Fantasy Football: 10 Matchups to Keep Your Eyes On

A great fantasy matchup can make for an explosive performance from players and this week in the NFL is no different.  How well can some of the fantasy waiver pickups—studs and average players—do this week?

We will discuss three types of players in this slideshow—those who are fresh off waivers, those who have shown to be studs already, and those who have played average so far this season.

1. Alex Smith vs. Arizona Defense

Alex Smith has been consistent throughout the year; the 49ers' passing game is only getting better, as we saw against the New York Giants last week. 

The 49ers have a favorable matchup against the Arizona Cardinals, who have been an up-and-down team, but mostly down.  Their offense is playing better, but the 49ers run game will put them in position for Smith to make big plays in the play-action passing game. 

Smith, too, has been up and down in previous years, but coach Jim Harbaugh has turned him into a quarterback the 49ers can look forward to having on their team for years to come, and especially this week against the Cardinals. 

2. Chris Ogbonnaya vs. Jacksonville Defense

The Browns' running back received 21 carries last week.  Regardless of his talent level, that is a lot of carries. 

Josh Cribbs took a few carries, but Ogbonnaya received the majority of them.

The Browns play the Jaguars—a team that has allowed 107 rushing yards per game—this week.  So there should be plenty of opportunities for Ogbonnaya to play as well as the offensive line is currently playing. 

Give Ogbonnaya a start in your RB2 position if you need him.  He's very available; Ogbonnaya is owned in only about 14 percent of leagues, so pick him up for his favorable matchup against a not-so-great Jacksonville team.

3. Tyler Palko vs. Patriots Defense

The Chiefs have reported that quarterback Matt Cassel will require surgery that will put Tyler Palko in the starting role, barring the Chiefs make the irrational decision to start rookie Ricky Stanzi. 

Palko brings mobility to the quarterback position and will be good for fantasy owners because he will add some rushing yards, and potentially rushing touchdowns. 

Palko will get his first start against the Patriots, a team that played well last week despite being weak against the pass so far this season. 

This will create a less stressful environment for Palko's first start and will lead to decent numbers, and potentially a rushing score. 

Before this week, Palko was owned by zero percent of leagues, so if he isn't available, someone already beat you to it. 

Pick him up if you need a QB that will put up decent numbers and has a big upside against a bad Patriots defense.

4. New York Giants Defense vs. Philadelphia

The Philadelphia Eagles have been very accident-prone, and with Michael Vick potentially sitting out with broken ribs, Vince Young will get his shot. 

Young has only appeared in one game and threw six picks in that appearance.  He has negative fantasy points on the year and the Giants defense will take advantage of that.

The Giants' pass rush will be too much for Philadelphia's offensive line to handle. 

Young will crumble under pressure and the defense will come away with five or more sacks, and two or more interceptions, further illustrating why the Eagles should have never dubbed themselves "the dream team."

5. Dwayne Bowe vs. Patriots Defense

Dwayne Bowe has been the go-to guy for the Kansas City Chiefs this season, making a few amazing grabs.  

Bowe is just one reason I'm really buying into how well the Chiefs match up against the New England Patriots this week.

The Patriots are coming off an emotional win against the New York Jets, in which their defense played very well.  But I don't think the Pats can match the performance of last week, especially against the Chiefs, who will be revitalized with a new quarterback and a little hope in a weak AFC West. 

Bowe should reach 100 yards and a score easily—potentially, two scores—as the Chiefs try to start their run at the division lead.  Start Bowe and expect him to flourish against one of the worst pass defenses in the league.

6. Josh Freeman vs. Green Bay Defense

Josh Freeman and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have under-performed as a whole, but the Green Bay defense has been shaky at points this year, giving up 38 points to the Chargers just two weeks ago. 

Freeman can use this as a game to bounce back and put up huge numbers, getting back to the dominant level he was at last year. 

He has the targets to throw to in Mike Williams, Arrelious Benn and Kellen Winslow.  Those three can expect big weeks, too. 

Freeman will throw for over 300 yards and two scores in a loss against the Packers. 

Yes, I said he will have great stats in a loss. 

The Packers are too good for the Bucs defense right now.  It will be a shootout that Aaron Rodgers will easily win, but Freeman has a great matchup on his way to 300 yards and two scores.

7. DeMarco Murray vs. Washington Defense

Dallas' DeMarco Murray has burst onto the scene in big fashion and will continue to impress against a Washington Redskins team that has given up 120 rushing yards per game. 

Murray will rush for over 150 yards in what will be a perfect matchup for him, proving to everyone he is a star worthy of a top 10 pick next year. 

This is one matchup that you have to take advantage of, and will potentially propel you to victory, with the 25-point performance that Murray will put up.

Murray is in for another big week against this struggling Redskins defense.

8. Andy Dalton vs. Baltimore Defense

This is my bold pick—Andy Dalton will make a statement and put up big numbers against the Baltimore Ravens Sunday. 

The big numbers won't come in the yards department, but the touchdown department.  Dalton will throw for four scores, three of them being to fellow rookie wide receiver AJ Green. 

This will show people that Dalton will become the face of the rising Bengals for years to come.  Play him in your fantasy league this week if you are looking for a surprise big performance. 

This matchup may be tough, but Dalton will prove everyone wrong. 

9. Denarius Moore vs. Minnesota Defense

Carson Palmer seems to have found his new favorite target in Denarius Moore, who scored a pair of touchdowns against the San Diego Chargers on Thursday night. 

The Minnesota defense is still digesting a demoralizing defeat against the Green Bay Packers Monday night.  Coming off a short week, odds are the Vikings will still be reeling when they take on the Los Angeles Raiders Sunday.

Moore will be Palmer's go-to guy throughout the game, especially in the red zone, making Moore a great fantasy play in a favorable matchup.

10. Matt Moore vs. Buffalo Defense

Miami Dolphins quarterback Matt Moore has come into his own the past few weeks. 

This week, the Dolphins play the Buffalo Bills—a team whose receiving defense is 22nd in the league and allows about 270 yards per game.

Along with the improved play of Reggie Bush and getting Daniel Thomas back from injury, Moore's passing game should open up. 

The Bills suffered an embarrassing defeat of 44-7 against the Cowboys last week and will have trouble rebounding from that the rest of the season.  The Dolphins will take full advantage of that.

Moore will finish the game with 250 yards and two scores with no interceptions, making it a very good fantasy week for the Dolphins and their QB.