Dec. 17, 2009

Week 15 Start 'Em and Sit 'Em

By Jamey Eisenberg | Senior Fantasy Writer
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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.

It's amazing how far Laurence Maroney has come this year. After dealing with a shoulder injury last season and spending time in Bill Belichick's doghouse, he has returned as a quality Fantasy option.

And with his matchup at Buffalo, he's our Start of the Week. If you would have told me before the season that Maroney would be the Start of the Week at any point this year I would have told you Tiger Woods would have problems with his image.

Thanks to Sammy Morris and Fred Taylor getting injured, Maroney has gotten a chance to be the featured running back in New England again. It started in Week 6 against Tennessee when he got 16 carries for 123 yards and a touchdown, which was his first of six games with double digits in Fantasy points.

He has eight rushing touchdowns on the season, but more importantly he continues to get his share of touches. Maroney has five games with at least 15 carries, including last week against Carolina when he had 22 for 94 yards.

There's always the risk of Maroney losing production to Morris or Kevin Faulk, and Taylor is trying to come back from the ankle injury he sustained in Week 4. But the Patriots could lean on Maroney with Tom Brady less than 100 percent.

The weather could also play a role in Buffalo, and the Bills have been terrible against the run. Buffalo is last in the NFL in run defense at 171 yards per game, and the Bills have allowed a running back to gain 100 total yards or score a touchdown in every game this year, including last week when Jamaal Charles had 181 total yards and a touchdown.

Maroney won't reach those totals, but he should be able to get double digits in Fantasy points. This is a good week to trust him -- as surprising as that may sound.

Sit of the Week

Roddy White's matchup this week at the Jets brings up a great discussion for Fantasy owners at this time of year about sticking with your main guys or playing the matchups. In this case, White doesn't have a favorable outlook against Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis.

White has done well this year with seven games with double digits in Fantasy points on 67 catches for 915 yards and eight touchdowns. He has done well even with the addition of Tony Gonzalez taking away targets and production. And he hasn't let Chris Redman replacing the injured Matt Ryan (toe) slow him down with two touchdowns in the three games where Redman has seen significant action.

But White is our Sit of the Week because of Revis. In this case, you bench your stud because he has a difficult matchup.

Here's the list of receivers who have been shut down by Revis this year: Andre Johnson, Marques Colston, Randy Moss, Steve Smith of Carolina, Terrell Owens (twice) and Antonio Bryant. That's impressive, and it explains part of the reason why the Jets are No. 1 in pass defense.

The Jets have only allowed five wide receivers to score touchdowns and none in the past three games. The main reason is Revis.

Redman is expected to start again, but even if Ryan returns that won't help White much. Revis will shadow White all over the field, and you should expect White to have minimal production.

Quarterbacks

Start 'Em

Donovan McNabb (vs. SF): McNabb has lost three touchdowns in the past two games against Atlanta and the Giants to backup Michael Vick, but he's still playing at a high level. McNabb passed for 275 yards, two touchdowns and one interception against the Giants, which was his fifth game this season with at least 20 Fantasy points. The 49ers are No. 27 in pass defense, and five quarterbacks have reached 20 Fantasy points against them this year. McNabb had 280 passing yards, two touchdowns and one interception at San Francisco last year.
Ben Roethlisberger (vs. GB): The Packers are No. 3 in pass defense, but that's a misleading stat. They are only allowing 187 passing yards per game and have yet to give up a 300-yard passing game, but Green Bay is among the league leaders with 24 touchdowns allowed. The Packers have allowed four quarterbacks (Kyle Boller, Brett Favre, Josh Freeman and Jay Cutler) to pass for multiple touchdowns in six road games, with only Derek Anderson and Matthew Stafford failing to match that feat. Now, Green Bay is also among the league leaders in interceptions with 23, so don't be surprised if Roethlisberger has a turnover or two. But Big Ben should rebound from last week's poor outing at Cleveland with a productive game at home.
Matt Schaub (at STL): What shoulder injury? Schaub went into Week 14 dealing with an injury to his left, non-throwing shoulder, but it didn't bother him with 365 passing yards, two touchdowns and one interception against Seattle. He goes on the road now, which hasn't been kind to him recently with two touchdowns and five interceptions in his past three games at Buffalo, Indianapolis and Jacksonville. But this is St. Louis, which allowed Vince Young and Kerry Collins to combine for 286 passing yards and two touchdowns last week. Schaub hasn't let losing Owen Daniels (knee) for the season slow him down, and he remains a must-start quarterback in every league.
Jason Campbell (vs. NYG): It's a risk to start Campbell in the Fantasy playoffs because you never know when he will revert back to his inconsistent ways, but it's hard to argue with his recent production. In his past three games, Campbell has seven touchdowns and three interceptions with at least 20 Fantasy points in each game. Maybe the switch in play-calling from Jim Zorn to Sherman Lewis has paid off. Or maybe his receiving corps is finally stepping up. Whatever it is, Campbell is playing well, and the Giants are among the league leaders with 23 passing touchdowns allowed. Five of the past six quarterbacks they have faced have reached at least 20 Fantasy points, and New York has allowed 14 touchdowns and four interceptions over that span.
Matt Hasselbeck (vs. TB): Hasselbeck isn't having a great year and might not have Nate Burleson (ankle) for this game, but we like him at home in this matchup. Hasselbeck has averaged 232 passing yards with 10 touchdowns and four interceptions in five home games. He has three games with at least 20 Fantasy points at home this season, and Tampa Bay has allowed seven quarterbacks to reach that mark this year. The Bucs have allowed 24 passing touchdowns on the season, including 10 on the road in six games. Hasselbeck remains a risky starting option, but he should do well at home based on the matchup.

Sleeper alert: Matt Cassel (vs. CLE): We've mentioned the word "risk" a couple of times in relation to Jason Campbell and Matt Hasselbeck, but this could be the biggest gamble of them all if you're willing to start Cassel. Cassel has six interceptions and no Fantasy points in his past two games against Denver and Buffalo and was almost benched, but he has a good matchup this week against the Browns. He also gets Dwayne Bowe back this week from his four-game suspension, so start Bowe if you need help at receiver. The Browns have allowed 18 passing touchdowns, including 10 on the road in six games. Cassel has three games this year at home with at least 19 Fantasy points, and he has the chance to play well based on Cleveland's defense and with Bowe back. Some other sleepers to consider this week include Vince Young (vs. MIA), Kyle Orton (vs. OAK), Chad Henne (at TEN) and Joe Flacco (vs. CHI).

Sit 'Em

Jay Cutler (at BAL): Once again, you can't trust Cutler in any Fantasy playoff matchup unless you are desperate, in which case pick up and start Jason Campbell or Matt Cassel, who each have a better outlook. Cutler had his highest Fantasy total last week (16 points) in his past five games, which illustrates his poor production. And Cutler has struggled on the road with two touchdowns and 10 interceptions in his past three games at Cincinnati, San Francisco and Minnesota. With Devin Hester (calf) banged up, you can't count on Cutler at the Ravens, who have allowed only three touchdowns with 10 interceptions in their past six home games.
Eli Manning (at WAS): I should have given Manning more credit going into last week's game against the Eagles because of his recent play at home. He's been solid at Giants Stadium and now has 10 touchdowns and two interceptions in his past four home games after torching the Eagles. But Manning is a different quarterback on the road. He has two touchdowns and four interceptions with two fumbles in his past three road games at New Orleans, Philadelphia and Denver. He also has a bad history against the Redskins with four touchdowns and five interceptions in his past five meetings. Washington is also No. 4 in pass defense, and Manning should be considered a questionable starter based on the matchup.
Carson Palmer (at SD): Palmer had his worst game of the season last week at Minnesota with 94 passing yards and a touchdown. There are some questions about his elbow, which ruined his 2008 campaign, and you just can't trust him at this point in your Fantasy season. He's now struggled in his past six games with four touchdowns and three interceptions with two fumbles over that span, which includes games against Oakland, Cleveland and Detroit. The Chargers are No. 10 in pass defense and have given up some big games to opposing quarterbacks, but you can't use Palmer with the way he's playing.
David Garrard (vs. IND): Garrard had his worst home game last week against Miami with 139 passing yards and no touchdowns, and he has a bad history against the Colts. In three of his past five meetings with Indianapolis, Garrard has no touchdowns, and he has only four total touchdowns, three interceptions and one fumble over that span. He only passed for 122 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions in Week 1 at Indianapolis. The Colts have struggled in pass defense the past three weeks against Matt Schaub, Vince Young and Kyle Orton and could be resting some starters on defense, but Indianapolis still has at least one interception in each of its past seven games.
Alex Smith (at PHI): When we looked at the 49ers schedule to close the season we loved Smith's potential down the stretch, but this matchup is the one you should avoid. Wait until the final two games against Detroit and St. Louis to count on Smith again. The 49ers are playing on a short week following the Monday night victory against Arizona and are going to the East Coast for a 1 p.m. start. Smith is playing great with nine touchdowns and three interceptions in his past four games, including five touchdowns and one interception in his past two road games at Green Bay and Seattle. But the Eagles are among the league leaders with 20 interceptions and could force Smith into a couple of mistakes.

Bust alert: Tony Romo (at NO): Romo has been amazing the past three games with 950 passing yards, seven touchdowns and no interceptions against Oakland, the Giants and San Diego. He is getting the ball to Miles Austin, Roy E. Williams and Jason Witten, and he's doing everything he can to avoid another December fallout. But this is a tough matchup for him. The Saints are No. 2 in the NFL with 24 interceptions and have been amazing at home. New Orleans has allowed only two touchdowns with 13 interceptions in six home games against starting quarterbacks this season. That group includes Eli Manning, Matt Ryan and Tom Brady. The New Orleans faithful will be loud Saturday night, and Romo struggled in his two road games prior to the Giants game at Philadelphia and Green Bay with one touchdown and one interception in each game. It's hard to bench Romo, but don't expect much from him in this matchup.

Running backs

Start 'Em

Jamaal Charles (vs. CLE): Charles was the Start of the Week last week against Buffalo and lived up to it with 20 carries for 143 yards and a touchdown and seven catches for 38 yards. He has become the Kansas City offense, and he has another fantastic matchup this week against the Browns. Cleveland is No. 28 in run defense, and 14 running backs have reached double digits in Fantasy points against the Browns. Charles has become a must-start option in all leagues with four games with double digits in Fantasy points in his past five outings with five touchdowns over that span.
Knowshon Moreno (vs. OAK): Moreno had the first breakout game of his rookie season against the Raiders in Week 3 with 21 carries for 90 yards and a touchdown. He's had three more games with double digits in Fantasy points since then, and Moreno is looking forward to the rematch. The Raiders are No. 29 in run defense but lead the NFL with 20 rushing touchdowns allowed. Last week, Quinton Ganther ran for two touchdowns with 93 total yards at Oakland, and Moreno will look to follow suit. He could see more carries with Correll Buckhalter (ankle) dealing with an injury.
Beanie Wells (at DET): Wells looked great at San Francisco on Monday night with 15 carries for 79 yards and a touchdown and one catch for 24 yards. His only blemish was a lost fumble, but everyone fumbled against the 49ers. Wells has a chance to reach double digits in Fantasy points for the fourth time in six games. He's facing a Lions defense that struggles against the run, and last week Detroit allowed four rushing touchdowns against the Ravens. Tim Hightower is also worth using this week, but Wells has more value since he's starting to get the bulk of carries over the past five games.
Fred Jackson (vs. NE): Jackson has done well in his past two games against the Patriots. He had 15 carries for 57 yards and five catches for 83 yards and a touchdown in Week 1 at New England. Last year in Buffalo, Jackson had 27 carries for 136 yards. Jackson continues to share carries with Marshawn Lynch, but Jackson has three games with double digits in Fantasy points in his past five games. The Patriots are tied with Minnesota for the fewest rushing touchdowns allowed at three, but New England has allowed eight running backs to reach double digits in Fantasy points. Jackson should be considered no worse than a flex option based on this matchup.
Quinton Ganther (vs. NYG): Ganther became the fourth starting running back in Washington after Clinton Portis (concussion), Ladell Betts (knee) and Rock Cartwright, and he should finish the year as the No. 1 option. He played well last week at Oakland, which was a homecoming for him. He had 14 carries for 50 yards and two touchdowns and caught three passes for 43 yards against the Raiders. His matchup this week is much tougher, but New York has allowed 17 rushing touchdowns this year. Ganther could be a serviceable flex option based on the way he looked last week.

Sleeper alert: Arian Foster (at STL): The Texans plan to use Chris Brown, Ryan Moats and Foster as part of a committee to replace the injured Steve Slaton (neck), but it appears like Foster has the most upside based on his performance against Seattle last week. Moats lost a fumble and Brown was limited to only three carries while Foster had 13 carries for 34 yards and four catches for 54 yards. After the game, Texans coach Gary Kubiak indicated more work is coming in Foster's direction, which comes at a good time against the Rams, who are No. 27 in run defense and have allowed 13 running backs to reach double digits in Fantasy points. Consider Foster as a flex option with the chance to start depending on your roster and the size of your league. Some other sleepers to consider this week include Chris Jennings (at KC), Justin Forsett (vs. TB), Reggie Bush (vs. DAL) and Cadillac Williams (at SEA).

Sit 'Em

Matt Forte (at BAL): As expected, Forte had another disappointing game last week against Green Bay with 12 carries for 51 yards and four catches for 17 yards. His best rushing total in six road games this year is 66 yards on 21 carries in Week 3. The Ravens have only allowed one rushing touchdown in the past five games, and Forte will find little running room in this game. He's been a disappointment this year, and he isn't going to turn things around in this matchup.
Jonathan Stewart (vs. MIN): You might also consider benching DeAngelo Williams this week since the Panthers have a tough matchup with the Vikings and just lost another offensive lineman with Jeff Otah (knee) out for the year. Stewart is dealing with a toe injury on top of his nagging Achilles' tendon, and he's struggled in his past three games with Williams healthy. The Vikings are No. 4 in run defense, but they are the best team against opposing running backs based on Fantasy points. Minnesota is also tied with New England with the fewest rushing touchdowns allowed at three.
Brandon Jacobs (at WAS): Jacobs has struggled on the road this season with only one touchdown and two games with double digits in Fantasy points in six outings. That could be a bad thing this week since the Redskins have yet to allow a rushing touchdown at home. Jacobs struggled against Washington in Week 1 with 16 carries for 46 yards and two catches for 17 yards, and he has just one touchdown in his past five meetings with the Redskins. Washington has only allowed four running backs to reach double digits in Fantasy points, and Jacobs continues to lose carries to Ahmad Bradshaw.
LeSean McCoy (vs. SF): We love McCoy's potential, and he has done a tremendous job replacing the injured Brian Westbrook (concussion). But McCoy might have hit the rookie wall based on his performance the past two games at Atlanta and Washington. He has combined for 30 rushing yards on 16 carries with seven catches for 50 yards. He's losing carries to Leonard Weaver and Michael Vick, especially near the goal line, and he has become a risky starting option. The 49ers have allowed 10 rushing touchdowns, but they are No. 5 in run defense. If you want to use McCoy this week, consider him nothing more than a flex option based on his recent play.
Jerome Harrison (at KC): The Browns have a great matchup at the Chiefs, but Harrison will likely be the third option behind Chris Jennings and Josh Cribbs. Both played well in Week 14 against the Steelers while Harrison, who was dealing with an illness, was limited to seven carries for 9 yards and two catches for 10 yards. Jennings is worth using as a sleeper since he had 20 carries for 73 yards and a touchdown against Pittsburgh, and Cribbs will be used as the running back in the Wildcat. That could leave Harrison playing on passing downs, but he is now a risky starting option for Fantasy owners based on the emergence of Jennings and Cribbs.

Bust alert: Ryan Grant (at PIT): The Steelers are struggling after losing five games in a row and not looking like the tough Pittsburgh team we have come to expect. But the Steelers run defense remains stout and has been resting for 10 days after playing on Thursday in Week 14. Pittsburgh, despite the struggles, is still No. 1 in run defense and has only allowed four rushing touchdowns. Only Adrian Peterson has scored a rushing touchdown in Pittsburgh back in Week 7, and the Steelers haven't allowed a 100-yard rusher all season. Grant is coming off a tremendous game at Chicago with 20 carries for 137 yards and two touchdowns, and he has nine games with double digits in Fantasy points. It's hard to bench Grant, but lower your expectations if you plan on starting him this week. The Steelers might be down, especially with Troy Polamalu (knee) out, but the run defense continues to be tough.

Wide receivers

Start 'Em

DeSean Jackson (vs. SF): Jackson continues to be a sophomore sensation. He had six catches for 178 yards and a touchdown last week at the Giants and now has a touchdown in his past three games and seven receiving touchdowns on the season. He should see even more targets this week with Jeremy Maclin (foot) injured, and the 49ers have allowed five receivers to reach double digits in Fantasy points. Jackson had six catches for 98 yards at San Francisco last year.
Derrick Mason (vs. CHI): Mason has been great at home. He has reached double digits in Fantasy points in five of his seven home games this season, including last week against Detroit when he had five catches for 94 yards and a touchdown. In three of his past four games, all at home, he has combined for 21 catches for 298 yards and two touchdowns. The Bears have allowed 12 touchdowns to opposing wide receivers and nine have reached double digits in Fantasy points.
Pierre Garcon (at JAC): Garcon struggled last week against Tennessee with two catches for 39 yards, but he was still a big part of the game plan. That should continue against Jacksonville, which is No. 26 in pass defense and has allowed 16 touchdowns to opposing wide receivers. Prior to last week, Garcon had reached double digits in Fantasy points in four games in a row, and he has 11 catches for 171 yards and a touchdown in his past two road games at Baltimore and Houston. Garcon was a reserve in Week 1 against Jacksonville and finished with three catches for 24 yards, but he should do better in the rematch.
Terrell Owens (vs. NE): Based on the Patriots pass defense the past few weeks you should consider Owens a quality starting option. New England has allowed at least one wide receiver to reach double digits in Fantasy points in each of its past five games, allowing 10 touchdowns to wide receivers over that span. Owens was limited to two catches for 46 yards in Week 1 against the Patriots, but he has three touchdowns in his past four games. It wouldn't be a surprise to see Owens get his fifth game this season with double digits in Fantasy points.
Antonio Bryant (at SEA): The Seahawks have allowed the second-most Fantasy points to opposing wide receivers this season and are second in touchdowns allowed to wide receivers with 20. They have allowed 14 wide receivers to reach double digits in Fantasy points, including at least one wide receiver in each of the past five games. Bryant struggled with Darrelle Revis last week against the Jets, but he has started to play well. In the two games prior to last week at Atlanta and Carolina he had eight catches for 207 yards and a touchdown. Last year, Bryant closed the season with 26 catches for 512 yards and four touchdowns in the final four games of the year, so hopefully that will happen again in 2009.

Sleeper alert: T.J. Houshmandzadeh (vs. TB): Houshmandzadeh has been miserable since coming to Seattle. He only has three touchdowns on the season and three games with double digits in Fantasy points. In his past four games he has combined for 12 Fantasy points. But with Nate Burleson (ankle) not expected to play that should allow Houshmandzadeh to see more targets. And he also has a favorable matchup against Tampa Bay, which has allowed 24 passing touchdowns and 13 wide receivers to reach double digits in Fantasy points. Some other sleepers to consider this week include Dwayne Bowe (vs. CLE), Devery Henderson (vs. DAL), Kenny Britt (vs. MIA), Hakeem Nicks (at WAS), Steve Breaston (at DET) and Kevin Walter (at STL)

Sit 'Em

Michael Crabtree (at PHI): The Eagles secondary hasn't played great this season, but they have done well against opposing wide receivers, especially at home. Only Marques Colston in Week 2 and Miles Austin in Week 9 have reached double digits in Fantasy points in Philadelphia this year in six home games. Crabtree scored his second touchdown of the season last week against Arizona and has played well in limited action due to the holdout, but he could struggle this week in a matchup with Asante Samuel and Sheldon Brown.
Mike Sims-Walker (vs. IND): Sims-Walker showed his toughness by playing through a calf injury last week against Miami, but this injury is hurting his production. He has six catches for 64 yards and no touchdowns in his past three games, and it's hard to count on him for quality stats. The Colts got beat up by Brandon Marshall last week, but they have only allowed six wide receivers to score touchdowns this year. Consider Sims-Walker a No. 3 Fantasy wide receiver if you feel inclined to start him, but don't be surprised if he struggles again based on the injury.
Chris Chambers (vs. CLE): Chambers is a Cleveland native and could do well in this game now that Dwayne Bowe is back and will take away some coverage, but Bowe will also steal targets. Chambers has six catches for 61 yards in his past two games against Denver and Buffalo and shouldn't be considered anything more than a No. 3 wide receiver. We'd like Chambers a lot more if Bowe were still out for this game, but Bowe will now replace Chambers as the No. 1 receiver for the Chiefs.
Lee Evans (vs. NE): Evans has never played well against the Patriots, and it's hard to expect him to break that trend now. In his past six meetings against New England, Evans has only 16 catches for 167 yards and no touchdowns. In Week 1 at New England, Evans was held to three catches for 25 yards. He hasn't scored a touchdown since Week 10 at Tennessee and has combined for nine Fantasy points in his past four games on five catches.
Braylon Edwards (vs. ATL): The quarterback situation in New York makes Edwards and Jerricho Cotchery risky starters despite a favorable matchup against the Falcons. With Mark Sanchez (knee) hurt and the potential of Kellen Clemens starting again, you should keep Edwards on your bench. He had three catches for 37 yards last week at Tampa Bay with Clemens as the starter. Edwards also has just one touchdown at home since joining the Jets prior to Week 5, and he has one game with double digits in Fantasy points in his past five outings.

Bust alert: Steve Smith (vs. MIN): Smith has several things working against him this week. The Panthers just lost right tackle Jeff Otah, which is the second starting tackle out for the season with Jordan Gross. That means Matt Moore will likely be running for his life from Jared Allen and the Vikings pass rush and not have time to look for Smith down the field. Along with that, the Vikings got standout cornerback Antoine Winfield back last week against Cincinnati, and he will likely shadow Smith, who had four catches for 70 yards last year at Minnesota. It's hard to bench Smith, who has five catches for 161 and a touchdown in his past two games against Tampa Bay and New England, but this is a tough matchup for him.

Tight ends

Start 'Em

Fred Davis (vs. NYG): The Giants continue to struggle with tight ends as Brent Celek showed last week with five catches for 64 yards and a touchdown. The Giants have allowed eight touchdowns to opposing tight ends and six have reached double digits in Fantasy points. Davis has done well filling in for the injured Chris Cooley (ankle) with 12 catches for 146 yards and four touchdowns in his past three games. He should remain hot in this matchup and is worth starting in all leagues this week.
Visanthe Shiancoe (at CAR): Shiancoe had two catches for 38 yards and a touchdown last year against the Panthers, and he should rebound from last week's poor outing against Cincinnati when he was held to two catches for 19 yards. Shiancoe only has four catches for 33 yards in his past two games, but he still remains a quality red zone target with three touchdowns in his past four outings and nine touchdowns on the season. The Panthers have allowed five touchdowns to opposing tight ends, including one to Benjamin Watson last week.
Heath Miller (vs. GB): Miller hasn't scored a touchdown in his past three games, but he has a chance to play well this week. The Packers have allowed seven touchdowns to opposing tight ends, and Miller has three touchdowns at home. The Steelers might be throwing the ball a lot in this matchup, so Miller could see his share of targets. He has eight games this season with at least five catches, and this should be another one of those games.

Sleeper alert: Dustin Keller (vs. ATL): This is a risky start since Keller has only two catches for 8 yards in his past two games and has quarterback issues with Mark Sanchez (knee) banged up. But the Falcons are among the worst teams against opposing tight ends. They have allowed seven touchdowns to tight ends and seven tight ends have reached at least seven Fantasy points. Keller has 18 catches for 202 yards and a touchdown in his past three home games and could have success based on the matchup. Some other sleepers to consider this week include Bo Scaife (vs. MIA), Todd Heap (vs. CHI) and Benjamin Watson (at BUF).

Sit 'Em

Kevin Boss (at WAS): Boss has been great when he's had favorable matchups and struggled at times with difficult opponents. This is one of those tough weeks because Washington has done well against tight ends all season. Tony Gonzalez is the only tight end to reach double digits in Fantasy points against the Redskins, who have allowed just two touchdowns to tight ends. Boss actually has the most yards for a tight end against Washington when he had three catches for 62 yards in Week 1. He has one touchdown in four career meetings with the Redskins and no games with double digits in Fantasy points.
Jeremy Shockey (vs. DAL): Shockey might snap out of his slump this week, but it's hard to trust him with his lack of production, especially during the Fantasy playoffs. Shockey hasn't scored a touchdown since Week 6, and he hasn't had more than 47 yards receiving since Week 8. He has combined for 23 Fantasy points in his past seven games. The Cowboys have allowed five touchdowns to opposing tight ends, so Shockey has the chance to end his scoreless streak, and I have to start him in one of my leagues out of necessity. But that doesn't mean I feel comfortable about it based on his recent play.
Greg Olsen (at BAL): The last time Olsen was in a slump like this was in Week 7 and 8 when he had seven catches for 64 yards. He then went out and had five catches for 71 yards and three touchdowns against Arizona in Week 9. Since then, Olsen has combined for 15 Fantasy points in five games. He hasn't scored a touchdown, and he has just four catches for 15 yards in the past two weeks against St. Louis and Green Bay. The Ravens haven't been great against tight ends, allowing six touchdowns on the season, but only Sean Ryan scored in Baltimore in Week 1. And if Ed Reed (groin/foot) is able to play, that will make things even more difficult for Olsen.

Bust alert: Tony Gonzalez (at NYJ): Let's face it, you're probably not going to bench Gonzalez since he's always a threat for a big game. But if you were able to pick up someone like Fred Davis, you might consider making a switch. The Jets, who are No. 1 in pass defense, have done well against opposing tight ends. No tight end has reached double digits in Fantasy points against the Jets, and only two have scored touchdowns in Anthony Fasano in Week 5 and Joey Haynos in Week 8. They have limited Owen Daniels, Jeremy Shockey, Zach Miller and Kellen Winslow to four Fantasy points or less in each matchup. Gonzalez hasn't scored a touchdown in his past three games and has only one on the road this season -- ironically enough, at this stadium against the Giants in Week 11 -- but he could be limited by this stellar Jets pass defense.

Defense/Special teams

Start 'Em

Texans (at STL): The Texans should be added and started in all leagues this week based on their matchup at the Rams. With either Kyle Boller or Keith Null starting at quarterback, the Texans could be an outstanding Fantasy option. Last week against Seattle the Texans allowed only seven points with an interception returned for a touchdown, a forced fumble and three sacks. It was their eighth game with double digits in Fantasy points, and this week should be nine. Boller has started four games this year and has one touchdown, five interceptions and two fumbles. Null started last week at Tennessee and had one touchdown and five interceptions.

Other DSTs with good matchups: Broncos (vs. OAK), Cardinals (at DET) and the Seahawks (vs. TB)

Sit 'Em

49ers (at PHI): The 49ers DST was amazing Monday night against Arizona with only nine points allowed to go with two interceptions, seven forced fumbles and four sacks. They have 15 sacks in the past three games and have eight games with double digits in Fantasy points, including three in a row and two games over 25 points. But this is a tough matchup, especially on the road with a long trip on a short week. And the 49ers have struggled on the road on defense in three of their past four road games at Houston, Indianapolis and Green Bay with a combined 15 Fantasy points. Look for the 49ers DST to close the season on a high note with games against Detroit and St. Louis, but try to avoid them this week if possible.

Kicker

Start 'Em

Matt Prater (vs. OAK): Kickers have enjoyed facing the Raiders this season. They are among the league leaders with 31 field goal attempts and 35 extra points. Prater has already taken advantage of the Raiders once with three field goals and two extra points in Week 3. It was one of seven games where Prater has made multiple field goals, and he's also been great at home with 11 field goals in six games. The Broncos should give Prater plenty of scoring chances, and look for him to go after his fifth game this season with double digits in Fantasy points.

Other kickers with good matchups: Billy Cundiff (vs. CHI), Jay Feely (vs. ATL) and Rob Bironas (vs. MIA)

Sit 'Em

Nick Folk (at NO): This time of year it's all about trust, and the Cowboys don't even trust Folk at this point, so why should you? He has six missed field goals in his past five games and hasn't reached double digits in Fantasy points since Week 8 against Seattle. The Cowboys have tried putting Tony Romo back at holder and are trying to push Folk with kickoff specialist David Buehler during practice this week. The Saints have allowed 21 made field goals and 29 extra points, so Folk could rebound this week, but you have to be safe and go with someone who isn't going to ruin your season. And Folk has been a terrible Fantasy option for most of this year.

You can email your Fantasy Football questions to DMFantasyFootball@cbs.com. Be sure to put Attn: Start 'Em and Sit 'Em in the subject field. Include your full name, hometown and state, and we'll get to as many as we can. Also, follow me on Twitter @jameyeisenberg.