Each week, I will be finding one player not expected to be in the top-5 at these fantasy positions: QB, RB, WR, TE, D/ST, that will put up top-5 numbers. I’ll also list one player at each position that is ranked in the
top-5, but will put up numbers outside of the weekly top-5. I use www.fantasypros.com’s consensus weekly rankings. These rankings are a very valuable tool, and I highly recommend using them. Here are Week 9’s HIGH-FIVES and HEAD SLAPS:
HIGH FIVES:
Quarterback–Eli Manning (Giants vs. Steelers).
Ranked as the #10 consensus QB, look for an inspired effort from the Giants, coupled with the Steelers shaky road defense on a day when they’ll travel and play just hours later. Eli cracks the top-5.
Running Back–Doug Martin (Buccaneers at Raiders). Martin put up huge numbers last week, and I see him finishing higher than his current #9 rank. Against a Raiders defense ranked #18 in the league, expect another 100-yard rushing day, a TD (or two) and 50+ receiving yards. Pencil him in to the top-5.
Wide Receiver–Hakeem Nicks (Giants vs. Steelers). See Manning, Eli (above). Ranked #22 in WR rankings this week, I see BOTH Cruz and Nicks sharing a spot in the top-5. A bold prediction, to be sure.
Tight End–Greg Olsen (Panthers at Redskins). The Redskins defense is bad. The Panthers offense has been bad. Last year, Cam Newton started the year relying heavily on the TE position and Steve Smith. Expect him to revert back to what was successful, and hit Olsen against this Swiss cheese defense. Ranked #7, look for not one, but TWO TDs from Olsen, propelling him to a top-3 ranking after it’s all said and done.
Defense/Special Teams–Denver Broncos (at Bengals). As mentioned above, the Broncos DST is playing better of late, and if they can limit A.J. Green’s production, the Bengals will have a long day ahead. Look for the #12 ranked Broncos to make their way into the top-5.
HEAD SLAPS:
Quarterback–Matthew Stafford (Lions at Jaguars). Although I feel this will be the week that Calvin Johnson gets on the proverbial schneid, I don’t see Stafford getting enough fantasy points to be considered a top-5 QB. He is ranked #5, and I see him sliding down to the #9 to #11 range, making him a low-end QB1.
Running Back–Marshawn Lynch (Seahawks vs. Vikings). In a very low-scoring, tight defensive-led game, I don’t see anyone in the Vikings/Seahawks game entering the top-5. Since Lynch is listed as the #5 consensus RB, I see him being the one sliding out of the top-5. Foster, McCoy, Rice, and Forte should all be safe
bets.
Wide Receiver–A.J. Green (Bengals vs Broncos). The Broncos defense held the Saints to 2 TDs last week. Andy Dalton is no Drew Brees, and his favorite target is Green. If they Broncos could handle all of the Saints offensive options last week, they can certainly focus on Green in this match-up, and keep him out of the top #5. He is ranked #3 this week–too high.
Tight End–Tony Gonzalez (Falcons vs. Cowboys). Although I see a solid game from Gonzo, his #2 TE ranking this week is too high. Expect him to fall out of the top-5. Don’t bench him, though.
Defense/Special Teams–Green Bay Packers (vs. Cardinals). No, I don’t expect the Cards to win the game. I don’t expect it to be close, but garbage time passing yardage and some late meaningless scores could put the Packers out of the top-5, down from their #2 ranking.
–Ryan Dickey (@ffbninja)
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