Matchups to exploit

Owners who have been waiting for Lions RB Kevin Smith to have a big day finally might get their wish this week. He takes on a Browns run "D" that is giving up 166.4 yards per game and 4.7 yards per carry, ranking near the bottom of the league in both categories. Look for Detroit to establish the run early and often in this contest in an effort to get Smith back on track.

Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger is coming off a quiet game in Week 10, but don't let that deter you from starting him this Sunday. Big Ben goes up against a Chiefs pass defense that has allowed 14 TD tosses and is yielding 234.2 yards per contest, so he should post big numbers. The same goes for his primary targets: WRs Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes and TE Heath Miller.

Cardinals RB Beanie Wells had the best game of his young career last week, running for 85 yards and two TDs on 16 carries vs. the Seahawks. He could be in store for another productive outing this Sunday at St. Louis, which is getting burned for 142.3 rushing yards per game and has given up 13 scores on the ground. If Arizona builds an early lead, Wells and Tim Hightower will be very busy.

Giants QB Eli Manning has been in a bit of a funk lately, but he has a great chance to break out of it this week. Coming in fresh off a bye, he'll take on a reeling Falcons pass "D" that is allowing 240.7 yards per contest and has let up 13 TDs through the air. Manning should come out firing in this one, connecting frequently with WRs Steve Smith and Hakeem Nicks, among others.

Matchups to avoid

RB Darren McFadden might be back for the Raiders, but he was barely used last week, tallying only four carries for 11 yards. Owners should be wary of starting any Oakland back this week against the Bengals, who are giving up a mere 83.4 rushing yards per contest and have surrendered just four scores on the ground. Leave McFadden, Justin Fargas and Michael Bush on the bench if you can.

Coming off a five-interception outing, Bears QB Jay Cutler won't catch any breaks this Sunday night against the Eagles. Philly's aggressive "D" comes in with 15 picks and 29 sacks, and the unit is likely to put him on his back often and force him into multiple turnovers. The Eagles also will prevent Cutler from beating them deep, meaning WR Johnny Knox's struggles could continue. If you have other QB options, utilize them.

After holding the Bears to just 43 yards on the ground last week, the 49ers' stout run defense heads to Green Bay. That doesn't bode well for Packers RB Ryan Grant, who has had an up-and-down ’09 campaign. San Francisco is allowing just 87.7 rushing yards per game and a league-low 3.3 yards per carry. Green Bay should have much more success attacking their weak pass defense, limiting Grant's opportunities.

If there's one thing Buffalo's defense has done well this season, it's defend the pass. This week, Jagaurs QB David Garrard get to take on the Bills' solid secondary, which is giving up 200 yards per contest, has 16 interceptions and has yielded only seven TDs through the air. Considering that Garrard has been erratic at times this season, this looks like a good time to leave both him and WR Torry Holt on the bench.