Play ‘Em
Ben Roethlisberger: So much for being rusty. Big Ben returned from his suspension throwing for 257 yards with three touchdowns and one interception against the Browns. This week, he takes on a Dolphins defense that allows 22 points per game and Big Ben’s last game against Miami, 220 yards and three touchdowns. From here on out, Big Ben is a Top Ten quarterback.
Matt Cassel: Cassel and the Chiefs offense woke up last week against the Texans, 209 yards with three touchdowns and one interception. Cassel gets another great matchup against Jacksonville, who allows 264 passing yards per game. Look for Cassel to find Dwayne Bowe or Tony Moeaki around the goal line. Consider Cassel as a bye-week filler.
Joe Flacco: Flacco has been solid in the past four weeks, throwing six touchdowns versus one interception. Flacco is a must-start this week against Buffalo. Buffalo is known for its horrid defense against the run, but showed holes in the secondary against David Garrard in Week Five, 178 yards with three touchdowns and one interception. Expect Flacco to lean on Ray Rice and Anquan Boldin in the passing attack.
Chris Ivory: Ivory took advantage of his rare playing time last week against Tampa Bay, 15 carries for 158 yards. Ivory will continue to get the workload if Pierre Thomas (high-ankle sprain) is out. Ivory will find running lanes against a Browns defense that has allowed 100 yards to opposing running backs in four out of the first six games. If you’re in a bind at the running back position, Ivory is worth picking up.
Michael Bush: Darren McFadden is still nursing a hamstring injury, so Bush should see the majority of the carries. The Raiders face a Broncos defense that allows 128 rushing yards per game and Bush has had success against Denver, 133 yards and a touchdown. Before playing Bush, monitor McFadden’s health status.
Jeremy Maclin: Maclin ran past the Falcons defense last week, 159 yards and two touchdowns. Maclin will be the focus of the Eagles’ offense because DeSean Jackson will be out with a concussion. Look for continued success as Maclin and Kevin Kolb are developing a tight bond and face a Titans’ pass defense that ranks 27th in the league.
Bench ‘Em
Chad Henne: Henne has now thrown two touchdowns passes in three straight games after his performance against Green Bay, 239 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. If you’re looking for quarterback help, avoid Henne this week against the Steelers. Henne’s last game against Pittsburgh wasn’t too impressive, 140 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Along with Henne, avoid running backs Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams.
Ryan Torain: Torain looks like the better back in Washington over Clinton Portis, but I’m not jumping on the bandwagon yet. I expect the Bears to bounce back from a poor outing against Seattle, 114 yards and two touchdowns allowed rushing. They will stack the box and force the Redskins to throw the ball. Until Torain puts up consistent numbers, I’ll continue to pass on “The Train.”
LeSean McCoy: McCoy is dealing with a rib injury and is questionable for Sunday’s game. Even at full strength, I would advise sitting McCoy. The Titans have a stout run defense that allowed Maurice Jones-Drew 57 yards Monday Night. The Eagles still remain a pass-first offense and will take advantage of the Titans’ weak pass defense.
Marques Colston: I am losing patience with the Saints receiver as he continues to be mediocre. He had 53 yards against Tampa Bay. Colston continues to get the majority of the targets, but is not involved in the red zone. It’s tempting to start Colston against Cleveland, but Lance Moore and Robert Meachem continue to be involved in this offense.
