Thursday Edition
October 25th, 2012
Thursdays Take
Starts
With quarterback Josh Freeman playing at such a high level of late, it’s hard not to like his Week 8 matchup against the Vikings this week. Even though the Buccaneers are on the road, Freeman has a nice matchup against a Vikings defense that is ranked 11th in the league versus the pass and has allowed the 10th most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. Freeman has passed for over 1,000 yards and tossed seven touchdowns in his last three starts and looks primed to continue his hot hand tonight.
The Vikings wide receiver Percy Harvin has been Mr. Everything for the offense this season, leading the team with 53 receptions and 646 scrimmage yards. Last week Harvin was held in check by a stingy Cardinals secondary, but that all could change tonight against the Buccaneers. The Bucs allow the 9th most fantasy points to wide receivers this season and Percy has managed to find the end-zone three times in his last three games; look for a productive evening from the Vikings playmaker. Last season in their lone matchup against the Bucs, Harvin tallied 7 grabs for 76 yards.
With the awakening of the Bucs passing game over the past several weeks, tight end Dallas Clark is suddenly relevant again in fantasy. Clark is coming off his best and busiest performance this season. In week 7 Clark was targeted 6 times, snagging five balls for 51 yards and a score against the Cardinals. Fantasy owners could be licking their chops with Clark set to face the Vikings tonight. The Vikings defense has allowed the 8th most fantasy points to opposing tight ends making Clark an attractive option for week 8.
Sits
The Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder is coming off a horrendous passing performance in week 7 versus the Cardinals. Last week Ponder passed for just 58 yards completing just 8 passes. While no one expects his numbers to be quite as bad tonight against the Bucs, his prospect of playing well does not look good. The Bucs 31st ranked pass defense has allowed 11th fewest fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. Owners can expect a lot more yards than 58 this week, but finding the end zone tonight could be difficult; especially with AP in the red zone.
The Bucs running back Doug Martin has been consistent the past two weeks averaging over 120 scrimmage yards per game. Facing a couple of soft defenses versus the run the past two games, Martin will be lining up against the leagues number 11 ground stopper. The Vikings have also been very stingy in fantasy allowing running back the 4th fewest points. If you own Martin you may be faced with having to start him tonight, but just be sure to taper your expectations; it could be a long night.
By David Ortega
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