START

Vikings QB Brett Favre (at CHI): So what if Favre and head coach Brad Childress are getting into shouting matches? It shouldn't matter to fantasy owners, as the 40-year-old QB isn't about to spend any time on the bench as long as the Vikings still have something to play for. They likely will this Monday night, which is why Favre makes for a solid start against the Bears, whom he torched for an eye-popping 392 yards and three TDs just last month. Don't be afraid to start him.

Cardinals RB Beanie Wells (vs. STL): The changing of the guard appears to have officially gone down in the Arizona backfield, as Wells has outcarried Tim Hightower 45-14 over the past three weeks. The rookie also has a TD in each of his last two games, and this Sunday he gets to take on a Rams run defense that's surrendered 19 of them on the season. Wells is improving with each week, and he could have his best outing yet against lowly St. Louis.

Saints RB Pierre Thomas (vs. TB): Thomas has gone into a bit of a funk running the ball lately, gaining just 85 yards and no TDs on 25 carries over his last three contests. However, he couldn't ask for a better opponent to break out against than the Bucs, who are getting bowled over for 158.9 rushing yards per game. P.T. already had a 11-92-0 outing vs. Tampa Bay this season, and he should get plenty of opportunities to exploit their "D" once the Saints jump out to a big lead.

49ers WR Michael Crabtree (vs. DET): Crabtree has made a more significant impact than most would have expected since joining the Niners around midseason, racking up at least four catches in all but one of his nine games. Although the rookie has only made two trips to the endzone, he has a terrific chance to do so this Sunday against the Lions, who have yielded a league-high 30 passing scores. Look for QB Alex Smith to rip up this "D," with Crabtree being a main beneficiary.

Packers TE Jermichael Finley (vs. SEA): After showing flashes early in the season, Finley has come on like gangbusters over his last three outings. In that span, the second-year tight end has been frequently targeted by QB Aaron Rodgers and is averaging an impressive seven receptions, 74.3 yards and a TD. He should keep rolling this week against a Seahawks defense that's allowing 249.4 passing yards per contest and has surrendered 26 TDs through the air.

SIT

Falcons QB Matt Ryan (vs. BUF): Ryan returned last week after missing two games with a toe injury, but it was far from a triumphant comeback, as he threw for just 152 yards and a TD. In fact, it's been a while since Ryan has had a productive fantasy outing, and one isn't likely to come this week vs. Buffalo, which is giving up just 184.4 passing yards per game and has a league-leading 26 interceptions. Even though they'll be missing players in their secondary, the Bills should still control the Falcons' aerial attack.

Redskins RB Quinton Ganther (vs. DAL): Ganther raised a lot of fantasy owners' hopes when he racked up 93 yards from scrimmage and scored twice against the Raiders in Week 14, but he came back to earth last week vs. the Giants, picking up only 40 total yards and a score. He could have similar issues this Sunday night against the Cowboys, who have yielded a mere seven rushing TDs all season. Expect Ganther to be in for a long evening, especially if the 'Skins fall behind early.

Lions RB Maurice Morris (at SF): Taking over last week for Kevin Smith, who's out for the year, Morris surprised with a big outing against the Cardinals, gaining 161 scrimmage yards and scoring. Don't bank on a repeat performance this Sunday, however, when he travels to San Francisco. The Niners are stout vs. the run, allowing only 3.7 yards per carry, and they're almost certain to stack the box and make Detroit beat them with its lifeless passing game.

Seahawks WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh (at GB): It may look like Houshmandzadeh has a favorable matchup on the surface against a Packers "D" that just let Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger throw for 503 yards, but there's more than meets the eye. Green Bay had been a stellar pass defense prior to last week, and Housh will likely be matched up with CB Charles Woodson, one of the league's best. There's no way the Pack will get burned two games in a row, so shy away from Seattle players this week.

Bears TE Greg Olsen (vs. MIN): The 2009 season has gone from bad to worse for Olsen owners, who probably thought they landed a gold mine in the draft. In his last three games, the tight end has been virtually invisible, catching five passes for 23 yards total. Considering he hasn't scored since Week Nine, owners can't trust Olsen against a Vikings "D" that will be pressuring QB Jay Cutler all night long and forcing him into bad throws. There's really no Bear worth starting Monday night.

Watch for the Fantasy Buzz on Saturday, providing the latest in injury updates for key fantasy performers, as well as updates to the fantasy players rankings.