Every week, the Crystal Ball recommends one player at each position who you should start, and one player you shouldn't. But they might not be who you'd expect.
QUARTERBACK
Jeff Garcia, Eagles (YES!): Quietly, there has been a real regression to the mean among NFL pass defenses, which means that a lot of the bad pass defenses have been playing better lately. However, the Redskins still have only five interceptions all year. Simply put, they allow the most scores while producing the fewest turnovers. That's a bad combination against a veteran in the west coast offense, even if he's a reserve.
Trent Green, Chiefs (NO!): Green put up a lot of fantasy points in throwing four scores last weekend. Against Baltimore, the road won't be nearly as easy. Don't chase the points here.
RUNNING BACK
Fred Taylor, Jaguars (YES!): The Jags will run a lot in this one, against the worst run defense in the league. Taylor remains undervalued due to the excitement about Maurice Jones-Drew. Taylor is the better choise this week.
Ladell Betts, Redskins (NO!): As soon as Daniel Snyder gives a player a lot of money, you know that player is in for a fall.
WIDE RECEIVER
Matt Jones, Jaguars (YES!): Jones is a very interesting player due mainly to his size. I know I say not to chase the points, but in this case last week's performance may indicate that he is finally healthy and coming into his own.
Randy Moss, Raiders (NO!): He's actually managed to make it to the waiver wire in a lot of leagues. If you're in the playoffs or battling for a spot, stick with the team that got you there.
TIGHT END
Desmond Clark, Bears (YES!): Clark has had a weird, up and down fantasy year, but tight ends don't generally provide consistent points anyway. He's actually gotten to the point where recent poor performance makes him undervalued.
Jerramy Stevens, Seahawks (NO!): I know I've been tough on him. But I'm right.
TEAM DEFENSE
Cincinnati Bengals (YES!): I feel a little badly always picking the Raiders' opponent here. Just a little.
Denver Broncos (NO!): I don't feel badly always picking the Chargers' opponent here.
KICKERS
Robbie Gould, Bears (YES!): I know he's the top kicker in the league. He just hasn't been in recent weeks. Don't over think this. Start him, even with Rex Grossman playing quarterback.
Lawrence Tynes, Chiefs (NO!): Don't get too excited about Trent Green's return -- yet.