First off, Lets all thank the Football Gods for bringing us the real referees back. Sorry to Packer fans that ya’ll had to be the sacrificial lamb to make that happen, but in either case. Real refs back. (Rick Ross Voice). This week we have some intriguing match ups and i’ll help you sort out who you should start or sit.
Put Me in the Game Coach
Cedric Benson – Benson has become a key factor in this Packer offense. Although this team belongs to Aaron Rodgers, you can see from the second half of the game on Monday Night that the Packers want to feature his running style. This week Benson is matched up against the Saints. Their defense is pretty sad and without Coach Peyton making adjustments for them it seems the are going to be historically bad all year.
Doug Martin – Many fantasy owners put a lot of stock in this guy and for good reason. He has shown flashes of brilliance, but this Tampa Bay offense is terribly inconsistent. Lucky for him he gets the Redskins this week, who are giving up and average of 33 points a game down 2 of their best defenders for the year. I would like to welcome you all to the Doug Martin Showcase. I expect a BIG game from him.
BenJarvus Green-Ellis – The Law-firm should be in store for a good week with the Bengals playing Jacksonville. The Jaguars offense is coming along, but they still have some question marks on defense. I expect the Bengals to take an early lead and feature him late in the game.
Michael Crabtree – The 49ers have the joy this week of not only coming off a loss, but also get to take on a Jets team with Revis Island closed for the season. Crabtree has been the most consistent receiver of the 49ers and is quickly becoming a favorite target for Alex Smith on third down. He hasn’t scored a touchdown this season, but with this beat of Jets team look for him to take advantage early and often. I mean seriously, the Jets are trying McKnight at corner, they clearly have issues.
Have the Lonliest Seat on the Bench
Andre Brown – Although Coughlin says Brown has earned his spot in the line up with Bradshaw coming back this week, Look for his touches to decrease a bit. If you have bye week issues you might roll the dice and take a chance. But I try my best to stay away from teams with Running Back by Committee.
Chris Johnson – I must admit, I expected more from Chris Johnson this year. He has had bad matchups, but a lot of that is just he isn’t getting the job done. Detroit and Titans put up amazing yards and points and all he contributed to that was 14 carries for 24 yards. Don’t look for him to do anything against the Texans who haven’t given up a rushing touchdown all season.
Brandon Marshall – Let me start by saying that this is a reflection of his quarterback. Jay Cutler has been God-awful these past few games and will probably struggle a bit again against this Dallas defense who has given up the fewest yards to receivers in the NFL. The NFL is a copy cat league. Everyone saw how to defend this offense and unless Matt Forte comes back Marshall will see double coverage all day.
Danny Amendola – Seattle is the match up he gets this week. This same Seattle team that “beat” the Packers on Monday Night. They held Green Bay to 13 points and are making a case for themselves as being the best defense in a division that features the 49ers and Cardinals.
Waiver Wire Warriors –
Tashard Choice RB Bills – It has yet to be determined if Fred Jackson and/or C.J. Spiller will be able to go on Sunday and Choice is the Bills only healthy option. If you have some bye week issues it might be worth the chance to pick him up and keep an eye on whether Fred Jackson or C.j Spiller are able to go.
Kyle Rudolph TE Vikings- The progression of a young quarterback always goes from inside to outside. Rudolph is becoming a vital part of this Viking passing attack especially in the red zone. He caught 2 TD passes last game and was targeted 7 times in the Redzone.
Carson Palmer QB Raiders – At this point I am suggesting picking up any quarterback that faces the Broncos. Matt Ryan lit them up 2 weeks ago, Matt Schaub did last week, and I expect the same form Palmer this week. If you have Luck or Big Ben as your guy he might be a guy you could start this week and get solid play from.
If you have any burning questions feel free to ask me via twitter @Klassiksports and I will answer all your fantasy questions.
I also have a radio spot with The Brew Crew on UTA Radio Every Thursday Morning at 10:00 central time if you want to call in your questions.