Week 9 Start 'Em and Sit 'Em
By Jamey Eisenberg | Senior Fantasy Writer Follow JameyFollow CBS Fantasy Football
Start 'Em & Sit 'Em is our weekly look at the best and worst matchups from around the NFL and how they might affect lineup decisions for your Fantasy Football team. We are not in the business of stating the obvious, so you won't be reading here why you need to start Peyton Manning, LaDainian Tomlinson or any other top-tier players.
When you think of Chad Pennington, you think of a quarterback with a frail arm and a game-manager. That was his reputation with the Jets.
But with the Dolphins, who have a lack of talent at wide receiver and are built to run the ball, that couldn't be further from the truth. Pennington has been winning games with his arm and throwing the ball downfield. His best game was last week against Buffalo when he passed for 314 yards and a touchdown. And in his past three games, he hasn't had less than 280 yards with four touchdowns and two interceptions.
The Bills game earned him AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors and made us take a closer look at his performance. He's been impressive -- better than his replacement in New York -- and he should continue playing well this week at Denver, which is why Pennington is the Start of the Week.
It's hard to figure out how Pennington is getting it done, with Patrick Cobbs one week and Ted Ginn Jr. the next. His tight ends have chipped in, and Pennington has played well while the Dolphins have played with the "Wildcat" offense. Pennington said the weekly award following the Bills game was just the start of how he wants to play this season.
"It's something I think is an honor and you're happy about it, but you're not satisfied," Pennington said. "You want to continue to do things to help your team win, and that's the most important thing."
All the Dolphins should play well this week at Denver, so plan on starting Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams, Ginn and Greg Camarillo and Anthony Fasano and David Martin. The Broncos pass defense already was No. 28 with 240 yards per game allowed and 12 touchdowns, and that was with Champ Bailey, who is out with a groin injury. Denver also is No. 30 against the run with 154.6 yards per game allowed and nine touchdowns.
This game has the potential to be high scoring since the Broncos should be able to move the ball against Miami. But that bodes well for Pennington to make throws in the thin air in Denver.
He continues to get better every game, and this week he has the chance to lead your Fantasy team. Look for more accolades to come his way despite his frail arm and ability to just manage games.
He is proving those descriptions are a thing of the past.
Sit of the Week
We have talked a lot about rookie running backs this season, and for obvious reasons. They have been great as a group, with Steve Slaton among the leaders of the pack.
Slaton has taken advantage of the Texans recent schedule at home with 284 rushing yards and four touchdowns the past four games against Indianapolis, Miami, Detroit and Cincinnati. He hasn't shown any signs of slowing down.
But now, Slaton has his toughest opponent yet, and this includes games at Pittsburgh and Tennessee to start the season. The Vikings run defense is stout, especially at home, which is why Slaton will struggle at Minnesota this week.
For the season, the Vikings are only allowing 70.7 rushing yards per game. They have given up seven rushing touchdowns, but Minnesota should be rested coming off a bye week.
There is a chance Vikings' defensive tackles Kevin Williams and Pat Williams could be facing suspensions for violating the league's substance abuse policy, which has yet to be determined. But look for both to be motivated and play well, and Minnesota is getting safety Madieu Williams back for this game, which will help in run defense.
Slaton isn't expected to continue his recent tear this week, but he'll get back on track when he has a more favorable matchup. If you need a running back replacement aside from the names listed below, some other options include BenJarvus Green-Ellis (at IND), Edgerrin James (at STL), Chester Taylor (vs. HOU), Derrick Ward (vs. DAL) and Michael Pittman (vs. MIA). There's also a chance rookie running back Ryan Torain could be a factor for the Broncos if you're looking for a last-minute replacement this week.
Quarterbacks
Start 'Em
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| Kyle Orton threw for 334 yards and two TDs in his first meeting vs. Detroit. (US Presswire) |
Jay Cutler (vs. MIA): The bye week came at a perfect time for the Broncos, who were dragging their past two games in losses to Jacksonville and New England. Cutler's play was proof of that with only 360 passing yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions in those games. He also hurt his finger against the Patriots, but he's fine for this matchup. The Dolphins have allowed some big passing games on the road to Kurt Warner in Week 2 (361 yards and three touchdowns) and Matt Schaub in Week 4 (379 yards, one touchdown, two interceptions and a rushing touchdown). At home, Cutler has passed for 1,033 yards, nine touchdowns and three interceptions. He also has his full complement of receivers with Brandon Marshall, Eddie Royal, Brandon Stokley and Darrell Jackson all expected to play.
Eli Manning (vs. DAL): Manning has played some of his best games against the Cowboys. In his past four games against Dallas, including the postseason, Manning has 981 passing yards, nine touchdowns and three interceptions. Last year at Dallas, Manning tied his career high with four touchdown passes. The Cowboys defense played better last week against Tampa Bay with Wade Phillips calling the plays, but the secondary remains questionable with two rookies playing prominent roles. Manning, last week's Sit of the Week, hasn't posted big stats the past three games with less than 200 yards in each game with three touchdowns and three interceptions, but this is a good week to count on him as your starting Fantasy quarterback.
David Garrard (at CIN): Garrard is coming off his best game of the season and appears to have found his groove. He had 283 passing yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions and 59 rushing yards against Cleveland. In his past four games, Garrard has passed for 995 yards, five touchdowns and no interceptions and has attempted 150 passes without an interception. For his career, Garrard has 18 touchdowns and 10 interceptions on the road as a starter. He will also be facing a beaten defense for the Bengals, who are second in the NFL with 13 passing touchdowns allowed. Ben Roethlisberger and Matt Schaub combined for 496 yards and five touchdowns the past two games against Cincinnati. Garrard became a starting Fantasy option around this point last year, and he's starting to look like that again after a rough start. He should definitely be in your lineup this week, and he could also benefit with having Matt Jones for one more week without a suspension.
Trent Edwards (vs. NYJ): What happened to the Jets secondary when Tyler Thigpen -- Tyler Thigpen! -- throws for 280 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions? It's not just Thigpen -- the Jets pass defense has been brutal all year, allowing 232.7 yards per game with 10 touchdowns and five interceptions. Edwards should be giddy with this matchup. Last year, Edwards passed for 364 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions in two meetings against the Jets, but he's improved this season. In three home games this year, Edwards has passed for 755 yards, three touchdowns and one interception, and he should play well in this game. It helps that Lee Evans is on fire and has a good history against the Jets, averaging 102 receiving yards in his past four meetings.
Sleeper alert: Marc Bulger (vs. ARI): The Cardinals pass defense has been woeful on the road the past three games, allowing 730 passing yards, 10 touchdowns and no interceptions against Jason Campbell, Brett Favre and Jake Delhomme. That makes up the bulk of their deficiencies, and Arizona is tied with San Diego with the most passing touchdowns allowed at 14. Bulger hasn't been great against the Cardinals in his career with 1,239 passing yards, seven touchdowns and six interceptions in his past five meetings. But in 13 homes games against division opponents, Bulger has 22 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He's also aiming for his third-straight 300-plus yard game at home vs. a division opponent. Bulger has played well since Jim Haslett took over as coach and Donnie Avery returned to health. This game has the makings of a shootout, and Bulger should be right in the middle of it.
Sit 'Em
Jason Campbell (vs. PIT): Campbell has yet to throw an interception in 230 attempts, which is a big reason why the Redskins are off to a great start. In his past four home games, Campbell has 886 passing yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions. But now he faces a Steelers defense that is No. 1 in pass defense and second in the NFL with 25 sacks. Santana Moss also has some swelling in his hamstring, which could hinder his production. And without Moss at 100 percent, that would hurt Campbell's ability to make plays. Last week, Pittsburgh held Eli Manning to 199 passing yards and a touchdown. The Steelers have only allowed two quarterbacks (Matt Schaub and David Garrard) to pass for 200 yards, with Schaub the best opposing passer with 202 yards. Derek Anderson (166 passing yards and two interceptions) and Donovan McNabb (196 passing yards, one touchdown and one interception) have also struggled against Pittsburgh.
Matt Cassel (at IND): Cassel has been so erratic it has driven Fantasy owners crazy. In Week 6 against Denver Cassel had 185 passing yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. Then last week against the Rams he had 267 passing yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. The Colts should be able to limit Cassel, who now has Randy Moss dealing with an injured foot. Moss should be fine, but Cassel will need Moss at 100 percent to have any success. The Colts could also have Bob Sanders back for this game, which would help their run defense more than anything, but he makes an impact all over the field. Indianapolis already leads the NFL with only two passing touchdowns allowed and is No. 2 in pass defense, so this is not a matchup where Cassel should have much success.
Derek Anderson (vs. BAL): I like the way Anderson has played the past three games with 692 passing yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions against the Giants, Washington and Jacksonville. His lack of turnovers and two games with at least 50 percent passing is a big reason Cleveland went 2-1 over that span. But Anderson hasn't had the greatest success passing against the Ravens in his four meetings with 826 yards, five touchdowns and seven interceptions. In his previous meeting this year, Anderson had 125 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions. The Ravens pass defense remains one of the best in the NFL at No. 3 with eight touchdowns allowed and nine interceptions. They will clamp down on Anderson again this week.
Matt Ryan (at OAK): Having Ryan as a sit isn't to suggest he's going to play poorly. It's more like he's probably not going to do much beyond handing off because of Oakland's inability to defend the run. But the Raiders have done well at home the past two games in pass defense. After allowing Jay Cutler to pass for 300 yards and two touchdowns in Week 1, Philip Rivers (180 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions) and Brett Favre (197 yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions) have struggled in the Black Hole. Oakland remains among the league leaders with only six passing touchdowns allowed, and Ryan has struggled at times on the road this year. Prior to last week at Philadelphia when he passed for 277 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions, he combined for 510 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions at Tampa Bay, Carolina and Green Bay.
Brett Favre (at BUF): Favre hasn't been helping many Fantasy owners lately, especially in leagues where passing touchdowns count for four points. In his past three games, Favre has one game over 200 passing yards with three touchdowns and seven interceptions. And it's not like he's faced great defenses in Cincinnati, Oakland and Kansas City. He hasn't topped 300 passing yards yet this season and already has 11 interceptions, including one in six-straight games. Take away his game against Arizona in Week 4 when he passed for six touchdowns and one interception, and Favre's season totals are nine touchdowns and 10 interceptions. The Bills allow 203 passing yards per game with seven touchdowns and four interceptions and have played well against opposing quarterbacks at home. Matt Hasselbeck, JaMarcus Russell and Philip Rivers have combined for 554 passing yards, four touchdowns and two interceptions in three games at Buffalo.
Bust alert: Matt Schaub (at MIN): Schaub's past four games have been MVP worthy with 1,233 passing yards, nine touchdowns, two interceptions and a rushing touchdown against Jacksonville, Miami, Detroit and Cincinnati. He took advantage of a great schedule, with three of those games at home, and made sure to get Andre Johnson the ball. But now he goes to Minnesota, where the Vikings are rested coming off a bye and getting healthy in the secondary with the return of safety Madieu Williams. Schaub has four touchdowns and five interceptions on the road this year, and the Vikings have done well at home against Peyton Manning, Jake Delhomme and Dan Orlovsky, who combined for 652 passing yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions in three games. You can expect a couple of turnovers this week against Minnesota's suffocating defense.
Running backs
Start 'Em
Earnest Graham (at KC): Graham may get a boost this week for two reasons. For starters, he's facing the Chiefs, who are last in the NFL in run defense with 196.9 rushing yards per game allowed, 14 touchdowns and 15 runs of 20-plus yards. On top of that, Warrick Dunn (back) could miss the game or be limited, which would give Graham more carries. Graham is still looking for his first rushing touchdown on the road this season, but this is a good place to do it. The Chiefs haven't stopped anyone this year, and Graham has the combination of power and speed that has hurt Kansas City all season. He should also make some plays in the passing game.
Matt Forte (vs. DET): Forte is ready for his rematch against the Lions, who did a good job in limiting his rushing yards with 15 carries for 36 yards. But the thing about Forte is he makes plays all over the field and scored a rushing touchdown along with catching four passes for 25 yards and a touchdown in that game. The Lions, who rank No. 31 in run defense with nine rushing touchdowns allowed, won't be able to stop Forte this week either. Forte is still looking for his first 100-yard game at home, and this is a good week for that to happen.
Tim Hightower (at STL): There are rumblings in Arizona that Hightower may replace Edgerrin James as the starter, but don't expect that to happen this week. But for Fantasy owners, Hightower has been the better running back anyway. I like Hightower and James this week since the Rams are No. 29 in run defense with 11 rushing touchdowns allowed. In his past five games against St. Louis, James has 542 rushing yards and five touchdowns. He should have a rebound game this week, but Hightower will also factor into the mix since he's the short-yardage back. Hightower has six touchdowns on the season and has scored in five of seven games. His rushing totals are low, but he's finding a way to help Fantasy owners on a weekly basis.
Kevin Faulk (at IND): It sounds like Sammy Morris (knee) and LaMont Jordan (calf) are going to miss another game for the Patriots, but you never know with this team. But if they are out as expected, Faulk will remain Mr. Reliable and continue to lead the way. He only has one game this season with less than 50 total yards, and last week he led the team with 13 carries for 60 yards against St. Louis. BenJarvus Green-Ellis will also factor into the mix, but he's more of a short-yardage running back. Faulk also does well catching the ball, and last week he had four catches for 47 yards and a touchdown. The Colts could have Bob Sanders back this week, but Faulk would still be worth starting because of his versatility.
Michael Turner (at OAK): As we've told you all year with Turner, when the matchup is right, he's a great Fantasy option. This week is one of those weeks since the Raiders allow 144.1 rushing yards per game and 11 touchdowns. When Turner has faced a poor run defense (Detroit, Kansas City and Green Bay), he's rushed for over 100 yards and scored. When he's faced a tough run defense (Tampa Bay, Carolina, Chicago and Philadelphia), he's faltered with no touchdowns and less than 60 yards on average. This is a safe week to put him back in your lineup, but continue to check his matchups every week because that will determine his status.
Sleeper alert: Justin Fargas (vs. ATL): Fargas has struggled all year with only one game over 100 total yards and no touchdowns this season. He's dealt with a groin injury this year and sharing carries with rookie Darren McFadden. But now McFadden could miss another game with his second toe injury. That should open the door for Fargas to carry the load, and he has a great matchup. The Falcons allow 128.6 rushing yards per game and nine touchdowns this year. Last week, Brian Westbrook had 209 total yards and two touchdowns against the Falcons. If there's ever a time to count on Fargas this is it. He should do well this week.
Sit 'Em
Julius Jones (vs. PHI): The Eagles run defense returned last week by limiting Michael Turner to 58 yards. This week they get Jones, who has 42 carries for 156 yards in his past four games. He's losing carries to Maurice Morris and touchdowns to T.J. Duckett. After two stellar games against San Francisco and St. Louis, Jones has disappeared, yet Fantasy owners continue to start him (66 percent last week). It's doubtful he will get going against the Eagles, so leave him on your bench in Week 9.
Jamal Lewis (vs. BAL): Lewis has plenty of motivation to run well this week against his former team in a key divisional game, and Lewis is playing well recently with at least 80 rushing yards in his past three games and a touchdown in three of his past four. But Baltimore held Lewis to 12 carries for 56 yards in the first meeting in Week 3 and remains No. 1 in run defense with only one rushing touchdown allowed. The Ravens are trying to remain in the division hunt also, so they will be motivated as well. The key for Lewis is 20-plus carries, because each time he has that many carries he has scored this season. Look for the Ravens to keep him under that number.
Willie Parker (at WAS): Parker is expected to return against the Redskins after missing four games with a sprained knee, but he's going to be rusty, so don't be surprised if he shares carries with Mewelde Moore, who has played well with Parker out. We've also heard this before from Parker before he missed last week's game against the Giants. The Redskins only allow 82.8 rushing yards per game with four touchdowns this season, so look for Parker to be limited. And if the Steelers fall behind, Moore will see more time on the field since he's the receiving back. Let Parker knock the rust off against this tough Redskins defense before putting him back in your Fantasy lineup.
Cedric Benson (vs. JAC): I had high hopes for Benson last week against Houston. But I should have remembered who I was talking about. Benson played OK with 13 carries for 49 yards, but he doesn't break long runs and the Bengals offense is in disarray. He doesn't appear in line to score anytime soon even against the Jaguars, who haven't been great against the run with 108 rushing yards per game and five touchdowns allowed. Benson could have some value later this season with matchups against Indianapolis, Cleveland and Kansas City in December, but you can't trust him when he faces a good defense because he's not that good of a running back.
Ryan Grant (at TEN): My colleague Dave Richard convinced me to sit Grant this week because of the matchup against the Titans, and he's right, since Tennessee is tough in defending the run. The Titans have only allowed 95.5 rushing yards per game with six touchdowns and have one of the best interior linemen in Albert Haynesworth. My expectations for Grant this week were about 60 rushing yards and a touchdown at best, which could still happen, but Grant isn't worth the risk. He started to play well recently with at least 80 rushing yards in each of his past three games against Atlanta, Seattle and Indianapolis, and scored his first touchdown against the Colts. But he still hasn't looked like the dominant running back he was last year, and that player likely won't show up this week.
Bust alert: Thomas Jones (at BUF): Jones has finally started to play like a starting Fantasy option the past three weeks with four total touchdowns and 397 total yards against Cincinnati, Oakland and Kansas City. But Buffalo has done well against starting running backs recently, holding down LaDainian Tomlinson (67 total yards and no touchdowns) and Ronnie Brown (48 total yards and no touchdowns) the past two weeks. Jones struggled against the Bills last year with 28 carries for 105 yards and seven catches for 54 yards in two games. With Leon Washington becoming more of a factor and the Bills run defense playing well (99.3 rushing yards per game and eight touchdowns this season), keep Jones on your bench if you can afford to sit him.
Wide receivers
Start 'Em
Bernard Berrian (vs. HOU): Hopefully the bye week didn't cool down Berrian, who was riding a hot streak the past five games. Since Gus Frerotte took over at quarterback in Week 3, Berrian hasn't posted less than 78 yards receiving. In his past three games against New Orleans, Detroit and Chicago, Berrian has 19 catches for 322 yards and three touchdowns. He is living up to the big contract Minnesota signed him to this offseason, and that production should continue this week. The Texans have allowed nine passing touchdowns this year and are susceptible to the deep ball. Look for Berrian to get plenty of chances and make sure he's back in your starting lineup this week.
Dwayne Bowe (vs. TB): As we told you last week, don't worry about Bowe having Tyler Thigpen at quarterback. Bowe had his best game of the season with 102 receiving yards on six catches. It would be nice to see him find the end zone since he only has two touchdowns this season, but the catches and yards have made him a solid No. 2 Fantasy option. He also plays well at home with 20 catches for 261 yards in three games against Oakland, Denver and Tennessee at Arrowhead Stadium. Tampa Bay is No. 7 in pass defense, but the Bucs are among the league leaders with 10 passing touchdowns allowed. The Bucs also could be without safety Jermaine Phillips (forearm), which would hurt their secondary and help Bowe.
Donnie Avery (vs. ARI): Start Avery and Torry Holt this week because both should excel against the Cardinals. Avery is the hot player right now with 14 catches for 291 yards and two touchdowns in his past three games against Washington, Dallas and New England. And Holt has a great history against Arizona with 38 catches for 546 yards and four touchdowns in his past five meetings. Coach Jim Haslett also hinted Monday the Rams might start force-feeding Holt the ball. "His numbers will come up," Haslett said. "They'll jump up." So you have Bulger's former favorite target and his new toy in a matchup against a pass defense that is tied for the NFL lead with San Diego in touchdowns allowed at 14. This is a good time to count on both receivers.
Plaxico Burress (vs. DAL): Burress has been one of the most frustrating players for Fantasy owners this season. When he plays a full game, he's great. But when he's suspended like Week 5 against Seattle or held out to start the game like last week at Pittsburgh, he's crippling your Fantasy team. The Giants haven't seemed to mind because they are rolling at 6-1, but they should be able to count on Burress this week. Even with Dallas coach Wade Phillips' plan to double cover Burress, the Cowboys might not have enough talent in the secondary with all their injuries. Last year, Burress crushed the Cowboys with 12 catches for 168 yards and three touchdowns in two games. He needs a breakout game, and this should be the week it happens.
DeSean Jackson (at SEA): It's safe to start Kevin Curtis also this week because the Eagles have a great matchup at the Seahawks, who are No. 30 in pass defense with 11 touchdowns allowed. Jackson has been great on the road this year with 17 catches for 279 yards and one touchdown in three games at Dallas, Chicago and San Francisco. Jackson has become Donovan McNabb's favorite target even with Curtis making his season debut last week because of an offseason hernia. Curtis had three catches for 45 yards against the Falcons, but you can anticipate McNabb going to Jackson and Curtis a few times in this game.
Sleeper alert: Devin Hester (vs. DET): Hester could be the latest third-year breakout wide receiver, and his best Fantasy game was in Week 5 at Detroit when he had five catches for 66 yards and a touchdown. He should be in line for another good outing since the Lions are No. 31 in pass defense with 12 touchdowns allowed and only one interception. Detroit doesn't have enough speed in the secondary to stay with Hester, but he's also running good routes and has developed into a quality receiving option for the Bears. With Kyle Orton on top of his game, Hester should continue to develop and get better as the season goes on. Start him this week.
Sit 'Em
Calvin Johnson (at CHI): I know, the past two weeks I've said to sit Johnson, and he responded with six catches for 211 yards and two touchdowns against Houston and Washington. And it's not like the Bears secondary has been good since Chicago ranks No. 29 with seven touchdowns allowed and 10 interceptions. But the Lions are looking at Daunte Culpepper for a reason, and that's because Dan Orlovsky is not the quarterback of the future. And Johnson hasn't exactly been totally involved in the offense with only eight targets in two games. Johnson has faced the Bears twice in his career and only has four catches for 60 yards and no touchdowns. If Johnson plays well, I promise he won't show up on this list again, but I don't see him doing well this week at Chicago.
Santonio Holmes (at WAS): Holmes returns from his team-imposed one-game punishment against the Giants, but that shouldn't matter too much for Fantasy owners since Holmes was already having a down year. Hines Ward remains the No. 1 option for the Steelers, and Nate Washington has become the scoring threat with three touchdowns in his past three games. Holmes only has one touchdown on the season and has no 100-yard games. The Redskins are missing cornerback Shawn Springs, but they have still played well on pass defense with only 195.4 passing yards allowed per game with eight touchdowns and five interceptions. Holmes will either be motivated to prove his indiscretion was a mistake or he will be distracted by the problem. Either way, you shouldn't count on him this week as anything more than a No. 3 Fantasy wide receiver.
Derrick Mason (at CLE): Mason hasn't scored a touchdown against the Browns in his past five meetings, and Cleveland's pass defense has done well this year. The Browns are No. 10 in pass defense with seven touchdowns and nine interceptions. Earlier this season, Mason had only four catches for 42 yards against Cleveland in Week 3. Mason only scored one touchdown this season and last week against Oakland, Mason had one catch for 3 yards while dealing with an illness. He should bounce back this week but not enough against the Browns on the road. It's only safe to start Mason in a PPR league when he's going well, but this is not the week consider using Mason against the Browns.
Kevin Walter (at MIN): Walter has been a solid complementary option this year opposite Andre Johnson and has more touchdowns. He is coming off two touchdowns and five catches for 70 yards against Cincinnati last week. But Walter is dealing with a sore knee, which could limit him against Minnesota, and it's a tough matchup for him. The Vikings have only allowed six passing touchdowns this year, and the Texans will likely lean on Johnson this week. While Walter does have five touchdowns this year, he also has four games where he hasn't scored. And three times he's had less than 40 receiving yards, which could happen again this week against Minnesota.
Donald Driver (at TEN): This could be a rough week for Greg Jennings also since the Titans have allowed only three passing touchdowns this year, but none against opposing wide receivers. Greg Jones scored the first touchdown in Week 1, and Dallas Clark had two touchdowns against Tennessee last week. Driver has two touchdowns on the season but none in his past two games. He hasn't topped 80 receiving yards in a game, and it seems like Aaron Rodgers only has eyes for Jennings right now. This is a tough matchup for Driver coming off the bye, so keep him reserved in all leagues this week.
Bust alert: Terrell Owens (at NYG): Owens has owned the Giants in his career and has 27 catches for 455 yards and five touchdowns in his past five meetings. Last year, Owens had nine catches for 212 yards and four touchdowns against New York. But that was with Tony Romo, who remains out with a broken finger. Since Brad Johnson has replaced Romo, Owens has disappeared. He only has 11 catches for 100 yards and no touchdowns in his past three games. Last week, Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco had more receiving yards than Owens with one catch for 43 yards compared to five catches for 33 yards. Think about that for a second. That's how far Owens has fallen, and it's not safe to start him this week unless you don't have a better option on your bench. You should also consider sitting Roy Williams this week since he's still struggling to factor into the gameplan despite scoring last week against Tampa Bay. The Giants come into this game at No. 5 in pass defense with only seven touchdowns allowed and lead the NFL with 26 sacks.
Tight ends
Start 'Em
Greg Olsen (vs. DET): Olsen has been the most consistent receiving option for the Bears the past four games with 16 catches for 237 yards and two touchdowns. Included in that stretch was three catches for 87 yards at Detroit in Week 5. The Lions have struggled to stop everyone, including tight ends. Chris Cooley went for six catches for 74 yards against the Lions last week, and Owen Daniels had six catches for 66 yards and a touchdown against Detroit in Week 7. Look for Olsen to stay hot against a pass defense that remains cold.
John Carlson (vs. PHI): Carlson has played well at times and disappeared at others this year. Last week he had one catch for 13 yards against San Francisco, but the previous two games against Green Bay and Tampa Bay he combined for seven catches for 33 yards and two touchdowns. Now he faces an Eagles defense that has struggled against tight ends this year. Randy McMichael (five catches for 77 yards), Jason Witten (seven catches for 110 yards), Heath Miller (four catches for 63 yards), Greg Olsen (four catches for 35 yards and a touchdown) and Chris Cooley (eight catches for 109 yards and a touchdown) have all done well against the Eagles, and now it's Carlson's turn.
Marcedes Lewis (at CIN): Lewis ended a two-game touchdown stretch last week against Cleveland when he finished with three catches for 34 yards. Prior to that, Lewis had four catches for 88 yards and two touchdowns against Pittsburgh and Denver. The good thing about the Cleveland game was Lewis was targeted six times, and David Garrard is clicking right now. Lewis also faces a Bengals defense that has allowed 13 passing touchdowns this year, which means if you need a bye-week tight end, Lewis could be worth using this week. He is only owned in 23 percent of leagues.
Sleeper alert: Donald Lee (at TEN): We may have found a hole in the Titans defense, and it could be defending tight ends. Dallas Clark led the Colts in receiving last week at Tennessee with seven catches for 94 yards and two touchdowns. Previously, Tony Gonzalez (six catches for 97 yards), Todd Heap (four catches for 41 yards), Visanthe Shiancoe (four catches for 47 yards) and Owen Daniels (four catches for 71 yards) all had their best games up to that point of the season against Tennessee. Lee has scored a touchdown in two of his past three games and could be in line for a solid outing this week. He's another good bye-week replacement since he's only owned in 36 percent of leagues.
Sit 'Em
Kellen Winslow (vs. BAL): You've been without him two of the past three weeks, and even when he's played, he hasn't done much. At some point he's going to have a breakout game, but the Browns are involving Steve Heiden in the offense also. Winslow only has one touchdown this season and hasn't topped 60 receiving yards in a game. Winslow hasn't scored a touchdown against the Ravens in his past five meetings, and Baltimore has done well against tight ends this year. The Ravens limited Winslow (two catches for 14 yards) earlier this year and have shut down Heath Miller (two catches for 8 yards), Dallas Clark (two catches for 17 yards), Anthony Fasano (two catches for 25 yards) and Zach Miller (two catches for 56 yards) this season.
Alex Smith (at KC): Smith is capable of catching a touchdown and going for about 40 yards, or he's capable of one catch for 11 yards, which has been two of his stat lines this year. The Bucs should run all over the Chiefs this week and not do much throwing. And when they do, Smith still shares catches with Jerramy Stevens and John Gilmore at tight end. He might find the end zone, but Kansas City also only has allowed seven passing touchdowns this season. Don't count on Smith this week or any week for that matter unless you are in a dire situation.
Dustin Keller (at BUF): Keller has an opportunity to play well with Chris Baker and Bubba Franks banged up, but he's been hit or miss this year with two games with a touchdown and five games with one catch or less. He's coming off a game at Kansas City where he was involved in the offense with four catches for 38 yards, but Brett Favre still favors his receivers over his rookie tight end. With the way Favre is playing right now it's hard to depend on anyone other than Laveranues Coles and Jerricho Cotchery in the passing game, so ignore Keller this week at the Bills.
Bust alert: Heath Miller (at WAS): With the offensive line woes for the Steelers, Miller could be asked to block more than catch passes. Last week against the Giants, Miller had three catches for 52 yards, but he was only thrown at four times. He has only one touchdown this season and one game with more than 60 receiving yards. Willie Parker and Santonio Holmes return for Pittsburgh this week, which means fewer chances for Miller to touch the ball. And the Redskins have only allowed eight passing touchdowns this year and done well against tight ends. Only Jason Witten (seven catches for 90 yards and a touchdown) posted decent stats against Washington this year.
Defense/Special teams
Start 'Em
Jacksonville (at CIN): Ryan Fitzpatrick starts again for he injured Carson Palmer (elbow), which means good things for the Jaguars defense. Fitzpatrick has two touchdowns and five interceptions in four starts. He has taken 17 sacks and has six fumbles. The Bengals have averaged 10.5 points in his four starts and scored just six points last week at Houston. While the Jaguars defense has underachieved this week, they should play well at the Bengals. Cincinnati has little semblance of a running game, which should force Fitzpatrick into making plays. That's a good thing if you own the Jaguars DST this week.
Other DSTs with good matchups: Buffalo (vs. NYJ), Philadelphia (at SEA) and New York Giants (vs. DAL)
Sit 'Em
Green Bay (at TEN): The Packers defense is getting healthy with the expected return of defensive backs Al Harris and Atari Bigby and key reserves on the defensive line. But even with the added help, the Packers are facing a team that doesn't make many mistakes and controls the ball on the ground, which could be trouble since Green Bay allows 141.9 rushing yards per game with seven touchdowns. Kerry Collins has only been sacked once and has just three interceptions in six starts. He's not going to throw for many yards, but the Packers are going to struggle trying to stop Chris Johnson and LenDale White this week.
Kicker
Start 'Em
John Carney (vs. DAL): Carney has been a great replacement for Lawrence Tynes and should probably keep the job with how good he's played. He only has one game where he hasn't made two field goals this season and has gone 18-of-19 for the season with 19 extra points. The Cowboys just allowed three field goals against Matt Bryant and are tied for the NFL lead with New Orleans and San Francisco at 20 field goals allowed. Look for Carney to continue his solid season and keep Tynes on the bench for at least a few more weeks.
Other kickers with good matchups: Robbie Gould (vs. DET), David Akers (at SEA) and Neil Rackers (at STL)
Sit 'Em
Nick Folk (at NYG): Folk was one of the best kickers in the NFL last year as a rookie, but he's having a sophomore slump. Folk is 9-of-11 on field goals this year and hasn't made more than two field goals in a game. He's gone three games with one field goal or less. In two games against the Giants last year, Folk was just 2-of-2 on field goals. Since New York has only allowed 10 field goals this year and with Folk struggling, this is a good time to find another kicker for this week. Folk is being started in 74 percent of leagues on CBSSports.com, but right now he ranks at No. 19 for all kickers in a standard-scoring league.
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