Matchups to exploit

It has been weeks since Seahawks RB Julius Jones has made a serious fantasy contribution, but that should change this Sunday. Taking on a Lions run defense that was gashed for 150 yards last week and is giving up 117.7 yards per game, he should find plenty of room to roam. And if Seattle gets an early lead, the offense likely will lean on Jones in the second half, especially now that they've parted ways with Edgerrin James.

Making his first start of the season, 49ers QB Alex Smith had only moderate success Sunday in a tough game at Indianapolis, but he should rebound this week vs. the Titans. Tennessee has posted terrible numbers against the pass this season, allowing 282.4 yards per contest and yielding 19 TDs through the air. In addition to Smith, WR Michael Crabtree and TE Vernon Davis both make for quality fantasy plays.

The New Orleans backfield has been a tough one to figure out when Pierre Thomas and Mike Bell have both been healthy, but each back could be worth a start this week against a Carolina "D" that's surrendering 127.6 rushing yards per game. Although Thomas actually saw three fewer carries than Bell on Monday night, he made a much bigger fantasy impact, gaining 100 yards from scrimmage and scoring twice. He'll be the safer bet of the two most weeks, including this one.

Fresh off a bye in which he was able to get a better grasp of the Chiefs' offense, QB Matt Cassel might be worth deploying in larger leagues this week. He takes on a shaky, beat-up Jaguars secondary that's giving up 242.4 passing yards per game and has allowed 13 scoring tosses. Plus, having dual-threat RB Jamaal Charles in there in place of the suspended Larry Johnson gives Cassel another option. Make sure you play WR Dwayne Bowe and possibly Bobby Wade, as well.

Matchups to avoid

Broncos RB Knowshon Moreno got all he could handle last week at Baltimore, being held to just 39 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries. He also lost his third fumble of the season. Now he has the displeasure of facing the Steelers, who are allowing a scant 76.7 rushing yards per game and have surrendered only two TDs on the ground. Both Moreno and RB Correll Buckhalter should be avoided Monday night, as they're likely to be bottled up.

Falcons QB Matt Ryan is putting together another nice campaign, but he could have his share of struggles this week against the Redskins. Washington's pass "D" has been one of its only bright spots, giving up just six TD tosses and 164.9 yards per contest. And it doesn't help that Ryan is coming off a three-INT performance against the Saints. If you have other QB options, this wouldn't be a bad time to use them.

Fresh off a bye week, Patriots RB Laurence Maroney figures to handle the bulk of the workload with Sammy Morris still dealing with a knee injury. That doesn't make him a good start Sunday, though, as he goes up against a stout Dolphins run "D" that's allowing 92.4 yards per game. Plus, he'll still be splitting carries with BenJarvus Green-Ellis, and New England figures to exploit Miami through the air. Stay away from Maroney this week.

Unlike last season, the Chargers' pass defense has been quite effective in 2009, yielding only 178.4 yards per contest and intercepting eight throws. That does not bode well this week for Giants QB Eli Manning, whose play has really fallen off lately. In his last three outings, Manning has tossed six picks compared to three TDs. Until he proves his cold streak is over, keep him on your bench, especially given his difficult matchup Sunday.