Week 5 Fantasy Football Projections: Slumping Stars Poised for Big Games

Through four weeks of NFL action, there have been surprises and disappointments for teams, players and fantasy owners alike. Heading into the weekend, let's check out some favorable matchups for fantasy football stars who have struggled so far.

Hakeem Nicks vs. the Philadelphia Eagles

Eli Manning usually hasn't had trouble getting two or even three of his receivers plenty of catches in recent years, but that's not the case in 2013. Sure, Victor Cruz is putting up some monster numbers (26 catches, 425 yards, 4 TDs), but Nicks (12 catches, 230 yards, 0 TDs) is not having the big year many expected when they drafted him.

The Chip Kelly honeymoon is over in Philly and much of that has to do with the maligned defense. Eli, Nicks and Cruz must be licking their chops at the prospect of facing the Eagles, who have given up an average of 325 passing yards per game, second-worst in the league.

From Giants radio broadcaster Anita Marks, it looks like Nicks thinks you should have him in your starting lineup, too:

Philadelphia rebuilt its secondary through free agency this offseason, but it hasn't worked out well so far. If Cary Williams is locked up on Cruz all afternoon, expect Nicks to finally reach the end zone and build upon his five-catch, 114-yard performance last week.

Maurice Jones-Drew vs. the St. Louis Rams

When Blaine Gabbert and Chad Henne are your starting quarterbacks, opposing defenses are going to focus on the running game. Such has been the plight for Maurice Jones-Drew, as he's been averaging a measly 2.4 yards per carry this year, about half of his 4.7 ypc average during the 2011 and 2012 seasons.

The good news for MJD fantasy owners is that he gets to face the Rams on Sunday. St. Louis has given up 133.5 yards per game to opposing offenses, which stands as the third-highest mark among all NFL teams.

Last week, the 49ers carved up the Rams' front seven and left some gaping holes for Frank Gore, who broke out of his personal slump with a season-high 153 yards and a score on 20 carries. If there's a time for MJD to snap out of his fantasy funk, it's now.

Even though starting left tackle Eugene Monroe was shipped to Baltimore on Wednesday, it will be an opportunity for No. 2 overall pick Luke Joeckel to show his stuff, according to Jaguars.com writer John Oehser:

The addition of receiver Justin Blackmon from his suspension should also open up the offense and give the Rams another option to think about besides MJD.

Roddy White vs. the New York Jets

After serving as options 1A and 1B for quarterback Matt Ryan in 2012, it appears Julio Jones has taken the proverbial torch away from Roddy White.

White has been hampered by an ankle injury all year and it's showed. Following six straight seasons of at least 1,150 yards, the veteran has just 10 catches for 84 yards through four weeks so far this year. But White doesn't sound like he's alarmed:

What's it going to take him out of his slump? It might be the depleted Jets secondary, which is struggling to find a reliable No. 2 cornerback behind Antonio Cromartie, who figures to have his hands full with Jones. Even though the Jets rank eighth in passing defense this year (223.8), count on White to break out in a big way.