Fantasy Football Week 9 Start Em Sit Em: 5 Smart Matchups for Afternoon Games

There's definitely some great afternoon match-ups in the NFL this weekend, with the Giants visiting the Patriots and the Packers visiting the Chargers.

But, the individual match-ups within these games should be just as exciting.

Eli Manning, Sam Bradford and Tom Brady should have huge games vs. their opposing defenses.

And, the Raiders could be primed to tee off against the Broncos offense.

Here are five smart starts to make this afternoon for your fantasy teams.

Tom Brady vs. Giants Defense

You can expect Tom Brady to be Tom Brady as long as he isn't going against the Steelers secondary in Pittsburgh.

After a very respectable loss, on the road last weekend, the Patriots return home where Brady and company are 3-0.

Yes, the Giants have a pretty solid secondary, themselves, but even the top tier of the NFL's defenses drop off against Brady's game.

I would expect Brady, who has led one of the most productive passing offenses in recent memory, to have a great day against New York.

This game should be a shootout.

Eli Manning vs. Patriots Defense

Don't be surprised, though, if New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning goes toe to toe with Brady.

The Patriots field the worst pass defense in the entire league, and Eli Manning has had a very good year to this point.

Even the naysayers who claimed Manning has always been overrated have changed their mind about the Giants' quarterback.

Don't be surprised if Manning has an outstanding game this afternoon.

Steven Jackson vs. Cardinals Defense

The St. Louis Rams should be without their starting quarterback, Sam Bradford, when they take on the equally banged-up Cardinals this afternoon.

Steven Jackson should be able to compensate for the loss of his starting quarterback.

Jackson, who was injured for the first quarter of the season, came back into the picture last weekend with a 25-carry, 159-yard performance against the Saints.

Now, Jackson will once again be the focus of the Rams offense as they take on a struggling Cardinals defense.

Expect a big day for Jackson.

A.J. Green vs. Titans Defense

There aren't many blatantly open match ups in this afternoon slate, so you might have to rely on some guys breaking out through their average stat accumulation.

A.J. Green is a guy who keeps finding the end zone, so he's becoming more of a reliable secondary pick.

Green has scored a touchdown in the past three games.

His reception numbers are nothing impressive, but he just seems like he's getting closer to having one of those great fantasy games.

With not a lot of exposed match ups left within the afternoon slate, it might not hurt to put Green in your lineup and wait for his weekly touchdown reception, along with some extra fluff.

Hakeem Nicks vs. Patriots Defense

Against a 32nd-ranked pass defense, New York Giants receiver Hakeem Nicks should have a nice game this weekend.

Nicks caught six passes last weekend after only having four receptions in the previous two games.

He's been quiet this year, but we all expected him to be a reliable fantasy option at the start of the season.

He could bounce back this afternoon.

Expect Nicks to get a lot of targets and a lot of receptions.