There are a lot of great matchups this week in the NFL.  A bunch of good rivalries come together for the first time this year like the Eagles vs. the Cowboys and the Ravens vs. the Steelers.  Only two undefeated teams remain in the NFL and they are both put to a good quality test this weekend.  We also have a major homecoming planned for the Sunday night game which is sure to be an emotional and intense contest. Here are the top five matchups we should all look forward to this week:

5. Dez Bryant vs. DeSean Jackson

Both Jackson and Bryant are in the top three in fantasy scoring for wide receivers and that will not change for this game.  Bryant had a slow game last week against the Redskins but this week he goes up against the worst defense against wide receivers.  The Eagles have given up 13 touchdowns to opposing wide receivers this year and that means Bryant will have a big day.  I expect a huge bounce back week for him.  As for Jackson he can also have a pretty big day.  Signs are pointing to Nick Foles being the starter this week and he found Jackson in the endzone twice last week.  The Cowboys pass defense is better than what people think.  They gave up three passing touchdowns week one vs. the Giants and have given up four since.  Jackson will have a little more trouble finding the endzone this week compared to Bryant.

Projections:

Dez Bryant – Seven receptions, 110 receiving yards, two touchdowns

DeSean Jackson – Six receptions, 60 receiving yards, one touchdown

4. Matt Forte vs. Alfred Morris

Morris hasn’t been performing like we all want so far this year.  But he is also only averaging 15 carries per game so hopefully the Redskins can incorporate him into the game plan a little more.  The Bears Defense usually is pretty good against the run but the past few weeks they have given up an average over 100 yards per game so this can be a good week for Morris as long as he gets his touches.  Forte has been a stud for fantasy owners this year.  He hasn’t hit the 100 yard rushing mark yet this year but he is getting a lot of receptions which gives him over 100 multipurpose yards.  That makes his value skyrocket especially in PPR leagues.  The Redskins have a weak run defense who has given up the third most fantasy points to opposing running backs.  Forte will have a good day.

Projections:

Matt Forte – 90 rushing yards, five receptions, 40 receiving yards, one touchdown

Alfred Morris – 81 rushing yards, one touchdown

3. Baltimore Ravens Defense vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Defense

This is one of the only times I am interested in defenses battling on the gridiron.  Even though the rivalry will be played down a little bit due to the poor starts for the Steelers and Ravens, it will still be a hard-nosed battle to the end.  It seems that every game these two teams play each other in are hardcore matches where there are monster hits and plenty of trash talk.  These two defenses are clearly underperforming this season and the only reason this game is highlighted is because of the rivalry.  It will be interesting to see who will continue the rivalry now that Ray Lewis, James Harrison and Ed Reed are not present anymore. The Steelers defense got their first taste of turnovers last week against the Jets and I see them getting more this week with Joe Flacco at the helm.  The Ravens need to be able to contain Ben Roethlisberger and not let him escape from sacks and extend plays if they want a chance in this game.  Either way I predict a generally low scoring game as it usually is with these two.

Prediction:

Ravens Defense – Zero interceptions, one fumble recovery, 20 points against

Steelers Defense – Two interceptions, zero fumble recoveries, 17 points against

2. Arian Foster vs. Jamaal Charles

Even though there are major problems in Houston with their quarterbacks and losing streak, that hasn’t fazed Foster.  He has been consistently putting up solid numbers and making all fantasy owners of him very pleased.  It will be interesting to see how he fares against the surprise defense of the year in Kansas City.  The Chiefs will try to shut down Foster because they know there is no pass offense for the Texans as of right now.  This may very well be the week that Foster slows down.  Jamaal Charles has been on another level this year.  Not only is he killing it on the ground but he leads all NFL running backs in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns.  That will be sure to continue this week as the Texans have a very average run defense and average will not stop Charles from having another big week.

Projections:

Arian Foster – 57 rushing yards, five receptions, 24 receiving yards, zero touchdowns

Jamaal Charles – 84 rushing yards, six receptions, 47 receiving yards, one touchdown

1. Peyton Manning vs. Andrew Luck

This is clearly the game of the week and one of the most anticipated games of the year.  Peyton Manning returns to Indianapolis to take on his former team and his replacement in Andrew Luck.  There will be a lot of emotion for Manning and the Colts organization in his return.  I strongly believe that Manning return with a vengeance. 

He come out to prove to the Colts and Jim Irsay that they made the wrong decision in letting him go two seasons ago by tearing up the defense.  If the Colts have a chance they will need Andrew Luck to be able to come on the field and replicate Manning’s drives.  If Luck struggles and receivers drop passes like they did against the Chargers this past Monday night, it will be a long night in Indianapolis.  Luck will also need to be aware that Von Miller is back this week so he may want to give an extra look over his shoulder because the pass rush will be coming for him.  From a fantasy perspective Manning will put up his average astronomical numbers.  Luck needs to stay composed and accurate to keep up and if he does then his numbers will be excellent as well.

Projections:

Peyton Manning – 345 passing yards, four touchdowns, zero interceptions

Andrew Luck – 275 passing yards, two touchdowns, one interception