ACC
Start
Mustafa Greene, RB, North Carolina State vs. Wake Forest
Expect a bounce back game from Greene, the leading rusher for the Wolfpack who was stymied by Clemson last week for just 26 yards on 12 carries. Even with that contest, Greene is still averaging 4.6 yards per rush this year, and the Demon Deacons are 112th in the nation in points allowed, giving up 38.8 points per contest.
Torrey Smith, WR, Maryland at Virginia
Smith is always a risky play in Maryland's shaky offense, but the super-talented wideout is taking on a defense that made the Duke offense look unstoppable last week.
Sit
Kyle Parker, QB, Clemson at Florida State
It's been a disappointing season for Parker, whose future looks more and more like it will take place on a baseball diamond rather than on the gridiron. Over his last six games, he has six touchdown passes and six interceptions. With a completion percentage around 55 percent and a night game looming in Tallahassee, Parker's fantasy value is severely limited.
Dwight Jones, WR, North Carolina vs. Virginia Tech
This might be tough to do, particularly since Jones has had three monster games in his last four tilts, including an eight-catch, 233-yard explosion against FSU last week. However, he hasn't faced a defense like Virginia Tech's over that stretch. During their seven-game winning streak, the Hokies have allowed more than 21 points just once, and have given up just one receiving touchdown over their past three games. Jones might finally meet his match this week.
Big 12
Start
Kenny Stills, WR, Oklahoma vs. Texas Tech
With all the attention that Ryan Broyles draws, Stills has been able to put up some decent numbers as a true freshman. He led Oklahoma in receiving yards last week against Texas A&M, and he found the end zone against Mizzou a few weeks back in a crucial contest. Texas Tech is 92nd in the nation in scoring defense, meaning Stills should have a good opportunity to produce in this one.
Terrance Williams, WR, Baylor vs. Texas A&M
Kendall Wright is the main star at wideout for the Bears, but Williams has caught 14 balls over his past three games, including eight grabs for 73 yards against Oklahoma State last week. The Bears are 12th in the nation in passing yards with 300 per contest, and this game should be a shootout with Ryan Tannehill and the Aggies.
Sit
James Sims, RB, Kansas at Nebraska
Sims crushed Colorado for four touchdowns and 123 yards last week, but otherwise has failed to score or rush for over 60 yards against any other Big 12 opponent. The Nebraska defense hasn't been immovable of late, but still held stud Iowa State running back Alexander Robinson to just 3.2 yards per carry last week. As a result, Sims is not likely to put up a second-consecutive monster game.
Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri vs. Kansas State
Gabbert has come up small in Mizzou's last two games, both losses. He completed less than 50 percent of his passes and has looked genuinely uncomfortable in the pocket, including against a poor Texas Tech defense was allowing over 30 points per game coming into that contest. Gabbert may not be awful in this one, but he may not put up numbers like he was at the beginning of the season.
Big East
Start
Dion Lewis, RB, Pittsburgh at Connecticut
He's baaaaack. Just when it looked like Ray Graham was taking over and Lewis' outstanding freshman campaign was a fluke, Lewis has scored a touchdown in each of his last three games while rushing for 273 yards. The Huskies have allowed at least 160 yards rushing in each of their last two games.
Jeremy Wright, RB, Louisville vs. South Florida
Wright filled in nicely for the injured Bilal Powell, rushing 19 times for 98 yards and two touchdowns against a tough Syracuse squad last week. Make sure Powell is inactive before starting Wright, but if Powell can't go, the 5-11 freshman should be a nice substitute.
Sit
Ryan Nassib, QB, Syracuse at Rutgers
Nassib has thrown a touchdown in every game this season. However, he has just three multiple-touchdown games and has completed just 56.1 percent of his passes. He's also gone over 200 yards passing just once over his past six games. In other words, Nassib is adequate, but there are better fantasy quarterbacks out there.
B.J. Daniels, QB, South Florida at Louisville
With the exception of Zach Collaros and Cincinnati, teams just haven't been able to pass the ball against Louisville this year. Although Daniels has improved lately, this is his most testing matchup since his three-interception meltdown against West Virginia.
Big Ten
Start
Nathan Scheelhaase, QB, Illinois vs. Minnesota
Continue to ride the Scheelhaase train while it's hot. Nate the Great has tossed nine touchdowns over his past three contests, while also rushing for at least 100 yards in each of his last two games. Minnesota is anemic on defense, allowing 33.8 points per game en route to a 1-9 record.
Junior Hemingway, WR, Michigan at Purdue
Hemingway has really come on as the season has progressed, including 21 grabs for 440 yards and four touchdowns over his past five games. He's a better option if Tate Forcier plays, but he'll still get his own with Denard Robinson under center. Purdue has lost three straight conference games by an average of 34 points per contest.
Sit
Damarlo Belcher, WR, Indiana at Wisconsin
Belcher is the leading receiver for the reeling Hoosiers, who have lost five games in a row, all in the conference. Their task won't get any easier against BCS darkhorse Wisconsin. The 8-1 Badgers are nearly impossible to beat at home, including taking down then-No.1 Ohio State in their last home game. Belcher could be in for a rough game on Saturday.
Mike Trumpy, RB, Northwestern vs. Iowa
Trumpy is the leading rusher at running back for the Wildcats, even though quarterback Dan Persa is far and away the best runner on the squad. Although he had a 100-yard game against Indiana and has come on of late, he'll face his toughest test yet in the Iowa Hawkeyes, who are giving up just 14.3 points per game, good for 6th in the land.
Conference USA
Start
Frantrell Forrest, WR, UAB vs. East Carolina
The ECU defense has been abysmal of late, including giving up an eye-popping 76 points last week to Navy. The Blazers have been passing the ball effectively with Bryan Ellis under center, and Forrest leads UAB in receiving yards with 555.
Brian Anderson, QB, Marshall vs. Memphis
A product of the matchup, as Anderson has been inconsistent, but faces a 1-8 Memphis squad that has not won inside the conference. The Tigers are 119th in the nation in points allowed per contest, and Anderson tossed three touchdowns against UAB last week.
Sit
Kris Adams, WR, UTEP at Arkansas
Adams had just three catches last week against SMU, and the stud wideout will face an SEC defense this week. In addition, quarterback Trevor Vittatoe has been mightily inconsistent and tough to figure out; his chances of success against the Razorbacks do not look good.
Kendrick Hardy, RB, Southern Mississippi at UCF
Though the UCF defense hasn't been as dominant of late, the Knights are still 5-0 in the conference, allowing just 18.3 points per contest. Hardy has recently become the featured back for the Golden Eagles, but will still have to share the load with Desmond Johnson, and to a lesser extent, Tracey Lampley. It could be a tough afternoon for Hardy.
Independents
Start
Trent Steelman, QB, Army at Kent State
Steelman passed for a touchdown last week for the first time since October 9 against Tulane, and is always a threat to score with his legs with nine rushing scores on the season. The Black Knights are 3-1 on the road, and Kent State has not beaten a team with a winning record this season.
Sit
Tommy Rees, QB, Notre Dame vs. Utah
Rees had four touchdowns and three interceptions against Tulsa in his last game, amassing 334 yards in the process. However, Utah is a ranked opponent who should be seething after getting stomped for the second-straight season by rival TCU. The inexperienced Rees is bound to be error-prone against a superior defense, and though he might have the tools to succeed in future games, he will likely be stuffed in this one.
MAC
Start
MiQuale Lewis, RB, Ball State at Buffalo
Though he hasn't quite regained his 2008 form, Lewis has at least been serviceable over his last three games, gaining 207 yards on the ground while catching an additional six passes out of the backfield. Buffalo is on a four-game losing streak and allows more than 30 points per contest. Ohio ran for 185 yards against the Bison just last week.
Juan Nunez, WR, Western Michigan vs. Eastern Michigan
If you don't know, now you know: Nunez has three 100-plus-yard outputs over his last four games. Alex Carder has been impressive slinging the ball for the 3-6 Broncos, and Nunez has three double-digit reception games to his credit as well in 2010. EMU is 1-8 and 120th in the land in points given up per game.
Sit
Carl Volny, RB, Central Michigan at Navy
Volny led the Chippewas with 91 yards and a touchdown on 18 rushes against Western Michigan last week. However, he still must share carries with Paris Cotton, and Navy's ball-control offense will allow for less opportunities for Volny. Central Michigan should be behind early to boot, likely forcing them to abandon the running game.
Jacquise Terry, RB, Kent State vs. Army
Terry, the leading rusher for the Golden Flashes, was limited to just five carries last week against Temple by a shoulder injury. Army has been decent on defense, and will attempt to control the clock with its option offense. Terry may make a comeback, but for this week, he is best left on the bench.
MWC
Start
Jordan Wynn, QB, Utah at Notre Dame
Expect a standout performance from Wynn after being embarrassed last week by TCU. Wynn has tossed at least one touchdown in six straight games, and Notre Dame is just average at best on defense.
Asher Clark, RB, Air Force vs. New Mexico
Although quarterback Tim Jefferson snipes most of Air Force's goal line carries, Clark is still averaging a robust 5.8 yards per rush. With Jared Tew out, Clark should be in for the lion's share of the carries against a subpar defense.
Sit
Ryan Lindley, QB, San Diego State at TCU
Did you see what happened to Utah last week against TCU? Lindley has a gimpy ankle as well, meaning he'll be facing a BCS National Championship contender with a bad wheel. Even at full strength, he wouldn't be a recommended option against the Horned Frogs.
Joshua Quezada, RB, BYU at Colorado State
Quezada is the future at running back for the Cougars, and rushed for three touchdowns last week against hapless UNLV. However, Colorado State is a little better than the Runnin' Rebs, and Quezada still must share carries with J.J. Di Luigi and Bryan Kariya. As such, he shouldn't be nearly as successful this week.
Pac-10
Start
Keola Antolin, RB, Arizona vs. USC
The USC defense is not what it once was, and Antolin has been coming into his own of late, including seven touchdowns in his last five games. He's gotten double-digit carries in each of his last four contests, a further sign that he has become the featured back in the ‘Zona offense. USC is 76th in the country in scoring defense.
Markus Wheaton, WR, Oregon State vs. Washington State
Without James Rodgers, Wheaton is actually the leading receiver for the Beavers with 29 grabs for 361 yards and a score on the year. Although quarterback Ryan Katz likes to look for his tight end Joe Halahuni, Wheaton will likely get in on the action against a 1-9 Washington State squad that's winless in the conference and is allowing an abysmal 38.1 points per contest.
Sit
Shane Vereen, RB, Cal vs. Oregon
Kevin Riley is done at quarterback, forcing backup Brock Mansion into duty. The Ducks are in the BCS Title hunt and will not go easy on the Bears. The game plan will likely be to stuff eight (or nine) in the box and shut down the run, forcing Mansion to beat them with the pass.
Steven Threet, QB, Arizona State vs. Stanford
Threet has been a model of inconsistency for the Sun Devils, tossing 17 touchdowns compared to 15 interceptions. The Cardinal allow just over 20 points per contest, and should feast on the mistakes made by Threet.
SEC
Start
Jarius Wright, WR, Arkansas vs. UTEP
With leading receiver Greg Childs out for the remainder of the season, look for Wright to step in and fill the void for the Razorbacks. Wright had four catches for 88 yards against South Carolina last week, and faces Conference's USA's Texas-El Paso this week. Wright was the third-leading receiver for the Hogs before Childs was injured.
Jordan Jefferson, QB, LSU vs. Louisiana-Monroe
Usually an option best left for the bench, Jefferson gets the nod this week due to a less-than-stellar opponent. He also played admirably in LSU's hard-fought victory over Alabama last week, completing 10-of-13 throws for 141 yards and a touchdown, while also rushing for an additional 27 yards.
Sit
John Brantley, QB, Florida vs. South Carolina
Brantley's transition into the starting role has been anything but seamless. And though he passed for two touchdowns in limited action last week against a lesser opponent, those were his first touchdown passes since September. South Carolina struggled last week against Arkansas, but nobody will confuse Brantley for Ryan Mallett.
Trey Burton, QB, Florida vs. South Carolina
Burton saw a rise to stardom earlier this year when he cut into Brantley's workload, but now Burton's own snaps are under siege. That's because Jordan Reed got in on the quarterback rotation last week, and he just might have taken Burton's spot as he threw for 120 yards and a touchdown while running for 84 yards and another touchdown.
Sun Belt
Start
Dwayne Frampton, WR, Arkansas State vs. Western Kentucky
Framptom comes alive? That's been exactly the case for Dwayne, as the wideout hauled in six passes for 138 yards and a touchdown last week against Middle Tennessee. He's been surging of late, including grabbing three touchdowns in his past four games. The Hilltoppers are 1-8 and 106th in the country in scoring defense.
Aaron Spikes, RB, Louisiana-Lafayette at Florida Atlantic
Spikes is an excellent receiver out of the backfield, and is currently second on the Cajuns in receiving. Though he hasn't been spectacular carrying the ball at 3.1 yards per rush, he can hurt the Owls in a variety of ways this week. Florida Atlantic's two-game winning streak has come at the hands of the two worst teams in the conference.
Sit
Kolton Browning, QB, Louisiana-Monroe at LSU
Let's give Browning his props on a sizzling performance last week: 27-of-38 for 339 yards and three touchdowns against Florida International. However, hopefully you were on the Browning bandwagon last week, because this week it's losing all its wheels and going down in flames. LSU is another darkhorse in the BCS hunt, and the Warhawks won't fare well in this one.
Wesley Carroll, QB, Florida International at Troy
Don't expect Carroll to have as much success against Troy as he did against Louisiana-Monroe. Carroll has thrown five interceptions over his past two contests, and remains too inconsistent to be reliable as a fantasy option.
WAC
Start
Diondre Borel, QB, Utah State at San Jose State
The cure for a struggling quarterback? A visit to San Jose to face the Spartans, who are 99th in the land in scoring defense, winless in-conference and on a six-game slide. Borel simply has too much talent to be denied despite a 1:1 TD:INT ratio. He has rushed for six touchdowns on the season, and should find the end zone at least a couple times in this one.
Ross Jenkins, QB, Louisiana Tech at New Mexico State
Since taking over the starting job on October 2 against Hawaii for good, Jenkins has a 10:3 TD:INT ratio and has completed over 65 percent of his throws. New Mexico State is awful on defense, yielding 35.8 points per tilt.
Sit
Daniel Hardy, WR, Idaho vs. Boise State
Hardy has just one touchdown on the season despite being the leading receiver for Idaho with 545 yards, and the Bronco defense should simply overwhelm quarterback Nathan Enderle and the rest of the Idaho passing game.
Jamel Hamler, WR, Fresno State vs. Nevada
It's not that Hamler won't catch a ball in this contest, it's simply that he won't catch three of them in the end zone for the Bulldogs, as he did last week against Louisiana Tech. Nevada is certainly no pushover, and Fresno will give the Wolfpack a heavy dose of the oft-used Robbie Rouse, who rushed 43 times last week for 286 yards. Yes, you read that correctly. All in all, Hamler and the rest of the Fresno Fantasy Factors will not play as much of a role this week against a better-caliber opponent.
