Start 'Em & Sit 'Em is our weekly look at the best and worst matchups from around the NFL and how they might affect lineup decisions for your Fantasy Football team. We are not in the business of stating the obvious, so you won't be reading here why you need to start Peyton Manning, LaDainian Tomlinson or any other top-tier players.
We would never tell you to start LaDainian Tomlinson. You already know that. You drafted him No. 1 overall to use him when he's playing at home against a weak defense like Kansas City in Week 10.
But we would tell you to sit Tomlinson, which is the case in Week 11. He's our Sit of the Week because of his matchup at Pittsburgh.
Tomlinson has struggled this year with a bum toe, an ineffective offensive line and the lack of a quality fullback since Lorenzo Neal left for Baltimore. It's left Tomlinson with only two 100-yard rushing games, five games with more than 100 total yards and five measly touchdowns. He has not scored a rushing touchdown in his past five games.
Tomlinson is not the running back we've come to expect, and he's frustrated, especially following the game against Kansas City where he had 22 carries for only 78 yards and four catches for 38 yards. The Chiefs are the worst run defense in the NFL, so Tomlinson was expected to perform better last week, and he was coming off a bye week rested and ready to go.
"That's tough to handle," Tomlinson said about the inability to run following the Chiefs game. "I honestly believe certain things, when you start to discuss things like this, stay in house, that we discuss them among each other. There's reasons, but I'm not willing to talk about it to the media. That's something that has to be dealt with internally within the organization -- players, coaches, you know, that has to be dealt with between us."
Things are not expected to improve this week. The Steelers are No. 2 in run defense, allowing just 69.2 yards per game with three touchdowns. In their past two games, Pittsburgh held Clinton Portis (51 yards) and Joseph Addai (34) to a combined 85 yards rushing.
Now, Portis did have 126 total yards with seven catches for 73 yards, and Tomlinson could make an impact catching the ball out of the backfield. He does have 33 catches for 254 yards and a touchdown this season.
But Tomlinson has struggled with tough run defenses in the past. In four games against top 15 run defenses this year (the Jets, Miami, New England and Buffalo), Tomlinson failed to crack 75 yards rushing in any game. He scored two touchdowns against the Jets, but that was it.
Last year, Tomlinson struggled against Chicago (25 rushing yards), New England (43), Minnesota (40), Jacksonville (62) and Baltimore (77). The difference was Tomlinson was scoring touchdowns on a regular basis then, with scores against the Bears, Vikings and Jaguars.
And going back to his record-breaking year of 2006 when he scored 31 touchdowns, only two teams kept Tomlinson under 100 total yards. Arizona in the meaningless season finale and Pittsburgh, which held Tomlinson to 36 rushing yards and eight catches for 34 yards with no touchdowns. The Steelers were also one of four teams to keep him from scoring with Baltimore, Seattle and Arizona.
Tomlinson has also struggled on the East Coast this year with a combined 76 rushing yards at Miami and Buffalo. At least this game isn't a 1 p.m. ET start.
It's hard to sit Tomlinson because you likely don't have two better running backs on your team. But if you can afford to put him on your bench and start someone else, that's the right move to make.
Tomlinson should finish the season strong with games against Indianapolis, Atlanta, Oakland, Kansas City and Denver left on the schedule. But, at Pittsburgh, with the way he's played so far this season, I would sit L.T. in Week 11.
Start of the Week
If you didn't know Matt Ryan was a rookie and only saw his stats since October there would be no doubt he'd be starting in every Fantasy league. Ryan has been impressive the past five games, but still Fantasy owners are hesitant to use him.
All Ryan has done is average 248 passing yards in his past five games with nine touchdowns and three interceptions. For the season, he ranks as the No. 12 quarterback in a standard-scoring league, and he appears to be getting better each week.
Still, he's a backup in many Fantasy leagues since he was only started in 54 percent of leagues on CBSSports.com last week. Maybe it's because he's a rookie and you're afraid he will hit the "rookie wall." Maybe it's because he plays for the Falcons and you're worried this magical run they are on will come to an end.
Well, if there's a week to trust Ryan, this is it. He's 4-0 at home with 902 passing yards, five touchdowns and no interceptions against Detroit, Kansas City, Chicago and New Orleans. His first 300-yard game was against the Bears in Week 6. He also has a tremendous matchup against Denver, which is still dealing with injuries on defense to Champ Bailey (groin), Marlon McCree (ankle) and D.J. Williams (knee). The Broncos are No. 28 in pass defense with 242.8 yards allowed per game with 14 touchdowns and only three interceptions.
Last week, Brady Quinn passed for 239 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions in his first career start against Denver. Ryan already has more experience than Quinn and should post similar stats, if not better.
Ryan has relied on the excellent play of wide receiver Roddy White, who has developed into an elite talent, and is turning Michael Jenkins into a decent Fantasy option. Ryan is also using Jerious Norwood as a weapon out of the backfield.
There haven't been many quarterbacks better than Ryan this year. He's headed toward the rookie of the year award, and he should add to his resume with another good game against the Broncos.
It's time to use Ryan as a No. 1 Fantasy quarterback. He might be a rookie, but he's playing like a polished veteran.
Quarterbacks
Start 'Em
Tony Romo (at WAS): The most famous pinkie in the NFL will
be fine this week, which means it's safe to put Romo back in your
starting lineup. He might not be 100 percent, and the Redskins did
bolster their secondary by signing DeAngelo Hall,
but let's not forget Romo was having an MVP-type season before he got
hurt. And Romo has done well against Washington in his career with 963
passing yards, nine touchdowns and three interceptions in four games. He
passed for 300 yards, three touchdowns and one interception against the
Redskins earlier this year. With Romo back, it's safe to count on Terrell Owens and Jason Witten again,
and even Roy Williams should get a boost
this week.
Jake Delhomme (vs. DET):
Throw out last week's game at Oakland when Delhomme passed for 72 yards,
one touchdown and four interceptions. In fact, throw out every road game
for Delhomme this season. He's just not good away from Carolina, so it's
a good thing he's back in the friendly confines this week. In five home
games, Delhomme has passed for 1,101 yards, eight touchdowns and two
interceptions compared to 752 yards, two touchdowns and seven
interceptions in four games on the road. It also helps that he's facing
Detroit, which has allowed 244.9 passing yards per game with 15
touchdowns and only two interceptions. Look for the Panthers passing
game to rebound this week, which means Steve Smith
will have more than one catch for 9 yards.
Brett Favre (at NE): Favre hasn't been good on the road and
hasn't been good for Fantasy owners recently. In his past two road
games, Favre has no touchdowns and three interceptions at Oakland and
Buffalo. Overall, Favre has four touchdowns and eight interceptions in
his past five games, but he did snap a seven-game interception streak
against the Rams last week. The Jets won't be able to run against the
Patriots, so look for Favre to be forced to make plays. In the first
meeting in Week 2, Favre was limited to 181 passing yards, one touchdown
and one interception. New England's pass defense has fallen apart since
then with Rodney Harrison (thigh) and Adalius Thomas (forearm) out. The Patriots have allowed 14 passing
touchdowns this year, so Favre will have a chance for a good game.
Tyler Thigpen (vs. NO): All Thigpen has done since taking over
the starting job is pass for 710 yards, six touchdowns and no
interceptions, and he also caught a touchdown pass. He now faces a
Saints defense that just gave up 248 yards and two touchdowns to Falcons
rookie Matt Ryan and lost its best
cornerback in Mike McKenzie (knee). This
game has a chance to be a shootout, and Thigpen will do his part with Dwayne Bowe, Tony Gonzalez and Mark Bradley. The one concern for Thigpen is the return of Larry Johnson could bog down the offense, but Thigpen is playing too
well right now not to expect a solid performance against an
underachieving defense. The Saints allow 238.4 passing yards per game
with 14 touchdowns and six interceptions.
Jeff Garcia (vs. MIN): Garcia is the type of quarterback who
will frustrate the Vikings because he can move in the pocket and will
throw quick passes. Garcia has two 300-yard passing games in his past
three games with four touchdowns and two interceptions in his past five
outings. Garcia hasn't thrown for multiple touchdowns this year, but he
could be forced into making plays with Earnest Graham (knee) banged up and the Vikings tough run defense. The
good thing with Garcia is he's thrown at least 36 passes in his past
three games, so the Bucs are counting on him to win games with his arm.
Sleeper alert: Shaun Hill (vs. STL): Hill played well in his first start last week at Arizona with 217 passing yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions and nearly led the 49ers to victory. Hill now faces the Rams, who have allowed 237.6 passing yards per game with 13 touchdowns and six interceptions. This is also offensive coordinator Mike Martz vs. one of his former teams, and the 49ers are looking to rebound from last week's late-game failures against Arizona. The Rams gave up 47 points last week at the Jets, so the 49ers offense has a chance to get going this week with Hill leading the way.
Sit 'Em
David Garrard (vs. TEN): Garrard looked good last week at
Detroit with 238 passing yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions and
now has six touchdowns and one interception in his past five games. Too
bad he doesn't have that kind of success in his history against the
Titans. In his past five meetings with Tennessee, Garrard has averaged
191 passing yards with six touchdowns and five interceptions. In their
first meeting this year, Garrard had 215 passing yards, one touchdown
and two interceptions. The Titans are No. 2 with only five passing
touchdowns allowed, and Garrard could be without leading receiver Matt Jones (thigh) this week.
Gus Frerotte
(at TB): Frerotte likes it better at home than on the road. In three
road games this year, Frerotte has passed for 786 yards, three
touchdowns and five interceptions. It gets worse outdoors, where
Frerotte has 564 passing yards, two touchdowns and five interceptions in
two games. The Bucs are No. 5 in pass defense with 190.1 yards allowed
per game with 12 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Frerotte has an
interception in all but one start this year with nine interceptions in
his past four games. He does have eight touchdowns over that span, so
expect him to pass for about 200 yards with one touchdown and one
interception.
Eli Manning (vs.
BAL): The Ravens have their share of problems in the secondary with Chris McAlister (knee) and Dawan Landry
(neck) out for the year. Still, even without those defensive backs, the
defense has been tremendous, allowing 193 passing yards per game with 11
touchdowns and 14 interceptions. Manning has passed for less than 200
yards in his past five games with 10 touchdowns and five interceptions.
He has returned to being a mediocre Fantasy quarterback and probably
won't post great stats this week. Figure on a similar stat line to last
week when he had 191 passing yards, two touchdowns and one interception
at Philadelphia.
Joe Flacco (at
NYG): Flacco has improved recently, but he has yet to face a defense
like the Giants since going up against Pittsburgh in Week 4. In his past
four games, Flacco has 805 passing yards, six touchdowns and no
interceptions against Miami, Oakland, Cleveland and Houston. The Giants
will attack Flacco and could force him into some mistakes. The Giants
are No. 2 in pass defense with 177.1 yards per game allowed, 11
touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Derrick Mason
(shoulder) also is banged up this week, which won't help Flacco going
into New York against that defense.
Sage Rosenfels (at IND): We all remember what happened the last
time Rosenfels faced the Colts. The Texans were leading in the fourth
quarter before Rosenfels decided to turn the ball over and give the
Colts a chance, which they did not waste. Rosenfels finished the game
with 246 passing yards, one touchdown and one interception and has four
touchdowns and six interceptions in three games this year. Last week, in
his second start against Baltimore, Rosenfels had 294 passing yards, one
touchdown and four interceptions. The Colts pass defense has done a good
job all year, allowing 191 yards per game and leading the NFL with only
two passing touchdowns allowed. They should make Rosenfels have another
forgettable game.
Bust alert: Philip Rivers (at PIT): It's almost impossible to sit Rivers -- just like his teammate, LaDainian Tomlinson -- since he's the No. 1 quarterback in standard-scoring leagues. But it's a brutal matchup since the Steelers are No. 1 in pass defense, and Rivers has struggled on the East Coast this year. In two games at Miami and Buffalo, Rivers combined for just 367 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. Since we can agree Pittsburgh is better on defense than those two teams, keep Rivers reserved this week. The Steelers allow just 171.1 passing yards per game with nine touchdowns and eight interceptions. They also lead the NFL in sacks with 34 and should force Rivers into some mistakes. He faced Pittsburgh one time in his career at home in 2006 and passed for 242 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. It would be surprising if he did that well on the road this week.
Running backs
Start 'Em
DeAngelo Williams (vs. DET): Last week's Start of the
Week lived up to the billing with 19 carries for 140 yards and a
touchdown at Oakland. He's on fire right now with 464 rushing yards and
six total touchdowns in his past five games. Even better, he faces a
Lions defense that allows 161.2 rushing yards per game with 14
touchdowns and just gave up three rushing touchdowns against Maurice Jones-Drew. This is a week where Jonathan Stewart could get going also since coach John Fox expressed a
desire to get Stewart more involved, but Williams has emerged as the man
in Carolina.
Joseph Addai (vs.
HOU): Addai has been one of the biggest busts this season since he
was selected as the No. 5 running back, according to his average draft
position on CBSSports.com, but currently ranks No. 43 in a
standard-scoring league -- 12 spots behind his backup, Dominic Rhodes. Addai is also coming off two terrible performances
against New England and Pittsburgh (29 carries for 66 yards and four
catches for 23 yards with no touchdowns). Good thing for Addai he's
facing the Texans this week. Addai has scored a touchdown in
three-straight games against Houston and four of his past five meetings
with five touchdowns overall in that span. The Texans have allowed 14
rushing touchdowns this year, and Addai will get going this week.
Deuce McAllister (at KC): The Chiefs, who already have the worst
rushing defense in the NFL, could be without linebackers Derrick Johnson (hamstring) and Pat Thomas
(hamstring), defensive ends Turk McBride
(shoulder) and Tamba Hali (ankle) and
defensive backs Brandon Flowers
(hamstring) and Patrick Surtain (quad).
That would make McAllister and Reggie Bush,
if he returns as expected, great options this week, so start both.
McAllister has scored a touchdown in his past two games and could find
the end zone again since Kansas City has allowed 14 rushing touchdowns
this year. And Bush, who is trying to return from a two-game absence
from a knee injury, would have a chance to return to his dominant ways.
Steve Slaton (at IND): The last time Slaton faced the Colts in
Week 5, he was the Start of the Week and had 16 carries for 93
yards and two touchdowns. The Colts run defense was bad then and is
still bad now, allowing 133.8 rushing yards per game and 12 touchdowns.
Slaton should shine again if given enough carries. The one concern is
last week he had only four carries against Baltimore, and coach Gary
Kubiak said Slaton "was really worn down." However, it was good to hear
Kubiak say "I expect him to bounce back." The matchup is good enough
reason to trust Slaton this week.
Marshawn Lynch (vs. CLE): Lynch was last week's Sit of the Week
and only had 46 rushing yards at New England. But he will bounce back
this week on Monday night against the Browns, who allow 145.2 rushing
yards per game with 10 touchdowns. Lynch has been much better at home
with four of his six touchdowns scored in Buffalo. The Bills need to win
this game to stop a three-game losing streak, and they will lean on
Lynch. He's still looking for his first 100-yard rushing game this
season, but this is a good week for him to end that miserable streak.
Sleeper alert: Ricky Williams (vs. OAK): You're already starting Ronnie Brown this week because the matchup is too good to be true. The Raiders allow 158.1 rushing yards per game with 13 touchdowns and couldn't stop Atlanta or Carolina the past two weeks. Now it's the Dolphins turn, so look for Brown and Williams to lead the way. Williams is coming off his best game of the season with 12 carries for 105 yards and a touchdown against Seattle. If things go as planned, the Dolphins will lean on Williams at the end of the game with Miami running out the clock to win the game. Williams will make a great flex option or even a No. 2 Fantasy running back this week.
Sit 'Em
Brandon Jacobs (vs. BAL): This matchup is going to be fun
to watch. You have Jacobs' bruising style vs. Ray Lewis' hard hitting. Jacobs may have his moments, but the
Ravens will have the better day. Baltimore has not allowed a 100-yard
rusher in 28 straight games. The Ravens allow just 65.4 rushing yards
per game. They have given up only one rushing touchdown this season.
Jacobs has two-straight 100-yard games and has scored eight touchdowns
in his past six games, but he will struggle here. It's hard to sit
Jacobs, but this is not a good matchup for him.
Willis McGahee (at NYG): McGahee surprised everyone last week when
he played against Houston despite being limited with an ankle injury and
rushed for 112 yards and two touchdowns. He won't surprise anyone this
week, including the Giants. New York is No. 4 in run defense with 87.7
yards allowed and four rushing touchdowns. The Giants just held Brian Westbrook to 26 rushing yards and should be able to contain
McGahee. You want to use McGahee when he has a good matchup, not a week
like this where both starting running backs in this game should
struggle. The Giants defense should dominate this matchup in what should
be a low-scoring game.
Kevin Smith
(at CAR): Opposing running backs have struggled at Carolina this
year, with Michael Turner (56 yards), Larry Johnson (2 yards) and Reggie Bush
(55 yards) all limited, although Bush left with a knee injury. Tim Hightower scored a rushing touchdown in the last game at
Carolina, but the Panthers run defense is tough, allowing 105.1 yards
per game with only four touchdowns this season. Smith is playing well,
with three rushing touchdowns in his past four games and his best outing
of the season with 96 rushing yards against Jacksonville, but he only
has one touchdown on grass this year and should struggle in this matchup.
Earnest Graham (vs. MIN): There are a lot of red flags for Graham
this week. He's dealing with a knee injury, which could keep him out of
the game or limited. Warrick Dunn should
return from the back injury that kept him out Week 9, which will cut
into Graham's carries, and Cadillac Williams
was activated off the PUP list. And the Vikings run defense is among the
best in the NFL, allowing 70.1 yards per game with eight touchdowns.
Graham has scored a touchdown in all four home games this year, which is
a nice streak and could even continue, but he's not going to find much
running room against the Vikings. And if he's listed as a game-time
decision, you don't want to risk him not playing because of the injury.
BenJarvus Green-Ellis (vs. NYJ): Green-Ellis, who is known as the
"Law Firm" in New England, has scored a touchdown in four-straight
games. He might make it five this week, but he will find it tough to run
against the Jets. New York allows just 76.4 rushing yards per game with
seven touchdowns, and Green-Ellis could have a crowded backfield if Sammy Morris (knee) somehow returns. This is a game where Kevin Faulk should star for the Patriots and keep Green-Ellis on the
bench. Kris Jenkins has improved the
Jets run defense and will key in on the Law Firm this week.
Bust alert: Thomas Jones (at NE): Jones has already matched his career high with nine touchdowns this season. He has seven touchdowns in his past five games and ran for 149 yards and three scores last week against St. Louis. But the Patriots will contain Jones this week. In three meetings with New England as a member of the Jets, Jones has 131 rushing yards and no touchdowns, including 17 carries for 70 yards in Week 2 this year. The Patriots run defense has been stellar this year outside of one game. If you remove Week 3 against Miami from the schedule, the Patriots have yet to allow a rushing touchdown this season. With Vince Wilfork leading the way, the Patriots front seven has been dominant and will stop Jones' recent successful run.
Wide receivers
Start 'Em
Santana Moss (vs. DAL): Moss loves facing the Cowboys. In
his past three games against Dallas, Moss has 25 catches for 381 yards
and two touchdowns, including eight catches for 145 yards earlier this
year. With Clinton Portis (knee) banged
up, the Redskins could be throwing a lot this week, which would bode
well for Moss getting increased chances to make plays. Dallas is
expected to get cornerback Terence Newman
(abdomen) back this week, but none of the Cowboys defensive backs can
run with Moss. Jason Campbell (four
touchdowns and one interception in two games) also has played well
against the Cowboys, so he should be able to connect with Moss this week.
Steve Breaston (at SEA): Breaston just continues to make plays,
which is a good thing for Fantasy owners. And with the way Kurt Warner is playing now, you want to use all his weapons.
Breaston had seven catches for 121 yards last week against San Francisco
and has just one game in his past six outings with less than seven
catches (Week 9 at St. Louis with two catches for 39 yards). The
Seahawks are No. 31 in pass defense with 252.2 yards per game allowed,
14 touchdowns and four interceptions, so look for Warner to spread the
wealth and keep Anquan Boldin, Larry Fitzgerald and Breaston happy again this week.
Eddie Royal (at ATL): The Broncos will find themselves in
position to be passing a lot with the lack of a running game -- and a
defense for that matter. That means good things for Jay Cutler, Brandon Marshall, Tony Scheffler and Royal, so start them all. All Royal has done
recently is catch 22 passes for 304 yards and two touchdowns the past
three games against New England, Miami and Cleveland. The Falcons are
allowing 228.4 passing yards per game with 12 touchdowns and nine
interceptions, so Cutler should be able to find his receivers with
relative ease. Royal should remain hot this week so keep him active
against the Falcons.
Hines Ward
(vs. SD): Ward showed he could still be a reliable weapon with nine
catches for 116 yards last week against Indianapolis. Even with Ben Roethlisberger's shoulder banged up, you can count on Ward for
a repeat performance this week against the Chargers, who are last in the
NFL in pass defense. This is a week where Santonio Holmes and Nate Washington can
make some plays as well, so consider them good starting options also.
San Diego hasn't been able to stop anyone all year, giving up 264.9
passing yards per game with 17 touchdowns and six interceptions. Ward
and the Steelers passing game should exploit this matchup.
Wes Welker (vs. NYJ): The catches have been there for Welker
all year with at least six grabs every week. He finally had the yards
last week with 107 on 10 catches against Buffalo. Now Welker needs to
add the touchdowns. He only has one so far this season, but it's a good
thing Matt Cassel continues to look in
his direction. Welker has a good matchup against the Jets, who allow
223.4 passing yards per game with 11 touchdowns and nine interceptions.
Welker had seven catches for 72 yards against the Jets earlier this year
in Cassel's first start, and the Patriots should do plenty of throwing
this week, which is good for Welker.
Sleeper alert: Antonio Bryant (vs. MIN): There's talk about Bryant making the Pro Bowl, which would be impressive since he didn't play in the NFL last year. This year, Bryant has emerged as the best receiver for the Bucs, and he's playing well recently with 20 catches for 275 yards and two touchdowns in his past three games against Seattle, Dallas and Kansas City. Tampa Bay is going to be throwing a lot this week, so look for Bryant to have plenty of chances to make plays. Jeff Garcia trusts Bryant, and it's time Fantasy owners did as well.
Sit 'Em
Chris Chambers (at PIT): We'll continue our theme of
sitting the Chargers this week with Chambers. He was having a solid
start this season with four touchdowns in his first three games before
hurting his ankle in Week 5 at Miami. In two games since coming back
from the injury, he has just five catches for 47 yards and was shutout
last week against Kansas City. Philip Rivers
has leaned on Vincent Jackson and Malcom Floyd along with Antonio Gates
and LaDainian Tomlinson with Chambers
out, and that should continue this week if Rivers has enough time to
throw. The Steelers are No. 1 in pass defense and lead the NFL with 34
sacks.
Braylon Edwards (at BUF):
There are several reasons to avoid Edwards this week. The Bills have
only allowed seven passing touchdowns this season. Cornerback Terrence McGee looks back in top form after helping limit Randy Moss last week to five catches for 53 yards. Brady Quinn isn't going to take many chances downfield, which is why
Edwards only had one catch for 15 yards last week against Denver. And
Edwards has just 12 catches for 171 yards and one touchdown in four road
games this year. This just isn't Edwards year right now, so don't plan
on using him this week until he proves he can help your Fantasy team --
if that happens at all.
Matt Jones
(vs. TEN): He has a thigh bruise that may keep him out this week,
but even if he plays it will be a tough matchup. Prior to catching six
passes for 80 yards against the Titans earlier this season, Jones had
nine catches for 133 yards and one touchdown in four previous meetings.
Tennessee has done well against opposing receivers this year and should
matchup well with Jones. And if he's less than 100 percent that will
limit what he's able to do. Jones has been fantastic this year and comes
into this game with 27 catches for 317 yards and a touchdown in his past
four games. But this matchup, along with his injury, is the reason why
you should sit him this week.
Chad Johnson
(vs. PHI): Johnson is hoping to pick up where he left off before the
bye last week when he had five catches for 37 yards and two touchdowns
against Jacksonville. But he will face a tough secondary this week with
the Eagles, who allow just 190.4 passing yards per game with 12
touchdowns and nine interceptions. Whether it's Asante Samuel, Lito Sheppard or Sheldon Brown, Johnson will struggle in this matchup. And remember,
it's still Ryan Fitzpatrick at
quarterback for the Bengals, so the Eagles will be heavy with their
blitz. This is a bad week for T.J. Houshmandzadeh
as well.
Derrick Mason (at NYG):
Mason has already said he will play through his dislocated left
shoulder. I don't know about you, but that's a concern for me. It's not
like Mason would post overwhelming stats with two good shoulders,
although he has played well recently with the development of rookie
quarterback Joe Flacco. Still, he has a
tough matchup at the Giants, who are No. 2 in pass defense and sacks
with 30. They will come after Flacco, and he won't have enough time to
find Mason even if both shoulders were 100 percent.
Bust alert: Ted Ginn Jr. (vs. OAK): Ginn had played great recently with seven catches for 175 yards against Buffalo three games ago and then four catches for 67 yards and a touchdown last week against Seattle. He is becoming a solid playmaker for the Dolphins and has become worthy of using as a starting Fantasy option. But this week, Ginn will be covered by Raiders defensive back Nnamdi Asomugha, which is a difficult task. Last week, Asomugha limited Carolina's Steve Smith to one catch for 9 yards. Asomugha has enough speed to run with Ginn, and this is a week where the Dolphins can run all over the Raiders. Use Ginn when he has a better matchup because this week he might not have much daylight due to the tight coverage.
Tight ends
Start 'Em
Bo Scaife (at JAC): Scaife has emerged as the Titans best
receiver this year with 42 catches for 422 yards and two touchdowns. He
has three games with at least six catches, including last week at
Chicago when he had 10 grabs for 78 yards and a touchdown. He also
opened the season with six catches for 105 yards against Jacksonville.
The Jaguars have struggled in pass coverage this year with 213.3 yards
per game allowed, 15 touchdowns and eight interceptions. It's unlikely
Scaife will have similar success against Jacksonville this week, but he
is worth starting since Kerry Collins
continues to look in Scaife's direction. In five career meetings, Scaife
has 18 catches for 246 yards and a touchdown.
Greg Olsen (at GB): Olsen gets his quarterback back with Kyle Orton expected to start after missing last week against
Tennessee with an ankle injury. That should help Olsen against the
Packers, who are missing linebacker Nick Barnett
(knee). The Packers secondary has played well this year, but Olsen had
four catches for 57 yards and a touchdown last year at Lambeau Field. He
is having a breakout year thanks to Orton and should remain a starting
Fantasy option this week.
John Carlson
(vs. ARI): Carlson has two things in his favor this week. Matt Hasselbeck is expected to return after missing five games with
a back injury, which will stabilize the quarterback situation for the
Seahawks and give Carlson a better passer. And the Cardinals leads the
NFL with 18 passing touchdowns allowed. Last week, Vernon Davis scored a touchdown against the Cardinals, and Carlson is
coming off one of his best games of the season with five catches for 54
yards at Miami. With Hasselbeck back, we'll see if Carlson can finish
the season strong.
Sleeper alert: Billy Miller (at KC): Miller has done a nice job replacing Jeremy Shockey when he's been hurt, and Shockey is now dealing with an ankle injury. With Shockey out with a hernia, Miller stepped up with five-straight games with at least 50 yards receiving. He's still looking for his first touchdown, and it could happen this week since the Chiefs allow 233.9 passing yards per game with 11 touchdowns and nine interceptions. Kansas City also is missing several starters on defense, so look for Miller to remain a quality starting option this week, especially if Shockey is limited again.
Sit 'Em
Owen Daniels (at IND): We had Daniels as a bust last week,
and he only had one catch for 13 yards against Baltimore. This week,
keep Daniels reserved again. The Colts have done well in pass coverage
and have a good history against Daniels. In four meetings, Daniels has
only 18 catches for 175 yards and one touchdown, including five catches
for 47 yards earlier this year. The Colts, who have only allowed two
passing touchdowns this season, will be able to contain Daniels again
this week.
Visanthe Shiancoe (at
TB): The Bucs will be able to stay with Shiancoe this week, and he
has struggled outdoors this season with 11 catches for 136 yards and a
touchdown in three games. He only has 13 catches for 152 yards and two
touchdowns in four road games. Tampa Bay limited Jason Witten to one catch for eight yards two games ago and even held Tony Gonzalez to seven catches for 62 yards in the Bucs last game,
which is a good feat with how Gonzalez has played recently.
Marcedes Lewis (vs. TEN): Lewis doesn't have a good history against
the Titans with 13 catches for 110 yards and no touchdowns in five
meetings. He also doesn't have a touchdown in his past three games this
season, and the Titans don't allow many scores with only five passing
touchdowns allowed on the year. Look for Lewis to do plenty of blocking
against the Titans pass rush, and this isn't a matchup where he should
post good enough stats to help your Fantasy team.
Bust alert: Kevin Boss (vs. BAL): Boss had his best game of the season last week at Philadelphia with six catches for 69 yards and scored his third touchdown in a row. But this week, Boss could be in trouble. Baltimore has done well against opposing tight ends, holding down Kellen Winslow (seven catches for 78 yards in two games), Heath Miller (two catches for eight yards), Dallas Clark (two catches for 17 yards), Anthony Fasano (two catches for 25 yards), Zach Miller (two catches for 56 yards) and Owen Daniels (one catch for 13 yards) this season. They will focus on Boss, especially in the red zone, and should be able to contain him. If you can start another tight end this week it would be a good idea because Boss could be in line for a poor outing.
Defense/Special teams
Start 'Em
Miami (vs. OAK): The Raiders have scored six points the past two
games against Atlanta and Carolina at home, have injuries to JaMarcus Russell (knee) and Darren McFadden
(toe) and can't decide who is calling plays on offense. Now they have to
come across the country for a 1 p.m. ET start, which hasn't been kind to
West Coast teams. The Dolphins defense has played well recently and
should dominate this matchup. Miami has six sacks, four interceptions
and a defensive touchdown the past three games against Buffalo, Denver
and Seattle.
Other DSTs with good matchups: Carolina (vs. DET), Philadelphia (at CIN) and Indianapolis (vs. HOU)
Sit 'Em
Jacksonville (vs. TEN): The Jaguars defense finally played well last week against Detroit with seven sacks, an interception and a forced fumble, but it was the Lions with Daunte Culpepper at quarterback. This week they face the Titans, who don't make mistakes, run the ball well with Chris Johnson and LenDale White and Kerry Collins hasn't thrown an interception in four games. Collins also has been sacked just four times on the season, so it will be hard for Jacksonville to be productive in this matchup. The safe bet is to find another DST option this week.
Kicker
Start 'Em
Josh Brown (at SF): Brown has been better on the road this
year than at home with 11 field goals away from St. Louis. He also faces
a 49ers defense that is tied with Indianapolis with the most field goals
allowed this season at 23. Last year at San Francisco, when Brown was
with Seattle, he made three field goals and should do well again this
week. The Rams won't have much offense, but Brown could be their best
weapon. And if you're looking for a kicker this week, Brown is only
owned in 51 percent of leagues on CBSSports.com.
Other kickers with good matchups: Joe Nedney (vs. STL), Jason Elam (vs. DEN) and Neil Rackers (at SEA)
Sit 'Em
Josh Scobee (vs. TEN): Scobee hasn't had the chance to do much against the Titans recently with only four attempts in the past three meetings against Tennessee with three made kicks. That's how the Titans play since they are tied with Atlanta and Cleveland for first with nine field goals allowed this year. Tennessee has the No. 1 scoring defense at 13 points per game, so don't expect Scobee to have many chances this week. For the season, Scobee is 15-of-17 on field goals with a long of 53. He is the No. 17 kicker in a standard-scoring league.
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