Cafe Home
Fantasy Baseball
Fantasy Basketball
Fantasy Hockey
Fantasy owners are being eased out of the bye week period this week. A few fantasy studs such as Donovan McNabb, Brian Westbrook, Anquan Boldin, and Steve Smith will be missing from fantasy lineups, but overall owners should have more options this week than they have had in a while. Of course, the end of bye weeks also signifies the start of the stretch run of the fantasy season. Are you ready to make the final push toward the playoffs? Get a little more prepared by reviewing the Cafe’s week 9 edition of Start & Sit!
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 |
| Eli Manning – NYG | vs HOU | 15.0 | 2.7 | 7.7 |
| Michael Vick – ATL | at DET | 15.0 | 3.0 | 8.0 |
| Rex Grossman – CHI | vs MIA | 15.0 | 3.0 | 8.0 |
| Peyton Manning – IND | at NE | 14.7 | 3.7 | 8.3 |
| Marc Bulger – STL | vs KC | 14.3 | 3.3 | 7.7 |
| Tom Brady – NE | vs IND | 14.0 | 3.7 | 7.7 |
| Philip Rivers – SD | vs CLE | 13.3 | 3.0 | 6.3 |
| Brett Favre – GB | at BUF | 13.0 | 4.3 | 7.3 |
| Drew Brees – NO | at TB | 12.7 | 3.7 | 6.3 |
| Brad Johnson – MIN | at SF | 11.7 | 3.7 | 5.3 |
| Tony Romo – DAL | at WAS | 11.7 | 5.0 | 6.7 |
| Carson Palmer – CIN | at BAL | 11.7 | 4.7 | 6.3 |
| Jon Kitna – DET | vs ATL | 11.3 | 5.3 | 6.7 |
| Damon Huard – KC | at STL | 11.3 | 4.7 | 6.0 |
| Steve McNair – BAL | vs CIN | 11.0 | 5.0 | 6.0 |
| JP Losman – BUF | vs GB | 10.7 | 4.7 | 5.3 |
| Byron Leftwich – JAC | vs TEN | 10.3 | 5.3 | 5.7 |
| Seneca Wallace – SEA | at OAK | 10.3 | 5.3 | 5.7 |
| Alex Smith – SF | vs MIN | 10.0 | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Mark Brunell – WAS | vs DAL | 10.0 | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Jake Plummer – DEN | at PIT | 9.7 | 5.3 | 5.0 |
| David Carr – HOU | at NYG | 9.3 | 6.3 | 5.7 |
| Vince Young – TEN | at JAC | 9.3 | 5.7 | 5.0 |
| Bruce Gradkowski – TB | vs NO | 8.7 | 6.3 | 5.0 |
| Ben Roethlisberger – PIT | vs DEN | 8.3 | 7.0 | 5.3 |
| Charlie Frye – CLE | at SD | 8.0 | 6.3 | 4.3 |
| Andrew Walter – OAK | at SEA | 6.7 | 7.3 | 4.0 |
| Joey Harrington – MIA | at SEA | 6.3 | 7.7 | 4.0 |
| Kyle Boller – BAL | vs CIN | 4.3 | 8.3 | 2.7 |
| Charlie Batch – PIT | at SEA | 2.3 | 9.0 | 1.3 |
| Daunte Culpepper – MIA | at CHI | 0.3 | 9.7 | 0.0 |
| Matt Hasselbeck – SEA | vs OAK | 0.3 | 10.0 | 0.3 |
| Matt Leinart – ARI | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Jake Delhomme – CAR | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Chad Pennington – NYJ | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Donovan McNabb – PHI | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Start:
Michael Vick, ATL (15.0 rating): Vick has quieted his critics with his recent performances: a four touchdown game in week 7, followed by three more scores in week 8, all through the air. The Falcons’ signal-caller is on a roll, and will face a Detroit defense that has surrendered the fourth most passing yards and the second most passing touchdowns in the NFL.
Sit:
Seneca Wallace, SEA (10.3 rating): Wallace was a a surprisingly solid play last week, throwing for three touchdowns in his second game as a starter this year. However, you should not expect a repeat performance this week against a Raiders defense that has played well this year despite their poor record. Oakland is actually allowing the fewest passing yards per game in the NFL, and totally shut down the Steelers in week 8.
| Running Backs | Opponent | Rating | Risk | Reward |
| LaDainian Tomlinson – SD | vs CLE | 17.3 | 2.3 | 9.7 |
| Larry Johnson – KC | at STL | 16.3 | 2.7 | 9.0 |
| Tiki Barber – NYG | vs HOU | 15.3 | 3.3 | 8.7 |
| Warrick Dunn – ATL | at DET | 14.0 | 3.3 | 7.3 |
| Thomas Jones – CHI | vs MIA | 14.0 | 3.3 | 7.3 |
| Fred Taylor – JAC | vs TEN | 14.0 | 4.0 | 8.0 |
| Chester Taylor – MIN | at SF | 13.7 | 3.3 | 7.0 |
| Steven Jackson – STL | vs KC | 13.7 | 3.3 | 7.0 |
| Willis McGahee – BUF | vs GB | 13.3 | 4.0 | 7.3 |
| Clinton Portis – WAS | vs DAL | 13.3 | 4.0 | 7.3 |
| Julius Jones – DAL | at WAS | 12.7 | 4.3 | 7.0 |
| Ahman Green – GB | at BUF | 12.7 | 4.3 | 7.0 |
| Kevin Jones – DET | vs ATL | 12.0 | 4.7 | 6.7 |
| Jamal Lewis – BAL | at CIN | 11.7 | 4.3 | 6.0 |
| Corey Dillon – NE | vs IND | 11.7 | 4.3 | 6.0 |
| Maurice Jones-Drew – JAC | vs TEN | 11.7 | 4.7 | 6.3 |
| Laurence Maroney – NE | vs IND | 11.7 | 4.7 | 6.3 |
| Deuce McAllister – NO | at TB | 11.7 | 4.7 | 6.3 |
| Rudi Johnson – CIN | at BAL | 11.3 | 5.3 | 6.7 |
| Frank Gore – SF | vs MIN | 11.3 | 5.3 | 6.7 |
| Maurice Morris – SEA | vs OAK | 11.0 | 4.7 | 5.7 |
| Marion Barber – DAL | at WAS | 11.0 | 5.0 | 6.0 |
| Joseph Addai – IND | at NE | 11.0 | 5.0 | 6.0 |
| Willie Parker – PIT | vs DEN | 11.0 | 5.0 | 6.0 |
| Cadillac Williams – TB | vs NO | 10.7 | 5.0 | 5.7 |
| Wali Lundy – HOU | at NYG | 10.3 | 5.3 | 5.7 |
| Brandon Jacobs – NYG | vs HOU | 10.3 | 5.3 | 5.7 |
| Cedric Benson – CHI | vs MIA | 10.3 | 5.0 | 5.3 |
| Dominic Rhodes – IND | at NE | 9.7 | 5.3 | 5.0 |
| Mike Bell – DEN | at PIT | 9.7 | 6.0 | 5.7 |
| Ronnie Brown – MIA | at CHI | 9.7 | 6.0 | 5.7 |
| Reggie Bush – NO | at TB | 8.7 | 6.3 | 5.0 |
| Travis Henry – TEN | at JAC | 8.7 | 6.3 | 5.0 |
| Michael Turner – SD | vs CLE | 8.3 | 6.3 | 4.7 |
| Reuben Droughns – CLE | at SD | 8.0 | 6.7 | 4.7 |
| Vernand Morency – GB | at BUF | 7.7 | 6.7 | 4.3 |
| LaMont Jordan – OAK | at SEA | 7.3 | 7.0 | 4.3 |
| Ladell Betts – WAS | vs DAL | 7.0 | 7.0 | 4.0 |
| Jerious Norwood – ATL | at DET | 6.7 | 7.3 | 4.0 |
| Tatum Bell – DEN | at PIT | 6.7 | 7.7 | 4.3 |
| Lendale White – TEN | at JAC | 5.7 | 7.3 | 3.0 |
| Chris Perry – CIN | at BAL | 5.7 | 7.7 | 3.3 |
| Musa Smith – BAL | vs CIN | 4.7 | 7.7 | 2.3 |
| Noah Herron – GB | at BUF | 4.7 | 8.3 | 3.0 |
| Ron Dayne – HOU | at NYG | 4.7 | 8.3 | 3.0 |
| Najeh Davenport – PIT | vs DEN | 4.3 | 8.3 | 2.7 |
| Michael Robinson – SF | vs MIN | 4.3 | 8.3 | 2.7 |
| Justin Fargas – OAK | at SEA | 4.0 | 8.0 | 2.0 |
| Chris Brown – TEN | at JAC | 4.0 | 8.3 | 2.3 |
| Samkon Gado – HOU | at NYG | 3.7 | 8.7 | 2.3 |
| Mike Anderson – BAL | vs CIN | 3.7 | 7.7 | 1.3 |
| Jerome Harrison – CLE | at SD | 2.7 | 9.0 | 1.7 |
| Shaun Alexander – SEA | vs OAK | 0.3 | 10.0 | 0.3 |
| Edgerrin James – ARI | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| DeShaun Foster – CAR | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| DeAngelo Williams – CAR | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Kevan Barlow – NYJ | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Cedric Houston – NYJ | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Leon Washington – NYJ | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Brian Westbrook – PHI | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Correll Buckhalter – PHI | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Start:
Chester Taylor, MIN (13.7 rating): Taylor did not have a good game last week against the Patriots, but he should be able to rebound this week against the 49ers. Chester has been very solid this season, going over 100 total yards four times, and should get ample opportunities to carry the ball against San Francisco.
Sit:
Reggie Bush, NO (8.7 rating): Bush says his tweaked ankle will not keep him out of the game against the Buccaneers, but even if he plays he is a risky start for your fantasy team. He has not been very effective recently, even before he aggravated his ankle injury. I expect the Saints to use Deuce McAllister much more, as the Bucs have proven susceptible to between the tackle running. Unless you are playing in a PPR league leave Reggie on your bench.
| Wide Receivers | Opponent | Rating | Risk | Reward |
| Torry Holt – STL | vs KC | 15.3 | 2.7 | 8.0 |
| Plaxico Burress – NYG | vs HOU | 14.7 | 3.0 | 7.7 |
| Roy Williams – DET | vs ATL | 14.0 | 3.3 | 7.3 |
| Terrell Owens – DAL | at WAS | 14.0 | 3.7 | 7.7 |
| Darrell Jackson – SEA | vs OAK | 14.0 | 3.7 | 7.7 |
| Andre Johnson – HOU | at NYG | 13.7 | 3.7 | 7.3 |
| Marques Colston – NO | at TB | 13.7 | 3.7 | 7.3 |
| Reggie Wayne – IND | at NE | 13.7 | 4.0 | 7.7 |
| Javon Walker – DEN | at PIT | 13.3 | 3.7 | 7.0 |
| Eddie Kennison – KC | at STL | 13.3 | 3.0 | 6.3 |
| Bernard Berrian – CHI | vs MIA | 13.3 | 4.0 | 7.3 |
| Donald Driver – GB | at BUF | 13.0 | 3.7 | 6.7 |
| Santana Moss – WAS | vs DAL | 13.0 | 4.0 | 7.0 |
| Muhsin Muhammad – CHI | vs MIA | 12.7 | 3.7 | 6.3 |
| Marvin Harrison – IND | at NE | 12.7 | 4.0 | 6.7 |
| Antonio Bryant – SF | vs MIN | 12.7 | 4.0 | 6.7 |
| Chad Johnson – CIN | at BAL | 12.7 | 4.3 | 7.0 |
| TJ Houshmandzadeh – CIN | at BAL | 12.7 | 4.7 | 7.3 |
| Isaac Bruce – STL | vs KC | 12.3 | 3.7 | 6.0 |
| Doug Gabriel – NE | vs IND | 12.0 | 4.3 | 6.3 |
| Deion Branch – SEA | vs OAK | 11.7 | 4.3 | 6.0 |
| Lee Evans – BUF | vs GB | 11.7 | 4.7 | 6.3 |
| Hines Ward – PIT | vs DEN | 11.7 | 4.7 | 6.3 |
| Terry Glenn – DAL | at WAS | 11.3 | 4.7 | 6.0 |
| Reggie Williams – JAC | vs TEN | 11.3 | 4.7 | 6.0 |
| Troy Williamson – MIN | at SF | 11.3 | 4.7 | 6.0 |
| Eric Parker – SD | vs CLE | 11.0 | 4.0 | 5.0 |
| Amani Toomer – NYG | vs HOU | 11.0 | 4.3 | 5.3 |
| Joe Horn – NO | at TB | 11.0 | 5.3 | 6.3 |
| Rod Smith – DEN | at PIT | 10.7 | 4.3 | 5.0 |
| Derrick Mason – BAL | vs CIN | 10.7 | 5.0 | 5.7 |
| Travis Taylor – MIN | at SF | 10.7 | 5.3 | 6.0 |
| Michael Jenkins – ATL | at DET | 10.3 | 5.3 | 5.7 |
| Greg Jennings – GB | at BUF | 10.3 | 6.0 | 6.3 |
| Mike Furrey – DET | vs ATL | 10.0 | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Troy Brown – NE | vs IND | 10.0 | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Reche Caldwell – NE | vs IND | 10.0 | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Randy Moss – OAK | at SEA | 10.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| Joey Galloway – TB | vs NO | 9.7 | 6.0 | 5.7 |
| Chris Henry – CIN | at BAL | 9.7 | 6.3 | 6.0 |
| Keenan McCardell – SD | vs CLE | 9.3 | 5.0 | 4.3 |
| Sammie Parker – KC | at STL | 9.3 | 5.7 | 5.0 |
| Chad Jackson – NE | vs IND | 9.0 | 5.7 | 4.7 |
| Braylon Edwards – CLE | at SD | 9.0 | 6.7 | 5.7 |
| Eric Moulds – HOU | at NYG | 8.7 | 6.0 | 4.7 |
| Matt Jones – JAC | vs TEN | 8.7 | 6.3 | 5.0 |
| Nate Burleson – SEA | vs OAK | 8.3 | 5.7 | 4.0 |
| Antwaan Randle El – WAS | vs DAL | 8.3 | 6.0 | 4.3 |
| Mark Clayton – BAL | vs CIN | 8.3 | 6.7 | 5.0 |
| Marcus Robinson – MIN | at SF | 8.3 | 7.0 | 5.3 |
| Santonio Holmes – PIT | vs DEN | 8.0 | 6.0 | 4.0 |
| Nate Washington – PIT | vs DEN | 8.0 | 6.0 | 4.0 |
| Roscoe Parrish – BUF | vs GB | 8.0 | 7.0 | 5.0 |
| Chris Chambers – MIA | at CHI | 8.0 | 7.7 | 5.7 |
| Arnaz Battle – SF | vs MIN | 7.3 | 6.3 | 3.7 |
| Ernest Wilford – JAC | vs TEN | 7.3 | 7.0 | 4.3 |
| Josh Reed – BUF | vs GB | 7.0 | 7.0 | 4.0 |
| Michael Clayton – TB | vs NO | 7.0 | 7.0 | 4.0 |
| Joe Jurevicius – CLE | at SD | 7.0 | 7.3 | 4.3 |
| Drew Bennett – TEN | at JAC | 7.0 | 7.3 | 4.3 |
| Roddy White – ATL | at DET | 6.7 | 7.3 | 4.0 |
| Ashley Lelie – ATL | at DET | 6.3 | 7.3 | 3.7 |
| Brandon Stokely – IND | at NE | 6.3 | 7.3 | 3.7 |
| Brandon Lloyd – WAS | vs DAL | 6.3 | 7.3 | 3.7 |
| Dennis Northcutt – CLE | at SD | 5.7 | 7.7 | 3.3 |
| Marty Booker – MIA | at CHI | 5.3 | 8.3 | 3.7 |
| Wes Welker – MIA | at CHI | 5.3 | 8.3 | 3.7 |
| Bobby Engram – SEA | vs OAK | 4.7 | 8.0 | 2.7 |
| David Givens – TEN | at JAC | 4.3 | 8.3 | 2.7 |
| Anquan Boldin – ARI | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Larry Fitzgerald – ARI | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Bryant Johnson – ARI | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Steve Smith – CAR | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Keyshawn Johnson – CAR | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Laveranues Coles – NYJ | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Jerricho Cotchery – NYJ | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Justin McCareins – NYJ | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Donte’ Stallworth – PHI | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Reggie Brown – PHI | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Hank Baskett – PHI | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Start:
Andre Johnson, HOU (13.7 rating): Johnson has been a reception machine this year, recording at least eight catches in each of his last five games, which is incredibly consistent for a young player that was criticized for his streakiness the last few years. Johnson should be able to continue his impressive 2006 performance this week against a Giants secondary that is average at best. New York’s corners are either inexperienced (Corey Webster) or past their prime (Sam Madison). AJ should have an advantage regardless of what side of the field he lines up on.
Sit:
Chris Chambers, MIA (8.0 rating): Chambers has been extremely frustrating for fantasy players this season, many of which had very high hopes for him. Not only has this not been Chris’ breakout season, he seems to have regressed significantly. Daunte Culpepper’s injury and poor play certainly did not help matters. If there is going to be a bounce-back week for Chambers, I would not expect it to be this week against the dominating Chicago defense.
| Tight Ends | Opponent | Rating | Risk | Reward |
| Alge Crumpler – ATL | at DET | 16.0 | 2.0 | 8.0 |
| Antonio Gates – SD | vs CLE | 14.7 | 3.0 | 7.7 |
| Desmond Clark – CHI | vs MIA | 14.3 | 2.7 | 7.0 |
| Jeremy Shockey – NYG | vs HOU | 14.3 | 2.3 | 6.7 |
| Tony Gonzalez – KC | at STL | 13.7 | 3.3 | 7.0 |
| Todd Heap – BAL | vs CIN | 13.3 | 3.7 | 7.0 |
| Jason Witten – DAL | at WAS | 13.3 | 3.7 | 7.0 |
| Ben Watson – NE | vs IND | 12.3 | 3.7 | 6.0 |
| George Wrighster – JAC | vs TEN | 11.7 | 4.0 | 5.7 |
| Kellen Winslow – CLE | at SD | 11.3 | 4.7 | 6.0 |
| Chris Cooley – WAS | vs DAL | 11.0 | 4.7 | 5.7 |
| Dallas Clark – IND | at NE | 10.7 | 5.0 | 5.7 |
| Jermaine Wiggins – MIN | at SF | 10.3 | 4.7 | 5.0 |
| Bubba Franks – GB | at BUF | 9.7 | 5.3 | 5.0 |
| Owen Daniels – HOU | at NYG | 9.7 | 5.7 | 5.3 |
| Jeremy Stevens – SEA | vs OAK | 9.3 | 5.3 | 4.7 |
| David Martin – GB | at BUF | 9.3 | 5.0 | 4.3 |
| Eric Johnson – SF | vs MIN | 9.0 | 5.7 | 4.7 |
| Randy McMichael – MIA | at CHI | 8.7 | 6.0 | 4.7 |
| Marcus Pollard – DET | vs ATL | 8.3 | 6.0 | 4.3 |
| Heath Miller – PIT | vs DEN | 8.3 | 6.0 | 4.3 |
| Alex Smith – TB | vs NO | 8.0 | 5.7 | 3.7 |
| Stephen Alexander – DEN | at PIT | 7.3 | 6.7 | 4.0 |
| Itula Mili – SEA | vs OAK | 7.0 | 6.0 | 3.0 |
| Daniel Graham – NE | vs IND | 7.0 | 6.3 | 3.3 |
| Courtney Anderson – OAK | at SEA | 7.0 | 6.3 | 3.3 |
| Bryan Fletcher – IND | at NE | 7.0 | 6.7 | 3.7 |
| Reggie Kelly – CIN | at BAL | 6.7 | 6.3 | 3.0 |
| John Gilmore – CHI | vs MIA | 6.7 | 6.0 | 2.7 |
| Ben Troupe – TEN | at JAC | 6.7 | 7.0 | 3.7 |
| Anthony Becht – TB | vs NO | 6.3 | 6.7 | 3.0 |
| Dan Campbell – DET | vs ATL | 6.0 | 6.7 | 2.7 |
| Ben Utecht – IND | at NE | 6.0 | 6.7 | 2.7 |
| Jeb Putzier – HOU | at NYG | 6.0 | 7.0 | 3.0 |
| Bo Scaife – TEN | at JAC | 6.0 | 7.0 | 3.0 |
| Mike Sellers – WAS | vs DAL | 6.0 | 7.3 | 3.3 |
| Adam Bergen – ARI | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Kris Mangum – CAR | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Chris Baker – NYJ | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| LJ Smith – PHI | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Start:
Kellen Winslow, CLE (11.3 rating): Winslow has played very well in his first real NFL season, developing a great relationship with young quarterback Charlie Frye. “The Soulja” is on pace for 90 catches, 900 yards, and 7 TDs, very impressive numbers for a tight end. He has quickly become an every-week fantasy starter.
Sit:
Heath Miller, PIT (8.3 rating): Miller has never racked up big yardage totals, but his numbers thus far this season have been a little concerning. He has not put up more than 34 yards since the first week of the season, and has only one touchdown in that span to make up for it. His matchup this week against Denver is not favorable either.
| Kickers | Opponent | Rating | Risk | Reward |
| Jeff Wilkins – STL | vs KC | 14.0 | 3.3 | 7.3 |
| Jay Feely – NYG | vs HOU | 13.7 | 2.7 | 6.3 |
| Lawrence Tynes – KC | at STL | 13.7 | 3.0 | 6.7 |
| Nate Kaeding – SD | vs CLE | 13.7 | 3.0 | 6.7 |
| Robbie Gould – CHI | vs MIA | 13.7 | 3.3 | 7.0 |
| Adam Vinatieri – IND | at NE | 13.3 | 3.3 | 6.7 |
| Morten Andersen – ATL | at DET | 13.0 | 3.3 | 6.3 |
| Josh Brown – SEA | vs OAK | 13.0 | 3.7 | 6.7 |
| Mike Vanderjagt – DAL | at WAS | 12.7 | 3.7 | 6.3 |
| Jason Elam – DEN | at PIT | 12.7 | 3.7 | 6.3 |
| Shayne Graham – CIN | at BAL | 12.7 | 4.0 | 6.7 |
| Dave Rayner – GB | at BUF | 12.7 | 3.3 | 6.0 |
| Ryan Longwell – MIN | at SF | 12.3 | 3.7 | 6.0 |
| John Carney – NO | at TB | 12.3 | 3.7 | 6.0 |
| Stephen Gostkowski – NE | vs IND | 12.3 | 4.0 | 6.3 |
| Josh Scobee – JAC | vs TEN | 12.0 | 3.3 | 5.3 |
| Rian Lindell – BUF | vs GB | 11.7 | 4.0 | 5.7 |
| Jason Hanson – DET | vs ATL | 11.7 | 4.0 | 5.7 |
| Matt Bryant – TB | vs NO | 11.7 | 4.0 | 5.7 |
| Matt Stover – BAL | vs CIN | 11.3 | 4.0 | 5.3 |
| Phil Dawson – CLE | at SD | 10.3 | 4.7 | 5.0 |
| Jeff Reed – PIT | vs DEN | 10.3 | 5.0 | 5.3 |
| Nick Novak – WAS | vs DAL | 10.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Joe Nedney – SF | vs MIN | 9.7 | 5.7 | 5.3 |
| Sebastian Janikowski – OAK | at SEA | 9.3 | 5.3 | 4.7 |
| Kris Brown – HOU | at NYG | 9.0 | 5.7 | 4.7 |
| Olindo Mare – MIA | at CHI | 8.7 | 6.0 | 4.7 |
| Rob Bironas – TEN | at JAC | 8.3 | 6.3 | 4.7 |
| Michael Koenen – ATL | at DET | 3.3 | 9.0 | 2.3 |
| Neil Rackers – ARI | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| John Kasay – CAR | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Mike Nugent – NYJ | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| David Akers – PHI | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Start:
Jay Feely, NYG (13.7 rating): Feely will probably be a popular free agency pick-up this week, as he faces the Texans defense and can be found on the waiver wire in many leagues. He should make for a good start this week.
Sit:
Phil Dawson, CLE (10.3 rating): In case you were considering Dawson as a bye week fill in, keep in mind that despite getting three chances at field goals last week, he could not make the most of them, missing a 26 yard attempt. The Chargers defense he will face this week has only given up five field goals on the season, good for second fewest in the league.
| Team Defense | Opponent | Rating | Risk | Reward |
| Chicago | vs MIA | 17.3 | 1.7 | 9.0 |
| Jacksonville | vs TEN | 14.7 | 2.7 | 7.3 |
| Washington | vs DAL | 14.0 | 3.0 | 7.0 |
| New York Giants | vs HOU | 14.0 | 3.3 | 7.3 |
| Pittsburgh | vs DEN | 13.7 | 3.7 | 7.3 |
| Baltimore | vs CIN | 13.3 | 4.3 | 7.7 |
| San Francisco | vs MIN | 12.3 | 4.0 | 6.3 |
| Minnesota | at SF | 12.3 | 4.7 | 7.0 |
| Oakland | at SEA | 12.0 | 4.0 | 6.0 |
| Denver | at PIT | 12.0 | 4.7 | 6.7 |
| New Orleans | at TB | 11.7 | 4.7 | 6.3 |
| Dallas | at WAS | 11.3 | 4.7 | 6.0 |
| Atlanta | at DET | 11.0 | 5.3 | 6.3 |
| Cincinnati | at BAL | 10.7 | 5.0 | 5.7 |
| Green Bay | at BUF | 10.3 | 5.3 | 5.7 |
| New England | vs IND | 10.3 | 5.3 | 5.7 |
| Seattle | vs OAK | 10.3 | 5.0 | 5.3 |
| Indianapolis | at NE | 10.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| St. Louis | vs KC | 9.7 | 5.3 | 5.0 |
| Tennessee | at JAC | 9.3 | 6.3 | 5.7 |
| Buffalo | vs GB | 9.3 | 6.0 | 5.3 |
| Tampa Bay | vs NO | 8.3 | 5.7 | 4.0 |
| Kansas City | at STL | 8.3 | 6.0 | 4.3 |
| San Diego | vs CLE | 8.3 | 6.0 | 4.3 |
| Detroit | vs ATL | 7.7 | 7.0 | 4.7 |
| Miami | at CHI | 6.3 | 7.3 | 3.7 |
| Houston | at NYG | 5.7 | 7.3 | 3.0 |
| Cleveland | at SD | 5.3 | 7.7 | 3.0 |
| Arizona | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Carolina | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| New York Jets | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Philadelphia | BYE | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Start:
Minnesota (12.3 rating): The Vikings defense has been solid all season, so if they are available in your league they are definately worth a look this week, as they play the inexperienced 49ers offense. The Vikes should have a much easier time this week than they did last week against the Patriots.
Sit:
Indianapolis (10.0 rating): Indianapolis has been a matchup play at best this season, and this is not one of the matchups you will want to use them for. The Patriots offense has been picking up steam as the season has gone on, and after carving up a good Minnesota defense, they will look to do the same to an Indy defense that had some trouble with Denver last week.
Special thanks to lmcjaho, dream_017, Kilroy1872, knapplc, logan, mattb47 and SwiperNoSwiping for their rankings and involvement this week.
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! |
subscribe
print version
