Start 'Em & Sit 'Em is our weekly look at the best and worst matchups from around the NFL and how they might affect lineup decisions for your Fantasy Football team. We are not in the business of stating the obvious, so you won't be reading here why you need to start Peyton Manning, LaDainian Tomlinson or any other top-tier players.
It's not often we're going to recommend sitting a first-round draft pick, especially a running back who finds the end zone on a regular basis and typically makes plays catching the ball out of the backfield.
But this isn't a good matchup for Joseph Addai, who is our Sit of the Week.
There are some alarming numbers working against Addai this week, and that's before we start talking about the Ravens. He just hasn't been productive outside of scoring touchdowns recently.
Addai hasn't rushed for 100 yards in his past 13 games, including the playoffs. His high over that span was 78 rushing yards in Week 3 against Jacksonville.
He's also not getting involved in the passing game, mostly because the Colts offensive line is banged up, so he's staying in to block more. He only has five catches for 29 yards on the season, which is down for him since he averaged 40 catches a year in his first two seasons.
Now, he's scoring touchdowns with four in four games, which is why Fantasy owners aren't complaining. But he could find it tough to score against the Ravens.
Baltimore is No. 1 in run defense and one of two teams yet to allow a rushing touchdown this year with Tampa Bay. The Ravens are only allowing 64 rushing yards per game and 2.8 yards per carry. They haven't allowed a 100-yard rusher in 22 games.
Already this year, Baltimore has stuffed Chris Perry (19 carries for 42 yards), Jamal Lewis (12 carries for 56 yards), Rashard Mendenhall (nine carries for 30 yards) and Chris Johnson (18 carries for 44 yards). The Ravens knocked Mendenhall out for the season with a shoulder injury.
Addai will be the Ravens' toughest challenge, and last year Addai scored three touchdowns in a meeting at Baltimore (two rushing, one receiving). But he only ran for 32 yards on 13 carries and scored on short-yardage runs.
That could happen again this week, but Addai is probably good for about 10 Fantasy points at best in a standard-scoring league. He could have a similar game like Week 2 at Minnesota when he had 20 rushing yards and a touchdown and two catches for 13 yards. Or he could end up like Week 1 against Chicago, when he had 47 total yards and no touchdowns.
It's hard to sit Addai unless you have better options on your team. But this is a bad matchup for him, and he should struggle if the Ravens defense continues to flex its muscle like it has against opposing running backs all year.
Start of the Week
Jason Campbell is humble and isn't getting caught up in his great start. But Fantasy owners are starting to take notice, which is a good thing since quarterback play has been terrible this year, and Campbell is doing well.
|
|
| Jason Campbell and his Redskins are taking the league by storm in the early going. (US Presswire) |
For the season, Campbell has passed for 1,054 yards, six touchdowns and no interceptions in five games. He only has one game with over 300-yards and two games with multiple touchdowns, but he has no turnovers on the season.
This week, Campbell should have a breakout game. The Rams are No. 28 in pass defense at 245.8 yards per game with eight touchdowns allowed and only one interception.
Donovan McNabb (361 yards and three touchdowns) and Eli Manning (260 yards and two touchdowns) ripped through the Rams secondary, while Matt Hasselbeck (172 passing yards and one touchdown) and Trent Edwards (197 passing yards, one touchdown and one interception) were serviceable. Campbell should post similar stats to Manning this week.
It will be hard for St. Louis to stop this Washington offense, and Campbell is the leader of the pack. He has talented weapons in the passing game with Santana Moss and Chris Cooley, and even Antwaan Randle El and the young receivers in Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly are making plays. Clinton Portis has been dominant running the ball.
Campbell is only being started in 55 percent of leagues on CBSSports.com, but that number should rise as his stats improve. And this is a week where Campbell should shine.
Quarterbacks
Start 'Em
Kurt Warner (vs. DAL): He hasn't retired yet, which is a good thing because he's been one of the best quarterbacks this year. He has at least two touchdown passes in his past four games, and last week against Buffalo he managed 250 passing yards and two touchdowns even without Anquan Boldin (head). Boldin is out again, but the Cowboys are dealing with injuries in their secondary. Dallas has allowed six passing touchdowns this year, so look for Warner to stay hot with Larry Fitzgerald and Steve Breaston.
Matt Cassel (at SD): Cassel, who is a Southern California native, is showing signs of being a good quarterback after passing for 259 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions last week at San Francisco. He has another favorable matchup this week against the Chargers, who are last in pass defense and lead the NFL with 10 touchdowns allowed. Cassel figured out all he has to do is throw the ball as far as he can, and Randy Moss will go catch it. The two hooked up for a 66-yard touchdown against the 49ers.
David Garrard (at DEN): Garrard is starting to show signs of turning his season around after two solid weeks with 436 passing yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions and 53 rushing yards and a touchdown against Houston and Pittsburgh. Now he faces the Broncos, who are No. 30 in pass defense. They also have no pass rush with just nine sacks, so Garrard should have time. Last year, Garrard had 154 passing yards and a touchdown and 52 rushing yards at Denver. The only concern with Garrard is his lack of talent at receiver, but did he ever have any to begin with?
JaMarcus Russell (at NO): If you’re looking for a quarterback to replace Carson Palmer (elbow), Brian Griese (elbow) or someone on a bye like Ben Roethlisberger, Russell could be a good replacement. The former LSU star is going back close to his college town of Baton Rouge and has a good matchup this week. The Saints are No. 27 in pass defense at 244.6 yards per game with seven touchdowns and four interceptions. Russell is coming off a career-high against San Diego when he passed for 277 yards, one touchdown and one interception. He doesn’t have great weapons at receiver, but Russell should be able to make enough plays to help you for one week. He is only owned in 41 percent of leagues on CBSSports.com, so he should be available.
Aaron Rodgers (at SEA): What shoulder problem? Rodgers looked great last week against the Falcons with 313 passing yards, three touchdowns and one interception. He has at least two touchdown passes in three of five starts and should come out throwing against the Seahawks, who are No. 25 in pass defense and have allowed seven touchdowns this year with just one interception. The Packers running game continues to struggle, so Rodgers will have to lead the way. Last week, Eli Manning threw for 267 yards and two touchdowns against Seattle.
Sleeper alert: Gus Frerotte (vs. DET): It's a skewed stat, but all four quarterbacks to face the Lions this year have set career highs. The reason it's skewed is three of them (Matt Ryan, Aaron Rodgers and J.T. O'Sullivan) are first-year starters, and Ryan was making the first start of his career. But we'll see if Frerotte can continue the trend, and he has looked decent in three starts with 692 passing yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. Last week, Kyle Orton lit up the Lions with 334 passing yards and two touchdowns, and Detroit has allowed eight passing touchdowns with no interceptions this year.
Sit 'Em
Marc Bulger (at WAS): Bulger is back as the starter for the Rams, which is a good thing for the rest of the season. But he's not worth starting on your Fantasy team this week. The Redskins are only No. 20 in pass defense, but Bulger playing outdoors hasn't worked out so well recently. He has less than 200 passing yards in six of his past seven games outdoors with three touchdowns and 10 interceptions over that span. The Redskins are banged up in the secondary, and the Rams are coming off a bye, which should help Bulger. But St. Louis has too many problems to count on Bulger right now.
J.T. O'Sullivan (vs. PHI): O'Sullivan has been a surprise Fantasy quarterback this season, but the turnovers have become a problem recently with five interceptions and a fumble in his past two games against New Orleans and New England. He also has seven sacks in that span and 20 on the season, which should make the Eagles drool. Philadelphia likes to blitz, and Mike Martz quarterbacks typically allow a lot of sacks. If O'Sullivan can get the ball out quick, he could have some success, but it's not worth the risk in this matchup.
Derek Anderson (vs. NYG): Anderson has bad memories of facing the Giants after he suffered a concussion in a dismal performance at New York in the preseason. He hasn't been the same since, and it would be hard to imagine him improving now. The Giants are among the league leaders in sacks with 15 and should come after Anderson. They also are allowing just 154 passing yards per game and three touchdowns on the season. Anderson hasn't passed for more than 166 yards or one touchdown a game this year, and he remains in jeopardy of losing his job to Brady Quinn. One benefit for Anderson is he should get Donte Stallworth back for this game.
Matt Schaub (vs. MIA): Schaub didn't play last week against the Colts because of an illness, but he will start this week. But had Sage Rosenfels not fumbled away the game against the Colts, Schaub likely would be replaced. He played well in his last start in Week 4 at Jacksonville with 307 passing yards and three touchdowns. But the Dolphins have improved on defense the past two games and should be able to limit what Schaub can do. Miami has allowed just two passing touchdowns against New England and San Diego and limited Matt Cassel and Philip Rivers to less than 200 passing yards.
Matt Hasselbeck (vs. GB): Hasselbeck was drafted by Green Bay and has motivation to play well against his former team, especially with his recent struggles. But he lost another receiver when Deion Branch (foot) got hurt against the Giants, and Hasselbeck just hasn't played well all year. He's also dealing with a knee injury from the Giants game and will likely not play, and the Packers are among the league leaders with nine interceptions. Green Bay has returned three interceptions for touchdowns in its two road games at Detroit and Tampa Bay. In the playoffs last year against the Packers, Hassslbeck had 194 passing yards, one touchdown and no interceptions.
Bust alert: Philip Rivers (vs. NE): Rivers has cooled off after a fast start with only 339 passing yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions in his past two games against Oakland and Miami. Now he's dealing with bruised ribs suffered against the Dolphins, which should limit his play. And he has a tough history against the Patriots, who are No. 8 in pass defense. In his past three games against New England, including the postseason, Rivers hasn't topped 230 passing yards and has two touchdowns and five interceptions. And Chris Chambers is also dealing with an ankle injury and could miss the game.
Running backs
Start 'Em
LeRon McClain (at IND): Start Willis McGahee this week also since it appears he's back, but this is probably a scenario where McGahee gets plenty of yards while McClain finds the end zone. McClain has scored four touchdowns in the past three games (with two against tough defenses in Pittsburgh and Tennessee) and is showing he can run the ball also with 266 rushing yards on the season. The Colts are last in run defense at 188.5 yards per game with five touchdowns allowed. Indianapolis hasn't stopped anyone on the ground, and stopping McClain will be hard to do.
Ronnie Brown (at HOU): Brown doesn't need any gimmicks like the Wildcat formation to be successful. He has scored a touchdown in his past three games and has seven total touchdowns on the season. Last year at Houston, Brown had 23 carries for 114 yards and a touchdown and caught five passes for 39 yards. The Texans also are tied for the NFL lead with eight rushing touchdowns allowed, which is two per game, and also surrender 139.8 rushing yards per game.
Julius Jones (vs. GB): As expected, Jones struggled at New York last week with 61 rushing yards and no touchdowns, which is why he was the Sit of the Week. This week, Jones should get back on track with the Packers run defense struggling all year. Green Bay is No. 27 in run defense at 161.4 rushing yards per game and five touchdowns allowed. Seattle is again dealing with injuries at wide receiver with Deion Branch (foot) out, and Matt Hasselbeck (knee) might not be 100 percent. Look for the Seahawks to lean on Jones again like they did in matchups against San Francisco and St. Louis, when Jones ran for 267 yards and two touchdowns.
Fred Taylor (at DEN): The Broncos played well against Earnest Graham last week, holding him to 59 rushing yards, but he only had 10 carries. The Jaguars will feed the ball to Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew, and this is the type of game where Taylor typically plays well. Last year at Denver, Taylor had 17 carries for 84 yards. In his last road game against a weak opponent in Week 3 at Indianapolis, Taylor had 26 carries for 121 yards, so expect a similar performance this week.
Deuce McAllister (vs. OAK): The Saints want to be balanced on offense, which means giving McAllister more than the six carries he got last week against Minnesota. Most of that was by design because of the Vikings run defense, so it's a good thing the Raiders aren't as stout at stopping the run. Oakland is allowing 113.2 rushing yards per game and seven touchdowns on the season. McAllister is in line for a similar game like he had in Week 4 when he rushed for 73 yards and a touchdown against the 49ers. All he needs are the touches.
Sleeper alert: Thomas Jones (vs. CIN): Jones has struggled since rushing for 101 yards and a touchdown in Week 1 at Miami with only 153 rushing yards in his past three games. There were even some rumblings about Leon Washington replacing Jones as the starter. But Jones has a great matchup this week against the Bengals, who have allowed 171 rushing yards per game and six touchdowns on the season. Jones should be rested coming off a bye week, and the Jets have a chance to establish their running game this week.
Sit 'Em
DeAngelo Williams (at TB): Williams had 121 yards and two touchdowns in his last visit to Tampa Bay last year. He's also coming off a tremendous game against Kansas City last week when he ran for 123 yards and two touchdowns and scored on a 25-yard pass. While that game was fantastic, it came out of nowhere. And the game at Tampa Bay last year was the season finale for the Bucs when they mailed it in because the playoffs were coming up and they had nothing to play for. This year will be different with the Bucs yet to allow a rushing touchdown. And prior to his performance against the Bucs in the last game in 2007, Williams had 13 carries for 23 yards and four catches for 48 yards and a touchdown in three games against Tampa Bay.
Laurence Maroney (at SD): Maroney is disappointing Fantasy owners once again since he has yet to score a touchdown this year, hasn't had more than 10 carries in a game and has less than 100 total yards in three games. Now his shoulder is bothering him again, but he's expected to play against the Chargers -- if play is an appropriate word with what he's shown. San Diego is allowing 113.4 rushing yards per game this year but only two rushing touchdowns. If any Patriots running back does something this week it will be Sammy Morris or Kevin Faulk. Keep Maroney on your bench this week and the near future.
Jamal Lewis (vs. NYG): Lewis had his best game of the year in Week 4 against Cincinnati when he rushed for 79 yards and a touchdown. But that should tell you about his season that that's his best outing. The Browns are coming off a bye, so hopefully Lewis is ready to get going. But the Giants are No. 6 in run defense and have only allowed one rushing touchdown to Chris Perry in Week 3. New York has shut down Clinton Portis (23 carries for 84 yards), Steven Jackson (13 carries for 53 yards), Perry (20 carries for 74 yards and a touchdown) and Julius Jones (17 carries for 61 yards), and Lewis will be next on the list.
Chris Perry (at NYJ): If Kris Jenkins (back) is healthy for the Jets, then Perry doesn't stand much of a chance. Jenkins and Calvin Pace have dramatically improved the Jets run defense, which is No. 4 at only 75.5 yards per game. They have allowed six touchdowns, but Perry probably won't hurt that stat this week. Perry has 25 carries for 59 yards his past two games against Cleveland and Dallas and is dealing with fumble issues with five on the season. The Bengals aren't happy with Perry, which is why Cedric Benson was signed and Kerry Watson brought back. Benson might even start this week, which would further decrease Perry's Fantasy value.
Darren McFadden (at NO): McFadden is coming off a bye, which should help his turf toe, and he's been able to practice this week. But he's still going to be limited and also has to deal with Justin Fargas (groin) coming back for this game. The Saints also have turned into run stoppers after holding Adrian Peterson to 32 yards on 21 carries last week. The San Francisco Chronicle reports Peterson's 1.52 average was the smallest by a running back with at least 20 carries since 2003. For the season, New Orleans is allowing 107 rushing yards per game and three touchdowns.
Bust alert: Steve Slaton (vs. MIA): Slaton was last week's Start of the Week, and he lived up to the billing with 93 rushing yards and two touchdowns against the Colts. But now he faces an improved Dolphins defense that has allowed just 83.6 rushing yards per game and is coming off an outstanding game against LaDainian Tomlinson (12 carries for 35 yards), including a goal-line stand. Along with that, Ahman Green is back in the mix, getting 12 carries against the Colts with Slaton only 16. Slaton will still be involved in the passing game and can make plays there, but his running lanes will be limited by Miami's 3-4 defense.
Wide receivers
Start 'Em
Wes Welker (at SD): Welker is looking for his third game in a row with at least seven catches against the Chargers, including the playoffs. Welker continues to be a solid Fantasy option in leagues where receptions count since he hasn't had less than six catches a game or 50 yards receiving this year. He's still looking for his first touchdown, and his odds increase this week against San Diego, which is last in pass defense and leads the NFL with 10 touchdowns allowed.
Bernard Berrian (vs. DET): All Berrian needed was a good quarterback, and he apparently got one in Gus Frerotte. In Frerotte's three starts, Berrian has 14 catches for 267 yards and a touchdown, including last week's game at New Orleans when he had six catches for 110 yards and a score. He now gets a favorable matchup against the Lions, who he is familiar with after his time with Chicago. In his past four games against Detroit, Berrian has 22 catches for 276 yards and two touchdowns.
DeSean Jackson (at SF): Jackson had his worst game as a receiver last week against Washington with one catch for 8 yards, but he now goes back to the place he went to college at Cal for this game. Along with that motivation, the 49ers have struggled to defend the deep ball, with the Saints and Patriots exposing their secondary the past two games. Jackson should be able to make some big plays in this matchup, and Donovan McNabb could lean on Jackson more this week with Brian Westbrook (ribs) not 100 percent.
Steve Breaston (vs. DAL): It's always nice to get early returns on your free agent pickups, and Breaston paid off last week with seven catches for 77 yards against Buffalo. He should continue to play well against the Cowboys, who will likely be without cornerback Terence Newman (groin) for the second straight game. Dallas' secondary has been exposed a little bit the past two games against Washington and Cincinnati, and the Cardinals will come out throwing. With plenty of attention going toward Larry Fitzgerald, Breaston should have a chance to make some plays.
Donald Driver (at SEA): Driver continues to make plays, and last week he had three catches for 68 yards and a touchdown against Atlanta. The Seahawks secondary has been exposed this year, and last week lesser-known players like Domenik Hixon and Sinorice Moss scored touchdowns for the Giants against Seattle. In three career meetings with Seattle in the regular season, Driver has 16 catches for 279 yards and two touchdowns. The Packers will likely be throwing as usual this week, leaving Driver a chance to make things happen.
Sleeper alert: Brandon Stokley (vs. JAC): Eddie Royal (ankle) and Tony Scheffler (groin) are banged up, and Darrell Jackson (calf) might not be able to go. That would leave Stokley as option No. 2 behind Brandon Marshall, and that's good news for Fantasy owners. Stokley has played well the past two weeks with 13 catches for 132 yards and a touchdown against Kansas City and Tampa Bay. The Jaguars also haven't played well in pass defense and are dealing with injuries to their secondary. Jacksonville has allowed 237.2 passing yards per game and nine touchdowns on the year.
Sit 'Em
Marvin Harrison (vs. BAL): After catching eight passes for 76 yards in Week 1 against Chicago, Harrison has combined for nine catches, 86 yards and a touchdown in his past three games. He appears to have a lost a step following last year's knee injury, and he will have trouble getting separation from the Raven's secondary. Baltimore is No. 1 in pass defense with only 128.5 passing yards per game. The Ravens haven't faced a passing attack like the Colts yet this year, but the Colts haven't exactly been the Colts so far.
Torry Holt (at WAS): Holt has scored one touchdown in his past 13 games outdoors. This year, Holt has five catches for 46 yards in two games outdoors and no touchdowns. Granted, he hasn't been much better at home with only 15 catches for 187 yards and a touchdown for the season, and Washington should be able to contain him this week. The Redskins are No. 20 in pass defense and dealing with injuries in the secondary, but last week Washington limited DeSean Jackson to one catch for 8 yards.
Antonio Bryant (vs. CAR): Bryant has started the past three games for the injured Joey Galloway (foot), and that could happen again this week. After catching 10 passes for 138 yards in Week 3 at Chicago, Bryant has cooled off with 11 catches for 97 yards the past two games against Green Bay and Denver. The Panthers are No. 3 in pass defense and should be able to contain Bryant, who could also have a new starting quarterback if Jeff Garcia replaces the injured Brian Griese (elbow). We'll find out if Garcia likes Bryant as much as Griese does.
Derrick Mason (at IND): Mason has been OK this year with 21 catches for 261 yards, but he's still looking for his first touchdown as he develops a rapport with rookie quarterback Joe Flacco. The Ravens might not have to throw much this week since they should be able to run all over the Colts. That's why Indianapolis is No. 3 in pass defense with only one passing touchdown allowed. Opposing teams have been able to establish the run with little need to throw, which will happen this week and take Mason out of making plays. Last year against the Colts, he only had three catches for 30 yards.
Domenik Hixon (at CLE): Plaxico Burress is back from his one-game suspension, which means Hixon goes back to being a one-week wonder. He played great last week against Seattle with four catches for 102 yards and a touchdown, but that was with Burress out. Hixon also is dealing with a concussion, which could limit his play. The Browns have only allowed three passing touchdowns in four games because teams have been able to run on them, but the biggest detractor for Hixon is that Burress is back.
Bust alert: Roddy White (vs. CHI): It's hard to find fault with White the past three weeks with 20 catches for 341 yards and two touchdowns against Carolina and Green Bay, and it's obvious the rapport he has developed with rookie quarterback Matt Ryan. But the Bears should be able to limit White and the Falcons passing game this week compared to his previous three outings. He's not going to get shutout, but White could be looking at stats comparable to his first two games when he combined for six catches for 113 yards against Detroit and Tampa Bay. White is also dealing with a head injury that has his status questionable. Last week, the Bears held Calvin Johnson to just two catches for 16 yards.
Tight ends
Start 'Em
Anthony Fasano (at HOU): Fasano didn't take advantage of the matchup with San Diego last week with only three catches for 47 yards, but he's played well this year and remains a solid part of the Dolphins offense. In his last road game at New England, Fasano had three catches for 66 yards and a touchdown. The Texans also allowed Dallas Clark to catch five passes for 81 yards last week, so Fasano could have similar success if the Dolphins involve him in the game plan as expected.
Dustin Keller (vs. CIN): Keller has a touchdown in his past two games and is turning into one of Brett Favre's favorite targets, especially in the red zone. The Bengals have struggled with tight ends the past few weeks, allowing touchdowns to Jason Witten and Kevin Boss in the past two games. Keller isn't going to lead the Jets in catches or yards this week, but he could find the end zone again. For the season, Keller has six catches for 84 yards and two touchdowns and continues to improve each week.
Greg Olsen (at ATL): Olsen has emerged the past two weeks with the development of Kyle Orton. Olsen has seven catches for 122 yards and a touchdown against Philadelphia and Detroit. Last week, Donald Lee scored a touchdown against the Falcons, who are No. 22 in pass defense with nine touchdowns allowed. Orton has played well the past three games, and he's getting Olsen involved, which is what Fantasy owners have been waiting for since Olsen was drafted last year.
Sleeper alert: Benjamin Watson (at SD): Prior to last week when Anthony Fasano only had three catches for 47 yards, tight ends have dominated the Chargers. So far, Dante Rosario (seven catches for 96 yards and a touchdown), Tony Scheffler (six catches for 64 yards and two touchdowns), Dustin Keller (four catches for 41 yards and a touchdown) and Zach Miller (five catches for 95 yards and a touchdown) have all played well against the Chargers. Watson only has three catches for 17 yards on the season, but the matchup warrants taking a chance on using him this week if you're looking for a bye-week replacement at tight end.
Sit 'Em
Todd Heap (at IND): Heap didn't play against the Colts last year, and he continues to struggle this season. He set his season high last week against the Titans with four catches for 41 yards and is still looking for his first touchdown this year. The Colts have only allowed one passing touchdown this year, and the Ravens will focus on their ground game this week, meaning even fewer opportunities for Heap. He has a long way to go before Fantasy owners can start counting on him again.
Kevin Boss (at CLE): Boss has been a disappointment in replacing Jeremy Shockey so far, and he might not be needed much this week. Cleveland has only allowed three passing touchdowns this year and none against Jason Witten, Heath Miller and Todd Heap. Boss just isn't a regular part of the Giants passing game right now and had only two catches for 9 yards against Seattle last week when Plaxico Burress was out. With Burress back, that's less passes that will be thrown in Boss' direction.
Dallas Clark (vs. BAL): Clark only had one catch for 15 yards last year against the Ravens, who come into this matchup as the No. 1 pass defense with only 128.5 passing yards allowed per game and three touchdowns. Ray Lewis and Ed Reed excel at defending tight ends, and this year Baltimore has shut down Kellen Winslow (two catches for 14 yards) and Heath Miller (two catches for 8 yards). Bo Scaife did have seven catches for 72 yards last week against the Ravens, but it's hard to imagine they were paying Scaife the same attention they will give Clark.
Bust alert: Antonio Gates (vs. NE): The toe and hip injuries continue to limit Gates, who had only one catch for 12 yards last week at Miami. The Patriots have also done well against tight ends this year, allowing only one touchdown to Anthony Fasano, and that was off a pass from Ronnie Brown. Gates also has an injured quarterback in Philip Rivers (bruised ribs) and might be without Chris Chambers (ankle), which could mean extra attention for Gates. You're obviously not going to sit Gates, but don't expect him to be as productive as usual.
Defense/Special teams
Start 'Em
Washington (vs. STL): The Rams are only scoring 10.8 points per game this season. On the road, it's even worse at eight points per game. Don't expect the Rams to score many points this week, and Marc Bulger has 10 interceptions in his past seven games outdoors. He's also been sacked 11 times in three games, so the Redskins defense has a chance to make plenty of plays this week. Washington has five interceptions and six sacks on the season.
Other DSTs with good matchups: Philadelphia (at SF), Jets (vs. CIN) and Miami (at HOU)
Sit 'Em
Jacksonville (at DEN): The Jaguars defense has allowed 53 points the past two weeks against Houston and Pittsburgh and is dealing with injuries in the secondary. They did score a defensive touchdown last week, but they haven't put much pressure on opposing quarterbacks with only eight sacks. That's not a good thing against the Broncos, who are averaging 29.8 points per game. Jay Cutler is turnover prone lately, but Jacksonville's defense hasn't done enough this year to start on the road at Denver.
Kicker
Start 'Em
Stephen Gostkowski (at SD): Gostkowski is only being started in 57 percent of leagues on CBSSports.com, which is a surprise given he's 10-of-10 on field goals this year and has made at least two field goals in his past three games. The Chargers have allowed 10 field goals this year and give up an average of 25.8 points per game. Look for Gostkowski to remain hot, and he should be owned in every league at this time. There aren't many kickers better than Gostkowski right now.
Other kickers with good matchups: Sebastian Janikowski (at NO), Neil Rackers (vs. DAL) and Kris Brown (vs. MIA)
Sit 'Em
David Akers (at SF): Akers has missed three goals in his past two games and has struggled with kicks longer than 40 yards. Last year, Akers was 2-of-10 on kicks longer than 40 yards, and he's only 1-of-2 this year with a long of 44 yards. That means you're not getting many bonus points for long field goals out of Akers. The 49ers have allowed 12 field goals this year, but don't expect Akers to make much of an impact this week on the road, especially in a traditionally windy stadium.
Do you have a Fantasy Football question? Send your thoughts to DMFantasyFootball@cbs.com and we'll get to as many as we can. Be sure to put Attn: Start/Sit in the subject field. Include your full name, hometown and state.
