Brady had his fifth consecutive 300-yard game against the Jets, going 28-of-41 for 310 yards with 1 TD and 0 INT in Foxboro. He's second in the NFL in yards and completions, fourth in TDs. He is obviously a must-start in any league, regardless of the circumstances.
Maroney had a nice game against the Jets, carrying 22 times for 77 yards with 2 TDs. He's scored in five consecutive games. This looks like the Maroney who was a first-round pick in 2007 fantasy drafts, not the guy who was an afterthought entering '09. ne guy in every league got a steal with Sir Laurence.
Against the Jets last week, Moss was shut down by Darrelle Revis, who shuts down everyone. He had 5 catches for 34 yards and a TD. The week before, he gave the national TV audience a special treat with 9 catches for 179 yards and 2 TDs. He's second in the league in receiving yards with 925 and receiving TDs with 8. He's an elite WR and a must-start every week.
Even after missing two weeks earlier in the season, Welker is tops in the league with 79 catches. He caught 15 balls, going for 192 yards against the Jets, but was held out of the end zone for the third game in a row after a three-week scoring streak. If you're in a PPR league, he's elite. If not, he's just very good.
Watson was held off the score sheet against the Jets. He is 27th among TEs in catches and 22nd in yards, but is a decent situational flier, as he's caught 4 TD.
'Stiff' Brees had an average game yardage-wise against the Bucs. Still, in the dominating 38-7 win, Brees went 19-for-29 for 187 yards with 3 TDs. He leads the league lead in passing TDs with 22. He ranks among the top 10 in yards and completions and is one of the best fantasy QBs in the league. He should start every week, regardless of the opponent.
Thomas had a good game against the Bucs. He carried 11 times for 92 yards to go along with 3 catches for 11 yards. His backup Mike Bell had 13 carries and Reggie Bush was out. With 6 TDs in seven games before last week, consider Thomas a low-end No. 2 option against the Pats' 14th-ranked run defense.
Against the Bucs, Bell carried a team-high 13 times for 75 yards with 2 TDs. He's a No. 3 option who's gotten way more carries than Thomas during the second half of games when opposing defenses are worn down.
Bush was held out against the Buccaneers and could miss another game here with a knee injury. Monitor his progress going forward, but even if he plays, Bush is no better than a No. 3 fantasy RB. A good situational fill-in.
He is the top receiving threat on one of the best passing offenses in the NFL, but his overall numbers are pretty pedestrian. He had 5 catches for 74 yards against Tampa and he hasn't gotten in the end zone in three weeks. Nonetheless, he's sixth in the league with 6 receiving TDs and merits a start every week.
Henderson led the second tier of Saints' WRs with 6 TDs on the year. He only has 16 catches on the season, but he's certainly made them count. Meachem and Devery Henderson are too erratic to merit more than a No. 3 injury replacement start.
Shockey hasn't been an 'elite' TE option this year, but he's just below that. He had 2 catches for 17 yards at Tampa. He is a cagey, skilled vet with an all-world QB.
Who's a pirate's favorite fantasy kicker? John Carrrrrrrrr-ney. Carney went 1-for-1 against Tampa. The Saints score so much, it makes sense to start their kicker, who leads the league in PATs with 45.
Gregg Williams' aggressive unit is tops in the league in picks and defensive TDs. But Tom Brady and the Pats can light anybody up. Stay away this week.
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