RADIO
Jay Cutler (QB, CHI) - vs. MIN
The Minnesota Vikings defense has shown a few cracks recently, but they're still a strong unit overall. The Chicago Bears are coming off of a bye week and should be rested, healthy, and prepared to attack Minnesota and defend home field. What I don't think a bye week is going to solve though is their run blocking issues. The Vikings have a strong front, though Sharrif Floyd missed practice again on Friday and that really hurts their interior presence, but the Bears simply can't open many lanes for Matt Forte.
While Minnesota actually ranks out as a mediocre 18th against the pass according to FootballOutsiders, here are some more specific numbers: 20th against WR1 types, 27th against TEs, and 30th against RBs in the passing game. How do the Bears match up against this? Alshon Jeffery, Martellus Bennett, and Forte. Jay Cutler might throw an interception or two, but if the Bears move the ball it will probably be through the air. Look for him to have a good chance to exceed the 300 yard mark with a legitimate shot at three touchdowns. He had 353 yards and one touchdown against the Lions in Week 6 and still put up 23.32 points.
Jonathan Stewart (RB, CAR) - vs. IND
J-Stew is a little worrisome thanks to Cam Newton and Mike Tolbert being vultures, but the Panthers defense is very strong and the Panthers don't have premier receivers. In the game against the Eagles, we saw how the Panthers just steamrolled an Eagles' run defense that has been pretty good. The Colts haven't been atrocious against the run this year (15th according to FootballOutsiders), but it is Carolina's strength and Stewart could very well put up another 100 yard game, and if he gets a touchdown or two then you've got potential for a 30 point game.
Marvin Jones (WR, CIN) - @PIT
The Bengals are coming off of their bye week rested and prepared for a game that many are projecting to be a very high scoring affair. While A.J. Green and Tyler Eifert are both very strong options going into this matchup, the Steelers' worst ranked secondary facet is against opponents' #2 receivers, checking in at 26th. If you can get an option who is coming off of a great game (9-95-1) for a team that has been going off this year in a plus matchup, I will sign up for that.
Larry Donnell (TE, NYG) - @NO
The Saints rank out as dead last against tight ends according to FootballOutsiders, and Donnell is a great red zone target. The same rationale applies from the Randle point, that you want a cheaper guy who can end up with two touchdowns. Donnell could also sprinkle in some third down chain moving catches and perhaps Manning and McAdoo scheme some additional looks for Donnell considering the plus matchup.
