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Give these guys the ball
Steven Jackson (RB, St. Louis Rams): The Saints will no doubt pound the Rams this weekend, but Jackson will get a chance to explode in the early going as St. Louis attempts to control the clock and keep the ball out of Drew Brees' hands. The Saints defence has given up seven rushing touchdowns to opponents in their last three games, and expecting 100 yards and a score from Jackson this week is a good starting point. Even if the Rams fall behind quickly, they'll discover running is the key to gaining ground on the potent Saints.
Ray Rice (RB, Baltimore Ravens): He hasn't had a lot of work over the last three games -- only once was he given the ball more than a dozen times -- but Rice has made the most of his opportunities. He has four touchdowns in those three games and should make it at least four in five with the lowly Cleveland Browns up next.
Ben Roethlisberger (QB, Pittsburgh Steelers): The Bengals are a tough matchup, but the way Big Ben has been throwing the ball this season, it shouldn't be a problem. He's tossed at least one TD in every game so far, including the first meeting with the Bengals in Week 3 -- when he tossed 276 yards and also ran for a major.
Steve Smith (WR, Carolina Panthers): It's been a rough year for the former fantasy superstar. He's broken the 100-yard barrier just once, and has a lone touchdown from Week 8 against the Arizona Cardinals to his credit. But if history indicates a good week for a turnaround, it's this one. Smith had eight catches for 131 yards against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 2. He is a good bet for a good chunk of yardage through the air and a TD.
Anquan Boldin (WR, Arizona Cardinals): Disappointed owners who drafted the Cards wideout early as their No.-1 receiver may finally enjoy another profitable weekend from their guy. Forced to sit last week with his ankle injury, Boldin should be back to relatively good health. Against the Seattle Seahawks, even an 80%-healed Boldin could do some damage. Expect 80-plus yards and a touchdown as the Hawks focus on Larry Fitzgerald.
Also start: QB Joe Flacco, Ravens (at Browns); RB Jonathan Stewart, Panthers (vs. Falcons); WR Sidney Rice, Vikings (vs. Lions); TE Jeremy Shockey, Saints (at Rams).
Tread carefully
Greg Jennings (WR, Green Bay Packers): We'd never suggest sitting a guy as talented as Jennings, but he's got just two touchdowns so far this season. Worse, he's had no 100-yard games since Week 3 against the Rams. The third strike is the fact the Dallas Cowboys -- this week's opponent -- did a pretty solid job on the Eagles receivers last week. Use Jennings as a No. 3 or flex option if you can.
Cedric Benson (RB, Cincinnati Bengals): Sure, he snapped a lengthy Baltimore Ravens streak of not allowing a 100-yard rusher earlier this year, and followed it up with another great outing against them last week. But the Steelers' streak of 26 regular-season games without allowing 100-yard opponent on the ground may be more difficult. Steelers safety Troy Polamalu is healthy and hunting, and the Steelers are looking like defending champs right now. Benson is a risky start -- but it is tough to bet against him.
Sleep on it
Darren McFadden (RB, Oakland Raiders): Back from a knee injury that kept him out of five weeks of action, McFadden is eager to prove he's not a bust. The Chiefs should give him every opportunity to prove it -- they've got the 28th-ranked run defence. If he isn't feeling any effects of the surgically repaired meniscus, McFadden could be in for a big day.
Also consider: QB Mark Sanchez, Jets (vs. Jags); RB Shonn Greene, Jets (vs. Jags); WR Laveranues Coles, Bengals (at Steelers); TE John Carlson, Seahawks (at Cards); TE Todd Heap, Ravens (at Browns).
STEVE.MACFARLANE@SUNMEDIA.CA