Here at the Whiz, we expect that you already know to start your studs - even if they have had a slow start to the season. It's the rest of your draft that may need a second opinion from time to time.

Eric Cunningham digs deep this week to help you figure out who will be flying high, and who should be riding the pine on your team. With bye weeks starting to hit and injuries piling up, Eric provides you with a little shove in the right direction.

QUARTERBACKS

Start ‘Em

Philip Rivers, SD (vs. KC)

Lost somewhere between the LaDanian Tomlinson complaining and Marty Schottenheimer laughter was the fact that Rivers had a breakout game (360 yards, 3 TD, and 1 INT) against a formidable Packers defense. I hardly expect that type of output from Rivers on a regular basis, but with Tomlinson being ineffective Rivers may see more opportunities to air it out. The Chiefs’ defense has yet to face a quarterback of Rivers’ ability (Matt Schaub, Rex Grossman, and Kelly Holcomb), but did well against that competition. Expect Norv Turner to try some new things and let Rivers throw more often. A line of 250 yards and 2 TDs is reasonable.  

Over his career, Hasselbeck has played in nine games against San Francisco. He’s combined for 2,167 yards, 17 TDs and 8 INTs. That’s an average of just over 240 yards with 1.9 TDs and 0.9 INTs per game. Hasselbeck is one of the least respected fantasy quarterbacks in the league despite the stability he brings to a lineup week in and week out. He’s extraordinary value after the “top” quarterbacks are drafted and always keeps your team in the game. How do Drew Brees or Marc Bulger owners feel with that 3rd round pick now? Something tells me Hasselbeck owners are happier with the depth at RB or WR. With Shaun Alexander suffering from a broken wrist you can expect Hasselbeck to shoulder a little bit more of the load. Use his per game average against San Francisco as minimum expectations.

Chad Pennington, NYJ (@ BUF)

In leagues that rely heavily on touchdowns, Pennington has been much more valuable than you’d think. In his 2 games, he’s thrown 4 TDs with 0 INTs despite putrid yardage numbers. A quick trip to Buffalo should fix that problem in a hurry. Buffalo has already allowed two 300 yard passers on the season and has given up 6 TDs through the air as opposed to 2 on the ground. With Laveranues Coles and Jerricho Cotchery forming quite the WR tandem in New (Jersey) York, Pennington’s numbers will be on the rise starting this week.

First he loses two offensive linemen, and then he loses Steven Jackson for the short term. A lot of his success will rely upon how good a job Brian Leonard does filling in for Jackson (more on that later). Dallas’ defense has picked off 7 passes in the last two weeks alone, and if Bulger is forced to go to the air consistently, you can expect a similar result. It’s time to find a reliable back up. Brian Griese, CHI (@ DET) Finally, Lovie Smith has pulled the plug on Rex Grossman. Is that the last we’ll ever see of him, I doubt it, but Bears’ fans should be rejoicing nationwide that Griese is the new starter. Teams with a defense as good as Chicago’s don’t need a superstar quarterback. All they need is a game manager, and that’s what Griese will be. Even though he’s playing the Lions, who just gave up a 50 spot to the Eagles, Griese will be a game manager. In his last starting gig (2005 with Tampa Bay), Griese only topped 230 yards once in six games and threw 7 TDs with 7 INTs.

Jay Cutler, DEN (@ IND)

I’m disappointed in Cutler. The yardage has gone down every week since his 304 yard effort in Buffalo, but more importantly, he has only thrown 1 TD in each game. Those expecting Cutler to push the 27-30 TD range are going to be disappointed. Against a much improved Indianapolis defense Cutler will struggle. There are better options.

Jason Campbell WAS, Drew Brees NOS, David Garrard JAC,  Vince Young TEN

After claiming that a 1500-yard season was on the “low end” of his expectations, Henry offered a dud in week 3 with only 35 yards on 11 carries. Expect the opportunities and carries to increase this week against the Colts. Indianapolis has shut down running backs pretty well this year, but they’ve had the likes of LenDale White and Samkon Gado getting the majority of carries against them over the past two weeks. Henry’s success is essential to the Broncos hanging with the Colts this week. Expect Shanahan to get him on track early and often.

Deep Start ‘Em

Laurence Maroney, NE (@ CIN)

Teams have thrown all over Oakland this year. Seven receivers have had 4 reception games, five have brought in at least 70 yards, and five have scored touchdowns. Chambers has been targeted 39 times already, or, more than anyone else in the league that’s not a Cincinnati Bengals starting WR (Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh are #1 and #2 on the list with 46 and 40 targets respectively). Not to mention, Trent Green’s yardage numbers have increased every week. The stars are aligning for a big weekend for Chambers.

We’re quickly learning that Witten, and not Patrick Crayton or Sam Hurd, is the biggest beneficiary of the Terry Glenn injury. He’s almost been targeted as much as Terrell Owens (29-21) and has been the most targeted receiver inside the red zone. He’s a must start every week, especially, against St. Louis.

The Patriots were able to let Daniel Graham walk to Denver because they knew they had something special in Watson. Watson has become one of Tom Brady’s favorite red zone targets. It’s deceptive because he only has three red zone targets on the season, but Watson has been money catching every one of them. Watson’s big on running into the flat or to the back of the end zone. He could approach double digit TDs if the Patriots offense keeps this up.