So, how about those Thursday night games? I’m sure most fans can’t complain about getting to see an extra game (that is, if you get the NFL Network) but the weekly early games sure aren’t making things any easier on fantasy players. Lineup submissions, waiver pickups and deadlines, and yes, even Start & Sit compilations, get a little trickier to deal with when you have a game being played three days before normal. And during the stretch run of the fantasy season and playoffs? Ouch. Well, it looks like we will have to get used to it, as the Thursday night game will be the norm from here on out. Good luck, and don’t forget to check your lineups early! Once again, I present to you the Fantasy Football Cafe’s Start & Sit.
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 | at JAC | 15.0 | 3.0 | 8.0 |
| Carson Palmer – CIN | vs OAK | 14.6 | 3.2 | 7.8 |
| Tony Romo – DAL | vs NO | 13.0 | 4.0 | 7.0 |
| Matt Hasselbeck – SEA | at ARI | 12.8 | 3.8 | 6.6 |
| Tom Brady – NE | at MIA | 12.6 | 4.2 | 6.8 |
| Drew Brees – NO | at DAL | 12.6 | 4.4 | 7.0 |
| Brett Favre – GB | at SF | 11.8 | 5.0 | 6.8 |
| Matt Leinart – ARI | vs SEA | 11.4 | 5.2 | 6.6 |
| Alex Smith – SF | vs GB | 11.2 | 4.8 | 6.0 |
| Vince Young – TEN | at HOU | 11.2 | 5.0 | 6.2 |
| Michael Vick – ATL | at TB | 11.2 | 5.6 | 6.8 |
| Steve McNair – BAL | at KC | 11.0 | 5.4 | 6.4 |
| Jon Kitna – DET | vs MIN | 10.8 | 5.0 | 5.8 |
| Philip Rivers – SD | vs DEN | 10.8 | 5.0 | 5.8 |
| David Garrard – JAC | vs IND | 10.6 | 5.4 | 6.0 |
| Eli Manning – NYG | at CAR | 10.6 | 5.4 | 6.0 |
| Ben Roethlisberger – PIT | vs CLE | 10.4 | 5.4 | 5.8 |
| Chad Pennington – NYJ | vs BUF | 10.2 | 5.2 | 5.4 |
| David Carr – HOU | vs TEN | 10.0 | 5.4 | 5.4 |
| Jeff Garcia – PHI | at WAS | 9.8 | 5.8 | 5.6 |
| Marc Bulger – STL | vs CHI | 9.8 | 6.4 | 6.2 |
| Trent Green – KC | vs BAL | 9.6 | 6.0 | 5.6 |
| Brad Johnson – MIN | at DET | 9.4 | 6.0 | 5.4 |
| JP Losman – BUF | at NYJ | 9.2 | 6.2 | 5.4 |
| Jason Campbell – WAS | vs PHI | 8.8 | 6.2 | 5.0 |
| Joey Harrington – MIA | vs NE | 8.6 | 6.2 | 4.8 |
| Bruce Gradkowski – TB | vs ATL | 8.4 | 6.0 | 4.4 |
| Rex Grossman – CHI | at STL | 8.2 | 6.6 | 4.8 |
| Aaron Brooks – OAK | at CIN | 7.6 | 6.8 | 4.4 |
| Jay Cutler – DEN | at SD | 7.4 | 6.6 | 4.0 |
| Derek Anderson – CLE | at PIT | 7.2 | 6.6 | 3.8 |
Start:
Jeff Garcia, PHI (9.8 rating): I don’t think anyone expected the former Pro Bowler turned journeyman quarterback to perform as well as Garcia has over his three starts this season. The veteran has thrown six touchdowns and zero interceptions since taking over as the Eagles QB, including a three touchdown outing last week against Carolina. Garcia should be available in pretty much every league this week, so if you are a little weak at quarterback, Garcia could be a very sneaky play. The Eagles play a Redskins secondary that has been awful against the pass. The Skins are tied for worst in the league with 23 touchdown passes given up, and have recorded a league-low five interceptions.
Sit:
Marc Bulger, STL (9.8 rating): There is no doubt that Bulger is a talented quarterback with plenty of viable targets, but things just have not been going his way the past three weeks. The Rams’ quarterback has thrown three touchdowns and six interceptions during this time, and that’s against defenses like San Francisco and Arizona. This week, he will play the vaunted Chicago defense, which has given up only eight touchdowns through the air over the course of the season, while pulling down 21 interceptions. Leaving Bulger on the bench this week, for a quarterback with a better matchup, would not be a bad idea.
| Running Backs | Opponent | Rating | Risk | Reward |
| LaDainian Tomlinson – SD | vs DEN | 15.0 | 3.0 | 8.0 |
| Shaun Alexander – SEA | at ARI | 13.8 | 3.8 | 7.6 |
| Rudi Johnson – CIN | vs OAK | 13.6 | 4.0 | 7.6 |
| Larry Johnson – KC | vs BAL | 13.2 | 3.8 | 7.0 |
| Brian Westbrook – PHI | at WAS | 13.2 | 3.8 | 7.0 |
| Willie Parker – PIT | vs CLE | 12.8 | 4.4 | 7.2 |
| Willis McGahee – BUF | at NYJ | 12.2 | 4.4 | 6.6 |
| Frank Gore – SF | vs GB | 12.2 | 4.6 | 6.8 |
| Corey Dillon – NE | at MIA | 11.8 | 4.4 | 6.2 |
| Marion Barber – DAL | vs NO | 11.8 | 4.6 | 6.4 |
| Ahman Green – GB | at SF | 11.8 | 4.6 | 6.4 |
| Joseph Addai – IND | at JAC | 11.6 | 4.6 | 6.2 |
| Tiki Barber – NYG | at CAR | 11.2 | 4.8 | 6.0 |
| Chester Taylor – MIN | at DET | 11.2 | 5.2 | 6.4 |
| Jamal Lewis – BAL | at KC | 11.0 | 5.0 | 6.0 |
| Kevin Jones – DET | vs MIN | 11.0 | 5.0 | 6.0 |
| Reggie Bush – NO | at DAL | 11.0 | 5.0 | 6.0 |
| Steven Jackson – STL | vs CHI | 11.0 | 5.2 | 6.2 |
| DeAngelo Williams – CAR | vs NYG | 11.0 | 5.6 | 6.6 |
| Deuce McAllister – NO | at DAL | 10.6 | 5.2 | 5.8 |
| Brandon Jacobs – NYG | at CAR | 10.6 | 5.2 | 5.8 |
| Travis Henry – TEN | at HOU | 10.6 | 5.4 | 6.0 |
| Fred Taylor – JAC | vs IND | 10.4 | 5.2 | 5.6 |
| Laurence Maroney – NE | at MIA | 10.4 | 5.4 | 5.8 |
| Maurice Jones-Drew – JAC | vs IND | 10.2 | 5.4 | 5.6 |
| Thomas Jones – CHI | at STL | 10.2 | 5.6 | 5.8 |
| Edgerrin James – ARI | vs SEA | 9.8 | 5.8 | 5.6 |
| Warrick Dunn – ATL | at TB | 9.8 | 5.8 | 5.6 |
| Jerious Norwood – ATL | at TB | 9.8 | 5.8 | 5.6 |
| Ladell Betts – WAS | vs PHI | 9.6 | 5.8 | 5.4 |
| Cedric Houston – NYJ | vs BUF | 9.2 | 5.8 | 5.0 |
| Julius Jones – DAL | vs NO | 9.2 | 6.2 | 5.4 |
| Cedric Benson – CHI | at STL | 9.0 | 5.8 | 4.8 |
| Cadillac Williams – TB | vs ATL | 9.0 | 6.0 | 5.0 |
| Mike Bell – DEN | at SD | 8.8 | 6.4 | 5.2 |
| Wali Lundy – HOU | vs TEN | 8.6 | 6.0 | 4.6 |
| Sammy Morris – MIA | vs NE | 8.6 | 6.0 | 4.6 |
| Reuben Droughns – CLE | at PIT | 8.4 | 6.2 | 4.6 |
| Tatum Bell – DEN | at SD | 8.4 | 6.4 | 4.8 |
| Leon Washington – NYJ | vs BUF | 8.2 | 6.2 | 4.4 |
| Dominic Rhodes – IND | at JAC | 8.2 | 6.4 | 4.6 |
| Justin Fargas – OAK | at CIN | 7.8 | 6.4 | 4.2 |
| Ron Dayne – HOU | vs TEN | 7.4 | 6.2 | 3.6 |
| LenDale White – TEN | at HOU | 7.2 | 6.6 | 3.8 |
| Vernand Morency – GB | at SF | 7.0 | 6.4 | 3.4 |
| DeShaun Foster – CAR | vs NYG | 6.6 | 7.4 | 4.0 |
| Jerome Harrison – CLE | at PIT | 6.4 | 7.2 | 3.6 |
| Michael Turner – SD | vs DEN | 6.4 | 7.2 | 3.6 |
| Correll Buckhalter – PHI | at WAS | 6.2 | 7.0 | 3.2 |
| Kevan Barlow – NYJ | vs BUF | 6.2 | 7.2 | 3.4 |
| Najeh Davenport – PIT | vs CLE | 6.0 | 7.2 | 3.2 |
| Arlen Harris – DET | vs MIN | 6.0 | 7.4 | 3.4 |
| Samkon Gado – HOU | vs TEN | 5.8 | 7.2 | 3.0 |
| TJ Duckett – WAS | vs PHI | 5.8 | 7.2 | 3.0 |
| Maurice Morris – SEA | at ARI | 5.8 | 7.4 | 3.2 |
| Michael Robinson – SF | vs GB | 5.4 | 7.2 | 2.6 |
| Noah Herron – GB | at SF | 5.4 | 7.6 | 3.0 |
| Musa Smith – BAL | at KC | 4.8 | 7.8 | 2.6 |
| Mike Anderson – BAL | at KC | 4.6 | 8.0 | 2.6 |
Start:
Ahman Green, GB (11.8 rating): Green is on pace for a solid comeback season despite missing a couple games with an injury. Last week against the Jets, Ahman notched his fifth 100-yard game of the season, and has a great opportunity to do just that again this week against the 49ers. Also, San Francisco has surrendered more touchdowns on the ground this year than any of team in the NFL.
Sit:
Tatum Bell, DEN (8.4 rating): Tatum Bell had a great game last week after being riddled by injury and ineffectiveness since Week 7. However, the streaking Chargers will be ready to bottle Bell up in San Diego. The Chargers are sixth in the NFL against the run, and held Willis McGahee to only 26 yards on 16 carries last week, for a miniscule 1.6 yards per carry average.
| Wide Receivers | Opponent | Rating | Risk | Reward |
| Steve Smith – CAR | vs NYG | 14.0 | 3.6 | 7.6 |
| Chad Johnson – CIN | vs OAK | 13.6 | 3.6 | 7.2 |
| Roy Williams – DET | vs MIN | 13.4 | 3.6 | 7.0 |
| Larry Fitzgerald – ARI | vs SEA | 13.2 | 3.8 | 7.0 |
| Reggie Wayne – IND | at JAC | 13.0 | 3.8 | 6.8 |
| Anquan Boldin – ARI | vs SEA | 13.0 | 4.0 | 7.0 |
| Donald Driver – GB | at SF | 13.0 | 4.0 | 7.0 |
| Andre Johnson – HOU | vs TEN | 12.8 | 4.0 | 6.8 |
| Marvin Harrison – IND | at JAC | 12.8 | 4.2 | 7.0 |
| TJ Houshmandzadeh – CIN | vs OAK | 12.6 | 4.0 | 6.6 |
| Darrell Jackson – SEA | at ARI | 12.4 | 4.2 | 6.6 |
| Terrell Owens – DAL | vs NO | 12.4 | 4.4 | 6.8 |
| Deion Branch – SEA | at ARI | 12.2 | 4.2 | 6.4 |
| Laveranues Coles – NYJ | vs BUF | 11.6 | 4.6 | 6.2 |
| Marques Colston – NO | at DAL | 11.6 | 5.4 | 7.0 |
| Muhsin Muhammad – CHI | at STL | 11.4 | 4.6 | 6.0 |
| Mike Furrey – DET | vs MIN | 11.4 | 4.8 | 6.2 |
| Javon Walker – DEN | at SD | 11.4 | 5.0 | 6.4 |
| Torry Holt – STL | vs CHI | 11.4 | 5.0 | 6.4 |
| Reche Caldwell – NE | at MIA | 11.2 | 5.0 | 6.2 |
| Jerricho Cotchery – NYJ | vs BUF | 11.0 | 4.6 | 5.6 |
| Marty Booker – MIA | vs NE | 11.0 | 4.8 | 5.8 |
| Santana Moss – WAS | vs PHI | 11.0 | 5.0 | 6.0 |
| Braylon Edwards – CLE | at PIT | 10.8 | 5.0 | 5.8 |
| Terry Glenn – DAL | vs NO | 10.8 | 5.0 | 5.8 |
| Plaxico Burress – NYG | at CAR | 10.8 | 5.0 | 5.8 |
| Lee Evans – BUF | at NYJ | 10.6 | 5.2 | 5.8 |
| Greg Jennings – GB | at SF | 10.4 | 5.0 | 5.4 |
| Donte’ Stallworth – PHI | at WAS | 10.4 | 5.4 | 5.8 |
| Keyshawn Johnson – CAR | vs NYG | 10.2 | 4.8 | 5.0 |
| Mark Clayton – BAL | at KC | 10.2 | 5.0 | 5.2 |
| Derrick Mason – BAL | at KC | 10.2 | 5.2 | 5.4 |
| Reggie Brown – PHI | at WAS | 10.2 | 5.2 | 5.4 |
| Joey Galloway – TB | vs ATL | 10.2 | 5.8 | 6.0 |
| Bernard Berrian – CHI | at STL | 10.0 | 5.4 | 5.4 |
| Chris Chambers – MIA | vs NE | 10.0 | 5.6 | 5.6 |
| Chris Henry – CIN | vs OAK | 9.8 | 5.6 | 5.4 |
| Antonio Bryant – SF | vs GB | 9.6 | 5.6 | 5.2 |
| Matt Jones – JAC | vs IND | 9.4 | 5.6 | 5.0 |
| Reggie Williams – JAC | vs IND | 9.0 | 5.8 | 4.8 |
| Eddie Kennison – KC | vs BAL | 9.0 | 6.0 | 5.0 |
| Isaac Bruce – STL | vs CHI | 9.0 | 6.0 | 5.0 |
| Rod Smith – DEN | at SD | 8.8 | 5.4 | 4.2 |
| Randy Moss – OAK | at CIN | 8.8 | 6.2 | 5.0 |
| Michael Jenkins – ATL | at TB | 8.6 | 5.8 | 4.4 |
| Joe Horn – NO | at DAL | 8.6 | 6.0 | 4.6 |
| Eric Parker – SD | vs DEN | 8.6 | 6.0 | 4.6 |
| Drew Bennett – TEN | at HOU | 8.6 | 6.0 | 4.6 |
| Marcus Robinson – MIN | at DET | 8.6 | 6.2 | 4.8 |
| Joe Jurevicius – CLE | at PIT | 8.4 | 5.8 | 4.2 |
| Bryant Johnson – ARI | vs SEA | 8.2 | 6.0 | 4.2 |
| Ernest Wilford – JAC | vs IND | 8.2 | 6.0 | 4.2 |
| Eric Moulds – HOU | vs TEN | 8.2 | 6.2 | 4.4 |
| Troy Williamson – MIN | at DET | 8.2 | 6.4 | 4.6 |
| Keenan McCardell – SD | vs DEN | 8.2 | 6.4 | 4.6 |
| Troy Brown – NE | at MIA | 8.0 | 6.2 | 4.2 |
| Nate Burleson – SEA | at ARI | 8.0 | 6.4 | 4.4 |
| Nate Washington – PIT | vs CLE | 8.0 | 6.6 | 4.6 |
| Santonio Holmes – PIT | vs CLE | 7.8 | 6.6 | 4.4 |
| Sammie Parker – KC | vs BAL | 7.8 | 6.2 | 4.0 |
| Brandon Stokely – IND | at JAC | 7.8 | 6.4 | 4.2 |
| Travis Taylor – MIN | at DET | 7.6 | 6.6 | 4.2 |
| Kevin Curtis – STL | vs CHI | 7.6 | 6.8 | 4.4 |
| Wes Welker – MIA | vs NE | 7.6 | 6.4 | 4.0 |
| Chad Jackson – NE | at MIA | 7.4 | 6.8 | 4.2 |
| Tim Carter – NYG | at CAR | 7.2 | 6.8 | 4.0 |
| Arnaz Battle – SF | vs GB | 7.2 | 6.4 | 3.6 |
| Roddy White – ATL | at TB | 7.0 | 6.4 | 3.4 |
| Ashley Lelie – ATL | at TB | 7.0 | 6.4 | 3.4 |
| Doug Gabriel – NE | at MIA | 7.0 | 6.8 | 3.8 |
| Dennis Northcutt – CLE | at PIT | 6.8 | 6.6 | 3.4 |
| Josh Reed – BUF | at NYJ | 6.8 | 6.8 | 3.6 |
| Roscoe Parrish – BUF | at NYJ | 6.6 | 6.8 | 3.4 |
| Mark Bradley – CHI | at STL | 6.6 | 6.8 | 3.4 |
| Antwaan Randle El – WAS | vs PHI | 6.6 | 7.0 | 3.6 |
| Justin McCareins – NYJ | vs BUF | 6.4 | 7.2 | 3.6 |
| Hank Baskett – PHI | at WAS | 6.4 | 7.2 | 3.6 |
| Rashied Davis – CHI | at STL | 6.2 | 7.0 | 3.2 |
| Jerry Porter – OAK | at CIN | 6.2 | 7.8 | 4.0 |
| Mike Williams – DET | vs MIN | 6.2 | 7.4 | 3.6 |
| Brandon Lloyd – WAS | vs PHI | 5.6 | 7.6 | 3.2 |
Start:
Roy Williams, DET (13.4 rating): If there’s a bright spot in Detroit’s 2-10 season its their star wide receiver going over 1000 yards for the first time in his young career. The Lions are going to need to look to Roy Williams regularly if they want to hang with the Vikings this weekend. Minnesota is incredibly tough against the run, so Detroit is going to have to go to the air early and and often, especially if they fall behind. Jon Kitna should be chucking the ball all over the field, leading to good numbers for Williams and Mike Furrey.
Sit:
Chris Chambers, MIA (10.0 rating): Anyone still starting this guy? Maybe he generated a little interest with his 100-yard game last week, maybe not, but I still wouldn’t call it safe to plug this guy into your lineup. Not only has he been overshadowed by fellow wideout Marty Booker in recent weeks, but he draws one of the tougher matchups in the NFL for a wide receiver, the New England Patriots.
| Tight Ends | Opponent | Rating | Risk | Reward |
| Antonio Gates – SD | vs DEN | 14.0 | 3.8 | 7.8 |
| Alge Crumpler – ATL | at TB | 13.6 | 3.8 | 7.4 |
| Tony Gonzalez – KC | vs BAL | 13.4 | 3.8 | 7.2 |
| Todd Heap – BAL | at KC | 12.8 | 4.2 | 7.0 |
| Kellen Winslow – CLE | at PIT | 12.2 | 4.2 | 6.4 |
| Jeremy Shockey – NYG | at CAR | 12.0 | 4.6 | 6.6 |
| Jason Witten – DAL | vs NO | 11.8 | 4.4 | 6.2 |
| Chris Cooley – WAS | vs PHI | 11.2 | 4.8 | 6.0 |
| LJ Smith – PHI | at WAS | 11.2 | 5.0 | 6.2 |
| Ben Watson – NE | at MIA | 10.8 | 4.6 | 5.4 |
| Jermaine Wiggins – MIN | at DET | 10.4 | 4.8 | 5.2 |
| Desmond Clark – CHI | at STL | 10.0 | 5.2 | 5.2 |
| Heath Miller – PIT | vs CLE | 9.8 | 5.4 | 5.2 |
| Owen Daniels – HOU | vs TEN | 9.6 | 5.8 | 5.4 |
| Stephen Alexander – DEN | at SD | 9.0 | 5.8 | 4.8 |
| Randy McMichael – MIA | vs NE | 9.0 | 5.8 | 4.8 |
| Jeremy Stevens – SEA | at ARI | 9.0 | 5.8 | 4.8 |
| Steve Heiden – CLE | at PIT | 8.8 | 5.8 | 4.6 |
| Ben Utecht – IND | at JAC | 8.6 | 6.2 | 4.8 |
| David Martin – GB | at SF | 8.0 | 6.4 | 4.4 |
| Courtney Anderson – OAK | at CIN | 7.8 | 6.4 | 4.2 |
| Alex Smith – TB | vs ATL | 7.6 | 6.2 | 3.8 |
| Marcus Pollard – DET | vs MIN | 7.6 | 6.4 | 4.0 |
| Bubba Franks – GB | at SF | 7.6 | 6.4 | 4.0 |
| Bo Scaife – TEN | at HOU | 7.6 | 6.4 | 4.0 |
| Kris Mangum – CAR | vs NYG | 7.4 | 6.6 | 4.0 |
| George Wrighster – JAC | vs IND | 7.4 | 6.6 | 4.0 |
| Daniel Graham – NE | at MIA | 7.2 | 6.6 | 3.8 |
| Chris Baker – NYJ | vs BUF | 7.2 | 6.6 | 3.8 |
| Dan Campbell – DET | vs MIN | 7.0 | 6.8 | 3.8 |
| Itula Mili – SEA | at ARI | 7.0 | 7.0 | 4.0 |
| Bryan Fletcher – IND | at JAC | 6.8 | 6.8 | 3.6 |
| Jeb Putzier – HOU | vs TEN | 6.6 | 7.0 | 3.6 |
| Joe Klopfenstein – STL | vs CHI | 6.6 | 7.0 | 3.6 |
| Anthony Becht – TB | vs ATL | 6.4 | 6.8 | 3.2 |
| Adam Bergen – ARI | vs SEA | 6.4 | 7.4 | 3.8 |
| Reggie Kelly – CIN | vs OAK | 6.4 | 7.4 | 3.8 |
| Jason Dunn – KC | vs BAL | 6.2 | 7.2 | 3.4 |
Start:
Jason Witten, DAL (11.8 rating): Witten is the definition of dependable; he makes a great safety net for Tony Romo. This may be a gut feeling more than anything, but I think Romo will go to Witten a bit more often after he connected with the tight end on a long pass last week to set up the game winning field goal against the Giants. I think there is a good chance Witten scores a touchdown this week to go with his solid catch and yardage numbers.
Sit:
Desmond Clark, CHI (10.0 rating): I realize the tight end well is only so deep, but it’s quite obvious that the Desmond Clark bandwagon has stopped in its tracks. Rex Grossman coming apart has not been good for the tight end, as he now has had only four catches in his past four games combined, including a goose egg last week. Don’t expect much from Clark the rest of the way unless Grossman gets his act together in a hurry.
| Kickers | Opponent | Rating | Risk | Reward |
| Shayne Graham – CIN | vs OAK | 13.4 | 3.6 | 7.0 |
| Josh Brown – SEA | at ARI | 13.0 | 4.0 | 7.0 |
| Matt Stover – BAL | at KC | 12.4 | 4.4 | 6.8 |
| Nate Kaeding – SD | vs DEN | 12.0 | 4.2 | 6.2 |
| Adam Vinatieri – IND | at JAC | 11.8 | 4.6 | 6.4 |
| Neil Rackers – ARI | vs SEA | 11.8 | 4.8 | 6.6 |
| Robbie Gould – CHI | at STL | 11.8 | 5.0 | 6.8 |
| John Kasay – CAR | vs NYG | 11.4 | 4.4 | 5.8 |
| Jeff Reed – PIT | vs CLE | 11.2 | 4.6 | 5.8 |
| Joe Nedney – SF | vs GB | 11.2 | 4.6 | 5.8 |
| David Akers – PHI | at WAS | 11.0 | 4.4 | 5.4 |
| John Carney – NO | at DAL | 11.0 | 4.8 | 5.8 |
| Lawrence Tynes – KC | vs BAL | 11.0 | 5.0 | 6.0 |
| Jeff Wilkins – STL | vs CHI | 11.0 | 5.2 | 6.2 |
| Josh Scobee – JAC | vs IND | 10.8 | 4.6 | 5.4 |
| Martin Gramatica – DAL | vs NO | 10.8 | 5.2 | 6.0 |
| Ryan Longwell – MIN | at DET | 10.4 | 5.6 | 6.0 |
| Rob Bironas – TEN | at HOU | 10.2 | 5.0 | 5.2 |
| Jay Feely – NYG | at CAR | 10.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Rian Lindell – BUF | at NYJ | 10.0 | 5.2 | 5.2 |
| Jason Hanson – DET | vs MIN | 10.0 | 5.6 | 5.6 |
| Stephen Gostkowski – NE | at MIA | 9.8 | 5.4 | 5.2 |
| Mike Nugent – NYJ | vs BUF | 9.8 | 5.6 | 5.4 |
| Phil Dawson – CLE | at PIT | 9.4 | 5.4 | 4.8 |
| Dave Rayner – GB | at SF | 9.4 | 5.6 | 5.0 |
| Morten Andersen – ATL | at TB | 9.2 | 5.8 | 5.0 |
| Kris Brown – HOU | vs TEN | 9.2 | 5.8 | 5.0 |
| Olindo Mare – MIA | vs NE | 9.2 | 5.8 | 5.0 |
| Matt Bryant – TB | vs ATL | 9.0 | 5.8 | 4.8 |
| Shaun Suisham – WAS | vs PHI | 8.2 | 6.0 | 4.2 |
| Sebastian Janikowski – OAK | at CIN | 8.2 | 6.2 | 4.4 |
| Jason Elam – DEN | at SD | 8.2 | 6.8 | 5.0 |
Start:
Neil Rackers, ARI (11.8 rating): Rackers has been beyond disappointing this year, following a magical season last year that had him as the #1 kicker on many draft sheets going into 2006. But there may be some hope for the Cardinals’ kicker, as he has scored 8 and 10 points in his last two games (the Cardinals have scored 34 and 31) including his first field goal of over 50 yards on the year. He is probably available as a free agent in many leagues, so he may be worth a look if you are unhappy with your current kicker.
Sit:
Martin Gramatica, DAL (10.8 rating): Gramatica may have been the hero last week, and sure everything Parcells has touched this year seems to have turned to gold, but I doubt it lasts forever for the diminutive place kicker. He should come back down to earth this week against a New Orleans Saints defense that for some reason does not give up field goals (only nine on the entire year!)
| Team Defense | Opponent | Rating | Risk | Reward |
| Cincinnati | vs OAK | 13.0 | 4.0 | 7.0 |
| Chicago | at STL | 12.8 | 4.0 | 6.8 |
| San Diego | vs DEN | 12.6 | 3.6 | 6.2 |
| Baltimore | at KC | 12.0 | 5.0 | 7.0 |
| Pittsburgh | vs CLE | 11.8 | 4.2 | 6.0 |
| New England | at MIA | 11.6 | 4.2 | 5.8 |
| Atlanta | at TB | 11.6 | 4.6 | 6.2 |
| Tennessee | at HOU | 10.8 | 4.6 | 5.4 |
| New York Giants | at CAR | 10.8 | 4.8 | 5.6 |
| Seattle | at ARI | 10.8 | 4.8 | 5.6 |
| St. Louis | vs CHI | 10.8 | 5.4 | 6.2 |
| Philadelphia | at WAS | 10.8 | 5.6 | 6.4 |
| Detroit | vs MIN | 10.6 | 5.0 | 5.6 |
| Kansas City | vs BAL | 10.2 | 5.2 | 5.4 |
| New York Jets | vs BUF | 10.0 | 4.8 | 4.8 |
| Buffalo | at NYJ | 10.0 | 5.2 | 5.2 |
| Minnesota | at DET | 10.0 | 5.6 | 5.6 |
| San Francisco | vs GB | 10.0 | 5.6 | 5.6 |
| Carolina | vs NYG | 9.8 | 5.2 | 5.0 |
| Indianapolis | at JAC | 9.8 | 5.4 | 5.2 |
| New Orleans | at DAL | 9.4 | 5.4 | 4.8 |
| Cleveland | at PIT | 8.8 | 5.8 | 4.6 |
| Dallas | vs NO | 8.8 | 5.8 | 4.6 |
| Green Bay | at SF | 8.8 | 6.0 | 4.8 |
| Miami | vs NE | 8.8 | 6.0 | 4.8 |
| Washington | vs PHI | 8.8 | 6.0 | 4.8 |
| Tampa Bay | vs ATL | 8.6 | 6.2 | 4.8 |
| Denver | at SD | 8.4 | 6.0 | 4.4 |
| Houston | vs TEN | 8.2 | 6.0 | 4.2 |
| Jacksonville | vs IND | 7.6 | 6.8 | 4.4 |
| Arizona | vs SEA | 6.8 | 6.8 | 3.6 |
| Oakland | at CIN | 6.6 | 7.2 | 3.8 |
Start:
Cincinnati (13.0 rating): Cincinnati’s defense has to be riding high after only giving up seven points combined in their last two games, especially after all the criticism they heard earlier in the season. OK, so those two games were against the lowly Browns and the less-than-stellar Baltimore offense, but it’s still impressive. And who rolls into town next for the Bengals? That’s right, everyone’s favorite bumbling offense: the Oakland Raiders. The Bengals are certainly worth a start this week.
Sit:
Dallas (8.8 rating): Dallas is one of a handful of defenses that is usually worth starting on a week-to-week basis, but I’m willling to make an exception for the Saints. With all the weapons on that offense clicking, the Saints offense is truly a force to be reckoned with. Even a good defense like Dallas will have trouble finding a way to stop, or even slow down, both Drew Brees and the passing game, and Deuce and Reggie on the ground.
Special thanks to black_hawk8888, dream_017, Leber, m16a, mattb47, NittanyLions, 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.
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(27 votes, average: 4.11 out of 5)




