Week 4: Start 'Em
Another wild week of football has ended with a wild Monday night game. Like most weeks in the NFL, there were some players who jumped out of nowhere and some studs that can't seem to get it going. With more injuries this week (Reggie Bush, Ryan Matthews and Michael Turner) and no one sure if they or other injured players will play this week, you might be looking for someone to start. Below are some names of players you might want to consider starting if you have an open spot. I know there are a lot of leagues where you don't have to start TE's but can use them as WR or flex, so I'm going to list a few TE's that you can use as WR's (so don't be shocked when you see Chris Cooley's name on the list -- obviously he should be started in all leagues that have TE's). If you have any specific questions about who to start you can always contact me through the website or email me through the site and I will do my best to answer you as fast as possible. Good luck this week. May the force be with you.
QB Kyle Orton, ---
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No matter how many games he wins, no matter how many yards he passes for, Kyle Orton doesn't seem to ever get the respect he deserves. Even after throwing for a career high 3802 yards and 21 TDs, he still wasn't drafted in most leagues; even when he was drafted, he has been relegated to bench duty. Well it's time to give Orton his chance, Denver isn't very good and will be trying to come from behind many weeks, giving Orton plenty of chances to put up big passing games. If you need a QB to start this week, Orton might be your guy.
RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis, ---
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Going into the 2010 season, it looked like another season of split carries between the New England running backs. That was until Laurence Maroney was traded, Kevin Faulk went down with a season ending injury and now Fred Taylor is dealing with an injury of his own. At this point, the Pats might not have much of a choice but to give the bulk of the carries to one back; so far that back looks to be Benjarvus Green-Ellis. Last week with Maroney and Faulk gone and Taylor leaving early due to a toe injury, Green-Ellis led the team with 16 carries for 98 yards and 1 touchdown. This week the Pats face the Dolphins (who have had trouble dealing with the run), so look for Green-Ellis to get his chance to shine. If you are in need of help at RB, Green-Ellis might be the guy to help you this week.
RB Peyton Hillis, ---
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Heading into the 2010 NFL season, the Browns weren't expecting much from Peyton Hillis other than to be a short yardage guy backing up Jerome Harrison and rookie Montario Hardesty. Hardesty went down with a season ending injury in training camp, and Harrison has not been able to grab hold of the #1 spot on the depth chart due to injuries and fumbling. Through the first 2 games, Hillis and Harrison were getting close to an even split, with Hillis being the more productive back in terms of yards, TDs and even as part of the passing game. This past week with Harrison out with an injury, Hillis stepped in and put up a magical day, totaling 180 yards, with 7 receptions and 1 rushing TD. Until further notice, look for Hillis to be the main guy in Cleveland. He has scored a TD in each game so far and has been a big help in the passing game and that should continue this week. START HIM.
RB Mike Tolbert, ---
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Playing behind LT in San Diego the past 2 years didn't allow Mike Tolbert many opportunities to run the ball. LT was let go in the off season, but replaced by the Chargers' 1st round pick in the 2010 NFL draft, -- Ryan Matthews -- who took over the top spot on the depth chart going into the season. It was looking like another season playing back up, until Matthews went down early in game and Tolbert came in to replace him, rushing for 82 yards and 2 TDs in an easy win over Jacksonville. This week Tolbert got his first start and put up decent numbers (73 yards rushing, catching 3 passes for 17 yards) considering his team was playing from behind all game. It looks like Matthews will be out again this week and San Diego has a favorable match up vs. the Cardinals. Look for Tolbert to get back in the end zone and have another solid fantasy week. Make sure to follow Matthews' injury status if you plan to start Tolbert.
RB LaDainian Tomlinson, ---
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After his coming out party in the playoffs last year, everyone expected much of the same from Shonn Greene. The Jets brought in LT to serve as a mentor, change of pace guy and 3rd down back. Well, so far after 3 games LT has shown he has more left in the tank than people thought and has already taken over the top spot on the RB depth chart. The 2010 Tomlinson will never be mistaken for the LT of old, but with injuries and bye weeks, he has become a very dependable #2 fantasy RB. This week the Jets face the Bills, meaning LT should get another healthy dose of touches. Don't be surprised to see LT surpass 100 total yards this week.
