This article is part of our Weekly Matchups series.
Chad Henne vs. PIT
Henne has been one of the more underrated quarterbacks in the league since Ronnie Brown's injury as the Dolphins offense has shifted from the Wildcat to Air Coryell. Henne has thrown for more than 300 yards in three of his last four games, and the Dolphins are throwing the ball an average of 45 times a game in that span. While the Steelers rank first in the league against the run, they are just 16th in fantasy points allowed via the pass and have given up more than 250 yards passing in three of their last five games. Look for Henne to continue to air it out in the season finale.
Jonathan Stewart vs. NO
Stewart has filled in nicely for the injured DeAngelo Williams and is coming off a career-best 206 yards versus the Giants. Stewart has topped 100 yards in three of his last four games and has a nice matchup in the season finale against the Saints. The Saints are 25th in the league in fantasy points allowed via the run and have given up an average of 160 yards rushing in the last two weeks. Look for Stewart to have a big game in the season finale for the Panthers.
Frank Gore vs. STL
Gore has come on strong lately having at least 126 total yards in his last three games. Gore missed his first good matchup against the Rams with an injury but will likely capitalize this time
Chad Henne vs. PIT
Henne has been one of the more underrated quarterbacks in the league since Ronnie Brown's injury as the Dolphins offense has shifted from the Wildcat to Air Coryell. Henne has thrown for more than 300 yards in three of his last four games, and the Dolphins are throwing the ball an average of 45 times a game in that span. While the Steelers rank first in the league against the run, they are just 16th in fantasy points allowed via the pass and have given up more than 250 yards passing in three of their last five games. Look for Henne to continue to air it out in the season finale.
Jonathan Stewart vs. NO
Stewart has filled in nicely for the injured DeAngelo Williams and is coming off a career-best 206 yards versus the Giants. Stewart has topped 100 yards in three of his last four games and has a nice matchup in the season finale against the Saints. The Saints are 25th in the league in fantasy points allowed via the run and have given up an average of 160 yards rushing in the last two weeks. Look for Stewart to have a big game in the season finale for the Panthers.
Frank Gore vs. STL
Gore has come on strong lately having at least 126 total yards in his last three games. Gore missed his first good matchup against the Rams with an injury but will likely capitalize this time around. The Rams rank 30th in the league in fantasy rushing points allowed and are giving up more than 138 yards a game on the ground. In an up-and-down season for Gore, all signs point to him finishing on an upswing.
Devin Aromashodu vs. DET
Aromashodu has been great in two of his last three games and has all the signs of a fantasy sleeper for next season. Aromashodu figures to end the 2009 season on another positive note facing a Lions pass defense ranked last in the NFL in fantasy points allowed. Aromashodu should have another strong outing and should be an under-the-radar name to watch in 2010 fantasy drafts.
San Francisco Defense vs. STL
The 49ers have been hot on defense lately and should end the season on a strong note. The 49ers have 17 sacks and 18 forced turnovers in the last five weeks. Look for that to continue against a Rams offense that has no weapons and is coming off a combined eight sack/turnover game against a less than stellar Falcons defense. Look for the 49ers to continue their good play and be ranked as a preseason top-10 defense for 2010.
BAD MATCHUPS
Philip Rivers vs. WAS
Rivers has been outstanding this season but could have the dreaded Colt Syndrome in Week 17 as the Chargers have nothing to play for and figure to give Rivers a limited number of series before resting him. Even if Rivers gets significant playing time, the Redskins pass defense has been one of the few bright spots, ranking 10th in fantasy pass defense and seventh in sacks.
Joe Flacco vs. OAK
Flacco won't catch Colt Syndrome this week as the Ravens need to win to get into the playoff. However, Flacco faces a tough Raiders pass defense when compared to its run defense. The Raiders are a solid 11th in fantasy against the pass but just 31st against the run. Ray Rice should be huge in this game while Flacco may be more limited to a game-manager roll. Flacco has been solid in his last three games, but we figure that the Ravens will play cautious and go with the numbers in this game.
Chris Wells vs. GB
Wells has come on strong the last three weeks and looks to be a potentially solid fantasy player in 2010. Wells has the double whammy of not having a lot to play for against the Packers and also facing a unit ranked second in fantasy against the run. Look for Wells production to be limited as he gets ready for the real season for the Cardinals, which starts next week.
Chad Ochocinco vs. NYJ
Ochocinco faces a similar plight to Wells, but it can be taken even a step further, as the Jets have to win the game to insure they make the playoffs. Even if Ochocinco plays a significant amount of time, he faces the human receiver eraser in Darrelle Revis and the top-ranked fantasy passing defense. It has been a nice come back year for Ochocinco but the regular season probably won't end with a big performance.
Dwayne Bowe vs. DEN
It has been an injury plagued year for Bowe, who has missed five games due to injury and has not been 100 percent in several others. Still, when he is healthy Bowe is a viable fantasy option, especially in a week where several starters will be sitting. However, Bowe figures to struggle against a Broncos pass defense raked fifth in the league in fantasy points allowed via the pass. Bowe figures to a bounce-back candidate in 2010, but it looks like his first game of 2010 won't be his best.
