Empty the Bench

There are some marquee matchups in the NFL this week, and unfortunately that means some elite fantasy defenses are drawing rough matchups. The Vikings stay within the confines of the Metrodome, but they will be hosting a vastly improved Ravens offense led by mad scientist Cam Cameron and newfound fantasy studs Joe Flacco and Ray Rice. It’s not a great matchup for Baltimore either, despite their formidable rush defense, as the Vikings attack is suddenly loaded with potent options – AP, Favre, Rice, Harvin, Berrian, Shiancoe and Taylor.

To date, New Orleans has been the best fantasy defense in the league on a per-game basis, but they’ll be hosting the New York Giants in their own dome. And this season that means not just bottling up the Giants dominant rushing attack but also dealing with their potent, varied passing attack. And while that Giants front line is still loaded with playmakers, they can’t exactly be licking their chops at playing the Saints on the road.

The top three options this week are your Eagles, Steelers and Jets, but the Packers, Redskins and Jags also make for some very sneaky plays.

See also:
- Week 6 QB Ranks
- Week 6 RB Ranks
- Week 6 WR Ranks
- Week 6 TE Ranks

1. Philadelphia Eagles @ OAK
2. Pittsburgh Steelers vs. CLE
3. New York Jets vs. BUF
4. Green Bay Packers vs. DET
5. New England Patriots vs. TEN
6. Denver Broncos @ SD
7. Minnesota Vikings vs. BAL
8. Baltimore Ravens @ MIN
9. Washington Redskins vs. KC
10. New York Giants @ NO
11. Cincinnati Bengals vs. HOU
12. Seattle Seahawks vs. ARZ
13. Jacksonville Jaguars vs. STL
14. New Orleans Saints vs. NYG
15. Atlanta Falcons vs. CHI