Who to Start:

QB Philip Rivers (SD) vs. OAK: The Chargers are mad. They’re gonna want to play hard for Norv Turner, who will likely be fired after the game. The Raiders have a very bad defense, and the Chargers badly want to play spoiler. This is a good combination for Rivers and the Chargers.

RB C.J Spiller (BUF) vs. NE: He’s finally showing why the Bills drafted him so high last year, with good performances against Miami and Denver. He should have another one against the bad Patriots defense, no matter what the situation.

WR Hakeem Nicks (NYG) vs. DAL: Both of the teams in the NFC East title game have horrible defenses, but I’d feel more confident in Nicks because his QB situation is more stable. He should have a big game Sunday night.

TE Brent Celek (PHI) vs. WSH: He’s enjoyed a nice resurgence this season, and that should continue against a terrible Redskins defense that lost to Joe Webb and Toby Gerhart last weekend.

DEF Atlanta vs. TB: Tampa Bay has lost nine in a row, and they haven’t looked very good in any of those games. Atlanta may or may not have anything to play for, but that doesn’t change the fact that this is a good matchup.

Who to Sit:

QB Joe Flacco (BAL) vs. CIN: He’s struggled at points this season, including last week against Cleveland.  The Bengals have plenty of motivation for this Sunday, and their defense has been very stout for most of the year

RB Shonn Greene (NYJ) vs. MIA:  The Dolphins surprisingly rank third in the NFL against the run, and they should do a good job stopping the inconsistent Jets running attack, led by Greene.

WR Antonio Brown (PIT) vs. CLE: Despite being the Steelers team MVP this season, he won’t have the best of luck against a stout Cleveland secondary, even if Big Ben plays.

TE Kellen Winslow (TB) vs. ATL: He just hasn’t played very well all season, and he hasn’t been a featured option in the Bucs arsenal. Even in PPR leagues, he’s still not a very viable start this week.

DEF Cincinnati vs. BAL: Fantasy-wise, this defense hasn’t been the best unit out there, as they aren’t a very high scoring fantasy defense. The Ravens have the potential to spoil the Bengals postseason party, so watch out for this unit.

Super Sleeper:

QB Dan Orlovsky (IND) vs. JAX: If you’re VERY desperate, Orlovsky may be the start for you. He’s had a very good last two weeks, and the Jaguars defense is so banged up, that many players don’t even know the guys behind them. Orlovsky has a chance to light up the injured Jags defense.

Buyer Beware:

TE Vernon Davis (SF) vs. STL: Can you believe that as bad as the Rams are, they are very good defending the tight end? Neither can I, but if you have Vernon Davis starting, you may want to.

Good Luck in Week 17, and I hope you have enjoyed these columns all season long. Through the playoffs, I’ll be writing previews for each of the 11 games through the postseason, so you don’t want to miss those.

NOTE: Unless indicated, all games on Saturday.

Who to Start:

QB Rex Grossman (WSH) vs. MIN: He may not be the greatest option available, but he sure has plenty of people singing his fantasy praises, mainly because he’s facing the absolutely dreadful Vikings secondary. He had a good game against a bad Giants secondary last week, and he may have an even better game this Sunday.

RB Rashard Mendenhall (PIT) vs. STL: If Big Ben doesn’t play, his stock goes up even higher, but regardless, he’ll have a huge game against the simply awful St. Louis defense, which seems to get torched every other week.

WR Dwayne Bowe (KC) vs. OAK: Without a decent QB under center, he was left for dead as a decent fantasy starter. But with Orton starting and with Kansas City playing the Raiders secondary that gets torched every week, he should have a huge game this Sunday.

WR Santonio Holmes (NYJ) vs. NYG: The Jets have to win this Sunday, and it may be the most important game in Mark Sanchez’s career. He’s facing a terrible Giants secondary, so Sanchez could have a big game, and his favorite target Santonio Holmes should too.

TE Brent Celek (PHI) vs. DAL: He’s had a renaissance as a fantasy option this season, and he should continue to have huge success, especially playing the listless Dallas defense. He also had a huge game against Dallas back in Week 8 which started his turn upward.

DEF Tennessee vs. JAX: The Jaguars offense has been offensive this season, and the Titans have to win this game in order to stay in the playoff hunt. The Titans are also ticked off after losing to Indy last week, so they may play with increased fervor against a bad Jaguars team.

Who to Sit:

QB Eli Manning (NYG) vs. NYJ: I know he’s the 3rd best passer in the NFL in terms of yards this season, but he will have trouble against the Jets secondary, even though they got torched by the Eagles last week. The interceptions are probably going to be killer for Eli.

RB Peyton Hillis (CLE) vs. BAL: He’s been a mainstay in the “sit” column for weeks now, and that won’t change against the Ravens, who are mad after their bad loss in San Diego and haven’t lost at home all season.

WR Brandon Lloyd (STL) vs. PIT: It really doesn’t matter who starts under center for the Rams, it’s not going to be pretty for them on Saturday against the Steelers, who don’t give up much of anything on defense. Lloyd might as well be on the waiver wire.

WR Pierre Garcon (IND) vs. HOU: The Texans secondary has been awesome this season, and it will be tough for Dan Orlovsky to throw the ball down the field against this very good Texans secondary. The Colts will have trouble on a short week against the AFC South champs (I know, right? Houston winning anything…)

TE Greg Olsen (CAR) vs. TB: Sometimes he has big games, other times he’s totally invisible, and he probably will be invisible this Saturday. It looks like Jeremy Shockey has become the number one target for Cam Newton at the TE position, so Olsen looks like one to bench.

DEF Chicago vs. GB SUN: I know it’s hard to bench the Bears defense right now, but going up against the angry Packers team right now, it doesn’t bode well for them. The Bears are essentially sacrificial lambs this week against Green Bay.

3 Super Sleepers:

QB Matt Moore (MIA) vs. NE: It’s no secret that the Patriots secondary is terrible, and Matt Moore may be able to feast on it on Saturday. The Dolphins have won 5 of 7, and they are playing well, and with Matt Moore looking good, he could be a decent sleeper option if you don’t have a better one.

WR Demariyus Thomas (DEN) vs. BUF: The Bills secondary has been ravaged by injuries, and with Tebow Time coming into town, Thomas could have a big game against the Bills who have lost 7 in a row since their 5-2 start.

TE Jared Cook (TEN) vs. JAX: The Jags have been torched all season by Tight Ends, and that probably will continue with Jared Cook on Saturday. He should see plenty of targets this weekend, and should have a big game.

Buyer Beware:

RB Marshawn “Skittles” Lynch (SEA) vs. SF: Obviously, he has had huge games in the past couple of weeks, but remember this when playing him: San Francisco has not allowed a rushing TD all season. Lynch may go into beast mode, but not do anything against the stout SF defense.

Good Luck in Week 16 and Happy Holidays!

Byes: CHI, NYJ, ATL, TB, OAK, GB

Who to Start:

QB Eli Manning (NYG) vs. MIA: The Dolphins are a pathetic team, and they really have trouble stopping the pass. Manning is having a very good season, and he is using all of his receivers. His hot streak should continue against a putrid Miami pass defense.

RB Darren Sproles (NO) vs. STL: The Rams gave up over 250 rushing yards to rookie DeMarco Murray last Sunday, and with Darren Sproles being such a big fantasy surprise, he should get big numbers on Sunday, especially if Mark Ingram is out due to injury.

WR Nate Washington (TEN) vs. IND: I know most of you weren’t watching the SNF game last Sunday, but 62-7 tells you all you need to know. The Colts right now are putting up little resistance on defense, and even though the Titans passing offense has struggled, they won’t this week.

WR Antonio Brown (PIT) vs. NE: He had a 100+ yard catching day against Arizona last week, and going up against the porous New England secondary, he should have another big day. Because of the injury to Hines Ward, he should see even more playing time to increase those numbers.

TE Owen Daniels (HOU) vs. JAX: This has become a theme, hasn’t it? Start the TE of the team playing the Jaguars. It shouldn’t change this week, as Owen Daniels is a big fantasy bargain this week. He’ll be an even bigger bargain if Andre Johnson doesn’t play this week.

DEF New Orleans vs. STL: The Rams have scored the fewest points of any team this season, and if A.J Feeley is playing, it may be an even worse day for the Saints offense. This has a big blowout written all over it.

Who to Sit:

QB Matt Cassel (KC) vs. SD MON: Cassel has been rejuvenated so far in the Chiefs 3 game winning streak, but a game against San Diego is troubling. The Chargers have been very good this year against the pass, and with the streaky nature of the KC passing offense, he is a risky start.

RB Knowshon Moreno (DEN) vs. DET: He will be getting more playing time due to the injury to Willis McGahee, so things are looking up. However, Detroit’s run defense has been very good this season, so watch out for Moreno this Sunday.

WR Michael Crabtree (SF) vs. CLE: This game has the makings of a defensive showdown, and with Crabtree going up against one of the best cover corners in the league in Joe Haden, he does not figure to have a good game on Sunday.

WR Sidney Rice (SEA) vs. CIN: The Bengals right now have the second ranked defense in the NFL. Yes, you read that right. And if you were unfortunate enough to watch the SEA/CLE game last Sunday, you saw how bad the Seahawks offense was with Charlie Whitehurst. That’s all you need to know.

TE Greg Olsen (CAR) vs. MIN: He has been dealing with a turf-toe injury, which may be why he was invisible last Sunday against the Redskins. He likely won’t do very well this weekend against Minnesota either, due to this.

DEF Pittsburgh vs. NE: I know it’s hard to bench the Steelers defense ever, but Tom Brady has owned the Steelers in the past, just see last season’s game as an example. If you have a better option at defense, start them over Pittsburgh.

3 Super Sleepers:

QB John Beck (WSH) vs. BUF Toronto: I know, it sounds really funky. However, the Bills secondary has been very bad this season, and Beck hasn’t looked that bad in his 1+ games as a starter. If you need a QB, he may not be a bad option.

RB Bernard Scott (CIN) vs. SEA: Due to the suspension of Cedric Benson, Scott will be the featured back on Sunday in Seattle. Therefore, he will see feature back type touches, so he should have a big game on Sunday.

TE Jake Ballard (NYG) vs. MIA: Need a TE on Sunday? With Miami giving up tons of fantasy points to Tight Ends, it may be worth the gamble. Heck, he’s been doing better fantasy-wise this season than Vernon Davis, so why not?

Buyer Beware:

QB Tim Tebow (DEN) vs. DET: He may put up big numbers fantasy-wise, but it was a misnomer again against a horrible Miami defense. He is facing a real NFL defense on Sunday, so it will be seen as to whether Tebow can put up similar numbers against a very good Lions defense.

Good Luck in Week 8!

Who to Start:

QB Ben Roethlisberger (PIT) vs. SEA: Last week was about as abysmal as it could get for Big Ben. He had accounted for 3 picks, and the Steelers only scored 7 points. This week though, he gets a suspect Seattle defense and this is their second roadie in a row, and the Steelers are not happy. This has blowout central written all over it.

RB Tim Hightower (WSH) vs. ARZ: He was a good sleeper choice a week ago, but he’s a very good start this week. He’s facing his former team this week, and the Redskins should try to establish tempo with a good ground game, so Hightower looks like a good start this week.

WR Santonio Holmes (NYJ) vs. JAX: Even though the Jags defense was pretty stout a week ago, Kenny Britt had a big day with 2 TD’s, and with the Jaguars not having Derek Cox, their second corner, this week due to a rib injury, Holmes could have a very big day.

WR Mario Manningham  (NYG) vs. STL MON: With the injury to Hakeem Nicks, Manningham should see increased targets this week. With that, and the fact that he’s facing a weakened Rams secondary, Manningham may have a very big game on Monday Night.

TE Owen Daniels (HOU) vs. MIA: After last week’s demolition of the Dolphins by the Pats, no one will even hesitate to start any Texans offensive players this week. Daniels should have a big game against a Dolphins defense that allowed 189 yards and 2 TD’s to Pats Tight Ends a week ago.

DEF Dallas vs. SF: The 49ers may have scored 33 points a week ago, but remember that 14 of them came via Ted Ginn kick returns. They had trouble moving the offense all day against a bad Seahawks D, and Dallas’ is much better.

Who to Sit:

QB Donovan McNabb (MIN) vs. TB: He threw for 39 yards TOTAL a week ago. That’s all you need to know.

RB Mark Ingram (NO) vs. CHI: Now we know a bit more about how much Ingram will be used in the 3 back rotation in New Orleans, and it involves Ingram getting the fewest amount of carries. Until something changes, Ingram is not a player to start.

WR Chad Ochocinco (NE) vs. SD: He had only one catch a week ago, and with the plethora of weapons that the Patriots use, Ochocinco may not be targeted too much, and that is not a good thing in this offense.

Try to start a guy like Deion Branch or Rob Gronkowski instead.

WR Davone Bess (MIA) vs. HOU: He had a good game on Monday night, but Houston’s defense is very good, and even with all of the hype, there should be a sign of worry about starting him this week. The Pats and Texans defenses are completely different.

TE Zach Miller (SEA) vs. PIT: He only had 2 catches for 19 yards a week ago against San Francisco, and their defense is nothing like the Steelers defense. And, it doesn’t help that Tarvaris Jackson will struggle to get the ball to him.

DEF San Diego vs. NE: Watch out here. Even though the Chargers defense is very, very good, the Vikings are much different than the Patriots. It should be a shootout, which does not bode well for the Chargers defense and their fantasy numbers.

The 3 Sleepers:

QB Mark Sanchez (NYJ) vs. JAX: He’s not an auto-start in every league, but going up against a Jags secondary that does not have their second cornerback due to injury should help improve his numbers, even though he had very good numbers a week ago.

RB James Starks (GB) vs. CAR: It seems that he is getting many more touches than Ryan Grant is right now, and because of that, he should see the field more against a Carolina run defense that got torched by Beanie Wells and the Cardinals last week.

WR Nate Burleson (DET) vs. KC: After Matt Stafford’s big game a week ago in Tampa, it should come as no surprise that he may pull off the same trick against Kansas City. Their defense was awful last week against Buffalo, and that should mean Burleson will possibly get big yards this week.

Buyer Beware:

WR Dwayne Bowe (KC) vs. DET: Was I not right about him last week? And, with that said, his numbers were awful a week ago, and facing a very good Detroit defense, he may not have any new found success this week.

Good Luck in Week 2!

Who to Start:

QB Kevin Kolb (ARZ) vs. CAR: One of the many old faces in new places, and he will totally benefit from the change of scenery. He has the advantage of his first game as a Cardinal coming against the Panthers, who may have a decent pass rush, but a weak secondary. He’s a great start in 2 QB leagues.

RB LeGarrette Blount (TB) vs. DET: He exploded onto the scene towards the end of last season with some very good numbers. The Lions gave up an average of 4.5 yards a carry last season, so Blount should see a decent amount of touches, and yards too.

WR Brandon Lloyd (DEN) vs. OAK MON: With the departure of Nnamdi Asomugha, the Raiders pass defense is noticeably worse. Lloyd is the top target for Kyle Orton, and look for him to have a big day against the worse Raiders pass D.

WR Santana Moss (WSH) vs. NYG: This is a very iffy start because of the uncertainty surrounding Rex Grossman, but look to the Giants injury-depleted secondary to cause problems, and possibly open up Moss for a few more catches and yards.

TE Lance Kendricks (STL) vs. PHI: Here comes the return of the fantasy column staple: “Who?” The Rams’ new TE gets a chance because of the departure of Daniel Fells, and he will have a great game on Sunday because the Eagles have historically been bad at defending the TE, and it doesn’t help that the Eagles have a rookie MLB calling the shots.

DEF Cleveland vs. CIN: When a rookie QB is making his first career start, and his preseason has looked very iffy, you should start the defense he’s playing against. Turns out that the defense in question is Cleveland. So, start them.

Who to Sit:

QB Kerry Collins (IND) vs. HOU: The reason why he’s here is for two reasons. One, there really isn’t a clear picture of how much of the offense he’s grasped yet, and two, we have to give the Texans some credit for their defensive changes this offseason, before it may go wrong.

RB Felix Jones (DAL) vs. NYJ: Until there is any reason to believe otherwise, expect the Jets run defense to be as stout as ever. This doesn’t bode well for Felix Jones, even though he’ll likely be leaned on to run the ball.

WR Dwayne Bowe (KC) vs. BUF: There are questions surrounding the health of Matt Cassel, and if he doesn’t play, that drastically drops his value. Also, Buffalo’s pass defense was surprisingly second-best in the NFL a season ago, so he may be one to avoid.

WR Lee Evans (BAL) vs. PIT: He’ll get an experience in his first game as a Raven, as he plays the Steelers. He won’t do much, as neither offense traditionally does in this series, especially a deep threat receiver. Avoid.

TE Brent Celek (PHI) vs. STL: Since Mike Vick became the starter, Brent Celek has seen a drastic drop in targets. When you see that, you know that a player has become less important in the offense. Such is the case with Celek, and that should continue this season.

DEF New Orleans vs. GB THU: Just as a reminder, the visiting team in the Thursday kickoff game hasn’t won since 2003, and usually the games aren’t close. This doesn’t bode well for the New Orleans D going up against the Super Bowl MVP and his potent offense.

Sleepers of the Week:

RB Tim Hightower (WSH) vs. NYG: He had a breakout preseason and looks like the feature back for Mike Shanahan. Knowing his tendency to revive and bring the best out of running backs, Hightower may be a worthwhile option.

QB Matt Hasselbeck (TEN) vs. JAX: Despite the defensive improvements, the Jags pass D may still have some issues to work out, and Hasselbeck should likely be able to exploit them.

WR Kevin Walter (HOU) vs. IND: The Colts secondary took some hits this offseason, and with Matt Schaub’s ability to put up amazing numbers on offense, expect some big things possibly from Walter on Sunday.

Buyer Beware:

WR Chad Ochocinco (NE) vs. MIA MON: There are still questions as to whether he can immerse himself in the offense and gel with Tom Brady, and going up against a very good Miami pass defense, he may not do much this week. Wait a little bit on him.

Good luck in Week 1!

Who to Start:
QB Matt Schaub (HOU) vs. JAX: Even if Andre Johnson doesn’t play, this is still a wonderful matchup for Schaub. He threw for over 300 yards the first time the 2 teams played, and look for him to do that once again.

RB Shonn Greene (NYJ) vs. BUF: I would look to see LT and other Jets being rested, and Shonn Greene, whose been trending up for the past 3 weeks, to see a lot of carries and turn that into a lot of yards against a bad Bills D.

WR Mario Manningham (NYG) vs. WSH: The Giants won’t have Hakeem Nicks on Sunday, and with the Giants other injuries, look for Manningham to be the feature target for Eli Manning. The Redskins D is still very bad, so look for Manningham to make the most of it.

WR Danario Alexander (STL) vs. SEA: In this win and in matchup, look for Alexander to shine for the who’s who of the Rams receiving corps. The Seahawks don’t defend the pass very well, and look for Sam Bradford to look Alexander’s way often.

TE Owen Daniels (HOU) vs. JAX: The Jags more often than not don’t defend the Tight End, so Daniels, who has seen great games of late, should have a big game for Houston.

DEF Atlanta vs. CAR: The Panthers as we know have a terrible offense, and with Atlanta still having something to play for, look for their D to smother Jimmy Clausen and the hapless Panthers.

Who to Sit:
QB Josh Freeman (TB) vs. NO: As great as he has played this season, don’t look for him to perform very well against a Saints D that stopped Matt Ryan on Monday, and forces plenty of turnovers.

RB Peyton Hillis (CLE) vs. PIT: Where has he gone in the past weeks? Far down the list of desired starts. The Steelers run D has been great and still will be, so don’t look for Hillis to do very much.

WR Santonio Holmes (NYJ) vs. BUF: As he’s dealing with a bum toe, he may not see full action on Sunday. Even so, the Bills pass D has been a bright spot for that team, only allowing 15 passing TD’s all season, so don’t look for a big stat line for Holmes regardless.

WR Mike Williams (SEA) vs. STL: With Charlie Whitehurst starting, don’t look for him to have a big stat line, as Whitehurst hasn’t looked great in any of his starts this year.

TE Jermaine Gresham (CIN) vs. BAL: The rookie from Oklahoma has great potential to be one of the best Tight Ends in fantasy next season. But don’t expect that to start on Sunday against a Ravens D that is well, the Ravens D.

DEF Chicago vs. GB: The Bears D didn’t look good against the Jets, and with the Packers likely throwing in all their chips for this game, and with the Bears also likely having nothing to play for, the Bears D is not a good start.
3 Super Sleepers for Week 17:

QB Sam Bradford (STL) vs. SEA: Bradford had a good stat line in Week 4 when these 2 teams met, and again look for Bradford to potentially tear it up for the Rams who I think will win the NFC West.

WR Jacoby Jones (HOU) vs. JAX: As I think I’ve mentioned plenty of times, the Jags pass D is very bad. Jones could see more targets if Andre Johnson is out, and if that’s the case look for Jones and his speed to cause problems for the Jags secondary.

TE Rob Gronkowski (NE) vs. MIA: He’s the Tight End to look for due to the injury to Aaron Hernandez and for the fact that the Pats will still go all out, even though they have nothing to play for.

Good Luck in Week 17 and have a happy new year! This column is done for the season, but next week at the same time, look for my analysis of all of the wild card matchups from head to toe, and that will continue all the way until the Super Bowl.

QB Matt Schaub (HOU) vs. DEN: The Denver pass D is terrible, and Schaub is looking to get back on track after a subpar 2 weeks. With the Broncos having allowed 25 passing TD’s all year, the Texans QB should have a monster week.
RB Ryan Torain (WSH) vs. JAX: After Donald Brown (yes a Colts running back), torched the Jags rushing D, and with Torain averaging 6 yards a carry since his return from injury, he should see a big game on Sunday.

WR Vincent Jackson (SD) vs. CIN: Last Thursday he had 3 TD’s and has proven to be a big weapon for Philip Rivers. Against a shaky Bengals pass D, V-JAX could have a monster day for a team in chase mode.

WR Lance Moore (NO) vs. ATL MON: Atlanta as good as they are, still has a shaky pass D, and Drew Brees will attack that early and often. Moore had 6 catches for 149 yards and 2 TD’s against Atlanta in September, so there’s no reason why things won’t be different on Sunday.

TE Kevin Boss (NYG) vs. GB: He’s had an on-again, off-again season thus far, but he’s been great against teams who don’t defend the Tight End very well, and the Packers are one of them. Look for Boss to have another big game on Sunday.
DEF Dallas vs. ARZ SAT: Even if they give up yards and points, no doubt will they have plenty of sacks and turnovers of John (Red) Skelton. That should offset the yards and points for you, shouldn’t it?

Who to Sit:

QB Jay Cutler (CHI) vs. NYJ: Even though Cutler has been playing very well this year, start with much caution against the Jets D, who except for Tom Brady has been great this year. And no foot fetishes also, so that’s a good sign.
RB Peyton Hillis (CLE) vs. BAL: I know he’s hard to sit by this point, but he hasn’t been as amazing as he was in the last 3 weeks. America’s RB could struggle against Baltimore, who despite their D struggling, it’s been more through the air than on the ground.

WR Sidney Rice (MIN) vs. PHI: Unless Brett Favre starts, which could happen knowing him, avoid him. Joe Webb is pretty bad, and that should be of bigger importance than Philly’s weakened and injured secondary.
WR Braylon Edwards (NYJ) vs. CHI: He’s been very inconsistent this season, and don’t expect good things from him against a very good Chicago pass D, despite his over 100 yards against Pittsburgh.

TE Brent Celek (PHI) vs. MIN: With Mike Vick at the helm, Celek is oft not even a thought in Vick’s progressions. Since week 11, he’s been targeted (thrown at) only 4 times a game! Not enough times to make a big impact I’m afraid.
DEF Oakland vs. IND: I know the Raiders have a great pass rush, and superb secondary, but against the Colts, who look to be getting Joseph Addai back from the injury report, look for the Raiders D to struggle.
3 Super Sleepers for Week 16:

QB Rex Grossman (WSH) vs. JAX: Sexy Rexy threw for over 300 yards against the Cowboys last week making the Shanahan’s look very smart. That could continue against a Jaguar secondary that is pretty terrible, allowing the 3rd most fantasy points to QB’s.

TE Jimmy Graham (NO) vs. ATL MON: Who? The Saints new preferred go-to Tight End, who made some pretty amazing catches last Sunday in Baltimore. With a favorable matchup against the Falcons, look for Graham to perform well.

QB Tim Tebow (DEN) vs. HOU: Yes, I am suggesting Tim Tebow could have a big day. He looked OK, nothing amazing or awful last Sunday, and he’s facing a terrible Houston secondary. He could perform large if you have no other option.

Good Luck in Week 16 and have a Merry Christmas!

Who to Start:
QB Matt Cassel (KC) vs. DEN: There are many great QB matchups this Sunday, but this one is the best. Denver’s pass D, and D overall, is horrendous, and Cassel threw for 467 against Denver in Week 10. Granted most of that was in garbage time, but still he remains a must start for anyone with QB issues.
RB Felix Jones (DAL) vs. IND: With Marion Barber sidelined due to a nagging calf injury, Jones will see the bulk of the workload. It helps that he’s facing the Colts and their banged up, porous run-D.
WR Steve Johnson (BUF) vs. MIN: If he can get over last week soon enough, Johnson should be a good start against Minnesota. Minnesota allows tons of yards to wideouts, about 152 yards a game, so Johnson should be started.
WR Mike Williams (TB) vs. ATL: What a nice surprise he’s been for Tampa this year. On pace to finish with over 1000 yards receiving, he has found success against the many a bad D Tampa has faced this year. Atlanta does give up a ton of yards to opposing wideouts, so Williams is a good start this week.
TE Jacob Tamme (IND) vs. DAL: Who? The new Colts starting Tight End, who has seen a good chunk of passes thrown his way since Dallas Clark went on IR. That should continue against a bad Dallas pass D, and Peyton Manning may need a safety blanket because of his O-Line (did I just say that?)
DEF New Orleans vs. CIN: The Saints D has been off and on this year, not nearly as productive as last season. But, that should change against Cincinnati’s pretty poor offense which also turns the ball over plenty.
Who to Sit:
QB Donovan McNabb (WSH) vs. NYG: Even though he’s on pace to break his own single-season pass records, try to avoid him against the Giants. One, the Giants D is revamped and played much better, and 2, McNabb doesn’t have much of an O-Line to help him out.
RB Benjarvus Green-Ellis (NE) vs. NYJ MON: The New England starting RB job is a carousel, one’s in, the next week he’s out. Even though Green-Ellis has been a great pickup off waivers for those who needed him, avoid him against the Jets great rush D.
WR Michael Crabtree (SF) vs. GB: Even though he’s getting TD’s, he isn’t getting many yards. Once the TD’s go away, he may not do much at all. That could start against Green Bay, whose pass D is pretty good, and is playing pretty well right now.
WR Hines Ward (PIT) vs. BAL: Not only is this a bad matchup for Ward and the Steelers, Big Ben has a broken, not a sprained foot as was once believed. That could provide problems for all Steelers offensive players, Ward hurting the most. Avoid if possible.
TE Todd Heap (BAL) vs. PIT: Heap is quietly having a great year for Baltimore, but watch out against Pittsburgh. In his last 5 games against the Steelers, he has 7 catches for 102 yards only.
DEF New England vs. NYJ MON: This defense has been victimized by plenty of great offensive teams this year, and with Mark Sanchez having 10 days to prepare, and the Jets O having success against New England this year, the Pats D should be avoided this week.
3 Super Sleepers for Week 13:
QB Jay Cutler (CHI) vs. DET: As much as he turns the ball over, he should feast on a bad Lions pass D on Sunday. After his great performance against the Eagles, his success should continue.
RB Mike Tolbert (SD) vs. OAK: The Chargers are a lot like the Colts with the amount of injuries and players they’ve affected, yet seem to keep rolling along with success. Tolbert has been a great find off the waiver wire, and he should continue to impress against an Oakland rush D that struggles to defend the run.
DEF St. Louis vs. ARZ: After that Monday Night debacle for the Cards offense, the Rams D should be licking its chops. They had a good game against the Cards in Week 1, and with the Cards fading fast that should hold true once again.
Good Luck in Week 13!

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