QBs: (1 pt per 25 yds passing; 6 pts for all TDs, -2 pts/INT or fumble)
RBs/WRs/TEs: (1 point per 10 yards rushing/receiving, 6 points per TD)

Note: Teams that have a fantasy relevant TE will be included.

GB @ DET | NYJ @ DAL | IND @ ATL | BUF @ JAX | DEN @ CHI | HOU @ CLE | MIN @ NYG | NO @ CAR
OAK @ KC | SEA @ STL | TEN @ CIN | WAS @ TB | SF @ ARI | BAL @ SD | PHI @ NE | MIA @ PIT

Packers @ Lions
Brett Favre/Donald Driver/Greg Jennings/James Jones/Donald Lee
Ryan Grant (vs. DET)
Similar passing attacks that have faced the Lions this season: N/A
Similar rushing attacks that have faced the Lions this season: N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. similar QBs: N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. similar WRs: N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. similar TEs: N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. similar RBs: N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. QBs/WRs/TEs over the last 3 weeks: 22/20.5/10.7
FF Points Allowed vs. RBs over the last 3 weeks: 14.5

Passing Game Thoughts: The last time the Lions faced a passing attack this good, well, they surrendered 56 points. Mind you, the Lions defense seems to play much better at home, but the Packers will be the best passing team they have faced so far. Detroit has permitted at least 15 points to every QB it has faced this season, so the chances they hold someone playing as well as Favre down for any length of time doesn’t appear to be all that good. Even though their defense has improved numbers-wise against WRs since the bye, once again, this is a good passing attack they are facing – considering Arizona reached them for three passing TDs – don’t be surprised if Driver breaks his seven-game scoreless streak. That said, Jennings is almost a must-start now and Jones would make for a serviceable low-end #3. Two weeks ago, the Lions gave up two TDs to Leonard Pope and last week, Favre found Lee twice. It’s not a stretch that Lee scores again.

Running Game Thoughts: Grant turned his ankle during Week 11 but is said to be in good enough shape to go on Thanksgiving. Look for the Packers to exploit the fact that Detroit has allowed a mind-blowing 807 receiving yards to the RB position – nearly 300 more yards than second-place Washington. Overall, the Lions are surrendering 23.2 points/game to the position on average – although their totals are much better at home and Detroit has historically played pretty well on Thanksgiving Day. Grant has received 20 carries in consecutive games and is averaging well over four yards/carry, so he’s in good shape to turn in another fine performance here as well.

Projections:
Brett Favre: 300 pass/3 TD/1 INT
Donald Driver: 75 rec/1 TD
Greg Jennings: 90 rec/1 TD
James Jones: 50 rec
Donald Lee: 40 rec/1 TD
Ryan Grant: 80 rush/1 TD/35 rec

Jon Kitna/Roy Williams/Calvin Johnson/Mike Furrey/Shaun McDonald
Kevin Jones (vs. GB)
Similar passing attacks that have faced the Packers this season: N/A
Similar rushing attacks that have faced the Packers this season: N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. similar QBs: N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. similar WRs: N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. similar TEs: N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. similar RBs: N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. QBs/WRs/TEs over the last 3 weeks: 16.9/13.5
FF Points Allowed vs. RBs over the last 3 weeks: 18

Passing Game Thoughts: We saw a small rebirth of the passing that had been dormant – by OC Mike Martz’s standards anyway – that so many expected to post 300+ yards on a regular basis this summer last week vs. the Giants. It was only the second time that the Lions threw for over 300 yards this season, something they may have to do in this game to remain competitive throughout – if they can. The running game has stalled now in two straight losses, but thankfully, Johnson appears to be in good health. Still, he seems to be option #3 behind Williams and McDonald. Detroit can draw some hope from the fact that Vinny Testaverde threw for over 250 yards and two scores last week vs. this defense – the 22.8-point performance was the best by a QB since Week 3 against the Packers – while Kitna has put up three straight 20-point performances himself. Bigger WRs have gotten to the Packers when they have fared well, so it is easy to like Williams in this one. Still, it seems the pecking order is Williams, McDonald, Johnson and Furrey – so approach it as such when setting your lineups.

Running Game Thoughts: Jones is said to be in line to get the start on Thursday, something that didn’t sound too likely last week with his recovery from Lisfranc surgery. The matchup appears to be a good one for the Lions, who generally allow 11-12 points to an opponent’s lead RB, but given KJ’s lack of opportunities lately, one has to wonder just a bit. Still, it is not very likely too many fantasy owners are still overly stocked at RB, meaning Jones is still a pretty fair play at the #2 RB position. But given his 15 carries for 21 yards combined on the ground over the last two weeks, keep your expectations low.

Projections:
Jon Kitna: 285 pass/2 TD/2 INT
Roy Williams: 80 rec/1 TD
Calvin Johnson: 45 rec/1 TD
Mike Furrey: 40 rec
Shaun McDonald: 70 rec
Kevin Jones: 45 rush/1 TD/30 rec

Jets @ Cowboys
Kellen Clemens/Jerricho Cotchery/Brad Smith/Justin McCareins
Thomas Jones (vs. DAL)
Similar passing attacks that have faced the Cowboys this season: N/A
Similar rushing attacks that have faced the Cowboys this season: N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. similar QBs: N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. similar WRs: N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. similar TEs: N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. similar RBs: N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. QBs/WRs/TEs over the last 3 weeks: 20.2/19.3
FF Points Allowed vs. RBs over the last 3 weeks: 15.5

Passing Game Thoughts: After the flea-flicker that netted Laveranues Coles 56 yards on the second offensive play for the Jets last week, New York threw for 106 more yards all game. So, as they are likely without Coles this week, what is the plan? Well, Smith was most targeted WR in Week 10, making one think that against a heavy-blitzing defense, he’s in line for eight more targets. As for Clemens, if there is a way to attack the Cowboys defense, it appears to be via the pass – they have surrendered at least 236 passing yards and a TD in each of their last three games. Although Cotchery was nullified by the Steelers defense, he is probably the smartest play of the bunch as Dallas does not possess quite the talent in the secondary as Pittsburgh does. Also, for what it is worth, don’t be surprised to see Smith throw for some yardage in this contest as he is a former college QB who the Jets like to run trick plays with. Since he is likely to see extended action (and the Jets will have time to adjust to him taking Coles’ spot), the possibility for that occurrence increases.

Running Game Thoughts: Where did Jones’ 100-yard performance come from last week? Against the Steelers? Is nothing sacred anymore? As far as back-to-back tests go, things don’t get much tougher than Pittsburgh and Dallas, so be realistic with Doug this week. After knocking off the Steelers, the Cowboys will not be overlooking this bunch and it’s a fair bet that Dallas will have enough points on the board early enough to make the Jets running game a moot point. Even if they don’t, their run defense is good enough to keep Jones in check. They have yet to allow a 100-yard rusher this season and New York has scored just one RB touchdown – Leon Washington in Week 4 vs. Buffalo – so there are probably better part-time options available this week besides Doug.

Projections:
Kellen Clemens: 250 pass/1 TD/1 INT
Jerricho Cotchery: 75 rec/
Brad Smith: 60 rec/1 TD
Justin McCareins: 45 rec
Thomas Jones: 65 rush/20 rec

Tony Romo/Terrell Owens/Patrick Crayton/Jason Witten
Julius Jones/Marion Barber (vs. NYJ)
Similar passing attacks that have faced the Jets this season: Patriots
Similar rushing attacks that have faced the Jets this season: N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. similar QBs: 27.3
FF Points Allowed vs. similar WRs: 28.8
FF Points Allowed vs. similar TEs: 6.9
FF Points Allowed vs. similar RBs: N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. QBs/WRs/TEs over the last 3 weeks: 12.2/12.6/5
FF Points Allowed vs. RBs over the last 3 weeks: 23.8

Passing Game Thoughts: The Cowboys, much like the Patriots, are one of those no-brainer teams that fantasy owners need to start players involved in their offense across the board – at least all the members of the passing game listed above anyway. Don’t get too caught up in the fact that only three QBs have thrown for multiple TDs vs. the Jets, because the only passing game that is clicking better than Dallas’ right now is New England’s. Given New York’s lack of success against “name” TEs like Jeremy Shockey, Todd Heap and Ben Watson, don’t hesitate to expect a nice line from Witten, although the last time the Jets surrendered a TE score was Week 5.

Running Game Thoughts: Willie Parker and the Steelers overlooked this matchup (which I told them explicitly in this column not to…), but don’t expect Dallas to repeat that mistake. Jones has been running with renewed vigor lately but is still a flex play at best. Barber hasn’t scored in two weeks, but it would not be a shocker if he got in twice this week. Despite what they did against Pittsburgh, this is still a lousy run defense. Plus, this week, they are on the road. Prior to Week 11, they had only kept two starting RBs under 13.9 points all season long.

Projections:
Tony Romo: 280 pass/4 TD/0 INT/25 rush
Terrell Owens: 100 rec/1 TD
Patrick Crayton: 60 rec/1 TD
Jason Witten: 75 rec/1 TD
Julius Jones: 45 rush/10 rec
Marion Barber: 65 rush/1 TD/20 rec/1 TD

Colts @ Falcons
Peyton Manning/Marvin Harrison/Reggie Wayne/Dallas Clark
Joseph Addai/Kenton Keith (vs. ATL)
Similar passing attacks that have faced the Falcons this season: Giants
Similar rushing attacks that have faced the Falcons this season: Giants
FF Points Allowed vs. similar QBs: 23.2
FF Points Allowed vs. similar WRs: 32.5
FF Points Allowed vs. similar TEs: 6.3
FF Points Allowed vs. similar RBs: 34.3
FF Points Allowed vs. QBs/WRs/TEs over the last 3 weeks: 10.6/10.3/7.3
FF Points Allowed vs. RBs over the last 3 weeks: 17.3

Passing Game Thoughts: The countdown to Harrison’s return is nearing single-digits…we think. What was diagnosed as a “bruised knee” seemingly needed the recovery time of a MCL injury. (He’s due back in Week 13 for those that don’t know.) Given the relative struggles of the passing game – no, don’t sit Manning – this game would appear to be one where the Colts could get some healthy numbers in. However, the QB to score the most points against this defense was his brother Eli (23.2), and without Harrison and a fully healthy offensive line, I don’t see him topping that number this week. Wayne figures to draw CB DeAngelo Hall a lot in this game, but Wayne has firmly established himself as a WR that will score points regardless of his opposition, and it will only take one bite from the aggressive Hall to get Wayne a score. Finally, the Falcons have yet to face any TE of Clark’s stature or one that is used as well (or as much) in the passing game as he is. The Bucs’ Alex Smith just went off for 51 yards and a score last week against Atlanta, easily attainable numbers for Clark.

Running Game Thoughts: As one would expect, Addai’s ypc has went down as more linemen continue going down for the Colts, however, he has really only went from top-of-the-charts effective to borderline-elite effective. Like Brian Westbrook, Addai is almost a lock for 100 total yards regardless of the competition, and this week, that team is the Falcons, who give up the ninth-most fantasy points to the RB position. No owner in their right mind is going to bench Addai to begin with, but it will help his owners’ to know that when Atlanta has faced a team that is in the top six of FF points scored at RB, it has surrendered an average of 24.2 point per game (Vikings, Jags, Giants).

Projections:
Peyton Manning: 245 pass/2 TD/0 INT
Reggie Wayne: 80 rec/1 TD
Craphonso Thorpe: 25 rec
Dallas Clark: 80 rec/1 TD
Joseph Addai: 90 rush/1 TD/35 rec
Kenton Keith: 30 rush/1 TD/20 rec

Joey Harrington/RoddyWhite/Michael Jenkins/Alge Crumpler
Warrick Dunn/Jerious Norwood (vs. IND)
Similar passing attacks that have faced the Colts this season: Panthers
Similar rushing attacks that have faced the Colts this season: N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. similar QBs: 11.9
FF Points Allowed vs. similar WRs: 6.2
FF Points Allowed vs. similar TEs: 9.3
FF Points Allowed vs. similar RBs: N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. QBs/WRs/TEs over the last 3 weeks: 14.6/18/3.1
FF Points Allowed vs. RBs over the last 3 weeks: 15

Passing Game Thoughts: Defenses have apparently become tuned in to the fact that no one besides White is going to beat them. And as luck would have it, the Colts defense is not one that offenses face to get better. Only Tom Brady has scored more than 18.5 points against them – and most of that came midway through the fourth quarter. Meanwhile, an Atlanta QB hasn’t scored more than 13.8 points since Week 4, so don’t count on it happening here. Perhaps getting to work with Harrington again will get White in the end zone, but don’t count on it this week. Dwayne Bowe became just the third WR this season to score more than 10 points vs. the Colts. Lastly, Crumpler isn’t all that good of a play either. With the exception of two TD catches by the Bucs’ Alex Smith in Week 5, Indy has shut the TE out of the end zone.

Running Game Thoughts: Norwood didn’t steal quite as much of the pie last week from Dunn as I anticipated, but that was likely a team decision to limit his work so he could continue to heal more fully from his sprained ankle. This load could increase for him beginning this week, but the matchup for the Atlanta is probably tougher this week than it was in Week 11 vs. Tampa Bay when four RBs split 11.1 points – the Colts feature the 10th-stingiest defense vs. RBs in the league. Figuring the Falcons have next to nothing going on offense, their running game may become a non-factor early in the third quarter. Indy has allowed seven RB scores all season long and that doesn’t figure to change much vs. a team that has scored only five RB TDs.

Projections:
Joey Harrington: 180 pass/1 TD/2 INT
Michael Jenkins: 40 rec/1 TD
Roddy White: 50 rec
Alge Crumpler: 40 rec
Warrick Dunn: 50 rush/20 rec
Jerious Norwood: 25 rush/10 rec

Bills @ Jaguars
JP Losman/Lee Evans/Roscoe Parrish
Anthony Thomas (vs. JAX)
Similar passing attacks that have faced the Jaguars this season: Bucs
Similar rushing attacks that have faced the Jaguars this season: N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. similar QBs: 21.9
FF Points Allowed vs. similar WRs: 24.5
FF Points Allowed vs. similar TEs: N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. similar RBs: N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. QBs/WRs/TEs over the last 3 weeks: 26/27.1
FF Points Allowed vs. RBs over the last 3 weeks: 17.5

Passing Game Thoughts: We’ll consider one passing TD vs. New England last week a sign of growth for this offense – it was just the fourth one all season against nine interceptions for the Buffalo offense. In Jacksonville, the Bills meet a defense that has been surprisingly ineffective vs. QBs lately. Over the last five contests, the Jags have surrendered 21.9 points or more to each QB. Of course, that has led to solid production from the WR position as well, as opponents have pushed a receiver over the 9.3 point mark in each of the last six contests. While it could happen here too, don’t bet on it. Jacksonville’s lone 20+ point QB and WR performances came against the Bengals. So while the Jags defense isn’t quite what it has been in previous seasons, the running game chews up enough of the clock to keep the opposing offense the field. Evans may be worth a shot as a #3 WR play as opponents’ deep threats have done well recently vs. the Jags, but a Lynch-less offense should be predictable enough to defend.

Running Game Thoughts: Losing LB Mike Peterson will hurt the run-stopping unit (as it has the last couple years as he played just five games last season). That alone though will not boost A-Train’s stock up all that much as Buffalo’s RBs are averaging a collective 3.6 ypc. This is a below-average rushing attack with Lynch in the lineup and one of the worst when he’s gone, so use Thomas only out of desperation. The Jags have surrendered 20+ points to RBs in two of the past three weeks, but those were to Reggie Bush and LT, two backs who play on much better offenses and possess much more skill.

Projections:
JP Losman: 200 pass/1 TD/1 INT
Lee Evans: 60 rec/1TD
Roscoe Parrish: 50 rec
Anthony Thomas: 70 rush/20 rec

David Garrard/Dennis Northcutt/Reggie Williams
Fred Taylor/Maurice Jones-Drew (vs. BUF)
Similar passing attacks that have faced the Bills this season: N/A
Similar rushing attacks that have faced the Bills this season: Cowboys
FF Points Allowed vs. similar QBs: N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. similar WRs: N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. similar TEs: N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. similar RBs: 15.3
FF Points Allowed vs. QBs/WRs/TEs over the last 3 weeks: 25.5/26.3
FF Points Allowed vs. RBs over the last 3 weeks: 20.3

Passing Game Thoughts: How about that…Garrard returns and he goes right back to his sub-200-yard, 2-TD ways from earlier in the season (with no interceptions, of course). Buffalo has been kind to QBs like Garrard who can move a little, allowing 14.3 points to all but one starting QB this season. Fantasy owners would love if any of Garrard’s eight passing scores made one of his WRs fantasy relevant, but even though Williams has five TD receptions, he has just 21 catches for 322 yards, meaning if he gets played on a week he doesn’t score, it’s his owners that are getting played. Thus, while it is a good matchup in theory – the Bills have permitted 12 WR scores – four of them came last week. And at a time when owners need sure things in their lineups, the only one this passing game has to offer is Garrard.

Running Game Thoughts: I think it has become evident that outside of Week 16 vs. Oakland, we probably aren’t going to see MJD circa 2006. However, in this highly unpredictable year that has seen a RB go down just about every week, the value of a RB playing all 16 games and scoring every other week on average isn’t the worst thing to have on your team. That said, Buffalo has allowed a RB to score at least 10 points in all but one game (Dallas) and the Jags are going to be leading or close enough throughout the game to be running the ball as much as they care to. The schedule gets a bit tougher from now until Fantasy Bowl Week (for most owners, Week 16), but plug Jones-Drew in this week with confidence.

Projections:
David Garrard: 200 pass/2 TD/0 INT/20 rush
Dennis Northcutt: 55 rec
Reggie Williams: 20 rec
Fred Taylor: 45 rush/25 rec
Maurice Jones-Drew: 75 rush/1 TD/40 rec/1 TD

Broncos @ Bears
Jay Cutler/Javon Walker/Brandon Marshall/Brandon Stokley/Tony Scheffler
Selvin Young/Andre Hall (vs. CHI)
Similar passing attacks that have faced the Bears this season: Eagles
Similar rushing attacks that have faced the Bears this season: Packers
FF Points Allowed vs. similar QBs: 17.1
FF Points Allowed vs. similar WRs: 15.4
FF Points Allowed vs. similar TEs: 8.1
FF Points Allowed vs. similar RBs: 24.9
FF Points Allowed vs. QBs/WRs/TEs over the last 3 weeks: 16.8/20.9/4.2
FF Points Allowed vs. RBs over the last 3 weeks: 15.3

Passing Game Thoughts: As up-and-down as the season has been for the Broncos, Cutler has been a model of fantasy consistency. With the exception of the Week 9 blowout in which he was hurt early, he has been a double-digit performer in each start. On the other side will be the Bears, who allowed a season-high 337 passing yards last week to a high-charged Seattle passing attack. Even with that in mind, Cutler shouldn’t be expected outperform the 15.4-point average the Bears were permitting before Matt Hasselbeck carved them up. Even though Walker might be back, it would be tough to play him in his first week back after what was essentially a nine-week layoff. Marshall has benefited from (and contributed greatly to) Cutler’s fantasy consistency as he has yet to score fewer than 7.2 fantasy points in a game this season. He fits the profile of the WRs that have given the Bears fits. Stokley’s fantasy status hinges greatly on how many plays Walker can go, but either way, his usefulness in three-WR leagues may be coming to end this season. Only Antonio Gates and Jason Witten have fared well at TE, so don’t count on Scheffler for much this week.

Running Game Thoughts: It’s really tough to make out who is going to start this weekend. Henry is dealing with a PCL injury, Young may be sidelined with a knee injury suffered on MNF last week, so that could make Andre Hall a serviceable play this week. Now, not every play for Hall s going to be a 62-yard TD run like last week. Whoever does go would seem to have a juicy matchup as Chicago has surrendered at least 8.7 points to every lead RB it has faced this season. As I have mentioned in previous columns, this running game is not the automatic play it has been in years past, but it can still take advantage of what appears to be a strong matchup. The Bears have permitted 78 rushing yards or more to each opponent’s lead rusher since Week 5, so if official word comes down before game time who is getting the start, plug him in as a strong #2 RB candidate.

Projections:
Jay Cutler: 215 pass/2 TD/1 INT
Javon Walker: 40 rec
Brandon Marshall: 75 rec/1 TD
Brandon Stokley: 40 rec
Tony Scheffler: 25 rec
Selvin Young: 70 rush/15 rec

Rex Grossman/Bernard Berrian/Muhsin Muhammad/Desmond Clark/Greg Olsen
Cedric Benson/Adrian Peterson (vs. DEN)
Similar passing attacks that have faced the Broncos this season: Chiefs
Similar rushing attacks that have faced the Broncos this season: Titans
FF Points Allowed vs. similar QBs: 12.3
FF Points Allowed vs. similar WRs: 15.4
FF Points Allowed vs. similar TEs: 4
FF Points Allowed vs. similar RBs: 14.3
FF Points Allowed vs. QBs/WRs/TEs over the last 3 weeks: 22/24.3/4.8
FF Points Allowed vs. RBs over the last 3 weeks: 14.1

Passing Game Thoughts: A new Rex? Nearly two games without an interception? As we all know, it’s too early to say that benching Grossman gave him the opportunity to see the game in a “different light”, but the early results have to be encouraging for the Bears. It’s obvious by now this Chicago team is nothing like last year’s edition, but if Grossman is going to complete 61% of his passes against two pretty fair secondaries in successive weeks, it may not be late. To the shock of many, the Broncos have been one of the league’s worst at defending the pass. That has generally meant good things for the WR opposite CB Dre Bly, as he has been torched regularly this season. Because the Bears don’t have set sides for their WRs (one WR lines up at SE, the other at flanker), look for OC Ron Turner to get Berrian matched up on Bly as often as he can. Muhammad is certainly a low-end #3 WR play in 12-team leagues, but Berrian is the best play – as always – with Grossman under center. Denver has tightened up vs. the TE regularly (and since Grossman doesn’t look for the TE near as much as Brian Griese does), owners can do better than Clark or Olsen.

Running Game Thoughts: Benson owners must have thought Ced got shot out of a cannon last week on that TD run. He finished with 11 carries for 89 yards vs. Seattle, a line certainly not expected by a RB who was struggling to keep a 3 ypc average. Either way, Benson has turned in solid #2 RB efforts the last two weeks in matchups he should do well in, which brings us to Denver, which has given up the fourth-most rushing yards to RBs but has surrendered just five rushing TDs. Even with the matchup in his favor, Benson is still a low-end #2 RB until he can consistently show the same explosion he did on his scoring run last week. However, the Broncos have stepped up the rush defense over the last three weeks, not yielding any more than 71 yards rushing to any single RB in that time.

Projections:
Rex Grossman: 205 pass/1 TD/1 INT
Bernard Berrian: 85 rec/1 TD
Muhsin Muhammad: 40 rec
Desmond Clark: 25 rec
Greg Olsen: 25 rec
Cedric Benson: 60 rush/1 TD/15 rec
Adrian Peterson: 25 rush/10 rec

Texans @ Browns
Matt Schaub/Andre Johnson/Kevin Walter/Owen Daniels
Ron Dayne (vs. CLE)
Similar passing attacks that have faced the Browns this season: Steelers (2)
Similar rushing attacks that have faced the Browns this season: N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. similar QBs: 28.5
FF Points Allowed vs. similar WRs: 23.8
FF Points Allowed vs. similar TEs: 13.1
FF Points Allowed vs. similar RBs: N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. QBs/WRs/TEs over the last 3 weeks: 26.1/29.7/6.1
FF Points Allowed vs. RBs over the last 3 weeks: 15.6

Passing Game Thoughts: Think one player doesn’t make a huge difference? With AJ starting and finishing a game, the team is 3-0. Without him, 2-5. This, like most Browns’ games, has all the makings of a shootout. With Cleveland surrendering the most points to QBs and second-most to WRs, Schaub and Johnson should connect for multiple scores. Outside of Week 3 vs. Oakland, the Browns have allowed 19 or more points to every QB they have faced. Likewise, at least one WR has scored more than seven points in every game and 12 receivers in all have scored 10 or more points, so Walter is a fine play as well. As expected, AJ’s return bumped up Daniels’ production and Cleveland hasn’t done a very good job at covering that position either, so while Daniels – who still has not scored – isn’t a top-notch play, he’s become a pretty good bet for 50-60 yards.

Running Game Thoughts: Another late season run means it’s a good time to start Dayne (oh, that hurts just to type). Well, that’s only partly true because unlike last season, his schedule turns unfavorable after this week. However, Cleveland has yielded 9.8 points to each lead RB it has opposed, meaning Dayne is a pretty solid bet for low-end #1 RB numbers in a game that should approach the 30s. Dayne has turned in two very solid back-to-back efforts and the matchup is about as good as it gets, so there is very little reason not to play him.

Projections:
Matt Schaub: 300 pass/2 TD/1 INT
Andre Johnson: 115 rec/2 TD
Kevin Walter: 65 rec
Owen Daniels: 60 rec
Ron Dayne: 85 rush/1 TD/20 rec

Derek Anderson/Braylon Edwards/Joe Jurevicius/Kellen Winslow
Jamal Lewis (vs. HOU)
Similar passing attacks that have faced the Texans this season: Colts
Similar rushing attacks that have faced the Texans this season: N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. similar QBs: 17.7
FF Points Allowed vs. similar WRs:17.6
FF Points Allowed vs. similar TEs: 13.8
FF Points Allowed vs. similar RBs: N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. QBs/WRs/TEs over the last 3 weeks: 17.1/18.7/2.3
FF Points Allowed vs. RBs over the last 3 weeks: 18

Passing Game Thoughts: Pretty much that was written above about the Texans applies here. Anderson has yet to score less than 18 points in any game as a starter while the Texans have allowed that many to an opposing QB in half of their ten games. Plaxico Burress’ “slump” is getting a lot of pub, but Edwards hasn’t scored more than 8.5 points in three games after scoring in double digits in six straight. Much like Burress, I expect him to break well into the 10-point column this week vs. a Texans’ secondary that has permitted 8.8 points to at least one WR in five straight games. Jurevicius could be a fair #3 WR play vs. a defense that has surrendered nine TD passes to WRs, but he hasn’t scored since Week 4, so there are certainly better options. Antonio Gates and Dallas Clark had pretty good days against this defense – and considering Winslow scored less than 8.3 points for the first time last week, good things should be expected from him as well.

Running Game Thoughts: Houston has permitted five of the last six teams it has faced to put a RB over the 10-point mark – with LT the only one not to do so in a blowout – so Lewis makes a ton of sense in what should be a score-fest. He has performed at a #1 fantasy RB level in two of the last three contests, and has even contributed over 100 yards receiving in that time. That said, Lewis has really only been as “consistent” as the passing game will let him. In other words, when Edwards and Winslow get stopped within the 5-yard line, than Lewis becomes a good play. That kind of thing is hard to predict, but the numbers suggest Lewis is a strong play as Houston has surrendered four 100-yard rushers in the last seven weeks.

Projections:
Derek Anderson: 300 pass/3 TD/1 INT
Braylon Edwards: 95 rec/1 TD
Joe Jurevicius: 50 rec
Kellen Winslow: 85 rec/1 TD
Jamal Lewis: 75 rush/1 TD/25 rec

Vikings @ Giants
Tarvaris Jackson/Troy Williamson/Bobby Wade/Visanthe Shiancoe
Chester Taylor (vs. NYG)
Similar passing attacks that have faced the Giants this season: Falcons
Similar rushing attacks that have faced the Giants this season: Dolphins
FF Points Allowed vs. similar QBs: 10.6
FF Points Allowed vs. similar WRs: 12
FF Points Allowed vs. similar TEs: 0.9
FF Points Allowed vs. similar RBs: 11.9
FF Points Allowed vs. QBs/WRs/TEs over the last 3 weeks: 25.6/38.8/6.8
FF Points Allowed vs. RBs over the last 3 weeks: 5.9

Passing Game Thoughts: Not to beat a dead horse, but when Jackson starts, there is very little to like here, minus the trick play from last week, of course. Wade is the only useful player here (and that’s a stretch). This game will be decided just like the one last week, that is, how the Vikings fare will determine on how well the running game is working.

Running Game Thoughts: So what happens when the second-string RB runs for 164 yards and three scores? I’m not trying to diminish what Adrian Peterson has done so far, but hopefully people will put together the fact that he is special with the fact that he has a wonderful line to run behind. This week though, the matchup goes from the worst fantasy rush defense (Oakland) to the seventh-best. But don’t be fooled, the Giants can be run on if an offense is committed to it. And if the Vikings are going to score with New York this weekend, it will be because the running game is working. The Giants haven’t allowed a RB score since Week 6, but the defense lost a significant piece when DE/LB Matthias Kiwanuka went down. There will be no repeat of Taylor’s 38.2-point performance from a week ago, but he should get the start unless you have two top-notch RBs with good matchups. He’s at the very least a top 15 RB play this week, if not Top 10.

Projections:
Tarvaris Jackson: 150 pass/0 TD/1 INT/20 rush
Troy Williamson: 35 rec
Bobby Wade: 45 rec
Visanthe Shiancoe: 25 rec
Chester Taylor: 90 rush/1 TD/30 rec

Eli Manning/Plaxico Burress/Amani Toomer/Jeremy Shockey
Reuben Droughns (vs. MIN)
Similar passing attacks that have faced the Vikings this season: Cowboys
Similar rushing attacks that have faced the Vikings this season: Bears
FF Points Allowed vs. similar QBs: 18.3
FF Points Allowed vs. similar WRs: 18.2
FF Points Allowed vs. similar TEs: 10
FF Points Allowed vs. similar RBs: 13.1
FF Points Allowed vs. QBs/WRs/TEs over the last 3 weeks: 20.7/26.3/7.1
FF Points Allowed vs. RBs over the last 3 weeks: 16

Passing Game Thoughts: Call me a Burress apologist – as the ankle is clearly affecting his leaping ability – but his 11 targets last week were his most since Week 1, so for him to end up with just four catches tells us that Manning was a bit off the mark. Either way, this week is a watershed moment for the Giants passing game. Manning and Burress haven’t exactly had very productive games since Week 6. Good cases can be made for pretty much every game as to why that didn’t happen (from not needing to pass vs. the Niners to the rain-soaked game in London) but last week, Manning neither looked sharp nor did Burress look comfortable jumping for the ball. What befuddles me is if the ankle injury is as bad as New York claims it is, how is it he can cut and juke early in the game? In regards to the matchup, the Vikings’ league-worst pass defense has been much worse vs. QBs/WRs on the road than at home, making this the best matchup Manning, Burress and Toomer could have. If Manning and Burress can’t connect at least once for a score this week, then both players may be less than every-week starters. How can one say that? Because Minnesota has surrendered 10.5 points to at least one WR in all but one game since Week 1. With Brandon Jacobs likely out and the rest of the Giants RBs dinged, New York will likely have no other choice than to air it out a bit more than usual. With the exception of one game, Shockey has been targeted around six times a game since the end of September. That trend should continue against a Vikings defense that has permitted 6.3 points to a TE in six of their last eight games.

Running Game Thoughts: As it usually goes late in the season, it becomes as much of a question of who can play as it would should get the start for your fantasy team. And so it goes for the Giants, who will get a stern test from the Vikings run defense if they can’t start Jacobs. However, the Giants possess one of the best offensive lines in the game and can do the majority of their damage outside the tackles, somewhat negating the presence of DTs Kevin and Pat Williams. New York has yet to have a game in which it didn’t push a RB over the 10-point mark and Minnesota, which got off to such a great start vs. the run, has surrendered 8.5 points to every lead back since its Week 5 bye.

Projections:
Eli Manning: 230 pass/2 TD/1 INT
Plaxico Burress: 70 rec/1 TD
Amani Toomer: 60 rec/1 TD
Jeremy Shockey: 65 rec
Derrick Ward: 50 rush/25 rec
Reuben Droughns: 25 rush/1 TD/10 rec

Saints @ Panthers
Drew Brees/Marques Colston/Devery Henderson/David Patten/Eric Johnson
Reggie Bush (vs. CAR)
Similar passing attacks that have faced the Panthers this season: Saints
Similar rushing attacks that have faced the Panthers this season: Saints
FF Points Allowed vs. similar QBs: 12.6
FF Points Allowed vs. similar WRs: 16.4
FF Points Allowed vs. similar TEs: 3
FF Points Allowed vs. similar RBs: 19
FF Points Allowed vs. QBs/WRs/TEs over the last 3 weeks: 17/12.2/10.9
FF Points Allowed vs. RBs over the last 3 weeks: 15.9

Passing Game Thoughts: Amazingly, Brees has been good for double-digit point production every week. What hasn’t been so consistent is New Orleans’ ability to take advantage of what should have been soft matchups the last two weeks. After throwing for seven TDs over a two-week stretch against no INTs, Brees has followed that up with three scores vs. four INTs in losses to the Rams and Texans. His offense gets to face a Panthers defense that just surrendered three TDs to Brett Favre last week. The good thing for Brees & Co. is that he has not thrown less than 36 passes in any game this season and can draw on their Week 5 loss to the Panthers – the last time this offense looked sub-standard. Brees should undoubtedly put up more than the 12.6 points he tallied in that contest as Colston looks like a completely different WR than he did then plus Patten has stepped up as well. Against just about any team with a legitimate passing attack, Carolina has given up at least 10 points to one WR so, as a result, look for Brees and Colston to connect on a regular basis. Johnson is an average play at best even though players like Alge Crumpler and Donald Lee have had their way vs. the Panthers.

Running Game Thoughts: Bush has been a steady performer – double digits in every week since he became a starter. However, after rushing almost effortlessly vs. Jacksonville, Bush has been stymied by St. Louis and Houston in consecutive weeks. Carolina has permitted 20+ points to a RB in two of the last four weeks, but that is more of a function of their lackluster offense giving the opponent an opportunity to get their RB a chance at 25-30 touches. With the Panthers unlikely to put together much offense on Sunday, expect Bush to continue his double-digit scoring streak and near his season high of 30 touches he had in the first meeting with Carolina.

Projections:
Drew Brees: 285 pass/2 TD/1 INT
Marques Colston: 90 rec/1 TD
Devery Henderson: 60 rec/1 TD
David Patten: 40 rec
Eric Johnson: 25 rec/1TD
Reggie Bush: 80 rush/1 TD/55 rec

Vinny Testaverde/Steve Smith/Drew Carter/Jeff King
DeShaun Foster/DeAngelo Williams (vs. NO)
Similar passing attacks that have faced the Saints this season: Panthers
Similar rushing attacks that have faced the Saints this season: Panthers
FF Points Allowed vs. similar QBs: 12.8
FF Points Allowed vs. similar WRs: 18.1
FF Points Allowed vs. similar TEs: 3.3
FF Points Allowed vs. similar RBs: 9
FF Points Allowed vs. QBs/WRs/TEs over the last 3 weeks: 24.2/32.1/10.1
FF Points Allowed vs. RBs over the last 3 weeks: 15.7

Passing Game Thoughts: Last week’s two-TD performance without Smith vs. GB offers a bit of hope against a defense that is nearly helpless in defending a capable passing attack. Want proof? The Saints have permitted at least 23 points over the last three contests to the QB position and should be getting Smith back this week. As it has been stated here before, Smith is a good play with Testaverde under center and not a good one with him out. Carter had a 132-yard day with a TD as the de facto #1 WR and would be a good play once again with Smith out. However, this contest should be all about Smith. For the first time in a while, he should be counted on for #2, if not a low-end #1 WR. That would mean that owners could do worse than plugging in Testaverde as he is a recommended start for those fantasy teams playing the matchups at QB.

Running Game Thoughts: About the only thing that is predictable with this running game is that Foster will get the majority of the carries. So far this season, that has meant a lot of 4-8 point games with a couple 10-12 point games sprinkled in. The Saints have allowed consecutive double-digit point performances to the RB position, but have generally held up pretty well vs. the run. That shouldn’t change against Carolina, which has not had a RB score since Week 8.

Projections:
Vinny Testaverde: 235 pass/2 TD/1 INT
Steve Smith: 90 rec/1 TD
Drew Carter: 60 rec
Jeff King: 25 rec
DeShaun Foster: 60 rush/15 rec
DeAngelo Williams: 25 rush/10 rec

Raiders @ Chiefs
Daunte Culpepper/Jerry Porter/Ronald Curry
Justin Fargas (vs. KC)
Similar passing attacks that have faced the Chiefs this season: Raiders
Similar rushing attacks that have faced the Chiefs this season: Raiders
FF Points Allowed vs. similar QBs: 15.8
FF Points Allowed vs. similar WRs: 16.4
FF Points Allowed vs. similar TEs: N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. similar RBs: 12.7
FF Points Allowed vs. QBs/WRs/TEs over the last 3 weeks: 16.6/18.5
FF Points Allowed vs. RBs over the last 3 weeks: 16.1

Passing Game Thoughts: What have we learned about C-pepp? He performs like a stud vs. his former teams and average against everyone else, or so it seems. He fared decently (15.8) the last time he faced the Chiefs, but if there is one thing Kansas City does pretty well on either side of the ball, it is keeping the QB in check. In short, it’s hard to defend a below-average passing attack against a unit that is one of the best at keeping passing games under wraps – only Carson Palmer and Brett Favre have scored more than 16 points against them. Curry hit the 10-point mark in the first meeting, mostly because he scored a TD – the last WR score for this offense (in Week 7). Starting in Week 6, the offense has just plain struggled to score points. The Chiefs’ success vs. QBs obviously carries over to the WRs, meaning Curry is a low-end #3 at best despite his 120-yard game last week and Porter is best left on the bench – again.

Running Game Thoughts: Just by the sheer volume of touches he receives, Fargas has settled in as a solid #2 RB play. He has only one TD in his 144 touches this season, so be prepared to settle for 80-100 total yards. Surprisingly, KC, which is a middle-of-the-road run-stopping fantasy defense, held Oakland to one of its worst rushing performances of the season. This game figures to be an ugly, low-scoring affair that will be won with field position, so expect a lot of rushing attempts on both sides.

Projections:
Daunte Culpepper: 210 pass/1 TD/1 INT/20 rush
Jerry Porter: 45 rec
Ronald Curry: 65 rec
Justin Fargas: 85 rush/30 rec

Brodie Croyle/Dwayne Bowe/Eddie Kennison/Tony Gonzalez
Kolby Smith (vs. OAK)
Similar passing attacks that have faced the Raiders this season: Chiefs
Similar rushing attacks that have faced the Raiders this season: Chiefs
FF Points Allowed vs. similar QBs: 8.7
FF Points Allowed vs. similar WRs: 8.9
FF Points Allowed vs. similar TEs: 7.3
FF Points Allowed vs. similar RBs: 19.6
FF Points Allowed vs. QBs/WRs/TEs over the last 3 weeks: 13.8/16/5.9
FF Points Allowed vs. RBs over the last 3 weeks: 30.9

Passing Game Thoughts: Bowe is the only playable WR in this group – that should hardly come as a surprise. To wit, Bowe had 10 targets last week vs. Indy. Every other WR combined had four. Outside of Week 9 in which he was hurt vs. GB, the only time Bowe hasn’t produced at seven points since Week 1 was against the Bengals in Week 6. Certainly, he’s not the WR yet that owners want to count on to take them to a title, but outside of an injury, he’s probably not going to let you down either, even against the Raiders, whose stellar pass defense numbers are more the result of their woeful run defense this season than anything. That said, KC will need to throw a few times, and those passes will go to Bowe, Smith and Gonzalez. Gonzo posted a 6.6-point total in the first meeting, a fare prediction of what he will likely do this week. The Raiders have done a pretty fair job at defending the position, but Gonzo is still one of the best and Croyle will likely lean on him to convert a few third-down opportunities.

Running Game Thoughts: As matchups go, it doesn’t get much better for a first career start than this. With Oakland’s offense sure not to put up many points and with a new QB under center, the Chiefs should be able to run the ball as much as they want to. And considering they ran Priest Holmes 20 times roughly two weeks after he officially joined the team, Smith should be in line for at least that many considering he has been with the team all season. The Raiders have surrendered at least 14.1 points to an opposing RB in seven straight games, so it would be a mild surprise if Smith – who the team was high on during the preseason – didn’t come fairly close to that kind of production. Overall, Oakland has surrendered the most rushing yards (1,413) and rushing TDs (15) in the league. Obviously, don’t start him ahead of proven RBs, but there is no reason why he can’t put up top 15-20 RB numbers this week – the matchup is that good.

Projections:
Damon Huard: 205 pass/1 TD/1 INT
Dwayne Bowe: 75 rec/1 TD
Eddie Kennison: 25 rec
Tony Gonzalez: 65 rec
Kolby Smith: 70 rush/1 TD/30 rec

Seahawks @ Rams
Matt Hasselbeck/Deion Branch/Bobby Engram/DJ Hackett
Maurice Morris (vs. STL)
Similar passing attacks that have faced the Rams this season: Seahawks
Similar rushing attacks that have faced the Rams this season: Seahawks
FF Points Allowed vs. similar QBs: 17.8
FF Points Allowed vs. similar WRs: 10.4
FF Points Allowed vs. similar TEs: N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. similar RBs: 17.3
FF Points Allowed vs. QBs/WRs/TEs over the last 3 weeks: 16.6/17.3
FF Points Allowed vs. RBs over the last 3 weeks: 13.2

Passing Game Thoughts: Five straight games and counting for Hasselbeck throwing for two TDs in a game. One of those contests was a home game vs. the Rams, who Hasselbeck scored 17.8 points against in Week 7. Hasselbeck has pretty much become a must-start and even though St. Louis has picked it up a bit on defense, they had surrendered seven TDs over three games before they shut San Fran out of end zone. Surprisingly, Hasselbeck’s rebirth has come without a fully healthy Branch, but more because Hackett has exploded. He has scored in each of his three weeks back from injury and has seen his targets increase each time out – up to 13 in Week 11. So the question is not really whether to start Hackett, but more of whom the better play is between Engram and Branch. Branch figures to be the better play in a week or two, but let him prove it to you first if you have Engram and/or some good, healthy options you can turn to this week.

Running Game Thoughts: Shaun Alexander sits again, but it’s just as well as Morris is actually putting up some decent numbers in his stead. Understand, however, that the Niners and the Bears are far from elite run-stopping units this season. As far as recent performances go, the Rams have been pretty good against some average rushing attacks after not being able to stop them earlier in the season. However, given the Seahawks’ new wide-open attack, at least one time Morris should be in position to score from short yardage. But do keep in mind that it should be easier for Seattle to score via the air, so while Morris may match his 87-yard rushing performances from the last two weeks, be prepared for a scoreless day against a Rams defense that has yielded just two RB scores since Week 6.

Projections:
Matt Hasselbeck: 290 pass/3 TD/1 INT
Deion Branch: 70 rec/1 TD
Bobby Engram: 75 rec
DJ Hackett: 90 rec/1 TD
Maurice Morris: 80 rush/25 rec

Marc Bulger/Torry Holt/Isaac Bruce/Drew Bennett/Randy McMichael
Steven Jackson (vs. SEA)
Similar passing attacks that have faced the Seahawks this season: Rams
Similar rushing attacks that have faced the Seahawks this season: Rams
FF Points Allowed vs. similar QBs: 11.3
FF Points Allowed vs. similar WRs: 15.4
FF Points Allowed vs. similar TEs: 3.4
FF Points Allowed vs. similar RBs: 9
FF Points Allowed vs. QBs/WRs/TEs over the last 3 weeks: 13.7/14.8/6.2
FF Points Allowed vs. RBs over the last 3 weeks: 23

Passing Game Thoughts: As wild and crazy as some of the Seattle-St. Louis games get each year, the temptation would be to roll the dice with Bulger. I’m here to tell you that if you have a better option this week, use him. Only one QB has tossed two TDs against the Seahawks all season long and Seattle has yielded just five scoring passes. They’ll give up their fair share of yards, but it is much easier to run on the ‘Hawks than it is to throw. Holt has led the Rams in fantasy points in each of the past four games with Bruce the clear #2 each time. Holt is a solid play despite the matchup but there are likely better options than Bruce for owners to turn to at this point. Both of them will get their yards, but any TDs will likely end up in Holt’s hands. To tell you how difficult the matchup this is for St. Louis, Bernard Berrian was the first WR since Week 6 to score more than 10 points against this defense. Finally, solid play at LB and S for Seattle has made the TE a tough play except in the most obvious of matchups lately.

Running Game Thoughts: Expect the run defense to be a bit on edge after being the team that made Cedric Benson look like a capable back. Benson is a more talented runner than he is being given credit for this season, but the fact remains that if Oakland could basically stuff him, Seattle should have been able to do so as well. As for Jackson, we are getting a brief glimpse of the back he was last year, but understand that without most of his Opening Day line, he doesn’t figure to make anyone forget last year either. The positive news is that he has received 27 touches in each of the past two weeks, meaning he will likely produce decent numbers almost regardless of the defense. Seattle, which is actually in the middle of the pack in regards to RB rushing yards, has given up the second-most rushing TDs (10). Granted, four of those came in one game, but what is quite clear is that if the Rams plan on knocking off Seattle, they had better do it primarily on the ground.

Projections:
Marc Bulger: 260 pass/1 TD/1 INT
Torry Holt: 85 rec/1 TD
Isaac Bruce: 55 rec
Drew Bennett: 40 rec
Randy McMichael: 25 rec
Steven Jackson: 85 rush/1 TD/45 rec

Titans @ Bengals
Vince Young/Roydell Williams/Justin Gage
LenDale White/Chris Brown (vs. CIN)
Similar passing attacks that have faced the Bengals this season: N/A
Similar rushing attacks that have faced the Bengals this season: N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. similar QBs: N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. similar WRs: N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. similar TEs: N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. similar RBs: N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. QBs/WRs/TEs over the last 3 weeks: 16.9/24.4
FF Points Allowed vs. RBs over the last 3 weeks: 16.7

Passing Game Thoughts: I’m not sure I realized just how important DT Albert Haynesworth was to this team. The run defense suffers, the run offense cannot get the carries it needs to be effective because offenses can score and Young, as a result, needs to put the team on his shoulders to give it any semblance of quick-strike offense. (Notice how Young’s two best fantasy games have come in his absence.) That said, with a struggling Cincinnati team next on the schedule, expect Young put up some fine numbers yet again. I’ll go so far as to say that as long as Haynesworth is out, Young could be worth a play. After surrendering seven straight 20-point games to opposing QBs, the Bengals have kept two consecutive QBs under the mark. With Cincy’s LB corps in disarray, that streak could very well end this week as Young should pick up a fair number of rushing yards.

Running Game Thoughts: It’s actually hard to believe that the Bengals’ run defense is tied with Tampa Bay’s for 10th-worst rush defense (fantasy-wise) at 19.4 per game. After riding a four-game streak of double-digit point totals, White has bottomed out, totaling only 21 carries over the last two games when his lowest carry-game in the four games prior was 25. And as I like to preach in this column as to how the absence of one player can affect everything, notice how two of the Titans’ worst defensive performances have come minus Haynesworth. In this case, it affects not only the defense (which has allowed 62 points over the last two games) but the running game, which cannot pound away all game long without giving it a second thought because they are trailing AND giving up big plays. The Bengals have allowed 11.1 points or more to all but one leading RB this season and are struggling to score points consistently, so White and Brown should be in good shape.

Projections:
Vince Young: 220 pass/1 TD/1 INT/60 rush/1 TD
Roydell Williams: 45 rec
Justin Gage: 55 rec
LenDale White: 60 rush/15 rec
Chris Brown: 50 rush/15 rec

Carson Palmer/Chad Johnson/Doug Houshmandzadeh/Chris Henry
Rudi Johnson or Kenny Watson (vs. TEN)
Similar passing attacks that have faced the Titans this season: N/A
Similar rushing attacks that have faced the Titans this season: Bucs
FF Points Allowed vs. similar QBs: N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. similar WRs: N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. similar TEs: N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. similar RBs: 7.9
FF Points Allowed vs. QBs/WRs/TEs over the last 3 weeks: 13.4/15.1/
FF Points Allowed vs. RBs over the last 3 weeks: 24.6

Passing Game Thoughts: About the only things that have went right for this offense this season is Palmer has scored double-digit points in every game and Houshmandzadeh has scored in all but one game. Chad Johnson is still obviously hampered by injury and Henry is just being worked back into the offense. Conversely, Sage Rosenfels’ huge fourth-quarter comeback in Week 7 helped make him the only QB to top the 20-point mark against the Titans. As explosive as Cincinnati’s offense can be, it just doesn’t have any balance this season – mostly due to a dinged-up line and less-than-100% Rudi Johnson. Amazingly, all three WRs were targeted 10 or more times last week and each had eight catches, making just about every one of them playable as the running game figures to be ineffective once again. This will be one of the better passing attacks Tennessee has faced, so it may be a game where the offense could explode – although I am not overly optimistic about that. Houshmandzadeh figures to be the best play once again as he is the best mix of being the most trusted WR of Palmer’s and for the fact that he is healthy.

Running Game Thoughts: Even if Johnson is healthy enough to play, it is clear that he is not all the way back from his hamstring injury. Watson has been the team’s best fantasy back for eight games running, so he is worth a low-end #2 start, especially without Haynesworth in the lineup for Tennessee again. Bear in mind that a RB has not scored for Cincinnati since Week 7, so even with a more favorable matchup, it doesn’t bode well for either back with a line that is just having trouble run-blocking. If you have to play one, go with Watson, who continues to put up pretty fair #2 RB numbers. Before giving up four 10-point games without Haynesworth, the Titans had allowed just two in the eight games prior. Watson – with his all-around game – could be #5. As for Rudi owners, he should be in good shape to go for next season, but it is clear there is no reason to play him anytime soon.

Projections:
Carson Palmer: 270 pass/2 TD/1 INT
Chad Johnson: 75 rec
Doug Houshmandzadeh: 90 rec/1 TD
Chris Henry: 80 rec/1 TD
Rudi Johnson: 30 rush
Kenny Watson: 50 rush/20 rec

Redskins @ Bucs
Jason Campbell/Santana Moss/Antwaan Randle El/Chris Cooley
Clinton Portis (vs. TB)
Similar passing attacks that have faced the Bucs this season: N/A
Similar rushing attacks that have faced the Bucs this season: N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. similar QBs: N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. similar WRs: N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. similar TEs: N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. similar RBs: N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. QBs/WRs/TEs over the last 3 weeks: 12.4/18.8/1.4
FF Points Allowed vs. RBs over the last 3 weeks: 10.3

Passing Game Thoughts: Much like the FOX announcers were singing his praises, I will jump on that bandwagon because I have seen it too. Campbell has taken huge strides over the last two games. It’s a good thing too, because the Bucs are the toughest team in the league to score fantasy points against for a QB. They are allowing less than 200 passing yards per game and have yielded just seven passing TDs this season. To wit, only three individual QBs have thrown for more than 200 yards vs. this defense! So for one week anyway, expect Campbell’s numbers to revert to his early season totals. Predictably, the Bucs’ success vs. opposing QBs lends itself to the WR position, where it has surrendered just four TD passes to receivers. Only the most elite ones have done much of anything against Tampa Bay, so the newfound success the Redskins’ WRs are experiencing over the last two weeks figure to take a break. Once again, that brings us to Cooley, who is Campbell’s security blanket. Even though the Bucs have been solid vs. the TE as well, it’s safe to say Cooley should get the most work again with the receivers likely to be cancelled out. So, for at least this week, Washington’s best chances like, once again, with Cooley and the running game.

Running Game Thoughts: Campbell’s rise over the last couple weeks can only serve to help Portis. Certainly, Portis may start losing some of the 30 touches he has been seeing lately, but whereas the Cowboys (last week’s opponent) are the third-toughest defense for RBs to score fantasy points against, Tampa Bay is the 10th-easiest. That ranking is a bit of a misnomer though since they are surrendering just 3.7 ypc to the RB position and have allowed just the 13th-fewest rushing yards (942) to the position. Regardless, this contest is one where the newfound passing offense can keep that pesky eighth man out of the box enough times for Portis to go back to his streak of scoring nine or more points in every game before Dallas kept him to a season-low 14 touches. If there is one team that owners can generally count on to stay with the running game, it would be the Redskins. He’s not the greatest play of the week, but there is also no reason why he can’t get back into double digits again.

Projections:
Jason Campbell: 185 pass/1 TD/1 INT/25 rush
Santana Moss: 50 rec
Antwaan Randle El: 50 rec
Chris Cooley: 40 rec/1 TD
Clinton Portis: 75 rush/1 TD/15 rec

Jeff Garcia/Joey Galloway/Ike Hilliard
Earnest Graham/Michael Bennett (vs. WAS)
Similar passing attacks that have faced the Redskins this season: Eagles (2)
Similar rushing attacks that have faced the Redskins this season: Cowboys
FF Points Allowed vs. similar QBs: 22.9
FF Points Allowed vs. similar WRs: 15.4
FF Points Allowed vs. similar TEs: N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. similar RBs: 7.7
FF Points Allowed vs. QBs/WRs/TEs over the last 3 weeks: 27.7/26.2
FF Points Allowed vs. RBs over the last 3 weeks: 17.9

Passing Game Thoughts: This projects to be a very good matchup for the Bucs’ passing game. Five straight QBs have scored 20+ points against this defense. Meanwhile, Garcia has scored 15.8 points or more every week since Week 3. And unlike some QBs, he won’t hurt owners with turnovers. He has just three INTs for the season – and all of those came in one game. As long as S Sean Taylor and CB Carlos Rogers are out, expect WRs to feel right at home against Washington. That brings us to Galloway, who has been just about as solid of a WR start as they come over the last month. He has scored four times in five contests while the Redskins just got torched by Terrell Owens last week after making him their “priority”. I’m not suggesting a repeat of TO’s numbers, but given how the DBs are struggling without two of their “rocks” back there, the chances of the same miscommunications that allowed Owens to get his four TDs are good for Galloway this week as well. Hilliard had fallen a bit off the map lately but given how Washington has struggled to guard the “possession” WR lately, he could make for a wild-card #3 WR play.

Running Game Thoughts: Graham has likely outperformed the expectations that many had of him and has by all accounts made himself into an every-week #2 RB starter. A look ahead reveals that he is a great RB to own during Weeks 15 and 16, too, so feel pretty comfortable with him occupying one of your two RB slots. Washington has struggled with backs out of the backfield as much as anything, so it wouldn’t be a great shock to see him end up being one of the team’s receiving leaders at the end of the day, as Graham has shown he can contribute in that area as well.

Projections:
Jeff Garcia: 220 pass/2 TD/0 INT/20 rush
Joey Galloway: 80 rec/1 TD
Ike Hilliard: 65 rec
Earnest Graham: 70 rush/1TD/40 rec
Michael Bennett: 20 rush/10 rec

Niners @ Cardinals
Trent Dilfer/Arnaz Battle/Darrell Jackson/Vernon Davis
Frank Gore (vs. ARI)
Similar passing attacks that have faced the Cardinals this season: Niners
Similar rushing attacks that have faced the Cardinals this season: Niners
FF Points Allowed vs. similar QBs: 9.9
FF Points Allowed vs. similar WRs: 9.6
FF Points Allowed vs. similar TEs: 0.4
FF Points Allowed vs. similar RBs: 14.1
FF Points Allowed vs. QBs/WRs/TEs over the last 3 weeks: 21.2/31.9/1.4
FF Points Allowed vs. RBs over the last 3 weeks: 14.6

Passing Game Thoughts: It’s always a bad sign when a team brings in a “consultant” to help out with the side of the ball that is clearly languishing. Over the last week, the Niners brought in former OC Ted Tollner to help with the offense. When a team does that, it means it is ready to admit they are going nowhere fast. Because it is on offense, fantasy owners need to be running the other way. In short, it is highly advisable to not use any player associated with this offense. That notion probably goes for the rest of the season.

Running Game Thoughts: It’s a shame when a runner as good as Gore is “grounded” by ineffective play-calling and to a lesser degree, the limits of his injured offensive line. Until we see proof otherwise, Gore is now a matchup RB at best. There have been some RBs that have done well over the past few months, but the Niners really don’t have the punch or the imagination right now to make the most of this matchup.

Projections:
Trent Dilfer: 180 pass/1 TD/1 INT
Arnaz Battle: 55 rec
Darrell Jackson: 40 rec
Vernon Davis: 40 rec
Frank Gore: 60 rush/25 rec

Kurt Warner/Anquan Boldin/Larry Fitzgerald
Edgerrin James (vs. SF)
Similar passing attacks that have faced the Niners this season: Cardinals
Similar rushing attacks that have faced the Niners this season: Cardinals
FF Points Allowed vs. similar QBs: 12.6
FF Points Allowed vs. similar WRs: 11.4
FF Points Allowed vs. similar TEs: 2.2
FF Points Allowed vs. similar RBs: 18.6
FF Points Allowed vs. QBs/WRs/TEs over the last 3 weeks: 14.5/19.3
FF Points Allowed vs. RBs over the last 3 weeks: 19

Passing Game Thoughts: Unlike the Niners, this game should be a wonderful matchup for all involved. Warner has exploited two soft matchups over the past two weeks and should do so again. The Cardinals will run enough to keep the Niners honest, but they will discover very early in the game that they should be able to do whatever they want through the air against this mid-level pass defense. That should mean Fitzgerald, who has led the team in WR points each week since their bye, will be in line to dominate yet again. A big reason for Boldin’s falloff is his hip injury, but it didn’t stop him from making an impact last week. Similar numbers for the duo should be expected once again in this contest.

Running Game Thoughts: James was surprisingly handled by the Bengals defense last week, but scored a TD to make his effort bearable for fantasy owners. James’ owners know pretty much what they are going to get each week plus or minus a TD – about 20-25 touches for somewhere around 75-90 yards. He should be able to do at least that this week against a punch-less Niners team that won’t score enough to make Arizona abandon the running game. San Fran has surrendered at least 11 points to a RB in six straight contests.

Projections:
Kurt Warner: 235 pass/1 TD/1 INT
Anquan Boldin: 80 rec/1 TD
Larry Fitzgerald: 60 rec
Edgerrin James: 60 rush/30 rec

Ravens @ Chargers
Kyle Boller/Mark Clayton/Derrick Mason
Willis McGahee (vs. SD)
Similar passing attacks that have faced the Chargers this season: Bears
Similar rushing attacks that have faced the Chargers this season: N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. similar QBs: 7.3
FF Points Allowed vs. similar WRs: 9.1
FF Points Allowed vs. similar TEs: N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. similar RBs: N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. QBs/WRs/TEs over the last 3 weeks: 18.7/21
FF Points Allowed vs. RBs over the last 3 weeks: 32.7

Passing Game Thoughts: We can’t use the excuse that this offense is no longer NFL-caliber, but that doesn’t make the Ravens even an average offense either. No one in their right mind would roll with Boller this week, so let’s look at his options. Mason returned to his usual early-season numbers (as usual, without a TD) and, unfortunately, so did Clayton. What did happen last week Devard Darling was allowed to get his uniform dirty for the first time in quite in some time. However, CB Quentin Jammer should be back and Antonio Cromartie has been making a three-game pitch for the Pro Bowl, so don’t count on much from the WRs. This would be a great for Todd Heap if he could play this week, but once again, that looks doubtful. So the advice? Play Mason as typically would, as a low-end #3 who is unlikely to score. Clayton should probably not see a lineup anymore this season. His targets are just not consistent enough and he is just too much of a tease.

Running Game Thoughts: This is the one Raven that should play every week. On a team that has struggled to pass all season long, McGahee has been an absolute stud in my mind. His numbers haven’t been spectacular, but to plug a RB in your lineup and know regardless of the matchup that you’re going to get at least 11 points, well, that’s pretty good. Imagine what he could do in a better offense! With the exception of one certain record-breaking game vs. Minnesota, the Chargers have been good vs. opposing RBs. However, McGahee and Baltimore have seen at least two elite run defenses already and fared pretty well, so in short, McGahee has reached the status of every-weeks starter, regardless of matchup.

Projections:
Kyle Boller: 220 pass/1 TD/2 INT/15 rush
Mark Clayton: 45 rec
Derrick Mason: 75 rec
Willis McGahee: 70 rush/1 TD/25 rec

Philip Rivers/Vincent Jackson/Chris Chambers/Antonio Gates
LaDainian Tomlinson (vs. BAL)
Similar passing attacks that have faced the Ravens this season: Browns (2)
Similar rushing attacks that have faced the Ravens this season: N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. similar QBs: 19.1
FF Points Allowed vs. similar WRs: 20.2
FF Points Allowed vs. similar TEs: 8.2
FF Points Allowed vs. similar RBs: N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. QBs/WRs/TEs over the last 3 weeks: 21.5/27.7/4.8
FF Points Allowed vs. RBs over the last 3 weeks: 14.2

Passing Game Thoughts: Baltimore isn’t exactly a pushover on defense, but their fans couldn’t tell that from their last three performances. To be fair, the Ravens haven’t allowed a TD pass in two games after surrendering five vs. Pittsburgh. CB Samari Rolle should be able to re-join Chris McAlister this week– which should really negate the WRs – meaning the game should be all about how accurate Rivers is and how many times he will throw it to Gates and LT. (I have been critical here before about their lack of involvement lately.) Here are a couple of promising nuggets: Rivers completed over 50% of his passes for the first time in three games last week while the Ravens have permitted a QB to hit the double-digit mark in all but one game this season. As for Gates, Baltimore has given up a handful of points to TEs that make featuring the position a priority, but don’t expect him to score or put up a ton of yards. But, as always, he is one of the most explosive receivers in the league even at TE, meaning he doesn’t leave the lineup for any reason.

Running Game Thoughts: Here’s one nugget that owners may not have been aware of: Pro Bowl center Nick Hardwick has been out since Week 6. What happened that week you ask? LT had 24 carries for 198 yards and four TDs vs. Oakland. In the four weeks since? He has just a meager 70 carries for 268 yards with three scores. I’m not going to suggest that all of it can be traced to Hardwick – the schedule had something to do with that too – but the return of a Pro Bowl lineman can only help what has been an “average” LT performance this season. And even though the Ravens defense has fallen off this season, their falloff has been vs. the pass, not the run. Which means if LT is going to get his numbers this week, it will be because he is getting a lot of work in the passing game.

Projections:
Philip Rivers: 240 pass/1 TD/1 INT
Vincent Jackson: 40 rec/1 TD
Chris Chambers: 50 rec
Antonio Gates: 60 rec
LaDainian Tomlinson: 75 rush/1 TD/40 rec

Eagles @ Patriots
AJ Feeley/Kevin Curtis/Reggie Brown/LJ Smith
Brian Westbrook (vs. NE)
Similar passing attacks that have faced the Patriots this season: N/A
Similar rushing attacks that have faced the Patriots this season: Colts
FF Points Allowed vs. similar QBs: N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. similar WRs: N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. similar TEs: N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. similar RBs: 29.2
FF Points Allowed vs. QBs/WRs/TEs over the last 3 weeks: 18.6/14/1.8
FF Points Allowed vs. RBs over the last 3 weeks: 18.4

Passing Game Thoughts: A common thought process this week with Donovan McNabb likely out is that Feeley will step in and this offense will not miss a beat, just like a few years ago. The problem with that is if the Eagles don’t make this game all about Westbrook, they may as well just not show up. Philadelphia can keep this game respectable if they play their cards right, but Westbrook basically has to be option #1 and #2. All but one starting QB has scored at least 14 points vs. the Patriots, so Feeley isn’t the worst play. Curtis continues getting the most targets, so he makes the best play of the receivers, but New England figures to be physical at the line of scrimmage and Feeley doesn’t figure to have enough time for Curtis to use his deep speed to get separation. This is why, once again, Philly’s attack needs to be Westbrook, Westbrook and more Westbrook in this game.

Running Game Thoughts: Westbrook is always a threat for well over 100 total yards and is one of the few RBs that has scored more than 10 points in every week. The last time an elite RB was a big part of the game plan vs. the Patriots was Joseph Addai – and if Philly is smart – they will copy that game plan. Westbrook could very well have that kind of game as long as the Eagles stay in good down-and-distance situations. I’m not suggesting a conservative game plan, just one that focuses on using Westbrook in every imaginable way. Given his 32-carry performance last week, Philly may do just that. The Pats have shown they can be exploited in the running game, but few teams stick around in a contest long enough to actually do anything about it.

Projections:
AJ Feeley: 210 pass/1 TD/2 INT
Kevin Curtis: 50 rec
Reggie Brown: 50 rec
LJ Smith: 25 rec
Brian Westbrook: 80 rush/70 rec/1 TD

Tom Brady/Randy Moss/Wes Welker/Donte Stallworth/Ben Watson
Laurence Maroney (vs. PHI)
Similar passing attacks that have faced the Eagles this season: Cowboys
Similar rushing attacks that have faced the Eagles this season: Cowboys
FF Points Allowed vs. similar QBs: 27.9
FF Points Allowed vs. similar WRs: 23.4
FF Points Allowed vs. similar TEs: 19.8
FF Points Allowed vs. similar RBs: 30.5
FF Points Allowed vs. QBs/WRs/TEs over the last 3 weeks: 19.3/21.6/8.8
FF Points Allowed vs. RBs over the last 3 weeks: 18.2

Passing Game Thoughts: Until further notice, there is little reason to analyze any matchup for the Patriots’ passing game. My only point of contention would be: why does it seem like Moss is always single-covered with late-arriving safety help? Don’t get me wrong, this is one of the league’s best-ever passing offenses, but I swear there have been way too many clueless DC’s opposing this offense this season. A good start to defending this offense would be to better disguise defenses. (I understand Brady has likely seen ‘em all, but between the time he gets in the pocket and the lack of defenses mixing up the looks means he is going to tear a secondary apart.) Much like the Colts offense from a few years ago, defenses aren’t going to stop New England, but as Indy’s defense proved a few weeks back, an aggressive, swarming defense can sure slow it down. The only way a QB in today’s game goes this long with just four interceptions in a pass-heavy offense is if defenses are too afraid to rush him. Quite simply, defenses would be wise to do what HC Bill Belichick does against their offenses, that is, do whatever it takes to shut down an offense’s top 1-2 options and make the other ones beat them. In other words, out-Patriot the Patriots.

Running Game Thoughts: Thankfully, Maroney scored for the first time last week so we don’t have to be concerned with the travesty that comes along with being the only starter in the history of the league not to score on an offense that records 70 TDs. It’s become obvious Maroney is little more right now than a player that gives Brady’s arm and his WRs a breather when they have run too many pass plays in a row. I’m not even quite sure he’s a matchup RB right now, because he’s just not getting enough touches each week – blowout or not – to suggest that he is. (Since his return from a groin injury, he hasn’t received more than 16.) And considering he gets pulled near the end zone, it makes it even less probable he could have a Marion Barber-Maurice Jones-Drew kind of role.

Projections:
Tom Brady: 280 pass/4 TD/1 INT
Randy Moss: 100 rec/2 TD
Donte Stallworth: 45 rec
Wes Welker: 75 rec/1 TD
Ben Watson: 30 rec/1 TD
Laurence Maroney: 60 rush/10 rec

Dolphins @ Steelers
John Beck/Marty Booker/Derek Hagan
Jesse Chatman/Ricky Willams (vs. PIT)
Similar passing attacks that have faced the Steelers this season: Niners
Similar rushing attacks that have faced the Steelers this season: Cardinals
FF Points Allowed vs. similar QBs: 17.7
FF Points Allowed vs. similar WRs: 18.2
FF Points Allowed vs. similar TEs: N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. similar RBs: 14.9
FF Points Allowed vs. QBs/WRs/TEs over the last 3 weeks: 12.2/9.2
FF Points Allowed vs. RBs over the last 3 weeks: 12.7

Passing Game Thoughts: Forgive me for going light on the analysis on this one, but there is very little to like here and Miami has no discernable advantages to exploit. All the playmakers are gone or injured, a new QB is taking snaps and the defense they are facing does a better job of confusing QBs than any other team. It will be a shock (and I mean that) if this offense puts together 10 first downs and/or 150 yards of total offense. Look elsewhere this week.

Running Game Thoughts: HC Cam Cameron has finally taken away the one area that fantasy owners could use from the Dolphins. Mix that in with an angry bunch of Steeler run defenders who saw their 35-game streak of not allowing a 100-yard rusher come to an end plus a young QB under center and this has the makings of an ugly offensive game for the Dolphins.

Projections:
John Beck: 130 pass/0 TD/2 INT
Marty Booker: 40 rec
Derek Hagan: 40 rec
Jesse Chatman: 40 rush/20 rec
Ricky Williams: 30 rush/15

Ben Roethlisberger/Hines Ward/Nate Washington/Heath Miller
Willie Parker (vs. MIA)
Similar passing attacks that have faced the Dolphins this season: Cowboys
Similar rushing attacks that have faced the Dolphins this season: Bills
FF Points Allowed vs. similar QBs: 20.9
FF Points Allowed vs. similar WRs: 17.5
FF Points Allowed vs. similar TEs: 10.1
FF Points Allowed vs. similar RBs: 14.6
FF Points Allowed vs. QBs/WRs/TEs over the last 3 weeks: 11.5/13/3.8
FF Points Allowed vs. RBs over the last 3 weeks: 19.1

Passing Game Thoughts: As bad as this matchup is for the Dolphins, it is that good for the Steelers. It’s a shame that Santonio Holmes won’t join the party due to a high ankle sprain, because he would have been a regular contributor. I’m not sure owners could go wrong with any Pittsburgh WR, but suffice to say Ward should produce at a #1 WR level this week. Washington should get deep at least once against a secondary that has allowed the deep ball. Miller, surprisingly, isn’t all that great of a start according to the numbers, but with as much time as Big Ben should have in the pocket (or outside of it, in his case), he shouldn’t need to turn to his TE all that often anyway. Before they got lucky with the weather and some poor offenses on the slate, Miami had surrendered 30+ points to three out of four QBs. In short, Big Ben is probably the second-best QB play this week behind Brady and all of the Steelers WRs should perform well above their averages.

Running Game Thoughts: The run game is where this team really underachieved last week. Be it the line or Parker, this run game has taken a back seat to the passing game – Steeler RBs have scored just five times this season. And while FWP is getting a lot of carries and yards, his ypc are down almost a half-yard this season and he just isn’t getting any of those breakaway runs like he usually does. That said, just about any RB that touches the ball 20 times is usable anymore – and he certainly gets that on a weekly basis – so expect him to notch his seventh 100-yard rushing game of the season. Najeh Davenport should also see some garbage duty and may be worth a play for really desperate owners.

Projections:
Ben Roethlisberger: 220 rush/4 TD/0 INT
Hines Ward: 70 rec/2 TD
Nate Washington: 80 rec/1 TD
Heath Miller: 40 rec
Willie Parker: 100 rush/1 TD/10 rec