Fantasy Football Week 9: Highlighting Stars Who Face Rough Matchups

Fantasy football stars don't always completely dominate games.

So although it's obvious not to bench them when still facing a tough opponent, it is important to be aware of a potential lack of production. Adrian Peterson of the Minnesota Vikings is a key example for Week 9 in the 2012 NFL season.

Peterson and Co. hit the road to play the Seattle Seahawks, who field one of pro football's most complete defenses. Not to mention, but Seattle is a perfect 3-0 at home so far with the 12th man backing up the team.

Therefore, despite Peterson still worthy of a start, knowing that he gets a challenge this week can allow you to adjust your team accordingly. In turn, provided that Peterson and the following star players don't hit their projected total, preparing your roster to otherwise compensate can pay extreme dividends.

Adrian Peterson: RB, Vikings (at Seahawks)

For starters, the Seahawks only allow 84.9 rushing yards per game, and they give up just 3.7 yards per carry.

So, not only does Seattle stuff the run, but it suffocates all game long.

This defense if anything, plays with impressive discipline across the front seven and raises to another level at home. The leading rusher for the Dallas Cowboys (DeMarco Murray), Green Bay Packers (Cedric Benson) and New England Patriots (Stevan Ridley) all gained less than 50 rushing yards when playing at Seattle earlier this season.

Additionally, all three combine for an average of just 2.8 yards per carry. Considering how much potential exists from each of those passing offenses and Peterson's chances are dominating are slim to none.

Unless Christian Ponder thwarts downfield early on, anticipate Seattle stacking the box and forcing Minnesota into a one-dimensional attack. Because Ponder dicing through the air is a more favorable matchup than Peterson getting fed on the ground.

Chris Johnson: RB, Titans (vs. Bears)

Chris Johnson has found a rhythm, but that ride is about to take a detour for Week 9.

The Tennessee Titans are hosting the Chicago Bears on Sunday, and the Windy City presents arguably pro football's best defense. Chicago is well-versed at causing turnovers and is capable of locking down Tennessee's passing attack man-to-man all game long.

Well that allows the front seven to focus more on shutting down Johnson, who is the key to the Titans offense. After a slow start in 2012, Johnson has compiled 385 rushing yards in the past three games.

Holy wow is that impressive.

Still, Chicago controls the trenches by limiting opponents to 77.9 rushing yards per game and only a 3.8 per carry average. Tennessee will need to establish some sort of aerial assault if Johnson is to roll for a balanced attack, although that is unlikely with Chicago's knack for stuffing the run and generating those turnovers into points.

Eli Manning: QB, Giants (vs. Steelers)

Eli Manning is obviously one of the NFL's most clutch quarterbacks ever. Whether it's the regular season or playoffs, the guy knows how to win games.

It's what makes him an elite player. That, however, does not necessarily tie into being a consistently dominant fantasy football stat-sheet burner. This week, the New York Giants are hosting the Pittsburgh Steelers, who present pro football's No. 1-ranked pass defense.

The Steel Curtains allows a mere 182.6 passing yards per game and, on the year, has allowed only a 57.1 completion percentage. On the bright side, Pittsburgh's only legitimate quarterback matchup was Eli's older brother Peyton in Week 1 at the Denver Broncos.

Therefore, the NFC's Manning certainly has the potential to put up some sound numbers. Facing a Steelers defense that gained much confidence over the past few weeks, though, Big Blue will need a strong balance to win this game.

That said, even if the Giants win Manning won't fire for 300-plus yards and three touchdowns. Now it's unlikely that he turns the ball over, but just be aware of New York's need to keep the ground game involved against a tough defense.

Larry Fitzgerald: WR, Cardinals (at Packers)

We've got to feel for Larry Fitzgerald.

This guy has been the heart and soul of the Arizona Cardinals since his rookie season, but unfortunately he has never received any help outside of Kurt Warner and Anquan Boldin.

The 2012 season has only gotten worse, because Arizona cannot protect its quarterback nor does even a marginal rushing attack exist. As we saw against the San Francisco 49ers, all a defense needs is to limit Fitz's impact and the Cardinals offense won't move the ball.

This week, expect much of the same from the Green Bay Packers. Featuring standout rush Clay Matthews, Green Bay has totaled 26 sacks and recorded nine interceptions through eight games.

Arizona's lack of pass protection will limit the time for any route to develop, and the Packers' ability to get turnovers simply minimizes Fitzgerald's production. If there is any chance of Fitz doing work versus Titletown, it's quickly getting downfield on a fade or post and outjumping double coverage to move the chains.

Otherwise, any numbers won't happen until garbage time when this game is out of reach.

A.J. Green: WR, Bengals (vs. Broncos)

Yes, A.J. Green is a stud receiver and easily one of the best at his respective position.

The downside is Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton is in a gradual decline. During the Bengals' three-game losing streak, Dalton has five touchdowns to six picks and 59.3 completion percentage.

Even worse, Cincinnati welcomes the Denver Broncos in Week 9 who come off a sizzling performance versus Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints. There, the Broncos restricted Brees to only 213 yards passing and a 52.4 completion percentage with one pick.

As for Cincy, the Bengals don't offer the most consistent of pass protections and Denver is capable of wreaking backfield havoc all game long. When facing man coverage, Green will likely see Champ Bailey cross the line as he's Denver's best bet in one-on-one.

Also, the Broncos will need to gear a double zone such as Cover 2 with safety help over the top. In short, Denver must take a similar approach to what the Steelers presented in Week 7, which paid off for the most part as Green caught just one pass on six targets, although that one catch was for a touchdown.

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