Dan’s Week 5 Fantasy Match Ups
Eddie Lacy vs. Lions rush defense
Lacy is expected to return this week after missing the last contest with a concussion. The Lions give up a respectable 110 yards a game, but are tied for third worst in yards per carry at 5.2, and rushing touchdowns allowed at 5. This bodes well for the hardnosed runner if they are anywhere near the goal line. Lacy would be good as a 2nd RB, and would fill in nicely as a starter for fantasy teams who have Alfred Morris, or Adrian Peterson on byes.
Justin Blackmon vs. Rams Pass Defense
The major reason I have Blackmon as a potential fantasy stud is that he will become the go to weapon for the Jaguars offense. Coming back from a 4 game suspension, I expect Blackmon to get double digit targets on a Jaguars team who has only averaged 49 rush yards a game so far this season. The Rams pass offense is middle of the road when it comes to passing yards a game at 253, but are among the league worst in passing touchdowns allowed at 9. I would take a chance on Blackmon as a WR2 option this week.
Brian Hoyer vs. Bills Pass Defense
The Bills pass defense had a field day versus Joe Flacco last week forcing 5 interceptions, but also gave up 2 touchdowns and 347 yards passing. Enter Brian Hoyer. Hoyer is part of a Browns passing offense that is tied for first in the league for pass attempts at 45 a game. Hoyer has thrown for almost 600 yards, 5 touchdowns and 3 interceptions in his two games starting. I expect Hoyer to continue to put up his impressive numbers against the hot and cold Bills secondary. Hoyer would be good to start if you’re having QB troubles, or if you have Roethlisberger, or RG3 as your regular starter, who are both on byes.
Carolina Panthers D/ST versus Arizona offense
Carolina’s 12 points allowed per game is 3rd best in the league. The Panthers may only have 10 sacks on the season, but they are facing a Cardinal offensive line that has allowed just as many sacks, in addition to 24 quarterback hurries. The Panther rush D is 7th in the league in yards allowed per game at 93 yards per game and has only allowed 1 rushing touchdown all season. They face a Cardinals rush attack that has only managed 78 yards per game and 2 touchdowns. The Cardinals also traded away offensive tackle Levi Brown to the Steelers, which only further depletes their depth at the position. I expect the Panther line to have a field day rushing against the Cardinal line and for their secondary to hold their own against Fitzgerald and Floyd.
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