Each week in the Pregame, I’ll provide a few players to start and a few to bench. These recommendations are based on that player’s strength of schedule (SOS) for that particular week or that player’s specific situation.
I’m a strong advocate of always starting your studs, so I won’t be telling you about LaDainian Tomlinson’s tough matchup or how Peyton Manning and company will light it up against a bad defense. Anyone can make those calls. I’ll be discussing marginal fantasy starters – guys that can start for you, but only under certain circumstances.
START
Rex Grossman, David Garrard, Jason Campbell and Jay Cutler are all borderline fantasy starters that have favorable matchups this week. Steve McNair and Jeff Garcia also fall into this category. If you’re desperate for a starter, you can do worse than these guys…Sammy Morris, Edgerrin James, Maurice Jones-Drew and Ahman Green have enticing matchups this week. You probably don’t want to bench a stud for any of them, but if you’re having problems at RB, they should be able to help this week…Bernard Berrian broke out of his funk last week and has a great matchup this week against Tampa Bay. Jerricho Cotchery, Laveranues Coles and Terry Glenn should also have nice days.
BENCH
Stay away from Bruce Gradkowski, David Carr, Chris Weinke/Jake Delhomme, and Alex Smith this week. Each guy faces a defense that has been pretty tough against QBs in recent weeks…Don’t expect anything out of Reuben Droughns (vs. BAL) or Cedric Houston (vs. JAX) this week. Travis Henry, Willis McGahee and Ron Dayne should also be avoided if possible…Don’t be surprised if Isaac Bruce and Joey Galloway have below average days as they face the Raiders and Bears, respectively.
INJURY UPDATE (THURSDAY GAME)
It looks like Bobby Engram is going to play on Thursday, which will help soften the blow of losing Darrell Jackson for a very important game against the 49ers…Nate Burleson will start in Jackson’s place, but D.J. Hackett will also see extra snaps and has been playing well of late.
