Bye Weeks: None

Start 'Em

Laurent Robinson vs. Buf
Robinson has shown chemistry with QB Tony Romo and has maintained a presence in the lineup despite a plethora of quality targets in Dallas. He produced back-to-back 5-catch, 1-TD games over the last two weeks with Miles Austin in the lineup. Now that Austin will be sidelined with a hamstring issue, I expect Robinson to play a bigger role going forward. Robinson’s biggest stumbling block in his career has been his own health, so if he can stay on the field in this offense, he really should be able to produce. Buffalo has allowed 7.7 yards per pass, 11th highest number in the NFL.

Santonio Holmes vs. NE
Holmes salvaged an otherwise ho-hum day (3 catches, 29 yards) with a 3rd quarter TD last week, but only received 6 targets from QB Mark Sanchez. Averaging just 3 catches per game over the last four weeks (3.1 catches per game on the season), Holmes has made the most of his receptions with TDs in 3 of his last 4. I have to believe he will become more involved for the Jets as the playoffs inch closer. The last time he faced New England (Week 5), Holmes had arguably his best game of the season: 4 catches, 60 yards, 1 TD. There is a lot to like about the matchup as the Patriots have allowed 14 aerial scores and 42 passing plays of 20 or more yards (most in the NFL).

Percy Harvin is lookin' for some Monday night magic.

Percy Harvin @ GB
Injuries, snap counts and shoddy QB play have kept Harvin from moving closer to the upper echelon of fantasy wide receivers in 2011, but there is hope. The Vikings Week 9 bye came at a good time as Harvin now claims to be recovered from the bruised ribs that have been plaguing him. Despite a weak showing (2 catches, 15 yards; 2 carries, 8 yards) in their first meeting, I like Harvin to step up for the Vikings against the Packers on Monday Night Football. Only the Patriots have allowed more yards through the air than Green Bay, and their 16 TD passes allowed is the 3rd highest total in the league.

Steve Breaston vs. Den
It seems that the Chiefs passing game is explosive enough to support just two viable fantasy WRs, Dwayne Bowe - and either Breaston or Jonathan Baldwin. Unfortunately, this can lead to a maddening situation for fantasy owners, as a possible outcome is alternating good games between Breaston and Baldwin - as has been evidenced in the Chiefs last two contests. In Week 8, Baldwin had 5 catches for 82 yards and a TD; Week 9 it was Breaston with 7 catches for 117 yards. In my opinion, Breaston still has the edge and should be considered for a WR3/flex spot this week. Only the Colts have allowed more passing TDs (18) and yards per pass (8.5) than the Broncos (17 & 8.2, respectively).

Bench 'Em

A.J. Green vs. Pit
Green, with the emergence of fellow rookie Andy Dalton, has proven himself to be an every-week fantasy starter. He leads all NFL rookies in receptions (40), receiving yards (599) and receiving touchdowns (5) and has had either 100 receiving yards or a TD (or both) in all but 2 games this season. While still worth a play, Green owners should not be seeing red if he does not meet to his season averages this week. Although the Steelers have served up 11 aerial scores this season, they have limited opponents to 184.7 passing yards per game.

Pierre Garcon vs. Jax
Garcon had his season rejuvenated when QB Curtis Painter took over for Kerry Collins, but things have turned sour quickly for Painter in his last four games (1 TD, 5 INTs). After a pair of 2-TD games in October, Garcon is averaging just 42.8 receiving yards per game during his last four. The Jaguars have an underrated pass defense (197 yards per game, 7 INTs) and will not simply roll over and play dead for the Colts. Considering the state of both teams, this is shaping up to be one of the lower scoring games of the week. As bad as the Colts have been, Garcon and his QB need to get back on the same page before reinserting him into fantasy lineups.

Sidney Rice vs. Bal
I was expecting more out of Rice last week in Dallas; despite a team-high 8 targets he could only manage 3 receptions. Two of his six games in 2011 have produced at least 7 catches and 100 yards; in the other four games he averaged 3 receptions for 56 yards; i.e. bench material. The Seattle QB situation does not benefit Rice in the least and his matchup this week certainly does not help either. The Ravens have more interceptions (8) than passing TDs allowed (6) and are holding teams to 192.6 passing yards per game. Look for another lackluster performance from Rice.

Earl Bennett vs. Det
Bennett returned to the Bears lineup in Week 9 after having missed the previous five games because of a chest injury. He made an immediate impact, reeling in 5 passes for 95 yards and a TD. Sure to be hot waiver add this week, we should remember that Bennett did suit up in Weeks 1 & 2 and put up a combined 3 catches for 25 yards. This doesn’t necessarily speak to his inability, but rather Jay Cutler’s and the Bears offensive propensity to spread the ball to a variety of receivers. Also consider that the Lions have been tough against the pass, and although I do like Cutler this week, identifying the primary recipient of his passes (outside of RB Matt Forte) is anyone’s guess.

Good luck in Week 10!

Quarterbacks