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 LaDainian Tomlinson 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: Chad Pennington has a nice matchup against Buffalo, who has yielded 286 yards and 2 TD per game to opposing QBs this season…Jeff Garcia is also a decent option for those in need of QB help. The Panthers have given up 252 yards and 1.7 TD per game through the air thus far…Everything is lined up for Brian Griese for his first start of the season. He faces the Lions, who have allowed a league-worst 296 passing yards per game this season, along with an average of 2 pass TD per game…At this point in his career, Steve McNair is a dicey start, but he has a great matchup with Cleveland. The Browns have given up an average of 263 passing yards and 3.7 pass TD in three games.
RB: Marshawn Lynch is a good start against the Jets, who have allowed an average of 121 yards and 1 TD on the ground in three games…Definitely start Thomas Jones against Buffalo – the league’s worst rush defense…He’s been spotty thus far, but Cedric Benson should be good for 90 yards and a score against a Detroit defense that is 23rd against the run and has allowed 2 rush TD per game.
WR: It seems strange, but the Ravens have been pretty mediocre against the pass (255 yards per game), and especially bad against opposing WRs. This means Braylon Edwards could be in for a big day…Dwayne Bowe is coming on and he’s facing a Chargers defense that has allowed 264 yards per game. He’s an option for those needing help at WR…Chris Chambers (vs. OAK), Wes Welker (@ CIN), Laveranues Coles and Jerricho Cotchery (@ BUF) all have favorable matchups this week.
SIT ‘EM
QB: Don’t count on much from Matt Leinart, who faces a Steelers defense that is on fire. He may also be reeling from being benched last week…Jay Cutler (@ IND) and Phillip Rivers (vs. KC) have difficult matchups this week…Be sure to stay away from Jake Delhomme if at all possible. Not only is he iffy to play, he faces a Bucs defense that is playing great right now; they’re allowing just 187 yards per game.
RB: Edgerrin James faces a Steelers defense that has allowed just 80 yards a game on the ground and has yet to allow a rushing TD…Rudi Johnson is out for Monday’s game against the Patriots, but you should also stay away from his backup, Kenny Watson. The Pats have yielded an average of just 74 yards on the ground and 0.3 rush TD per game…Jamal Lewis should be avoided, if possible. The Ravens are the league’s #1 rush defense (62 yards per game) and haven’t allowed a rushing TD yet this season.
WR: Those hoping for Andre Davis to produce again this week may be disappointed. Atlanta is 0-3, but they are pretty good at suppressing their opponents’ WRs…Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald are still startable, but they are up against a tough Steelers D. The entire Arizona passing game figures to struggle…For those of you that haven’t heard, Craig Davis is now “Buster” Davis. He had a nice game against Green Bay, but don’t expect him to do too much against the Chiefs, who have been surprisingly good against the pass (183 yards per game).
SLEEPER OF THE WEEK
Ron Dayne (@ ATL)
I’ve been burned by Dayne before (haven’t we all?) but he shouldn’t be a bad start for those desperate souls dealing with bye week issues. With Ahman Green out, he figures to be the main ball carrier and he has a favorable matchup against Atlanta, who has allowed 142 yards a game on the ground.
TOUGH SLEDDING
Larry Johnson (@ SD)
The LJ saga continues. He’s still worth a start (assuming he plays), but he has a tender hammy and he’s facing a tough Chargers defense that has only yielded 88 yards per game. But there’s good news for Johnson owners: his schedule lightens up considerably after week 5 and he has two great matchups in weeks 15 and 16. Let’s hope he lasts that long!
