By Derick Moss
Browns at Patriots
Scouting the Browns
Suit 'em up: Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow are consistent targets of Derek Anderson and are safe bets almost every week, though they might be the only Browns worth considering this week.
Sit 'em down: Jamal Lewis had that huge game against Cincinnati, but that's been about it. New England will make stopping him a top priority. And if Carson Palmer struggled against the Pats secondary, what will Anderson do?
Scouting the Patriots
Suit 'em up: Monitor the running back situation carefully. The status of Laurence Maroney might not be known until Sunday morning, but if he's out, Sammy Morris is a great play.
Sit 'em down: Speaking of Maroney, even if he starts, he might not play much in this one if the Pats get a big lead.
Seahawks at Steelers
Scouting the Seahawks
Suit 'em up:Matt Hasselbeck has been terrific lately and has found a go-to guy in Deion Branch, who has more than 120 yards receiving in two of his last three games. Don't expect much from the beat up Shaun Alexander, but you almost have to start him.
Sit 'em down: Seattle is facing a tough defense this week, so it's not a great matchup for Bobby Engram, even though he's been pretty good lately and is the team's No. 2 receiver. Ditto for Marcus Pollard.
Scouting the Steelers
Suit 'em up: Willie Parker had only 37 yards last week, and Seattle's defense is solid. But Parker is a monster at home, averaging 120 yards and one touchdown a game since last season. Santonio Holmes is developing into a consistent No. 2 option. Expect a little more from Ben Roethlisberger this week.
Sit 'em down: Neither Nate Washington nor Cedrick Wilson should be in your lineup, even with Hines ward out.
Panthers at Saints
Scouting the Panthers
Suit 'em up: A team in turmoil has issues on offense, but don't be scared by David Carr's awful debut last week. He's going up against a pretty bad defense Sunday, and he will make an extra effort to get the ball to Steve Smith this week. DeShaun Foster is a No. 2 option, and DeAngelo Williams might even find a seam.
Sit 'em down: Until someone establishes themselves from among Drew Carter, Keary Colbert and Dwayne Jarrett, there is no clear-cut No. 2 receiver in Carolina. Also, the Panthers defense doesn't appear to be an option, and Julius Peppers doesn't appear to be right at all, though the team claims he's fine physically. Make him prove it before starting him.
Scouting the Saints
Suit 'em up:Drew Brees is facing a disappointing defense that has just two sacks and no interceptions all season. We'll see what Reggie Bush's role will be now that he's the featured back, but keep your eye on Aaron Stecker, who'll be the between-the-tackles runner in Deuce McAllister's place.
Sit 'em down: Even though the Carolina offense looked awful last week, the Saints are just too risky a play on defense. And don't start backup Pierre Thomas just yet, but keep him on your radar -- he could steal carries from Stecker.
Lions at Redskins
Scouting the Lions
Suit 'em up: You've got to keep starting Jon Kitna until he cools off, even though the Redskins are a stingy bunch on defense. Roy Williams is a decent play, but keep a close eye on Calvin Johnson, who might be healthy enough to play this week. If he is, start him, because he's the Lions' best fantasy receiver when healthy.
Sit 'em down: The running back platoon of Tatum Bell and Kevin Jones Is frustrating, and neither has distinguished himself so far. Jones, however, is the better play going forward. And don't let Troy Walters' touchdown catch fool you into playing him, especially if Johnson's healthy.
Scouting the Redskins
Suit 'em up: Detroit might be 3-1, but it's surrendering 30 points per game, and its pass defense is next-to-last. Jason Campbell is a decent bye week start, but Santana Moss looks like a risky play because of injury. Maybe this is the week to take a chance on Antwaan Randle El and maybe James Thrash.
Sit 'em down: The Redskins defense is an OK play just on talent alone, but Detroit is scoring on everyone. Even with Moss' injury, don't be tempted by newly signed Keenan McCardell.
Jets at Giants
Scouting the Jets
Suit 'em up: It's hard to know what to make of the Giants defense, but we know they can rush the passer. That said, Chad Pennington is a decent bye week play, and both Laveranues Coles and Jerricho Cotchery are safe bets.
Sit 'em down: Thomas Jones is a big disappointment, and it looks like Leon Washington might even post better fantasy numbers most weeks. Brad Smith is emerging as the team's No. 3 receiver, but he's not a good play this week.
Scouting the Giants
Suit 'em up: Maybe the Giants defense, putrid in the first three games, is finding its stride after a 12-sack performance. Eli Manning, Plaxico Burress and Jeremy Shockey are all good plays.
Sit 'em down: Derrick Ward was very effective in place of the injured Brandon Jacobs, but Jacobs is back this week. It's likely they'll split carries, but don't expect huge numbers from either against the Jets, who are better against the run than the pass. This situation is very much in flux.
Dolphins at Texans
Scouting the Dolphins
Suit 'em up: Since deciding Ronnie Brown should not be platooned, Miami has had the most versatile back in fantasy football the last three weeks. Brown leads NFL running backs with 20 catches and is averaging 5.2 yards per carry. Chris Chambers started strong, slumped the last two weeks, but might be worth a shot this week.
Scouting the Texans
Suit 'em up: This team might be better if not for a rash of injuries. With Andre Johnson and Jacoby Jones both questionable, Andre Davis and Owen Daniels are good plays. Ahman Green is a game-time decision, start either him or Ron Dayne against an absolutely horrid Miami run defense.
Sit 'em down: The Texans defense has been inconsistent -- it's an OK start if you don't have options, but you should probably find another. Don't be suckered by Kevin Walter's six catches last week, even though he's the No. 2 receiver right now.
Falcons at Titans
Scouting the Falcons
Suit 'em up: Hard to believe recommending Joey Harrington two weeks in a row, but he has been on fire both weeks. Michael Jenkins had two touchdowns last week, but it's Roddy White who's having a breakout season.
Sit 'em down: Until Jerious Norwood overtakes Warrick Dunn on the depth chart, neither is a steady option, particularly against a rugged Titans front seven.
Scouting the Titans
Suit 'em up: Vince Young might never be a spectacular passer, but his running ability makes him a great play every week. The Titans' four receivers are getting about the same number of snaps, but Brandon Jones (four catches and a TD last week) is becoming Young's favorite target.
Sit 'em down: Monitor LenDale White's status, as he's been fighting illness. Chris Brown might be a better bet.
Jaguars at Chiefs
Scouting the Jaguars
Suit 'em up: The Chiefs are suspect against the run, meaning Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew are both decent options. This might actually be the week Jones-Drew breaks one. The Jacksonville defense is a safe bet this week, as well.
Sit 'em down: David Garrard is doing a nice job, but this is a conservative offense. He's a decent bye-week play, but temper your expectations.
Scouting the Chiefs*Suit 'em up:*Dwayne Bowe might be the AFC's top rookie -- he has consecutive 100-yard games with a touchdown in each and is a physical presence on the outside. And Larry Johnson seems to have turned the corner, though Jacksonville won't give up much.
Sit 'em down: Damon Huard is still a risky fantasy play despite a big game last week -- he's not being asked to win games, just to not lose them. And although Eddie Kennison is healthy again, don't bet on him making big plays just yet.
Cardinals at Rams
Sit 'em down: Monitor Anquan Boldin's health -- he missed some practice time this week. And forget about Leonard Pope, who hasn't had a catch after starting with two decent games. Stay away from Cardinals quarterbacks until the situation sorts out.
Scouting the Rams
Suit 'em up: Looking for fantasy help from the Rams is futile. But in a bye week, and with so many running back situations in flux, Brian Leonard might be a sleeper pick for a breakout game. The passing game is in shambles, so he'll get enough carries as long as the game is competitive.
Sit 'em down: Did you ever see the day when Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce weren't good options? Well, Bruce has been declared out, and with Gus Frerotte starting at quarterback, Holt might not see the ball much.
Buccaneers at Colts
Scouting the Buccaneers
Suit 'em up: With Carnell Williams gone for the season, Earnest Graham will take most of the snaps near the goal line. Michael Pittman, previously the third-down back, will be a fantasy factor as well. If you need a tight end, you could do worse than Alex Smith.
Sit 'em down: The Bucs defense is a good bet every week -- except this one. Joey Galloway had only one catch last week, and Michael Clayton has disappeared from the offense.
Sit 'em down: Marvin Harrison has been a quick healer in the past, but reports out of Indianapolis say he's really hurting. Moreover, Aaron Moorehead suddenly showed up on the injury report Friday with a back problem. Normally he'd get more passes thrown his way with Harrison ailing, but if he's hampered by the back injury it could create some opportunities for Anthony Gonzalez.
Chargers at Broncos
Scouting the Chargers
Suit 'em up: LaDainian Tomlinson seems to be regaining his stride, and he'll get plenty of carries this week. Antonio Gates is the only real receiving threat this team has, and he's on pace for the greatest season by a tight end.
Sit 'em down:Philip Rivers has five touchdowns and six interceptions this season, and he's getting little help from Vincent Jackson, who has dropped potential touchdown passes in consecutive weeks. Against the best cornerback tandem in the league, don't expect much from the Chargers' passing game (Denver might even put Champ Bailey on Gates).
Scouting the Broncos
Suit 'em up: San Diego's defense has given up 16 plays of 20 yards or more, and most are through the air. That's good news for Jay Cutler, Brandon Marshall and maybe even Daniel Graham.
Sit 'em down: Travis Henry has been good so far, but everyone's waiting for Selvin Young to break out when given the chance. Well, Henry's a little banged up this week, so nab Young if possible.
Ravens at 49ers
Scouting the Raven
Suit 'em up: This might be a 10-7 kind of game, so look for the Baltimore defense to get back on track. Willis McGahee will get plenty of carries, and he's starting to look like a top-notch back. If there's a receiver on this team to play, it's Demetrius Williams, the team's only playmaker on the outside. With Michael Clayton ineffective and Derrick Mason hurting, Williams is a sleeper candidate.
Sit 'em down: Baltimore has quarterback issues and won't do much through the air if Steve McNair is playing. Stay away from him and Kyle Boller until Boller emerges as the starter again. Monitor Todd Heap's status, as he missed practice this week.
Scouting the 49ers
Suit 'em up:Frank Gore is struggling, but he's really the only option on offense for San Francisco. With Trent Dilfer starting at QB this week, the 49ers will give Gore every chance to win the game for them. The 49ers defense might be a solid play, too.
Sit 'em down: Don't even think about starting Dilfer, which means the San Francisco wideouts aren't good options, either.
Bears at Packers
Scouting the Bears
Suit 'em up: This is another team in turmoil that just can't find the right mix on offense and is banged up on defense. But start the defense if special teams counts, because Devin Hester is the team's best performer. And if he gets a chance to play receiver at some point, grab him off the waiver wire.
Sit 'em down: The Green Bay defense is playing with a lot of confidence, so it's hard to recommend anyone on the Bears offense. Cedric Benson is simply not a good option now (averaging 2.3 yards per carry) and faces a defense that has allowed one rushing touchdown all year.
Scouting the Packers
Suit 'em up: Brett Favre is playing inspired football, but more important to fantasy players, he's not handing the ball off. The running game is essentially a screen pass or short slant. Donald Driver and James Jones are solid plays, and Jones could be the guy with the most fantasy value by season's end.
Sit 'em down:Brandon Jackson and Greg Jennings are hurt and might not play. DeShawn Wynn and Vernand Morency both will play, but neither figures to have much impact. Take Wynn if you're desperate.
Cowboys at Bills
Scouting the Cowboys
Suit 'em up: This one should be over by halftime. Patrick Crayton had 184 yards receiving last week, but he's still second fiddle to Terrell Owens. Tony Romo is obviously a must-start, and Marion Barber, Jason Witten and even Julius Jones are all decent plays. But there's only so many touchdowns to be scored.
Sit 'em down: Start all Cowboys and maybe even the defense.
Scouting the Bills
Suit 'em up:Marshawn Lynch is a good running back on a bad team and should start. Against an average Dallas defense, rookie Trent Edwards is a sleeper candidate and potential bye-week starter. He's the guy who's once again making Lee Evans a fantasy factor.
Sit 'em down: Josh Reed caught four passes last week, but don't count on much more than that. The Bills defense, obviously, is a terrible play -- maybe the worst defensive option in the league this week.
For more information, please visit Rotowire.com.
