FRIDAY GUT CHECK

A list of players whom may have a bad match-up or may be low on your list as far as options on your fantasy team whom for some reason you get the feeling in your gut to start them regardless.
Last week David Gerrard, Shonn Greene, the Carolina back field were called here.

MATT CASSEL KC: If you have a borderline starting QB this week consider Cassel. Yes, he has looked bad except for the game before the bye week. He was able to hook up with Dwayne Bowe and has been using Mokeai as a safety valve. The Colts are only middle of the road against the pass but worse against the run. Given the focus this Colts D will need to put on the run, there will be throws there in easy coverage. Cassel has had two weeks to prepare and look for Weiss to surprise the Colts with a more balanced attack than run heavy.

MIKE SIMMS-WALKER and DAVID GERRARD JAX: Much like the KC game, special attention will be paid an MJD and the Bills just don't have the horses to be effective in both protecting against him and the pass. Gerrard should have some confidence after last week and he knows one game won't be enough to secure his job. He can be a streaky player when motivated and focused. Simms-Walker on the other had has been a forgotten man, but last time he cried to the media and staff he became more involved in the game plan and scored. He was not happy after being shut down again last week and made it known, so look for Del Rio to satisfy his WR.

KAREEM HUGGINS TB: Everyone is on the Blount band wagon, but he will most likely be the goal line back and short yardage guy. While that is a good reason in itself to put him here, I like Huggins more due to his absolute speed. He ran a 4.28 40 and while that means nothing since game speed is different, anyone who has watched him knows he is one of the few who carry it over to the field in pads. Since the Bucs plan on splitting time between he and Cadillac Williams, he could have a very Jamaal Charles esque game. He is a change of pace back whom when thrown in there can catch a defense by surprise. The Bucs do run plays that focus on his strengths and will continue here. Not necessarily a start this week, but he could be a super sleeper that pays off huge if your studs are on a bye this week.

JONATHAN STEWART and DEANGELO WILLIAMS CAR: Carolina faces the Bears 6th rated rush defense, but the loss of Steve Smith this week and a rag tag bunch of WR's with a rookie QB means both backs will be playing multiple roles as pass catchers and runners. Look for both of them to be relied on heavily in the game which makes them solid starts due to sheer number of touches.

MIKE CRABTREE SF: Yes he was here last week and yes the Eagles have the 5th rated pass defense. However, he has improved from his 37 yd. performance in week 3 to 58 yds in week 4 and the game plan has been simplified to involve him more. He called out Alex Smith, and while normally not a good thing, Alex is trying to keep his job and better get the game changers on his side. The 49ers will have to pass since the Gore show will be limited this week and since this one could get out of hand if a decent Kolb shows up.

FRIDAY GUT CHECK

A list of players whom may have a bad match-up or may be low on your list as far as options on your fantasy team whom for some reason you get the feeling in your gut to start them regardless.

MIKE CRABTREE SF: He has been horrible the first three weeks and it's not really the fault of Alex Smith. He has dropped passes and his run after the catch has been nothing to write home about as well. However, with the firing of Jimmy Raye, I am looking for the Niners to simplify things and get Crabtree and Davis involved much more. They have been losing because it has been the Frank Gore show only and with no other help. Singletary knows he needs to ease the pressure off Gore or he will break down by mid season. Atlanta is allowing opponents 7.9 yards per pass play and almost 250 yds. passing per game.

DARIUS HEYWARD-BEY OAK: Murphy's collar bone and a Houston Defense who is worst against the pass should make this a game where Bey runs wild and is targeted in double digits. Murphy's injury was late news after writing my projections and regardless if he plays, Oakland will have success throwing the ball. With Bey's speed and the odds in his favor, this could be his best professional game to date.

SHONN GREENE NYJ: I had him on here last week, and though he wasn't amazing, he did up his numbers and looked to be running angry as hell in the last quarter against Miami. While LT will get the start, if the Jets get up big they may want to limit his touches, giving Greene a good amount of carries. Also, with the expectation that LT will have plenty of big yardage plays, he may need a bit more rest than usual. If Greene can't put up numbers worthy of a number two back then he will be officially nothing more than a flex play after this.

DEANGELO WILLIAMS AND JONATHAN STEWART CAR: I have been super low on these guys since the pre-season after keeping tabs on their surgeries and watching them look slower than normal. Both guys did make good contributions last week against the Bengals and I think that carries over here against New Orleans. Fox will not trust to put the game in Clausen's hands just yet and the two backs should get about 15-17 touches each against a New Orleans team where the best way to beat them is not to let Brees touch the ball.

DAVID GERRARD JAGS: This one is the riskiest of the group given his horrific start, but the Colts are not great against the pass (Houston, Denver) and while the Jags have been under performing, they do have talent at all positions. Gerrard was essentially put on notice with the signing of Trent Edwards and he knows the next few games could put his career on the line. Gerrard has the talent but seems lazy and slow at times. I expect him to have a fire under his ass this week against a divisional foe who they tend to give a great game. While he is risky, don't shy away from him if you're other QB has a stiff match up but has played better.