Fantasy Football Week 4: Power Ranking the Top 50 Point Magnets
The bye week is upon us, and folks, Miles Austin and Adrian Peterson are looking for help this week, because a major source of scoring is missing.
Here's a look at the top 50 projected scorers this week.
Since this is an inexact science, don't come looking for me if Clinton Portis doesn't crack double-digit points. Blame Shanahan.
Now onto the list.
* I'm using the most basic scoring out there, not PPR or anything like that.
So if you're scoring at home... high five!
I'm jealous.
50. David Akers
1 of 51
This game is going to be compelling for a number of reasons. And there will be a lot of scoring.
The Matchup: vs. the Washington Redskins. DMC comes back to town. Should be emotional and then possibly a beat down.
How Much They'll Score: 12 points, which comes out to three field goals and three extra points. Which sounds about right.
Bust Potential: Very low. No team, including Green Bay, has been able to stop Vick's version of the Eagles. Akers will get plenty of opportunities.
49. Ronnie Brown
2 of 51
He doesn't run that great against the Pats for some reason. But he'll get enough to merit the start.
The Matchup: vs. the New England Patriots. He and the Wildcat burst on the scene a few seasons ago by killing the Pats with it.
How Much They'll Score: 13 points, which is right around his average against them. Seventy yards and an end-zone visit.
Bust Potential: Very low. The Pats are young, and Brown touches the ball a bunch.
48. New York Jets' Defense
3 of 51
I got a friend who drafted this defense fifth during our fantasy draft.
I guess he thought they played the Bills all 16 games.
The Matchup: vs. the Buffalo Bills, with a new quarterback starting against a real defense this week. (He shredded the young Pats D last week.)
How Much They'll Score: 13 points, unless they have a return touchdown of some sort, which is possible.
Bust Potential: Very low. I doubt highly that the Bills will go greatest show on turf on them.
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47. Jeremy Maclin
4 of 51
A couple of Eagles already tell you how much this game could be a shootout.
The Matchup: vs. the Washington Redskins. Maclin is turning into Vick's second favorite receiver, which is good for him because, sooner or later, they are going to cover DeSean Jackson.
How Much They'll Score: 13 points; in a non-PPR league that's about 60 yards and a TD.
Bust Potential: moderately low. But there is a chance that Vick goes to Jackson early gets a lead, then runs the whole second half.
46. Nick Folk
5 of 51
He should get some field-goal attempts in, judging from the 38 that New England put up on the Bills last week.
The Matchup: vs. the Buffalo Bills. Sanchez will bring them close a few times and not punch it in, but the Jets will be driving all day.
How Much They'll Score: 13 points, Three field goals, two long ones and two extra points sounds about right.
Bust Potential: Low. Unless he forgets how to kick.
45. Kyle Orton
6 of 51
He's not going to put up the lofty numbers that he has been putting up. But he is turning into an every-week start with all of those receiving weapons.
The Matchup: vs. the Tennessee Titans. Sometimes Jeff Fisher's boys can be pretty stingy.
How Much They'll Score: 14 points, which is around 220 passing and a touchdown.
Bust Potential: low. But they might try to run it in when they get close with their new M&M boys*. (Moreno and Maroney)
*Trademarked and patent pending
44. Greg Olsen
7 of 51
All reports say that Mike Martz doesn't use tight ends in his system.
But Olsen has been decent, and Cutler likes him more than Kristin Cavallari. But not as much as Forte.
The Matchup: vs. the New York Giants.
The G-Men don't like the refs, their coach or each other these days. So they won't have time to find Olsen.
How Much They'll Score: 14 points, Cutler finds him once in the red zone, and he'll go for around 80 by the end of the game.
Bust Potential: Moderately low. He's scored in back-to-back games against better teams than the Giants.
43. Mason Crosby
8 of 51
This guy is going to need an ice bath after this game.
The Matchup: vs. the Detroit Lions. It's not that he'll be kicking long field goals, just coming out and having to kick extra points and kickoffs every five minutes.
How Much They'll Score: 15 points, which includes maybe a couple 40 yarders and at least four extra points. He'll be busy.
Bust Potential: Very low. Lions aren't shutting down the Pack, unless someone gets hurt.
42. Randy Moss
9 of 51
Very few teams stop Moss.
Hell, he even found his way off of Revis Island. But the yards will be tough to come by this week.
The Matchup: vs. the Miami Dolphins. He won't crack the century mark, but he will score.
How Much They'll Score: 15 points. Randy always has the potential to break out.
Bust Potential: Moderately low. He could go a tad lower, but he can go much higher as well.
41. Green Bay Packers' Defense
10 of 51
The guys won't be happy after losing on Monday Night Football, and right now have the second-best defense in the league.
The Matchup: vs. the Detroit Lions. I ain't Miss Cleo, but I see Clay Matthews and Charles Woodson having big games.
How Much They'll Score: 15 points, and that's assuming they don't get a "pick 6."
Bust Potential: Very low. This defense will be solid this week, if not spectacular.
40. Tom Brady
11 of 51
It's not normal to have Brady this low down on the list, but he is facing another tough defense this week.
The Matchup: vs. the Miami Dolphins. Divisional rivalry, and no one wants to fall a game behind the Jets.
How Much They'll Score: 15. So that means he won't hit 300 yards passing, but he will throw a touchdown. He'll also throw a pick.
Bust Potential: Very low. Brady is still Brady.
He won't get shut down, but it won't be his best day.
39. Steve Smith (Giants)
12 of 51
After a couple of slow weeks where Eli was in love with Hakeem Nicks, Smith finally got the love he deserved last week.
The Matchup: vs. the Chicago Bears. Now that Nicks is the flashy guy, Smith will work underneath and be the professional wide receiver that he is.
How Much They'll Score: 15 points, which means in non-PPR leagues he will have another 100 yard receiving game
Bust Potential: Low. He doesn't see the end zone much, but he won't totally get shut down either.
38. John Carlson
13 of 51
One of the most confusing teams in the league is doing one thing right: getting it to their tight end.
The Matchup: vs. the St. Louis Rams. Carlson is the Seahawks' best receiver so far.
How Much They'll Score: 16 points. Since he averaged around four catches a game, I see him getting into the end zone or closing in on 100 yards for the game.
Or both.
Bust Potential: Low. He has five catches each of the last two games, and his yardage is going up.
37. Michael Turner
14 of 51
Turner is going to have back-to-back 100 yard games, which is not something Mike Singletary wants to hear.
The Matchup: vs. the San Francisco 49ers. He must be feeling better, because he gashed the World Champs for a "C" note.
How Much They'll Score: 16 points, I see him being very productive this week.
Bust Potential: Low. San Fran is up against the ropes, but Turner is a main cog for the Falcons.
36. Atlanta Falcons' Defense
15 of 51
They have been picking off balls left and right. I say they take one to the house.
The Matchup: vs. the San Francisco 49ers.
Atlanta leads the league in interceptions. Alex Smith has only thrown two, but I see that number doubling.
How Much They'll Score: 16 points. The Niners are desperate for a win, and desperation leads to mistakes.
Bust Potential: Moderate. Unless they let Frank Gore run wild.
35. DeAngelo Williams
16 of 51
I am going out on a limb and declaring this as Williams' first 100-yard game of the year.
The Matchup: vs. the New Orleans Saints. The Saints are giving up close to 150 yards a game of rushing yardage.
How Much They'll Score: 16 points, Williams won't find the end zone, but he'll crack the century mark. And catch a few balls.
Bust Potential: Moderate. If he doesn't crack a "C" note for you, hopefully he'll catch a few passes.
34. Terrell Owens
17 of 51
He is due to have a big game. So why not against this Browns' secondary?
The Matchup: vs. the Cleveland Browns. They will focus on Ochocinco, and T.O. will break a long one.
How Much They'll Score: 16 points. I got him going for his first 100-yard receiving game of the year, and probably a few more.
Bust Potential: Low. He gets looks from Palmer, so he should be straight.
33. Michael Crabtree
18 of 51
This guy has been a bust all season but he might have an excuse.
The Matchup: vs. the Atlanta Falcons.
The blame for the offense is going towards the fired offensive coordinator. So look for this new guy to overcompensate and get it to Crabtree early and often.
How Much They'll Score: 16 points. This is a scary one because I got him going from nothing to over 100 overnight.
But the guy is too talented to not show up all year.
Bust Potential: Moderately high. He could be a sink or swim pick here. You've been warned.
32. Jay Cutler
19 of 51
He's been on a pretty good streak as of late, so why stop the ride now?
The Match Up: vs. the New York Giants. I think it might be a blow out so there could be more running in second half.
How Much They'll Score: 17 points. He has a ton of weapons and he is figuring Martz's way of things more and more.
Bust Potential: Low. The upside could be really high if the Giants put up a fight and he has to pass.
31. Braylon Edwards
20 of 51
I think he shaved his beard. Maybe he turned over a new leaf.
Stop laughing.
The Matchup: vs. the Buffalo Bills. Edwards is a big play guy, so they will get the ball to him early and go for the knockout punch.
How Much They'll Score: 17 points. Could be much more.
Bust Potential: Low. Lately, when he is on the field, he is money.
30. Darren McFadden
21 of 51
This could be his last week of being the featured back before having to split the carries evenly with Michael Bush.
The Matchup: vs. the Houston Texans. Don't get me wrong, the Texans are a good team.
But everyone scores on them.
How Much They'll Score: 17 points, McFadden can go deep at anytime. He's been rolling, lately.
Bust Potential: Low. The Raiders will find a way to get him the ball in space.
29. Ladainian Tomlinson
22 of 51
L.T. got what he wanted: The starting job for the J-E-T-S. Now he'll show them he still has it.
The Matchup: vs. the Buffalo Bills. Will the old L.T. keep rearing his head? Yep.
How Much They'll Score: 18 points. It could come several ways, but the points will come.
Bust Potential: Low. He is the starter and will get a bigger chunk of the carries and catches out of the backfield.
28. Dustin Keller
23 of 51
He has come a long way from getting his bell rung Week 1 by Ray Lewis.
The Matchup: vs. the Buffalo Bills. He is Sanchez's go-to guy when everyone else is covered.
How Much They'll Score: 18 points. It could easily be more.
Bust Potential: Low. He'll see the end zone and yards.
27. Marques Colston
24 of 51
Colston's numbers have been pedestrian so far. But all it takes is a catching Brees' eye.
The Matchup: vs. the Carolina Panthers. I'm sure Brees knows that he has been ignoring his favorite reciever.
How Much They'll Score: 18 points. He is due to break out and get in the end zone.
Bust Potential: Moderately high. He hasn't scored yet, but it's gotta come soon.
26. Philip Rivers
25 of 51
The guy can throw the pill and this week he gets the Cardinals. Fun times.
The Matchup: vs. the Arizona Cardinals. The Chargers need a win to get the taste of last week out of their mouths.
How Much They'll Score: 18 points. He won't have to throw as much with Ryan Mathews back.
Bust Potential: Low. He could end up with a lot more if they need him to pass.
But they won't.
25. Rashard Mendenhall
26 of 51
After what Peyton Hillis did to the Ravens last week, you gotta upgrade Mendenhall from initial thoughts.
The Matchup: vs. the Baltimore Ravens. Yes, they are a great defense, but at times they can give up some crazy numbers.
How Much They'll Score: 18 points. Very reachable number if he touches the ball enough both as a receiver and a runner
Bust Potential: Moderate. This can go either way, but I think Rashard scores at least once.
24. Jermichael Finley
27 of 51
The Packers offense wasn't the same Monday Night when he went out. Which shows how necessary he is.
The Matchup: vs. the Detroit Lions. He gets the yards, no problem.
How Much They'll Score: 18 points, this is the week where he finally finds the end zone.
Bust Potential: Low. He gets his every week.
23. Matt Forte
28 of 51
The rushing numbers haven't been there, but the receiving numbers have.
The Matchup: vs. the New York Giants. This could be the week where Forte runs and catches well.
How Much They'll Score: 20 points. Martz wants him to be a poor man's Marshall Faulk.
Bust Potential: Low. He gets the ball some way, somehow.
22. Jabar Gaffney
29 of 51
How do you go from a fourth-string Patriots receiver to a No. 1? Find a coach who believes in you.
The Matchup: vs. the Tennessee Titans. This one could go either way, but Gaffney's numbers were ridiculous last week.
How Much They'll Score: 20 points. He just needs to get to the end zone at least once to make this pick happen.
Bust Potential: Moderately high. Orton does spread the ball around.
21. Cedric Benson
30 of 51
Look up workhorse in the dictionary, and you'll see a tired Cedric Benson.
The Matchup: vs. the Cleveland Browns. He has 65 carries already this season.
How Much They'll Score: 20 points, I see some goal-line carries. And even more regular carries.
Bust Potential: Moderate. He has a sore knee, so keep an eye on that.
20. Eli Manning
31 of 51
Eli needs to air it out because the Bears stop the run.
The Matchup: vs. the Chicago Bears. He has to get it to Nicks and Smith often.
How Much They'll Score: 20 points. Eli is a deceptive scorer, but he can put up numbers.
Bust Potential: Moderately low. He has quite a few receivers. And the Bears struggle with the pass at times.
19. Matt Ryan
32 of 51
If the line can keep Patrick Willis off of him, Ryan can make things happen.
The Matchup: vs. the San Francisco 49ers.
The Niners used to be respected. Until Matt Cassel toasted them.
How Much They'll Score: 20 points. Five touchdowns and no picks, last two games.
Matty Ice is on a roll.
Bust Potential: Low. Again, beware of Mr. Willis.
18. Tony Gonzalez
33 of 51
Ryan will need his security blanket when the rush comes.
The Matchup: vs. the San Francisco 49ers. Everyone says T.G. is over the hill, but he has a few tricks left.
How Much They'll Score: 20 points. He just needs to get to the end zone a couple of times to make this pick look good.
Bust Potential: Moderate. He probably won't be stopped, but he needs the touchdowns.
17. Chad Ochocinco
34 of 51
Ocho will come alive against the Browns.
The Matchup: vs. the Cleveland Browns. Chad has been quiet for two weeks now.
How Much They'll Score: 20 points. I can see him having a breakout game like the one against New England. Similar defenses.
Bust Potential: Low. He is due, and so is his quarterback.
16. Malcom Floyd
35 of 51
After two games in a row near 100 yards receiving, he gets it this week.
The Matchup: vs. the Arizona Cardinals. He will get 100 and then some.
How Much They'll Score: 21 points. He'll also get in the end zone.
Bust Potential: Low. Hot quarterback, hot receiver equals hot numbers.
15. Frank Gore
36 of 51
Even with a new coordinator, Gore will get his touches.
The Matchup: vs. the Atlanta Falcons. Gore can catch out of the backfield to make up for any carries that get stopped.
How Much They'll Score: 21 points. Unless this coordinator wants to be in the unemployment line, he will feature Gore.
Bust Potential: Low. This game might end up being a shootout.
14. Reggie Wayne
37 of 51
Sometimes we forget where Wayne is, and he has to remind us.
The Matchup: vs. the Jacksonville Jaguars. No Champ Bailey to bug him this week.
How Much They'll Score: 21 points. He'll go deep and visit the end zone at least once.
Bust Potential: Low. He is still Peyton's main guy.
14. Roddy White
38 of 51
Roddy White is a consistent fantasy scorer, so no reason to stop counting on him now.
The Matchup: vs. the San Francisco 49ers. The Niners are up against the ropes; this could be the knockout blow.
How Much They'll Score: 21 points. I see him breaking one long one and getting all those bonus points.
Bust Potential: Moderate. He should get his share, but a touchdown will help the cause.
13. Arian Foster
39 of 51
After that first week of the season, there was nowhere to go but down.
The Matchup: vs. the Oakland Raiders.
The Raiders defense is not a pushover. But Foster is a big part of the Houston gameplan.
How Much They'll Score: 22 points. He'll have one, and possibly two, end-zone visits.
Bust Potential: Low. The man is a tough runner and good out of the backfield.
12. Steve Smith (Panthers)
40 of 51
Talk about a guy who is due. If he doesn't get some numbers soon, somebody is going to get hurt.
The Matchup: vs. the New Orleans Saints. Smith is not the problem in this equation.
How Much They'll Score: 22 points. The quarterback play has to get better, but I am assuming he breaks a few tackles.
Bust Potential: Moderately high. But he has proven how great he is in the past.
11. Dallas Clark
41 of 51
Clark should change the spelling of his name to Clock. That's how consistent he is.
The Matchup: vs. the Jacksonville Jaguars. We know what's going to happen here.
How Much They'll Score: 22 points. Just plug in the yards and the touchdowns and keep moving.
Bust Potential: Moderately low. The only thing that can affect his numbers is if Manning goes to Wayne to make up for last week.
10. Louis Murphy
42 of 51
This guy is turning into a pure stud.
The Matchup: vs. the Houston Texans. Every week, this D makes a fantasy hero out of someone.
How Much They'll Score: 22 points. I think he is going to keep putting up big numbers.
Bust Potential: Moderately high. But, he does play for the Raiders.
Expect the unexpected.
9. Peyton Manning
43 of 51
Oh yeah, this guy. He'll probably be OK this week.
The Matchup: vs. the Jacksonville Jaguars. Let's see if Peyton can make another unknown receiver into a star.
How Much They'll Score: 24 points. He simply will not be stopped.
Bust Potential: Low. Unless he is kidnapped before game time, he will produce.
8. Steven Jackson
44 of 51
He is the guy that makes everything go in St. Louis.
The Matchup: vs. the Seattle Seahawks. We pretty much know what's going to happen here.
How Much They'll Score: 24 points. He can and does everything, so this number should be easy.
Bust Potential: Moderately low. The only thing that can affect his numbers is if he is injured, like last week.
7. Antonio Gates
45 of 51
Gates is still the man, and he proves it every week.
The Matchup: vs. the Arizona Cardinals. The Chargers need a win, and they get Mathews back.
How Much They'll Score: 24. Mathews won't affect Gates' touches, though.
Bust Potential: Low. Like I said, he gets his.
6. Vernon Davis
46 of 51
Will the new offensive coordinator make him into another Antonio Gates?
The Matchup: vs. the Atlanta Falcons. Alex Smith relies on Davis more than anyone.
Even Gore.
How Much They'll Score: 24 points. The new guy has to show he has earned the job.
Bust Potential: Moderately low. If the game is a shootout, Davis will shine.
5. Larry Fitzgerald
47 of 51
He is the only consistent passing game threat.
The Matchup: vs. the San Diego Chargers. Fitz can make any quarterback look good. Even Derek Anderson.
How Much They'll Score: 25 points. Every year, he has one of these games, and I think one will come this week.
Bust Potential: Moderately low. Let's see if Anderson can find him enough times.
4. Aaron Rodgers
48 of 51
He is turning into a Peyton-like numbers machine.
The Matchup: vs. the Detroit Lions. With the running game stalling at times, Rodgers is even getting points running the ball.
How Much They'll Score: 25 points. He will pass and run, and maybe even catch one on some trickeration-type play.
Bust Potential: Low. But if it is a blowout, he might sit.
3. Maurice Jones-Drew
49 of 51
Wasn't it against the Colts that Arian Foster went crazy?
The Matchup: vs. the Indianapolis Colts.
MJD has at least three breakout games a year. And the Colts' run defense is suspect.
How Much They'll Score: 26 points. He should get more than enough touches to get this number.
Bust Potential: Moderately Low. If they fall behind early, Jags might try to pass the ball.
2. Michael Vick
50 of 51
Can this game be anything but a shootout?
The Matchup: vs. the Washington Redskins. Vick might have to run because the Eagles are going to try and take away McCoy.
How Much They'll Score: 26 points. He will make sure the Eagles fans know who to cheer for.
Bust Potential: Moderately low. Washington hasn't really stopped anyone so far.
1. Chris Johnson
51 of 51
This is the week he reminds us why he was the first pick in every fantasy draft.
The Matchup: vs. the Denver Broncos. C.J. will break a couple. Probably long ones.
How Much They'll Score: 30 points. He shouldn't have a problem getting to this. He is due.
Bust Potential: Low. I just can't see them doing to him what Pittsburgh did.
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