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Sometimes I glance over different sites’ Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em articles out of curiosity just to see who they are recommending or not recommending. This week I stumbled upon a particular site and I really just shook my head in amazement of how obvious a lot of these players were. I try to do my best to provide you with the not so obvious selections, because that is what this article should be about. Otherwise, what is the point of reading? Anyway, this particular site had recommended starts such as Julio Jones, Jordy Nelson, Demaryius Thomas, Reggie Wayne and then at QB, Matt Ryan and Eli Manning. I mean, do we really need to be advised that these guys should start? Most of these guys were drafted within the first 5 rounds of our drafts and should be started every week regardless. Maybe the author is just trying to make us feel good about our teams? Or maybe he is just thinks the majority of his readers are dumb? If you are a supposed “expert” then give me some expert advice, not something I could get from a 10 year-old! At Fp911 we recognize our readers are passionate, knowledgeable owners and we try to provide them with the best information we possibly can. We hope that you recognize the difference between our site and others and continue to stick with us throughout this season and into the future.
You won’t see the obvious names on here, that would be pointless. Maybe occasionally to give you a reminder, but rather we are looking to identify some guys that you may be on the fence with and encourage you to either start or sit them. Matchups will be broken down, stats will be used, some projections will be provided and some “gut” feeling will be mixed in. But when it comes down to the come down, it’s your “gut” you need to roll with.
*Players listed in order of projected effectiveness in the start ‘em category and ineffectiveness in the sit ‘em category.
Quarterbacks
Start ‘Em
Andrew Luck vs Green Bay
Andrew Luck, Indianapolis Colts
Luck has averaged 282 yards passing over his first three games in the NFL and should keep it rolling against Green Bay. It’s not a ideal matchup, but the Colts should be passing early and often as they try to keep up with the Packers. Look for Luck to approach 300 yards passing once again and to throw at least 2 TD’s in what should be a high scoring affair in Indy.
Andy Dalton vs Miami
Dalton is emerging in his Sophomore campaign and has 8 TD’s in his last 3 games while going over the 300-yard mark twice. Miami’s Defense has been tough against the run, but inferior against the pass ranked 19th in points allowed to Fantasy QB’s. Dalton is a guy who is out there on waivers in a lot of leagues and a QB I would look to play matchups with if my number #1 option wasn’ t the strongest. This is one of those weeks as I look for Andy to keep it rolling at home.
Christian Ponder vs Tennessee
Could be a good week to play Ponder if you are a Romo owner and looking for a bye week replacement. The Titans defense is allowing 26 points per game to Fantasy QB’s, tied for last in the league with Oakland and have allowed 10 passing TD’s as well. The Vikings should be moving the ball all game and Ponder will have opportunities to score. I can see Ponder throwing a TD and possibly running one in as well. The matchup is right here, so I believe it’s safe to play Ponder if you need to.
Sit ‘Em
Sam Bradford vs Arizona
Don’t get giddy and try to start Bradford tomorrow night. If you haven’t recognized by now, you should have noticed that Arizona’s defense is legit. Yes, Ryan Tannehill threw for 400 yards against them last week, but that was only because of the man, the myth, the legend, Brian Hartline! Bradford hasn’t thrown a TD in two games and now goes against the Cardinals who are allowing the 6th fewest points to Fantasy QB’s. Keep Sammy benched in all leagues.
Matt Schaub @ NYJ
The Jets did lose Darelle Revis, but their secondary did a nice job against Alex Smith last week holding him under 150 yards passing and without a TD. The Jets were embarrassed last week at home, so I expect them to have an inspired effort back in their building on Monday Night Football. They also still rank 7th best against Fantasy QB’s. Schaub may have a decent day, but will most likely be held under 250 yards passing and could be limited to just one passing TD.
Michael Vick @ Pittsburgh
Not crazy about this matchup for Vick as he goes on the road to Heinz Field with the Steelers coming off a bye week after the loss to the Raiders. This was a Pittsburgh secondary that was the toughest against Fantasy QB’s last year and I think if you have a better option you should bench Vick this week. Vick’s matchups have been brutal so far going against Arizona, Baltimore, the Giants and now Pittsburgh. Things will get easier for Vick, but this is a week to be cautious with him.
Running Backs
Start ‘Em
Frank Gore vs Buffalo
Gore hasn’t been great this year, but has been his usual steady self, finding the endzone in three out of his four games. The matchup is right here against Buffalo who are allowing the 27th most points to Fantasy Backs.
Ryan Mathews @ New Orleans
I have always felt Mathews was a little overrated, mostly because he’s always getting hurt and never lives up to expectations. Yet every year owners take him high only to be disappointed. There is some concern again this season with the emergence of Jackie Battle and him taking the goal line carries. After recommending Mathews last week, I hope he doesn’t burn us again this week in what is the best matchup he might face all year. We all know the Saints have been brutal against the run and Mathews should get it going, but even if he can’t find running room he should be a factor in the passing game. Either way he should produce for your fantasy teams, if he doesn’t and Jackie Battle continues to steal the show, be worried!
Alfred Morris vs Atlanta
Alfred Morris, Washington Redskins
This guy just continues to beast, running through holes and through defenders. So far in 2012, Morris is averaging 4.6 yards per carry and has 4 TD’s. Atlanta’s secondary has been top notch but their Run Defense is a different story, allowing the 25th most points to Fantasy Backs. It doesn’t look like Morris is going anywhere in the near future and he looks to be a legit option for the rest of the season. Props to all owners who snatched him up.
Sit ‘Em
Steven Jackson vs Arizona
Why did you draft him? I’m sorry but that was a donkey move! Move him if you can or else he will continue to frustrate you! No TD’s and a 3.3 YPC, turrible! This guy is fool’s gold every season.
DeAngelo Williams/Jonathan Stewart vs Seattle
When both are on the field, they can be considered flex plays at times, but this is a week to avoid them. The Seahawks have been stout against the run, allowing the 7th fewest points to Fantasy Backs.
Chris Johnson @ Minnesota
Johnson broke out in the unlikeliest of matchups against Houston, but I still want to see more. I would continue to try and see what you could get for him. If Johnson has another good game against Minnesota and their No.2 Rush D, then I may be a believer, but I am banking against Johnson in this game.
Wide Receivers
Start ‘Em
Brian Hartline @ Cincinnati
Brian Hartline, Miami Dolphins
Hartline is Fo’ Real and Tannehill loves him. Now, he’s not going to produce 200-yard games, but he should get a good amount of catches and come close to 100 yards often. Hopefully you landed him on the wire this week. I would even go out and try to trade for the guy, his value couldn’t be that high. Tannehill loves to hit this guy on comeback routes, which Hartline seems to have perfected. Stick ‘em in your lineups this week and expect production.
Dwayne Bowe vs Baltimore
Don’t be discouraged by the matchup. This guy is the ideal fantasy play week to week because Casselconstantly looks his way and Bowe just reels the passes in. Bowe has seen 43 targets the past three weeks! I kind of feel kind of cheap owning Bowe in Fantasy, because he plays for such a poor team and most of his stats come in garbage time!
Eric Decker @ New England
After a slow start to the season Eric Decker has picked the pace up the last two weeks catching 15 balls for over 200 yards and a TD. Decker could start to distance himself from Demaryius Thomas in the coming weeks, at the very least stay neck to neck. Either way, Decker is for real and needs to be in your lineups this week and pretty much every week going forward. This might be the last time you see him on my Start ‘em list.
Sit ‘Em
Pierre Garcon vs Atlanta
Garcon owners are finally glad to have him back healthy and ready to emerge with RGIII. But he had a slow return last week with just one catch for 20 yards and he gets a tough matchup this week in Atlanta who have been the best against Fantasy Wideouts. Garcon will start producing soon, but avoid him in this matchup.
Anquan Boldin @ Kansas City
Boldin looked great last Thursday night popping off for 131 yards on 9 catches, but don’t be confident in him in Week five. The Chiefs defense is starting to return to prominence now that they are getting healthier and are ranked 7th best in defending Fantasy WR’s. Brandon Flowers will be a tough matchup for Boldin, so look forFlacco to connect with his other options. Dennis Pitta time?
Andre Roberts @ St. Louis
Andre Roberts along with Brian Hartline were hot pickups this week, but unlike Hartline who I am suggesting to start, consider sitting Roberts. The Rams have been 4th best against Fantasy WR’s, so expect Roberts to be limited somewhat. I do like Roberts outlook for the entire season however and believe the guy is going to remain consistent.
Tight Ends
Start ‘Em
Kyle Rudolph vs Tennessee
Rudolph along with Dennis Pitta both burnt me last week, but Rudolph at least should bounce back this week. The Titans have been brutal against all offensive players and are the worst at defending the Tight End position. Rudolph should provide for your fantasy squads in Week five.
Scott Chandler @ San Francisco
Scott Chandler, Buffalo Bills
The matchup doesn’t look good at first, but if you dig deeper you will see that the 49ers haven’t been great at defending the Tight End ranked 26th overall. Chandler is going to remain Fitzpatrick’s favorite target around the goaline as Chandler continues to have a bit of breakout season in 2012. Look for Chandler to either finish with a TD or have a good game yardage wise.
Jacob Tamme @ New England
Tamme hasn’t lived up to his draft day hype, but this might be the week to plug him back into your lineups. This game will be a shootout and the Pats have been bad against Tight Ends ranked 2nd worst in points allowed. If Tamme doesn’t get it done this week or if we see Joel Dreessen cutting into his production, he could be waiver wire material.
Sit ‘Em
Heath Miller vs Philly
Miller has been one of Ben‘s favorite targets this season, but consider sitting him this week against Philly who are ranked 4th best at defending the Tight End.
Martellus Bennett vs Cleveland
Bennett had a slow game against Philly last week with just one catch and might be in for another off performance against the Browns who are ranked 3rd best in points allowed to Tight Ends.
Jermichael Finley @ Indianapolis
If Greg Jennings is out with the groin injury that helps Finley, but this guy still only has one TD all season and drops way too many passes. The Colts are also are giving up the fewest points to Fantasy Tight Ends, so look to bench Finley.
IDP’s
Start ‘Em
Akeem Ayers @ Minnesota
Akeem Ayers, Tennessee Titans
The young Titans LB has been emerging this season with 29 tackles a sack and three pass deflections. He should continue to rack up the tackles this week as the Vikings will run Peterson a ton and Ponderwill also take off from time to time. Continue to put the talented youngster out there and pick him up and start him if he’s available in your league.
Lance Briggs @ Jacksonville
We saw Briggs pick of Romo, pull of a juke move and take it to the house on Monday Night against Dallas and he should keep the stats pumping against Jacksonville. MJD will be running often which means plenty of tackle opportunities for Briggs, plus Blaine Gabbert could toss him a INT as well. The Chicago Defense is going to dominate the Jags, get Briggs in your lineups.
Sit ‘Em
DeAngelo Hall vs Atlanta
Hall preys upon bad QB play and bad WR’s, but he won’t have that luxury this week against Atlanta. Hall won’t do much guarding Julio Jones and Roddy White, keep him benched.
Devin McCourty vs Denver
Don’t like this matchup for McCourty facing Peyton Manning. Keep him reserved.
Fantasy Savvy 