Start Em’
Matt Ryan QB, ATL, has struggled on the road this season but will likely break that pattern this week. Ryan and the Falcons are coming off of a bye week and will play on the road against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. While the Falcons offensive line has failed to protect Matt Ryan as of late, they will have little trouble this week against a Bucs defensive line that ranks last in the league in sacks. Tampa Bay has also allowed the 2nd-most passing touchdowns. Expect Ryan to torch the Bucs secondary just like he did before in the Falcons week 3 blowout win. Prediction: 21 pts; 260 yds and 2 TDs
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Denard Robinson RB, JAX, has totaled over 100 yards in his past 3 performances since taking over as the lead running back in Jacksonville. Robinson will face the Dallas Cowboys who have allowed 17 points per game to running backs over the past 2 games. The Cowboys have also given up 4.6 yards per rush, which is the 6th-most in the NFL. Expect Robinson to continue to make the most of his opportunities, overseas in London. Prediction: 14 pts; 80 yds and 1 TD
Julio Jones WR, ATL, has not scored a touchdown in his past 5 games. This being said, Jones should return to his elite receiver status this week against a weak Tampa Bay secondary. The Bucs have allowed the most fantasy points per game to opposing wideouts, including Jones’ season high outburst for 28 in week 3. Expect Jones to be a recurring nightmare for Tampa’s cover men. Prediction: 15 pts; 90 yds and 1 TD
Sit Em’
Ryan Tannehill QB, MIA, has been great in his past 3 games; posting 761 yards with 6 touchdowns and only 1 interception. Unfortunately for Tannehill, he may experience a halt to his hot streak as the Dolphins take on the Detroit Lions on the road. Tannehill has averaged only 238 yards and just over 1 touchdown in each of his road games this season. The Lions defense, who has allowed the fewest passing touchdowns (9) in the NFL, will be well rested and prepared as they come off of a bye week. The Lions also lead the league in scoring defense. Expect Tannehill to be pressured and make a few mistakes. Prediction: 13 pts; 220 yds, 1 TD, and 1 INT
Frank Gore RB, SF, has had 20 carries only 1 time this season, while having only 1 red zone carry in the past 5 weeks. The 49ers will clash with the New Orleans Saints in the Superdome where the Saints have shutdown the run. The Saints are leading the league with the fewest rushing yards allowed at home this season. With Gore having less opportunities and the 49ers facing the Saints on the road, expect this to be a low production week for Gore. Prediction: 6 pts; 60 yds
Rueben Randle WR, NYG, is the 19th ranked wide receiver in the NFL for targets on the season, but is just 58th for fantasy points per game. These rankings show how unproductive Randle has been with his opportunities, making him a thorn in the side of anyone that owns him in fantasy. Randle will be facing the “best corner in the league”, Richard Sherman, and company. The Seahawks coverage unit has allowed the 6th fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Expect Randle to continue struggling to make big plays. Prediction: 5 pts; 50 yds
Top Players by Position
QB
Ben Roethlisbeger, PIT: Has been unbelievable as of late, throwing for 6 touchdowns in two straight games, setting a NFL record for most touchdown passes in a 2 game stretch. Prediction: 32 pts; 320 yds and 4 TDs
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Peyton Manning, DEN: Will be facing division-rival, the Oakland Raiders. Manning has thrown for 277 yards per game with 18 touchdowns in his past 7 meetings with the Raiders. Prediction: 28 pts; 320 yds and 3 TDs
Aaron Rodgers, GB: Rodgers has averaged the 3rd-most fantasy points among quarterbacks. He will face a Chicago secondary that has allowed the 4th-most fantasy points to quarterbacks. Prediction: 26 pts; 280 yds and 3 TDs
RB
Matt Forte, CHI: He totaled 171 yards in his meeting with Green Bay earlier this season. Green Bay is ranked 30th in the league in yards per carry allowed, making it possible for Forte to bust off some big plays. Prediction: 20 pts; 140 yds and 1 TD
DeMarco Murray, DAL: His streak of rushing for over 100 yards in a game ended last week but he will bounce back this week against a Jags defense that allowed 191 rushing yards just a week ago. Prediction: 19 pts; 130 yds and 1 TD
Jamaal Charles, KC: Has 4 rushing touchdowns in the past 3 games. He faces a Bills defense that has allowed opposing running backs to total 40 fantasy points in the past 2 games. Prediction: 13 pts; 70 yds and 1 TD
WR
Antonio Brown, PIT: Has had 277 yards and 3 touchdowns in the past 2 weeks. With his quarterback playing better than ever, Brown has become even more of an offensive weapon. Prediction: 19 pts; 130 yds and 1 TD
DeMaryius Thomas, DEN: Has averaged 150 yards per game with 5 touchdowns over the past 5 games. Thomas has been great against the Raiders as he has totaled 393 yards with 2 touchdowns, in his past 4 games against Oakland. Prediction: 17 pts; 110 yds and 1 TD
Jordy Nelson, GB: Has had a touchdown in each home game this season. He faces the Bears who he burned in week 4, with 108 yards and 2 touchdowns. Prediction: 15 pts; 90 yds and 1 TD
Injury Report
Out: Reggie Bush RB, DET, Giovani Bernard RB, CIN, Jordan Cameron TE, CLE, Nick Foles QB, PHI
Questionable: Montee Ball RB, DEN, Mark Ingram RB, NO, Lamar Miller RB, MIA, Sammy Watkins WR, BUF, Ryan Mathews RB, SD
Probable: Frank Gore RB, SF, Calvin Johnson WR, DET, Tony Romo QB, DAL, Arian Foster RB, HOU, Marshawn Lynch RB, SEA, Jimmy Graham TE, NO For updates on more injuries check out the full injury report.
Week 10 Byes: Indianapolis Colts, Minnesota Vikings, New England Patriots, San Diego Chargers, Washington Redskins, Houston Texans
Check back next week for the latest edition of Coach on a Couch!
Collegian Sports Reporter Alec Grimes can be reached at sports@collegian.com and on Twitter @GrimesAlec.
