For all of you anxiously waiting, here is this week's Sit 'em / Start 'em:
Sit 'em
- Ben Tate - We all knew this day was coming. Foster is finally healthy and Tate's touches will greatly be diminished. Compounding this is the fact that Pittsburgh's notoriously stingy run D comes to town. Even if Tate remains the feature back this week as Foster adjusts to game speed, Pitt's D is too much of an obstacle to overcome.
- Beanie Wells - After sitting out last week's divisional loss to the Seahawks, Wells practice participation has still been limited this week. Even if he does play (which he probably will), he will be facing a NYG team that has allowed the 7th fewest fantasy points to RBs.
- Steve Smith (Car) - After a fast start with super rookie Cam Newton in the first two week, Smith had just 2 catches for 15 yards last week. With the Panthers traveling to Chicago, Newton may be in for another underwhelming statistical performance, meaning any owners dependent on his WRs will be in for a long, frustrating afternoon.
- Chad Henne - Henne has thrown for quite a few yards, but has just 4 TDs to 3 INTs. The game at San Diego should be closer than expected, and Thomas and Bush could have plenty of carries, creating less passing opportunities for Henne.
- Shonn Greene - Greene has been maddeningly inconsistent over the past two years. The upcoming trip to Baltimore isn't going to help matters.
Start 'em
- Eli Manning - The Cardinals defense is just horrid, especially its pass defense with is giving up an average of 275 yards per game, despite a game against Tavaris Jackson on their resume. After his 4 TD comeback performance against the Eagles, Eli should do very well for himself this weekend.
- BenJarvus Green-Ellis - After last weekend's loss to Buffalo, I expect the Patriots to commit more to the run game against Oakland, trying to limit the Raiders offensive snap and give their defense a break. Look for the Lawfirm to be a workhorse this week and NE employs a more balance attack this week.
- Rob Gronkowski - Aaron Hernandez is more than likely not playing for a while, which is a bonus to Gronkowski's owners. Also, Ochocinco's unreliability in the redzone makes Gronkowski and Welker the main options for Mr. Brady.
- Eric Decker - Green Bay's secondary is in rough shape and haven't held one opposing QB under 300 yards. Getting Tramon Williams back will effectively neutralize Brandon Lloyd, and Charles Woodson is always roaming the field, but not neccessarily shutting down one WR. That's where Decker comes in. Seeing a lot of single coverage by Sam Shields and deep help by inexperienced safties will allow Decker to have a very nice day.
- Joseph Addai - I've been down on the entire Colts offense so far, but the Colts showed heart against Pittsburgh last week. Going up against as soft Tampa Bay defense (23rd against the run, 24th in total defense), and possibly with Curtis Painter at QB, Addai will be the focal point of the Colts offense.
Natasha Barnard
Genevieve Morton
Classic Photos of Miguel Cabrera
Celebrities at the NHL Playoffs
Comments (19) Add A Comment
Steve Smith (Car) is going to be a stud against the Bears this weekend. The Bears D is solid... against the run.
In fact the Bears have the #26 overall Pass defense.
Golden Grillz
Las Vegas, NV
Total Comments (8404)
I wouldn't sit Smith either and I wouldn't start BGE. He only has value if he scores a TD.
I am not scared of the Pitt defense right now, as a Tate owner, I just want to know who is going to play more.
PatsFan21
Total Comments (1467)
Also, consider the Panthers played the Jags in a monsoon last week. God himself, aka Brady, would have had bad passing numbers.
Golden Grillz
Las Vegas, NV
Total Comments (8404)
Agreed. While the Pats might try getting back to the basics and run more. That doesn't necessarily mean the Lawfirm will get a majority of the carries.
Golden Grillz
Las Vegas, NV
Total Comments (8404)
Also consider Ron Rivera HC for Carolina used to be DC for Chicago. He'll know how to plan accordingly.
Golden Grillz
Las Vegas, NV
Total Comments (8404)
You think too much in the traditional sense. Woodhead doesn't just get carries on 3rd down. In fact he even gets goal line carries too.
Golden Grillz
Las Vegas, NV
Total Comments (8404)
Good blog as usual, Gus.
DJRoxalot
Total Comments (108458)
Stevan Ridley is shooting up the depth chart.
PatsFan21
Total Comments (1467)
Two things:
1. I agree that Steve Smith and Cam Newton should be granted a pass for last week's performance. Anyone who saw the game - or at least highlights of the game - knows that they were playing in extreme weather conditions which should not be extrapolated into future expectations.
2. I believe the Bears pass defense is much better than their #26 ranking indicates. Don't just look at the numbers, look at who they played:
Green Bay
New Orleans
Atlanta
No one has been able to stop the Packers or the Saints offenses this year. Aaron Rodgers and Drew Brees are on fire. And Chicago ate the Falcons alive (although Matt Ryan did rack up 300+ yards).
With that said, Chicago's cover two defense is designed to take away the big play which should test Cam Newton's patience. I don't expect Steve Smith to have a monster game against them, but he should see more than 2 catches and 15 yards.
(Un)mautre
Inferiority Complex Group, FN
Total Comments (16256)
Decker will have a big game. He has been targeted as much if not more than any top WR.
I disagree with Tate. I still play him. Hamstrings can be nagging and I don't think the Steelers are any good this year.
Starks for the Pack could have a good game but Denver has been surprisingly good against the run. Also missing Bulaga but Newhouse wasn't bad last week.
BuckyBadger.
Total Comments (2714)
By this I mean I think the Texans will get up early and be running the ball. They won't be using Foster there.
BuckyBadger.
Total Comments (2714)
Great blog Gus.
W_A_M_U?
Total Comments (64481)
Comment
Remember to keep your posts clean. Profanity will get filtered, and offensive comments will be removed.