1. QB Ben Roethlisberger vs. Minnesota Vikings
The way to attack the Vikings defense is through the air. Fighting for yards on the ground is usually a losing battle. This week, Minnesota is most likely without CB Antoine Winfield, which will allow the Steelers to create favorable match-ups against the secondary. Expect Roethlisberger to target Ward, Holmes, Wallace and Miller all afternoon for over 300 yards and 2-3 TDs.
2. RB DeAngelo Williams vs. Buffalo Bills
The DeAngelo Williams of 2008 showed up last week as he rattled off 152 and two TDs vs. the Bucs. He gets another easy match-up this week against the Bills, who just gave up over 300 total yards on the ground to the Jets in Week Six. Expect Williams to bust for over 125 on Sunday with at least two scores.
3. WR Andre Johnson vs. San Francisco 49ers
If the last time CB Nate Clements played vs. a top receiver is any indication of how things will go on Sunday, Johnson owners should be excited. Clements, and the rest of the 49ers DBs, were beaten for over 200 yards and two TDs by Atlanta’s Roddy White. Look for another 100 yards from Johnson plus a long score.
Fantasy Busts
1. QB Brett Favre vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Favre’s been on an excellent run over the past month while leading his team to a 6-0 record. But those games came in the Metrodome; this will be played in Pittsburgh, in colder weather and on the grass. Look for the Steelers aggressive defense to make Favre’s life miserable and force the 40 year old QB into multiple mistakes in Week Seven.
2. RB Pierre Thomas vs. Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins currently boast the league’s No. 2 ranked rushing defense so you can bet Sean Payton has designs to attack through the air. Unless the Saints jump out to a commanding lead, which is something we don’t think will happen, Thomas is line for a quiet afternoon.
3. WR Terrell Owens vs. Carolina Panthers
Has anyone else’s star fallen faster than T.O.’s? Buffalo’s become the NFL’s equivalent of Russia’s Siberia; you’re no longer heard from once you’re sent there. The Panthers defense should be able to control the tempo on Sunday and limit the effectiveness of the Bills passing game, which could see Ryan Fitzpatrick under center. Expect another lackluster fantasy football performance for Owens this week.
