1. Peyton Manning vs. Houston Texans
Manning was held out of the end zone vs. the 49ers for the first time all season, yet he still managed 347 yards. He’ll have an easier time finding the end zone on Sunday in what could be a shootout. Look for Manning to hook up with Wayne, Clark and Co. for over 300 yards and three TDs. He’s our top fantasy football QB in Week Nine.
2. Aaron Rodgers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Rodgers played an admirable 2nd half vs. the Vikings after being under siege for the first thirty minutes. Despite that futile first half, he still managed 287 yards and three TDs. He won’t have the same issues against a porous Buccaneers’ secondary and will finish with at least 250 yards and three TDs.
3. Tom Brady vs. Miami Dolphins
The Dophins, while extremely good against the run, are very thin – and vulnerable – in the secondary after the loss of CB Will Allen. Tom Brady was on fire before the bye week (9 TDs) and will continue his hot passing this week.
4. Phillip Rivers vs. New York Giants
The Giants defense is in complete disarray and there’s a gaping hole in the middle of their secondary (C.C. Brown). This also happens to be the same place that TE Antonio Gates tends to roam… Look for Rivers to find success through the air and finish with at least 250 yards and two TDs.
Sleepers
1. Alex Smith vs. Tennessee Titans
The Titans made adjustments to their pass defense and stifled David Garrard in Week Eight. But we’ll need to see more than one solid performance before we begin to change our perceptions of this pass defense. Expect Alex Smith, who’s thrown the ball well in his return to the lineup, to be an excellent fantasy sleeper in Week Nine.
2. Matt Cassel vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jacksonville defense just made Vince Young look like a professional QB, so this matchup bodes well for Matt Cassel. Look for him to locate Dwayne Bowe and Co. for a solid afternoon through the air.
Others We Like
Carson Palmer vs. Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens were much improved against the Broncos but Denver lacks the vertical passing game which Cincy has. Palmer will challenge the Ravens corners and this is a matchup that favors the Bengals.
Matt Hasselback vs. Detroit Lions
Hasselback threw for 249 yards and two TDs vs. the Cowboys and now gets a considerably easier opponent in the Detroit Lions. Look for another two, maybe three TD effort on Sunday.
Drew Brees vs. Carolina Panthers
The Panthers possess a solid pass defense but they have yet to face an opponent as potent as the Saints. While you probably shouldn’t expect one of those ridiculous 350 yard passing games, it’s realistic to expect 250 yards and two TDs from Brees.
A Few More
Matt Schaub vs. Indianapolis Colts
Donovan McNabb vs. Dallas Cowboys
Tony Romo vs. Philadelphia Eagles
