Fantasy Football Powwow: Week 9 Weapons of the Week (WOWs)

Weapons of the Week are players we expect to have a better week than usual, not necessarily the elite players at each position...anyone can predict for Andre Johnson to have a big game.

Matt Ryan, QB, Atlanta Falcons

Nick– Matt Ryan lit up the short-handed Bengals secondary last week to the tune of 299 yards and three touchdowns, and this week he faces the Bucs, who are about average in pass defense.  Coming off a bye week, Ryan has had time to prepare and dissect the holes in Tampa’s defense so I expect another solid outing this week.  I’ll say he puts up at least 18 points in standard leagues.

Buddy- Matt Ryan is averaging 17 fantasy points per game at home this season, and the Bucs have given up double digit fantasy points to opposing QBs in their last five games. Matt Ryan is, at worst, a safe play this week, but expect to see him finish in the Top 10.

Thomas Jones, RB, Kansas City Chiefs

Nick– The Chiefs and Raiders are the No. 1 and No. 2 rushing offenses in the NFL, respectively.  Because of that, I might even start Michael Bush this week as this game will likely be 70 percent runs.  Jamaal Charles had a big game last week, but Thomas Jones has been the workhorse of the offense.  Expect the Chiefs to give Jones plenty of touches to hopefully wear down Oakland’s run defense, and he should find the end zone at least once.

Buddy– Everyone is starting Jamaal Charles this week, but not everyone may be starting Thomas Jones. Start him if you got him. He is going to get his carries this week—he has had less than 19 carries just twice this year—and is playing a Raiders defense allowing 4.7 yards per carry. He is worthy of a start this week.

Patrick Crayton, WR, San Diego Chargers

Nick– Find me a receiver that hasn’t played well against Houston.  San Diego is injury-plagued, leaving Crayton as the starter yet again.  He hasn’t found the end zone yet, but only Jacksonville gives up more points to receivers than Houston.  Projection: eight receptions, 85 yards, one TD.

Buddy– San Diego is still riddled with injuries, making Patrick Crayton their No. 1 receiver this week. They are facing the Houston Texans, who have given up the second most points to opposing receivers in the league. Crayton is poised for a big day.

Greg Olsen, TE, Chicago Bears

Nick– We have Jay Cutler as a Weapon of the Week…might as well have his most capable target listed too.  Like mentioned previously, no one is worse on defense then the Bills, and if I trust any Bears receiving option to score, it’s Olsen.

Buddy– Greg Olsen has disappeared the last few weeks with just seven fantasy points since Week 3. But coming off a bye week, look for the Bears to try and go back to what worked in the first three weeks. And Greg Olsen works. There is no better TE matchup than the Buffalo Bills.

To view the full list of WOWs check out fantasyfootballpowwow.com