by Eric Stashin (aka The Rotoprofessor)
Trying to decide who you should start or sit this week? Let’s take a look at a few potential decisions owners have and try to sort through them:
Quarterbacks
Start – Russell Wilson – Seattle Seahawks – vs. Minnesota
The Vikings’ defense has consistently been beaten by the pass, having allowed 285.7 yards per game (fourth most) and 21 TD (tied for the league high). Wilson, meanwhile, is coming off a good day against a similarly bad Atlanta defense (287 yards, 2 TD), has 2+ TD in four straight games and is expected to have Percy Harvin in the mix for the first time (even if he doesn’t make an impact, his presence alone will help). Throw in his ability to score on the ground and there’s just too much to like.
Sit – Matt Ryan – Atlanta Falcons – at Tampa Bay
Darrelle Revis is rounding into form and beginning to shadow opponents’ top receivers, which makes this matchup that much more difficult. As it is Ryan has struggled the past few weeks (though the past two have come against the Panthers and Seahawks) and Tony Gonzalez is no lock to play with a toe injury. Everything just feels stacked against Ryan, especially without Julio Jones.
Running Backs
Start – Giovani Bernard – Cincinnati Bengals – vs. Cleveland
He continues to share the backfield with BenJarvus Green-Ellis, but no matter. Despite a rib injury limiting him in Week 10, he still managed 95 yards and a TD (his seventh of the season). The Browns have allowed 9 total touchdowns to opposing running backs, and have also allowed 405 passing yards (eighth most in the league). With Bernard being the obvious passing back, and also quickly becoming a TD machine, it’s impossible to have him on your bench.
Start – Le’Veon Bell – Pittsburgh Steelers – vs. Detroit
The Lions have done a good job of limiting opposing running backs on the ground (645 yards are the fourth fewest allowed in the league). However, they’ve also allowed 302 passing yards and 3 TD, something Bell has proven capable of taking advantage of (12 catches in his past three games). Don’t use the matchup as a reason to sit him down.
Sit – Shane Vereen – Nw England Patriots – at Carolina
We all remember the big game Vereen had in Week 1, but things in New England have changed. Stevan Ridley has found his footing and this is hardly an appealing matchup. With the role also a bit unknown, it’s just not worth rolling the dice here.
Sit – Lamar Miller – Miami Dolphins – vs. San Diego
Can someone explain what the Dolphins are doing? After back-to-back strong performances, the Dolphins gave Miller just 7 carries in Week 10?!?!? Obviously the offensive line in Miami is a complete mess, and that’s going to have a significant impact on the team’s ability to run the football moving forward. Throw in San Diego allowing just 4 total TD to opposing RB and this is a tough risk to take. The desperate could use him as a RB2, but it wouldn’t really be wise.
Wide Receivers (Two-Receiver Formats)
Start – Torrey Smith – Baltimore Ravens – at Chicago
Smith currently ranks second among wide receivers with 15 catches of 20+ yards (Desean Jackson leads the league with 17). The Bears’ defense has consistently been beaten by long passes, as they are tied for third in the league having allowed 38 passes of at least 20 yards. He’s not a WR1, but depending on your other options he is well worth utilizing as your WR2 this week given the upside. The biggest problem is his lack of TD, but you have to think they’ll come in time.
Sit – Percy Harvin – Seattle Seahawks – vs. Minnesota
I know there is excitement regarding his return and fantasy owners quickly want to plug their “new toy” into their starting lineup. However, you have to think that it’s going to take some time for Harvin and Russell Wilson to get on the same page. It’s not like they have a history with each other. Harvin’s return is going to help keep defenses on their toes (helping Wilson be among the best options in the league), but it could take a week or two for him to settle in.
Wide Receivers (Three-Receiver Formats)
Start – Kendall Wright – Tennessee Titans – vs. Indianapolis
For those who missed it, we spoke about Wright earlier in the week (click here to view). With Ryan Fitzpatrick under center, Wright has yet to be targeted fewer than 8 times and overall has 50 receptions for 580 yards. He’s emerged as the top option for Tennessee and that makes him well worth using.
Sit – Dwayne Bowe – Kansas City Chiefs – at Denver
You would think this matchup would make him a must use option, though his recent arrest doesn’t help matters. Throw in the fact that his season high in catches is 7 and yards is 67, and there’s little hope here. In fact, he’s been held to 4 catches or fewer in all but two games. The desperate can use him as a WR3, but I’d consider him much more of a WR4 due to his struggles all year long.
Tight Ends
Start – Antonio Gates – San Diego Chargers – at Miami
Unless you own one of the big three (Groknkowski, Graham & Reed), Gates may be one of the safer options this week. He’s been playing well of late, despite not finding the end zone. In fact he has at least four catches in every game since Week 1 and the Bengals have allowed 5 TD to opposing TE.
Sit – Heath Miller – Pittsburgh Steelers – vs. Detroit
The Lions have allowed opposing TD to score just once and Miller had under 20 yards in three of his past four games. Need any other reasons to avoid him?
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