What’s a battle flex? Why a battle flex? Obviously, this battle is when we get two guys going head-to-head in a battle to decide which one to play. Like DJ’s in a club, or MC’s on a stage, we are going head-to-head in our flex this year. Should I play this guy or that guy? Or what about this running back or that wide receiver?  This series, though, is going to be a reflection of you readers who also have some kind of battle flex going on in your roster, a sounding board if you will. Whenever I get a question, it is usually trying to decide between player A or player B. So in the spirit of indecision and frustrating insecurity, I bring you the Battle Flex. Each week I’ll do my best to highlight a few battles to represent different sized leagues. I’m also relying on you guys and girls to help me shape this and make this about what you want to see. Got it? Good! Let’s move on…
As the season is just starting, I strongly recommend you stick to your draft day guns and use your guys. But when that fails, because I know for some of you it will, come over and I’ll help you get your weekly lineups right. I’ll be honest, I’ve been playing this game a long time and the one thing I have learned is– I have no idea for certain how over half the teams will perform offensively and defensively when it comes to opening week. We know the Broncos and Saints are going to score lots of points, and that the Seahawks will have a good defense. But when it comes to the Bills, Bucs, Vikings, or Texans… I can be sure that I’m not that sure how improved they might be? [Jay’s Note: That made me dizzy.]
Brandin Cooks vs. Kelvin Benjamin
Some rookie nookie here, with two of the top rookie wide receivers go at it this week in this flex battle. Cooks is the speedy new toy the Saints got for Drew Brees. He can break one off with lightening quick moves and game-changing speed against any defense sleeping on this breakout in the making. This week, he goes against division rival Atlanta Falcons, who last year gave up the 13th most points to wide receivers in 2013.
Kelvin Benjamin is a big target raw talent that has quickly picked up rapport with Cam Newton through the preseason. He caught 12 balls for 173 yards and a TD and got my attention real fast. I get that not all the catches were from Newton, but he looked real good. So good, in fact, that the Panthers fear he might be regularly double-teamed because the rest of the Panthers receiver corps is awful. This week he gets the new and improved (?) Bucs with new head coach Lovie Smith. Some are predicting a better year defensively from a team that gave up the 11th most points to wide receivers last season. Will they shut down the Benjamin?
My pick is Brandin Cooks.
I like the explosiveness and the chance he gets in the end-zone. Some believe the Panthers are going to run more this year and with a healthy Johnathan Stewart, this might become a reality. I’m waiting to see how the Panthers play, but not for week one. Start Cooks with confidence this week.
If you are unsure about who to start then please post your dilemma below and we’ll work on it together…
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