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. Also, for the first weeks, projected fantasy points allowed will be used as teams have yet to establish any trends. After the first month of the season, this column will take on the look it had last season as there will be enough information to start analyzing trends.

Bye Weeks: Cardinals, Chiefs, Cowboys, Falcons, Ravens, Seahawks

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

Browns @ Rams
Derek Anderson/Braylon Edwards/Joe Jurevicius/Kellen Winslow
Jamal Lewis (vs. STL)
Similar passing attacks that have faced the Rams this season: Cowboys
Similar rushing attacks that have faced the Rams this season: N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. similar QBs: 37.8
FF Points Allowed vs. similar WRs: 34.1
FF Points Allowed vs. similar TEs: 14.5
FF Points Allowed vs. similar RBs: N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. QBs/WRs/TEs over the last 3 weeks: 13.8/18.5/5.1
FF Points Allowed vs. RBs over the last 3 weeks: 15.8

Passing Game Thoughts: Since CB Fahkir Brown has returned to the Rams defensive backfield, St. Louis has improved their defensive numbers across the board. Of course, the last time they faced an offense as good as the Browns’, Tony Romo had little trouble lighting up this defense for 339 yards and three scores. Given the every-week mismatches that Edwards and Winslow provide and the questions surrounding Lewis’ availability, look for Anderson to have the same kind of success Romo did. Edwards is obviously a top play as the numbers for the Rams against an opponent’s top WR are very much in his favor. Winslow has been VERY consistent all season long and should have little problem duplicating the 71-yard, 1 TD performance Jason Witten put on this defense in Week 4. Jurevicius should contribute as well and is a fine bye-week fill-in at #3 WR.

Running Game Thoughts: Since Week 5, the Rams have held up pretty well against the run. However, teams have been able to get their featured RBs all the carries they could handle because the St. Louis’ offense is so ravaged by injury and thus, cannot score enough to ever get/maintain a lead. As a result, if Lewis can overcome his foot sprain, he figures to receive a lot of work. In the ever-expanding RBBC fantasy world we live in, that fact alone is worth its weight in gold. Given the solid play of the Browns’ offensive line and the fact that Cleveland will score points and St. Louis will struggle to do so, Lewis (or backup Jason Wright if Lewis can’t go) should make for an above-average #2 RB play this week.

Projections:
Derek Anderson: 280 pass/3 TD/1 INT
Braylon Edwards: 110 rec/1 TD
Joe Jurevicius: 50 rec/1 TD
Kellen Winslow: 70 rec/1 TD
Jamal Lewis: 80 rush/1 TD/10 rec

Marc Bulger/Torry Holt/Isaac Bruce/Drew Bennett/Randy McMichael
Steven Jackson (vs. CLE)
Similar passing attacks that have faced the Browns this season: Dolphins
Similar rushing attacks that have faced the Browns this season: Dolphins
FF Points Allowed vs. similar QBs: 31.1
FF Points Allowed vs. similar WRs: 16.9
FF Points Allowed vs. similar TEs: 13.8
FF Points Allowed vs. similar RBs: 17
FF Points Allowed vs. QBs/WRs/TEs over the last 3 weeks: 29.9/18.2/18.6
FF Points Allowed vs. RBs over the last 3 weeks: 14.7

Passing Game Thoughts: I could not have realistically imagined a scenario before the season in which I would have cut Bulger from my team before Week 8. (I guess that is why they call it fantasy…) However, I cannot remember the last team to be hit this hard by injury in one season. The offensive line is in shambles and, unfortunately, we will not likely see just how good Bulger can be until next year because there isn’t any way to heal quickly from cracked ribs. The matchup does appear to be one in which Bulger and the Rams could gain some confidence in, as only Josh McCown and Steve McNair are the only starting QBs that have scored fewer than 28 fantasy points vs. this defense. That said, I can hardly endorse an offense that has scored nine points total over the past two games. Only two players (Chad Johnson and Ben Watson) have posted more than 100 receiving yards against the Browns, a figure that should change at any point. So, even though I don’t think the Rams will keep up on the scoreboard with Cleveland, there figures to be a lot of yards traveled, making a gimpy Holt, Bruce and Bennett all above-average plays. Bulger is at best, an unpredictable bye-week fill-in at this point.

Running Game Thoughts: If there was a defense to make a return against, many RBs may choose Cleveland. The Browns have allowed a 100-yard rusher in each of their first six contests, meaning Jackson may be the first Ram to catch a break in 2007. Do keep in mind though that this offense was struggling even before Jackson got injured, so this game is a great example of the movable force vs. the resistible object. I would like to see Jackson eased in, but given the overall struggles of this offense, it would be little surprise if the Rams ride him hard this weekend. Thus, if he can make it through the game, he should be a solid play.

Projections:
Marc Bulger: 230 pass/1 TD/2 INT
Torry Holt: 70 rec/1 TD
Isaac Bruce: 65 rec
Drew Bennett: 40 rec
Randy McMichael: 25 rec
Steven Jackson: 80 rush/1 TD/30 rec

Lions @ Bears
Jon Kitna/Roy Williams/Calvin Johnson/Mike Furrey/Shaun McDonald
Kevin Jones (vs. CHI)
Similar passing attacks that have faced the Bears this season: Lions
Similar rushing attacks that have faced the Bears this season: Lions
FF Points Allowed vs. similar QBs: 19.8
FF Points Allowed vs. similar WRs: 33.1
FF Points Allowed vs. similar TEs: N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. similar RBs: 13.7
FF Points Allowed vs. QBs/WRs/TEs over the last 3 weeks: 14.4/19.1/4.1
FF Points Allowed vs. RBs over the last 3 weeks: 29.8

Passing Game Thoughts: In their first meeting, the Lions offense put up three points through three quarters. And just like that, Detroit reeled off an NFL-record 34 points in the final period, leaving the Bears defense and their fantasy owners shaking their heads. And Chicago’s defense hasn’t been the same since. Of course, it doesn’t help that Mike Brown, Nathan Vasher, Tommie Harris and Darwin Walker (among many others) are either out for the year, have missed time or are limited in practice. All of this only means good things for owners of the Lions’ passing game, which has taken a sudden downturn in effectiveness over the past few weeks. Including Week 4’s wild comeback win, Kitna has not attempted 30 passes in any of the last three games. He also has not accounted for a TD in either of the last two weeks. Two games is too small of a window to panic, but owners may want to consider dealing Kitna (or at the very least, finding a decent #2 fantasy QB) if this week is another slow week for the Detroit passing game. And despite their overall defensive struggles, the Bears have allowed just one 100-yard receiving performance (Terrell Owens). With Johnson out in their first meeting, the Lions’ best WRs were actually Furrey, McDonald and Troy Walters, which makes sense since the Bears defense is designed to give up the short pass much more than the big play. Expect more of the same in this game.

Running Game Thoughts: Mercifully, Jones has taken the bull by the horns in the backfield. For those KJ owners who were able to wait for him to get back on the field, congrats, because the rest of the season should be your payoff, assuming he can complete the season. (If you assume a poor man’s Brian Westbrook with Jones, you should be fine.) And in very atypical Lions’ fashion, Detroit seems to have no problem letting Jones balance its offense, as he ran 15 times (and had 19 touches) against a good Bucs defense. There is no reason he cannot repeat a similar workload against what has become a lesser Chicago defense, even though the Bears did recover nicely from getting gashed by Adrian Peterson two weeks ago to hold Westbrook out of the end zone and to 119 total yards.

Projections:
Jon Kitna: 270 pass/2 TD/2 INT
Roy Williams: 60 rec
Calvin Johnson: 45 rec/1 TD
Mike Furrey: 55 rec
Shaun McDonald: 70 rec/1 TD
Kevin Jones: 60 rush/1 TD/30 rec

Brian Griese/Bernard Berrian/Muhsin Muhammad/Desmond Clark/Greg Olsen
Cedric Benson/Adrian Peterson (vs. DET)
Similar passing attacks that have faced the Lions this season: Bears
Similar rushing attacks that have faced the Lions this season: Bears
FF Points Allowed vs. similar QBs: 18.2
FF Points Allowed vs. similar WRs: 24.9
FF Points Allowed vs. similar TEs: 10.4
FF Points Allowed vs. similar RBs: 11.4
FF Points Allowed vs. QBs/WRs/TEs over the last 3 weeks: 21.8/22.1/5.3
FF Points Allowed vs. RBs over the last 3 weeks: 26.5

Passing Game Thoughts: In the course of only one month, this passing attack has gone from one decent fantasy property (Berrian) to five. In each of Griese’s starts, Chicago attempts to get Benson going and when they fall a bit behind, the passing game comes alive. With his use of the TE, Griese has made Clark and Olsen both startable options at the position. Muhammad is, at the very least, on the same fantasy plane as Berrian now, so feel free to use him as a flex or #3 WR. Griese is a fine play again this week, especially for those owners that have been riding Tony Romo or Matt Hasselbeck this season. As for the wideouts, Berrian was targeted 14 times in Week 4. Given Detroit’s inability to guard against the deep ball all season long, he makes for a fine play again this time around.

Running Game Thoughts: Bless HC Lovie Smith for sticking with his struggling starters. But for all the positive traits Benson showed as a runner at the University of Texas and in a RBBC with Thomas Jones his first two seasons, he is languishing in his attempt to carry the full load. He is not showing good vision and the line does not seem to block for him as it does for Peterson, which is always a bad omen for the incumbent. While Benson’s game is more power than big-play, it’s ridiculous that he is averaging just 3.1 yds/carry and his longest run of the season is 19 yards while Peterson’s numbers are 4.5 and 30. If you can find the room on your roster, add Peterson and be patient. (Every season, second-half rushers come out of the woodwork and this season’s early candidates could very well be Jesse Chatman and Peterson.) For the purposes of this game, Benson’s 7.4 fantasy points vs. Detroit in the first meeting was the worst performance by an opposing RB who ended up being his team’s best fantasy player in the running game that day. While the passing game may open things up a bit more for Benson, it is hard to play him as anything more than a bye-week RB at this point.

Projections:
Brian Griese: 265 pass/2 TD/1 INT
Bernard Berrian: 90 rec/1 TD
Muhsin Muhammad: 60 rec
Desmond Clark: 30 rec
Greg Olsen: 50 rec/1 TD
Cedric Benson: 60 rush/1 TD/10 rec
Adrian Peterson: 40 rush/15 rec

Colts @ Panthers
Peyton Manning/Marvin Harrison/Reggie Wayne/Dallas Clark
Joseph Addai/Kenton Keith (vs. CAR)
Similar passing attacks that have faced the Panthers this season: N/A
Similar rushing attacks that have faced the Panthers 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: 2.9/15.6/1.7
FF Points Allowed vs. RBs over the last 3 weeks: 17.6

Passing Game Thoughts: If ever there was a time to buy low on Harrison, I believe that time is now. Supposedly, he was on a “play count” last week and no one from Indy’s camp has said a thing about re-aggravating his knee, although he is on the practice report. He hasn’t scored since Week 1 and given the fact that he has four straight substandard performances, an injury and a bye week to show from the last month and a half, his owners are likely getting a bit fed up with small numbers from their #1 WR. Granted, some of the passes that used to go to Harrison in the past are going to Clark now, but a completely healthy Harrison is still the most desirable receiving option on this team until further notice. Clark has been an absolute gem for his owners that found him late in the draft or plucked him off the waiver wire while Wayne has seemingly filled the void – numbers-wise – that Harrison has left behind with his injury. Carolina has been torched by the big-play WR this season – but no so much by TEs – making Harrison and Wayne very likely candidates to make Manning’s day a good one. That said, Clark is getting way too many looks to sit anytime from now until the end of the season, so as usual, play all your Colts.

Running Game Thoughts: With his good showing on MNF, Keith has apparently forged a timeshare with Addai, possibly bringing to an end one of the best fantasy properties that the owners of the second-year Bayou Bengal were able to enjoy. If this is true, Addai falls from a contender for #1 overall RB to a low-end #1 RB and Keith would assume the 2006 role of Dominic Rhodes. Pick Keith up if he is somehow still available, but I’ll have trouble believing the Colts are going RBBC until I actually see it play out over a few weeks. All told, Carolina has done a respectable job against opposing fantasy RBs, allowing no more 14 points to a single RB this season. If the timeshare is in full effect, expect the trend of limited RB points vs. the Panthers defense to continue although both Addai and Keith should be in line for solid numbers.

Projections:
Peyton Manning: 290 pass/3 TD/0 INT
Marvin Harrison: 75 rec/1 TD
Reggie Wayne: 90 rec/1 TD
Dallas Clark: 65 rec/1 TD
Joseph Addai: 85 rush/1 TD/25 rec
Kenton Keith: 50 rush/20 rec

David Carr/Steve Smith/Drew Carter/Jeff King
DeShaun Foster/DeAngelo Williams (vs. IND)
Similar passing attacks that have faced the Colts this season: N/A
Similar rushing attacks that have faced the Colts this season: Broncos
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: 24.1
FF Points Allowed vs. QBs/WRs/TEs over the last 3 weeks: 8.6/9.1/7.9
FF Points Allowed vs. RBs over the last 3 weeks: 11.6

Passing Game Thoughts: Like many owners, I’m not a big fan of this attack when Carr is taking the snaps. Instead of trusting that Smith will make the plays, Carr holds the ball too long – something he cannot do if he hopes to keep the Panthers in the game against the Colts. There was no better illustration of this phenomenon than in Week 6 when Vinny Testaverde came in after a few days of practice and made Smith a fantasy star once again. So, to keep it short, Smith is an above-average start with Testaverde in the lineup and a risky one with Carr. No one from this passing attack else should be hitting the fantasy playground in your league, especially against a good defense like the Colts..

Running Game Thoughts: With reports that Foster may be hampered or even sidelined with a toe injury, this could open the door for Williams’ owners to finally get some action. As we have seen with many other college/pro teams, some offensive lines just seem to block better and/or play-callers manage the game a bit differently depending on who is running the ball. By no means am I predicting a huge game for Williams or Foster because Indy has shown that their defense is solid, but understand that Williams is a big-play back who needs just one big run – like the 75-yard run he had in Week 6 – to put together a good day for his owners. Stay tuned to Williams’ status and feel free to insert him into your lineup as a #2 RB this week if Foster cannot go. Otherwise, Foster remains a low-end #2 RB and Williams a high-end #3.

Projections:
Vinny Testaverde: 210 pass/1 TD/1INT
Steve Smith: 75 rec/1 TD
Drew Carter: 40 rec
Jeff King: 30 rec
DeShaun Foster: 40 rush/15 rec
DeAngelo Williams: 55 rush/30 rec

Giants vs. Dolphins (London)
Eli Manning/Plaxico Burress/Amani Toomer/Jeremy Shockey
Brandon Jacobs/Reuben Droughns (vs. MIA)
Similar passing attacks that have faced the Dolphins this season: Cowboys
Similar rushing attacks that have faced the Dolphins this season: N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. similar QBs: 23
FF Points Allowed vs. similar WRs: 17.5
FF Points Allowed vs. similar TEs: 10.1
FF Points Allowed vs. similar RBs: N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. QBs/WRs/TEs over the last 3 weeks: 30.5/35.4/8.5
FF Points Allowed vs. RBs over the last 3 weeks: 16.1

Passing Game Thoughts: If the opposition has featured an elite fantasy WR, he has had a spectacular game vs. the Dolphins defense this season – a fact that bodes well for Burress. Miami has allowed 12 WR scores already, something that suggests Manning could add another 2-3 to that total. Toomer has been a much better fantasy play as of late and may be in line to score in three straight while Burress could very match his 2006 season TD total of 10 with two scoring grabs in this one. The Giants SHOULD have their way in this game, it just really boils down to what method – run or pass – they want to use.

Running Game Thoughts: Quite honestly, if Derrick Ward is ruled out, this should be a showcase game for Jacobs, who the Giants have treated with caution since he has returned. That is not to rule out the occasional Reuben Droughns vulture, but Jacobs could very well have a career day against a defense that has yielded 407 total yards to the RB position in the two games that it has been without MLB Zach Thomas, who will not make the trip overseas because of the whiplash that he suffered in a minor car accident a few days ago. Regardless, the run defense is below average right now with Thomas in and abysmal when he is not in the lineup. Jacobs should be in line for elite RB numbers this week.

Projections:
Eli Manning: 260 pass/3 TD/1 INT
Plaxico Burress: 85 rec/2 TD
Amani Toomer: 60 rec
Jeremy Shockey: 50 rec/1 TD
Brandon Jacobs: 115 rush/2 TD/20 rec
Reuben Droughns: 30 rush

Cleo Lemon/Marty Booker/Derek Hagan
Jesse Chatman (vs. NYG)
Similar passing attacks that have faced the Giants this season: N/A
Similar rushing attacks that have faced the Giants 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: 9.9/20/
FF Points Allowed vs. RBs over the last 3 weeks: 14.3

Passing Game Thoughts: Since Lemon was already stealing some of Ronnie Brown’s glory down by the goal line anyway, it stands to reason he may do more running with Brown out. And since the first 10 quarters of the season, the Giants defense has proven me wrong (many thanks go to rookie CB Aaron Ross, who has picked up the pro game very quickly) and that in turn, has allowed the pass rush enough time to make life miserable for opposing offenses. And since New York figures to get out to an early lead, the Dolphins will be passing for the majority of the game. However, I’m not sure the “garbage yardage” that most QBs usually get in these situations is necessarily what is going to happen in England. Lemon will be pressured a lot and will likely make more mistakes than big plays. So even though I think Lemon will be a decent QB play from here on out, you likely have better options to play this week. As such, I don’t like Booker, Hagan or Ted Ginn, Jr. this week either.

Running Game Thoughts: If Chatman is lingering on your waiver wire for some reason, pick him up right now. It was just a little over a month ago that HC Cam Cameron had us believing this could be a RBBC, so either Chatman is not all that much of a falloff (fantasy-wise, Brown is a much better RB overall) or Cameron has already mastered the art of touting his projects. Either way, Chatman has performed well in the preseason (and early in the regular season when he was sharing time), so if you had Brown and were lucky enough to already own or nab Chatman, expect fairly similar numbers. The one thing Miami has done well so far is run block, so let that be the reason you start the ex-Charger ahead of an underproducing mainstay RB in your lineup (Cedric Benson perhaps?). I’ve seen enough to believe that Chatman could very well be to this season what Ladell Betts was to the end of last season.

Projections:
Cleo Lemon: 235 pass/1 TD/2 INT/30 rush/1 TD
Marty Booker: 60 rec/1 TD
Derek Hagan: 40 rec
Jesse Chatman: 75 rush/40 rec

Raiders @ Titans
Daunte Culpepper or Josh McCown/Jerry Porter/Ronald Curry/Zach Miller
LaMont Jordan/Dominic Rhodes (vs. TEN)
Similar passing attacks that have faced the Titans this season: Bucs
Similar rushing attacks that have faced the Titans this season: Bucs
FF Points Allowed vs. similar QBs: 17.1
FF Points Allowed vs. similar WRs: 26.9
FF Points Allowed vs. similar TEs: 1.5
FF Points Allowed vs. similar RBs: 7.9
FF Points Allowed vs. QBs/WRs/TEs over the last 3 weeks: 15.4/24.6/3.8
FF Points Allowed vs. RBs over the last 3 weeks: 9.3

Passing Game Thoughts: Really…can we pick a QB and stay with him? Since Oakland can’t decide on whom they want to bridge the gap between now and the time they decide to turn the reigns over to JaMarcus Russell, I suggest fantasy owners don’t waste their time trying to figure it out either. Here’s what we do know: play Curry over Porter because more times than not, you’ll be right. Curry will get the short and intermediate balls while the Raiders look in the direction of Porter once a quarter. Miller could be a decent play, but given how well the Titans are playing on defense right now, I would roll the dice on another TE option this week.

Running Game Thoughts: The one thing that has helped the Raiders get to where they are right now is a very proficient running game. This week, however, they will try to best the third-toughest defense in terms of fantasy points allowed to RBs per game (11.2), meaning if you have been enjoying the thought of leaving Jordan in the #2 RB slot all season long, it may be a good week to find another alternative. Only Reggie Bush and Joseph Addai have scored more than 7.1 fantasy points against this defense, so if you have a better RB matchup to exploit, by all means use it this week.

Projections:
Culpepper/McCown: 205 pass/1 TD/2 INT/20 rush
Jerry Porter: 40 rec
Ronald Curry: 75 rec
Zach Miller: 30 rec
LaMont Jordan: 65 rush/30 rec
Dominic Rhodes: 25 rush/20 rec

Vince Young/Roydell Williams/Eric Moulds/Bo Scaife
LenDale White/Chris Henry (vs. OAK)
Similar passing attacks that have faced the Raiders this season: N/A
Similar rushing attacks that have faced the Raiders 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: 4.6/7.5/7.5
FF Points Allowed vs. RBs over the last 3 weeks: 33.1

Passing Game Thoughts: Young should have had enough time to rest his quad, so say goodbye to the wide-open Titans attack that Kerry Collins guided last week (42 attempts, 280 yards) and hello again to the methodical ground-and-pound attack that Young orchestrates. While Tennessee figures to extend the three-game streak of QBs throwing for less than 200 yards against the Raiders, it won’t be because he can’t. Oakland’s rush defense is its downfall once again this season, meaning the best numbers that will be coming out of any member of the passing game figures to be Young’s rushing totals. In what is getting to read like a broken record, there are better fantasy options to use on the waiver wire than what this passing attack will offer.

Running Game Thoughts: Oakland has been a pleasant sight to opposing rushers. The schedule hasn’t done them any favors (Ronnie Brown, LaDainian Tomlinson, Larry Johnson in consecutive games), but they have surrendered 13.6 points or more to an opposing rusher in all but one game. White’s role continues to remain solid from week-to-week, for the most part, mostly because he has stayed healthy. Meanwhile, with Brown sitting out last week, second-round draft pick Chris Henry stepped in and had a nice game. Because the Titans do not figure to allow many points, the conditions appear very favorable for White to garner 20 carries again while Brown or Henry pick up the remaining 10-15 touches. White and whichever back is active this week for Tennessee are more than usable plays in Week 8.

Projections:
Vince Young: 180 pass/1 TD/1 INT/40 rush/1 TD
Roydell Williams: 40 rec
Eric Moulds: 30 rec
Bo Scaife: 30 rec
Chris Henry: 50 rush/1 TD/15 rec
LenDale White: 80 rush/1 TD/15 rec

Eagles @ Vikings
Donovan McNabb/Kevin Curtis/Reggie Brown/LJ Smith
Brian Westbrook (vs. MIN)
Similar passing attacks that have faced the Vikings this season: N/A
Similar rushing attacks that have faced the Vikings 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: 21.4/28.3/10.6
FF Points Allowed vs. RBs over the last 3 weeks: 17.5

Passing Game Thoughts: We’ve established a few things as far as I can tell with the Eagles passing game this season: Curtis is pretty darn fast, he’s McNabb’s favorite WR and good enough to be a high-end #2 fantasy WR with defenses that don’t bump him at the line or whenever the Eagles coaching staff can remember to get him in motion to better avoid the jam. The second thing is that this offense is either great (8 TDs against Detroit) or it stinks (no more than one TD in any other game). Luckily, we are nearing the one-year mark of McNabb’s recovery from his ACL injury, meaning we may start seeing a slightly more mobile McNabb the rest of the way. At this point, it just seems to me Philly needs another dimension. Westbrook is a great threat out of the backfield and Curtis down the field, but the Eagles offense was at its best when defenses had to hesitate for fear that McNabb would run for the first down. Against the Vikings, the matchup is there for the taking. (Come to think of it, so is the blueprint.) Tony Romo went 28-for-32 in the first half and then attempted just six passes the rest of the way while Marion Barber pounded away against a tired Minnesota run defense. A similar approach could be in the works this time around. Who figures to benefit? Well, just about every WR that has a big-play reputation has had a pretty good day against the Vikes, so Curtis once again figures to be a nice play. Brown has been worked into the offense post-bye as well, but I would only use him as a bye-week fill-in at best this week.

Running Game Thoughts: One of the biggest advantages to drafting a RB like Westbrook over Shaun Alexander each year is that games against Minnesota can still be productive fantasy days for your #1 RB. What is troubling in 2007 is that as successful as Westbrook has been in eating up the yardage, he hasn’t visited the end zone outside of the Week 3 rout of the Lions. That fact alone helps solve the riddle that is the 2007 Philadelphia offense, which needs their playmaker to finish off drives, or better yet, the offense needs to put him in position to finish them off. Barber was the first RB to score a TD against the Vikes defense this season, so a repeat appears unlikely. However, Westbrook owners should be able to count on the consistent total yardage that he provides every week.

Projections:
Donovan McNabb: 230 pass/1 TD/1 INT
Kevin Curtis: 80 rec/1 TD
Reggie Brown: 60 rec
LJ Smith: 25 rec
Brian Westbrook: 60 rush/50 rec

Tavaris Jackson/Troy Williamson/Bobby Wade/Visanthe Shiancoe
Chester Taylor/Adrian Peterson (vs. PHI)
Similar passing attacks that have faced the Eagles this season: N/A
Similar rushing attacks that have faced the Eagles 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: 11.1/17.4/4.6
FF Points Allowed vs. RBs over the last 3 weeks: 14

Passing Game Thoughts: If the Vikings would just take a page out of the Titans’ playbook, they would understand how to best utilize the talents they have on this offense. The best way to break in a raw QB is to put him into winnable down-and-distance situations. Given how Minnesota has established they can run the ball on just about any team, the passing game needs to be merely average and use Jackson’s best asset right now – his legs – to convert third-and-short. Jackson has a great arm – but his long-ball accuracy needs work – meaning Williamson can’t be used to his full effectiveness. In short, the team needs to utilize both backs on a regular basis – even if it means splitting Taylor out wide – so the short and intermediate passing game can succeed. Until that happens with Jackson, only Wade should appear on fantasy owners’ radar screen, meaning Vikings’ WRs just should not be used in fantasy play for the time being. (With Kelly Holcomb in, Williamson and Sidney Rice would get an instant boost as would Shiancoe.)

Running Game Thoughts: I cannot recall being more impressed by a rookie RB than I am with Peterson. There is no dancing or delay in his hitting the hole and his acceleration is amazing for a big back. Having watched a number of his college games at Oklahoma, I was more impressed with his ability to break away more than anything at the college level. As a Viking, he looks like he has taken to the playbook quickly and, best of all, I have yet to see him on the receiving end of a blow. His style is fun to watch. For the purposes of this game, the last runner who ran with a purpose against them – Thomas Jones – enjoyed a fine day on the ground, something I expect AD to do as Childress will probably overcompensate for the lack of touches he gave Peterson last week. It won’t be a career day for the rookie, but I sure would leave him in the lineup.

Projections:
Tavaris Jackson: 140 pass/0 TD/1 INT/20 rush
Troy Williamson: 25 rec
Bobby Wade: 45 rec
Visanthe Shiancoe: 15 rec
Chester Taylor: 40 rush/20 rec
Adrian Peterson: 120 rush/2 TD/30 rec

Steelers @ Bengals
Ben Roethlisberger/Hines Ward/Santonio Holmes/Heath Miller
Willie Parker (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: 24/24.9/13.4
FF Points Allowed vs. RBs over the last 3 weeks: 14.6

Passing Game Thoughts: Roethelisberger has already delivered two four-TD performances this season. While I’m not going to predict a third, it certainly is not out of the question. The Bengals can and will score, meaning Big Ben will need to keep his receiving options on speed dial all afternoon. Lead WRs have generally had their way against Cincinnati so far, so I would opt for Ward over Holmes, but if you have either one, you’d be foolish to sit him down. These games are the very ones that you acquire Ward, Holmes and Miller for in the first place. And while Miller isn’t exactly an elite option at TE, the Bengals have been gracious to that position as well when it has been targeted. In short, start all Pittsburgh players that figure to be on the field more than half the game. Heck, you could do worse than start Nate Washington this week in a pinch.

Running Game Thoughts: Parker had some of his best games in 2006 against the Bengals. But for all the grief they receive, the Bengals run defense has only allowed Sammy Morris and Jamal Lewis to have above-average days on a ypc basis. Meanwhile, Parker’s aversion to the end zone is similar to the one I described with Brian Westbrook, considering all the yards the two of them have been putting up this season. That said, I look for FWP to get at least one score against the Bengals, even though the Steelers figure to find the going easier through the air. Thomas Jones was the first lead back this season not to score at least 10.8 fantasy points against Cincy, so assuming the Steelers defense does not fall apart like it did last week, it should give Parker ample opportunity to reward his owners.

Projections:
Ben Roethlisberger: 280 rush/3 TD/1 INT
Hines Ward: 110 rec/1 TD
Santonio Holmes: 80 rec/1 TD
Heath Miller: 50 rec/1 TD
Willie Parker: 115 rush/1 TD/25 rec

Carson Palmer/Chad Johnson/Doug Houshmandzadeh
Rudi Johnson or Kenny Watson (vs. PIT)
Similar passing attacks that have faced the Steelers this season: N/A
Similar rushing attacks that have faced the Steelers 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: 16/15.8
FF Points Allowed vs. RBs over the last 3 weeks: 8.5

Passing Game Thoughts: I would heavily encourage those of you that can get Palmer halfway cheap to do so now. I won’t promise a Tom Brady-like numbers explosion, but once WR Chris Henry returns in Week 10, this passing offense will have a three-WR set once again that rivals the best in the league. (If you have the room to add Henry now, please do so. The schedule shapes up very nice down the stretch for the passing game.) This will be the best passing attack that the Steelers have faced to this point and considering the troubles that Pittsburgh had with Brandon Marshall and Brandon Stokley last week, they figure to get beat up even more by Palmer and Co. With the Bengals set of bookend tackles in and out of the lineup all season, Palmer has found Houshmandzadeh regularly on the short and intermediate routes and, as a result, Housh is the only WR in fantasy to score at least 10 points in every game so far this season – an incredible accomplishment at a position where consistency is almost non-existent. I don’t look for Pittsburgh to change their scheme all that much from previous meetings with the Bengals, meaning Johnson figures to fight double teams all day while Palmer hits the underneath patterns. As a result, expect Palmer-like numbers from the Cincy QB and Houshmandzadeh to continue his 10-point streak.

Running Game Thoughts: Congrats to the tens or hundreds of owners who utilized the juicy matchup the Bengals had with the Jets last week. There is no chance of a repeat this week, as Cincy will need to go up top if they hope to move to within one game of the division lead. It’s hard to recommend sitting Rudi or Watson even if either RB is given the full load, but neither back will do much against the stingiest defense against opposing fantasy RBs.

Projections:
Carson Palmer: 270 pass/2 TD/2 INT
Chad Johnson: 55 rec
Doug Houshmandzadeh: 110 rec/1 TD
Kenny Watson: 55 rush/20 rec

Bills @ Jets
Trent Edwards/Lee Evans/Roscoe Parrish
Marshawn Lynch (vs. NYJ)
Similar passing attacks that have faced the Jets this season: Bills
Similar rushing attacks that have faced the Jets this season: Bills
FF Points Allowed vs. similar QBs: 13.3
FF Points Allowed vs. similar WRs: 18.3
FF Points Allowed vs. similar TEs: N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. similar RBs: 14.3
FF Points Allowed vs. QBs/WRs/TEs over the last 3 weeks: 15.9/24.3
FF Points Allowed vs. RBs over the last 3 weeks: 27.6

Passing Game Thoughts: Maybe we will be witness to Lee Evans’ first TD this season. I predicted his demise, but even I would not have imagined him going scoreless this long. Heck, #1 WRs should accidentally fall into the end zone by Week 8. Either way, Evans’ 98 yards against the Ravens was a good sign and a season high, even if it came as a result of an absence to Pro Bowl CB Chris McAlister and a rusty Samari Rolle. For the Jets, rookie CB Darrelle Revis is improving rapidly, something that may lend itself to Evans being unable to get going in this contest. Edwards has thrown for just one TD in his three-plus games, so it is quite clear that the Bills’ passing attack is yet another group to avoid until further notice.

Running Game Thoughts: Sooner or later, Lynch will record his first 100-yard rushing game. Considering he has three games left against the Jets and Dolphins, it figures to happen sooner than later. When he gets more than 20 carries, the Bills are 2-0; 20 or less carries, they are 0-4. One of those wins came against the Jets, who miraculously held him to under four yards per carry even though he did score. Figure on the Bills opening up the playbook little by little each week for Edwards, which should get defenders to back away a little bit from the run game. (Take a second to understand just how impressive Lynch’s numbers are in spite of teams knowing Buffalo has had little success hitting the deep ball.) The Jets are getting absolutely pounded by opposing running games, as Lynch’s 13.9 fantasy point total in Week 4 is the lowest point total for an leading opposing rusher since Laurence Maroney’s 7.2 mark in Week 1. Lynch isn’t going to repeat Kenny Watson’s performance from a week ago, but he should be able to keep rewarding his owners

Projections:
Trent Edwards: 200 pass/1 TD/1 INT
Lee Evans: 60 rec
Roscoe Parrish: 40 rec
Marshawn Lynch: 95 rush/1 TD/30 rec/1 TD

Chad Pennington/Laveranues Coles/Jerricho Cotchery
Thomas Jones (vs. BUF)
Similar passing attacks that have faced the Bills this season: Jets
Similar rushing attacks that have faced the Bills this season: Jets
FF Points Allowed vs. similar QBs: 13.7
FF Points Allowed vs. similar WRs: 26.7
FF Points Allowed vs. similar TEs: N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. similar RBs: 17.7
FF Points Allowed vs. QBs/WRs/TEs over the last 3 weeks: 13.7/19.8
FF Points Allowed vs. RBs over the last 3 weeks: 16.8

Passing Game Thoughts: I’ve come to realize that in sports, as much as I don’t think something should happen, it likely will, especially if the team is losing. Half the teams in the league would love to have a no-frills QB like Pennington. But this is New York and when the restless natives see a strong-armed QB on the sidelines, they want to see him now. Pennington is making uncharacteristic mistakes so far and he – along with the Jets – will tell you that. But the real reason this team is floundering has a lot more to do with below-average offensive line play (which is leading to a below-average running game) and a leaky defense. In regards to this game, Pennington and his receiving corps have another shot at duplicating the offensive success they had against the Bengals (3 TD, 1 INT) in part because he went 32-of-39 for 290 yards in their Week 4 loss at Buffalo. Both Coles and Cotchery scored over 10 fantasy points in that contest and should do so against this time around, even though the Jets will give Jones more work (12 carries in Week 4).

Running Game Thoughts: The good news: Both of Jones’ 100-yard games have come at home. The bad news: those two games vs. the Dolphins and Eagles are the only games in which Doug has come close to rushing for four yards/carry. If he does well in this contest, you would have my endorsement to sell as high as you can on Jones, because he has yet to score and his post-bye slate is not favorable. Outside of the wild and crazy Cowboy game on MNF a few weeks ago and their first meeting against the Jets, the Bills have surrendered a 100-yard rusher in every other game, so the possibility exists Jones could do well.

Projections:
Chad Pennington: 250 pass/2 TD/1 INT
Laveranues Coles: 90 rec/1 TD
Jerricho Cotchery: 100 rec/1 TD
Thomas Jones: 75 rush/1 TD/25 rec

Texans @ Chargers
Matt Schaub/Andre Davis/Kevin Walter/Owen Daniels
Ahman Green (vs. SD)
Similar passing attacks that have faced the Chargers this season: Broncos
Similar rushing attacks that have faced the Chargers this season: Broncos
FF Points Allowed vs. similar QBs: 8
FF Points Allowed vs. similar WRs: 11.6
FF Points Allowed vs. similar TEs: 5.6
FF Points Allowed vs. similar RBs: 8.5
FF Points Allowed vs. QBs/WRs/TEs over the last 3 weeks: 8.8/13.4/6.7
FF Points Allowed vs. RBs over the last 3 weeks: 10

Passing Game Thoughts: I haven’t had the luxury of saying it yet this season as Schaub has taken just about every snap, but Sage Rosenfels is a pretty nice QB to have carrying the clipboard, at least in relief. He put together a similar performance last season after David Carr left with an injury (3 TDs in the second half of Week 8 in the 2006 season, also against the Titans). So what we have learned about this passing offense is that it can survive nicely without the services of its #1 WR for an extended amount of time and QB for at least a short amount of time. For those owners who have been playing Davis and/or Walter in place of Andre Johnson, continue to expect pretty fair numbers with from this passing attack, with Walter a slightly better play than Davis. The one negative that came out of last week’s miraculous comeback was the lack of involvement by Daniels, who turned in his first sub-50 yard performance since Week 1. San Diego has been a bit friendlier against opposing TEs, therefore, expect a bounceback performance although the possibility of his scoring anytime soon looks to be another matter – he has yet to score this season. Nevertheless, he has a good matchup here and could end that stretch against a defense that has yielded 9.1 fantasy points to the TE position this year, including four TDs.

Running Game Thoughts: With the exception of Larry Johnson’s 100-yard rushing performance in Week 4, the Chargers defense has slowly evolved into the defense they were expected to be starting the regular season. Given the likely continued absence of Johnson and the fact that Schaub was beaten up last week does not bode well for owners who would like Green to produce at a #2 fantasy RB level this week (that should start next week, however, when they play Oakland). Assuming the Chargers’ heads are clear for this week (more on that below), the defense should be able to overwhelm the Texans early while the offense allows jumps out to an early lead. If you have the luxury of benching Green this week, do so.

Projections:
Matt Schaub or Sage Rosenfels: 245 pass/2 TD/2 INT
Andre Davis: 65 rec/1 TD
Kevin Walter: 75 rec/1 TD
Owen Daniels: 60 rec
Ahman Green: 60 rush/20 rec

Philip Rivers/Vincent Jackson/Chris Chambers/Antonio Gates
LaDainian Tomlinson (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: 16.9
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: 13/13.7/5
FF Points Allowed vs. RBs over the last 3 weeks: 31.7

Passing Game Thoughts: I think the Chambers acquisition was a master stroke for San Diego. Considering his familiarity with HC Norv Turner and the fact that Miami HC Cam Cameron basically runs his own version of Turner’s offense means I expect strong numbers from him as soon as this week (his true consistent emergence should come next season. Anytime Chambers has had an accurate QB, he has thrived.) At the very least, his acquisition boosts the fantasy value of Gates and Tomlinson, which is hard to believe when you think about it. No longer can/should teams be able to put their #1 CB on Gates or else they risk being hit quickly by Chambers. Teams also cannot afford to double Gates for the same reason. And if defenses leave just seven men in the box, LT and the Chargers’ run blocking is too good to be held in check all game long. Expect Turner to start every game off with a heavy dose of LT and Gates and adjust to who the defense is favoring after the first few possessions. Since I don’t see any reason why the San Diego offense should have to change its identity, I would expect the plan of attack to be LT and Gates-heavy as Houston has not stopped much of anything lately. Chambers is also a fine play at a #3 WR spot.

Running Game Thoughts: After a strong start, the Texans run defense has dropped off dramatically, allowing 651 total yards and five TDs to the RB position over the last three weeks. I would say this has as much to do with going against of fantasy’s best power running games lately (Miami, Jacksonville, Tennessee) as anything. Conversely, after a slow start, the Chargers have started performing more up to snuff. Given the acquisition of a deep threat of Chambers, the only thing that figures to hold this offense back now is conservative play-calling. Of course, teams will continue doing their best to stop LT first, but defenses can also only take so much of the big pass play, which will happen with regularity if Rivers can find the same consistent form he was able to maintain throughout 2006, something Chambers will help Rivers do. Considering the fact that Houston has surrendered over 30 fantasy points to the RB position in each of the past two weeks to lesser running games, Tomlinson figures to have his way yet again. (Now, one of the great unknowns in fantasy football is predicting how a team will react to natural disasters such as the wildfires that are ravaging California.) There are some teams that would not be able to prosper amidst trouble close to home, but I believe the Chargers are strong enough to do so. Thus, I look for an inspired performance.

Projections:
Philip Rivers: 220 pass/2 TD/0 INT
Vincent Jackson: 45 rec
Chris Chambers: 55 rec/1 TD
Antonio Gates: 70 rec/1 TD
LaDainian Tomlinson: 125 rush/2 TD/40 rec

Jaguars @ Bucs
Quinn Gray/Dennis Northcutt/Reggie Williams
Fred Taylor/Maurice Jones-Drew (vs. TB)
Similar passing attacks that have faced the Bucs this season: N/A
Similar rushing attacks that have faced the Bucs this season: Titans
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: 15.9
FF Points Allowed vs. QBs/WRs/TEs over the last 3 weeks: 11/15.6
FF Points Allowed vs. RBs over the last 3 weeks: 21.2

Passing Game Thoughts: We don’t have much to go on with Gray, considering the most action he had seen in the NFL before last week was in Week 17 in each of the last two seasons. He was predictably inaccurate after being called upon in quick order after David Garrard went down. However, until we see more, we have to assume whatever value the passing game had fantasy-wise is probably gone until Garrard returns. As it is, the Jags wouldn’t have the greatest matchup this week even with the services of Garrard against the Bucs, who have held Vince Young, Kerry Collins and Jon Kitna scoreless over the past two games. In other words, avoid this group.

Running Game Thoughts: If the Jags have any hope of making a playoff run this season, they will need their running game to carry the brunt of the load for the next month, much like it did last season. MJD is reportedly good to go this week, but he will have to fight through a defense that figures on stacking the box all game long with little threat coming from the passing game. Jones-Drew will need to carry this both the running and passing games if he can play, something I’m not sure even he has the ability to do against a solid defense like the Bucs. That’s not to say he won’t deliver for your fantasy team – which is the only thing that matters to his owners – but he’ll perform more along the lines of Week 7 than Week 6…in other words, be realistic with him against Tampa Bay. Over the last couple weeks, Taylor has become a starter in title only, as he has touched the ball 19 times as opposed to MJD’s 32. Expect that split to continue, making Jones-Drew a low-end #2 RB this week and Taylor a flex play at best. Now, if MJD cannot go, Taylor becomes a fairly strong #2 RB play, so stay tuned to the inactives on Sunday.

Projections:
Quinn Gray: 150 pass/0 TD/2 INT/25 rush
Dennis Northcutt: 40 rec
Reggie Williams: 25 rec
Fred Taylor: 45 rush/25 rec
Maurice Jones-Drew: 70 rush/1 TD/35 rec

Jeff Garcia/Joey Galloway/Ike Hilliard
Earnest Graham/Michael Bennett (vs. JAX)
Similar passing attacks that have faced the Jags this season: Broncos
Similar rushing attacks that have faced the Jags this season: N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. similar QBs: 12.8
FF Points Allowed vs. similar WRs: 15.9
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: 17.3/17.8
FF Points Allowed vs. RBs over the last 3 weeks: 14.1

Passing Game Thoughts: One of the reasons I do this column is stated in the first paragraph at the top of the column each week. Any owner can plug in their studs every week. When trying to decipher whether Jeff Garcia is a better play against Detroit than Brian Griese is against Philly, I feel owners want more than just a number-based projection – they want a reason. To that end, Garcia’s two-week run with great production figures to come to an end minus a fluke play or a defender slipping on a long pass play. The Jags have yet to allow any more than 259 yards passing or more than one passing score in any game this year, making Garcia a well-below-average play this week. The one Buc I would play this week, however, would be Hilliard. By all accounts, CB Rashean Mathis should be following Galloway at least half of the day and with Galloway’s effectiveness coming more from the long ball than the short and intermediate routes, I would expect Hilliard to see a lot of work in that area as the Jags pass rush will collapse the pocket more than a handful of times. No one from either offense is a great play, but if one player is going to get a lot of work against an average matchup, it would be Hilliard vs. CB Brian Williams.

Running Game Thoughts: Has a RB ever been targeted 18 times in a game before?? Such was the case for Graham last week against Detroit and one reason why I really like LJ and LT during the fantasy playoffs (against the Lions), but that’s another issue. Eighteen targets is an insane number for all but the most elite receivers, much less a RB and something I don’t look to happen again anytime soon. Because neither team figures to score all that much, look for a quick game in which each running game gets a lot of work, meaning that despite the difficult matchup, Graham owners could do worse than plugging their guy in this week. Bennett figures to continue receiving more work, but as long as Graham can carry the ground game like he did last week, expect it to be more in relief than RBBC. The Jags allowed their first RB rushing score since Week 3 on MNF and have allowed just one team to feature a rusher that gained more than 50 yards since Week 1, with the only exception being last week vs. Indy. For those wondering, Graham is a decent flex play and below-average #2 RB for this week.

Projections:
Jeff Garcia: 180 pass/1 TD/1 INT/25 rush
Joey Galloway: 50 rec
Ike Hilliard: 70 rec/1 TD
Earnest Graham: 55 rush/25 rec
Michael Bennett: 25 rush/20 rec

Saints @ Niners
Drew Brees/Marques Colston/Devery Henderson/David Patten/Eric Johnson
Reggie Bush (vs. SF)
Similar passing attacks that have faced the Niners this season: Seahawks
Similar rushing attacks that have faced the Niners this season: N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. similar QBs: 20.8
FF Points Allowed vs. similar WRs: 15.3
FF Points Allowed vs. similar TEs: 8.3
FF Points Allowed vs. similar RBs: N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. QBs/WRs/TEs over the last 3 weeks: 12.7/13.4/6.4
FF Points Allowed vs. RBs over the last 3 weeks: 18.9

Passing Game Thoughts: Brees has started rewarding the owners who were patient enough (or had another quality QB in reserve) to wait out the Saints’ struggles to open the season. Even though it does nothing for the good of New Orleans, the departure of Deuce McAllister has forced the passing game to produce. The line is also blocking better and the schedule has lightened up, so it makes sense an accurate passer like Brees is experiencing some success. That said, Brees will not go from average to 2006-great until Colston can recapture his rookie success and stop thinking so much when it comes to catching the ball, something I’m not overly hopeful about taking place anytime soon. As one would expect against the Niners improved secondary and middle-of-the-pack rush defense, teams have opted for running the ball more on San Francisco lately. As a result, don’t expect anything too amazing from the Saints’ aerial attack, but Brees is still more than a serviceable play. The TE has scored vs. the Niners in three of the last four games, meaning current and prospective Johnson owners may be in line for a score from him

Running Game Thoughts: After starting off the season strong vs. the run, San Francisco has surrendered at least 78 yards rushing to a team’s #1 RB in each of the four games since, with two rushers (Willie Parker, Brandon Jacobs) eclipsing the 100-yard rushing mark fairly easily. This bodes well for Bush, who will also bring his fair share of receiving yards to the table each week as well. Since the Niners have not allowed all that many RB scores (3), Bush may just have to be happy with the yards he piles up, as the passing game figures to account for the 1-2 TD the Saints score in this contest.

Projections:
Drew Brees: 260 pass/2 TD/1 INT
Marques Colston: 65 rec/1 TD
Devery Henderson: 40 rec
David Patten: 60 rec
Eric Johnson: 40 rec/1TD
Reggie Bush: 80 rush/40 rec

Alex Smith/Arnaz Battle/Ashley Lelie/Vernon Davis
Frank Gore (vs. NO)
Similar passing attacks that have faced the Saints this season: Falcons
Similar rushing attacks that have faced the Saints this season: N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. similar QBs: 17.5
FF Points Allowed vs. similar WRs: 31.7
FF Points Allowed vs. similar TEs: 1.4
FF Points Allowed vs. similar RBs: N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. QBs/WRs/TEs over the last 3 weeks: 18.1/29.1/2.4
FF Points Allowed vs. RBs over the last 3 weeks: 9.8

Passing Game Thoughts: In what has to be the first occurrence of these words, feel free to start members of the Niners passing game. If you believe in playing the matchup as much as I do, the fact that the Saints give up an average of 28.8 fantasy points the WR position suggests that some San Fran WR will have a pretty nice game. In fact, the worst performance by a team’s second-best fantasy WR since the Saints’ Week 4 bye is the 6.9 points Michael Jenkins scored last week. As a result, Battle makes a very nice play, especially in light of Darrell Jackson being ruled doubtful and Gore a bit nicked up. Davis is returning after a long layoff and should be good for at least the 4.5 fantasy points that New Orleans is allowing to opposing TEs each week.

Running Game Thoughts: A stat for the ages: the Saints have surrendered just 100-yard rusher all season and are allowing less than four yards/carry to the RB position. This further accentuates why the Niners should attack via the air initially before letting Gore carry the load late. No RB has scored against New Orleans since Week 3, but that is more of a result of offenses facing so little resistance in the passing game. If healthy, Gore will run a lot and should score for the first time since Week 2 while augmenting that with a solid total yardage performance.

Projections:
Alex Smith: 220 pass/2 TD/1 INT/20 rush
Arnaz Battle: 80 rec/1 TD
Ashley Lelie: 45 rec
Vernon Davis: 50 rec/1 TD
Frank Gore: 90 rush/1 TD/40 rec

Redskins @ Patriots
Jason Campbell/Santana Moss/Antwaan Randle El/Chris Cooley
Clinton Portis/Ladell Betts (vs. NE)
Similar passing attacks that have faced the Patriots this season: N/A
Similar rushing attacks that have faced the Patriots 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: 16.4/19.7/7.9
FF Points Allowed vs. RBs over the last 3 weeks: 9.8

Passing Game Thoughts: Four of the seven starting QBs that have faced the Patriots have thrown for two TDs. The bad news is those same QBs have thrown six INTs and no QB has thrown for more than 236 yards against New England except Derek Anderson (287) – a remarkable feat considering the amount of time the Pats have been up by two or more scores in a game. Either way, expect a heavy dose of the running game and short and intermediate passing all day to Cooley. On the other hand, that is exactly what the Patriots should be expecting, so look for them to limit that option right away, just as they did with Jason Witten vs. Dallas. The only problem is that while Terrell Owens and Patrick Crayton were able to make New England pay, Moss and Randle El do not figure to repeat that level of success. Thus, it comes back around to how effective Portis and Betts can move the chains because if they cannot, Washington will suffer a similar fate to that of the Patriots’ first seven foes, despite having one of the best defenses in the league. So as much as I expect Campbell to throw a lot in the second half, I cannot recommend any member of this passing game, especially after Cooley gave his owners one catch for three yards last week. Continue using Cooley if you have been though, otherwise, ignore just about every other Redskin involved in the passing game.

Running Game Thoughts: Jason Wright and Ronnie Brown are the only two backs to total more than 100 yards against New England. On the other hand, Portis has yet to reach that mark this season. So while I can’t necessarily tell you not to play Portis, there’s a good chance that he will struggle early on and will be a non-factor late. Considering the bye-week crunch, there’s a good chance he still has to start for most of his fantasy teams, but just keep in mind the best fantasy performance by a RB vs. this defense was Jesse Chatman last week (14.2) in garbage time. The point is New England can be run on but the Washington defense has to be able to keep the game close enough for the running game to take full affect.

Projections:
Jason Campbell: 210 pass/1 TD/1 INT/20 rush
Santana Moss: 50 rec
Antwaan Randle El: 55 rec
Chris Cooley: 40 rec
Clinton Portis: 70 rush/1 TD/15 rec
Ladell Betts: 30 rush/15 rec

Tom Brady/Randy Moss/Wes Welker/Donte Stallworth/Kyle Brady
Laurence Maroney (vs. WAS)
Similar passing attacks that have faced the Redskins this season: Giants
Similar rushing attacks that have faced the Redskins this season: N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. similar QBs: 9.2
FF Points Allowed vs. similar WRs: 18.7
FF Points Allowed vs. similar TEs: 7.9
FF Points Allowed vs. similar RBs: N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. QBs/WRs/TEs over the last 3 weeks: 9.4/15.6/5.9
FF Points Allowed vs. RBs over the last 3 weeks: 11.8

Passing Game Thoughts: Call me one tough critic, but to me, this game is the litmus test on just how good the Patriots’ passing offense is. Don’t get me wrong, because anytime a real team can put up video-game-like numbers against NFL opponents, it is impressive. But I’m really not all that impressed by the level of pass defenses the Pats have paraded through, as all seven defenses they have torched rank in the top 14 of fantasy points/game allowed to the QB position. Washington is the best such defense in the league and up until Kurt Warner’s late comeback effort against them last week, the Redskins had yielded no more than 14.8 fantasy points to any QB. That said, the Pats have the best passing attack in the league, so Washington will get beat a time or two. But Redskins’ DC Gregg Williams is no stranger to the Patriots from his days with the Bills, meaning his defense should be able to play Brady a bit better than most of New England’s previous opponents. So figure Brady may creep down to “normal QB level” over the next two weeks (Colts next week) and only match his season-low of 25 fantasy points. Only fantasy elite WRs have scored against Washington (Anquan Boldin, Plaxico Burress), so Moss may be the only great play of the WR group although Welker has been money since Watson has been out. Nevertheless, as good as the Pats are going, you’d be foolish to sit any player associated with the passing game, just keep expectations with Welker and Stallworth reasonable – that is all I ask.

Running Game Thoughts: I know Maroney owners have to be more than upset, but can you blame the Patriots for doing anything but pass considering the defenses they have faced? I look for a small shift back to the running game as it gets colder and the team starts facing a few more of the league’s elite defenses in the second half of the season. No individual has rushed for 100 yards against the Redskins yet and considering that Maroney is still probably less than 100%, I don’t look for that stat to change. And quite honestly, why should the Patriots change their current approach until a defense can make them pay for it?

Projections:
Tom Brady: 280 pass/2 TD/2 INT
Randy Moss: 95 rec/1 TD
Donte Stallworth: 50 rec
Wes Welker: 65 rec/1 TD
Kyle Brady: 20 rec
Laurence Maroney: 75 rush/20 rec

Packers @ Broncos
Brett Favre/Donald Driver/Greg Jennings/James Jones/Donald Lee
DeShawn Wynn/Ryan Grant (vs. DEN)
Similar passing attacks that have faced the Broncos this season: N/A
Similar rushing attacks that have faced the Broncos 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: 30/19.4/20.8
FF Points Allowed vs. RBs over the last 3 weeks: 24.7

Passing Game Thoughts: This is not a good matchup for the Packers – let’s get that out there right away – assuming CB Champ Bailey returns to the lineup. Driver and Jennings figure to have their hands full with Bailey and CB Dre Bly, meaning the best matchups will come from whoever is lined up in the slot in three-WR formations and Donald Lee, who will see all the playing time at TE this week with Bubba Franks out. It really is no more complicated than that. Obviously, I’m not suggesting that you sit Driver or Jennings, but when you consider that the Broncos have allowed six TE scores in the last three games alone, the numbers say to play Lee.

Running Game Thoughts: Denver finally stopped blowing assignments vs. the run against the Steelers and what do you know? In most of their games this season, the Broncos linebackers looked as if they were reading pass when it was a run – just the type of thing that will happen with a new DC and when defenders are thinking instead of reacting. The Broncos did about as good of job as they could have against Willie Parker, which is a good omen when they host the anti-Steelers in the Packers, who have run for the fewest number of yards in the league. It’s safe to say that HC Mike McCarthy’s assertion that “Wynn is our starter and we’ll see where he can go” is enough reason to plug him into many fantasy lineups against a defense that has been so bad against the run in 2007. And the fact is, he’ll need to because Green Bay’s all-out passing attack will struggle against a formidable pass defense. Grant will be worked in as well, but this is one case where I believe the line is to blame, unable to clear enough space for the RB to hit the hole and go.

Projections:
Brett Favre: 240 pass/2 TD/2 INT
Donald Driver: 70 rec
Greg Jennings: 50 rec
James Jones: 50 rec/1TD
Donald Lee: 75 rec/1 TD
DeShawn Wynn: 60 rush/1 TD/20 rec
Ryan Grant: 35 rush/10 rec

Jay Cutler/Brandon Marshall/Brandon Stokley/Tony Scheffler
Travis Henry (vs. GB)
Similar passing attacks that have faced the Packers this season: Bears
Similar rushing attacks that have faced the Packers this season: N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. similar QBs: 18.5
FF Points Allowed vs. similar WRs: 5.2
FF Points Allowed vs. similar TEs: 23.9
FF Points Allowed vs. similar RBs: N/A
FF Points Allowed vs. QBs/WRs/TEs over the last 3 weeks: 18.9/4.6/20.5
FF Points Allowed vs. RBs over the last 3 weeks: 14.8

Passing Game Thoughts: Sunday night’s victory over the Steelers was an impressive gut check win for the Broncos and a coming of age of sorts for Cutler, who beat one of the league’s best defenses three times without his best WR. A similar challenge awaits when Green Bay visits Invesco Field on Monday night. The Packers are a bit easier to run against than the Steelers were, so whether Henry can continue playing through his injuries and the distraction that his pending court case must be providing are a big question mark, but he should be in line for more work and a better game than in Week 7. As far as the passing game is concerned, I would not expect Stokley and Marshall to be nearly as involved (16 targets, 11 catches, 147 yards and a TD) as last week in part due to the inability to cover the TE – much like the Broncos. Green Bay has surrendered 229 yards and three TDs to three good, but not great, TEs over the last two games (Desmond Clark, Greg Olsen, Chris Cooley), meaning Scheffler could be in line for another solid game after last week’s five-catch, 50-yard performance.

Running Game Thoughts: LaDainian Tomlinson’s 15.5 fantasy point effort in Week 3 is the best mark a RB has put together against the Packers, so don’t look for eye-popping totals from the Bronco running game in this contest. And considering the fact that Green Bay should be well-versed in the same zone blocking scheme they see every day in practice, Henry and Selvin Young should be kept somewhat in check. However, Denver should be able to keep the game fairly low-scoring, at least to the point where Henry should be able to pound away at the heart of the Green Bay defense roughly 20 times, making him a top-end #2 RB prospect this week.

Projections:
Jay Cutler: 230 pass/2 TD/1 INT
Brandon Marshall: 65 rec
Brandon Stokley: 75 rec/1 TD
Tony Scheffler: 40 rec/1 TD
Travis Henry: 70 rush/15 rec