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Christian Ponder (vs. TENN) – A 111-yard effort against the Lions dampened the buzz around Christian Ponder, but the second-year quarterback deserves a mulligan after struggling against a potent passing defense. Ponder has completed 68.3 percent of his passes without throwing an interception this season, and he gets a chance at redemption against the Titans. Ponder is an option worth pondering this week.
Ryan Mathews (at NO) – Everyone is jumping off the Ryan Mathews bandwagon after the Chargers gave Jackie Battle 15 carries last week, but wait another game before sitting the young running back. Mathews squares off against the Saints, who have surrendered a league-worst 186.8 rushing yards per game. Battle could cause some problems as a touchdown-vulture, but Mathews should use New Orleans’ shaky defense to rise back into good graces.
Danny Amendola (vs. ARI) – Guess who ranks second in the NFL (behind Victor Cruz) in receptions? Emerging as Sam Bradford’s go-to target, Danny Amendola has caught 31 passes for 351 yards. Three of those games came against some of the league’s top passing defenses in Detroit, Chicago and Seattle. If Brian Hartline can register 253 yards against the Cardinals, Amendola should put forth some gaudy numbers this weekend.
SIT:
Michael Vick (at PITT) – Even in a bounce-back effort, Michael Vick did not exactly light up the fantasy scoreboard against the Giants. The Steelers allow 190.3 yards per game and recorded 13 sacks in their first three games. Look for Pittsburgh to exploit Philadelphia’s weak offensive line and make Vick uncomfortable.
BenJarvus Green-Ellis (vs. MIA) – It’s not so easy without Tom Brady under center to clear his running path. The Law Firm is averaging a mediocre 3.5 yards per carry and has fumbled two weeks in a row after never losing the ball in his previous 55 games. Stay away from Green-Ellis against Miami’s stout rushing defense, which has allowed a league-best 56.8 rushing yards per game.
Pierre Garcon (vs. ATL) – Remember how promising Pierre Garcon’s season looked after torching the Saints for an 88-yard touchdown catch to start the season? Well, a right foot injury stymied his momentum. Last week, Garcon only caught one pass in a disappointing return against Tampa Bay’s horrific pass defense. Keep him sidelined for another week against an improved Atlanta secondary.
Any New York Jet (vs. HOU) It should be considered a moral victory if the Jets score a field goal against the Texans on Monday night.
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agould1@ramapo.edu
