Week 15: Start 'Em
If you're still reading this article, congrats! That means you're still alive in your fantasy league and ready to take home the championship in your league. As we get later in the season, the weather will start to become a bigger factor and will most likely have a greater effect on the outcomes of games. You might want to try and stay away from players that are playing outdoors and dealing with the elements, unless of course any of your players play for the New England Patriots. As is always the case, I recommend you starting the players that got you to this point, but if you have some injury issues or players in a bad match up or weather issue, you might want to take a look at below at some players you can start instead. Good luck and May the force be with you.
QB Matt Flynn, NO
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When Aaron Rogers went down last week, many fantasy owners wondered who would be the new QB and how would he do. Well the new QB was Matt Flynn and the Packers lost the game 7-3 to Detroit. At this point no one is sure if Rogers will play this coming week, as the Packers will be very cautious with him since this is his 2nd concussion of the season. While Flynn should not be mistaken for Rogers, he is familiar with the offense, and the Packers have enough weapons so he should be able to make some plays (especially vs. the Patriots' questionable secondary). Flynn will have a full week to practice with the first unit, so if you need some help at the QB position, Flynn might be your guy. Follow Rogers' injury status as the week goes on; if he is out, let Flynn loose.
RB Ronnie Brown, ---
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Yes you got it, I'm going to recommend Ronnie Brown as a solid start for RB2 or flex this week (and ONLY this week) simply due to his match up vs. the Buffalo Bills this weekend. The pre 2010 book on Ronnie Brown was when he plays he will put up very good numbers, but he won't stay healthy long enough to make him too valuable. Well this season, he has been injury free the whole season, yet he sucks so bad I'm sure many owners have already dropped him. Well if you were loyal enough to keep him on your roster, this is the week to get him in your line up. The Bills are giving up over 160 yards a game on the ground and Miami will look to pound the ball to a victory. Give Ronnie B a chance.
RB Ryan Torain, ---
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It's very simple: if you're the number 1 running option on a Mike Shanahan coached team, you will produce big rushing stats. Ryan Torain has proven that when he has had the chance this season. After missing four games due to injury, Torain came back this past week vs. the Bucs and ripped off 172 yards rushing as well as catching 2 passes for 10 yards. Torain has now broken 100 yards all three times he has had over 20 carries this season. This coming week Torain faces a Cowboys defense that just gave up 149 yards rushing to LeSean McCoy. With few offensive options in Washington, look for Shanny to rely heavily on Torain and let him once again carry the load. Start Torain and you can expect at least 100 total yards and 1 TD.
WR Arrelious Benn, ---
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Going into training camp the Bucs were very excited to see what they had with the two receivers they drafted in the 2010 NFL draft -- Arrelious Benn and Mike Williams. Williams seemed to catch on quicker and was an opening day starter and has been QB Josh Freeman's favorite target from day one. Benn has had a tougher time getting up to speed in the NFL, but has been working hard and that finally paid off last week when he set career highs in receptions (4) and yards (122). While Freeman will continue to look for Williams and TE Kellen Winslow, Benn is starting to gain the trust of his QB and should see more passes coming his way in the next few weeks. Benn has a nice match up this week vs. the Lions, so if you need someone to start in your flex spot, Benn might just be that guy.
WR Ben Obomanu, ---
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It has taken Ben Obomanu a long time to get his chance in Seattle, but it finally came a few weeks ago when he was inserted into the line up. In the four games he has started, Obomanu caught 16 passes for 346 yards and 2 TD's (and he only played the first half of the 4th game, so those numbers were really put up in 3.5 games). Obomanu missed last week's game due to an injury to his hand, but he is expected back this Sunday. If he plays, you should expect similar production from him as Seattle sorely missed his big play ability in last week's loss to the 49ers. If you need some help with a flex starter or WR3, follow Obomanu's injury status; if he is healthy, give him a start in your line up.
