Start 'Em & Sit 'Em is our weekly look at the best and worst matchups from around the NFL and how they might affect lineup decisions for your Fantasy Football team. We are not in the business of stating the obvious, so you won't be reading here why you need to start Peyton Manning, LaDainian Tomlinson or any other top-tier players.

If you haven't noticed, this year's class of rookie running backs is impressive. And it's only getting better as the season goes on.

In a standard-scoring Fantasy league, six of the top 30 running backs are currently rookies with Matt Forte, Chris Johnson, Jonathan Stewart, Steve Slaton, Darren McFadden and Tim Hightower off to great starts to their NFL careers. And Slaton is about to get better.

Slaton has a dream matchup this week against the Colts, which is why he is the Start of the Week. The Colts are allowing 199.3 rushing yards per game and three rushing touchdowns this year.

So far, Forte (123 rushing yards and a touchdown), Adrian Peterson (160 rushing yards), Fred Taylor (121 rushing yards) and Maurice Jones-Drew (107 rushing yards and a touchdown) have all run well against the Colts. Slaton is next.

Slaton started his first game in Week 3 with Ahman Green banged up and ran for 116 yards and a touchdown at Tennessee, which has one of the best defenses in the NFL. He followed that up with 116 total yards and a touchdown against another solid defense at Jacksonville.

Coach Gary Kubiak said Slaton will remain the starter even with Green expected to return this week. And Slaton has proven he is a dual threat with eight catches for 83 yards against the Jaguars and 15 catches in three games.

The Colts run defense should improve, especially coming off the bye week. But safety Bob Sanders (ankle/knee) remains out, and he's the key for the Colts stopping the run, so Slaton should continue to shine.

Sit of the Week

Julius Jones was great the two weeks before Seattle went on a bye in Week 4. Jones ran for 127 yards and a touchdown against San Francisco and then 140 yards and a touchdown against St. Louis.

But Jones did that with Maurice Morris out with a knee injury, and now Morris is expected back this week. T.J. Duckett also has factored into the mix, so Jones has plenty of company in the backfield.

He also has a tough matchup against a team with which he is familiar. As a member of the Cowboys, Jones had 66 rushing yards against the Giants in Week 1 last year, which was his high against the Giants in his last four meetings. Jones hasn't scored a touchdown against the Giants in his past six meetings.

Jones was our Start of the Week in Week 3 when he faced the Rams. Now, he's our Sit of the Week against the Giants, who are No. 7 in run defense with only one rushing touchdown allowed this season.

Jones also has to deal with an improved passing game for the Seahawks with the return of Bobby Engram (shoulder) and Deion Branch (knee) from injury. It's going to be a tough week for Jones, including a trip across the country for a 1 p.m. ET start, which is never easy for West Coast teams.

This is not the week to put Jones in your starting lineup, and his run as a good Fantasy option might have ended. We'll find out in the next few weeks when his matchup improves, but the Giants will continue to limit what Jones can do.

Quarterbacks

Start 'Em

Jake Delhomme is a solid option in Week 5 vs. the Chiefs. (US Presswire)

Sleeper alert: Chad Pennington (vs. SD): Pennington has only two touchdowns this year and none since Week 1 against the Jets. But he is coming off a solid outing against the Patriots in Week 3 when he was 17-of-20 passing for 226 yards. If Pennington isn't spending too much time lined up at receiver in the "Wildcat" package with Ronnie Brown at quarterback, Pennington should do well this week. San Diego is last in pass defense and leads the NFL with nine passing touchdowns allowed. Pennington will lean on his tight ends in Anthony Fasano and David Martin, so look for Pennington as a good bye-week replacement in Week 5.

Sit 'Em

Carson Palmer (at DAL): Palmer hopes to play this week after missing Week 3 against Cleveland with an injured elbow. The safe option, however, is to keep Palmer on your bench. You don't want to have a last-minute situation where he's declared inactive again, and even if he plays, he hasn't exactly been stellar. The Cowboys defense is not playing well, but they should be able to limit Palmer and the Bengals in this matchup. Palmer hasn't done enough this year to warrant taking the chance that he'll play.
David Garrard (vs. PIT): Garrard played well against the Steelers last year with 197 passing yards, three touchdowns and an interception in the regular season and then his famous run in the playoff victory. But Garrard isn't playing on that level this year, and the Steelers might have to win this game on defense. The Steelers pass defense is No. 3 in the NFL with only three touchdowns allowed, six interceptions and 15 sacks. Garrard looked better against the Texans last week, but don't get excited and start him in this matchup.
Ben Roethlisberger (at JAC): The Steelers are going to lean on Big Ben with Willie Parker (knee) and Rashard Mendenhall (shoulder) out, but Roethlisberger's shoulder is still a concern. He has yet to pass for 200 yards this year and has one touchdown and two interceptions in his past two games. Along with that, his offensive line is a mess, and the Jaguars are ready. Last year, Jacksonville sacked Roethlisberger 11 times in two games, so look for Big Ben to struggle to find time to make plays.
Matt Schaub (vs. IND): Finally, Schaub looked like a quality Fantasy quarterback in Week 4 at Jacksonville with 307 passing yards and three touchdowns. More importantly, he had no turnovers for the first time this year. But now he faces the Colts, who have yet to allow a passing touchdown and are No. 2 in pass defense. In one meeting with the Colts last year, Schaub passed for 236 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. The Texans have a chance to run the ball this week, so don't expect much from Schaub.
Matt Hasselbeck (at NYG): Hasselbeck gets help this week with Bobby Engram (shoulder) and Deion Branch (knee) expected to make their return. But this isn't the week to trust Hasselbeck just yet. The Giants are going to come after him, and they are among the league leaders with 13 sacks. The last time Hasselbeck faced an aggressive defense like this was Week 1 at Buffalo, and he was sacked five times. Look for the Giants defense to handle the Seattle passing game and limit what Hasselbeck can do this week.

Bust alert: Eli Manning (vs. SEA): Manning is coming off a solid two-game stretch against St. Louis and Cincinnati with 549 passing yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions. But that was with Plaxico Burress on the field, and now Burress is suspended this week. It shouldn't limit Manning from making plays with Amani Toomer stepping up for Burress, but this is a typical Manning game where he passes for about 220 yards, one touchdown and one interception. I just don't like Manning without Burress in this matchup.

Running backs

Start 'Em

Jonathan Stewart (vs. KC): Last week's Start of the Week had 52 rushing yards and a touchdown and has four touchdowns in his past three games. He gets another great matchup in the Chiefs, who are No. 30 in run defense with six rushing touchdowns allowed. Stewart has topped out at 14 carries twice this season, so you'd like to see him touch the ball more, and if the Panthers build a lead this week, that will happen. At worst, figure on Stewart for another game with around 60 rushing yards and a touchdown.
Matt Forte (at DET): Forte has gotten at least eight Fantasy points a week and is proving he is a solid dual threat. He's also getting plenty of opportunities with at least 19 carries a game. This week, Forte faces the worst run defense in the league. The Lions have allowed 207.7 rushing yards per game and six rushing touchdowns. Forte should be in line for his second 100-yard rushing game and could set a new career high in this matchup.
Earnest Graham (at DEN): Let's see, you have a running back who has at least 90-yards rushing in three of four games against a run defense that just allowed Larry Johnson to get 198 rushing yards and two touchdowns last week. Graham should be in line for a solid outing against the Broncos, who are allowing 132.8 yards per game and five rushing touchdowns. Graham is averaging 5.9 yards-per-carry and has three runs of at least 45 yards this year.
Ryan Grant (vs. ATL): Grant has been terrible this year with 55 carries for 186 yards and no touchdowns. Take away his 57-yard run in Week 1 against Minnesota, and Grant has been atrocious. But this is a good week for Grant to get going. Aaron Rodgers (shoulder) is banged up, and the Falcons run defense has been awful. They have allowed a rushing touchdown each game and five overall, and Atlanta is giving up 131.2 yards per game. Count on Grant this week or else it's time to give up on him.
Michael Turner (at GB): Turner's road woes end here. In two road games, Turner has 32 carries for 98 yards and no touchdowns. At home, he has 40 carries for 324 yards and five scores. Well, against the Packers, Turner will feel at home. Green Bay has allowed four rushing touchdowns and 157.8 rushing yards per game on the season. The Falcons should be able to establish Turner this week. While he won't put up the same stats he has at home in favorable matchups against Detroit and Kansas City, he should shine at Green Bay.

Sleeper alert: Felix Jones (vs. CIN): Jones didn't touch the ball on offense in Week 4 against Washington, and the Cowboys won't make that mistake twice. When Jones has at least five touches so far this season he has scored a touchdown. Imagine what he could do with 10 or more? The Cowboys should be ahead early in this game, which would allow for Jones to get garbage-time touches and pad his stats. He's due for a big game, and this is the week.

Sit 'Em

LeRon McClain (vs. TEN): Include Willis McGahee in this also, but McClain has been the best running back for the Ravens, so we'll focus on him. The Titans run defense is among the best in the NFL. Tennessee has allowed four rushing touchdowns this year, but two of those were scored by Minnesota's Adrian Peterson. The Ravens played a physical game Monday night at Pittsburgh, and McClain was dealing with leg cramps. He'll be fine for this week, but don't expect him to do much, especially if McGahee (chest) is healthy.
Rudi Johnson (vs. CHI): Johnson might have been named the starter for the Lions, but don't make him a starter on your Fantasy team. The Bears run defense is solid with only three rushing touchdowns allowed and 79.2 rushing yards per game. Johnson's plodding style is catered toward the Bears run defense, and he will still lose carries to rookie Kevin Smith. There will be better matchups ahead for Johnson if he can remain in the starting role, but this is not the week to count on him.
LenDale White (at BAL): White's shoulder injury limited him to 11 carries for 13 yards and a touchdown in Week 4 against Minnesota, and his shoulder is bothering him again. He also has a tough matchup this week against the Ravens, who have yet to allow a rushing touchdown and only 69.7 rushing yards per game. Chris Johnson is now getting carries at the goal line with two short-yardage touchdowns last week against the Vikings, and that's going to hurt White's production.
Chris Perry (at DAL): Perry's got a bad hamstring and struggled against the Browns last week with 12 carries for 28 yards. The addition of Cedric Benson will cut into Perry's production also. Dallas should go up early this game, which will limit what Perry can do, which hasn't been much. Aside from two rushing touchdowns, Perry is averaging just 2.9 yards-per-carry. He has yet to rush for more than 75 yards and has been limited in the passing game as well with only 10 catches in four games.
Selvin Young (vs. TB): The Bucs have yet to allow a rushing touchdown this year, and Young won't be the first one to do it. If you want a Broncos running back this week, go with Michael Pittman, who is facing his former team and has been the best Fantasy option in Denver's backfield. Young has gotten 11 carries a game the past two weeks, but that's his high for the season. And he hasn't topped 80 rushing yards in a game and only has one rushing touchdown this year.

Bust alert: Deuce McAllister (vs. MIN): McAllister returned last week with 20 carries for 73 yards and a touchdown against the 49ers, but he will find less running room against the Vikings. Minnesota does well with inside runners, so look for McAllister to struggle here. Reggie Bush should do well this week because he can get outside, much like Chris Johnson did against Minnesota last week. Hopefully you were able to add McAllister off the waiver wire, but keep him reserved for this matchup.

Wide receivers

Start 'Em

Chris Chambers (at MIA): Chambers spent seven years with the Dolphins before being traded to San Diego last year, so this is a homecoming of sorts. He only has eight catches for 196 yards on the season, but he has scored four touchdowns. The Dolphins have allowed six touchdown passes in three games with only one interception, so look for Chambers to have a couple of big plays against this secondary, which he is familiar with. "I can't wait to play in front of the fans I had when I was there,'' Chambers said.
Bernard Berrian (at NO): Berrian has gotten going the past two games with eight catches for 157 yards, but he hasn't scored yet this year. This week, he has a good matchup against the Saints, who are No. 29 in pass defense with five passing touchdowns allowed, and Berrian has a touchdown in each of his past two meetings with New Orleans. Look for Berrian to get a couple of opportunities to make a play downfield, and hopefully this time he will find the end zone.
Lee Evans (at ARI): Evans has to be giddy after watching what Laveranues Coles did against the Cardinals in Week 4 when he caught eight passes for 105 yards and three touchdowns. Arizona safety Adrian Wilson (hamstring) missed that game, and he's questionable this week also, which would help Evans and the Bills' passing game. Evans has 14 catches for 332 yards and a touchdown this season and is doing well in a contract year. Look for that to continue, which is a benefit for Fantasy owners.
Antonio Bryant (at DEN): After catching 10 passes for 138 yards at Chicago in Week 3, Bryant cooled off last week against Green Bay with four catches for 39 yards. Now he gets a favorable matchup at Denver, which has allowed 276 passing yards per game and seven touchdowns this year. With Joey Galloway (foot) still limited for the Bucs, look for Bryant to remain the top option in the passing game and be a favorite target for Brian Griese.
Lance Moore (vs. MIN): Marques Colston (thumb) will miss his fourth game, which is good for Moore, who has turned into the Saints best receiver. He has 14 catches for 179 yards and two touchdowns the past two games and has become a favorite target for Drew Brees, who said Moore doesn't drop many passes. "Last Thursday after practice, he dropped two in a row and I had never ever seen that in my life," Brees said. "He caught two touchdowns in the game. Maybe we should have him drop two in a row in every Thursday practice."

Sleeper alert: Marvin Harrison (at HOU) Harrison has been limited this year with only 13 catches for 132 yards and a touchdown, but the Colts are usually good coming off a bye. And Harrison has a good history against the Texans with 35 catches for 465 yards and four touchdowns in his past five meetings. The Texans are No. 9 in pass defense, but the Colts are the best passing offense they will face this year. And Peyton Manning (10 touchdowns and no interceptions in his past four vs. Houston) likes this matchup and likes getting Harrison the ball.

Sit 'Em

Bobby Engram (at NYG): I'm not ready to count on Engram or Deion Branch yet as they are expected to make their 2008 debut following injuries to start the season. The Giants have one of the best pass defenses in the league with a solid secondary and the ability to rush the passer. The Giants have only allowed three passing touchdowns in three games and are among the league leaders with 13 sacks. With Seattle coming across the country also for a 1 p.m. ET start, the Giants should be ready for this offense.
Steve Breaston (vs. BUF): Should you add Breaston following his nine catch, 122-yard performance at the Jets? Yes, especially with Anquan Boldin (head) expected to miss the game. But I'm not ready to count on Breaston against the Bills, who are No. 6 in pass defense and have only allowed two passing touchdowns. Breaston also has to deal with Larry Fitzgerald as the No. 1 option and Jerheme Urban taking away targets. Breaston could make some plays, but don't throw him into your starting lineup yet.
Isaac Bruce (vs. NE): Bruce has been the one constant the past three weeks for the 49ers passing game with 11 catches for 226 yards and two touchdowns, but I'm concerned with this matchup. New England has enough help in the secondary to stay with Bruce, and the Patriots have only allowed three passing touchdowns this year (two from opposing quarterbacks when you count Ronnie Brown's touchdown pass). And Bill Belichick is typically good coming off a bye week, so keep Bruce on your bench.
Justin Gage (at BAL): It looks like Gage is going to be good every other week since his knee is bothering him in Week 5. In Week 2, Gage had five catches for 59 yards and a touchdown against the Bengals. He missed Week 3 with a groin injury but returned in Week 4 against Minnesota with five catches for 92 yards. The Ravens are No. 1 in pass defense with two touchdowns allowed in three games, so even if Gage is 100 percent, keep him on your bench this week.
Kevin Walter (vs. IND): It has to annoy Andre Johnson owners that Walter has been the best receiver for the Texans this year with 15 catches for 132 yards and three touchdowns. Walter will be limited this week against the Colts, who are the only team yet to allow a passing touchdown. Walter did score in his last meeting with Indianapolis last year and has nine catches for 111 yards in his past four meetings with the Colts, but don't get excited with Walter just yet. He's not worth starting just yet.

Bust alert: Santana Moss (at PHI): Last week I said Hines Ward was a one-week bust, and that worked out. But I said Drew Brees and Jason Witten would be busts also, and that didn't work in my favor. This week, we'll see which side Moss falls on, but I'm going with the bust angle again even though he has been dominant with 27 catches for 421 yards and three touchdowns this year. The Eagles haven't allowed Moss to score a touchdown in their past five meetings and twice held him to three catches or less in that span. Philly also has enough speed to stay with Moss, so look for his first bad game this year.

Tight ends

Start 'Em

Anthony Fasano (vs. SD): San Diego coach Norv Turner knows his team has struggled with tight ends. "Tight ends have had big days against us, and that's something we're working on," Turner said Wednesday. So far, Dante Rosario (seven catches for 96 yards and a touchdown), Tony Scheffler (six catches for 64 yards and two touchdowns), Dustin Keller (four catches for 41 yards and a touchdown) and Zach Miller (five catches for 95 yards and a touchdown) have all played well against the Chargers. Fasano should be next, and also look at David Martin in deeper leagues.
Chris Cooley (at PHI): Cooley isn't having a very Cooley-like year so far with only 17 catches for 179 yards and no touchdowns through four games. He also has a moderate history against the Eagles with 16 catches for 151 yards and a touchdown in his past five meetings. But the Eagles have also struggled to stop tight ends with Randy McMichael (five catches for 77 yards), Jason Witten (seven catches for 110 yards), Heath Miller (four catches for 63 yards) and Greg Olsen (four catches for 35 yards and a touchdown) doing well. Now it's Cooley's turn.
Dallas Clark (at HOU): Clark has been hampered this year by injury, the return of Marvin Harrison and the development of Anthony Gonzalez, which has limited Clark's production to just five catches for 55 yards and no touchdowns. Good thing he faces the Texans this week because Clark has been outstanding in this matchup. Clark has 18 catches for 213 yards and five touchdowns in his past five meetings with the Texans and seven touchdowns against Houston overall. Peyton Manning should look for Clark often this week.

Sleeper alert: Alex Smith (at DEN): The Broncos are developing into another team that struggles with tight ends. Zach Miller (four catches for 34 yards), Antonio Gates (four catches for 61 yards), Jeremy Shockey (eight catches for 75 yards) and Tony Gonzalez (three catches for 47 yards and a touchdown) have done well against Denver. Smith only has nine catches for 98 yards and a touchdown this year and is sharing time with Jerramy Stevens, but Smith is a Denver native and should do well going back home. And with Brian Griese also going back to Denver, he will look for Smith in the red zone.

Sit 'Em

Todd Heap (vs. TEN): What happened to Heap? He's not injured, but he can't seem to make any plays, going without a catch in Week 4 at Pittsburgh. For the season, Heap only has three catches for 37 yards and has not found the end zone. The Titans have allowed only one passing touchdown this year and have done well against opposing tight ends. Only Owen Daniels has done anything significant with four catches for 71 yards in Week 3. Heap is not as good as Daniels right now, so keep him reserved.
Kevin Boss (vs. SEA): We'll find out this week if Boss can be a reliable target or just a complementary player. With Plaxico Burress out, Boss could see more passes in his direction. But he also will see more coverage from the Seahawks, who have allowed four passing touchdowns in three games. Boss will need to help Eli Manning by getting open, but I don't like the matchup and the extra attention Boss will see without Burress on the field. Don't count on Boss this week.
John Carlson (at NYG): The Giants used to struggle with tight ends, but that changed this year through the first three games. Chris Cooley, Randy McMichael and Reggie Kelly have combined for seven catches for 53 yards and no touchdowns. Carlson also could lose some targets with the potential return of Bobby Engram and Deion Branch. Carlson has been a reliable tight end with 12 catches for 168 and the Seahawks best receiving threat. But that will change now, and the matchup is tough this week.

Bust alert: Owen Daniels (vs. IND): In two games last year against the Colts, Daniels combined for seven catches for 83 yards and no touchdowns. The Colts have also allowed no passing touchdowns this year and only 141 receiving yards per game. Daniels is coming off two solid games against Tennessee and Jacksonville with 11 catches for 158 yards. And with Houston expected to run the ball with success this week, Daniels might not get many opportunities to catch the ball.

Defense/Special teams

Start 'Em

Jacksonville (vs. PIT): The Steelers are without their two best rushers in Willie Parker (knee) and Rashard Mendenhall (shoulder), and the offensive line is banged up. Ben Roethlisberger also is less than 100 percent, and he's been sacked 15 times this year, including 11 the past two games. Jacksonville standout cornerback Rashean Mathis has five interceptions in his past four meetings with the Steelers, who should be exhausted coming off Monday night's overtime victory against Baltimore. The Steelers only have two offensive touchdowns in their past three games.

Other DSTs with good matchups: Carolina (vs. KC), Dallas (vs. CIN) and Tennessee (vs. BAL)

Sit 'Em

Tampa Bay (at DEN): Jay Cutler is prone to turnovers with four interceptions and two fumbles on the year (not including the Ed Hochuli gaffe), so the Bucs could benefit there. But the Broncos are averaging more than 33 points a game, and this game should be high-scoring. The Bucs are the No. 3 scoring defense in standard-scoring Fantasy leagues, but this is the toughest offense they will face since playing at New Orleans in Week 1. And going to Denver is never easy, so look for the Bucs DST to stumble.

Kicker

Start 'Em

Robbie Gould (at DET): In Gould's last three trips to Detroit, he has at least two field goals in each game and has gone 8-of-9 over that span with six extra points. Gould, who has started this year 7-of-8 on field goals, could be added off the waiver wire if you need a kicker since he is only owned in 57 percent of leagues on CBSSports.com. The Lions also are last in scoring defense at 37.7 points per game allowed with 14 extra points and five field goals allowed this year.

Other kickers with good matchups: Matt Bryant (at DEN), Dan Carpenter (vs. SD) and Kris Brown (vs. IND)

Sit 'Em

Matt Stover (vs. TEN): Ryan Longwell was only 1-of-2 on field goals against the Titans last week, and Stover plays in a worse offense, so don't expect many field goal chances. The Titans are No. 1 in scoring defense at 11.5 points per game and have only allowed four field goals and four extra points on the season. Stover is coming off a solid game against the Steelers with two field goals and two extra points, but he's just 3-of-5 on field goals for the season.

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