By Bart Lopez
1. Wes Welker (NE): Welker is the top projected fantasy wide receiver for week nine. He is coming off his worst performance of the year in the loss to the Steelers. Welker finished with 39 yards on six catches. The Patriots never lose two straight and are likely to come back big this weekend against the Giants. Projected fantasy points: 13.3.
2. Dez Bryant (DAL): Like Welker, Dez Byrant had his worst game of the season last week. He accumulated just 28 receiving yards on three receptions. This week the Cowboys play at home against a struggling Seahawks team. Bryant is capable of having a big game every week, and the stage is set on Sunday. Projected fantasy points: 11.8.
3. Greg Jennings (GB): Before the week eight bye, Jennings had the best game of the season against the Minnesota Vikings. The receiver caught seven passed for 147 yards and a touchdown. Jennings has been Aaron Rodger’s favorite target all year. The Chargers defense is not going to stop the Packers offense this weekend, so expect a good game from Jennings. Projected fantasy points: 11.4.
4. Hakeen Nicks (NYG): Nicks had a below average game on Sunday as the Giants struggled early, but somehow squeaked out the win against the Miami Dolphins. This weekend New York plays on the road at New England. The Patriots secondary is the worst in the NFL, which Eli Manning and Nicks should exploit. Projected fantasy points: 11.1.
5. Mike Wallace (PIT): Wallace’s three-game touchdown streak ended in the win against the Patriots, but the Steelers’ top receiving option still finished with 70 yards on seven catches. This week Pittsburgh plays rival Baltimore at home. The Ravens have a tough defense, but Ben Roethisberger is playing at a high level and Wallace is talented enough to make space. Projected fantasy points: 10.5.
Not top 5, but could be: This week’s wide receiver that missed the cut but is in position to have a big game is New Orleans’ Marques Colston. Colston, like the rest of the Saints, struggled last week in the loss to the St. Louis Rams. I’m expecting the Saints to bounce back big this week at home against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Colston has played well since returning for injury, and is primed to put on a good performance. Projected fantasy points: 9.7.
