You know that feeling. It’s Thursday night, and you need help. Your team is on the cusp of clinching the play-offs. But you have a problem. Standing in your way is the best team in the league. The one who picked the best players, best sleepers, the best all around team. How do you beat him or her? Listen to some guy give you advice on how to beat ‘em or play solely by the rankings, which are often wrong. OR…. You could read this blog entry, which tells you who to play, who not to play, and guys to pick up as Sunday approaches.
Quarterbacks:
Who you should start:
Eli Manning. Manning is facing one of the worst passing defenses in history in the New England Patriots. Manning has great receivers in Victor Cruz, Mario Manningham, and Hakeem Nicks. Manning had a great game last week against Miami throwing for 349 yards and 2 touchdowns. Expect a fantastic game from the younger, and only Manning currently playing.
Matt Ryan: Ryan is facing the 3rd worst passing defense in the NFL, in the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts are winless, and are not expected to win this game. Ryan has had a solid season, but we expected better from a guy with Roddy White, Michael Turner, and Tony Gonzalez, and Julio Jones. This is his chance to throw for 300+ yards. The Colts have been unable to do anything on offense, and the Falcons defense should be able to stop Curtis Painter & Co.
Drew Brees: The NFL’s leader in passing yards should break out in this game. After throwing 3 picks in Tampa Bay earlier in the season, he should perform significantly better in this matchup, with the best tight end in football in Jimmy Graham, and solid receiving corps.
Running backs:
Who you should start:
Beanie Wells: If he is able to start the game, (as of tonight, November 3, he was a limited participant in practice). He should dominate. Playing against one of only four teams that have allowed 1000+ rushing yards he should have a huge game of the season. A game similar to one that a running back had this year, and in some leagues received 40 points. (If you don’t know who I’m talking about see Foster, Arian Week #7.) The Rams were able to squeak one away from the Saints last week, but that was pure luck, Beanie should kill ‘em this week. Michael Turner: Yes, yes another Falcon. I know. But the Colts’ run defense is second worst in the NFL, and if Matt Ryan struggles, (which he most likely won’t) Turner will take more of the load. Turner is having a great year for the Falcons, who has a team have not been. Expect the Falcons to run all over the Colts, and give them a drubbing similar to their 62-7 loss to the Saints.
Steven Jackson: After starting out the season slow. I mean really, really slow. He has started to wake up and become himself. After a fantastic week last week, leading his team to their first victory of the season, expect to have another 100+ yard rushing game. Jackson keeps improving, and you should absolutely start him.
Wide Receivers:
Who you should start:
A.J Green: Andy Dalton has been throwing well enough for Green, and the Bengals are starting to become a team to watch this season. Though the Titans’ passing defense is good, Green is all the Bengals have at receiver, and he should get the ball a lot. If your league does PPR, play this guy, he will do you some good.
Wes Welker: Everyone in PPR leagues was worried there. Is Welker not going to play? The good news is, ladies and gentlemen, he has been upgraded from questionable to probable. He practiced today, Thursday. Welker has struggled in the past few games. But do not rule him out, everyone keeps waiting for him to bounce back, and this might be the game. After a tough game at Pittsburgh, he goes back home to Foxborough to face the Giants. Everyone is hoping for a big game from good ‘ol Wes. And this week, his owners will get one.
Dwayne Bowe:
Dwayne Bowe? That guy, I remember him. He helped Matt Cassel and the Chiefs reach the play-offs right? He was a solid receiver. What’s he doing this year? Well, Bowe is doing well. He, like Welker is in a 2 week slump, but should get out of it in Miami. Why? Simply because Miami can’t beat anybody. Bowe is all the Chiefs have at receiver. He’ll dominate against the Dolphins, and help the Chiefs get back to the play-offs.
Who you should not start, a simple list.
Rashard Mendenhall-He is not that good this season, and he’s facing the Steel Curtain.‘Nuff said.
Ben Roethlisberger-He is doing extremely well, unfortunately, he also has the pleasure of facing the Steelers. Start at your own risk, but just know you were warned.
Any Patriots running back-Their main back alters every game. Usually its BenJarvus, but every now and then Woodhead or even Faulk will get carries. Don’t count on their backfield.
Chris Johnson- Mr. Disappointment. He has gotten one 100 yard game this season. In addition, Javon Ringer rushed for 60 yards last game. You’re better off not starting him, especially against the Bengals stellar rushing defense.
DeSean Jackson- Yes, yes he had that great play against the Giants. But other than that, he hasn’t been that good of a receiver. He’s scored only 2 touchdowns this season, and has just had 77 yards receiving in his past 2 games.
Who you should pick up:
Vernon Davis- Great tight end. He is in a really rough patch, but he should be able to fix that against the Redskins. Pick him up and put him on your roster, if Alex Smith continues throwing the way he has been, Davis should get some yardage and catches soon.
Colt McCoy- The Texans’ defense is great, but McCoy is a solid quarterback, who has thrown for 175+ yards every game this season. Sure his team’s not that good, but McCoy is a solid pickup, and if your in need of an emergency quarterback, choose him.
Chris Ogbonnaya- What a name. This guy will play though. With both Peyton Hillis and Montario Hardesty nursing injuries, Ogbonnaya should get plenty of rushing attempts. He should be okay, and if you need a guy who can get some carries and a few yards, here’s your man.
Early Doucet- After an early season struggle, Doucet has been coming up the ladder these past few games. He’s been scoring a bit too. If you have Fitzgerald already, you might as well add Doucet, who’s on a touchdown streak.
Take heed of this advice and use it wisely. Using this advice, you have found out players to play and to pick up in this Week 9. Fantasy owners, good luck and may your team prosper.
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