One quick injury note before I highlight some good starts/sits for Week 13: Texans QB Matt Schaub (knee) is making progress and close to returning after missing the past three games. But keep him on the fantasy bench. Houston faces Jacksonville on Monday night, when it'll be too late to make a switch if Schaub ends up not playing. Still, start WR Andre Johnson, who has 21 catches for 237 yards with Sage Rosenfels at quarterback. Sit TE Owen Daniels, who has only five catches for 55 yards in the past three games.

As for the rest of Week 13:

- Jets QB Brett Favre has thrown for 482 yards and 4 TDs the past two games, and should thrive against Denver's pass defense, which is 25th in the NFL (235.9 ypg). Favre's favorite target the past three games has been TE Dustin Keller, who has 20 catches for 236 yards and 1 TD in that time. WR Jerricho Cotchery has only 12 catches for 160 yards and 1 TD and WR Laveranues Coles has only 13 for 140 and 1 in that same time. Still, I think both Coles and Cotchery are safe bets as No. 3 receivers on what should be a 3 TD day for Favre. RB Thomas Jones, who has 349 rushing yards and 5 TDs (1 receiving) the past three games also should thrive against the 27th-ranked run defense (144.5).

- With S Bob Sanders (knee) out, the Colts' run defense goes from bad to worse. That makes Browns RB Jamal Lewis a good start against the 25th-ranked run defense (136.8).

- Bills RB Marshawn Lynch has 100 total yards and 1 TD in each of the past two games. He should be good for another 100 and a score against San Francisco, which has allowed 164 points in its five road games.

- Don't sit Packers QB Aaron Rodgers or WR Greg Jennings against Carolina's eighth-ranked pass defense (192.1) The Panthers have slipped since being second against the pass a few weeks ago, and aren't that tough on the road, where they've allowed 122 points in five games (including a 17-6 win over the woeful Raiders). 

- Miami's defense is a good start against St. Louis. The Rams have scored a total of 35 points the past four games. And before last week's 48-28 loss to the Patriots, Miami had held four straight opponents to less than 20 points.

- Chiefs RB Larry Johnson is a good No. 2 back today against Oakland. The Raiders are 29th against the run (160.0) and while Johnson has only 148 rushing yards in two games since his return from suspension, that's on 26 carries. He should take at least 15 today. And next week Johnson gets to face Denver, which is 27th against the run.

- Vikings QB Gus Frerotte hasn't thrown for 200 yards since Week 7. That streak will end tonight against Chicago, which is 30th against the pass (244.2). Frerotte threw for 298 yards and 2 TDs (albeit with 4 INTs) in that Week 7 loss to the Bears. He's a safe start in deeper (14-plus player) leagues, as is WR Bernard Berrian.

- Giants WR Plaxico Burress belonged on the bench before, but he shouldn't sniff the starting lineup in the fantasy playoffs now. The hamstring injury was bad enough, but bullet wounds will hamper even the greatest athlete. Especially self-inflicted bullet wounds.

- Saints RB Deuce McAllister is another player who should sit through the fantasy playoffs. New Orleans wanted to get him a TD on Monday night to give him the franchise record with 54. But he'll go back to being Pierre Thomas' backup now, and will sink lower on the depth chart once Reggie Bush is healthy.

My next post will be Wednesday, when I recap all the action from this weekend and start to look ahead to Week 14 and the start of the fantasy playoffs. Until then, good luck and enjoy the games. 

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First off, hope everyone enjoyed a happy Thanksgiving. Those with LenDale White, Chris Johnson and Brian Westbrook in their starting lineups certainly did. 

The Fantasy Chatter winner from last week was James Vatne of Washington, D.C. Since there won't be a column in Saturday's paper, look for James' advice in next Saturday Virginian-Pilot, where I'll preview Week 14, the usual opening of the fantasy playoffs.

But first, some Week 13 highlights:

- The biggest news from Friday's injury report is that Giants WR Plaxico Burress (hamstring) won't play against the Redskins on Sunday. While Burress hasn't been much of a catching threat lately, he does require double coverage on many occasions, creating openings for Amani Toomer. With Burress out, look for a subpar game from QB Eli Manning and Toomer, especially since Washington is fourth in the NFL against the pass (182.7 ypg). However, RB Brandon Jacobs (knee) should return to the lineup and is a safe start, even against the seventh-ranked run defense (89.3). Burress rushed for 116 yards in his Week 1 match-up against Washington.

- Falcons WR Roddy White (back) is questionable for Sunday's game at San Diego. But White is expected to play and is a good fantasy start against the league's worst pass defense (265.5). QB Matt Ryan and WR Michael Jenkins also are safe starts. Ryan should be good for 250 yards and 2 TDs.

- Ravens RB Le'Ron McClain (thigh) is probable, and he's in my starting lineup. Baltimore faces Cincinnati, which is 24th against the run (130.2). Baltimore shares carries between McClain, Willis McGahee and Ray Rice, so it's hard to tell who will gain the rushing yards, but McClain is coming off an 18-carry, 88-yard game and should take a few goal-line carries against a team that has allowed 276 points in 11 games.

- With Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart (heel) probable but slowed lately, expect a huge game from RB DeAngelo Williams. Carolina faces Green Bay, which is 26th against the run (142.9) and allowed 51 points Monday night at New Orleans. Williams should be good for 100 yards and at least 1 TD. Sit Stewart. Throw out his 130-yard game against the pathetic Lions and he hasn't cracked 21 rushing yards since Week 7.

- With Broncos WR Eddie Royal (toe) questionable, WR Brandon Marshall and TE Tony Scheffler increase in value for Sunday's game against the Jets. Though New York has won four straight, it remains 26th against the pass (239.4). I'd start both of them and QB Jay Cutler. He has four straight 200-yard games and should approach 300 in this one. He'll be passing plenty since New York will score, so Cutler should be good for 250 yards and 2 TDs.

- Rams RB Steven Jackson (thigh) is questionable, but there's a chance he returns after missing three games. Still, keep him on your bench. He'll be rusty and Miami is ninth against the run (94.1).

- Saints RB Reggie Bush (knee) is questionable after missing the past four games. He says he's ready to play, but I'd sit him one more week. First, New Orleans faces Tampa Bay, which has allowed 1 rushing TD all season. And second, New Orleans isn't going to overuse Bush in his first game back, so he'll likely see limited action behind RB Pierre Thomas. If I was going to start any Saints RB, it'd be Thomas. But I'd sit him as well and start QB Drew Brees obviously, along with WRs Marques Colston and Lance Moore and TE Jeremy Shockey. Tampa Bay is second against the pass (174.6), but has allowed 14 passing TDs. And Green Bay was third against the pass before Brees torched the Packers for 323 yards and 4 TDs.

- Redskins RB Clinton Portis (knee) remains questionable, and coach Jim Zorn says Portis is 50-50 to play against the Giants. Still, he's in my starting lineup. Zorn has said Portis has been iffy the past three games, and he's piled up 262 yards in that time. New York is sixth against the run (84.8), but Portis gained 84 yards against the Giants in Week 1. In a game the Redskins need, expect 80-100 yards and a TD.

- Steelers RB Willie Parker (knee) is questionable, but practiced Friday, a good sign for his availability for Sunday at New England. Still, I'd sit him and start RB Mewelde Moore. Parker will be held on a carry count because of the injury. And in games in which he takes fewer than 20 carries, he usually struggles. In such games this season he's gained 20 yards (on 1.5 ypc) and 37 (on 2.1 ypc). Plus, New England is 14th against the run (100.5) and has allowed 6 rushing TDs all season. I figure Moore is good for a TD against a team that has allowed 62 points the past two games. But better options are WRs Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes and TE Heath Miller and QB Ben Roethlisberger. New England's allowed 599 yards and 5 TDs the past two games.  

Sunday morning I'll offer up some more starts and sits, and update the injury news.

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First, Drew Brees, Aaron Rodgers, Jay Cutler, Peyton Manning and Marshawn Lynch are gone in the Fantasy Chatter contest. I'll take picks till 1 p.m. Sunday. The rules are in Saturday's Virginian-Pilot and my Tuesday blog entry. One note: I'll be away for Thanksgiving the beginning of next week, so the contest winner will get to write something for Week 14, not next week.

No injury news to report, so let's get to the final four game previews:

Redskins at Seahawks, 4:15 p.m. Sunday: For Washington, start RB Clinton Portis. He's questionable with a knee injury but has said all week he'll play. The injury limited him to 15 carries and 68 yards last week against Dallas, but Seattle is 21st in the NFL against the run (115.5 ypg), and allows 25.7 ppg, so Portis should be good for 80 yards and a score. Start QB Jason Campbell, WR Santana Moss and TE Chris Cooley. Campbell has 368 total yards the past two games and 1 TD to 3 INTs in that time, but Seattle is 31st against the pass (265.2). Campbell should be good for 200 yards and two scores. Moss has only seven catches for 43 yards the past two games but should bounce back. For Seattle, sit RB Julius Jones. Washington is fifth against the run (84.3) and teams attack the Redskins through the air. Still, sit QB Matt Hasselbeck and all his receivers. Hasselbeck threw for only 170 yards and 1 TD with 3 INTs last week against a weak Arizona pass defense in his return from various injuries. It'll take another week to work off the rust, and Washington is 10th against the pass (192.1).

Giants at Cardinals, 4:15 p.m. Sunday: For New York, start RB Brandon Jacobs. He was limited in practice by a knee injury, but is probable. And while Arizona is seventh against the run (89.8) Jacobs is too valuable to ever sit. He's coming off a 2 TD game against Baltimore, which is third against the run. Sit RB Derrick Ward. He'll take some of Jacobs' carries to keep him fresh, but not enough to be a viable fantasy option. Sit WR Plaxico Burress. He's questionable with a hamstring injury and has only seven catches for 98 yards the past three games anyway. TE Kevin Boss, who has 2 TDs the past three games, is a better option. Arizona has allowed a league-worst 19 passing TDs. For that reason, start QB Eli Manning. Though he has no 200-yard games the past three weeks, he has 6 TDs in that time. For Arizona, sit RB Tim Hightower. The rookie has looked sluggish the past two games, gaining only 57 total yards and 0 TDs. It's not good to be hitting the rookie wall against the eighth-ranked run defense (91.0), which has allowed 4 rushing TDs all season. New York is second against the pass (174.8) but still start QB Kurt Warner and WRs Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin. They're all every week starts. Warner has four straight 320-yard games and 8 TDs in that time. Sit WR Steve Breaston, the third option. Warner's probably good for "only" about 250 yards and 2-3 TDs, and most of that will go to Boldin and Fitzgerald.

Colts at Chargers, 8:15 p.m. Sunday: For Indianapolis, start and expect huge things from QB Peyton Manning, WR Reggie Wayne and TE Dallas Clark. San Diego is last against the pass (267.0). WR Anthony Gonzalez has only six catches for 61 yards the past two games but is a decent No. 3 option. RB Joseph Addai is a decent No. 2 back. He's coming off a 105-yard, 2 TD game against Houston and should get a few goal-line carries. For San Diego, start only RB LaDainian Tomlinson, but expect a huge game from him. Tomlinson has only 135 yards and 1 TD the past two games, but Indianapolis is 25th against the run (138.5). Indianapolis also is ninth against the pass (189.4) and has allowed 2 passing TDs all season, which is why QB Philip Rivers and his receivers are bad options. Teams don't try to pass against the Colts because of their weak run defense. TE Antonio Gates is a good low-tier starter, but don't expect more than a few fantasy points.

Packers at Saints, 8:30 p.m. Monday: For Green Bay, start RB Ryan Grant, who has 220 yards and 2 TDs the past two games. New Orleans is 19th against the run (111.0) so Grant should be in line for a 100-yard game. Start QB Aaron Rodgers and WR Greg Jennings. New Orleans is 26th against the run (235.2). Sit WR Donald Driver, who has only nine catches for 106 yards and 0 TDs the past two games. For New Orleans, start QB Drew Brees, WR Lance Moore and WR Marques Colston, even against the third-ranked pass defense (176.3). Brees has thrown for at least 210 yards in every game this season, and has failed to throw a TD only once. Sit TE Jeremy Shockey, who has nine catches for 61 yards and 0 TDs the past three games. The running back position is tricky, because Reggie Bush (knee) is a gametime decision. It's too risky to start Bush and take the chance of getting a zero if he sits. But if he plays, RB Deuce McAllister loses a lot of value. But McAllister's on my team (in a 16-team league) and I'm starting him. Green Bay is 27th against the run (147.4) so he should get in the 40-60 yard range, and I'm betting he gets a few goal-line carries. 

I'll be heading home for Thanksgiving tonight, so my next blog entry will be Saturday. I'll run down the injuries and offer a few tips for Week 13 both Saturday and Sunday morning, cramming a bunch into the holiday week. Until then, enjoy the games and have a happy Thanksgiving.   

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The full injury report will appear in Sunday's Virginian-Pilot, but here are a few highlights:

- Giants WR Plaxico Burress (hamstring) is questionable and will be a gametime decision for Sunday at Arizona. Because that's a 4 p.m. start, I'd sit him. Hamstrings are usually more serious injuries, and Burress hasn't been great when healthy lately anyway. RB Brandon Jacobs (knee) is probable and a safe start.

- Broncos RB Selvin Young (groin) is doubtful, making RB Peyton Hillis a good start against a woeful Raiders run defense.

- Eagles RB Brian Westbrook (knee, ankle) is questionable and will be a gametime decision against Baltimore. I sat him on my team against a tough Ravens run defense.

- Redskins RB Clinton Portis (knee) is questionable, but keeps insisting he'll play. Start him against a lousy Seahawks run defense.

- Saints RB Reggie Bush (knee) is questionable for Monday against Green Bay. If he plays he's a great fantasy option. The problem is he's a gametime decision, so I'd sit him another week. Whenever Bush returns, RB Deuce McAllister's value lowers dramatically.

The Fantasy Chatter column appears in Saturday's Pilot, but here are four more game previews:

Eagles at Ravens, 1 p.m. Sunday: For Philadelphia, sit RB Brian Westbrook. He has multiple injuries, hasn't looked sharp in recent weeks and faces the NFL's third-best run defense (79.6 ypg). Baltimore's pass defense is eighth (188.3), so the way to beat the Ravens is through the air. Start QB Donovan McNabb, who has two 330-yard games in the past three. WR Kevin Curtis, who has 16 catches for 172 yards and 1 TD the past three games, is a good No. 3 option in leagues that award for catches. Sit WR DeSean Jackson, who is losing catches to Curtis and has only 10 for 147 and 0 the past three games. For Baltimore, sit RB Willis McGahee. He averaged 2.0 ypc on nine carries last week, and faces the 11th-ranked run defense (98.7), which has allowed 5 rushing TDs all season. Start WR Derrick Mason as a No. 3. He has 19 catches for 259 yards and 1 TD the past three games. Sit QB Joe Flacco. He came down to earth last week against the Giants and faces another tough test from the 11th-ranked pass defense (194.0). 

Vikings at Jaguars, 1 p.m. Sunday: For Minnesota, sit QB Gus Frerotte. He has no 200-yard games the past three weeks and only 6 TDs to 4 INTs in that time. Still, start WR Bernard Berrian. He's been quiet the past two games and should bounce back against the 18th-ranked pass defense (215.0). TE Visanthe Shiancoe has also gone TD-less the past two games and is a good candidate to bounce back. Start and expect big things from RB Adrian Peterson against the 20th-ranked run defense (113.2). For Jacksonville, sit RB Fred Taylor against the second-ranked run defense (73.9). RB Maurice Jones-Drew is a safe start as a No. 3 or a No. 2 in leagues that award for catches, because he should grab a few out of the backfield against the 20th-ranked pass defense (222.8). Start QB David Garrard, who had six straight 200-yard games before facing the Titans last week. He's good for 200 yards and 2 TDs, so start WR Matt Jones, who should catch at least one of those scores. 

Raiders at Broncos, 4:05 p.m. Sunday: For Oakland, start no one. The Raiders have 21 total points the past three games, and seven of those came from a special teams TD. Denver is 29th against the pass (243.5) but held QB JaMarcus Russell to 180 yards in the teams' Week 1 matchup. For Denver, start RB Peyton Hillis. Oakland is 30th against the run (164.5). Oakland is 12th against the pass (194.7) but start QB Jay Cutler, who has three straight 210-yard games and 6 TDs in that time. Start WRs Brandon Marshall and Eddie Royal, but expect more for Royal, because Raiders shutdown cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha is likely to be on Marshall. Also start the Denver defense. It allows 27.1 ppg, but Oakland's simply awful. The Raiders have allowed 32 sacks and committed 16 turnovers, so even if Denver allows 20 points it's bound to rack up fantasy points.

Panthers at Falcons, 4:15 p.m. Sunday: For Carolina, sit QB Jake Delhomme. He has 174 total yards and 2 TDs to 4 INTs the past two games, and while Atlanta is 22nd against the pass (226.4) it is much better at home. Still, WR Steve Smith, who is averaging five catches for 85 yards this season, is a good No. 2 or 3 in leagues that award for catches. Atlanta is also 22nd against the run (119.6) so start RB DeAngelo Williams, who has three straight 100-yard games and 4 TDs in that time. RB Jonathan Stewart, coming off a 130-yard game, is a safe No. 3 back. For Atlanta, start QB Matt Ryan as a low-tier starter. Carolina is fifth against the pass (185.4) and has allowed 8 passing TDs all season, but Ryan has five straight 220-yard games and 7 TDs to only 3 INTs in that time. Start WR Roddy White, who has 15 catches for 224 yards and 1 TD the past three games. WR Michael Jenkins, who has 11 catches for 124 yards the past two games, is a good No. 3 in leagues that award for catches. Start RB Michael Turner, who has 316 yards and 3 TDs the past three games. Carolina is 17th against the run (107.6) so Turner should take plenty of carries.

Sunday morning I'll finish up the game previews and provide whatever injury updates I can.      

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First, a quick Thursday recap: With two straight solid games, Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger is back to being a good start, at least against sub-par pass defenses. He has 0 INTs the past two games, and two straight 240-yard games. ... With Steelers RBs Willie Parker and Mewelde Moore splitting carries, neither is a great fantasy start down the stretch. Moore's a better option, though, because of his pass-catching ability.

Second, a few injury notes: Cowboys RB Felix Jones went on injury reserve, so dump him if he was still on your bench. ... Giants RB Brandon Jacobs practiced Thursday, but WR Plaxico Burress did not. And Burress' injury is a hamstring, which is usually bad news. ... Eagles RB Brian Westbrook (knee, ankle) didn't practice. And the way he's been struggling lately, he's a risky start against a tough Baltimore run defense.

I'll update the news when the full league injury report comes out Friday, but till then here are four Sunday previews:

Patriots at Dolphins, 1 p.m.: For New England, sit all running backs. Miami is ninth in the NFL against the run (91.3) and is especially stingy at home. Plus, with Sammy Morris, BenJarvis Green-Ellis and Kevin Faulk all healthy last week, New England was sharing carries three ways. Start QB Matt Cassel, WR Randy Moss and WR Wes Welker. Miami is 21st against the pass (223.9), and Cassel looked like a premier starting quarterback in throwing for 400 yards last week against the Jets. He won't repeat that effort, but 250 yards and 2 TDs is a reasonable expectation. For Miami, start QB Chad Pennington and TE Anthony Fasano. New England is 14th against the pass (204.4) but has allowed 16 passing TDs. Start RB Ronnie Brown, who was part of 5 TDs in the teams' first meeting this season.

49ers at Cowboys, 1 p.m.: For San Francisco, QB Shaun Hill and TE Vernon Davis are decent starts, even against the seventh-ranked pass defense (188.0). Hill has 200-yard games in both his starts, with 4 TDs in that time. Davis has caught two of Hill's TDs. RB Frank Gore is a must-start. He has 205 yards and 2 TDs the past two games. For Dallas, start QB Tony Romo, WR Terrell Owens, TE Jason Witten and RB Marion Barber. That unit struggled last week, scoring only 14 points against Washington. But count on Romo having shaken the rust off and thriving against the 25th-ranked pass defense (234.9). 

Bills at Chiefs, 1 p.m.: For Buffalo, start and expect huge things from RB Marshawn Lynch. He's coming off his first 100-yard game and faces the 31st-ranked run defense (165.4). Kansas City is 27th against the pass (237.1) but sit QB Trent Edwards and all his receivers. Edwards looked afraid to throw downfield Monday against what had been a lousy Browns pass defense. For Kansas City, QB Tyler Thigpen is a safe start. He has two straight 230-yard games and 5 TDs in that time. Start WR Dwayne Bowe and TE Tony Gonzalez with Thigpen. RB Larry Johnson is a good No. 3 or flex against the 18th-ranked run defense (109.6). Johnson gained 67 yards in his return from suspension last week, but more importantly, took 19 carries. If he keeps getting in the 18-25 range he's bound to get a TD or two.

Texans at Browns, 1 p.m.: For Houston, start RB Steve Slaton. He's coming off an 156-yard game and faces the 28th-ranked run defense (149.3). Also start WR Andre Johnson and TE Owen Daniels. Johnson has only 15 catches for 183 yards and 1 TD the past three games but should do well against the 19th-ranked pass defense (219.0). Sit QB Sage Rosenfels, who has 1 TD to 5 INTs the past two games. For Cleveland, sit QB Brady Quinn. He has a broken finger, and it's not a good sign when a team is only willing to commit to saying he'll "try to play." That means Quinn might not last the full game. Still, WR Braylon Edwards is a good start. TE Kellen Winslow has a shoulder injury, which should slow him if he plays at all. And Houston is 17th against the pass (210.8) and has allowed 17 passing TDs. Start RB Jamal Lewis. His backup, RB Jerome Harrison, has a hamstring injury. And Houston is 24th against the run (132.5).

Saturday I'll preview four more games and update the injury news. 

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First, Marshawn Lynch and Peyton Manning are gone in the Fantasy Chatter contest. I'll take entries till 1 p.m. Sunday, even with the Thursday night game.

Second, a few injury notes: With Buccaneers RB Earnest Graham done for the season, RB Warrick Dunn steps into the starting role. He's a good fantasy pickup, and a great start this week against Detroit. ... Giants RB Brandon Jacobs looked fine in workouts Wednesday and should be ready to go against Arizona. ... Redskins RB Clinton Portis also looks ready to start and is a good fantasy play against Seattle.

Now for some weekend previews:

Bengals at Steelers, 8:15 p.m. Thursday: For Cincinnati, start only WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh. Pittsburgh is first in the NFL against the pass (169.2 ypg) and run (68.9). But Houshmandzadeh has 27 catches for 268 yards the past three games, and Cincinnati should be well behind and passing plenty. For Pittsburgh, start RB Willie Parker. Cincinnati is 23rd against the run (131.1). Cincinnati is 15th against the pass (206.6) but start WR Hines Ward, who has 19 catches for 136 yards the past two games. Sit QB Ben Roethlisberger, who has 0 TDs to 4 INTs the past three games. Sit WR Santonio Holmes, who has 12 catches for 122 yards and 1 TD the past three games. Start the Pittsburgh defense. It allows 15 ppg, while Cincinnati scores 13.8.  

Jets at Titans, 1 p.m. Sunday: For New York, start only QB Brett Favre, and don't expect a huge game. Tennessee is 10th against the run (95.1), making RB Thomas Jones a good sit. The Titans are sixth against the pass (186.7), but Favre will still get plenty of chances. He'll throw a few INTs (Tennessee has 15 on the season), but should approach 300 yards. For Tennessee, start QB Kerry Collins. New York is 28th against the pass (239.7) and just got finished allowing Patriots QB Matt Cassel to throw for 400 yards. WR Justin Gage and TE Bo Scaife are other good starts. RB LenDale White is a safe bet to score a TD, but sit RB Chris Johnson, who has 72 total yards and 0 TDs the past two games. New York is fourth against the run (81.3). Start the Tennessee defense. New York has 97 points the past three games, but Tennessee is allowing a league-best 13.1 ppg.

Buccaneers at Lions, 1 p.m. Sunday: For Tampa Bay, start RB Warrick Dunn, QB Jeff Garcia and WR Antonio Bryant. Detroit is last against the run (171.5) and 23rd against the pass (230.6). Also start the Tampa Bay defense, which allows 16 ppg. For Detroit, sit everyone except WR Calvin Johnson, who has 16 catches for 251 yards and 2 TDs the past three games. Tampa Bay's strength is its pass defense, which is fourth (182.2). And while RB Kevin Smith has 208 yards and 1 TD the past two games, Tampa Bay has allowed 1 rushing TD all season.

Bears at Rams, 1 p.m. Sunday: For Chicago, start RB Matt Forte and QB Kyle Orton. Orton struggled mightily in his return from injury last week, but St. Louis is 24th against the pass (233.7). St. Louis also is 29th against the run (158.4) so Forte should have a huge game. TE Greg Olsen, who has 33 catches for a team-high 391 yards, also is a safe start. Also start the defense. St. Louis averages 14.4 ppg. For St. Louis, start no one. Chicago is sixth against the run (87.4), making the Rams backfield suspect even if RB Steven Jackson returns. And while Chicago is 30th against the pass (249.3), QB Marc Bulger hasn't racked up more than a dozen fantasy points the past three games against other awful pass defenses (Arizona, Jets, 49ers).

Friday I'll preview four more weekend games and highlight any news out of Thursday's contest.   

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First, Peyton Manning is taken in the Week 12 Fantasy Chatter contest. The details on how to enter are in my Tuesday blog.

We've had two straight 400-yard passers on Thursday night, though I'll bet good money that stretch ends this week. Though with Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger throwing for 300 yards last week and facing the woeful Bengals this week, who knows.

As for the more serious observations from Week 11:

- The Raiders' offense continues to be a mess. Oakland faces Denver this Sunday, and the Broncos are a decent option if you're fed up with your regular defense.

- Packers RB Ryan Grant is back on track. After running roughshod over the Bears, he should enjoy a bigger day against an awful Saints defense on Monday night.

- Bills QB Trent Edwards and all his receivers are bad starts. Edwards looked afraid to throw the ball up the field Monday, which is why RB Marshawn Lynch caught 10 of his 15 completions. Lynch is a great start in that offense, but WR Lee Evans is a must-sit.

- Saints WR Lance Moore has become QB Drew Brees' top target. I expected WR Marques Colston to rise in value once he returned from injury, but Moore has remained the main man. Thank goodness no one in my league wanted him a month ago when I would've given him away at a discount rate figuring his value was about to slip.

Thursday I'll start previewing the weekend games, beginning with the Thursday night Steelers-Bengals affair.

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The winner is Erik Kashnikow from Fairfax, who emailed in his pick of Chiefs QB Tyler Thigpen. So look for Erik's thoughts on Week 12 in the next edition of the Fantasy Chatter, which is slated to run in Saturday's Virginian-Pilot.

Below are the details on how you can get in on the action this week. I'll take picks up till 1 p.m. Sunday, either by comment on any blog during the week or by emailing me at michael.connors@pilotonline.com.

Submit your pick (one per person) for the one player you think will rack up the most fantasy points. If your pick gets the most points (as compiled by Yahoo!) you will get the chance to offer a tip, and bragging rights, in the next week's Fantasy Chatter column in the Pilot. Ties will be broken by whoever sends in the pick first, so get them in early. I will note the winner in a blog Tuesday afternoons. Then all the winner needs to do is email his tip to me, with a name and city, to michael.connors@pilotonline.com.

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First, Kurt Warner, Drew Brees, Tyler Thigpen and Ricky Williams are gone in the Fantasy Chatter contest. I'll take picks till 1 p.m. Sunday. The rules are in my column in Saturday's Virginian-Pilot and my Tuesday blog entry.

No injury updates, and the full injury report appears in Sunday's Pilot, so I'll get right to the game previews:

Chargers at Steelers, 4:15 p.m. Sunday: For San Diego, start RB LaDainian Tomlinson, even against the NFL's second-best run defense (69.2 ypg). Pittsburgh is first against the pass (171.1) but QB Philip Rivers is a decent low-tier start. The Steelers' secondary is banged up, enough so that Peyton Manning threw for 240 yards and 3 TDs against them last week. Rivers won't match that, but he should be good for 200 yards and 1-2 TDs. I'd start TE Antonio Gates, who has 14 catches for 162 yards and 2 TDs the past two games. For Pittsburgh, start QB Ben Roethlisberger, WR Hines Ward and WR Santonio Holmes. Roethlisberger has 1 TD to 8 INTs the past three games, but he practiced this week, suggesting his ailing shoulder is better. Plus, San Diego is last against the pass (264.9). San Diego averages 27 ppg, but still start the Pittsburgh defense. It has 34 sacks in nine games.

Titans at Jaguars, 4:15 p.m. Sunday: For Tennessee, start RBs LenDale White and Chris Johnson. Both struggled mightily last week against Chicago, but the Bears are fourth against the run while Jacksonville is 20th (113.1). QB Kerry Collins threw for 289 yards and 2 TDs last week, but expect a return to a ground-dominant attack this week and sit him and WR Justin Gage. Start the defense, which has 24 sacks and 23 turnovers. For Jacksonville, sit RBs Maurice Jones-Drew and Fred Taylor. Tennessee is eighth against the run (90.1) and that duo combined for 31 yards in the teams' Week 1 meeting. Start QB David Garrard, who has six straight 200-yard games. Tennessee is 12th against the pass (194.4).

Cowboys at Redskins, 8:15 p.m. Sunday: For Dallas, start RB Marion Barber, even against the fifth-ranked run defense (80.7). Barber should be aided by the return of QB Tony Romo, another safe start as a low-tier quarterback, even against the eighth-ranked pass defense (191.4). I'd betting Romo lights it up in his first game in a month. For that reason, I'd start WR Terrell Owens and TE Jason Witten. I'd sit WR Roy Williams, who hasn't worked with Romo enough to be a regular contributor yet. For Washington, start RB Ladell Betts. With RB Clinton Portis (knee) likely out, Betts should start against the 18th-ranked run defense (107.1). I'd also start QB Jason Campbell and TE Chris Cooley. Dallas is 11th against the pass (193.8) but Campbell should take on an added role with Portis out. Still, sit WR Santana Moss, who's been limited by a hamstring injury and caught only two passes for 14 yards in Washington's last game.

Browns at Bills, 8:30 p.m. Monday: For Cleveland, start RB Jamal Lewis. He has a TD in four of the past six games, and while Buffalo is 14th against the run (103.9), it has allowed 20-plus points in three straight games so Lewis should get some goal-line carries. I'd sit QB Brady Quinn, figuring he'll struggle against a decent pass defense in his first primetime start. But start TE Kellen Winslow, who caught 10 passes for 111 yards and 2 TDs from Quinn last week. Sit WR Braylon Edwards. He's more of a deep threat and inexperienced quarterbacks tend to throw short. Edwards caught one pass for 15 yards in Quinn's debut. For Buffalo, start RB Marshawn Lynch. He has one 80-yard game all season, but Cleveland is 26th against the run (145.2). Start WR Lee Evans, who should be a primary target with WRs Josh Reed and J.J. Hardy ailing. Cleveland is 20th against the pass (226.9). Still, sit QB Trent Edwards. He has 2 TDs to 5 INTs the past three games. I'd also start the Buffalo defense, counting on a few Quinn mistakes.

My next entry will be Tuesday to announce the Fantasy Chatter winner. Until then, good luck and enjoy the games. 

ADVISORY: Users are solely responsible for opinions they post here and for following agreed-upon rules. Comments do not reflect the views or approval of The Virginian-Pilot or this Web site. Comments are automatically checked for inappropriate language, but readers might find some comments offensive or inaccurate. If you believe a comment violates our rules, click the "Report Violation" link below the comment to alert an editor. Repeat offenders will be denied automatic posting privileges.

The biggest injury news from Friday is that Saints RB Reggie Bush (knee) and Rams RB Steven Jackson (thigh) both won't play Sunday. That's good news for Saints RB Deuce McAllister, who faces the worst run defense in the league.

In other news:

- Bears QB Kyle Orton (ankle) is probable, but not a good start because Green Bay's run defense is much worse than its pass defense. 

- 49ers WRs Arnaz Battle (foot) and Josh Morgan (groin) are both out, good news for WR Isaac Bruce against a lousy Rams pass defense.

- Redskins RB Clinton Portis (knee) is questionable, but RB Ladell Betts is a better start against a weak run defense. 

The full injury report will appear in Sunday's paper, but for now here's four more Sunday previews:

Eagles at Bengals, 1 p.m.: For Philadelphia, start QB Donovan McNabb, WR DeSean Jackson, WR Kevin Curtis and RB Brian Westbrook. Cincinnati is 25th against the run (138.1 ypg), so Westbrook should run wild. Cincinnati is 10th against the pass (193.7), but McNabb has 543 yards and 5 TDs the past two games. Philadelphia's defense also is a good start because Cincinnati averages only 16 ppg. For Cincinnati, start only WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh. Philadelphia is sixth against the pass (190.4) but Houshmandzadeh has 23 catches for 177 yards the past three games.

Vikings at Buccaneers, 1 p.m.: For Minnesota, obviously start RB Adrian Peterson, though Tampa Bay has allowed 1 rushing TD all season. QB Gus Frerotte, who hasn't had a 200-yard game since Week 7 and has 5 TDs to 4 INTs since then, is a sit against the fifth-ranked pass defense (190.1). However, I'd start WR Bernard Berrian, who is bound to bounce back from a no catch game last week. For Tampa Bay, sit all running backs. There's too many of them sharing carries against the third-ranked run defense (70.1). Start QB Jeff Garcia, who has 866 yards the past three games and faces the 19th-ranked pass defense (219.2). WR Antonio Bryant, who has 20 catches for 275 yards and 2 TDs the past three games, is another good start. Start the defense, which has forced 16 turnovers in nine games.

Cardinals at Seahawks, 4:05 p.m.: For Arizona, start QB Kurt Warner, WR Larry Fitzgerald, WR Anquan Boldin and RB Tim Hightower. WR Steve Breaston is a good option also against the 31st-ranked pass defense (252.2). Seattle's also 22nd against the run (119.9). For Seattle, start WR Bobby Engram. He had 63 receiving yards last week and should be boosted by the return of QB Matt Hasselbeck. Hasselbeck is a decent free agent pickup as a backup security blanket, but sit him until he proves he's capable of being a quality quarterback. He should do decent though. Arizona has allowed a league-worst 18 passing TDs. Sit RB Julius Jones, who has no TDs the past three games.

Rams at 49ers, 4:05 p.m.: For St. Louis, start no one. The Rams looked awful last week in scoring three points against the Jets, and haven't scored more than 16 since Week 7 and have scored more than 19 once all season. San Francisco looks improved under coach Mike Singletary, so this should be ugly. For San Francisco, start RB Frank Gore, who is probable despite a neck injury. St. Louis is 30th against the run (161.0). Start WR Isaac Bruce, who will be the primary target against the 25th-ranked pass defense (237.6). QB Shaun Hill was solid Monday against Arizona and is a quality fantasy backup, but no more. I would start San Francisco's defense and figure St. Louis scores 10 points max.

Sunday morning I'll finish up the previews. The Fantasy Chatter column appears in Saturday's Virginian-Pilot with added advice until then. 

ADVISORY: Users are solely responsible for opinions they post here and for following agreed-upon rules. Comments do not reflect the views or approval of The Virginian-Pilot or this Web site. Comments are automatically checked for inappropriate language, but readers might find some comments offensive or inaccurate. If you believe a comment violates our rules, click the "Report Violation" link below the comment to alert an editor. Repeat offenders will be denied automatic posting privileges.