Empty the Bench

Ranks Preview by Andrew Thell

The Colts-Patriots tilt is going to be a fantastic game to watch. These are evenly matched teams. Unfortunately, the Colts will be rolling with rookie cornerbacks Jerraud Powers and Jacob Lacey as their starters. With Bob Sanders also out for the season, that means we can expect plenty of opportunities for the Pats passing attack, and you can bet Belichick and Brady will be ready to pounce on the weaknesses – which lands both Randy Moss and Wes Welker squarely in our top ten this week. Expect big things from both.

We’re as upset about Calvin Johnson’s lack of production as you are, believe me. We mentioned last week that he was the biggest bust in fantasy football to date, and Johnson responded by catching 2 balls for just 27 yards in what should have been a great matchup at Seattle. He and Matthew Stafford should be almost fully healthy for this week, and if Calvin doesn’t bust out we’re going to be forced to slide Megatron a long ways down the rankings next week. And it’s a shame, because we love the kid and his skills: he’s easily one of the five most talented receivers in the NFL. He’s still at 12 this week though, and the matchup shapes up very well for Johnson.

The Vikings are unlikely to have Antoine Winfield again, and even if he does play Calvin is simply too long and athletic for the bruising 5-9 corner. The Lions figure to be down early, forcing them to throw early and often. Calvin was also seen having words with Stafford on the sidelines last week, and when a star WR bitches he usually comes out and has a big game. Stick with your second-round pick.

On the other side of the ball, you’ve kinda got to start all your Vikings receivers this week unless your imaginary team is extremely deep at the position. Sidney Rice, Percy Harvin, and Bernard Berrian face a Detroit Lions pass defense that is allowing 263 receiving yards per game and has given up an NFL-high 19 receiving TDs. That’s a huge number, and it’s even more startling when you take into account that several teams haven’t needed to pass much in the second half. This secondary is one of the worst units in football. All three receivers are unlikely to post huge fantasy lines, but fantasy football is about making smart gambles each week – this week it’s difficult to argue that any of these individuals doesn’t have a great shot to score and make big plays.

Start Lee Evans if you want to. I guess. The matchup is great, but Christ, I have no idea what that guy is going to do on a week-to-week basis. I just know I want no part of it and I won’t be held responsible when he leaves you sobbing on the men’s room floor. Again.

See also:
- Week 10 QB Rankings
- Week 10 RB Rankings
- Week 10 TE Rankings
- Week 10 DEF Rankings

1. Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona Cardinals vs. SEA
2. Marques Colston, New Orleans Saints @ STL
3. Vincent Jackson, San Diego Chargers vs. PHI
4. Randy Moss, New England Patriots @ IND
5. Reggie Wayne, Indianapolis Colts vs. NE
6. Wes Welker, New England Patriots @ IND
7. DeSean Jackson, Philadelphia Eagles @ SD
8. Roddy White, Atlanta Falcons @ CAR
9. Miles Austin, Dallas Cowboys @ GB
10. Chad Ochocinco, Cincinnati Bengals @ PIT
11. Brandon Marshall, Denver Broncos @ WAS
12. Calvin Johnson, Detroit Lions @ MIN
13. Donald Driver, Green Bay Packers vs. DAL
14. Greg Jennings, Green Bay Packers vs. DAL
15. Mike Sims-Walker, Jacksonville Jaguars @ NYJ
16. Nate Burleson, Seattle Seahawks @ ARZ

WR rankings 17 through 42, after the jump…

17. Steve Smith, Carolina Panthers vs. ATL
18. Santonio Holmes, Pittsburgh Steelers vs. CIN
19. Hines Ward, Pittsburgh Steelers vs. CIN
20. Sidney Rice, Minnesota Vikings vs. DET
21. Devin Hester, Chicago Bears @ SF
22. Derrick Mason, Baltimore Ravens @ CLE
23. Anquan Boldin, Arizona Cardinals vs. SEA
24. Jerricho Cotchery, New york Jets vs. JAC
25. TJ Houshmandzadeh, Seattle Seahawks @ ARZ
26. Steve Breaston, Arizona Cardinals vs. SEA
27. Dwyane Bowe, Kansas City Chiefs @ OAK
28. Percy Harvin, Minnesota Vikings vs. DET
29. Michael Crabtree, San Francisco 49ers vs. CHI
30. Bernard Berrian, Minnesota Vikings vs. DET
31. Lee Evans, Buffalo Bills @ TEN
32. Earl Bennett, Chicago Bears @ SF
33. Braylon Edwards, New York Jets vs. JAC
34. Malcolm Floyd, San Diego Chargers vs. PHI
35. Jeremy Maclin, Philadelphia Eagles @ SD
36. Austin Collie, Indianapolis Colts vs. NE
37. Roy Williams, Dallas Cowboys @ GB
38. Terrell Owens, Buffalo Bills @ TEN
39. Antonio Bryant, Tampa Bay Bucs @ MIA (Check Status)
40. Pierre Garcon, Indianapolis Colts vs. NE
41. Mark Clayton, Baltimore Ravens @ CLE
42. James Jones, Green Bay Packers vs. DAL

- Week 10 QB Rankings
- Week 10 RB Rankings
- Week 10 TE Rankings
- Week 10 DEF Rankings