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, Adrian Peterson or any other top-tier players.
Every year it seems like a running back or two comes out of nowhere late in the season to help Fantasy owners in the playoffs. In 2006 it was Ladell Betts and Ron Dayne. Last year, it was Earnest Graham and Ryan Grant.
There have been some candidates this year like Dominic Rhodes, Derrick Ward and Tashard Choice, but Pierre Thomas has been one of the best additions off the waiver wire this season. He has become a star and is the Start of the Week at Detroit.
Thomas has done well as an injury replacement for Reggie Bush, Deuce McAllister and Aaron Stecker this season. He had three touchdowns in September when McAllister was slow in his recovery from a knee injury and four touchdowns in November when Bush was out with his knee problem.
But in two games this month, Thomas has taken off. He has 38 carries for 189 yards and two touchdowns and eight catches for 66 yards and two touchdowns against Atlanta and Chicago. He has taken over for Bush and McAllister again with Stecker (hamstring) out.
The good times should continue this week, especially with Bush out for the season and McAllister now a non-factor. The Lions are last in run defense at 168.7 yards per game allowed with 26 touchdowns.
Detroit has been destroyed on the ground all season, but Chris Johnson, LenDale White, Adrian Peterson and Dominic Rhodes have torn up the Lions the past three weeks. Thomas should do much of the same.
Last year, Thomas had one outstanding game in Week 17 at Chicago with 226 total yards and a touchdown. He was a little late in helping Fantasy owners then, but that's not the case this season.
Thomas has been a great addition down the stretch. If you picked him up in the middle of the season and are using him now, you could be in line to win a Fantasy title because he's been that good.
Sit of the Week
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Chris Johnson has been great, but he should find it tough going in Week 16.
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Chris Johnson deserves to be in the Pro Bowl and should be considered one of the best Fantasy options this season. He has been a steal for owners who took him in Round 9 or later, according to his average draft position on CBSSports.com.
But this is not a good week to count on Johnson, even if it's the Fantasy playoffs. Johnson has a terrible matchup against Pittsburgh this week. The Steelers are No. 2 in run defense with only five touchdowns allowed.
Johnson has struggled against 3-4 defenses this season, which is what Pittsburgh uses. Johnson was held to 18 carries for 44 yards and no touchdowns at Baltimore in Week 5 and 10 carries for 46 yards and no touchdowns against the Jets in Week 11.
Last week, Johnson had 13 carries for 65 yards at Houston and will likely be held below that total in this matchup. And, as we know, if the Titans get close to the end zone, LenDale White will come on and steal touchdowns.
But don't expect White to play well this week either. The Steelers defense is that good and will limit Tennessee's running game.
Instead, some other running backs to consider along with Thomas and the players listed below include Darren McFadden (vs. HOU), Derrick Ward (vs. CAR), Cadillac Williams (vs. SD), Leon Washington (at SEA), Jamal Lewis (vs. CIN) and Dominic Rhodes (at JAC). And if Frank Gore (ankle) is out at St. Louis, DeShaun Foster has a great matchup as well.
Quarterbacks
Start 'Em
Matt Cassel (vs. ARI): Cassel, playing despite the death of his father last week, had a career-high four touchdowns at Oakland, which continued his magical season. He should stay hot this week against the Cardinals even with the weather expected to be dicey. Arizona leads the NFL in passing touchdowns allowed with 31 and gave up four passing touchdowns against Tarvaris Jackson last week. We can all agree Cassel is a better quarterback than Jackson and is worth starting in this matchup no matter the weather conditions.
Shaun Hill (at STL): There are plenty of motivating factors for Hill and the 49ers this week. You have Mike Martz and Isaac Bruce going back to St. Louis, and Hill grew up nearby in Parsons, Kansas, and could have plenty of friends and family at the game. He also played well against the Rams earlier this year in San Francisco with 213 passing yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions and a rushing touchdown. It helps that the Rams defense is terrible, and Hill continues to shine this season.
Tyler Thigpen (vs. MIA): Last week's Start of the Week finished as a top 10 Fantasy option with 171 passing yards and a touchdown and 40 rushing yards and a touchdown against San Diego. He did throw an interception, but he was also robbed of a touchdown when Larry Johnson threw a pass to Tony Gonzalez in the end zone. The Dolphins secondary continues to struggle, and Thigpen at home is a good start. He has 10 total touchdowns (two rushing and one receiving) and four interceptions in his past five home games. He should post solid stats against the Dolphins even with the weather expected to be a little difficult.
Aaron Rodgers (at CHI): Rodgers played well against the Bears in their previous matchup in Week 11 with 227 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. That was Green Bay's last win, and it also started a disappointing streak for Rodgers with five games in a row with an interception. But Rodgers has also averaged 269 passing yards with 10 touchdowns over that span and has been a solid Fantasy option. It helps that the Bears are No. 28 in pass defense and Rodgers will continue to throw at least 30-35 passes in this game.
Matt Schaub (at OAK): There doesn't appear to be a defense that can slow down Schaub and Andre Johnson at this point. Schaub had 414 passing yards, two touchdowns and an interception at Green Bay in Week 14 and then 284 yards and a touchdown against Tennessee last week. The Raiders secondary has fallen apart the past two weeks against Philip Rivers and Matt Cassel, who have combined for seven touchdowns at Oakland's expense. Schaub should stay hot since Johnson has become indefensible, and the rest of Schaub's weapons in Kevin Walter, Owen Daniels and Steve Slaton are solid complementary parts. The Texans will likely keep Johnson away from Nnamdi Asomugha in this matchup to keep Johnson active and making plays.
Sleeper alert: Chad Pennington (at KC): Weather could be a factor in Kansas City, but Pennington should continue to post solid stats. The Chiefs are No. 30 in pass defense with 18 touchdowns allowed and only 12 interceptions. The best thing for Pennington is Kansas City is last in the NFL with only nine sacks. Pennington has three touchdowns in his past two games and only one interception in his past five outings. He's spreading the ball around so matchups aren't a problem, and Kansas City showed its flaws last week when Philip Rivers passed for 346 yards, two touchdowns and one interception at the Chiefs. Some other potential sleeper quarterbacks this week based on the matchups include Marc Bulger (vs. SF), Kyle Orton (vs. GB), Seneca Wallace (vs. NYJ) and Jeff Garcia (vs. SD).
Sit 'Em
Jake Delhomme (at NYG): Delhomme has looked better in his past two road games at Atlanta and Green Bay in Weeks 12 and 13 with 472 passing yards, one touchdown and no interceptions and two rushing touchdowns, but he still only has three passing touchdowns and seven interceptions in six road games this year. The Giants defense struggled in Week 15 at Dallas, but they will lock down Delhomme at home. Look for New York to pay extra attention to Steve Smith this week and make Delhomme look elsewhere in the passing game. If he can't get the ball to Smith on a regular basis then Delhomme won't post any quality stats in this matchup.
David Garrard (vs. IND): Garrard played well against Green Bay last week with 238 passing yards and two touchdowns, but the Packers defense was more of a reason for that than Garrard playing a great game. Garrard now has a tougher matchup against the Colts, who did a good job against him earlier this season in Week 3. Indianapolis held Garrard to 167 passing yards, no touchdowns and an interception, and the Colts remain one of the top pass defenses in the NFL at No. 7 with only five touchdowns allowed, which leads the league. Garrard will post better stats than he did against the Colts in the first matchup, but don't expect him to duplicate last week's stats in this game.
Tarvaris Jackson (vs. ATL): Jackson is trying to prove he can be the starting quarterback for the Vikings, and he's doing a good job with five touchdowns and no interceptions since taking over for Gus Frerotte two weeks ago. His four-touchdown performance against Arizona last week was impressive, but that had more to do with the Cardinals defense than Jackson playing great. He will come back to reality this week against the Falcons, who also have a bad secondary but do a better job of keeping receivers out of the end zone. You're not going to trust Jackson in your Fantasy playoffs even with the good performance last week, so keep him reserved in all leagues.
Jason Campbell (vs. PHI): Campbell has fallen apart the past five games with four touchdowns and four interceptions, and he hasn't topped 232 yards in that span. His offensive line is a mess, and the Eagles will take advantage of the injuries with even more blitzing than usual. Campbell was held to 176 yards passing with no touchdowns or interceptions against the Eagles earlier this year, and Philadelphia's defense has stepped up the past three weeks against Arizona, the Giants and Cleveland. Washington is crawling to the finish line this season and should struggle again this week.
Ben Roethlisberger (at TEN): Big Ben has been serviceable the past five games with five touchdowns and an interception and a rushing touchdown while averaging 236 passing yards per game. It's not like he's winning Fantasy games for you, but he's not turning the ball over either. This week he faces a depleted Tennessee defensive line missing Albert Haynesworth (knee) and Kyle Vanden Bosch (groin), so the pass rush shouldn't be terrible. But the Titans are still among the best pass defenses in the league at No. 5, and they are second in the NFL with only nine touchdowns allowed. They should be able to keep Big Ben from posting a huge game, so consider him a No. 2 Fantasy quarterback in this matchup.
Bust alert: Eli Manning (vs. CAR): Plaxico Burress not only shot himself in the leg, he shot the Giants offense in the foot because since he's been gone the passing game has fallen apart. In Manning's past two games he has only 314 passing yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. The Giants receivers are struggling to get open, and Manning is having to hold the ball longer than he wants, which is part of the reason he was sacked eight times last week at Dallas. Carolina comes into this game allowing only 204.4 yards per game with 14 touchdowns and 11 interceptions, and Julius Peppers and the Panthers should come after Manning in this matchup. It will be hard for Manning to make enough plays to help your Fantasy team now that Burress is out.
Running backs
Start 'Em
Ronnie Brown (at KC): Brown is a questionable Pro Bowl selection, but he has been a serviceable Fantasy option for most of this year, especially on the road. Brown has scored a touchdown in five of six road games with eight touchdowns away from home on the season. The Chiefs are No. 30 in run defense with 22 touchdowns allowed, and Brown continues to get the majority of touches for the Dolphins. He only has 26 carries in his past two games, but he's averaging 5.3 yards per carry and should be in line for a big game if given enough touches.
Steve Slaton (at OAK): Slaton is on an impressive streak with over 100 yards rushing in his past three games. He has 71 carries for 350 yards and two touchdowns against Jacksonville, Green Bay and Tennessee and should continue the streak against the Raiders. Oakland is allowing 167.1 rushing yards per game with 20 touchdowns on the season. Slaton also has been a solid receiver out of the backfield with eight catches for 107 yards the past three games. He should remain hot and has improved his Fantasy value heading into next season. There's no way Slaton lasts past the second round in 2009.
Kevin Smith (vs. NO): We expected Smith to play well last week against Indianapolis, and he responded with 20 carries for 88 yards and a touchdown and six catches for 31 yards. He should post similar stats this week if not better against the Saints, who allow 108.7 rushing yards per game with 12 touchdowns. The key for Smith is getting enough touches because four times this season he's had at least 20 carries, and he's finished with at least 90 total yards each time. He's a quality flex option this week if not a No. 2 Fantasy running back, and the Lions will hopefully give him the appropriate amount of touches to be successful.
Sammy Morris (vs. ARI): We expected Morris to play well last week at Oakland, and he responded with 14 carries for 117 yards and a touchdown. Morris now has three touchdowns in his past three games and should find the end zone again this week. The Cardinals allow 106.7 rushing yards per game with 10 touchdowns and are making the dreaded cross-country trip for a 1 p.m. ET start. Don't worry about Morris losing touches to Kevin Faulk and LaMont Jordan. Morris will get enough carries to be a successful Fantasy option against the Cardinals in this matchup in a game where weather could be an important factor.
Steven Jackson (vs. SF): Jackson is starting to look like the running back we all remember with 24 carries for 91 yards and a touchdown and four catches for 36 yards last week against Seattle. He has another good matchup this week against the 49ers, who allow 103.9 rushing yards per game with 12 touchdowns on the season. Jackson missed the earlier matchup with San Francisco, but he has a good history against the 49ers with three games over 100 total yards and two touchdowns in his past five meetings. Jackson will continue to carry the Rams' offense and should well in this game.
Sleeper alert: Cedric Benson (vs. CLE): Benson actually looked like a quality Fantasy option last week against Washington with 21 carries for 73 yards and three catches for 88 yards. The Bengals should use him in that capacity again this week because Cleveland's run defense is horrible. The Browns allow 147.4 rushing yards per game with 13 touchdowns, and Benson has an opportunity to help Fantasy owners this week. You should plan on using Benson as a flex option in standard leagues and a No. 2 Fantasy running back in deeper formats. He missed the earlier matchup against the Browns, but he will make up for lost time in this game.
Sit 'Em
Willie Parker (at TEN): The Titans will feel the loss of Albert Haynesworth (knee) and Kyle Vanden Bosch (groin), but that doesn't mean Parker is worth starting. He hasn't scored a touchdown in his past five games, and he hasn't rushed for 100 yards in his past four outings. Along with that, the most carries he's gotten in his past four games is 16 against New England. It's just too hard to trust Parker at this time, and he remains a fragile running back because of his knee problems. You never know when Parker is going to get dinged up and have to leave the game.
Marion Barber (vs. BAL): Barber came back from his toe injury last week against the Giants but was still limited with eight carries for two yards and two catches for 24 yards. But things look dismal for Barber this week. The Ravens defense has remained dominant against the run, and Barber is being outplayed by rookie Tashard Choice. Barber will likely get increased carries this week, but the Cowboys will likely be passing the ball on nearly every play. Choice will also cut into Barber's production, and he's just not worth using at this time because of the matchup, his health and the contributions from Choice. You should consider sitting Choice as well because the two will split carries.
Clinton Portis (vs. PHI): Portis had 29 carries for 145 yards and a touchdown against the Eagles earlier this year, but that game seems like a decade ago with what Portis has been through. He hurt his knee since then and has dealt with injuries along the offensive line. It got so bad that Portis was limited to 25 carries for 77 yards against the lowly Bengals last week. Portis doesn't have a touchdown in his past seven games and only has three games over 100 total yards over that span. The Eagles, despite the bad game against Portis earlier this year, are still No. 5 in run defense. It's hard to bench Portis because he's one of your studs, but he's not helping your Fantasy team with his recent struggles. It's risky to sit him, but he hasn't given you many rewards lately.
LeRon McClain (at DAL): McClain could find the end zone since he's scored in three of his past five games, but the Cowboys defense has stepped up the past two weeks against some of the best running teams in the NFL. Dallas has stuffed Pittsburgh and the Giants the past two games and didn't allow a rushing touchdown in either game. The Cowboys are No. 7 in run defense with only eight rushing touchdowns allowed and should remain tough against McClain and the Ravens this week. You should also plan on benching Willis McGahee as well since he's been non-existent for the second half of the season.
Tim Hightower (at NE): When the Cardinals get behind, Hightower comes out of the game when they start throwing, and that should be the case this week even with the weather expected to be terrible. Hightower only had five carries for 20 yards last week against Minnesota, and it's hard to imagine the Cardinals running well against the Patriots even with all their injuries on defense. Hightower does have three touchdowns in his past four games, but New England has only allowed eight rushing touchdowns on the season. Once again, you can expect J.J. Arrington to get more time on the field than Hightower because Arizona will be throwing a lot.
Bust alert: Jonathan Stewart (at NYG): Stewart, despite running in DeAngelo Williams' shadow all season, has played like the running back we expected the past two weeks with 31 carries for 167 yards and three touchdowns against Tampa Bay and Denver. He now has nine touchdowns for the season and has put together a solid rookie campaign. But Stewart has struggled on the road this season with only one touchdown in Week 3 at Minnesota, and he's been limited to 172 rushing yards in six games away from home. The Giants, despite being run over the past two weeks by Brian Westbrook and Tashard Choice, still remain No. 4 in run defense with only nine touchdowns allowed. You're not going to sit Williams even with the tough matchup, but Stewart should be kept on your bench because he won't have the same success he's had the past two weeks.
Wide receivers
Start 'Em
Isaac Bruce (at STL): Bruce spent 14 seasons with the Rams and 13 in St. Louis, and this will be his first trip back since going to San Francisco this year. Bruce only had one catch for 20 yards against the Rams in Week 11, but that's the last bad game he's played. In four games since, Bruce has 26 catches for 333 yards and two touchdowns against Dallas, Buffalo, the Jets and Miami. Shaun Hill continues to look for Bruce, and that should continue against his former team. Look for him to put on a show at the place where he helped establish the "Greatest Show on Turf."
Dwayne Bowe (vs. MIA): The Dolphins have struggled with big, physical receivers this season in Anquan Boldin, Andre Johnson and Randy Moss, and Bowe should do much of the same. He's having a breakout season with 73 catches for 891 yards and seven touchdowns and is coming off a solid game against San Diego last week with six catches for 44 yards and a touchdown. Bowe has 25 catches for 270 yards and five touchdowns in his past five home games, and the Dolphins have allowed 15 passing touchdowns this season.
Antonio Bryant (vs. SD): There is no way you bench Bryant right now. He has 20 catches for 371 yards and four touchdowns in his past three games and is getting it done whether it's Jeff Garcia or Brian Griese at quarterback. Garcia expects to start this week, and it's another great matchup for Bryant. The Chargers are No. 31 in pass defense with 23 touchdowns allowed and are making the cross-country trip for a 1 p.m. ET start. Bryant should stay hot this week, and he's helping many Fantasy owners win their playoff matchups. It will be hard for San Diego to stop Bryant with how he's playing.
Braylon Edwards (vs. CIN): Edwards showed signs of life last week against Philadelphia with five catches for 102 yards, so maybe he can still produce with Ken Dorsey at quarterback. This is a good week to feel confident with Edwards since he owns the Bengals in his career. Edwards has 25 catches for 359 yards and five touchdowns in his past five meetings, including two 100-yard games and a three-game scoring streak. He only had three catches for 22 yards and a touchdown at Cincinnati in Week 4, but he had eight catches for 146 yards and two touchdowns in his last meeting at home with the Bengals last season. Consider Edwards a safe No. 3 Fantasy wide receiver this week.
Torry Holt (vs. SF): Holt has started to turn things around recently and is worth using as a No. 3 Fantasy wide receiver in this matchup at home. He has at least 60 yards receiving in four of his past five games and had four catches for 64 yards and a touchdown last week against Seattle. Holt had five catches for 60 yards at San Francisco in Week 11 and has three touchdowns in his past five games against the 49ers. San Francisco has allowed 20 passing touchdowns this season, and Holt should continue his recent positive production.
Sleeper alert: Lance Moore (at DET): Moore has been terrible the past three weeks with only 10 catches for 77 yards and a touchdown against Tampa Bay, Atlanta and Chicago, but there could be a reason -- Reggie Bush. When Bush was out with a knee injury from Week 8 until Week 12, Moore had 25 catches for 383 yards and five touchdowns in four games. Then Bush came back against the Bucs, and Moore disappeared. Well now Bush is out for the season, so hopefully Moore will return to prominence. It helps that he's facing the Lions, who have allowed 20 passing touchdowns this season. Marques Colston remains a must-start Fantasy receiver, and Devery Henderson is also a sleeper pick, but Moore is worth starting as a No. 3 Fantasy wide receiver again. Some other wide receivers to consider this week based on the matchups include T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Chad Johnson (at CLE), Laveranues Coles and Jerricho Cotchery (at SEA), Eddie Royal (vs. BUF), Devin Hester (vs. GB) and Davone Bess (at KC).
Sit 'Em
Domenik Hixon (vs. CAR): Hixon will likely face Chris Gamble, which is a tough matchup for Hixon. We saw what happened with Hixon last week when Terence Newman held him to six catches for 60 yards, with the majority coming late in the second half. The Panthers have only allowed 14 passing touchdowns on the season, and Hixon hasn't scored in his past five games. He's struggled to assume to lead role in the passing game with Plaxico Burress out and isn't worth starting in this matchup.
Derrick Mason (at DAL): Mason will probably get Terence Newman in coverage this week, and Newman did a good job against Domenik Hixon last week and also came away with two interceptions. Mason has played well this season and has two touchdowns in his past three games, but he was bottled up by the Steelers last week for three catches and 23 yards with no touchdowns. The Cowboys secondary has stepped up since Newman returned and should be able to shut down Joe Flacco and the Ravens' passing game in this matchup.
Justin Gage (vs. PIT): The Steelers are No. 1 in pass defense for a reason and should shut down Gage this week. Gage had three catches for 76 yards last week at Houston, but that's been his high for the past four games. He does have one touchdown over that span, but the Steelers have only allowed 11 passing touchdowns on the season. This is toughest defense Kerry Collins will face this season, and he will struggle to get the ball downfield. It's going to be hard for the Titans to move the ball, so keep Gage reserved in all leagues. There are better No. 3 Fantasy wide receivers to use this week.
Dennis Northcutt (vs. IND): Northcutt is the wide receiver version of Tarvaris Jackson. Great game, but now go back to being a pedestrian player as always. Northcutt had five catches for 127 yards and a touchdown last week against Green Bay, but he won't duplicate those stats against the Colts this week. Indianapolis has a better secondary than the Packers and leads the NFL with only five passing touchdowns allowed. Northcutt will compete with Reggie Williams to be the No. 1 receiver in Jacksonville with Matt Jones (suspension) and Jerry Porter (groin) out, but this is not a good week to use him.
Deion Branch (vs. NYJ): On paper, the matchup appears to favor Branch since the Jets, who are coming to the West Coast, are No. 29 in pass defense with 20 touchdowns allowed. Branch has also played well the past three weeks with 14 catches for 220 yards and two touchdowns against Dallas, New England and St. Louis. But Branch will likely face Darrelle Revis, who should keep Branch from doing much this week. Revis limited Lee Evans to four catches for 22 yards and no touchdowns and should keep Branch from doing much in this matchup.
Bust alert: Santana Moss (vs. PHI): The last time Moss faced the Eagles in Week 5 we told you he would be a bust, and he certainly was with zero catches. We're going to the well again since Moss has a terrible history against Philadelphia. The Eagles haven't allowed Moss to score a touchdown in their past five meetings and twice held him to three catches or less in that span. Philly also has enough speed to stay with Moss, so look for another bad game. Moss snapped out of his recent funk last week against Cincinnati with his first touchdown in six games, but he will go back to being a non-factor based on this matchup.
Tight ends
Start 'Em
Chris Cooley (vs. PHI): Cooley's best game of the season was at the Eagles in Week 5, when he had eight catches for 109 yards and a touchdown, which is his lone touchdown of the season and came on a trick play from Antwaan Randle El. Since Philadelphia likes to blitz, the middle of the field is typically open, and Cooley should play well. He had six catches for 51 yards last week at Cincinnati but also lost a fumble, and he has at least six catches in five of his past six games. The problem for Cooley has been the lack of touchdowns, but that could change this week.
John Carlson (vs. NYJ): Carlson continues to play well with five catches for 76 yards last week at St. Louis and now has 19 catches for 250 yards and a touchdown in his past three games against Dallas, New England and St. Louis. The Seahawks continue to involve Carlson in the offense, and this is another good matchup for him. The Jets do a good job on opposing receivers, but tight ends have hurt them all year. New York has allowed 20 passing touchdowns for the season, and Carlson should stay hot against the Jets at home.
Jeremy Shockey (at DET): The Lions haven't been able to stop tight ends all season, and last week was a good example when Dallas Clark had 12 catches for 142 yards and a touchdown. Shockey won't come close to those stats, but he should play well. He only had one catch for 11 yards at Chicago last week, but prior to that Shockey averaged five catches for 53 yards. He's still looking for his first touchdown with the Saints, and this is a good week for it to happen.
Sleeper alert: Greg Olsen (vs. GB): Olsen has started to turn things around the past two weeks with three catches for 52 yards and a touchdown in Week 14 against Jacksonville and eight catches for 45 yards last week against New Orleans. He should do well against the Packers. Olsen had four catches for 45 yards against Green Bay in Week 11 and should be involved in the offense again this week, so keep him in your active lineup. Some other tight ends to consider this week based on the matchups include Vernon Davis (at STL), Jerramy Stevens (vs. SD), Benjamin Watson (vs. ARI), Zach Miller (vs. HOU) and Anthony Fasano (at KC).
Sit 'Em
Todd Heap (at DAL): Heap spent some extra time on the line of scrimmage blocking last week against the Steelers, and that will likely be the case again this week with DeMarcus Ware, Bradie James and Greg Ellis coming after Joe Flacco in this matchup. Heap only had one catch for 24 yards against Pittsburgh and now has just three catches for 78 yards in his past two games. The Cowboys should be able to contain Heap, especially if he's not running many routes because he's spending more time as a blocker.
Tony Scheffler (vs. BUF): The Bills have done well against opposing tight ends this year, including holding Dustin Keller to three catches for 35 yards last week. Scheffler has been tremendously inconsistent this season with no catches last week at Carolina after grabbing 12 passes for 151 yards in his previous two games against the Jets and Kansas City. The Bills should be able to hang with Scheffler in this matchup, and he's not worth starting in Week 16.
Bo Scaife (vs. PIT): Where have you gone Scaife? After a great start to the season, Scaife has tailed off with only 11 catches for 106 yards and no touchdowns in his past five games. It won't get any easier against the Steelers this week. Pittsburgh is No. 1 in pass defense and will be able to contain Scaife with Troy Polamalu. It's not like Kerry Collins is going to make many plays this week, and Scaife could see more time blocking than running routes with the Steelers' ability to rush the passer. Scaife's time as a productive Fantasy option might be over.
Bust alert: Jason Witten (vs. BAL): Witten didn't let any distractions from the Terrell Owens saga bother him last week with five catches for 44 yards against the Giants. But this Ravens defense will rattle him this week. Baltimore is among the best teams at stopping tight ends this season. Already this season Kellen Winslow (seven catches for 78 yards in two games), Dallas Clark (two catches for 17 yards), Heath Miller (five catches for 34 yards in two games), Anthony Fasano (two catches for 25 yards), Zach Miller (two catches for 56 yards), Owen Daniels (one catch for 13 yards), Kevin Boss (no catches) and Chris Cooley (one catch for 12 yards) have struggled against Baltimore. Witten will be the next one to fall in line and should be reserved this week.
Defense/Special teams
Start 'Em
Dallas (vs. BAL): The Cowboys DST has turned things around the past three weeks with solid performances against Seattle, Pittsburgh and the Giants. Dallas has 20 sacks over that span with three interceptions and five forced fumbles. The Cowboys now face rookie quarterback Joe Flacco at home, and he has three interceptions in his past two games against Washington and the Steelers. DeMarcus Ware, who had three sacks last week and leads the NFL with 19, has to be giddy about this matchup. If the Cowboys can stop the run and force Flacco to throw, Dallas should pile up more sacks and turnovers this week.
Other DSTs with good matchups: Houston (at OAK), New Orleans (at DET), Cincinnati (at CLE) and Carolina (at NYG)
Sit 'Em
Tampa Bay (vs. SD): The Bucs are dealing with several key injuries on defense that will impact this game. Jermaine Phillips (forearm) is out, and Derrick Brooks (ribs) could miss the game. Defensive tackles Jovan Haye and Chris Hovan are also banged up. The Chargers haven't been great on the road and have to come across the country for a 1 p.m. ET start, which is never easy. But it will still be a tough task for the Bucs to stop Philip Rivers, LaDainian Tomlinson, Antonio Gates and Vincent Jackson without some key personnel. And we've seen what Tampa Bay's defense has looked like the past two weeks against Carolina and Atlanta, which hasn't been very good.
Kicker
Start 'Em
Josh Brown (vs. SF): Brown hasn't been a total disappointment this season with 26-of-31 field goals, but he is the No. 17 kicker in standard leagues because he only has 15 extra points. You can't blame him for the lack of offense in St. Louis, but Brown has a good matchup this week. The 49ers are among the league leaders in field goals allowed with 31. The last time Brown faced San Francisco in Week 11 he made 3-of-4 field goals and an extra point. He also made 4-of-5 field goals against the 49ers in two games last year with Seattle. Brown is 6-of-6 on field goals in his past two home games against Miami and Seattle, and it helps to have an indoor kicker at this time of year.
Other kickers with good matchups: Jay Feely (at SEA), Josh Scobee (vs. IND) and Garrett Hartley (at DET)
Sit 'Em
Neil Rackers (at NE): The weather could be nasty in Foxboro, and Rackers isn't used to that kind of environment. In four previous trips to the East Coast this year, Rackers was only 2-of-3 on field goals at Washington, the Jets, Carolina and Philadelphia. The Patriots also are among the league leaders in field goals allowed with 17, which is tied for first. Rackers is 23-of-26 on field goals this year and plays in a high-powered offense, but the majority of his Fantasy success has come on extra points with 39. Since he doesn't kick many field goals and is headed to a tough place to kick, this is not a good week to count on him.
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