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.
DeAngelo Williams wasn't expected to be the No. 1 running back for the Panthers this year after they drafted rookie Jonathan Stewart in the first round of the NFL Draft. But here Williams is, leading the way.
It's not like Williams has been dominant. He shares the job with Stewart, and it's a good balance where Fantasy owners can use both rushers. Williams leads Carolina in carries (121) and rushing yards (525) and has scored three rushing touchdowns. He's also chipped in with 12 catches for 76 yards and two touchdowns.
Stewart, the short-yardage back, has 95 carries for 359 yards and five touchdowns. Eventually, Stewart could be the best Fantasy option in Carolina's backfield, but now he's second fiddle.
While you should use both running backs this week at Oakland, Williams gets the nod as the Start of the Week. The Raiders, who appear to be mailing it in, allow 157.6 rushing yards per game with 12 touchdowns.
Last week, Atlanta proved a tandem could run over the Raiders when Michael Turner had 31 carries for 139 yards at Oakland and Jerious Norwood chipped in with 13 carries for 63 yards and a touchdown. You can expect similar production from the Carolina duo.
The Panthers also benefit with starting offensive linemen Jeff Otah and Ryan Kalil expected to return from knee injuries. But even if those two can't play, Williams and Stewart should still excel, and don't worry about Stewart being limited in practice with a heel injury because he will play against the Raiders.
Williams has done well against some poor run defenses already this year, rushing for 123 yards and scoring three total touchdowns against Kansas City in Week 5 and gaining 108 yards and a touchdown against Arizona in Week 8. He has a chance for a similar game this week, so count on Williams in Week 10. Stewart will also play well, but Williams is the best running back in Carolina right now. And this is his week to shine.
Sit of the Week
Marshawn Lynch isn't living up to his nickname of "Beast Mode." He hasn't been running with the same ferociousness Fantasy owners have come to expect. Lynch hasn't had a 100-yard game yet this year and hasn't topped 85 rushing yards in a game. He does have six touchdowns, but he's only averaging 3.5 yards per carry.
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Marshawn Lynch faces a stiff test Sunday in Foxboro.
(US Presswire)
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The Bills also have some holes on the offensive line with center
Melvin Fowler and right guard
Brad Butler banged up. It showed last week against the Jets with
Kris Jenkins pushing the Bills around. Jenkins and his friends, along with a stomach ailment, held Lynch to 16 yards against the Jets. And now he has another tough matchup.
The Patriots run defense has been stellar this year outside of one game. If you remove Week 3 against Miami from the schedule, the Patriots have yet to allow a rushing touchdown this season. Ronnie Brown and the "Wildcat" scored four touchdowns that day, but no other team has scored on the ground against New England. With Vince Wilfork leading the way, the Patriots front seven has been dominant.
Lynch could again find it tough to run up the middle, with his offensive line dealing with the Patriots meaty defensive front. It's a good idea to sit Lynch this week.
If you're looking for some backup Fantasy options with better matchups, consider Kevin Faulk and BenJarvus Green-Ellis in the same game, Leon Washington (vs. STL), Ryan Torain (at CLE) and Ray Rice (at HOU) if Willis McGahee (ankle) is still less than 100 percent.
Quarterbacks
Start 'Em
Brett Favre (vs. STL): Favre has been terrible recently with eight interceptions in his past four games and a streak of seven games in a row with a pick. He also has just three touchdowns in his past four games and no 300-yard games this season. But he should bounce back at home against the Rams. In New York, Favre has 10 touchdowns and seven interceptions in four games. The last time he faced a NFC West team was Week 4 against Arizona, when he passed for 289 yards, six touchdowns and one interception. The Rams allow 246.2 passing yards per game with 12 touchdowns and couldn't stop the Cardinals last week at home. This is a bounce back game for Favre and a week where you can trust him.
David Garrard (at DET): Garrard has passed for 1,224 yards, five touchdowns and one interception and also ran for a touchdown in his past five games. He's carrying the offense right now with Jacksonville failing to effectively run the ball. Look for Garrard to keep up his solid play against the Lions, who have allowed 247.1 passing yards per game with 13 touchdowns and only two interceptions. The Jaguars offense should start to play well this week since Detroit is last in total defense and scoring defense, and Jacksonville should be motivated after an embarrassing loss at Cincinnati last week. It helps Garrard that he has Matt Jones for another week since the standout receiver won't be suspended yet.
Chad Pennington (vs. SEA): This is another game where a West Coast team comes East for a 1 p.m. start, which is never easy. That bodes well for Pennington, who is looking for his fifth-consecutive game with at least 280-plus passing yards. He has five touchdowns and three interceptions in his past six games, and Seattle's pass defense has been brutal, allowing 258 yards per game with 13 touchdowns and only three interceptions. Donovan McNabb ripped through Seattle last week, and Pennington should remain hot. He's getting solid production from Greg Camarillo, and Ted Ginn Jr. continues to improve, which has helped Pennington's performance.
Aaron Rodgers (at MIN): Rodgers played well in his first game against the Vikings in the season opener with 178 passing yards, one touchdown and no interceptions and a rushing touchdown. He's also played well on the road this year with two of his three 300-yard games, eight touchdowns and four interceptions. The Vikings pass defense has improved this year but still allows 232.9 yards per game, eight touchdowns and six interceptions, and Minnesota could be without standout defensive end Jared Allen (shoulder), which would hurt the pass rush. Look for Rodgers to lead the Packers in this game with Minnesota's ability to defend the run, and count on Rodgers for another good game this week.
Matt Ryan (vs. NO): Ryan has taken advantage of playing at home, where he's 3-0 to start his career. He has passed for 654 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions at home against Detroit, Kansas City and Chicago. And he's getting better as the season goes on, averaging 248 passing yards with seven touchdowns and three interceptions in his past four games. The Saints defense, which has already struggled against the pass with 237.2 yards per game and 12 touchdowns allowed, now loses standout defensive end Charles Grant (triceps) for the season. That should allow Ryan more time to find Roddy White and continue to post solid stats as the best rookie this season.
Sleeper alert: Brady Quinn (vs. DEN):The Browns were smart to give Quinn his first NFL start against the Broncos, who have struggled to stop the pass all year, allowing 243.3 yards per game with 12 touchdowns and three interceptions. Denver also is without four starters on defense, including defensive backs Champ Bailey and Marlon McCree. Quinn might not have much more success than Derek Anderson, especially if Kellen Winslow doesn't play well and Braylon Edwards keeps dropping the ball. But this is a good week to find out, and if you need a Fantasy quarterback, Quinn is worth starting. Some other quarterbacks who can be used as sleepers this week include Tyler Thigpen (at SD), Marc Bulger (at NYJ), Shaun Hill (at ARI), Trent Edwards (at NE) and Joe Flacco (at HOU).
Sit 'Em
Eli Manning (at PHI): Manning has played well at times in this matchup and struggled at others with six touchdowns and seven interceptions in his past five meetings. Last year, Manning averaged 177 passing yards with two touchdowns and one interception against the Eagles. This could be another game where Manning posts average stats, and he has less than 200 passing yards in each of his past two road games with two touchdowns and three interceptions. The Eagles also allow just 191.5 passing yards per game with 10 touchdowns and eight interceptions. They are among the league leaders with 27 sacks and should come after Manning this week. It doesn't help Manning that Plaxico Burress has struggled the past two games with six catches for 49 yards against Pittsburgh and Dallas.
Gus Frerotte (vs. GB): Frerotte has been a serviceable replacement for many Fantasy owners, but this is a week he could struggle. The Packers have done well in pass defense with 183.9 yards allowed per game with nine touchdowns and 13 interceptions. They also are getting healthy with Al Harris and Atari Bigby returning from injury last week against Tennessee. The Packers problem is run defense, and the Vikings should lean on Adrian Peterson this week. Don't expect Frerotte to do much, and he has an interception in five of six starts this season, with eight interceptions overall. Tarvaris Jackson started the first meeting against Green Bay in Week 1 and passed for 178 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Look for Frerotte to post similar stats.
Rex Grossman (vs. TEN): Grossman will replace the injured Kyle Orton (ankle), and he led the Bears to a win against Detroit last week with 58 passing yards, one touchdown and one interception and a rushing touchdown. Grossman is not going to pick up where Orton left off, so don't count on Grossman as an injury replacement this week. The Titans are tied with Green Bay for the most interceptions at 13, and Tennessee has only given up four passing touchdowns. This should be a low-scoring game, and Grossman has a chance to make a few mistakes against an aggressive defense.
Ben Roethlisberger (vs. IND): Big Ben has a big shoulder problem after getting hurt against Washington and might not play this week. But even if he does, keep him out of your Fantasy lineup. A bum shoulder is never good for a quarterback, especially one like Roethlisberger who takes too many hits. And he's facing a Colts defense that has only allowed two passing touchdowns this year. If Roethlisberger does play, he will do a lot of handing off. If he's out, Byron Leftwich would start for the Steelers, and he should also be considered a sit. The Steelers don't have to throw to be competitive in this game.
Sage Rosenfels (vs. BAL): Rosenfels replaces the injured Matt Schaub (knee), and he has played well when Schaub gets hurt. Twice this year Rosenfels has played for Schaub and has 470 passing yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions. He has great weapons in Andre Johnson, Owen Daniels and Kevin Walter and could be throwing a lot with Houston unable to run against the Ravens. But Baltimore's pass rush could rattle Rosenfels, especially with the way Terrell Suggs is playing. Baltimore's secondary is banged up right now, but Rosenfels could make too many mistakes to help your Fantasy team. He's also fumbled the ball three times in his limited action, and we all remember what happened in Week 5 against Indianapolis when his turnovers lost the game.
Bust alert: Donovan McNabb (vs. NYG): McNabb had a miserable time with the Giants last year. In the first game at New York, thanks to Osi Umenyiora abusing backup tackle Winston Justice, McNabb was sacked 12 times. The Giants sacked McNabb 15 times in two games and he combined for 317 passing yards, one touchdown and no interceptions against the Giants. This year, Umenyiora (knee) is out, and Winston is on the bench. Still, the Giants pass rush is nasty, ranking No. 2 behind Pittsburgh with 30 sacks. They will attack McNabb and make things miserable for him. New York also allows just 175 passing yards per game with eight touchdowns and 11 interceptions. This is a game where McNabb will struggle, so if you start him, lower your expectations. And if you're looking for a replacement this week, check our list of sleepers above.
Running backs
Start 'Em
Maurice Jones-Drew (at DET): Jones-Drew has frustrated Fantasy owners all season. He's capable of greatness, as evidenced by his two 100-yard games against Indianapolis and Denver. And at times he disappears, like his games against Tennessee, Buffalo and Pittsburgh, when he's rushed for less than 20 yards each time. The good thing is Jones-Drew has scored six touchdowns, but you know he can do more. That should happen this week against the Lions, who are No. 31 in run defense at 161.8 yards per game allowed and 11 touchdowns. Jones-Drew has failed to take advantage of good matchups the past two weeks against Cleveland and Cincinnati, but the Lions have allowed 329 rushing yards the past three games to Matt Forte, Clinton Portis and Steve Slaton. Look for Jones-Drew to step up this week with a strong performance.
Thomas Jones (vs. STL): For a player who struggled to find the end zone last year, Jones is making a habit of scoring recently. He has five touchdowns in his past four games and has become a solid Fantasy option. It would be nice to see Jones get more than 12 carries, which is all he got last week at Buffalo, but that would mean Brett Favre relinquishing the ball. Still, even with less than 20 touches, look for Jones to thrive against the Rams. St. Louis allows 155.5 rushing yards per game and 12 touchdowns this season. The Rams have allowed 398 rushing yards and four touchdowns the past four games to Tim Hightower, Kevin Faulk, Clinton Portis and Marion Barber. Jones should add to St. Louis' woes.
Tim Hightower (vs. SF): Hopefully the Arizona coaches don't feel bad for Edgerrin James and give him his job back because Hightower has proven he's ready for the starting job. Hightower started last week at St. Louis and ran for 109 yards and a touchdown. He looked like a proven veteran and is poised to establish himself as a starting Fantasy option. In Week 1, the Cardinals did a good job running against the 49ers. James had 100 yards rushing, and Hightower scored a touchdown. Hightower has a chance to achieve both marks since San Francisco allows 112 rushing yards per game with 10 touchdowns. The 49ers should be ready coming off a bye week, but the Cardinals offense is clicking right now, with Hightower finally energizing the ground game. He will be hard to stop on Monday night.
Mewelde Moore (vs. IND): Willie Parker is out for this game with a shoulder injury, meaning Moore will start again, and he has a great matchup. He faces a weak run defense for the Colts, who allowed 140 rushing yards and a touchdown against New England last week even with the return of safety Bob Sanders. Indianapolis allows 143.6 rushing yards per game and 10 touchdowns this season. In three starts when Parker was out with a knee injury, Moore averaged 101 rushing yards and scored four touchdowns. The Steelers will likely rely on Moore with Ben Roethlisberger dealing with an injured shoulder. Make sure you get Moore active and put Parker on the bench.
Jamal Lewis (vs. DEN): It's amazing how stats work. Here's an example with Lewis. Every time he's had at least 20 carries this season he's scored a touchdown, which he's done three times this year. When he doesn't get 20 carries, he doesn't score, which has been the case five times, including last week against Baltimore when he had 19 carries. With Brady Quinn making his first start this week, look for the Browns to lean on Lewis and give him the ball 20-plus times, and you know what that means. He's also facing a Broncos defense that will be missing Champ Bailey, Boss Bailey, D.J. Williams and Marlon McCree. Denver already allows 144.6 rushing yards per game and 10 touchdowns. The Broncos won't be able to stop Lewis with all their injuries on defense.
Sleeper alert: Deuce McAllister (at ATL): McAllister will start this week with an appeal pending on his possible suspension for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy and with Reggie Bush (knee) still out. He started the Saints last game against San Diego in England and had 18 carries for 55 yards and a touchdown and four catches for 40 yards, proving he can do it all. McAllister has also done well the three times he's reached double digits in carries this year, which will happen again this week. He faces a Falcons defense that allows 120.9 rushing yards per game and nine touchdowns. McAllister didn't face Atlanta last year because of his knee injury, but he ran for 152 yards and two touchdowns against the Falcons in 2006. He's capable of 80 rushing yards and a touchdown in this matchup.
Sit 'Em
Steven Jackson (at NYJ): It was a bad sign that the Rams signed Samkon Gado this week. It could mean that Jackson might not play against the Jets after dealing with a thigh injury the past two weeks. He missed Week 8 at New England and was limited to seven carries for 17 yards against Arizona in Week 9. You don't want to run the risk of counting on Jackson and having him miss the game. On top of that, if he does play, he will be less than 100 percent and facing a tough run defense. The Jets are No. 4 against the run with 76 yards per game allowed and seven touchdowns. Kris Jenkins is a beast on the Jets defensive line, and he and his teammates will key in on an injured Jackson this week.
Ryan Grant (at MIN): Grant has run well against the Vikings. In his past two games, he has 37 carries for 211 yards and a touchdown. But those two games were in Green Bay, and the Vikings have been tough against the run at home. For the season, the Vikings are allowing just 69.6 rushing yards per game with seven touchdowns. Last week, the Vikings held Steve Slaton to 62 rushing yards, but he also added 56 receiving yards. Grant isn't a receiver out of the backfield with only four catches for 8 yards. And he only has one touchdown on the season. The Vikings could be without defensive end Jared Allen, but as long as Kevin Williams and Pat Williams line up at defensive tackle, Minnesota will be tough against the run. And both tackles will be in there this week.
Steve Slaton (vs. BAL): Slaton, last week's Sit of the Week, showed his versatility by gaining 118 total yards at Minnesota and playing better than expected. It helped that Ahman Green (groin/hamstring) was out, giving Slaton all the touches. That could happen again this week, but Baltimore's defense is even tougher than Minnesota's. The Ravens are No. 1 in run defense with 64.2 rushing yards per game allowed and one touchdown. It will be tough for Slaton to duplicate last week's performance even if he makes an impact in the passing game. If Green returns, that will also mean fewer touches for Slaton, which would further hamper his production.
Jamaal Charles (at SD): Charles gets his chance in the spotlight with Larry Johnson suspended and Kolby Smith (knee) out for the season. Charles played well against Tampa Bay last week with his first career 100-yard game. The rookie could be the future at running back for Kansas City, especially with Johnson's recent disciplinary troubles, but the Chargers should be ready for Charles this week. San Diego has been mediocre at stopping the run this year with 106.5 yards per game allowed and six touchdowns. But coming off a bye, the Chargers will be prepared at home. Charles is also looking for his first touchdown of the season, and he shouldn't be considered a reliable Fantasy option just yet.
Justin Fargas (vs. CAR): It appears like Darren McFadden (toe) is going to miss another game, which should help Fargas with increased touches. But last week against Atlanta with McFadden out, Fargas was still limited with six carries for 23 yards. I expected Fargas to play better, but it's obvious you can't count on any of the Raiders right now. Carolina also has done well against the run with 99.9 yards per game allowed and four touchdowns. The Panthers are coming off a bye week, so look for them to be fresh and ready to clamp down on Fargas. The Raiders looked like they had given up last week against Atlanta, and could you blame them with how this season has gone? Stay away from Fargas this week.
Bust alert: Joseph Addai (at PIT): The Steelers run defense has been impressive, allowing just 70.1 yards per game and three touchdowns on the season. They held the league's leading rusher in Clinton Portis to 51 rushing yards last week. Addai returned from a two-game absence from a hamstring injury last week against New England and looked sluggish with 17 carries for 32 yards and two catches for 10 yards. He won't find much room to run against the Steelers, and he could spend extra time blocking on passing plays with Pittsburgh's ability to blitz. Addai, who is still looking for his first 100-yard game this season, will have better days ahead with matchups against Houston, Cleveland, Cincinnati and Detroit. But this is a week to keep him reserved if you can afford to do so and find a better player who has an easier matchup.
Wide receivers
Start 'Em
Lee Evans (at NE): Evans hasn't played well against the Patriots with only 12 catches for 165 yards and no touchdowns in his past five meetings. But New England's secondary has changed this year, and not for the better. Evans has 23 catches for 434 yards and three touchdowns in his past five games. Since Buffalo should struggle to run the ball this week, Trent Edwards will have to throw, and we all know he will be looking in Evans' direction. Start Evans this week and look for him to exploit New England's secondary, which has allowed 212.6 passing yards per game with 13 touchdowns.
Braylon Edwards (vs. DEN): No Champ Bailey means good things for Edwards, even with Brady Quinn making his first NFL start. Edwards has played well at home with nine catches for 240 yards and two touchdowns in his past two games against the Giants and Baltimore. Those teams have a better pass defense than Denver, especially without Bailey. Last week, Greg Camarillo had 11 catches for 111 yards lined up against cornerback Karl Paymah. Edwards should be giddy if Paymah lines up across from him Thursday night.
Marques Colston (at ATL): I'm looking forward to putting Colston back in my lineup this week and getting the type of production I expected when I drafted him. I know you are too. Colston has a good history against the Falcons with 19 catches for 234 yards and two touchdowns in three games. He got an extra week to get his thumb healthy following the bye and should be ready to go. Colston had two catches for 56 yards in his last game against San Diego in England, and this is the week his season really begins. The Falcons allow 205 passing yards per game with 10 touchdowns, and Colston will test their secondary in this matchup.
Laveranues Coles (vs. STL): I like Coles and Jerricho Cotchery this week so feel free to start both. Coles is coming off his worst game since Week 1 at Miami when he had one catch for 5 yards with three catches for 40 yards at Buffalo. But coming home does wonders for Coles since he has 26 catches for 302 yards and four touchdowns this season in New York. It helps that the Rams have allowed 12 passing touchdowns this season, which is why Cotchery should play well also. Like Coles, Cotchery has done well at home with 22 catches for 274 yards and two touchdowns, and he should excel this week against the Rams.
Matt Jones (at DET): As long as he's not suspended, keep him active because he's playing great. He's going for his fourth game in a row with at least seven catches and has 29 catches for 351 yards and two touchdowns in his past five games. It's too bad Jones has the possibility of a suspension looming because he has been a breakout receiver this year. He now faces the Lions, who haven't been able to stop anyone with their secondary, so look for Jones to stay hot. He has proven to be a No. 2 Fantasy wide receiver this year, which has been one of the biggest surprises this season.
Sleeper alert: Chris Chambers (vs. KC): Vincent Jackson should play well this week along with all the usual suspects for the Chargers, but this is a game where Chambers could find the end zone and return as a quality Fantasy option again. The Chiefs secondary has played well recently and has only allowed nine passing touchdowns on the season. But San Diego's offense is ready for an explosion coming off a bye week, and Chambers should be 100 percent recovered from the ankle injury that kept him out two games. Chambers started the season with five touchdowns in his first six games, and he should get back to that level starting this week.
Sit 'Em
Marvin Harrison (at PIT): Harrison has been brutal on the road this season with eight catches for 71 yards and no touchdowns in four games. It's worse on grass with seven catches for 55 yards in three games. The Steelers are No. 1 in pass defense with only six passing touchdowns allowed. Pittsburgh can stop Harrison with single coverage at this point because he struggles to separate from defenders. The speed is gone, especially outdoors and away from home. It's safe to keep Harrison reserved.
Plaxico Burress (at PHI): I don't like what I saw from Burress last week against Dallas with dropped passes and a bad route, which led to an Eli Manning interception for a touchdown. He also has just six catches for 49 yards and no touchdowns in his past two games against Pittsburgh and Dallas. Manning is also spreading the ball around to Steve Smith and Amani Toomer and appears fond of tight end Kevin Boss in the red zone. Burress also faces a tough secondary with the Eagles, who have only allowed 10 passing touchdowns this season. He has played well against the Eagles with 25 catches for 431 yards and three touchdowns in his past five games, but sit him this week if you have a better receiver on your bench because of his recent play.
Devin Hester (vs. TEN): I like the idea of Hester paired with Rex Grossman because of Grossman's ability to throw the deep ball and Hester's speed. But against the Titans, who are among the league leaders with 22 sacks, I don't see Grossman having enough time to get Hester the ball. Tennessee has allowed just four passing touchdowns this season, with only one to a wide receiver in Donald Driver last week. Hester only has six catches for 64 yards in his past two games and hasn't scored a touchdown in his past three outings.
Kevin Curtis (vs. NYG): Curtis played well against Seattle last week with six catches for 83 yards and looked like he was back at full strength. But Curtis didn't play well against the Giants last year with five catches for 47 yards and no touchdowns in two games. The Giants have only allowed eight passing touchdowns this year and should attack Donovan McNabb, which won't give him much time to find Curtis. This has the makings of a low-scoring game, so all the Eagles receivers are questionable starts this week.
Hines Ward (vs. IND): I would sit Ward and Santonio Holmes this week with Ben Roethlisberger's shoulder issue keeping him out or limited and Byron Leftwich possibly the starter. Ward struggled the past two games with six catches for 69 yards and no touchdowns, and the Colts should be able to limit the Steelers from making plays in the passing game because they can't stop anyone on the ground. Indianapolis has only allowed two passing touchdowns this year, and with the quarterback situation up in the air, Ward and Holmes become risky starts.
Bust alert: Bernard Berrian (vs. GB): Berrian has emerged as a No. 1 Fantasy option, especially the past four games with 19 catches for 426 yards and four touchdowns. He has scored in each of the past four games with 100 yards in three of four outings. But Berrian has a bad history against the Packers with eight catches for 131 yards and one touchdown in his past five meetings, including the past two years when Berrian was in Chicago. The Packers are able to push Berrian around with Al Harris and Charles Woodson and should be able to limit him again this week. His streak of four touchdowns in a row should end with this matchup, so keep him reserved in Week 10.
Tight ends
Start 'Em
Anthony Fasano (vs. SEA): Fasano has to be excited to face Seattle after watching what Brent Celek did against the Seahawks last week. For those of you unfamiliar with Celek's exploits, he had six catches for 131 yards and ran through Seattle's defense. Fasano might not reach that level of production, but he is worth starting since the Seahawks are banged up on defense and have allowed 13 passing touchdowns. Fasano has played well at home with 15 catches for 173 yards and two touchdowns in four games.
Marcedes Lewis (at DET): Lewis has been a solid bye-week replacement with 11 catches for 160 yards and two touchdowns the past four games. He now faces a Lions defense that is among the worst in the NFL with 13 passing touchdowns allowed. The Lions have also struggled to stop tight ends this year, with Chris Cooley (six catches for 74 yards) and Owen Daniels (six catches for 66 yards and a touchdown) doing the most damage recently. Lewis is worth starting for at least one more week if he plays as expected against Detroit.
Kellen Winslow (vs. DEN): Winslow is still looking for his first touchdown since Week 1, but he had his best game of the season last week against Baltimore with 64 receiving yards on five catches. Look for him to build off that this week against the Broncos, who are dealing with key injuries on defense. Denver has allowed 12 passing touchdowns this year, and Winslow could make some plays this week. Brady Quinn is making his first NFL start, so he will likely look underneath to Winslow, which should make him worth starting in this matchup.
Sleeper alert: Kevin Boss (at PHI): Even though Eli Manning isn't a good starting option this week, you can still depend on Boss. He has a touchdown in his past two games with seven catches for 64 yards against Pittsburgh and Dallas. The Eagles have struggled against tight ends this year with 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) all playing well. If Manning can find time, he should look for Boss in the red zone like he has the past two weeks.
Sit 'Em
John Carlson (at MIA):Carlson has struggled on the road this year, and it won't help that he's going to the East Coast for a 1 p.m. start. In four road games, Carlson has eight catches for 76 yards and a touchdown. The Dolphins pass defense isn't great, allowing 242.2 yards per game with 11 touchdowns, but you can't trust Carlson at this time, especially with Seneca Wallace at quarterback. Carlson has just three catches for 33 yards in his past two games against San Francisco and Philadelphia.
Visanthe Shiancoe (vs. GB): Shiancoe has played well recently with three touchdowns in his past four games against New Orleans, Detroit, Chicago and Houston. But he doesn't have a good history against the Packers with only eight catches for 66 and no touchdowns in his past three games. Green Bay's linebackers and secondary will be able to contain Shiancoe, so don't count on him in this matchup. The Vikings might not have much success throwing the ball this week.
Brent Celek (vs. NYG): Celek set an Eagles record for receiving yards by a tight end with 131 on six catches last week at Seattle. He did that with L.J. Smith (concussion) out. Even if Smith is out again this week, don't count on Celek to duplicate that performance. The Eagles will likely leave their tight ends in for extra blocking against the Giants pass rush, and New York's secondary is much better than Seattle's. Prior to last week's game, Celek had eight catches for 83 yards on the season.
Bust alert: Owen Daniels (vs. BAL): Daniels has been a breakout tight end this year and is coming off a tremendous game at Minnesota with 11 catches for 133 yards. In the two games Sage Rosenfels has played this year against Indianapolis and the Vikings, Daniels has 16 catches for 180 yards. But Baltimore has done well against opposing tight ends, holding down Kellen Winslow (seven catches for 78 yards in two games), 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. They will focus on Daniels and should be able to contain him. If you can start another tight end this week it would be a good idea because Daniels could be in line for a poor outing.
Defense/Special teams
Start 'Em
Carolina (at OAK): The Falcons proved last week that an East Coast team could come into Oakland and completely demoralize the Raiders. Atlanta held Oakland to 77 total yards with two turnovers and four sacks, and the Panthers defense is better than the Falcons. With Carolina coming off a bye, and with Oakland seemingly mailing it in, the Panthers should dominate this matchup. I mean, 77 total yards? The Raiders offense isn't that bad, but they won't do enough to hurt the Panthers DST this week. Look for Carolina to get its share of turnovers and sacks against Oakland.
Other DSTs with good matchups: Miami (vs. SEA), Jacksonville (at DET) and San Diego (vs. KC)
Sit 'Em
Chicago (vs. TEN): The Bears could always get a special teams touchdown with a return, but Devin Hester hasn't been doing much of that these days. The Titans won't put up many points in this matchup, but they also won't make many mistakes. Kerry Collins hasn't thrown an interception in three games and only has three sacks on the season. He's not going to throw for many yards, but the Bears are going to struggle trying to stop Chris Johnson and LenDale White this week. This could be a week where the Bears defense plays well but doesn't post many Fantasy points because of Tennessee's conservative offense.
Kicker
Start 'Em
Dan Carpenter (vs. SEA): Carpenter has turned into a solid kicker and a good Fantasy option the past three weeks. He is validating the Dolphins decision to release veteran Jay Feely prior to the season. Carpenter, a rookie, has made 9-of-10 field goals the past three weeks, including 4-of-4 at Denver in Week 9. The Dolphins offense is clicking, and Carpenter is getting plenty of opportunities. That should continue this week against the Seahawks, who are allowing 26.2 points per game and are tied with Indianapolis for the most field goals allowed with 21. Carpenter is only owned in 4 percent of leagues on CBSSports.com so add him if you need a kicker this week.
Other kickers with good matchups: Jeff Reed (vs. IND), Jason Elam (vs. NO) and Neil Rackers (vs. SF)
Sit 'Em
David Akers (at NYG): Akers, last week's recommended start kicker, was 4-of-4 against Seattle and has made 10-of-11 field goals in the past three games. But he's still looking for his first 50-yard field goal this year, with his long at 44 yards. And he's struggled against the Giants recently, going 7-of-12 on field goals in his past five meetings. The Giants also are among the league leaders with only 10 field goals allowed this season. This should be a low-scoring game, so don't count on Akers with many field goal attempts this week. If you can find another kicker in Week 10, make a transaction and sit Akers.
Do you have a Fantasy Football question? Send your thoughts to DMFantasyFootball@cbs.com and we'll get to as many as we can. Be sure to put Attn: Start/Sit in the subject field. Include your full name, hometown and state.
