By Ryan Lester, LestersLegends.com
I’m going to look at the matchups each week and pick five fantasy starters that could be in for a tough week. Here’s a look at players who could struggle this week.
With the bye weeks upon us, you can’t necessarily sit the guys on this list unless you have great depth, but expect a drop in production.
Kurt Warner, QB, Arizona Cardinals – Warner returns to New York to face the Giants, which is a pretty tall task, even for a QB with a quick release like Warner. He has struggled a bit over the past three seasons against the NFC East throwing 10 TDs to 8 INTs. Even in his remarkable run last year he managed 8 TDs to 6 INTs with 33 fewer yards per game than his season average. The Giants can bring the pressure on defense and use their running game and Eli’s virtually mistake-free play to keep Warner from getting in a rhythm.
Clinton Portis, RB, Washington Redskins – Portis just doesn’t seem to have the same burst this year. It looks like he’s playing above his ideal weight. Washington is a mess and Philly is going to present them a heck of a challenge. If their defense can’t slow McNabb and the Birds down, Portis will be an afterthought.
Steve Slaton, RB, Houston Texans – San Francisco was embarrassed by Atlanta heading into their bye last week, and Mike Singletary is going to do everything in his power to ensure that the Texans don’t run on his team the way Michael Turner did. Patrick Willis and company will be all over Slaton.
Santana Moss, WR, Washington Redskins – Santana Moss has averaged 3.67 catches for 39 yards with 0 TDs against the Eagles over the past three years. Moss is typically a very inconsistent WR, but his recent track record is enough where I’d avoid him.
Zach Miller, TE, Oakland Raiders – We know he has JaMarcus Russell as his QB so he already has one strike against him. Secondly, the Jets are going to bring the heat out of their bye following consecutive losses. My guess is Miller will be used more as a blocker than a pass receiving threat this week. It’s typical Raiders fashion to get your hopes up one week and then dash them the next.
