Start 'Em & Sit 'Em is the ultimate look at the weekly NFL matchups and how they'll affect your fantasy football team. Sleeper alert features an under-the-radar player who could produce good numbers. Owners beware features a regular fantasy starter who could fail to meet expectations based on the strength of his opponent. Obvious fantasy starters like Aaron Rodgers and Adrian Peterson will not be featured. For your final lineup decisions, check our lineup rankings.
QB Byes:Kellen Clemens, Tony Romo
QB Start of the week
Russell Wilson vs. Minnesota Vikings: Wilson has been on absolute fire over the last four weeks, ranking third in fantasy points among quarterbacks on NFL.com. His success in the stat sheets should continue against the Vikings, who have surrendered an average of over 20 fantasy points per game to opposing signal-callers since Week 7. (Maximum value: High QB1)
QB Start 'em
Nick Foles vs. Washington Redskins: No quarterback has been hotter than Foles, who has 10 touchdowns with no interceptions and leads all players with 68.56 fantasy points over the last two weeks. He should remain active against the Redskins, who have allowed the sixth-most fantasy points (20.2 PPG) to quarterbacks at home this year. (Maximum value: High QB1)
Robert Griffin III at Philadelphia Eagles:RG3 has been inconsistent in the stat sheets this season, but he is coming off one of his best performances and is set up to have another successful start against the Eagles. Their defense has surrendered an average of nearly 20 fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks away from home. (Maximum value: High QB1)
Matt Ryan at Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Ryan's numbers have tumbled, as he's thrown three touchdown passes and seven interceptions in his last three starts. Still, this week's matchup in Tampa Bay makes him an attractive option. Over the last four weeks, the Buccaneers have allowed the fourth-most fantasy points (21.8 PPG) to quarterbacks. (Maximum value: Mid QB1)
Sleeper alert - Case Keenum vs. Oakland Raiders: Keenum has made a name for himself in fantasy circles, scoring 18-plus fantasy points in two of his three starts. Available in most leagues, he is a solid sleeper candidate against the Raiders -- their defense has allowed an average of 21.45 fantasy points to quarterbacks since Week 7. (Maximum value: Low QB1)
QB Sit of the week
Tom Brady at Carolina Panthers (Mon.): Brady is coming off his best fantasy stat line of the season, but has he returned to must-start status? I'm not so sure, and this week's matchup in Carolina is very difficult. Their defense has allowed an average of 10.3 fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks at home, so Brady is a major risk. (Maximum value: Low QB1)
QB Sit 'em
Colin Kaepernick at New Orleans Saints: It's pretty tough to bench Kaepernick in leagues, but you should keep in mind that this week's battle of NFC powerhouses is anything but attractive. In fact, New Orleans' defense has surrendered the fourth-fewest fantasy points (10.1 PPG) to opposing quarterbacks at home this season. (Maximum value: Low QB1)
Eli Manning vs. Green Bay Packers: Manning is in the midst of one of his worst seasons at the pro level, ranking a very unimpressive 24th in fantasy points among quarterbacks with a league-high 16 interceptions. So while the Packers have struggled to stop the pass in 2013, it's still tough to advise starting Manning in most fantasy leagues. (Maximum value: High QB2)
Jason Campbell at Cincinnati Bengals: Campbell has been on fire since taking over the starting job in Cleveland, scoring 21-plus fantasy points in each of his last two contests. Still, this week's matchup against the Bengals is tough -- their defense has allowed the second-fewest fantasy points (9.5 PPG) to quarterbacks at home in 2013. (Maximum value: Mid QB2)
Owners beware - Philip Rivers at Miami Dolphins: Rivers has been one of the better fantasy quarterbacks of the season, but a matchup in Miami against the Dolphins is anything but attractive. While their defense is bad against the run, the Fins have surrendered the third-fewest fantasy points (9.85 PPG) to opposing quarterbacks at home. (Maximum value: Low QB1)
RB Byes:DeMarco Murray, Zac Stacy
RB Start of the week
Frank Gore at New Orleans Saints: The Niners could struggle to throw the football against the Saints, so look for Gore to be the centerpiece of their offensive attack this weekend. The last two lead running backs to face New Orleans, Chris Ivory and DeMarco Murray, scored two touchdowns and a combined for a solid 35.4 fantasy points. (Maximum value: Mid RB1)
RB Start 'em
Knowshon Moreno vs. Kansas City Chiefs: Moreno didn't find the end zone last week, but he still scored 11.4 fantasy points in a win over the San Diego Chargers. This week he faces the Chiefs, who have a tough defense but can be had on the road -- K.C. has allowed an average of almost 20 fantasy points per game to runners away from home. (Maximum value: High RB1)
Ray Rice at Chicago Bears: Rice has been the biggest bust in fantasy football this season, but I wouldn't bench him against a favorable opponent like the Bears. Over the last four weeks, only the Cowboys have allowed more fantasy points to opposing running backs -- Chicago has allowed an average of 26.17 points to the position in that time. (Maximum value: Low RB1)
Danny Woodhead at Miami Dolphins: Woodhead has been a top-20 running back in standard leagues based on fantasy points over the last four weeks, and his success is very likely to continue against the Dolphins. Their defense has been awful against the run, allowing the second-most fantasy points (24.4 PPG) to backs at home this season. (Maximum value: High RB2)
Sleeper alert - Andre Ellington at Jacksonville Jaguars: Coach Bruce Arians is keeping Rashard Mendenhall as his starting runner, but Ellington is the back to start in fantasy leagues. A far more dynamic player, he'll face a Jaguars defense that has given up the fourth-most fantasy points (24.27 PPG) to runners in the last four weeks. (Maximum value: High RB2)
RB Sit of the week
C.J. Spiller vs. New York Jets: Spiller has been the fantasy version of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde in recent weeks, making him tough to figure out as a start or sit. The matchup dictates he should be on your bench this weekend, though, as the Jets have surrendered the fewest fantasy points (11.6 PPG) to running backs on the road this season. (Maximum value: High RB2)
RB Sit 'em
Chris Ivory at Buffalo Bills: Ivory was spectacular in his last contest, but can he do it again? He hasn't scored double-digit fantasy points in back-to-back weeks all season long, and the Bills have been tough to run on. In fact, their defense has allowed the eighth-fewest fantasy points (13.18 PPG) to backs over the last four weeks. (Maximum value: Mid RB2)
Rashad Jennings at Houston Texans: Jennings has posted double-digit fantasy points in each of the last two games for the Raiders, making him a viable flex starter. Keep in mind, though, that this week's matchup in Houston is a tough one -- the Texans have allowed the seventh-fewest fantasy points (13.13 PPG) to running backs since Week 7. (Maximum value: Mid RB2)
Mark Ingram vs. San Francisco 49ers: Ingram went off for 145 yards, one touchdown and 22 fantasy points last week. Of course, that was against a Dallas defense that was riddled with injuries and bad against the run. The Niners are a more formidable foe, and Ingram remains third on the depth chart behind Pierre Thomas and Darren Sproles. (Maximum value: Mid RB3)
Owners beware - Maurice Jones-Drew vs. Arizona Cardinals: Jones-Drew has scored 12-plus fantasy points in three of his last four games, so it's tough to bench him. Just keep in mind that his matchup against the Cardinals is a tough one -- their defense has allowed the fourth-fewest fantasy points (13.95 PPG) to runners on the road in 2013. (Maximum value: High RB2)
WR Start of the week
Vincent Jackson vs. Atlanta Falcons: Jackson has struggled in recent weeks, scoring fewer than eight fantasy points in each of his last three games. He should rebound against the Falcons, though. Their defense has been vulnerable to the pass, and Jackson burned them for 138 yards, two touchdowns and 25.8 fantasy points back in Week 7. (Maximum value: High WR1)
WR Start 'em
Antonio Brown vs. Detroit Lions: A PPR machine, Brown has recorded nine or more catches in four of his last seven games and remains the top option in the pass attack for Ben Roethlisberger. He's a strong play in all leagues this week against the Lions, who have given up the seventh-most fantasy points (26.4 PPG) to wideouts on the road. (Maximum value: Low WR1)
Pierre Garcon at Philadelphia Eagles: Garcon has gone off in the stat sheets over the last two weeks, posting a combined 291 yards with one touchdown and 35.1 fantasy points. His success should continue against the Eagles, who have surrendered the eighth-most fantasy points (27.2 PPG) to opposing wide receivers at home this season. (Maximum value: High WR1)
Riley Cooper at Washington Redskins: Cooper has been super-hot in fantasy land, scoring a combined five touchdowns and 55.9 points over the last two weeks. He should continue to see his share of the targets from Nick Foles against the Redskins, who have allowed an average of 26.2 fantasy points per game to wideouts on the road in 2013. (Maximum value: Mid WR2)
Sleeper alert - Marvin Jones vs. Cleveland Browns: Jones has cooled down, but owners looking for a sleeper wideout should consider him against the Bengals. With star CB Joe Haden covering A.J. Green, Jones should see more targets from Andy Dalton. The Browns have also allowed the eighth-most fantasy points to wideouts since Week 7. (Maximum value: Mid WR2)
WR Sit of the week
Roddy White at Tampa Bay Buccaneers: White has dealt with ankle and hamstring ailments this season and looks nothing like the fantasy football star he's been during most of his NFL career. He'll be difficult to start this week in Tampa Bay, where one of the NFL's top cover cornerbacks in Darrelle Revis awaits. Keep White on the sidelines. (Maximum value: Low WR2)
WR Sit 'em
Keenan Allen at Miami Dolphins: It's tough to sit Allen in most fantasy formats, and you shouldn't do it unless you have a solid replacement on your bench. However, Miami's pass defense has been wicked against wide receivers this year - their defense has allowed the eighth-fewest fantasy points (15.5 PPG) to the position since Week 7. (Maximum value: High WR2)
Steve Smith vs. New England Patriots (Mon.): Once considered a fantasy superstar, Smith has seen his stock tumble this season. In fact, he's scored double-digit fantasy points just once since Week 1. The Patriots have allowed an average of just 19.2 fantasy points per game to wide receivers on the road, so Smith isn't a desirable option. (Maximum value: Low WR3)
Anquan Boldin at New Orleans Saints: Most fantasy fans think of the Saints and assume their pass defense is vulnerable, but that's not the case under Rob Ryan. In fact, this unit has allowed the seventh-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers over the last four weeks. That makes Boldin a less-than-attractive option for fantasy owners. (Maximum value: Low WR2)
Owners beware - Jordy Nelson at New York Giants: Nelson was one of the hottest wideouts in fantasy football earlier this season, but that was with Aaron Rodgers under center. The Packers will start third-stringer Scott Tolzien this week against the G-Men, who have allowed the second-fewest fantasy points to wideouts over the last four weeks. (Maximum value: Low WR1)
TE Byes:Jared Cook, Jason Witten
TE Start of the week
Jordan Reed at Philadelphia Eagles: Starting Reed has nothing to do with the matchup against the Eagles, and more to do with the fact that he's been on fire. Over the last four weeks, he has scored more fantasy points than any other player at his position -- that includes Jimmy Graham. Keep Reed active in this big NFC East tilt. (Maximum value: High TE1)
TE Start 'em
Jordan Cameron at Cincinnati Bengals: This is a bad matchup on paper for Cameron, but that didn't matter earlier this season when he torched the Bengals for 10 catches, 91 yards and one touchdown. Jason Campbell will no doubt lean on his emerging star at the tight end position, and Cameron's just been too valuable to bench in most fantasy leagues. (Maximum value: High TE1)
Antonio Gates at Miami Dolphins: Gates has cooled off in recent weeks, scoring no touchdowns and no more than 7.4 fantasy points in each of his last five games. Still, owners should keep the faith and start him against the Dolphins. Overall, Miami has surrendered the eighth-most fantasy points (9.5 PPG) to opposing tight ends in 2013.(Maximum value: High TE1)
Scott Chandler vs. New York Jets: Chandler hasn't been consistent in the stat sheets, but a great matchup against the Jets makes him a decent option for owners in real need at the position. New York has surrendered the fifth-most fantasy points (10.2 PPG) to tight ends, so Chandler will be worth a roll of the dice where needed. (Maximum value: Low TE1)
Sleeper alert - Dallas Clark at Chicago Bears: There aren't a lot of great matchups at the tight end position this week, so Clark sneaks into the start 'em portion of our column. He has scored one touchdown in three of his last four games, and the Bears have allowed the third-most fantasy points (10.8 PPG) to tight ends since Week 7. (Maximum value: Mid TE2)
TE Sit of the week
Greg Olsen vs. New England Patriots (Mon.): It's tough to bench a tight end like Olsen during the bye weeks, and you shouldn't do it unless you have a solid alternative on your team. Just keep in mind that over the last four weeks of the NFL season, the Patriots have surrendered the fifth-fewest fantasy points (4.5 PPG) to tight ends. (Maximum value: Low TE1)
TE Sit 'em
Heath Miller vs. Detroit Lions: Miller has been quiet in recent weeks, scoring an average of 3.1 fantasy points over his last four games. What's more, he has found the end zone just once all season long. The Lions have also been tough against tight ends, surrendering the sixth-fewest fantasy points (5.2 PPG) to the position on the road. (Maximum value: High TE2)
John Carlson at Seattle Seahawks: Carlson went off last week, leading all tight ends in fantasy points (15.8) in the absence of Kyle Rudolph. Unfortunately, this week's matchup against his former team, the Seahawks, is a difficult one. Their defense has allowed an average of just 6.2 fantasy points per game to tight ends in Seattle. (Maximum value: High TE2)
Brandon Pettigrew at Pittsburgh Steelers: Pettigrew is coming off a decent stat line, recording 70 yards in a win over the Chicago Bears. This week could be less successful, though, as the Steelers have been tough on tight ends. In fact, this unit has surrendered an average of just six fantasy points per game to the position at home. (Maximum value: Mid TE2)
Owners beware - Tony Gonzalez at Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Gonzalez is dealing with a bum toe that hurt his production last week. He also has a tough matchup against the Buccaneers up next. In his last 10 games against them, Gonzalez has found the end zone just once. He's also posted fewer than 85 yards against the Bucs in 10 straight games. (Maximum value: Mid TE1)
K Byes:Dan Bailey, Greg Zuerlein
K Start of the week
Steven Hauschka vs. Minnesota Vikings: The No. 1 kicker in fantasy football, Hauschka has scored eight or more fantasy points in all but two games this season. That's quite an impressive stat. He's a strong play against the Vikings, who have allowed the third-most fantasy points (10.7 PPG) to opposing kickers over the last four weeks. (Maximum value: High K1)
K Start 'em
Nick Novak at Miami Dolphins: Novak has been a bit quiet over his last two games, scoring a combined 14 fantasy points. However, this week's matchup against the Dolphins bodes well for his chances to rebound. Miami has allowed more fantasy points (12.5 PPG) to kickers at home than any team in the league, so Novak is well worth a look. (Maximum value: Mid K1)
Jay Feely at Jacksonville Jaguars: Unlike a lot of kickers around the league, Feely won't have to deal with bad weather this weekend. Couple that with a good matchup against the Jaguars, and you have a nice streaming option at the position if you're in need. Feely is still a free agent in over 95 percent of NFL.com leagues, so go get him. (Maximum value: Mid K1)
Sleeper alert - Kai Forbath at Philadelphia Eagles: A free agent in over 90 percent of NFL.com leagues, Forbath recorded nine fantasy points last week and now has some real sleeper appeal against the Eagles. Over the first 10 weeks, the Eagles have allowed the second-most fantasy points (12.2 PPG) to opposing kickers on their home field. (Maximum value: Mid K1)
K Sit of the week
Garrett Hartley vs. San Francisco 49ers: Hartley has struggled in recent weeks, scoring double-digit fantasy points once in his last four games. He's been less accurate too, making Hartley a risk in fantasy land. He also has a bad matchup against the 49ers, who have given up the third-fewest fantasy points (5.2 PPG) to kickers on the road. (Maximum value: Low K1)
K Sit 'em
Alex Henery vs. Washington Redskins: Henery put up a solid nine fantasy points last weekend against the Green Bay Packers, but it was the first time he's scored more than seven points in a game since back in Week 5. I would keep him on the sidelines against the Redskins, who limited Henery to a mediocre seven fantasy points in the season opener. (Maximum value: High K2)
Josh Brown vs. Green Bay Packers: Brown looked like he was heating up a few weeks back, scoring a combined 26 fantasy points in two games before a six-point stinker against the Eagles in Week 10. He should back on fantasy benches against the Packers, who have given up the fourth-most fantasy points (6.5 PPG) to kickers on the road in 2013. (Maximum value: Mid K2)
Owners beware - Blair Walsh at Seattle Seahawks: The top kicker in fantasy football last season, Walsh ranks an unimpressive 21st in points in 2013. He's a real risk this week in Seattle, as the Seahawks have given up the fifth-fewest fantasy points (5.2 PPG) to opposing kickers on their home field. Look elsewhere for a kicker this week. (Maximum value: Low K1)
DEF Byes:Dallas Cowboys, St. Louis Rams
DEF Start of the week
Cardinals defense at Jacksonville Jaguars: Whenever a defense has a matchup against the Jaguars, that unit is going to be a legitimate streaming option. This week that defense is the Cardinals, who have a solid squad in fantasy land. No team has surrendered more fantasy points (18.2 PPG) to defenses at home than the Jaguars this season. (Maximum value: High DEF1)
DEF Start 'em
Bills defense vs. New York Jets: Available in over 90 percent of NFL.com leagues, the Bills have a great matchup at home against the Jets. Opposing home defenses going up against the Men in Green have combined to score the second-most fantasy points (16.5 PPG) this season, so look for Buffalo to make some noise in this AFC East contest. (Maximum value: Mid DEF1)
Texans defense vs. Oakland Raiders:Terrelle Pryor is dealing with an injured knee and has been a turnover machine in recent weeks, throwing a combined eight interceptions in his last four games. Home defenses facing the Raiders have combined to score the fourth-most fantasy points (12.5 PPG) overall, so the Texans are a strong option. (Maximum value: Low DEF1)
Sleeper alert - Giants defense vs. Green Bay Packers: The G-Men have been hot, scoring a combined 43 fantasy points in their last three games. This unit warrants consideration with the Packers in the Big Apple, as inexperienced third-string quarterback Scott Tolzien will draw the start in the absence of fantasy star Aaron Rodgers. (Maximum value: Low DEF1)
DEF Sit of the week
Ravens defense at Chicago Bears: The Ravens scored an impressive 12 fantasy points last weekend, but that was the first time this unit had scored more than eight points in a single game since Week 3. Defenses have struggled to score fantasy points against the Bears in recent weeks as well, so don't expect Baltimore to make an impact. (Maximum value: Mid DEF2)
DEF Sit 'em
Broncos defense vs. Kansas City Chiefs: The Chiefs defense has a tough matchup against Peyton Manning, but the Broncos don't exactly have a ride in the park either. In fact, opposing defenses have combined to score an average of just 6.3 fantasy points against Alex Smith and his offense over the last four weeks. Look elsewhere for a defense. (Maximum value: High DEF2)
Steelers defense vs. Detroit Lions: Despite last week's nine-point effort, the Steelers no longer have an elite defense -- either on the field or from a fantasy perspective. With Matthew Stafford, Calvin Johnson and an impressive Lions offensive attack coming to town, the Steelers should be avoided in all fantasy formats this week. (Maximum value: Low DEF2)
Owners beware - 49ers defense at New Orleans Saints: The Niners have been on fire, scoring 12 or more fantasy points in each of their last six games. Still, this week's matchup in New Orleans makes even this unit a risk. Opposing defenses facing Drew Brees and his explosive offense have combined to post the second-fewest fantasy points (4.0 PPG). (Maximum value: Low DEF1)
Michael Fabiano is an award-winning fantasy football analyst on NFL.com and NFL Network and a member of the Fantasy Sports Writers Association (FSWA) Hall of Fame. Have a burning question on anything fantasy related? Tweet it to _**@MichaelFabiano**_ or send a question via **Facebook**!
