Fantasy Football Week 5: Power Ranking the Top 50 Point Magnets
If you're like me and you have Rashard Mendenhall and the Patriots defense, you'll be looking for some guys to step up during their bye weeks.
You're in the right place.
Here are my projections for the top 50 fantasy football performances of Week 5.
Don't get on my case, though, if these picks don't pan out, because I take a couple risks in these projections.
Also, point predictions are based on leagues that give one point for every 10 rushing/receiving yards, one point for every 20 passing yards, and six points for every touchdown.
All right, let's get to it!
50. C.J. Spiller
1 of 50
Marshawn Lynch is now a Seahawk, so he'll be driving his go-cart on the field in Seattle. It's Spiller's time in Buffalo.
The Matchup: vs. the Jaguars. Jacksonville gives up more than 400 yards per game, and even though they upset the Colts last week, they're still the Jaguars.
How Much They'll Score: 12 points. Spiller will have at least 60 combined yards and a special-teams touchdown.
Bust Potential: Pretty high. Buffalo is obviously not a good team, and you never know when the Bills are going to drop a big goose egg.
48. Mike Williams
2 of 50
How many people named Mike Williams do you think there are in the world? Anyway, I'm talking about the one from Tampa Bay.
The Matchup: vs. the Cincinnati Bengals. This is the same Bengals team that lost to the Browns last week, and the same Bucs team that beat the Browns earlier this year.
How Much They'll Score: 13 points. Josh Freeman throws this guy the ball a lot, so 70 yards and a touchdown seem likely.
Bust Potential: Low. Williams has produced well so far this season, especially for a rookie.
49. Marcades Lewis
3 of 50
David Garrard may not be a good quarterback, but someone has to catch passes for the Jaguars.
The Matchup: vs. the Buffalo Bills. Buffalo's defense is actually 12th in the league in passing yards allowed, so Lewis isn't going to rack up a ton of yardage.
How Much They'll Score: Nine points. Lewis has gotten into the end zone three times, but he doesn't catch a ton passes.
Bust Potential: Moderate. He caught three touchdowns the first two weeks, but hasn't found the end zone since.
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47. Matt Schaub
4 of 50
Schaub should call Jay Cutler for tips about how not to play against the Giants defense.
The Matchup: vs. the New York Giants. The Giants had 10 sacks against the Bears last week and have a pretty good defense against the pass.
How Much They'll Score: 14 points. Schaub's usually a fantasy stud, but he won't be against a tough defense this week.
Bust Potential: High. The Giants defense is seventh in total yards and ninth in passing yards allowed.
46. Jamaal Charles
5 of 50
I knew once I drafted Charles that the Chiefs would decide to put Thomas Jones in near the goal line.
The Matchup: vs. the Indianapolis Colts. Indianapolis is 29th in the league in rushing yards allowed, which bodes well for Charles and Jones.
How Much They'll Score: 15 points. Charles will find his way into the end zone against a bad Colts run defense, even if he has to do it from 30 or 40 yards away.
Bust Potential: Moderately high. The Chiefs have the No. 3 rushing offense, but Todd Haley loves his two-back system.
45. Michael Bush
6 of 50
Any running back with the last name Bush can be a bit tricky to predict, but let's give it a shot.
The Matchup: vs. the San Diego Chargers. Darren McFadden won't be playing in this game, so someone has to run the ball for the Raiders.
How Much They'll Score: 14 points. The Raiders need to keep Philip Rivers off the field.
Bust Potential: Somewhat high. The Chargers have the fourth-ranked rushing defense in the league, but Bush is a big back who could wear them down.
44. John Carney
7 of 50
John Carney was in the NFL before I was born. Gotta love the old man!
The Matchup: vs. the Arizona Cardinals. Ken Whisenhunt's bunch has been torched for 106 points in the last three games.
How Much They'll Score: 11 points. No matter what combination of field goals and extra points it takes to get there, Carney will.
Bust Potential: Very low. Have you seen the Cardinals play the last few weeks?
43. Kevin Kolb
8 of 50
How many times do you think Kolb will be added, dropped, then added again in fantasy football leagues this year?
The Matchup: vs. the San Francisco 49ers. Imagine the look we'll see on Mike Singletary's face if the 49ers lose again.
How Much They'll Score: 18 points. The 49ers defense gives up a lot of points (25.7 per game).
Bust Potential: Medium. Kolb hasn't looked great in limited playing time this year, especially when you compare him to Michael Vick.
42. Braylon Edwards
9 of 50
I would love to see Braylon Edwards score a touchdown this week, and then proceed to "take" a field sobriety test on the goal line.
The Matchup: vs. the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings have a Top-10 pass defense, but Mark Sanchez has been playing way over his head lately.
How Much They'll Score: 14 points. He isn't going to catch a whole lot of passes, but he's busted some big plays this year.
Bust Potential: Moderate. Sanchez has been throwing to Dustin Keller in the end zone lately.
41. Marques Colston
10 of 50
Drew Brees and Colston haven't hooked up much this season, but the Saints get the lowly Cardinals this week.
The Matchup: vs. the Arizona Cardinals. Three games, 106 points allowed.
How Much They'll Score: 17 points. Colston has to break out sooner or later. Why not against the Cardinals?
Bust Potential: Moderate. This could be a blowout, and Brees likes to spread the ball around to different receivers.
40. DeAngelo Williams
11 of 50
Williams had a decent game against the Saints last week, but he's up against a different animal in Week 5.
The Matchup: vs. the Chicago Bears. Chicago only allows 77 rushing yards per game.
How Much They'll Score: 14 points. I don't think the Panthers are going to get shut out, and Jimmy Clausen isn't throwing any touchdowns.
Bust Potential: High. The Panthers are a winless team with a two-back system and a rookie quarterback. That spells disaster.
39. Randy Moss
12 of 50
When Moss left Minnesota in 2005, did anyone think he'd ever wear purple again?
The Matchup: vs. the New York Jets. Moss visits Revis Island for the second time this season.
How Much They'll Score: 16 points. Favre will look like a little kid out there now that he actually has a No. 1 receiver on the field.
Bust Potential: High. Chemistry doesn't happen over night.
38. Terrell Owens
13 of 50
Owens went off last week against the Browns, and I'm going to ride the T.O. train in Week 5.
The Matchup: vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Anyone else want to see the battle of the old men: T.O. vs. Ronde Barber?
How Much They'll Score: 16 points. He's not going to have 200 yards receiving ever again, but I'm going to stay with T.O. until he implodes.
Bust Potential: Moderate. The Bucs have a decent pass defense.
37. Sam Bradford
14 of 50
Four weeks into the season, the Rams are in first place in the division. Who woulda thunk it?
The Matchup: vs. the Detroit Lions. It's a preview of the NFC Championship Game!
How Much They'll Score: 17 points. Bradford has six touchdowns on the season already, but he also has six picks. I'm expecting two touchdowns and two interceptions.
Bust Potential: Low. Detroit has the 26th-ranked pass defense, and can't run the ball. The Rams will have their chances.
36. Steve Smith
15 of 50
The Giants version of Steve Smith has been quiet this year. So far.
The Matchup: vs. the Houston Texans. Houston starts all first- or second-year players in the secondary. That is a recipe for disaster.
How Much They'll Score: 17 points. The Giants will throw the ball against a pitiful Texans pass defense, and Smith is the pick for the Giants receiver who goes off this week.
Bust Potential: Moderate. I wouldn't be the least bit surprised to see Hakeem Nicks go off instead.
35. Austin Collie
16 of 50
Through the first four games, Collie has 398 yards and five touchdowns. Sleeper pick of the year.
The Matchup: vs. the Kansas City Chiefs. They have the No. 25-ranked pass defense. You think Peyton Manning isn't salivating right now?
How Much They'll Score: 18 points. There's no real reason to think Collie won't get in the end zone against a bad secondary.
Bust Potential: Moderate. Collie is feast or famine. He has two games of 163 yards or more receiving, but two games with fewer than 39 yards.
34. Miiles Austin
17 of 50
Dallas runs the ball about as much as I do, so any Dallas wide receiver is probably a safe bet.
The Matchup: vs. the Tennessee Titans. It doesn't matter who you're playing against when all you do is throw the ball.
How Much They'll Score: 18 points. Austin has two games with at least 10 receptions and 140 yards, and Tennessee got torched by Kyle Orton last week.
Bust Potential: Moderately high. Like Collie, it's all or nothing for Austin who caught just two passes for 20 yards against the Texans in Week 3.
33. Chicago Bears D/ST
18 of 50
The Bears were on the wrong end of a monstrous defensive performance last week, but I think it'll be just the opposite in Week 5.
The Matchup: vs. the Carolina Panthers. The Bears face a rookie quarterback who will be without his best wide receiver.
How Much They'll Score: 20 points. I wouldn't be surprised to see three turnovers and a touchdown from the Bears defense. Devin Hester might make some noise in the return game, too.
Bust Potential: Low. Carolina has no real threats in the passing game without Steve Smith, so the Bears can just stack the box.
32. Donald Driver
19 of 50
The Redskins secondary has made a habit out of getting absolutely destroyed every week.
The Matchup: vs. the Washington Redskins. See above.
How Much They'll Score: 17 points. Matt Schaub threw for nearly 500 yards against the Redskins. Aaron Rodgers will be spreading the love this Sunday.
Bust Potential: Moderate. Although Driver has been the most reliable target this season, Rodgers still has Jermichael Finley and Greg Jennings to throw to.
31. Ray Rice
20 of 50
No matter what he says, I will never believe that Ray Rice is a fan of Willis McGahee.
The Matchup: vs. the Denver Broncos. Rice is facing a quality Denver rush defense, but he has to get in the end zone at some point.
How Much They'll Score: 17 points. I'm going to go out on a limb and say Rice goes off with two long touchdown runs.
Bust Potential: High. The Ravens love giving the ball to McGahee in the red zone.
30. Shaun Hill
21 of 50
This could be a completely pointless pick if Matthew Stafford returns this week.
The Matchup: vs. the St. Louis Rams. Surprise, surprise. The Rams actually have a mediocre defense that allows a lot of yards, but only 13 points per game.
How Much They'll Score: 19 points. I'm expecting a shootout here, and Hill will throw the ball a ton because the Lions have no running game.
Bust Potential: Very high. Stafford might play.
29. Malcolm Floyd
22 of 50
Philip Rivers throws the ball all over the field, and Floyd likes to get in on the action.
The Matchup: vs. the Oakland Raiders. Name a Raiders cornerback besides Nnamdi Asomugha.
How Much They'll Score: 18 points. Even when the Chargers are winning in a blowout, they throw the ball.
Bust Potential: Medium. Antonio Gates is a touchdown machine.
28. Joe Flacco
23 of 50
Flacco needs to decide whether he's the quarterback who threw four interceptions against Cincinnati or the one who threw three touchdowns against the Browns.
The Matchup: vs. the Denver Broncos. The emerging quarterback stud that is Kyle Orton will make this a high-scoring game, so Flacco has to keep up.
How Much They'll Score: 20 points. I think the Flacco-to-Boldin connection has another good week.
Bust Potential: Low. Denver's pass defense isn't much.
27. Michael Turner
24 of 50
Jason Snelling might anger some people who have Turner on their squads, and rightfully so.
The Matchup: vs. the Cleveland Browns. Turner will not be the best fantasy running back in this game.
How Much They'll Score: 19 points. If I said Turner would have about 120 yards and a touchdown, would you think I was crazy?
Bust Potential: Medium. Snelling is a fantasy football thief.
26. DeSean Jackson
25 of 50
Any running back with the last name Bush can be a bit tricky to predict, but let's give it a shot.
The Matchup: vs. the San Diego Chargers. Darren McFadden won't be playing in this game, so someone has to run the ball for the Raiders.
How Much They'll Score: 14 points. The Raiders need to keep Philip Rivers off the field.
Bust Potential: Somewhat high. The Chargers have the fourth-ranked rushing defense in the league, but Bush is a big back who could wear them down.
25. Tony Romo
26 of 50
Hey, Tony. How about a run every once in a while?
The Matchup: vs. the Tennessee Titans. The Cowboys do not change their game plan for any opponent.
How Much They'll Score: 22 points. He'll throw a couple picks, but he'll rack up stats otherwise.
Bust Potential: Low. He's slinging the ball no matter what happens.
24. Matt Forte
27 of 50
Forte isn't going to rush for 100 yards per game in Mike Martz' offense, but he is going to get plenty of touches.
The Matchup: vs. the Carolina Panthers. The Bears will have the ball. A lot.
How Much They'll Score: 22 points. Forte will get 25 touches, and he's had some long scores in the passing game this year.
Bust Potential: Medium. His number of rushes will certainly be limited.
23. Mark Sanchez
28 of 50
Damn, I hate the Jets. Oh, well.
The Matchup: vs. the Minnesota Vikings. Hey, remember when Favre played for the Jets?
How Much They'll Score: 24 points. Hate him or love him, Sanchez has been playing incredibly well this year.
Bust Potential: Medium. He hasn't slipped up this year, but there's always the chance he could.
22. Dallas Clark
29 of 50
Dallas Clark is so good that he will always be on this list, even when he retires.
The Matchup: vs. the Kansas City Chiefs. Peyton Manning is his quarterback.
How Much They'll Score: 23 points. One hundred yards and two touchdowns from the most consistent tight end in football.
Bust Potential: Medium. Any one of the Colts receiving threats has the potential to put up those same stats.
21. Frank Gore
30 of 50
Is Brian Westbrook actually on the 49ers?
The Matchup: vs. the Philadelphia Eagles. Gore has been the only offensive weapon on the 49ers all season long.
How Much They'll Score: 23 points. Michael Crabtree sure isn't going to get in the end zone.
Bust Potential: Low. Gore is pretty consistent, and he doesn't split carries like most backs in the NFL.
20. Visanthe Shiancoe
31 of 50
Visanthe Shiancoe has the greatest name in football.
The Matchup: vs. the New York Jets. The matchup isn't exactly favorable, but Randy Moss will open up the middle of the field for Shiancoe.
How Much They'll Score: 24 points. Am I being a bit too optimistic with Shiancoe? Probably, but the guy has established himself as a top tight end.
Bust Potential: Reasonably high. The Jets defense has looked solid the last few weeks, and will get Darrelle Revis and Calvin Pace back this week.
19. Matt Ryan
32 of 50
Matty Ice needs a strong showing after a mediocre performance last week, and I think he'll get it.
The Matchup: vs. the Cleveland Browns. As you might expect, Cleveland is at the bottom of the league in pass defense.
How Much They'll Score: 25 points. Roddy White gets one, and Tony Gonzalez gets the other. Turner and Snelling take care of the rest.
Bust Potential: Medium. Cleveland and Atlanta both run the ball a lot, so he may not get many opportunities.
18. Ryan Torain
33 of 50
I know everybody who needed a running back jumped on Torain this week, but that doesn't guarantee he's going to go berserk on the field.
He might, though.
The Matchup: vs. the Green Bay Packers. Torain does have a favorable matchup against the Packers No. 24 rush defense.
How Much They'll Score: 24 points. No offense to Santana Moss, but the Redskins pass offense isn't scaring anyone. Torain will be the focal point of Washington's offense.
Bust Potential: Medium. The Redskins could fall behind, and McNabb will have to throw the team to victory.
17. Calvin Johnson
34 of 50
I still think Calvin Johnson got screwed at the end of the Bears game.
The Matchup: vs. the St. Louis Rams. Jahvid Best is fast, real fast. But the Lions still can't run the ball.
How Much They'll Score: 25 points. What's to stop Johnson from catching two touchdowns (as he did last week) and going over 100 yards?
Bust Potential: Low. Johnson is a stud, and Detroit is going to rely on its passing game no matter who plays quarterback.
16. Dustin Keller
35 of 50
Sanchez and Keller are the greatest combination in New York since Joe Namath and Suzy Kolber.
The Matchup: vs. the Minnesota Vikings. Tight ends will play a big role in the outcome of this game.
How Much They'll Score: 24 points. Keller has established himself as Sanchez' favorite target in the red zone.
Bust Potential: High. Santonio Holmes returns this week.
15. Maurice Jones-Drew
36 of 50
Jones-Drew plays the Bills this week. Isn't that a good enough reason?
The Matchup: vs. the Buffalo Bills. Jones-Drew gets to face a defense that has given up 34, 38, and 38 points in its last three games.
How Much They'll Score: 25 points. Josh Scobee was the hero last week, but it'll be MJD in Week 5.
Bust Potential: Low. The Bills have the worst rushing defense in the NFL.
14. Brandon Lloyd
37 of 50
I honestly had no idea who Brandon Lloyd played for at the beginning of the season.
The Matchup: vs. the Baltimore Ravens. This isn't necessarily a favorable matchup, but no one has slowed down Denver's passing offense all season.
How Much They'll Score: 25 points. Lloyd has been a yardage machine this season and is on pace for 1,800 yards receiving, but he has just one touchdown. I think he doubles his season total this week.
Bust Potential: Medium. Again, he hasn't found the end zone often.
13. Chris Johnson
38 of 50
Chris Johnson has had a relatively quiet season so far, which is exactly why Cowboys fans should be worried.
The Matchup: vs. the Dallas Cowboys. Tennessee will be the only team in this game that runs the football.
How Much They'll Score: 26 points. Remember when Johnson had three touchdown runs of 85 yards or longer last season? He'll get his first in Week 5.
Bust Potential: Medium. Vince Young and a mediocre passing offense will allow Dallas to key in on CJ.
12. Kyle Orton
39 of 50
I remember when this guy was the laughingstock of the quarterback position. Who's laughing now?
The Matchup: vs. the Baltimore Ravens. Not the greatest of matchups, but Orton has been unconscious this year.
How Much They'll Score: 26 points. My, my, how times have changed in Denver. Orton will throw for 300 yards and two touchdowns, but probably throw a pick or two.
Bust Potential: Medium. The game is in Baltimore, which is never an easy place to play.
11. Antonio Gates
40 of 50
How did Gates not play football in college? He's a fantasy football monster.
The Matchup: vs. the Oakland Raiders. Gates has found the end zone in every game this season.
How Much They'll Score: 27 points. Gates has scored two touchdowns and topped 100 yards twice in four games. That trend will continue against the Raiders.
Bust Potential: Low. He hasn't had a bad game all season.
10. LaDainian Tomlinson
41 of 50
I was absolutely infuriated this Sunday when I was watching the Jets game. Why? I played against LaDainian Tomlinson.
The Matchup: vs. the Minnesota Vikings. It'll be a game featuring LT and the only running back in the league who will threaten his career touchdown record, Adrian Peterson.
How Much They'll Score: 27 points. A stat line similar to last week's, perhaps?
Bust Potential: High. Shonn Greene cuts into his carries, and Santonio Holmes returns this week. I wouldn't be surprised if the Jets passed a bit more.
9. Philip Rivers
42 of 50
Will Rivers and the Chargers offense slow down anytime soon?
The Matchup: vs. the Oakland Raiders. A pretty good pass defense, and the toughest the Chargers have faced so far.
How Much They'll Score: 30 points. Rivers is basically a lock for at least two touchdowns, but I think he'll get three this week, plus 250 yards or so through the air.
Bust Potential: Low. Consistency is his middle name.
8. Adrian Peterson
43 of 50
All Day is the only reason Brett Favre hasn't quit yet.
The Matchup: vs. the New York Jets. If it wasn't for his opponent, Peterson would probably be in the top three of this list.
How Much They'll Score: 30 points. He's got nearly 400 yards rushing in just three games, and has found the end zone three times on the ground. Let's say he keeps up with that pace and adds a touchdown through the air.
Bust Potential: Medium. The Jets have one of the top run defenses in the league.
7. Aaron Rodgers
44 of 50
Have you seen Washington's pass defense play this year?
The Matchup: vs. the Washington Redskins. I'd be shocked if Rodgers doesn't put up at least 300 yards and three touchdowns in this game.
How Much They'll Score: 32 points. Rodgers will go off this week.
Bust Potential: Low. Not to beat a dead horse here, but Washington's pass defense is horrific.
6. Jermichael Finley
45 of 50
Damn, I have a lot of tight ends on this list, don't I?
The Matchup: vs. the Washington Redskins. See the last slide.
How Much They'll Score: 25 points. A lot of this depends on what Driver and Jennings do, but I think an Antonio Gates-like game is possible for Finley.
Bust Potential: High. Again, you never know who's going to score for the Packers.
5. Steven Jackson
46 of 50
This may be my riskiest pick on this list, but Jackson will have a huge day if he's healthy enough.
The Matchup: vs. the Detroit Lions. Sam Bradford will rely on Jackson to open up the team's passing game.
How Much They'll Score: 30 points. Kenneth Darby has scored in each of the last two games. That's not happening again.
Bust Potential: Very high. Jackson is not fully healthy.
4. Roddy White
47 of 50
Roddy White is another pick who I'm a little nervous about, but I'll take a shot.
The Matchup: vs. the Cleveland Browns. A good matchup for White, but the Falcons run the ball a lot.
How Much They'll Score: 28 points. I'm going out on a limb and saying that White goes off for 150 yards receiving and at least one touchdown.
Bust Potential: High. The run game and Tony Gonzalez will hurt his chances of having a breakout performance.
3. Drew Brees
48 of 50
The Super Bowl Champs have struggled mightily the last few weeks, but get a lucky break against Arizona this week.
The Matchup: vs. the Arizona Cardinals. Teams are scoring at will against the Cardinals, and the Saints should, too.
How Much They'll Score: 35 points. Three or four touchdowns and 300 yards certainly aren't out of the question.
Bust Potential: Low. I feel pretty good about this pick.
2. Peyton Manning
49 of 50
If I said Peyton Manning was having a better season in 2010 than he did during last year's MVP campaign, would you question it?
The Matchup: vs. the Kansas City Chiefs. I'd play a Colts receiver if you have any on your team.
How Much They'll Score: 37 points. Collie, Wayne, and Clark will all get their catches.
Bust Potential: Low. The Chiefs are not good against the pass.
1. Arian Foster
50 of 50
Arian Foster missed a quarter-and-a-half last week, but he still had 180 total yards and two touchdowns.
The Matchup: vs. the New York Giants. A very tough defense, but Foster is a man on a mission right now.
How Much They'll Score: 38 points. That's a heck of a lot of points against a good defense, but no one has been able to stop Foster yet.
Bust Potential: Medium. Even if he has a great game, my expectations are pretty damn high.
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