Play ‘Em
Sam Bradford: Bradford has looked impressive as a rookie so far this season. Last week against Seattle, he threw for 289 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions. This week, Bradford faces a Detroit defense that ranks 26th in passing defense and has allowed at least two touchdowns to opposing quarterbacks in three of its first four games. If you’re looking for a bye-week quarterback, consider Bradford.
Eli Manning: Last week against Chicago, Manning threw for 195 yards and no touchdowns, but the Giants’ defense was the main focus. This week, Manning faces an awful Texans secondary. Look for Manning to rebound against a defense that allows 338 yards passing per game.
Jamaal Charles: Charles has scored one touchdown in his 2010 campaign, but look for success this week against the Colts. Through four games, running backs have averaged 22 points in standard scoring leagues against the Colts’ defense. Charles will continue to split carries with Thomas Jones, but Charles’ seven yards per carry is worth noting.
Mark Clayton: It’s hard to believe how well Clayton has fit so well in the Rams’ system after being traded from Baltimore. Clayton caught five passes for 72 yards last week against Seattle, but was targeted 14 times. He will continue to be consistent against a Lions defense that surrenders 27 points per game.
Marques Colston: It’s time to wake up, Marques. Colston has been irrelevant in the Saints’ passing game this season, with 190 receiving yards in four games. Believe it or not, Colston hasn’t had more than 70 yards in a game. Expect Colston to find the end zone against a subpar Cardinals defense. In his last game against Arizona, Colston had eight catches for 114 yards with a touchdown.
Bench ‘Em
Carson Palmer: Last week, Palmer threw for 371 yards and two touchdowns against the Browns. However, the Bengals trailed early, which allowed Palmer to air it out. Palmer’s next challenge is to face a Tampa Bay passing defense that ranks 10th in the league. The Bengals will utilize the running game, since that has been Tampa Bay’s weakness.
Darren McFadden: McFadden is battling a hamstring injury that could cost him a start this week. Whether McFadden is healthy or not, look for Michael Bush to get a majority of the carries. The Chargers hold their own against the run and McFadden’s last game against San Diego wasn’t impressive, as he had just 68 yards and lost a fumble.
Terrell Owens: Owens shocked us all with his performance last week, 222 yards and a touchdown. For those of you trying to get on the T.O. bandwagon, get off. Owens will continue to be mediocre as the Bengals try to find an identity on offense.
LaDainian Tomlinson: As expected, Tomlinson had a monster game against Buffalo, with 133 yards and two touchdowns. This week the Jets face a Vikings unit that allows 87 rushing yards per game and is coming off a bye. The Vikings will crowd the box and force Mark Sanchez to make plays downfield. The Vikings haven’t allowed a touchdown to an opposing running back in their last two games.
