Out of My League

Weekly rankings take into account opponent, injuries and other incidental factors.

QUARTERBACKS

Ryan Boser highlights one quarterback who will "POP," and one who will "FLOP."

Ben Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh Steelers) vs. New England

Whether it’s motorcycle accidents, multiple rape accusations or ugly streaks of quarterbacking, we’ve learned to never count Ben Roethlisberger out. After totaling just three touchdowns in his first four games, Roethlisberger’s averaged 263 yards and three touchdowns in his last three games...Click here to read the rest of the breakdown at Bruno Boys.

Tim Tebow (Denver Broncos) vs. Detroit

It wasn’t pretty. In fact, it was practically unwatchable, but Tim Tebow’s two late fourth quarter touchdown passes salvaged an otherwise miserable season debut for the Mile High Messiah...Click here to read the rest of the breakdown at Bruno Boys.

RUNNING BACKS

Joey Cavalier highlights one running back who will "POP," and one who will "FLOP."

Chris Johnson (Tennessee Titans) vs. Indianapolis

Sadly, Chris Johnson has gone from “CJ2K” to "fantasy bust of the decade" candidacy. He looks slow and tentative. Reports say that his massive ego has really weighed him down and taken away the burst that once made him a fantasy stud. However, this is redemption week for the self-absorbed running back, as he is facing the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts’ defense is really bad. I don’t think I need to go into depth on this one (just reference Sunday Night Football from last week). This is arguably CJ’s last chance to prove his lack of production is a mirage, and I think he will do so. I have him ranked 10th this week, and I am confident that he will finally break out.

Daniel Thomas (Miami Dolphins) at New York Giants

After being burned by Thomas for picking him as my “pop” twice in recent history, he has found himself in the OML doghouse, and is now making his debut as a “flop” candidate. However, I really don’t think that Thomas’ lack of production is his own fault. Thomas is still nursing a hamstring injury, the Dolphins have no quarterback, their offensive lineman (save for Jake Long) are matadors, and Miami's showing zero creativity on offense. It’s hard to rush for positive yardage when defensive linemen are greeting you in the backfield. The Giants have defended the run poorly this season, but that will not be the case this week, as Thomas will be the victim of his circumstances for the third straight week.

WIDE RECEIVERS

Brian Dezelske highlights one wide receiver who will "POP," and one who will "FLOP."

Antonio Brown (Pittsburgh Steelers) vs. New England
We finally saw what this kid can do last week as he caught seven passes for 102 yards against the Arizona Cardinals, while leading the team with nine targets.

This week, Brown and the Steelers face the New England Patriots, who sport the worst pass defense in the NFL. Most of the Patriots' attention will be focused on stopping teammate Mike Wallace, leaving Brown to run wild all game long.

Brown is going to score a touchdown this week and might hit 100 yards receiving for the second week in a row. If you don’t have better options, get him in your lineup because he’s worthy of a flex start this week.

Larry Fitzgerald (Arizona Cardinals) at Baltimore

I know it’s hard to sit a high-caliber player like Larry Fitzgerald, but it’s obvious that he and Kevin Kolb haven’t meshed like we all thought they would, thanks to Kolb’s inconsistency.

On top of fighting inconsistency at the QB position, Fitzgerald will now fight inconsistency at the RB position with the loss of Beanie Wells for the next couple weeks.

Take all of that, and then throw in the fact they’re facing Ray Lewis and the Baltimore Ravens defense. The Ravens will be all over Kolb—too much and too often for him to be effective—rendering Fitz ineffective.

If he’s your best option you’re going to play him, but don’t expect a big day.

TIGHT ENDS