Week 9: Start 'Em
This week wasn't much different from any other week, some ups and some downs. No major season ending injuries, but some players like Bradshaw, Nicks, Hardesty and Ryan Matthews on Monday night were amongst some of the players who were banged up this week. Early reports were fairly positive for Bradshaw and Nicks, while Hardesty will most likely miss a few weeks; too early to tell anything about Matthews, but he seems to have issues staying healthy and playing a full game. Week 9 we will finally be done with the 6 team bye weeks and be back with the much more manageable 4 teams on a bye. As we are getting into the stretch of the fantasy regular season, some of you might be having some injury issues and if combined with bye week issues you might need some help deciding on who to start. If that's the case take a look at the guys listed below as they might be worthy of a start in your line-up this week. Good luck this week and May the force be with you.
Las week's Recap
Alfonso Smith - only had 1 carry as Beanie Wells ended up being active. Smith is only worth one of your last spots on your bench as Wells is very injury prone.
Fred Davis - had 8 catches for 94 yards. Good game, as long as he stays healthy he should be a solid start the rest of the season.
Antonio Brown - had a very solid game catching 9 passes for 67 and a touchdown. As long as Hines Ward is injured, Brown makes for an interesting option at flex or WR3.
Delone Carter - Didn't do much as the Colts were down early and focused more on the passing game. Carter isn't worth starting unless its a great match-up (and even then its not a lock)
Pierre Thomas - scored a TD, but otherwise useless; keep him on your bench
Demaryius Thomas - only had 3 targets. I can't figure out the Denver passing game, keep Thomas on the bench for the time being.
RB Cedric Benson, ---
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Cedric Benson is back from his suspension and should take back his position as the starting back in Cincinnati after sitting out last week due to suspension. Bernard Scott didn't do enough to unseat Benson, so you should do like the Bengals and put Benson into your lineup. Despite the fact that Benson didn't have a good start to the season, he hasn't played the last 2 weeks meaning he will be fresh for the game vs. the Titans this week (who are giving up 129 yards per game on the ground). If you need a RB2 or a flex give Benson a try.
RB LeGarrette Blount, ---
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After a big rookie season LeGarrette Blount has been dealing with the sophomore slump, having only two big games and missing two others with an injury. With Tampa coming off bye, Blount will have had four weeks of rest and be ready to come out and try to regain his rookie season form. Blount will have no issues getting the bulk of the carries with back up Ernie Graham out for the season with an injury. Blount has a juicy division match-up this week as Tampa goes into New Orleans to face the Saints (who are giving up 124 yards a game rushing and got torched by Steven Jackson last week for 159 yards). If you have had Blount on your bench for the last month, time to get him up and active.
WR Michael Crabtree, ---
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It might have taken a while, but don't look now as Michael Crabtree is becoming someone who should be considered a viable fantasy starter (especially in PPR leagues). His first three weeks were much of the same: 4 catches for 28 yards and one game missed, but over the last four games he has put up numbers making him someone worthy of using as a WR3 or flex. Over his last four games, Crabtree has caught 21 passes for 235 yards and 1 touchdown. Looks like he and Alex Smith are getting on the same page; and with Vernon Davis banged up, look for Crabtree to become an even bigger part of the offense. Braylon Edward's return should open up the field and allow Crabtree even more room to do his work. Give Crabtree a look this week.
WR Early Doucet, ---
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Despite the fact that Early Doucet is 3rd on the depth chart behind Larry Fitzgerald and Andre Roberts, he has put up very solid numbers over the last three games -- catching 15 passes for 142 yards and 2 touchdowns. This week the Cardinals face the St. Louis Rams in a game that could easily become a high scoring affair since neither team is very good on defense. Doucet is clearly becoming more and more of an option in the passing attack, so if you're in need of a WR3 or flex then Doucet is more than up to the job.
WR Julio Jones, TB
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Julio Jones had back to back big weeks before he had to leave the game in a week 5 match-up vs. Super Bowl champ Green Bay Packers. Jones missed the next 2 games and the Falcons were off last week, giving Jones plenty of time to get healthy and be fresh for this week's game vs the Colts. Indianapolis has had trouble covering receivers all season, giving up 258 yards passing per game; there is no reason to think that won't continue this week. Defenses spend most of their time focusing on Roddy White, leaving Jones in great situations to make plays. Watch how he does in practice this week, and if he has no set-backs, take him off your bench and put him in your lineup.
