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Many fantasy owners will breathe a sigh of relief this week after enduring two consecutive weeks in which six teams were on a bye. With any luck, Week 8 should be slightly more manageable as only four teams (Miami, Detroit, Washington, and Buffalo) are off, and none of these teams have proven to be offensive powerhouses. Even so, as we approach the midway point of the season, every game will be critical. Once again, the Cafe has compiled a collection of rankings to make your lineup decisions a bit easier.
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 |
| Rex Grossman – CHI | vs SF | 13.7 | 3.7 | 7.3 |
| Donovan McNabb – PHI | vs JAC | 13.7 | 4.3 | 8.0 |
| Peyton Manning – IND | at DEN | 13.7 | 4.7 | 8.3 |
| Jake Delhomme – CAR | vs DAL | 13.0 | 4.3 | 7.3 |
| Carson Palmer – CIN | vs ATL | 13.0 | 4.3 | 7.3 |
| David Carr – HOU | at TEN | 13.0 | 4.3 | 7.3 |
| Chad Pennington – NYJ | at CLE | 12.7 | 4.0 | 6.7 |
| Philip Rivers – SD | vs STL | 12.7 | 4.3 | 7.0 |
| Marc Bulger – STL | at SD | 12.7 | 5.0 | 7.7 |
| Eli Manning – NYG | vs TB | 12.7 | 4.7 | 7.3 |
| Brett Favre – GB | vs ARI | 12.3 | 4.7 | 7.0 |
| Michael Vick – ATL | at CIN | 12.0 | 5.0 | 7.0 |
| Tom Brady – NE | at MIN | 12.0 | 5.0 | 7.0 |
| Matt Leinart – ARI | at GB | 11.7 | 5.0 | 6.7 |
| Drew Brees – NO | vs BAL | 11.3 | 5.3 | 6.7 |
| Vince Young – TEN | vs HOU | 11.3 | 5.0 | 6.3 |
| Charlie Batch – PIT | at OAK | 11.0 | 5.3 | 6.3 |
| Charlie Frye – CLE | vs NYJ | 10.7 | 5.0 | 5.7 |
| Damon Huard – KC | vs SEA | 10.3 | 5.3 | 5.7 |
| Brad Johnson – MIN | vs NE | 10.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Jake Plummer – DEN | vs IND | 9.7 | 5.3 | 5.0 |
| Byron Leftwich – JAC | at PHI | 9.7 | 6.3 | 6.0 |
| Steve McNair – BAL | at NO | 9.0 | 6.0 | 5.0 |
| Ben Roethlisberger – PIT | at OAK | 9.0 | 7.0 | 6.0 |
| Bruce Gradkowski – TB | at NYG | 8.0 | 6.7 | 4.7 |
| Tony Romo – DAL | at CAR | 7.0 | 8.0 | 5.0 |
| Kyle Boller – BAL | at DEN | 6.0 | 8.3 | 4.3 |
| Seneca Wallace – SEA | at CAR | 5.7 | 7.7 | 3.3 |
| Andrew Walter – OAK | vs PIT | 5.7 | 8.0 | 3.7 |
| Alex Smith – SF | at CHI | 5.7 | 8.0 | 3.7 |
| Drew Bledsoe – DAL | at CAR | 3.3 | 9.0 | 2.3 |
| Matt Hasselbeck – SEA | at KC | 0.7 | 9.7 | 0.3 |
| Joey Harrington – MIA | vs SEA | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| JP Losman – BUF | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Jon Kitna – DET | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Daunte Culpepper – MIA | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Mark Brunell – WAS | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Start:
David Carr, HOU (13.0 rating): Carr is finally proving to the NFL that he was deserving of that number one overall pick back in 2002. Carr’s 97.9 QB Rating and 9/4 TD/INT ratio are reasons for confidence, and he is coming off of a two touchdown perfomance in an impressive win over the Jaguars and their once-vaunted defense. Carr should make for a solid start again this week against the Titans.
Sit:
Drew Brees, NO (11.3 rating): Drew Brees has done an admirable job thus far in New Orleans, but he makes a shaky start against the Ravens. Baltimore’s defense may have given up a couple scores to Jake Delhomme and the Panthers before their bye week, but I would not count on it happening again. With a week to stew on that loss, the Ravens defense should come out firing against Brees.
| Running Backs | Opponent | Rating | Risk | Reward |
| LaDainian Tomlinson – SD | vs STL | 15.7 | 3.0 | 8.7 |
| Willie Parker – PIT | at OAK | 14.7 | 3.3 | 8.0 |
| Thomas Jones – CHI | vs SF | 13.7 | 3.7 | 7.3 |
| Warrick Dunn – ATL | at CIN | 13.0 | 4.0 | 7.0 |
| Tiki Barber – NYG | vs TB | 13.0 | 4.7 | 7.7 |
| Larry Johnson – KC | vs SEA | 12.7 | 5.3 | 8.0 |
| Tatum Bell – DEN | vs IND | 12.3 | 5.0 | 7.3 |
| Chester Taylor – MIN | vs NE | 12.3 | 5.0 | 7.3 |
| Ahman Green – GB | vs ARI | 12.0 | 5.0 | 7.0 |
| Brian Westbrook – PHI | vs JAC | 12.0 | 5.7 | 7.7 |
| Rudi Johnson – CIN | vs ATL | 11.7 | 5.3 | 7.0 |
| Travis Henry – TEN | vs HOU | 11.3 | 5.3 | 6.7 |
| Reuben Droughns – CLE | vs NYJ | 11.3 | 5.0 | 6.3 |
| Cadillac Williams – TB | at NYG | 10.7 | 5.3 | 6.0 |
| Julius Jones – DAL | at CAR | 10.7 | 6.0 | 6.7 |
| Steven Jackson – STL | at SD | 10.7 | 5.7 | 6.3 |
| DeShaun Foster – CAR | vs DAL | 10.3 | 5.3 | 5.7 |
| Fred Taylor – JAC | at PHI | 10.3 | 5.3 | 5.7 |
| Wali Lundy – HOU | at TEN | 10.3 | 5.0 | 5.3 |
| Jamal Lewis – BAL | at NO | 10.0 | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Corey Dillon – NE | at MIN | 9.7 | 6.0 | 5.7 |
| Maurice Jones-Drew – JAC | at PHI | 9.7 | 5.7 | 5.3 |
| Edgerrin James – ARI | at GB | 9.3 | 6.3 | 5.7 |
| Leon Washington – NYJ | at CLE | 9.3 | 6.0 | 5.3 |
| Cedric Benson – CHI | vs SF | 9.0 | 5.7 | 4.7 |
| Joseph Addai – IND | at DEN | 9.0 | 6.0 | 5.0 |
| Deuce McAllister – NO | vs BAL | 8.7 | 6.7 | 5.3 |
| Dominic Rhodes – IND | at DEN | 8.3 | 6.3 | 4.7 |
| Kevan Barlow – NYJ | at CLE | 8.3 | 6.3 | 4.7 |
| Laurence Maroney – NE | at MIN | 8.3 | 6.7 | 5.0 |
| Brandon Jacobs – NYG | vs TB | 8.0 | 6.3 | 4.3 |
| Maurice Morris – SEA | at KC | 8.0 | 6.7 | 4.7 |
| Michael Turner – SD | vs STL | 7.3 | 6.3 | 3.7 |
| Reggie Bush – NO | vs BAL | 7.3 | 7.3 | 4.7 |
| Jerious Norwood – ATL | at CIN | 7.0 | 6.7 | 3.7 |
| Najeh Davenport – PIT | at ATL | 7.0 | 6.7 | 3.7 |
| Marion Barber – DAL | at CAR | 7.0 | 7.3 | 4.3 |
| LaMont Jordan – OAK | vs PIT | 6.7 | 7.3 | 4.0 |
| Samkon Gado – HOU | at TEN | 6.7 | 6.7 | 3.3 |
| Frank Gore – SF | at CHI | 6.7 | 8.3 | 5.0 |
| Musa Smith – BAL | at NO | 6.0 | 7.7 | 3.7 |
| Mike Anderson – BAL | at NO | 5.7 | 7.3 | 3.0 |
| Chris Perry – CIN | vs ATL | 5.7 | 7.3 | 3.0 |
| Lendale White – TEN | vs HOU | 5.7 | 7.3 | 3.0 |
| Noah Herron – GB | vs ARI | 5.7 | 7.0 | 2.7 |
| Vernand Morency – GB | vs ARI | 5.3 | 7.7 | 3.0 |
| Correll Buckhalter – PHI | vs JAC | 5.0 | 7.7 | 2.7 |
| Ron Dayne – HOU | at TEN | 5.0 | 8.0 | 3.0 |
| DeAngelo Williams – CAR | vs DAL | 4.7 | 8.0 | 2.7 |
| Chris Brown – TEN | vs HOU | 4.3 | 8.0 | 2.3 |
| Jerome Harrison – CLE | vs NYJ | 4.3 | 7.7 | 2.0 |
| Cedric Houston – NYJ | at CLE | 4.0 | 8.3 | 2.3 |
| Mike Bell – DEN | vs IND | 3.7 | 8.3 | 2.0 |
| Justin Fargas – OAK | vs PIT | 3.7 | 8.3 | 2.0 |
| Michael Robinson – SF | at CHI | 1.7 | 9.3 | 1.0 |
| Willis McGahee – BUF | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Kevin Jones – DET | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Ronnie Brown – MIA | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Clinton Portis – WAS | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Ladell Betts – WAS | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Start:
Tatum Bell, DEN (12.3 rating): Bell seems to have finally emerged as the feature back in Denver, and that should mean good things for his numbers the rest of the season, especially considering Denver’s reliance on the run game so far. The Colts’ weak run defense has been exposed many times already this season. Denver’s offensive line should have little trouble pushing them around.
Sit:
Frank Gore, SF (6.7 rating): Gore has been a pleasant surprise for fantasy owners this season, many of which were looking forward to returning him to their lineups after his bye week. Unfortunately, this week Gore and the 49ers draw a matchup against a Chicago team that has given up the 3rd fewest rushing yards per game in the NFL, and only one rushing touchdown. Couple this with Gore’s inability to find the endzone in the past four games, and it may be wise to leave him on your bench at least one more week.
| Wide Receivers | Opponent | Rating | Risk | Reward |
| Steve Smith – CAR | vs DAL | 14.3 | 3.7 | 8.0 |
| Anquan Boldin – ARI | at GB | 14.0 | 3.7 | 7.7 |
| Torry Holt – STL | at SD | 14.0 | 4.0 | 8.0 |
| Terrell Owens – DAL | at CAR | 13.3 | 4.3 | 7.7 |
| Andre Johnson – HOU | at TEN | 13.3 | 4.0 | 7.3 |
| Hines Ward – PIT | at OAK | 13.3 | 4.0 | 7.3 |
| Chad Johnson – CIN | vs ATL | 13.0 | 4.0 | 7.0 |
| TJ Houshmandzadeh – CIN | vs ATL | 13.0 | 4.3 | 7.3 |
| Muhsin Muhammad – CHI | vs SF | 12.7 | 4.0 | 6.7 |
| Bernard Berrian – CHI | vs SF | 12.7 | 4.0 | 6.7 |
| Plaxico Burress – NYG | vs TB | 12.3 | 4.3 | 6.7 |
| Marvin Harrison – IND | at DEN | 12.3 | 4.7 | 7.0 |
| Keyshawn Johnson – CAR | vs DAL | 11.7 | 4.3 | 6.0 |
| Laveranues Coles – NYJ | at CLE | 11.7 | 5.0 | 6.7 |
| Braylon Edwards – CLE | vs NYJ | 11.7 | 4.7 | 6.3 |
| Donald Driver – GB | vs ARI | 11.3 | 5.3 | 6.7 |
| Terry Glenn – DAL | at CAR | 11.3 | 5.0 | 6.3 |
| Javon Walker – DEN | vs IND | 11.3 | 5.0 | 6.3 |
| Drew Bennett – TEN | vs HOU | 11.0 | 4.7 | 5.7 |
| Reggie Wayne – IND | at DEN | 11.0 | 5.0 | 6.0 |
| Reggie Williams – JAC | at PHI | 10.7 | 5.3 | 6.0 |
| Marques Colston – NO | vs BAL | 10.3 | 5.7 | 6.0 |
| Amani Toomer – NYG | vs TB | 10.3 | 5.7 | 6.0 |
| Eddie Kennison – KC | vs SEA | 10.0 | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Joe Horn – NO | vs BAL | 10.0 | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Reggie Brown – PHI | vs JAC | 10.0 | 5.7 | 5.7 |
| Bryant Johnson – ARI | at GB | 10.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| Greg Jennings – GB | vs ARI | 10.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| Isaac Bruce – STL | at SD | 9.7 | 6.0 | 5.7 |
| Darrell Jackson – SEA | at KC | 9.7 | 6.3 | 6.0 |
| Deion Branch – SEA | at KC | 9.3 | 6.3 | 5.7 |
| Joey Galloway – TB | at NYG | 9.3 | 6.3 | 5.7 |
| Joe Jurevicius – CLE | vs NYJ | 9.3 | 5.7 | 5.0 |
| Jerricho Cotchery – NYJ | at CLE | 9.3 | 5.7 | 5.0 |
| Randy Moss – OAK | vs PIT | 9.3 | 5.7 | 5.0 |
| Eric Moulds – HOU | at TEN | 9.0 | 5.7 | 4.7 |
| Eric Parker – SD | vs STL | 9.0 | 5.7 | 4.7 |
| Derrick Mason – BAL | at NO | 9.0 | 6.0 | 5.0 |
| Troy Williamson – MIN | vs NE | 9.0 | 6.0 | 5.0 |
| Nate Washington – PIT | at OAK | 8.7 | 6.0 | 4.7 |
| Michael Jenkins – ATL | at CIN | 8.7 | 6.3 | 5.0 |
| Rod Smith – DEN | vs IND | 8.7 | 6.3 | 5.0 |
| Marcus Robinson – MIN | vs NE | 8.3 | 6.3 | 4.7 |
| Doug Gabriel – NE | at MIN | 8.3 | 6.3 | 4.7 |
| Keenan McCardell – SD | vs STL | 8.3 | 6.0 | 4.3 |
| Chris Henry – CIN | vs ATL | 8.0 | 6.7 | 4.7 |
| Troy Brown – NE | at MIN | 8.0 | 6.7 | 4.7 |
| Hank Baskett – PHI | vs JAC | 8.0 | 6.7 | 4.7 |
| Mark Clayton – BAL | at NO | 7.7 | 6.7 | 4.3 |
| Michael Clayton – TB | at NYG | 7.3 | 7.3 | 4.7 |
| Matt Jones – JAC | at PHI | 7.3 | 6.7 | 4.0 |
| Reche Caldwell – NE | at MIN | 7.3 | 6.7 | 4.0 |
| Santonio Holmes – PIT | at OAK | 7.0 | 7.7 | 4.7 |
| Ernest Wilford – JAC | at PHI | 6.7 | 6.7 | 3.3 |
| Travis Taylor – MIN | vs NE | 6.7 | 6.7 | 3.3 |
| Samie Parker – KC | vs SEA | 6.7 | 7.0 | 3.7 |
| Chad Jackson – NE | at MIN | 6.7 | 7.0 | 3.7 |
| David Givens – TEN | vs HOU | 6.0 | 7.0 | 3.0 |
| Justin McCareins – NYJ | at CLE | 5.7 | 7.3 | 3.0 |
| Roddy White – ATL | at CIN | 5.7 | 7.7 | 3.3 |
| Nate Burleson – SEA | at KC | 5.7 | 7.7 | 3.3 |
| Dennis Northcutt – CLE | vs NYJ | 5.3 | 7.3 | 2.7 |
| Donte’ Stallworth – PHI | vs JAC | 5.0 | 8.3 | 3.3 |
| Brandon Stokely – IND | at DEN | 4.7 | 8.7 | 3.3 |
| Antonio Bryant – SF | at CHI | 4.7 | 8.0 | 2.7 |
| Ashley Lelie – ATL | at CIN | 4.0 | 8.0 | 2.0 |
| Bobby Engram – SEA | at KC | 4.0 | 8.3 | 2.3 |
| Larry Fitzgerald – ARI | at GB | 2.7 | 9.3 | 2.0 |
| Arnaz Battle – SF | at CHI | 2.3 | 8.7 | 1.0 |
| Lee Evans – BUF | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Josh Reed – BUF | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Roscoe Parrish – BUF | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Roy Williams – DET | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Mike Furrey – DET | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Az-Zahir Hakim – DET | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Chris Chambers – MIA | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Marty Booker – MIA | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Wes Welker – MIA | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Santana Moss – WAS | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Antwaan Randle El – WAS | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Brandon Lloyd – WAS | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Start:
Hines Ward, PIT (13.3 rating): Ward had his first big game of the season last week against the Falcons, totaling 171 yards and three touchdowns. He connected on touchdowns from both Roethlisberger and backup QB Charlie Batch; so whether Big Ben returns to the field this week against the Raiders or not, you can still look for a good performance from Ward. The only possible risk involved would be the Steelers getting ahead quickly and getting away from the passing game, but Ward should still have an opportunity to put up some numbers.
Sit:
Deion Branch, SEA (9.3 rating): Branch officially arrived in Seattle two weeks ago with two touchdowns against the Rams, but with Matt Hasselbeck out this week for Seattle’s game against an underrated Kansas City defense, Branch should not be in your starting lineup. The same worries also apply to WR Darrell Jackson, but he will most likley remain the focus of Seattle’s passing game, and is still startable in most leagues.
| Tight Ends | Opponent | Rating | Risk | Reward |
| Alge Crumpler – ATL | at CIN | 14.0 | 4.0 | 8.0 |
| Antonio Gates – SD | vs STL | 13.7 | 3.7 | 7.3 |
| Tony Gonzalez – KC | vs SEA | 12.7 | 4.3 | 7.0 |
| Jeremy Shockey – NYG | vs TB | 12.3 | 4.7 | 7.0 |
| Kellen Winslow – CLE | vs NYJ | 11.7 | 4.3 | 6.0 |
| Todd Heap – BAL | at NO | 11.3 | 5.0 | 6.3 |
| LJ Smith – PHI | vs JAC | 11.0 | 4.7 | 5.7 |
| Desmond Clark – CHI | vs SF | 11.0 | 5.0 | 6.0 |
| Jason Witten – DAL | at CAR | 10.7 | 5.0 | 5.7 |
| Heath Miller – PIT | at OAK | 10.7 | 5.0 | 5.7 |
| Owen Daniels – HOU | at TEN | 9.7 | 5.7 | 5.3 |
| Dallas Clark – IND | at DEN | 9.3 | 6.3 | 5.7 |
| Ben Watson – NE | at MIN | 9.3 | 5.7 | 5.0 |
| Bubba Franks – GB | vs ARI | 9.0 | 5.3 | 4.3 |
| Jermaine Wiggins – MIN | vs NE | 8.7 | 6.3 | 5.0 |
| Alex Smith – TB | at NYG | 8.3 | 6.3 | 4.7 |
| Bo Scaife – TEN | vs HOU | 8.0 | 6.3 | 4.3 |
| Kris Mangum – CAR | vs DAL | 8.0 | 6.7 | 4.7 |
| Chris Baker – NYJ | at CLE | 7.7 | 6.3 | 4.0 |
| George Wrighster – JAC | at PHI | 7.7 | 6.7 | 4.3 |
| Daniel Graham – NE | at MIN | 7.3 | 7.0 | 4.3 |
| Stephen Alexander – DEN | vs IND | 7.0 | 6.7 | 3.7 |
| Ben Troupe – TEN | vs HOU | 7.0 | 6.7 | 3.7 |
| Reggie Kelly – CIN | vs ATL | 6.3 | 7.0 | 3.3 |
| Itula Mili – SEA | at KC | 6.0 | 7.3 | 3.3 |
| Ben Utecht – IND | at DEN | 5.7 | 8.0 | 3.7 |
| David Martin – GB | vs ARI | 5.3 | 7.3 | 2.7 |
| Jeb Putzier – HOU | at TEN | 5.3 | 7.3 | 2.7 |
| Jeremy Stevens – SEA | at KC | 5.3 | 7.7 | 3.0 |
| Courtney Anderson – OAK | vs ARI | 5.0 | 7.5 | 2.5 |
| Anthony Becht – TB | at NYG | 4.3 | 8.0 | 2.3 |
| John Gilmore – CHI | vs SF | 4.3 | 7.7 | 2.0 |
| Eric Johnson – SF | at CHI | 4.0 | 8.0 | 2.0 |
| Adam Bergen – ARI | at GB | 3.3 | 8.7 | 2.0 |
| Bryan Fletcher – IND | at DEN | 3.0 | 8.3 | 1.3 |
| Marcus Pollard – DET | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Dan Campbell – DET | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Randy McMichael – MIA | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Chris Cooley – WAS | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Mike Sellers – WAS | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Start:
Desmond Clark, CHI (11.0 rating): Desmond Clark has been a suitable fantasy tight end this season, and should have another opportunity to put up some good numbers this week against a soft San Francisco defense.
Sit:
Dallas Clark, IND (9.3 rating): Dallas Clark has managed three touchdowns playing in the explosive Colts offense, but has yet to record more than 41 yards in any of the Colts’ six games so far. He faces the stingy Denver defense this week, which has still only allowed two touchdowns through the air on the season.
| Kickers | Opponent | Rating | Risk | Reward |
| Robbie Gould – CHI | vs SF | 14.3 | 2.7 | 7.0 |
| Jason Elam – DEN | vs IND | 12.3 | 4.3 | 6.7 |
| Shayne Graham – CIN | vs ATL | 12.3 | 4.0 | 6.3 |
| Nate Kaeding – SD | vs STL | 12.3 | 4.0 | 6.3 |
| Adam Vinatieri – IND | at DEN | 12.3 | 4.7 | 7.0 |
| Jeff Reed – PIT | at OAK | 12.0 | 4.0 | 6.0 |
| Jay Feely – NYG | vs TB | 12.0 | 4.3 | 6.3 |
| Jeff Wilkins – STL | at SD | 12.0 | 5.0 | 7.0 |
| John Kasay – CAR | vs DAL | 11.7 | 4.3 | 6.0 |
| John Carney – NO | vs BAL | 11.7 | 4.3 | 6.0 |
| Kris Brown – HOU | at TEN | 11.7 | 4.7 | 6.3 |
| Mike Nugent – NYJ | at CLE | 11.3 | 4.0 | 5.3 |
| Neil Rackers – ARI | at GB | 11.3 | 4.7 | 6.0 |
| Dave Rayner – GB | vs ARI | 11.3 | 4.7 | 6.0 |
| Lawrence Tynes – KC | vs SEA | 11.3 | 4.7 | 6.0 |
| David Akers – PHI | vs JAC | 11.3 | 4.7 | 6.0 |
| Josh Brown – SEA | at KC | 11.0 | 4.7 | 5.7 |
| Rob Bironas – TEN | vs HOU | 10.7 | 4.3 | 5.0 |
| Josh Scobee – JAC | at PHI | 10.7 | 5.3 | 6.0 |
| Matt Stover – BAL | at NO | 10.7 | 4.7 | 5.3 |
| Stephen Gostkowski – NE | at MIN | 10.7 | 4.7 | 5.3 |
| Ryan Longwell – MIN | vs NE | 10.3 | 4.7 | 5.0 |
| Morten Andersen – ATL | at CIN | 9.7 | 5.3 | 5.0 |
| Matt Bryant – TB | at NYG | 9.7 | 5.3 | 5.0 |
| Mike Vanderjagt – DAL | at CAR | 9.7 | 5.7 | 5.3 |
| Phil Dawson – CLE | vs NYJ | 9.3 | 5.0 | 4.3 |
| Sebastian Janikowski – OAK | vs PIT | 7.3 | 6.3 | 3.7 |
| Joe Nedney – SF | at CHI | 6.0 | 7.3 | 3.3 |
| Michael Koenen – ATL | at CIN | 2.7 | 9.0 | 1.7 |
| Rian Lindell – BUF | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Jason Hanson – DET | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Olindo Mare – MIA | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Nick Novak – WAS | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Start:
Nate Kaeding, SD (12.3 rating): With the defense banged up, the Chargers are going to rely more on their offense to get the job done against St. Louis. This should be a high scoring game, and that almost always benefits the kickers.
Sit:
Mike Vanderjagt, DAL (9.7 rating): Vanderjagt has been less than stellar this season, and with a quarterback change for a game against the Panthers in Carolina, I would not expect his opportunities to improve.
| Team Defense | Opponent | Rating | Risk | Reward |
| Chicago | vs SF | 15.7 | 3.0 | 8.7 |
| Pittsburgh | at OAK | 14.7 | 3.3 | 8.0 |
| Carolina | vs DAL | 13.0 | 4.0 | 7.0 |
| Baltimore | at NO | 12.3 | 4.3 | 6.7 |
| New York Giants | vs TB | 12.3 | 4.0 | 6.3 |
| Kansas City | vs SEA | 12.0 | 5.0 | 7.0 |
| Indianapolis | at DEN | 11.7 | 5.0 | 6.7 |
| New Orleans | vs BAL | 11.3 | 4.7 | 6.0 |
| Philadelphia | vs JAC | 11.0 | 4.7 | 5.7 |
| New England | at MIN | 11.0 | 5.0 | 6.0 |
| New York Jets | at CLE | 10.7 | 4.3 | 5.0 |
| Arizona | at GB | 10.7 | 5.3 | 6.0 |
| Houston | at TEN | 10.3 | 5.3 | 5.7 |
| Minnesota | vs NE | 10.3 | 5.3 | 5.7 |
| San Diego | vs STL | 10.3 | 5.3 | 5.7 |
| Seattle | at KC | 10.3 | 5.0 | 5.3 |
| Cincinnati | vs ATL | 10.0 | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Green Bay | vs ARI | 10.0 | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| St. Louis | at SD | 9.7 | 5.7 | 5.3 |
| Dallas | at CAR | 9.3 | 5.3 | 4.7 |
| Atlanta | at CIN | 9.3 | 5.7 | 5.0 |
| Jacksonville | at PHI | 9.0 | 6.0 | 5.0 |
| Tennessee | vs HOU | 8.7 | 6.0 | 4.7 |
| Denver | vs IND | 8.7 | 6.3 | 5.0 |
| Cleveland | vs NYJ | 8.3 | 6.0 | 4.3 |
| Tampa Bay | at NYG | 8.3 | 6.7 | 5.0 |
| Oakland | vs PIT | 6.3 | 7.0 | 3.3 |
| San Francisco | at CHI | 5.0 | 7.3 | 2.3 |
| Buffalo | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Detroit | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Miami | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Washington | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Start:
New Orleans (11.3 rating): The Saints defense could be a sneaky play this week against a Ravens offense that has struggled all season. I don’t see the firing of offensive coordinator Jim Fassel as being the cure for what ails them, and they will either be starting a banged up Steve McNair or turnover prone Kyle Boller at quarterback. If the Saints are sitting on your league’s waiver wire and you need a defense, give them a look.
Sit:
San Diego (10.3 rating): The Chargers will be without sack-leader Shaun Phillips and defensive lineman Igor Olshansky in their front four, as standout linebacker Shawne Merriman appeals a four game suspension for steroid use. They have to face a Rams offense that has averaged over 30 points a game in their last three. Leave them on the bench if you can.
Special thanks to dream_017, Kilroy1872, knapplc, NittanyLions, logan, mattb47 and SwiperNoSwiping for their rankings and involvement this week.
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