Each week I list 5 players I would start, 5 I would bench and 5 I might take a chance on.
Also, by now you should know to start your studs like Manning, Brady and LT, if not, you need more then my help. Now that bye weeks have ended most teams should have their core lineup set up, but some people are in leagues that start 2 QBs or 3-4 WRs, and we all must deal with the ill timed injury, so some owners may still need to adjust or tweak their lineups from week to week.
5. players I'm starting this week
1. QB Brett Favre GB-Favre has found the fountain of youth and is already talking about playing next year. Favre has thrown for 10 TDs vs. 2 INTs in his last 4 games, and faces Detroit's 24th ranked D.
2. QB Tony Romo Dal-you should be starting him every week anyway, but last year on Thanksgiving Romo threw for 5 TDs against the Bucs, and this year he gets the dreadful Jets, So look for an extra big day from Romo.
3. RB Willie Parker Pit-The Steelers play the Dolphins this week. Parker averages over a hundred yards per game at home and the Dolphins are one of the worst run Ds.
4. WR DJ Hackett Sea-Last week, he was on the take a chance list, this week he gets the start. Since returning from his high ankle sprain, Hackett has increased his receptions and yards each week, he is averaging around a hundred yards and a TD in his last 3 games.
5. RB Maurice Jones-Drew Jax-He has scored a TD in each of his last 2 games, he has a good matchup against a Buffalo team that was demoralized by the Patriots last week. Also, consider last year MOJO Drew scored 10 of his 13 TDs in the 2nd half of the season.
5 guys I'm sitting this week
1. RB Kevin Jones Det-Jones has only rushed for 21 yards in the last 2 games combined, and Detroit should be playing from behind in this game and Jones may not get the carries, his only benefit may be in the passing game where he has 11 catches in the last 2 games.
2. RB Brian Westbrook Phi-You are never going to sit him but, he could be in for a tough night against the Pats. The Eagles will likely be without QB Donovan McNabb and that will allow New England to stack the box against Westbrook, his greatest benefit may be in the passing game with Feeley looking for the short dump off, often.
3. RB Jesse Chatman Mia-Believe it or not since Chatman took over the starting RB job, he has averaged over a 100 total ypg in three games. This week he gets the Steelers tough D, the Dolphins will be starting rookie QB Beck for his 2nd game and there is the possibility that RB Ricky "Smoke" Williams may be activated to steal some carries. Overall, just a bad matchup.
4. WR Lee Evans Buf-The Losman to Evans connection had been on fire until last week against the Pats where they only connected for 40 yards. The Bills draw another tough game against the Jags, and Evans will face CB Rashean Mathis this week. But there is always the chance of the big play with Evans, but that makes him a risky play. UPDATE: Mathis may miss the game for the Jags, if he is out Evans would benefit and have a slightly better matchup.
5. Seattle D-The Seattle D has been a solid play this season, especially against the weak NFC West where they are only allowing 8 pts per game. However this week they face a recently healthy Rams team that has won 2 straight and have moved the ball a lot better since QB Bulger and RB S-Jax have returned to the lineup.
5 guys to take a chance on this week
1. TE Donald Lee GB-The Packers are airing the ball out and everyone has been involved including Lee, who has averaged over 5o yds and a TD in the last 3 games.
2. RB Kolby Smith KC-With the retirement of RB Priest Holmes, and the ongoing injury to Larry Johnson, Smith is the only available RB, and has a good matchup against Oakland, who has allowed big games recently to "Fat" Ron Dayne and even Cedric Benson, Smith could be a guy to take a chance on. Smith also has a favorable schedule going forward.
3. RB Ron Dayne Hou-"Fat" Ron has averaged over hundo in his last 2 games and the Browns are allowing over 400 yds per game and over 136 yds on the ground. With RB Ahman Green's knee injury continuing to keep him out, Dayne may be a good play.
4. K Steven Gostkowski NE-Even though the Patriots, seem content on no longer attempting FG's, all those Xpts add up as Gostkowski has averaged 8.7 ppg.
5. WR Armani Toomer NYG-This is the big chance of the week pick, The Giants will likely be looking to pass the ball alot this week, with RB Brandon Jacobs likely out and the Vikings tough run D. The Vikings will try to take Burress out of the game plan and focus on Shockey which, could allow a lot of one on one coverage on Toomer. Toomer is usually good for one monster game a year, this could be it.
