Sizzle:
Matt Ryan: The rookie signal-caller benefited from Chicago’s flawed defensive game plan. The Bears paid plenty of attention to Falcons running back Michael Turner, which allowed Ryan to find Roddy White throughout the day. Chicago forced Ryan into a few third and long situations, but the first year pro dug the Falcons out of those holes repeatedly on Sunday. Ryan’s first 300-yard passing game of his career should provide hope to fantasy owners that he can be a situational starter.
Andre Johnson: Despite a horrific loss to the Colts last week, Johnson put together a second consecutive 100-yard game that helped Houston conquer Miami. Following consecutive bad games against Jacksonville and Tennessee, Johnson appeared to snap out of his doldrums last week and answered with a 10-catch, 178-yard outing. It’s no accident that Matt Schaub’s play has steadily improved, in turn leading to increased productivity from Johnson.
Frank Gore: Quietly, Gore ranks amongst the top of the charts for running backs this season. On Sunday, he ran for 101 yards along with a score versus Philadelphia. Offensive coordinator Mike Martz goes away from him during critical stretches of the game, but Gore remains undaunted. He’s a dual rushing and receiving threat that is one of the few backs this season that consistently puts up numbers.
Steve Breaston: As Anquan Boldin continues to recover from a fractured sinus, Breaston has stepped up in his place to become a viable fantasy option at receiver. Facing Dallas, he delivered another command performance with eight receptions for 102 yards and a touchdown. Breaston stands as a good option because the Cardinals like to spread the football around. Even with Boldin returning after Arizona’s bye week, Breaston will remain a key cog in the offense.
Peyton Manning: The Ravens received a cold slap to the face thanks to Manning and the Colts offense. While Baltimore did apply heat to Manning, he proved to be too much, throwing for 271 yards and three touchdowns. Indy’s offense, which struggled mightily earlier this season, finally found a groove, thanks to Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne working over the Baltimore secondary. This effort could propel Manning towards a stretch of huge games. Next up, Manning and hte Colts make a trip to hallowed Lambeau Field in Green Bay.
Fizzle:
Joseph Addai: A hamstring injury knocked him out of the Baltimore game. Addai remains without a 100-yard performance this season. Looks to me that he dances at the line too much instead of just hitting the hole. The declining health of Indy’s offensive line didn’t help either. However, his struggles should not go ignored. He is becoming a liability to your lineup.
LaDainian Tomlinson: Against New England, Tomlinson did not have a terrible game, but 74 yards and no touchdowns is not a good sign considering his recent woes. His big toe is still giving him problems and makes it more difficult for him to cut effectively. He’s a hard guy to take out of the lineup, but it’s an issue that requires your utmost concern.
Jay Cutler: As the defenses have gotten tougher for Denver, Cutler has wilted under the pressure. In the past three games, he owns four touchdown passes to three interceptions. He’s still one of the top fantasy quarterbacks this season, but he needs to get back on track.
Roy Williams: It’s bad enough to have Dan Orlovsky in at quarterback, but the problems run deeper for the Lions. Williams has less than 25 yards receiving in two of his last three games.
Julius Jones: The injury to Matt Hasselbeck definitely impacts Jones. As evidenced by their performance versus Green Bay, the Seawhawks aren’t equipped to handle the loss of Hasselbeck. Following a 140 yards rushing against the Rams, Jones only mustered 105 yards total in the last two weeks.