Halloween Special: Silva Week Eight Picks

New England Patroits (5-2)

1 Sept. 14 BUF 24 at NE 25-Final
2 Sept. 20 NE 9 at NYJ 16-Final
3 Sept. 27 ATL 10 at NE 26-Final
4 Oct. 04 BAL 21 at NE 27-Final
5 Oct. 11 NE 17 at DEN 20-Final
6 Oct. 18 TEN 0 at NE 59-Final
7 Oct. 25 NE 35 at TB 7-Final

Cincinnati Bengals (5-2)

1 Sept. 13 DEN 12 at CIN 7-Final
2 Sept. 20 CIN 31 at GB 24-Final
3 Sept. 27 PIT 20 at CIN 23-Final
4 Oct. 04 CIN 23 at CLE 20-Final
5 Oct. 11 CIN 17 at BAL 14-Final
6 Oct. 18 HOU 28 at CIN 17-Final
7 Oct. 25 CHI 10 at CIN 45-Final

Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2)

1 Sept. 10 TEN 10 at PIT 13-Final
2 Sept. 20 PIT 14 at CHI 17-Final
3 Sept. 27 PIT 20 at CIN 23-Final
4 Oct. 04 SD 28 at PIT 38-Final
5 Oct. 11 PIT 28 at DET 20-Final
6 Oct. 18 CLE 14 at PIT 27-Final
7 Oct. 25 MIN 17 at PIT 27-Final

Washington Redskins (2-5)

1 Sept. 13 WAS 17 at NYG 23-Final
2 Sept. 20 STL 7 at WAS 9-Final
3 Sept. 27 WAS 14 at DET 19-Final
4 Oct. 04 TB 13 at WAS 16-Final
5 Oct. 11 WAS 17 at CAR 20-Final
6 Oct. 18 KC 14 at WAS 6-Final
7 Oct. 26 PHI 27 at WAS 17-Final

Kansas City Chiefs (1-6)

1 Sept. 13 KC 24 at BAL 38-Final
2 Sept. 20 OAK 13 at KC 10-Final
3 Sept. 27 KC 14 at PHI 34-Final
4 Oct. 04 NYG 27 at KC 16-Final
5 Oct. 11 DAL 26 at KC 20-Final
6 Oct. 18 KC 14 at WAS 6-Final
7 Oct. 25 SD 37 at KC 7-Final

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-7)

1 Sept. 13 KC 24 at BAL 38-Final
2 Sept. 20 OAK 13 at KC 10-Final
3 Sept. 27 KC 14 at PHI 34-Final
4 Oct. 04 NYG 27 at KC 16-Final
5 Oct. 11 DAL 26 at KC 20-Final
6 Oct. 18 KC 14 at WAS 6-Final
7 Oct. 25 SD 37 at KC 7-Final

It will be interesting to see how Miles Austin responds when opponents begin game planning for him, but he's currently an every-week play. He'll see a lot of Seahawks LCBs Josh Wilson and Marcus Trufant (on third downs) Sunday. Trufant will be rusty after missing the first six games on PUP...Austin's breakout has made Tony Romo a Top-Six QB.

He has five TDs (four to Austin) and is averaging 331 yards in Austin's two starts...Roy Williams is merely a WR3 option, though he'll eventually benefit from less double coverage...Jason Witten is almost impossible to sit, but may have to block quite a bit, because of Seattle's potent pass rush (eighth most sacks).

Tashard Choice's removal from the Cowboys' tailback rotation was unexpected. The second-year back is averaging 6.0 yards a touch compared to Marion Barber's 5.2. But owners have to move on, and realize that Dallas has resumed its MB3-Felix Jones committee.

It didn't show up in last week's box score, but Barber showed plenty of first-step burst and power. He's healthy, will get more touches this week, and is a legit RB1 versus a middling Seattle run defense...Felix's usage will be inconsistent as usual. He's a bye-week FLEX option, but is never a good bet to score.

Playing inside at Cowboys Stadium is a plus for passing, but it's hard to imagine Matt Hasselbeck not being terrorized all day by Dallas' blitzes. New $78 million man DeMarcus Ware is red hot with four sacks in his last two games, and Seattle won't get back, either, of its starting offensive tackles (Walter Jones-knee, Sean Locklear-ankle). Hasselbeck is only a two-QB league option...John Carlson figures to spend most of the game providing "help" blocks for fill-in LT Damion McIntosh. McIntosh, 32, was a street free agent for the season's first seven weeks.

Nate Burleson is a better play than T.J. Houshmandzadeh. While both are only WR3s, because Hasselbeck will be hurried so often, Burleson will mostly square off with beatable Dallas RCB Mike Jenkins.

LCB Terence Newman (5'11"/195 pounds) has the size to check Housh (6'1"/199 pounds)...Julius Jones' confidence is so shaky week to week that he's not even a good FLEX play. Third-down back Justin Forsett is a better fit for the offense because of his superior blitz-pickup and receiving skills. QBs under pressure need their backs to pass protect, and get open on check downs.

My Pick-Cowboys

Donnie Avery has been so brittle that owners must always consider the possibility of an in-game injury before using him. He left in the second quarter of Week Six with a hip injury, never to return, and came out of Week Seven with a new rib issue. The injuries haven't threatened his playing status, and Avery won't get a better matchup all year, but they prevent him from being a confident play...Steven Jackson still doesn't have a TD, but averages 24 touches and 115 yards a game. Detroit surrenders the fifth-most YPC (4.6) in the NFL and third most rushes of 20-plus yards (eight).

After a hot two-game run, Marc Bulger predictably came back to earth last week against a stout Colts pass defense, throwing for just 140 yards and two picks. He now faces the league's worst secondary, though, and is a solid two-QB league bet at domed Ford Field...St. Louis oddly named Keenan Burton a captain for this week, but appears poised to activate newly acquired Brandon Gibson. Expect a timeshare between the two going forward...Slot man Danny Amendola still has a firm hold on the third receiver job. The Wes Welker clone is averaging five catches a week in the last three games, and is worth adding in deep PPR leagues.

The Lions call anyone that isn't 100 percent "limited," but Matthew Stafford practiced every day this week, and will likely start against the Rams. St. Louis lost promising RCB Brandon Fletcher (torn ACL, LCL) for the year in Week Seven, improving an already favorable matchup.

Consider Stafford a top-notch two-QB league play should Calvin Johnson (knee, thigh) dress for the game...Johnson is questionable, but we'll know his status early Sunday. He's a must-start against the Rams' hopeless pass defense if he goes. Only five teams give up more YPA (8.1) and passing TDs (11).

The Rams' run defense was bad before, but it's even worse now. Without Will Witherspoon, teams can successfully run to any area of St. Louis' defense. Even Colts special teamer Chad Simpson ripped off a 31-yard touchdown in last Sunday's loss, with Joseph Addai and Donald Brown pouring on 125 more total yards and another score. Consider it a shock if Kevin Smith's YPC average doesn't balloon after this one...Brandon Pettigrew, Dennis Northcutt, and Bryant Johnson are worth a look in this matchup if Calvin Johnson is out. Otherwise, keep them benched.

My Pick-Rams

Shonn Greene was deservedly this week's No. 1 waiver add. He was terrific coming off the bench last Sunday, delivering blows and exhibiting an explosive first step in the hole. But this is a "wait and see" week for the rookie, as Miami is fourth in the NFL against the run.

Greene will be a legit RB2 in Week Nine versus Jacksonville if he finds a way to produce against the Dolphins...Thomas Jones gets a nice bump in PPR value following Leon Washington's season-ending injury. Washington had been dominating passing-down work. Most of those duties will now go to Jones.

The Jets have scaled back the playbook for Mark Sanchez after he hit the rookie wall. He tried just 15 throws to New York's 54 runs in Week Seven. Jerricho Cotchery's (hamstring) return will help, but Sanchez's upside is crushed by a decidedly run-first mindset and now-limited ability to get aggressive in the passing game...Cotchery and Braylon Edwards will both be covered by rookie corners Sunday, as LCB Will Allen's (torn ACL) replacement is Vontae Davis. Expect Davis to stick with Cotchery, while Edwards sees more of Fins second-round pick Sean Smith.

There are sizable leaks in the Jets' run defense, which has plummeted to 22nd in the NFL since losing NT Kris Jenkins. Modestly talented Justin Fargas exploited the unit up the gut last week, frequently breaking into New York's secondary, and busting a 35-yarder. Ricky Williams, the No. 10 overall fantasy back, is a legit RB2 in what usually isn't a favorable matchup. Ronnie Brown already dropped 88 yards and two TDs on the Jets once this year...Anthony Fasano's involvement has risen slightly since Chad Henne ascended to the starting QB job, but he's still only a TE2.

The Jets' secondary is their strength on defense. Headed by likely All-Pro CB Darrelle Revis, New York ranks seventh against the pass and only the Colts give up fewer yards per throw.

The Jets' three passing TDs allowed are third least in the league. Henne isn't even a good two-QB league option, while the Dolphins' new four-receiver committee should be avoided entirely. There are strong indications that Ted Ginn Jr. will lose his starting job to rookie Brian Hartline, and the playing time split between Davone Bess and Greg Camarillo is entirely matchup based.

My Pick-Jets

The passing-game conditions couldn't be more favorable inside Lucas Oil Stadium, but Alex Smith is barely worth QB2 consideration in this matchup. While he showed improved poise, arm strength, and touch after replacing Shaun Hill at halftime last week, Indianapolis is the toughest team in the league to throw on.

Smith has a better shot at fantasy-caliber production in Week Nine against the Titans...Taking into account the ability to get open at all three levels and Week Seven snap counts, Michael Crabtree is the 49ers' new No. 1 receiver. He's a decent WR3 option even in the hard matchup.
If the 49ers win the coin flip, they'd be smart to receive and get the run game established. Frank Gore played all but four snaps last week, but had just 15 touches because San Francisco got down early.

A similar scenario could take place against Peyton Manning and company, so the Niners have to get Gore going. He has the matchup to do it against an Ed Johnson-less Colts front seven that served up Steven Jackson's season-high rushing total (134) last week...Vernon Davis is the No. 2 overall tight end in fantasy, and should rip apart Indianapolis' Cover Two zone.

San Francisco's secondary began the year playing well, but it's been gashed by the pass of late. The 49ers have just two sacks since Week Four, while Matt Schaub and Matt Ryan have lit them up for five TDs, and a 297 passing-yard average.

Peyton Manning is licking his chops...The Niners slowed down Andre Johnson (2-62) last week, using bracket coverage and Nate Clements to "shadow" Houston's All Pro. Owen Daniels (7-123-1) dominated the rest of the field. Don't bench Reggie Wayne, but you can see how Dallas Clark would benefit from that strategy.

49ers SS Michael Lewis' return from a concussion may also help Clark. An "in the box" safety, Lewis has long struggled in coverage...Donald Brown's (shoulder) likely absence thrusts Joseph Addai into an every-down role. While the matchup is difficult against San Francisco's No. 6 run defense, owners need to capitalize on Addai's opportunity.

The Colts will move the ball, creating TD chances...We need to see Anthony Gonzalez get on the field and play a prominent role before using him. Wideouts returning from lingering knee injuries are never good bets...Austin Collie, coming off a 37-yard, one-score effort, has a favorable matchup with 49ers nickel CB Dre' Bly.

My Pick-Colts

For a Chicago team that plays much better at home, the Browns present a prime opportunity to rebound. Only six teams have fewer sacks than Cleveland, and the Soldier Field forecast is favorable (little wind, 20 percent chance of rain, 50-degree temps).

One of the NFL's most resilient players, Jay Cutler should be in lineups...Browns LCB Eric Wright was torched by Donald Driver last game, and will now see Devin Hester in primary coverage. Playing with a bum shoulder, Wright is tackling and covering poorly...Greg Olsen is a low-end TE1 at this point. While this matchup is good, his breakout isn't happening yet.

The promotion of LG Josh Beekman into Chicago's starting lineup bodes well for Matt Forte. He was the Bears' best run-blocking lineman all last year, and packs more power than Frank Omiyale, who undeservedly began the season as the starter. While the switch probably won't turn Forte's disappointing season around, he has to be used against the Browns' No. 31 run defense...Johnny Knox and Earl Bennett continue to rotate at split end and cancel each other out. Knox is still the better WR3 dice roll in non-PPR. Bennett is the underneath, possession option.

Chicago's Week Seven collapse in the secondary (Carson Palmer threw five TDs) will probably prove fluky. The unit is talented from top CB Charles Tillman down to third safety Kevin Payne, and was surrendering less than one passing TD per game entering the letdown.

As usual, Derek Anderson is safe to sit...Mohamed Massaquoi is so inconsistent because coverage is easily directed his way, but he's a WR3 option this week. Tillman normally stays on the defensive left, with Zackary Bowman on the right (where Massaquoi usually lines up). Bowman's confidence is shaky.

The Browns continue to show no signs of increasing Jerome Harrison's usage. Coach Eric Mangini blames it on Harrison's pass-blocking deficiencies, but he was Cleveland's most effective offensive player when Jamal Lewis was out earlier this year. The situation is a real shame...Lewis isn't a strong RB2 in even the most favorable matchups. The Bears' defense gives up a rushing touchdown per game, but we can't recommend the washed-up 30-year-old.

My Pick-Bears

The key matchup here is Baltimore's king-sized front seven versus Denver's zone-blocking built, athletic offensive line. The Ravens maintain a Top-Eight run defense rank, but have been gutted by Adrian Peterson and Cedric Benson for a combined 263 rushing yards in the last two games.

Consider Knowshon Moreno, who has likely usurped Correll Buckhalter on the Broncos' depth chart, a risky RB2 with upside...Buckhalter isn't getting the ball enough to be a good FLEX play...The Ravens haven't covered big wideouts well all year. Brandon Marshall will break lots of tackles Sunday.

Tony Scheffler's role seems to be growing, but know that his big Week Seven (6-101-1) came against a Chargers defense that is routinely the NFL's worst at covering TEs. Scheffler is still only the No. 18 fantasy tight end...

The weather at M&T Bank Stadium isn't a concern. The forecast calls for mid-60s temps, only a 10 percent chance of rain, and 11 MPH winds that won't be a factor. Kyle Orton is a quality play against Baltimore's leaky secondary...Eddie Royal should still be benched. Catch-less in his last game, he's the smallish type of wideout Baltimore's undersized, but fast corners can lock down.

Denver has played tough pass defense to this point, but coordinator Mike Nolan's scheme relies heavily on pressure. The expected return of LT Jared Gaither (knee) would help Baltimore in this regard, as he'll square off with NFL sacks leader Elvis Dumervil. Joe Flacco lacks a big upside with Broncos CBs Andre' Goodman and Champ Bailey playing so well, but is a Top-10 QB with six teams on bye...Expect Mark Clayton to draw mostly Goodman on Sunday while Derrick Mason deals with Bailey. Clayton will likely struggle, but Mason can be employed as a WR3. Just don't expect a monster day.

Todd Heap will likely often be on the line helping Gaither fight off Dumervil, and will see Broncos FS Brian Dawkins when he runs pass routes. This isn't a formula for fantasy production...

Ray Rice figures to remain Baltimore's featured player on offense. While the Broncos rank third against the run, their rag-tag front seven has not seen as nasty, or technically sound an offensive line as the Ravens'. This will likely be a fairly low-scoring affair, but Rice is always a good bet for 100 total yards. He has 57 touches to Willis McGahee's 15 in the Ravens' last three games.

My Pick-Ravens

New York has lost two straight games to pass-first offenses, and faces a third Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field. Philadelphia ranks seventh in the league in throws per game and may count on the pass even more with Brian Westbrook (concussion) not expected to play.

The conditions will be favorable with only a 30 percent chance of precipitation, sub-10 MPH winds, and temperatures in the 60s.

Donovan McNabb's accuracy has been problematic of late, but he needs to be used in fantasy leagues along with DeSean Jackson, Brent Celek, and Jeremy Maclin (a WR3 option).

Celek is an especially solid bet because of the Giants' weak safety play. FS C.C. Brown has been a liability since replacing Kenny Phillips...McCoy, averaging just 3.6 yards per carry, now goes against New York's Top-Five run defense. While he could see 20 touches because backup Eldra Buckley isn't a serious threat for snaps, McCoy's upside is limited enough that he's no more than a FLEX flier...

The Giants are no longer using top CB Corey Webster to "shadow" opponents' No. 1 receivers, as it appeared early in the year. Jackson is safe to use as a borderline WR1.

The Giants haven't said that Ahmad Bradshaw's role will decline after Dr. Robert Anderson found a cracked metatarsal in his foot at Wednesday's visit. But it certainly won't increase, as he's one false step from season-ending surgery. This is a plus for owners of Brandon Jacobs, who's been running with abandon in his last two games. Jacobs' season YPC is still 3.87, but he's averaging 5.45 since Week Five, while showing more power and making sharper cuts. Philly's blitz-happy, but smallish defense is unlikely to contain him, especially if Jacobs resumes seeing 20 touches.

The Eagles' Top-10 pass defense rarely yields big plays. Only three teams have given up fewer gains of 20-plus yards through the air, and they should remain stingy thanks to coordinator Sean McDermott's all-out blitzes.

Philly has the second most sacks in the league...It's not great news for Hakeem Nicks, whose fantasy stats of late rely heavily on long touchdowns. Nicks is only a WR3 this week...

Steve Smith will spend plenty of time in the slot getting man coverage as the Birds employ a Cover One scheme. While Mario Manningham's snaps are going down due to drops, Smith will continue to play the most of all Giants wideouts and is a rock-solid WR2.

My Pick-Giants

The Ralph Wilson Stadium forecast can worsen at any time, but currently calls for temps in the mid to high 40s, only a 30 percent chance of rain, and 11 MPH winds. This isn't poor enough weather to downgrade any Texans.

Matt Schaub is the top fantasy QB and a must-start against a stingy Bills pass defense...Andre Johnson is practicing despite a bruised lung, and coach Gary Kubiak has made it clear that he expects A.J. to start. If the Bills don't use LCB Terrence McGee to shadow Johnson, slow RCB Drayton Florence will get the nod with safety help from rookie Jairus Byrd.

Buffalo ranks dead last against the run while serving up a league-high 5.2 YPC and nine TDs on the ground (sixth most). Steve Slaton's biggest contributions lately have come on check downs and screens, but this is a nice opportunity to pad his rushing stats.

Highly active Bills DT Kyle Williams (knee) is expected to be inactive...Buffalo has improved against tight ends recently, but mostly because it hasn't faced a good one. Owen Daniels is the No. 1 fantasy TE in the game...Keep Kevin Walter benched unless Andre Johnson is a surprise scratch Sunday morning.

Ryan Fitzpatrick did well to lead Buffalo to Week Six and Seven wins, but has never had sustained success at this level. While Houston's pass defense is mediocre (tied for 14th), the Bills' passing game poses no vertical threat.

Avoid Fitzpatrick except in two-QB leagues...Lee Evans has been the obvious beneficiary of Fitzpatrick's ascension to the starting job with an average of 72 yards and two TDs in the last two games. Despite a weak arm, Fitz can get it to Evans because he is running more cross and shallow patterns. Terrell Owens serves as the pass-dropping outside decoy.

The Texans' run defense is a certifiable matchup to avoid. After holding Frank Gore to 32 yards last week, Houston is surrendering an average of 23 rushing yards per game to starting RBs over the last month. Marshawn Lynch has reassumed the Bills' every-down back role (Fred Jackson got five touches in Week Seven), but temper expectations. It is a plus for Lynch that he'll stay in the game if Buffalo falls behind. Jackson is now playing more special teams and is no longer even the passing-down back.

My Pick-Texans

Owners of Ben Roethlisberger, Carson Palmer, and Tom Brady should strongly consider "new" Titans starting QB Vince Young in an exceptionally favorable matchup. The emotional V.Y. will have the backing of the Nashville crowd while facing Jacksonville's No. 31 pass defense.

The Jags allow an average of two passing TDs per game, have generated an NFL-low five sacks, and lack the speed at outside linebacker to contain Young as he drifts outside the pocket and looks to scramble.

There's next to no rain or wind in the LP Field forecast, and temps will be in the 60s.

Young is an intriguing stand-alone option, but his inaccuracy may hurt receivers Justin Gage, Nate Washington, and Kenny Britt. V.Y. is not aggressive going downfield and has a poor career completion rate of 56.9...

The Titans' tight ends might be better bets—if they had one worth using. Instead, Bo Scaife, Alge Crumpler, and Jared Cook rotate evenly...Chris Johnson should return from Tennessee's Week Seven bye with fresher legs than ever, which is a scary thought. The Jags play the run well, but Johnson will be the centerpiece of Tennessee's offense from here on out.

Tennessee's secondary is getting healthy. Nickel back Vincent Fuller is off the injury report after missing four weeks with a broken arm, and CBs Cortland Finnegan and Nick Harper appear likely to play. This is still a favorable matchup for David Garrard; the Titans' DBs were never very good in the first place...

In the aforementioned warm and clear weather, it's also a choice setup for Mike Sims-Walker. MSW's main man-on will likely be Finnegan, who was overaggressive early in the year before straining a hamstring. This is his first game back, and he may not be 100 percent.

As the Titans' pass defense crumbled leading into their Week Seven bye, so did their front seven. They're now barely a Top-10 unit in run defense. Maurice Jones-Drew will be looking for redemption after managing just 40 total yards and a score on nine touches in his last meeting with Tennessee. The Jags, also coming off a bye, will look to establish the run first...After Sims-Walker, Torry Holt appears to be the second-best bet for receiving yards on either side in this game. "Big Game" still hasn't scored all year, but has 196 yards in his last two performances. He's a WR3.

My Pick-Titans

The Raiders probably won't come to play, but they can at least keep this one competitive by pounding it down San Diego's throat. The Bolts are 28th against the run and allow a rushing TD per game. Darren McFadden (knee surgery) remains out indefinitely, but Justin Fargas showed plenty of inside explosiveness last week against the Jets. It doesn't hurt that Chargers NT Ogemdi Nwagbuo (ankle, foot) was in a boot all week. With JaMarcus Russell coming off three first-quarter turnovers and a subsequent Week Seven benching, Oakland would be smart to keep it out of his hands.

Michael Bush started over Fargas last week, but Fargas got the ball more, and Bush isn't able to find a rhythm on 10-12 touches. Fargas is a quality RB2 in this matchup, while Bush is a mere FLEX option...As mentioned previously, the Chargers can't defend tight ends. They also don't generate enough pressure (two sacks per game) for Zach Miller to stay out of the box score because he's "help" blocking. This is one of the rare weeks when Miller is a relatively safe play...Avoid the Raiders' wideouts, especially if Chaz Schilens (foot) returns to action.

Vincent Jackson's fifth-year breakout began on a Week One TD with Nnamdi Asomugha in coverage. Fantasy's No. 7 overall receiver will probably see a lot of "Aso" again, but it doesn't matter...Chris Chambers is in danger of losing his starting job to Malcom Floyd, as coach Norv Turner acknowledged this week. It's about time. Floyd releases from DBs much easier at this stage of their careers, and Chambers won't be a Charger in 2010...Raiders SS Tyvon Branch did a good job on Antonio Gates in the opener, but Gates still managed 83 yards. He is the No. 4 tight end in fantasy.

Philip Rivers has topped 250 yards and 30 attempts in every game this year. While the Bolts may use a more balanced game plan because Oakland is so porous against the run, Rivers is a Top-Five fantasy QB week in and week out...

As alluded to in Brad Morgan's Red Zone Report, LaDainian Tomlinson received 10 goal-line carries in Week Seven. He didn't convert one, while Darren Sproles had 99 yards and a score on eight touches. LT isn't bench-able against Oakland's No. 30 run defense, but last week further proved that Sproles is the more effective back.

My Pick-Chargers

The cause for Minnesota's crumbling pass defense? Big plays. No team has yielded more gains of 20-plus yards through the air. Greg Jennings has been consistently mediocre in the last three weeks, but remains Green Bay's best long-ball threat in the passing game. The Lambeau weather (mid-40s temps, next to no wind or chance of showers) will not hinder passing on either side. Use both Jennings and Donald Driver against the Antoine Winfield-less (foot) Vikings...Packers TE Jermichael Finley (knee sprain) is very unlikely to play and should be benched even if he's active.

The emergence of heady, athletic rookie LT T.J. Lang is terrific news for Aaron Rodgers. Lang, in his first career start last week, stoned Kamerion Wimbley (two solo tackles, no sacks), and blocked well in the run game. Week Eight against Jared Allen proves a stiffer challenge, but Green Bay may have found its blind-side protector of the future...Minnesota is no longer a Top-Three run defense, but still ranks 10th and has surrendered only two rushing scores in seven games. Packers coach Mike McCarthy is sure to focus on the pass. Don't expect more than 15 carries for Ryan Grant.

Green Bay has also been stout against the run, surrendering 3.5 YPC to Minnesota's 4.1 average and a similar two rushing scores (though in six games). Adrian Peterson is still in line for a big effort. Packers GM Ted Thompson couldn't live with himself if Brett Favre came to Lambeau and beat his team with the pass. Expect fewer eight-man fronts from Green Bay and Peterson to light them up...The Packers are one of the tougher teams in the league against the tight end. Visanthe Shiancoe, who managed just 18 yards on three grabs in their last meeting, is bench material.

Sidney Rice is officially in the midst of a third-year receiver breakout. Physical in traffic now that he's confident in his once-troublesome knee, Rice is making plays in double coverage at every level. He'll get his most difficult test to date on Sunday. Charles Woodson, who's still covering very well at age 33, will draw Rice in base formations...Upgrade Percy Harvin, who's finally getting over his shoulder injury, if Bernard Berrian (hamstring) can't play. In that scenario, Harvin would likely move to flanker and be an every-down wideout with Rice occupying Berrian's split end spot.

My Pick-Vikings

Chris Wells can establish himself as Arizona's clear-cut feature back in a matchup with Carolina's No. 26 run defense. Cards coach Ken Whisenhunt said this week that Beanie will continue to get more touches—promising words considering he has 30 to Tim Hightower's 23 in the last two games already. Wells is a rock-solid RB2 with upside...Hightower will still play plenty in passing situations because he's better than Wells in blitz pickup, but the ship has sailed on Arizona's "starter" as more than a desperate FLEX in PPR leagues.

Carolina tops the NFL pass defense ranks, but it's a fluky stat. No team has fewer pass attempts against because opponents use run-heavy game plans against the Panthers' soft rush defense. They also allow QBs to complete 65.6 percent of their throws.

Confidently use Kurt Warner and Larry Fitzgerald...Anquan Boldin's (hamstring) return to practice all week, even on a limited basis, is highly promising. He's a virtual lock to play, and worth waiting for despite a 4:15ET start...Keep Steve Breaston benched, however. He only had 23 yards last week on basically a full complement of snaps, which will go down with Boldin healthier.

Being successful on the ground against Arizona's No. 1 rush defense is another story, but the Panthers are sure to come out pounding it Sunday. Jake Delhomme is on pace for a league-high 35 interceptions, so Carolina will want the ball out of his hands as much as possible. Assuming the Panthers can keep this one relatively close, expect 100-115 yards on 18-20 touches from DeAngelo Williams, and 65-80 on 12-14 touches from "Double Trouble" partner Jonathan Stewart.

News that Delhomme will be on a short leash isn't surprising in the least. It doesn't affect Steve Smith's matchup, either. With Muhsin Muhammad (knee) set to play at obviously less than 100 percent or be inactive altogether, Smith should be a target hound even if Matt Moore has to come in. It is worth noting that Moore started Weeks 14-16 in 2007. Over that span, Smith averaged eight catches for 86 yards per game, with one touchdown. Plug him in as a WR2 and don't look back against a Cardinals secondary that is struggling with injuries to RCB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (ankle) and FS Antrel Rolle (foot).

My Pick-Cardinals

NO Sunday Night Football Come On SNF

This game projects to be high scoring in a dome with two juggernaut offenses, both of which possess defensive leaks. The Saints' loss of DT Sedrick Ellis (MCL sprain) for as long as a month removes a pass-rushing presence from the interior and 35 pounds from New Orleans' front seven.

Ellis will be replaced by converted defensive end Anthony Hargrove—a speed rusher, not a run plugger. A matchup with New Orleans' No. 8 run defense seems difficult for Michael Turner on paper, but only six teams have given up more rushing touchdowns than the Saints.

Saints CB Tracy Porter's status is uncertain after he missed Friday's practice with a foot injury. His absence would likely force rookie Malcolm Jenkins, who's battled ankle issues all year, into the lineup at right corner, with Randall Gay in the nickel.

Matt Ryan has struggled of late (four picks in his last two games), but this is an opportunity to get back on track. Two key injuries to Saints defenders that were playing very well make Ryan's matchup more favorable. Tony Gonzalez and Roddy White also benefit, while Michael Jenkins remains weekly bench material.

While injuries hurt the Saints' defense, a lack of identity holds back the Falcons. Atlanta claims to play "bend but don't break" defense, which is essentially another term for a unit that gives up a lot of yards. 2008 All-Pro RE John Abraham has one sack in his last five games, and will likely be stoned again by impressive Saints first-year starting LT Jermon Bushrod.

The Falcons have no prayer when it comes to stopping Drew Brees...Saints wideouts are all major risks after Marques Colston. The team uses a rotation at No. 2 receiver, with one being left out each week. Lance Moore was the odd man out early in the year, Devery Henderson in Week Six, and Robert Meachem in Week Seven.

Safety play is not the cause for Atlanta's poor pass defense rank (26th)—it's on cornerbacks Chris Houston and Brent Grimes. Jeremy Shockey will see a lot of Falcons FS Thomas DeCoud in coverage. DeCoud has good range, but Shockey will run frequent pass routes because Atlanta's weak pass rush won't force him to block. He's a quality TE1...Pierre Thomas' role isn't suddenly declining. He's sharing the backfield with new "closer" Mike Bell, but Thomas will play more when games are close. He's a better fantasy play than Bell against Atlanta's soft run defense (23rd overall, 4.6 YPC allowed).

My Pick-Saints

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