Everyone knows you should use studs such as Peyton Manning, LaDainian Tomlinson and Terrell Owens every week, so here are projections for other players who might be off your radar. Comment on The Gazette’s fantasy sports blog during the week at gazettefantasysports.freedomblogging.com and check out gazettedev.gazette.com for weekly video blogs.

MATT WILEY’S PICKS

Quarterback Tyler Thigpen, Chiefs

The Kansas City quarterback had combined for eight touchdowns in the three games prior to being shut out last week against Oakland. Expect him to get back on track and pass a lot against Denver’s 27th-ranked pass defense.

Running back Kevin Smith, Lions

With the NFL suspending two starters on the Vikings’ defensive front, expect any team that faces them to run right up the middle. With all the talk about the Lions possibly going 0-16, I expect them to actually be competitive this weekend.

Receiver Dane Looker, Rams

St. Louis and Arizona could play in one of the highest-scoring games of the weekend, and Looker has 10 receptions for 98 yards the past two weeks and should continue to get catches.

Sleeper Steve Heiden, TE, Browns

With Kellen Winslow out and Ken Dorsey taking over at quarterback the Browns will likely look for the tight end a lot.

Avoid Deangelo Williams, RB, Panthers

It’s hard to not play a guy a week after scoring four touchdowns, but use Williams at your own risk. Earlier this season against Tampa Bay he was held to 27 yards on 11 carries.

ANGIE DISALVO’S PICKS

Quarterback Brett Favre, Jets

Favre is starting in only 54 percent of Yahoo! leagues, but this is a great time to use him. Three of the Jets’ past four games are against pass defenses ranked in the bottom third of the league – San Francisco (29th), Seattle (32) and Miami (26). And with the race for the AFC East title so close, there’s little chance he’ll be pulled.

Running back Tim Hightower, Cardinals

Rookie has just 85 yards on 42 carries the past four weeks, but his last big game – 22 carries for 109 yards – came against this week’s opponent, St. Louis. The Rams are 30th in run defense.

Receiver Matt Jones, Jaguars

Jones leads Jacksonville in yards (727) and receptions (62). He’s coming off his second 100-yard game of the season – eight catches for 104 yards against Houston on Monday night – and the Jaguars play a generous Bears pass defense that is ranked 29th in the league.

Sleeper Chester Taylor, RB, Vikings

Taylor hasn’t been sharing the load with Adrian Peterson as much this year, but he’s likely to get some good time against the Lions’ league-worst run defense. Plus, Taylor has scored a touchdown in each of Minnesota’s past two games.

Avoid Philip Rivers, QB, Chargers

Rivers managed just 149 yards and no touchdowns last week against the 23rd-ranked Falcons. He faces a tougher foe this week in the Raiders’ eighth-ranked pass defense. He’ll likely be handing off most of the day, too, since Oakland is 29th in run defense.

Tibetan Buddhist nuns, in the background, took part in a candlelight vigil Tuesday in Dharmsala for the victims of the Mumbai attacks. At least 172 people were killed, including six Americans. Photo by (AP Photo/Ashwini Bhatia)