Matchups to exploit

Chargers RB LaDainian Tomlinson has been far from a dependable fantasy player this season, but he's definitely worth starting this week vs. the Raiders. Oakland allowed 316 rushing yards to the Jets last week and has now surrendered 11 TDs on the ground this season. And fresh off burning the Chiefs for 99 yards from scrimmage and a score, Darren Sproles should be in for a nice day as well. Expect solid production from this duo.

Coming off a bye, owners should have no issue starting Jaguars QB David Garrard this Sunday. Going up against the Titans, who are giving up 310.7 passing yards per game and have yielded a ridiculous 19 TD passes, he should frequently find WRs Mike Sims-Walker and Torry Holt on his way to a big day. Don't forget that Garrard's best game of 2009 came against Tennessee in Week Four, when he threw for 323 yards and three TDs.

It took until Week Seven, but Cardinals RB Beanie Wells finally came through with the type of performance his fantasy owners had been waiting for, running for 67 yards and a TD. Now likely to see more of the workload, the rookie has a chance at another solid outing this Sunday vs. the Panthers, who are allowing 133.2 rushing yards per contest. Tim Hightower's role is diminishing, but even he could have some value in this favorable matchup.

This might be the only week all season in which deep-league owners should consider starting Rams QB Marc Bulger. Yes, Bulger has had his fair share of struggles thus far, but it's difficult for a QB to fail when facing the Lions. Detroit is giving up 258.5 passing yards per game and has surrendered a whopping 17 scores through the air. If the Lions sell out to stop the run, Bulger could beat them over the top, connecting with speedy WR Donnie Avery.

Matchups to avoid

While sitting red-hot Ravens RB Ray Rice probably isn't an option at this point, temper expectations for him this week against the Broncos. Denver surprisingly has emerged as one of the league's top defenses, allowing just 79.7 rushing yards per game and letting up a paltry two scores on the ground all year. Inconsistent RBs Willis McGahee and Le'Ron McClain definitely belong on your bench vs. this stout unit.

If you're in need of a bye-week replacement, do your best to avoid Dolphins QB Chad Henne. Although he hasn't played badly since taking over the starting job, he faces a Jets "D" Sunday that has been stingy against the pass, giving up only 181.4 yards per contest and four TDs through the air. Nobody from Miami's receiving corps should be in fantasy lineups, either, including WR Ted Ginn Jr., whose playing time is about to decrease.

Although it looks like Colts RB Donald Brown will miss this week with a shoulder injury, Joseph Addai remains a shaky fantasy play against the 49ers. San Francisco is allowing a mere 88.8 yards and less than one TD on the ground per game, holding opponents to 3.3 yards per carry. As they do most foes, the Colts should attack the Niners through the air, so think twice before deploying Addai this Sunday.

Eagles QB Donovan McNabb hasn't exactly done much to inspire his fantasy owners lately, throwing just one TD pass over the past two games. He's not likely to see a big statistical spike this week, either, when the Giants come to town. New York is giving up just 157.1 passing yards per contest and has 17 sacks, so Big Blue should be harassing McNabb all day long. Try to use another option if possible.