In addition to our weekly Waiver Wire posts, we’ll also be providing valuable matchup analysis each week along with our suggestions on who to start and who to bench. If you have any additional matchup questions, or you are not sure who to start this week, feel free to post them in our Fantasy Football Forum.

Miami (4-5) at Carolina (4-5)
Miami YARDS/GAME RANK Carolina YARDS/GAME RANK
Passing Defense 239.4 27th Passing Defense 186.4 4th
Rushing Defense 97.4 7th Rushing Defense 128.1 25th
Passing Offense 177.8 28th Passing Offense 191.4 24th
Rushing Offense 156.2 4th Rushing Offense 156.6 3rd
Fantasy Impact: The Dolphins are a run first, run second, pass third team this season and with Ronnie Brown out this Thursday night Ricky Williams has a ton of value. The Panthers do not do well against the run so expect a big day out of him. Ricky is the only Dolphin worth starting this week. For the Panthers it is the same story – run the ball; however, both DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart should get plenty of touches. The Fins are decent against the run so Williams is a must start but Stewart might find your bench with the bye weeks over. There was a Steve Smith sighting last week as he found the endzone twice and was Jake Delhomme’s first read every drop back (even if it was a controlled amount). I would not state he is back but it is a great sign as fantasy teams start to make the playoff push.
Indianapolis (9-0) at Baltimore (5-4)
Indianapolis YARDS/GAME RANK Baltimore YARDS/GAME RANK
Passing Defense 214.0 16th Passing Defense 208.9 13th
Rushing Defense 108.7 15th Rushing Defense 93.9 5th
Passing Offense 321.6 1st Passing Offense 244.8 15th
Rushing Offense 86.0 29th Rushing Offense 117.4 14th
Fantasy Impact: The Colts are still undefeated and on a non-fantasy front I do not blame Bill Belichick for making his fourth down call. Now to fantasy a few years ago a Colts vs Ravens match-up would be an offense vs defense chess match however, things are different this year. The Ravens got a boost in the defensive rankings after playing an awful Browns team (they are banned from being written about see seven down) the Ravens have struggled against the pass so expect big things yet again out of the Colts big three. (Peyton Manning, Reggie Wayne, and Dallas Clark) The Ravens Joe Flacco has struggled mightily the last few weeks but he might get a break this wek facing a banged up secondary. Derrick Mason is the only Ravens receiver worth starting but only in deeper leagues since the Ravens will run the ball. Ray Rice is a must start in all leagues the rest of the way; however, he is an elite player in point per reception leagues. Oh almost forgot to mention the running back situation for the Colts – that is because they have forgotten about it as well but if you are in a deep league Joseph Addai is the only back worth starting at this point.
Seattle (3-6) at Minnesota (8-1)
Seattle YARDS/GAME RANK Minnesota YARDS/GAME RANK
Passing Defense 233.0 22nd Passing Defense 234.1 23rd
Rushing Defense 105.0 11th Rushing Defense 94.6 6th
Passing Offense 260.0 13th Passing Offense 261.2 12th
Rushing Offense 93.3 27th Rushing Offense 122.4 10th
Fantasy Impact: TJ Houshmandzadeh finally had a huge day last week and if Seattle is going to have a chance to win he will have to have another big day since Minnesota has a soft secondary. Nate Burleson was targeted only five times and had zero catches last week. This adds up to one fact – Houshmandzadeh is the clear cut number one and Burleson might need to find his way to your bench. I expect Seattle to be down so Matt Hasselbeck is an ok play in two quarterback leagues. All backs have a long day against the Vikings run defense so one of the most added players this week in Justin Forsett is in for a long day. (Julius Jones is doubtful Sunday with a hip injury). Brett Farve is having one of his best seasons; yes one of his all-time best, and that is because he is not taking as many chances. He has also found a Number One in Sidney Rice who is a great flex option this week. Of course Adrian Peterson will get his and you can bank on one hundred yards and touchdown almost every week – this week being no exception.
New Orleans (9-0) at Tampa Bay (1-8)
New Orleans YARDS/GAME RANK Tampa Bay YARDS/GAME RANK
Passing Defense 227.7 19th Passing Defense 211.9 15th
Rushing Defense 115.3 20th Rushing Defense 167.3 31st
Passing Offense 284.3 5th Passing Offense 188.4 25th
Rushing Offense 151.1 5th Rushing Offense 98.7 25th
Fantasy Impact: The Bucs cannot stop anyone on the ground and the Saints should be up early in this one which adds up nice days for both Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush. Of the two, Thomas is the must start with Bush (who had a nice game last week) being a good flex play. Of course Drew Brees is a must start but Marques Colston owners have been on a roller coaster ride this season. If Colston does not have a big first half he might not have the game his owners are expecting. The Saints defense has been slipping each week in the rankings but no Buc is worth starting. If you are in a bind then put Cadillac Williams into your line-up but do not expect his numbers from a week ago.
Atlanta (5-4) at New York Giants (5-4)
Atlanta YARDS/GAME RANK New York Giants YARDS/GAME RANK
Passing Defense 240.7 28th Passing Defense 168.0 2nd
Rushing Defense 130.3 26th Rushing Defense 106.4 13th
Passing Offense 223.1 19th Passing Offense 249.1 14th
Rushing Offense 126.1 9th Rushing Offense 138.9 7th
Fantasy Impact: Michael Turner has a high ankle sprain and will miss at least two weeks, so in steps Jason Snealling – the most added player this week. His first NFL start will not be an easy one. The Giants are coming off a bye and are rested so do not expect big things for Snealling. The Falcons will try to set up the run with the pass so young gun Matt Ryan will target both Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez early. Ryan has been looking at both White and Gonzalez almost exclusively which is great things for fantasy owners. The Giants are looking to quiet the New York media and facing a weak Falcons defense is just what they needed. All Giants are good plays this week but I think Brandon Jacobs will have his best game finding the endzone at least two times (wanted to go three there but that is even too bold for me)
Washington (3-6) at Dallas (6-3)
Washington YARDS/GAME RANK Dallas YARDS/GAME RANK
Passing Defense 162.7 1st Passing Defense 227.4 18th
Rushing Defense 125.7 24th Rushing Defense 103.1 10th
Passing Offense 221.3 20th Passing Offense 274.0 8th
Rushing Offense 107.1 19th Rushing Offense 130.0 8th
Fantasy Impact: Who is this juggernaut known as the Washington Redskins? The Skins put together an offense explosion for them last week scoring over twenty-five points and Ladell Betts had a huge day against a decent Broncos defense. This week it looks as if he will get the start again but the Cowboys are tough against the run. I still cannot say Santana Moss or Jason Campbell is a good start so they need to find your bench but if Betts has a good day there might be a running back controversy in the Nation’s capital. The Redskins are ranked first against the pass but I expect Tony Romo, Miles Austin, and Jason Witten to have servable fantasy days. The surprise last week was Roy Williams who had his best game as a Cowboy – but he still should not be in your starting line-up. This game will be won on the ground and Marion Barber has been promised more touches so start him in your flex or RB2 even confidently this week.
Pittsburgh (6-3) at Kansas City (2-7)
Pittsburgh YARDS/GAME RANK Kansas City YARDS/GAME RANK
Passing Defense 208.1 12th Passing Defense 234.2 24th
Rushing Defense 69.3 1st Rushing Defense 141.3 27th
Passing Offense 275.0 7th Passing Offense 186.4 26th
Rushing Offense 111.3 17th Rushing Offense 100.0 24th
Fantasy Impact: The Steelers need a win so they must be happy to see this match and so should the fantasy owners of Ben Roethlisberger, Hines Ward, and Rashard Mendenhall. Start all Steelers this week as the Chiefs give up a ton of points to all fantasy players. Dwayne Bowe is to miss four games for breaking the substance abuse policy which is bad things for his owners and all Matt Cassel owners (Cassel should only be started in two quarterback leagues at this point). The story for the Chiefs is Jamal Charles who had a monster day last week but he is a flex play at best this week facing this tough Steelers defense.
Buffalo (3-6) at Jacksonville (5-4)
Buffalo YARDS/GAME RANK Jacksonville YARDS/GAME RANK
Passing Defense 200.0 9th Passing Defense 238.9 26th
Rushing Defense 173.0 32nd Rushing Defense 118.7 22nd
Passing Offense 176.0 29th Passing Offense 232.2 16th
Rushing Offense 107.7 18th Rushing Offense 140.1 6th
Fantasy Impact: It looks as if Trent Edwards will not be getting the start this week but it really does not matter, Terrell Owens and Lee Evans are not worth starting even if they are facing this awful secondary and due to the time share I am not a huge fan of Marshawn Lynch or Fred Jackson as well. The best Bill to start is Lynch but with the byes over, I would hope that you have better options. Last week Chris Johnson had 100 yards rushing and 100 receiving vs this Bills defense (got that bold prediction correct) now to my bold prediction this week Maurice Jones-Drew will do the same. Expect huge things are out Jones-Drew. Mike Sims-Walker is a safe play as well and should be a considered a decent second option at wideout.
Cleveland (1-8) at Detroit (1-8)
Cleveland YARDS/GAME RANK Detroit YARDS/GAME RANK
Passing Defense 228.3 20th Passing Defense 271.7 32nd
Rushing Defense 165.8 30th Rushing Defense 114.6 19th
Passing Offense 132.1 32nd Passing Offense 214.4 21st
Rushing Offense 98.1 26th Rushing Offense 103.1 21st
Fantasy Impact: The Browns spent 95% of the Monday night game running plays on their side of the football field so let me make this simple never start a Brown again, yes they are playing the Lions but try to stay away from them. For the Lions it is the same story Calvin Johnson and Kevin Smith. Johnson looked healthy last week so feel safe starting him this week and Smith is facing an awful defense so he can move into the starting line-up as well. By the way will anyone but the die-hard Lions and Browns fans be watching this game?
San Francisco (4-5) at Green Bay (5-4)
San Francisco YARDS/GAME RANK Green Bay YARDS/GAME RANK
Passing Defense 248.3 29th Passing Defense 189.2 6th
Rushing Defense 87.7 3rd Rushing Defense 93.1 4th
Passing Offense 194.6 23rd Passing Offense 273.2 9th
Rushing Offense 102.3 22nd Rushing Offense 119.2 12th
Fantasy Impact: Last week the 49ers defense won the game for them; none the less, Frank Gore looks to be 100 percent healthy and is must start for the rest of the season. The Packers have a tough defense but when Gore plays he has produced. Defenses look to be keying in on Vernon Davis and his production has gone down a little but feel safe starting him. Since defenses are keying in on Davis, Michael Crabtree has faced single coverage and was targeted a ton of times. It is matter of time until he finds the endzone and this might be the week. For the Packers it is the Aaron Rodgers show and will be again this week. The 49ers are great against the run so Ryan Grant will have a tough time but both Greg Jennings and Donald Driver and good plays.
Arizona (6-3) at St. Louis (1-8)
Arizona YARDS/GAME RANK St. Louis YARDS/GAME RANK
Passing Defense 253.4 30th Passing Defense 236.2 25th
Rushing Defense 101.0 8th Rushing Defense 142.3 28th
Passing Offense 284.4 4th Passing Offense 196.8 22nd
Rushing Offense 84.2 31st Rushing Offense 118.9 13th
Fantasy Impact: Everyone that is going to make the playoffs trade for Cardinals. This is the first of many easy match-up from here on out. Get Kurt Warner, Larry Fitzgerald, and Anquan Boldin into your line-ups. Now, onto the only question mark of the fantasy gold Cardinals – do you play Chris Wells or Tim Hightower? I think Wells has more value going forward and this week is the same. Wells is a decent flex play. For the Rams everyone including defense knows the game plan – a lot of Steven Jackson but I do not think the Cardinals will stop him. Jackson has had a quite great season and is a must start. A sneaky play this week is Donnie Avery, he has stepped up when healthy and facing a bad passing defense he could prove to be a nice start – definitely a risk reward start.
Cincinnati (7-2) at Oakland (2-7)
Cincinnati YARDS/GAME RANK Oakland YARDS/GAME RANK
Passing Defense 231.0 21st Passing Defense 211.6 14th
Rushing Defense 83.4 2nd Rushing Defense 155.6 29th
Passing Offense 223.3 18th Passing Offense 136.3 31st
Rushing Offense 122.3 11th Rushing Offense 103.4 20th
Fantasy Impact: The Bengals have looked great this year but one of their main reasons looks to be out this week Cedric Benson. Now it is a lock they will sign Larry Johnson but do not think he is a great bye week replacement. I do not think he will see the field too much if any this week. This means the Bengals will try and air it out but Chad Ocho Cinco is going to be match-upped with possibly the best corner in the game in so start Chad but do not expect great things. With the bye weeks done no Raider should be starting on your team but keep an eye on Darren McFadden this week, he might be a ok pick-up going into your playoffs.
San Diego (6-3) at Denver (6-3)
San Diego YARDS/GAME RANK Denver YARDS/GAME RANK
Passing Defense 207.8 11th Passing Defense 186.7 5th
Rushing Defense 118.9 23rd Rushing Defense 105.6 12th
Passing Offense 275.1 6th Passing Offense 227.1 17th
Rushing Offense 75.1 32nd Rushing Offense 112.1 16th
Fantasy Impact: So my man Vincent Jackson had a bad game but he is still on pace for my prediction before the season started (yes I am writing it again – 1000 yards and 10 touches) This week I believe both Jackson and Phillip Rivers will have a good day. The Broncos are overrated (they lost to the Redskins for God’s sake) and their defense has shown some holes. With Jackson having a good day I think running lanes will be open for LaDainian Tomlinson who is having a quite bounce-back year after a few good games. For the Broncos start only Brandon Marshall (even with Orton out) and Knowshon Moreno. I am not expecting big things out of either. Sorry Denver fans I just believe this will be a route for the Chargers.
New York Jets (4-5) at New England (6-3)
New York Jets YARDS/GAME RANK New England YARDS/GAME RANK
Passing Defense 170.0 3rd Passing Defense 194.6 7th
Rushing Defense 111.6 18th Rushing Defense 110.0 17th
Passing Offense 183.9 27th Passing Offense 310.1 2nd
Rushing Offense 170.1 1st Rushing Offense 114.1 15th
Fantasy Impact: The Jets have the number ranked rushing offense in the league right now but if they fall behind to an angry Pats team they might have to air it out. With that being said, start Thomas Jones he is getting almost thirty touches a game. (guess he was not the bust I thought he would be) The only other Jet to start is Braylon Edwards who is still a hit or miss play each week. Let’s put it this way for the Patriots – they are going to have a huge bounce back game. It does not matter that the Jets are third against the pass Tom Brady, Wes Welker, and Randy Moss are all first options this week.
Philadelphia (5-4) at Chicago (4-5)
Philadelphia YARDS/GAME RANK Chicago YARDS/GAME RANK
Passing Defense 205.6 10th Passing Defense 195.3 8th
Rushing Defense 101.9 9th Rushing Defense 118.4 21st
Passing Offense 270.2 10th Passing Offense 261.8 11th
Rushing Offense 102.1 23rd Rushing Offense 85.2 30th
Fantasy Impact: Philadelphia needs a win but their stud running back Brain Westbrook will sit out this week so it will be Donavan McNabb’s game to win or lose. He is going to his hometown of Chicago this week and I think he will have a nice (not huge but good) day in front of his friends and family. This means good things for DeShawn Jackson and Brent Celek (who has a nose for the endzone) As written last week Jay Cutler has been up and down so in theory this should be a good week for him but do not bank on it. The Bears will make sure Matt Forte gets a ton of touches so he is a good play this week but bench Cutler if you have better options.
Tennessee (3-6) at Houston (5-4)
Tennessee YARDS/GAME RANK Houston YARDS/GAME RANK
Passing Defense 270.4 31st Passing Defense 223.6 17th
Rushing Defense 109.3 16th Rushing Defense 108.7 14th
Passing Offense 175.3 30th Passing Offense 294.8 3rd
Rushing Offense 161.8 2nd Rushing Offense 90.8 28th
Fantasy Impact: Vince Young has gotten wins but not great fantasy numbers – there is only one human to start on the Titans and that is Chris Johnson. Johnson is having a monster year and might end up as your number one overall fantasy player. Start Johnson and no one else on the Titans this week. For the Texans Matt Schaub and company are coming off the bye and his favorite target Andre Johnson needed it. Johnson has been playing banged up but is looking great after some well needed rest. I fully expect both Schaub and Johnson to have enormous days (bold prediction for Johnson a buck-fifty and two touchdowns). Do not start any Texan running back but keep a close eye on the situation. I believe Steve Slaton will get his job back this week but I do not feel comfortable starting him in any formats just yet.


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