Fantasy Focus – Week 10 matchups
Fantasy Focus – Week 10 Matchups
Week 9 was another roller coaster of a week. For the picks, I was glad to get all 3 results correct including the big win for the Lions. Although beating the Packers is not as difficult as it used to be. Week 9 was considered “bye”mageddon so it will be good to have more teams back in action, and fantasy rosters bulked up again.
Vikings (7-1) @ Bills (6-2)
The Vikings are sitting 2nd in the NFC and far ahead in the NFC North standings. They have put together an impressive season so far. Always finding a way to stay in the game and more often than not win it in the 4th quarter. This matchup away to the Bills will be their biggest test so far this season. The Bills are beginning to make slipping up a habit, just as soon as their fans get comfortable. Two losses in the AFC East and six wins for the season is good reading on paper, but last week’s loss to the Jets is very concerning.
Fantasy Factors
Cousins moving the chains
The run game failed for the Vikings in week 9. But other than the ever-reliable Justin Jefferson the real stand out was a great debut for TJ Hockenson. Those Irv Smith truthers out there will be looking at this situation for Hockenson and suggesting that the role is what they predicted and now Hockenson is reaping the rewards. The Bills have a talented defence, Dalvin Cook will most likely be kept in check. So it will be up to the receiving group to produce yet again.
Bills to bounce back
As mentioned earlier, the Bills are coming off a disappointing loss to a well coached Jets. The Jets set up the perfect ball protection, defensive lead game and were able to get the result. Sean McDermott will want to make a statement bounce back in front of his home crowd. Josh Allen’s arm injury is one to keep an eye on through the week. If cleared to play Allen will have to navigate a maybe slightly more condensed and precise passing scheme. Allen will need to scramble more and this could be a Knox and McKenzie game for the shorter routes.
My Predictions:
- Bills bounce back emphatically with 10+ point win
- Hockenson another 60 yard + game
- Allen 60+ rush yards, Knox receiving TD
Cowboys (6-2) @ Packers (3-6)
The Cowboys went into their bye week in a good position. They are two wins behind division leader Eagles and yet to play them for the second time this season. The Cowboys will be well rested but wary they are travelling to a desperate Lambeau field which should rally the Packers team. Rodgers is in seriously unchartered waters here at 3-6. They are four wins behind the Vikings but will be aware the Vikings have some difficult fixtures coming up. This is a must win for the men with cheese on their heads.
Fantasy Factors
Do or die for the Packers, take two
Lambeau is one of the more historical and famous fields in the NFL. The fans in Green Bay are passionate and obsessive. The Packers will be playing in unfamiliar circumstances with the fan base becoming increasingly impatient. Rodgers has not been at his best this year. His receiving group has lacked the quality and his rushing backfield has lacked the efficiency. This weekend could become one of the darkest moments in recent history for Green Bay. Aaron Jones is the only startable player in fantasy, and even he is not very convincing at the moment.
Dem Boys daring to believe
The Cowboys will be fired up for their game in Green Bay. Well rested, coming off their bye, they will be hopeful Zeke Elliot comes back fit. However, the emergence of Tony Pollard and the resurgence of the Prescott/Schultz combination should make this Cowboys team a very fruitful fantasy play. If Zeke is declared fit, he and Pollard will cancel each other’s productivity out. Lamb, Prescott and Schultz will be good value this week in a tough game.
My Predictions:
- Cowboys win on the road, narrow 3 point victory
- Rodgers throws for 300 yards in loss
- Prescott also throws for 300 yards, Schultz and Lamb receiving TDs
Chargers (5-3) @ 49ers (4-4)
The contenders in the west. The Chargers pulled off a much needed but not convincing victory against the Commanders last week. The 49ers will look to use their bye week to their advantage, hoping for the return of Deebo Samuel. The 49ers will be looking to keep up the pressure on Seahawks in the NFC whilst the Chargers will be chasing those wildcard spots.
Fantasy Factors
Can Herbert do it without Allen and Williams?
Justin Herbert passed his first test against the Commanders whilst being without his two key receivers. The Chargers are walking wounded, but this is a huge opportunity for the likes of Josh Palmer and DeAndre Carter to make a claim for life beyond Allen. The 49ers are a different beast to the Commanders, and although this is away game is not too far Herbert will have to play the perfect game and rely heavily on Ekeler and Everett to carry this offence.
The CMC factor
We saw in week 8 what the CMC weapon will be in San Francisco. He is going to be the crux and focal point for the majority of their attacks. Having Deebo back fit will also be another weapon. Garoppolo will just need to man manage this incredibly talented offence. The 49ers know that the NFC West is there for the taking if the Seahawks slip up. So we should see a high scoring game with Deebo, Aiyuk, Kittle and CMC all contributing.
My Predictions:
- 49ers win at home by 5+ points
- Herbert another 40+ pass attempt game for 300+ yards and Everett to get a TD
- CMC, Deebo, Aiyuk and Kittle all to score 1 TD each in a shared contribution
Nathan @mountaindrew92
