the league’s number one pass defense.

Stats: 15-33, 167 yards 1 TD 2 INT

Beanie Wells RB Arizona Cardinals vs. San Francisco 49ers stout run defense

The 49ers have the top ranked run defense in the league and Wells is an enigma. After a few big weeks early in the year and a solid game against the Ravens 3 weeks ago (83 yards, 1 TD) juicy matchups against the Rams and Eagles seemed like great opportunities to rack up major points. Wrong. Bells ran for 20 yards and 62 yards putting 3 and 6 points, respectively, on the board fantasy wise. If he couldn’t run all that well against the weakest run defenses on the league I don’t see much reason why he’ll torch the best run defense. UPDATE: Wells has been ruled Questionable for this weeks matchup so if you have him I wouldn’t run the risk of starting him.

Stats: 14 carries, 34 yards, 0 TD

Darrius Heyward-Bey WR Oakland Raiders vs. Minnesota Vikings

Even though his QB, Carson Palmer, is in the studs category I’m going to put Heyward-Bey in the duds section. Since Palmer took over the starting job in Oakland Heyward-Bey has disappeared. He doesn’t appear to have any chemistry with Palmer causing him to put up back to back goose eggs. What’s so frustrating about that for fantasy owners is that the previous 4 weeks with Jason Campbell under center Heyward-Bey actually seemed like a guy worthy of being drafted 7^th overall in the NFL Draft, news flash he wasn’t. He had put up 11, 15, 8, and 8 points making it look like he was trending upwards but alas he is back to the Darrius Heyward-Bey who recorded to goose eggs thru the first 3 weeks.

Stats: 1 Rec, 7 yards, 0 TD

SLEEPERS

I’m not going to put up any stats predictions for the following two players but I am going to put a brief blurb on why the Couch thinks that it might be wise to grab the following two players for the stretch run.

Kendall Hunter RB San Francisco 49ers

If you own Frank Gore in any of your fantasy leagues I’d suggest picking up Hunter quickly before someone else scoops him up. With Gore ailing and the 49ers already having seemingly wrapped up the NFC West, they own a 5 game lead on the 2^nd place team with 7 to play I like their odds, Hunter is going to get some carries going forward. He managed to rack up 40 yards and a TD on 6 carries last week. He’s been getting 8 or 9 carries pretty consistently all year and I think that number will actually trend upwards in the coming weeks. Hunter’s going to see carries while the 49ers attempt to keep the ever-fragile Gore healthy for a playoff run.

Damian Williams WR Tennessee Titans

When Kenny Britt went down in week 3 with a torn ACL the Titans #1 WR spot was vacant waiting to be taken. At first it appeared that Nate Washington would step in and fill that role but he’s been somewhat of a disappointment and Williams is slowly catching up to him. QB Matt Hasselbeck is targeting and gaining more and more confidence in Williams each and every week. Williams has found paydirt in each of the last two weeks while also racking up 107 yards last week. He has 4 scores on the year and I don’t see Hasselbeck decreasing his targets moving forward. If he’s available in your league, he probably is considering he’s only at 7.2% ownership, scoop him up and reap the benefits.

There you have it folks another week here at the Fantasy Forum. We’ll see you next week for week 12’s Studs/Duds.

Geoff Jablonski

Fantasy Forum Week 10: Studs and Duds

Another week of football, another list of those who may (or may not) excel in their upcoming fantasy matchups. I’m also going to start keeping a running tally of hits and misses by the fantasy forum staff here at Views from the Couch. A win if the pick proved correct a loss if the pick was a misfire and a ‘tie’ if the pick had a decent week but didn’t really blow anyone out of the water.

Last week: 2-2-2

Without further adieu (how over used is that saying? But anyway) here are the Views from the Couch week 10 studs and duds.

STUDS

Greg Olsen TE Carolina Panthers vs. Tennessee Titans

Olsen has been a bit of a feast or famine type of player this year, 3 double digit performances and 3 sub-4 point performances, but he has reeled in 4 TD passes from rookie phenom Cam Newton. Newton appears to be leaning slightly towards Olsen in recent weeks though Jeremy Shockey has snaked some of Olsen’s targets from the other TE spot. The stats don’t lie however and Olsen is still the 7^th ranked TE according to ESPN scoring and is projected to post 10 points this week against a Titans defense that yields 8.9 PPG to opposing TE’s and has been burned for 5 scores already this year by those TE’s. Start Olsen without fear and expect some big things out of him. I see him in the feast category for this week.

Stats: 5 rec, 73 yards, 1 TD

Maurice Jones-Drew RB Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Indianapolis Colts run defense

The Colts run defense can’t stop anyone even though CJ0K couldn’t crack the 40-yard mark against them 2 weeks ago but I digress. This isn’t about CJ0K and how he sucks this year but rather about how MJD has been a horse for the Jaguars. If you’ve seen Blaine Gabbert play then you’ll understand why MoJo is tied for the league lead in totes at 166. MoJo is also averaging 92.5 YPG which is good for 9 fantasy points guaranteed one a weekly basis without factoring in TD or reception points. The Jaguars give him the rock and often and against a soft Colts defense that’s yielding 21.3 PPG to opposing running games I love this matchup. Expect the Jaguars to take the ball out of Gabbert’s hands and put it into MJD’s to ensure that the Colts continue to ‘Suck for Luck’.

Stats: 26 carries, 115 yards, 1 TD, 1 rec, 7 yards

Dallas Cowboys D/ST vs. Buffalo Bills offense

Since lighting the world on fire in their first three games the Bills offense has slowed down considerably. QB Ryan Fitzpatrick did enough in those games to earn a 5-year extension but in the world of fantasy football, which is all we care about for this posts sake, he has been a dud the past 5 games. In his first three games he racked up totals of 24, 22, and 18 points but since then he hasn’t scored more than 14 points in a single game and has thrown 3 single digit performances out there. As far as the Cowboys defense is concerned these are all things working in their favor as is their phenomenal pass rusher DeMarcus Ware. Ware has already recorded 12.5 sacks through 8 games including 4 in a matchup two weeks ago against Vick and the Eagles. He’s going to be good for a sack or three against a weak Bills O-line. As a whole the Cowboys defense has scored double digits in all of their games against 2 duds: one against the Eagles and one against the Lions. Those two offenses are full of explosive playmakers that the Bills don’t possess. Start the Cowboys defense with confidence.

Stats: 4 sacks, 1 INT, 1 FumRec, 0 TD, 13 fantasy points

DUDS

DeSean Jackson WR Philadelphia Eagles vs. Arizona Cardinals

The past two years Jackson has been Michael Vick’s go to target but this year he seems to have fallen to the number 2 option behind Missouri product Jeremy Maclin. Jackson hasn’t posted higher than 4 fantasy points in his past 3 games, including 0 against the Bears last week, since torching the Bills and 49ers secondaries for 14 and 17 points respectively. Out of the Eagles 8 games this year Jackson has posted three stud performances, week 1 vs. the Rams and the two I just mentioned, with the other five games falling in the dud category racking up 2, 3, 4, 3, and 0 points in those games. For a guy drafted to be a WR1 he has been a major disappointment and become increasingly riskier to start. I know the Cardinals secondary is dicey at best but Patrick Peterson is a prime time player, that ones for you Dick Vitale, and he is going to be covering Jackson. Vick has also struggled to connect with Jackson on their patented fly routes, which has hurt Jackson’s value. Until they get on the same page avoid Jackson.

Stats: 3 rec, 32 yards, 0 TD

Matt Forte RB Chicago Bears vs. Detroit Lions

Forte is going to get his yards against the Lion. Their run defense is nothing special and has been torched recently but the Bears are going to be forced into passing early and often once the Lions jump out to an early lead. This game is a perfect storm for Forte to not be able to take advantage of a Lions run defense that is asking to be sliced and diced for 150 yards and 2 scores. QB Jay Cutler is going to bothered all game since the Lions pass rush is ferocious and pays little to no attention to the running game instead pinning their ears back and heading up field on every play. I wouldn’t call Forte a dud this week as much as I’d say that he’s just not going to get the opportunities to post the big time number we’ve come to expect from the 5^th ranked RB. He hasn’t been as big a factor in the passing game the past two weeks and he fumbled on a reception last week. Forte won’t get fully utilized this week though I do expect him to go over a 100 yards but he won’t find the end zone.

Stats: 18 carries, 105 yards, 0 TD, 2 rec, 13 yards, 0 TD

Tiquan Underwood’s high top fade WR New England Patriots vs. New York Jets

With Taylor Price’s hamstring injury and Chad Ochocinco doing a great disappearing act the Patriots this week resigned preseason casualty Tiquan Underwood and his high top fade. Underwood is a former 7^th round draft pick of the Jaguars in 2009 and he’s seen the field sparingly since then but really all anyone cares about is whether or not he’ll be rocking the high top fade he sported during this preseason. I’m guessing if he wants to stay relevant he’ll stick with the flat top since that’s probably the only way he’s going to get Tom Terrific to notice him on or off the field. He’s not going to catch a pass and I pray you didn’t add him thinking he’s going to do something in the Patriots high octane offense but look for the guy with the high top fade on the sideline on Sunday night and you’ve found Underwood.

Stats: 0 rec, 0 yards, 0 TD, 1 all-hair team award

There you have it folks this weeks studs and duds list let me know what you think and we’ll see how accurate the prognostications where in a week. Good luck to all in their matchups this week.

Geoff Jablonski

Fantasy Forum Week 9: Studs/Duds

STUDS

Beanie Wells RB Arizona Cardinals vs. St. Louis Rams

The Rams have a horrible run defense (see: DeMarco Murray and a Cowboys single game rushing record) and Wells has actually been somewhat consistent this year. He’s only had 2 duds out of 7 matches this year and one of those, week 3 vs. Seahawks; he missed the game due to a knee injury. That same knee injury flared up last week before the Cardinals game against the Ravens but Wells toughed it out, awkward I know, and ran for 83 yards and a score. Outside of the Seahawks game and his 12-carry 42-yard effort against the Steelers he’s actually scored above 12 points in each game. He’s going to slice and dice the Rams especially with Kevin Kolb ruled out this week and sucky mcsuckerstein QB John Skelton starting this week.

Stats: 25 carries, 125 yards, 1 TD

Jimmy Graham TE New Orleans Saints vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Jimmy Graham has been a revelation all year in his 2^nd year out of the University of Miami’s basketball program. The last time these two teams matched up Graham lit the Buccaneers defense for 7 catches and 124 yards and 12 points. The Buccaneers boast a halfway decent pass defense but they are generous to the opposing tight ends giving up an average of 8.9 points a game to the opposing TE getting hit up for 5 TD’s. Graham had his worst output of the year last week (4 catches, 39 yards) but that didn’t stop Drew Brees from consistently targeting him throughout the game. He’s going to have a big week this week chalk it up.

Stats: 6 catches, 108 yards, 1 TD

New York Giants Receiving Corps vs. New England Patriots Secondary

The Giants receiving corps of Hakeem Nicks, Mario Manningham, Victor Cruz, and TE Jake Ballard have put up big numbers all year and I don’t see that changing at all this week even if star wideout Nicks gets ruled out of Sunday’s matchup. Victor Cruz has come on strong and Manningham has been a consistent threat on the outside all year with Ballard showing good hands the past few weeks. As a Patriots fan I know full well that if you have WR’s playing against the Patriots horrific secondary insert them into your fantasy lineup. Eli Manning has also been playing at an extremely level this year only throwing 5 picks to 13 TD’s…very un-Eli Manning like. Patriots can’t get pressure on the QB or stop anyone in the passing game look for the Giants receivers to have a field day and rack up yards up and down the field.

Stats: 343 receiving yards and 2 TD’s

DUDS

Steve Johnson WR Buffalo Bills vs. New York Jets

Being a top WR and playing the NY Jets means one thing: a ‘vacation’ to Revis Island. Johnson and Ryan Fitzpatrick have had a great connection all year leading Johnson to becoming a top 10 WR week to week but not this week. Darrelle Revis is going to jam up and shut him down this week so if you have another option at WR I’d say go for it.

Stats: 2 catches, 25 yards, 0 TD’s

Ryan Fitzpatrick QB Buffalo Bills vs. New York Jets

Fitzpatrick and Johnson’s fates go together hand and hand. Darrelle Revis covering Steve Johnson means that Fitzpatrick’s top option is going to be gone all day meaning heavy workload for second option David Nelson who’s had a good year so far but beleaguered Jets DB Antonio Cromartie actually seems to be finding a groove a little bit the last few matches. The Jets also send an assortment of blitzes made to confuse and trip up the Harvard alum. The Jets defense is stingy and will hold Fitzpatrick in check for the day.

Stats: 227 passing yards, 1 TD, 2 INT’s

Phillip Rivers QB San Diego Chargers vs. Green Bay Packers

Phillip Rivers has been a massive disappointment for fantasy owners this year checking in as the 17^th ranked QB according to ESPN standard scoring. The Packers defense has been giving up points this year but coming off a bye week I like Dom Capers odds of dialing up a strong scheme to befuddle the Chargers QB. Charles Woodson has been playing great again this year following up his Defensive Player of the Year season last year. Clay Matthews coming off the edge and BJ Raji up the middle are also a cause for concern for the Chargers battered offensive line. Antonio Gates is back in action for Rivers but the Packers have the LB’s to cover him up and keep him under wraps. I’d look for another option unless forced into starting Rivers due to bye week woes.

Stats: 245 passing yards, 1 TD, 1 INT

There are the Views from the Couch picks for this week’s fantasy studs and duds. Before signing off I’d like to send a personal note to Views from the Couch co-creator Justin Lang wishing him well and letting him know that him and his family are in our thoughts and prayers. We love you Langerhans.

Until we cross paths again,

Geoff Jablonski

Fantasy Forum: Start 'em, Sit 'em

Some of you may know this about me, some of you may not, I love myself some fantasy sports. Probably more than I should. Fortunately my fellow staff members here at VFC happen to share that same passion and I hope that you do too. This will be the first installment of many in which I take a look at some of the less obvious matchups in the world of fantasy sports and give you my opinion on who you should start and who you should sit. Hopefully I have gained enough wisdom over my illustrious fantasy sports career to bring our devoted followers some success from week to week.

Start 'em:

QB Alex Smith - San Francisco 49ers

Smith is simply off to the best start of his young and for lack of a better term, disappointing NFL career. Through week 5 Smith has thrown for 965 yards, 7 TDs while tossing 1 interception. Those numbers are good for 73.8 Yahoo! Fantasy points which makes him better so far this season than high profile QBs such as; Matt Ryan, Tony Romo, Jay Cutler and Joe Flacco. I can only see Smith bettering his already outstanding start to this season when he goes up against the Motor City Lions. While Detroit's defense has been very good this season, I see Smith having a good day against the D's average cornerback and linebacker crew. Look for Smith's teammate and safety blanket, Vernon Davis, to have a big day for the 49ers as well.

Fantasy forecast: 311 yards, 2 TDs and 1 INT

RB James Starks - Green Bay Packers

It's been puzzling in Green Bay at the running back this season. It is time for the torch to be passed from slow footed veteran Ryan Grant to quick footed newcomer James Starks. Starks has outplayed Grant in 4 of 5 games this season totally 250 rushing yards, 1 TD and 96 receiving yards. While Grant has only rushed for 175 yards and 25 receiving yards. After Grant's terrible game against the Falcons last week, a game in which he fumbled, this is a no brainer, James Starks needs to be the starter from here on out. Grant just doesn't have it anymore. This week against the Rams is where it will begin. Start 'em folks.

Fantasy forecast: 18 carries, 82 rush yds, 25 rec yds, 1 TD

WR Victor Cruz - New York Giants

Cruz has been a fantastic surprise this year for fantasy owners (myself included). Getting him warmed up has been a gradual process, but through the last three solid weeks, Cruz has 17 catches for 369 yards and 3 TDs. Cruz certainly has a flair for the dramatic whether it's one handing deflected passes or boneheadedly fumbling (but not fumbling). Cruz control is going to be on again this week against the Bills of Buffalo. While they lead the NFL in interceptions, Buffalo has given up the sixth most pass plays of 20 yards or more this season and the 10th most fantasy points to wideouts. I fully expect to be another happy VCruz owner this week.

Fantasy forecast: 7 rec, 89 yds, 1 TD

Sit 'em:

QB Matt Schaub - Houston Texans

While he has been very solid so far this season (1,377 yds, 9 TDs and 5 INTs) the Schaub will be stumped this week against the stingy Ravens defense. Schaub is without his favorite target in Andre Johnson and it's likely the Ravens defense will be physical with the rest of his targets. With Ed Reed patrolling center field I don't like Schaub's chances at all this week. The Texans will be forced to run the ball on the Ravens with "The Aussie Assassin" Arian Foster and Ben Tate, taking the ball out of Schaubs hands.

Fantasy forecast: 240 yds, 2 TDs, 3 INTs

RB Frank Gore - San Francisco 49ers

The second 49er featured this week will have a tougher time than the first. Gore is going up against a Lions defense that is allowing the fifth fewest fantasy points to RBs this season. That trend will continue this week when Gore won't be able to run against Suh, Fairley and the rest of the Lions' surprisingly good defense. As I said above, Smith will be forced to go to the air, leaving Gore with less carries than usual and much less yardage.

Fantasy forecast: 14 carries, 57 yds

WR Brandon Marshall - Miami Dolphins

Brandon is making his first of two vacations to Revis Island this week folks. Expect the big wideout to have little to no fantasy impact this week against the stellar CB. Miami will be forced to throw the ball to Davone Bess and Anthony Fasano over the middle. Believe it or not, I actually expect this to be Reggie Bush's breakout game with the Dolphins. The lights are bright on Monday Night and I think Reggie will shine in them but more importantly, Brandon will have the man-tarp that is Revis draped over him. No go for BMarsh this week.

Fantasy forecast: 3 rec, 42 yds

There you have it folks! The first of many Fantasy Forum pieces featured on VFC. Next week I'll take a look at how my picks from this week fared and some of the matchups I think look great and some that look not so great.

Set your lineups wisely.

-ZHawk