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Our very own Eric Cunningham brings you this Turkey Day version of who you should feature and who you should bench for week 12. Let us know if you agree or disagree with him.
QUARTERBACK
Start ‘Em
Matt Hasselbeck, SEA
The tides are turning in Seattle and Hasselbeck suddenly looks like a fantasy gem. He’s thrown for 2 TDs in 5 straight games and at least 275 yards in 4 of the last 5. That’s the consistent production fantasy championships are built upon. With Maurice Morris taking more pressure off than Shaun Alexander did and the return of D.J. Hackett, it has provided Hasselbeck with a #1 option and safety blanket. This week against the Rams, expect his 2 TD streak to continue and he should once again approach 300 yards.
David Garrard, JAX
He’s back and he hasn’t missed a beat. Throwing for only 189 yards isn’t all that exciting, but he tossed 2 TDs and continued to protect the ball by not throwing an interception. Through 7 games this season he has tossed 8 TDs without turning it over once. That’s pretty impressive. He also completed 62% of his passes last week against a defense that was coming fresh off a 6-interception game against Peyton Manning. Against Buffalo this week he should be able to at least match last week’s numbers. 200 yards passing and 2 TDs are reasonable expectations.
Matt Schaub, HOU
Schaub also returned after a bout with injuries to throw 2 TDs and push for 300 yards against the New Orleans Saints. It also helped that Andre Johnson returned to the lineup. Nevertheless, they are both back and seemingly healthy in time to take on a Cleveland Browns defense that has been scored on at will and has lost their top DB (rookie Eric Wright) for the time being. Expect a big game from Schaub.
Deep Start ‘Em
Kurt Warner, AZ
He’s a fringe starting QB in shallow leagues and could warrant a start depending on your situation; however, in deep leagues, owners should be fortunate enough to own a QB like Warner. Warner has combined for 470 passing yards, 5 TDs, and 1 INT over the past two weeks proving that he’s still a valuable option. Sure, he did it against Cincinnati and Detroit, but this week he gets San Francisco. I know, you’re thinking “it can’t get much easier after this,” but you’d be wrong. He still has Cleveland, Atlanta, New Orleans, and St. Louis on the schedule. Get ready to enjoy the fireworks.
Brodie Croyle, KC
While there are going to be doubters, he needs to be recognized as a viable option in deeper leagues. Croyle looked like David Garrard with a bigger arm last week. He played mistake free, kept his team in the game, and ended up with a decent performance. Expect him to take the next step this week. With Priest Holmes announcing his retirement due to a neck injury, Kolby Smith will have to carry the load. While this may mean there is more pressure on Croyle, it also will mean more opportunities to go downfield to Dwayne Bowe. Expect him to top 200 yards with a score against Oakland, but it won’t be mistake free football two weeks in a row.
Sit ‘Em
Jon Kitna, DET
If you are in a league that scores points for passing attempts then I can see starting Kitna this week, but otherwise it’s best to leave him on the bench. He’s thrown 88 passes (converting 68%) over the past two weeks, but he’s reverted to the mistake ridden Kitna that we all remember from Cincinnati. Last week, he threw two INTs in the last 3 minutes of the game. One, you could argue, was a tipped ball by his own WR, but if he had thrown it correctly Shaun McDonald wouldn’t be taking the undeserved heat in Detroit. Anyway, Kitna has to play a stout Green Bay defense this week after throwing 3 TDs and 5 INTs over the past two games to weaker opponents. Give him a rest this week.
Donovan McNabb, PHI
If you’re desperate, it may be time to sign A.J. Feely. McNabb has a swollen ankle and thumb on this throwing hand. No one is officially ruling him out against the Patriots this week, but I can’t see why they would bother playing him. I’m not suggesting they should just concede defeat now and let McNabb have another week of rest… but it wouldn’t be the worst idea. Besides, he threw 2 INTs against Miami, and the Dolphins hadn’t intercepted a QB twice since they did it to Jason Campbell in week one. Shut him down this week, even if he plays.
Kyle Boller, BAL
I think I dug into Boller pretty good last week, but seeing as he may have produced enough to give some fantasy owners the idea that he might break out, I’m here to end that notion here and now. Boller is not good. Sure, he threw for 279 yards against Cleveland, but who hasn’t? Ok, fine Ben Roethlisberger didn’t do it either time that he played them, but oh wait, he had 6 TDs. Boller had 1, and 2 INTs. His 279 total was the 3rd highest in 50 career games. That’s NOT good. His opposing QB, Derek Anderson, has reached the 270s five times in 15 career games for comparison. A blind squirrel finds a nut every once and a while, and Boller’s performance last week was the equivalent of him finding a nut’s shell. Close, but no cigar. Unfortunately, close is all he will ever come... at best. This week he gets San Diego. The only reason you should be playing Kyle Boller is if you are Kyle Boller… and maybe not even then.
RUNNING BACK
Start ‘Em
Chester Taylor, MIN
So, 164 yards and 3 TDs later we’re introducing the newest running back to own for the stretch run. Adrian Peterson owners who backed up their star with Taylor suddenly aren’t as worried as they were a week ago, especially since the news about Peterson doesn’t seem to be getting much better. Taylor was handed the ball 22 times and caught three passes as well last week, and while we can’t expect him to continual to produce at 7.5 YPC, Taylor should be considered a solid option moving forward. He will be the focal point of the Minnesota Vikings offense. Against the Giants you could expect him to push for 120 total yards and find the end zone.
Maurice Jones-Drew, JAX
It was a great sign to see Jones-Drew get a goal line carry last week instead of Greg Jones. Hopefully there is more to come. It was also nice to see him drop Shawne Merriman like a sack of potatoes. Too bad we don’t get fantasy points for blocking. Nonetheless, Jones-Drew only ended up with 33 yards, but the TD makes it worthwhile. This week he’ll get a weaker Buffalo defense that has allowed 95 rushing yards or more in 4 of the last 5 games. Despite the split of carries in Jacksonville Jones-Drew tends to be more valuable in PPR leagues and leagues that score heavily for TDs. Last year, Jones-Drew rushed for 78 yards and a TD on only 8 carries against Buffalo while chipping in 5 receptions for 47 yards.
Maurice Morris, SEA
Two weeks in a row now Morris has tallied 87 rushing yards and a score. He’s clearly going to be the full time RB while Shaun Alexander is sidelined. Going up against the weak St. Louis rushing defense will only help him break the 90-yard mark for the first time. This should easily be Morris’ best rushing game of the season with only more upside in his future. With Hasselbeck and the passing attack really rounding into form, Morris has had a much easier time finding holes to run through. He’s also brought a new sense of confidence to the Seahawks. They clearly didn’t want to bench Alexander, but the change was clearly needed. Expect an offensive explosion against the Rams.
Deep Start ‘Em
Anthony Thomas, BUF
With Marshawn Lynch banged up, Thomas had a productive day for a flex back against New England. Averaging just under 3.0 YPC isn’t acceptable, but against New England, Buffalo was forced to go to the air a lot more than they would have liked to have gone. He also had two runs of 10+ yards called back on penalties which didn’t help. Against Jacksonville this week, expect Thomas to get a healthy dose of carries early to try and set the tone.
Kyle Eckel, NE
In deep leagues, Eckel could be a much better option than he looks. At this point, he’s just being used in mop up duty, but with Laurence Maroney’s health a concern, as well as Kevin Faulk’s, Eckel might find himself playing a full game this week. After the Patriots were up by roughly 1,000 points, Eckel carried the ball 10 times for 40 yards including a TD. With more opportunity he could really produce at a respectable level. The only set back is that he very well might lose some carries to…
Heath Evans, NE
Evans is ideally a short yardage back for the Patriots. He could really cut into Eckel’s value by sniping late game goal line situations. There were rumors early in the season that Evans would be the goal line back for the full season, but with Sammy Morris’ emergence, Evans fell to the back burner. Last week against Buffalo, Evans actually out produced Eckel by rushing for 56 yards on 10 carries. Don’t expect his yards to surpass Eckel’s on a weekly basis, but the short term possibility is there. Both of these backs should be owned in deep leagues with flex spots.
Kolby Smith, KC
At press time, Kolby Smith was looking more and more like he was going to be handed the starting job since Priest Holmes re-injured his neck. Last week against Indianapolis, Smith totaled 51 yards on 11 touches, but you can expect him to get a lot more carries and the all-purpose yards should push triple digits. Smith was getting enough touches to be considered in deep leagues, but now he is a must own. This week, the Chiefs will face an Oakland defense that hasn’t shown the ability to stop any RB on the planet this season. He’s definitely worth giving a chance this week.
Sit ‘Em
Brian Westbrook, PHI
Hear me out. Going on the road to Foxboro to face the Patriots is as tough a task as it gets. Factor in the fact that Donovan McNabb may not play and that Bill Belichick specializes in taking away the one thing that opposing teams need to have (i.e. Westbrook) and it doesn’t look like a great game for the Villanova standout.
Kevin Jones, DET
Ok, the honeymoon is over. It was fun while it lasted, but now Jones is starting to show the disappointing numbers that we’re accustomed to seeing. Oh, and he’s sporting a brand new foot injury. Well, not new, but it will never have a chance to be new if he keeps injuring it. Don’t expect much going up against the Green Bay defense either. It should be an exciting Thanksgiving Day game, but if Detroit pulls out a win it will be through the air.
WIDE RECEIVER
Start ‘Em
D.J. Hackett, SEA
He’s really good. He’s officially here to stay after scoring in 3 straight weeks and watching his yardage and receptions continue to rise. Hackett’s been targeted 31 times in 3 games and has clearly helped Hasselbeck immensely. He’s firmly entrenched as the #1 receiver and Hasselbeck’s go to guy and should be started in every league and in all formats. Over the past three weeks his 295 yards and 3 TDs have him ranking amongst the league’s elite WRs. Use him every week: especially this week against St. Louis.
Bernard Berrian, CHI
With Rex Grossman at the helm again, the big play WR for the Bears is back on the job contributing as a solid #2 or #3 WR. 9 receptions and 102 yards made for Berrian’s biggest day of the season, while, his 12 targets were 8 more than the second best receiver (Muhsin Muhammad). Expect Berrian to continue down this path as a WR who is valuable in all formats but more so in PPR/yardage leagues. This week, against Denver, Berrian could have another solid performance. Deep threats like Greg Jennings and Shaun McDonald were able to have big days against the Broncos. Berrian could fit right into that mold.
Reggie Williams, JAX
David Garrard is back and his favorite receiver is going to benefit. Williams has scored 5 TDs this season putting him in a tie for 14th most in the entire league. More importantly, he has scored them in 5 separate games giving owners consistency. Williams’ 6’4” 223 lbs. frame makes him an excellent redzone target in Jacksonville and Garrard has taken notice. While Williams may have had his big yardage game (128 yards week 9) with Quinn Gray at the helm, his value will only rise with a better QB in the pocket.
Deep Start ‘Em
Kevin Walter, HOU
With the return of Andre Johnson, Walter should be freed up to make more plays. Clearly, Johnson is the first option in Houston, but Walter proved himself to be respectable while he recouped from his injury and should get enough attention to warrant consideration in deeper leagues. This past week both Walter and Johnson were targeted 7 times, and in the upcoming match up against Cleveland there should be plenty of receptions to go around. Expect Walter to push for 80 yards with the potential of a big play or two.
Devard Darling, BAL
Typically, I am not a fan of any WRs from Baltimore when Kyle Boller is quarterbacking the team; however, I may make an exception in Darling’s case. With Demetrius Williams sidelined, Darling stepped in and contributed 107 yards receiving with a TD. Darling could step in and contribute Mark Clayton-esque numbers down the stretch for a fantasy team willing to take a risk. He’s a must have in deeper leagues, especially if you can stash him and see what he does against San Diego this week. It won’t be as easy as it was against Cleveland’s secondary for Darling, but he should still contribute assuming Boller doesn’t hold him back too much.
Dwayne Jarrett, CAR
On a much lesser note it wouldn’t be a bad idea to take a look at Jarrett these days. With Steve Smith still on the fence about a return this week, Jarrett may be the biggest beneficiary. Over the past two weeks, Jarrett has totaled 5 receptions and 67 yards against Atlanta and Green Bay. As Carolina spins out of the playoff picture expect him to get a few more tests just so they can see what they have. Against the Saints this week, he might be worth a gamble.
Sit ‘Em
Jerricho Cotchery, NYJ
When Kellen Clemens took the helm, I thought it might be Cotchery’s chance to shine. Unfortunately, all it has meant is more looks towards Brad Smith and Chris Baker culminating in his single reception, 5-yard performance on Sunday against the Steelers. That’s not what Cotchery owners had hoped for, and now, with Laveraneus Coles heading to the shelf, it looks like Cotchery will be getting the luxury of constant double teams. He’s not worth it this week.
Steve Smith, CAR
Continuing along with his seemingly weekly report here at Start or Sit, Smith is still banged up with an injured shin and is most likely going to be a game time decision. In my opinion, that means he’ll be on the bench again or get very limited action. There are a lot of owners who are too nervous not to play him because they don’t want to miss out on his huge game. Well, he hasn’t had a huge game since week 2. It’s time to stop waiting. Find another option until further notice.
TIGHT END
Start ‘Em
Donald Lee, GB
Over the past 3 weeks, Lee has averaged 4.3 receptions, 51.3 receiving yards, and 1.0 TDs. Why isn’t he getting the respect he deserves? Lee needs to be considered amongst the top 10 TEs in the leagues, especially while Bubba Franks is out. Against Detroit on Thanksgiving, expect him to out produce at his current pace.
Ben Watson, NE
Since returning from injury, Watson has compiled 5 receptions, 53 yards, and a score. Not too bad in a Randy Moss offense. With the running game banged up in New England look for Watson to get a lot more looks as the Patriots attack through the air even more than before. They’ll use Watson and Wes Welker to move the chains.
Deep Start ‘Em
Alge Crumpler, ATL
With the uncertainty at QB in Atlanta Crumpler’s value has really taken a hit. He’s no longer a fringe top 5 TE, but now he barely warrants a starting job in a 12 team league, if at all. In PPR leagues he holds more value, but don’t expect him to bounce back any time soon. This week, against Indianapolis, he could be good for 3-4 catches and 30 yards with a target or two in the red zone. That’s all you can ask for.
Quinn Sypniewski, BAL
With Todd Heap continuing to fight off injuries, Sypniewski has proven to be an admirable replacement. 6 receptions and 53 yards last week were both career highs, but he continued to impress with some impressive grabs over the middle. He’s averaged 3.85 receptions over his past 6 games. In PPR leagues, he’s a great value.
Leonard Pope, ARZ
He doesn’t get the attention of the big name receivers in Arizona, but Pope has come through with some impressive outings of his own recently. 6 receptions (on 7 targets), 74 yards, and 2 TDs over the past 2 games are good enough for me. Against San Francisco this week I fully expect him to end up in the 30-40 yard range with a legitimate chance to score.
Sit ‘Em
Two of my early season favorites… it’s sad.
Owen Daniels, HOU
Jeff King, CAR
Daniels is an unfortunate case. For fantasy owners in TD-heavy leagues he is a killer. He just can’t find the end zone, and he’s rarely even looked at when in the red zone. He has 59 targets on the season, but only 6 are in the red zone. Staying with that number, 6, that was the last week he was even looked at once when inside the red zone. With Andre Johnson back, his opportunities will likely dwindle. Even against Cleveland, there are better options.
King on the other hand has been victimized by the inconsistent play at QB. He’s had 2 receptions in each of the past 3 weeks, but has only been able to top 15 receiving yards once over that span. With Vinny Testeverde at the helm, King should at least get looked at, but there are far too many other options to consider using him at this point.
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