If we’ve learned anything about fantasy D/STs this season, it’s that all they need is a matchup against a terrible QB or a shoddy offensive line to have a big week.

So if you don’t own a stud D/ST such as the Saints’ or Vikings’ right now, you can still thrive in the fantasy playoffs by picking up one with two or three juicy matchups off the scrap heap. Here are three to consider:

[1] Ravens: Yes, they’re available in some leagues, which is extra sweet since they play the Lions, pick-happy Jay Cutler and the oft-sacked Big Ben in Weeks 14-16.

[2] Texans: You can’t beat three games against one-dimensional teams (Seattle, St. Louis and Miami), especially with Houston’s run defense playing better.

[3] Cardinals: They play the Alex-Smith-led Niners, Lions and Rams. ’Nuff said.

Or if you want to live on the wild side, you can go week-by-week with three so-so D/STs. Try Buffalo in Week 14 (versus K.C.), Seattle in Week 15 (Tampa Bay) and Oakland in Week 16 (Cleveland). It’s risky, sure, but it might get it done.

This Week’s Studs: Definitely play Jay Cutler, Devin Hester, Frank Gore, Brett Favre and all starting Vikings skill players, Knowshon Moreno, Ronnie Brown, Ricky Williams, Marshawn Lynch, Drew Brees and his many weapons, Thomas Jones, Carolina Steve Smith, Cedric Benson, Tony Romo, Kurt Warner, Matt Hasselbeck, Joe Flacco, Ray Rice, Derrick Mason, DeSean Jackson and the Tom Brady Trio.

This Week’s Duds: Not feeling David Garrard, Kevin Smith, Santana Moss, Lee Evans, Dwayne Bowe, Joseph Addai, Vince Young and Ryan Grant.

He’s Heating Up: A week after throwing five picks against the Panthers, Kurt Warner unchained himself from the fantasy doghouse with five TD passes against the Bears.

He’s On Fire: Chris Johnson leads the league in rushing yards (he had 135 and two TDs Sunday), but Michael Turner is the NFL’s hottest back. He rushed for 166 yards and two scores, giving him eight in his last five games. I told you not to give up on this guy.

Fantasy Doghouse: Jon Stewart followed up his big two-TD showing with 38 total yards and a lost fumble. Figures.

Lose These Zeros …: Say goodbye to Ted Ginn, Lance Moore, Johnny Knox, Willis McGahee, Mike Bell and Matt Cassel.

… And Get With These Heroes: Jamaal Charles, Chris Chambers, Nate Burleson, Andre Caldwell, Justin Gage and Ladell Betts are also intriguing wire guys.

Trainer’s Table: Clinton Portis (concussion) probably won’t play. … Calvin Johnson (knee) is back and will get better. … Anquan Boldin (ankle), Donald Brown (shoulder) and Brian Westbrook (head, ankle) will all be game-time decisions. … Darren McFadden (knee) is a risky play.

This Week’s Reader Question: Reader Brian Helfer writes, “I have Brandon Jacobs on a bye. … [Should I play] Jamaal Charles [or] Justin Fargas?” My take: Go with Charles. The Chiefs want him to be the guy going forward, so they’ll probably give him a bunch of opportunities to run the ball, especially Sunday against the Raiders’ terrible run defense.

Extra Point: The Chiefs cut asinine RB Larry Johnson, who leads the NFL in people offended, but he may still help your team. If a good offensive team in need of running back help takes a flier on Johnson, he’ll be a valuable commodity for a fantasy playoff run. If you own LJ, hang on to him for a week or so to see how this plays out.

Matt Vensel is a content creator for b. E-mail him at matt@bthesite.com.

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