Matthew Stafford, Quarterback, Detroit Lions
Stafford has thrown a total of five touchdowns through six games this season and is going up against a Seattle Seahawks defense that has yielded just as many touchdowns in seven games.
This points to another down game for the struggling Lions’ signal-caller. If you have other options, even of the QB2 variety, you might want to look in that direction today.
Cam Newton, Quarterback, Carolina Panthers
The Chicago Bears defenses has given up just six touchdown passes this season, while intercepting opposing quarterbacks a total of 14 times. Meanwhile, Newton continues to struggle putting up consistent fantasy numbers this season.
He now ranks 12th among quarterbacks in fantasy points and has racked up less than 17 points in four different outings this season.
Steven Jackson, Running Back, St. Louis Rams
Not only has Jacksons started to share carries with Daryl Richardson in the Rams’ backfield, he hasn’t been productive when on the field. Jackson is averaging 3.8 yards per rush, representing a career-low.
More importantly, St. Louis is going up against a surprising New England Patriots’ rush defense that ranks eighth in the NFL.
Brian Hartline, Wide Receiver, Miami Dolphins
Just as I mentioned that Hartline was one of the most consistent fantasy wide receivers this season he lays two complete eggs in a row. The surprising veteran pass-catcher has racked up a total of 5.9 fantasy points over the course of the last two games.
Miami now takes on a New York Jets’ pass defense that ranks in the top 10 in the NFL. Moreover, Hartline will be lined up opposite Antonio Cromartie, who has become a true No.1 corner since Darrelle Revis went down with a torn ACL.
Larry Fitzgerald, Wide Receiver, Arizona Cardinals
While Fitz is alway a solid start, I don’t envision him getting much play against the best pass defense in the NFL. More importantly, John Skelton will need to get some time to pass the ball to the outside and I just don’t see that happening. Arizona quarterbacks have been sacked a total of 35 times in seven games.
While Fitzgerald does have an advantage of a struggling Carlos Rogers, expect San Francisco to mask that with help over the top and rotating Chris Culliver and Tarell Brown into coverage on that side of the field.
Brandon Pettigrew, Tight End, Detroit Lions
The Seattle Seahawks’ defense has been one of the best in the National Football League this season in nearly every aspect of the game. They hold Vernon Davis without a reception last week against the San Francisco 49ers.
More importantly, they are going up against a lesser tight end in the form of Pettigrew. I just don’t see him making much of an impact here.