QB Carson Palmer, Vikings at Cardinals – “The Machine” projection: 23.5
Carson Palmer is making sporting news by having his best season yet with the Arizona Cardinals. Through 13 weeks, Palmer is averaging 307.8 passing yards per game and has thrown 29 touchdown passes. He will, however, face the stingy Minnesota Vikings’ defense on Thursday night. The Vikings are allowing, on average, just 227 passing yards per game. They’ve also hauled in eight interceptions. What should scare you about this matchup is that the face that the Vikings’ run defense has been mediocre at best. They’re allowing 115.8 rushing yards per game and have surrendered seven touchdowns. Palmer is always a good start, but expect a bigger day out of David Johnson. Check back next week for our fantasy updates to see how this shakes out!
RB Devonta Freeman, Falcons at Panthers – “The Machine” projection: 17.1
The fact that “The Machine” projects Devonta Freeman to be the third highest scoring fantasy running back this week should scare you. Even though Freeman has been great all season, his matchup against the Carolina Panthers isn’t ideal. The Panthers’ run defense ranks second in the NFL. They’re allowing just 87.2 rushing yards per game and have only allowed eight touchdowns on the ground. They’ve also forced seven fumbles. Freeman owners should be praying for a touchdown this week. Something he’s failed to do in his last two games.
WR Julio Jones, Falcons at Panthers – “The Machine” projection: 17.2
Yes, the Panthers’ defense is this good. Julio Jones will face his toughest opponent this season in Week 14 as he’ll go up against Josh Norman. Norman is Carolina’s breakout star and has become arguably the best cornerback in the NFL. The Panthers’ are allowing just 245.3 yards through the air and lead the league in interceptions, something Matt Ryan has become accustomed to. Ryan has struggled to get Jones the ball the past two weeks, as he only averaged 74.5 receiving yards. This is low for Julio Jones. Falcons fans and Jones owners beware.
TE Delanie Walker, Titans at Jets – “The Machine” projection: 16.6
Delanie Walker has come alive in his third season with the Titans and has made fantasy news consistently all season. Through 13 weeks, Walker has 800 receiving yards and four touchdowns. Barring injury, he will likely surpass his career-high in receiving yards (890). He has a tough task ahead of him in Week 14 as he’ll go up against the Darrelle Revis led New York Jets. The Jets defense’ has only allowed more than 100 receiving yards to a tight end once this season. They’ve also only given up two touchdowns to tight ends. Walker will need another big game out of Mariota if he wants to be successful.
