Defensive Linemen
The Jets use of the 3-4 has put the clamps on Shaun Ellis's production but there is nothing like a match up with the Bills to break a guy out of his slump. Buffalo is tied with Arizona for worst in the league having allowed 15 sacks already. Any quality player facing the Bills is worth a play and Ellis is certainly a quality player.

I mentioned Brandon Whiting here last week and he didn't do much. I don't have much confidence in him at this point but its worth mentioning that he does face a Cardinals club that's allowed a league high 15 sacks through 4 games.

Marcellus Wiley had gotten off to a quiet start as a Cowboy but has a golden opportunity to break out this week against a Giants team that has struggled to keep their QB clean. Warner isn't the most nimble quarterback and has been dropped 3.25 times per game on average. Wiley is a very talented player/pass rusher and could break out at any moment. Honestly I am very surprised he has been so quiet to date.

Its hard to call Darren Howard a sleeper at this point. He remains overshadowed by Charles Grant and should be considered an every week starter for most owners. New Orleans faces a Tampa Bay club that has given up 3 sacks a game and has a first time starter at QB this week. Simms is a more mobile QB than Johnson which means he can move around and make some plays. It doesn't mean the Bucks will pass block better though.

After 3 dismal weeks Leonard Little broke out in week 4. It wasn't because he suddenly started playing better, rather because the coaching staff realized that the had to do something to help him. Over the first three games Little lined up at his end position on every snap and offenses were able to neutralize him. Last week he flip flopped sides, lined up at linebacker a couple of times and was the benefactor of several line "stunts" that were specifically designed to free him up. His match up this week isn't particularly good but I wouldn't be afraid to stick him in the lineup.  

This will be the last time we see Jamal Lewis for a while and the Ravens won't hesitate to give him the ball 30 times if the situation allows it. The Ravens love to run between the tackles with Lewis which means Cornelius Griffin is going to find himself at the point of attack often. Run stuffing is a strength for Griffin who has averaged 4 solo's a game despite some far less than stellar match ups. He could end up with 6-8 this week and might even land a sack considering the Ravens have allowed one every 8 pass attempts.

Richard Seymour makes the list again this week after his huge game against the Bills last week. The Dolphins aren't quite the stellar match up that Buffalo was but they are still a rather good one. Dolphins QB's are immobile, the offense has struggled which means that could be behind and passing early, and Miami has given up 12 sacks already.

Linebackers
The injury to Derek Smith will land Jeff Ulbrich in the starting lineup this week at MLB. Smith turned in three straight very solid box scores before the injury and Ulbrich isn't much if any step down in talent. Struggling offense and a defense with holes is usually an excellent combination when it comes to IDP's and it doesn't hurt that the Cards are finding a running game behind Emmitt.

At this point everyone sitting on Julian Peterson is probably looking at him as an every week starter. Just in case there was some doubt after his poor week 4 numbers consider this; Peterson basically is the Niners pass rush at this point and the Cards are struggling to protect their young QB. He may only make 4-5 solo tackles but he could very well add a sack or two as well.

The Skins are still without LaVar Arrington and Michael Barrow which isn't a good thing considering this weeks opponent is the Ravens with their run and run some more offense. Antonio Pierce has done a fine job at MLB and Lemar Marshall had a solid week 4 outing. Both of these guys (especially Pierce) should be considerations this week.

With E.J. Henderson ruled out this week and Chris Claiborne questionable but unlikely to play, Dontarrious Thomas and Raonall Smith will be the Vikings starters at middle and weak linebackers respectively. Thomas filled in for Henderson when he was injured in week 3 and ended up with a game ball for his excellent play. If he is on you roster don't hesitate to play him. Smith would be a starter if he could ever stay healthy. He's talented but inexperienced. Not a guy who is looking good for the long term but as a bye week fill in he would be worth a shot. 

He'll never be mistaken for a stud but Titans MLB Brad Kassell might be a worthy pickup and play until/unless Rocky Calmus returns. Kassell has been productive for brief stints in the past and had a solid 6-1-0 in his first start last week. He's worthy of consideration for depth on your roster and maybe as a starter this week considering the match up with the Packers on Monday night.

The return of Lee Suggs is sure to spark the dismal Cleveland running game which is a sure positive for Larry Foote. Foote has posted 5 or more solo stops in 3 of his 4 starts to date including his 9-2-1 against Cincy last week. Its looking more and more like he could hold onto the job for most of the season with Kendrell Bell continuing to suffer from injuries. This is a rivalry game so throw out all the previous records and stats. Foote should have another very solid day.

James Darling returned to WLB in week 4 and managed to lead the Cards in tackles for the second time in 4 games. There is some risk here considering that Ray Thompson saw action last week and could return to his WLB position this week, however in last weeks game the Cards shifted Darling inside when Thompson is on the field and send McKinnon to the bench. With Henderson and Arrington both hurt I am starting Darling in one league this week myself.

Saints rookie MLB Courtney Watson had his knee drained after last weeks game and hadn't practiced as of Thursday. If he doesn't go Friday he will sit this weekend and Orlando Ruff will make the start at MLB. Ruff is nothing special as a player but the position has been a very productive one thus far this season.

The Jacksonville offense came to life last week and so did Randall Godfrey. The Jags have proven to be a strong match up for opposing MLB's including last week when Rob Morris and Jim Nelson shared the position and put up a 10-3-0 mark between them. Godfrey has been hampered by injuries for the past 3 years but is healthy at the moment and should make a good fill in this week.

After posting nearly 100 solo stops last year Dat Nguyen is off to a very slow start. A very good match up this week with the Giants could be just what he needs to jump start his box scores. Nguyen has good speed and agility which will help him a lot facing the elusive Tiki Barber this week.    

Defensive Backs
Ifeanyi Ohalete has taken over the starting FS job in Arizona. He steps right into a very productive situation and should be immediately successful.

The Dallas running game has struggled to say the least and the club has been quick to abandon the running game. If that trend continues this week FS Brent Alexander could have a much better than usual game. Thus far Alexander has been overshadowed by rookie Gibril Wilson who should be an every week play at this point. The Boys love to throw into the middle of the field with Keyshawn and Jason Witten so Alexander might be worth a shot.

How brave are the Texans going to be this week? Rookie corner Dunta Robinson is a very talented player and arguably their best corner at this point from a physical perspective. So will they put him on Randy Moss this week? If they do both he and Moss will have  huge games. If they don't the Vikings will still find him with Burleson and Campbell. Its the "rookie corner rule" and against a passing offense like the Vikings Robinson will have a busy day.

The Arizona passing game has struggled with their combination of young receivers and QB. That said, Dennis Green is not going to miss the opportunity to pick on rookie corner Shawntae Spencer who will be making his first career start in place of the injured Mike Rumph. Another rookie corner rule situation.

Rich Coady is expected to make his second start at SS this week in place of the dinged up Adam Archuleta. Archuleta will play in the game but likely in the same role as last week when he was in the teams nickel and dime packages. Coady is very capable of having a big game, especially if/when the Seahawks get Alexander going. At worst he should manage serviceable numbers.

Bill Parcells had changed his position on FS Tony Dixon who has shown great improvement since training camp. Not only is he stepping up and making a few tackles (6 solo's in his last game) but Dixon has become an important part of the pass rush with 3 sacks on the season already. The Giants are already struggling a little in terms of protecting the QB and the Cowboys blitz packages could give them fits.

This one is a big gamble but I like Michael Boulware this week. He's seen increasing playing time over the teams first 3 games and could see even more coming out of the bye week. The Rams became a running team again last week calling 34 running plays and getting Steven Jackson more involved in their game plan. I think Boulware will see extensive action in this game and might even get the start. There is no doubt the Seahawks want him on the field.

Sean Taylor made his first start in week 4 and will quickly become an every week starter for those who have him but don't overlook Matt Bowen. Antonio Pierce is doing a good job at MLB but the Skins are still hurting a little at LB with Arrington out and Bowens is still going to be productive. The match up is a good one this week as well. Over the past two games along opponents SS's have gone 7-2-0 and 7-1-0 against the Ravens.              

Its no secret that the Titans are hurting in the front 7 and especially at LB. Tank Williams has never been much of a fantasy option before now but the situation has changed and he's a guy that should be considered. He's currently on pace for 84 solo tackles and has 14 in the past two weeks alone. Its Monday night and its a great match up with the Packers undoubtedly looking to get Ahman Green in the groove early and often.

Best of luck to everyone this weekend,

John