PLAYER MATCHUP OF THE WEEK

Saints QB Drew Brees vs. Buccaneers pass defense

Brees' 3,574 passing yards are the most in NFL history through 11 games. The Bucs rank second in pass defense (174.6 yards per game) and seventh in interceptions with 14. Nine Bucs players have at least one pick. Rookie cornerback Aqib Talib leads the way with three. (MC)

COACHING MATCHUP OF THE WEEK STEELERS DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR DICK LEBEAU

VS. PATRIOTS OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR JOSH MCDANIELS

LeBeau is the 71-year-old longtime mastermind of a Steelers defense that leads the NFL in total defense, pass defense, run defense and scoring defense. McDaniels is the 32-year-old whiz kid who could be a head coach as early as next season. The Pats offense is coming off consecutive 500-yard efforts for the first time in franchise history. (MC)

HERO OF THE WEEK ADRIAN PETERSON, RB, VIKINGS

Peterson has played the Bears three times, has 423 yards, seven touchdowns and a 6.8-yard average per carry. Throw in the fact it's a nationally televised, prime-time game that could give the Vikings control of the division, and let's assume "AD" shows up for this one. (MC)

FANTASY PICKS Need a leftover QB?

Washington always has Eli Manning's number, and the Giants want to run all day. This is the week to bench Eli. Start Matt Ryan instead and watch him shred San Diego's sleepy pass D. Kyle Orton in the deafening Metrodome Sunday night? No thanks. Chad Pennington, Sage Rosenfels and our guy Gus Frerotte are better options if you're picking through Thanksgiving weekend leftovers. (CC)