Don’t forget, this is the first week of byes …

SMART STARTS
Matt Forte, RB, Bears: Still waiting for Forte to put up his first good fantasy game of the season? He’ll do so against the Lions, though I’m wondering with Jay Cutler being more of a downfield passer if Forte will even come close to his receiving numbers of last year.

Steve Slaton, RB, Texans: Speaking of second-year running backs underperforming in 2009, Slaton has struggled this season, too. Don’t be surprised if the Texans balance their offense a tad more against the Raiders and Slaton finally tops the century mark rushing.

Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Steelers. Pittsburgh’s running game is ailing, and the Steelers face a Chargers team that almost let the Raiders’ passing attack beat them in Week 1. Add in that Pittsburgh desperately needs a victory, and Big Ben will be primed for a decent outing.

SLEEPER MADNESS
Cedric Benson, RB, Bengals: I’m as surprised as the next guy that Benson is doing well in Cincinnati. The Bengals play the pathetic Browns, meaning he’ll be primed for a 100-yard rushing day.

Derrick Ward, RB, Buccaneers: I have an odd feeling that the Bucs will bust out this week against the Redskins, who allowed Kevin Smith to top 100 yards last week. Ward, the former Giant, is familiar with the Redskins and will post his best game of the season. Besides, do you really believe Josh Johnson is the answer for the Bucs at QB? Didn’t think so, so stick with Tampa Bay’s running game.

Marshawn Lynch, RB, Bills: In his first game back from suspension, Lynch won’t get a lot of carries, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he gets the ball near the end zone, just to get him back into the touchdown groove. It’s a risky start, but if you are little thin at RB because of this first bye week, you don’t have much to lose.

AVOID LIKE THE FLU
Larry Johnson, RB, Chiefs. I think this goes without saying — he’s just not producing for the Chiefs’ offense. His grace period is over for fantasy owners hoping he’d return to his form of a few years ago.

Donnie Avery, WR, Rams: Laurent Robinson’s season is over, Marc Bulger is injured, the 49ers are tough on defense, and St. Louis generally stinks. Avery’s numbers might go up a little with Robinson sidelined, but not enough to start.

Willis McGahee, RB, Ravens: McGahee’s surprise touchdown barrage halts, at least for one week, against New England. He won’t gain enough yards to otherwise start him,