Every week, I will 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 suggest you bench Drew Brees or Adrian Peterson because they have tough matchups – just go ahead and keep them in your lineup. Instead, 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 Tony Romo, only do so if you have a clearly better option on your bench.
The “love ‘em” players are listed in the order that I’d start them this week.
Michael Vick showed that he still has the speed to cause headaches and with the Lions on tap, he’s probably going to have a big day… Despite missing much of the preseason due to an ankle injury, Donovan McNabb looked pretty good against the Cowboys, all things considered. This week, he has a terrific matchup with the Texans, who gave up over 400 yards passing to Peyton Manning last week. I wouldn’t expect that kind of production from McNabb, but 250 yards and a TD or two is well within reach…Joe Flacco has a big arm, and he threw for 248 yards against the Jets’ vaunted defense last week. With a much easier matchup against the Bengals coming up, he should have a very nice day…Need a sleeper? Jason Campbell threw for 180 yards and a TD against the Titans last week and even ran for 35 yards. With the Rams coming to town, he’s in line for a solid week…Need another sleeper? How about Josh Freeman, who faces a Panthers defense that struggled mightily against Eli Manning and the Giants last week?
Ronnie Brown should find plenty of running lanes against the Bills, who were 30th in the league against the rush last season…Don’t be surprised if Jerome Harrison has a big week against a Bucs’ rush defense that was last in the league in 2009. The Browns have a good offensive line and Harrison’s major competition for touches (Montario Hardesty) is out for the season…Matt Forte couldn’t ask for a better matchup than the Lions this week, though only time will tell whether or not Mike Martz is willing to give him enough touches to be a full-time fantasy starter…Carnell Williams should be able to take advantage of the Browns’ rush defense, which finished 28th last season.
Malcom Floyd steps into the Chargers’ WR1 role and has a great matchup with the Chiefs to begin the season…Pierre Garcon is a sneaky good start against a rather mediorce Texans pass defense…Mike Williams (TB) should have his coming out party against the Browns, who were 29th against the pass last season…Johnny Knox and Devin Hester face the Lions, so assuming Jay Cutler can stay upright long enough to throw the ball, they should be able to post nice numbers…For a couple of sleepers, look no further than Louis Murphy (@ TEN) and Laurent Robinson (vs. ARI). Both players have been thrust into WR1 roles and they have favorable matchups this week.
