The below list is not designed as a sit/start type article. Rather, it is aimed at trying to refocus some of our expectations. These will be players that you may be relying heavily on for big points each week, but for some identified reason, the player may not be as productive as usual. Here are the Top 5 players that could underperform in Week 5… manage your expectations accordingly.
1. A.J. Green, Wide Receiver, Cincinnati Bengals
The AJ Green vs. Shut Down Corner nationwide tour continues. Two weeks ago, Green faced off against Packers cornerback Sam Shields. The result: four receptions for 46 yards. Last week, it was a battle with Joe Haden of the Cleveland Browns. Green fared a little better with seven receptions for 51 yards and one touchdown. This week, he welcomes the New England Patriots and their cornerback, Aqib Talib. This will be another tough week for Green. The problem has not been Green. Obviously, he is a stud wide receiver. His quarterback is simply not all that talented. When a quarterback lacks talent, he can overcome it with precision and decision-making. There have been tons of guys who have been successful at the position using these skills. Andy Dalton, however, has been imprecise and has been making poor decisions.
Better play this week: DeSean Jackson
2. Russell Wilson, Quarterback, Seattle Seahawks
This whole game screams fantasy underperformance. There could be many players who may fall short of their normal expectations. 13-10 seems like a reasonable prediction. Through the first four weeks of the season, Wilson is 25th in the league in passing yards (787). Also, the Seahawks have the least amount of passing attempts of any team in the league. If we throw out the Week 3 contest against the Jaguars, Wilson is averaging a very pedestrian 11 fantasy points per week (how great would it be to play the Jags every week). Plus, the match-up is tough. The Colts are allowing the second least fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks (10.23) and are tied with the least amount of passing touchdowns this year (2). Oh boy. I think I would like to revise my prediction: 10-7.
Better play this week: Sam Bradford
3. DeAngelo Williams, Running Back, Carolina Panthers
It has been a good start to the 2013 season for Williams. With Jonathan Stewart injured, Williams has averaged 4.7 yards per rush and totaled 291 yards in three games. He, however, has yet to find the end zone. And with Cam Newton and Michael Tolbert getting all the goal-line work, he may not score for a while. This week Williams faces a very stout Arizona rush defense. The Cardinals are second in the league in rush yards per game (75) and second in fantasy points scored by opposing running backs (12.58). Williams has been one of the lone outperformers in a year of disappointing running backs, but this week he will struggle.
Better play this week: Giovani Bernard
4. Anquan Boldin, Wide Receiver, San Francisco 49ers
Perhaps he is a victim of his Week 1 monster game, but I expect Boldin to be a no-brainer WR1 every week. After a couple of duds, he got back to it in Week 4 with five receptions for 90 yards and one touchdown last week. Boldin is lapping his teammates in terms of targets and is certainly one of the more talented options, along with Vernon Davis. Given that the 49ers are one of the best teams in the league and that they have had ten days to prepare for this game, I do expect the 49ers to roll. But do not look for Anquan Boldin to fill up the stat sheet. The Texans lead the NFL in total defense, allowing (254.2 yards per game). And they have been extra stingy against the pass. They are first in pass yards per game (141) and allow the third least amount of fantasy points to opposing wide receivers (15.75).
Better play this week: Kenbrell Thompkins
5. Chris Johnson, Running Back, Tennessee Titans
One day soon we will no longer be able to label Chris Johnson’s output as “underperforming.” It will simply become his level of “performing.” Until that day, he will continue to let us down. The match-up doesn’t look that bad on paper. Kansas City is 25th in the league in rushing yards per game (117.5). The Chiefs are much better than those numbers would suggest. But the match-up is only one factor working against Johnson this week. Zero goal line work, 3.3 yards per carry and Ryan Fitzpatrick will also contribute to Johnson’s mediocrity.
Better play this week: LeGarrette Blount