Fantasy Football Week 10: Big-Play Performers Sure To Be Point Machines
Fantasy football Week 10 kicks off tonight, which means itโs time to figure out your big-play locks for the week.ย
These 20 guys are the players most likely to wreak havoc on their opponentโs defense this week. Theyโre 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.ย
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.ย
20. Vernon Davis, TE, San Francisco 49ers
1 of 20
Why Heโs a Big-Play Candidate:ย Davis is the most reliable receiver San Franciscoโs got. Heโs 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.ย
Whoโs the Matchup: The Rams rank third in the NFL against opposing tight ends, but they have yet to face someone with Davisโ skill set.ย
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 heโs healthy. Six catches, 80 yards.
19. Jacob Tamme, TE, Indianapolis Colts
2 of 20
Why Heโs a Big-Play Candidate: Tamme is essentially Dallas Clark with slightly less reliable hands, but that hasnโt stopped Colts quarterback Peyton Manning from finding him early and often in his two starts since Clark got hurt. Heโs got the size and skills to be successful.
Whoโs the Matchup: The Bengals rank 14th in the NFL against opposing tight ends, but they havenโt faced an offense that utilizes the position as much as the Colts do.ย
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 Heโs a Big-Play Candidate: One need look no further than last weekโs explosion against New England to know Hillis is legit. Heโs a big, powerful runner who explodes through the line and is tough to tackle.
Whoโs 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.ย
The Verdict: Hillisโ style is effective against even the stingiest of defenses. While he wonโt replicate his success from last week, he will still have a big day. Twenty carries, 84 yards.ย
17. LeSean McCoy, RB, Philadelphia Eagles
4 of 20
Why Heโs a Big-Play Candidate: If you watched McCoy run in last weekโs game against the Colts, you know what heโs capable of doing. Heโs one of the most explosive backs in football, and is capable of tearing off huge hunks of yards on a single play. He doesnโt need a ton of carries to be effective, either.
Whoโs 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 canโt stop anyone from throwing. Fifteen carries, 75 yards; four receptions, 15 yards.ย
16. Ray Rice, RB, Baltimore Ravens
5 of 20
Why Heโs 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 isnโt working.ย
Whoโs the Matchup: Atlanta ranks seventh against opposing running backs, but itโs Riceโs versatility that could cause the Falcons problems.ย
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 Heโs a Big-Play Candidate: Johnson has turned into the most reliable receiver in Buffaloโs 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.
Whoโs the Matchup: The Detroit Lions have proven incapable of slowing down the vast majority of opposing passing attacks in 2010, and Buffaloโs has become one of the better ones in all of football.
The Verdict: Johnson could be poised for an epic game against Detroitโs soft secondary, but the Lionsโ inability to stop the run could see the number of passes drop slightly in this one, limiting Johnsonโs value. Six catches, 92 yards.
14. Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers
7 of 20
Why Heโs a Big-Play Candidate: Mendenhallโs 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. Heโs shown he doesnโt need tons of carries to get the job done, either, as heโs ripped off his fair share of big runs this season.
Whoโs the Matchup: The Patriots come into this one ranked 25th against the run, and theyโve given up some big games in recent weeks. New England just allowed 197 yards to the Browns in Week 9.
The Verdict: Mendenhall wonโt 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 Heโs a Big-Play Candidate: Jackson is one of the more talented backs in the NFL, and heโs shown himself capable of having big games in 2010. He has three 100-yard outings in his last four games, and heโs coming off a bye week, so heโs well rested.
Whoโs the Matchup: The 49ers rank ninth against opposing running backs, but theyโre not impervious to getting shellacked, as we saw against Kansas City.
The Verdict: Jackson is poised for a big day as heโs 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 Heโs 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.ย
Whoโs the Matchup: Baltimoreโs defensive weakness is its secondary, which ranks 24th against opposing wideouts in 2010. Theyโve been beaten over the top on a regular basis all season long.
The Verdict: Whiteโs knee injury is a concern, but heโs 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 Heโs a Big-Play Candidate: Jackson is one of the best big-play wideouts in the NFL. Heโs racked up three 100-yard performances this season, and is an expert at running deep routes.ย
Whoโs the Matchup: Washington ranks 28th in the NFL against opposing wideouts. Need I say more?ย
The Verdict: Jackson is quarterback Michael Vickโs favorite target, and with a soft matchup in this one, he figures to have a strong day, even if heโs frequently double-teamed. Five catches, 95 yards.ย
10. Anquan Boldin, WR, Baltimore Ravens
11 of 20
Why Heโs 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. Heโs one of quarterback Joe Flaccoโs favorite targets, and has the size and hands to make plays on deep passes.ย
Whoโs the Matchup: Atlanta ranks 29th in the NFL against opposing wideouts. Even with Dunta Robinson back, they struggled to contain Tampa Bayโs 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.ย
9. Hakeem Nicks, WR, New York Giants
12 of 20
Why Heโs a Big-Play Candidate: Nicks has turned into one of the NFLโs best wideouts in 2010, and heโs 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.
Whoโs 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.ย
8. Jamaal Charles, RB, Kansas City Chiefs
13 of 20
Why Heโs a Big-Play Candidate: Charles has been sublime in 2010, emerging as one of the most explosive runners in football. Heโs posted 10 or more points five times this season, a feat made all the more impressive when you realize heโs sharing carries with Thomas Jones.ย
Whoโs 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.ย
The Verdict: Charlesโ value is hurt by Jonesโ presence in Kansas Cityโs backfield, but with a matchup this nice, he should still be a fantastic play at running back. Sixteen carries, 99 yards.ย
7. Calvin Johnson
14 of 20
Why Heโs 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.ย
Whoโs the Matchup: Buffaloโs defense ranks 10th in the NFL against opposing wideouts, but donโt be fooledโtheyโre extremely soft in their secondary, and donโt 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.ย
6. Frank Gore, RB, San Francisco 49ers
15 of 20
Why Heโs 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.ย
Whoโs the Matchup: St. Louis has been pretty stingy against opposing runners in 2010, ranking ninth in the NFL. They havenโt given up 100 yards to a rusher since Week 2.ย
The Verdict: Goreโs on a roll right now, and while the Rams' run defense has been excellent, Frank presents a different challenge to them than anyone else theyโve faced. Twenty carries, 105 yards.ย
5. Adrian Peterson
16 of 20
Why Heโs a Big-Play Candidate: Peterson has been the second-most prolific scorer in fantasy football in 2010 among running backs. Heโs 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. Heโs done this despite losing carries as the Vikings attempted to jump-start the passing game.ย
Whoโs the Matchup: The Bears rank 14th in the NFL against opposing running backs in 2010, but are by no means invulnerable. Theyโve given up three 100-yard rushing games in their last five contests.ย
The Verdict: Peterson should slice and dice the Bears this week, even if the passing game is clicking. Twenty carries, 105 yards.ย
4. Reggie Wayne, WR, Indianapolis Colts
17 of 20
Why Heโs a Big-Play Candidate: With so many Colts wideouts hurt (or underperforming, like Pierre Garcon), Wayneโs status as go-to wideout in Indy becomes more and more secure. We saw what he could do in Week 4 against Jacksonville, and heโs capable of breaking free for a big play at any time.
Whoโs the Matchup: The Bengals rank 19th in the NFL against opposing wideouts, but theyโve struggled against elite receivers. With their top two corners still not healthy, Cincyโs defense is incredibly vulnerable over the top.
The Verdict: Look for Peyton Manning and Wayne to exploit Cincinnatiโs 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 Heโs 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. Heโs 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.
Whoโs the Matchup: Miami ranks 10th in the NFL against opposing running backs, and are fresh off allowing 124 yards to Baltimoreโs backs in Week 9.ย
The Verdict: With more room to run, expect Johnson to have a huge game in Week 10. Twenty carries, 115 yards.ย
2. Andre Johnson, WR, Houston Texans
19 of 20
Why Heโs a Big-Play Candidate: Johnson is the best wideout in the NFL when heโs healthy. Heโs posted three 100-yard receiving games this season, and each one has come when heโs been healthy. His ankle is still balky, but with a matchup this good, it wonโt matter in the slightest.ย
Whoโs the Matchup: Jacksonville ranks dead last in the NFL against opposing wideouts. Even if Andre was playing on one leg, heโd be able to torch the Jagsโ 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.ย
1. Arian Foster, RB, Houston Texans
20 of 20
Why Heโs 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. Heโs been a big-play magnet all season long.ย
Whoโs the Matchup: Jacksonville ranks 23rd against opposing rushers in 2010, and Foster loves blowing up shoddy run defenses.ย
The Verdict: Heโll lose some carries to the passing game, but Foster should be able to give you a massive week regardless. Twenty carries, 120 yards.ย
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