Fantasy Football Week 13: Underrated Matchups That Will Rack Up Points

Week 13 of Fantasy Football is the last opportunity to make a run at the postseason—in most leagues.

Therefore, finding those favorable matchups that are going unnoticed will result in providing you with a distinct competitive advantage.

Chad Henne of the Jacksonville Jaguars is one of them.

First, when we think of Henne, big numbers don't always come to mind. Secondly, he plays for the Jacksonville Jaguars, and this offense has been horrendous all year.

Well, that was until Henne took over actually.

Since, the Jaguars have improved and are facing the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. It's quite the potential scoring matchup for Henne regarding fantasy, although he simply goes underrated because of Jacksonville's overall team success.

Ahead, let's check out Henne and one under-the-radar matchup at each position.

Chad Henne: QB, Jaguars (at Bills)

Over the past two games, Chad Henne has 615 passing yards and six touchdowns to only one interception.

It's obvious his presence under center has lifted the Jacksonville Jaguars offense because they also scored 61 points in this span.

Which is by far the most of any two games by Jacksonville in 2012.

In Week 13, the Jaguars play at the Buffalo Bills, who rank No. 18 against the pass. Although that isn't horrible, Buffalo has recorded only nine interceptions to allowing 20 touchdown passes.

Provided Jacksonville establishes a running game, Henne's numbers will simply inflate because the Bills' defense lacks in the trenches.

Factor in the improving receiving corps of Justin Blackmon and Cecil Shorts, and the Jaguars can stretch Buffalo with Henne's arm downfield quite well. Plus, there is good news per John Oehser of the Jaguars' official website:

WR Justin Blackmon and WR Cecil Shorts appear to be back out on field, working. Friday a light day so we'll know more aftr practice #jaguars

— John Oehser (@JohnOehser) November 30, 2012

After all, for the Jags to win both receivers' presence would significantly help.

Beanie Wells: RB, Cardinals (at Jets)

In his return to the Arizona Cardinals' backfield, Beanie Wells only collected 48 rushing yards but scored two touchdowns in the process.

And that came vs. a rather sound defense in the St. Louis Rams.

By comparison, Week 13 can rightfully expect an increase in production. There, Wells and the Card's are playing at the New York Jets. Gang Green ranks No. 30 against the run, allows nearly 143 rushing yards per contest and an average of 4.4 per carry.

Plus, slamming with Wells is Arizona's best approach to winning this game.

With the pass protection still lacking along with quarterback decision-making, running the ball is the best alternative solution.

Then, the play-action pass becomes a factor.

But not until Wells gets established on the ground.

Josh Gordon: WR, Browns (at Raiders)

Josh Gordon has immediately developed into the Cleveland Browns' most consistently reliable receiver.

He leads the team in yards (530), yards per catch (18.9) and touchdowns (four) and gets a favorable matchup in Week 13.

Here, Cleveland travels to the Oakland Raiders, a defense that allows a 65.7 completion percentage and 32.4 points per game.

The Raiders fail to struggle against the run and pass, so the Browns will be able to maintain balance and setup play-action.

Gordon's size is a competitive advantage in man-coverage situations and when inside the red zone. With Oakland's non-existent pass rush and already having allowed 23 touchdown passes, he is in for some impressive production.

Greg Olsen: TE, Panthers (at Chiefs)

We generally think of the best fantasy tight ends as Jimmy Graham, Vernon Davis and Tony Gonzalez, among a few others.

Greg Olsen of the Carolina Panthers, however, is much better than the credit he is given, despite not always putting up the insane numbers.

As for 2012, though, Olsen leads the Cats with 49 receptions and is second to Steve Smith in yards (589) and targets (74).

So, it's obvious that Cam Newton likes to dial-up the reliable tight end.

And it's reasonable to suspect even more this week because Carolina plays at the Kansas City Chiefs. K.C. lacks virtually everywhere, and Romeo Crennel's defense has allowed 22 passing touchdowns this season.

Courtesy of Smith and Brandon LaFell on the outside, Olsen will never see double coverage.

This results in more targets, yards and receptions for a nice all-around production.

Stephen Gostkowski: Kicker, Patriots (at Dolphins)

The New England Patriots will be in numerous scoring situations against the Miami Dolphins in Week 13.

Aside from a pass rush, Miami is suspect in cover as it allows almost 262 passing yards per game. Tom Brady on the other hand, is thwarting defenses as usual, and New England averages 37 points per game.

One slight unforeseen advantage to Miami, though, is its red-zone defense.

The Dolphins allow a touchdown only 40.5 percent of the time when backed near the goal line. As a result, kicker Stephen Gostkowski becomes a viable option to rack up some fantasy points.

He's perfect from inside 30 yards and interestingly enough, 2-of-2 from 50-plus.

With a strong leg to connect combined with inflated opportunities from New England's offense, Gostkowski will see an inflated fantasy impact in Week 13.

Dallas Cowboys Defense (vs. Eagles)

The Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys is one colossal mismatch.

And for the most part, it's because of some key injuries to Philadelphia. Per Reuben Frank of CSN Philadelphia, running back LeSean McCoy is still suffering from concussion-like symptoms:

According to Eagles trainer Rick Burkholder, RB LeSean McCoy is still in stage one of his concussion recovery - 11 days after he got hurt.

— Reuben Frank (@RoobCSN) November 29, 2012

Now, McCoy is listed as doubtful on ESPN.com.

However, it would still be surprising if he suited up this week, because according to the Eagles' official website McCoy did not practice Wednesday or Thursday.

Also from Frank, receiver DeSean Jackson is out as well:

Andy Reid: DeSean two broken ribs. Out for the year.

— Reuben Frank (@RoobCSN) November 27, 2012

Include the Cowboys presenting blanketed coverage and a strong pass rush to Philly's horrific pass protection, and this game will be a nightmare for Eagles fans.

 

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