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| Lynne Sladky / Associated Press |
| Dolphins running back Ronnie Brown will be a popular starting option in NFL.com's Fan Challenge. |
On Thursday, November 12, the first of eight games to air on the NFL Network kicks off as the Chicago Bears face the San Francisco 49ers. In conjunction with these eight exciting matchups, NFL.com and the NFL Network have created the Fan Challenge, where you can win a trip to the 2010 Kickoff Game!
The rules for the Fan Challenge are simple. Owners are required to pick one player from each of the eight NFL Network games for a total of eight starters: two quarterbacks, two running backs, two wide receivers, one tight end and one defense. Points are accrued based on the NFL.com standard scoring system, which rewards one point for each 25 passing yards and 10 rushing and receiving yards, six points for all touchdowns and minus-2 points for interceptions and lost fumbles. Defensive statistics include one point for sacks, two points for fumble recoveries, interceptions and safeties and a range of rewards for points and yards allowed.
Since you can only choose one player per game, the matchups are extremely important. You'll be able to set your lineup on a week-to-week basis, but I've examined the numbers and put together what I feel will be a competitive roster.
Bears at 49ers (Week 10)
| Team | Player | Analysis |
 San Francisco 49ers |  Frank Gore, RB | Gore is one of the better running backs in fantasy football, and he's the centerpiece of the 49ers' offensive attack. That makes him a great choice for the Fan Challenge against a Bears defense that isn't as good stopping the run without LB Brian Urlacher. The veteran runner out of Miami (FL) should find more than his share of success in a game that could have postseason implications down the road. |
Dolphins at Panthers (Week 11)
| Team | Player | Analysis |
 Miami Dolphins |  Ronnie Brown, RB | Can you say Wildcat? Brown has become the poster boy for the single-wing formation, and it's helped him become one of this season's best running backs both on the field and in fantasy circles. He'll be a popular option for coach Tony Sparano against the Panthers, whose defense ranks near the bottom of the league against the run. Brown, a must-start fantasy player, is a great choice. |
Giants at Broncos (Week 12)
| Team | Player | Analysis |
 Denver Broncos |  Brandon Marshall, WR | It's hard to find a "good" matchup in a game that boasts two of the league's better all-around defenses, so let's take one of the hottest wideouts in the league and start Marshall. Despite a preseason suspension and a desire to be traded, Marshall is now thrilled to be in Denver and is finding immense success in the offense of coach Josh McDaniels. He should see enough targets to find fantasy success. |
Jets at Bills (Week 13)
| Team | Analysis |
 Jets defense | I don't see one elite fantasy player on either of these rosters. Sure, Thomas Jones, Braylon Edwards and Marshawn Lynch are nice options, but I'd rather take a chance on the Jets defense in this one. The Bills offense has struggled to put points on the board, and Jets coach Rex Ryan will be looking to put the heat on Trent Edwards in an important AFC East battle. I see the Men in Green making a strong defensive impact. |
Steelers at Browns (Week 14)
| Team | Player | Analysis |
 Pittsburgh Steelers |  Ben Roethlisberger, QB | Roethlisberger has gone from being a fantasy disappointment in 2008 to a solid starter this season. The veteran quarterback is on pace to throw for better than 4,000 yards for the first time in his career, as the Steelers have leaned less on the run and more on the pass attack this season. Facing a weak Browns defense, Big Ben should be good for some big numbers in this AFC North battle. |
Colts at Jaguars / Cowboys at Saints (Week 15)
| Team | Player | Analysis |
 Indianapolis Colts |  Reggie Wayne, WR | It was difficult to pick between Peyton Manning and Wayne, but fantasy owners can't lose with either of these superstars against Jacksonville. The Jaguars have one of the league's worst defenses against the pass, and Wayne has had more than his share of success against the AFC South foe during his career. The Colts should score a ton of points in this game, and Wayne's stat line should benefit as a result. |
| Team | Player | Analysis |
 New Orleans Saints |  Drew Brees, QB | Since I passed on starting Peyton Manning, I had to pick Brees as one of my starting quarterbacks. Arguably the best field general in fantasy football, Brees is a virtual lock to post enormous numbers against a Cowboys defense that ranks as one of the league's worst units against the pass. In fact, I'd be shocked if Brees didn't throw for at least two touchdowns in what could be a very high-scoring affair. |
Chargers at Titans (Week 16)
| Team | Player | Analysis |
 San Diego Chargers |  Antonio Gates, TE | There weren't a lot of spots to take an elite tight end, so I picked Gates based on a matchup against Tennessee. The Titans have one of the league's worst pass defenses, and they've been far less than effective in stopping the opposition's tight ends this season. Look for Philip Rivers, Vincent Jackson and Gates to all put up good numbers in a game that should see the Chargers light up the scoreboard. |
Michael Fabiano is an award-winning fantasy football analyst on NFL.com. Have a burning question for Michael on anything fantasy football related? Leave it in our comments section or send it to AskFabiano@nfl.com!
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