Doug Anderson of RotoExperts previews all the NFL games from a fantasy perspective.
Denver at San Francisco
The Broncos defense has allowed the most rushing yards in the NFL, so expect a monster day from Frank Gore at Wembley Stadium. With Troy Smith at quarterback, Gore should carry the ball more often and will remain active as an outlet in the short passing game. Michael Crabtree and the rest of the Niners wide receivers are very risky plays, but Vernon Davis remains a must-start. Kyle Orton's rampant pace has slowed and Denver will look to run the ball more with Knowshon Moreno back at 100 percent. Moreno isn't likely to produce a huge day on the ground, but Orton will also look to him out of the backfield. Brandon Lloyd was invisible in Week 7, but he and Jabar Gaffney are the only Broncos receivers to even consider starting.
Buffalo at Kansas City
While the Chiefs defense ranks third against the run, they are 20th against the pass, meaning waiver-wire darling Ryan Fitzpatrick could be in for another big day. In the four weeks he has played, Fitzpatrick has thrown for 11 TDs against four INTs. His success has translated directly to the Buffalo wideouts. Steve Johnson has five TDs in four games with Fitzpatrick at the helm, and Lee Evans hit pay dirt three times in Week 7 alone. With Marshawn Lynch doing his thing in Seattle, Fred Jackson dominated the carries in Week 7. He's not spectacular, but his versatility means solid points every week. Buffalo's defense ranks 31st against the run, so Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones both have RB1 upside this week. Matt Cassel has played better the last two weeks, but he's a shaky option even as a bye-week replacement against the third-ranked Bills pass defense. Dwayne Bowe's mini-resurrection will come to an end, as the Chiefs focus on the run.
Washington at Detroit
Matthew Stafford shouldn't find it too hard to hook up with Calvin Johnson, Nate Burleson, and Brandon Pettigrew against a Redskins defense that has allowed the most passing yards in the NFL. Jahvid Best should get in on the party too, with much of his early-season value the result of turning short passes into long gains. He'll get back in the end zone after a four-game hiatus. In what shapes up to be a high-scoring affair, Donovan McNabb has QB1 value, despite dealing with lingering hamstring issues. Santana Moss is providing the consistency that has been missing most of his career and is a safe bet for double-digit fantasy points. Ryan Torain has back-to-back 100-yard games and is primed for another strong week against a vulnerable Lions run defense.
Carolina at St. Louis
Sam Bradford has lost some of his luster after consecutive shaky outings. Don't look for a rebound against a Panthers defense that has allowed the fewest passing yards in the NFL. This sets the stage for the quietly consistent Steven Jackson to reach the 100-yard mark for the fourth consecutive game. Expect him to get looks in the red zone as well, with the Rams receiving crew being a mess. Danny Amendola is really the only receiver that offers consistent value, and most of that comes in PPR leagues. Matt Moore was excellent against the Niners, but don't expect an encore against a surprisingly stingy Rams secondary. Thy have allowed just one QB to throw for multiple TDs. The story of the game for Carolina will be whether DeAngelo Williams or Jonathan Stewart can finally break out for a big day. Neither has rushed for 100 yards in a game, and Williams' status is uncertain with a foot injury. Moore's presence means good things for Steve Smith, but he's an inconsistent WR2 in an offense that is still looking for its identity.
Green Bay at New York Jets
Aaron Rodgers has provided consistent fantasy numbers, but the Packers wide receivers are a crapshoot with Jets CB Darrelle Revis back at 100 percent. You have to start Greg Jennings, but Donald Driver, James Jones, and Jordy Nelson need to ride the pine. Brandon Jackson will get stuffed on the ground, but he gets enough receptions to warrant a flex play in a heavy bye week. After a few impressive early-season games, Mark Sanchez has returned to being the "game manager" we all expected. His inconsistent play limits the value of all Jets wideouts. Those expecting Santonio Holmes to pay immediate dividends will continue to be disappointed. Shonn Greene has shown flashes of last year's shine, but he's just not getting the carries necessary to produce consistently. LaDainian Tomlinson isn't piling up the yards, but he is getting the majority of the backfield touches for coach Rex Ryan. He will have a strong day against a questionable Packers defense.
Miami at Cincinnati
Last week, Matt Ryan burned the Bengals for 299 yards and three TDs. That's good news for Chad Henne, who has the weapons to replicate those totals. Even though the Bengals are 22nd against the run, Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams are flex options at best. Brandon Marshall has the potential to explode in any given week, but his numbers are extremely reliant on Henne's play. He's a must-start, but he's been boom or bust this year. Davone Bess has scored a TD in three straight games and is quickly becoming a solid WR2, especially in PPR leagues. The Dolphins have allowed 300-yard passing games in back-to-back weeks, so Carson Palmer is worth a look. Cedric Benson has just one 100-yard game, and the Dolphins defense has allowed a mere 3.8 YPC this season. Play Benson as a low-end RB2 or flex option. Chad Ochocinco had his best game of the season last week, but Terrell Owens is still the primary receiver. Run with T.O. as a WR1 and Ochocinco as a low-end WR2.
Jacksonville at Dallas
It wasn't always pretty, but Jon Kitna threw for nearly 200 yards and two TDs after taking over for Tony Romo last week. He has the weapons to have a good week against the Jaguars and their 29th-ranked pass defense. Miles Austin has less than 40 yards receiving in three of his last four games, but he's still hard to bench. Kitna seems to have built a rapport with Dez Bryant, who can be elevated to WR2 status. Roy E. Williams followed up three consecutive games with a touchdowns with a big, fat zero last week. Play him at your own risk. Jason Witten has rebounded after a slow start and is probably more immune to the quarterback change than the wideouts. The Cowboys will rediscover the run with Kitna at quarterback, so expect Felix Jones to challenge the 100-yard mark. David Garrard returns from a concussion, but he makes for a poor bye-week fill-in. Mike Sims-Walker has disappeared after a big Week 2, and Mike Thomas is too inconsistent to start. Maurice Jones-Drew has been stymied on the ground in the last two games, but you likely can't bench him.
Tennessee at San Diego
Expect Kenny Britt to return to earth this week whether Vince Young (knee and ankle) or Kerry Collins gets the start, as the Chargers defense has allowed the second-fewest passing yards in the league. Chris Johnson is dinged up and has been a bit of a disappointment, but he'll rebound against a middle-of-the-pack Chargers run defense. Tennessee does a good job stuffing the run, so those of you waiting for Ryan Mathews to break out need to wait at least one more week. With Mike Tolbert vulturing the goal-line work, Mathews' upside is further limited. With the running game struggling, Philip Rivers and the passing attack will once again be featured. Malcom Floyd looks like he'll miss more time, so Patrick Crayton becomes a strong play as a WR2. Antonio Gates has caught a touchdown pass in all but one game this season and remains a must-start even if he's on the injury report.
Tampa Bay at Arizona
Arizona's quarterback situation has really put a damper on Larry Fitzgerald's season. He's yet to have a 100-yard game and is a pedestrian WR2 against a pretty strong Bucs pass defense. However, Beanie Wells will find the going a little easier. Tim Hightower's fumbling issues have given Wells the chance at goal-line opportunities, which gives him solid RB2 value. Josh Freeman is winning games, but he hasn't thrown more than one touchdown pass in his last four games. Consider him a very low upside bye-week option. Mike Williams hasn't had that big breakout game, but he has been consistent and shown the ability to get to the end zone. On the flip side, Kellen Winslow should be benched unless you have no other options. LeGarrette Blount should be able to build on a solid 11-carry, 72-yard effort against the Rams and is a nice fantasy sleeper.
Minnesota at New England
Brett Favre's ankle is holding the fantasy value of every Vikings wideout hostage. If Favre is able to play, Percy Harvin and Randy Moss both have WR1 upside and will put up big numbers in what could be a shootout. Visanthe Shiancoe is the one receiving threat that might gain value if Tarvaris Jackson starts. The Patriots defense has yet to allow a 100-yard rusher, but Adrian Peterson will change that. Tom Brady has spread the ball around since the departure of Moss, so there is some PPR value in Wes Welker, Deion Branch, Aaron Hernandez and Danny Woodhead. BenJarvus Green-Ellis is getting the goal line work and TE Rob Gronkowski gets the red zone looks, but both are questionable choices due to their low yardage totals.
Seattle at Oakland
Darren McFadden had a monster game last week against the soft Broncos defense, but don't expect a repeat performance against Seattle's second-ranked run defense. They've allowed fewer than 80 yards a game on the ground. Jason Campbell looks like the starter for the second straight week, but he still has little value. Outside of Zach Miller, no Raiders receivers are rosterable at this point. Matt Hasselbeck is a decent bye-week play, but Seattle will likely try to run the ball against an Oakland defense that ranks 30th in the league in rushing yards allowed. Lynch received 24 carries last week and will have a breakout game against the Silver & Black. Mike Williams has stepped forward with two solid games, but he's a risky play with Raiders CB Nnamdi Asomugha standing across from him. Preseason sleeper TE, John Carlson, has disappeared and can be ignored for fantasy purposes.
Pittsburgh at New Orleans
Look for a heavy dose of Drew Brees in this contest, even against a tough Steelers defense. The Saints receivers are always a gamble, but Lance Moore has been reasonably consistent and Marques Colston has finally become a part of the offense. Both can be played as WR3s with upside. The Steelers have stonewalled even the best running backs this year, and Chris Ivory won't be the exception. However, Ladell Betts could be a sneaky PPR play. Ben Roethlisberger has immediately resumed his QB1 status in his return from suspension. Both Hines Ward and Mike Wallace have caught TD passes in the two games since his return. Heath Miller hasn't seen the same improvement just yet, but he has always been a favorite red-zone target of Big Ben. Rashard Mendenhall was shut down by the Dolphins last week, but he's still a must-start runner.
Houston at Indianapolis
This is a rematch of Week 1, where Arian Foster had an incredible 231 yard, three-touchdown performance. He remains a must-start in this favorable matchup. Matt Schaub has struggled for most of the season, but you can expect better results this time around. The Colts will be geared up to stop Foster, and Schaub's top target, Andre Johnson, has had time to heal after a bye. Kevin Walter and Jacoby Jones have almost disappeared, but Owen Daniels is getting healthy and could make an impact. Pierre Garcon has massive upside and will have a huge game against a shaky Houston secondary with Austin Collie out. Anthony Gonzalez is a solid option in deeper formats, especially with six teams on a bye. Mike Hart is a good bye-week option, as he has the potential to score near the goal line. Jacob Tamme will try and fill Dallas Clark's shoes, but leave him on the bench until the Colts show some type of commitment to getting him involved in the passing game.
For more from Doug Anderson, visit Rotoexperts.com, which offers a full suite of fantasy advice, from insider insights and matchup breakdowns to IDP recommendations.
