The Cincinnati Bengals have been exceptional against the pass this season. Sure, you might be able to get some yardage against them, but scoring a TD through the air is not an easy feat when this squad’s trying to stop you. For that reason, Tony Romo and WR pair of Dez Bryant and Miles Austin are all in a tough spot this week. If this is the first week of the playoffs for you, Dez may have been the person to get you there, but after scoring at least one TD in each of his last four weeks, don’t expect him to make it five.
The Arizona Cardinals were also impressive this past weekend and showed glimpses of the defense that made them stand out early this season. Although Sidney Rice and Golden Tate are attractive options and did just fine against an impressive Bears team, they are both prone to ups and downs. Neither WR has broken 100 receiving yards in a game this year and they won’t start this week. Drop both to a low WR2 or a decent WR3 in your expectations.
Speaking of the Seahawks, if you’ve been paying attention at all this year, you know they’re quite good at covering the pass which makes Larry Fitzgerald bench-worthy this week. With only 5 combined catches in his last three weeks and no more than 31 yards in any of those games, Fitz has been on the decline anyway, but against The Seahawks, his value is next to nothing. He is still likely the most talented receiver on your team, but these are must win weeks in fantasy ball and Fitzgerald’s chances of helping you are slim.
On to the good:
Although it’s a little sad to be calling him a sleeper pick at this point, I like Jeremy Maclin’s chances this week against The Buccaneers. The Bucs have been one of the worst teams against the pass this year and Nick Foles appears to be a little more comfortable in the pocket lately. If you need them, both could have decent fantasy days in a game they’ll likely be playing from behind.
The Saints have also been notoriously bad against the pass this year and just because they’ll be well-rested does not mean they’ll be capable of preventing Eli Manning from throwing the ball deep. Assuming no one was injured during the Monday Night game, it’s all systems go with The Giants’ offense this week. Victor Cruz, Hakeem Nicks, Martellus Bennett? Start them all.
Finally, after putting up 91 yards and 2 TDs against The Lions last weekend, Donnie Avery is an attractive pick up this week. With a matchup against The Titans, you know he’ll be able to get open and should see the ball thrown his way plenty. He is still far from a lock for a fantasy-worthy performance, but if you’re scouring the waiver wire for upside, Avery is your man.
