Chargers' Fantasy Corner

Last week was filled with big misses, Joe Flacco and Mike Bell, and big hits, Sidney Rice and Santana Moss. However, I really nailed a lot of the Chargers’ game picks and it has me motivated for what I foresee happening this week. Before we look at the Battle for the West, let’s look at all the players who have a Dream and Nightmare Matchup this week.

DREAM MATCHUPS

Carson Palmer vs. Oakland

Palmer has been inconsistent to say the least but the Oakland secondary is allowing big plays. With RB Cedric Benson hurt, I expect the Bengals to ask Palmer to lead them to a victory. Expected Stat Line: 235 yards, 2 TDs

Rashard Mendenhall vs. Kansas City

The Chiefs are not very good on either side of the ball. Pittsburgh will get to pick their manner of attack and I expect them to decide to go heavy with the run. Mendenhall will have a very good day. Expected Stat Line: 123 yards, 2 TDs

Anquan Boldin vs. St. Louis

The Cardinals like to pass the ball and the Rams don’t play very much defense. Boldin has had a bad season so far but this is the game where he breaks out. Expected Stat Line: 6 receptions, 105 yards, TD

NIGHTMARE MATCHUPS

Matt Ryan vs. New York Giants

If you have Matt Ryan on your team, you don’t need me to tell you that he’s been playing badly as of late. The Giants have had two weeks to prepare for him and will definitely apply the pressure. Expected Stat Line: 225 yards, 1 TD, 3 Ints

Thomas Jones vs. New England

With Mark Sanchez not performing exceptionally well, the Pats will be focusing on stopping Thomas Jones. Also, the Jets have not been able to make up for the loss of Leon Washington which puts more pressure on Jones to produce. Expected Stat Line: 57 rushing yards, 12 receiving yards

Devin Hester vs. Philadelphia

Jay Cutler has been inconsistent the last couple of weeks and this matchup does not favor him or his receiving core. The Eagles have a top ten defense against the pass and were able to limit Chargers’ receiver Vincent Jackson to 1 catch. That’s too many negatives to start Hester this week. Expected Stat Line: 2 catches, 37 yards

Chargers vs. Denver

DREAM MATCHUPS

LaDanian Tomlinson (SD)- The Broncos Defense has been soft against the run the last three games, so here is LT’s chance to have a big day.

Philip Rivers (SD)- This game will probably be a battle and the Chargers will look to their leader to make the plays in the passing game

Chargers Defense (SD)- Broncos QB Kyle Orton may not play and if he doesn’t expect, the Chargers to bring it to backup QB Chris Simms.

Brandon Marshall (Den)- The Chargers D has had a lot of trouble trying to contain him, I expect this to continue.

NIGHTMARE MATCHUPS

Broncos QB (Den)- Whoever ends up playing QB for Denver will have a long day. The Chargers D is playing better and that bodes poorly for Denver.

Eddie Royal (Den)- With Marshall running the short routes there is no where for Royal to go. Expect his disappointing season to continue.

Correll Buckhalter (Den)- The Chargers’ D has significantly improved against the run and with a gimpy or inexperienced QB under center, the Chargers will prepare to stop the run.

Darren Sproles (SD)- With the possibility of LT having a big day, that should temper the expectations for Sproles.