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The NFL proved to be as predicatable as ever in week 9. How many experts had the Dolphins shellacking the Bears in Chicago? Or the Skins kicking a game-winning field goal with zero seconds on the clock to beat Dallas? Or the Lions and 49ers coming out with wins against the Falcons and Vikings? Then again, some players had predictably spectacular games, notably Larry Johnson, LaDainian Tomlinson, and Javon Walker. Needless to say these players should be in your lineup this week, but you may have questions about the rest of your roster. Hopefully, the Cafe’s Week 10 Start & Sit will help you answer those questions. Good luck!
Our revised system is based on two separate rankings: Risk and Reward. Each player or defense was given a statistical ranking for each of the two categories.
Risk is determined by anything that could negatively affect the player in question’s performance. This includes such things as matchup, situation, and injuries.
Reward is determined by anything that could positively affect the player in question’s performance. This includes such things as talent, matchup, and situation.
The Ranking for the two categories is as follows:
Risk: Score of 0 being the lowest risk, 10 being the highest risk.
Reward: Score of 0 being lowest reward, 10 being the highest reward.
| Quarterbacks | Opponent | Rating | Risk | Reward |
| Peyton Manning – IND | vs BUF | 16.5 | 2.3 | 8.8 |
| Donovan McNabb – PHI | vs WAS | 15.8 | 3.0 | 8.8 |
| Marc Bulger – STL | at SEA | 14.8 | 3.5 | 8.3 |
| Jon Kitna – DET | vs SF | 14.5 | 3.0 | 7.5 |
| Tom Brady – NE | vs NYJ | 14.5 | 3.3 | 7.8 |
| Drew Brees – NO | at PIT | 14.3 | 3.5 | 7.8 |
| Tony Romo – DAL | at ARI | 14.0 | 3.5 | 7.5 |
| Damon Huard – KC | at MIA | 13.5 | 3.3 | 6.8 |
| Brett Favre – GB | at MIN | 13.0 | 3.8 | 6.8 |
| Michael Vick – ATL | vs CLE | 13.0 | 4.0 | 7.0 |
| Jake Delhomme – CAR | vs TB | 13.0 | 4.0 | 7.0 |
| Philip Rivers – SD | at CIN | 12.8 | 3.8 | 6.5 |
| Seneca Wallace – SEA | vs STL | 12.8 | 3.8 | 6.5 |
| Steve McNair – BAL | at TEN | 12.5 | 3.5 | 6.0 |
| David Garrard – JAC | vs HOU | 12.0 | 3.8 | 5.8 |
| Joey Harrington – MIA | vs KC | 12.0 | 4.3 | 6.3 |
| Jake Plummer – DEN | at OAK | 12.0 | 4.5 | 6.5 |
| Carson Palmer – CIN | vs SD | 12.0 | 5.0 | 7.0 |
| Chad Pennington – NYJ | at NE | 11.5 | 4.5 | 6.0 |
| Eli Manning – NYG | vs CHI | 11.5 | 5.3 | 6.8 |
| Rex Grossman – CHI | at NYG | 11.3 | 5.5 | 6.8 |
| Alex Smith – SF | at DET | 11.0 | 4.8 | 5.8 |
| Brad Johnson – MIN | vs GB | 10.5 | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| David Carr – HOU | at JAC | 10.5 | 5.3 | 5.8 |
| Matt Leinart – ARI | vs DAL | 10.5 | 5.5 | 6.0 |
| Ben Roethlisberger – PIT | vs NO | 10.5 | 5.5 | 6.0 |
| Mark Brunell – WAS | at PHI | 10.3 | 5.0 | 5.3 |
| Charlie Frye – CLE | at Atl | 9.0 | 6.0 | 5.0 |
| Bruce Gradkowski – TB | at CAR | 8.8 | 5.8 | 4.5 |
| JP Losman – BUF | at IND | 8.0 | 6.8 | 4.8 |
| Vince Young – TEN | vs BAL | 7.5 | 7.0 | 4.5 |
| Andrew Walter – OAK | vs DEN | 6.3 | 7.3 | 3.5 |
| Kyle Boller – BAL | at SEA | 2.3 | 9.0 | 1.3 |
| Charlie Batch – PIT | vs NO | 2.0 | 9.5 | 1.5 |
| Daunte Culpepper – MIA | vs KC | 0.5 | 9.8 | 0.3 |
| Matt Hasselbeck – SEA | vs STL | 0.3 | 9.8 | 0.0 |
Start:
Jon Kitna, DET (14.5 rating): Kitna has done a good job taking advantage of the weapons he has in Detroit. The former Bengal is on pace to go over 4000 yards and 20 touchdowns in his first year in the Motor City. Coming off a 321 yard game against the Falcons, Kitna should be ready to take advantage of a game against a much weaker Niner defense.
Sit:
Rex Grossman, CHI (11.3 rating): Grossman has been up and down this year, making him a very risky fantasy start. He looked downright awful at times last week against the Dolphins. The Giants may be missing Michael Strahan from their defense, but they are still pretty respectable overall. Counting on Grossman as a fantasy starter this week is a risky proposition.
| Running Backs | Opponent | Rating | Risk | Reward |
| LaDainian Tomlinson – SD | at CIN | 17.5 | 2.0 | 9.5 |
| Larry Johnson – KC | at MIA | 16.8 | 2.3 | 9.0 |
| Kevin Jones – DET | vs SF | 15.8 | 2.3 | 8.0 |
| Steven Jackson – STL | at SEA | 15.3 | 2.8 | 8.0 |
| Willie Parker – PIT | vs NO | 14.5 | 3.0 | 7.5 |
| Julius Jones – DAL | at ARI | 14.3 | 3.3 | 7.5 |
| Brian Westbrook – PHI | vs WAS | 14.3 | 3.5 | 7.8 |
| Chester Taylor – MIN | vs GB | 13.8 | 3.3 | 7.0 |
| Clinton Portis – WAS | at PHI | 13.8 | 3.8 | 7.5 |
| Ronnie Brown – MIA | vs KC | 13.5 | 3.5 | 7.0 |
| Mike Bell – DEN | at OAK | 13.3 | 4.0 | 7.3 |
| Corey Dillon – NE | vs NYJ | 13.0 | 3.5 | 6.5 |
| Frank Gore – SF | at DET | 13.0 | 3.8 | 6.8 |
| Tiki Barber – NYG | vs CHI | 13.0 | 4.3 | 7.3 |
| Warrick Dunn – ATL | vs CLE | 12.8 | 3.5 | 6.3 |
| Jamal Lewis – BAL | at TEN | 12.8 | 3.8 | 6.5 |
| Fred Taylor – JAC | vs HOU | 12.5 | 4.5 | 7.0 |
| Rudi Johnson – CIN | vs SD | 12.3 | 4.8 | 7.0 |
| Deuce McAllister – NO | at PIT | 12.0 | 4.0 | 6.0 |
| DeShaun Foster – CAR | vs TB | 12.0 | 4.5 | 6.5 |
| Ahman Green – GB | at MIN | 12.0 | 4.8 | 6.8 |
| Joseph Addai – IND | vs BUF | 11.8 | 4.3 | 6.0 |
| Thomas Jones – CHI | at NYG | 11.8 | 4.5 | 6.3 |
| Laurence Maroney – NE | vs NYJ | 11.3 | 4.5 | 5.8 |
| Maurice Jones-Drew – JAC | vs HOU | 11.0 | 4.8 | 5.8 |
| Maurice Morris – SEA | vs STL | 10.8 | 4.5 | 5.3 |
| Cadillac Williams – TB | at CAR | 10.8 | 5.0 | 5.8 |
| Marion Barber – DAL | at ARI | 10.8 | 5.3 | 6.0 |
| Wali Lundy – HOU | at JAC | 10.5 | 5.0 | 5.5 |
| Reuben Droughns – CLE | at Atl | 10.3 | 4.8 | 5.0 |
| Edgerrin James – ARI | vs DAL | 10.3 | 5.3 | 5.5 |
| Reggie Bush – NO | at PIT | 9.3 | 5.5 | 4.8 |
| Leon Washington – NYJ | at NE | 9.3 | 5.5 | 4.8 |
| Dominic Rhodes – IND | vs BUF | 9.0 | 5.3 | 4.3 |
| Travis Henry – TEN | vs BAL | 8.5 | 6.8 | 5.3 |
| Jerious Norwood – ATL | vs CLE | 7.8 | 6.8 | 4.5 |
| LaMont Jordan – OAK | vs DEN | 7.5 | 6.5 | 4.0 |
| Cedric Benson – CHI | at NYG | 7.5 | 6.8 | 4.3 |
| DeAngelo Williams – CAR | vs TB | 7.5 | 7.0 | 4.5 |
| Brandon Jacobs – NYG | vs CHI | 7.5 | 7.0 | 4.5 |
| Tatum Bell – DEN | at OAK | 6.8 | 7.3 | 4.0 |
| Musa Smith – BAL | at TEN | 6.5 | 7.0 | 3.5 |
| Kevan Barlow – NYJ | at NE | 6.5 | 7.0 | 3.5 |
| Michael Turner – SD | at CIN | 6.5 | 7.0 | 3.5 |
| Anthony Thomas – BUF | at IND | 6.0 | 6.5 | 2.5 |
| Najeh Davenport – PIT | vs NO | 6.0 | 6.8 | 2.8 |
| Correll Buckhalter – PHI | vs WAS | 5.5 | 7.0 | 2.5 |
| Ladell Betts – WAS | at PHI | 5.0 | 7.0 | 2.0 |
| Jerome Harrison – CLE | at Atl | 5.0 | 7.8 | 2.8 |
| Chris Perry – CIN | vs SD | 5.0 | 8.0 | 3.0 |
| Vernand Morency – GB | at MIN | 4.8 | 8.0 | 2.8 |
| Mike Anderson – BAL | at TEN | 4.5 | 8.3 | 2.8 |
| Lendale White – TEN | vs BAL | 4.5 | 8.3 | 2.8 |
| Justin Fargas – OAK | vs DEN | 4.0 | 7.8 | 1.8 |
| Cedric Houston – NYJ | at NE | 4.0 | 8.0 | 2.0 |
| Samkon Gado – HOU | at JAC | 3.8 | 8.0 | 1.8 |
| Ron Dayne – HOU | at JAC | 3.8 | 8.3 | 2.0 |
| Noah Herron – GB | at MIN | 3.8 | 8.5 | 2.3 |
| Chris Brown – TEN | vs BAL | 2.8 | 8.8 | 1.5 |
| Michael Robinson – SF | at DET | 2.5 | 8.5 | 1.0 |
Start:
Frank Gore, SF (13.0 rating): Gore has put up pretty good numbers in the past two weeks despite playing two of the toughest run defenses in the league in Chicago and Minnesota. Detroit may not be a total cupcake, but their run defense should be enough of a reprieve for Gore to have a good game.
Sit:
Edgerrin James, ARI (10.3 rating): Edge’s troubles this year have been well-documented. He simply is not getting any push from his offensive line. Allthough he has performed a bit better recently, I would not expect a good performance from him against the Cowboys. Dallas has a very good defense, shutting down Clinton Portis last week apart from one long run. The return of Larry Fitzgerald may also steal some redzone opportunities from Edge.
| Wide Receivers | Opponent | Rating | Risk | Reward |
| Roy Williams – DET | vs SF | 16.0 | 2.3 | 8.3 |
| Torry Holt – STL | at SEA | 16.0 | 2.5 | 8.5 |
| Steve Smith – CAR | vs TB | 16.0 | 2.8 | 8.8 |
| Marvin Harrison – IND | vs BUF | 15.5 | 2.5 | 8.0 |
| Terrell Owens – DAL | at ARI | 15.5 | 2.8 | 8.3 |
| Javon Walker – DEN | at OAK | 15.3 | 2.8 | 8.0 |
| Marques Colston – NO | at PIT | 15.0 | 3.0 | 8.0 |
| Reggie Wayne – IND | vs BUF | 14.8 | 2.8 | 7.5 |
| Deion Branch – SEA | vs STL | 14.5 | 3.0 | 7.5 |
| Andre Johnson – HOU | at JAC | 14.0 | 3.0 | 7.0 |
| Darrell Jackson – SEA | vs STL | 14.0 | 3.3 | 7.3 |
| Anquan Boldin – ARI | vs DAL | 13.8 | 3.5 | 7.3 |
| Donald Driver – GB | at MIN | 13.3 | 3.5 | 6.8 |
| Reggie Brown – PHI | vs WAS | 12.8 | 3.8 | 6.5 |
| Antonio Bryant – SF | at DET | 12.8 | 3.8 | 6.5 |
| TJ Houshmandzadeh – CIN | vs SD | 12.8 | 4.5 | 7.3 |
| Chris Chambers – MIA | vs KC | 12.5 | 3.8 | 6.3 |
| Muhsin Muhammad – CHI | at NYG | 12.5 | 4.3 | 6.8 |
| Hines Ward – PIT | vs NO | 12.3 | 3.5 | 5.8 |
| Doug Gabriel – NE | vs NYJ | 12.3 | 3.8 | 6.0 |
| Lee Evans – BUF | at IND | 12.3 | 4.0 | 6.3 |
| Joey Galloway – TB | at CAR | 12.0 | 4.5 | 6.5 |
| Eddie Kennison – KC | at MIA | 11.8 | 4.3 | 6.0 |
| Laveranues Coles – NYJ | at NE | 11.8 | 4.3 | 6.0 |
| Isaac Bruce – STL | at SEA | 11.8 | 4.3 | 6.0 |
| Braylon Edwards – CLE | at Atl | 11.8 | 4.5 | 6.3 |
| Mike Furrey – DET | vs SF | 11.8 | 4.5 | 6.3 |
| Greg Jennings – GB | at MIN | 11.8 | 4.5 | 6.3 |
| Chad Johnson – CIN | vs SD | 11.5 | 5.0 | 6.5 |
| Terry Glenn – DAL | at ARI | 11.3 | 5.0 | 6.3 |
| Donte’ Stallworth – PHI | vs WAS | 11.3 | 5.3 | 6.5 |
| Keyshawn Johnson – CAR | vs TB | 11.0 | 4.5 | 5.5 |
| Matt Jones – JAC | vs HOU | 11.0 | 4.8 | 5.8 |
| Chris Henry – CIN | vs SD | 11.0 | 5.3 | 6.3 |
| Reggie Williams – JAC | vs HOU | 10.8 | 4.8 | 5.5 |
| Ernest Wilford – JAC | vs HOU | 10.8 | 5.0 | 5.8 |
| Jerricho Cotchery – NYJ | at NE | 10.8 | 5.5 | 6.3 |
| Reche Caldwell – NE | vs NYJ | 10.5 | 4.3 | 4.8 |
| Derrick Mason – BAL | at TEN | 10.3 | 4.3 | 4.5 |
| Troy Brown – NE | vs NYJ | 10.3 | 4.5 | 4.8 |
| Marty Booker – MIA | vs KC | 10.3 | 4.8 | 5.0 |
| Keenan McCardell – SD | at CIN | 10.0 | 4.8 | 4.8 |
| Chad Jackson – NE | vs NYJ | 10.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Larry Fitzgerald – ARI | vs DAL | 10.0 | 5.8 | 5.8 |
| Plaxico Burress – NYG | vs CHI | 10.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| Eric Parker – SD | at CIN | 9.8 | 4.8 | 4.5 |
| Troy Williamson – MIN | vs GB | 9.8 | 5.3 | 5.0 |
| Randy Moss – OAK | vs DEN | 9.8 | 6.0 | 5.8 |
| Mark Clayton – BAL | at TEN | 9.5 | 5.3 | 4.8 |
| Eric Moulds – HOU | at JAC | 9.3 | 5.3 | 4.5 |
| Travis Taylor – MIN | vs GB | 9.3 | 5.3 | 4.5 |
| Nate Washington – PIT | vs NO | 9.3 | 5.5 | 4.8 |
| Nate Burleson – SEA | vs STL | 9.0 | 5.5 | 4.5 |
| Michael Jenkins – ATL | vs CLE | 9.0 | 6.3 | 5.3 |
| Joe Horn – NO | at PIT | 9.0 | 7.0 | 6.0 |
| Wes Welker – MIA | vs KC | 8.8 | 5.5 | 4.3 |
| Santonio Holmes – PIT | vs NO | 8.8 | 5.8 | 4.5 |
| Bryant Johnson – ARI | vs DAL | 8.8 | 6.0 | 4.8 |
| Drew Bennett – TEN | vs BAL | 8.5 | 6.3 | 4.8 |
| Rod Smith – DEN | at OAK | 8.3 | 6.3 | 4.5 |
| Michael Clayton – TB | at CAR | 8.3 | 6.3 | 4.5 |
| Antwaan Randle El – WAS | at PHI | 8.0 | 5.8 | 3.8 |
| Brandon Stokely – IND | vs BUF | 7.8 | 5.8 | 3.5 |
| Sammie Parker – KC | at MIA | 7.8 | 6.0 | 3.8 |
| Arnaz Battle – SF | at DET | 7.8 | 6.3 | 4.0 |
| Joe Jurevicius – CLE | at Atl | 7.8 | 6.5 | 4.3 |
| Roscoe Parrish – BUF | at IND | 7.5 | 6.3 | 3.8 |
| Brandon Lloyd – WAS | at PHI | 7.5 | 6.3 | 3.8 |
| Hank Baskett – PHI | vs WAS | 7.3 | 6.3 | 3.5 |
| Roddy White – ATL | vs CLE | 7.0 | 7.0 | 4.0 |
| Dennis Northcutt – CLE | at Atl | 6.5 | 7.0 | 3.5 |
| Marcus Robinson – MIN | vs GB | 6.3 | 7.0 | 3.3 |
| Justin McCareins – NYJ | at NE | 6.3 | 7.0 | 3.3 |
| Ashley Lelie – ATL | vs CLE | 6.3 | 7.8 | 4.0 |
| David Givens – TEN | vs BAL | 5.8 | 7.5 | 3.3 |
| Josh Reed – BUF | at IND | 4.5 | 7.3 | 1.8 |
| Bobby Engram – SEA | vs STL | 4.5 | 7.8 | 2.3 |
| Santana Moss – WAS | at PHI | 4.0 | 8.8 | 2.8 |
| Bernard Berrian – CHI | at NYG | 2.0 | 9.5 | 1.5 |
Start:
Donald Driver, GB (13.3 rating): Greg Jennings being banged up has prompted Driver to step up his game these last three weeks. Favre and Driver seem to have reconnected. The Pack will probably be passing alot against the Vikings this week, so Driver should be a good start.
Sit:
Randy Moss, OAK (9.8 rating): Moss gave his owners a glimmer of hope three weeks ago with a 129 yards and a touchdown, but since then he has been back to his inconsistent ways. And this week not only will have the Raiders’ quarterback problems to deal with, he will be going up against Champ Bailey.
| Tight Ends | Opponent | Rating | Risk | Reward |
| Alge Crumpler – ATL | vs CLE | 16.0 | 1.8 | 7.8 |
| Antonio Gates – SD | at CIN | 15.0 | 3.0 | 8.0 |
| Tony Gonzalez – KC | at MIA | 14.8 | 2.5 | 7.3 |
| Todd Heap – BAL | at TEN | 14.5 | 2.5 | 7.0 |
| Jason Witten – DAL | at ARI | 14.3 | 2.5 | 6.8 |
| Jeremy Shockey – NYG | vs CHI | 13.3 | 3.8 | 7.0 |
| Kellen Winslow – CLE | at Atl | 12.8 | 3.3 | 6.0 |
| Ben Watson – NE | vs NYJ | 12.8 | 3.5 | 6.3 |
| LJ Smith – PHI | vs WAS | 12.3 | 3.8 | 6.0 |
| Randy McMichael – MIA | vs KC | 12.0 | 3.8 | 5.8 |
| Heath Miller – PIT | vs NO | 11.8 | 3.5 | 5.3 |
| Desmond Clark – CHI | at NYG | 11.8 | 4.3 | 6.0 |
| Owen Daniels – HOU | at JAC | 11.8 | 4.5 | 6.3 |
| Chris Cooley – WAS | at PHI | 11.8 | 4.5 | 6.3 |
| Dallas Clark – IND | vs BUF | 11.5 | 4.0 | 5.5 |
| George Wrighster – JAC | vs HOU | 11.3 | 3.8 | 5.0 |
| David Martin – GB | at MIN | 9.3 | 4.8 | 4.0 |
| Jeremy Stevens – SEA | vs STL | 9.3 | 5.0 | 4.3 |
| Bubba Franks – GB | at MIN | 9.3 | 5.3 | 4.5 |
| Jermaine Wiggins – MIN | vs GB | 9.0 | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Eric Johnson – SF | at DET | 9.0 | 5.3 | 4.3 |
| Kris Mangum – CAR | vs TB | 8.5 | 5.8 | 4.3 |
| Marcus Pollard – DET | vs SF | 8.3 | 5.5 | 3.8 |
| Chris Baker – NYJ | at NE | 8.0 | 5.8 | 3.8 |
| Stephen Alexander – DEN | at OAK | 8.0 | 6.0 | 4.0 |
| Alex Smith – TB | at CAR | 7.8 | 6.0 | 3.8 |
| Daniel Graham – NE | vs NYJ | 7.5 | 5.8 | 3.3 |
| Ben Utecht – IND | vs BUF | 7.5 | 6.3 | 3.8 |
| John Gilmore – CHI | at NYG | 7.3 | 6.3 | 3.5 |
| Bryan Fletcher – IND | vs BUF | 7.0 | 5.8 | 2.8 |
| Dan Campbell – DET | vs SF | 7.0 | 6.0 | 3.0 |
| Itula Mili – SEA | vs STL | 7.0 | 6.0 | 3.0 |
| Courtney Anderson – OAK | vs DEN | 6.8 | 6.0 | 2.8 |
| Reggie Kelly – CIN | vs SD | 6.3 | 6.3 | 2.5 |
| Ben Troupe – TEN | vs BAL | 6.3 | 6.5 | 2.8 |
| Bo Scaife – TEN | vs BAL | 6.0 | 6.8 | 2.8 |
| Anthony Becht – TB | at CAR | 5.8 | 7.0 | 2.8 |
| Mike Sellers – WAS | at PHI | 5.5 | 6.8 | 2.3 |
| Jeb Putzier – HOU | at JAC | 5.0 | 7.3 | 2.3 |
| Adam Bergen – ARI | vs DAL | 3.5 | 7.8 | 1.3 |
Start:
Ben Watson, NE (12.8 rating): After a relatively dissapointing start, Watson seems to have found a connection with Brady recently, going over 50 yards in his last three games. Look for him to add another solid start against the Jets.
Sit:
Owen Daniels, HOU (11.8 rating): The rookie has been quite a surprise last year, and has proven he is startable in most leagues. However, there are better plays than Daniels this week. The rookie is going to have to play a Jacksonville defense on the road. The Jags will be looking for revenge against the Texans for the beatdown they handed Jacksonville just three weeks ago.
| Kickers | Opponent | Rating | Risk | Reward |
| Jeff Wilkins – STL | at SEA | 14.8 | 3.0 | 7.8 |
| Adam Vinatieri – IND | vs BUF | 14.5 | 2.3 | 6.8 |
| Jason Elam – DEN | at OAK | 14.3 | 2.5 | 6.8 |
| Josh Brown – SEA | vs STL | 13.8 | 3.0 | 6.8 |
| Josh Scobee – JAC | vs HOU | 13.5 | 2.5 | 6.0 |
| Matt Stover – BAL | at TEN | 13.5 | 2.8 | 6.3 |
| Nate Kaeding – SD | at CIN | 13.5 | 3.0 | 6.5 |
| Robbie Gould – CHI | at NYG | 13.3 | 3.0 | 6.3 |
| Lawrence Tynes – KC | at MIA | 13.0 | 2.8 | 5.8 |
| David Akers – PHI | vs WAS | 13.0 | 3.0 | 6.0 |
| John Kasay – CAR | vs TB | 13.0 | 3.3 | 6.3 |
| Mike Vanderjagt – DAL | at ARI | 13.0 | 3.5 | 6.5 |
| John Carney – NO | at PIT | 13.0 | 3.5 | 6.5 |
| Stephen Gostkowski – NE | vs NYJ | 12.3 | 3.3 | 5.5 |
| Jason Hanson – DET | vs SF | 12.3 | 3.5 | 5.8 |
| Morten Andersen – ATL | vs CLE | 12.3 | 3.8 | 6.0 |
| Dave Rayner – GB | at MIN | 12.3 | 3.8 | 6.0 |
| Neil Rackers – ARI | vs DAL | 11.8 | 4.3 | 6.0 |
| Shayne Graham – CIN | vs SD | 11.3 | 4.0 | 5.3 |
| Ryan Longwell – MIN | vs GB | 11.0 | 4.3 | 5.3 |
| Nick Novak – WAS | at PHI | 11.0 | 4.5 | 5.5 |
| Jay Feely – NYG | vs CHI | 11.0 | 4.8 | 5.8 |
| Rian Lindell – BUF | at IND | 10.8 | 4.0 | 4.8 |
| Jeff Reed – PIT | vs NO | 10.5 | 4.3 | 4.8 |
| Phil Dawson – CLE | at Atl | 10.5 | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| Olindo Mare – MIA | vs KC | 10.3 | 4.5 | 4.8 |
| Joe Nedney – SF | at DET | 9.8 | 4.8 | 4.5 |
| Matt Bryant – TB | at CAR | 9.8 | 5.3 | 5.0 |
| Mike Nugent – NYJ | at NE | 9.5 | 5.3 | 4.8 |
| Kris Brown – HOU | at JAC | 9.0 | 5.5 | 4.5 |
| Rob Bironas – TEN | vs BAL | 8.5 | 6.3 | 4.8 |
| Sebastian Janikowski – OAK | vs DEN | 7.3 | 6.3 | 3.5 |
| Michael Koenen – ATL | vs CLE | 2.5 | 8.8 | 1.3 |
Start:
Jason Elam, DEN (14.3 rating): Elam is one of the better kickers in the league, and gets a matchup this week that is usually conducive to good numbers from the kicker. The resurgent Denver offense will go up against a Raiders team that is good, but will still be put into situations that allow the offense to score points. The Raiders have given up 19 field goals this season, tied for most in the NFL.
Sit:
Jeff Reed, PIT (10.5 rating): The Steelers continue to struggle on offense, as does Reed himself. The Steelers’ kicker has hit only two of his five field goals of 40 yards or longer this season.
| Team Defense | Opponent | Rating | Risk | Reward |
| Baltimore | at TEN | 17.0 | 1.8 | 8.8 |
| Denver | at OAK | 17.0 | 1.8 | 8.8 |
| Jacksonville | vs HOU | 14.3 | 2.8 | 7.0 |
| Chicago | at NYG | 13.8 | 4.0 | 7.8 |
| Atlanta | vs CLE | 13.5 | 3.3 | 6.8 |
| New England | vs NYJ | 13.3 | 3.5 | 6.8 |
| Dallas | at ARI | 12.8 | 3.8 | 6.5 |
| San Diego | at CIN | 12.8 | 4.0 | 6.8 |
| Indianapolis | vs BUF | 12.3 | 3.3 | 5.5 |
| Carolina | vs TB | 12.3 | 4.0 | 6.3 |
| Philadelphia | vs WAS | 12.3 | 4.3 | 6.5 |
| Kansas City | at MIA | 12.0 | 3.8 | 5.8 |
| New Orleans | at PIT | 11.5 | 4.0 | 5.5 |
| New York Giants | vs CHI | 11.5 | 4.3 | 5.8 |
| Detroit | vs SF | 11.3 | 4.5 | 5.8 |
| Miami | vs KC | 11.3 | 4.5 | 5.8 |
| Minnesota | vs GB | 11.0 | 4.8 | 5.8 |
| Pittsburgh | vs NO | 10.8 | 5.0 | 5.8 |
| Tampa Bay | at CAR | 9.5 | 5.5 | 5.0 |
| Seattle | vs STL | 9.5 | 5.8 | 5.3 |
| Green Bay | at MIN | 9.3 | 5.3 | 4.5 |
| Cincinnati | vs SD | 8.8 | 6.0 | 4.8 |
| St. Louis | at SEA | 8.8 | 6.3 | 5.0 |
| New York Jets | at NE | 8.3 | 5.8 | 4.0 |
| Arizona | vs DAL | 8.0 | 6.5 | 4.5 |
| Washington | at PHI | 8.0 | 6.5 | 4.5 |
| Houston | at JAC | 7.8 | 5.5 | 3.3 |
| San Francisco | at DET | 7.5 | 6.3 | 3.8 |
| Cleveland | at Atl | 7.0 | 6.5 | 3.5 |
| Buffalo | at IND | 7.0 | 6.8 | 3.8 |
| Oakland | vs DEN | 6.8 | 6.8 | 3.5 |
| Tennessee | vs BAL | 6.0 | 6.8 | 2.8 |
Start:
Denver (17.0 rating): The talented defense gets a dream matchup this week against Oakland. The Raiders have given up the most sacks this season by far. Their total of 44 sacks allowed leads the NFL by 15! The Raiders have also turned the ball over the second most times in the league.
Sit:
Pittsburgh (10.8 rating): Pittsburgh still has a solid defense, but nothing seems to be going right for the black and gold. No one has been able to stop the high-flying Saints offense recently, so while the Steelers may get a boost from playing at home, it is hard for me to advise starting them in your fantasy league.
Special thanks to lmcjaho, dream_017, Kilroy1872, Leber, logan, madaslives911, mattb47 and SwiperNoSwiping for their rankings and involvement with this week's article. For more insights and additional fine-tuning, visit our Who to Start/Bench forum section or listen to The Coach's Voice on Fantasy Cafe Radio.
Questions or comments for Nick? Post them in the Cafe Forums! Want to write for the Cafe? Check out the Cafe's Pencil & Paper section! |
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