A little pessimism goes a long way in fantasy football.

Understand the possibility of disappointing production from your early-round investments. Expect a slew of injuries throughout the season. Moreover, prepare for a devastating combination of the two. Just make sure that you don’t become cynical to an inordinate extent.

The fantasy football gods don’t hate you. They hate everybody.

Cedric Benson owners of the fantasy community, this is an appropriate time to commiserate. The Packers’ starting running back will be out for approximately eight weeks with what is listed as a “Lisfranc foot injury.” It will be interesting to see the split in carries between potential replacements Alex Green and James Starks on Sunday night in Houston, though the Texans’ defense has been formidable against the rush so far this season.

Note: Houston will be without Pro-Bowl linebacker Brian Cushing on Sunday, who is sidelined for the remainder of the season with a torn ligament in his left knee. Though the Packers are a pass-heavy team, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to stash either of these backs to fill in a vacant spot or to save for a rainy day, regardless of a potential platoon scenario. Remember, pessimism…

The Arizona Cardinals have a full-blown epidemic in their backfield. On Sunday, it was announced that running back Ryan Williams will require surgery on his left shoulder and miss the rest of the season. Williams had been given the reigns at starting running back after Beanie Wells suffered a severe turf toe injury against the Eagles on Sept. 23. In Williams’ absence, the Cardinals are expected to exercise a backfield-by-committee including William Powell, LaRod Stephens-Howling and Alfonso Smith. If you’ve never heard of any of these guys, don’t be embarrassed. Any one of them could be looking for a job at a Home Depot in the Phoenix area six weeks from now.

There have been rumors, however, that the Cardinals may pursue help via free agency. Tim Hightower and Steve Slaton have been mentioned among others as possible saviors, though it probably wouldn’t matter if Arizona signed the second coming of Eric Dickerson to take carries for the remaining 11 games. The Cardinals’ offensive line simply cannot get it done. The team is ranked 31st in the NFL in rushing yards per carry and has been easier to penetrate than a wet paper bag through five weeks. In all likelihood, the seemingly passive Buffalo rushing attack is in for a confidence boost this Sunday in Arizona. Avoid the Cardinals’ rushers like the scarlet fever until further notice.

Speed round: Start/Sit

Priority Start:

Matt Ryan (ATL) — Playing at home against an inept Oakland secondary. Have fun out there, Matty-Ice.

Vick Ballard (IND) — Filling in for injured Donald Brown (out 2-3 weeks). The Jets are currently ranked last in the AFC in stopping the run, which provides for a friendly matchup.

With some hesitation:

Torrey Smith (BAL) — Averaging 87.3 yards and a touchdown per game since losing his brother just hours before kickoff against the Patriots three weeks ago. But the Ravens will compete against the toughest secondary in the NFL this week, with Dallas visiting Baltimore.

Outlook does not look good:

Doug Martin (TB) — May lose goal-line touches to LeGarrette Blount, who is much more suited for short-yardage plays.

Ahmad Bradshaw (NYG) — David Wilson is expected to see an expanded role, but the 49ers defense is enough of a reason to sit.

Why don’t you just start Mark Sanchez?

Steven Jackson (STL) — 3.5 yards/attempt in 2012. This is not a rage-sit. Jackson is in the winter of his career and no longer among the league’s elite.

Denarius Moore (OAK) — The Raiders will look to exploit Atlanta’s poor rush defense with a conservative approach.

Good luck this week, gamers!