2.  Baltimore Ravens (IND) – Dan Orlovsky was able to put some points on the board for the Colts late in a game that had already been decided against the Patriots.  I don’t think he’ll be able to do the same against the Ravens who have been really getting after it defensively the past few weeks.  

3.  Pittsburgh Steelers (CLE) – Colt McCoy will face a tough test in Pittsburgh on Thursday night.  Peyton Hillis hasn’t lived up to his Madden cover, and McCoy’s receivers haven’t been helping him out (leading the league in drops).  Pittsburgh’s offense has yet to shine on the big stage of a nationally televised game this year, but their defense seems to be a constant.

4.  San Francisco 49ers (@ARI) – San Francisco completely shut down the Rams last week at home.  The rams managed only 157 total yards, and were unable to put any points on the scoreboard while turning the ball over twice and giving up 4 sacks.  This looks like another very good matchup against a Cardinals offense that has yet to find an offensive groove.  The reason I have this premier defense behind the other 3 is merely because they’re on the road.  It wouldn’t surprise me if the Niners ended up a top 3 defense this week.

5.  Seattle Seahawks (STL) – Things likely won’t be getting any easier for the woeful Rams as they head up to Seattle to play on Monday Night.  A normally raucous crowd, should be borderline insane as they get to be behind their team who just played exceptionally well while limiting the Eagles to 14 points.  The Seahawks last week were also able to pick off Vince Young 4 times, and managed to return one back for a TD. 

6.  Cincinnati Bengals (HOU) – TJ Yates did a good job in his first start for Houston.  He wasn’t asked to do a whole lot as the Texans got out to an early lead and he was just asked to protect it.  He was 12/25 for 188 yards with 1 TD.  They again relied on a heavy dose of Foster and Tate who carried the ball a combined 42 times.   Cincy’s defense has been far better against the run this yer than the pass, so it will be interesting to see if Houston will have to rely on Yates to win them the game.  If so, he’ll most likely be without Andre Johnson who hauled in 97 of those 188 passing yards.  If the Cincy run defense holds up, which I expect, it could be an ugly day for Yates.

7.  Miami Dolphins (PHI) – The Dolphins are one of the hottest teams in the league right now.  Who would have believed that 5 weeks ago when the Dolphins were 0-7.  I had a good feeling about them last week, but was hesitant to have them in my top 12 until they “prove” themselves.  Completely stuffing Michael Bush last week has them in my top 12 for the first time.  They were 8 minutes away from shutting the Raiders out, until they gave up a couple of meaningless touchdowns.  I think the Eagles could pose some problems with Vick back at the helm, but at this point of the season it’s the Eagles that have to prove to me they’re even trying anymore.  What a strange season it’s been.

8.  Chicago Bears (@DEN) – Tim Tebow was able to shred the Minnesota defense on Sunday.  I’ve never seen a guy constantly get behind the coverage as easily as Demaryius Thomas was able to in that game.  I think this matchup against the Bears will be a much harder one.  The Bears know that their offense has been decimated, and the defense is prepared to carry the burden.  While they lost last week to Kansas City, none of the blame could be put on the defense.  They gave up only 10 points, and  7 of those were on a hail mary to end the first half. 

9.  Houston Texans (@CIN) – The Houston defense again led their team to a victory against the Falcons.  The unit as a whole has really stepped up following the injuries to Andre Johnson,  Mario Williams,  and Matt Schaub.  When everyone was healthy they were playing good defense, but now they’re playing great.  I expect this matchup in Cincy to a defensive struggle, as two rookie quarterbacks would very well be forced to win this game with their arms. 

10.  Denver Broncos (CHI) – The Denver defense gave up a lot of points to Minnesota last week, but this week they get to return home to face a Bears team that is missing Jay Cutler and Matt Forte.  I haven’t done the math, but I’d guess that’s like 200% of their offense.  I’m only slightly exaggerating.  I would take advantage of this matchup if you’re in dire need of a defense this week.

11.  Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@JAX) – I really don’t like Tampa Bay’s defense.  They’re not intimidating anymore.  They haven’t had any fantasy value all year.  As bad as I think they are, the Jacksonville offense is just that much worse.  They’re last in total offense (254.7 yds/g) and second to the last in points per game (12.7).  Even Tampa Bay makes a startable fantasy option against the Jags.

12.  Green Bay Packers (OAK) – The Packers’ quest for perfection came very close to coming to an unceremonious end in the Meadowlands.  This week they’ll get to face an Oakland team that is still without McFadden, and most likely 2 of their most explosive wideouts in Moore and Ford.  Green Bay is going to put points on the board as they always do, and I don’t expect Carson Palmer to do a whole lot in Lambeau.

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