Stick with your stars in tough matchups

I won both my games last week, and I'd like to think that's because I stuck with my philosophy. The perfect example is Anquan Boldin. The week before he didn't do much because Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco couldn't get him the ball. Going up against the Browns, who have been solid against the pass, it could've been tempting to sit him and look for a better matchup. But I drafted him as my No. 1 receiver and, as I've said, I like to let those guys play for the first two or three weeks before making any substitutions. Sure enough, Boldin was great last week. He seems to be really settling into the Ravens' offense and getting on the same page with Flacco.

That's why I'd play both Flacco and Boldin this week, even though they're going up against that brutal Pittsburgh defense. It'll be a tight game, but they're going to have to throw it some if they want to win. I'd say the same thing about Charlie Batch.

This week, fantasy players have to deal with the first round of byes. I sometimes wish I could have all my players get their bye on the same week. It feels like it's easier to just take the loss and move on. I don't adjust too much -- I don't remake my roster for the week with waiver pickups -- but try to simply put my best guys out there and see what happens.

If you are interested in picking someone up, I'd look at the Seahawks. They've shown themselves to be a team that's going to put up points consistently, and their game with the Rams this week could turn into a shootout. I'd also play anyone I could get on either the Eagles or the Redskins. That's going to be a wild game with two fired up QBs. DeSean Jackson, Chris Cooley, Santana Moss -- all those guys look really good.

I like anyone on the Bears against the Giants, who seem to be dealing with some inner turmoil. The Bears are starting to remind of the Saints. You know Drew Brees is going to throw a few touchdowns every week but you never know who they're going to go to. He has a lot of options and anyone on that team could have a big week. The Bears are the same way, so I like any of their receivers, plus Matt Forte, who has been great out of the backfield, and Jay Cutler.

I like both of the Panthers' running backs, DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart, against the Saints. They're starting a rookie quarterback, Jimmy Clausen, so they're going to have to run the ball. Like everyone, I like Texans rookie Arian Foster against the Raiders' bend-but-don't break defense. I'm not so sure about Foster's teammate Andre Johnson, though. He's not at 100 percent and he has a tough matchup with Nnamdi Asomugha.