Wide Receivers/Tight Ends

Bye Weeks: Chad Ochocinco, Dwayne Bowe, Randy Moss, Wes Welker, Hines Ward, Santonio Holmes, Heath Miller, Santana Moss

Start 'Em:
Receivers Who Will Outperform Relative To Their Draft Position And Recent Hype

Miles Austin vs. SEA
Miles Austin has 16 grabs for 421 yards and 4 TDs the past 2 games. Three of those scores have been of 59+ yards. You would have to be off your rocker not to start him this week against Seattle. The Seahawks have been (seemingly) respectable against the pass this year (220 YPG, 7 TDS), but with the way Austin has come on, at this juncture he should be started regardless of opponent. He is averaging 23.9 YPC, best among players with 20+ catches.

Mike Sims-Walker @ TEN
In four games this season, Sims-Walker has been very productive. He has had at least 6 catches and 81 yards receiving in every game he has played. Fantasy owners should expect the onslaught to continue as Sims-Walker has a drool-worthy match up against the Titans this week. Tennessee by far has the worst pass defense in the NFL; they allow 310.7 YPG and have served up a remarkable 19 TDs in just 6 games. MS-W needs to be in your lineup this week.

Donnie Avery @ DET
Despite not being named in the SCR, Marc Bulger has a good shot to party like its 2006 this week in Detroit. His main beneficiary should be Donnie Avery, the Rams biggest deep threat. The Lions have allowed 258.5 YPG through the air and 17 passing TDs in 6 contests. Avery has just 3 catches in his last 2 games, but he should redeem himself nicely and makes for a nice plug and play this week for those in a bind.

The Atlanta-D has been nice to tight ends.

Jeremy Shockey vs. ATL
The Falcons have played 6 games this season, allowing a respectable 8 passing TDs, but 3 of those balls were caught by TEs. Dante Rosario, Chris Baker and Greg Olsen all scored on Atlanta this season, and coming off a 4-catch, 105-yard game, Shockey could be in line for a solid game this week. He has 3 TDs on the season and should be able to get the attention of Drew Brees enough to make a positive impact for your squad.

Bench 'Em:
Receivers Who Will Under Perform Relative To Their Draft Position And Recent Hype

Kevin Walter @ BUF
Many predicted a big season from Walter in 2009 as an important part of the high-flying passing attack of the Texans. In Week 1, Walter hauled in 7 passes for 96 yards and a TD - and looked to be well on his way. Something went awry, however, because in 4 games since, Walter has mustered only 11 catches for 136 yards and 0 TDs. With a wind gusts being a strong possibility in Buffalo this week, the Texans may not be able to throw as much as they would like, which further reduces Walters already declining value.

Steve Smith (NYG) @ PHI
Smith had 34 catches in his first 4 games, but in the last 3 games he managed just 11 catches. He has not had a 100-yard game or a TD since Week 4. Does this mean the downward trend will continue in Philly? The Eagles hold opponents under 200 passing YPG but have served up 10 aerial TDs. It would be nice if Smith could regain his early season form this week, but Asante Samuel and Sheldon Brown are quality corners and if you have an alternate option, it may be wise to let him produce again before inserting him into your lineup.

Ted Ginn, Jr. @ NYJ
Ginn dropped three more passes last week, including one that was returned for a pick-6 and the Dolphins are growing tired of his act. After 11 catches in Week 2, Ginn has grabbed just 5 passes since then (including 1 for a TD). He did have 100 return yards last week, but that does not make up for the weekly drops and overall lack of production. Ginn is in jeopardy of losing his starting job and should not be deployed in any fantasy lineup until he figures out how to hone his skills.

Bernard Berrian @ GB
With Sidney Rice emerging as Brett Favre’s top target and Percy Harvin not too far behind, Berrian has snared only 8 balls in his last 3 games. This week, facing a Packers squad that has allowed just 174 YPG through the air, Berrian may be better off on your bench. He did burn the Pack for 75 yards and a TD in Week 4, but he has been gimpy this week in practice and has had lingering hamstring issues over the years.