Play ‘Em
Ryan Fitzpatrick: Is there a hotter quarterback in the NFL than Fitzpatrick? Since taking over as the Bills quarterback, the Harvard grad has thrown for 969 yards with eleven touchdowns and four interceptions. Fitzpatrick should have no trouble against Kansas City, which has allowed eight touchdowns to opposing quarterbacks. Fitzpatrick is a great sleeper and worth a waiver claim against the Chiefs.
Carson Palmer: Palmer erupted last week against Atlanta with 412 yards and three touchdowns. Look for Palmer to air it out against a Dolphins defense that has allowed back-to-back 300-yard passing games.
Ryan Torain: Despite two fumbles, Torain turned in a solid performance last week against Chicago with 125 rushing yards. With Clinton Portis likely out, Torain will continue to get the majority of the carries against a Detroit run defense that allows 139 rushing yards per game.
Thomas Jones and Jamaal Charles: Jones continues to be a factor and is a must-start against Buffalo. Last week against Jacksonville, Jones and Charles combined for 196 yards with two touchdowns. Quarterback Matt Cassel seems to have found the passing game, allowing Jones and Charles to run wild.
Pierre Garcon: Garcon’s role will increase with Austin Collie recovering from hand surgery and Dallas Clark out for the year with a wrist injury. Defenses will continue to focus on Reggie Wayne, which will free up Garcon. Last week, Garcon had 103 yards and a touchdown. Coming off a bye, expect the Colts to take advantage of the worst passing defense in the NFL.
Kenny Britt: Another receiver having a breakout year (seven touchdowns) is Britt. Britt torched the Eagles last week, 225 yards with three touchdowns. Britt has a tough task this week against the Chargers’ top-ranked pass defense, but at this point Britt is considered a starter. He has recorded a touchdown in five straight games.
Bench ‘Em
Matt Hasselbeck: Don’t be fooled by the chemistry between Hasselbeck and receiver Mike Williams. Seattle’s last two games were against Chicago and Arizona respectively. This week, Hasselbeck faces an improved Raiders defense that allowed Kyle Orton to complete 12 passes last week. The Raiders rank fifth in the league with 192 passing yards allowed per game.
Ryan Mathews: One of the biggest disappointments this season has been Mathews. He has yet to eclipse 100 rushing yards and is losing carries to Mike Tolbert and Darren Sproles. This week, Mathews faces a Titans run defense that ranks 10th in the league. Mathews may breakout soon, but not this week.
Michael Bush: Bush continues to be productive, but the problem is Darren McFadden. McFadden continues to shine and that leaves Bush playing the backup role. Last week, Bush had 52 yards and a touchdown. Expect Bush to struggle against a Seattle defense that allows 70 yards per game on the ground.
Fred Jackson: Due to Fitzpatrick’s performances, Jackson has looked like an afterthought in Buffalo. Jackson carried 23 times for 73 yards against Baltimore last week. The Bills will be tested against a stellar Kansas City run defense. Consider Jackson a flex option in deeper leagues.
Wes Welker: The Patriots passing game is not the same without Randy Moss, and Welker is struggling without him too. Last week, Welker had four catches for 25 yards. Defenses will continue to locate Welker and force Deion Branch or Brandon Tate to step up. Welker is considered a No. 3 Fantasy option from here on out.
