Fantasy Football Week 9: Power Ranking the Top 50 Point Magnets
Fantasy Football Week 9 is here, and it's time to look at the top 50 point magnets as we get ready to head into the weekend.
The Arizona-Minnesota game has a lot of potential for points on both sides of the ball, so take a close look at this week's matchups.
This the place for projections of every kind regarding points, and here are my projections for the top 50 fantasy football performances of Week 9.
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. Deion Branch
1 of 49
Without Randy Moss (unless that changes), who is Tom Brady going to throw to other than Wes Welker?
The Matchup: vs. the Cleveland Browns. The Browns secondary isn't very good, expect points.
How Much They'll Score: 12 points. The Patriots will get some air time on Sunday.
Bust Potential: Medium. The Browns shut down Drew Brees two weeks ago.
49. Malcom Floyd
2 of 49
Malcom Floyd still plays for the Chargers, who have an offense that doesn't stop. Mark it up.
The Matchup: vs. the Houston Texans. The Texans have the worst-rated pass defense in the league.
How Much They'll Score: 15 points. If the pass isn't going to Gates, it's going to Floyd, but Gates will get the touchdowns.
Bust Potential: Low. Philip Rivers will be having a very good day.
48. Miles Austin
3 of 49
Even though Jon Kitna is the quarterback, the Cowboys have no running game.
The Matchup: vs. the Green Bay Packers. The Packers are dinged up, but they did just shut out the Jets.
How Much They'll Score: 12 points. There's probably a touchdown in there somewhere.
Bust Potential: High. No one seemed to be able get on the right page last week, so Dallas fans are hoping another week of practice fixed those problems.
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47. Ray Rice
4 of 49
Ray Rice is the Ravens' workhorse running back, just don't expect him to get in the end zone too much.
The Matchup: vs. the Miami Dolphins. It's an away game for Miami, which means the Dolphins play better.
How Much They'll Score: 11 points. The Dolphins have a pretty good run defense, and Willis McGahee tends to take all the touchdowns.
Bust Potential: At this level, low. Rice isn't going to do any worse than this, and may run for 200 yards and two touchdowns.
46. Marques Colston
5 of 49
Colston is becoming a bigger factor in the Saints' improving offense.
The Matchup: vs. the Carolina Panthers. This will be a good game for the Saints to work out the problems of the first half of the season.
How Much They'll Score: 15 points. Colston is going to get at least one touchdown grab.
Bust Potential: Moderate. The Saints have had rough games against bad teams this season.
45. Rashard Mendenhall
6 of 49
The Steelers still don't focus enough on the run, but they can change that on Monday night.
The Matchup: vs. the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals are in free fall and their run defense is terrible.
How Much They'll Score: 14 points. This is where Mendenhall can get some quality carries.
Bust Potential: Moderately high. The Steelers tend to pass more and rely on Ben Roethlisberger to move the offense.
44. Santonio Holmes
7 of 49
With the Jets offensive troubles, it's amazing any Jets offensive player is on this list.
The Matchup: vs. the Detroit Lions. It's an easier secondary than Green Bay's.
How Much They'll Score: Around 13 points. Holmes becomes the best receiver on the field and will get most of the passes.
Bust Potential: Moderate. The Lions are surprising everybody, and Mark Sanchez has had a lot of problems with accuracy.
43. Darrius Heyward-Bey
8 of 49
The Raiders offense is looking more legit, and Darrius Heyward-Bey is becoming one of the weapons on that offense.
The Matchup: vs. the Kansas City Chiefs. This will be a tougher game than Seattle or Denver was.
How Much They'll Score: Around 14 points. The Chiefs defense still is weak through the air.
Bust Potential: Medium. There are still too many unknowns with the Raiders offense.
42. Pittsburgh Steelers D/ST
9 of 49
The Pittsburgh Steelers D/ST always is a good option, but this week they get to face Carson Palmer. I smell blood in the water.
The Matchup: vs. the Cincinnati Bengals. Carson Palmer and his high-powered wide receivers are looking more and more like fresh meat for the Steelers defense.
How Much They'll Score: 20 points. The Steelers will pick off Palmer at least twice, if not three times, and I just don't see them giving up a lot of yards.
Bust Potential: Moderate. Teams can get yards against the Steelers in the fourth quarter, which then skews all the stats and predictions.
41. Peyton Hillis
10 of 49
The Browns have found a bruising running back who makes defenders pay for trying to tackle him.
The Matchup: vs. the New England Patriots. While the Patriots will be keyed in on trying to stop him, Hillis is big and bad enough to just run over anybody who gets in his way.
How Much They'll Score: 18 points. Hillis is the Browns tank, and they will unleash him.
Bust Potential: Moderate. Even if the Browns manage to pull an upset, Bill Belichick may make sure it isn't because of Hillis.
40. Brandon Marshall
11 of 49
Brandon Marshall is the Dolphins top receiver, and he'll be a vital component in the Miami offense.
The Matchup: vs. the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens have shown vulnerability this year, but the defense still is great.
How Much They'll Score: 16 points. Marshall is going to have a decent day.
Bust Potential: Medium. The Ravens could completely shut down the passing game, but that's not as likely as it was a year ago.
39. Wes Welker
12 of 49
Wes Welker is not having the kind of season he is used to having. That's why he probably will come up big this week.
The Matchup: vs. the Cleveland Browns. The Browns secondary tends to get torched by other teams' prime receivers.
How Much They'll Score: 18 points. Even if the Browns put a lot of pressure on Tom Brady, they leave their corners exposed, and that's good news for Wes Welker.
Bust Potential: Moderate. As with Branch, the Browns UFO defense they ran against New Orleans may come up big again.
38. Visanthe Shiancoe
13 of 49
Randy Moss is gone, Percy Harvin is hobbled—who else are the Vikings going to throw to?
The Matchup: vs. the Arizona Cardinals. If there's any team the Vikings need to see right now, it's the Cardinals, who have just as many questions as the Vikings do.
How Much They'll Score: 15 points. Shiancoe is going to end up getting most of the passes.
Bust Potential: Moderate. If Shiancoe ends up being the only guy who can catch the ball, the Cardinals might just double-team him all day and shut him down.
37. Percy Harvin
14 of 49
If Harvin were healthy, he'd be much higher on this list.
The Matchup: vs. the Arizona Cardinals. Harvin ordinarily could have a great day against the Cardinals.
How Much They'll Score: 15 points. Harvin played through his injury last week and still had more than 100 receiving yards.
Bust Potential: High. We won't know how bad his ankle is until game time.
36. Matt Hasselbeck
15 of 49
Matt Hasselbeck hasn't been great this year, and he looked terrible last week, but he's good enough to bring some points in if your normal starter is sitting this week.
The Matchup: vs. the New York Giants. The Raiders defense surprised everyone last week, but the strength of the Giants defense should surprise nobody. Hasselbeck should be a little more prepared this week.
How Much They'll Score: 18 points. Hasselbeck will put yards up and should have at least one touchdown.
Bust Potential: High. The Giants defense could come in and destroy everything.
35. Jamaal Charles
16 of 49
Jamaal Charles is going to run. The question is how much, and will he lose carries to Thomas Jones?
The Matchup: vs. the Oakland Raiders. The Raiders defense isn't as good against the run as it was against Matt Hasselbeck.
How Much They'll Score: 14 points. This assumes Charles gets most of the carries and at least one touchdown.
Bust Potential: Moderately high. Jones may end up having the big day.
34. Thomas Jones
17 of 49
Thomas Jones is going to run...Yes, I'm repeating myself.
The Matchup: vs. the Oakland Raiders. Second verse, same as the first.
How Much They'll Score: 16 points. Jones is the No. 1 running back, so we can assume he will get most of the carries.
Bust Potential: Moderately high. If Jamaal Charles has a big day, Jones' numbers will suffer.
33. Mark Sanchez
18 of 49
Mark Sanchez has issues, but he's the starting quarterback for the Jets, so points are assumed. That worked real well last week.
The Matchup: vs. the Detroit Lions. Expect more production out of Sanchez this week no matter what.
How Much They'll Score: 18 points. We're not expecting miracles, but we are expecting at least one touchdown.
Bust Potential: Moderately high. Sanchez hasn't been a fantasy favorite.
32. Hines Ward
19 of 49
Hines Ward will catch passes. This is a given.
The Matchup: vs. the Cincinnati Bengals. If Hines Ward doesn't get some traction out of this game, I'd be surprised.
How Much They'll Score: 14 points. If Ward doesn't get at least 100 yards and one touchdown on the day, I'd be very surprised.
Bust Potential: Low. The Bengals have issues.
31. Matt Forte
20 of 49
With all the problems the Bears offense has had, Matt Forte could be an alternative.
The Matchup: vs. the Buffalo Bills. This is a good week to let the running game take over and give Jay Cutler a break.
How Much They'll Score: 16 points. Cutler is having problems with the offense, according to some reports, so turning to Forte could be the answer.
Bust Potential: Low. It's difficult to see Forte having a bad day here.
30. Dez Bryant
21 of 49
With his team having no running game, and an additional week to work with Kitna, Bryant should put up good numbers this week.
The Matchup: vs. the Green Bay Packers. Bryant should be able to get open, but it's not going to be an easy game.
How Much They'll Score: 18 points. Bryant will get the ball and the offense should look a little better this week.
Bust Potential: High. The Packers have a much better pass defense than the Jaguars.
29. Reggie Wayne
22 of 49
Wayne had a touchdown in last week's matchup, and he'll probably keep that streak going.
The Matchup: vs. the Philadelphia Eagles. Wayne and Manning will have their work cut out for them.
How Much They'll Score: 18 points. Wayne should still be the primary target Sunday.
Bust Potential: Moderately high. Manning will go to the open receiver, and if Wayne isn't open, there go the points.
28. Joe Flacco
23 of 49
Joe Flacco gets a good test this weekend versus Miami.
The Matchup: vs. the Miami Dolphins. Flacco gets to against a pretty good defense.
How Much They'll Score: 20 points. Flacco is still improving, and with Anquan Boldin, he can be successful.
Bust Potential: Moderate. Miami has the 12th-ranked pass defense in the league.
27. Michael Turner
24 of 49
Michael Turner is a running back to be feared. Just ask anyone he's run over.
The Matchup: vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs have the 30th-ranked rush defense. That's good news for Turner.
How Much They'll Score: 20 points. Turner has 100-yard, two-touchdown capability in this game.
Bust Potential: Low. The Falcons will do their best to exploit the Bucs weak rushing defense.
26. Andre Johnson
25 of 49
The Texans have had a great season with Andre Johnson and they're hoping it continues in San Diego.
The Matchup: vs. the San Diego Chargers. The Chargers are tough to pass against, even though their record doesn't reflect that.
How Much They'll Score: 20 points. Johnson is good enough to get his work in and get two touchdowns.
Bust Potential: Moderate. The Chargers may be on the road to success after last week's win.
25. Tom Brady
26 of 49
Tom Brady moves higher on this list after showing signs of revival last week.
The Matchup: vs. the Cleveland Browns. Facing one of the worst secondaries in the league also raises Brady on this list.
How Much They'll Score: 26 points. Brady can pick the defense apart and make Browns cornerback Eric Wright look outclassed again.
Bust Potential: Moderate. Defensive coordinator Rob Ryan is good at pulling upsets on former Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks.
24. Matt Ryan
27 of 49
Matt Ryan has a lot going for him—Roddy White being one of those things.
The Matchup: vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Ryan will hold his own against the Bucs.
How Much They'll Score: 24 points. White is still catching passes.
Bust Potential: Moderate. If the running game takes off, Ryan may not have much cause to go to the air.
23. Anquan Boldin
28 of 49
Anquan Boldin plays like a man possessed. Not sure if being possessed is against league policy.
The Matchup: vs. the Miami Dolphins. Boldin is as solid a receiver as you're going to find, he'll get catches on Sunday.
How Much They'll Score: 21 points. Anquan Boldin is a stud, I've said this before.
Bust Potential: Moderate. Miami can keep Boldin from getting the deep ball, but they won't shut him down.
22. Calvin Johnson
29 of 49
Calvin Johnson is just one piece in the future of the Detroit Lions.
The Matchup: vs. the New York Jets. Johnson is not afraid of Darrelle Revis.
How Much They'll Score: 20 points. Johnson will get the ball, and Revis will be working hard on Sunday.
Bust Potential: Moderate. I could be completely wrong if Revis does indeed shut Johnson down.
21. Arian Foster
30 of 49
Arian Foster should be higher on this list, but he's playing the Chargers.
The Matchup: vs. the San Diego Chargers. Despite their record, they're a very good team.
How Much They'll Score: 22 points. Foster still can have a 100-yard, two-touchdown day. He's that good.
Bust Potential: Moderately high. The Chargers have the second-best run defense in the league.
20. Matthew Stafford
31 of 49
Stafford showed little rust on his arm after the time off last week.
The Matchup: vs. the New York Jets. It's up to Stafford to keep the offense moving in spite of Darrelle Revis.
How Much They'll Score: 24 points. Stafford still will be able to move the offense, and he'll still put points on the board.
Bust Potential: Moderate. While the Jets laid an egg last week, it's not like Green Bay blew them out.
19. LaDainian Tomlinson
32 of 49
LaDainian Tomlinson still can run the ball. That's your breaking news story for the day.
The Matchup: vs. the Detroit Lions. You can run the ball on the Lions.
How Much They'll Score: 20 points. LT can still get the job done and get it done with ease.
Bust Potential: Low. The Lions run defense still is soft, but anything can happen.
18. Ryan Fitzpatrick
33 of 49
It's going to be cold in Buffalo, there's no reason to think the Bills will win...yep, sounds about right for Ryan Fitzpatrick to put up good numbers in a losing effort.
The Matchup: vs. the Chicago Bears. Predicting this one is tougher than it looks.
How Much They'll Score: 24 points. If Fitzpatrick and the Bills can put 30 real points on the board against Baltimore, he can get 24 fantasy points versus Chicago.
Bust Potential: Moderate. This is the Bills we're talking about—you hedge your bets.
17. Antonio Gates
34 of 49
Antonio Gates is turning into Cris Carter, all he does is catch touchdowns.
The Matchup: vs. the Houston Texans. There's no reason to think Gates is going to have an off-day.
How Much They'll Score: 18 points. Gates gets ranked a little higher than some of the larger point-getters because I think he's more of a sure thing.
Bust Potential: Low. Gates catches everything. You can't stop him.
16. Jay Cutler
35 of 49
At some point, Jay Cutler has to start having good days again.
The Matchup: vs. the Buffalo Bills. If Jay Cutler is going to have a good day this year, the Bills are the team that will restore his confidence.
How Much They'll Score: 24 points. This is assuming Cutler doesn't get sacked 19 times and throw 10 interceptions.
Bust Potential: High. I'm really going out on a limb here, but the possibility is there.
15. Roddy White
36 of 49
Another good game for Roddy White? It's possible.
The Matchup: vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. White can get open on the Bucs secondary.
How Much They'll Score: 24 points. If White can get 200 yards and three touchdowns against the Bengals, he can get more than 100 yards and two scores on the Bucs.
Bust Potential: Moderate. The Bucs pass defense is pretty good, not elite, but good.
13. Chad Henne
37 of 49
Chad Henne isn't having the best year, but the Dolphins are on the road.
The Matchup: vs. the Baltimore Ravens. If Ryan Fitzpatrick can have a good day against the Ravens, so can Chad Henne.
How Much They'll Score: 24 points. Henne can get two touchdowns and more than 250 yards if the Dolphins do everything right.
Bust Potential: Moderate. Ray Lewis and Ed Reed may remind everyone they're still on the field.
12. LeGarrette Blount
38 of 49
This is the week LeGarrette Blount is unleashed on the NFL.
The Matchup: vs. the Atlanta Falcons. Blount is fast becoming a running back to take note of.
How Much They'll Score: 22 points. With little tape on Blount, the Bucs can unleash him on the Falcons and be rewarded for it.
Bust Potential: Medium. The Falcons have a good run defense, but they haven't seen Blount yet.
11. Drew Brees
39 of 49
Drew Brees and the Saints still have a lot to prove, even though they beat the Steelers Sunday night.
The Matchup: vs. the Carolina Panthers. They better not screw this one up.
How Much They'll Score: 26 points. If the Saints do any less, there really is something wrong with this team.
Bust Potential: Low. The Panthers are not the Pittsburgh Steelers.
10. Adrian Peterson
40 of 49
With all the questions at quarterback, Adrian Peterson is the man.
The Matchup: vs. the Arizona Cardinals. This should be an easy pick.
How Much They'll Score: 24 points. If All Day gets 200 yards, I wouldn't be surprised.
Bust Potential: Low. The Cardinals have a lot of problems they need to fix.
9. Aaron Rodgers
41 of 49
After the miserable performance that resulted in a win last week, the Packers would like to look good winning this week.
The Matchup: vs. the Dallas Cowboys. This is going to be another ugly day for Cowboys fans.
How Much They'll Score: 29 points. Rodgers is going to have a monster day.
Bust Potential: Low. The Cowboys defense just isn't very good.
8. Peyton Manning
42 of 49
Peyton Manning proved last week he doesn't need star receivers to put up good numbers.
The Matchup: vs. the Philadelphia Eagles. Manning can handle the Eagles pass rush.
How Much They'll Score: 24 points. Manning is the reason pass defenses lose points in the rankings. He's just better than they are.
Bust Potential: Medium. It's not like Manning CAN'T have a bad day, it's just unlikely.
7. Jon Kitna
43 of 49
Trust me, there's method to the madness.
The Matchup: vs. the Green Bay Packers. There still will be no running game.
How Much They'll Score: 28 points. Bad communication led to three interceptions that weren't Kitna's fault. That changes this week.
Bust Potential: Medium. Kitna and his receivers should all be on the same page this week.
6. Darren McFadden
44 of 49
Darren McFadden is the hot horse right now. Gotta keep riding him...
The Matchup: vs. the Kansas City Chiefs, who have a great run defense.
How Much They'll Score: 20 points. McFadden had a great week against Seattle, which also has a good run defense.
Bust Potential: Moderate. Just because he ran all over Seattle doesn't mean he'll do it in Kansas City.
5. Matt Schaub
45 of 49
The Texans don't want a repeat of Monday night.
The Matchup: vs. the San Diego Chargers. Schaub and Rivers in a quarterback duel.
How Much They'll Score: 28 points. This game is going to be high-scoring, there's little doubt in my mind about that.
Bust Potential: Medium. Schaub didn't get what we thought in Indy, and the Chargers have a better defense.
4. Josh Freeman
46 of 49
Josh Freeman rapidly is becoming "The Man" for fourth-quarter rallies.
The Matchup: vs. the Atlanta Falcons. Freeman will do well against the Falcons pass defense.
How Much They'll Score: 30 points. Freeman is proving he's going to be a big star in this league.
Bust Potential: Low. The Falcons pass defense is ranked 27th in the league.
3. Eli Manning
47 of 49
Eli Manning is just one of the many reasons the Giants will be in the playoffs.
The Matchup: vs. the Seattle Seahawks. If the Raiders can manhandle the Seahawks, then it's going to be really ugly when the Giants take the field.
How Much They'll Score: 28 points. The Seahawks have no pass defense worth talking about.
Bust Potential: Low. The Seahawks are not as good as they think they are.
2. Ben Roethlisberger
48 of 49
Ben Roethlisberger is ready to put New Orleans behind him.
The Matchup: vs. the Cincinnati Bengals. Roethlisberger should have a very good day here.
How Much They'll Score: 34 points. Roethlisberger should be able to get 300 yards and three touchdowns, no problem.
Bust Potential: Very low. The Bengals are in free-fall mode right now.
1. Philip Rivers
49 of 49
This is Philip Rivers, and this is the San Diego Chargers offense.
The Matchup: vs. the Houston Texans. It doesn't matter who the Chargers face, there will be a lot of points scored.
How Much They'll Score: 38 points. There's no reason to think Rivers won't have a few hundred yards and at least three touchdowns.
Bust Potential: Very low. The Chargers offense is great in defeat.
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