Each week I give you the fantasy “Booms and Busts” of the week. The first list will be five players that I expect to perform at least 50% higher than their average week. This could be from a specific match-up, an injury to another player that moves them up the depth chart, or maybe just a gut feeling. The next list will be five players that I expect to perform at 50% or less of their weekly average. This could also be because of a match-up, a conflict with a coach, or even a weather issue. I don’t think you need help determining whether or not to start someone who is injured, so no questionable, doubtful, or out players will make the list.
 

BOOMS

Matt Cassel: Cassel is only averaging 13 ppg this season and he has yet to hit 10 touchdowns on the year. This week will change all of that as he faces one of the worst pass defenses in the league and a team that is more excited about Andrew Luck than getting a win; yup, it’s the Dolphins. Cassel had six TDs in his last four games. The Fins are allowing over 270 passing yards per game and this one is in KC. Expect 275 passing yards and three TDs for Cassel (29 pts).

Dwayne Bowe: Someone has to be on the other end of those passes from Cassel and I think Bowe will be the guy. Bowe is averaging a solid 11 ppg after starting the season slow. Bowe should see two of those touchdowns and around 120 yards receiving (24 pts).

Hakeem Nicks: There are two things you can expect every week. The first is that the Packers are going to be favored no matter who or where they play. The second is that the Patriots are going to allow an ungodly number of passing yards. New England ranks last in pass defense and it isn’t even close. Eli Manning should have a hay-day and will probably need to pass a lot to keep up with the Patriots offense. That should allow Nicks a breakout game. He is averaging 11 ppg this season, but expect something around 150 receiving yards and a pair of scores (27 pts).

Michael Turner: It is hard to project someone who is already averaging 15 ppg to double their efforts. But this week the Falcons play the winless Colts. Atlanta should be up early and will be running against the second worst run defense in the league. Don’t be surprised to see 140 rushing yards and three TDs from the Burner (32 pts).

Cedric Benson: Benson is coming off of a one game suspension which is bad news for the Titans and their sixth worst rush defense. Benson should be rested and weather may cause this to be a ground game for both sides. Benson has averaged 10 ppg this season. Expect him to see around 140 total yards and a score (20 pts).

BUSTS

Matt Schaub: Schaub has averaged around 20 ppg this season and there is a chance he will get back his top WR this week in Andre Johnson. But the Texans are playing the Browns who hold the third best pass defense in the league. Expect Houston to run the ball early and often, build a lead, and continue to run all day. Schaub should see around 175 yards, one TD, and two turnovers (9 pts).

Mike Wallace: Wallace is averaging 14 ppg this season. The Steelers are playing the Ravens, who are holding opponents to only 171 passing yards per game. This could be a very low scoring game. Big Ben has also been spreading the ball around quite a bit, hurting Wallace’s value. Expect similar numbers to last week; 70 yards and no scores (7 pts).

Chicago Bears Defense: Yup, a defense made it on the list this week. The Bears might be rested after a bye, but their 11 ppg production is going to take a big hit this week playing in Philly on Monday night football. The Eagles have found their stride and Michael Vick is still very tough to stop. Don’t be surprised to see the Bears without a sack and allowing over 30 yards and 400 yards of offense. They might find a way to force at least one turnover though (approx 2 pts)

Marshawn Lynch: It’s tough to predict that is only averaging 7 ppg would see his numbers cut in half. But the Seahawks are playing in Dallas where the Cowboys have only allowed 66 rushing yards per game this season. Lynch will struggle to find success and Seattle will be down early, needing to pass quite a bit. Expect a dismal 30 total yards (3 pts).

Ray Rice: The final bust this week will be Ray Rice. The Steelers allowed him to go for 150 all-purpose yards and two scores against them in week one. Since then the Steelers have created a nasty run defense and will be looking for revenge this week. Rice averages 18 ppg. He should see around 70 rushing yards and another couple of catches for 20 yards, but he won’t find the end zone (9 pts).
 
Think someone deserves to be on either list? Tell me about it in the comments section below.

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