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Why not?

Why not have the Ravens defense on your Gridiron Challenge team for their savory matchup against the hapless Cleveland Browns in Week 3? Every week, at every position, a number of enticing matchups exist. The kind of matchups that we crave as fantasy managers when they're ours, and fear when they're our opponents', such as Jay Cutler hosting the Detroit Lions or Cedric Benson preparing to face those same Browns.

If you budget properly, you can get in on these coveted scenarios on a regular basis. Too often as I peruse Gridiron Challenge rosters I find managers who are reluctant to give up on players/units that have nice margins between locked and market prices, no matter the matchup. While holding on to shrewd investments can often be helpful, we must make maximizing our production a priority over getting the most out of our dividends.

The 18 percent of Gridiron Challenge teams that rostered the Baltimore defense last week enjoyed amazing returns that helped them net considerable margins versus their peers at the position. So maximize your production with timely roster tweaks; it's the best way to win in this marketplace.

Bull Market

Carson Palmer, QB, Bengals (5.8 price tag): This week's sweet matchup against the charitable Cleveland defense makes for an ideal addition to your portfolio. With the likes of Tom Brady costing significantly more and with a far less inviting matchup, you can save some coin on Palmer while looking forward to his likely price increase after this week. A looming Week 5 meeting with Baltimore might scare away investors from considering Palmer as an enduring asset, but consider that the Ravens have been relatively soft against the pass while ranking as the league's best against the run.

Jay Cutler, QB, Bears, (6.0 price tag): The Lions' feel-good angle has come to an end; now they are just another 1-2 team with an exploitable secondary. Cutler has warmed to his new gig since a horrid debut and should enjoy a fortnight of sweet stats as he hosts the Lions and then visits the Falcons in what should be a high-scoring affair.

Cedric Benson, RB, Bengals (6.1 price tag): Benson is the rare "bust" to bust out and prove ultimately worthy of the previously unwarranted hype. This late-bloomer seems to "get it" now, for whatever reason, and is in an undeniably lucrative position from a statistical standpoint with Cincinnati. With relatively no competition for touches and the Bengals' newfound dedication to the ground game, there are few backs better to own than Benson.

Steve Slaton, RB, Texans (5.8 price tag): Those "Slaton worshippers" out there are surely doubting their faith lately given his lack of production, but in comes Oakland's porous rush defense, which has allowed 155 yards per contest. With super wideout Andre Johnson often blanketed by cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, the team should turn to Slaton this week as the offensive ignition.

Glen Coffee, RB, 49ers (3.3 price tag): Cheaper than most kickers and with two favorable games on the itinerary, Coffee makes for a uniquely sound running back investment. If you were to take a stab at Coffee as your second back, you'd be able to pay elite prices at every other position without sacrificing much potential.

Jerricho Cotchery, WR, Jets (5.7 price tag): On pace for some gaudy yet attainable numbers, Cotchery is a prized possession for fantasy owners and a valuable asset in the Gridiron marketplace as well. With the green Mark Sanchez looking his way often and no comparable talent to compete with for targets, expect Cotchery to excel during this soft stretch of the schedule.

Devin Hester, WR, Bears (5.3 price tag): Four of his next five matchups are against very generous secondaries, and Cutler is starting to look comfortable taking deep shots. Hester remains somewhat of a boom-or-bust investment, but the schedule seems to be inviting an explosion.

Heath Miller, TE, Steelers (4.0 price tag): Miller has never been a high-yardage or reception tight end but rather one who is dependent on getting to the end zone as a source of value. Held scoreless so far this young season, he should change that versus a welcoming stretch of opponents, including the Chargers, Lions and Browns.

Weekly Wonders

Jason Campbell, QB, Redskins (5.6 price tag): The sorry Tampa Bay secondary affords Campbell and his reeling Redskins a reprieve and an opportunity to prove that they are better than their early play has indicated. As a one-week flier, Campbell bears nice value.

Willie Parker, RB, Steelers (5.4 price tag): Just as the "Fast" seemed to return to his moniker, Parker is now slowed by a case of turf toe. Despite this setback, he is expected to play and has a nice stretch of sieve-like defenses awaiting him if he proves healthy enough to invest in.

Knowshon Moreno, RB, Broncos (5.4 price tag): His 38 carries the past two weeks are nice indicators that a breakout stretch is bound to come from Moreno. The uber-talented rookie has the chance to be this year's Matt Forte of sorts, except with more big-play potential.

Tashard Choice, Cowboys (5.0 price tag): Last year it took until the twilight of the season for Choice to get his shot as the feature back in Dallas, but early injuries have him in the role now, and he's proving with each opportunity that he's a starting-caliber NFL tailback. Don't let the inflated Denver defense scare you off; that unit has feasted on feeble offenses.

Kevin Walter, WR, Texans (5.5 price tag): The secondary receiver often does well against Oakland, as signal-callers avoid the remarkable Asomugha. With a great debut under his belt and an offense uniquely committed to the vertical passing game, there are few better receiver investments than Walter this week.

Jim's Week 4 Lineup

My team, "I'm a man, I'm Forte," now has 363 points, which places me in the 89.5 percentile. Thanks to the aforementioned Ravens defense and some timely production from my signal-callers, I'm in a good position to face these leaner bye weeks.

I'm investing heavily in the Manning brothers and the "Who Dey" crew from Cincinnati this week, as they all enjoy some sweet matchups and have been productive this season. Once again, I refuse to shell out coin for my kicker, defense or tight end, staying well below my self-imposed budget of $14 for the trio. By spending just $13.1 this week on them, I was able to upgrade at quarterback with Peyton Manning without taking a hit in the production I expect from those positions.

QB: Eli Manning, Giants: 49 year-to-date points; 5.9 (locked price)/5.9 (market price)
QB: Peyton Manning, Colts: 67 points; 6.7/6.7
RB: Adrian Peterson, Vikings: 63 points; 6.5/7.1
RB: Cedric Benson, Bengals, 43 points; 6.1/6.1
WR: Chad Ochocinco, Bengals: 28 points; 5.8/5.8
WR: Calvin Johnson, Lions: 25 points; 5.9/6.2
TE: Chris Cooley, Redskins: 23 points; 4.9/5.0
K: Sebastian Janikowski, Raiders, 18 points; 3.4/3.4
DEF: San Francisco 49ers: 30 points; 4.8/4.8

Jim McCormick is a fantasy football analyst for ESPN.com as well as the editor and publisher of BLITZ Magazine, a print and online publication covering football from prep to pro.