The Giants embarrassed the Packers in Green Bay last week in a 37-20 win, and the 49ers beat the Saints, 36-32, in one of the greatest playoff games in recent memory.

Both teams feature tough defenses, but the offenses have come alive in the past few weeks for both teams.

New York Giants

The Giants clinched a playoff spot in the final game of the NFL regular season and have proved why they belong in the playoffs. In their first two postseason games, they have outscored the Packers and Falcons by a combined score of 61-22.

The G-Men finished the regular season with the worst rushing offense in the NFL but have picked it up in the playoffs. They ran for 172 yards against Atlanta, and for 95 against Green Bay. They eclipsed their NFL-low average of 89.2 yards in the regular season. The 49ers have the best rush defense in the NFL, so the running game might have a tough time getting going on Sunday.

The 49ers forced Drew Brees to throw 63 passes last week, and it is very possible that Eli Manning will have to throw the ball for the majority of the game. If the run game is shut down early, which it likely will be, Eli will be tasked with getting points on the board. He is entirely capable of being the focus of the offense and had to deal with the lack of the running game throughout the regular season.

When these two teams met in Week 10 the Giants’ defense played a solid game. The final score was 27-20 in the 49ers’ favor, but the Giants offense actually outgained the 49ers by 90 yards. The defense forced four field goals, but two interceptions by Eli proved to be the difference.

The defense for the Giants is at full strength and features some of the most skilled pass-rushers in the entire league. Justin Tuck, Osi Umenyiora, and Jason Pierre-Paul are going to be a lot for the offensive line of San Francisco to handle, and they could give Alex Smith problems. They will have to get pressure early and stop the running game. The Niners rely heavily on Frank Gore, and stopping him early would force Smith to have to throw more than he would like to.

San Francisco 49ers

The 49ers are having a memorable season under first-year coach Jim Harbaugh and want to keep the magic going. They beat the Saints on a last-minute touchdown pass to Vernon Davis last week, but they will face a much tougher defense this week.

The Giants are not going to allow Alex Smith to throw for 299 yards as he did last week, and they will certainly not allow two touchdowns in the final two minutes of the game.

The key for the 49ers will be to try and establish the run game early. I mentioned before how tough the Giants’ defensive line is rushing the passer, so the Niners will have to find a way to be successful in the run game and keep New York off balance. They have had an entire week to prepare, so I am sure they have plans to combat the defensive line.

For Alex Smith, he will have to get Vernon Davis involved early and often. Davis will find a way to make a big play if given the chance, but he will be a main focus for the Giants. If he is tightly covered, Michael Crabtree will have to step up. He only had four catches for 25 yards last week, including a few key drops, and he is capable of much better results.

On defense, the 49ers must be prepared for a pass-heavy attack from the Giants. Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks always seem to find ways to get open, which means the secondary for San Francisco must make sure that there are no blown assignments. Any mistake will likely result in a touchdown for the Giants.

Giants-49ers Prediction

The 49ers have caught the attention of football fans across the country, but I just can’t pick against the Giants right now. Eli Manning will find a way to get a win, and the defense for New York is just too tough.

I picked the Patriots to win the AFC, so I am looking forward to the Super Bowl rematch between the Giants and the Pats’.

Pick: Giants 30 | 49ers 24

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New York Giants at San Francisco 49ers Game Info

• Giants-49ers Date: Sunday, January 22nd
• Giants-49ers Time: 6:30 ET
• Giants-49ers TV: FOX
• Giants-49ers Announcers: Joe Buck and Troy Aikman (with Pam Oliver and Chris Myers)
• Giants-49ers Point Spread: 49ers -2
• Giants-49ers Over-Under: 43

In my league of 14 teams, I finished right in the middle of the pack in terms of points…but because I had the third most points scored on me, I missed the playoffs…by a lot.

I finished second to last.

Lame.

Sometimes, fantasy football goes that way. I will spare you my three heart-breaking losses of the year because, quite frankly, we all have them…and nobody else cares.

Jerod’s thoughts:

Nobody cares Jon except for certain other people in that same league who finished in first place with an 11-2 record despite only scoring the 6th-most points but having by far the least points scored against.

DEFENSE WINS CHAMPIONSHIPS!]

Let’s get to this week.

Once again, “Start Em” guys are QBs/TEs outside of the Top 12 and RBs/WRs outside of the Top 25. “Sit Em Guys” include QBs/TEs that are in the Top 12 and RBs/WRs that are in the Top 25. Why? Because if you have a guy in the top 20…you should be thinking about starting him anyway. I’m not going to sit here and tell you “enlightening” information like, “LeSean McCoy is going to score points this week!”

Fantasy Football Week 15 Start em, Sit em QBs

Start Em QB: Tim Tebow (at NE)

He’s tied for 18th among QBs…AND HE’S ONLY PLAYED EIGHT GAMES!

If you don’t believe in Tebow yet (and by that, I mean in terms of fantasy football), you probably never will.

Tebow will be playing against the New England Patriots and their league-worst defense. It should also be mentioned that for the first time all year, John Fox was complimentary of Tebow’s passing this past week. He admitted that Tebow is improving a lot, and they will be able to start trusting him more and more in the passing game. This is great news for Tebow-owners.

Will The Broncos win this week? I’m not sure, but that doesn’t matter for your fantasy team.

Tebow will go crazy like he did two weeks ago against Minnesota. New England’s pass defense is ranked dead last in the league. Start Tebow with confidence.

Tim Tebow fantasy football Week 15 projection: 260 passing yards, 2 TDs and 1 INT; 80 rushing yards, 1 TD

Other Start Em QBs for Week 15:

• Tony Romo – Tampa Bay is ranked 27th in the league against the pass, and Romo finally has four legitimate receiving weapons now that Miles Austin is back. Add this to the fact that they just lost DeMarco Murray, and I expect Romo to be the #1 QB of Week 15.
• Matt Stafford – Playing against Oakland (Carson Palmer…you can LOL right now). They are awful.
• Andy Dalton – Love his matchup against St. Louis. Cincinnati needs a win right now, and Dalton and AJ Green should make beautiful music in the dome on Sunday.

Sit Em QB: Mark Sanchez (at Philadelphia)

Mark Sanchez is, unbelievably, the 10th ranked QB in all of fantasy right now. Don’t be fooled though.

Sanchez has padded his stats against poor pass defenses. He put up at least 17 points against Dallas, Oakland, Miami, New England, and Buffalo. None of those teams are ranked in the top 14 in the league against the pass. Against Baltimore, Jacksonville, Denver, and Washington, he failed to break THIRTEEN.

The Eagles aren’t a great pass defense, but they are ranked 12th in the league. The way you beat the Eagles is on the ground.
Once you factor Shonn Greene’s resurgence into the picture, Sanchez is a must-sit in week 15.

Mark Sanchez fantasy football Week 15 projection: 180 passing yards, 1 TD, 1 INT

Other Sit Em QBs for Week 15:

• Alex Smith – I really hope you weren’t planning on starting him. He’s been terrible lately, AND he’s playing the Steelers. Good luck with that, Mr. Smith.
• Matt Ryan – He’s the most hit or miss QB in fantasy. He could very well have a big game, especially if Julio Jones stops dropping the ball, but I think he’s a miss this week. Jacksonville has the 4th best defense in the league against the pass, and both teams are playing off of a short week on Thursday night. Stay away from Matty-Ice this week.

Jerod’s thoughts:

Jon, you picking Tebow as your start ‘em QB this week is the most predictable choice of 2011. It’s also correct.

Picking Sanchez as the sit ‘em QB though? Boy, I don’t know. I certainly do not agree that he a “must sit”. Do you really trust Philly and its defense that much? Even if Shonn Greene does the heavy lifting, the Jets still like to pass in the red zone.  I don’t love Sanchez, and he’s certainly not a “must start” by any means, but he does have 7 TDs over the last three games. I don’t care who they are against, that’s good. Let’s put it this way: you could do worse.

Fantasy Football Week 15 Start em, Sit em RBs

Start Em RB: Ryan Grant (at Kansas City)

After losing Greg Jennings last week, I have the feeling that Green Bay will start playing a little bit more conservatively late in games. Fortunately for them, Ryan Grant appears to be peaking at the right time.

It always takes a while to fully recover from injury, and Grant appeared to be at top form last week.

Look for Green Bay to start shortening games in the second half as the season ends. They will definitely start this week against Kansas City and their atrocious run defense.

Ryan Grant fantasy football Week 15 projection: 150 total yards, 1 TD

Other Start Em RBs for Week 15:

• Shonn Greene AND LaDainian Tomlinson – Don’t be freaked out that they might steal each other’s points…BOTH players should be good for more then 10 this week against Philadelphia.
• Chris Johnson – Against Indianapolis in a game that really doesn’t matter? (Tennessee is basically out of the playoffs at this point) Come on…I think we all know that this is the type of game that Chris Johnson will EXPLODE in.

Sit Em RB: Rashard Mendenhall (v San Francisco)

I will let Jerod confirm this one by explaining to you once again how impossible it is to run on San Francisco.

Rashard Mendenhall Projections: 60 total yards

Other Sit Em RBs for Week 15:

• Ryan Mathews – Tough matchup against Baltimore. San Diego will have to air it out to beat the Ravens.
• DeAngelo Williams – Houston is great against the run as well. I actually like Jonathan Stewart a little bit this week – he’s the Panthers’ threat to catch the ball out of the backfield – but stay away from DeAngelo Williams in Week 15.

Jerod’s thoughts:

Wow, I pretty much agree with everything here. I’m not as high on Grant as you are, but I certainly think he’s worthy of playing for the exact reasons you explained.

As for Mendenhall, San Francisco still has not allowed 1,000 total rushing yards this year – they give up just 70.5 rushing yards per game – and have not allowed a single rushing touchdown. Sure, that second stat is a bit fluky (everyone else has allowed at least five) but you can’t even be in a position to have it unless your run D is awesome. I would sit Mendy too. If he scores, oh well. Can you really be upset with yourself?

Other running backs who simply have to be in your starting lineups because of their matchups:

• Felix Jones – yes, Felix Jones. Dallas is playing Tampa Bay, a team that has essentially quit on the season and can’t stop anyone.
• Cedric Benson – the Rams can’t stop anyone from running either.
• Roy Helu – He’s on fire, has Shanahan’s trust, and gets to face a Giants’ D that rushes the passer but barely passes the rushers.
• Arian Foster and Ben Tate – Carolina’s run D is that bad.
• Beanie Wells – Cleveland can defend the pass, at least statistically, in large part because they can’t defend the run.

Fantasy Football Week 15 Start em, Sit em WRs

Start Em WR: Demaryius Thomas (v NE)

New England, as I covered before, is just atrocious against the pass. World-renowned Patriots fan Bill Simmons even thinks that Julian Edelman is their BEST defensive back.

Thomas has quickly become Tebow’s favorite target in the end zone ever since he returned from injury. Look for Thomas to have a BIG day again in Week 15.

Demaryius Thomas fantasy football Week 15 projection: 8 catches for 140 yards and 2 TDs

Bonus Start Em WR: James Jones (at KC)

Usually, I only give you one guy that I’m super strong on, but I felt that this was too important to skip over.

The Greg Jennings injury will not hurt the Packers too badly; they will just spread around the points a little more. Look for James Jones (and Jordy Nelson) to have a huge day in Jennings’ absence.

James Jones fantasy football Week 15 projection: 6 catches for 120 yards and 1 TD

Other Start Em WRs for Week 15:

• AJ Green – Big day for the Cincinnati passing game on the turf in St. Louis. I expect AJ to catch AT LEAST two bombs in this game.
• EVERY wide receiver for the Saints and Vikings playing in Minnesota this week – Both teams are terrible against the pass…both teams have tons of speed…both teams are playing inside. Yay, free points.

Sit Em WR: Roddy White (v JAX)

I hate his matchup, and I hate his QB this week. The only receiver I like for the Falcons this week against Jacksonville is Tony Gonzalez. I would stay away from Roddy AND Julio Jones actually, but Roddy is the guy that’s ranked in the top fifteen, so that is why he is my sit ‘em wide receiver for Week 15.

Roddy White fantasy football Week 15 projection: 4 catches, 50 yards, 0 TD

Other Sit Em WRs for Week 15:

• Michael Crabtree – Won’t do much against the Steelers this week.
• DeSean Jackson – Revis Island.

Jerod’s thoughts:

I was going to say that’s scary how much we are agreeing this week, but then I got down to Roddy White and realized that we do disagree on something. I’m not a huge fan of White’s upside this week, but I do like his consistency. Look at those last three games (all with TDs). That’s tough to sit in the playoffs.

Let me say this about Demaryius Thomas though: be careful. He is still a rookie with questionable hands. And if he hadn’t caught that late TD from Tebow, all people would be talking about regarding him is all the drops early in the game. Can he handle the pressure of a game this big? I like him. He has explosive potential because of his talent and the matchup. Just be careful.

Other guys I particularly like this week include:

• Mike Williams of Tampa – Dallas’ secondary is pretty poor.
• Nate Washington and Damian Williams against Indianapolis.
• Antonio Brown‘s underrated consistency against San Francisco.
• Laurent Robinson – I know that Dallas has all of its weapons back, but they did last week too and he exploded again. He’s not flash in the pan. Romo loves him.

Fantasy Football Week 15 Start em, Sit em TEs

Start Em Tight End: Jermichael Finley (at KC)

The irony here is that if you have Jermichael Finley, you probably didn’t advance in your fantasy playoffs after his goose egg from last week. However, I think he will get much more involved in the passing attack now that Greg Jennings is out, and he should have his typical explosive day that he gets once a month.

Jermichael Finley fantasy football Week 15 projection: 95 yards, 2 TDs

(Yes, everybody, I’m well aware that I predicted at least three receiving TDs for the Packers after I said they would run the ball more. I don’t care. I expect all of the throwing to be done in the first half, and then Grant to dominate in the second.)

Sit Em Tight End: Vernon Davis (at PIT)

As you well know, I’m pretty high on the Steelers’ pass defense. This game will be ugly one way or the other, and nobody on the 49ers (outside of their running backs) will have a big game offensively.

Jerod’s thoughts:

What, no “other guys” to start and sit? Come on Jon! This is Week 15!

By the way, I agree on both Finley and Davis. You’d have to have balls of steel to start Finley this week, but those who made it this far probably do.

A couple of other names to consider:

• I know that Aaron Hernandez no longer gets the red zone looks in New England, but there is still value in a tight end who catches 4-5 balls per week and gets 50-70 yards. Plus, he’s due for a TD one of these days right?
• Jake Ballard continues to be a solid under-the-radar selection. He should be as well this weekend against Washington.

Guys not to consider:

• Dallas Clark caught one ball last week in his return to lineup. Don’t be seduced by the name.
• Marcedes Lewis has some yardage potential, but I just don’t see many scoring chances for anyone other than MJD against the Falcons.

Fantasy Football Week 15 Start em, Sit em Defenses

Start Em Defense: Chicago (v SEA)

They are playing with their backs against the wall, and pretty much have to hold their opponents scoreless. Fortunately for them, they are playing against Seattle. Look for the Bears to contain the Beast and dominate the Seahawks.

Also, whenever their backs are up against the wall, Devin Hester seems to do something crazy, which helps the Bears D/ST unit. 
Da Bears will play well this week.

Chicago Bears D/ST fantasy football Week 15 projection: 10 or fewer points, 2+ turnovers, 2+ sacks, 1 TD

Sit Em Defense: Denver (v NE)

I love Denver’s offense this week, in part because I think the New England offense will have their way with the Broncos.

You can’t stop Rob Gronkowski…even with OLBs as good as Von Miller and Elvis Dumervil.

I will be cheering for Denver to pull it off again this week, but once again it looks like Tim Tebow will have to carry the load.

Denver Broncos D/ST fantasy football Week 15 projection: 24 or more points, 1 turnover, 2 sacks

Jerod’s thoughts:

Okay, now I forgive you for not doing the “other” tight ends. You stepped up with some D/ST analysis! And I like both picks.

Also consider that Seattle gave up two return TDs to Ted Ginn back in Week 1. While their special teams may now be better, Hester is Hester. He offers lots of upside for Bears owners.

And as for the Broncos, you’re exactly right. Miller and Dumervil are rushing OLBs, not coverage guys. Gronk will dominate, and Welker should find plenty of success too.

Other D/STs to consider:

• Seattle’s D is criminally underrated. Facing Caleb Hanie, they too should be able to get the scoring to a minimum.
• Cincinnati playing at St. Louis is a no-brainer. So is Tennessee at Indy.

D/STs to stay away from:

• Baltimore is excellent, but they are facing a San Diego offense that is starting to click. If I had Seattle or Cincy, I’d play them over the Ravens, who face a desperate Chargers team that literally almost never loses in December.

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There you go. 2,500 words of fantasy analysis for Week 15, which should have you all ready to make every lineup decision facing you for Week 15.

Wait…what’s that? You still have questions? Well of course be our guest and pop on down to the comment section below. We’ll take good care of you, as well as be here on Sunday morning for our weekly live chat to make sure you are ready to win your playoff matchup.

Good luck in Week 15 everyone!

So in this post I’ll do just that, providing analysis and recommendations for the key players you need to decide on before Turkey Day.

Quickly, before I get to the start/sit analysis for the Thanksgiving Day games, I want to tell you about a fun fantasy contest from our friends at Daily Joust. They are hosting a Thanksgiving Day Turkey Shootout that uses only players playing on Thanksgiving Day in the player pool, has a $5 entry free, and $300 guaranteed prize pool. Plus, not only is it a Super Joust Qualifier, but you can submit multiple entries.

I plan on joining. I’ll post my team later in the week. Are you up to the challenge? Click here. (And yes, if you sign up, it helps us out. But we wouldn’t promote it if we didn’t play ourselves.)

Now onto the start/sit picks.

Fantasy Football Thanksgiving Day Start/Sit Quarterbacks

Start em QB: Matt Moore, Miami (at Dallas)

Over the last three weeks, few quarterbacks not named Rodgers have been as consistently good in both real life and fantasy football as Matt Moore. He has six touchdown passes and has been intercepted just once. That’s solid, consistent production that we can somewhat count on.

Granted, he did all of this against Kansas City, Washington, and Buffalo, so this matchup against Dallas will be the best defense Moore has faced in a month. But the Cowboys are better against the run than they are the pass, and Rex Grossman threw for 250+ yards and two TDs on them last week.

Moore isn’t an automatic start like the three QBs mentioned below are, but he is a solid play with upside in two-QB leagues or for anyone stuck with Joe Flacco.

Matt Moore fantasy football Thanksgiving Day projection: 225 yards passing, 1 TD, 0 INT

Other start em QBs:

• Hopefully I don’t need to tell you to start Aaron Rodgers and Matthew Stafford. I haven’t looked at the other matchups, but those two guys may be the #1 and #2 QBs this week.
• It’s still November, which means that Mr. November Tony Romo is still a very good start. He’s hot, and while the Dolphins are playing well they haven’t faced a QB of Romo’s caliber during their win streak.

Sit em QB: Alex Smith, San Francisco (at Baltimore)

Alex Smith has been playing the best football of his career this year; and while I know the Ravens gave up a lot of passing yardage to Andy Dalton and the Bengals last week, they also picked Dalton off three times. I expect the Harbaugh Bowl to be a low scoring, physical affair; and I want no part of Alex Smith against a motivated Ravens defense playing at home in primetime against a team you know they won’t take lightly.

So even though Andy Bottoms likes Smith long-term in his Week 12 waiver wire pickups column, wait a week before deploying him in your lineup.

Alex Smith fantasy football Thanksgiving Day projection: 200 yards passing, 0 TD, 0 INT

Other sit em QBs:

• I don’t like Joe Flacco against the stout 49ers’ defense. I’d play him before I’d play Smith, but I’d hope to need neither.

Fantasy Football Thanksgiving Day Start/Sit Running Backs

Start em RB: Kevin Smith, Detroit (v Green Bay)

Well…that came out of nowhere.

Last Sunday during the live chat, I was telling everyone who would listen that I thought a Detroit running back was a good play because of the matchup against Carolina. Turns out I was right, but it also turns out I had the wrong Detroit running back. Rather than Maurice Morris, it was Kevin Smith who made his triumphant return to the Motor City and amassed 200+ total yards and three TDs.

Is Smith for real? I don’t know. Carolina is one of the most generous defenses to opposing running backs. That said, Smith is the guy now in Detroit, certainly until Jahvid Best gets back. Additionally, of all the defenses playing on Thanksgiving Green Bay’s actually gives up the most points to opposing RBs. Just ask LeGarrette Blount.

I wouldn’t get too excited about Smith…yet…but if you win him in this week’s most hotly contested waiver wire battle, feel good about deploying him on Thanksgiving.

Kevin Smith fantasy football Thanksgiving Day projection: 80 yards rushing, 3 receptions, 40 yards, 1 TD

Other start em RBs:

• Frank Gore looked healthy and spry last week, and he faces a Baltimore defense that gave up two scores to Cedric Benson. If Gore plays, you start him. It’s that simple.
• Do you know the Dolphins are the second stingiest defense in terms of fantasy points scored by opposing running backs? It’s true. Still, I’d start DeMarco Murray. He is the focal point of the Cowboys’ offense now, and I think they’ll put up numbers against Miami.
• I thought about making Ray Rice the sit ‘em RB, but I just can’t. Even though San Francisco has given up a whopping total of zero rushing touchdowns this year, they have had a game in which they allowed 14 receptions by Roy Helu. Baltimore has to get their best player involved on offense, and while I expect Rice’s numbers to depressed by the 49ers’ suffocating do, I do think Rice can have enough impact yardage-wise and catching passes to be at least a strong flex play.
• Reggie Bush has scored a touchdown in three straight games, and in the fourth game he had over 100 yards rushing. So he’s been productive, even though his yard per touch rate has decreased the last two weeks. While Dallas is very good at stopping opposing running backs, Bush remains a solid flex play because Miami is finding creative ways to use him around the goalline.

Sit em RB: James Starks, Ryan Grant, et al, Green Bay (at Detroit)

The two-headed running back monster of James Starks and Ryan Grant simply isn’t much of a monster at all. They rarely, if ever, score touchdowns. They don’t rack up great yardage totals to offset the dearth of TD production. And John Kuhn and BJ Raji vulture all the goalline carries.

Plus, Starks is dinged up, and the Detroit defense has been improving some when it comes to holding down opposing running backs. They are in the top half in terms of points allowed. I’d look elsewhere, even if Grant gets the starting job all to himself with Starks out.

James Starks/Ryan Grant fantasy football Thanksgiving Day projection: 75 total yards, 5 receptions, 30 yards

Other sit em RBs:

• Kendall Hunter still has value long-term, especially as a handcuff for Frank Gore owners, but he doesn’t get enough carries as Gore’s backup to warrant starting.
• Maurice Morris…great last name buddy, but enjoy your parting gifts.
• Daniel Thomas is still the running back of the future for Miami, but Reggie Bush is the one scoring touchdowns. Against a stingy Dallas defense, Thomas is probably not worth playing.
• Felix Jones is back. *crickets* On six touches last week he delivered an “explosive” 22 yards. Keep him on your bench. DeMarco Murray is the guy in Dallas now.

Fantasy Football Thanksgiving Day Start/Sit Wide Receivers

Start em WR: Torrey Smith, Baltimore (v San Francisco)

You know I’m not big on rookie wide receivers, but I do warm to them later in the season when they prove they can be trusted. Torrey Smith is earning that trust.

Smith had a huge clutch TD against Pittsburgh that built his QB’s faith in him, and then popped for 6 catches, 165 yards, and a TD in a key divisional battle last week. I know that a 3-catch, 28-yard dud against Seattle is sandwiched in there, but Smith is getting the targets and hasn’t caught fewer than three balls since Week 6. There is some risk/reward with him as a deep threat, but the reward is worth it.

And don’t get too scared off by the San Fran defense when it comes to Smith and his buddy Anquan Boldin. Because the 49ers are so stout against the run, teams often take to throwing on them. The 49ers are actually in the bottom half of the league in terms of points allowed to opposing WRs.

Torrey Smith fantasy football Thanksgiving day projection: 4 receptions, 85 yards, 1 TD

Other start em WRs:

• Michael Crabtree and Alex Smith are developing a nice rapport. He may not get into the end zone, but he’ll rack up at least 5-6 catches and 60-70 yards, with upside for more.
• With Miles Austin likely out again, both Dez Bryant and Laurent Robinson are top-25 wide receivers.
• Jordy Nelson, even though it goes without saying at this point. Also, keep playing Greg Jennings. I know his last few games have been less than what we expect, but do you really want your Thanksgiving to be ruined because he popped for 100 yards and a TD? No, you don’t.
• I’m not quite sure where that 1-catch dud in Week 11 by Brandon Marshall came from, but it’s the only game this year he’s had fewer than four catches. He stays in your lineup.
• ‘Tron. Also Nate Burleson, who has two straight excellent games and faces the inviting Packers’ defense this week.

Sit em WR: James Jones, Green Bay (at Detroit)

Jones flashed his potential in weeks 3-7 when he averaged 3+ catches and 62 yards per game to go along with three touchdowns. However, in the three games since then Jones has caught just two total passes. This has coincided with Jordy Nelson becoming the most explosive receiver in the NFL, and though I don’t watch Green Bay games I have to think there is some level of causation to that correlation.

I know you’ll be tempted to play Jones because it’s Thanksgiving – and he certainly has TD potential any week, any play – but the targets just aren’t there to justify it right now; plus, Detroit is actually the second-stingiest defense for opposing wide receivers playing on Thanksgiving (after Dallas).

James Jones fantasy football Thanksgiving day projection: 2 receptions, 35 yards, 0 TD

Other sit em WRs:

• I don’t like any Dolphins receiver not named Brandon Marshall.
• Lee Evans is supposedly back for Baltimore. Whoop-de-doo. Torrey Smith stole his role as deep threat.
• Braylon Edwards let a touchdown slip right through his fingers last week. You can’t start him until he proves he can make an impact.

Fantasy Football Thanksgiving Day Start/Sit Tight Ends

Start em TE: Brandon Pettigrew, Detroit (v Green Bay)

The Chicago Bears give up the most fantasy points to opposing tight ends. Do you know who is second? The Green Bay Packers. This makes Pettigrew an automatic start this week, as does his consistency.

No, Pettigrew has not been as explosive lately as he was earlier in the season, but he’s caught at least three balls in every game but one this year, and he remains a redzone target as he scored a TD last week.

Brandon Pettigrew fantasy football Thanksgiving day projection: 5 receptions, 70 yards, 1 TD

Other start em TEs:

• The Ravens are actually the stingiest defense against opposing tight ends, so you’re forewarned; still, I’d start Vernon Davis. He’s becoming more and more involved in the passing game, and he has scored in two straight weeks. He’s not an automatic start, but unless you have a top-10 alternative I’d keep him in there.
• Jason Witten. ‘Nuff said.

Sit em TE: Jermichael Finley, Green Bay (at Detroit)

Remember when Jermichael Finley was supposed to be the next Antonio Gates? Since that time, Jimmy Graham and Rob Gronkowski have clearly passed him, along with Aaron Hernandez and even the likes of Jermaine Gresham. Finley has talent, but the targets and touchdowns just aren’t there. Plus, Detroit is pretty stingy to opposing tight ends.

Finley has immense potential every week, but it’s crunch time. You need guaranteed production from the tight end spot. I’d look elsewhere but hang onto Finley for depth.

Jermichael Finley fantasy football Thanksgiving day projection: 2 receptions, 30 yards, 0 TD

Other sit em TEs:

• Ed Dickson came out of nowhere to score two TDs two weeks ago against Seattle. That game is sandwiched between games in which Dickson averaged two catches and 15 yards. San Fran is solid against tight ends thanks to the marvelous Patrick Willis. You can do better.
• Anthony Fasano has scored four touchdowns over his last four games, but in three of those games he had only two receptions. Dallas is pretty stingy to opposing TEs. Again, you can do better.

Fantasy Football Thanksgiving Day Start/Sit D/STs

Start em D/ST: San Francisco 49ers and Baltimore Ravens

I like both defenses in this game. San Fran is #1 in the league in points allowed (14.5 per game) and Baltimore is #3 (17.6). Plus, neither team’s QB exactly inspires confidence. So expect a physical, low-scoring game, with both defenses looking to make the play that turns the tide and wins it.

If you happen to have both defenses, the edge goes to San Francisco because of the added dimension and potential Ted Ginn brings in the return game.

San Francisco 49ers fantasy football Thanksgiving day projection: 14 or fewer points, 3+ sacks, 2 turnovers

Baltimore Ravens fantasy football Thanksgiving day projection: 14 or fewer points, 2+ sacks, 1 turnover

Other start em D/STs:

• The Dallas defense isn’t an automatic start, not after giving up 24 points to Sexy Rexy and the Rexskins, but they are a decent play against Miami.

Sit em D/ST: Miami Dolphins (at Dallas)

I know that the Miami defense has been very good lately, especially last week against Buffalo, but this Dallas offense is light years better than Buffalo’s. Miami has faced Matt Cassel, John Beck, and Ryan Fitzpatrick during their three-game winning streak. This week they face at hot Tony Romo, DeMarco Murray, Dez Bryant, Jason Witten, and Laurent Robinson in Cowboys Stadium. That’s not favorable.

Miami Dolphins fantasy football Thanksgiving Day projection: 24 or more points, 1 sack, 1 turnover

Other sit em D/STs:

• Is there anyone who doesn’t expect a shootout in Detroit? Though both defenses have weekly sack and TD potential, it’s a safe bet to expect 60+ points in this game. I wouldn’t want either D playing for me (but Green Bay would be the choice if I had to play one.)

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I’m looking back on my selections, and I just realized I told you to sit a wide receiver and a tight end in what could be the highest-scoring Thanksgiving Day game ever. I’m not re-thinking either suggestion though. The potential is there, but the production just hasn’t been evident on the field to make me trust either Jones or Finley. We’ll see how those picks work out.

And don’t forget about the Thanksgiving Day Turkey Shootout. Click here to enter and make your Thanksgiving Day of football even more exciting.

Jon will be here tomorrow with start/sit advice on the rest of the Week 12 action. The comment section is open for your questions. Try to keep this thread Thanksgiving-specific if you can…although I guess it doesn’t really matter.

Good luck and happy Thanksgiving to all!

This week we’ll look at not only guys who can help in the short-term but also those who may pay dividends when it matters most.

As always, players listed here are owned in fewer than 50 percent of Yahoo! leagues.

Fantasy Football Week 12 Waiver Wire Pickups: QB

Alex Smith (48%), San Francisco

Smith’s 267 yards against the Cardinals represented his second-highest total this season, and it was his first multi-TD game since Week Five.  In a Thanksgiving Day tilt with the Ravens, Smith may need to air it out more often given Baltimore’s stout run defense.

That being said, the Ravens have been among the best at limiting the fantasy production of opposing QBs, so Smith becomes a risky play this week.  However, he faces the Rams and Cardinals the following two weeks, and then he finishes with the Seahawks and Rams in the season’s final two games.

Andy Dalton (42%), Cincinnati

It’s tough to draw a firm conclusion from Dalton’s performance against Baltimore on Sunday.  On one hand, he threw for 373 yards without his top receiver.  On the other, he threw three picks.  Still, Dalton now has multiple TDs in six of his last seven games.

Like Smith, his short-term schedule isn’t great with Cleveland (who is better against the pass than you might think), Pittsburgh, and Houston in the next three weeks, but fantasy playoff matchups against St. Louis and Arizona make him worth stashing.

Matt Moore (8%), Miami

The Dolphins are no longer sucking for Luck, and Moore is a big reason why. After tossing three TD passes on Sunday, he now has six scores during Miami’s three-game winning streak.  He’s also completing over 70 percent of his passes over that span, which should have him full of confidence heading into a Thanksgiving matchup with Dallas.  The Cowboys have been tough against opposing QBs, but Moore plays the more forgiving Oakland defense in Week 13 and has favorable matchups with Buffalo and New England during the fantasy playoffs.

Rex Grossman (6%), Washington

The good news is that he had three total TDs against the Cowboys, and he also has games remaining against New England and Minnesota. Grossman is also likely to throw plenty of passes next week given his team’s inability to generate a running game and Seattle’s tough run defense.

The bad news is that he’s Rex Grossman.

Fantasy Football Week 12 Waiver Wire Pickups: RB

Ryan Grant (35%), Green Bay

James Starks left Sunday’s game with what the Packers are calling a knee sprain.  With a short week before Thursday’s game against Detroit, the likelihood that he plays isn’t terribly high.

Grant would be the main beneficiary, but keep in mind that Grant and Starks have scored only one TD between them, and that was in Week One.  With guys like B.J. Raji and John Kuhn tallying more TDs than Grant, he’s a flex option at best this week if Starks is out.

Chris Ogbonnaya (34%), Cleveland

For at least a couple reasons, Ogbonnaya reached the pinnacle of his fantasy relevance with 115 rushing yards and a score against Jacksonville on Sunday.  First, Montario Hardesty practiced during the week and should see some portion of the carries next week.  Most importantly, Cleveland’s schedule is brutal with the exception of a Week 15 date with Arizona.  Outside of that, the Browns face Cincinnati once and Baltimore and Pittsburgh two times a piece.

C.J. Spiller (16%), Buffalo

Given how little Spiller has shown when lining up in the backfield, any recommendation to add him is based solely on Fred Jackson’s health.  Jackson missed most of the second half against the Dolphins with a calf injury, which he says isn’t serious.  Spiller wasn’t particularly effective in his absence and was stuffed on a pair of goal line attempts.  However, he’s a potential flex play with a full workload, particularly in PPR leagues.

Joe McKnight (12%), New York Jets

With both Shonn Greene and LaDainian Tomlinson banged up, McKnight seized the opportunity with 121 total yards on 22 touches against Denver.  While Greene should play against Buffalo, McKnight’s play has likely earned him additional playing time, which against a Bills defense getting worse every week is a pretty nice matchup.  A number of the Jets’ final opponents have given up a lot of points to fantasy running backs, which makes McKnight a decent speculative add.

Kevin Smith (11%), Detroit

I mentioned Smith briefly last week, but he’s now gone from unemployed to the most sought after fantasy waiver wire addition in a matter of weeks.

Image Source: The Cover Two

Against Carolina’s porous run defense, Smith went off for 140 rushing yards, 61 receiving yards, and three total TDs.  His lengthy injury history makes you forget he’s just 24 years old, so there is plenty left in the tank.  Smith and the Lions have a few solid fantasy matchups down the stretch, and there continues to be no timetable for the return of Jahvid Best.

Donald Brown (8%), Indianapolis

Joseph Addai’s status is unclear coming out of Indy’s bye week, but whoever gets the starting nod against Carolina is a solid fantasy option given their complete inability to stop the run.  Brown started the last game for the Cols, so he’s worth a look if you need RB help.

Toby Gerhart (5%), Minnesota

The ankle injury to Adrian Peterson certainly didn’t look good, and the same could be said of Gerhart’s play after he replaced AP.  Gerhart managed just 18 yards on seven carries, so even if Peterson misses this week’s game with Atlanta, there isn’t a ton of upside here.  The Falcons have allowed opposing running backs to score just four touchdowns on the season and only two since Week Two.

Fantasy Football Week 12 Waiver Wire Pickups: WR

Michael Crabtree (49%), San Francisco

Just when it seemed like Crabtree’s fantasy value was disappearing again, along came the Arizona secondary.  Crabtree lit them up to the tune of 120 yards on seven catches, and it could have been even more.

As I mentioned with Alex Smith, this week’s matchup will be challenging against the Ravens, but then again, Baltimore just gave up close to 400 passing yards on Sunday.  Throw in some additional late-season matchups against inferior defenses and Crabtree is back on the fantasy radar.

Earl Bennett (46%), Chicago

Bennett has at least 75 receiving yards for three straight weeks, with two touchdowns over the same span.  His chemistry with Jay Cutler dates back to their days at Vanderbilt, so the loss of Cutler is a blow to Bennett’s value.  That said, the Bears have plenty of favorable matchups down the stretch, so keep an eye on how he looks with Caleb Hanie under center next week.

Jabar Gaffney (41%), Washington

I touched on Washington’s upcoming schedule earlier, and with a number of injuries in the receiving corps, Gaffney is the de facto go-to guy.  He caught seven passes for 115 yards and a TD on Sunday, and he will continue to dominate the targets in the Washington passing attack as long as Santana Moss is out.

Nate Burleson (33%), Detroit

Over the last two games, Burleson has 15 grabs for 146 yards after being virtually invisible since Week Two.  Starting with Thursday’s game against Green Bay, the Lions have a number of games left against poor pass defenses, which makes Burleson an attractive option, particularly in PPR leagues.

Jerome Simpson (29%), Cincinnati

With A.J. Green out, Simpson stepped up for the Bengals on Sunday with season highs of eight receptions and 152 yards.  While it was his third 100-yard effort of the year, Simpson has been anything but consistent.  In the three games after his first time hitting the century mark, he totaled eight catches for 72 yards.  He was held to four receptions and 57 yards between his second and third 100-yard performances, so long story short, don’t bank on a repeat.

Fantasy Football Week 12 Waiver Wire Pickups: TE

Heath Miller (45%), Pittsburgh

He’s not a sexy pick, but Miller has traditionally been a steady producer for the Steelers.  The post-bye matchup with Kansas City is a decent one, particularly because the Chiefs may still be reeling after Monday’s matchup with Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez.

Jermaine Gresham (39%), Cincinnati

Sunday’s numbers could have been even better if his late TD had not been nullified, but he should be able to bounce back in Week 12.  Gresham faces a Cleveland defense prone to being victimized by opposing tight ends, including himself after he racked up six catches, 58 yards, and a score in the first meeting.

Marcedes Lewis (17%), Jacksonville

After a breakout performance last year, Lewis has been a huge disappointment in 2011, but he put that aside on Sunday against Cleveland, where he finished with seven receptions for 64 yards.  Rookie QB Blaine Gabbert seemed to look for him more this week, but beware of a matchup with a stingy Houston defense that has allowed just two opposing tight ends to find the end zone.

Jacob Tamme (1%), Indianapolis

I mentioned Tamme as a potential PPR league option last week given his previous performances when Dallas Clark has missed time.  And yes, I realize that I have now recommended two players from a winless team in the same column.

Streaming Defense(s) of the Week

Seattle (12%) vs. Washington

Grossman is good for at least a couple turnovers, and the Seahawks have an underrated defense.  They’ve given up just 24 points in their last two games and should be able to use a normally boisterous home crowd to their advantage.

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Have any questions or feedback?  Leave them in the comments below or hit me up on Twitter (@andybottoms).

Denver found a way to beat the Jets last night, and New York can now pretty much kiss the playoffs goodbye.  Important division games in Baltimore and New York will have a hand in deciding the future for all of the teams involved.

But let’s get to the fantasy world.

Asante Samuel thinks the front office in Philly is playing fantasy football; maybe they are, maybe they aren’t, but those guys do know how to put up numbers…and there is a new face from that squad who we would like you to give a chance to come Sunday night.  From rookies to vets, we have it all in this week’s Stock Report.

Fantasy Football Week 11 Stock Report: Stocks Up

Vince Young

If there was ever a time to prove that you are an NFL quarterback, then now is the time for VY.  In terms of actually playing the position, he might not fare so well; but with all of the weapons that Philadelphia has on offense you have to think that anyone could succeed as the signal caller.

And from a fantasy perspective, if all else fails throwing the ball, his legs aren’t too shabby either.

Alex Smith

If San Francisco is going to consider themselves a serious contender in the NFC, then Alex Smith isn’t going to be able to hide behind a great defense and coach for long. A breakout game is needed, and the timing couldn’t be better with the likely hungover Cardinals coming to town. Expect some big numbers with the state of the Arizona secondary.

Brandon Jacobs

Apparently the Eagles have designed their defense to play while they are ahead (hence the weak front 7) rather than from behind. New York knows exactly what to do on Sunday, and that is to give Brandon Jacobs the ball over and over again. He may not break out for long runs, but when it comes to the red zone few running backs can do a better job of getting to pay dirt when the ball is inside the 5.

Maurice Morris

Well, the Lions are beginning to see what happens in this league when you pretty much forget about the running game. If this team is serious about getting to the playoffs and making a run, then this is the week they should take advantage of the cushy matchup against the Carolina run defense. With no Jahvid Best, say hello to Maurice Morris.

Michael Crabtree

Somebody not named Vernon Davis needs to step up for this receiving corps, and it really should be the man that San Fran selected with their first pick a few years back. This is really a match made in heaven for the 49ers passing game as Arizona posts the #24 pass defense in the league.

Earl Bennett

Finally Jay Cutler has that number one receiver that will help him become a top 5 quarterback in the NFL! Not exactly, but Earl Bennett is by far the best receiver in Chicago right now. As his rapport with Cutler continues to build during this win streak for the Bears, more good things could come from this.

Benjamin Watson

Is it fair to say that the Cleveland Browns have the absolute worst offense in the NFL? Having scored 20 or more points just once this year, the players on offense that can make a difference are few and far between. Watson should benefit directly from the opposing defense starting to take notice of teammate Greg Little’s recent success. I mean, someone has to step up right?

Bears D/ST

I can’t lie. This unit basically won my matchup for me this past Sunday with that 34 point outburst. There is a 1 in infinity chance that they repeat the effort, but with Phillip Rivers throwing the amount of INT’s he has thrown this year anything can happen.

Fantasy Football Week 11 Stock Report: Stocks Down

Cam Newton

This should be the game that will let everyone know if Cam will have a rookie dropoff this season. Even if he does go on to win the ROY award, this matchup is going to pose problems for his passing stats. The one thing that does save him in this game are his legs, but other than that you should look for other options if available.

Maurice Jones-Drew

Week after week, teams key on MJD because there really isn’t anyone in Jacksonville worth worrying about. The Browns have the league’s best pass defense against arguably the worst starting quarterback in Blaine Gabbert. MJD is a great player, but he can’t do it all by himself.

Anquan Boldin

He has lost a step since his days with Larry Fitzgerald in Arizona, and it’s starting to become noticeable this year. And now getting into the end zone in key moments is starting to become Torrey Smith’s job.  Even though the Bengals probably won’t have Leon Hall, Boldin is still going to be looked upon in the Ravens offense as a possession receiver so those big gains that everyone hopes for will likely be null.

Mario Manningham

This spot was likely going to be reserved for Hakeem Nicks, but he isn’t on the list because the Eagles don’t play the man to man defense that allows Nnamdi Asomugha to shine. Both of these guys can’t have big games as Philly is designed to stop the pass, so it would be wise to think that the better player of the two (Nicks) will get his before Super Mario.

Brandon Pettigrew

Hinging upon the fact that the Lions actually try and use their running game against a poor run defense, the tight end position usually gets left out of the fold.  If you are thinking that the Lions will go play action then you are right, but opposed to throwing the ball to the tight end like most teams, Detroit has something that no team has: Megatron. He gets his before anyone else, case closed.

Jacksonville D/ST

Wait a minute, didn’t I just say the Browns have one of the worsT offenses in the NFL?  Yes, but Jacksonville is the only team in the NFL with more atrocious stats in terms of moving the chains. This defense is going to be on the field all day long and you have to admit that Colt McCoy did look decent last week, so the tide could be changing.

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For more Week 11 fantasy analysis, be sure to check out these articles as well:

• Waiver Wire Advice
• Start/Sit Advice
• Player Rankings
• Injury Updates

Update: Our Week 10 start em, sit em advice is posted, and this week’s post includes an opportunity for one MSF reader to win free NFL tickets. Make sure you check it out after you finish going through the waiver pickups.

There are no teams on bye in Week 10, but don’t let that lull you into a false sense of security.

The Texans, Colts, Saints, and Steelers are all on bye in Week 11, which means a lot of fantasy firepower will be sitting on benches during one of the final weekends of playoff positioning.

Don’t get caught snoozing; take this opportunity not just to improve your lineup for Week 10 but also to plan ahead for any lineup vacancies impending next week.

Andy is out this week, which means that I’m manning the ship for this week’s waiver wire advice and pickups. As always, every player listed here is owned in 50% or fewer of Yahoo leagues.

Fantasy Football Week 10 Waiver Wire Pickups: Quarterback

Matt Cassel, Kansas City (45%)

You never really know what you’re going to get with Matt Cassel. He will sometimes put up decent numbers in a game you don’t expect him too, and sometimes he’ll piss away good matchups with bad outings…like he just did in Week 9 against Miami.

Cassel’s Week 10 matchup against Denver should be a good one for he and the KC offense, and his Week 11 matchup against New England on Monday night definitely is based on the numbers. I’ll let you decide whether you trust Cassel enough to play him in either. (After what I saw this week, I’d have to be desperate to do so.)

Andy Dalton, Cincinnati (36%)

I don’t particularly like Andy Dalton this week against Pittsburgh, for obvious reasons, and he has Baltimore the next week and then Pittsburgh again two weeks later, but it’s hard to ignore Dalton after a 3 TD, 0 INT game against Tennessee.

Also, know this: despite the four games remaining against Pittsburgh and Baltimore, Dalton and the Bengals face St. Louis and Arizona during weeks 15 and 16 – the fantasy playoffs for most leagues. That’s promising, and it could be worth stashing the young Dalton for.

Colt McCoy, Cleveland (35%)

McCoy and the Browns offense are nothing to get excited about, but even the worst offenses can sometimes put up serviceable fantasy numbers against equally poor defenses. With the Browns schedule to face St. Louis this week, McCoy could have some value if you’re desperate or in a two-QB league.

Carson Palmer, Oakland (28%)

Palmer and the Raiders face the Chargers on Thursday night. I hate having players play in Thursday night games, and Palmer still worries me considering this is like the equivalent of his third preseason game, but the Chargers can be thrown on, so Palmer is at least worth thinking about.

Christian Ponder, Minnesota (16%)

The young Ponder has already had one decent fantasy day against the Packers (219 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs in Week 7), and it’s safe to assume that he’s going to continue to improve. He won’t be in the friendly confines on his home dome this time around, but the Packers’ suspect pass D and the probability of Rodgers and Co putting up big points makes Ponder a not-terrible option.

Blaine Gabbert, Jacksonville (4%)

I didn’t really want to list Gabbert here, but the fact that he’s available for almost everyone (I want to know what leagues he’s actually owned in!) and facing the Colts in Week 10 makes him at least worth mentioning. Understand that Gabbert is only an option if you’re desperate or in a three-QB league, but if he’s going to do anything productive this season it will be against the Colts.

Fantasy Football Week 10 Waiver Wire Pickups: Running Back

Maurice Morris, Detroit (29%)

As long as Jahvid Best is out, Morris is going to have value because of the strength of the Detroit offense. With no clear line of sight on when Best might return, performances like Morris’ in Week 8 could because the norm: 65 total yards and a touchdown. In Week 7, Morris had 63 total yards but didn’t score. That seems about right; 65 or so yards and a TD every other week. That’s certainly worth owning, especially if you count on any of the backs who will be on by in Week 11.

Roy Helu, Washington (27%)

The moment we’ve all been waiting for finally happened: Helu became the guy for Mike Shanahan and the Redskins. Though he was only able to muster 41 yards on the ground in a tough matchup against San Francisco, he did accumulate that yardage on just carries for a solid 4.1 yard average per carry.

Where Helu really did work was in the passing game, which is just putrid for the Redskins right now. Helu had a whopping 14 receptions for 105 yards because all John Beck could do most of the day was just dump it off. Helu won’t get receptions like that every week, but he clearly will be a factor out of the backfield, making him especially intriguing in PPR leagues, but valuable in all.

This is the gold star RB pickup of the week. I think he’ll be the ‘Skins main ball carrier from this day forward.

Chris Ogbonnaya, Cleveland (25%)

As I said with Colt McCoy, there isn’t much to like about Browns offense…except when they’re facing St. Louis’ defense. With Peyton Hillis’ name written in pen on the Browns’ shit list, and Montario Hardesty a constant injury risk, Ogbonnaya has stumbled into a great situation in terms of touches, and you might stumble into a decent flex option or filler player if you pounce now. Granted, “Silent G” as he’s been called, only had 41 total yards against the Texans, but he should have more running more against the room.

Kendall Hunter, San Francisco (13%)

Hunter is not a guy you want to pick up with the intention of playing right now, but if you have an extra roster spot he’s a great guy to take a flyer on. Frank Gore has rushed for 100 yards in five straight games, both because he’s an excellent back and because the 49ers’ offensive line is very good. Gore also has a history of getting nicked up. If anything happens to him, the ball would be Hunter’s, and I think he’d be 85-90% of what Gore’s been.

Donald Brown, Indianapolis (5%)

Brown has apparently become the guy in Indianapolis. He is the only one of their RBs scoring TDs, and he had 16 carries in Week 9 as opposed to only 4 for Delone Carter. If you’re desperate, Brown will at least get touches each week.

Fantasy Football Week 10 Waiver Wire Pickups: Wide Receiver

Michael Crabtree, San Francisco (48%)

Crabtree is featured in this column every week, and will continue to be featured until his ownership percentage jumps over 50%, which surely will happen this week. What more do you need us to say? I know his stats in Week 9 were underwhelming – 5 receptions, 51 yards – but he’s a great guy to at least have on your bench who is assured of 7-8 targets every week. Pick this guy up.

Mike Thomas, Jacksonville (46%)

The same theory that forced me to tell you that Blaine Gabbert is playing Indianapolis is at work here. Thomas is a good possession receiver stuck on a crappy offense. Against the crappy Colts, even Gabbert and Thomas should be able to make a few connections.

Torrey Smith, Baltimore (44%)

Mr. Hit or Miss could very well be a hit in Week 10 with the Seattle Seahawks on the schedule. Seattle is strong against the run, but not so strong against the pass. I think Joe Flacco will be airing out more than a few bombs in Smith’s direction throughout the course of this game.

Steve Breaston, Kansas City (35%)

Coming into Week 9, everyone was ready to anoint Jonathan Baldwin as the next great fantasy WR, and certainly Baldwin’s production would eclipse Steve Breaston’s, right? Well Baldwin proved why I’m always wary of rookie WRs (1 reception, 12 yards) and Breaston proved that he’s more than just a 5 catch, 50-yard guy (7 receptions, 115 yards). Granted, I would have played Baldwin over Breaston too last week for the upside, but this just goes to show that sometimes going with the “safe” pick over the “upside” one is the right decision.

Braylon Edwards, San Francisco (22%)

Braylon has been slow to get involved in the San Francisco offense, but I have a feeling he has an explosive game or two coming with five NFC West games left for the 49ers. Both of Braylon’s catches in Week 9 were nice catches, showing that he’s getting his sea legs under him after missing some time. There is some upside here.

Greg Little, Cleveland (18%)

Go back and review what I wrote about Colt McCoy and Chris Ogbonnaya if you’re wondering why I dare recommend Browns’ offensive players. Little has some value this week if you need a WR fill-in. His 2 receptions weren’t particularly encouraging in Week 9, but I’d still rather have him than Joshua Cribbs, even though the latter had the better day yesterday.

Jason Avant, Philadelphia (11%)

The Arizona Cardinals do not stop the pass very well, and the Philadelphia Eagles love to toss around with little abandon. Avant does not get near the attention that Desean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin get, but every now and then he busts out with a big performance. At a minimum, he’s usually good for at least 3-4 catches, which isn’t bad for a guy that is out there in 89% of leagues.

Laurent Robinson, Dallas (9%)

This is my gold star WR pickup of the week. Miles Austin got hurt, again, in Week 9, and Dez Bryant continues to be the most mercurial wideout in the NFL. Enter the steady Robinson, who continues to put up surprisingly good numbers as he earns the trust of Tony Romo.

He only caught 5 balls for 32 yards in Week 9, but one of them went for a TD. And in two of Robinson’s previous four games with the ‘Boys he totaled over 100 yards. There is a lot to like here.

Fantasy Football Week 10 Waiver Wire Pickups: Tight End

Scott Chandler, Buffalo (36%)

If we know one thing about Chandler, it’s that he only has value in the weeks when he scores touchdowns; but good luck predicting when that will be. So I’ll put this one on you: if you think Chandler will score this week against Dallas, he’s a decent option; if not, he’s not. My best guess? Hell if I know.

Jake Ballard, New York Giants (31%)

Out of the all the tight ends discussed in this post, Ballard is the one I like the most long-term; but I don’t like him all that much against San Francisco’s great linebackers in Week 10. So tread carefully this week, but the potential remains there down the stretch.

Jared Cook, Tennessee (31%)

Cook’s huge breakout into a star hasn’t really happened, but he has been occasionally useful. He’s no sure thing, but you could do worse in Weeks 10 and 11 if you need someone.

Brent Celek, Philadelphia (26%)

Fantasy owners have been burned by Celek in the past, and he’ll probably never be consistent, but he does seem to have a larger role in the Eagles’ offense now. With Arizona on the schedule this week, the potential is there for a big day.

Visanthe Shiancoe, Minnesota (21%)

Shiancoe caught a TD from Christian Ponder in the Vikings’ last matchup against Green Bay. That makes him worth a look this week with Green Bay on the schedule again.

Benjamin Watson, Cleveland (20%)

The Browns are playing the Rams. You get the idea.

Streaming Defenses of the Week

Washington Redskins (25%)

Washington isn’t a very good team because of their woeful offense, but they do have a good defense. With Miami on the schedule in Week 10, it should be a good week to own and play the Redskins.

Jacksonville Jaguars (2%)

I was amazed just now to find out that the Jaguars’ D is the least-owned defense in fantasy. Why? This is a pretty good defense, certainly one that should be able to put up  a strong fantasy day against Indianapolis in Week 10.

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Feel free to ask roster-specific questions below, and make sure you’re following @FantasyMSF on Twitter. And stay tuned for the Start/Sit column tomorrow.

The good news is that we are through most of the bye weeks, and just four teams (Carolina, Detroit, Jacksonville, and Minnesota) are off in Week Nine.  While most of those teams haven’t racked up many wins, there are some big fantasy names on those rosters for which owners may need a replacement.

As always, players listed here are owned in fewer than 50 percent of Yahoo! leagues.

Fantasy Football Week 9 Waiver Wire Pickups: Quarterback

Kevin Kolb (46%), Arizona

I’m not putting Kolb on here because he played well on Sunday, because, well, he didn’t.  However, the Cardinals face a St. Louis pass defense that has given up multiple touchdown passes in five of seven games.  In fact, the Rams have allowed seven passing scores in their three road games, making Kolb a decent bye week fill-in based solely on the matchup.

Matt Cassel (37%), Kansas City

Since I’m writing this on Sunday night, I can’t speak to Cassel’s Week Eight performance, but I can speak for the quality of his next few matchups.  The Chiefs face Miami, Denver, and New England during weeks 9, 10, and 11, and those just so happen to be the three defenses who allow the most points to opposing fantasy quarterbacks.

Andy Dalton (37%), Cincinnati

The Red Rifle now has two total touchdowns in three of his past four games, and my belief in him is undeterred by his two picks on Sunday, as they were made while he was being aggressive down the field.  His matchup against Tennessee next week is decent, given that the Titans have allowed at least 250 passing yards and/or multiple TD passes in five straight games.  What looks even better than that are Dalton’s fantasy playoff dates with St. Louis and Arizona.

Sam Bradford (29%), St. Louis

As I have mentioned the last couple weeks, Bradford still has some great matchups remaining on the schedule, starting with this week’s game against Arizona who has routinely been torched by opposing signal callers.  Keep an eye on his injury status this week to see if his ankle will allow him to take advantage of the deficiencies in the Cardinal secondary.

Carson Palmer (27%), Oakland

Like Kevin Kolb, let’s file this one under the “I know he played like Ryan Leaf the last time you saw him, but look at the matchup!” category.  Palmer used the bye week to develop timing with his new teammates, and he’ll face a Broncos defense allowing the most points to fantasy quarterbacks this year.  He’s worth a gamble if you’re looking for a one week fill-in for the likes of Matthew Stafford or Cam Newton.

Fantasy Football Week 9 Waiver Wire Pickups: Running Back

Bernard Scott (42%), Cincinnati

Obviously Cedric Benson will be back next week, but Scott had some decent runs against a stout Seattle run defense and finished with 76 yards on the ground.  That isn’t enough to take the starting job from Benson, but it should be enough to get him a few more touches.  As is the case with Dalton, there are some great matchups to round out the year, making Scott a decent option to stash on your bench in the interim.

Maurice Morris (35%), Detroit (bye)

With Jahvid Best still out with a concussion, Morris had another solid game with 65 total yards and a short rushing TD.  He outplayed Keiland Williams by a fairly wide margin this week and would again be the starter if Best still isn’t recovered following Detroit’s bye.  As I have mentioned before, Best is far from the picture of health, which makes Morris a valuable handcuff.

Roy Helu (32%), Washington

After the last couple weeks Ryan Torain is dead to me, and I wouldn’t be shocked if Mike Shanahan shared that sentiment.  That said, you never really know what’s going through Shanahan’s head, so the fact that Helu didn’t receive a single carry in Sunday’s loss to Buffalo means virtually nothing.  Consequently, it isn’t beyond the realm of possibility that Helu gets a shot as the starter sometime between now and the end of the season.

Javon Ringer (6%), Tennessee

It was Ringer, and not well-paid mega bust Chris Johnson, who was taking fourth quarter handoffs against the Colts.  Johnson remained woefully ineffective, and while the offensive line didn’t do either back any favors, Ringer clearly looked like the better runner.  After the game Mike Munchak alluded to a committee approach going forward, which makes Ringer among the top waiver wire targets.  It’s worth noting he has 12 receptions in the last three games, so he’s an even better option in PPR leagues.  Next week’s matchup against the Bengals isn’t particularly enticing, but there are a number of games looming against teams who struggle to stop the run, starting with Carolina in Week Ten.

Kregg Lumpkin (5%), Tampa Bay

It sounds as though LeGarrette Blount will be back this week, but the Bucs will turn to Lumpkin if he experiences any setbacks.  Even if he doesn’t, Lumpkin is expected to serve as the third-down back, giving him some value in deep PPR leagues.

Lance Ball (1%), Denver

Both Ball and Knowshon Moreno rushed for over 60 yards against the Lions on Sunday, with Ball reaching that mark on just six carries.  If Willis McGahee misses another game next week, Ball is potentially worth a flier given the matchup against an Oakland defense that has given up some big games to running backs earlier this year.

Chris Ogbonnaya (1%), Cleveland

Healthy running backs are pretty tough to come by in Cleveland right now.  Peyton Hillis has missed the last two weeks with a hamstring injury, and backup Montario Hardesty is headed for a MRI on his calf after leaving Sunday’s game.  Ogbonnaya was just signed a couple weeks ago, but he has five receptions in each of his two games with the Browns and ran for 37 yards on 11 carries against the 49ers.  The Cleveland running game hasn’t been too impressive so far this year, but assuming Hillis and/or Hardesty are limited or out, Ogbonnaya stands to be a potential flex option this week, particularly in PPR leagues.

Fantasy Football Week 9 Waiver Wire Pickups: Wide Receiver

Torrey Smith (48%), Baltimore

Smith still hasn’t shown great hands and will continue to be inconsistent, but if Joe Flacco could actually hit him in stride more than once a game, the big play ability is there.  That said, I don’t love the matchup with Pittsburgh this week, but given Baltimore’s remaining schedule, there will be some weeks when you’ll want to roll the dice and get him in your lineup.

Steve Breaston (40%), Kansas City

Similar to Cassel, there’s a lot to like about his upcoming schedule, particularly given his consistency in recent weeks.

Michael Crabtree (40%), San Francisco

I’ve been hyping Crabtree for a few weeks now, and on Sunday he came through with his first touchdown of the season to go with five receptions and 54 yards.  His foot continues to look healthy, and his rapport with Alex Smith is growing.  Crabtree now has at least five receptions in three of the last four weeks and has a number of favorable matchups over the latter half of the season.

Doug Baldwin (28%), Seattle

Like anyone who watched or attended it, Baldwin just wanted to forget about his week seven game against Cleveland.  He bounced back this week after being shutout against the Browns, catching five passes for 73 yards in a loss to Cincinnati.  Baldwin has at least five catches in three of the last four games and will continue to factor prominently in the Seattle passing game (yes, that actually exists) given what seems to be solid chemistry with Tarvaris Jackson.

Early Doucet (24%), Arizona

For the most part, the yardage hasn’t been there for Doucet, but he does have a TD grab in each of the last two games.  As I mentioned with Kolb, the matchup against St. Louis is enticing, which makes Doucet a possible one week fill-in if you are in a bind.

Damian Williams (2%), Tennessee

Williams has shown decent chemistry with Matt Hasselbeck after Kenny Britt went down, catching TD passes in weeks four and five and posting 60 yards against the Colts on Sunday.  Hasselbeck is really spreading the ball around, so no one player is going to assume Britt’s role as the go-to guy.  Still, Williams is a decent red zone target and has a few good matchups left on the slate.

Greg Salas (1%), St. Louis

After a less than inspiring start to his NFL career, Salas continues to play well out of the slot in St. Louis.  He caught five passes for 47 yards and seems to have put his early drops behind him.  As I mentioned with Bradford, the schedule gets much easier, making Salas an intriguing option in PPR leagues.

Fantasy Football Week 9 Waiver Wire Pickups: Tight End

Jake Ballard (30%), New York Giants

Ballard is now averaging 60 receiving yards with a pair of touchdowns over the past four weeks.  The Patriots have shown vulnerability against the pass, and tight ends have done some damage against them in their last two games.  At this point, Ballard doesn’t look like a flash in the pan and is firmly entrenched as a TE2 going forward.

Scott Chandler (26%), Buffalo

After posting four catches for nine yards over the last three games, it seemed that the honeymoon was over for Chandler owners.  He caught just two passes on Sunday, but both went for touchdowns in Buffalo’s win over the Redskins.  Despite his gaudy TD total, Chandler has more than two receptions just once this season, making him a risky play against a Jets defense that has allowed only one score to opposing tight ends.

Marcedes Lewis (22%), Jacksonville (bye)

Even after his four-catch, 45-yard performance on Sunday, he’s not a guy to run out and grab.  However, the Jags made a concerted effort to get him the ball with nine targets, which is a good sign for one of last season’s breakout performers at the position.

Brent Celek (10%), Philadelphia

After a disappointing 2010 season and a painfully slow start to this one, Celek caught seven passes for 94 yards and a score against Dallas Sunday night.  He now has a touchdown in two straight games and faces a Bears defense that has been vulnerable to opposing tight ends this season, allowing an average of over six receptions and 70 yards per game with six touchdowns.

Streaming Defense(s) of the Week

Atlanta (20%) at Indianapolis

At this point of the season, I think it goes without saying that you want to grab the defense facing Indy.

Kansas City (19%) vs. Miami

The Chiefs showed against Oakland that they can take advantage of poor offensive line and quarterback play against an inferior team.  That formula should work again versus the Dolphins, who almost forgot to suck for Luck on Sunday.

Update: The Week 9 Start/Sit column is posted. Check it out.

**********

Have any questions or feedback?  Leave them in the comments below or hit me up on Twitter (@andybottoms).

Did you miss me?

Jon has himself a busy schedule this week, so he texted me this morning and asked if I’d be up for reprising my role as the author of our weekly Start/Sit column here at MSF. I have to admit, as soon as I saw his text I was pretty pumped.

Doing these posts every week, week after week, can admittedly be a bit of a grind, as I learned over the last couple of years; so I was happy to let Jon take it over this year and focus my efforts in other areas. But I’ve missed the weekly challenge of poring over matchups and stats and trends to figure out which players to recommend to you as starts and sits.

So it’s good to be back in the saddle.

Anyway, It’s not like I’ve been totally absent. I still offer commentary on Jon’s posts, answer questions in the comment sections, and monitor the @FantasyMSF Twitter account. So I haven’t really given you a chance to miss me even if you wanted to. Now though, for the first time all year, I have to go on record with start and sit picks.

I’m ready. Let’s roll.

First up, let’s take a quick old school look back at how Jon did with his top-line start/sit picks last week:

• Start ‘em hits: Ben Roethlisberger, Dwayne Bowe, Fred Davis
• Start ‘em misses: Ryan Torain
• Sit ‘em hits: Vincent Jackson, Willis McGahee, Dustin Keller
• Sit ‘em misses: Cam Newton

Other suggestions he was slam-dunk correct on: sit Philip Rivers and Kevin Kolb; sit Larry Fitgerald and Brandon Lloyd

Other suggestions he was dead wrong on: start Matt Hasselbeck; sit Mark Sanchez; sit Jonathan Stewart; that Visanthe Shiancoe would be the “worst” tight end

Overall, a decent week for Jon. His top-line picks were solid, but some of his bolder “other” suggestions went awry. Jon has had a very strong track record this season though, so the bar is high for my relief appearance.

Here are my thoughts on who you should start and who you should sit in Week 8.

Fantasy Football Week 8 Start Em, Sit Em
Lineup Advice and Projections

Remember that the following teams are on bye in Week 8:

• Falcons
• Bears
• Packers
• Jets
• Raiders
• Buccaneers

Several startable QBs are out this week (Rodgers, Ryan, Freeman), as are some RBs that teams have come to count on (Turner, Forte, DMC), and some top flight WRs (R. White and the Packers crew, among many others). That means that not only do you need to bone up on your waiver wire knowledge, you need to be prepared to make the key start/sit decisions at the fringes of your roster that will be the difference between winning and losing.

Lucky for you, that’s why we’re here.

Fantasy Football Week 8 Start Em, Sit Em Picks: Quarterbacks

Start ‘Em QB: Joe Flacco, Baltimore (v Arizona)

Know that I am currently writing this at 6:23 pm Central time on Monday evening. So the Monday night game between Baltimore and Jacksonville hasn’t even started. Thus, there is a chance that Flacco throws up one of his patented stinkers tonight against Jacksonville’s better-than-you-think pass defense (210 yards per game, 9 TDs heading into week 7).

Even if he does, I don’t care. You start him against Arizona and expect top 5 stats.

Here are some numbers:

• Cam Newton: 422 yards
• Rex Grossman: 291 yards
• Eli Manning: 321 yards
• Ben Roethlisberger: 361 yards

These are the yardage numbers that four of the Cardinals’ opponents have hung on their pass D this year. The two I left out were Minnesota and Seattle, because neither team had competent quarterbacking when they faced the Cardinals. Joe Flacco may not be a superstar, but he is certainly competent, and he has been a guy in the past who has put up huge numbers against inferior defenses. Consider his performance against St. Louis earlier this year, one of the few pass defenses that could be considered as bad as Arizona’s: 389 yards, 3 TDs for Flacco.

Flacco’s overall numbers are somewhat depressed by some tough matchups early in the season (Jets, Texans, Titans when they were actually trying), but don’t forget that this is a guy who has tossed at least 21 TD passes the last two seasons and who tends to get them in bunches when they come. This week will be one of those weeks when they come in bunches. Start Flacco.

Joe Flacco fantasy football Week 8 projection: 275 yards, 3 TDs

Other start ‘em QBs for Week Eight:

• Eli Manning isn’t sexy from a fantasy perspective, but you can win with him. And you can certainly win with him when he has tasty matchups like the one he has this week against Miami.
• You realize Cam Newton is a top 10 option at QB now, right? Okay, just checking. Make sure he’s in your lineup.

Sit ‘Em QB: Tim Tebow, Denver (v Detroit)

Yep, I’m going to throw some cold water on Tebowmania.

Despite finishing with respectable fantasy numbers in Week 7 (2 TDs, 200+ total yards), you really have to have watched the full game to put those numbers into context. Through 55 minutes, Tebow was hovering around negative fantasy points when you take into account his fumble, but then he led a furious five minute comeback that included most of his passing yards and both of his TDs.

A few things to keep in mind as you analyze Tebow’s chances against Detroit:

• Miami has given up 12 TD passes and picked off only two through six games, so the matchup was very favorable. Detroit, on the other hand, gives up barely 200 passing yards per game, has picked off opposing QBs ten times, and has allowed only 8 TD passes in 7 games. This matchup is not favorable.
• Miami only had eight sacks coming into Week 7 before amassing seven against on Tebow. Detroit has 17 sacks in 7 games thanks to a ferocious defensive line that makes indecisive quarterbacks pay. Tebow looked very indecisive in Week 7, which will not bode well at all for him against Suh, Avril, and Co.

I do like Tebow as a solid fantasy backup this season. He’ll be able to produce decent fantasy stats when the matchup is favorable. This one absolutely is not. In fact, it’s just about the worst matchup for Tebow at this stage in his career, especially with Willis McGahee being out and removing the Broncos’ only consistent rushing threat.

Stay far, far away…this week at least.

Tim Tebow fantasy football Week 8 projection: 125 yards passing, 45 yards rushing, 0 TDs, 2 INTs

Other sit ‘em QBs for Week Eight:

• What the hell is wrong with Philip Rivers? I know Jon is as baffled as anyone. He thought Rivers would be the best fantasy QB this year, but Rivers has just 7 TDs through six games to go along with 9 INTs. He now has to face a Kansas City secondary that picked Oakland QBs off six times last week (I know it was Boller & Palmer, but still) and who Rivers hasn’t lit up historically (only 17 TDs in 12 career games). Plus the game is at Arrowhead, always a tough place to play. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I think if you have a reasonable alternative, it’s time make Rivers (and by extension Antonio Gates and Vincent Jackson) prove that he’s the Rivers of old before you start him with confidence.
• Be wary of Ryan Fitzpatrick this week, despite what Cam Newton did against the Redskins last week. Washington has problems, but pass defense hasn’t been one of them. The ‘Skins, now desperate after another loss, have given up only five TD passes all season long. Fitzy doesn’t pose the running threat that Cam did, so Washington should have an easier job containing him.

Jon’s thoughts:

I really don’t have much to disagree with here…although I would say I am even higher on Eli Manning than Jerod is.  He should absolutely light up the Miami secondary.

One other guy I would definitely look at starting would be Matt Hasselbeck…he will be playing against the Colts.  All I really need to say here is, “62-7.”

One more under-the-radar guy I would look at is Andy Dalton.  The Seattle secondary is nearly as bad as Arizona’s, and at this point, it looks like the Red Rifle might just be good.  Plus, he has the Rookie of the Year Runner-Up (AJ Green) on his team.  You all know how much I love him…start the Red Rifle if your guy is on a bye.

Fantasy Football Week 8 Start Em, Sit Em Picks: Running Backs

Start ‘Em RB: Chris Johnson, Tennessee (v Indianapolis)

Longtime readers know that when I do these start/sit posts, I try to never make my top-line picks obvious ones. Why would I tell you to start Adrian Peterson or Aaron Rodgers? That offers no one any value. So how crazy is it that in Week 8, former fantasy super-duperstar Chris Johnson warrants mention in the start ‘em category?

What’s even crazier is that some of you may think I’m crazy for trusting CJ268 (his actual rushing total this year) as my start ‘em RB!

But there is plenty of reason to expect the long-awaited CJ breakout this week, and it has everything to do with the matchup: Indianapolis. The Colts make every opposing running back look like Gale Sayers. Through seven games this year Indy is allowing 150.9 rushing yards per game and has allowed 9 touchdowns. If CJ can’t have a fantasy-relevant day against them then the Titans need to sue him for fraud immediately. I’m only half joking.

With that said, keep this in mind: just because Johnson torches Indy’s run D (which I expect), it doesn’t mean he’s “back”. It just means he has a pulse. On the bright side, there are some tasty matchups upcoming on the schedule (Carolina, Tampa Bay, Indy again, Buffalo, all in the bottom third in the league in run D), so feel free to enjoy a bit of optimism if the old CJ returns on Sunday.

Chris Johnson fantasy football Week 8 projection: 140 yards rushing, 2 TDs, 5 receptions, 45 yards

Other start ‘em RBs for Week 8:

• Mark Ingram and Darren Sproles are both definite starts this week, and in deeper leagues or on teams especially decimated by injury or bye weeks Pierre Thomas has some value as well. It all comes down to the matchup. New Orleans faces St. Louis in Week 8, the team with by far the worst run defense in the NFL. Last week the Saints faced the team with the second-worst run D in the NFL, Indiacrapolis, and all three of these guys put up solid fantasy numbers. Sure, it’d be great if there was one guy racking up all the fantasy goodness that Sean Payton and Drew Brees create, but come 6-team bye weeks like this one, just be thankful that the Saints will give opportunities to three running backs against a team like the Rams. 
• I can’t believe I’m doing this, but Ryan Torain is probably a top 20 back in Week 8. Despite two straight awful outings after his supposed breakout a few weeks back, Torain has a) a good matchup (Buffalo, 30th against the run) and b) the starting role with Tim Hightower injured and Roy Helu apparently not yet in good enough graces with Mike Shanahan to warrant the starting nod. We’ve seen Torain produce before in Shanahan’s system when given the chance, so you can start him with some measure of confidence…but don’t come blaming me if he ends up getting five carries and doing nothing. You and I both know we’re playing with fire talking about starting a Shanny RB, but the circumstances do seem to make the risk worth the potential reward in this case.
• I probably don’t need to tell you to start DeMarco Murray after his performance last week, but just in case you were worried that he only succeeded because of the matchup, his matchup is pretty good in Week 8 too. Philly gives up 123.8 rushing yards and a TD per game. With Felix Jones expected to still be out, Murray should get the lion’s share of the work. But take note: if you can, now isn’t a bad time to try to sell high on Murray’s inflated value.

Sit ‘Em RB: Peyton Hillis and Montario Hardesty, Cleveland (at San Francisco)

I don’t care who is healthy, who starts, or even if Cleveland signs Jim Brown for the week to come play. San Francisco has the best front 7 in football right now. Yes, I’m serious…watch them. Remember how we all used to look at Pittsburgh, and still do with Baltimore, and consider sitting even our studs against them? If you’re not thinking of San Fran in that light now, you’re mistaken. Just trust me. I’ve watched every minute of every one of their games this year. They are legit.

Plus, even when healthy Hillis has been far from a stud this year. Not only is he not nearly as effective this year as he was for much of last year, the Browns offense has regressed, leading to very few scoring opportunities for the backs. The ceiling for Cleveland’s RBs right now is quite likely what Montario Hardesty put up in Week 7: 122 total yards on 35 touches with no TDs. And that was against Seattle, a decent but not great run D. The 49ers are giving up just 74.7 rushing yards per game and have not allowed a running TD all season. Yikes.

Unless Cleveland signs the young Jim Brown to play on Sunday, sit whoever is carrying the ball for them. And against this 49ers run D, rested after the bye, even a young Jim Brown might have trouble finding holes.

Peyton Hillis and Montario Hardesty combined fantasy football projection for Week 8: 65 rushing yards, 40 receiving yards, 0 TDs

Other sit ‘em RBs for Week 8:

• Willis McGahee is out, which will lead some people to get excited about Knowshon Moreno, as will the matchup against Detroit’s less than stellar run D. I disagree. Granted, he’s not a terrible option if your lineup is decimated, but I’m waiting until he does something positive to trust him with a starting slot. Detroit will be able to stack the box against Tebow, which will make the going tough for Knowshon.
• That’s it. I’m off the DeAngelo Williams train. I’ve given him plenty of chances, and he always seems to repay me with flaming piles of turd like his 10-carry, 35-yard performance in Week 7, which was made even more frustrating by the fact that Cam Newton and Jonathan Stewart ran wild against the Redskins. Make this guy have two straight solid weeks before you trust him. (And for the record, I’m not all that high on Jonathan Stewart either this week. Minnesota is good against the run.)
• Don’t get too excited about Bernard Scott, who will be filling in for the suspended Cedric Benson this week. Not only is Seattle decent against the run (105 yards per game, 5 TDs allowed) but Brian Leonard is there to siphon carries. Plus, offensive coordinator Jay Gruden clearly has confidence in Andy Dalton, AJ Green, et al, and he won’t hesitate to keep airing it out.

Jon’s thoughts:

I LOVE LOVE LOVE Ryan Torain this week.  Start him with confidence!

Also, let me pass along a quick story for all of you Knowshon Moreno lovers (I am one by the way…but this may make you wary of him as an NFL back).  Allegedly, the kid had never even played football until one day, his high school coach saw him playing tag with a bunch of kids and nobody could touch him.  He thought to himself, “Wow…that kid would make a great running back.”  The legend was born.  Anyway, Know (I have it on very good authority that this is what all of his friends call him) began torching people in high school, and even excelled in college because of his shear athletic ability.  However, he doesn’t really LOVE football like a lot of these guys, and he has never been a guy that people would describe as a “workout warrior.”  Now that he’s in the NFL, he can’t beat people just based off of his talent anymore.  Really, he’s a lot like Julio Jones.  Add all of this to the fact that the Broncos aren’t very good, and a 30-year-old with a blown apart knee has been BETTER than him all season…and I would stay away from Knowshon…maybe forever.

As for the Panthers’ running backs, I’m actually much higher on Jonathan Stewart (and not just because I own him in my league).  Minnesota is great against the run, so Williams will be neutralized.  However, Cam Newton LOVES throwing to Stewart out of the flat, and with Minnesota’s pass rush, I expect Newton to make a lot of quick, short throws to his tight ends and Stewart.  Stewart may not have a lot of yards on the ground, but I could see him approaching triple digits through the air.

Fantasy Football Week 8 Start Em, Sit Em Picks: Wide Receivers

Start ‘Em WR: Brandon Lloyd, St. Louis (v New Orleans)

Regardless of whether Sam Bradford plays or not, I like Lloyd this week. In his first start with his new team last week, he compiled 6 receptions for 74 yards with A.J. Feeley at QB. That was in a blowout against Dallas. Clearly the potential for a blowout is there this week with the awful Rams going up against the juggernaut that just obliterated Indy to the tune of 62 points.

It is safe to assume that St. Louis will be passing a lot to try to keep with Brees and Co, and if they are, either St. Louis QB will surely continue to target their new toy. Plus, the Saints have given up 12 TD passes in 7 games, so they can be had through the air.

Lloyd proved last year that he’s a top flight wide receiver in Josh McDaniels’ system. He’s back with McD now, and I think he’s a possible top 10 WR from here on out, especially when you consider that St. Louis’ schedule eases up in the second half.

Brandon Lloyd fantasy football Week 8 projection: 7 receptions, 90 yards, 1 TD

Other start ‘em WRs for Week Eight:

• After two very subpar weeks, Antonio Brown took advantage of a favorable matchup against Arizona to bust out with 7 catches and 102 yards. He has another favorable matchup against New England in Week 8. Seeing as how Bill Belichick likes to take out the other team’s #1 offensive option, the focus of the Patriots D will likely be Mike Wallace. That should provide opportunities for Brown to make a few big plays, which he’s proven he can make.
• Michael Crabtree is quickly becoming Alex Smith’s go-to guy. He had his best game of the season in Week 6 when he snared 9 passes for 77 yards. With Braylon Edwards expected to return and stretch the defense, Crabtree should have even more room to do his Cris Carter impression. Cleveland’s pass defense stats are pretty solid from a yardage perspective, but they have given up 8 passing TDs in 6 games. I have a suspicion Crabtree makes his first venture into the end zone in Week 8.
• I haven’t been very complimentary of Steve Breaston over the past few weeks, but he is starting to win me over with his consistency. Breaston has at least 50 yards in four straight games and scored two TDs against Indy in Game 5. He faces a San Diego defense in Week 8 that allowed three TD passes to the Jets’ #2 receiver, Plaxico Burress. Though Dwayne Bowe will always be the top red zone option for Matt Cassel, the QB is clearly gaining trust in Breaston, so it’s time I do too. (Take note: just because Breaston is listed doesn’t mean I consider him a slam dunk start, but as a guy that may be on your waiver wire he offers some value for those desperate with six teams on bye.)

Sit ‘Em WR: Deion Branch, New England (at Pittsburgh)

I had a really, really hard time coming up with a sit ‘em WR for this week. With six teams on bye, it’s hard to say that any top 40 WR is a sit, especially in leagues where three wide receivers start. But I didn’t want to tell you to sit someone obvious or from a crappy offense, so I’m going to step out on a limb with Branch.

I’ll give you my reasons for suggesting Branch as a sit candidate so you can see if you agree with my thinking or not:

• Pittsburgh is #1 in the NFL against the pass this year, giving up just 171.9 yards per game and only 8 TDs in 7 games.
• Branch is the fourth option in the New England passing attack behind Wes Welker, Aaron Hernandez, and Rob Gronkowski.
• Despite his ballyhooed rapport with Tom Brady, Branch has one game with zero receptions this year, another with one reception, and another with three catches. Yes, he’s had at least 69 yards receiving in four of his six games, and he’s caught two TDs, but there is a lot of inconsistency here.
• In his career, Branch averages just over 5 catches and 61.5 yards per game and against Pittsburgh, which is decent, but he’s only hit paydirt once.

I would not be shocked at all if Branch ends up having a good or even great game on Sunday. Such is the nature of New England’s offense. But I think there are plenty of reasons to think this will be another of Branch’s off weeks, so if you’re blessed with four or five good options this week despite all the byes, consider those options strongly.

Deion Branch fantasy football Week 8 projection: 4 receptions, 45 yards, 0 TDs

Other sit ‘em WRs for Week Eight:

• Tim Tebow is my sit ‘em QB, so clearly I don’t have much confidence in the Denver passing game. Thus, stick Eric Decker and Demaryius Thomas on your benches. If you have to play one of them, Thomas is the guy I’d want based on what I saw in Week 7. 
• Reggie Wayne is really struggling. He hasn’t eclipsed 77 yards or scored a touchdown since Week 1. Tennessee may or may not be a good matchup, it just depends on which Titans team shows up, but Pierre Garcon remains the Colts WR to start right now anyway, and I’m waiting until Wayne can string together a few solid weeks in a row before thinking of him as a must-start WR again.
• Sidney Rice had a stellar 8-catch, 109-yard performance in Week 3, but his numbers have gotten steadily worse in every week since. Seeing as how he is no longer playing with his Viking buddy Tarvaris Jackson, and how not every pass D is as friendly to opposing WRs as Arizona’s is, it’s not a surprise. As long as Charlie Whitehurst is playing QB and the opponent is halfway competent against the pass, sit all Seahawks WRs unless you’re desperate.

Jon’s thoughts:

How are you not starting Steve Smith?  After watching Greg Jennings run all over the field against the Vikings, I am supremely confident that Steve Smith (a guy who plays very similarly to Greg Jennings, but is even more explosive) will have a MASSIVE day.  Steve Smith has been carrying terrible quarterbacks for…well…for forever, and now that he has someone that is better than competent, he is better than ever.  Most people probably don’t realize this, but Smith is the #4 WR in fantasy this year…yet he STILL ISN’T OWNED IN EVERY LEAGUE IN YAHOO!!!  This is unacceptable.  Start Smith with confidence this week…he could very well have the best week of anyone not named Megatron.

Jerod’s rebuttal thoughts:

Excuse me, but where did I say I’m not starting Steve Smith? Of course you start Steve Smith. I don’t want to patronize our readers, so I assume they can make obvious decisions like that. Although your note about him not being owned in all Yahoo leagues is concerning and ridiculous, so I’m glad you pointed Smith’s greatness out for the few who are unaware. But believe me, Smith is starting on any team I have.

Fantasy Football Week 8 Start Em, Sit Em Picks: Tight Ends

Start ‘Em TE: Jake Ballard, New York Giants (v Miami)

Do you realize that Jake Ballard has caught 11 balls for nearly 200 yards and two touchdowns over the Giants’ last three games? It’s true. Many were lamenting the fact that Kevin Boss left for Oakland, and the effect it would have on Eli Manning’s stats, but Manning seems to have found a nice rapport with the Boss-like Ballard.

Fortuitously, Ballard’s Week 8 matchup is solid. Miami is one of the worst defenses in the league in terms of points given up to opposing tight ends. Add it all up, and Ballard is an outstanding start candidate this week.

Jake Ballard fantasy football Week 8 projection: 4 receptions, 55 yards, 1 TD

Other start ‘em TEs for Week Eight:

• The Browns are also very bad at containing opposing tight ends. That means Vernon Davis needs to be playing on all rosters who have him. 
• The Cowboys are another teams that has given up a decent amount of fantasy points to opposing tight ends this year. With Brent Celek coming off of his first good game of the year (4 catches, TD) he is a sneaky start if you’re desperate.
• By now, you shouldn’t need me to tell you to get Fred Davis in your lineups…do you? If so, get him in your lineups.

Sit ‘Em TE: Dallas Clark, Indianapolis (at Tennessee)

Clark did not record a catch on Sunday night after having his first Clark-like game of the season in Week 6 (6 catches, 53 yards). Tennessee is a middle-of-the-pack team in terms of holding down opposing tight ends, but this selection is more based on lack of faith in the Colts offense than any confidence in the Jekyll and Hide Titans.

Clark has only scored two TDs this year and has only one game with more than four catches or 46 yards. The safer bet this season has been to take the under on those numbers, which is just about the floor for being considered a solid start option in a standard fantasy league. Let someone else pretend Dallas Clark is still the Clark of old. Don’t you make that mistake.

Dallas Clark fantasy football Week 8 projection: 3 catches 35 yards, 0 TD

Other sit ‘em TEs for Week Eight:

• Heath Miller‘s production has been steadily increasing, but I’m a bit worried about him in Week 8. New England is pretty good against opposing tight ends, and Miller has to score TDs to have value, as his yardage totals rarely will get you excited.
• Scott Chandler has four TDs this season, which looks really good when you’re sorting your waiver wire in desperate need of a fill-in. Don’t be fooled. Chandler hasn’t scored since Week 3 and and he has a grand total of 1 yard receiving over the last two games.

Jon’s thoughts:

It’s very hard to find tight ends who are going to have bad games from week to week, however I would consider sitting Owen Daniels as well.  Jacksonville’s defense has been very good (even though the rest of their team is awful), and even though Houston has been very good this year, Schaub hasn’t necessarily been lighting anybody up through the air.  He’s been good, but not great every week, and he’s only thrown 12 touchdown passes.  With all of that said, there may not be a better option than Owen Daniels…but I think he will have a down week on Sunday.

Fantasy Football Week 8 Start Em, Sit Em Picks: Defense/Special Teams

Start ‘Em D/ST: Detroit Lions (at Denver)

If you want a full explanation for why I’m recommending Detroit’s D this week, just scroll up and read what I wrote about Tim Tebow. I like him, I’m rooting for him, but this is just a great matchup for Detroit’s defense in terms of what they do well.

You beat Detroit on the ground, and the Broncos will struggle to run with McGahee out. That means Tebow will have to try to win the game through the air and, well, Ndamukong Suh and Co could have a lot of fun.

Detroit Lions D/ST fantasy football Week 8 projection: 13 or fewer points, 5+ sacks, 1 turnover

Other start ‘em D/ST units for Week Eight:

• Houston’s defense continues to surprise me with how well it’s playing under new coordinator Wade Philliips. Jacksonville and rookie QB Blaine Gabbert, who will be coming off of a Monday night game, should be a tasty matchup.
• Cincinnati’s D will be a popular choice this week going up against Seattle, and it’s a good choice. Just be wary of those tricky Seahawks at home. They will often surprise teams that are traveling over a couple of time zones to play them in their very loud stadium. That said, Charlie Whitehurst is Charlie Whitehurst.

Sit ‘Em D/ST: Pittsburgh Steelers (v New England)

The Steelers’ defense is starting to play better as of late, but they are far from the dominating unit we’re used to. Wheras a Pittsburgh-New England game might once have been a battle of top defenses, it is now a meeting of two of the top passing attacks in football.

Between Tom Brady, Big Ben, Mike Wallace, Wes Welker, et al, this should be a fun game to watch…so long as you’re not starting either defense.

Pittsburgh Steelers D/ST fantasy football Week 8 projection: 27 or more points, 2 sacks, 1 turnover

Other sit ‘em D/ST units for Week Eight:

• Don’t get too excited about Kansas City’s defense after what they did to Oakland. Kyle Boller and Carson Palmer were predictably awful and the Chiefs took advantage, but I expect more out of Philip Rivers and a Chargers team smarting after a tough, embarrassing loss to the Jets. It may not be enough to make Rivers a sure-fire start (as I mentioned above), but I do think the balance of the Chargers’ offense should allow them to put up points against KC.
• Minnesota’s defense is still pretty good against the run, but they are getting torched through the air. And after what Cam Newton was able to do against a very good Washington defense last week, the whole “play any D going against a rookie QB” adage does not work when he’s involved. In fact, it’s becoming start to avoid defenses that are going up against the amazing Cam.

Jon’s thoughts:

I would start the NY Giants this week.  While it’s true that they are not the Giants’ defense of old, they have an unbelievably favorable matchup against the Dolphins…who barely scored 15 points against Denver last week.

Don’t be depressed by their lack of production so far…they could have a 3 or 4 turnover week in Week 8.

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There they are. My Week 8 start/sit picks are in the books and on the record. That was fun! My thanks to Jon for ceding his start/sit saddle this week and giving me the opportunity to give it another go.

Now hopefully all of these picks work out for everyone who visits this week.

As usual, we’ll be answering your questions all week. So drop them below, and then stay tuned to the site for the rest of the week as we post new fantasy content every day.

As always, players listed here are owned in fewer than 50 percent of Yahoo! leagues.

Fantasy Football Week 8 Waiver Wire Pickups: Quarterback

Carson Palmer (40%), Oakland (bye)

With three interceptions in less than a half, I haven’t seen Palmer play this poorly since, well, last year.  Is he an upgrade over Kyle Boller?  Of course, but then again Jeff George would be too.  Many will chalk this debacle up to rust or a lack of familiarity with his receivers, and while that played a role, it’s not as if Palmer was lighting up opposing secondaries last season.  The matchup against Denver following this week’s bye looks tempting, but nothing I saw yesterday gives me confidence in the newly unretired Palmer.

Sam Bradford (37%), St. Louis

Perhaps Sunday’s performance from A.J. Feeley will give people a new appreciation for Bradford’s talents and willingness to take a beating behind a woeful offensive line.  His ankle injury is a concern, but as I mentioned last week, there are plenty of good fantasy matchups left on the St. Louis schedule, particularly now that Brand Lloyd is in the mix.

Alex Smith (22%), San Francisco

Smith entered San Fran’s bye with six passing touchdowns in his last three games.  The 49ers face Cleveland in Week Eight, but don’t read too much into the Browns’ gaudy numbers against opposing quarterbacks.  Their opponents haven’t exactly been a who’s who of prolific signal callers.

Andy Dalton (20%), Cincinnati

I’ve listed Dalton in each of the last two columns, and I still like his matchup against the Seahawks this week.  Their pass defense isn’t as good as the numbers indicated against Cleveland, and their tough run defense, coupled with the absence of the suspended Cedric Benson, should give the “Red Rifle” opportunities to air it out.

John Beck (9%), Washington

In his first start of the season, Beck ran for one touchdown and threw for another while racking up 279 passing yards.  That’s now two straight weeks with a rushing score, and his ability to move around and extend plays stood out.  Next up for Beck is a Buffalo pass defense who has allowed at least 292 passing yards in each of the last five games.  That said, the loss of Santana Moss to a hand injury is a potential red flag.

Fantasy Football Week 8 Waiver Wire Pickups: Running Back

Knowshon Moreno (46%), Denver

With Willis McGahee’s broken hand almost certain to keep him out of action this week, Moreno is sure to be a hot waiver wire target.  He rushed for 28 yards on seven carries in relief of McGahee this week, but he has failed to show any ability to live up to his lofty draft status over the course of his brief career.  The Broncos take on Detroit next week, who has been victimized on the ground the last few weeks, but I have a hard time recommending Moreno outside of PPR leagues.  It’s also worth noting that Lance Ball and Tim Tebow are more likely options around the goal line.

Ben Tate (42%), Houston

Obviously Arian Foster looks as healthy as ever, but Tate’s 104-yard performance on Sunday proved his value as a handcuff should Foster suffer any setbacks.  Keep in mind that the Texans face Carolina and Indianapolis in Weeks 15 and 16, giving Tate even more value.

Montario Hardesty (36%), Cleveland

The good news is that Hardesty held up under a heavy workload on Sunday and compiled 122 total yards against a solid Seattle defensive front.  The bad news is that he averaged fewer than three yards per carry and had just one run of over eight yards.  If Peyton Hillis misses next week’s game against San Francisco, Hardesty would still be a flex option based on the workload despite a tough matchup, but that’s about it.

Maurice Morris (35%)/Keiland Williams (3%), Detroit

Morris and Williams essentially split the backfield touches with Jahvid Best out on Sunday.  Morris got 31 of his 50 rushing yards on one play, but he was more involved in the passing game.  Williams also looked decent on the ground and looks like the better short yardage option.  Given the rumors about Best potentially missing the rest of the year, it’s worth stashing one of these guys just in case.  Those rumors have obviously been denied, but you have to acknowledge Best’s lengthy injury history.  Next week’s matchup with Denver isn’t quite as good as it may seem since the Broncos have yet to allow an opposing running back to rush for a score.

Delone Carter (19%), Indianapolis

With Joseph Addai aggravating his hamsting injury, Carter stepped in and ran for 89 yards and a TD on 10 carries while the Colts were being dismantled by New Orleans.  The game was already out of hand when Addai was injured (yes, I know it was only the first quarter), so the severity of the injury is unclear.  However, the Colts face a Tennessee defense that was just shredded on the ground and has allowed a 100-yard rusher in each of their last two games.

Bernard Scott (9%), Cincinnati

With Cedric Benson serving his suspension this week, Scott will get the start against Seattle.  I like Scott’s skill set, but the Seahawks have been tough on opposing runners this year.  Based on his workload, Scott becomes a decent flex option as a bye week fill-in.

Alfonso Smith (1%), Arizona

Stop me if you’ve heard this one before, but Beanie Wells got dinged up this week.  With Wells on the sideline, Smith stepped in and rushed for a score against the Steelers.  He finished with 17 rushing yards on five carries, and he also filled in for Wells in Week Three with 75 total yards.  Wells has typically been a slow healer, but Smith isn’t a particularly attractive option with the Ravens up next on the schedule.  LaRod Stephens-Howling will also take over on passing downs, further limiting Smith’s value.

Kregg Lumpkin (1%), Tampa Bay (bye)

Early reports are that Earnest Graham has a torn Achilles, which would end his season.  The Bucs have the bye week for LeGarrette Blount’s knee to get healthy, but if that isn’t enough time, Lumpkin would be the de facto starter.  He struggled on the ground against the Bears, tallying just 15 yards on eight carries.  Lumpkin did catch six balls for 37 yards, which makes him far more intriguing in PPR leagues should Blount remain out.

Fantasy Football Week 8 Waiver Wire Pickups: Wide Receiver

Michael Crabtree (38%), San Francisco

I’ve been on the Crabtree bandwagon for a couple weeks, and even with Joe Haden looming on Sunday, his ownership percentage is way too low.  It’s probably a week where you think twice about starting him, but his foot seems healthy and there are a number of great matchups left on the San Francisco schedule.

Steve Breaston (29%), Kansas City

With five catches and 64 yards on Sunday, Breaston has at least 50 yards in four straight games.  One of those games was against the Chargers, who just gave up three scores to a number two wideout and travel to Arrowhead on Sunday.

Antonio Brown (29%), Pittsburgh

Brown had a career day with seven catches for 102 yards against the woeful Arizona secondary.  With Hines Ward banged up, Brown seized the opportunity as the Steelers went to more wide open offensive sets.  The Steelers continue to struggle at establishing the run game (as my fellow Rashard Mendenhall owners can attest), which could mean more big games from Ben Roethlisberger and the Pittsburgh passing attack.

Greg Little (29%), Cleveland

The rookie receiver now has at least five catches in three straight games and led the Browns with seven targets on Sunday.  The yardage was disappointing, but he’s emerging as a strong PPR league option and remains a solid red zone target.  Beware this week, as the 49ers have given up just one TD to an opposing wideout since Week Two.  Still, the Browns are sure to force feed Little the ball either way.

Jabar Gaffney (19%), Washington

With Santana Moss out with a hand injury, Gaffney will be asked to step up as the number one wideout.  He has significantly more value in PPR leagues, but with the exception of a matchup with the 49ers, there are some decent matchups on Washington’s schedule over the next month or so.  Terrence Austin has also showed some chemistry with Beck, so keep an eye on him as well.

Demaryius Thomas (9%), Denver

The numbers, three catches for 27 yards and a score, don’t necessarily stand out.  But the 10 targets do.  Thomas did have a couple drops, but he’s sure to be a huge part of the Denver passing game with Brandon Lloyd now in St. Louis.  He’s worth adding in any format.

Michael Jenkins (7%), Minnesota

As I said four weeks ago, the numbers might be tempting, but don’t go pick him up.  Sometimes old advice is the best advice, like never eat yellow snow.

Fantasy Football Week 8 Waiver Wire Pickups: Tight End

Jermaine Gresham (42%), Cincinnati

As I mentioned above, I think the Bengals will be forced to throw it a decent amount against Seattle.  While that is good news for Gresham in and of itself, it’s worth noting that the Seahawks have given up a touchdown to an opposing tight end in two of the last three games.

Heath Miller (31%), Pittsburgh

Always one of Roethlisberger’s favorite red zone targets, Miller now has touchdowns in two of the last three weeks.  The Patriots have given up a couple big games to opposing tight ends, making Miller a decent bye week fill-in.

Visanthe Shiancoe (19%), Minnesota

A solid tight end can be a young quarterback’s best friend, which could help Shiancoe re-emerge as a fantasy factor over the remainder of the year.  Next week Minnesota takes on a Carolina defense that just got lit up by Fred Davis, which makes Shiancoe a reasonable option if you’re desperate.

Streaming Defense(s) of the Week

Cincinnati (24%) at Seattle

The Bengals have been a terrific fantasy defense this season, and words can’t do justice to the ineptitude of the Seattle offense on Sunday.  Charlie Whitehurst actually made Seattle fans pine for Tarvaris Jackson, maybe even Dan McGwire from the early 90s.  That Seahawks-Browns game could have single-handedly killed any interest for football in London.  Hell, it almost killed interest in my own home.

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Have any questions or feedback?  Leave them in the comments below or hit me up on Twitter (@andybottoms).

As always, players listed here are owned in fewer than 50 percent of Yahoo! leagues.

Fantasy Football Week 7 Waiver Wire Pickups: Quarterback

Sam Bradford (47%), St. Louis

It’s tough to blame people for giving up on Bradford after an ugly start to the season for both him and the Rams.  While the team didn’t fare any better against Green Bay, Bradford showed signs of life with 321 passing yards.  His receivers have consistently let him down with drops (and continued to do so on Sunday), but the Rams have also faced one of the tougher schedules in the league.

Next week Bradford takes on the Cowboys, who have allowed four of five opposing quarterbacks to throw for two touchdowns.  He also has four games left against Arizona and Seattle, so there should be better days ahead.

Tim Tebow (46%), Denver

Just in case you’ve been on a six-day bender, John Fox announced last week that Tebow will start Sunday’s game against Miami.  Through their first four games, the Dolphins have given up the second most points to fantasy quarterbacks.  And while everyone has their opinion of Tebow, he has produced solid fantasy numbers whenever he has played.  He’s absolutely worth adding to see how he responds this week.

Matt Cassel (34%), Kansas City

To rehash a few of the numbers I referenced on Cassel last week, he has seven touchdowns compared to just one interception over his last three games.  He also faces an Oakland defense that has allowed 11 passing touchdowns in the past five games, which makes him a prime replacement for any of the bigger name quarterbacks on bye this week.

Andy Dalton (20%), Cincinnati (bye)

The “Red Rifle” couldn’t extend his streak of two-TD games, but he did complete nearly 80 percent of his passes for 264 yards and one score against the Colts.  The surprising Bengals are on bye this week, but they face Seattle in Week Eight.  The Seahawks have allowed their last four opponents to throw for at least 252 yards, and given their solid run defense, Dalton may need to air it out.

John Beck (1%), Washington

We had started to see signs of it the past couple weeks, but Rex Grossman is, in fact, Rex Grossman.  Beck completed 8-of-15 passes for 117 yards and ran for a score in relief of Grossman, and it would be surprising if he wasn’t under center for Washington’s next game against Carolina.  He’s not an option outside of two quarterback leagues, but he does have a few decent matchups over the remainder of the season.

Fantasy Football Week 7 Waiver Wire Pickups: Running Back

Jackie Battle (36%), Kansas City

Even during KC’s bye week, Battle’s ownership percentage skyrocketed in preparation for next week’s matchup with the Raiders.  Oakland’s run defense has shown improvement over the past couple weeks, but don’t forget that they allowed opposing ball carriers to run for 465 yards over the previous three weeks.  Todd Haley has talked about getting Battle more involved and did just that against the Colts in Week Five.

Image credit: AP Photo/Bill Kostroun via Arrowhead Addict

Delone Carter (31%)/Donald Brown (5%), Indianapolis

With Joseph Addai sidelined, Carter got 14 carries compared to just five for Brown, but it was Brown who found the end zone.  The Bengals have a solid run defense, so that played a role in Carter’s struggles, but Brown did show some ability in passing situations and as a change of pace for the bruising Carter.  Addai’s status for next week is unknown, but the Colts face a New Orleans defense that is allowing 5.1 yards per carry.  They were victimized this week by a bigger back (Earnest Graham), which might bode well for Carter if the Colts can keep from getting too far behind.

Montario Hardesty (16%), Cleveland

There weren’t many key injuries on Sunday, but Peyton Hillis had to leave Cleveland’s game against Oakland with a bum hamstring.  There were initial reports that he was pulled as a coach’s decision, and rumors continue to fly in Cleveland that he may be traded due to the lack of progress in contract discussions.  Hillis is set to have a MRI to assess the damage, but Hardesty should see a fair amount of work.

The bad news for Hardesty is that he has continued to drop passes and botched a handoff that resulted in a turnover.  Seattle’s run defense is also one of the better units in the league, so while his touches may increase, don’t bank on a breakout performance from Hardesty in the short-term.

DeMarco Murray (5%)/Tashard Choice (5%), Dallas

Felix Jones sustained an ankle injury and has taken up permanent residence in the trainer’s office.  The Cowboys kept Jones on the sidelines for the entire second half against the Patriots, which opened the door for Murray and/or Choice to make an impression.  Neither really seized the opportunity, with Murray tallying 32 yards on 10 carries and Choice rushing for 14 yards on five attempts.  Choice was more involved in the passing game, but Jerry Jones said after the game he would entertain trade offers for him.  Murray looked like the more effective runner, and if I had to choose one to pursue, that’s who I would go with.

If Jones is out next week, either of these runners have a nice matchup against a St. Louis defense that has routinely been shredded on the ground.  Of course, they’ve also been shredded through the air, but you get my point.

Maurice Morris (1%), Detroit

Lost amidst the post-game shenanigans and tomfoolery between Jim Schwartz and Jim Harbaugh was the fact that Jahvid Best sustained a concussion in the fourth quarter.  He actually returned to the game after hitting his head, but given his history of concussions both in the NFL and at Cal, there’s a better than average chance that he doesn’t play against Atlanta this week.

Compared to fellow reserve Keiland Williams, Morris is the best bet to earn the bulk of the backfield touches, as he is the better receiver of the two.  The Falcons are holding their opponents to under 90 yards per game on the ground, but given his involvement in the passing game, Morris has value as a bye week fill-in.

Fantasy Football Week 7 Waiver Wire Pickups: Wide Receiver

James Jones (47%), Green Bay

I said last week that it’s tough to predict which Packers wideout not named Greg Jennings is the safest to start, and despite the fact that Jones has now scored in three straight games, that remains the case.  Jones saw just one target against St. Louis, which he converted to a 35-yard touchdown.  He’s not an every week starter, but he’s a solid guy to gamble on given how prolific Green Bay’s offense has been.

Darrius Heyward-Bey (45%), Oakland

After another solid game on Sunday, DHB now has 17 receptions for 296 yards over the past three weeks.  Quite frankly, I would have thought I had a better chance of recording an album of duets with Mike Tyson than advocating DHB in fantasy leagues.  The loss of Jason Campbell hurts his ability to keep the streak going, but Oakland’s next two games are against Kansas City and Denver, who are among the worst in the league at limiting the fantasy production of opposing wide receivers.

Torrey Smith (42%), Baltimore

Following Smith’s breakout game in Week Three, I asked that you temper your expectations due to his inconsistency.  In the two games since, he caught one pass for one yard before reeling in three passes for 84 yards against the Texans.  Smith will certainly have other big games this year, but next week the Ravens take on a Jacksonville secondary that has allowed just two receiving touchdowns to opposing wideouts in the past four weeks.

Michael Crabtree (42%), San Francisco (bye)

Crabtree showed no ill effects from his previous foot injury, and he continues to show flashes of the ability that earned him his lofty draft status.  Crabtree was targeted 15 times against the Lions on Sunday and finished with nine receptions for 77 yards.  He narrowly missed catching a touchdown and has a number of favorable matchups following the bye this week.

Jacoby Jones (34%), Houston

After laying an egg in Houston’s first game without Andre Johnson, Jones bounced back with four catches, 76 yards, and a score against Baltimore.  However, he was still targeted fewer times than Kevin Walter and faces a Tennessee defense that has limited opposing wideouts pretty well this year, at least those not wearing Steeler uniforms.

Doug Baldwin (24%), Seattle (bye)

I mentioned Baldwin last week following his big game against the Giants.  He has at least 83 yards in three of Seattle’s five games this season, including the last two contests.  It’s uncertain who will be under center for the Seahawks next week, but Baldwin has shown decent chemistry with both Tarvaris Jackson and Charlie Whitehurst.  Even if Joe Haden is back for Cleveland, he’s likely to spend most of his time on Sidney Rice, leaving Baldwin with a much more favorable matchup.

Early Doucet (23%), Arizona

Like Baldwin, I touched on Doucet last week heading into Arizona’s bye.  He is routinely being targeted in the passing game, and with the Cardinals consistently falling behind, they will be forced to air it out.  Against a stout Steelers pass defense this week, he’s not a great option, but he does have a number of good matchups in the coming weeks.

Steve Breaston (22%), Kansas City

Breaston has at least 50 receiving yards in three straight games, and as I mentioned above with Cassel, this week’s matchup against Oakland is favorable for the KC passing attack.

Jerome Simpson (18%), Cincinnati (bye)

It’s been feast of famine for Simpson this season.  In his two good games, he’s totaled 10 catches for 237 yards.  In the other four, he has 12 receptions for 116 yards.  Even on the heels of Sunday’s 100-yard effort, Marvin Lewis was critical of his play, particularly his continued struggles with dropped passes.  With Cincinnati heading into their bye and a number of challenging matchups looming, there are certainly better options out there.

Greg Little (16%), Cleveland

The Cleveland coaching staff talked about wanting to get Little more involved following their bye week, and they made good on that promise on Sunday, targeting him 12 times.  He converted those looks into six receptions and 72 yards, and had he not slipped just short of the goal line, Little would have scored his first NFL touchdown.  He is by far the most talented wide receiver on the team and should continue to play a major role in the passing game.  Pick him up before it’s too late.

Danario Alexander (12%)/Greg Salas (0%)/Mark Clayton (0%), St. Louis

As I mentioned above with Bradford, the Rams have some nice matchups remaining this year, but someone has to become a consistent threat as a receiver.  Alexander was promoted to the starting lineup on Sunday and finished with six catches for a team-high 91 yards on 10 targets.  He dropped what could have been an 81-yard touchdown, but if he can stay healthy, he should remain a starter.  Salas shook off a terrible start to his NFL career and bounced back on Sunday with eight catches for 77 yards.  With Danny Amendola out, the Rams have been searching for a slot receiver, and Salas has now staked his claim to that role.  He’s most valuable in PPR leagues.  Clayton has been on the PUP list and can’t play until Week Eight at the earliest.  Still, he put up huge numbers over the first four weeks of last season and was recently cleared to start practicing with the team.  Clayton is at minimum a name to file away.

Arrelious Benn (4%), Tampa Bay

Benn showed his big-play ability as he got wide open on a 65-yard TD, but he’s behind Mike Williams and Kellen Winslow (and maybe even Preston Parker) in the pecking order.  Benn has some terrific skills in the open field, but he’s isn’t consistent enough to warrant picking up just yet outside of deep leagues.

Jason Hill (2%), Jacksonville

That’s now back-to-back games with TDs for Hill, but in a passing offense that has shown so little, it’s tough to recommend owning any part of the Jacksonville passing game.

Fantasy Football Week 7 Waiver Wire Pickups: Tight End

Fred Davis (42%), Washington

Davis feasted on the Eagles defense to the tune of six catches for 95 yards, and now Chris Cooley is expected to miss time with an injured finger.  The potential insertion of John Beck into the starting lineup doesn’t hurt Davis’ value, and he has a few games coming up against teams who have been recently victimized by opposing tight ends.

Jared Cook (32%), Tennessee

I mentioned last week that I expected the Titans to use their bye week to find more ways to get Cook involved following his two best games of the season.  This week should be a solid test against the Texans, who have done a nice job of limiting tight ends not named Jimmy Graham so far this year.

Lance Kendricks (11%), St. Louis

Following his four-catch, 71-yard performance against the Packers, Kendricks should be starting to rebuild his confidence after a shaky start to his NFL career.  Still, the talent is there, as is a matchup with a Dallas defense who is among the worst at defending opposing tight ends.  Obviously it’s a huge gamble, but as I mentioned with the other Rams, better days are to come.  They have to be.

Jake Ballard (10%), New York Giants (bye)

He now has three straight weeks of at least eight fantasy points in standard leagues, so perhaps the bye doesn’t come at the best time for Ballard.  Still, he’s clearly become a part of the offense and is posting Kevin Boss-esque numbers for the Giants.  No need to pick Ballard up while he is off this week, but he’s a potential fill-in going forward.

Brent Celek (9%), Philadelphia (bye)

Celek came into Sunday’s game with nine receptions for 73 yards, so you can understand why the Redskins seemed ill-prepared for him to the lead the Eagles in targets.  The matchup against Dallas following Philly’s bye is a decent one, but very few things point to a repeat performance of Sunday’s 42 yards and a score.

Streaming Defense(s) of the Week

Dallas (43%) vs. St. Louis

The Rams have yet to score more than 16 points this season, and the Cowboys are coming off of their best defensive effort of the year against the potent Patriots offense.

Cleveland (4%) vs. Seattle

The Seahawks are among the worst at giving up points to opposing fantasy defenses, and they’re heading east for an early start.

Don’t miss the rest of our Week 7 Fantasy Football coverage:

• Week 7 Start em, Sit em

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Have any questions or feedback?  Leave them in the comments below or hit me up on Twitter (@andybottoms).

To a certain extent, you’re right.  There are very few must-adds this week, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t guys out there who can help your team the rest of the way, possibly as soon as this week. (For more Week 6 analysis, here is this week’s Start/Sit column.)

As always, the players listed here are owned in fewer than 50% of Yahoo! leagues.

Fantasy Football Week 6 Waiver Wire Advice: Quarterback

Colt McCoy (33%), Cleveland

The Browns head to Oakland next week to face a Raider defense that has allowed at least two touchdowns to opposing quarterbacks for four straight weeks.  McCoy is also coming off of a career-high 350 passing yards, although much of it game in garbage time.  Still, he makes for a solid spot start, and you may keep him around thanks to some enticing upcoming matchups.

Matt Cassel (31%), Kansas City (bye)

After tossing four scores against Indy, Cassel now has seven touchdowns compared to just one interception over his last three games.  Dwayne Bowe and Steve Breaston are playing well on the outside, and Cassel finally looks comfortable (and by comfortable, I mean competent).  After a bye this week, Cassel and the Chiefs face the aforementioned Oakland defense in Week Seven.

Cassel's turnaround started after a shouting match with his coach. Kudos Todd Haley?

Andy Dalton (14%), Cincinnati

The “Red Rifle” now has two touchdowns in two straight weeks, and while the overall stats aren’t awe-inspiring, the matchup with the Colts secondary is.  He’s not a guy I’m going out of my way to get in my lineup, but he’s a good matchup play if you’re in a pinch.

Alex Smith (14%), San Francisco

When I mentioned Smith last week, I said it would be interesting to see what he could do with some confidence.  Apparently the answer is throw three touchdowns.  Smith now has seven passing TDs in his last four games compared to just one pick.  He’s completing better than 65 percent of his passes heading into a matchup with Detroit.  The Lions have amassed some decent pass defense numbers through their first four games, albeit against some inferior and/or struggling quarterbacks.  Again, it’s not a phenomenal matchup, but you could do worse than riding the hot hand.

Tim Tebow (7%), Denver (bye)

Many expected the Broncos to make a quarterback change during their bye week, but apparently they couldn’t wait.  John Fox yanked an ineffective Kyle Orton in favor of Tebow in Sunday’s loss to the Chargers.  Tebow completed just four of his 10 passes, but he threw for one TD and ran for another.  For all his mechanical faults, he racked up huge fantasy numbers late last season, so he’s worth picking up to see if he can do it again following a bye this week.  He has by far the most upside of any of the waiver wire signal callers this week.

Fantasy Football Week 6 Waiver Wire Advice: Running Back

Ryan Torain (49%), Washington

Maybe Torain slipped under the radar since the Redskins were on bye this week.  If you need a reminder, he has a sweet matchup against the woeful Eagles run defense this week.  That’s all you really need to know.  And as an Eagles fan, that’s really all I can say without using excessive amounts of profanity.

Kendall Hunter (24%), San Francisco

Hunter’s emergence has led to Frank Gore’s resurgence, but he’s still valuable as a handcuff.  The 49ers have talked of giving Hunter a third of the backfield touches, and on Sunday he ran for 65 yards on just nine carries, including a 44-yard scamper.  Hunter’s explosiveness, coupled with injury concerns for Gore, make him worth a roster spot.

UPDATE:

Earnest Graham (14%), Tampa Bay

Monday didn’t bring definitive news on LeGarrette Blount’s status for Sunday’s game with New Orleans, but it certainly didn’t sound promising. If Blount can’t go, Graham would draw the start against a Saints defense that has allowed three rushing TDs to opposing running backs through the first five games. To this point, Graham’s biggest fantasy contributions have come via the passing game with 23 receptions on the year. He was actually shutout as a receiver against the 49ers, but his pass-catching ability makes him a RB2 in PPR leagues and a flex option in others.

Montario Hardesty (13%), Cleveland

There were rumors out of Cleveland last week that Peyton Hillis may request a trade due to the lack of progress in contract negotiations.  While that seems a bit extreme, Hardesty was already starting to see more touches, and the Browns definitely want to see what kind of workload he can handle as they determine their future with Hillis.  The Raiders give up plenty of points to opposing running backs both on the ground and through the air, as Arian Foster showed this week.  Keep in mind Hardesty was the target of a number of passes in Cleveland’s Week Four loss to Tennessee.  If he can actually catch those targets this week, the potential is definitely there.

Delone Carter (11%), Indianapolis

This is one of the few guys on this week’s list I would look to add in pretty much all leagues.  Joseph Addai’s injured hamstring should keep him out at least a few games, and Carter earned 12 carries compared to five for Donald Brown.  The only bad news is that Brown outgained him, but Carter is the goal-line option as he proved on a short TD run.  The Colts have already given Brown a number of chances to prove he was worth a first round pick, so they figure to see what Carter can do in what is already a lost season.  Beware of a tough matchup next week against Cincinnati’s solid run defense though.

Jackie Battle (7%), Kansas City (bye)

Todd Haley said earlier in the week that Battle would get more carries going forward, and he made good on that promise Sunday. Battleheld up his end of the bargain with 119 rushing yards on 19 carries to go with 21 receiving yards.  There’s a reason Battle averaged fewer than 3.0 yards per carry over the last two seasons, but there’s more upside with Battle than the aging Thomas Jones.  It’s worth noting that Jones also averaged better than 5.0 yards per carry against a poor Indy run defense on Sunday, so their ineptitude played a role in Battle’s emergence.  He does have a nice matchup with the Raiders after the bye.

Jonathan Dwyer (1%), Pittsburgh

This one is only for deep or dynasty leagues, but Dwyer racked up 107 rushing yards against Tennessee, doing most of his damage on a 76-yard run in the first half.  He still played behind Isaac Redman, and Rashard Mendenhall should be able to start next week.  However, he did show the ability to contribute when called upon, so keep him in mind going forward.

Fantasy Football Week 6 Waiver Wire Advice: Wide Receiver

Michael Crabtree (41%), San Francisco

Despite his two-catch, 36-yard performance, I am still optimistic about Crabtree’s prospects.  He had the second-most targets on the team and continues to show no ill effects of his foot injury.  The 49ers didn’t need to throw a ton with a comfortable lead, but that won’t always be the case.

Antonio Brown (34%), Pittsburgh

Brown’s streak of 60-plus receiving yard games came to an end on Sunday, but he seems to have clearly passed Emmanuel Sanders on the depth chart.  The Steelers have some good WR matchups in the coming weeks against Jacksonville, Arizona, and New England, making Brown a guy worth hanging onto.

Early Doucet (24%), Arizona (bye)

Before the season started, I profiled Andre Roberts as the guy who could benefit from Larry Fitzgerald drawing so much coverage.  Turns out that Doucet is the beneficiary.  The 16 targets on Sunday were inflated by the fact that the Cardinals got down 28 points in the first quarter, but he has at least six targets for four straight weeks, culminating in this week’s eight receptions and 92 yards.  Doucet also had a TD called back due to a penalty, so things could have been even better.  Thanks to a porous defense, Arizona should be playing from behind much of this season, leading to plenty of garbage time opportunities for Doucet.

Steve Breaston (15%), Kansas City (bye)

Breaston now has at least 50 receiving yards in three straight games, but the two touchdowns on Sunday were particularly surprising given that he had just one score all of last season.  Still, Cassel is improving as I mentioned above, and the post-bye week matchup with Oakland is a decent one.

Kevin Walter (13%), Houston

While Jacoby Jones had more targets, Walter had significantly better numbers with five catches, 81 yards, and a score.  He won’t wow you, but someone has to catch the ball for the Texans.

James Jones (10%), Green Bay

With Aaron Rodgers adeptly spreading the ball around, it’s tough to know which Green Bay wideout not named Greg Jennings is the safest to start each week.  Jones now has touchdowns in two straight games heading into a great matchup with St. Louis, which makes him worth a look if you need a bye week fill-in.  He’s by no means a sure thing, but you could also do a lot worse than investing in the potent Packer passing game.

Darrius Heyward-Bey (6%), Oakland

It was only fitting that one of Al Davis’ most maligned draft picks had a big game the day after his passing.  DHB followed up his 115-yard effort in Week Four with seven catches for 99 yards and a score against the Texans.  It’s certainly a high risk move, but if he can avoid Joe Haden when he faces the Browns next week, the potential is there.  I actually feel dirty after saying that.  Excuse me while I go shower.

Doug Baldwin (4%), Seattle (bye)

After 83 yards and a score in the opener, Baldwin posted just 27 yards over the next two games, making him look like a one week wonder.  Since then he racked up 84 yards against Atlanta and broke out for eight catches, 136 yards, and a TD in the upset win over the Giants.  The touchdown came on a play where the Giants essentially stopped playing after jumping offsides, but fantasy owners could care less.  The Seahawks have a bye next week, but Baldwin is looking like a solid PPR league option at the very least.

Jason Avant (2%), Philadelphia

The good news is he caught nine balls for 139 yards to give him 15 receptions and 208 yards in the past two games.  The bad news is he lost a key fumble and had Michael Vick’s final interception glance off his hands (and then his feet) on a drive that could have tied the game.  Avant is typically sure-handed, so the Eagles won’t give up on him after this performance.  Besides, with their defense scuffling, they are sure to be in plenty of shootouts over the remainder of the year.

Fantasy Football Week 6 Waiver Wire Advice: Tight End

Jared Cook (40%), Tennessee (bye)

Cook saw nine targets on Sunday and posted 59 yards against the Steelers.  With Kenny Britt out, he’s easily the team’s most talented receiver, so look for his involvement in the offense to continue to increase following Tennessee’s bye week.

Fred Davis (38%), Washington

One of the few things Philly’s defense did well on Sunday was to limit Buffalo tight end Scott Chandler.  That doesn’t erase the fact that they’ve been abused by opposing tight ends on multiple occasions this year.  Or the fact that their linebackers and safeties have been generally awful at every phase of the game.  Yes, that’s my Eagles fan bitterness showing through.

Heath Miller (17%), Pittsburgh

The Jaguars have given up a touchdown to opposing tight ends for four straight weeks.  It’s up to Miller to keep that streak alive, and he should come in with some confidence after 46 yards and a score this week.

Ben Watson (17%)/Evan Moore (2%), Cleveland

The Raiders gave up a number of big plays to Houston’s TE duo of Owen Daniels and Joel Dreessen, who combined for 12 catches and 201 yards on Sunday.  With few proven receivers, the Browns throw to their tight ends regularly, which may bode well for Watson and Moore this week.

Ed Dickson (15%), Baltimore

After 12 targets against the Jets last week, Joe Flacco has now looked Dickson’s way 32 times in Baltimore’s four games.  He has at least four catches and 45 yards in three of those contests, which makes him a decent PPR league option at minimum.

Jake Ballard (2%), New York Giants

He now has a TD reception in two straight weeks and seems to be developing a nice rapport with Eli Manning.  The Bills have given up three touchdowns to opposing tight ends over the last three weeks, so if you want to roll the dice, Ballard is an option if you are desperate.

Joel Dreessen (0%), Houston

I listed James Casey last week as a potential offensive option with Andre Johnson out, but it was Dreessen who stepped up with five catches for 112 yards, including a 56-yard TD where he slipped out the back side of the play.  He entered the game with just three receptions and 44 yards on the season, but he has filled in admirably (at times) for Owen Daniels in the past.  He’s a huge gamble against a Ravens team giving up virtually nothing to opposing tight ends.

Streaming Defense(s) of the Week

Cincinnati (25%) vs. Indianapolis

The 20 points allowed to Jacksonville was a season high for the Bengals, but they made up for it with three sacks, two fumble recoveries, and a TD on the final play of the game.  Another solid matchup awaits with the Colts this week.

Buffalo (11%) at New York Giants

The Bills have scored a defensive touchdown in three straight games, and Eli Manning is coming off of a four turnover effort on Sunday.

Have any questions or feedback?  Leave them in the comments below or hit me up on Twitter (@andybottoms).

Six teams (Baltimore, Cleveland, Dallas, Miami, St. Louis, and Washington) have a bye in Week Five, so many fantasy owners will be hitting the waiver wire in search of one week rentals to fill out their rosters while others are trying to fill holes created by injuries or ineffectiveness.

As always, the players listed here are owned in less than 50 percent of Yahoo! leagues.

Fantasy Football Week 5 Waiver Wire Advice: Quarterback

Matt Hasselbeck (38%), Tennessee

At this point, Hasselbeck has become a fixture in this column, and his three-touchdown performance against Cleveland did nothing to change that.  He attempted just 20 passes thanks to a comfortable Tennessee lead, but he was still able to put up solid fantasy numbers.

Hasselbeck is now averaging 288 passing yards per game with eight touchdowns and a 66.7 completion rate.  Things get tougher with the Steelers up next on the schedule, but their pass defense numbers are inflated thanks to having faced the Colts and Seahawks.  Hasselbeck won’t light them up, but he won’t kill you either.

Donovan McNabb (24%), Minnesota

Yes, he has been abysmal so far this season, but so has Arizona’s pass defense.  They’ve allowed at least two passing TDs to three of the four QBs they’ve faced, with the aforementioned Tarvaris Jackson the only exception.  You’re obviously not starting him over any other established guys, but if you’re desperate, he’s an option based on the matchup assuming he can hold off Christian Ponder for one more week.

Alex Smith (9%), San Francisco

Speaking of desperate, here’s another guy to consider as a bye week fill-in.  Smith actually threw the ball down the field in San Fran’s comeback win over the Eagles, which apparently took the Eagles by surprise.  The 49ers face a Tampa Bay defense that has allowed two 300-yard passers in their first three games and has been fairly solid against the run.  Smith actually has some confidence, so now we get to see what he does with it.

Matt Moore (0%), Miami (bye)

The Dolphins are off this week, but for those in two-QB leagues, Moore is someone to look at after Chad Henne left Sunday’s game with a left shoulder injury.  Moore acquitted himself well, with his only interception coming on a forced throw late in the game.  Henne’s status for Week Six is unknown, but at this point, don’t the Dolphins know what he can (or can’t) do?

Fantasy Football Week 5 Waiver Wire Advice: Running Back

Michael Bush (47%), Oakland

With Darren McFadden excelling, Bush is only seeing around 10 touches per contest, but he found the endzone for a third straight game on Sunday.  He has also become a bit more involved in the passing game with six receptions for 90 yards in the past two weeks.  Bush injured his ankle late in Sunday’s game, so keep an eye on his injury status before picking him up.

Kendall Hunter (29%), San Francisco

Even with Frank Gore active, Hunter started for the 49ers on Sunday and totaled 100 yards on 11 touches.  Gore finished with more carries and more yards, but Hunter has proven there is a place for him in this offense.  Gore isn’t exactly the picture of health, so Hunter’s role could increase as the season wears on.  For now, he’s worth owning just to see what happens.

Montario Hardesty (18%), Cleveland (bye)

The Browns gave Hardesty a healthy dose of snaps even with Peyton Hillis back at full strength.  Unfortunately, Hardesty dropped nearly as many passes (four) as he caught (five) and averaged just over three yards per carry.  Still, it’s encouraging news for Hardesty owners, and should Hillis’ reckless running style lead to an injury, Hardesty is poised to step in against a relatively easy upcoming schedule after the bye.

Ryan Torain (18%), Washington (bye)

Oh, Mike Shanahan, we should have seen this coming.  He hinted at nearly pulling Tim Hightower for Torain in Week Three, and sure enough Torain burst back onto the fantasy scene in Week Four with 135 yards and a score on 19 carries.

For now, it looks like Hightower is on the way out in favor of Torain, who has long been a Shanahan favorite.  He’s worth a pickup even with a bye for the Redskins next week, but Torain’s injury history is nearly as long as Shanahan’s reign of fantasy terror.  Don’t get too attached.

Stevan Ridley (11%), New England

I highlighted Ridley last week, and after another impressive performance, the line to pick him up just got a bit longer.  Ridley again outplayed BenJarvus Green-Ellis, rushing for 97 yards and a score on 10 carries.  The Pats aren’t going to turn into a grind-it-out team anytime soon, but their backfield has traditionally produced some solid fantasy performers.  For now at least, Ridley is the guy to own.

Isaac Redman (6%), Pittsburgh

With Rashard Mendenhall’s status in question due to a hamstring injury, Redman is poised to assume the starting role in the Pittsburgh backfield.  With their line in shambles and Ben Roethlisberger banged up, that might be less enticing than in years past, but Redman ran hard against the Texans and has impressed in limited action.  The Titans have been strong against the run after being carved up in Week One, but Redman would make a solid bye-week option if Mendenhall is out.

Brian Leonard (0%), Cincinnati

At this point no one knows when (or if) Cedric Benson will start serving his suspension, but Leonard was more effective than Bernard Scott on Sunday.  At minimum, the two backs would be part of a committee in Benson’s absence, with Leonard the goal line option.

Chris Ogbonnaya (0%), Houston

Apparently Texans running back is one of the most dangerous jobs in America.  Arian Foster’s injuries early on were well publicized, Derrick Ward has missed a couple games with a bum ankle, and now Ben Tate sustained a groin injury.  So while Foster looked terrific with a full workload on Sunday, Ogbonnaya is a name to remember in case his hammy flares up again.

Fantasy Football Week 5 Waiver Wire Advice: Wide Receiver

Michael Crabtree (40%), San Francisco

Crabtree and Alex Smith have never seemed to develop any chemistry (or even a tolerance for one another), but he saw a team-high nine targets, which he parlayed into five catches for 68 yards.  The upside is enough to consider picking him up to see if he can string together another solid performance or two.

Victor Cruz (33%), New York Giants

Most of Cruz’s headlines will be about him getting away with a fumble by “giving himself up,” which apparently is code for “tripping over your own feet.”  If that’s true, I have given myself up on the dance floor at a few wedding receptions.  Anyway, Cruz caught six passes for 98 yards and vastly outplayed Mario Manningham.  With Domenik Hixon out for the year and a couple good games under his belt, Cruz is worth a roster spot, particularly with Seattle up next on the schedule.

Antonio Brown (26%), Pittsburgh

This hinges largely on Roethlisberger’s status, but Brown has consistently been among the most targeted Steelers this season.  He led the team with 10 targets on Sunday, which he converted into five receptions for 67 yards.  Roethlisberger overthrew him on what would have been a touchdown, and he now has at least 67 receiving yards in three straight games.

Randall Cobb (20%), Green Bay

Outside of leagues that count return yardage, Cobb is an inconsistent fantasy option, but he does have a few things working in his favor.  First, Donald Driver is clearly slowing down, so the opportunity to earn more playing time is there.  Second, Cobb is still learning how to play the position after playing quarterback during much of his college career at Kentucky.  Third, the Packers have a lethal passing game, which means anyone involved in their aerial assault can emerge as a viable fantasy option.  The best is yet to come for Cobb, so stash him away now if you can.

Kevin Walter (5%), Houston

The good news is that Andre Johnson didn’t injury his knee, but a non-contact injury doesn’t bode well for his status over the next week or two.  That should mean more targets for Walter, who isn’t exactly a game changer, but somebody has to be on the receiving end of Matt Schaub’s passes.

Laurent Robinson (2%), Dallas (bye)

With Miles Austin injured, I expected Kevin Ogletree to step up.  As it turns out, Ogletree’s core competencies appear to be dropping passes and lining up in the wrong place on virtually every play.  That opened the door for Robinson to earn more playing time against Detroit, which he took advantage of to the tune of seven receptions and 116 yards.  He has shown flashes before but could never stay healthy long enough to establish himself.  Austin is expected back after Dallas’ bye this week, but Dez Bryant has also been hobbled, which means Robinson is an injury away from a starting role.

Darrius Heyward-Bey (1%), Oakland

Don’t do it.  I know he had 115 yards, but don’t do it.  You’re better than that.

Fantasy Football Week 5 Waiver Wire Advice: Tight End

Jared Cook (28%), Tennessee

The Cook bandwagon all but emptied after a slow start to the season, but as I mentioned last week, someone has to pick up the slack with Kenny Britt out.  Cook had a team-high six targets and tallied two receptions for 93 yards and a score.  He presents a real mismatch for opponents and should continue to see his role expand.  The Steelers have surrendered a couple double-digit fantasy point performances against opposing tight ends this season, making Cook an interesting bye week option.

Jermaine Gresham (26%), Cincinnati

Like Cook, I listed Gresham as a solid add last week, and he backed that up with 70 yards and a touchdown.  Next week the Bengals face a Jacksonville defense that has allowed 29 receptions, 330 yards, and three scores against opposing tight ends over the last three weeks.

James Casey (18%), Houston

As I mentioned above with Walter, someone will have to step up in the passing game for however many games Andre Johnson is out.  Owen Daniels seems the most likely candidate, but defenses will focus their efforts on taking him away.  So don’t rule out Casey, who had 126 yards and a score against New Orleans in Week Three.

Clay Harbor (0%), Philadelphia

This one is only for deeper leagues, but Brent Celek’s breakout season in 2009 is now a distant memory and apparently a complete aberration.  With Celek struggling, Harbor stepped in with three receptions for 55 yards and a score on Sunday.  The Bills, who have surrendered three TDs to opposing tight ends in the past two games, are up next on the schedule.

Streaming Defense(s) of the Week

Houston (37%) vs. Oakland

Outside of a second half meltdown against the Saints, the Texans have been impressive defensively, allowing just 30 points over the other three games.  The Raiders have an improved offense, but they don’t have the kind of passing game that could really expose the Texans.

Tennessee (15%) at Pittsburgh

This hinges largely on Ben Roethlisberger’s status, but the Titans have been stingy defensively.  They have yet to allow an opponent to score over 16 points and have done a nice job creating turnovers.

Cincinnati (2%) at Jacksonville

Anyone who can slow down The Amish Rifle deserves some credit.  All kidding aside, the Cincinnati defense is underrated and faces a rookie quarterback and an offense that is averaging fewer than 10 points per game.

Have any questions or feedback?  Leave them in the comments below or hit me up on Twitter (@andybottoms).

Let’s take a look at the fantasy football-relevant injuries going into week 3, including Peyton Hillis, Tony Romo, and Beanie Wells.

AFC North

Wide receiver for the Baltimore Ravens, Lee Evans, was ruled out for Sunday’s game against the St. Louis Rams, despite his confidence in his ankle to handle the game.

Cincinnati Bengals AJ Green, wide receiver, is listed as probable for Sunday’s game. His toe injury isn’t keeping him off the depth chart for the Bengals where he’s first in the lineup.

Peyton Hillis, running back for the Cleveland Browns, is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Dolphins due to illness. However, the Browns still have Hillis listed first in the lineup, but I’d check back Sunday morning to make sure he’s still there.

AFC South

Houston Texans will make a game time decision on whether or not to play running back Arian Foster for Sunday’s game against the New Orleans Saints. Foster is not listed on the depth chart. I’d keep him off, folks.

Dallas Clark, tight end for the Indianapolis Colts did not practice on Friday and is questionable for Sunday’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Clark is dealing with a foot injury.

Receiver for the Tennessee Titans, Kenny Britt cut practice short on Wednesday when his hamstring tightened up but was back practicing Friday.

AFC East

Steve Johnson, wide receiver for the Buffalo Bills, was out earlier this week suffering from a groin issue. However, he’s first on the Bills depth chart for their game against the Patriots.

New England tight end, Aaron Hernandez, is out of Sunday’s game against the Bills because of a knee injury. I am a little disappointed in this one because he was one of my better fantasy players.

AFC West

It looks like Denver Broncos’ Brandon Lloyd will be back in the lineup for Sunday’s game. Both Lloyd and running back Knowshon Moreno are first in their respective positions on the Broncos depth chart.

Jacoby Ford, wide receiver for the Oakland Raiders is out for the week 3 game against the Jets due to a hamstring injury. It’s unclear when he will return.

Both Mike Tolbert and Antonio Gates have struggled with injuries for the San Diego Chargers. I’d check back Sunday morning. No one seems sure of their status.

NFC North

Jermichael Finley, tight end for the Green Bay Packers, is listed as probable for Sunday’s game against division rival the Chicago Bears. However, Finley is not listed on the line up. Check back tomorrow morning.

The Detroit Lions are dealing with injuries to Calvin Johnson and Brandon Pettigrew but have put them as first in the lineup for Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings.

NFC South

Both Roddy White, wide reciever, and Matt Ryan, quarterback, for the Atlanta Falcons were suffering from knee injuries but both are listed as probable for Sunday’s game against Tampa Bay.

No worries, Panther fans, Cam Newton has been practicing in full since Wednesday and is listed as probable for tomorrow’s game against Jacksonville.

While Bucaneer tight end, Kellen Winslow, practiced Thursday and Friday, his knee is still listed as questionable, but he is still listed as first in the lineup.

NFC East

The Dallas Cowboys have a plethora of injuries they are dealing with. Tony Romo states that his lung has healed. Now they are waiting on his ribs. No one has mentioned whether or not he will play on Monday. Wide receiver, Dez Bryant, did not participate in Friday’s practice and Felix Jones was limited at practice.

New York Giant, Mario Manningham, did not practice on Friday and is doubtful for Sunday’s game against the Eagles.

Speaking of Eagles, quarterback Michael Vick looks as though he will be ready to play on Sunday. He was practicing on Friday and looks to be ready to go. I’d still check back Sunday morning.

NFC West

Chris Wells, running back for the Arizona Cardinals, is suffering from hamstring injury and is will be a game time decision. Arizona plays a later game on Sunday, so you need to make a decision before the team decides.

San Fransisco 49ers wide receiver, Michael Crabtree, is probable for Sunday’s game and is in the lineup.

Wide receiver for the Seattle Seahawks, Sidney Rice, will make his season debut against the Arizona Cardinals this week. Rice missed the first two games due to a shoulder injury.

Steven Jackson, running back for the St. Louis Rams, is going to be a game time decision.

There’s your injury update for week 3. Have a happy football Sunday!

MSF: Give us an update on your players currently on NFL rosters.

Gary Glick: Interesting year so far.  We had several that were released and several doing well.  One of the ones to watch is Mike Adams at Arizona (#27).  He is small at 5’8” but has been very effective on special teams and is a very sure tackler.

MSF: How does the beginning of the UFL influence your  landscape? Is this a place where you are going to actively direct your clients who cannot make it on an NFL roster right now? Is the UFL immediately on par, better than, worse than the CFL?

Gary Glick: I was unsure about the UFL until I started talking with some of the coaching staff. In particular, I have gotten to know and have a lot of respect for Coach Fassel. It doesn’t appear that the UFL is trying to compete with the NFL.  In fact, in some instances, it looks like a place for players as well as coaches who would like another opportunity in the NFL.  I have placed several players so far and watched the games. It’s a good brand of football and I hope it takes off.

The UFL and CFL have their pros and cons.  The CFL is widely scouted by the NFL teams but is an 18-game season.  Also, once a player enters a contract, they cannot break the contract even if an NFL wants them. Along those lines, most CFL teams try to have the player sign a two-year deal.  That would lock the player out of the NFL for a significant time.

The UFL is new and currently only has a six-game season, so players are free to try for the NFL much quicker than they would if they were in the CFL.

On the other hand, the CFL is more established than the UFL. I guess time will tell the success of the UFL and the players who choose to participate.

MSF: Regarding the Dez Bryant story, there has been speculation that Deion Sanders might be working as a de facto “runner” for Eugene Parker.  I know that you cannot comment on the specifics, but can you at least describe to our readers what a “runner” is and what the NCAA’s rules are to prevent “runners” and agents from getting close to college athletes.

Gary Glick: In general, “runners” work for agencies and are usually persons who will attend games and work behind the scenes to meet players for the agencies.  It’s a way to bend (break) the rules as to when an agenct may make contact with a player.  It’s widespread and really places agencies on uneven playing fields, especially if the person serving in the “runner” capacity is a famous athlete.

I am not saying Deion is doing this but it does raise eyebrows when Deion was involved with the Crabtree decision to choose Eugene Parker as his agent and now offers training to another highly sought after prospect in Dez Bryant.  Not coincidentally, Eugene Parker was Deion’s agent so there is a natural connection.

MSF: In your experience, speaking generally, have you seen former NFL players use their stature and “cred” to cozy up to athletes with the implicit or explicit goal of “handing” them to specified agents? Is this typically something they are compensated for, either over- or under-the-table?

Gary Glick: Yes to both.  It’s a very common practice for agents’ clients to use their stature to recruit athletes-especially at their alma mater.

MSF: One of the most disappointing developments of the college football season so far has been the injuries to Sam Bradford and Jermaine Gresham, both of whom would have been top 10 picks had they come out prior to this season.  What would you have advised them to do last year? Do you think their injury problems this year will prompt players currently on the fence to go pro? Do you think it should?

Gary Glick: It’s easy in retrospect.  Honestly, I would have advised Bradford to come out.  He was a lock to be the 1^st overall pick.  As we can see, there is a huge injury risk in returning.  That’s not to say that he still won’t be recognized as the best QB in the country (in my opinion he is) but we will have to see what longer range effects his injury will have.

Gresham, on the other hand, is a TE, and although he is widely thought to be the best TE in the country, there was no guarantee as to where he would have been drafted.  I would have advised him to give it serious thought but do what he felt he should do.

I am fairly high on players getting their education and developing in college unless the player will be a top 5 or 10 pick.  It seems like every year players who should stay in do just the opposite and come out and, vice versa, those that probably should come out choose to stay in (see Matt Leinert).

Now, as we head into Week 7, Michael Crabtree is a starting WR in the NFL.

Amazing how quickly things change, huh?

Crabtree got into camp just as the 49ers were entering their bye week and has had two weeks to acclimate himself to the offense, to his teammates, and to life in the NFL. No-nonsense coach Mike Singletary apparently believes that Crabtree has acclimated himself quite well, considering he has reportedly pegged Crabtree to start over Josh Morgan this Sunday when the 49ers play Houston.

Now that Singletary has made his decision, fantasy football owners have their own decision to make: start or sit Michael Crabtree in Week 7?

The answer is an easy one for me: sit him. And there are a number of reasons why.

First, Crabtree is a rookie WR. Even highly talented, highly drafted rookie WRs with the benefit of a full training camp and six games under their belt are risky plays in Week 7 of their rookie year. In most cases with rookie WRs, there is a high degree of volatility from week to week.

Crabtree is certainly highly talented and was highly drafted, but he’s had only two weeks of practice and certainly can only know a fraction of the San Francisco offense. This limits his potential for a breakout performance in his debut.

Second, San Francisco isn’t a good passing team anyway. If this was the Colts or the Cardinals, and we knew the ball would be in the air 35-40 times, maybe you consider Crabtree. But this is the 49ers, a team that ranks 28th in the league with only 160.8 passing yards per game. QB Shaun Hill has thrown only five TD passes this year and only one of those went to a WR (Josh Morgan).

In all, San Francisco’s top two wideouts have caught only 26 balls on the season for less than 400 yards. That’s not a very big pie for Crabtree to attempt to get a piece of in his first week. Obviosuly the 49ers hope that Crabtree will make their offense more dynamic, but do you really think it will happen in his first week?

The third reason why you want to sit Michael Crabtree this week is that Frank Gore is back. Gore is the 49ers workhorse and should get the bulk of the offensive touches on Sunday. This is a run-first, run-second team and Crabtree will be nothing more than a complement to a ball control, smash-mouth gameplan.

Now, if you have Crabtree and your lineup is decimated with bye weeks and injuries, there are reasons for guarded optimism about Crabtree’s potential in Week 7.

Houston is a high scoring team, which means that San Francisco will probably have to get into the mid-20s to win the game; this could necessitate more passing than usual. If S.F. does decide to pass more, the Texans are only 19th in the league against the pass, giving up 226.8 yards passing per game and 6 TDs.

It’s not much, but starting Crabtree this Sunday if you’re in a bind probably may not be a complete lost cause.

Regardless, while I think Crabtree could have some value in the right matchups as we move forward, don’t blindly throw him out there this week if you have other proven options. I have a feeling that Mike Singletary won’t mind Crabtree having a rude awakening in his first NFL start, knowing that it might be an immediate step back that could help the WR take a few helpful steps forward a little quicker in 2009.

And a rude awakening is what I expect for Crabtree this week.

Michael Crabtree Week 7 projection: 2 rec, 27 yards, 0 TDs

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* – Michael Crabtree photo credit: Bay Area Sports Guy