Fantasy Football Week 5: Soft Defenses for Your Stars To Exploit
Week 5 of the fantasy football season kicks off in just two days, which means it's time to talk defenses. No, not the dominant, steel curtain, gang green gang-type defenses; we're talking about the ones who are decidedly more cake like.
These are the softies, the teams vulnerable to either the passing game or the running game. They're the teams you love to see lining up across from you on Sunday afternoon, because you know your quarterback's going to have a big game, your wide receiver's going to go off, or your running back is going to eviscerate them.
Here are five pass defenses and five run defenses who are less than formidable, as well as the players who stand to benefit most from their ineptitude. We've explained why the defenses stink, and we're giving you a bonus list of other players on the roster who figure to have decent days as well.
Run Defense Killer No. 5: Jamaal Charles, RB, Kansas City Chiefs
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Why the Defense Is Soft
The Colts' run defense has been the subject of intense scrutiny since they allowed Texans' running back Arian Foster to gash them for 231 yards and three scores in Week 1. They give up more big plays than any other run defense in the NFL, and other than a Week 3 matchup with Denver's punchless run game, they have yet to allow fewer than 100 yards rushing in a game in 2010.
Why He'll Have a Big Game
I know, I know. Jamaal Charles isn't the starting running back anymore in Kansas City. But he's still hands down the most explosive back they've got, and against a defense who struggles to contain big play backs, he should be your first choice this week.
Who Else Benefits
Thomas Jones, the Chiefs' starting running back, should have a decent game as well.
Pass Defense Killer No. 5: Marques Colston, WR, New Orleans Saints
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Why The Defense is Soft
Arizona's secondary is one of the NFL's most porous, allowing two different teams to drop 41 points on them through four weeks. They have no pass rush, and are vulnerable just about everywhere on the field; over the top, across the middle, and on short yard plays.
Why He'll Have a Big Game
Ignore Colston's lack of production over the first month of the season; he's historically been terrible in September anyway. This matchup is too good to pass up; Arizona doesn't have a single person who can mark Marques all game long. Plus, the Saints offense has been dying to open it up and cut loose all year, and the Cardinals make the perfect patsy to do just that.
Who Else Benefits
Wideouts Devery Henderson and Lance Moore, tight end Jeremy Shockey, and quarterback Drew Brees.
Run Defense Killer No. 4: Arian Foster, RB, Houston Texans
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Why the Defense is Soft
The Giants defense is all kinds of beat up through four weeks of 2010. But even when they were healthy, New York's defense ranks 26th against the run, allowing both Tennessee and Indianapolis to run roughshod over them. They stymied the Panthers well in Week 1, but didn't have to defend the pass. They stepped up Matt Forte in Week 4, but everyone shuts him down. The fact is, this team is a sieve against good running backs.
Why He'll Have a Big Game
Through four weeks of the season, Foster has been a revelation. He has yet to run for fewer than 60 yards, and in three of four weeks, he's broken the 100 yard mark. With a receiving corps decimated by injury in 2010, expect the Texans to give New York a steady dose of Foster all game long.
Who Else Benefits
No one. Foster is pretty much an every-down back in Houston. Steve Slaton may get some run this week, but it's Arian's show.
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Pass Defense Killer No. 4: Dallas Clark, TE, Indianapolis Colts
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Why The Defense is Soft
The Chiefs rank 22nd against opposing tight ends in 2010. Their pass defense has been solid thus far, but they have yet to face a team with a passing attack that is anywhere near the caliber of Indianapolis' aerial assault. It should be interesting to see whether they have the manpower to keep up with the Colts' high-octane offense.
Why He'll Have a Big Game
Clark is one of the NFL's best tight ends. Teams know the ball is going to him, and they still can't stop him. The Chiefs were gashed by Antonio Gates in Week 1, don't be surprised to see it happen again in Week 5 against Clark.
Who Else Benefits
Wideouts Reggie Wayne and Austin Collie and quarterback Peyton Manning.
Run Defense Killer No. 3: Ryan Mathews, RB, San Diego Chargers
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Why The Defense is Soft
The Oakland Raiders' pass defense isn't terrible, but they are completely and totally incapable of stopping opponents' run game. They rank 28th in the NFL against running backs, and were absolutely blown up in Week 1 against Tennessee and Week 4 against Houston. They're prone to allowing big plays, and can't seem to get the penetration needed to put a cap on opponents' rushing attacks.
Why He'll Have a Big Game
Mathews is fully healthy and will be San Diego's starter this week. He's fast, strong, and holds onto the football. He's one of the most explosive young runners in the NFL, evidenced by his 55 yards and a touchdown on nine carries last week against Arizona. Now that he's healthy again, expect the Chargers to give him most of the carries.
Who Else Will Benefit
Possibly Mike Tolbert, Mathews' backup. Third-down back Darren Sproles should get some yards, as well.
Pass Defense Killer No. 3: Roddy White, WR, Atlanta Falcons
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Why The Defense is Soft
Cleveland's pass defense wasn't terrible through the first two weeks of the year. But then Baltimore and Cincinnati came to town, and put a stop to that, combining to throw for 633 yards and five touchdowns in two weeks. This secondary works well as a unit, but doesn't have someone to contain elite receivers.
Why He'll Have a Big Game
White is now an elite NFL pass catcher. He's fast, his hands have gotten reliable, and he's got good size and strength. The Browns don't have anyone to match up with him, just like they didn't have anyone who could contain T.O. last week, or Anquan Boldin the week before.
Who Else Will Benefit
Tight end Tony Gonzalez, and quarterback Matt Ryan.
Run Defense Killer No. 2: Frank Gore, RB, San Francisco 49ers
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Why The Defense is Soft
The Eagles defense, a formidable unit as recently as last year, has become downright terrible in 2010. While they struggle against the pass as well, they are incapable of stopping opponents' running backs, allowing an average of 23.3 points per game to them, good enough for 30th in the NFL.
Why He'll Have a Big Game
Gore has been sensational in 2010, running the ball with conviction and flashing his excellent receiving skills, as well. He's also the most reliable weapon in San Francisco's arsenal, given the team's inability to throw the ball with any semblance of consistency.
Who Else Will Benefit
Maybe backup Brian Westbrook, who sources say will play a bigger role in the offense this week.
Pass Defense Killer No. 2: Greg Jennings, WR, Green Bay Packers
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Why The Defense is Soft
The Redskins' pass defense has been one of the NFL's worst all season, ranked 26th through four weeks. They gave up 497 yards and three touchdowns to Houston in Week 2, and have been beaten rather consistently in 2010, due to their blitz-heavy defensive schemes.
Why He'll Have a Big Game
Jennings is the Packers' most talented receiver, and his blend of size, speed and hands mean he can get open even when defenses key on him. With Washington's inability to defend the passing game, expect a big day from Jennings.
Who Else Will Benefit
Wide receiver Donald Driver, tight end Jermichael Finley, and quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Run Defense Killer No. 1: Steven Jackson, RB, St. Louis Rams
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Why The Defense is Soft
The Detroit Lions' defense is miserable all around, but they're especially bad against the run, ranking dead last in the NFL against opposing running backs. When you let the Packers' awful running game gain 72 yards on you, and the Bears gain 79, you're not exactly an iron curtain.
Why He'll Have a Big Game
Jackson is one of the NFL's most talented runners, and he's poised for a breakout game in Week 5. Sure, his groin is hurting him this week, but against this defense, even 80 percent of Jackson is going to be enough to have a monster game.
Who Else Will Benefit
Nobody. The Rams will feed Jackson the football all game long, and won't let up unless the score gets out of hand, which is unlikely.
Pass Defense Killer No. 1: Anquan Boldin, WR, Baltimore Ravens
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Why The Defense is Soft
The Broncos' injury depleted secondary ranks 30th against opposing quarterbacks and 29th against opposing wide receivers. Other than shut down corner Champ Bailey, there is nothing even remotely frightening in Denver's defense. They can't stop teams from throwing on them.
Why He'll Have a Big Game
Boldin has been marked by some of the NFL's best corners in 2010, but he's managed to put up numbers against them. Even if Bailey marks him on every single down in this game, expect Boldin to put up excellent numbers.
Who Else Will Benefit
Wide receivers Derrick Mason and T.J. Houshmandzadeh, tight end Todd Heap, quarterback Joe Flacco.
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