By Kevin Lewis
Start Em
Lorenzo Taliaferro(vs CAR)- He went for 18 carries for 91 yards last Sunday. I feel like this is the game he will establish himself as the team’s best back and he won’t look back from here. As evidenced by the gashings by Tampa Bay and Pittsburgh, Carolina struggles against the run. If you have bye week issues to deal with or are looking for a potential spark, start him.
Allen Robinson(@SD)- Blake Bortles is the newly minted starter in Jacksonville. He is a big armed aggressive QB who likes to take shots down the field and Robinson is a big, athletic WR who could be the best the Jaguars have to offer. There is a lot of garbage time appeal here.
Eli Manning(vs WAS)- The Redskins held LeSean McCoy to 23 yards on 20 carries last week. Their run defense is legitimate thus far so I don’t expect much from Rashad Jennings tonight. The Redskins secondary is hurting as they lost Hall for the season. Chances are, the onus will be on Eli and the Giants receivers to move the ball. If you are in a two QB league or are desperate, trot Eli out there.
Ben Roethlisberger(vs WAS)- Have you watched the Tampa Bay Buccaneers play defense?
Teddy Bridgewater(vs ATL)- Lots of garbage time and ‘pass because our run game stinks’ appeal here. The Falcons are going to put up a lot of points and it will be up to Bridgewater and his receivers to keep them within shouting distance. I could see him having a nice afternoon.
Travis Kelce(vs NE)- The breakout is coming. Kelce scored a TD last week, his ability is readily obvious to anyone who has ever watched him play and he is starting to get on the field for more snaps. I think Kelce announces his arrival on National TV with a big game on Monday.
Brandin Cooks(@ DAL)- Lots of points should be scored in this NO/DAL game. Brandin Cooks is playing the most snaps of the Saints wide receivers. Dallas is 21st in the league in pass defense so Cooks should have plenty of opportunities to shine on Sunday night.
Chris Ivory(vs DET)- While the Lions run defense has been particularly good in the early going, Ivory should be a good start coming off the loss to the Bears on Monday. After watching Chris Johnson look finished, and Geno look largely lost in the redzone, Ivory might see 30+ carries on Sunday. Given his 5.7 YPC clip, he has some value solely based on the volume he’s going to get.
SIT EM
Tom Brady(@KC)- Brady hasn’t been particularly good this year. That offensive line is in shambles and there are probably better options to start as his upside is capped.
Chris Johnson(vs DET)- Ivory will get the majority of the touches on Sunday, and Johnson looks finished. He’s almost droppable at this point.
Cam Newton(@BAL)- I don’t think this guy is healthy. He’s beat up and that offensive line isn’t doing him any favors. I would try and find someone to take him off my hands altogether
Frank Gore(vs PHI)- Gore has done next to nothing all season long, and the Eagles boast a good run defense. They are ripe for the picking through the air, so I don’t see Gore having a big impact on the game. If you have a better option, go to it.
Reggie Bush/Joique Bell(@NYJ)- Quite simply, it is a waste of time trying to run the ball against the New York Jets. If you have a better option, trot them out there. It’s probably gonna be a long day for both.
Eric Decker(vs DET)- With his injury being what it is, I wouldn’t start Decker until I was confident he is fully healthy. Add in what I mentioned earlier about the Jets potential gameplan Sunday and Decker is a pretty unattractive option on Sunday regardless of health.
Kendall Wright(@ IND)- Charlie Whitehurst will be throwing him the ball on Sunday. That isn’t exactly ideal for his fantasy prospects in the short term or the interim. Stay away from him this week.
Torrey Smith(vs CAR)- I wouldn’t start him until he gives me a reason to do so. And I expect Flacco to pepper Steve Smith with targets since he’s facing his former team for the first time.
Fantasy Savvy 