Oakland Raiders @ San Diego Chargers (THUR., 8:20 ET)
START: QB Philip Rivers, RB Michael Bush
SIT: SD Defense, RB Darren McFadden, WR Malcom Floyd
We never thought that we would have to convince owners that starting Philip Rivers is the right thing to do. With 754 passing yards in his last two games, total yards hasn't been the problem. But in those last two games, the Chargers quarterback has also thrown 5 interceptions. Maybe a middle-of-the-pack passing D like the Raiders is exactly what the doctor ordered for Mr. Rivers.
New Orleans Saints @ Atlanta Falcons (1:00 ET)
START: QB Matt Ryan, RB Darren Sproles
SIT: WR Marques Colston
When Matt Ryan was a kid, he must've hated recess. We say that because Matty sure loves his indoor games. Zing! But just the facts: Ryan has a high success rate when he plays in a dome, especially when that dome is the Georgia Dome. Three weeks ago, Marques Colston single-handedly defeated his fantasy owner's opponent. The last two games, Colston has amassed a grand total of five points in each game. The New Orleans wide receiver is very feast or famine. This is looking like a famine type of game to us.
Tennessee Titans @ Carolina Panthers (1:00 ET)
START: RB Chris Johnson
SIT: RB DeAngelo Williams
Honestly, who has been more of a disappointment this season: DeAngelo Williams or Chris Johnson? For a while now we have been off the DeAngelo train and now we are right next to the door getting ready to leave the CJ train as well. Johnson didn't get a ton of touches last week, but made the most of them by producing 4.6 yards per carry. He also added 46 yards on four receptions. The Panthers are giving up 133.3 yards rushing to opponents, and maybe the threat of Javon Ringer taking over has him back on track. If not, this is our final week in support of the Titans running back.
Pittsburgh Steelers @ Cincinnati Bengals (1:00 ET)
START: PIT Defense, CIN Defense
SIT: QB Ben Roethlisberger
We must be on something to actually advise you to sit the red-hot Ben Roethlisberger, right? Wrong. In a huge match-up between division rivals, the Bengals will look to establish themselves as a force in the AFC North in front of their home crowd. And if you haven't noticed, Cincinnati's defense has not been too shabby this season. And yes, we used the word shabby in a sentence. Cincy's group ranks 10th in the NFL in least passing yards given up per game and 2nd in fewest rushing yards for the opposing back. So Big Ben should not have an easy go this Sunday.
St. Louis Rams @ Cleveland Browns (1:00 ET)
START: RB Chris Ogbonnaya
SIT: QB Sam Bradford, WR Danario Alexander, RB Peyton Hillis, WR Mohamed Massaquoi
Alright, on to the next game. We kid...kinda. The St. Louis Rams give up the most rushing yards per game to the opposing back. Even though the Browns RB will be the unheard-of Chris Ogbonnaya, the Rams' D has made other guys look like future Hall of Famers (see: DeMarco Murray). Interesting enough, the Browns give up the fewest passing yards each game (why pass when you can just run it down their throats?). There's a good bar bet for you! Cleveland's defense will try and clamp down on Brandon Lloyd, which might lead to a myriad of problems for Sam Bradford when he looks for other options on the field.
Buffalo Bills @ Dallas Cowboys (1:00 ET)
START: WR Laurent Robinson
SIT: Any Bills players, WR Miles Austin
Remember the days when the Bills were the most potent offense in the NFL? Even though Buffalo ranks 4th in points per game (27.8), the Jets might have given other teams the blueprint on how to stop the Bills passing attack. But they should've just hit us up and we would've told them, you gotta stop Fred Jackson! This might be the exact gameplan for the Cowboys, and that is why starting Jackson is not the best choice.
Jacksonville Jaguars @ Indianapolis Colts (1:00 ET)
START: RB Maurice Jones-Drew
SIT: Everyone else
This should be easy. Start Peyton Manning and...oh, he's still not back yet? In that case, everyone besides Maurice Jones-Drew is a must SIT. The surging Jason Hill? Yes. The great Reggie Wayne? Absolutely. How about Pierre Garcon? Okay, you got us there. Maybe you take your chances. But seriously, there are not many great names to choose from in this Colts/Jags game.
Denver Broncos @ Kansas City Chiefs (1:00 ET)
START: QB Tim Tebow
SIT: RB Jackie Battle
Remember when we were talking about getting ready to leave the Chris Johnson train? Well, we have a seat firmly planted on the Tim Tebow train. Actually, hold on a second while we pull out our pillow. Last week against the Raiders, Timmy had over 100 yards passing and rushing, which should reassure owners that even on the most mediocre throwing game, Tebow can still net some good fantasy numbers. Speaking of last week's action, did you see how the Chiefs defense made Matt Moore look like a great NFL quarterback? No matter where you stand on the Touchdown Timmy debate, we can all agree that if the Dolphins QB can look good, then anyone has a chance for a solid game.
Washington Redskins @ Miami Dolphins (1:00 ET)
START: RB Roy Helu
SIT: RB Reggie Bush
The key to John Beck's success seems to be the short dump pass that will net him positive yardage. That's the only way to explain how Roy Helu got 105 receiving yards on 14 receptions! If that Beck method is going to keep on working, then we can't help but suggest that Helu get into your starting lineup in this match-up against the Dolphins. As for Reggie Bush, we know he's been doing well recently, but we would still trade him for Pizza Hut pizza.