Play ‘Em

Matt Ryan: Ryan started divisional play with a great performance against the Saints, completing 19 of 30 passes for 228 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions. Look for more success from Ryan this week against a 49ers’ defense that surrenders the most points in the NFL. The 49ers have allowed an average of 24 points to opposing quarterbacks in standard scoring leagues.

Arian Foster: Foster has not scored a touchdown since Week 1, but should find the end zone against Oakland. The Raiders’ defense ranks 24th in the league in rushing yards allowed and Foster leads the league with 406 yards rushing. Houston will rely more on the run this week because Andre Johnson’s ankle continues to be a problem.

LaDainian Tomlinson: LT appears to have won the starting job in New York after his outing against Miami, 15 carries for 70 yards with one touchdown. Now he gets the opportunity to play a Buffalo defense that has allowed 141 rushing yards per game. Don’t be surprised if Tomlinson rushes for 100 yards and a score.

Jeremy Maclin: Maclin continued his “sleeper” season by hauling in four catches for 83 yards and two touchdowns last week against the Jaguars. For the season, Maclin has four touchdowns (scoring in three consecutive games), which matches his total from last year. Maclin will continue to produce with Michael Vick at quarterback and will play against a Redskins’ defense that allows 326 passing yards per game.

Louis Murphy: Like Maclin, Murphy is benefiting from a quarterbacking change. In the last two weeks, Murphy has led the Raiders in receiving yards. Murphy makes a good flex option this week against a Texans’ defense that has struggled to stop the pass.

Bench ‘Em

Eli Manning: Manning has looked uncomfortable in the Giants’ offense through the first three weeks, throwing six interceptions versus five touchdowns. He will put up decent passing yards, but the turnovers will hurt fantasy owners. Keep in mind, the last time Eli faced the Bears, he threw for 195 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions.

Joe Flacco: Flacco connected with Anquan Boldin for three touchdowns last week against Cleveland, but don’t expect a similar performance against Pittsburgh. Flacco is 1-4 in his career against the Steelers, throwing four touchdowns and six interceptions. The Steelers have not allowed a passing touchdown to opposing quarterbacks and are allowing an average of 167 yards through the air this season.

Ray Rice: Rice suffered a bruised knee last week against Cleveland and it’s yet to be seen if he’ll play this Sunday. Whether or not Rice is healthy, the Steelers have made elite running backs disappear, holding Michael Turner to 42 yards and Chris Johnson to 34 yards.

Jahvid Best: Best is another back battling an injury: turf toe. Best struggled against Minnesota’s run defense, gaining just 26 yards, and could struggle this week at Green Bay. Last week, the Packers held Matt Forte to 29 rushing yards.

Mike Sims-Walker: Sims-Walker will continue to struggle unless quarterback David Garrard improves. In four career games against the Colts, Sims-Walker is averaging 23 yards with a total of one touchdown. Sims-Walker must prove he’s not a feast-or-famine receiver in order to be a must-start.

Jabar Gaffney: Gaffney had 12 catches for 140 yards last week against the Colts, but the Broncos played from behind. I don’t see Orton throwing for 57 times again, especially against the Titans’ fifth-ranked passing defense. Also, with Demaryius Thomas and Brandon Lloyd emerging as solid options, Gaffney’s production will deteriorate.