Lions Insider

LIONS FIVE

Matthew Stafford, QB, Sit: Seahawks have the biggest, most physical cornerback tandem in the NFL in Richard Sherman (6-3) and Brandon Browner (6-4) and the Seahawks are giving up the second-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks this year (11.7 average).

Lions defense, Start: The Lions defense ranks 22 among fantasy defenses but is coming off an 11-point showing against the Bears. This week it faces Seahawks rookie quarterback Russell Wilson, who has two touchdowns and seven interceptions on the road this season.

Mikel Leshoure, RB, Sit: The Seahawks are one of the most physical defenses in the league and only allowed one 100-yard rusher this season (Frank Gore). Leshoure hasn’t scored double-digit points since Week 3 at Tennessee and the Seahawks are allowing the fourth-fewest points to running backs this year.

Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Start: Pettigrew has been disappointing to fantasy owners this season averaging 5.3 points per week. Despite the tough matchup this week, I think the Lions have a tougher matchup on the outside and might look to Pettigrew and tight end Tony Scheffler to pick up some of the slack. Two of Pettigrew’s best performances this year came at home.

Ryan Broyles, WR, Start: I’d only make this start at the flex if you’re struggling with the bye or injuries, but Broyles is coming off a 11-point game in Chicago and slot receivers Danny Amendola (Rams) and Wes Welker (Patriots) had the most success against the Seahawks defense this year.

START

Peyton Manning, QB, Broncos: Manning has scored at least 24 fantasy points in five of six games this year and faces a Saints defense that’s allowed more fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks than anyone else.

Packers defense: The Packers defense hasn’t been great this season (6.1 average) and will be without S Charles Woodson, but they're facing a Jaguars team that is likely to start a backup quarterback and backup running back.

Vic Ballard, RB, Colts: All seven running backs the Titans have faced this season have reached double-digit fantasy points with six rushing touchdowns. Ballard had 103 total yards against Cleveland last week filling in for the injured Donald Brown.

Reggie Bush, RB, Dolphins: Bush is coming off the bye and facing a Jets defense that ranks 30th against the run and has given up the 10th-most fantasy points to running backs.

Tony Gonzalez, TE, Falcons: The Falcons are coming off their bye and face a Eagles team that has terrific corner play on the outside. Gonzalez ranks No. 2 in fantasy points and could find a lot of open space if Roddy White and Julio Jones are able to break free from Nnamdi Asomugha and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie.

SIT

Cam Newton, QB, Panthers: The Bears are allowing the fewest points to opposing quarterbacks this year – holding Aaron Rodgers (12) and Matthew Stafford (16) in check. No quarterback has scored multiple touchdowns against the Bears this season.

DeJean Jackson, WR, Eagles: If I had the choice between Jeremy Maclin and Jackson this week against the Falcons I’d go with Maclin because he makes more plays underneath. The Falcons have only given up four passing touchdowns all season and rank No. 7 against receivers.

Steven Jackson, RB, Rams: Only two running backs have reached double digits in fantasy points against the Patriots this year. The Patriots held Marshawn Lynch, Chris Johnson, Fred Jackson, Willis McGahee and CJ Spiller to under 10 fantasy points.

Aaron Hernandez, TE, Patriots: I can never tell an owner to sit Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowsi, but this week isn’t a favorable matchup for Patriots tight ends. The Rams and their underrated defense have allowed just one touchdown to opposing tight ends in seven games this year and the sixth-fewest fantasy points to them. Hernandez is the second option at tight end for Brady, so I’d sit him if you have another option.

Michael Crabtree, WR, 49ers: Crabtree hasn’t scored a touchdown since Week 5 and has 40-or-less receiving yards in four of his last five games. Not to mention the Cardinals have the NFL’s No. 4 pass defense (191.3 yards per game).

SLEEPERS

Rashad Jennings, RB, Jaguars: Jennings will be the featured back for the Jaguars this week with Maurice Jones-Drew dealing with a sprained foot. Jennings faces a Packers defense that’s allowed three touchdowns to opposing running backs the last two weeks.

Josh Gordon, WR, Browns: Gordon has scored four touchdowns over his last three games and is playing a Chargers defense that is giving up the fifth-most fantasy points to receivers.

Jonathan Dwyer, RB, Steelers: He might be a pretty good flex option this week against the Redskins if he starts, which he very well could with Reshard Mendenhall (Achilles) and Isaac Redman (ankle) nursing injuries.

Coby Fleener, TE, Colts: The Titans allow the most fantasy points to opposing tight ends and even though Fleener has only scored more than four points once this season (Week 1 against the Bears) he could break out this week.

Jeremy Kerley, WR, Jets: He had 13 fantasy points against the Dolphins in an earlier matchup this season and is coming off  a 12-point performance against the Patriots. Kerley has yet to have back-to-back good performances this season, though.