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Studs will be studs. Last week was a not-so-subtle reminder that there were reasons you targeted certain players early in your drafts. Four touchdowns for Tomlinson. Three touchdowns for Owens. Tiki Barber, Steve Smith, and Warrick Dunn all had huge yardage days. These totals came at an ideal time for owners last week, as an unprecedented six teams were on a bye. Well, things should be easier this week, right? Wrong. Once again, six teams are off. Optimizing your lineup is critical during bye weeks. Below, several of your Cafe peers ranked how they feel players will fare. Best of luck this week except, of course, to your opponents.
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 |
| Donovan McNabb – PHI | at TB | 15.5 | 2.5 | 8.0 |
| Peyton Manning – IND | vs WAS | 15.3 | 2.5 | 7.8 |
| Byron Leftwich – JAC | at HOU | 15.0 | 1.8 | 6.8 |
| Tom Brady – NE | at BUF | 14.5 | 2.8 | 7.3 |
| Matt Leinart – ARI | at OAK | 14.3 | 2.5 | 6.8 |
| Eli Manning – NYG | at DAL | 13.8 | 3.8 | 7.5 |
| Matt Hasselbeck – SEA | vs MIN | 13.5 | 3.5 | 7.0 |
| Jake Delhomme – CAR | at CIN | 13.5 | 4.3 | 7.8 |
| Jon Kitna – DET | at NYJ | 13.3 | 3.5 | 6.8 |
| Carson Palmer – CIN | vs CAR | 13.0 | 4.3 | 7.3 |
| Brett Favre – GB | at MIA | 12.8 | 4.0 | 6.8 |
| Philip Rivers – SD | at KC | 12.8 | 4.0 | 6.8 |
| Chad Pennington – NYJ | vs DET | 12.8 | 4.3 | 7.0 |
| Jake Plummer – DEN | at CLE | 12.3 | 4.0 | 6.3 |
| Ben Roethlisberger – PIT | at ATL | 11.8 | 4.3 | 6.0 |
| Brad Johnson – MIN | at SEA | 11.8 | 4.5 | 6.3 |
| Drew Bledsoe – DAL | vs NYG | 11.3 | 5.0 | 6.3 |
| Joey Harrington – MIA | vs GB | 10.8 | 4.8 | 5.5 |
| Michael Vick – ATL | vs PIT | 10.0 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| Mark Brunell – WAS | at IND | 10.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| David Carr – HOU | vs JAC | 9.8 | 6.3 | 6.0 |
| Bruce Gradkowski – TB | vs PHI | 8.5 | 6.3 | 4.8 |
| Charlie Frye – CLE | vs DEN | 7.8 | 6.5 | 4.3 |
| JP Losman – BUF | vs NE | 7.5 | 6.3 | 3.8 |
| Damon Huard – KC | vs SD | 7.3 | 7.0 | 4.3 |
| Andrew Walter – OAK | vs ARI | 6.5 | 7.0 | 3.5 |
| Daunte Culpepper – MIA | vs GB | 2.3 | 9.3 | 1.5 |
| Steve McNair – BAL | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Rex Grossman – CHI | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Drew Brees – NO | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Alex Smith – SF | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Marc Bulger – STL | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Vince Young – TEN | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Start:
Matt Leinart, ARI (14.3 rating): Leinart has thrown for four touchdowns the last two weeks, and has shown remarkable poise for a rookie. Look for him to have continued success against the Raiders, as the Arizona offense will not relent like a week ago. The Cardinals will look to make a statement after firing their offensive coordinator following Monday night’s game.
Sit:
Mark Brunell, WAS (10.0 rating): Since his heroic, three touchdown perfomance in an overtime win against Jacksonville, Brunell has struggled mightily. He has thrown only five touchdowns all year, including the aforementioned three in one game to Moss against the Jags. Brunell is far too inconsistent to be considered a viable fantasy starter at this point.
| Running Backs | Opponent | Rating | Risk | Reward |
| LaDainian Tomlinson – SD | at KC | 16.8 | 2.0 | 8.8 |
| Clinton Portis – WAS | at IND | 15.5 | 3.0 | 8.5 |
| Tatum Bell – DEN | at CLE | 14.5 | 2.8 | 7.3 |
| Kevin Jones – DET | at NYJ | 14.3 | 3.0 | 7.3 |
| Tiki Barber – NYG | at DAL | 14.0 | 3.5 | 7.5 |
| Fred Taylor – JAC | at HOU | 13.5 | 3.3 | 6.8 |
| Willie Parker – PIT | at ATL | 13.3 | 4.0 | 7.3 |
| Brian Westbrook – PHI | at TB | 13.3 | 4.8 | 8.0 |
| DeShaun Foster – CAR | at CIN | 12.8 | 4.0 | 6.8 |
| Ronnie Brown – MIA | vs GB | 12.8 | 4.3 | 7.0 |
| Larry Johnson – KC | vs SD | 12.8 | 5.3 | 8.0 |
| Laurence Maroney – NE | at BUF | 12.3 | 4.5 | 6.8 |
| Willis McGahee – BUF | vs NE | 11.8 | 4.0 | 5.8 |
| Julius Jones – DAL | vs NYG | 11.8 | 4.5 | 6.3 |
| Corey Dillon – NE | at BUF | 11.8 | 4.5 | 6.3 |
| Cadillac Williams – TB | vs PHI | 11.5 | 4.8 | 6.3 |
| Edgerrin James – ARI | at OAK | 11.5 | 5.3 | 6.8 |
| Joseph Addai – IND | vs WAS | 11.3 | 4.8 | 6.0 |
| Chester Taylor – MIN | at SEA | 11.3 | 5.0 | 6.3 |
| Ahman Green – GB | at MIA | 11.0 | 4.5 | 5.5 |
| Rudi Johnson – CIN | vs CAR | 11.0 | 5.0 | 6.0 |
| Maurice Jones-Drew – JAC | at HOU | 10.8 | 5.0 | 5.8 |
| Warrick Dunn – ATL | vs PIT | 10.5 | 5.5 | 6.0 |
| LaMont Jordan – OAK | vs ARI | 10.5 | 5.5 | 6.0 |
| Dominic Rhodes – IND | vs WAS | 10.3 | 5.5 | 5.8 |
| Marion Barber – DAL | vs NYG | 9.8 | 5.3 | 5.0 |
| Maurice Morris – SEA | vs MIN | 9.3 | 5.5 | 4.8 |
| Brandon Jacobs – NYG | at DAL | 8.8 | 5.8 | 4.5 |
| Kevan Barlow – NYJ | vs DET | 8.3 | 6.3 | 4.5 |
| Leon Washington – NYJ | vs DET | 8.3 | 6.5 | 4.8 |
| Reuben Droughns – CLE | vs DEN | 8.0 | 6.8 | 4.8 |
| Michael Turner – SD | at KC | 7.8 | 6.5 | 4.3 |
| Najeh Davenport – PIT | at ATL | 7.5 | 6.5 | 4.0 |
| Correll Buckhalter – PHI | at TB | 6.8 | 7.3 | 4.0 |
| Jerious Norwood – ATL | vs PIT | 6.8 | 7.5 | 4.3 |
| Ladell Betts – WAS | at IND | 6.3 | 6.8 | 3.0 |
| Cedric Houston – NYJ | vs DET | 6.0 | 7.8 | 3.8 |
| Vernand Morency – GB | at MIA | 5.8 | 7.8 | 3.5 |
| Noah Herron – GB | at MIA | 5.5 | 7.8 | 3.3 |
| Wali Lundy – HOU | vs JAC | 5.0 | 8.0 | 3.0 |
| Mike Bell – DEN | at CLE | 4.0 | 8.0 | 2.0 |
| Jerome Harrison – CLE | vs DEN | 3.8 | 8.5 | 2.3 |
| Ron Dayne – HOU | vs JAC | 3.8 | 8.5 | 2.3 |
| Samkon Gado – HOU | vs JAC | 2.5 | 9.3 | 1.8 |
| DeAngelo Williams – CAR | at CIN | 1.5 | 9.3 | 0.8 |
| Jamal Lewis – BAL | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Musa Smith – BAL | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Mike Anderson – BAL | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Thomas Jones – CHI | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Cedric Benson – CHI | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Reggie Bush – NO | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Deuce McAllister – NO | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Frank Gore – SF | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Michael Robinson – SF | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Steven Jackson – STL | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Travis Henry – TEN | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Chris Brown – TEN | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Lendale White – TEN | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Start:
Fred Taylor, JAX (13.5 rating): Despite splitting some carries with rookie Maurice Jones-Drew, “Fragile Freddie” is putting up solid numbers of late between the twenties. Expect more of the same this week against the Texans.
Sit:
Maurice Morris, SEA (9.3 rating): Filling in for Shaun Alexander is not easy, as Morris is finding out. The loss of Steve Hutchinson on the offensive line, combined with the resurgence of the Seahawks’ passing attack, have limited Morris’ productivity. Also, the Vikings have the fourth-best rushing defense in the league. This is not a favorable matchup for Alexander’s replacement.
| Wide Receivers | Opponent | Rating | Risk | Reward |
| Roy Williams – DET | at NYJ | 16.0 | 2.0 | 8.0 |
| Anquan Boldin – ARI | at OAK | 15.8 | 2.3 | 8.0 |
| Marvin Harrison – IND | vs WAS | 15.3 | 2.3 | 7.5 |
| Steve Smith – CAR | at CIN | 15.3 | 3.3 | 8.5 |
| Reggie Williams – JAC | at HOU | 14.8 | 2.8 | 7.5 |
| Terrell Owens – DAL | vs NYG | 14.8 | 3.5 | 8.3 |
| Laveranues Coles – NYJ | vs DET | 14.5 | 3.0 | 7.5 |
| Reggie Wayne – IND | vs WAS | 14.3 | 2.8 | 7.0 |
| Greg Jennings – GB | at MIA | 14.0 | 3.3 | 7.3 |
| Terry Glenn – DAL | vs NYG | 13.3 | 3.8 | 7.0 |
| Santana Moss – WAS | at IND | 13.3 | 4.3 | 7.5 |
| Darrell Jackson – SEA | vs MIN | 13.3 | 4.5 | 7.8 |
| Chris Chambers – MIA | vs GB | 13.0 | 3.8 | 6.8 |
| Plaxico Burress – NYG | at DAL | 13.0 | 4.0 | 7.0 |
| Javon Walker – DEN | at CLE | 12.8 | 4.3 | 7.0 |
| Deion Branch – SEA | vs MIN | 12.8 | 4.3 | 7.0 |
| Chad Johnson – CIN | vs CAR | 12.8 | 5.0 | 7.8 |
| Jerricho Cotchery – NYJ | vs DET | 12.5 | 3.8 | 6.3 |
| Donald Driver – GB | at MIA | 12.5 | 4.0 | 6.5 |
| Reggie Brown – PHI | at TB | 12.5 | 4.3 | 6.8 |
| Andre Johnson – HOU | vs JAC | 12.5 | 4.8 | 7.3 |
| Keyshawn Johnson – CAR | at CIN | 11.8 | 4.3 | 6.0 |
| Hines Ward – PIT | at ATL | 11.5 | 4.5 | 6.0 |
| TJ Houshmandzadeh – CIN | vs CAR | 11.5 | 5.3 | 6.8 |
| Doug Gabriel – NE | at BUF | 11.3 | 4.8 | 6.0 |
| Eric Parker – SD | at KC | 11.3 | 4.8 | 6.0 |
| Lee Evans – BUF | vs NE | 11.3 | 5.0 | 6.3 |
| Joey Galloway – TB | vs PHI | 11.0 | 5.8 | 6.8 |
| Bryant Johnson – ARI | at OAK | 10.8 | 5.0 | 5.8 |
| Rod Smith – DEN | at CLE | 10.5 | 4.8 | 5.3 |
| Mike Furrey – DET | at NYJ | 10.5 | 4.8 | 5.3 |
| Keenan McCardell – SD | at KC | 10.0 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| Wes Welker – MIA | vs GB | 9.8 | 5.3 | 5.0 |
| Amani Toomer – NYG | at DAL | 9.8 | 5.3 | 5.0 |
| Randy Moss – OAK | vs ARI | 9.8 | 5.8 | 5.5 |
| Troy Brown – NE | at BUF | 9.5 | 5.5 | 5.0 |
| Braylon Edwards – CLE | vs DEN | 9.5 | 5.8 | 5.3 |
| Ernest Wilford – JAC | at HOU | 9.3 | 5.8 | 5.0 |
| Troy Williamson – MIN | at SEA | 9.3 | 6.0 | 5.3 |
| Travis Taylor – MIN | at SEA | 8.8 | 6.3 | 5.0 |
| Matt Jones – JAC | at HOU | 8.5 | 5.8 | 4.3 |
| Eric Moulds – HOU | vs JAC | 8.5 | 6.0 | 4.5 |
| Eddie Kennison – KC | vs SD | 8.5 | 6.0 | 4.5 |
| Michael Clayton – TB | vs PHI | 8.5 | 6.3 | 4.8 |
| Donte’ Stallworth – PHI | at TB | 8.0 | 7.8 | 5.8 |
| Nate Burleson – SEA | vs MIN | 7.5 | 6.5 | 4.0 |
| Michael Jenkins – ATL | vs PIT | 7.0 | 7.0 | 4.0 |
| Samie Parker – KC | vs SD | 6.8 | 6.8 | 3.5 |
| Reche Caldwell – NE | at BUF | 6.5 | 7.0 | 3.5 |
| Santonio Holmes – PIT | at ATL | 6.5 | 7.0 | 3.5 |
| Antwaan Randle El – WAS | at IND | 6.5 | 7.0 | 3.5 |
| Roscoe Parrish – BUF | vs NE | 6.5 | 7.3 | 3.8 |
| Nate Washington – PIT | at ATL | 6.3 | 6.8 | 3.0 |
| Josh Reed – BUF | vs NE | 6.3 | 7.5 | 3.8 |
| Az-Zahir Hakim – DET | at NYJ | 6.0 | 6.8 | 2.8 |
| Joe Jurevicius – CLE | vs DEN | 6.0 | 7.3 | 3.3 |
| Roddy White – ATL | vs PIT | 5.5 | 7.5 | 3.0 |
| Brandon Lloyd – WAS | at IND | 5.3 | 7.5 | 2.8 |
| Ashley Lelie – ATL | vs PIT | 4.8 | 7.8 | 2.5 |
| Dennis Northcutt – CLE | vs DEN | 3.8 | 8.5 | 2.3 |
| Brandon Stokely – IND | vs WAS | 3.8 | 8.5 | 2.3 |
| Bobby Engram – SEA | vs MIN | 3.0 | 9.0 | 2.0 |
| Chris Henry – CIN | vs CAR | 1.8 | 9.3 | 1.0 |
| Larry Fitzgerald – ARI | at OAK | 1.0 | 9.5 | 0.5 |
| Derrick Mason – BAL | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Mark Clayton – BAL | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Muhsin Muhammad – CHI | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Bernard Berrian – CHI | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Marques Colston – NO | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Joe Horn – NO | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Antonio Bryant – SF | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Arnaz Battle – SF | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Torry Holt – STL | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Isaac Bruce – STL | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Drew Bennett – TEN | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| David Givens – TEN | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Start:
Greg Jennings, GB (14.0 rating): The sensational rookie has been a favorite of Brett Favre this year. Jennings has 60 yards or more in his last four games, with touchdowns in three of them. With defenses keying on Donald Driver, Jennings is a big play waiting to happen. He has already amassed over 360 yards receiving and 3 touchdowns. In addition the Packers’ opponents this week, the Dolphins, have already given up 10 touchdowns through the air this season.
Sit:
Braylon Edwards, CLE (9.5 rating): Braylon had a couple of nice games early in the season, but he faces a tough matchup this week in Champ Bailey and the Denver Broncos. The stingy Denver D has only allowed one touchdown so far this season. Don’t expect Edwards to get the second.
| Tight Ends | Opponent | Rating | Risk | Reward |
| Antonio Gates – SD | at KC | 15.3 | 2.8 | 8.0 |
| Jeremy Shockey – NYG | at DAL | 13.5 | 3.8 | 7.3 |
| Randy McMichael – MIA | vs GB | 13.3 | 3.8 | 7.0 |
| Chris Cooley – WAS | at IND | 12.5 | 3.8 | 6.3 |
| George Wrighster – JAC | at HOU | 11.5 | 4.3 | 5.8 |
| Jason Witten – DAL | vs NYG | 11.5 | 4.5 | 6.0 |
| LJ Smith – PHI | at TB | 11.5 | 4.5 | 6.0 |
| Ben Watson – NE | at BUF | 11.3 | 4.3 | 5.5 |
| Alge Crumpler – ATL | vs PIT | 11.3 | 5.3 | 6.5 |
| Kellen Winslow – CLE | vs DEN | 11.0 | 5.3 | 6.3 |
| Dallas Clark – IND | vs WAS | 10.8 | 4.5 | 5.3 |
| Tony Gonzalez – KC | vs SD | 10.8 | 5.8 | 6.5 |
| Chris Baker – NYJ | vs DET | 10.3 | 5.0 | 5.3 |
| Heath Miller – PIT | at ATL | 10.3 | 5.5 | 5.8 |
| Marcus Pollard – DET | at NYJ | 10.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Jermaine Wiggins – MIN | at SEA | 10.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Daniel Graham – NE | at BUF | 9.8 | 5.3 | 5.0 |
| Bubba Franks – GB | at MIA | 9.5 | 5.0 | 4.5 |
| Alex Smith – TB | vs PHI | 8.8 | 6.0 | 4.8 |
| Kris Mangum – CAR | at CIN | 7.8 | 6.0 | 3.8 |
| Courtney Anderson – OAK | vs ARI | 7.3 | 6.0 | 3.3 |
| Dan Campbell – DET | at NYJ | 7.0 | 6.0 | 3.0 |
| Itula Mili – SEA | vs MIN | 7.0 | 6.5 | 3.5 |
| Jeremy Stevens – SEA | vs MIN | 6.3 | 7.8 | 4.0 |
| Stephen Alexander – DEN | at CLE | 6.0 | 6.5 | 2.5 |
| David Martin – GB | at MIA | 6.0 | 7.0 | 3.0 |
| Bryan Fletcher – IND | vs WAS | 6.0 | 7.3 | 3.3 |
| Owen Daniels – HOU | vs JAC | 5.8 | 7.0 | 2.8 |
| Jeb Putzier – HOU | vs JAC | 5.8 | 7.3 | 3.0 |
| Anthony Becht – TB | vs PHI | 5.5 | 7.0 | 2.5 |
| Adam Bergen – ARI | at OAK | 5.5 | 7.3 | 2.8 |
| Mike Sellers – WAS | at IND | 5.5 | 7.3 | 2.8 |
| Todd Heap – BAL | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Desmond Clark – CHI | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| John Gilmore – CHI | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Eric Johnson – SF | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Bo Scaife – TEN | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Ben Troupe – TEN | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Start:
George Wrighster, JAC (11.5 rating): Wrighster could be the solution to many teams’ bye week problems at tight end. He is becoming a safety valve for Jacksonville’s improving young quarterback Byron Leftwich. Look for Wrighster to have a solid game against the woeful Houston defense.
Sit:
Tony Gonzalez, KC (10.8 rating): Gonzalez has had a rough year so far, due in part to the absence of Trent Green in the Kansas City lineup. Unfortunately, things aren’t exactly looking up for the once-elite tight end. After an embarrassing loss at the hands of the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Chiefs have to play a very tough San Diego defense. I realize benching Gonzalez may not be a realistic option for many teams, but don’t expect too much if you leave him in your lineup.
| Kickers | Opponent | Rating | Risk | Reward |
| Jason Elam – DEN | at CLE | 15.3 | 2.3 | 7.5 |
| Nate Kaeding – SD | at KC | 14.3 | 3.0 | 7.3 |
| John Kasay – CAR | at CIN | 14.0 | 2.5 | 6.5 |
| Josh Scobee – JAC | at HOU | 14.0 | 2.5 | 6.5 |
| Neil Rackers – ARI | at OAK | 13.8 | 3.3 | 7.0 |
| Shayne Graham – CIN | vs CAR | 13.5 | 2.8 | 6.3 |
| David Akers – PHI | at TB | 13.5 | 2.8 | 6.3 |
| Josh Brown – SEA | vs MIN | 13.3 | 3.3 | 6.5 |
| Jason Hanson – DET | at NYJ | 12.5 | 3.3 | 5.8 |
| Adam Vinatieri – IND | vs WAS | 12.5 | 4.3 | 6.8 |
| Jeff Reed – PIT | at ATL | 12.0 | 4.5 | 6.5 |
| Dave Rayner – GB | at MIA | 11.8 | 4.0 | 5.8 |
| Ryan Longwell – MIN | at SEA | 11.5 | 4.3 | 5.8 |
| Jay Feely – NYG | at DAL | 11.5 | 4.5 | 6.0 |
| Olindo Mare – MIA | vs GB | 10.8 | 4.5 | 5.3 |
| Stephen Gostkowski – NE | at BUF | 10.8 | 5.0 | 5.8 |
| Mike Vanderjagt – DAL | vs NYG | 10.8 | 5.3 | 6.0 |
| Mike Nugent – NYJ | vs DET | 10.3 | 5.3 | 5.5 |
| Rian Lindell – BUF | vs NE | 9.8 | 5.5 | 5.3 |
| Lawrence Tynes – KC | vs SD | 9.8 | 5.8 | 5.5 |
| Nick Novak – WAS | at IND | 9.5 | 5.5 | 5.0 |
| Morten Andersen – ATL | vs PIT | 9.5 | 5.8 | 5.3 |
| Phil Dawson – CLE | vs DEN | 8.8 | 5.5 | 4.3 |
| Matt Bryant – TB | vs PHI | 8.5 | 6.3 | 4.8 |
| Sebastian Janikowski – OAK | vs ARI | 8.3 | 5.5 | 3.8 |
| Kris Brown – HOU | vs JAC | 8.3 | 6.3 | 4.5 |
| Matt Stover – BAL | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Robbie Gould – CHI | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| John Carney – NO | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Joe Nedney – SF | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Jeff Wilkins – STL | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Rob Bironas – TEN | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Start:
Josh Brown, SEA (13.3 rating): Fresh off a game-winning 54-yard kick to beat the Rams, Josh Brown should have another good week against the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings have a good, but not elite defense, and the Seahawks will still be missing Shaun Alexander. Brown should get several opportunities when the Seattle offense stalls in Viking territory. As his three field goals over 40 yards last week prove, his leg is certainly up to the task.
Sit:
Jay Feely, NYG (11.5 rating): “Touchy” Feely may not be your best option at kicker this week with a match up against a good Dallas defense in Irving. Feely has made only two of four field goals from 40 yards or longer this year. Leave him on the bench this week if you can.
| Team Defense | Opponent | Rating | Risk | Reward |
| Jacksonville | at HOU | 16.0 | 2.3 | 8.3 |
| Arizona | at OAK | 14.8 | 3.5 | 8.3 |
| San Diego | at KC | 14.3 | 3.0 | 7.3 |
| New England | at BUF | 13.8 | 3.3 | 7.0 |
| Denver | at CLE | 13.3 | 3.8 | 7.0 |
| Pittsburgh | at ATL | 13.0 | 3.8 | 6.8 |
| Philadelphia | at TB | 12.8 | 4.3 | 7.0 |
| Seattle | vs MIN | 12.3 | 4.0 | 6.3 |
| Miami | vs GB | 11.5 | 4.3 | 5.8 |
| Indianapolis | vs WAS | 11.3 | 5.0 | 6.3 |
| Carolina | at CIN | 11.0 | 5.5 | 6.5 |
| New York Giants | at DAL | 10.8 | 5.5 | 6.3 |
| Green Bay | at MIA | 10.5 | 5.0 | 5.5 |
| New York Jets | vs DET | 10.3 | 4.5 | 4.8 |
| Detroit | at NYJ | 10.3 | 5.0 | 5.3 |
| Atlanta | vs PIT | 9.8 | 6.0 | 5.8 |
| Cleveland | vs DEN | 9.5 | 5.3 | 4.8 |
| Minnesota | at SEA | 9.5 | 5.8 | 5.3 |
| Dallas | vs NYG | 9.5 | 6.0 | 5.5 |
| Cincinnati | vs CAR | 9.3 | 6.8 | 6.0 |
| Buffalo | vs NE | 8.3 | 6.8 | 5.0 |
| Tampa Bay | vs PHI | 7.5 | 7.0 | 4.5 |
| Kansas City | vs SD | 7.0 | 6.8 | 3.8 |
| Oakland | vs ARI | 7.0 | 6.8 | 3.8 |
| Washington | at IND | 6.5 | 7.8 | 4.3 |
| Houston | vs JAC | 5.5 | 7.3 | 2.8 |
| Baltimore | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Chicago | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| New Orleans | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| San Francisco | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| St. Louis | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Tennessee | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Start:
Arizona (14.8 rating): Despite the Cardinals falling apart last week in the waning moments against the Bears, their defense looked really good. They forced Rex Grossman into six turnovers, and face the hapless Raiders this week. Bon appetit.
Sit:
Kansas City (7.0 rating): While they once looked like a solid unit, the Chiefs were destroyed by the Steelers last week. This week things don’t get any easier as the Chargers come to town, sporting one the most potent offenses in the AFC.
Special thanks to dream_017, Kilroy1872, knapplc, mattb47, lmcjaho, and logan for submitting rankings this week. Rankings were compiled by SwiperNoSwiping.
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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