Empty the Bench

Ranks preview by Andrew Thell

You can make a strong argument that the New Orleans Saints DEF is the MVP of the fantasy season through 12 weeks. It’s reminiscent of the Rams defenses of the late 90s and earls 00s – they may not be the most talented bunch, but they’re playing with a big lead nearly every week and opposing offense are forced to abandon the run and pass more often and more recklessly than they ever would otherwise. Give Gregg Williams’ unit credit for taking advantage of the opportunities though, racking up 7 TDs, and constantly creating pressure on quarterbacks with strong defensive-end play.

In the ETB scoring format NO has racked up a whopping 160 total points. The second-best DEF has 133. That’s a 27-point gap, far greater than the difference at any ther position. At all other positions the top performer has only netted 10 or fewer more points than the rest of the pack. Coming into the season ranked outside the top 12 on nearly all cheat sheets, no free-agent pickup or late-round pick has had the positive impact the Saints DEF has. In a season in which top-12 ranked options like NYG, BAL, TEN, DAL, CHI and MIA are outside the top 12 in total scoring, the Saints are just the latest reason you never want to be the guy who drafts a DEF in the middle rounds.

The second-best DEF in fantasy pigskin this season has been the Minnesota Vikings, who we have tentatively ranked at number 6 this week. Early reports have Kurt Warner and Matt Leinart splitting reps in practice though. Minnesota’s All-Pro corner Antoine Winfield should be back this week, and if Leinart plays there may not be a better DEF option than the Vikings this week. The former USC star has shown next to nothing in his 27 career NFL starts to make us think he’s a passable QB.

See also:
- Week 13 QB Rankings
- Week 13 RB Rankings
- Week 13 WR Rankings
- Week 13 TE Rankings

1. New Orleans Saints @ WSH
2. Cincinnati Bengals vs. DET
3. San Diego Chargers @ CLE
4. Pittsburgh Steelers vs. OAK
5. Philadelphia Eagles @ ATL
6. Minnesota Vikings @ ARZ
7. Green Bay Packers vs. BAL
8. New York Jets @ BUF
9. Denver Broncos @ KC
10. Baltimore Ravens @ GB
11. San Francisco 49ers @ SEA
12. Buffalo Bills vs. NYJ
13. Indianapolis Colts vs. TEN
14. Chicago Bears vs. STL
15. New York Giants vs. DAL
16. Dallas Cowboys @ NYG
17. New England Patriots @ MIA

Shawne Merriman Photo Credit: Icon SMI

Ranks preview by Andrew Thell

It’s amazing what taking a few years off of football can do to rejuvenate the legs, isn’t it? Ricky Williams has been stellar all season, averaging far and away his career high in yards per carry at 5.3. He’s taken over full-time duties for the run-centric Dolphins the last two weeks and absolutely run with the opportunity: 42 carries, 4 receptions, 245 total yards and 3 TDs. The train rolls on this week as Ricky rolls into Buffalo to face off against perhaps the worst rush defense in football. The Bills are giving up 165.9 rushing yards a game and have given up 15 scores on the ground, both second-most in the NFL. This week they’ll once again be without starting DT Marcus Stroud, making it a dream matchup for one of the hottest RBs in football. Ricky Williams is an elite play this week. Bet you didn’t think we’d be saying that about the 32-year-old back when you drafted him. You have something to be thankful for, Williams owners.

Joining Williams are several other unlikely strong fantasy plays. Bernard Scott should have several huge plays on his way to a big game at home against division rival Cleveland. There’s every reason to believe Jason Snelling will keep the ball rolling at home against a Tampa Bay unit surrendering the most rushing yards in the NFL on Sunday. Justin Forsett, who has shown some real moves and the ability to hit small holes, will also be a must-start in St. Louis for most teams.

In fact, all three waiver-wire heroes are above Matt Forte in our rankings this week. Yes, the Matt Forte you used your 2-5 pick on this summer. Fantasy football is a bitch. We didn’t like Forte as much as most people on draft day, he’s simply not that talented or explosive a runner. Still, he’s a good receiver who managed over 1,700 total yards and 12 TDs as a rookie despite gaining just 3.9 yards a carry. Talent questions aside, the situation figured to be at least the same as last year, if not better with Jay Cutler in town, so he was a good pick. Jay Cutler’s incredibly inconsistency is partially to blame for the poor season, but the Chicago Bears offensive line has been simply horrendous this year and Forte is having a hard time compensating for his lack of skills with sheer volume of carries as a result.

This year the Bears featured back is putting up a pathetic 3.3 yards per carry, which has netted a paltry 51.6 rushing yards a game and he’s only managed 3 total TDs. This week Forte goes into Minnesota to face a defense that has only given up 3 TDs on the ground all season and is allowing just 85.5 rushing yards a game, third-fewest in the NFL. The Vikes figure to be ahead most of the game, have a talented trio of LBs and run-stuffing CB Antoine Winfield is scheduled to return, making Forte an even riskier bet than usual. There’s a chance you have better options.

Laurence Maroney hasn’t been especially impressive, but he’s getting the carries around the stripe for New England. We expect this to be a high-scoring affair and think Maroney should be good for a touchdown and some yardage against a mediocre (at best) Saints rushing defense that will once again be lacking their starting NT.

See also:
- Week 12 QB Rankings
- Week 12 WR Ranks
- Week 12 TE Rankings
- Week 12 DEF Rankings

Kevin Smith Photo Credit: Icon SMI

1. Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans vs. ARZ
2. Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings vs. CHI
3. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars @ SF
4. Ricky Williams, Miami Dolphins @ BUF
5. Ray Rice, Baltimore Ravens vs. PIT
6. DeAngelo Williams, Carolina Panthers @ NYJ
7. Frank Gore, San Francisco 49ers vs. JAC
8. Steven Jackson, St. Louis Rams vs. SEA
9. Ryan Grant, Green Bay Packers @ DET
10. Bernard Scott, Cincinnati Bengals vs. CLE (Check Benson’s Status)
11. Marion Barber, Dallas Cowboys vs. OAK
12. Brandon Jacobs, New York Giants @ DEN
13. Thomas Jones, New York Jets vs. CAR
14. Jason Snelling, Atlanta Falcons vs. TB
15. Joseph Addai, Indianapolis Colts @ HOU

Running back rankings 16 through 37, after the jump…

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Ranks Preview by Andrew Thell

It seems like Peyton Manning is starting to trust Pierre Garcon, despite some ill-timed drops, and that makes him a fine WR3/4 with upside in most formats going forward. Garcon has great playmaking abilities, and the Colts know he can stretch the field and open things up for Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark. If he keeps getting a high volume of looks Garcon will be a weekly candidate for huge plays and consistent yardage. Pierre has posted at least 50 yards in four straight now (including 6 for 108 last week and a TD the week before), and the matchup at Houston this week sets up nicely again.

Chris Chambers has seen a mini resurgence since joining the Kansas City Chiefs earlier this month. In three games he’s totaled 10 receptions for 249 yards and 2 TDs compared to just 9 receptions for 122 yards and 1 TD in his first seven games of the season with the San Diego Chargers. This week Chambers gets a chance to go into SD and get some revenge against the Bolts for cutting him earlier in the season. The Chiefs should be playing from behind often, and the revenge factor is always a nice angle, so we’re endorsing Chambers as a WR3 in deeper leagues.

Don’t let Terrell Owen’s explosion from last Sunday cloud your judgment. Before that 9-catch, 197-yard blowup the aging, depressing “star” wideout had only managed 26 catches and 1 TD in the previous eight games. He’s an option this week, but by no means a strong one.

Miles Austin stays inside our top-25 for the week, but his inability to shed doubles and respond to opponents game-planning for him the last few weeks is increasingly disconcerting. He’s merely a borderline WR2 right now.

The hits keep on coming for the Detroit defense. Starting strong safety Ko Simpson will miss Thursday’s game, leaving an already depleted secondary that much more vulnerable. The Lions already sport the worst secondary in the league, so you’ll obviously want to have Greg Jennings and Donald Driver in your lineups – and even James Jones makes for a solid speculative play for those in need of a WR4.

See also:
- Week 12 QB Rankings
- Week 12 RB Rankings
- Week 12 TE Rankings
- Week 12 DEF Rankings

1. Reggie Wayne, Indianapolis Colts @ HOU
2. Randy Moss, New England Patriots @ NO
3. Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona Cardinals @ TEN
4. Andre Johnson, Houston Texans vs. IND
5. Vincent Jackson, San Diego Chargers vs. KC
6. Wes Welker, New England Patriots @ NO
7. Greg Jennings, Green Bay Packers @ DET
8. Roddy White, Atlanta Falcons vs. TB (Check Status)
9. Sidney Rice, Minnesota Vikings vs. CHI
10. Chad Ochocinco, Cincinnati Bengals vs. CLE
11. Mike Sims-Walker, Jacksonville Jaguars @ SF
12. Anquan Boldin, Arizona Cardinals @ TEN
13. DeSean Jackson, Philadelphia Eagles vs. WAS
14. Brandon Marshall, Denver Broncos vs. NYG
15. Marques Colston, New Orleans Saints vs. NE
16. Donald Driver, Green Bay Packers @ DET

WR rankings 17 through 42, after the jump…

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Ranks Preview by Brian Spencer

You already know how we feel about anybody wearing Packers green this week: start ‘em, including emerging fantasy threat Jermichael Finley, who looks to finally be healthy and could be primed for a breakout run these final 5 weeks of the fantasy season. (I know we’re beating up on the Lions this week; for the record, I’m a lifelong Lions fan and would love to see them upset the Pack on Thanksgiving. But, well, it is what it is.)

All of the elite TEs have favorable matchups this week, though it’ll be interesting to see if Brent Celek can get involved against the Redskins: last time he faced the ‘Skins, in Week 7, he caught just 3 passes for a total of 8 yards. If you’re hurting for a plug-in play this week–and I’m looking at you, Jason “Game-time Decision” Witten owners–consider Lions rookie TE Brandon Pettigrew a sneaky play with upside, even without Matthew Stafford behind center.

The big, bruising first-round pick is starting to come into his own, with 15 catches for 165 yards and 2 TDs in the last three weeks, including the game-winning score with no time remaining on the clock against the Browns. This is a defense that TEs are exploiting: last week, Vernon Davis burned the Pack for 6 catches, 108 yards, and 1 TD, while in the past month the Bucs’ Kellen Winslow and the Vikings’ Visanthe Shiancoe have also found the endzone against Green Bay.

Daunte Culpepper does not inspire confidence, but given his preference to check down and the fact that Calvin Johnson probably won’t play, Pettigrew (and RB Kevin Smith) is the closest thing the Lions will have to a receiving threat. Keep expectations modest, but he’s a decent gamble if you’re in need.

See also:
- Week 12 QB Rankings
- Week 12 RB Rankings
- Week 12 WR Rankings
- Week 12 DEF Rankings

1. Dallas Clark, Indianapolis Colts @ HOU
2. Antonio Gates, San Diego Chargers vs. KC
3. Vernon Davis, San Francisco 49ers vs. JAX
4. Tony Gonzalez, Atlanta Falcons vs. TB
5. Kellen Winslow, Tampa Bay Bucs @ ATL
6. Brent Celek, Philadelphia Eagles vs. WSH
7. Jermichael Finley, Green Bay Packers @ DET
8. Jason Witten, Dallas Cowboys vs. OAK (Check Status)
9. Jeremy Shockey, New Orleans Saints vs. NE
10. Visanthe Shiancoe, Minnesota Vikings vs. CHI
11. Heath Miller, Pittsburgh Steelers @ BAL
12. Kevin Boss, New York Giants @ DEN
13. Greg Olsen, Chicago Bears @ MIN
14. John Carlson, Seattle Seahawks @ STL
15. Brandon Pettigrew, Detroit Lions vs. GB
16. Zach Miller, Oakland Raiders @ DAL
17. Benjamin Watson, New England Patriots @ NO
18. Dustin Keller, New York Jets vs. CAR
19. Tony Scheffler, Denver Broncos vs. NYG
20. Todd Heap, Baltimore Ravens @ PIT

Ranks Preview by Brian Spencer

Aaron Rodgers’ Thanksgiving feast starts early this year, and the fattened turkey that is the Detroit Lions secondary is so juicy, so bountiful, that there probably won’t be any room left for dessert. As far as fantasy matchups go, it just doesn’t get any better for investors in the Packers’ passing attack than this.

Last Sunday we saw Cleveland Browns QB Brady Quinn, recognized as one of the league’s worst starting quarterbacks on literally the NFL’s worst offense, light the Lions up like a Christmas tree to the tune of 21-33 for 304 yards, 4 TDs, 0 INTs, and a staggering 133.1 QB Rating. Impressive, especially when you consider that in his previous four games combined, Quinn had thrown for 303 yards, 4 INTs, and 0 TDs.

So, yeah–expect big things from Rodgers Thursday morning. To make matters worse for the Lions, not only will they likely be without Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson on offense, the already razor-thin depth in the defensive secondary became stretched even further this week when starting SS Ko Simpson was ruled out with a knee injury. That forces somebody named Marvin White into a featured role. Good God.

See also:
- Week 12 RB Rankings
- Week 12 WR Rankings
- Week 12 TE Rankings
- Week 12 DEF Rankings

1. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers @ DET
2. Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts @ HOU
3. Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints vs. NE
4. Tom Brady, New England Patriots @ NO
5. Philip Rivers, San Diego Chargers vs. KC
6. Matt Schaub, Houston Texans vs. IND
7. Carson Palmer, Cincinnati Bengals vs. CLE
8. Brett Favre, Minnesota Vikings vs. CHI
9. Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons vs. TB
10. Donovan McNabb, Philadelphia Eagles vs. WSH
11. Kurt Warner, Arizona Cardinals @ TEN
12. Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers @ BAL
13. Joe Flacco, Baltimore Ravens vs. PIT
14. Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys vs. OAK
15. Jay Cutler, Chicago Bears @ MIN
16. Eli Manning, New York Giants @ DEN
17. Matt Hasselbeck, Seattle Seahawks @ STL
18. Vince Young, Tennessee Titans vs. ARZ
19. Kyle Orton, Denver Broncos vs. NYG (Check Status)
20. Alex Smith, San Francisco 49ers vs. JAX
21. David Garrard, Jacksonville Jaguars @ SF
22. Josh Freeman, Tampa Bay Bucs @ ATL
23. Matt Cassel, Kansas City Chiefs @ SD

Aaron Rodgers Photo Credit: Icon SMI

Ranks Preview by Brian Spencer

This might be the last week you see the solid Green Bay Packers DEF rated this highly on our weekly board. A top-10 fantasy play coming into this week’s juicy Thanksgiving matchup against the battered Detroit Lions, the Packers endured two big blows against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday when both DL Aaron Kampman (third on the team in sacks with 3.5) and CB Al Harris (third in interceptions with 2) succumbed to season-ending injuries. While neither were having standout seasons, these losses still hurt and the unit should be downgraded come Week 13 against the Baltimore Ravens.

But not this week. Though back in the day the Lions were always dangerous on Turkey Day, regardless of their record, they’ve lost their last five Thanksgiving games by an average of 23.4 points (though it’s perhaps worth noting that their last victory, in ’03, came at the Packers’ expense). As if the talent deck isn’t already stacked heavily in their opponents’ favor, Detroit will likely be without the services of Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson, the two pistons that power the offense. Without Stafford, they’ll turn to Daunte Culpepper. Without Johnson, they’ll turn to the dynamic trio of Bryant Johnson, Dennis Northcutt, and Derrick Williams.

We’ll let you put two and two together. By the way, random fact of the week (stop reading here, Lions fans): Sunday’s 38-37 come-from-behind win over the Cleveland Browns was only the second time since 1957 that a Detroit Lions team has come back from a 10+ point deficit to win.

See also:
- Week 12 QB Rankings
- Week 12 RB Rankings
- Week 12 WR Rankings
- Week 12 TE Rankings

1. Philadelphia Eagles vs. WSH
2. Green Bay Packers @ DET
3. Minnesota Vikings vs. CHI
4. Cincinnati Bengals vs. CLE
5. San Diego Chargers vs. KC
6. Dallas Cowboys vs. OAK
7. Baltimore Ravens vs. PIT
8. New York Giants @ DEN
9. Pittsburgh Steelers @ BAL
10. Miami Dolphins @ BUF
11. Carolina Panthers @ NYJ
12. New Orleans Saints vs. NE
13. Atlanta Falcons vs. TB
14. Denver Broncos vs. NYG
15. Seattle Seahawks @ STL

Green Bay Packers Defense Photo Credit: Icon SMI

Ranks Preview by Andrew Thell

What are we going to do with you, Calvin Johnson? One season after his massive 78-reception, 1,331-yard, 12-TD, 17.1-YPC sophomoe campaign the Detroit Lions phenom has been held to just 32 receptions, 436 yards and 1 TD. One. It was thought the 6-5 physical freak out of Georgia Tech was immune to quarterback tumult after producing last season regardless of who was under center, but a combination of poor QB play and injury have continued to render your second-round pick the biggest bust in fantasy football this season.

But if you’ve managed to stay fantasy viable despite Megatron’s performance thus far, and you didn’t manage to move him for a fair price, then you have no other choice but to continue to roll with him. Last week’s 8-catch, 84-yard game showed plenty of encouraging signs and it doesn’t get much better than a home matchup against the Browns … except for maybe that home matchup against the Rams a few weeks ago that he sat out.

The double-teams are starting to come for Miles Austin after his midseason breakout, and he’s responded with just 5 receptions for 69 yards in the last two contests, including the key touchdown grab against Philadelphia two weeks ago. It’s opened the door for Roy Williams to see single coverage nearly every down, and he had a big game last week, but we still don’t feel too comfortable recommending the lethargic Roy. Austin will have to prove he can beat the doubles and he faces a surprisingly decent secondary in the Redskins this week, pushing him as low as he’s been on our rankings in a month.

Like every other week, one of the NFL’s top wide receivers draws the Darrelle Revis Treatment this week. And like every other week, you don’t even hesitate to start Randy Moss.

Malcom Floyd has struggled in his initial attempts at the WR2 position in San Diego, but he’s too talented and big and this passing offense is too strong to ignore Floyd. You’ll have to be cautious this week, but he’s a fine gamble as a flex play if you need him.

See also:
- Week 11 QB Ranks
- Week 11 RB Ranks
- Week 11 TE Rankings
- Week 11 DEF Ranks

1. Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona Cardinals @ STL
2. Andre Johnson, Houston Texans vs. TEN
3. Reggie Wayne, Indianapolis Colts @ BAL
4. Randy Moss, New England Patriots vs. NYJ
5. Marques Colston, New Orleans Saints @ TB
6. Roddy White, Atlanta Falcons @ NYG
7. Vincent Jackson, San Diego Chargers @ DEN
8. Sidney Rice, Minnesota Vikings vs. SEA
9. DeSean Jackson, Philadelphia Eagles @ CHI
10. Brandon Marshall, Denver Broncos vs. SD
11. Chad Ochocinco, Cincinnati Bengals @ OAK
12. Calvin Johnson, Detroit Lions vs. CLE
13. Wes Welker, New England Patriots vs. NYJ
14. Greg Jennings, Green Bay Packers vs. SF
15. Anquan Boldin, Arizona Cardinals @ STL
16. Steve Smith, New York Giants vs. ATL

WR rankings 17 through 42, after the jump…

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Ranks Preview by Andrew Thell

You never think it’s going to happen this late in the season, but once again the running back landscape dramatically shifted in Week 10. Brian Westbrook may be done for the season, allowing LeSean McCoy owners to finally cash in on their prized sleeper pick. McCoy should be started in nearly all leagues against a Bears defense allowing 118+ yards per game on the ground and looking soft in all regards.

The heavy workload caught up to Cedric Benson and the Bengals at last, making Bernard Scott a viable flex option at Oakland. His dancing running style leaves a lot to be desired, but Scott has a real chance to bust off a couple of long gainers once he breaks through the line.

Justin Forsett exploded for 149 total yards and a touchdown on 17 carries and 5 receptions and will start against the Vikings this week. Forsett is actually a decent play this week, too, with Julius Jones and his bruised lung out of the picture. The Vikes rush defense isn’t nearly as intimidating as it was the last three seasons and Forsett showed good burst to go along with some nice toughness.

Michael Turner went down with a dreaded high-ankle sprain and figures to miss a few weeks, making Jason Snelling the top waiver-wire pickup of the week. Snelling only churned out 61 yards on his subsequent 18 carries after the injury, good for a paltry 3.4 YPC, but he looked good doing it. He had a little burst, he ran hard and he showed good hands. Jerious Norwood isn’t ready to contribute much, so Snelling will continue to produce some useful fantasy value as long as Turner is out.

We hope you bought in on Chris Wells when you had the chance; do so now if it’s not too late. He’s clearly the superior rusher in the Cardinals backfield. He shows great burst and physicality on his carries, something the Cards could sorely use. The last four weeks he’s gotten 8 carries for 47 yards (5.9 YPC), 13 for 72 (5.5 YPC) and 16 for 85 with 2 TDs (5.3 YPC). The party continues this week in St. Louis where he should absolutely abuse the miserable Rams defense after the Arizona passing game gets them up early. There are some neutral matchups after that, but it doesn’t get any better than Beanie’s @ DET and vs. STL docket in the fantasy postseason. We fully expect him to be getting 15-20 touches a game at that point. He’s an ideal flex with an outside shot at RB1 upside.

Ricky Williams owners have been getting more than they bargained for all season, and now the 32-year-old has the potential to become the bargain of the draft. Word is Ronnie Brown will miss the rest of the season, but that won’t stop the Chad Henne-led Miami Dolphins from running the football all day with their ball-control offense. Ricky is poised to get 20+ touches a week from here on out and will assume Wildcat duties. He’ll draw a fine matchup against Carolina this week before drawing @ BUF, vs. NE, @ JAC, @ TEN and vs. HOU matchups the rest of the way. If he stays healthy Ricky is going to win a lot of imaginary trophies this year.

See also:
- Week 11 QB Ranks
- Week 11 WR Ranks
- Week 11 TE Rankings
- Week 11 DEF Ranks

1. Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans @ HOU
2. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars vs. BUF
3. Ray Rice, Baltimore Ravens vs. IND
4. Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings vs. SEA
5. Frank Gore, San Francisco 49ers @ GB
6. Ricky Williams, Miami Dolphins @ CAR
7. Steven Jackson, St. Louis Rams vs. ARZ
8. Rashard Mendenhall, Pittsburgh Steelers @ KC
9. DeAngelo Williams, Carolina Panthers vs. MIA (Check Status)
10. Pierre Thomas, New Orleans Saints @ TB
11. Matt Forte, Chicago Bears vs. PHI
12. Cedric Benson, Cincinnati Bengals @ OAK (Check Status)
13. Kevin Smith, Detroit Lions vs. CLE (If not this week, then when?)
14. Marion Barber, Dallas Cowboys vs. WAS
15. LeSean McCoy, Philadelphia Eagles @ CHI

Running back rankings 16 through 36, after the jump…

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Ranks Preview by Andrew Thell

We recommended Vince Young as a sneaky play last week, saying, ” … there’s a decent chance Young puts up some rushing yards and scores on the ground against a Bills defense that has already allowed 12 rushing touchdowns and is ceding over 170 yards on the ground per game.” However, we still ranked Young modestly and were pleasantly surprised with his 210 passing yards and passing TD to go along with 29 rushing yards and 1 rushing TD. He’s an equally strong sneaky play this week against a Houston defense that’s better than Buffalo, but still gives up big plays.

Jay Cutler is a complete mess right now. He looks confused, flustered and undisciplined. He’s putting too much pressure on himself to make fine throws every down and not showing the maturity or thought process of a successful NFL QB. It’s a major step back for one of the league’s brightest emerging stars. There’s no reason to think the slide will stop this week either, as Philadelphia’s blitz-happy defense and strong secondary heads into town.

There’s not a lot of news on the QB front this week, and the matchups are pretty self-explanatory at this point, so without further ado …

See also:
- Week 11 RB Rankings
- Week 11 WR Rankings
- Week 11 TE Rankings
- Week 11 DEF Rankings

1. Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints @ TB
2. Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts @ BAL
3. Tom Brady, New England Patriots vs. NYJ
4. Matt Schaub, Houston Texans vs. TEN
5. Kurt Warner, Arizona Cardinals @ STL
6. Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers @ KC
7. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers vs. SF
8. Philip Rivers, San Diego Chargers @ DEN
9. Donovan McNabb, Philadelphia Eagles @ CHI
10. Carson Palmer, Cincinnati Bengals @ OAK
11. Brett Favre, Minnesota Vikings vs. SEA
12. Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys vs. WAS
13. Vince Young, Tennessee Titans @ HOU
14. Joe Flacco, Baltimore Ravens vs. IND
15. Matt Hasselbeck, Seattle Seahawks @ MIN
16. Jay Cutler, Chicago Bears vs. PHI
17. Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons @ NYG
18. Eli Manning, New York Giants vs. ATL
19. David Garrard, Jacksonville Jaguars vs. BUF
20. Alex Smith, San Francisco 49ers @ GB

Vince Young Photo Credit: Icon SMI

Ranks Preview by Brian Spencer

It’s hard to believe that we still have two offenses averaging less than 10 points per game: the Oakland Raiders are at 9.8, while the Cleveland Browns are somehow scoring even less at 8.7 per. Both units also average less than 120 total yards per game, which almost seems impossible when you consider that Tennessee Titans RB Chris Johnson is averaging more rushing yards per (121.2) than both of these embarassments do as a team. That should not happen at this level, but then JaMarcus Russell and Brady Quinn shouldn’t be starting quarterbacks either. (And Russell, having been benched for Bruce Gradkowski, no longer is at the moment.)

That anemic production vaults the Cincinnati Bengals DEF, currently ranked second stingiest in the NFL in allowing just 16.3 points per, to the top of our Week 11 rankings as they travel to Oakland. This is the kind of gimme that the Bengals of old would somehow find a way to lose, but they erased our lingering skepticism last week when they went to Pittsburgh and kept the Steelers out of the endzone in their 18-12 win. They might not blow the Raiders out, but the defense has a great chance for multiple sacks and picks.

As for the Browns, they head to Detroit for the most-anticipated game of the week, the loser of which will have the inside track on the first-overall pick of the 2010 NFL Draft. Woo! If you’re feeling crazy and have been clinging to and starting underperforming DEFs the past few weeks, feel free to roll the dice and plug in the Detroit Lions DEF as an uber-sneaky start. Everybody lights up the Lions, but the Browns won’t… right?

See also:
- Week 11 QB Rankings
- Week 11 RB Rankings
- Week 11 WR Rankings
- Week 11 TE Rankings

1. Cincinnati Bengals @ OAK
2. Minnesota Vikings vs. SEA
3. Pittsburgh Steelers @ KC
4. New Orleans Saints @ TB
5. Philadelphia Eagles @ CHI
6. Green Bay Packers vs. SF
7. Arizona Cardinals @ STL
8. New England Patriots vs. NYJ
9. Denver Broncos vs. SD
10. New York Giants vs. ATL
11. Baltimore Ravens vs. IND
12. San Diego Chargers @ DEN
13. Dallas Cowboys vs. WSH
14. Indianapolis Colts @ BAL
15. San Francisco 49ers @ GB
16. Detroit Lions vs. CLE (I know… but it’s the fucking Browns.)

James Harrison Photo Credit: Icon SMI