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Quarterback Matt Cassel – An emergency appendectomy couldn’t stop Cassel from breaking down the Rams secondary in a win over the Rams last week. So to the surprise of no one, Cassel will be ready as looks to bring the Chiefs their 10th win of the season. Cassel, to the surprise of many has thrown for 24 touchdowns while playing excellent football all throughout 2010. Everyone has passed against the Titans this season, so look for the consistent Cassel to deliver with 200 yards and a touchdown or two.
Running Back Tim Hightower – Last week Hightower was a major disappointment, rushing for 16 yards on six carries in a blowout loss to the Panthers. Coming off a 148 yard game where scored two touchdowns, Hightower is clearly playing Dr.Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. When Hightower gets carries he’s productive and that’s obvious by his 5.0 yards per carry. Hightower is the lead back in the Arizona backfield, as he’s knocked Beanie Wells to the curb, in what was expected to be Wells breakout year. Look for a bounce back game from Hightower on Christmas as he will be relied on heavy if the Cardinals are to win.
Wide Receiver Santana Moss – Even with the inconsistent play from the quarterback in Washington this season, Moss is seventh in the league in receptions with 79. With Rex Grossman under center Moss was targeted a team high 13 times against the Cowboys. Moss vs. the 27th ranked pass defense of the Jaguars makes him a top 10 wide option at the wide receiver position in the Redskins last road game.
Tight End Zach Miller – There was a time when Miller was a top five tight end, and while that ship has sailed, I am hopping back on the bandwagon against the Colts. Last week Miller was targeted a team high seven times from Jason Campbell, and Miller would have scored a touchdown, if it wasn’t for a bogus penalty on a Raider offensive lineman. With Indianapolis giving up just fewer than 270 passing yards the last two weeks, Miller should have an impact in this weekend’s best game.
Defense Kansas City Chiefs – The Tennessee offense has been lighting up the scoreboard of late, but the Kansas City defense at Arrowhead Stadium has been beastly. The Chiefs are giving up an average of 12.1 points per game at home and are undefeated playing in front of the home crowd. Look for Tamba Hali (11 sacks) and Derrick Johnson (112 tackles) to force pressure on Kerry Collins forcing him into inaccurate throws.
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Quarterback Jay Cutler – Coming off a masterful performance against the Vikings, Cutler believers are excited, but the Jets secondary is a different animal then what Minnesota brings to the table. New York is allowing just over 205 yards per game through the air, with arguably the best corner-back duo in the league with Darrelle Revis and Anotnio Cromartie. If the Bears win this game, it will be on defense and not relying on the arm of Cutler.
Running Back Cedric Benson – Averaging 3.7 yards per carry, Benson’s 2010 doesn’t resemble his breakout 2009 campaign. Last week Benson came alive against the Browns, but the Chargers are a different animal with the league’s second best run defense. Not only is San Diego great against the run, but they will likely be up big, forcing the Bengals to rely heavily on Carson Palmer. Blowout games equal pass heavy offenses, so Benson could become irrelevant early.
Wide Receiver Sidney Rice– This has nothing to do with the ability of Rice, but more to do with Joe Webb taking the snaps. Pro bowl corner-back Assante Samuel will likely be on Rice and with seven interceptions on the season, Webb will likely look to receivers with lesser known corners covering them. Rice is as talented as they come, but with your fantasy championship on the line, the Minnesota passing game is one to avoid.
Tight End Greg Olsen – Olsen was a favorite of mine before the season, but he has slowed down as the years gone on. With six catches for 39 yards over the last three games, you can’t rely on a touchdown in the red zone like you could in September and October. Avoid your Chicago position players in a game that should come down to field goals.
Defense New York Giants – After giving up 38 points on Sunday, it’s hard for me to trust the Big Blue defense. After the Packers scored 27 point with Matt Flynn playing quarterback, I firmly believe that the Green Bay offense is elite. Aaron Rodgers will be taking he snaps at Lambeau Field, so the New York secondary will have a test I am not sure they can handle. Quarterbacks who move well inside the pocket such as Michael Vick and David Garrard have destroyed the Giants this season, so benching the Giants and picking up the Rams or Buccaneers will be in your best interest.