Fantasy Football Pitfalls - Week 13

I’m going to look at the matchups each week and pick five fantasy starters that could be in for a tough week. Here’s a look at players who could struggle this week.

Quarterback

Matt Cassel - Cassel has looked like a different player than the one who initially replaced Tom Brady.  After his breakout 462 yard (400 passing, 62 rushing), three TD performance against the Jets Matt looked like an every week starter.  He followed that up with another 415 and four TDs (three Passing) against Miami.  

He faces a much stiffer task this week as he goes up against Pittsburgh. Despite his recent success, Pittsburgh’s D is still too good to mess with.

Running Backs

Clinton Portis - The Giants relatively kept Portis in check back in Week One, limiting him to 84 yards on 23 carries (3.7 ypg).  That was when he was healthier though. Now he’s beat up from the wear and tear of carrying this Redskin team on his back. He responded nicely against Seattle, but let’s face it, Seattle sucks. The Giants will continue the second half slump for Portis. 

Ryan Grant - Grant is the opposite of Portis. He’s been coming on strong since Week Five. He’s stepped it up with two 100 yards yards games and three TDs in his last four games. 

He was having a decent game until New Orleans’ Offense silenced the Packers’ Running Game. He goes up against Carolina so his expecations must be lowered.

Wide Receiver

Dwayne Bowe - Bowe has the luxury of facing Nnamdi Asomugha this week so he’s getting the big downgrade. Kansas City will likely go run heavy against Oakland.  When they aren’t running, I’d expect Tony Gonzalez and Mark Bradley to be the ones targeted by Tyler Thigpen.

Randy Moss - I’m down on Cassel, so naturally I’m down on Randy Moss, too. I think Wes Welker will have  a decent game as the Pats will likely rely on the short passes.  I don’t see the Pats getting enough time for Moss to get open deep.