Quarterbacks

Brian Griese, TB vs SF
Griese continues to be a good sleeper pick this week facing the 49ers secondary that was blasted last week by Jake Delhomme and Muhsin Muhammad. The 49ers have allowed 17 passing TDs to just 3 INTs. You gotta like that if you're looking at Griese. San Francisco is the 10th best fantasy matchup for QBs allowing 233 passing yds/gm. Their secondary remains injury riddled though rookie Shawntae Spencer looks better than he did a week ago with an ankle sprain. Ride Griese if your options are thin and you are able to do so.

Kerry Collins, OAK vs SD
Collins once again looks like a potentially good play on paper, but the last time he faced the Chargers it was a turnover fest with Kerry being the main contributor. The Chargers are the 11th best matchup allowing 247 passing yds/gm with 11 TDs to go with completion rate of 64%. Another positive working in Collins favor is the health of his WRs. Ron Curry and Doug Gabriel are rested up and healthier than they've been in over a month coming off the bye week. Playing at home is never a bad thing either for a QB.

David Garrard, JAC vs Ten
It looks like Byron Leftwich will sit out again this week as he continues to recover from a sprained knee. Garrard didn't do anything to disappoint last week throwing a 36 yd TD strike to a streaking Jimmy Smith in OT for the win. The Titans are a tougher matchup than the Lions, but don't be afraid to run with Garrard. He's one of the better QBs in the league when it comes to making things happen with his legs - a sure bonus for fantasy production. The Titans allow 223 yds/gm through the air with 12 TDs on the season. Look for Garrard to be useful but probably not as productive as last week.

Eli Manning, NYG vs Atl
There may not be a better sleeper going than Eli this week - despite the fact he's making his first NFL start. The Falcons are near the league leaders in sacks with 27 but are also among the league leaders in passing yards allowed (270 yds/gm). Opposing QBs are completing 67% of their passes against Atlanta, too. If the Giants can provide ANY protection for Eli - and that's a major question - he just might be able to produce solid yardage numbers and get into the end zone once or twice. However, given this is his first start expect a few turnovers and sacks to create some bumps along the way.

Joey Harrington, Det at MIN
On paper this looks like a good matchup for Joey Ballgame to get into a groove. However, what you won't find in the stat sheet is the possibility that Joey could be benched this week if he doesn't get off to a good start. The Lions have made no secret about getting Mike McMahon increased snaps this week in practice, so it would be no surprise if Joey is yanked midway through this game if the Lions don't get on the scoreboard or if turnovers or poor accuracy become an issue. The Vikings are the 4th best matchup for QBs allowing 257 passing yds/gm with 2 TDs/gm (combined). The key for success here is whether the Lions get off to a good start. Because of the uncertainty involved going with Harrington has considerably more downside than the other choices here.

Kyle Boller, BAL vs Dal
The Cowboys are now the 5th best matchup for opposing QBs on the heels of being thrashed by Donovan McNabb on MNF. They are allowing 235 yds/gm with 19 TDs passing (1 rushing). Meanwhile, Boller seemed to emerge from a season-long (ok, career-long) funk to play reasonably well against the Jets last week. The Cowboys defense is bad, specifically the secondary. You can be sure of that much. Whether or not Boller is able to take advantage of this matchup is the million dollar question. At least his WR corps is back and healthy except for TE Todd Heap - their best player. The Cowboys have just 4 INTs on the season so Boller should be able to at least play smart football and keep the mistakes to a minimum.

A few long shots..

Drew Bledsoe, BUF vs StL
Bledsoe was benched late in last week's loss but he's got the good ole vote of confidence this week as the Bills starting QB, but mostly because J.P. Losman isn't ready YET. Bledsoe should have a little better luck this week perhaps going against the Rams defense that is ranked 12th in fantasy pts allowed. St. Louis is allowing 232 passing yds/gm with 12 TDs and just 3 INTs. The key will be getting some pass protection something the Bills have struggled with all year. The Rams have 19 sacks on the season so look for mixed results overall.

Patrick Ramsey, Was at PHI
I don't know about you, but personally I have a difficult time getting excited about Patrick Ramsey as an NFL quarterback much less a fantasy QB. He hasn't looked all that good to me on the field and facing an aggressive, blitzing defense like the Eagles doesn't inspire me to even think about playing him. That said, if you're left with few choices or maybe grabbed him off the waiver heap this week, you can at least take comfort in knowing that while he's likely to be sacked numerous times and throw an interception or two, he might be able to produce some yards and a TD or two. The Eagles are the 13th best matchup for QBs allowing 236 yds/gm with 11 TDs.

Craig Krenzel, CHI vs Ind
Now, we're officially scraping the bottom of the barrel. Krenzel has been atrocious to watch at times. He's inconsistent, inaccurate and definitely lucky considering he's off to a 3-0 start as the Bears QB. That fortune should come to an end this week as Peyton TD Watch rolls into town. It's worth noting, however, that the Colts are the 3rd best matchup for QBs allowing 293 passing yds/gm with 16 TDs combined. Only the Saints have allowed more passing yds than Indy. On the flipside, only the Ravens have fewer passing yds than the Bears. Something has to give here, but don't expect much. If Krenzel can top 200 yds with a TD or two that would be almost as big of an upset as his Buckeyes beating the Wolverines on Saturday.

Running Backs

Jerome Bettis, Pit at CIN
It looks like you can fire the Bus up for the 3rd straight week and judging by the matchup numbers it should be worthwhile as long as Duce Staley isn't playing, of course. The Bengals are the 5th best matchup for RBs as they allow 131 yds/gm on the ground and a combined 9 TDs. The Steelers are averaging 40 rushing attempts per game - which is just nuts - so you pretty much know how this script goes. If the Steelers get out to an early lead as they've been able to do consistently this year, they'll jump aboard the Bus and ride him home.

Emmitt Smith (or Troy Hambrick), Ari at CAR
Emmitt's currently listed as questionable this week with an ankle sprain. Be sure to watch his status because if he doesn't go then Troy Hambrick jumps into this spot as an incredible value for a bench player in your lineup. The Panthers, of course, are the best fantasy matchup in the league for RBs allowing 127 rushing yds/gm, 34 receiving yds/gm and 18 combined TDs. They've allowed more rushing TDs than any other team in the league. Whoever starts for the Cardinals should easily produce 80+ yards and get into the end zone at least once. Even if Emmitt starts there's a good chance Hambrick could still be an excellent sleeper since he's usually good for 8 to 10 carries each week with Emmitt in the lineup.

Michael Pittman, TB vs SF
The 49ers are the 4th best matchup for RBs allowing 107 rushing yds, 31 receiving yds and almost 2 TDs per game (15 to be exact). The 49ers have allowed the 2nd most rushing TDs in the league (13). The Bucs welcome back Mike Alstott this week, but in his first game back I'm not sure that I'd expect him to carry the pill a lot in goal line situations. On another note, the Bucs waived Jamel White paving the path for the undrafted former Gator RB Ernest Graham to get some touches this week as Pittman's primary backup. Look for Pittman to continue his solid run of production as he's generally a pretty solid #2 RB in most leagues regardless of the scoring system because he's been getting into the end zone, putting up decent yardage and catching the ball out of the backfield.

Kevin Jones, Det at MIN
Look for this week to be the best game yet for Kevin Jones. Steve Mariucci seems genuinely committed to using Jones as a featured back after giving him almost all of the practice reps last week followed by the majority of snaps in the game. He responded with his best game yet, but still dropped several passes that killed drives, so there's obviously much work to do for Jones to be THE MAN. Still, the Vikings run defense is vulnerable and they enter this game ranked 6th as far as a fantasy matchup allowing 105 rushing yds/gm, 48 receiving yds/gm and 8 TDs (combined). If Jones touches the ball 20+ times this week, he should top 100 combined yards and possibly score.

Tyrone Wheatley, OAK vs SD
Wheatley is as healthy now as he's been since the beginning of the year, but the Chargers are the stingiest run defense in the league allowing only 79 rushing yds/gm overall. As a fantasy matchup, they're more middle of the road ranking 22nd. Wheatley is definitely outside the realm of regular fantasy starting RBs, so he definitely fits the classic mold of sleeper. But given the tough matchup and likelihood the Chargers could jump out to an early lead (wow, how times have changes so quickly) Wheatley might be best left on the bench this week. Consider this.. the Chargers are the only team not to allow a 20+ yard run yet.

Brandon Bennett, CAR vs Ari
The Cardinals are allowing 111 rushing yds/gm to opposing RBs but have let them score just 5 combined TDs against them. While Brad Hoover and Nick Goings have been the lead backs for the Panthers in the previous 2 games, it's quite possible that Bennett could be the lead back this week. He got into the game last week and scored a TD and also seems like a better fit as a tailback than either Hoover or Goings, if not at least as a 3rd down back. Hoover didn't practice on Wednesday due to a bad back and he's currently listed as questionable. While it's difficult to guess how the carries will be divided, if I were a betting man I'd consider Goings and Bennett about a 50/50 split to each have around 9 to 12 touches - which could grow if Hoover doesn't play. Stay tuned to see who is active on Sunday and you might get lucky in this musical chairs of RBs.

Travis Minor or Sammy Morris, Mia at SEA
Morris has been the lead back for the Dolphins for over a month now, but that doesn't mean they won't change directions this week as Minor is finally healthy and played well two weeks ago in their last game. The Seahawks lost LB Anthony Simmons (he's been in and out of the lineup with injuries already) for the season, but the guy who replaced him earlier - Tracy White - is also out this week. Chad Brown is questionable as well. The Seahawks run defense might be more vulnerable than normal but they've been pretty solid for the most part allowing 94 yds/gm to opposing RBs with just 5 TDs. At this point, Morris is the best bet, but it's worth keeping an eye on Minor because he's in the perfect situation to come in and be the surprise player this week in the box score.

Backups worth a shot

Verron Haynes or Willie Parker, Pit at CIN
If Duce Staley sits out this week then one of these two backs will likely pick up the change-of-pace and 3rd down duties. Last week Willie Parker got his first real playing time and looked pretty good though he did drop a few passes that were right in his mitts. Haynes sat out last week, but looks like he and Staley could both sit out again as they rest and get healthy. Bettis seems to be going along strong, but he also took some good shots last week and could give way a little earlier this week to Parker if the situation warrants. Again, keep your eyes peeled for who is inactive on Sunday morning. If Duce and Haynes are not going to play, then Parker is worth a stab in deeper leagues or if you are just looking for a real long shot that could pay some dividends and help you save face.

Tatum Bell, Den at NO
The Saints run defense is abysmal. They are 2nd in the league in fantasy pts allowed and dead last in run defense allowing just shy of 150 yds/gm with 11 TDs. Opponents are averaging 4.8 yds/carry against them. This might be just the game where Tatum Bell is able to get a few extra carries and the most work he's gotten all year long. The Broncos are well rested coming off the bye so don't be surprised if Droughns is rested later in this game as Bell logs 5 to 10 carries (upside).

Wide Receivers

Bobby Wade and David Terrell, CHI vs Ind
While it's awfully hard to get behind Craig Krenzel or even his WRs, there's no denying that the Bears WR will find themselves smack dab in the middle of a productive environment this Sunday. The Colts seem like a lock to produce big points again this week putting the Bears into a catch up mode where Krenzel almost HAS TO THROW. Again, not sure what the results will look like but Wade is proving to be a capable possession WR and go to guy on 3rd downs. He's a good bet to catch 5 or more passes this week while David Terrell could be in the mix near the red zone and - who knows - maybe he'll put up his 3rd big game of the season to go with the other 7 near goose eggs.

Travis Taylor and Clarence Moore, BAL vs Dal
The Cowboys are a prime target for this WR duo that could be emerging as a solid tandem for the 2nd half of the season. Moore has a decided height advantage over any of the Cowboys corners while Taylor remains the team's most targeted WR and thus the most consistent as well. Dallas is now the 2nd best matchup for WRs after Terrell Owens was done. They're allowing 166 yds/gm with 14 TDs - 2nd most in the league. Moore looks like the team's top option in the red zone so he's a nice looking sleeper while Taylor might also be worth a look and could find the end zone as well.

Eric Parker, SD at OAK
With Charles Woodson returning and Keenan McCardell likely drawing his coverage, Parker will be going against Phillip Buchanon. That means a big play could be in the cards. Buchanon remains a very talented corner with big play ability when he has the ball in his hands, but he's also a liability at times because he takes bad gambles going for the ball. The Raiders are the 8th best matchup for WRs overall allowing 171 yds/gm with 8 TDs (just under 1 per game). Look for Parker to be the sneaky play here with Gates drawing a ton of attention from the Raiders defense after scorching them badly the last time around.

Jabar Gaffney, HOU vs GB
The Packers have allowed 11 TDs so far this year and an average of 159 yds/gm. Gaffney is quickly developing into Carr's top possession WR and 3rd down option opposite Andre Johnson. Look for Carr to rebound this week after throwing 3 INTs and losing a fumble last week against the Colts. Gaffney has been steadily improving this year and quickly growing out of his sleeper status.

Eddie Kennison and Johnnie Morton, KC vs NE
The Chiefs pair of WRs have been consistently productive over the last month since Kennison rejoined the starting lineup. The Patriots secondary is still riddled with injuries, but they performed reasonably well last week against the Bills. Then again, the Bills can't block anyone so expect better results for the Chiefs as their offensive line is light years ahead of what the Patriots went up against last week. The Patriots defense remains very solid, but they've been prone to giving up big passing plays all year. They rank as the 12th best matchup, surprisingly, for WRs allowing 161 yds/gm with 8 TDs. Ironically, the Chiefs are the only team to allow more 40+ yard receptions to WRs (13) than the Patriots (9).

Lee Evans, BUF vs StL
Evans has been steadily improving in his rookie season and this week might be his best opportunity to shine. The Rams are allowing 149 yds/gm and 7 TDs to opposing WRs. If Willis McGahee gets off to a good start (Rams run defense isn't all that) then look for Evans to get a little more room as the Rams commit more defenders to the run. Evans is a big play waiting to happen with his excellent speed and hands. It's just a matter of time before he breaks off another long TD and he's due.

Az-Zahir Hakim, Det at MIN
As long as Hakim is able to play and stay in the game this week he's in an excellent situation to be productive. Reggie Swinton is also worth a look as a much deeper sleeper, but especially if Hakim isn't able to play or gets roughed up forcing Swinton to play a larger role. The Vikings are the 9th best matchup allowing 160 yds/gm and 9 TDs. They'll be putting more emphasis on covering Roy Williams leaving Hakim, Swinton and David Kircus in single coverage. The question becomes whether Joey Harrington can hit them in stride of if he'll continue misfiring and throwing behind his WRs short-circuiting the Lions drives.

Jerry Porter, Ron Curry and Doug Gabriel, OAK vs SD
The Raiders receivers seem primed for a good game this week. Collins definitely has the arm to get them the ball and the Chargers secondary is the weakness of their defense. The question is more if he'll be able to throw TDs and not just rack up a bunch of yards. It's doubtful that all three of these guys will be productive, but Curry seems like a reasonable sleeper given that he's developed into the Raiders top option on 3rd downs and appears to be Collins' go to guy in the clutch. Porter's been a disappointment but he's still a top talent and could be a decent play here if Curry and Gabriel can force the Chargers to be honest. If this game plays out like it appears on paper the Raiders will be throwing a lot so if you feel adventurous go with Curry, Porter and Gabriel in that order.

The forgotten ones

Troy Brown or Deion Branch, NE at KC
If Branch is able to practice and play this week he's worth a long look, but you're probably better off gambling on Troy Brown and playing the wait and see game with Branch. Let's see if he's able to play and make it through a game without further injury or a setback before going there.

Peerless Price, Atl at NYG
Price remains an overvalued bust considering his draft slot in the pre-season in most leagues. Don't blame him though because most of his problems stem from the Falcons spreading the ball, running the ball and, of course, Michael Vick's inconsistent arm. That said, the Giants defense is hurt by injuries and Vick might be able to exploit them for some big plays downfield if their pass rush doesn't get after him. With no Michael Strahan and Keith Washington that's a lot of pressure to put on the Giants D-line.

Ike Hilliard, NYG vs Atl
Either Hilliard isn't getting open this year, he disappeared or Kurt Warner didn't like him. Now that Eli is behind center it's quite possible that we could see a thawing of sorts here. Hilliard is a solid WR and the Falcons are vulnerable against the pass. He's worth a shot if you need to take a flyer on a veteran who has proven capable in the past.

Tight Ends

Jeb Putzier, Den at NO
If you own Putzier this is the week you've had circled on the schedule. The Saints are the league's #1 matchup for opposing TEs allowing 53 yds/gm with 7 TDs. Putzier should benefit from a strong running game (as usual) and could be ready for a few big plays and I suspect he'll score a TD. That's being optimistic, of course, but you won't find a better matchup than this week for Putzier.

Shad Meier and Erron Kinney, Ten at JAC
Kinney is back in the lineup but the Titans are using all three of their TEs so Shad Meier and Ben Troupe are also worth mentioning. The Jags are the 7th best matchup for TEs allowing 45 yds/gm with 5 TDs. Expect Kinney's work load to increase as he gets back in the rhythm, while Meier remains the more productive receiver of the two. Both are solid blockers, but Kinney is perhaps better in that area and could be called upon for more blocking duties this week as the Titans could be playing without both of their starting offensive tackles.

Doug Jolley, OAK vs SD
The Chargers are the 9th best fantasy matchup for TEs allowing 46 yd/gm with 5 TDs. Jolley has been producing solid numbers over the last month and produced a solid game the last time these two teams met (22 yds and 1 TD). He remains a solid sleeper but with the Raiders WRs healthy finally he might not see as many targets so be careful not to expect him to continue producing the same numbers he's put up recently. Teyo Johnson could also get some playing time this week as his expense if you believe the rumors.

Bubba Franks, GB at HOU
Bubba is still the same guy he's been for the last 4 years or so. TD or bust. The Texans are the 2nd best matchup for TEs allowing 5 TDs and 59 yds/gm - tops in the league. Look for Bubba to get open again this week at the goal line and there's probably a 75% chance he scores.

Jerramy Stevens, SEA vs Mia
Not a matchup play, but more of a reminder that Stevens appears to be coming of late. Apparently the "benching" worked. Stevens has somewhat of a brutal matchup considering the Dolphins allow an average of just 11 yds/gm to TEs. That's the best in the league, but they've also allowed 4 TDs so all hope is not lost. The Seahawks continue to utilize their TEs and with the Dolphins losing Junior Seau and Antuan Edwards they may be more vulnerable in the red zone to TEs than before.

Kyle Brady, JAC vs Ten
The Titans have allowed 7 TDs to opposing TEs, but it's worth noting that a majority of those came in the first 5 or 6 games. Brady is a sleeper, for sure, but he's hardly a great player to rely on from week to week.

..and a few long shots

Chris Cooley, Was at PHI
Cooley has now scored 3 TDs on the season and he's facing an Eagles defense that ranks 5th as a fantasy matchup for TEs allowing 54 yds/gm with 5 TDs. He's not the kind of player who will catch 4 or 5 passes but given the Redskins many weapons he's usually the one who draws the least attention and the Redskins have been able to make the most of his matchups near the goal line. It's worth noting the Eagles defensive stats are obviously thrown out of whack after the shellacking Jason Witten laid on them Monday night, but there's two sides to that fence. One says they are vulnerable and there for the taking. The other says it won't happen again and Witten is clearly a better, more dynamic player than Cooley. 

Kris Mangum, CAR vs Ari
Mangum is questionable with a neck injury so check his status before taking a chance. That said, the Cardinals have allowed 5 TDs to TEs this year and rank as the 6th best matchup overall (42 yds/gm). Mangum has 2 TDs so far, but if he's not able to play look for Mike Seidman to be a super sleeper on Sunday.

Teyo Johnson, OAK vs SD
See Jolley above. The Chargers are the 9th best matchup for TEs (46 yds/gm and 5 TDs) and Courtney Anderson is sidelined due to injury. Jolley is certainly the top option and better bet, but Norv Turner appears ready to let Johnson out of the doghouse and reportedly they have a couple packages specifically designed to get Johnson the ball. Remain skeptical, but if nothing else it's worth watching to see if there's fire behind this smoke screen.

Desmond Clark, CHI vs Ind
Clark has done next to nothing this year, but given the matchup I suppose there's always hope that he could suddenly show a sign of life. The Colts are the 3rd best matchup for TEs allowing 57 yds/gm and 5 TDs. Clark has always been known more for his receiving abilities than as a blocker, so if you're truly desperate give him a chance.