By: Kevin Lewis, @Klew24
Philadelphia @ Arizona
Start Vick with caution. He should have plenty of opportunities, as the Eagles defense will bottle up the Cardinals on Sunday. He also has been turnover prone, and the Cardinals do boast a good defense. And the Eagles lost 2 offensive linemen this past week. If you have a comparable backup option, I’d go with him.
Sit Larry Fitzgerald. I’m not saying his long term prospects this year look bleak. He will be fine. However, this week he’s going up against a good secondary. If you have a good option on your bench, go with it and feel comfortable. I know it’s hard benching a second round pick this early but it must be done.
Start Brent Celek. In this kind of game, against a good Arizona defense, I’d feel comfortable starting Vick’s safety blanket. Maclin is out which means there are targets to be had. Celek has had quite a start to the 2012 campaign and I’d expect that to continue.
Sit Desean Jackson. With Maclin out, I’d expect lots of rolled coverage to Jackson’s side. And with Patrick Peterson looming, I’d sit him out this week
Houston @ Denver
Sit Matt Schaub. I don’t think many people went into this season with Schaub as their starting QB but if you did, and you have a good bench option, go with him. Denver has actually done a fairly solid job against the pass.
Don’t be stirred by Peyton Manning’s performance last week. Yes he threw three picks but he’s also Peyton Manning. While his arm doesn’t look like what it once was, don’t overreact. While Houston is a tough matchup, I’d start Manning this week.
Start Willis McGahee. I know the Houston Texans defense is great, and Willis won’t get many yards on the ground. That being said, Peyton Manning led teams love running the ball inside the 10 yard line. I can see McGahee getting a TD or two this week on that account.
Stay patient with Eric Decker. A lot of people liked Decker over DeMaryius Thomas and I never really got why, but Decker should get better as the chemistry between him and Manning grows. He’s a solid WR.
St. Louis @ Chicago
Don’t be discouraged by Jay Cutler’s terrible performance last Thursday. He probably should have been a fringe starter/high end QB2 anyway, but if you have him, start him with confidence. The Rams defense isn’t particularly good.
Start Michael Bush. The Rams give up a robust 6+ YPC on runs up the middle. That is Michael Bush’s calling card. With Forte OUT Sunday, Bush will likely have a big game.
Don’t get carried away with Danny Amendola. That being said, in PPR leagues, he’s an absolutely great flex play until proven otherwise. Start him with confidence. The Bears are a bend but don’t break kind of defense and Amendola will get a lot of looks.
Sit Stephen Jackson. He’s hurt, he may not play and if he does he’s playing against a very good run defense in the Bears. If you have comparable options, sit Jackson. Daryl Richardson could make for a sneaky flex play this week if Jackson is out, but the matchup isn’t great.
Green Bay @ Seattle
Sit Cedric Benson. Cedric Benson’s bread and butter is runs up the middle. Seattle stops them to the tune of a 2.2 YPC. Seattle’s defense is extremely tough and I think the Packers will do away with the run after realizing it isn’t going anywhere.
Start Randall Cobb. This seems like a game where the Packers will throw the ball 45+ times, and Cobb will see quite a few touches out of the backfield on 3rd down. If your league accounts for return yardage, that’s even better.
Sit Greg Jennings. Apparently he had a set back and he doesn’t have a good grasp on his groin injury. He plays Monday night so unless you have Randall Cobb on your bench, it’s best to bench him now and save yourself the headache.
Even with Aaron Rodgers coming in town, do NOT switch out the Seattle defense. They can play, and they will give Rodgers some trouble. Start them with confidence.
Kansas City @ New Orleans
Dwayne Bowe had 100+ yards and 2 touchdown scores last week. Start him again. Kansas City will likely be getting blown out and there will be plenty of garbage time minutes for Bowe to boost his numbers.
Mark Ingram isn’t a good RB, and he leaves a lot to be desired but he will have some chances to score on Sunday as NO will be marching against a struggling KC defense. If you need a flex and have him on your bench, give him a shot.
Start Lance Moore. Kansas City has struggled defending the pass as well. They weren’t really tested last week as CJ Spiller went nuts, but Brees and co will test them this week. Moore will be a good play this week.
KC will be down and KC will throw, so if you’re in need of a flex, or a RB in a pinch, start Dexter McCluster (PPR leagues). He will get 5-6 grabs and maybe sneak into the endzone. If you’re in need, take a chance and start him.
Fantasy Savvy 