Play ‘Em

Kyle Orton: It’s time to make Orton a weekly starter. He continues to impress — throwing 300 yards in four straight games. Last week against Baltimore, Orton threw for 314 yards and two touchdowns. Look for Orton to continue throwing, since Knowshon Moreno’s status is uncertain and Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis has a hamstring injury.

Eli Manning: Eli did not let me down last week, 291 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions. He gets another tasty matchup against Detroit this week. The Lions rank 24th in passing yards allowed. Expect Manning to find Hakeem Nicks and Steve Smith downfield.

Ahmad Bradshaw: Bradshaw leads the NFL with seven carries over 20 yards and his 449 rushing yards leads the NFC. Bradshaw should be able to rebound from last week’s 67-yard performance.

Malcolm Floyd: For those of you who didn’t start Floyd last week (213 yards and a touchdown), shame on you! Floyd won’t duplicate those numbers, but should at least get 100 yards. The Rams have allowed at least one touchdown to opposing receivers in four of the first five games.

Hines Ward: No one is happier Big Ben is back than Ward. Ward’s 2010 totals are 165 yards with one touchdown. This is perfect timing against a Browns’ defense that gave up 101 yards and a touchdown to Roddy White last week. Look for Ward to be Mr. Reliable again.

Brandon Lloyd: In case you haven’t noticed, Lloyd is turning in a Miles Austin-type year, a wide receiver who comes out of nowhere and produces elite fantasy numbers. Lloyd leads the league in receiving yards (589) and ranks fourth in yards per catch (19.6). Stated earlier, the Broncos will pass and Lloyd is the primary target.

Bench ‘Em

Greg Jennings: Jennings’ value will take a hit if Aaron Rodgers is out with a concussion. Enter Matt Flynn. With the quarterbacking issue, Jennings will continue to be pedestrian. In three straight weeks, Jennings had no more than 25 yards. I’ve seen it too many times where elite receivers suffer because of bad quarterback play (Steve Smith and Larry Fitzgerald).

Matt Ryan: Ryan underachieved last week against the Browns, 187 yards with one touchdown. This week, he faces an Eagles’ defense that allows 192 passing yards per game. Ryan must keep an eye on Nate Allen, three interceptions, if the Falcons want to establish their passing attack.

Peyton Hillis: Hillis is battling a quad injury that could limit his workload Sunday. Expect the Browns to struggle because of the Steelers defense (62 rushing yards allowed per game) and rookie quarterback, Colt McCoy, might start.

Brandon Tate: With Moss being traded to Minnesota, Tate is expected to emerge as Tom Brady’s downfield threat. However, I’m not buying the hype. Tate has upside but is unproven and will face a tough test against Baltimore. Tate’s best game, yardage wise, was 43 yards against Buffalo.

Felix Jones: If the Cowboys want to win they need to play Jones. Last week, Jones had 15 carries for 109 yards. Until Jones is named the starter and stops sharing carries, consider last week’s game fool’s gold. Minnesota will try to keep Jones in check and play like it’s a playoff game.