Every week, I highlight a few players to start and a few players to sit at each position. I’m a firm believer in starting your studs, so I won’t tell you about how Carson Palmer or Frank Gore has a tough matchup – just go ahead and start them. I’ll focus on the borderline guys – players you’ll only start under the right circumstances. It’s important to note that depending on your roster and situation, you may not be able to follow these recommendations. For example, if I suggest you bench a solid starter like Ben Roethlisberger, only do so if you have a clearly better option on your bench.
START ‘EM
QB: Be sure to start Vince Young and Matt Hasselbeck, who should both have breakout weeks against the Saints and the Bengals, respectively…Jason Campbell is a great start against the Giants, who have given up a league-worst 316 passing yards per game (along with 3.5 TD per game)…For the desperate, Derek Anderson has a nice matchup against the Raiders, who have given up an average of 279 yards and 2 TD through the air…For the super-desperate, Trent Green and Rex Grossman also have good matchups this week.
RB: His team will probably have trouble moving through the air, so Travis Henry could have a big day against the Jaguars, who have given up a league-worst average of 182 yards on the ground…The Dolphins D is struggling right now (179 yards and 1.5 TD allowed on the ground), so Thomas Jones should enjoy more success than he had in the first two weeks…Cadillac Williams surprised many by starting Sunday and scoring twice. He should have a nice week against the Rams, who are the 8th worst team against the run…The Raiders have given up the 7th most rushing yards, so the Browns’ Jamal Lewis should be in your starting lineup.
WR: Contrary to popular belief, the Ravens D has been susceptible to the pass this season, so Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald actually have a pretty good matchup…Bernard Berrian (vs. DAL), Braylon Edwards (@ OAK), Ron Curry (vs. CLE), Hines Ward (vs. SF), Deion Branch (vs. CIN) and Santana Moss (vs. NYG) all face suspect defenses and should be in your lineup if possible.
SIT ‘EM
QB: It would be wise to bench Matt Schaub this week. He faces the Colts, likely without star wideout Andre Johnson, and should find the going tough…Until they prove me wrong, I’m going to keep recommending to bench non-stud QBs going up against Champ Bailey and the Broncos DT. This week, it’s David Garrard’s turn…Don’t count on Alex Smith breaking out of his funk against a Steelers D which is 4th best in passing yards allowed…Tony Romo, Brett Favre, Jay Cutler and Phillip Rivers all have tough matchups, but can be started if necessary.
RB: Edgerrin James is off to a good start, but he faces the Ravens, who have yielded just 62 rushing yards per game and no TD on the ground…Marshawn Lynch faces the Pats, who lead the league in fewest rushing yards allowed…Stay away from the Detroit running game. Kevin Jones may be back and neither he or Tatum Bell are good options against a stingy Steelers rush D.
WR: Patrick Crayton is coming off a finger injury and faces a very tough Bears D, so he should stay on your bench this week…Javon Walker is a must start, but Brandon Marshall might have a tough week against a stingy Jacksonville defense, which has given up an average of 139 pass yards and 0 TD through the air this season…Amani Toomer (@ WAS) and Darrell Jackson (@ PIT) will also find the going tough this week.
SLEEPER OF THE WEEK
DeShawn Wynn (vs. SD)
The Chargers traditionally have a good run defense, but they’ve struggled so far this season. Wynn, a former Florida Gator, has run with good wiggle and speed in the first two weeks, and has shown a knack around the goal line. Moreover, Brandon Jackson has struggled to run the ball and isn’t showing the kind of patience necessary to succeed in a zone blocking run scheme. Wynn is no sure thing, but if you’re desperate for some RB help, he’s worth a shot.
TOUGH SLEDDING
Frank Gore (@ PIT), LaDainian Tomlinson (@ GB) and Larry Johnson (vs. MIN)
Keep these guys in your starting lineup, but don’t expect big games from them. They face three of the best defenses in the league and their teams will probably find more success with the pass than with the run.
Be sure to check back Friday for an injury update.
