New York Giants at Carolina Panthers–8:20PM (THURS)
Start–Brandon LaFell, WR (CAR)
Reason–LaFell has continued to improve on his solid 2011 season and has now become one of Cam Newton’s favorite targets hooking up with him nine times for 155 yards and a touchdown. This week he gone up against a pass defense that has allowed five touchdowns in just two games so it is safe to say he will get plenty of action in this one.
St. Louis Rams at Chicago Bears–1:00PM
Start–Michael Bush, RB (CHI)
Reason–Although there has been no official word on whether or not Matt Forte will play this week, it is highly unlikely we will see him on the field on Sunday. With that said Bush will step in as the team’s No. 1 running back and should be able to put up solid fantasy production against a Rams defense that has given up four rushing touchdowns through the first two games of the season.
Buffalo Bills at Cleveland Browns–1:00PM
Sit–C.J. Spiller, RB (BUF)–
Reason–Spiller has been one of the most productive fantasy running backs so far this season, but this week he is matched up against a good Browns defense that has yet to give up a score on the ground. This is a tough call, but I just don’t see him producing like he has the last few weeks.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Dallas Cowboys–1:00PM
Start–Dez Bryant, WR (DAL)
Reason–Bryant has just 102 yards and zero touchdowns on the year, but that should change this week when he faces off against the worst ranked pass defense in the NFL. Expect at least one hook up between Bryant and Tony Romo in the end zone on Sunday.
New York Jets at Miami Dolphins–1:00PM
Sit–Shonn Greene, RB (NYJ)
Reason–Greene is coming off of a bad outing last Sunday and suffered a head injury in the loss as well. The Dolphins have been solid against the run so far this season giving up just 106 yards on the ground on 49 attempts, so this is not a favorable matchup for Green this week.
San Francisco 49ers at Minnesota Vikings–1:00PM
Sit–Adrian Peterson, RB (MIN)
Reason–I know it can be hard to sit your workhouse, but this week Peterson is matched up against a 49ers defense that is allowing just 3.2 yards per carry against opposing running backs through the first two weeks. If you have the flexibility I suggest starting another running back in place on Peterson this week.
Kansas City Chiefs at New Orleans Saints–1:00PM
Start–Matt Cassel, QB (KC)
Reason–The Saints are giving up 275 yards per game through the air in, and Matt Cassel is averaging right around that mark. The Chiefs are passing the ball a lot more this year that is season’s past, so if you need him, Cassel is definitely a solid play this week against a struggling team.
Cincinnati Bengals at Washington Redskins–1:00PM
Sit–Fred Davis, TE (WAS)
Reason–Davis has been practically invisible in the Redskins offense so far this season as Robert Griffin III has found a liking to his wide receivers over his trusting tight end. Until further notice Davis should be benched until he starts to build a connection with Griffin.
Detroit Lions at Tennessee Titans–1:00PM
Sit–Chris Johnson, RB (TEN)
Reason–To say Johnson is underperforming this season would be an understatement and this week isn’t the week that he will turn it around. The Lions have been solid against the run so far this season, so if you have another option at running back it may be a wise move to bench CJ2K this week.
Jacksonville Jaguars at Indianapolis Colts–1:00PM
Start–Donnie Avery, WR (IND)
Reason–Avery is coming off of a breakout game in Week 2 where he hauled in 12 catches for 148 yards but failed to find the end zone. Despite the Jaguars not allowing a touchdown this season I think Avery will continue to get targeted often on Sunday making him a solid play if you need a fill-in wide receiver or flex option.
Philadelphia Eagles at Arizona Cardinals–4:05PM
Start–Brent Celek, TE (PHI)
Reason–Celek is starting to return to his 2009 status when he was one of the best tight ends in the game and this week he has a favorable matchup to build on his solid first two weeks. Expect Celek to be heavily targeted once again this week and hopefully he finds the end zone for the first time this season.
Atlanta Falcons at San Diego Chargers–4:05PM
Sit–Michael Turner, RB (ATL)
Reason–Turner was arrested on DUI charges early Tuesday morning, but is expected to play this weekend against the Chargers. At best he will split the carries with Jason Snelling and Jaquizz Rodgers so I don’t expect too much production from this one time fantasy stud.
Houston Texans at Denver Broncos–4:25PM
Sit–Peyton Manning, QB (DEN)
Reason–It may be tough to bench a player like Manning, but this week is faced off against the best pass defense in the NFL that has given up just 248 yards and one touchdown through the first two weeks of the season. Manning is coming off of a terrible game in Week 2 and if he makes bad throws against the Texans, this could be another rough game for him.
Pittsburgh Steelers at Oakland Raiders–4:25PM
Start–Ben Roethlisberger, QB (PIT)
Reason–Roethlisberger is coming off of a four-touchdown performance from a week ago and is facing off against a beatable Raiders defense on Sunday. At worst he should put up similar numbers to his Week 1 performance when he passed for two touchdowns, so if you need him he is worth a shot.
New England Patriots at Baltimore Ravens–8:20PM
Start–Dennis Pitta, TE (BAL)
Reason–The Patriots have been better against the pass this season, but the Ravens will need to pass early and often if they want to hold off the Patriots. Pitta has been heavily involved in the Ravens offense so far this season, so expect to see him play a big role in Sunday’s game, making him a solid play.
Green Bay Packers at Seattle Seahawks–8:30PM (MON)
Sit–Cedric Benson, RB (GB)
Reason–Benson has just 99 rushing yards through the first two weeks of the season and faces off against a defense that has allowed only 92 yards to opposing running backs. It is tough to play any running back against the Seahawks when they are at home and this week should be no different.
Matthew Beck is a Fantasy Sports Columnist for Rotoinfo.com. If you have any questions or comments feel free to e-mail him at matthewbeck@rotoinfo.com. Also follow him on Twitter @MatthewRBeck for up-to-date Q&A and fantasy information.
