Empty the Bench

To aid your push for a spot in the fantasy playoffs, the fantasy experts at Empty the Bench examine some key fantasy matchups at all the positions that count. Kickers, of course, do not fall into that category. For each roster spot we’ll recommend Five Strong Plays, list a few guys to Temper Your Expectations for, one or two Sneaky Plays of the Week, and one Dud of the Week.

These are not always the players we think will score the most or score the least points: there are always obvious situations and choices we don’t mention. These also aren’t all sneaky, sneaky plays. These are just the matchups that we feel deserve mention.*

Make sure to check back on these weekly articles the following Monday to see how each of our picks actually panned out. That way you can either pay your respects (very likely) or sneer at our incompetence (nuh uh).

Come hell or high water, it’s Empty the Bench’s Week 7 Matchups at your disposal. Now go out there and slay the weaklings.

Five Strong Quarterback Plays

Jeff Garcia, Tampa Bay @ DET: It’s pretty safe to plug in just about any competent quarterback against the Lions secondary, one whose number-one cornerback, Fernando Bryant, would be an okay nickel back on most teams. What makes Garcia an even more formidable play this week is the revenge factor: ex-Lions have a long and sordid history of coming back to bludgeon their former team, and there’s no doubt that Garcia felt slighted by Matt Millen & Co. during his brief tenure. We can’t see him tossing less than 260 yards and 2 TD passes.

Actual: 37-45, 316 yards, 2 TDs, 2 Fumbles Lost

Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh @ DEN: This isn’t ideal, but if you don’t have an elite option this week feel comfortable rolling with Big Ben. The Steelers have opened up the offense this season, and should come out firing on all cylinders after their bye week. The Broncos pass defense is strong, but we think the Pittsburgh rushing attack should give Roethlisberger plenty of opportunities. Champ Bailey is expected to play, but he will be limited and redzone threat Hines Ward will be fully recovered. The Broncos have given up 2 passing TDs and .66 rushing TDs to QBs over the last three weeks.

Actual: 24-35, 290 yards, 4 TDs, 2 INTs

Matt Hasselbeck, Seattle vs. STL: Last week Nate Burleson and Bobby Engram filled in admirably in the absence of Deion Branch. D.J. Hackett is expected to see snaps this week, and it’s a great matchup for Hasselbeck at home. They don’t put any pressure on the QB and their secondary is pedestrian. The Rams have already given up 7 passing scores this season, and we think they’ll be giving up a few more this weekend.

Actual: 18-35, 195 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT

Jason Campbell, Washington vs. ARZ: We had our doubts about the second-year signal caller out of Auburn, but he’s played well so far and has the makings of a very good NFL quarterback. Campbell has accounted for at least 200 yards of offense and thrown at least 1 TD in each of his last four games, and looks more poised than anybody expected. He’s throw less than 1 INT per game, and this week faces a pass defense that gives up 248.2 yards and 1.75 TDs per game through the air. Playing at home, expect at least 250 and 2 TDs.

Actual: 12-18, 95 yards, 1 INT. Yuck.

Tony Romo, Dallas vs. MIN: We’re actually not huge fans of Romo here at ETB, and feel like he’s a better fantasy performer than actual player. After getting torched last week by the Pats, T.O. and the Cowboys are going to come out angry. Over the last two seasons Minnesota has fielded one of the best rushing defenses in NFL history, but their pass defense is the worst in football right now. Their physical corners will not be able to jam Owens and Crayton at the line and their ends can’t get to the QB. Romo should be good for 3 TDs and nearly 300 yards passing.

Actual: 31-39, 277 yards, 1 TD, 1 Fumble Lost

Temper Your Expectations

Matt Schaub, Houston vs. TEN: Despite the loss of Andre Johnson, Schaub has been pretty solid this season. He’s completing nearly 70% of his passes and averaging 259.7 yards passing a game. It’s tempting to roll with him at home, but the Tennessee pass defense has been sharp this season. They only allow 217.6 passing yards and have only given up 3 TD receptions along with 7 INTs.

Actual: 5-9, 25 yards, Injured

Daunte Culpepper, Oakland vs. KC: Culpepper got a lot of people excited with that 5 TD game a couple weeks ago, but he has not been a very effective passer this season. In three games he has just 3 TD passes and 2 INTs to go with his 141 yards. Meanwhile, Kansas City has been effective against the pass and allows less than 200 passing yards a game and have tallied 7 INTs. They’re also allowing less than 1 TD pass a game over the last month. DE Jared Allen has been making life a living hell for opposing quarterbacks since returning from his suspension, too. Stay away from this situation.

Actual: 18-29, 228 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT

Sneaky Play of the Week

Damon Huard, Kansas City @ OAK: The thought of not only adding but starting Huard on our fantasy roster is about as appealing as drinking sour milk, but he makes a nice plug-in play this week against a Raiders secondary with little behind Nnamdi Asomugha. Huard proved against the Bengals that he can deliver versus mediocre opponents, going 25-35 for 264 yards and 2 TDs. The yardage won’t be high, but another 2 TDs isn’t out of the question.

Actual: 16-31, 177 yards, 1 INT

Dud of the Week

Tim Rattay, Arizona @ WSH: While Kurt Warner attends to his swollen labia and eyes a return in Week 8, Rattay will get the start in Washington. That about says it all. The ‘Skins have one of the best safety combos in the league in Sean Taylor and LaRon Landry, solid cover men on the corners, and will be intent on getting back on track after a narrow loss to Green Bay. Rattay was awful last week against the Panthers, completing just 12 passes for 159 yards and throwing three picks. You’re probably not starting him anyway, but just in case there’s a Cardinals homer out there considering it–don’t.

Actual: 1-1, 1 yard, 1 TD

Five Strong Running Back Plays

Brian Westbrook, Philadelphia vs. CHI: A week after giving up 224 yards and 3 TDs on the ground to Adrian Peterson, it doesn’t get any easier for the Bears. The Chicago defense is reeling right now, and their secondary’s inability to tackle is going to kill them against the slippery Westbrook. McNabb has struggled most of the season and Philly will get their stud running back involved early and often in the passing and running game. 200 total yards and at least 1 TD are in the works here.

Actual: 18 carries for 79 yards, 6 catches for 40 yards

Fast Willie Parker, Pittsburgh @ DEN: This one is a no-brainer. Willie Parker is an elite talent. The Steelers are second in the NFL with 167 rushing yards a game. The Broncos defense is last in the NFL against the run, giving up 187.6 yards. As Ron Popeil might say, “Set it and forget it.”

Actual: 21 carries for 93 yards, 2 catches for 34 yards

Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville vs. IND: MJD has come alive the last two weeks, rushing for 207 yards and 3 TDs on just 21 carries and grabbing 7 receptions for 89 more yards. More carries should be in store. Jones-Drew may have finally overtaken Fragile Fred as the featured back and worked his way into Jack Del Rio’s good graces. After the game last week, Del Rio said he didn’t even need to see the game tape to know Jones-Drew deserved the game ball, and with Fred Taylor’s groin still hurting MJD could be in for a big game.

Actual: 13 carries for 52 yards, 3 catches for 17 yards, 1 TD

LenDale White, Tennessee @ HOU: His pedestrian 3.2 YPC is hardly inspiring, but White figures to at least equal the 25 carries he received last week against the Falcons. Chris Brown is hobbled by a sprained ankle and Vince Young is currently considered questionable, which means White will again take the field in a featured role. The Texans give up 116.8 on the ground (129 yards and 1.25 TDs over the last month), and we’re recommending him here on a hunch that he’ll score twice.

Actual: 27 carries for 104 yards, 4 catches for 22 yards, 1 TD

Larry Johnson, Kansas City @ OAK: LJ has been pretty terrible all season. He’s putting up just 65.6 rushing yards a game and sports a very weak 3.4 YPC average. He hit rock bottom in Week 5 against Jacksonville with 15 yards on 14 touches. Fortunately, after 33 touches, 143 total yards and his first TD of the season last week it appears Herm Edwards is ready to start giving Johnson his regular absurd workload again– until he breaks down, at least. Oakland allows the fifth-most yards on the ground per game, 144.8, and has already surrendered 8 rushing TDs. Start LJ with confidence… finally. (Footnote: Priest Holmes might be active and play. Would Edwards have the cajones to jilt fantasy owners by rewarding Holmes’ comeback effort with goal-line carries?)

Actual: 24 carries for 112 yards, 6 catches for 21 yards, 1 TD

Temper Your Expectations

Rudi Johnson, Cincinnati vs. NYJ: Word is that Johnson re-injured his tender hammy this week, but the Bungles are rejecting that claim. Still, he didn’t look good and only managed 4 carries for 8 yards. Johnson has been in steady decline for three years now and has only managed 46.3 rushing yards a game an 0 rushing TDs on 3.0 YPC so far. Kenny Watson (5.2 YPC) has been the better back, and we think he’ll continue to see a bulk of the carries until Rudi gets himself in order. It’s tempting to roll with the proven vet against a poor rush defense, but we don’t think he’ll see many carries.

Inactive

Marion Barber III, Dallas vs. MIN: After nearly setting a modern record for rushing yards allowed per game last season, Minnesota is at it again this year. They give up just 66.2 yards on the ground a game (second fewest in the NFL) and still haven’t allowed a rushing score. The Dallas offense is versatile enough to simply abandon the run and pass all over the Viqueens this week, and unless Barber can score through the air he’s not going to score at all.

Actual: 19 carries for 96 yards, 4 catches for 9 yards, 1 TD

Sneaky Play of the Week

Kevin Jones, Detroit vs. TB: I was embarassed to check the recent activity in one of my leagues this morning and realize that Jones was just yesterday scooped up on waivers. Missing out on a guy that should catch 4-5 passes minimum per, and get all the goal-carries from here on out in a high-powered offense, hurts. The Bucs are just average at stopping the run, and after a bye week to rest and game plan, we like KJ to go over 100 combined yards and find the endzone.

Actual: 15 carries for 76 yards, 6 catches for 34 yards, 1 TD

Dud of the Week

Travis Henry, Denver vs. PIT: Fellow Travis Henry owners, I feel your pain. We’ve likely been given just one month left to use our top running back, and he follows last week’s bye with a matchup against the stellar Pittsburgh rush defense. I almost feel like I have to use him just to get my money’s worth, but he’s not going to do much here. The Steelers only give up 72.6 yards rushing and have surrendered just 1 rushing TD. This could also be the week the Broncos decide to start feeding Selvin Young more touches to prepare him for the featured role.

Actual: 17 carries for 51 yards

Five Strong Wide Receiver Plays

Joey Galloway, Tampa Bay @ DET: Old Man Galloway just keeps producing, much to the chagrin of this ETB writer. The Lions do their best to engage in a shootout every week and give up 25.6 receptions for 284 yards a contest. They’ve already surrendered 10 TD receptions. Despite just 22 catches thus far, Galloway has been a big performer, making the most of his touches, and should keep it going this week.

Actual: 5 catches for 46 yards

Kevin Curtis, Philadelphia vs. CHI: Curtis has established himself as the clear No. 1 in Philly, and over the last month the Bears secondary has been beatable. They’re still banged up and can’t keep up with speed receivers. Despite shutting out the Minnesota passing game for all but one play last week (a bomb to speedster Troy Williamson), they’ve given up 12.5 receptions and 187 yards to opposing WRs over the last four contests. Curtis has the speed and moves to beat anybody, and we think the big-play receiver should be good for at least one long TD on Sunday.

Actual: 5 catches for 62 yards

Laveranues Coles/Jerricho Cotchery, New York Jets @ CIN: Start your offensive players against the Bengals. Do it. Especially your WRs. They allow 23.2 receptions and 258.6 receiving yards a game and have already given up 13 TD receptions. Chad Pennington may stink, but even he can find the endzone versus these guys. The Bengals offense will put them ahead for most of the game, and with the Jets passing all second half there will be great opportunities here for both wideouts.

Actual: 14 catches for 193 yards, 3 TDs (combined)

Santana Moss, Washington vs. ARI: Moss has stunk so far this season, but you don’t want him on your bench this week unless your team is very deep. The Cards are giving up 1.5 TDs and over 160 yards to opposing receivers, and we think the young Jason Campbell will lean on a healed Moss this week. You just know he’s going to bust out for a huge day any week now, and this could be it.

Actual: 2 catches for 8 yards

Roy Williams, Detroit vs. TB: After scoring in five straight games going back to last season, Williams has been held scoreless the last two. Over this down stretch, he’s only caught 9 balls for 89 yards, which we believe is more a testament to OC Mike Martz’ off play-calling against the Bears and Redskins than an indication that Roy is himself struggling. The enigmatic Williams has about 3 inches and almost 40 pounds on Ronde Barber, and with his size advantage and a healthy, more-involved Calvin Johnson preventing the Bucs from too many double teams, we think Roy bounces back with a nice game here: 7 catches, 111 yards, 1 TD.

Actual: 3 catches for 23 yards

Temper Your Expectations

Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona @ WSH: The Redskins have been extremely good against the pass this season and excel at getting to the QB. That’s going to be a problem for Tim Rattay. If Washington has only given up 179.4 yards passing per game and 2 total passing scores to the rest of the league, then there won’t be much room for production with the newly-signed Rattay under center this week. You likely have to roll with Anquan Boldin and Fitzy, but don’t expect too much.

Actual: 6 catches for 97 yards

Dwayne Bowe, Kansas City @ OAK: The Raiders are up to their old tricks of shutting down opposing wideouts. Bowe is so acrobatic and strong in the air that he could score any given week, but we expect him to be blanketed for much of the game and for the Chiefs to focus on pounding the rock with Larry Johnson. It’s also becoming clear that Bowe is the only reliable wide receiver the Chiefs have, and opposing secondaries are starting to key in on him. Oakland has only given up .33 TDs to wideouts over the last month, so don’t expect one.

Actual: 3 catches for 84 yards

Sneaky Play of the Week

Marty Booker, Miami vs. NE: With disgruntled Chris Chambers shipped off to San Diego, the veteran Booker will likely be the Dolphins’ WR1 by default, with just Derek Hagans and the smartest top-10 draft pick in the last decade, Ted Ginn Jr., competing for the honor of lining up against opponents’ top cornerback. The potential for a bloodbath is very real with the Patriots coming to town, which means Cleo Lemon will be dropping back to pass for most of the second half. Again, by default, Booker figures to catch at least 6 passes, and we’ll go ahead and predict a score, too.

Actual: 3 catches for 28 yards

Dud of the Week

Torry Holt, St. Louis @ SEA: The class of elite fantasy football performers is an ever-changing one, and after his admission last week that his surgerically repaired knee will probably bother him for the rest of his career, we can’t help but wonder if Holt might be falling off the list sooner than expected. Despite the probable return of Marc Bulger this week, the Rams offense will still be weighed down by the lack of a significant rushing threat and a poor offensive line. He has yet to exceed 100 yards receiving in a game this year.

Actual: 8 catches for 82 yards

Five Strong Tight End Plays

Tony Gonzalez, Kansas City @ OAK: As we mentioned above, the Raiders’ secondary is at its best shutting down wide receivers. Fresh off his record-breaking TD catch(es) last week, Gonzo is rolling and will look to score his first touchdown against Oakland since December 25, 2004, when he went nuts for 11 receptions, 124 yards, and 2 TDs. He won’t equal any of those numbers, but slice ‘em all in half and you have a solid projection.

Actual: 4 catches for 66 yards

Greg Olsen, Chicago @ PHI: Greg Olsen has come on strong recently and is already one of the best big-play TEs in football. Over the last two weeks he’s put up 120 yards, 9 receptions and 1 TD. He has a nice rapport with Brian Griese, and Cedric Benson’s poor play has forced the Bears to throw more often than they’d like. This is a tough matchup and the Iggles are absolutely brutal to opposing TEs, but Olsen plays more like a big wide receiver and should get open downfield. The fact that stud FS Brian Dawkins is also expected to miss the game should help him get open downfield.

Actual: 4 catches for 48 yards

Alge Crumpler, Atlanta @ NO: Word is that Byron Leftwich may get his first start for the Falcons after Joey Harrington looked wild, inaccurate, and just kind of depressing on Monday night against the Giants. Crumpler has been downright awful these past two weeks (3 catches, 13 yards, 0 TDs combined), which might have as much to do with a nagging knee injury as it does with Harrington’s poor play. The Saints can be exploited through the air, however, and we have to think this is the week Crumpler catches a few over the middle and racks up about 60 yards receiving.

Actual: Inactive

Chris Cooley, Washington vs. ARZ: We correctly predicted Cooley would record one of his biggest efforts of the year last week against the Packers, when he had 9 catches for 105 yards and a touch. He’s now scored four weeks in a row, and while no TE can keep up that kind of pace, Cooley is facing a mediocre Cards defense in the middle that will be without Karlos Dansby. Tight ends fare decently well against Arizona, and Cooley is always a good play at home anyway.

Actual: 1 catch for 3 yards

Chris Baker, New York Jets @ CIN: We’re recommending Baker here for the same reasons as Coles and Cotchery–the Bungles’ defense is just plain bad and the Jets are going to be passing a lot. We’re still a little amazed that Pennington is getting another start, but the one thing he’s great at is throwing short TD passes. Anytime New York lines up inside the 10, Baker will get looks.

Actual: Not a damn thing

Temper Your Expectations

Owen Daniels, Houston vs. TEN: Daniels has been a pleasant surprise this season and one of Matt Schaub’s favorite targets since the loss of Andre Johnson, but we’re just not that high on the Houston passing game this week. Tennesse is very strong against the pass, and they’ve been shutting down TEs especially well of late (less than 20 receiving yards a game over the last month). Start him if you don’t have other strong options, but the Titans’ linebackers are very good.

Actual: 2 catches for 20 yards

Sneaky Play of the Week

Mercedes Lewis, Jacksonville vs. IND: We thought Lewis would come in and surprise people last season with his size (6′6″, 265 lbs.), but he didn’t see the field much in 2006. He’s still a great redzone threat with good hands, and we expect the Jaguars to be throwing in the second half. Indianapolis does a great job of shutting down opposing wideouts, but tight ends tend to get theirs (6 receptions, 51.3 yards and .67 TDs over the last month). We really like Lewis as a bye week replacement this Sunday.

Actual: 2 catches for 13 yards

Dud of the Week

L.J. Smith, Philadelphia vs. CHI: He’s worth an add for owners in need of TE help, but it’s just too early to plug him into your starting lineup. He didn’t play much last week in his first game back from crotch injuries, catching just 1 pass for 8 yards, and will need at least a few more weeks to work himself back into game shape. Don’t be tempted just yet.

Actual: Inactive

Five Strong Team Defense Plays

Washington Redskins vs. ARZ: The ‘Skins coaching staff have done an admirable job of turning this unit around, and they’re putting up fantasy points as a result. Washington is giving up just 13.8 points a game, third fewest in the NFL. The Cardinals will be lucky to get that with Tim Rattay taking snaps all game. Rattay should be good for around 3 INTs on Sunday, and when Arizona turns to run the ball they’ll face a defense only giving up 79.6 yards a game on the ground.

Actual: 19 points allowed, 1 sack, 2 INTs, 1 Fumble Recovery, 1 TD

New York Giants vs. SF: New York has figured out how to mitigate their weaknesses in the secondary: blitz the hell out of the QB and don’t give him any time to throw downfield. So far it’s worked, and the Giants lead the NFL with 21 total sacks. Led by the sure-to-be shell shocked Trent Dilfer, the San Fran passing game won’t get on track all day and the Giants are pretty good against the run (96.5 rushing yards allowed per).

Actual: 15 points allowed, 6 sacks, 2 INTs, 2 Fumble Recoveries, 1 TD

Kansas City Chiefs @ OAK: The Chiefs are employing a similar strategy to the Giants and are tied for second in the NFL with 19 sacks. They’re only giving up 17.2 points a game, and they get after the ball extremely well with 7 INTs and 7 forced fumbles already. Oakland is counting on the mistake-prone Daunte Culpepper this week, and we think he tosses at least 2 INTs and gets sacked several times while failing to find men open downfield all game.

Actual: 10 points allowed, 2 sacks, 1 INT

Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ DET: If your league penalizes heavily for points given up, you may want to avoid these guys. If not, they’re a strong play against an offense that’s giving up the most sacks in the NFL by far (28) and is up there in TOs as well despite already having their bye (6.7 sacks, 1 INT and 1.33 FUMs over the last three games). Detroit’s skill players are extremely talented and explosive, but Jon Kitna still holds the ball too long and you had better believe Monte Kiffin will bring the pressure this week. The Lions made Washington the top fantasy defense of the week in their last game.

Actual: 23 points allowed, 3 sacks

Seattle Seahawks vs. STL: Seattle represents a tremendous plug-in-play option this week. The Rams offense is atrocious, mostly because that battered offensive line just can’t stop anybody. Seattle got lit up by New Orleans last week, but Julian Peterson (6.0 sacks, second in the NFL) has revitalized this unit. Additionally, the Rams will be without the services of Steven Jackson and Drew Bennett for sure, and perhaps Marc Bulger and Isaac Bruce as well. We’re expecting the Seahawks to get 3+ sacks, grab 2-3 INTs and keep the Rams around 10 total points.

Actual: 6 points allowed, 7 sacks, 3 INTs

Temper Your Expectations

Jacksonville Jaguars vs. IND: You really don’t need us to tell you this, but any team defense is a bad start against the Colts any week. When Indy is rested and coming off a bye, beware. They put up 452 yards and 36 points on Washington after their bye last year and 40 points with 453 yards in New England the year before that. The Jags are only giving up an impressive 11.6 points a game so far, but that number figures to balloon this week.

Actual: 29 points allowed, 2 sacks, 1 INT

Dallas Cowboys vs. MIN: Heading into last week we mentioned that the Dallas D had gaudy numbers, but hadn’t faced a quality offense since giving up 35 points to the Giants in Week 1. Then the Pats rolled into town and hung 448 yards and 48 points on this unit. Their defensive line is hurting with NT Ferguson out, and that is a bad position to be in with Adrian “All Day” Peterson rolling into town. The Vikings may finally have an identity on offense, and that’s to give AP the ball and let him pound opposing defenses into submission. The Cowboys may win this game, but their defense isn’t a strong play this week against a team that’s not going to be putting the ball at risk very often.

Actual: 14 points allowed, 3 sacks, 1 Fumble Recovery

Sneaky Play of the Week

Buffalo Bills vs. BAL: Hopefully we’re not a week too late on this one. The Buffalo defense has given up points, but they’re also tied for second in the NFL with 9 INTs. The team is playing with great energy on that side of the ball and the Baltimore passing game isn’t scaring anybody right now. Look for the Bills to stay in the game and make a few big plays. Just a hunch, but we think they could have their third defensive TD as well.

Actual: 14 points allowed, 1 sack, 1 Fumble Recovery

Dud of the Week

Denver Broncos vs. PIT: The Broncos are dead last in the NFL in rushing yards allowed per game, behind teams like Miami, Cleveland, Cincinnati and St. Louis. They give up a staggering 187.6 yards rushing a game, and that’s bad news with Fast Willie Parker and (likely) Najeh “Dumpy” Davenport heading into town. Despite their NFL-best passing defense, Denver is spotting opponents 27.2 points a game and only has 9 total sacks. Don’t get cute, stay away.

See How We Did in Last Week’s Matchups

Check ETB’s Week Seven Position Rankings

Read ETB’s Week Seven Stock Report

Browse ETB’s Week Seven Quick Hits

Scan ETB’s Week Seven Cheat Sheet

*Disclaimer: There are some players who are always must starts, and you should know who they are. To make things easy, we’ve picked a few guys at each position who will never be listed in our Top Matchups because it just wouldn’t be fair– they’re studs, simple as that. They are: QB Peyton Manning, QB Carson Palmer, QB Tom Brady, RB LaDainian Tomlinson, RB Brian Westbrook, RB Adrian Peterson, WR Chad Johnson, WR Stevonne Smith, WR Randy Moss, TE Antonio Gates, and DEF New England.