SB Nation Chicago: All Posts by Zack Pearsonhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48877/chicago-fave.png2012-10-12T11:39:19-05:00https://chicago.sbnation.com/authors/zack-pearson/rss2012-10-12T11:39:19-05:002012-10-12T11:39:19-05:00Week 6 Brings us Some Favorable Matchups
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<figcaption>Matt Sullivan - Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Here are five favorable matchups for Week 6.</p> <p>We now enter Week 6 of the NFL season, and the importance of weeks in fantasy football continue to grow larger. Each week from here on out could make or break your season.</p>
<p>As we approach the midway point of the fantasy season, by now you should have a good sense of what direction your team is heading in. Are you comfortable enough with your team that you can pull victories out? Or do you have to make that one move to put your team in position for a run? Does your team need to get scrapped and you make as many moves as possible?</p>
<p>All of those questions could be lingering through your mind.</p>
<p>The good news for you is that I will provide you with five favorable matchups this week. These are the matchups I circled on my fantasy charts, hoping for big weeks.</p>
<p>Below are five favorable matchups to help you win Week 6, and take your team to the top.</p>
<p><b>Matt Ryan vs. Oakland</b></p>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders">Raiders</a> secondary is vulnerable to giving up big yards to opposing receivers. Mix in Matty Ice's hot start and you have a combination for success here.</p>
<p>I love this matchup for Ryan, especially with the weapons he has in <span>Roddy White</span> and <span>Julio Jones</span>. I'm calling this one a blowout, and that means points for Ryan and the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Falcons</a> offense.</p>
<p><b><span>DeSean Jackson</span> vs. Detroit</b></p>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/">Lions</a> have arguably the worst secondary in the NFL and the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Eagles</a> love hitting the big play. The Lions have been horrible defending the pass this season. That's where DeSean Jackson comes into the mix.</p>
<p>Jackson could have a huge day for the Eagles and your fantasy team. I like the Vick to Jackson connection on Sunday against Detroit.</p>
<p><b><span>Ray Rice</span> vs. Dallas</b></p>
<p>The memo for the Ravens should be simple: Give the ball to Ray Rice and you will be successful. I'm not taking anything away from Flacco and the rest of the Ravens offense, but Rice is dynamic. He needs the ball in his hands, and he should get it.</p>
<p>Dallas is coming off a disaster of a Monday Night Football game at home vs Chicago. Now they have to play a tough Ravens team? Advantage Ray Rice and the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Baltimore Ravens</a>.</p>
<p><b><span>Rob Gronkowski</span> vs. Seattle</b></p>
<p>We all know Gronkowski can be a fantasy scoring machine, although he hasn't put up the numbers similar to last season, he's still be solid. I love this matchup against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seahawks</a> this week, who have struggled against opposing teams tight ends.</p>
<p>The Brady to Gronkowski connection could be huge for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">Patriots</a> this week.</p>
<p><b><span>Ben Roethlisberger</span> vs. Tennessee</b></p>
<p>The Titan's are struggling, there's no hiding that. Roethlisberger has a great matchup this week as he looks to build off his 8 touchdown, 1 interception season thus far. With a poor secondary, Big Ben could be in for a big game.</p>
<p>This is the Thursday Night game for the week, so an early start from Roethlisberger would be a nice perk going into the weekend.</p>
https://chicago.sbnation.com/2012/10/12/3482166/fantasy-football-matt-ryan-heads-the-list-of-favorable-matchups-forZack Pearson2012-10-04T08:00:43-05:002012-10-04T08:00:43-05:00Week 5 Gives us Five Favorable Fantasy Matchups
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<figcaption>Evan Habeeb-US PRESSWIRE - Presswire</figcaption>
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<p>It's Week 5 of the NFL season, here are five favorable matchups for your fantasy team</p> <p>The fantasy football season is picking up steam, and now in week 5 every week counts. Last week we saw some big days from players like Brian Hartline, Roddy White and AJ Green. Will it be the receivers again this week that put up big numbers?</p>
<p>There are a few favorable matchups I like this week for your fantasy team. Now most of these are big name players, but hey, why should they not be included in favorable matchups? When I look at these five players I think to myself "I see a big day for all five of them". I also sit there and wish I had all five of them on my team.</p>
<p>Before we get into the favorable matchups, here's a look at how I did last week and this season.</p>
<p><b>Hits</b></p>
<p>Matt Schaub continues to stay on a roll for the first place Texans. Last week Schaub threw for two touchdowns and over 200 yards in a big divisional game against Tennessee.</p>
<p>Marshawn Lynch provided fantasy owners with a nice game against the Rams last week as he recorded 155 total yards and a touchdown.</p>
<p>Demaryius Thomas didn't have a touchdown against Oakland, but he hauled in five receptions for 103 yards. A solid game for any league, including PPR.</p>
<p>DeSean Jackson didn't have the big game I was hoping for, but he still put up good numbers against the Giants defense. He had one touchdown reception on six receptions for just under 100 yards.</p>
<p><b>Misses</b></p>
<p>BenJarvus Green-Ellis is the type of player I feel can explode and carry the workload. Then he drops a dud on me rushing for just 83 yards. Chalk this one up as a miss.</p>
<p><b>Year to date: 10 hits, 3 misses, 1 push</b></p>
<p>Here are my Week 5 favorable matchups.</p>
<p><b>Joe Flacco vs. Kansas City</b></p>
<p>Who said Joe Flacco can't lead the Raven's offense? Not this guy. Flacco has turned in some solid fantasy games this week, and with the Chiefs struggling, I see Flacco having another good day.</p>
<p>Plus, it always helps having Ray Rice in your backfield. Yeah, more on that Rice guy in a minute.</p>
<p><b>Ryan Mathews vs. New Orleans</b></p>
<p>Mathews has yet to get it going for the Chargers. That's the bad news. The good news is that he looks to be the featured back in that backfield. Mathews could have his breakout game this season against the Saints. At least I hope he does.</p>
<p><b>Eric Decker vs. New England</b></p>
<p>Decker can be a solid play this week mainly because the Patriots secondary has struggled all season. We get another Manning vs. Brady matchup, so I expect another air show. Enter in Decker, who is becoming a favorite target for Manning in Denver.</p>
<p>I went with DeMariyus Thomas last week hoping to strike gold, and it didn't quite work out. Let's see what Decker can do for me this week.</p>
<p><b>Ray Rice vs. Kansas City</b></p>
<p>The memo for the Ravens offense should be: "Get the ball to Ray Rice as many times as possible". The running back is a flat out playmaker and has big play ability at any moment. A nice week would include a few receptions to Rice from Flacco. Let's see how this works out.</p>
<p><b>Roddy White vs. Washington</b></p>
<p>Where has Julio Jones disappeared to? Good thing Roddy White is still around in Atlanta, and as long as Matt Ryan is hot, White will get his looks. The sure handed receiver should go for a nice game against a vulnerable Redskins secondary.</p>
https://chicago.sbnation.com/2012/10/4/3447942/fantasy-football-joe-flacco-leads-the-favorable-matchups-this-weekZack Pearson2012-09-28T09:24:01-05:002012-09-28T09:24:01-05:00Week 4 Brings us Five Favorable Fantasy Matchups
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<figcaption>Jeremy Brevard-US PRESSWIRE - Presswire</figcaption>
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<p>Week 4 is off and running in the NFL, here are five favorable matchups to lead your team to victory.</p> <p>It's just a few days before the fantasy week gets into full swing. Granted the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Ravens</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Browns</a> are playing as we speak, the majority of the games are on Sunday. And no, I didn't really like any favorable matchups in the Thursday Night game anyways.</p>
<p>I'll take these five over any matchup I could have found for the Thursday Night game. By the way NFL, I still think it's a dumb idea to have a game on Thursday every week.</p>
<p>Here's how I did in my Week 3 favorable matchups:</p>
<p><b>Hits</b></p>
<p><span>Mike Wallace</span> is off to a hot start for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Pittsburgh Steelers</a>. Last week he had a solid game against a struggling <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders">Raiders</a> defense. Wallace hauled in eight receptions for 124 yards and a touchdown.</p>
<p><span>Maurice Jones-Drew</span> doesn't seem effected by his off-season holdout. Last week MJD went off for 177 yards and a touchdown.</p>
<p><span>Drew Brees</span> hasn't put up the type of numbers we are used to seeing by the big armed quarterback, but they are solid fantasy numbers anyway. In another loss, Brees finished with over 200 yards and three touchdowns. Hey, I'll take it.</p>
<p><b>Miss:</b></p>
<p>Where have you disappeared to Brandon Marshall? After a solid game in week 1, you have disappeared off into Wide Receiver hell. Sure you had a deep target against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams">Rams</a>, but under 100 yard games and no touchdowns won't cut it.</p>
<p><b>Push:</b></p>
<p><span>C.J. Spiller</span> was off to a fast start against the Browns. He had 58 total yards and a touchdown before getting hurt in the first half. I'll call this one a push.</p>
<p><b>Year to date: 6 hits, 2 miss, 1 push.</b></p>
<p>Here's a look at my Week 4 favorable matchups for your fantasy team.</p>
<p><b><span>Matt Schaub</span> vs. Tennessee</b></p>
<p>I love what the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Texans</a> did last week through the air. They finally let Schaub air it out, and it worked. They have a solid run game with <span>Arian Foster</span> and <span>Ben Tate</span>, and teams are going to respect that. Enter Schaub and the passing game and it's a formula for success.</p>
<p>I like Schaub's matchup against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/">Titans</a> this week. The Titans secondary has struggled this season, and I see the Texan's passing game developing smoothly again this week.</p>
<p><b><span>Marshawn Lynch</span> vs. St. Louis</b></p>
<p>I love this matchup for Marshawn Lynch. A divisional opponent in the Rams is the perfect time to unleash "beast mode" and pickup solid fantasy numbers. The Rams have already given up five touchdowns through three games this season, and facing Lynch they are vulnerable to give up another.</p>
<p>I like Lynch with at least a touchdown this week and close to 100 yards on the ground. He can also be a nice compliment in the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seahawks</a> passing attack as well.</p>
<p><b><span>Demaryius Thomas</span> vs. Oakland</b></p>
<p>Oakland has struggled with their secondary this year, and on Sunday it could be the same story for them. After giving up 400+ yards passing to the Steelers, I love the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Broncos</a> and Demaryius Thomas this week.</p>
<p>Thomas could be in for a big game, and in a points per reception league this is a great matchup. Let's expect Thomas to haul in anywhere from six to ten receptions for over 100 yards.</p>
<p><b><span>BenJarvus Green-Ellis</span> vs. Jacksonville</b></p>
<p>Green-Ellis has been solid for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Bengals</a> this season. Last week he continued that trend and put out a nice game for fantasy owners. While Green-Ellis isn't a top fantasy back yet, he still provides solid numbers. Jacksonville is hurting on defense, so Green-Ellis could be in for a big game.</p>
<p>Plus, don't you just love guys with the double last name? The law firm will come to work on Sunday.</p>
<p><b><span>DeSean Jackson</span> vs. New York</b></p>
<p>DeSean Jackson is poised for a huge game, I'll take my chances and say it's this week. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">Giants</a> have struggled against big play receivers this season and Jackson presents that big play threat. Jackson has had some nice games against the Giants in the past and that should be the case again on Sunday.</p>
https://chicago.sbnation.com/2012/9/28/3421432/fantasy-football-favorable-matchups-week-4-adviceZack Pearson2012-09-19T07:01:08-05:002012-09-19T07:01:08-05:00Fantasy Football: Brandon Marshall Leads Favorable Matchups In Week 3
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<p>Week 3 in fantasy football has arrived, and there are plenty of favorable matchups out there. Here are five to help propel your team to the top.</p> <p>Two weeks are in the books for the fantasy football season, and while it's still early, these games are important. Whether you look to continue your unbeaten streak, break the .500 mark or just get your first win, Week 3 provides us with some favorable matchups for your fantasy team.</p>
<p>Before we get into the favorable Week 3 matchups, last week I gave you five players in my opinion that had favorable matchups for their Week 2 games. Here's how I did.</p>
<p><b>Hits: </b></p>
<p><b></b><span>Dwayne Bowe</span> (vs Buffalo) finished with eight receptions for 102 yards and two touchdowns. Bowe provided fantasy owners with a productive week early on in the season.</p>
<p><span>Jimmy Graham</span> didn't have his typical big game the past week against Carolina, but he did provide seven receptions for 71 yards and a touchdown.</p>
<p><span>A.J. Green</span> got back on track after a disappointing start against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Baltimore Ravens</a>. Green hauled in seven receptions including a touchdown to go with his 58 yards for the game.</p>
<p><span>DeAngelo Williams</span> is tough to call a hit, but with Carolina using virtually having three running backs with the scramble happy Cam Newton, 69 yards on 14 carries and a touchdown is a nice game for Williams.</p>
<p><b>Miss:</b></p>
<p>Chris Johnson continues his struggle this season as he had another disappointing game for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/">Titans</a>. Is it time to give up on the former 2,000 yard rusher?</p>
<p>With Week 2 in the books, here are five favorable matchups for week 3.</p>
<p><b>Brandon Marshall vs St. Louis</b></p>
<p>After his impressive performance in week 1, Marshall had an awful outing against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Packers</a> last week. He caught two passes and dropped a wide open touchdown.</p>
<p>I like Marshall to rebound this week against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams">Rams</a> at Soldier Field. This has 'bounce back' game written all over it for Marshall, as he goes against a Rams secondary that has given up 280 yard per game passing this season. Cutler will look for Marshall early and often which is a positive for your fantasy team.</p>
<p><b>CJ Spiller vs Cleveland</b></p>
<p>I've been high on Spiller since the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Bills</a> drafted him a few years back. He's just never received his chance to prove he belongs in an NFL backfield until now. With <span>Fred Jackson</span> still sidelined, Spiller will continue to shine and put up big fantasy numbers.</p>
<p>This week Spiller goes against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Browns</a> who are very capable of giving up a lot of yards on the ground. Will these be another two touchdown performance for Spiller? Possibly, I see Spiller going for at least one touchdown this week.</p>
<p><b><span>Mike Wallace</span> vs Oakland</b></p>
<p>Wallace is just getting back into the NFL routine and that's great news for fantasy owners. Wallace is Big Ben's favorite target, and against Oakland that smells like a recipe for success.</p>
<p>He's poised for a nice game against a Oakland secondary that is just poised to give up a big play.</p>
<p><b><span>Maurice Jones-Drew</span> vs Indianapolis</b></p>
<p>Jones-Drew's workload will increase week by week, and with <span>Rashad Jennings</span> out, MJD will continue to get the bulk of the carries in Jacksonville. This week MJD goes against division rival Indianapolis, and could be a nice matchup for MJD to get back on track.</p>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/">Jaguars</a> will look to get MJD going early and often, trying to establish the run game against a poor <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Colts</a> defense. Jones-Drew can shred this defense, and put up solid numbers for your fantasy team.</p>
<p><span>Drew Brees</span> vs Kansas City</p>
<p>Brees hasn't had his greatest start to the season like previous years past, but a week 3 matchup with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/">Chiefs</a> could help get Brees going. Brees is a key to many fantasy owners as they expect big numbers each and every week. So far Brees hasn't exactly given fantasy owners what they have wanted this season.</p>
<p>I'm not saying Brees has had an awful start to the season, but the interceptions have been a problem. Brees has thrown four interceptions to match his four touchdowns on the season. One thing you can guarantee from Brees is yards, but he needs to get the touchdowns going. Let's see if he can do it this week.</p>
https://chicago.sbnation.com/2012/9/19/3356464/fantasy-football-brandon-marshall-leads-favorable-matchups-in-week-3Zack Pearson2012-09-13T07:00:11-05:002012-09-13T07:00:11-05:00Fantasy Football: Favorable Week 2 Matchups Include A.J. Green, Chris Johnson
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<img alt="Aug 23, 2012; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver AJ Green (18) looks toward the fans during the pre-season game against the Green Bay Packers at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Leifheit-US PRESSWIRE" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/hnHoZoPZjy0WHnY8gTFYAnsRoSc=/0x1118:2645x2881/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/8565735/20120823_ajw_af7_135.jpg" />
<figcaption>Aug 23, 2012; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver AJ Green (18) looks toward the fans during the pre-season game against the Green Bay Packers at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Leifheit-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>Fantasy football officially hits Week 2 on Thursday. Here are some players looking at favorable matchups.</p> <p>Week 1 of the NFL season brought us plenty of surprises in the fantasy aspect of the game. Both <span>Arian Foster</span> and <span>Adrian Peterson</span> made quickly erased any rumors that they weren't 100 percent healthy, with two solid performances for their respected teams.</p>
<p>We also saw quarterbacks like Matt Ryan and <span>Joe Flacco</span>, who entered 2012 with heavy criticism, put up solid numbers.</p>
<p>Week 2 brings us a new slate of games, meaning more matchups for you to sink your teeth into. Whether you look to stay undefeated in your league, or are looking for that ever so cherished first victory, here's some favorable matchups to help you earn the win this week.</p>
<p><b>A.J. Green vs Cleveland </b></p>
<p>I absolutely love <span>A.J. Green's</span> matchup against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Cleveland Browns</a> this weekend. Last weekend Green struggled, but he was also going against a rock solid <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Ravens</a> defense. This week Green has to be licking his lips at facing the Cleveland Browns. Fantasy owner you should be, too.</p>
<p>The Browns will be without their best cover man in <span>Joe Haden</span>, who is serving the the first of a four-game suspension on Sunday. So who is going to lock down Green? No one. I expect at least 60-70 receiving yards on about 5-6 receptions and a touchdown for the star wide receiver in the making.</p>
<p><b>Chris Johnson vs San Diego </b></p>
<p>I know exactly what you're thinking right now. No, I'm not crazy. CJ2K has never been the same back since he eclipsed the 2,000 rushing yard mark just a few seasons ago. Last season he was a huge disappointment for fantasy owners like myself.</p>
<p>Johnson faced a tough New England defense who played ahead for most of the game. That limited Johnson's carries and virtually took him out of the game.</p>
<p>This week however Johnson has a favorable match-up with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/san-diego-chargers">San Diego Chargers</a>, who struggled to contain <span>Darren McFadden</span> in Week 1. The Chargers will give up the yards to Johnson, but the touchdowns won't come easy.</p>
<p><b><span>Jimmy Graham</span> vs Carolina</b></p>
<p>Graham is an absolute stud at the tight end position. There's no denying that. Every week he will get his looks from Brees, and usually Graham comes through.</p>
<p>This week Graham takes on a struggling <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.catscratchreader.com/">Panthers</a> secondary that has me loving Grahams matchup. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/">Saints</a> will continue their passing ways, and with that look for Graham to be more involved as he's surely a favorite target of Brees.</p>
<p><b><span>DeAngelo Williams</span> vs New Orleans</b></p>
<p>The Panthers are a running team and with a two-headed backfield plus a mobile quarterback, there's no reason not to be. They got off to a very slow start this season, but expect that to change soon.</p>
<p>Williams has a nice match-up as he goes against New Orleans this week. The Saints struggled defending the run against Washington, and I love Carolina's backfield more then I even like Washington's.</p>
<p>With Stewart questionable this week again, expect Williams to see a lot more carries. Also expect the Panthers to gain more then 10 yards total rushing.</p>
<p><b><span>Dwayne Bowe</span> vs Buffalo</b></p>
<p>Dwayne Bowe is a receiver that can break out a huge game at anytime. Luckily for you, I think Week 2 is another one of those games for Bowe.</p>
<p>Buffalo boosts an improved defense overall, but Bowe has the skill to have a big game. I like Kansas City to establish a nice offensive momentum early on and get Bowe heavily involved in the passing attack.</p>
https://chicago.sbnation.com/2012/9/13/3319586/fantasy-football-advice-week-2-aj-green-chris-johnsonZack Pearson