When I was looking for a name for this weekly blog post I wanted something that wasn’t already taken. Everyone has different names for this kind of fantasy column and I hope this name is original but if it’s not don’t tell me.

This weekly blog entry in addition to my weekly podcast will breakdown fifteen fantasy football players that are

HOT Sick with a fever for fantasy points and yes I know its lame! Just go with it!

WARM Has potential to have a good day but nothing that will explode with points.

D.O.A Not recommended starters unless you enjoy losing.

So let’s begin with the matchups that are D.O.A

Tennessee Titans quarterback Jake Locker vs. the New England Patriots

When Jake Locker was named the starter this season I thought it was a typo. Some believe his matchup with the defending AFC champs is an automatic fantasy start but I argue the opposite.

While last season the New England Patriots ranked a dismal 31^st against the pass I believe they will become the most improved defense in the NFL this season.

Where the Patriots struggled last season was giving up big plays. Last season they continued that problem all the way to the Super Bowl when Eli Manning found Mario Manningham in double coverage. This season should be a vast improvement on the Patriots scheme as they will bend but not break.

Where the Patriots don’t struggle is their pass rush and 2012 draft picks Chandler Jones and Dont’a Hightower make this defense vastly improved.

Sorry but nothing in the slightest even suggested that Jake Locker is a capable NFL starter this preseason. I think this is a case of wishful thinking.

Miami Dolphins RB Reggie Bush vs. the Houston Texans Defense

Buffalo Bills RB Fred Jackson vs. the New York Jets Defense

Cincinnati Bengals WR A.J. Green vs. the Baltimore Ravens Defense

Washington Redskins TE Fred Davis vs. the Saints Defense

WARM

Steven Jackson RB St Louis Rams vs. the Detroit Lions

While I am not expecting fireworks from Jackson I do expect him to be dependable Sundays.

Jackson at age 29 is still the feature back and while he has two rookies ready to spell for him neither of them look even close to doing what Jackson is capable of doing. Jackson has had a slight slowdown but his overall good days beat his bad ones.

The Rams will depend on Jackson to solidify the ground game on Sunday and the Lions have not proven to be efficient run stoppers ranking just 18^th in run defense in 2011.

The last time Jackson played the Lions in the 2012 NFL season he rushed for 114 yards on 24 attempts.

While Jackson is a solid fantasy backup his scoring potential this weekend is just that at best.

Buffalo Bills QB Ryan Fitzpatrick vs. the New York Jets Defense

Reggie Wayne WR Indianapolis Colts vs. the Chicago Bears Defense

Jamaal Charles RB Kansas City Chiefs vs. the Atlanta Falcons Defense

Justin Blackmon WR Jacksonville Jaguars vs. the Minnesota Vikings

HOT!!!

Vernon Davis TE San Francisco 49ers vs. the Green Bay Packers Defense

What happens when you improve the offense surrounding your best receiver? They only get better.

Vernon Davis in an offense that is designed to minimize mistakes rather than go for the big play. However with more options on the field for 49ers quarterback Alex Smith to pass to it would also benefit Davis. Davis should be the first option if the 49ers do choose to go for the big play on Sunday.

The Green Bay Packers had the undisputed worst defensive secondary in the NFL last season. They gave up nine touchdowns to tightends, they gave up an average of seventy nine yards receiving to tight ends, and they had the 26^th overall ranked defense against tightends.

I am looking for Vernon Davis to have a huge day against the Pack.

Mathew Stafford QB Detroit Pistons vs. the St Louis Rams

Larry Fitzgerald WR Arizona Cardinals vs. the Seattle Seahawks

DeAngelo Williams Carolina Panthers RB vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Darren McFadden RB Oakland Raiders vs. the Sand Diego Chargers Defense

If you have any Q’s I will be answering them on twitter so send me a follow and I will reply.

Time to go to #fantasyfootball waivers and pick up Dallas #Cowboys receiver #Ogletree !

— Cris Benson (@TheFFInformer) September 6, 2012