This week’s bye has a lot of great to good running backs sitting around doing nothing. Such names as Frank Gore, Chris Johnson, Steven Jackson, Maurice Jones-Drew, Knowshon Moreno, and Ryan Torain. There aren’t a ton of running backs floating around the free agency pool, but I’ve thrown a few at you toward the bottom in my Sleeper section.
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Quarterbacks
Start
Josh Freeman: He continues to give you steady points and the Falcons are near the bottom of all the pass defense categories. In their last 2 games they have given up over 300 yards and 3 TDs to quarterbacks.
Eli Manning: The Seachickens just gave up 310 yards and 2 TDs to Jason Campbell and Eli just threw all over the Cowboys. Little Brother is still inconsistent, but he has been mostly consistent this season.
Sit
Ryan Fitzpatrick: The Bears pass defense has been strong this season and Fitzpatrick regressed last week. The Bills don’t have enough of a running game to open the field for Fitzy.
Chad Henne: After getting torched by Ryan Fitzpatric at home the Ravens should come off their bye rested and mad. They aren’t their old selves, or make that, their young selves, but they’ll be more focused.
Running Backs
Start
Matt Forte: The Buffalo Bills are giving up 188 yards per game to running backs which is more than a lot. Forte has lost the goal line carries, but he wasn’t really getting in from the goal line anyway.
LaDainian Tomlinson: The Lions continue to give up big chunks of yardage and that won’t be any different against the Jets. LT should have plenty of room to run.
Sit
Jahvid Best: The highest fantasy point total for any running back against the Jets was 10 and that was Mr. Adrian Peterson. No other back has topped 10 points and they haven’t given up a rushing touchdown.
Cedric Benson: You pretty much can’t start anyone against the Steelers unless you are desperate and even then it’s not recommended. The longest run against the Steelers this season was 14 yards.
Wide Receiver
Start
Greg Jennings: The Cowboys pass defense has hit rock bottom after getting scorched by David Garrard and now they go up to Lambeau where Jennings has been stepping up his game and Donald Driver is out.
Mike Williams TB: The rookie just continues to produce and I see no reason he’ll stop this week against the Falcons.
Sit
Steve Smith CAR: The Saints are giving up 84 yards per game to wide receivers this season. That doesn’t sound that great until you realize that those yards are for every wide receiver on the opposing team! So if they stick to their average against Gettis, LaFell, Smith, etc… there won’t be many points to go around.
Desean Jackson: It will be hard to sit him and i wouldn’t unless you have some good options, but the Colts have the best DVOA against #1 receivers and DJax is coming off a huge hit that may leave him a little rattled. I think Maclin will be the guy to have going this week.
Tight Ends
Start
Owen Daniels: The Chargers pass defense is very good this season, but they still are weak against tight ends. Keep an eye on his health, but get him in there if he’s good to go.
Aaron Hernandez: The Browns have given up an average of 14 fantasy points to tight ends in their last 3 games.
Sit
Brandon Pettigrew: The Jets kill tight ends by giving up 32 yards per game to them. Well, they survive I suppose.
Brent Celek: The Colts also kill tight ends and Vick kills Celek. Stay far away.
Deep Sleepers
Mark Sanchez: If his receivers can hold onto the ball he should have a decent game against Detroit.
Chester Taylor: He is supposed to get a little more work including goal line and he gets the worst rush defense in the league. Forte is still the main man, but Taylor is worth a look see in deep league.
Tashard Choice: Felix Jones didn’t practice on Wednesday and doesn’t play well when dinged up. Marion Barber has looked slow at best. Choice has a good chance to have a decent second half.
Darren Sproles: With most of the receiving starters down and out in the San Diego hills Sproles should see some action in the passing game.
LaRod Stephens-Howling: The Vikings give up 7 receptions a game to running backs and LSH has been getting more work as of late. He’s in no way a
Seyi Ajitotutu: There is now a chance that Antonio Gates doesn’t go in this one which would make Crayton and Ajitotutu great starters against the bad Texans pass defense.
James Jones: It’s hard to go ahead and drink his Kool Aid, but he has a great matchup and Driver is out. Jordy Nelson could be worthwhile as a deep sleeper, but I’d rather have Jones.
Greg Olsen: Any tight ends going against the Bills, who seem to love giving them TDs, is worth a shot.
Ben Watson: The Patriots give up an average of 9 fantasy points a game to tight ends. I haven’t given up on him quite yet.
