For many this marks the halfway mark of the regular season. Games
are crucial, which make submitting line-ups all the more difficult
for owners. With the NFL's new format this year, byes can really
take a toll on your squad during these middle weeks. My theory with
games that involve your stud players on bye week is to win half
of those games. Injuries on both sides of the ball will affect your
match-ups greatly so keep on eye on the defenses that your players
are playing against.
Remember; always play your studs, unless of course injury is
a concern. Good luck this week!
Best
QB Jim Miller vs. Detroit
He is fresh off of a bye and will look to victimize the injured
Lions defense with many looks to Booker. Check his injury status.
QB Drew Brees vs. Oakland
He has been steady at San Diego's helm and will face a weak pass
defense in Oakland. Look for Conway to remain as the beneficiary.
RB Marshall Faulk vs. Seattle
He looked back last week against a tough Oakland run defense and
this week he faces the 2nd worst against the run. Look for him
to gain back some of the lost shine.
RB Michael Bennett vs. New York Jets
Running backs all over look forward to the opportunity of playing
this run defense. Even though they are coming off of a bye, look
for the Jets to yield some yardage to this second year man from
Wisconsin.
WR Rod Smith vs. Kansas City
One of the worst defenses in the NFL has lost top pick Ryan Sims
on the line which should give Griese some more time to hit his
best receiver.
WR Laveranues Coles vs. Minnesota
He gets another soft defense and should post similar numbers to
what he did against KC.
TE Randy McMichael vs. Buffalo
This guy is a definite candidate for rookie of the year. With
the lack of depth in receiver after Chambers' injury, the fish
say they may use him as a wide out in some sets this week.
TE Freddie Jones vs. Dallas
He showed some signs before the bye and he should be involved
this week as Dallas comes to town.
Average
QB Drew Bledsoe vs. Miami
I'm sure everyone expected more from him against Houston, but
he did what he had to do to win, look for him to throw the ball
more since Miami is tough against the run..
QB Jeff Garcia vs. New Orleans
The Saints' pass defense has been average at best all season and
Garcia is starting to get into a groove and finding TO.
RB Jonathan Wells vs. Cleveland
In less carries, he has more yards than Allen this season. He
faired well against a less than good Bills' defense and faces
an even better match up this week against the Browns.
RB Ahman Green vs. Washington
He has been under the radar for most of the season, but he has
produced big and should continue to pound it out this week. He
faired well against the Skins in last seasons meeting.
WR Az-Zahir Hakim vs. Chicago
He is finding comfort in his new home and has quickly become Harrington's
favorite target. It was nice to see him finally hit the end zone
last week and expect him to see a lot of action in what may turn
out to be a good ole fashioned shootout.
WR James McKnight vs. Buffalo
The injury bug hit the Miami Dolphins hardest last week by taking
away their QB and their top two wide outs. This circumstance has
vaulted McKnight into a starting role, which may provide the speedster
with some opportunities against a suspect Bills' pass defense.
TE John Davis vs. Detroit
He has been a scoring machine this year and while he may not rack
up the yardage, he may very well find the end zone.
TE Eric Johnson vs. New Orleans
His production has been declining and he is yet to score but the
Saints defense provides him with the opportunity to change all
of that.
Worst
QB Donovan McNabb vs. Tampa Bay
I usually love players coming off the bye, however not when they
run into a defense like this one. He still should be started on
your team, but don't expect huge numbers.
QB Trent Green vs. Denver
Trent is hobbled by an ankle injury. This is not what you want
when facing one of the fastest defenses in the league.
RB Fred Taylor vs. Baltimore
The Ravens' defense has been surprisingly good and Taylor's production
has really slowed. While he still looks healthy, it is not an
encouraging sign to not see him get the goal-line runs. Keep an
eye on him, as this may be a week for him to prove that everything
is ok.
RB Michael Pittman vs. Philadelphia
Two things why I don't like Pittman this week; one is that the
Eagles defense is tough and the other is that Alstott is coming
off of a great game and should get any looks by the goal.
WR Joe Horn vs. San Francisco
With Stallworth probably sitting again, the Niner defense will
be keying on Horn all day
WR Hines Ward vs. Indianapolis
After a fast start, Ward has quickly faded, as Burress has become
Maddox's favorite target. Look for Indy's improved defense to
give Pitt a tough game.
TE Marcus Pollard vs. Pittsburgh
He has touchdowns in his last two games, but look for Pittsburgh
to focus on him near the endzone. His yardage numbers have not
been impressive so far.
TE Ernie Conwell vs. Seattle
Due to the injury to starting fullback James Hodgins, Conwell
will shift positions. Look for him not to be involved too much
as Marshall will be the man running the ball.