Mulligan’s Fantasy Forecast, Week 5
Normally I’d babble on in this spot about someone who went off last week or a trend that seems to be happening right now. But I’ll spare you that this week and instead remind you that it’s only Week 5. Don’t overreact if your team is off to a poor start, but don’t sit there while opportunities to improve your team pass by. It’s only Week 5.
Good match-ups
Jamaal Charles vs. Colts defense: Though he hasn’t been getting the touches that his fantasy owners had hoped he would to this point, Charles is averaging a beastly 7.0 yards per carry this season. That’s the good news. The even better news? Charles and the Chiefs take on the Colts run defense which has allowed 149 yards per game on the ground thus far. Look for Charles to have his best game yet this season.
Eli Manning vs. Texans defense: One week after turning in his worst fantasy performance of the season, look for Eli to bounce back with a monster game this week when the Giants travel to Houston to play the Texans and their NFL-worst pass defense. The Texans are giving up 337 yards per game through the air this season and even allowed the Raiders’ Bruce Gradkowski to throw for 278 last week. You should expect at least that from Eli.
Not so good match-ups
Darren McFadden vs. Chargers defense: McFadden was off to a fast start this season coming into last week’s game against the Texans when he rushed for a season-low 47 yards. He did get the fantasy points by racking up six catches for 82 yards but also left the game with a hamstring injury. It’s uncertain whether or not McFadden will even play this week but with the Raiders facing a San Diego defense that has played pretty well against the run, he’s not a very good fantasy start even if he plays.
Kyle Orton vs. Ravens defense: Orton has looked like a beast through four weeks this season, leading all NFL QB’s with 1419 passing yards. However, it’s likely that his hot start to the 2010 season will hit a bump in the road this week against the Ravens who own the league’s best pass defense. Baltimore has allowed just 119 yards per game through the air this season and figures to give Orton trouble at home.
Waiver wire watch
Sam Bradford, QB, Rams: With bye weeks having started last week, you may be looking to pick up a fill in QB at some point in the next few weeks. Bradford is off to a great start for a rookie and has formed a good tandem with veteran wideout Mark Clayton. With two of his next three games against Detroit and Tampa Bay, Bradford could be poised for some big games coming up.
Kyle Mulligan is a contributing sports writer for the Observer. He welcomes your feedback and can be reached at kjmulli@gmail.com.