By Jay Skurski
The fantasy gods should be smiling down on Ralph Wilson Stadium today.
Both the Bills and Titans have been extra friendly to opposing fantasy football players. In fact, the Bills (21.0) and Titans (20.0) have given up the most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. That makes Ryan Fitzpatrick and Matt Hasselbeck could sleeper options today with a season-high six teams on the bye week.
Against quarterbacks, Chicago (7.0), Arizona (10.2) and Seattle (10.3) are the toughest defenses. The Bears host Matthew Stafford and the Lions on Monday Night Football. Stafford's usually a must start, but if you have a decent alternative on the bench, he can sit this week against a tough defense. The Cardinals visit Christian Ponder and the Vikings. Ponder's a borderline starter each week. I like him Sunday.
At running back, New Orleans (26.4), Indianapolis (25.4) and Jacksonville (25.2) are giving up the most points. The Saints visit the Buccaneers, who will rely on rookie Doug Martin. He's a solid No. 2 back this week. The Colts host the Browns. Play close attention to the status of Cleveland's Trent Richardson. If he's inactive, start Montario Hardesty. The Jaguars visit the Raiders, who will be led by Darren McFadden.
The toughest defenses against running backs are Seattle (7.8), Minnesota (8.0) and San Francisco (8.3). The Vikings host the Cardinals. William Powell is a sleeper running back this week, best used as a flex player.
Against wide receivers, Washington (32.5), Cleveland (31.7) and New Orleans (27.8) are giving up the most fantasy points. The Redskins visit the Giants, who in Victor Cruz, Hakeem Nicks and Martellus Bennett have good options for Eli Manning. The Browns take on the Colts and must-start Reggie Wayne, while the Saints play at Tampa Bay. Vincent Jackson and Buffalo native Mike Williams are good options for the Bucs.
The toughest defenses against wide receivers are the Jets (14.7), Rams (14.7) and Vikings (15.5). New York visits New England. You should still play Wes Welker and Brandon Lloyd if you've got them. The Rams get the Packers, and Aaron Rodgers showed last week, it's tough to sit any of their receivers. The only Cardinals receiver that should be used against Minnesota is Larry Fitzgerald.
Against tight ends, Tennessee (15.5), Washington (11.7) and Denver (10.2) have been the friendliest defenses. That's good news for Buffalo's Scott Chandler, and as mentioned above, Bennett. The Broncos are on bye.
The toughest defenses against tight ends are the Colts (2.6), Saints (3.0) and Giants (4.0) If your tight end is playing one of them, sit 'em this week.
Best of luck in Week Seven!
