By Jay Skurski
Our weekly look at which fantasy players have inviting opponents and which have tough tests Sunday begins at quarterback. The three teams allowing the most points per week to opposing quarterbacks, according to standard scoring in ESPN leagues, are Tennessee (23.3 points per week against), Kansas City (22.7) and Washington (22.7).
Houston's Matt Schaub is a good start against the Titans, while the Chiefs face San Diego's Philip Rivers. He's been mediocre this season, but is a good start tomorrow. The Redskins face Tampa Bay's Josh Freeman, who's a decent sleeper option.
The toughest defenses against QBs are Chicago, Philadelphia and Atlanta. The Bears face Tony Romo and the Cowboys on Monday night, while the Eagles face Eli Manning and the Giants on Sunday night. Atlanta hosts Carolina's Cam Newton. Despite their tough matchups, all three QBs are too good to take out of your lineup.
Against running backs, the most inviting defenses are New Orleans (31.7), Jacksonville (27.0) and Carolina (25.3). That means you can use Green Bay's Cedric Benson as a No. 2 RB against the Saints. The situation is the same for the Bengals' BenJarvus Green-Ellis against J-Ville and Atlanta's Michael Turner against the Panthers.
The toughest defenses against running backs so far have been: Minnesota (6.7), San Francisco (7.3) and Chicago (9.0). The Lions, who face Minnesota, look to be in a transition with their running game from Kevin Smith to Mikel Leshoure. Both can sit against the Vikings. The same is true with the Jets, who might be shifting from Shonn Greene to Bilal Powell. They can sit against the 49ers. The Cowboys' DeMarco Murray should start against the Cowboys as a No. 2 back or flex player.
Against receivers, Washington (38.0) and Tampa Bay (33.3) are the friendliest defenses facing each other. I like Vincent Jackson of the Bucs and the Redskins' Leonard Hankerson as a sleeper option. I'd advise against starting the Redskins' Pierre Garcon, who's questionable and doesn't play until 4:15.
Against tight ends, the Titans (18.0), Lions (13.3) and Redskins (12.3) are allowing the most points. Houston's Owen Daniels is a good start, as is Minnesota's Kyle Rudolph. Tampa Bay's Dallas Clark is a sleeper option at tight end against Washington.
The stingiest defenses against tight ends are New Orleans (2.3), Philadelphia and Indianapolis (3.3 each). The Packers' Jermichael Finley should still start, as should the Giants' Martellus Bennett against the Eagles.
Best of luck in Week Four!
