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NFL Week 13 Predictions: Projecting Fantasy Studs Guaranteed to Bomb

John RozumNov 30, 2011

Each week there are fantasy football studs who roll and then there are those who bomb. And although it's rare to see a stud get shut down, it is the pros, so not playing at a high level of consistency does happen.

The following four players have either been inconsistent this season, have emerged but have an unfavorable matchup, or some combo of the two among other variables.

That said, here are four studs who bomb in Week 13.

Philip Rivers: QB, Chargers (at Jaguars)

1 of 4

Despite going through what is his worst season as a pro, Chargers QB Philip Rivers still has thrown for over 3,200 yards and has a rating over 80.8.

As for fantasy, he may not be dominating like recent seasons; however, he's been just good enough to earn a start each week. But, this week is a worst-case scenario for Rivers' fantasy owners because the Bolts play at Jacksonville, which is not an easy place to win.

Also, the Jags defense ranks No. 4 against the pass while just No. 14 against the run, so if San Diego wants to consistently move the ball, it must establish the running game. In addition, since Rivers has been struggling this season, he won't be used nearly as much this week.

And even when he does drop back, he will feel pressure and turn the ball over. It's just been that kind of season for him but this week gets even worse. Especially since the Chargers can't win on the road either.

Prediction: 18-of-35, 190 yards, no TDs, one INT

A.J. Green: WR, Bengals (at Steelers)

2 of 4

Bengals rookie WR AJ Green has been a stud all season. He's compiled 745 receiving yards, scored six TDs and has caught 44 passes.

It's clear that he's been fellow rookie Andy Dalton's favorite target, but this week in Pittsburgh he will get blanketed. For one, although he scored against the Steelers the first time, it was his only catch that went for 36 yards.

This time around, Pittsburgh knows in order to give itself the best chance at slowing down Cincy, it must isolate Green. In turn, playing man coverage elsewhere provides them with a distinct advantage. Needing a win, you can bet on The Steel Curtain planning for him.

Not to mention Pittsburgh ranks No. 3 against the pass, so pressuring Dalton will be key to limit his time in the pocket. So not only will Green be blanked, but even when getting targets they will be limited to an extreme extent.

Prediction: Three receptions, 45 yards

Ryan Fitzpatrick: QB, Bills (vs Titans)

3 of 4

Last week Ryan Fitzpatrick got back on track for Buffalo in throwing three TDs and zero picks (first no-INT game since Week 4) against the Jets.

However, Fitzpatrick still needs to prove that he can be consistent as prior to Week 12 he had just two TDs to seven picks in the previous three games. At home versus Buffalo this week, expect the Titans to run the ball on offense to limit his possession first and foremost.

Then once on defense, the Titans will need to blitz and get him under duress as much as possible since Fitzpatrick has been INT-prone. Tennessee is good enough in pass coverage to play mostly man-under with a two-deep zone and forcing Buffalo to run as their best option.

Additionally, Fitzpatrick's receivers haven't been all that reliable since the second half of the season began either. Include their injuries, and the Titans will take advantage on defense.

Plus with Tennessee being a weaker rush defense, Buffalo's best chance to win is on the ground. So, don't expect anything big from Fitzpatrick because Tennessee plays solid pass defense and Buffalo needs to run the ball anyway for any shot at winning.

Prediction: 17-of-32, 170 yards, no TDs

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Torrey Smith: WR, Ravens (at Browns)

4 of 4

The Cleveland Browns know that if they can wall off WR Torrey Smith, that increases their odds of winning over Baltimore.

What's interesting here is that although the Browns rank No. 1 in pass defense, they also rank No. 29 in run defense. And with Smith's ability to stretch the field, they need to keep him at the line as much as possible.

As for the Ravens, their best option right now is to just run the ball until Cleveland stacks the box and leaves Smith in single coverage. However, don't expect the Browns to do so, as a slow-paced game is what they need to win.

That said, whenever and wherever Smith lines up, not only will he be double-teamed, but he'll get jammed at the line every time and have a safety covering over the top. If Torrey does any damage to the Browns it will have to be across the middle because preventing him from going deep is vital.

Plus, game-planning for Smith so much will take a lot less pressure away from everyone else. So, although Smith won't be nearly as productive (averaging almost 20 yards per catch, including five TDs), expect players like Ray Rice to own this game for 60 minutes.

Prediction: Two receptions, 30 yards

Follow John Rozum on Twitter @ Sportswriter27.

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