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.
Here are the 5 guys to start this week:
1. QB Donovan McNabb Phi-The Eagles are coming off the come from behind win against the Redskins and get the 0-8 Dolphins at home. McNabb had 258 yds and 4 Tds last week, and for as much criticism as he has taken this year, McNabb has thrown for at least 226 yds and at least 1 TD in each of the last 5 games. Those aren't numbers you expected when you drafted him but are reliable for a #2 QB. McNabb also had his big game last week after talk that it was time for Kevin Kolb to get a shot at QB. Look for McNabb to have a another big day against the Fins.
2. QB Kurt Warner AZ-Captain Flattop had 259yds and 3 TDs last week and finally looks comfortable playing with the elbow injury to his non throwing elbow. The Bengals have the 31st rated Defense allowing 383 yds per game.And believe it or not the Cards are in a fight for the NFC West.
3. WR Larry Fitzgerald AZ-Despite the revolving door at QB for the Cards and the double teams when Boldin was out, Fitzy is still averaging 90 yds per game, however he was not getting into the endzone. That changed last week, with 2 scores, and the favorable matchup this week and Boldin saying that his hip is still bothering him, Fitz is a good bet to score again this week.
4. RB Chester Taylor Min-Starter to backup to starter. Taylor gets another shot with Peterson down, how long Taylor gets to play we don't know, but this week he gets Oakland, who allowed Fat Ron Dayne to get 122 yds and a TD, 2 weeks ago. As mentioned numerous times on this site the Vikes have no passing game and are forced to run and Taylor will be getting the majority of those carries.
5. RB Steven Jackson Stl-SJax has been fighting injuries all year but looked healthy last week rushing for a TD and throwing one as the Rams got their 1st win of the year. Stl gets a San Fran team that got hammered in Seattle on Monday and they allowed Mo Morris to run wild on them, imagine what S-Jax can do to them.
5 guys to sit this week:
1. RBs Marshawn Lynch/Anthony Thomas Buf-Lynch has been on a nice little 3 game run, but appears to be out this week with an ankle injury, and may be replaced by the A-train who had some solid games as the starter, late last season. No matter who starts, i'm sitting them against the Pats, especially since the Bills will probably be playing from behind most of the game.
2. RB Justin Fargas Oak-After being named the starter for Oakland last week he put up a 100 total yards. This week he gets the tough Vikes run D, who I told you not to start Ryan Grant against last week but, that was the first 100 yd rusher they allowed all year and more the exception then the norm. Also, compare the Packers passing game setting up the run and the Oakland passing game, get my point? Fargas should be on your bench this week. Also Mike Bush may be activated from the PUP list to steal some carries going forward.
3. RB Thomas Jones NYJ-Believe it or not, some owners are still starting Jones, whose struggles are more a product of the Jets O being bad, then his lack of talent, but this week against the Steelers is not the game he gets it going.
4. QBs Rex Grossman Chi and QB Brodie Croyle KC-One is getting his first career start the other is getting his first start since getting benched. It is never safe to play a QB in his first start and there is a reason Grossman was benched for Brian Griese. Stay away form these two and QB Josh Beck and Kellen Clemens while your at it.
5. K Shayne Graham Cin-Much like when Rob Bironas kicked 8 FGs, I warned not to expect another 8, Graham had 7 FGs last week and shouldn't be expected to match that. You don't need to bench him just temper your expectations.
5 guys to take a chance on:
1. WR DJ Hackett Sea-Even with WR Deion Branch set to return this week?(or last week, or the week before) Since returning from his own injury Hackett has averaged 79.5 yds and a TD per game. Combine that with Seattle becoming a pass first team, Hackett seems poised to have a big day against Chicago's 21st ranked D.
2. WR Mark Clayton Balt-Much like when I recommended Lee Evans when JP Losman got his starting job back (I told you so) Kyle Boller and Mark Clayton seem to have a special bond, that Clayton doesn't have with McNair.
3. WR Reggie Brown Phi-As I mentioned in the "On The Rise" article earlier this week Brown has been averaging 72 ypg over the last 3 games and with the matchup against the Dolphins I look for him to keep it going.
4. TE Heath Miller Pit-5 Tds in the last 5 games, Pittsburgh seems to be throwing more in the red zone this year and Miller is on a nice little streak. With Vilma out for the Jets, Miller may fins himself open in the endzone.
5. QB Daunte Culpepper Oak-The desperate play of the week, and for no other reason then, the only good game C-Pep had this year was his 75 yd, 5 TD game against the Dolphins. This week he gets a shot at his other old team, the Vikings. How lucky do you feel?
