Green Bay at Detroit

A popular pick in pick 'em leagues, this should be a blowout from the start.

The fact that the Packers are expected to dominate in this means that the running game may be utilized more often to keep the clock running.  On that note, while Brandon Jackson will get the start, James Starks will likely finish.  Coming off 73 rushing yards in his first taste of the NFL, Starks is a popular sleeper pick this weekend.  Other sleepers include wide outs James Jones and Jordy Nelson while Aaron Rodgers and Greg Jennings enjoy must-start status.

The Lions were thrilled to have Jahvid Best healthy enough to take on a prominent role last weekend, but this also spells the end of Maurice Morris' fantasy run.  The problem here for the Lions is that the Packers lead in the NFL by allowing just 15 points per game, so aside from Calvin Johnson and possibly Brandon Pettigrew feel free to keep your Lions on the bench.

Good Start: Aaron Rodgers, Greg Jennings, Calvin Johnson, James Jones

Middle Of The Road: James Starks, Donald Driver, Nate Burleson, Jordy Nelson, Brandon Pettigrew

Bad Start:  Drew Stanton, Jahvid Best, Brandon Jackson

 

Oakland at Jacksonville

Two surprisingly competitive teams go at it with the Jaguars enjoying home field advantage.

The Raiders found a recipe for success last weekend as they split the backfield between Darren McFadden and Michael Bush and then deployed Jacoby Ford on a couple of deep passes.  The usually reliable Zach Miller has not been able to keep up his usual pace this season because of an array of injuries.

The Jaguars renaissance begins with quarterback David Garrard, who is scoring touchdowns via passes and rushes.  The top target has been Mercedes Lewis, who we see as the sixth best tight end this weekend.  The Raiders weakness on defense has always been the rush, which explains why the reliable Maurice Jones-Drew is our fourth ranked running back this weekend.  Also pay attention to Mike Thomas, a breakout wide out who has replaced Mike Sims-Walker as the team's top receiver.

Good Start: Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacoby Ford, Mercedes Lewis

Middle Of The Road: Jason Campbell, David Garrard, Darren McFadden, Michael Bush, Mike Thomas, Zach Miller

Bad Start: Louis Murphy, Mike Sims-Walker

 

Cincinnati at Pittsburgh

The Steelers hope for an easy win this weekend as the struggling Bengals take on the second best defense in the NFL.

The Bengals offense has been inconsistent, which has been exemplified by quarterback Carson Palmer.  Despite passing for 251 yards per game, he is currently on pace for a career-high in interceptions, and his quarterback rating is the worst since his rookie season.  Of course, this has not hurt Terrell Owens, who has replaced Chad Ochocinco as the team's top target.  He enters the weekend just 39 yards shy of 1000 for the season.  On the other hand, Cedric Benson is not putting up the numbers that we expected as his 3.5 yards per carry ranks near the bottom of the NFL, and it should not improve much this weekend against the best rush defense in the NFL. 

The Steelers have dealt with several injuries this season and Heath Miller will likely sit this one out after a concussion last weekend.  On that note, expect a heavy workload for Rashard Mendenhall, while wide outs Hines Ward and Mike Wallace should also be targeted more than usual.

Good Start: Rashard Mendenhall, Mike Wallace, Hines Ward, Terrell Owens

Middle Of The Road: Ben Roethlisberger, Cedric Benson, Chad Ochocinco, Emmanuel Sanders, Jermaine Gresham

Bad Start: Carson Palmer, Jordan Shipley, Heath Miller

 

Tampa Bay at Washington

The Buccaneers may not be able to beat contenders, but they should have no problem with a struggling team such as the Redskins.

With 16 touchdowns compared to just six interceptions, Josh Freeman has evolved as one of the better and safer quarterbacks in the NFL.  Mike Williams is a legitimate playmaker and Kellen Winslow offers a safety valve.  Considering the Redskins are the fourth worst defense against the pass, all three players should flourish.  The suspension of Albert Haynesworth is also good news for running back LeGarrette Blount, who we rank as the 12^th best tailback this weekend.

The 'Skins may not be a very good football team, but they sure put up a lot of yardage.  The problem here is that the Bucs thrive against the pass, so James Davis will be the best bet to visit the pay-dirt this weekend unless if Ryan Torain enjoys a speedy recovery.  The passing game is not a safe bet, which means be wary of Donovan McNabb, Anthony Armstrong, Santana Moss, and even Chris Cooley.
Good Start: LeGarrette Blount, Mike Williams

Middle Of The Road: Josh Freeman, James Davis, Ryan Torain, Santana Moss, Anthony Armstrong, Chris Cooley, Kellen Winslow

Bad Start: Donovan McNabb

 

St. Louis at New Orleans

The Rams are a surprising contender, while the Saints are riding a five game winning streak with an eye on a repeat championship.

The Saints have been one of the best defenses in the NFL this season, and considering they surrender fewer than 200 passing yards per game, it might be a good idea to avoid Sam Bradford.  Nonetheless, Danny Amendola is a relatively safe fantasy option, while Steven Jackson cracks our list as the 13^th best running back this weekend. 

The Saints have returned to their 2009 form with Drew Brees leading the way.  The fantasy surprise has been running back Christopher Ivory, who is still worth starting even with Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush returning to health.  In the receiving corps Marques Colston is a top five fantasy option, while Lance Moore and Robert Meachem alternate big performances.  I would recommend avoiding Jeremy Shockey, while Jimmy Graham is a sleeper at tight end.

Good Start: Drew Brees, Marques Colston, Steven Jackson

Middle Of The Road: Christopher Ivory, Lance Moore, Danny Amendola, Robert Meachem, Devery Henderson

Bad Start: Sam Bradford, Reggie Bush, Jimmy Graham, Jeremy Shockey

 

Seattle at San Francisco

Two teams looking for direction duel it out in a west-coast matchup with Seattle's playoff hopes possibly on the line.

The Seahawks are fresh off a big performance from the ground game as Marshawn Lynch awarded his patient fantasy managers with three touchdowns.  To exploit the 49ers greatest weakness, the Seahawks will have to resort to the passing attack, which will be tough considering both Mike Williams and Ben Obomanu may not suit up because of injuries.  That means we'll have plenty of sleepers including Deon Butler and Golden Tate. 

The 49ers have been a mess this season and Troy Smith, the very player who gave them some hope, will now return to the bench in favor of Alex Smith.  This is not very promising, though the Seahawks are one of the worst defenses against the pass.  That could spell big games from Vernon Davis and Michael Crabtree.  On the ground, both Anthony Dixon and Brian Westbrook can surprise with decent performances.

Good Start: Vernon Davis

Middle Of The Road: Brian Westbrook, Anthony Dixon, Marshawn Lynch, Michael Crabtree, Josh Morgan

Bad Start:  Alex Smith, Matt Hasselbeck, Justin Forsett, Deon Butler, Golden Tate, John Carlson

Denver at Arizona

Usually when two poor defenses face each other it is a fantasy manager's delight, but with a struggling quarterback against a rookie quarterback, it is not that simple.

The Broncos were dismantled by the Chiefs defense last weekend, but otherwise, Kyle Orton has been one of the better fantasy options this season.  We see him as a top 10 fantasy option this weekend.  That means play his playmakers such as Brandon Lloyd (4^th ranked wide out), Eddie Royal, and Jabar Gaffney.  In the backfield, we love the improvement of Knowshon Moreno and rank him as the third best running back in the NFL this weekend. 

The Cardinals will trot out rookie John Skelton under center.  We rank him 29^th, but if you are desperate and risk averse, keep in mind he has a tremendous receiving corps and faces a soft defense.  Tim Hightower has been the better running back lately, but it is dangerous to trust him when Beanie Wells is considered the future star.

Good Start: Kyle Orton, Knowshon Moreno, Brandon Lloyd,

Middle Of The Road: Tim Hightower, Beanie Wells, Larry Fitzgerald, Steve Breaston, Eddie Royal, Jabar Gaffney

Bad Start: John Skelton

 

Kansas City at San Diego

This would have been one of the best games this weekend if not for the fact that the Chiefs will be without their star quarterback.

Matt Cassel's appendectomy will keep him sidelined this weekend, which means that more than ever the Chiefs will resort to a ground attack.  While Thomas Jones and Jamaal Charles are must-starts, be sure to lower the expectations for star wide out Dwayne Bowe.

The Chargers are one of the most exciting offenses in the NFL, and Malcom Floyd and Antonio Gates will have large roles in this match-up with Vincent Jackson again sidelined with a calf injury.  While Philip Rivers, ranked third this weekend, may be the key to the offense, don't underestimate the fantasy value of Mike Tolbert.  He has been remarkably consistent and should get a few goal line carries.

Good Start: Philip Rivers, Antonio Gates, Jamaal Charles, Malcom Floyd

Middle Of The Road: Mike Tolbert, Thomas Jones, Dwayne Bowe, Tony Moeaki

Bad Start: Dexter McCluster

Cleveland vs Buffalo

My favorite Fantasy Football team returns home this week to try and give Bills fans something to cheer about after that shocking loss at home against the Steelers. The Browns defense is nothing to ignore, but you would have to think that Stevie Johnson wants to show the home town fans that he has the ability to rebound from the low point of his young career. Despite a healthy Spiller, Fred Jackson still seems to be the go to guy in the running game for the mighty Bills, so dont be scared to sit him unless you have a surplus in the RB spot.

The only thing standing on the other side, is the #1 RB in this weeks FFCPI, and that is Peyton Hillis. If you picked up Hillis this year on the waiver wire, then your reward may soon be coming. His biggest performance could be this week against the week Bills run defense, and in most of your leagues that means a big playoff push. At the same time, the linebackers have not been able to cover any tight ends, so consider Benjamin Watson as a go to guy if you need one in that spot.

Good Start: Peyton Hillis, Benjamin Watson, Frdd Jackson, Ryan Fitzpatrick

 Middle Of The Road: Stevie Johnson, Lee Evans

Bad Start: Jake Delhomme, CJ Spiller

 

Atlanta vs Carolina

The Carolina offense is non existent as far as the passing game goes. 1 touchdown in the last 5 games. Though the running game has had to pick it up to make up for the lack of the passing, this is an Atlanta defense that can stop the ball and stop it very well. In other words, expect another week of minimal contributions from any Carolina offensive players. Unless its Jonathan Stewart, and you are weak in the Running Back position, you do not want to rely on one of the Panthers, to help you advance in the playoffs.

The Panthers run defense has allowed 10 TDs to RBs in the past five weeks. That being said, all Michael Turner owners can expect a very heavy work load come Sunday. You would also assume that if the Falcons get ahead early, then there will be plenty of time for Turner to run the ball and milk the clock. Those same linebackers who cant stop the run, also have trouble against the opposing tight ends, so Tony Gonzalez thus finds himself ranked as our #2 tight end in this weeks FFCPI.

Good Start: Michael Turner, Rody White, Tony Gonzalez

Middle of the Road: Matt Ryan, Jonathan Stewart

 Bad Start: Jimmy Claussen, Steve Smith

 

New England Vs Chicago

Logic would tell you that on a short week, it would be extremely tough for an offense that put up 45 points, and a defense that gave up only 3, to go into Sunday and repeat the performance of 6 days earlier, especially going up against a team with one of the top records in baseball. This however is not your average team and not your average coach. A tremendous test lays ahead of the Chicago Bears, and thus the ability of their fantasy stars on offense.

Forte should be able to abuse the Patriots defense. Running and Slot passing games have taken advantage all year, so Forte finds himself in the top 10 of our FFCPI for running backs at #7. However the trick will be keeping the Offense of the Pats off the field. If Brady and co are clicking on all cylinders like they have the past few weeks, then it may be up to Cutler and the passing game to keep Chicago in it.

As good as the Bears defense is, just keep in mind what this New England offense did to the Jets, with what *little talent they have. Though it may be a little tougher for the running game to take off, look for Welker and the Tight Ends to continue to get a fair amount of looks during the course of the game from Brady. They will move the ball down the field somehow.

Good Start: Tom Brady, Jay Cutler, Matt Forte

Middle of the Road: Wes Welker, Deion Branch, Johnny Knox, Greg Olsen, Aaron Hernandez, Benjarvus Green-Ellis

Bad Start: Danny Woodhead

 

New York Giants vs Minnesota

 In 2007, the Giants ended Brett Favres career the first time, in one of the more classic conference championship games every played. This time, they will do it in one of the more meaningless regular season games that you can think of. The Vikings have a small glimpse of hope for the playoffs, whereas the Giants are making a push for the division. Favre is not 100% committed to playing on Sunday as of this post, but even if he does, do not expect it to be a long one, especially with the track record of the Giants pass rush.

With the status of Favre in question, the only thing certain for the Vikings on Sunday will be the running game. If you have Adrian Peterson in your league, and drafted him with the 1st or 2nd pick, then this is what you have been waiting for. Just like Chris Johnson thanked his owners on Thursday against the Colts, Peterson should be in for a good effort against the Giants. As for the receivers, it really will come down to Favres health. Expect a heavy dose of run on Sunday for the Vikes.

The Giants have been struggling to run the ball as well, but that shouldn't take them out of the game plan that they have tried to start most games with. Expect a fair share of carriers between Brandon Jacobs (early) and Ahmad Bradshaw (late), to help complement a passing game that could see the return of Steve Smith this week. Eli has thrown for 226 yards or less in the past three games without Smith, so expect his numbers to improve as well this week.

Good Start: Eli Manning, Adrian Peterson, Sidney Rice

Middle Of The Road:  Ahmad Bradshaw, Brandon Jacobs, Steve Smith, Mario Manningham, Percy Harvin

Bad Start: Brett Favre, Visanthe Shiancoe, Kevin Boss

 

Miami vs New York Jets

It will be very tough for the Jets offense to come out this Sunday as anemic as they were on Monday night against the Patriots. At the same time it will be even tougher for the Jets defense to come out and let an offense steam roll them, the way Tom Brady and Co did. Though all you have been hearing all week is how well Chad Henne plays against New York, expect a motivated Jets team to come out and shut down the Dolphins on Sunday.

 Henne has thrown a pick in nine straight games, including 7 INTs in his past three on the road. Brandon Marshall has not caught a touchdown pass since the last time these two teams met.  The Jets have allowed five rushing touchdowns over their last four games, and the Dolphins have been leaning on their backs a good amount over the last two weeks, so figure the Dolphins to try and hack away at the Jets there while mixing in short-area pass attempts, more so Ronnie Brown then Ricky Williams.

The Jets running game has become unreliable and Miami is a very good defense against the run. That being said, more of the load has been passed over to Shonne Green, as Ladanian Tomlinson sees his role diminish. Santonio Holmes continues to become Sanchez number one guy, and will also be returning punts this week.

 Good Start: Santonio Holmes, Brandon Marshall

Middle Of The Road: Mark Sanchez, Dustin Keller, Ronnie Brown, Shonne Green, Chad Henne, Braylon Edwards

Bad Start: Ladanian Tomlinson, Ricky Williams

 

Philadelphia vs Dallas

The Sunday night match up this week should be a classic NFC east slug fest. Always dangerous when a team with nothing to play for (Dallas) finds a division opponent on top of the division (Philadelphia) in a late season game.

 Michael Vick is the #1 Quarterback on our FFCPI this week. Dallas has been one of the poorer pass defenses in the league, though they have changed their tune a bit under Garrett. You saw what happened last week against the Colts, but keep in mind alot of those passes were tipped by Colt receivers. Look for Maclin and Celek to be main targets if Desean Jackson sees a double team.

Philly is among the most aggressive defenses in the league, which is why it ranks second in the league in combined sacks and INTs. They love to blitz, and that should mean some significant looks for tight end Jason Witten. Witten is our #1 Tight End on the FFCPI this week, and should definately have his fair share of receptions. To keep Vick off the field, expect the Cowboys to try and establish the run first with some looks to Tashard Choice and Felix Jones. Also any Miles Austin owners who have been disappointed through out the year, should be excited to see him at #2 on our FFCPI for the week.

Good Start: Michael Vick, Desean Jackson, Lesean Mccoy, Jason Witten, Felix Jones, Jeremy Maclin, Miles Austin

Middle Of The Road: John Kitna, Tashard Choice, Brent Celek, Jason Avant. Roy Williams

Bad Start: Jerome Harrison

 Baltimore Vs Houston

A Monday night game with some Big Fantasy names that will be sure to decide a ton of playoff match-ups around the country. Doesn't get much better than that.

Its pretty simple with Houston. Arian Foster is the steal of the draft at this point and your fantasy stud back. Play him. Andre Johnson is a beast of a Wide Receiver, and gets the majority of the aerial looks from the Texans. Play Him. Yes the match-up is not a favorable one against a great Ravens defense, but these are the guys that got you to wear you are, and you dont have any other options. Trust in them to make a big splash on prime time tv.

We have stated all year how awful the Texans secondary is. Joe Flacco aside from that, has been playing some of his best football of the year recently. This means Flacco and Anquan Boldin should have monster nights on Monday. It also means that if they get ahead early, expect to see alot of Ray Rice in the 2nd half, milking the clock for the lead.

Good Start: Joe Flacco, Ray Rice, Anquan Boldin, Andre Johnson, Arian Foster

Middle Of The Road: Todd Heap, Matt Schaub, Derrick Mason, Owen Daniels

Bad Start: Kevin Walter

 

 

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