Start'em or Sit'em - Week 9

Byes: Saints, Chargers, Niners, Panthers

Start’em

Kurt Warner, Cardinals. Many Fantasy owners (including myself) benched Warner in last week’s game against the Carolina Panthers. Big mistake. That one decision cost me a Fantasy win in a very competitive league. For this week, Warner is the #1 quarterback play. He has a great match up with an improving Rams team, but the big advantage for him is that this game is indoors on the turf. Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin, and Steve Breaston should be running all over the field against the Rams.

Michael Turner, Falcons. One of the big question marks each week for the Falcons is whether or not they will be able to run the football. The news that rookie offensive tackle Sam Brady is out for an indefinite period of time is not good for Falcons’ fans. The road trip to the West Coast is another concern for Turner owners. However, the absolute terribleness of the Raiders’ defense outweighs any of these factors. The prediction is the Falcons jump out to an early lead, and Turner has about 30 carries for 125 yards.

Earnest Graham, Buccaneers. The Bucanneers’ offense took a big step back last week against Dallas. They had trouble moving the football. I look for Coach Jon Gruden to try and establish the missing in action running game on the road against the Chiefs. With Warrick Dunn’s back still an issue, Graham should get plenty of opportunities to score points this week.

Jamal Lewis, Browns. Play Lewis against the vaunted Ravens’ run defense? Yes, this week the Ravens’ will give up over 100 yards to Lewis on the ground. Count on Lewis for a big game this week.

Plaxico Burress, Giants. Do not listen to the reports of Plaxico’s demise. Clearly, he has some off the field personal or family issues he needs to resolve, but this guy is a competitor. The bigger the game, the better Burress plays. The Steelers were able to hold the Giants to field goals in the red zone. This week Burress is halfway out of Coach Coughlin’s doghouse. Look for at least two Eli Manning to Burress fade routes into the end zone.

Sit’em

Matt Cassel, Patriots. The Colts are favored this week at home against the Patriots. Does Vegas know some inside information? Patriots look like the much stronger team especially on defense. The problem for Cassel owners is that on the road this year Cassel and the Patriots have been a totally different team.

Brad Johnson, Cowboys. If you own Tony Romo and picked up Brad Johnson to play while Romo is out, you need to admit the mistake before its too late. Against some other teams, starting Johnson this week might be an option. Starting him against the Giants is punishable by jail time. I almost feel badly for Johnson that he has to start the game in real life. The Giants pass rush is an overwhelming force. Back up Brooks Bollinger probably will see some action this Sunday.

Santana Moss, Redskins. Moss was incredible last week against the Lions. He made huge plays that helped propel Washington to a win. Even with the great statistics from that game, Moss owners know that he is up and down. Just check out his weekly Fantasy point totals. His match up this week against the Steelers’ defense is more evidence that this is a week to sit Moss.

Reggie Wayne, Colts. The Colts need Joseph Addai back and at full strength. He is supposed to play this week, but Reggie Wayne is the Colts’ only deep threat. Marvin Harrison is struggling and Anthony Gonzalez is a solid possession receiver, but he does not garner any extra attention from defensive coordinators. Other teams are free to double Wayne and take him out of the game. In this heated rivalry game, I am predicting a low scoring contest with a minimum of Fantasy points to go around.

Tony Gonzalez, Chiefs. Gonzalez is the second ranked TE in Fantasy football, so you almost have to play him this week. However, do not count on him to have a big game against the Bucanneers. Tampa Bay’s defense is strong in the middle of the field. Derrick Brooks and their safeties will be matching up with Gonzalez all day. Plus, the Bucs have the extra benefit of having prepared and played against the Cowboys’ Jason Witten last week. Their defensive schemes to stop the tight end should carry over.

My Picks

@Bills -5.5 Jets - Bills
Jaguars -7.5 @Bengals - Jaguars
@Browns -1.5 Ravens - Browns
@Vikings -4.5 Texans - Texans
@Bears -12.5 Lions - Lions
Buccaneers -9 @Chiefs - Buccaneers
Cardinals -3 @Rams - Cardinals
@Titans -5.5 Packers - Packers
@Broncos -3 Dolphins - Broncos
@Giants -9 Cowboys - Cowboys
Eagles -6.5 @Seahawks - Seahawks
Falcons -3 @Raiders - Falcons
@Colts -6 Patriots - Patriots
@Redskins -1.5 Steelers - Steelers