Leap Year: Fantasy Finale

Aaron Rodgers is easily 2011's version of Fantasy Football's MVP. With 4,643 passing yards, 48 total touchdowns on only six interceptions and no established running game to speak of, a pat on the back is well deserved. Rodgers illuminates what a champion is. Here are week 17's champions:

Byes: none

QB

John Skelton (Ari vs Sea)

Matt Flynn (GB vs Det)

Kyle Orton (KC @ Den)

RB

Felix Jones (Dal @ NYG)

Kahlil Bell (Chi @ Min)

Donald Brown (Ind @ Jac)

WR

Damian Willliams (Ten @ Hou)

Torrey Smith (Bal @ Cin)

Malcom Floyd (SD @ Oak)

TE

Joel Dreessen (hou vs Ten)

Ed Dickson (Bal @ Cin)

Brent Celek (Phi vs Was)

DEF

Arizona vs Sea

Atlanta vs TB

Kansas City @ Den



QB

Aaron Rodgers (GB vs Det)

Ben Roethlisberger (Pit @ Cle)

RB

Frank Gore (SF @ StL)

Cedric Benson (Cin vs Bal)

WR

Laurent Robinson (Dal @ NYG)

Marques Colston (NO vs Car)

TE

Jermichael Finley (GB vs Det)

Vernon Davis (SF @ StL)

DEF

Dallas @ NYG

New Orleans vs Car

Road Birds

Swarming, swooping with wings spread and beaks aimed, the Seahawks played as if they were in a bird bath at Chicago's Soldier Field on Sunday. Although the injury-laden Bears posted 14 points, Seattle's defense only gave up eight in a 38-14 decimation from hind claw to furry ear. Hibernation may be an option for Chicago as the Seahawks picked off backup quarterback Caleb Hanie four times while sacking him four times, returning two interceptions for touchdowns and forcing and recovering a fumble that sent Bears receiver Johnny Knox to the sideline for the remainder of the season. Perched on a Space Needle, the Seahawks peer at playoff prey in hopes to steal a spot in 2011's version.

Byes: none

QB
Ryan Fitzpatrick (Buf vs Den)  If your number one signal caller is out because of injury, the Harvard hurler should be good for double figures for week sixteen.
Kyle Orton (KC vs Oak)  Orton will be decent against Oakland's 23rd-ranked pass defense at home.
Charlie Batch (Pit vs StL)  With Big Ben out with an ankle sprain, Batch will face a discouraged Rams team (2-12) with a deceivingly solid pass defense. Batch should do well regardless.
RB
Willis McGahee (Den @ Buf)  Buffalo is allowing nearly 140 rushing yards per game (29th) through fourteen games. If Willis is cleared to go, he will do just that.
Michael Bush (Oak @ KC)  Bush will be facing the 24th defense versus the run. Plus everyone else on Oakland's offense is falling to injury.
Kevin Smith (Det vs SD)  Smith should be healthy enough to start on Saturday against a Chargers unit which allows 126.1 per game on the ground.
WR
Santana Moss (Was vs Min)  Minnesota has one of the worst pass defenses, having given up a league-high 13 passing plays of 40 yards or more.
James Jones (GB vs Chi)  The Bears rank 27th in the NFL against receivers, which is great for Jones while top receiver Greg Jennings sits.
Doug Baldwin (Sea vs SF)  Seattle won't be able to run much on the 49ers, so Baldwin should benefit from a high volume of pass attempts on Saturday afternoon.
TE
Joel Dreessen (Hou @ Ind)  With Owen Daniels hobbled with injury, Dreessen has a prime opportunity to be a top sleeper on Thursday night against the Colts.
Anthony Fasano (Mia @ NE)  Why not? New England hasn't proven worthy of stopping anyone on defense, especially through the air (313.5 rec yds/gm-last in NFL).
Dustin Keller (NYJ vs NYG)  Keller will be open all game against the Giants' 29th-ranked receiving defense.
DEF

Washington vs Min
Seattle vs SF
Cleveland @ Bal

QB
Andy Dalton (Cin vs Ari)
Colt McCoy (Cle @ Bal)
RB
Peyton Hillis (Cle @ Bal)
Steven Jackson (StL @ Pit)
WR
Anquan Boldin (Bal vs Cle)
Nate Washington (Ten vs Jac)
TE
Greg Olsen (Car vs TB)
Brandon Pettigrew (Det vs SD)
DEF
Houston @ Ind
Detroit vs SD

Got MoJo?: Playoff Mode

Immeasurables are obviously invisible and can make the evaluation process rather difficult. Apparently, the eye test puts Reggie Bush, Laurence Maroney, DeAngelo Williams, Joseph Addai and LenDale White ahead of a 5' 6" tailback out of UCLA with no dancing skills in the 2006 draft. Yet six running backs and sixty picks later, there remained Maurice Jones Drew for Jacksonville, who passed on him for Marcedes Lewis in the first round. Unfortunately, no tape measure, stopwatch or talking head with a 150 thread-count suit can determine the size of this little giant's heart. Just ask his latest victim, Tampa Bay's defensive unit. The Bucs actually did a good job, containing MJD to only 136 total yards and 4 touchdowns en route to a convincing 41-14 victory on Sunday. The so-called 'Pocket Hercules' currently leads the NFL with 1,324 rushing yards. Not bad for a guy so..... close to the ground.

Byes: none

QB

Matt Hasselbeck (Ten @ Ind)  Hasselbeck is nursing a calf injury, but playing the Colts secondary should be an instant anesthetic.

T.J. Yates (Hou vs Car)  The rookie from North Carolina should have a decent game by default against one of the league's worst run defenses.

Caleb Hanie (Chi vs Sea)  Head coach Lovie Smith said that the training wheels come off against the Seahawks as they attempt to open up the playbook a bit more.

RB
Beanie Wells (Ari vs Cle)  The Browns rank 31st against the run (150.9 ypg).
Felix Jones (Dal @ TB)  Jones produces a lot more in the first half of games, which will be the case Saturday night against the Bucs who allow 139.7 yards per game on the ground (28th).
BenJarvus Green-Ellis (NE @ Den)  Although Denver's defense is solid at nearly every level, they give up 124.2 rushing yards each game in a match up that more than likely won't be a 10-6 final score.

WR
Jonathan Baldwin (KC vs GB)  Like shooting fish in a barrel....a no-brainer.
Kevin Walter (Hou vs Car)  The Panthers pass defense is not as bad as its run defense, but yielding more than 250 receiving yards per game plays in Walter's favor.
Jordy Nelson (GB @ KC)  With Greg Jennings out of the lineup, Nelson has the spotlight. Only Rob Gronkowski and Calvin Johnson have more receiving touchdowns than Nelson.

TE
Brandon Pettigrew (Det @ Oak)  The second-year tight end from Oklahoma State is closing in on 70 catches, as he did last season, and will get red zone looks against Oakland on Sunday.
Dustin Keller (NYJ @ Phi)  The Eagles will get things together on defense, just not this week.
Jermaine Gresham (Cin @ StL)  Low-hanging fruit is the most attractive, as well as the most risky, but this is the playoffs and Gresham is up against the Rams, after all.

DEF

Arizona vs Cle

Green Bay @ KC

Cincinnati @ StL

QB

Michael Vick (Phi vs NYJ)

Ben Roethlisberger (Pit @ SF)

RB

Frank Gore (SF vs Pit)

Ryan Mathews (SD vs Bal)

WR

DeSean Jackson (Phi vs NYJ)

Brandon Marshall (Mia @ Buf)

TE

Antonio Gates (SD vs Bal)

Greg Olsen (Car @ Hou)

DEF

Denver vs NE

Cleveland @ Ari

Newton's Law

Upside is merely potential success based on attributes whether they be physical, mental or both. Upside can also be described as blind predictions that have yet to be factually proven. After thirteen weeks and a 4-8 record, one thing is certain about Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton - he is the real deal, without question. 'Superman' wouldn't be a good nickname for the rookie from Auburn simply because Clark Kent's alter-ego didn't post 204 passing yards, 54 yards rushing, a 27-yard reception and four total touchdowns in a 38-19 victory at Tampa Bay on Sunday.

Byes: none

QB 

Rex Grossman (Was vs NE)  Good Rex (as opposed to Bad Rex) should appear against the NFL's worst pass defense. Maybe.

Joe Flacco (Bal vs Ind)  Sunday shall be a long afternoon for the Colts (0-12), to put things mildly.

Tarvaris Jackson (Sea vs StL)  No other reason than because the Rams are horrible on defense, Jackson will be on the field quite a bit on Monday night.

RB

Mike Tolbert (SD vs Buf)  Facing the 24th rated defense against the run (129.1 ypg), Tolbert should get a few goal line touches.

Reggie Bush (Mia vs Phi)  Two factors: Bush has proven he can rush for 100+ yards more than once and Philly has proven that their 'collection of talent' on defense (115.6 ypg) is not yet a cohesive unit.

Toby Gerhart (Min @ Det)  If AP can't go, with all of the injuries at the running back position this season, Gerhart is a better #2 play than none for week 14.

WR

Santana Moss (Was vs NE)  With Fred Davis suspended the remainder of the season, Moss will get plenty of targets against the Patriots.

Darrius Heyward-Bey (Oak @ GB)  Oakland's receivers are thin in depth. This should play into Heyward-Bey's favor against the second-worst defense in the NFL versus receivers.

Malcom Floyd (SD vs Buf)  Floyd had 108 yards receiving on the road against the 4th-best pass defense in the league. He'll be at home against Buffalo (14th) on Sunday.

TE

Dustin Keller (NYJ vs KC)  Although Keller has proven to be inconsistent this season, the Chiefs are rather generous when it comes to tight ends (6th worst) in 2011.

Vernon Davis (SF @ Ari)  Davis found the end zone against Arizona in week11.

Kellen Winslow (TB @ Jac)  Winslow is averaging more than five catches per game in the last month.

DEF

Denver vs Chi 

Seattle vs StL

Jacksonville vs TB

   

QB

Ben Roethlisberger (Pit vs Cle)

Andy Dalton (Cin vs Hou)

RB

Willis McGahee (Den vs Chi)

Steven Jackson (StL @ Sea)

WR

Laurent Robinson (Dal vs NYG)

Dwayne Bowe (KC @ NYJ)

TE

Brent Celek (Phi @ Mia)

Owen Daniels (Hou @ Cin)

DEF

Dallas vs NYG

New Orleans @ Ten

Drew-Orleans Lou-Brees-iana

New York Giants quarterback, and New Orleans native, Eli Manning didn't quite get the homecoming he expected Monday night at the Superdome. Perhaps the reason had something to do with the 363 passing yards and five total touchdowns Drew Brees mixed in his roux of offensive ingredients in the Saints' 49-24 thrashing of the Giants' injury-laden defense. Who dat? Apparently not the 'G' men.

Byes: None

QB
Dan Orlovsky (Ind @ NE)  The UConn alum will get his first crack at the worst pass defense in the league for the twelfth straight week.
Matt Moore (Mia vs Oak)  Matt Moore has improved nicely since taking over in week six, averaging 17 points in November.
Alex Smith (SF vs StL)  Under rookie head coach Jim Harbaugh, Smith has been a solid play complementing a strong running game and even stronger defense.
RB
BenJarvus Green-Ellis (NE vs Ind)  The Ole Miss grad should have a 'firm' grip on a horrible Colts defensive unit, favored by 20+ points.
Jonathan Stewart (Car @ TB)  The Bucs' defense has been less than desirable this season. Stewart should get a few big runs up the middle with outside containment set up to attempt to stop DeAngelo Williams and Cam Newton.
C.J. Spiller (Buf vs Ten)  Spiller should get rushing and receiving yards, totaling around 100. Even if he doesn't score, the Clemson Tiger is a solid sleeper for week 13.
WR
Pierre Garcon (Ind @ NE)  The Colts' leading receiver will be the second option against the Patriots - a no-brainer.
Jason Avant (Phi @ Sea) Maclin will be inactive again. Avant had 25 points last week against New England.
Doug Baldwin (Sea vs Phi)  With Sidney Rice out for the season, Baldwin should get double figures at home versus Philly.
TE
Dustin Keller (NY Jets @ Was)  Keller found pay dirt twice last week. Washington's defense falls somewhere in the middle, giving up the 17th most points to tight ends.
Jacob Tamme (Ind @ NE)  Although Tamme only grabbed two catches last week versus Carolina, the match-up (Pats' defense) is just too ripe to pass up.
Heath Miller (Pit vs Cin)  Facing a top five defense, Big Ben's security net is Miller. He only had six points the first time these two teams met. Look for red zones targets to go in Heath's direction.
DEF

Tampa Bay vs Car
Minnesota vs Den
Washington vs NYJ

QB
Matt Ryan (Atl @ Hou)
Sam Bradford (StL @ SF)
RB
Steven Jackson (StL @ SF)
Rashard Mendenhall (Pit vs Cin)
WR
DeSean Jackson (Phi @ Sea)
Dwayne Bowe (KC @ Chi)
TE
Scott Chandler (Buf vs Ten)
Greg Olsen (Car @ TB)
DEF
Detroit @ NO
Miami vs Oak

Next Man Up

When your number is called, it's best to be ready so you won't have to get ready. Detroit Lions running back Kevin Smith took full advantage on Sunday as he impaled Carolina's hapless defensive unit, accumulating 230 total yards and three touchdowns in his first game since 2008. The 49-35 shootout against the Carolina Panthers was the perfect stage for the Miami native to make his mid-season campaign for fantasy relevance.

Byes: None

QB

Andy Dalton (Cin vs Cle)  Dalton is averaging 17 points per game in the last four weeks.

Carson Palmer (Oak vs Chi)  Palmer is playing in mid-season form. Plus he'll be at home against the 30th-ranked pass Chicago defense.

Christian Ponder (Min @ Atl)  Ponder should rack up points, including some rushing yards against the 26th-best unit versus the pass in the league.

RB

Toby Gerhart (Min @ Atl)  The Stanford grad should have at least a double-figure performance against Atlanta. Gerhart is an obvious sleeper, especially for owners of Adrian Peterson.

Donald Brown (Ind vs Car)  Carolina has been consistent all season at allowing running backs to run about the field with ease, (140.7 rush ypg) which ranks 30th.

Ryan Grant (GB @ Det)  Call it a hunch, but Ryan Grant is due for a decent game with James Starks out with an injury.

WR

Pierre Garcon (Ind vs Car)  The Colts' leading receiver should be a no-brainer against a lack-luster defense (30th vs run, 16th vs pass).

Danarius Moore (Oak vs Chi)  Chicago's defense has proven to be rather weak in the secondary, giving up 284.1 receiving yards per game, which is currently the third-worst in the league.

Laurent Robinson (Dal vs Mia)  Robinson has stepped up in Miles Austin's absence, grabbing 17 receptions for 242 yards and 5 touchdowns in the last four games.

TE

Fred Davis (Was @ Sea)  The 'Skins' leading receiver will get plenty of targets facing one of the league's toughest run defenses (8th).

Scott Chandler (Buf @ NYJ)  With no. 1 receiver Stevie Johnson stranded on Revis Island all afternoon long, Chandler should get quite a few crumbs off the cake.

Vernon Davis (SF @ Bal)  The middle of the field should look a bit more open to the 6' 3", 250 pound Davis without Ray Lewis occupying it.

DEF

Tennessee vs TB

San Diego vs Den

Cincinnati vs Cle

QB

Eli Manning (NY Giants @ NO)

Joe Flacco (Bal vs SF)

RB

Ray Rice (Bal vs SF)

Marshawn Lynch (Sea vs Was)

WR

Stevie Johnson (Buf @ NYJ)

Vincent Jackson (SD vs Den)

TE

Jermaine Gresham (Cin vs Cle)

Dustin Keller (NY Jets vs Buf)

DEF

NY Giants @ NO

Philadelphia vs NE

Feathers

It has been proven that the reason birds seem to glide through the sky so easily is because of hollow bones. Apparently dreadlocks don't weigh Cardinals (3-6) All-Pro receiver Larry Fitzgerald down the least bit. With the replacement John Skelton at quarterback, the Pitt alumnus recorded his best game of the season with seven catches for 146 yards and two touchdowns on the often confused 'collection of talent', Eagles' (3-6) defense, by the score of 21-17. Cardinals are considerably smaller and more maneuverable than the much larger eagle and proved to be ever-elusive on Sunday in Philadelphia.


Byes: Houston, Indianapolis, New Orleans, Pittsburgh

QB

Alex Smith (SF vs Ari)  The former #1 draft pick is gradually gaining composure and statistical momentum with every game. This week Smith is at home against Arizona. "...fish in a barrel".

Sam Bradford (StL vs Sea)  With a run defense just outside the top ten (12th), Seattle will see plenty of balls in the air late Sunday afternoon in St. Louis. Bradford has no choice but to fit as a decent QB if your main guy is on a bye.

Josh Freeman (TB @ GB)  The Kansas State graduate is having a tough year with only nine touchdowns and thirteen interceptions. Green Bay's pass defense (31st) should delay his 2011 depression.

RB

Marshawn Lynch (Sea @ StL)  Lynch has 55 carries for 244 rushing yards with two touchdowns in the last two games against two of the stingiest run defenses in the NFL (Dallas an Baltimore).

Maurice Morris (Det vs Car)  With Jahvid Best still in his loopy state, Morris will be facing a defense that allows 137.6 (28th) rushing yards per game.

BenJarvus Green-Ellis (NE vs KC)  The law firm is primed for a 134 yard performance since that's exactly how many yards Kansas City is giving up to rushers each game (26th).

WR

Doug Baldwin (Sea @ StL)  Baldwin had thirteen receptions over twenty yards, and should continue in week eleven.

Jerome Simpson (Cin @ Bal)  With rookie A.J. Green injuring his knee against Pittsburgh last week, Simpson should get  more attention from Andy Dalton.

Steve Breaston (KC vs NE) Against the league's worst defense versus receivers...just an idea.

TE

Ed Dickson (Bal vs Cin)  The Bengals have a top ten defense in just about every category, so Joe Flacco will need a safety valve on Sunday afternoon. Dickson to the rescue.

Aaron Hernandez (NE vs KC)  It may be safe to say that everyone should get to play for New England on Monday night.

Benjamin Watson (Cle vs Jac)  One might think that Cleveland should get in the red zone against the Jags, even if they are fifth in the NFL against air attacks.

DEF

Jacksonville @ Cle

New England vs KC

Buffalo @ Mia

QB

Philip Rivers (SD @ Chi)

Jay Cutler (Chi vs SD)

RB

Ryan Mathews (SD @ Chi)

Cedric Benson (Cin @ Bal)

WR

Anquan Boldin (Bal vs Cin)

Santonio Holmes (NYJ @ Den)

TE

Greg Olsen (Car @ Det)

Scott Chandler (Buff @ Mia)

DEF

Tennessee @ Atl

Philadelphia @ NYG

Lionheart

Although they are very seldom, if ever seen, roots are ever-present. Quintorris Lopez "Julio" Jones can be seen on film running away from defenses on high school football fields in south Alabama on any given Friday night, as he did Sunday afternoon against the dismal, wretched Indianapolis Colts. The Foley, AL native snatched 131 yards receiving with two touchdowns on three receptions, conveying to naysayers that his hamstring is just fine.

Byes: None

QB
Mark Sanchez (NYJ vs NE)  The lack of defensive intensity seems to be catching up to the Patriots and opposing quarterbacks are capitalizing.
Blaine Gabbert (Jac vs Ind)  Although the rookie from Missouri is the lowest rated signal-caller in the NFL, Gabbert is playing the Colts defense. Just a hunch.
John Skelton (Ari @ Phi)  Kevin Kolb's toe injury may be the best thing to happen for the Cards' receivers. Skelton should benefit.
RB
Chris Ogbonnaya (Cle vs StL)  With Peyton Hillis sidelined with a re-aggravated hamstring, the Texas Longhorn should have a big game at home against the league's worst rush defense (153.6 ypg).
Javon Ringer (Ten @ Car)  Until CJ2K proves otherwise, Javon is a dead 'ringer' for a sleeper against the NFL's 6th worst run defense in Carolina.
Jackie Battle (KC vs Den)  Denver is allowing 115.5 rushing yards per game, which is fifteenth. Battle has proven to be the most productive in the Chiefs' backfield as of late.
WR
Michael Jenkins (Min @ GB)  Jenkins had twenty fantasy points against Green Bay in week seven.
Jabar Gaffney (Was @ Mia)  Gaffney is one of the few healthy receivers left for Washington as they face the 27th ranked receiving defense.
Jacoby Jones (Hou @ TB)  The Texans will need to pass a bit more on the road against the Bucs. Jones may get a red zone look, or two on Sunday.
TE
Ed Dickson (Bal @ Sea)  Seattle's run defense is rather tough. Dickson should pay dividends for week ten.
Brent Celek (Phi vs Ari)  Celek has 35 fantasy points the last two weeks. Plus Arizona allows 290.8 receiving ypg (29th).
Heath Miller (Pit @ Cin)  Even though the Bengals have a top ten defense against receivers, Miller has 42 fantasy points within the last three weeks.
DEF

Tennessee @ Car
Cleveland vs StL
Kansas City vs Den

QB
Eli Manning (NYG @ SF)
Joe Flacco (Bal @ Sea)
RB
Cedric Benson (Cin vs Pit)
Rashard Mendenhall (Pit @ Cin)
WR
Roddy White (Atl vs NO)
DeSean Jackson (Phi vs Ari) 179 yards, one TD in the last 4 games.
TE
Anthony Fasano (Mia vs Was)
Jermichael Finley (GB vs Min)
DEF
NY Jets vs NE
Dallas vs Buf

Bloody Horns

The most dangerous animal is a wounded one, as the winless Rams of St. Louis rallied behind a home crowd to procure their first victory of the 2011 season over the New Orleans Saints (5-3) by the score of  31-21, handing the Saints their second loss in three games. Rams running back Steven Jackson capitalized on the 24th rated 'bayou' run defense with 191 total yards and two touchdowns, temporarily stopping the proverbial bleeding.

Byes: Carolina, Detroit, Jacksonville, Minnesota

QB
Matt Cassel (KC vs Mia)  At 0-7, the Dolphins will pull out everything in the pantry to get a win. Unfortunately, it won't be this week (opposing QB rating- 103.1).
A.J. Feeley (StL @ Ari)  Indirectly related, the Dolphins are 27th versus the pass. Arizona is 30th.
Curtis Painter (Ind vs Atl)  Painter is beginning to figure things out. Facing the 23rd best pass defense in the league (265.6 ypg) should soothe the pain of another loss.
RB
Beanie Wells (Ari vs Stl)  St. Louis has worst defense in the league against the run (165.6 ypg), plus the Rams won't have the home crowd to lean on for support as they had versus the Saints last week.
Cedric Benson (Cin @ Ten)  The Titans aren't very good at stopping rushers through eight games yielding 4.3 yards per carry and 129.3 ypg, which ranks 27th.
LeGarrette Blount (TB @ NO)  The Saints have given up thirteen rushing plays of twenty or more yards this season, the most in the NFL.
WR
Eric Decker (Den @ Oak)  The Raiders have given up 101 first downs to pass plays at a rate of 279.3 yards/game (25th).
Greg Salas (StL @ Ari)  The rookie from Hawai'i has 20 receptions in five games played and will be facing the 30th ranked defense in the NFL against receivers at 295.9 ypg given up this season.
Malcom Floyd (SD vs GB)  Only New England gives up more yards to receivers each game than Green Bay (305.7 rec ypg).
TE
Jared Cook (Ten vs Cin)  Jared Cook has big play ability, catching an 80-yard touchdown pass against Cleveland in week four. He should get a red zone look, if nothing else, against the Bengals.
Jake Ballard (NYG @ NE)  The Patriots don't have the worst pass/receive defense in the world, just in the NFL (336.4). They could shut down some passing attacks in the Big Ten or SEC with the greatest of ease.
Heath Miller (Pit vs Bal)  Miller has 11 catches for 144 yards and a touchdown in the last two games.
DEF

Dallas vs Sea
Oakland vs Den
Arizona vs StL

QB
Matt Ryan (Atl @ Ind)
Mark Sanchez (NYJ @ Buf)
RB
Chris Johnson (Ten vs Cin)
Ryan Mathews (SD vs GB)
WR
Nate Washington (Ten vs Cin)
Anquan Boldin (Bal @ Pit)
TE
Tony Gonzalez (Atl @ Ind)
Jermichael Finley (GB @ SD)
DEF
NY Jets @ Buf
San Francisco @ Was

By Land, By Air

Some may ask which is bigger - gaining 234 total yards on thirty touches, or the extripation of a defense by the score of 41-7? Perhaps the most important component would be how scarily accurate the sleepers were for week seven. Houston Texans running back Arian Foster may disargee, but we know better.

Byes:  Atlanta, Chicago, Green Bay, NY, Jets, Oakland, Tampa Bay

QB

John Beck (Was @ Buf)  The indictment falls on Buffalo's 30th ranked pass defense, giving up 284.8 yards/game coupled with the fact that the Redskins will probably be playing from behind in this contest.

Andy Dalton (Cin @ Sea)  The rookie QB from TCU has began to develop focus against the elite defenses. Seattle ranks 20th (250 pass ypg).

Joe Flacco (Bal vs Ari)  The entire Raven offense needs redemption after the product they left on the field on Monday night. Arizona's 28th rated pass defense should serve as an anecdote.

RB

Knowshon Moreno (Den vs Det)  The Lions are giving up 129.4 rushing yards per game, which is 29th of 32 NFL teams.

Daniel Thomas (Mia @ NY Giants)  At 0-6, the Dolphins are a rather desperate opponent, not to mention the Giants may be on upset alert as they possess one of the worst defenses in the league versus the run (27th).

Delone Carter (Ind @ Ten)  The Syracuse alumnus should be a solid sleeper against the 24th ranked run defense if your RB is on bye this week.

WR

Greg Little (Cle @ SF)  Although the 'Niners defense has a tough reputation with the second-best defensive unit against the run, their pass D - not so much, 22nd rated as of week eight.

Nate Washington (Ten vs Ind)  The Colts have given up 95 first downs by way of the pass. This shouldn't be too hard to figure out.

Doug Baldwin (Sea vs Cin)  Baldwin is emerging as one of the most talented rookie wide receivers, leading the Seahawks in receiving. Playing against the 4th-ranked pass defense, Baldwin should be a descent number two WR, lining up with teammate Sidney Rice, in week eight.

TE

Aaron Hernandez (NE @ Pit)  Even though Pittsburgh has the third-ranked pass defense, New England seems to have figured out how to exploit the run-stopping linebackers in pass coverage by saturating the middle of the field with pass-catching tight ends.

Greg Olsen (Car vs Min)  The Vikings are giving up 296 receiving yards per game, which is 30th. If they double Steve Smith, Olsen should get a few red zone looks.

Brandon Pettigrew (Det @ Den)  With the primary focus on Megatron, Pettigrew should pay dividends against the 19th-ranked receiving defense in the NFL this week. 

DEF

Cincinnati @ Sea

Cleveland @ SF

Houston vs Jac

QB

Matthew Stafford (Det @ Den)

Eli Manning (NY Giants vs Mia)

RB

Beanie Wells (Ari @ Bal)

DeAngelo Williams (Car vs Min)

WR

Sidney Rice (Sea vs Cin)

Dwayne Bowe (KC vs SD)

TE

Marcedes Lewis (Jac @ Hou)

Vernon Davis (SF vs Cle)

DEF

Pittsburgh vs NE

Dallas @ Phi

Gentle Giant

With Brandon Jacobs sidelined with a knee injury, his partner in the backfield, Ahmad Bradshaw, saw all of the goaline touches for the Giants during their 27-24 victory over the Buffalo Bills Sunday. Three one-yard scores and 104 rushing yards put the Marshall alumnus over the top for week seven. The Giants go into the bye week with a 4-2 record, which is good enough for first place in the NFC East. They host Miami (0-6) on October 30.

Byes: Buffalo, Cincinnati, New England, NY Giants, Philadelphia, San Francisco

QB

Colt McCoy (Cle vs Sea)  The Seahawk defense ranks around the middle of the league (18th), however, with Peyton Hillis hobbled with a hamstring injury, the offense falls on McCoy's shoulders at home.

Christian Ponder (Min vs GB)  If anything, the Vikings should be playing from behind for the majority of the game.

Curtis Painter (Ind @ NO)  The Saints' secondary has given up five passing plays over 40 yards. Plus the Colts are rushing for only 84 yards per game.

RB
Daniel Thomas (Mia vs Den)  Denver is yielding the eighth most rushing yards per game (123.4) in the NFL, coupled with the fact that Matt Moore is the Fins' QB.
DeMarco Murray (Dal vs StL)  The Rams are currently allowing 161.8 rushing yards/game, the NFL's worst.
Ryan Torain (Was @ Car)  The only team giving up more rushing yards per game than the Panthers are the St. Louis Rams (140.3). Torain should benefit.

WR
Brandon Lloyd (StL @ Dal)  With the Rams being 0-6, desperate, and Dallas having the stingiest rush defense in the NFL, the newly acquired Lloyd should have a decent day, at worst, no matter who the quarterback is.
Jacoby Jones (Hou @ Ten)  Tennessee has a top ten defense against receivers, but with Andre Johnson out yet another game, Jones should be a solid sleeper for week seven.
Darrius Heyward-Bey (Oak vs KC)  The Chiefs are giving up around 255 receiving yards per contest. And don't forget, Pro Bowl safety Eric Berry is out for the season.

TE
Brandon Pettigrew (Det vs Atl)  Atlanta's defense against receiving is the fifth worst that the NFL has to offer. Pettigrew should get a few red zone looks.
Ed Dickson (Bal @ Jac)  Although the Jags possess the seventh best defense against the air attack, the middle of the field should be open often with their cornerbacks occupied with Boldin and Smith.
Fred Davis (Was @ Car)  Regardless of which defense is on the field, it's time to take the training wheels off. Davis is currently leading Washington in receiving with 343 and second in receptions with 22.

DEF

Cleveland vs Sea
Jacksonville vs Bal
Dallas vs StL

QB
Matt Ryan (Atl @ Det)
Joe Flacco (Bal @ Jac)

RB
Adrian Peterson (Min vs GB)
Michael Turner (Atl @ Det)

WR
Vincent Jackson (SD @ NYJ)
Anquan Boldin (Bal @ Jac)

TE
Marcedes Lewis (Jac vs Bal)
Kellen Winslow (TB vs Chi)

DEF
NY Jets vs SD
Green Bay @ Min

Best Foot Forward

Despite suffering a sprained left foot, Ben Roethlisberger threw five touchdowns on 24 of 34 passes in a 38-17 slaughter of Tennessee's defense. 'T must be the shoes, aye?  Week six...

Byes:
Arizona, Denver, Kansas City, San Diego, Seattle, Tennessee

QB

Mark Sanchez (NYJ vs Mia)  The Dolphins had a bye week to address their deficiencies in the secondary. It won't help (307 pass ypg - 31st).

Sam Bradford (StL @ GB)  The defending champs are still giving up nearly 300 yards to opposing qb's per game. Bradford should perform no differently.
Eli Manning (NYG vs Buf)  Buffalo's arena style of play (defense 283.4 pass ypg) fits perfectly into Eli's game plan - to play catch up.

RB
James Starks (StL @ GB)  The winless Rams and their matador-like run defense are yielding a league-worst 179.8 yards on the ground.
Tim Hightower (Was vs Phi)  Marshall Faulk said it best, describing the Eagles defense as a 'collection of talent', as opposed to a unit, giving up 140.2 rushing yards per game (30th).
Cedric Benson (Cin vs Ind)  The Colts' defense is 31st in the league against the run, averaging 145.2 yards and a league-high 45 rushing first downs per contest.

WR
Victor Cruz (NYG vs Buf)  Buffalo's defense has given up 74 first downs to pass plays this season.
Mike Sims-Walker (StL @ GB)  318.6 is a lot of passing yards to give up per game, which is 31st in the NFL. Sims-Walker should benefit.
Roy Williams (Chi vs Min) The Vikings secondary is the ultimate remedy to an anemic passing game (294 rec. ypg - 26th).

TE
Ed Dickson (Bal vs Hou)  Although Houston is ranked sixth at defending receivers, Dickson should benefit from the loss of LB/DE Mario Williams, who is 6'6".
Scott Chandler (Buf @ NYG)  Bills QB Ryan Fitzpatrick spreads the pigskin wealth. Plus Chandler's 6'7" frame is an easy red zone target.
Kellen Winslow (TB vs NO)  The Saints have given up a touchdown to opposing tight ends in the last four games.

DEF

Washington vs Phi  The 'Skins are currently holding opponents to 15.8 points per game (3rd).
Cincinnati vs Ind
Cleveland @ Oak

QB
Joe Flacco (Bal vs Hou)
Josh Freeman (TB vs NO)
RB
BenJarvus Green-Ellis (NE vs Dal)
DeAngelo Williams (Car @ Atl)
WR
Brandon Marshall (Mia @ NYJ)
Reggie Wayne (Ind @ Cin)
TE
Vernon Davis (SF @ Det)
Jermichael Finley (GB vs StL)
DEF
San Francisco @ Det
Green Bay vs StL

Week Five: The Beginning of the Byes

Everybody please stand if you knew the NFL season was going to begin on schedule. Okay, of those who remain standing, if you had any idea Carolina Panthers rookie quarterback Cam Newton would be third in passing behind Brady and Brees by week five, please remain standing. Interesting, no?
Let's get down to business without delay, shall we?

Byes:
Baltimore, Cleveland, Dallas, Miami, St. Louis, Washington

QB
Donovan McNabb (Min vs Ari)  Arizona ranks 26th in the league, giving up 282.8 yards passing per game.
Alex Smith (SF vs TB)  The Bucs have yielded 47 first downs to passes while giving up 270.7 (21st) yards per contest through the air with only two interceptions.
Curtis Painter (Ind vs KC)  So far this season, opposing qb's of Kansas City have a 94.1 rating.
RB
Pierre Thomas (NO @ Car)  The Panthers are currently giving up 143.8 rushing yards per game (31st).
Joseph Addai (Ind vs KC)  The Chiefs rank 27th against the run.
Willis McGahee (Den vs SD)  With the Chargers giving up 101.5 rushing yards per game, McGahee should be a solid sleeper for week five.
WR
Darrius Heyward-Bey (Oak @ Hou)  The Texans are getting passed on at a rate of 235.8 yards per through four games.
Nate Burleson (Det vs Chi)  Two reasons: The Bears are giving up 315 receiving ypg, and Calvin Johnson is on Burleson's opposite side.
Early Doucet (Ari @ Min)  The Vikings rank 28th in the NFL with 304 yards per through the air.
TE
Dustin Keller (NYJ @ NE)  The Patriots are last in the league vs. the pass.
Owen Daniels (Hou vs Oak)  The Raiders pass defense has given up 60 first downs. Plus with Andre Johnson hobbled, Daniels should pay dividends at home.
Scott Chandler (Buf vs Phi)  The Eagles are confused with no chemistry in the secondary,  yielding 237.2 passing ypg.
DEF

Houston vs Oak
Cincinnati @ Jac
Detroit vs Chi

QB
Drew Brees (NO @ Car)
Jay Cutler (Chi @ Det)
RB
Michael Turner (Atl vs GB)
Rashard Mendenhall (Pit vs Ten)
WR
Mike Wallace (Pit vs Ten)
Brandon Lloyd (Den vs SD)
TE
Kellen Winslow (TB @ SF)
Marcedes Lewis (Jac vs Cin)
DEF
NY Jets @ NE
Green Bay @ Atl