Trapasso’s Finest Fantasy Matchups: Week 3

Vincent Jackson vs. Desmond Trufant

Roddy White (if he plays) and Julio Jones are the obvious, must-watch, must-have fantasy wideouts in this one, but they get more than enough (deserved) publicity. So for a change, let’s take a look at a wideout on the other side of the ball…Vincent Jackson.

For the most part, the 6’5″ Jackson has been a frustrating fantasy contributor throughout his career, especially in PPR leagues. For a guy with “possession receiver” size, Jackson’s never reached the 80-reception mark in his career.

He’s been somewhat of a fantasy dud thus far, and he’ll get one of the NFL’s bright young cornerbacks in Desmond Trufant this evening. Josh McCown should have a pretty respectable night facing Atlanta’s timid pass-rush, and he’ll be able to push the ball downfield to his big targets.

While I’m not envisioning a monster evening from V-Jax, because Trufant’s a strong corner, the veteran receiver will have solid WR3 / Flex outing.

Prediction

Vincent Jackson – 4 catches, 70 yards

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Aaron Rodgers and Matthew Stafford vs. Lions / Packers secondaries

Fantasy dream here, isn’t it? This game’s loaded with offensive stars playing against two, ehhh secondaries in a dome. I’ll be brief here, because Calvin Johnson’s gonna Calvin Johnson, Jordy Nelson’s gonna Jordy Nelson and so on.

One slightly troubling issue that may arise is in regard to the Packers offensive line squaring off against the Lions defensive front. If you check the early-season tape, Detroit’s line is just mauling everyone at the point of attack, and the linebackers are smart veterans who can certainly strike downhill and cover.

I rarely bet against Aaron Rodgers, because he’s the best quarterback in football, but it wouldn’t shock me if he runs into some issues against Ndamukong Suh, Nick Fairley and Ziggy Ansah in a hostile and relatively loud environment.

Matt Stafford was great against the New York Giants in Week 1 but had a very pedestrian afternoon against a stout Carolina Panthers defense in Week 2. He should rebound this week against a Packers unit that’s allowed the most points per drive through two weeks according to Football Outsiders.

Prediction

Aaron Rodgers – 24 for 37, 250 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT

Matthew Stafford – 22 for 32, 326 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT

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Browns running backs vs. Ravens run defense

Thus far, Cleveland’s offensive line and rookie running back Terrance West have been pretty darn impressive. West averages 4.8 yards per carry on 35 attempts and backup Isaiah Crowell averages 5.4 yards per carry on 16 attempts, and he scored twice in the opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

On the flip side, the Ravens defense has allowed a respectable 4.0 yards per carry which is tied for third-lowest in the NFL.Something’s got to give here.

In this situation, I’ll give the edge to the Browns offensive line. Cleveland has too many studs up front, and a few are youngsters — outside of monster Joe Thomas, I love Joel Bitonio and John Greco at the two guard spots.

West should have another effective performance, and don’t be stunned when Crowell breaks a few runs of over 10 yards, although he’s not exactly fantasy relevant…yet.

Prediction

Terrance West – 19 carries, 84 yards, 1 TD

Isaiah Crowell – 7 carries, 40 yards

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Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders vs. Seahawks secondary

Had to feature the Super Bowl rematch.

Demaryius Thomas against the Seahawks secondary is tricky. Despite the Broncos being blown out last February, Thomas did have 13 receptions for 118 yards and a score. Then again, much of that gaudy stat line came in garbage time in the second half.

Over the past two years, I’ve learned something. Heck, we’ve probably all learned something. THE SEAHAWKS ARE INCREDIBLE AT HOME. They chew quarterbacks and spit them out. Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees…doesn’t matter.

Peyton’s just the next quarterback to feel the wrath of the fans in Seattle and the adrenaline boost the Seahawks defense receives every time it gets to take the field at home. Emmanuel Sanders went over 100 yards last week for the first time in his NFL career.

But don’t bank on that this time around. Thomas is probably the best play — obviously — just because he has the size and physical nature to acome close to matching Seattle’s aggressiveness. However, the Broncos offensive train halts, at least for one week, in Seattle.

Prediction

Demaryius Thomas – 6 receptions, 65 yards

Emmanuel Sanders – 5 receptions, 55 yards

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