Through the first half of the season, there have been many surprising fantasy stars. Based off matchups, let’s take a look at the performances we can expect from the most interesting players.

QBs

Ben Roethlisberger: We all know of the recent success Big Ben has come across. However, we know we can’t expect Ben to put up 40 fantasy points every week, but what can we expect? Well, in the second half of the season, the Steelers play only one team in the top-ten for least amount of fantasy points given up to opposing quarterbacks. In Week 10, the Steelers play the Jets who give up the most points to opposing quarterbacks.

Rankings of the teams the Steelers’ play based off points given up to opposing quarterbacks:

Jets (32), Titans (12), Saints (24), Bengals (14), Falcons (19), Chiefs (6), Bengals (14).

Tom Brady: Just like Roethlisberger, Brady is on a hot streak. He has thrown for eighteen touchdowns and just one interception in the previous five games. However, it’s going to get tougher for Brady in the second half. The Patriots play three games against teams in the top-four for least amount of fantasy points given up to opposing quarterbacks.

Rankings of the teams the Patriots’ play based off points given up to opposing quarterbacks:

Colts (21), Lions (2), Packers (13), Chargers (22), Dolphins (1), Jets (32), Bills (4).

Matt Ryan: Although the Falcons are horrid, Ryan is still the 11th-best fantasy quarterback so far this year. Matt Ryan is an interesting player because he could either be a starter or a backup. In the second half of the season, however, Ryan has one of the easier schedules, which will boost his value.

Rankings of the teams the Falcons’ play based off points given up to opposing quarterbacks:

Buccaneers (27), Panthers (25), Browns (8), Cardinals (16), Packers (13), Steelers (15), Saints (24), Panthers (25).

Eli Manning: Similarly with Ryan, Eli’s team is below-average, yet he is still the 12th-best fantasy quarterback. For the remainder of the regular season for most fantasy leagues, Eli has tough matchups. He plays four teams inside the Top-12, however, for the fantasy playoffs (Weeks 15-17), he plays three teams in the bottom-six.

Rankings of the teams the Giants’ play based off points given up to opposing quarterbacks:

Seahawks (7), 49ers (5), Cowboys (10), Jaguars (18), Titans (12), Redskins (31), Rams (26), Eagles (30).

RBs

DeMarco Murray: Currently the top running back in the league (both fantasy-wise and in reality), Murray will look to feast off a favorable second-half schedule. He does not play a team in the Top 10 for points allowed to opposing running backs. Expect his tremendous season to keep up.

Rankings of the teams the Cowboys’ play based off points given up to opposing running backs:

Jaguars (23), Giants (25), Eagles (17), Bears (13), Eagles (17), Colts (19), Redskins (11).

Arian Foster: The Texans’ star running back’s amazing comeback season won’t stop. They play six of their last seven games against teams ranked 19th or lower in run defense.

Rankings of the teams the Texans’ play based off points given up to opposing running backs:

Browns (22), Bengals (26), Titans (28), Jaguars (23), Colts (19), Ravens (1), Jaguars (23).

Andre Ellington: Having a breakout year, Ellington is sixth among all running backs in average amount of fantasy points per week. A guy who is usually an every-week RB1 or RB2 will most likely only be efficient in the Flex spot. Seven of his eight remaining games are against top-ten rush defenses. His schedule is that hard.

Rankings of the teams the Cardinals’ play based off points given up to opposing running backs:

Rams (9), Lions (10), Seahawks (6), Falcons (32), Chiefs (3), Rams (9), Seahawks (6), 49ers (5).

WRs

Julio Jones: Julio is having a letdown year. He has only surpassed ten fantasy points in three games this year. However, that could all change in the second half. The Falcons’ schedule is very favorable for wide receivers; having all eight of their remaining games against teams ranked 15 or below.

Rankings of the teams the Falcons’ play based off points given up to opposing wide receivers:

Buccaneers (32), Panthers (25), Browns (23), Cardinals (28), Packers (15), Steelers (16), Saints (27), Panthers (25).

Kelvin Benjamin: Slowing down from his tremendous start, Benjamin has a good chance to get back on track starting the second half. Six of his remaining seven games are against teams ranked worse than 22nd.

Rankings of the teams the Panthers’ play based off points given up to opposing wide receivers:

Eagles (29), Falcons (24), Vikings (9), Saints (27), Buccaneers (32), Browns (23), Falcons (24).

Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery: Both having very disappointing seasons (both averaging less than 10 fantasy points per game) unfortunately for their fantasy owners, it will not get easier. They face the team that give up the least amount of points to opposing wide receivers twice and have five of their remaining eight against top-ten teams.

Rankings of the teams the Bears’ play based off points given up to opposing wide receivers:

Packers (15), Vikings (9), Buccaneers (32), Lions (1), Cowboys (5), Saints (28), Lions (1), Vikings (9).