My, how time flies! For many fantasy owners, Week 12 is one of the last weeks of the regular season, before the playoffs begin. This week represents your last chance to sneak in to the playoffs, or an opportunity to increase your seed, or maybe lock up a first round bye. Whatever your goal, it cannot be argued how critical these last couple of weeks are. Hopefully, with the Cafe’s help, you will qualify for your league’s playoffs, and you can start worrying about getting past the guy who drafted LaDainian Tomlinson this year. So take a look at the Week 12 Start and Sit, good luck, and have a Happy Turkey Day!
Our 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 PHI | 16.5 | 2.5 | 9.0 |
| Drew Brees – NO | at ATL | 15.0 | 2.8 | 7.8 |
| Philip Rivers – SD | vs OAK | 15.0 | 2.8 | 7.8 |
| Carson Palmer – CIN | at CLE | 14.5 | 3.3 | 7.8 |
| Tony Romo – DAL | vs TB | 13.3 | 3.5 | 6.8 |
| Jake Delhomme – CAR | at WAS | 13.0 | 3.8 | 6.8 |
| Marc Bulger – STL | vs SF | 13.0 | 4.3 | 7.3 |
| Matt Hasselbeck – SEA | vs GB | 12.5 | 4.5 | 7.0 |
| Alex Smith – SF | at STL | 12.0 | 4.3 | 6.3 |
| Joey Harrington – MIA | at DET | 12.0 | 4.5 | 6.5 |
| Tom Brady – NE | vs CHI | 11.8 | 4.3 | 6.0 |
| Eli Manning – NYG | at TEN | 11.8 | 4.8 | 6.5 |
| Michael Vick – ATL | vs NO | 11.5 | 5.0 | 6.5 |
| Brett Favre – GB | at SEA | 11.5 | 5.0 | 6.5 |
| David Carr – HOU | at NYJ | 11.3 | 4.5 | 5.8 |
| Jon Kitna – DET | vs MIA | 11.0 | 5.3 | 6.3 |
| Charlie Frye – CLE | vs CIN | 10.8 | 4.8 | 5.5 |
| Jeff Garcia – PHI | at IND | 10.8 | 4.8 | 5.3 |
| Chad Pennington – NYJ | vs HOU | 10.8 | 5.0 | 5.8 |
| Steve McNair – BAL | vs PIT | 10.5 | 4.8 | 5.3 |
| Matt Leinart – ARI | at MIN | 10.5 | 5.5 | 6.0 |
| Brad Johnson – MIN | vs ARI | 10.3 | 4.3 | 4.5 |
| David Garrard – JAC | at BUF | 10.3 | 5.3 | 5.5 |
| Vince Young – TEN | vs NYG | 10.3 | 5.5 | 5.8 |
| Jake Plummer – DEN | at KC | 10.0 | 5.8 | 5.8 |
| Rex Grossman – CHI | at NE | 10.0 | 6.3 | 6.3 |
| Trent Green – KC | vs DEN | 9.8 | 5.5 | 5.3 |
| Bruce Gradkowski – TB | at DAL | 9.0 | 6.0 | 5.0 |
| Ben Roethlisberger – PIT | at BAL | 9.0 | 6.5 | 5.5 |
| JP Losman – BUF | vs JAC | 8.8 | 6.3 | 5.0 |
| Jason Campbell – WAS | vs CAR | 8.3 | 6.5 | 4.8 |
| Aaron Brooks – OAK | at SD | 7.8 | 6.0 | 3.8 |
| Seneca Wallace – SEA | vs GB | 5.5 | 8.3 | 3.8 |
| Andrew Walter – OAK | at SD | 4.3 | 8.5 | 2.8 |
| Mark Brunell – WAS | vs CAR | 1.0 | 9.8 | 0.8 |
Start:
Tony Romo, DAL (13.3 rating): As much is it pains me to say this, as a Redskins fan, Tony Romo has been everything Dallas could have asked for, and more. He has thrown for 8 touchdowns with only 5 picks, for a sparkling 100.0 QB Rating in his debut season. Look for the solid numbers to continue against a Tampa Bay defense that is not what it used to be. The Bucs have surrendered 16 touchdowns on the year, and have only managed to intercept 5 passes.
Sit:
Steve McNair, BAL (10.5 rating): Air McNair had done a commendable job leading the offense for the resurgent Ravens. However, McNair has made a bigger impact with his intangibles than with his pure passing numbers. The Ravens usually rely on their strong defense to carry them in games, and that should be the case this week against the Steelers. Both of these teams like to count on their great defenses, and wear out the other team with the running game. I expect this divisional matchup to be a toughly contested, possibly sloppy, low-scoring game.
| Running Backs | Opponent | Rating | Risk | Reward |
| LaDainian Tomlinson – SD | vs OAK | 18.0 | 1.0 | 9.0 |
| Frank Gore – SF | at STL | 14.8 | 3.3 | 8.0 |
| Rudi Johnson – CIN | at CLE | 14.0 | 3.5 | 7.5 |
| Larry Johnson – KC | vs DEN | 13.8 | 4.0 | 7.8 |
| Tiki Barber – NYG | at TEN | 13.8 | 4.0 | 7.8 |
| Brian Westbrook – PHI | at IND | 13.5 | 3.8 | 7.3 |
| Chester Taylor – MIN | vs ARI | 13.3 | 3.8 | 7.0 |
| Steven Jackson – STL | vs SF | 13.3 | 4.3 | 7.5 |
| Ronnie Brown – MIA | at DET | 12.8 | 4.5 | 7.3 |
| Willie Parker – PIT | at BAL | 12.5 | 4.8 | 7.3 |
| Warrick Dunn – ATL | vs NO | 12.0 | 4.5 | 6.5 |
| Joseph Addai – IND | vs PHI | 12.0 | 4.5 | 6.5 |
| Ahman Green – GB | at SEA | 11.8 | 4.3 | 6.0 |
| Jamal Lewis – BAL | vs PIT | 11.8 | 5.0 | 6.8 |
| Mike Bell – DEN | at KC | 11.5 | 4.8 | 6.3 |
| Deuce McAllister – NO | at ATL | 11.5 | 5.0 | 6.5 |
| Julius Jones – DAL | vs TB | 11.3 | 4.5 | 5.8 |
| Fred Taylor – JAC | at BUF | 11.3 | 4.8 | 6.0 |
| Thomas Jones – CHI | at NE | 11.3 | 5.0 | 6.3 |
| Maurice Jones-Drew – JAC | at BUF | 11.3 | 5.0 | 6.3 |
| Shaun Alexander – SEA | vs GB | 11.0 | 5.3 | 6.3 |
| Marion Barber – DAL | vs TB | 10.5 | 5.3 | 5.8 |
| Cadillac Williams – TB | at DAL | 10.3 | 5.0 | 5.3 |
| Dominic Rhodes – IND | vs PHI | 10.3 | 5.3 | 5.5 |
| Travis Henry – TEN | vs NYG | 10.3 | 5.3 | 5.5 |
| Reggie Bush – NO | at ATL | 10.3 | 5.5 | 5.8 |
| Brandon Jacobs – NYG | at TEN | 10.3 | 5.5 | 5.8 |
| Willis McGahee – BUF | vs JAC | 10.0 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| DeAngelo Williams – CAR | at WAS | 10.0 | 5.8 | 5.8 |
| Wali Lundy – HOU | at NYJ | 9.8 | 5.8 | 5.5 |
| DeShaun Foster – CAR | at WAS | 9.5 | 5.5 | 5.0 |
| Leon Washington – NYJ | vs HOU | 9.5 | 5.8 | 5.3 |
| Edgerrin James – ARI | at MIN | 9.5 | 6.0 | 5.5 |
| Laurence Maroney – NE | vs CHI | 9.5 | 6.0 | 5.5 |
| Corey Dillon – NE | vs CHI | 9.5 | 6.0 | 5.5 |
| Reuben Droughns – CLE | vs CIN | 9.3 | 5.8 | 5.0 |
| Kevin Jones – DET | vs MIA | 9.3 | 6.8 | 6.0 |
| Michael Turner – SD | vs OAK | 9.0 | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Kevan Barlow – NYJ | vs HOU | 8.8 | 6.0 | 4.8 |
| Tatum Bell – DEN | at KC | 8.8 | 6.3 | 5.0 |
| Chris Perry – CIN | at CLE | 8.5 | 5.3 | 3.8 |
| Ladell Betts – WAS | vs CAR | 8.0 | 6.3 | 4.3 |
| Cedric Houston – NYJ | vs HOU | 8.0 | 6.5 | 4.5 |
| TJ Duckett – WAS | vs CAR | 7.8 | 6.3 | 4.0 |
| Samkon Gado – HOU | at NYJ | 7.8 | 6.8 | 4.5 |
| Jerious Norwood – ATL | vs NO | 7.5 | 6.5 | 4.0 |
| Justin Fargas – OAK | at SD | 7.5 | 6.8 | 4.3 |
| Vernand Morency – GB | at SEA | 7.3 | 6.5 | 3.8 |
| Maurice Morris – SEA | vs GB | 7.0 | 7.3 | 4.3 |
| Correll Buckhalter – PHI | at IND | 6.8 | 6.3 | 3.0 |
| Michael Robinson – SF | at STL | 6.8 | 6.3 | 3.0 |
| Lendale White – TEN | vs NYG | 6.5 | 6.8 | 3.3 |
| Cedric Benson – CHI | at NE | 6.5 | 7.3 | 3.8 |
| Ron Dayne – HOU | at NYJ | 6.3 | 6.5 | 2.8 |
| Musa Smith – BAL | vs PIT | 6.0 | 7.3 | 3.3 |
| Najeh Davenport – PIT | at BAL | 6.0 | 7.5 | 3.5 |
| Jerome Harrison – CLE | vs CIN | 5.3 | 7.5 | 2.8 |
| Mike Anderson – BAL | vs PIT | 4.3 | 7.8 | 2.0 |
| Noah Herron – GB | at SEA | 4.3 | 8.3 | 2.5 |
Start:
Joseph Addai, IND (12.0 rating): Addai has proven to be the more effective of the two Colt running backs this season. The rookie is on pace for just under 1000 rushing yards, and over 300 receiving yards to boot. The Colts appear to be favoring Addai more and more over Dominic Rhodes. Addai should put up some good numbers against a Philadelphia defense that is weak against the run. The Eagles rank 26th in the NFL in rushing yards allowed per game, in part thanks to the 143 yard total Travis Henry put up on them last week.
Sit:
Corey Dillon, NE (9.5 rating): Dillon has been solid this year, contributing 7 touchdowns in 10 games. However, he was injured in last week’s game, and is listed as questionable for the upcoming game against the Bears. Laurence Maroney came in to replace Dillon and was very effective. Even if Dillon does play this week, I expect him to lose more carries than usual to Maroney. Not to mention, running room is often tough to find against Chicago’s defense.
| Wide Receivers | Opponent | Rating | Risk | Reward |
| Steve Smith – CAR | at WAS | 17.3 | 2.3 | 9.5 |
| Chad Johnson – CIN | at CLE | 15.0 | 3.3 | 8.3 |
| Terrell Owens – DAL | vs TB | 14.3 | 3.8 | 8.0 |
| Torry Holt – STL | vs SF | 14.3 | 3.8 | 8.0 |
| Anquan Boldin – ARI | at MIN | 13.8 | 3.5 | 7.3 |
| Javon Walker – DEN | at KC | 13.5 | 4.3 | 7.8 |
| Darrell Jackson – SEA | vs GB | 13.3 | 3.5 | 6.8 |
| Marvin Harrison – IND | vs PHI | 13.3 | 4.0 | 7.3 |
| Andre Johnson – HOU | at NYJ | 13.0 | 4.0 | 7.0 |
| Reggie Wayne – IND | vs PHI | 13.0 | 4.0 | 7.0 |
| Larry Fitzgerald – ARI | at MIN | 12.8 | 4.0 | 6.8 |
| Joe Horn – NO | at ATL | 12.8 | 4.3 | 7.0 |
| Plaxico Burress – NYG | at TEN | 12.8 | 4.3 | 7.0 |
| Donald Driver – GB | at SEA | 12.8 | 4.5 | 7.3 |
| Deion Branch – SEA | vs GB | 12.5 | 3.5 | 6.0 |
| Roy Williams – DET | vs MIA | 12.5 | 4.8 | 7.3 |
| Chris Chambers – MIA | at DET | 12.3 | 4.0 | 6.3 |
| TJ Houshmandzadeh – CIN | at CLE | 12.3 | 4.8 | 7.0 |
| Braylon Edwards – CLE | vs CIN | 12.0 | 4.3 | 6.3 |
| Hines Ward – PIT | at BAL | 12.0 | 4.8 | 6.8 |
| Keyshawn Johnson – CAR | at WAS | 11.8 | 3.8 | 5.5 |
| Laveranues Coles – NYJ | vs HOU | 11.5 | 5.0 | 6.5 |
| Eric Parker – SD | vs OAK | 11.3 | 3.8 | 5.0 |
| Marty Booker – MIA | at DET | 11.3 | 4.5 | 5.8 |
| Rod Smith – DEN | at KC | 11.3 | 4.8 | 6.0 |
| Jerricho Cotchery – NYJ | vs HOU | 11.3 | 4.8 | 6.0 |
| Terry Glenn – DAL | vs TB | 11.3 | 5.0 | 6.3 |
| Lee Evans – BUF | vs JAC | 11.0 | 5.3 | 6.3 |
| Joey Galloway – TB | at DAL | 11.0 | 5.3 | 6.3 |
| Reche Caldwell – NE | vs CHI | 11.0 | 5.5 | 6.5 |
| Mike Furrey – DET | vs MIA | 10.8 | 4.8 | 5.5 |
| Greg Jennings – GB | at SEA | 10.8 | 5.3 | 6.0 |
| Donte’ Stallworth – PHI | at IND | 10.8 | 5.5 | 6.3 |
| Isaac Bruce – STL | vs SF | 10.8 | 5.5 | 6.3 |
| Mark Clayton – BAL | vs PIT | 10.5 | 4.8 | 5.3 |
| Wes Welker – MIA | at DET | 10.3 | 4.0 | 4.3 |
| Keenan McCardell – SD | vs OAK | 10.3 | 4.0 | 4.3 |
| Muhsin Muhammad – CHI | at NE | 10.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Troy Williamson – MIN | vs ARI | 10.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Antonio Bryant – SF | at STL | 10.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Eric Moulds – HOU | at NYJ | 10.0 | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Reggie Brown – PHI | at IND | 10.0 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| Travis Taylor – MIN | vs ARI | 9.8 | 4.8 | 4.5 |
| Eddie Kennison – KC | vs DEN | 9.8 | 5.5 | 5.3 |
| Chris Henry – CIN | at CLE | 9.8 | 5.8 | 5.5 |
| Nate Burleson – SEA | vs GB | 9.5 | 4.8 | 4.3 |
| Arnaz Battle – SF | at STL | 9.5 | 4.8 | 4.3 |
| Michael Jenkins – ATL | vs NO | 9.5 | 5.3 | 4.8 |
| Ernest Wilford – JAC | at BUF | 9.5 | 5.3 | 4.8 |
| Bryant Johnson – ARI | at MIN | 9.5 | 5.5 | 5.0 |
| Reggie Williams – JAC | at BUF | 9.5 | 5.5 | 5.0 |
| Marcus Robinson – MIN | vs ARI | 9.5 | 5.8 | 5.3 |
| Bernard Berrian – CHI | at NE | 9.5 | 6.0 | 5.5 |
| Drew Bennett – TEN | vs NYG | 9.3 | 5.0 | 4.3 |
| Derrick Mason – BAL | vs PIT | 9.3 | 5.3 | 4.5 |
| Mark Bradley – CHI | at NE | 9.3 | 5.5 | 4.8 |
| Matt Jones – JAC | at BUF | 9.0 | 5.8 | 4.8 |
| Santonio Holmes – PIT | at BAL | 9.0 | 6.0 | 5.0 |
| Joe Jurevicius – CLE | vs CIN | 8.8 | 5.5 | 4.3 |
| Michael Clayton – TB | at DAL | 8.8 | 5.5 | 4.3 |
| Troy Brown – NE | vs CHI | 8.8 | 5.8 | 4.5 |
| Justin McCareins – NYJ | vs HOU | 8.8 | 6.0 | 4.8 |
| Chad Jackson – NE | vs CHI | 8.5 | 5.5 | 4.0 |
| Randy Moss – OAK | at SD | 8.5 | 6.5 | 5.0 |
| Doug Gabriel – NE | vs CHI | 8.3 | 6.3 | 4.5 |
| Tim Carter – NYG | at TEN | 8.0 | 5.5 | 3.5 |
| Dennis Northcutt – CLE | vs CIN | 8.0 | 6.3 | 4.3 |
| Bobby Engram – SEA | vs GB | 8.0 | 6.3 | 4.3 |
| Santana Moss – WAS | vs CAR | 8.0 | 6.5 | 4.5 |
| Kevin Curtis – STL | vs SF | 7.8 | 6.0 | 3.8 |
| Brandon Stokely – IND | vs PHI | 7.8 | 6.3 | 4.0 |
| Hank Baskett – PHI | at IND | 7.8 | 6.3 | 4.0 |
| Sammie Parker – KC | vs DEN | 7.8 | 6.5 | 4.3 |
| Jerry Porter – OAK | at SD | 7.8 | 7.0 | 4.8 |
| Josh Reed – BUF | vs JAC | 7.5 | 6.3 | 3.8 |
| Nate Washington – PIT | at BAL | 7.5 | 6.5 | 4.0 |
| Roddy White – ATL | vs NO | 7.0 | 6.8 | 3.8 |
| Antwaan Randle El – WAS | vs CAR | 6.8 | 6.3 | 3.0 |
| Rashied Davis – CHI | at NE | 6.8 | 6.5 | 3.3 |
| Ashley Lelie – ATL | vs NO | 6.8 | 6.8 | 3.5 |
| Roscoe Parrish – BUF | vs JAC | 6.3 | 6.5 | 2.8 |
| Brandon Lloyd – WAS | vs CAR | 6.0 | 6.8 | 2.8 |
| Marques Colston – NO | at ATL | 5.8 | 7.8 | 3.5 |
Start:
Joe Horn, NO (12.8 rating): Saints quarterback Drew Brees has thrown for a whopping 3114 yards in the first 10 games of the season, the third highest total through 10 weeks in NFL history. So you know the Saints are going to put the ball in the air, and after returning to the field last week, it appears Horn is going to be the main recipient of those passes. His partner in crime, WR Marques Colston, was injured last week, and is listed as day-to-day. If Colston does play, he keeps Horn in single coverage, and may draw standout CB DeAngelo Hall. If he does not play, Horn becomes Drew Brees’ best receiving target. Either way, Horn is a strong play.
Sit:
Reggie Brown, PHI (10.0 rating): The Eagles were dealt a huge blow when QB Donovan McNabb’s season was ended early by injury for the second year in a row. All of Phily’s offensive weapons take a hit, but perhaps Brown suffers more than anyone. First, Donte’ Stallworth comes back to relegate Brown back to the #2 WR, and now the Eagles Pro Bowl QB, known for spreading the ball around, goes down with an injury. Brown becomes a shaky start against the Colts, who actually rank very highly against the pass, despite their troubles stopping the run.
| Tight Ends | Opponent | Rating | Risk | Reward |
| Antonio Gates – SD | vs OAK | 14.3 | 3.0 | 7.3 |
| Jason Witten – DAL | vs TB | 13.3 | 3.8 | 7.0 |
| Jeremy Shockey – NYG | at TEN | 13.3 | 3.8 | 7.0 |
| Alge Crumpler – ATL | vs NO | 13.0 | 3.8 | 6.8 |
| Todd Heap – BAL | vs PIT | 12.8 | 3.8 | 6.5 |
| Kellen Winslow – CLE | vs CIN | 12.8 | 4.8 | 7.5 |
| Owen Daniels – HOU | at NYJ | 12.5 | 4.0 | 6.5 |
| Heath Miller – PIT | at BAL | 11.5 | 4.3 | 5.8 |
| Jeremy Stevens – SEA | vs GB | 11.5 | 4.5 | 6.0 |
| Chris Cooley – WAS | vs CAR | 11.5 | 4.5 | 6.0 |
| LJ Smith – PHI | at IND | 11.3 | 4.5 | 5.8 |
| Desmond Clark – CHI | at NE | 11.0 | 4.8 | 5.8 |
| Ben Watson – NE | vs CHI | 11.0 | 4.8 | 5.8 |
| Randy McMichael – MIA | at DET | 10.5 | 4.8 | 5.3 |
| Jermaine Wiggins – MIN | vs ARI | 10.3 | 4.5 | 4.8 |
| Dallas Clark – IND | vs PHI | 10.3 | 5.3 | 5.5 |
| Eric Johnson – SF | at STL | 10.0 | 4.8 | 4.8 |
| George Wrighster – JAC | at BUF | 9.8 | 5.3 | 5.0 |
| Stephen Alexander – DEN | at KC | 9.5 | 4.8 | 4.3 |
| Bubba Franks – GB | at SEA | 9.5 | 5.0 | 4.5 |
| Dan Campbell – DET | vs MIA | 9.3 | 4.8 | 4.0 |
| Kris Mangum – CAR | at WAS | 9.0 | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Joe Klopfenstein | vs SF | 9.0 | 5.3 | 4.3 |
| Daniel Graham – NE | vs CHI | 9.0 | 5.8 | 4.8 |
| Tony Gonzalez – KC | vs DEN | 9.0 | 7.3 | 6.3 |
| Marcus Pollard – DET | vs MIA | 8.8 | 5.3 | 4.0 |
| Ben Utecht – IND | vs PHI | 8.8 | 5.5 | 4.3 |
| Chris Baker – NYJ | vs HOU | 8.8 | 5.8 | 4.5 |
| David Martin – GB | at SEA | 8.5 | 4.5 | 3.0 |
| Alex Smith – TB | at DAL | 8.5 | 5.8 | 4.3 |
| John Gilmore – CHI | at NE | 8.3 | 5.8 | 4.0 |
| Kris Wilson – KC | vs DEN | 8.3 | 5.8 | 4.0 |
| Reggie Kelly – CIN | at CLE | 8.3 | 6.0 | 4.3 |
| Bo Scaife – TEN | vs NYG | 8.3 | 6.0 | 4.3 |
| Itula Mili – SEA | vs GB | 8.0 | 5.5 | 3.5 |
| Jason Dunn – KC | vs DEN | 8.0 | 5.8 | 3.8 |
| Ben Troupe – TEN | vs NYG | 8.0 | 6.5 | 4.5 |
| Anthony Becht – TB | at DAL | 7.8 | 5.8 | 3.5 |
| Bryan Fletcher – IND | vs PHI | 7.5 | 5.5 | 3.0 |
| Jeb Putzier – HOU | at NYJ | 7.0 | 6.5 | 3.5 |
| Adam Bergen – ARI | at MIN | 7.0 | 6.8 | 3.8 |
| Courtney Anderson – OAK | at SD | 6.5 | 6.5 | 3.0 |
| Mike Sellers – WAS | vs CAR | 6.3 | 6.5 | 2.8 |
Start:
Chris Cooley, WAS (11.5 rating): In Jason Campbell’s first start at quarterback for the Redskins last week, the young QB seemed to develop a good rapport with Chris Cooley, connecting with the tight end five times for 58 yards and a touchdown. With Santana Moss again questionable with a hamstring injury, and WR David Patten also unlikely to play, I would expect that Cooley will once again be Campbell’s favorite target.
Sit:
Eric Johnson, SF (10.0 rating): Johnson was hardly worth starting at any point this year, despite showing some flashes early in the season. With 49ers first round pick Vernon Davis likely to play this week for the first time since his injury early in the season, Johnson figures to have even fewer chances to put up fantasy points.
| Kickers | Opponent | Rating | Risk | Reward |
| Nate Kaeding – SD | vs OAK | 14.5 | 2.8 | 7.3 |
| John Kasay – CAR | at WAS | 13.8 | 3.3 | 7.0 |
| Shayne Graham – CIN | at CLE | 13.5 | 3.0 | 6.5 |
| Robbie Gould – CHI | at NE | 13.0 | 4.0 | 7.0 |
| John Carney – NO | at ATL | 12.8 | 3.5 | 6.3 |
| Jay Feely – NYG | at TEN | 12.8 | 3.5 | 6.3 |
| Adam Vinatieri – IND | vs PHI | 12.8 | 4.3 | 7.0 |
| Jason Elam – DEN | at KC | 12.3 | 3.8 | 6.0 |
| Matt Stover – BAL | vs PIT | 12.3 | 4.3 | 6.5 |
| Lawrence Tynes – KC | vs DEN | 12.0 | 4.0 | 6.0 |
| Josh Scobee – JAC | at BUF | 11.8 | 3.8 | 5.5 |
| Josh Brown – SEA | vs GB | 11.8 | 4.0 | 5.8 |
| Jeff Wilkins – STL | vs SF | 11.8 | 4.5 | 6.3 |
| Mike Vanderjagt – DAL | vs TB | 11.3 | 4.8 | 6.0 |
| Morten Andersen – ATL | vs NO | 11.3 | 5.0 | 6.3 |
| Joe Nedney – SF | at STL | 11.0 | 4.3 | 5.3 |
| Ryan Longwell – MIN | vs ARI | 11.0 | 4.8 | 5.8 |
| Jeff Reed – PIT | at BAL | 11.0 | 4.8 | 5.8 |
| Neil Rackers – ARI | at MIN | 10.8 | 4.8 | 5.5 |
| Jason Hanson – DET | vs MIA | 10.8 | 4.8 | 5.5 |
| Dave Rayner – GB | at SEA | 10.5 | 5.0 | 5.5 |
| Kris Brown – HOU | at NYJ | 10.3 | 4.5 | 4.8 |
| Phil Dawson – CLE | vs CIN | 10.3 | 5.0 | 5.3 |
| David Akers – PHI | at IND | 10.0 | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Olindo Mare – MIA | at DET | 9.8 | 5.0 | 4.8 |
| Mike Nugent – NYJ | vs HOU | 9.8 | 5.0 | 4.8 |
| Stephen Gostkowski – NE | vs CHI | 9.8 | 5.5 | 5.3 |
| Rian Lindell – BUF | vs JAC | 9.5 | 5.5 | 5.0 |
| Nick Novak – WAS | vs CAR | 9.3 | 5.5 | 4.8 |
| Matt Bryant – TB | at DAL | 9.0 | 5.8 | 4.8 |
| Sebastian Janikowski – OAK | at SD | 8.5 | 6.0 | 4.5 |
| Rob Bironas – TEN | vs NYG | 7.5 | 6.8 | 4.3 |
| Michael Koenen – ATL | vs NO | 3.5 | 8.5 | 2.0 |
Start:
John Kasay, CAR (13.8 rating): The dependable veteran has been very good this season, hitting all but two field goals, both of which were from 50+ yards out. Kasay also leads the league in made field goals over 50 yards, with three. His next opponent, Washington, has given up more field goals than any other team in the NFL.
Sit:
David Akers, PHI (10.0 rating): Donovan McNabb’s injury affects the entire Eagles offense, which in turn will limit Akers’ chances. The Colts defense has only given up nine field goals to their opponents this year, the second fewest in the NFL.
| Team Defense | Opponent | Rating | Risk | Reward |
| San Diego | vs OAK | 15.8 | 2.3 | 8.0 |
| Dallas | vs TB | 14.0 | 3.5 | 7.5 |
| Jacksonville | at BUF | 13.8 | 3.3 | 7.0 |
| Carolina | at WAS | 13.3 | 2.8 | 6.0 |
| Minnesota | vs ARI | 13.3 | 3.5 | 6.8 |
| Chicago | at NE | 13.3 | 4.5 | 7.8 |
| Baltimore | vs PIT | 13.0 | 4.0 | 7.0 |
| Seattle | vs GB | 12.8 | 3.8 | 6.5 |
| Indianapolis | vs PHI | 12.3 | 3.8 | 6.0 |
| New York Giants | at TEN | 12.3 | 3.8 | 6.0 |
| Miami | at DET | 12.3 | 4.3 | 6.5 |
| Denver | at KC | 11.5 | 4.8 | 6.3 |
| Pittsburgh | at BAL | 11.5 | 4.8 | 6.3 |
| New England | vs CHI | 11.5 | 5.5 | 7.0 |
| Cincinnati | at CLE | 11.3 | 4.3 | 5.5 |
| Kansas City | vs DEN | 11.0 | 4.5 | 5.5 |
| Arizona | at MIN | 10.8 | 4.3 | 5.0 |
| Buffalo | vs JAC | 10.5 | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| San Francisco | at STL | 10.5 | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| St. Louis | vs SF | 10.5 | 5.0 | 5.5 |
| New York Jets | vs HOU | 10.3 | 5.0 | 5.3 |
| Houston | at NYJ | 10.0 | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| New Orleans | at ATL | 9.8 | 5.5 | 5.3 |
| Detroit | vs MIA | 9.5 | 5.5 | 5.0 |
| Philadelphia | at IND | 9.3 | 6.3 | 5.5 |
| Atlanta | vs NO | 9.0 | 5.8 | 4.8 |
| Tampa Bay | at DAL | 9.0 | 5.8 | 4.8 |
| Green Bay | at SEA | 8.8 | 5.8 | 4.5 |
| Cleveland | vs CIN | 8.3 | 5.8 | 4.0 |
| Washington | vs CAR | 8.3 | 6.3 | 4.5 |
| Tennessee | vs NYG | 7.0 | 6.8 | 3.8 |
| Oakland | at SD | 5.0 | 8.0 | 3.0 |
Start:
Jacksonville (13.8 rating): The Jags defense that dominated early on in the season fell off a bit in the middle, but they played well against the explosive Giants offense in week 11. They made Eli Manning look like a rookie again, while causing three turnovers and limiting New York to ten points. This week they travel to Buffalo to face an offense that is young and mistake prone, and will still probably be missing their star running back, Willis McGahee. Bills QB J.P. Losman had a nice game against the Texans thanks to two long TD passes, but I expect that the Jaguars will bring him back down to Earth.
Sit:
Philadelphia (9.3 rating): The Eagles defense has been good this season, but they are a dangerous play at Indianapolis. At home on the fast turf of the RCA Dome, the Colts have shown the ability to make even the best defenses look average. If you have another defense that ranks highly on the list, this may be a good week to leave the Eagles defense on your bench.
Special thanks to dream_017, lmcjaho, Leber, Kilroy1872, knapplc, 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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