Week 9 Preview: Key Matchups and Their Fantasy Relevance

Colts at Eagles The main storyline leading up to this game is the return of Michael Vick against one of the softest rush defenses in the NFL.  The Colts also have Mathis and Freeney rushing the QB which will grant Vick the ability to break containment and run more than he usually would.  DeSean Jackson looks to be on the fast track to return in time for this game as well and with his full array of weapons at his disposal, Vick should have no trouble producing as a top 10 QB for fantasy owners.  Look for another big day from LeSean McCoy who has made the most of his limited number of carries and should continue to do so.  I like the Eagles to win this game on the legs of Vick, but it will be close and the thing that really pushes them over the edge is being the home team.  Peyton Manning and his offensive weapons should perform fine against a decent Eagles secondary, but given all the injuries at running back, their offense will be very one-dimensional and I would stay FAR away from all of the Colts RBs this week.

Chargers at Texans There are two desperate teams in this game, only the Texans don’t know they are desperate yet!  I know you might be thinking I’m crazy right about now…but bare with me while I go off on a tangent.  Randy Moss to the Titans (even if he is a statistical non-factor) clinches the division for Tennessee.  He will keep the 8th man out of the box to defend Chris Johnson and ensure that whichever side of the field that Moss lines up on, the safety will help defend over-the-top.  Also, the Titans have two games left to play against both the Texans and the Colts… so the division is theirs to lose.  With VY playing at an elite level and the best RB in the NFL they should have a phenomenal 2nd half of the season. Ok, now back to THIS game… It is really a shame that all of the Chargers’ top receivers are inactive or injured for this game considering the phenomenal match-up.  After last week’s disappointing performance for Patrick Crayton there are no receivers that I trust to start this week unless Floyd or Naanee returns.  Also, statistically speaking, the Chargers are the best defense in football so downgrade Schaub and Foster a bit.  I like the Texans to capitalize on the Chargers’ HORRENDOUS special teams play and win a tough home game to essentially knock the Chargers out of the playoffs in week 9!

Dolphins at Ravens Despite being in third place in the AFC East, the Dolphins are only two games behind the Patriots for the lead in the division.  With how competitive the Patriots ALWAYS are, this is far from a small lead and the Dolphins will need to start the 2nd half of their season with a win against the 5-2 Ravens.  Given that they seem to be straying away from a run-first offense, I don’t see them being successful.  Brandon Marshall will remain a top 10 WR, but lower expectations this week as the Ravens are coming off the Bye and have Ed Reed back in the secondary.  The Dolphins defense is underrated, but the balance of the Ravens offense should allow for decent success running and passing.  Ray Rice and Anquan Boldin remain must-starts this week but with the scheduled return of Dante Stallworth, stay away from any receivers other than Boldin.  Look for the Ravens defense to clinch a close game as well as force a couple turnovers from Chad Henne.