Fantasy Football Week 10: Big-Play Performers Sure To Be Point Machines
Fantasy football Week 10 kicks off tonight, which means it’s time to figure out your big-play locks for the week.
These 20 guys are the players most likely to wreak havoc on their opponent’s defense this week. They’re the explosive runners, the speedy receivers, the big, reliable tight ends who will give you the kind of plays you need to win your weekly matchup.
Some of them might be matchup plays, others are dominant week in and week out, but all of them will get you the big plays you need.
20. Vernon Davis, TE, San Francisco 49ers
1 of 20
Why He’s a Big-Play Candidate: Davis is the most reliable receiver San Francisco’s got. He’s big and quick, making him tough for opposing defenses to cover. He was a little banged up in London, but the bye week has hopefully helped him to get his mojo working once again.
Who’s the Matchup: The Rams rank third in the NFL against opposing tight ends, but they have yet to face someone with Davis’ skill set.
The Verdict: With Troy Smith at quarterback once again for the Niners, you can expect the big tight end to get plenty of targets this week, especially if he’s healthy. Six catches, 80 yards.
19. Jacob Tamme, TE, Indianapolis Colts
2 of 20
Why He’s a Big-Play Candidate: Tamme is essentially Dallas Clark with slightly less reliable hands, but that hasn’t stopped Colts quarterback Peyton Manning from finding him early and often in his two starts since Clark got hurt. He’s got the size and skills to be successful.
Who’s the Matchup: The Bengals rank 14th in the NFL against opposing tight ends, but they haven’t faced an offense that utilizes the position as much as the Colts do.
The Verdict: Tamme seems to bobble a lot of passes, but typically makes the catch anyway. Look for his connection with Manning to continue this week. Seven catches, 80 yards.
18. Peyton Hillis, RB, Cleveland Browns
3 of 20
Why He’s a Big-Play Candidate: One need look no further than last week’s explosion against New England to know Hillis is legit. He’s a big, powerful runner who explodes through the line and is tough to tackle.
Who’s the Matchup: The Jets have the best run defense in football, but Hillis had one of his better games against an elite Steelers defense in Week 3.
The Verdict: Hillis’ style is effective against even the stingiest of defenses. While he won’t replicate his success from last week, he will still have a big day. Twenty carries, 84 yards.
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17. LeSean McCoy, RB, Philadelphia Eagles
4 of 20
Why He’s a Big-Play Candidate: If you watched McCoy run in last week’s game against the Colts, you know what he’s capable of doing. He’s one of the most explosive backs in football, and is capable of tearing off huge hunks of yards on a single play. He doesn’t need a ton of carries to be effective, either.
Who’s the Matchup: Washington is solid against the run, but weak enough against the pass that the Eagles might throw the ball more than they typically would.
The Verdict: McCoy is capable of racking up big yardage numbers against solid defenses, and his receiving skills could come in handy against a 'Skins team that can’t stop anyone from throwing. Fifteen carries, 75 yards; four receptions, 15 yards.
16. Ray Rice, RB, Baltimore Ravens
5 of 20
Why He’s a Big-Play Candidate: Rice is one of the most versatile backs in all of football, and his receiving skills help him to rack up big plays even when the run game isn’t working.
Who’s the Matchup: Atlanta ranks seventh against opposing running backs, but it’s Rice’s versatility that could cause the Falcons problems.
The Verdict: Rice should have a solid game against Atlanta, and his receiving skill could turn it into a fantastic one. Fifteen carries, 70 yards; two receptions, 20 yards.
15. Steve Johnson, WR, Buffalo Bills
6 of 20
Why He’s a Big-Play Candidate: Johnson has turned into the most reliable receiver in Buffalo’s suddenly potent passing game, and is capable of turning in monster days (like last week against Chicago). He can be stopped, but he seems to be getting better each week.
Who’s the Matchup: The Detroit Lions have proven incapable of slowing down the vast majority of opposing passing attacks in 2010, and Buffalo’s has become one of the better ones in all of football.
The Verdict: Johnson could be poised for an epic game against Detroit’s soft secondary, but the Lions’ inability to stop the run could see the number of passes drop slightly in this one, limiting Johnson’s value. Six catches, 92 yards.
14. Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers
7 of 20
Why He’s a Big-Play Candidate: Mendenhall’s been one of the more reliable running backs in the NFL in 2010, racking up between 70 and 95 yards almost every single week of the season. He’s shown he doesn’t need tons of carries to get the job done, either, as he’s ripped off his fair share of big runs this season.
Who’s the Matchup: The Patriots come into this one ranked 25th against the run, and they’ve given up some big games in recent weeks. New England just allowed 197 yards to the Browns in Week 9.
The Verdict: Mendenhall won’t get the carries some of his counterparts will, but it should be a solid day for him nonetheless. Seventeen carries, 94 yards.
13. Steven Jackson, RB, St. Louis Rams
8 of 20
Why He’s a Big-Play Candidate: Jackson is one of the more talented backs in the NFL, and he’s shown himself capable of having big games in 2010. He has three 100-yard outings in his last four games, and he’s coming off a bye week, so he’s well rested.
Who’s the Matchup: The 49ers rank ninth against opposing running backs, but they’re not impervious to getting shellacked, as we saw against Kansas City.
The Verdict: Jackson is poised for a big day as he’s running well, is healthy and rested, and is facing a 49ers defense that gave up over 200 yards to the Chiefs' backs in Week 3. Twenty carries, 95 yards.
12. Roddy White, WR, Atlanta Falcons
9 of 20
Why He’s a Big-Play Candidate: White is one of the most explosive wideouts in all of football, posting four games with at least 100 receiving yards, and a 200-yard explosion against the Bengals in Week 7. He routinely beats double coverage, and has become one of the most reliable wideouts in all of fantasy football.
Who’s the Matchup: Baltimore’s defensive weakness is its secondary, which ranks 24th against opposing wideouts in 2010. They’ve been beaten over the top on a regular basis all season long.
The Verdict: White’s knee injury is a concern, but he’s expected to play on Thursday night. Still, the injury will probably limit his effectiveness in this one, tempering his production. Seven catches, 95 yards.
11. DeSean Jackson, WR, Philadelphia Eagles
10 of 20
Why He’s a Big-Play Candidate: Jackson is one of the best big-play wideouts in the NFL. He’s racked up three 100-yard performances this season, and is an expert at running deep routes.
Who’s the Matchup: Washington ranks 28th in the NFL against opposing wideouts. Need I say more?
The Verdict: Jackson is quarterback Michael Vick’s favorite target, and with a soft matchup in this one, he figures to have a strong day, even if he’s frequently double-teamed. Five catches, 95 yards.
10. Anquan Boldin, WR, Baltimore Ravens
11 of 20
Why He’s a Big-Play Candidate: Boldin has flashed the talent that has made him one of the best big-play wideouts in the NFL on a regular basis. He’s one of quarterback Joe Flacco’s favorite targets, and has the size and hands to make plays on deep passes.
Who’s the Matchup: Atlanta ranks 29th in the NFL against opposing wideouts. Even with Dunta Robinson back, they struggled to contain Tampa Bay’s Mike Williams last week. What hope do they have of slowing down Boldin?
The Verdict: Boldin is poised for a strong bounce-back game against a shoddy Falcons secondary. Six catches, 95 yards.
9. Hakeem Nicks, WR, New York Giants
12 of 20
Why He’s a Big-Play Candidate: Nicks has turned into one of the NFL’s best wideouts in 2010, and he’s a favorite target of quarterback Eli Manning. He has four 100-yard games in his last five contests, and is capable of going off against anyone.
Who’s the Matchup: The Cowboys rank 31st against opposing wideouts in 2010, and Nicks racked up 108 receiving yards against them three weeks ago.
The Verdict: Nicks figures to be in line for another huge game this week, unless Dallas has figured out a way to slow him down. Seven catches, 97 yards.
8. Jamaal Charles, RB, Kansas City Chiefs
13 of 20
Why He’s a Big-Play Candidate: Charles has been sublime in 2010, emerging as one of the most explosive runners in football. He’s posted 10 or more points five times this season, a feat made all the more impressive when you realize he’s sharing carries with Thomas Jones.
Who’s the Matchup: The Broncos rank dead last in the NFL against the run, and have completely fallen apart over the last five weeks, giving up 100 yards or more to four of their last five opponents.
The Verdict: Charles’ value is hurt by Jones’ presence in Kansas City’s backfield, but with a matchup this nice, he should still be a fantastic play at running back. Sixteen carries, 99 yards.
7. Calvin Johnson
14 of 20
Why He’s a Big-Play Candidate: Johnson has emerged as one of the best wideouts in the NFL, and has posted two 100-yard games in his last three contests despite constant double-teams.
Who’s the Matchup: Buffalo’s defense ranks 10th in the NFL against opposing wideouts, but don’t be fooled—they’re extremely soft in their secondary, and don’t have anyone who can keep up with Megatron.
The Verdict: This game looks like a potential shootout, and Megatron should run roughshod over the Bills secondary with Shaun Hill back under center. Seven catches, 105 yards.
6. Frank Gore, RB, San Francisco 49ers
15 of 20
Why He’s a Big-Play Candidate: Gore has been stellar in 2010, racking up yards on the ground and in the passing game with aplomb. He has three straight 100-yard rushing games, and is rolling merrily along in 2010.
Who’s the Matchup: St. Louis has been pretty stingy against opposing runners in 2010, ranking ninth in the NFL. They haven’t given up 100 yards to a rusher since Week 2.
The Verdict: Gore’s on a roll right now, and while the Rams' run defense has been excellent, Frank presents a different challenge to them than anyone else they’ve faced. Twenty carries, 105 yards.
5. Adrian Peterson
16 of 20
Why He’s a Big-Play Candidate: Peterson has been the second-most prolific scorer in fantasy football in 2010 among running backs. He’s racked up three games with more than 130 rushing yards, and has been good for at least 80 yards in every game but one this season. He’s done this despite losing carries as the Vikings attempted to jump-start the passing game.
Who’s the Matchup: The Bears rank 14th in the NFL against opposing running backs in 2010, but are by no means invulnerable. They’ve given up three 100-yard rushing games in their last five contests.
The Verdict: Peterson should slice and dice the Bears this week, even if the passing game is clicking. Twenty carries, 105 yards.
4. Reggie Wayne, WR, Indianapolis Colts
17 of 20
Why He’s a Big-Play Candidate: With so many Colts wideouts hurt (or underperforming, like Pierre Garcon), Wayne’s status as go-to wideout in Indy becomes more and more secure. We saw what he could do in Week 4 against Jacksonville, and he’s capable of breaking free for a big play at any time.
Who’s the Matchup: The Bengals rank 19th in the NFL against opposing wideouts, but they’ve struggled against elite receivers. With their top two corners still not healthy, Cincy’s defense is incredibly vulnerable over the top.
The Verdict: Look for Peyton Manning and Wayne to exploit Cincinnati’s depleted secondary, as the veteran wideout puts up another big game. Eight catches, 107 yards.
3. Chris Johnson, RB, Tennessee Titans
18 of 20
Why He’s a Big-Play Candidate: Johnson is the best big-play back in football right now, as he uses his blazing speed to shoot through opposing defenses. He’s racked up four 100-yard rushing games in 2010, and the addition of Randy Moss to the passing game helps to keep defenses from stacking the box against him.
Who’s the Matchup: Miami ranks 10th in the NFL against opposing running backs, and are fresh off allowing 124 yards to Baltimore’s backs in Week 9.
The Verdict: With more room to run, expect Johnson to have a huge game in Week 10. Twenty carries, 115 yards.
2. Andre Johnson, WR, Houston Texans
19 of 20
Why He’s a Big-Play Candidate: Johnson is the best wideout in the NFL when he’s healthy. He’s posted three 100-yard receiving games this season, and each one has come when he’s been healthy. His ankle is still balky, but with a matchup this good, it won’t matter in the slightest.
Who’s the Matchup: Jacksonville ranks dead last in the NFL against opposing wideouts. Even if Andre was playing on one leg, he’d be able to torch the Jags’ shoddy secondary.
The Verdict: Look for Johnson to go off this week in a big way, even if his ankle still hurts. Eight catches, 115 yards.
1. Arian Foster, RB, Houston Texans
20 of 20
Why He’s a Big-Play Candidate: Have you watched him run this season? Foster has been a revelation in 2010, racking up five 100-yard games, including a 231-yard blasting of the Colts in Week 1. He’s been a big-play magnet all season long.
Who’s the Matchup: Jacksonville ranks 23rd against opposing rushers in 2010, and Foster loves blowing up shoddy run defenses.
The Verdict: He’ll lose some carries to the passing game, but Foster should be able to give you a massive week regardless. Twenty carries, 120 yards.
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