The Lions-Rams matchup this week is a meeting of two teams still trying to find themselves. Both teams have given up big numbers to opponents all year, so avoid either team defense like the plague. On the other hand, because the Rams and Lions defenses rank 30th and 31st in points per game given up to opponents, offensive players should be primed for a good day.

Matthew Stafford is expected to make his return under center, and even if he is without freak-of-nature Calvin Johnson, he should be able to make some things happen through the air. If Calvin Johnson’s knee keeps him on the bench Sunday, Detroit’s Bryant Johnson could end up having a very good day. Dennis Northcutt is also good sleeper pick in deeper leagues as his quickness and good hands make him a prime target on underneath routes.

On the other side of the ball, the Rams’ Marc Bulger is having a forgettable season so far. However, for the past few years, the best recipe for a struggling quarterback has been the Lions defense. While Detroit’s defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham is threatening to go “all blitz, all the time,” unless a completely different team shows up on Sunday, expect Bulger to put up pro-bowl numbers. Teams who have Tom Brady or Carson Palmer on a bye week should strongly consider Bulger as a plug in this week.

If Rams wide receiver Donnie Avery is able to play this week, he could have a big game. Similar to Calvin Johnson, it depends on whether his injuries will allow him to play, and if so, to be effective. The rest of the St. Louis receiving corps has been a revolving door due to injuries and ineffectiveness. Even with the Lions secondary giving up big yards through the air, the fantasy value of Rams receivers is a crapshoot at best.

One might have better luck with Rams tight ends Daniel Fells or Randy McMichael, but the trick there is picking which one to play. Similarly, Detroit’s starting tight end – rookie Brandon Pettigrew – has been a frequent target of the passing game, but he has not shown the route-running or pass-catching skills to take advantage. Lions backup tight ends Will Heller and Casey Fitzsimmons are just as likely to be targeted in the end zone as Pettigrew. One of these tight ends could have a big day – it’s just very hard to tell which one.

The real damage in this game will be done in the running game. The Rams Stephen Jackson is a must start this week. Detroit’s run defense has improved, but they are still susceptible to getting gashed, especially to a relentless power runner like Jackson. Additionally, he will not only be a threat on the ground, but also as a receiver – something that Detroit has struggled to defend against this year.

As bad as Detroit’s defense has been, at least one can say that they are improving. The Rams are going the opposite direction. Even though rookie linebacker James Laurinaitis is making an impact, the Rams are getting pounded week after week. Lions running back Kevin Smith is poised for a big day and should have success running the ball. Although the Lions use multiple running backs, Smith will get the bulk of the carries, especially the all-important red-zone touches.

In short, two bad defenses will make mediocre offenses look like Superbowl contenders this Sunday. Check the injury reports on Sunday morning, and then start your Lions and Rams offensive players with confidence!