Green Bay vs. Atlanta

The Atlanta defense has been prone to giving up some passing yards against opposing Quarterbacks, so do not be surprised by another stellar performance from Aaron Rodgers, who finds himself as the #2 Quarterback in this weeks FFCPI. The Falcons play better ball at home, and a competitive game might mean more than 31 pass attempts for Rodgers, but he should help the Packers put up some points. Greg Jennings Is ranked 4^th in our WR FFCPI and is definitely a solid play this week.

Atlanta can not run the ball that well this season, so do look to Matt Ryan and Rody White to continue this streak of big time fantasy numbers that they have been putting up as of late. With the Packers blitzing and applying pressure on Ryan, look for him to get rid of the ball quickly, which would mean some looks for Tight End Tony Gonzalez, who was targeted by Ryan 8 times last week.

GOOD START: Aaron Rodgers, Greg Jennings, Matt Ryan, Rody White, Michael Turner

MIDDLE OF THE ROAD: Tony Gonzalez, Jordy Nelson, Donald Driver, Michael Jenkins

BAD START: Brandon Jackson, Andrew Quarless

Pittsburgh vs. Buffalo

 

The Bills have never been as bad as their record all year, and especially as of late as their offense has come out firing the last few weeks. This week however they may have met their match in a defense that is built to shut teams down.

Fred Jackson should still be a good enough start as a #2 RB but he wont be putting up the same numbers that he did last week. With the Steelers stopping the running game, they will surely force Fitzpatrick into throwing and his new favorite target Steve Johnson, should be able to get a fair amount of looks as he is ranked 6^th overall for wide receivers in our FFCPI for the week.

Big Ben is our #3 Quarterback on the FFCPI for the week, going up against a Buffalo secondary that he should have no problem picking apart. The Steelers could run all over Buffalo but they will always put the ball in Roethlisberger's hands and the pass rush of Buffalo is not good enough to get to him. That same Bills defense is very vulnerable to the power style of running, which Rashard Mendenhall (#3 Running back on the FFCPI) should be all over.

GOOD START: Ben Roethlisberger, Rashard Mendenhall, Steve Johnson, Mike Wallace

MIDDLE OF THE ROAD: Fred Jackson, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Hines Ward, Todd Heap

BAD START: Lee Evans

Carolina vs. Cleveland

 

Not much to say about this one. Shouldn't be much of a competition on the field, and even limited on the fantasy end as well. Jake Delhomme will get the start, as he looks to smack the chip off of his shoulder that still remains from his final season as a Panther. As for Peyton Hillis, it's much easier to run on Carolina than to pass so look for plenty of touches for the 8^th overall FFCPI Running Back in week 12. Look for the Browns defense to all step up and be able to take advantage of young Jimmy Clausen.

As for the Panthers, all eyes should be on Mike Goodson, who will continue to pick up the scraps of an injury ridden running game in Carolina. With a questionable quarterback leading to a questionable passing game, the Panthers will be forced to run the ball early and often, and as Goodson Is the lone healthy back they have, he should be the one getting the majority of the touches. The Browns' run defense has given up over 210 total yards each of the last two weeks to running backs, something the Panthers should notice and try to take advantage of. The Panthers landed a long touchdown through the air last week thanks to bad coverage by the Ravens; look for the Browns, who have made some small improvements against the pass over their last few games, to play more disciplined.

GOOD START: Peyton Hillis, Mike Goodson

MIDDLE OF THE ROAD: Jake Delhomme, Steve Smith, Jonathan Stewart

BAD START: Jimmy Clausen Mohamed Massaquoi

Tennessee vs. Houston

 

What a week in Tennessee. Lets see how it translates over to the field on Sunday as they head to Houston to face the worst pass defense in the league. So for that reason alone, I guess we should not be too concerned that the Titans are turning towards their 3^rd stringer Rusty Smith as their starter. I'm sure his buddy Chris Johnson will help him ease the load by gaining some yards on the ground to help move the offense up field. Could this be the game that Randy Moss finally breaks into as a Titan. Limited to only one catch in his last 2 games, this is the match up he needs to actually contribute some to his owners.

The Titans defense has not been one of the better ones in terms of limiting the oppositions running game. Arian Foster should be able to take advantage of that. At the same time they have a secondary that has had trouble handling the more physical wide receivers of the league. There is no one single wide receiver more physical then Andre Johnson. Last year Johnson put up the following numbers against the Titans, 14 receptions for 227 yards and 3 touchdowns. This one should be a slug fest.

GOOD START: Chris Johnson, Andre Johnson, Arian Foster, Matt Schaub,

MIDDLE OF THE ROAD: Randy Moss, Nate Washington, Joel Dressen

BAD START: Jacoby Jones, Rusty Smith

Jacksonville vs. New York Giants

 

The Jaguars might come into this one feeling good about themselves because they've been playing the better football and the Giants are shorthanded on offense. Look for them to continue with the game plan they used from last week: Ball-control offense with a big dose of Maurice Jones Drew runs and screen passes, that should give heaps of trouble to the Giants linebacker core. For those same reasons, keep an eye on tight end Marcedes Lewis. For an offense that has been struggling, the Jaguars have been running the ball well, and that will just have to continue to be the game plan on the road this week.

Its no secret that the once dominant Giants wide receiver core, has taken a huge injury hit. Steve Smith and Hakeem Nicks have been favorite targets of Eli Manning, and they will miss another week as the Giants will be short handed against the Jaguars. Brandon Jacobs has also been announced as the starter, due to some fumblitis by Ahmad Bradshaw. Though the number of carries may not be greatly affected, Jacobs will see the earlier carries and more then likely the goal line carries. Eli may try and find some sanctity in any familiar receiver, and off the top of my head I feel that Kevin Boss may be a surprise points getter in this injury riddled week for the Giants passing game.

GOOD START: Maurice Jones Drew

MIDDLE OF THE ROAD: David Garrard, Eli Manning, Brandon Jacobs, Ahmad Bradshaw, Kevin Boss, Mario Maningham, Marcedes Lewis

BAD START: Derek Hagan, Mike Thomas

Minnesota vs. Washington

Will the Vikings be the latest team to come out the week after a coaching change and show the talent they had been seeming to hide all year. With the season all but over, there is not much more left to play for other than pride, and that could be a scary thing. The Redskins have been getting the ball run down their throats all year, and that I why we have Adrian Peterson as the #2 Running Back in this weeks FFCPI. Washington has allowed a 100-yard rusher in each of their last two games and hasn't held a team to under 4.1 yards per carry since Week 4.

The Vikings secondary were abused at home by Aaron Rodgers last week. Take that for what its worth with Mcnabb, but at this point there have not been many Redskins out there that have been viable Fantasy options. With Portis now done for the year, it will be Keiland Williams getting all the touches for Washington, and though this may be a tough match up, he has looked good the last couple of weeks. Look for Cooley to also be involved as it was only two weeks ago where the Bears tight ends took advantage of the Vikings linebackers.

GOOD START: Adrian Peterson

MIDDLE OF THE ROAD: Chris Cooley, Santana Moss, Keiland Williams, Sidney Rice, Percy Harvin

BAD START: Brett Favre, Visanthe Shiancoe

 

Miami vs. Oakland

The Dolphins enter fresh off a shutout, while the Raiders hope to come back to life after an ugly loss.

The Dolphins are a fantasy team to stay away from this weekend considering  there is no guarantee that Brandon Marshall or Chad Henne will play.  Even the usually productive rush attack has been a bust this season. 

The Raiders should bounce back this week behind the play of running back Darren McFadden and perhaps a healthier Zach Miller.  Jason Campbell gets the start, but that means little in fantasy circles.

GOOD STARTt: None

MIDDLE OF THE ROAD: Darren McFadden, Zach Miller, Ronnie Brown, Brian Hartline

BAD START:  Tyler Thigpen, Chad Henne, Bruce Gradkowski, Jason Campbell, Ricky Williams, Michael Bush

 

Kansas City vs. Seattle

The Chiefs frustrate fantasy managers with conservative play calling, while injuries threaten to mar the Seahawks season.

The usual suspects should do their damage on the ground for the Chiefs once again with Thomas Jones and Jamaal Charles both worthy of starting.  Matt Cassel is a tough call because of his limited pass attempts, while standout wide out Dwayne Bowe is well worth the risk.  Rookie tight end Tony Moeaki should be a go following a concussion. 

The Seahawks are hoping to have Mike Williams healthy, but that is far from a guarantee.  Without him Matt Hasselbeck loses some value, while Deon Butler becomes a better fantasy option.  The split backfield is a situation to avoid in Seattle. 

GOOD START: Jamaal Charles, Dwayne Bowe

MIDDLE OF THE ROAD: Matt Cassel, Matt Hasselbeck, Thomas Jones, Marshawn Lynch, Mike Williams, Deon Butler

BAD START: Justin Forsett, John Carlson

 

Tampa Bay vs. Baltimore

Two of the best teams in the NFL match-up this weekend, and the bad news for fantasy managers is that both teams have excelled on the defensive side.

The Bucs play it safe with Josh Freeman seldom posting big numbers, but he also has just five interceptions all season.  Rookie wide out Mike Williams is a must-start, while fellow rookie LeGarrette Blount has a tougher task against a top 10 defense against the rush. 

Joe Flacco remains a solid fantasy start this week with Anquan Boldin, Todd Heap, and either Derrick Mason or TJ Houshmandzadeh likely to have a fine performance.  We prefer Houshmandzadeh more than Mason this weekend.  Of course, the top fantasy pick has to be running back Ray Rice, who we see as the fifth best running back in fantasy football this weekend. 

GOOD START: Anquan Boldin, Ray Rice, Mike Williams

MIDDLE OF THE ROAD: LeGarrette Blount, Todd Heap, Joe Flacco, Josh Freeman, Kellen Winslow, TJ Houshmandzadeh

BAD START:  Cadillac Williams, Derrick Mason

 

Philadelphia vs. Chicago

Two of the top teams in the NFL meet this weekend, however, while the Eagles recipe for success is clear to everyone, we are still trying to figure out how the Bears are 7-3.

The Eagles have found a winning formula with Michael Vick vying for an MVP award this season.  LeSean McCoy will have his hands full with the second best rush defense in the NFL, but the Eagles can find creative ways to keep him involved in the offense.  Jeremy Maclin and DeSean Jackson are also fantasy stars that you must play on a weekly basis. 

The Bears have been winning with fog and mirrors considering there isn't a single player on their team that you can rely on a regular basis.  That being said, we do like Matt Forte this weekend, and Jay Cutler can rise to the challenge as well. 

GOOD START: Matt Forte, LeSean McCoy, DeSean Jackson

MIDDLE OF THE ROAD: Michael Vick, Jay Cutler, Jeremy Maclin, Johnny Knox, Greg Olsen

BAD START:  Jason Avant, Devin Hester, Brent Celek

 

St. Louis vs. Denver

This match-up should lead to some fantasy bliss with two solid quarterbacks going against soft secondaries.

The Rams are a team on the rise and Sam Bradford seems to only get better and better.  He has eight touchdowns and one interception over the last five games, which is remarkable when you consider all of the injuries in the receiving corps.  One player that now deserves must-start status is Danny Amendola.  Also, consider deep threats Brandon Gibson and Laurant Robinson.  Steven Jackson, who we rank as the fourth best running back this weekend, remains one of the better fantasy options against the soft Broncos defensive line.  If you're looking for a sleeper consider tight end Michael Hoomanawanui.

The Broncos are a pass-happy group that will look to keep the ball moving against the Rams.  Kyle Orton's top targets remain Brandon Lloyd, Jabar Gaffney, and Eddie Royal.  On the ground, Knowshon Moreno is only getting better.   

GOOD START: Steven Jackson, Brandon Lloyd, Danny Amendola

MIDDLE OF THE ROAD: Kyle Orton, Sam Bradford, Knowshon Moreno, Eddie Royal, Jabar Gaffney, Brandon Gibson, Michael Hoomanawanui

BAD START:  Laurant Robinson

 

San Diego vs. Indianapolis

The game of the week involves a great fantasy match-up of Peyton Manning against Philip Rivers.

The Chargers welcome back Vincent Jackson this weekend and Malcom Floyd is also expected to play, so Rivers has plenty of weapons to target.  Of course, it would be nice for him to have the top tight end in the NFL, and it was comforting to see Antonio Gates return to practice earlier this week.  On the ground, even if Ryan Mathews does return, Mike Tolbert remains the top value pick. 

The Colts face the top pass defense in the NFL, but with Manning, you should never be too worried.  He is already at a disadvantage with Austin Collie sitting this one out, so look for Blair White to follow up last week's two touchdowns with another fine performance.  We see Reggie Wayne as the as the 11^th best wide out this weekend, while Jacob Tamme ranks atop all tight ends. 

GOOD START: Reggie Wayne, Jacob Tamme, Philip Rivers, Peyton Manning, Vincent Jackson, Antonio Gates

MIDDLE OF THE ROAD: Mike Tolbert, Pierre Garcon, Malcom Floyd, Blair White

BAD START:  Donald Brown, Ryan Mathews, Javarris James, Darren Sproles

 

San Francisco vs. Arizona

Two teams seeking direction go at it in the desert, with Niners quarterback Troy Smith playing for his job. 

The Niners are a rush-first offense, but when facing a porous defense such as the Cardinals, which allows a league-worst 29 points per game, the playmakers will be utilized.  That means feel free to start Michael Crabtree and Vernon Davis this weekend along with Frank Gore, the top ranked running back fantasy option.  Troy Smith is a riskier option since if he struggles early there is a good chance that he will get pulled for Alex Smith. 

The Cardinals seem to be the opposite of the Niners these days with a pass offense that could move the ball, but a rushing attack that lacks consistency.  Against a middle of the road defense, Derek Anderson should have no problems moving the ball, which is great news for Larry Fitzgerald, the second ranked wide out this week, and Steve Breaston.  On the other hand, in a split backfield, Tim Hightower and Beanie Wells are struggling to attain fantasy relevance. 

GOOD START: Frank Gore, Larry Fitzgerald, Steve Breaston, Michael Crabtree

MIDDLE OF THE ROAD: Troy Smith, Josh Morgan, Vernon Davis

BAD START:  Derek Anderson, Beanie Wells, Tim Hightower

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