Fantasy Football Week 8: Power Ranking the Top 50 Point Magnets
Fantasy Football Week 8 is here, and it's time to look at the top 50 point magnets as we get ready to head into the weekend.
Are you ready for Troy Smith and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers D/ST to start earning you points? Does anyone even have the Bucs' defense?
This the place for projections of every kind regarding points, and here are my projections for the top 50 fantasy football performances of Week 6.
The Writer assumes no responsibility if these picks don't pan out, but will take full credit for all those that do.
Keep in mind 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.
50. Troy Smith
1 of 50
Ohio State Buckeye fans, rejoice! Your main man is about to get his first NFL start.
The Matchup: vs. the Denver Broncos.
It's not an exaggeration to say at this point that literally ANYTHING could happen Sunday.
How Much They'll Score: Probably only around 13 points.
The Niners' offense isn't that great to begin with, and Frank Gore may end up getting a lot of carries.
Bust Potential: Medium.
While this is Smith's first start, Denver gave up air yardage to Jason Campbell last week.
49. Tampa Bay Buccaneers D/ST
2 of 50
The Tampa Defense? Are you serious?
Yes, very serious.
The Matchup: vs. the Arizona Cardinals.
The same Cardinals who don't have a quarterback and have rendered one of the best receivers in the game toothless by their own hand.
How Much They'll Score: 15.
The Cardinals are probably going to commit some turnovers, especially if Derek Anderson plays, and the offense just isn't that good this year.
Bust Potential: Low.
The Cardinals have too many problems behind center right now, and it's going to take more than a week or two to fix them.
48. Deion Branch
3 of 50
The New England Patriots offense has to come to life at some point, and Deion Branch is one of the guys who will get catches.
The Matchup: vs. the Minnesota Vikings.
The pass defense is decent.
How Much They'll Score: 10 points.
If Tom Brady does get some passing going, Branch could get a touchdown, or just have a good day in the air.
Bust Potential: Hiqh.
Tom Brady's numbers are way down the past few weeks.
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47. Rashard Mendenhall
4 of 50
The Steelers were criticized for abandoning the running game in 2009.
Those critics may be happy Sunday night.
The Matchup: vs. the New Orleans Saints.
As interesting a matchup as there is this weekend.
How Much They'll Score: Around 13 points.
The Saints' run defense isn't as good as its pass defense, so Mendenhall can get some yards.
Bust Potential: Moderately High.
Ben Roethlisberger sometimes just takes over games.
46. Donovan McNabb
5 of 50
Donovan McNabb still can play.
He just hasn't liked demonstrating that to the fans the last few weeks, especially versus Chicago. Yikes!
The Matchup: vs. the Detroit Lions.
If McNabb can't do well against the Lions, the Redskins fans may start sounding like Eagles fans.
How Much They'll Score: Around 20 points.
McNabb should have over 150 yards passing and one or two touchdowns.
Bust Potential: High.
McNabb couldn't move the ball last week despite having five turnovers to work with.
45. Darrius Heyward-Bey
6 of 50
While Al Davis may be controlling the team from beyond the grave, the Raiders offense certainly came to life last week in Denver.
The Matchup: vs. the Seattle Seahawks.
This could be another good week for Oakland.
How Much They'll Score: Around 16 points.
The Seattle pass defense is awful, ranked 29th in the league, while their rush defense is ranked second, meaning Heyward-Bey should get opportunities this week.
Bust Potential: Medium.
There's no telling how much the Raiders are going to throw if Darren McFadden gets hot again.
44. Marques Colston
7 of 50
Marques Colston and the rest of the Saints organization would like to take this time to ask you to forget last week.
The Matchup: vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Who Have Troy Polamalu. And a net gun. (OK, kidding about the net gun, but wouldn't that be AWESOME?)
How Much They'll Score: 14 points.
Brees will find Colston this week despite the Steelers defense.
Bust Potential: Low.
Most teams abandon the run against the Steelers, and Colston gets yards by default.
43. Maurice Jones-Drew
8 of 50
Maurice Jones-Drew is one of the few who doesn't care about Tony Romo's injury because Jon Kitna won't be out there trying to tackle him.
The Matchup: vs. the Dallas Cowboys.
This will be interesting because the Dallas defense hasn't exactly been great, but they've been decent against the run.
How Much They'll Score: Around 20 points.
The Jaguars don't have many offensive weapons, so it'll be up to MJD to wear down the Dallas defense.
Bust Potential: Medium.
If Dallas succeeds in neutralizing MJD early, the Jags may just give up and go to the air.
42. Frank Gore
9 of 50
Frank Gore is about the only proven offensive weapon the 49ers have at the moment.
The Matchup: vs. the Denver Broncos.
The Broncos allowed Darren McFadden to run all over them last week.
How Much They'll Score: 14 points.
While it's unlikely Denver will give up huge days two weeks in a row, Gore is going to get yards.
Bust Potential: Low.
It's doubtful Mike Singletary decides to put the whole game on Troy Smith.
41. Wes Welker
10 of 50
What I said about the Patriots earlier still applies.
The Matchup: vs. the Minnesota Vikings.
Welker will get the ball; it's inevitable.
How Much They'll Score: 16 points.
If Tom Brady has a good day, so will Welker.
Bust Potential: Moderately High.
Brady has shown this year he'll have bad days.
40. Tom Brady
11 of 50
Tom Brady this low? Yes.
Brady's stats last week: 19-32, 159 yards, one touchdown. Brady's stats in Week 4: 19-24, 153 yards and one touchdown.
Yes, he's this low now.
The Matchup: vs. the Minnesota Vikings.
Brady can have a better day, but fantasy fans have reason to be gunshy.
How Much They'll Score: 18 points.
It's unlikely Brady will do any worse than last week.
Bust Potential: Low.
You have to believe Brady is going to throw for 300 yards and three touchdowns at some point.
39. Josh Freeman
12 of 50
Josh Freeman rallied his team for a fourth-quarter win last week. Bucs fans (and fantasy owners) were happy to see that.
The Matchup: vs. the Arizona Cardinals.
The Cardinals just aren't a very good team right now.
How Much They'll Score: 20 points.
Freeman is getting more confident, and the Cardinals just have too many issues right now.
Bust Potential: Low.
The Cardinals have allowed some big scoring this season.
38. The Pittsburgh Steelers D/ST
13 of 50
The Steelers defense always is a good defense to have.
The Matchup: vs. the New Orleans Saints.
And remember, Troy has that net gun.
How Much They'll Score: 18 points.
The Steelers are going to force turnovers. It's just going to happen.
Bust Potential: Medium.
The Saints are angry after last week, and might end up stunning one of the best in the league right now.
37. Hines Ward
14 of 50
Hines Ward has Ben Roethlisberger as his quarterback. Not much else to say here.
The Matchup: vs. the New Orleans Saints.
The Saints' pass defense is ranked third in the league, so Ward will have his work cut out for him.
How Much They'll Score: 15 points.
Ward will find a way to be open; it's what he does
Bust Potential: Low.
Roethlisberger extends plays, and Ward gets open, end of story.
36. Braylon Edwards
15 of 50
Braylon Edwards has had a surprisingly good year.
Surprising because, well, it's Braylon Edwards.
The Matchup: vs. the Green Bay Packers.
Their defense isn't a pushover.
How Much They'll Score: 12 points.
Braylon has shown better ball awareness this season.
Bust Potential: High.
Braylon Edwards drops balls. That's his reputation, and it's well-earned.
35. Santonio Holmes
16 of 50
Santonio Holmes has better hands than Braylon Edwards, so he gets the edge in the rankings.
The Matchup: vs. the Green Bay Packers.
Charles Woodson probably will get the matchup with Holmes, so it's going to be interesting to see who comes out on top.
How Much They'll Score: 18 points.
Holmes can get two touchdown grabs and serious yardage.
Bust Potential: Medium.
Mark Sanchez will ride the hot receiver if he isn't being pressured by Clay Matthews.
34. Matt Hasselbeck
17 of 50
Except for the Denver game, Matt Hasselbeck hasn't been awful. So there's that.
The Matchup: vs. the Oakland Raiders.
Hasselbeck didn't do much last week versus the Cardinals, and now he's facing a rejuvenated Oakland team coming off of a big win.
How Much They'll Score: 14 points.
Hasselbeck will play his usual game.
Bust Potential: Low.
There's nothing in the matchup to suggest the points will swing one way or the other.
33. Visanthe Shiancoe
18 of 50
Visanthe Shiancoe finds ways to get open and get the ball; that's why he's here.
The Matchup: vs. the New York Jets.
No matter who's behind center, Shiancoe is a great checkdown option if Revis is covering someone else.
How Much They'll Score: 13 points.
Shiancoe won't disappoint.
Bust Potential: Low.
The Jets will be concentrating on shutting down Randy Moss and Percy Harvin.
32. Randy Moss
19 of 50
Randy Moss is the Vikings' prime receiver already, especially if Brett Favre is behind center.
The Matchup: vs. the New York Jets.
Expect to see Darrelle Revis all over Moss.
How Much They'll Score: 14 points.
There may be plays where Revis is looking at Percy Harvin, and then there's the fact Moss is just good at getting open.
Bust Potential: Moderate.
If Revis does his job, Randy won't have a very good day.
31. Ryan Torain
20 of 50
Ryan Torain has been one of the few bright spots on the Redskins' offense this year.
The Matchup: vs. the Detroit Lions.
Torain has the potential for a 100-yard day against this defense.
How Much They'll Score: 17 points.
If Torain is able to bust loose, this point total will be a given.
Bust Potential: Medium.
Ndamukong Suh might introduce himself to Torain as he goes through the line.
30. Knowshon Moreno
21 of 50
Knowshon Moreno has been battling injuries, but he now faces the San Francsico run defense.
The Matchup: vs. the San Francisco 49ers.
The 49ers' run defense ranks 14th in the league, so Moreno should be able to get points.
How Much They'll Score: 19 points.
Moreno is due, and the 49ers are the team he can regain his form against.
Bust Potential: High.
Moreno is battling injuries and hasn't had a touchdown since he came back.
29. Dez Bryant
22 of 50
The Dallas Cowboys may have a new quarterback, but that doesn't mean they're going to do something like run the ball.
The Matchup: vs. the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Dez Bryant will have his number called early and often.
How Much They'll Score: 20 points.
Bryant can get open against the Jaguars, and Kitna isn't a rookie.
Bust Potential: Low.
The Jaguars have no pass defense.
28. Percy Harvin
23 of 50
Percy Harvin finds ways to get open.
Just ask Brad Childress, because Brett Favre certainly didn't notice last week.
The Matchup: vs. the New York Jets.
It's a toss up on who Darrelle Revis covers, but my guess in he'll get Moss, leaving Harvin open again.
How Much They'll Score: 16 points.
Harvin can have a big day since Childress will make sure the quarterback looks for him this week.
Bust Potential: High.
If Revis covers Harvin, he could have a very bad day.
27. Mark Sanchez
24 of 50
One day, Mark Sanchez will be higher this list. That day is not today.
The Matchup: vs. the Minnesota Vikings.
The Vikings pass defense isn't bad, but Sanchez is due for a breakout game.
How Much They'll Score: 22 points.
Sanchez can get 200 yards and two touchdowns.
Bust Potential: Medium.
LaDainian Tomlinson could take over the game, and Sanchez might have low numbers.
26. Reggie Wayne
25 of 50
Are there any other people for Peyton Manning to throw to?
The Matchup: vs. the Houston Texans.
Wayne is going to be No. 1 on the Texans' "To Stop" list.
How Much They'll Score: 20 points.
With Austin Collie and Dallas Clark out, Wayne is Manning's only real target
Bust Potential: Moderately High.
The Texans may just shut Wayne down, forcing the ball elsewhere.
25. Sam Bradford
26 of 50
Sam Bradford will become a fixture high on this list before too much longer.
The Matchup: vs. the Carolina Panathers.
The Panthers don't do much well this year, so Bradford should have a good day.
How Much They'll Score: 22 points.
Bradford has showed he can find the holes in coverage.
Bust Potential: Medium.
The Panthers have the fourth-ranked pass defense.
24. Brandon Marshall
27 of 50
Brandon Marshall is NOT facing the Pittsburgh defense this week.
The Matchup: vs. the Cincinnati Bengals.
The Bengals gave up a lot of yards last week to Matt Ryan and Roddy White.
How Much They'll Score: 28 points.
The Bengals can't fix problems like Roddy White in one week.
Bust Potential: Moderate.
If the Bengals decide they're not going to let Marshall beat them, they can shut him down.
23. Matthew Stafford
28 of 50
Matthew Stafford returns. Everyone can calm down now.
The Matchup: vs. the Washington Redskins.
The Redskins had avery aggresive defense last week, but the Bears left their offensive line in the locker room.
How Much They'll Score: 19 points.
Stafford won't have a career day, but he'll still have a good one..
Bust Potential: Low.
The Redskins are ranked 31st in pass defense.
22. Steven Jackson
29 of 50
Steven Jackson rested because of surgery on his ring finger, but his legs should be good to go.
The Matchup: vs. the Washington Redskins.
Their defense is soft.
How Much They'll Score: 18 points.
Jackson can get around 100 yards and at least one touchdown.
Bust Potential: High.
If the finger doesn't heal well this week, he may not be able to hold the ball and be inactive.
21. LaDainian Tomlinson
30 of 50
L.T. will continue to make the Chargers regret not keeping him.
The Matchup: vs. the Minnesota Vikings.
They have a good rush defense, but Tomlinson has overcome those before.
How Much They'll Score: 20 points.
As long as the Jets can get into the red zone, Tomlinson can punch it in.
Bust Potential: Medium.
The Vikings aren't just going to roll over for Tomlinson.
20. Kyle Orton
31 of 50
Kyle Orton had a bad week against Oakland, but Denver fans really aren't blaming Orton for last week's loss.
The Matchup: vs. the San Francisco 49ers.
Orton can get back on track against the Niners, who continue to find new ways to lose.
How Much They'll Score: 24 points.
Orton won't throw less than 200 yards, and should have at least two touchdowns.
Bust Potential: Low.
The Bengals' defense gave up 201 yards and three touchdowns to Matt Ryan and Roddy White last week. You don't fix that in a day.
19. Ryan Fitzpatrick
32 of 50
Raise your hand if you thought Ryan Fitzpatrick would put up some good fantasy numbers this year.
Put your hand down, Mrs. Fitzpatrick.
The Matchup: vs. the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Chiefs have had quite the turnaround this season, but Buffalo puts up points against teams they have no business scoring against.
How Much They'll Score: 24 points.
If Fitzpatrick can score against New England and Baltimore, he can score against Kansas City.
Bust Potential: Low.
While the Bills may still lose, there's no reason to think after multiple examples that the Bills can't put points on the board.
18. Chad Henne
33 of 50
Chad Henne will have a much easier week without having to worry about the Steelers defense.
The Matchup: vs. the Cincinnati Bengals.
Henne should have a much better day, that's about as simple as it gets.
How Much They'll Score: 22 points.
Henne can score on the Bengals' defense.
Bust Potential: Low.
The Bengals' pass defense can't stop Henne for four quarters.
17. Thomas Jones
34 of 50
Thomas Jones has been running through a lot of things this year, making his fantasy owners happy.
The Matchup: vs. the Buffalo Bills.
The Bills rank dead last in defending the rush.
How Much They'll Score: 24 points.
Thomas Jones is going to run all over the field.
Bust Potential: Low.
There's nothing here to suggest the Bills will be able to stop him. Only Jamaal Charles can do that.
16. Calvin Johnson
35 of 50
Calvin Johnson has lived up to every bit of hype thrown his way when he was drafted.
The Matchup: vs. the Washington Redskins.
Who aren't very good against the pass.
How Much They'll Score: 22 points.
Johnson is going to have a lot of highlights after this game.
Bust Potential: Low.
Johnson is as good as advertised, and the Redskins have too many flaws in their coverage right now.
15. Aaron Rodgers
36 of 50
Aaron Rodgers goes about his business relatively quietly, and that's saying something in the NFL.
The Matchup: vs. the New York Jets.
Darrelle Revis makes any kind of aerial attack dangerous, but the Packers do have a good team.
How Much They'll Score: 22 points.
Rodgers has been successful against good defenses in the past.
Bust Potential: High.
Revis Island may land on Rodgers's receivers.
14. Matt Cassel
37 of 50
Matt Cassel still hasn't lived up to his year in New England, but the talent around him is getting better.
The Matchup: vs. the Buffalo Bills.
This should be a good opportunity for Cassel to get some fantasy stats...SHOULD be.
How Much They'll Score: 24 points.
Cassel and the Chiefs should be able to pick apart Buffalo's defense.
Bust Potential: Moderately High.
If Thomas Jones and Jamaal Charles get going, there's no reason to go to the air.
13. Matt Moore
38 of 50
Matt Moore this high? Yes, when it comes to fantasy numbers, sometimes anything is possible.
The Matchup: vs. the St. Louis Rams.
Let's be real. The Rams are much improved over last year, but they're not an elite team yet.
How Much They'll Score: 24 points.
Not saying the Panthers will win, but the offense can move and score.
Bust Potential: High.
This is the Panthers we're talking about.
12. Andre Johnson
39 of 50
The Texans have had their way with the Colts once this year, and Andre Johnson is just one of those reasons.
The Matchup: vs. the Indianapolis Colts.
This is a divisional battle where past stats don't mean much. Both of these teams want to win.
How Much They'll Score: 22 points.
Johnson is a tough receiver to stop because he is so good.
Bust Potential: Moderate.
The Colts don't want to go 0-3 in the division, and could double-team Johnson.
11. Drew Brees
40 of 50
Drew Brees and the Saints are angry after last week's humiliation versus the Browns.
The Matchup: vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Steelers have a deceptively low-ranked pass defense. It's much better than their stats indicate.
How Much They'll Score: 25 points.
Brees will be a man on a mission, and the Steelers are in his way.
Bust Potential: Very High.
This is the Pittsburgh Steelers' defense we're talking about.
10. Arian Foster
41 of 50
Arian Foster is the breakout running back of the season so far.
The Matchup: vs. the Indianapolis Colts.
Foster had 231 yards and three touchdowns against the Colts in Week 1, so any stat you want to throw out doesn't mean anything to Foster.
How Much They'll Score: 28 points.
While Foster may not get 231 yards again, the Colts are more banged up now than they were in Week 1.
Bust Potential: Medium.
The Colts' defensive scheme may focus on stopping Foster at the expense of everything else.
9. Adrian Peterson
42 of 50
Adrian Peterson is one of the biggest offensive threats in the NFL today.
The Matchup: vs. the New York Jets.
Their rush defense is ranked seventh in the league, so they're ready for a guy like Peterson.
How Much They'll Score: 24 points.
"All Day" may end up being the Vikings best weapon if Favre is hobbled out there or Tarvaris Jackson just isn't ready to go.
Bust Potential: Medium.
Peterson is as good as he is because he finds holes in good defenses.
8. Peyton Manning
43 of 50
Peyton Manning is still one of the best; that's why he's in the Top 10.
The Matchup: vs. the Houston Texans.
The Colts lost to the Texans in Week one and Manning will do everything he can to make sure that doesn't happen again.
How Much They'll Score: 32 points.
You don't predict Manning getting shut down except against Bill Belichick.
Bust Potential: Low.
Manning is going to have a good day.
7. Ben Roethlisberger
44 of 50
Ben Roethlisberger is back up to full speed, and that's bad news for any team he faces.
The Matchup: vs. the New Orleans Saints.
The Saints have a great pass defense. The Steelers won't care.
How Much They'll Score: 28 points.
Roethlisberger extends plays like few in the league ever have.
Bust Potential: Moderate.
The Saints are ranked third in the league with their pass defense, so it may come down to a ground battle.
6. Darren McFadden
45 of 50
Darren McFadden had the kind of week in Denver running backs only dream about, but rarely experience.
The Matchup: vs. the Seattle Seahawks, who have a great run defense.
How Much They'll Score: 24 points.
McFadden will be running a lot this week, and the Seahawks defense can't stop him every play.
Bust Potential: Moderately High.
The Seahawks are ranked second against the run.
5. Chris Johnson
46 of 50
Chris Johnson wanted more than 2,000 yards this season, but recently revised that to more than 1,500. He still can get that.
The Matchup: vs. the Seattle Seahawks.
This is going to be a tough game for Johnson, but once again I am making a bold prediction.
How Much They'll Score: 22 points.
Johnson is due to have a good day against a good defense. That's what makes guys like Johnson special.
Bust Potential: High.
The Seahawks are very good at shutting down the run this year.
4. Philip Rivers
47 of 50
The Chargers are an enigma.
One of the best offenses' in the league, yet very little to show for it.
The Matchup: vs. the Tennessee Titans.
Not an easy game, but there's no reason to think the Chargers won't put up a lot of points. It's what they do.
How Much They'll Score: 28 points.
Philip Rivers will have his usual day, but that's not much comfort to a Chargers fan.
Bust Potential: Moderate.
The Tennessee pass defense isn't very good, but the Titans still are one of the best teams in the league right now.
3. Matt Schaub
48 of 50
The Texans beat the Colts once. Matt Schaub wants to do it again.
The Matchup: vs. the Indianapolis Colts.
If Schaub isn't shredding the Colts with Andre Johnson, he'll be handing the ball off or dumping it to Arian Foster.
How Much They'll Score: 30 points.
This game is going to be a fantasy owner's fantasy. A lot of points are going to be put up on the board on both sides of the ball.
Bust Potential: Medium.
The Colts could surprise everybody and shut the Texans down.
2. Kerry Collins
49 of 50
Kerry Collins proves the theory that good coaching and good talent result in good things.
The Matchup: vs. the San Diego Chargers.
The Chargers somehow are ranked high in most defensive categories, which proves absolutely nothing when you look at their record.
How Much They'll Score: 30 points.
Kerry Collins went out and passed up a storm, hooking up with Kenny Britt three times. He's most likely to start again this week.
Bust Potential: Moderately High.
Vince Young could come back, or the Chargers live up to their stats and shut the Titans' passing game down.
1. Jon Kitna
50 of 50
Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus.
The Matchup: vs. the Jacksonville Jaguars.
If you don't think the Cowboys aren't going to come out passing, you're not paying attention to the Cowboys this season.
How Much They'll Score: 32 points.
It may be Jon Kitna, but the Cowboys still will have around 300 yards in the air and about three receiving touchdowns.
Bust Potential: Low.
The Jaguars' defense is atrocious.
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