Unlike a real champion, I’m mad and not going to re-trace my steps for this awesome open I wrote. Friggin’ Word crashed when I went to save! Typical. It’s as if I was going against Matt Ryan, Roddy White, and Calvin Johnson last night. I just feel defeated. Let’s just get into my picks:
Here’s five guys not started in enough leagues and five guys started in too many leagues that should be benched, along with their % started in ESPN leagues and Yahoo leagues, respectively. And remember, these picks are not always suggestions for direct 1-for-1 swaps if you own players in both sections, but merely picks for guys not started enough and started too often.
Possible Starters
Colin Kaepernick, QB, San Francisco (19.3%, 23%) – Coming off a huge game beating NE in Foxboro, I actually think Sunday Night’s game against the vaunted Seahawks D will be a little more open on offense than most. I like Kaepernick a lot as we’ve seen him score like a fantasy starter every start he’s had. He’s both consistent and has high upside, I think is a top 5 or 6 QB this week.
Russell Wilson, QB, Seattle (8.1% 12%) – As stated above, I think the NFC West showdown is actually more open to offenses than most would think. Plus there’s reports Justin Smith will likely miss this game, and that 49ers D is just not the same without him as we saw last Sunday Night. Wilson has been a beast at home and is finally hitting his stride (literally) in the running game. I could legit see him being your starter if you’ve made it this far with Tony Romo or Eli Manning.
Vick Ballard, RB, Indianapolis (47.4%, 32%) – It sure took the Colts long enough, but with Donald Brown now on IR, Ballard is the lead back for Indy. With a good matchup going at the Chiefs, the Colts should win big and give Ballard a lot of work as the feature back. Ballard had his first career 100-yard game last week against a tough Texans run D, and I see him eclipsing 100 yards again this week.
Cecil Shorts, WR, Jacksonville (35.8%, 43%) – I feel that Shorts has been really underrated, putting up 100 yards or a TD in all but 1 start since week 7. Now going against a shaky NE secondary in what should be a blow out. Love him in junk time to rack up stats. And I bet he can’t wait for Tebow to be his starting QB next year.
Dennis Pitta, TE, Baltimore (24.0%, 25%) – Pitta has scored TDs in 3 of the last 4 Ravens games, and behind Torrey Smith, is Flacco’s favorite target. Should be a lot of passing today against the Giants, and I think he is solid here.
Son Of A Bench
Eli Manning, QB, New York Giants (68.5%, 57%) – As stated above, I would start Russell Wilson over Manning. Sure there’s some risk, but I think Wilson has both the better floor and high ceiling. Manning has been dreadful, and I’m shocked is still started in so many leagues. Get someone else.
BenJarvus Green-Ellis, RB, Cincinnati (79.4%. 61%) – I’ve become a big fan of the law firm and think he’ll be a great value pick next year, but this is not the week I’d want to trust him. The Pittsburgh run D gives up the 4th least amount of points to opposing RBs and Green-Ellis had 18 carriers for 69 yards last time these teams faced off. With the division on the line, I see Cincy going to the pass early and often.
Shonn Greene, RB, New York Jets (53.3%, 46%) – Although not started in half of fantasy leagues and probably not on very many championship rosters, I can’t believe Greene is started as often as he is. With McElroy now the starting QB, it will be 8 in the box all day. Not to mention other backs (Powell, McKnight) are getting in the mix. Bench.
Reggie Wayne, WR, Indianapolis (77.8%, 85%) – Very tough to bench your studs that got you to the championship, and at where Wayne fell, there’s a good chance he’s the WR2 or 3 for good teams, but I think he’s a bench today. Wayne has faltered down the stretch and playing the Chiefs today, should be a cakewalk for the Colts.
Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Arizona (67.3%, 54%) – In typical “beating a dead horse” fashion, say whaaaaaaaa with Fitzgerald’s percent startage numbers… I just can’t believe it. Although most teams he’s on are probably dead and not in the finals, so I guess that makes sense…
If you have any last second decisions, shoot some comments below or tweet me @jbgilpin. Good luck to everyone in Razzball Nation in the final today!
