Start 'Em

If there's ever a week to play Santana Moss, this is it.

Santana Moss vs. NE
Moss has unceremoniously returned to the lineup, totaling 9 catches for 71 yards over the last two weeks. I’ll give him a pass for his first game back and chalk up last week’s poor showing to both “Bad” Rex Grossman and a stout Jets pass defense. I do believe that Moss will turn things around this week versus the Patriots. At this point, New England’s difficulties in stopping the pass (310 yards per game) are well-documented and it is easy to envision the Redskins trailing in the second half of this game. They will probably need to air it out. Enter Moss, who needs 70 receiving yards on Sunday against New England to reach 9,000 for his career.

Damian Williams vs. NO
Williams has not been prolific since stepping into a starting receiver’s role for the Titans, but he has been productive. Last week he put up respectable totals of 4 receptions for 62 yards against the Bills. He’s got 5 TDs this season, including 3 in the last five weeks. The Saints, much like the Patriots and Packers, frequently find themselves with large leads in games and their opponents are forced to pass heavily as they play from behind. For the season, New Orleans has allowed 264.2 passing yards per game and 19 aerial TDs. The Saints have been vulnerable to the big play, allowing 10 passing plays of 40 or more yards. Only the Broncos, Vikings and Eagles (11 each) have allowed more; this represents an exploitable defense for Williams. Nate Washington missed practice on Wednesday; if he is limited our out this week, Williams could see a few more looks.

Nate Burleson vs. Min
With Calvin Johnson frequently drawing double-coverage, Burleson reeled off 5 catches for 93 yards on Sunday night in New Orleans. Over his last four games, he has emerged as a WR3 with 25 catches for 278 yards and 1 TD. Only WRs Percy Harvin, Victor Cruz, Wes Welker and Roddy White have more receptions than Burleson in that span. He’s bound to keep it going on Sunday versus the Vikings. Remember, Burleson played his first 3 NFL season in Minnesota, including a 1000-yard, 9 TD season in 2004. This year, the Vikings have been abused through the air. They have served up an NFL-high 24 passing TDs and 8.2 yards per pass, including 11 passing plays of 40 or more yards.

Malcom Floyd vs. Buf
Floyd returned to the lineup after missing four games due to a hip injury and he responded with a game-high 108 yards, including a 52-yard TD. That’s back-to-back 100-yard games for Floyd, the first time he’s accomplished that feat in his career. In his last four games played, Floyd has three 100-yard games and 2 TDs. The Bills will have trouble stopping the Chargers offense, as they are as healthy as they have been all season. QB Philip Rivers has settled in with 8 TDs and 3 INTs over his last four and will continue to look to Floyd as a playmaker.

Bench 'Em

Reggie Wayne @ Bal
After a small sample size, QB Dan Orlovsky seems to be the better choice for the Colts in their quest to win at least one game this season. Wayne grabbed 5 passes for 55 yards, but Orlovsky targeted both Pierre Garcon and Austin Collie more frequently. While that could change this week, what won’t change is the Ravens pass defense. Baltimore has been extremely tough against the pass, especially at home. They’ve allowed only 8 aerial scores and held opponents to 198.6 passing yards per game. Wayne has 707 receiving yards this season and is going to need a big game (or two) down the stretch to run his streak to 8 consecutive 1,000 yard receiving seasons, but a big game is a long shot to happen this Sunday.

Dwayne Bowe @ NYJ
After 3 games with QB Tyler Palko calling signals for the Chiefs, Bowe has hauled in an impressive 18 receptions for 205 yards. However, after scoring 15 TDs last season, he has regressed to just 4 in 2011; he hasn’t found pay dirt since he scored twice in Indianapolis during Week 5. TDs aside, Bowe’s production has been steady with both Palko and Matt Cassel throwing to him. This week could be a different story as Bowe will likely draw a ton of CB Darrelle Revis. That, in conjunction with Palko’s (1 TD, 6 INTs this season) inexperience and anticipated shoddy play could spell disaster at MetLife Stadium. The Jets find themselves in must-win territory to stay afloat in the playoff hunt and their defense will be ready to play. They have 14 INTs compared to 11 passing TDs allowed and have held quarterbacks to a rating of 69, the third lowest (Texans, Ravens) number in the NFL.

Laurent Robinson vs. NYG
The often-injured Robinson has given the Cowboys a tremendous boost this season when they really needed it. In just 10 games, the 5th year receiver has already set career-highs in receptions (42), yards (626), yards per reception (14.9) and TDs (7). All 7 of his TDs have come in the last 6 games. All positives…except that (barring a setback) WR Miles Austin is expected to return the lineup on Sunday night. As good as Robinson has been, he’ll have to be perfect to maintain his recent level of play as his role is sure to be reduced. Also factor in that he missed practice on Wednesday with a shoulder injury (although he fully expects to play versus the Giants) and he becomes a bit of an unreliable WR3/flex play this week.

Good Luck to all Fantasy Playoff Teams!

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