Must Starts:
1. Anquan Boldin vs. Minnesota Vikings.
The Vikings head out to Arizona with a one-game lead in the NFC Central while the Cardinals wrapped up the NFC West on Sunday. That said, the Vikings don’t fare too well on the road and their pass defense is highly suspect.
Look for Boldin to be able to take advantage of his size/speed combo vs. the smaller secondary of Minnesota and go over the 100-yard mark with a TD for this week’s top fantasy billing.
2. Reggie Wayne vs. Detroit Lions.
The match-up is just too good to ignore. The listless Lions should get destroyed in this contest and we see Peyton, and his favorite receiver Wayne, putting up solid numbers on the day. Look for over 100 and a TD.
3. Terrell Owens vs. New York Giants.
The Giants did a good job of locking down T.O. the last time these two teams met in the Meadowlands but that was without Tony Romo. This week he’s back. Look for Owens to get his yards and possibly take one into the end zone of what we anticipate to be a high scoring game.
4. Steve Smith vs. Denver Broncos.
Even with the return of LCB Champ Bailey, the Denver front has had trouble pressuring opposing QBs all year long and if given time, Steve Smith can destroy a secondary. The Panthers might rely on the running game to set the tempo in this one but look for Delhomme to locate Smith on at least one long touchdown pass.
Sleepers
1. Vincent Jackson vs. Kansas City Chiefs.
The Chargers are still technically alive in playoff race, and this bodes well for Jackson. When Rivers looks down the field for the deep pass, No. 83 will be on his radar.
2. Domenik Hixon vs. Dallas Cowboys.
Hixon had a day Sunday that he would soon rather forget. A potential 85-yard TD went right through his hands, but look for him to get back on track in this football game. The Giants will have to pass, and Eli and Domenik are developing a solid rapport.
Others with favorable match-ups
1. Andre Johnson vs. Tennessee.
Johnson is nearly impossible to cover, no matter how strong your defensive secondary is. And with the return of QB Schaub, look for that connection to get back on track when Tennessee comes to town.
2. Calvin Johnson vs. Indianapolis Colts.
The lone bright spot for Detroit has been second-year receiver Calvin Johnson this season. He just seems to catch long TD after long TD. Look for him to once again break free against a smaller Colts’ secondary and put one into the end zone.
3. Larry Fitzgerald vs. Minnesota Vikings.
Boldin’s partner in crime, Fitzgerald, is also facing a very favorable match-up against the Vikings this week. With Warner expected to break the 300-yard mark once again, there’s plenty to go around. Fitzgerald’s a solid fantasy player, week in and week out.
