Sit Em, Start Em – Week Nine

Sit Em, Start Em – Week Nine

Start Em

Andy Dalton – Andy Dalton has been on fire the last few weeks and comes in as our twelfth ranked quarterback this week versus the Dolphins. Dalton is a solid bye week filler for those in single QB formats and a must start in two-QB leagues. Dalton has averaged 290.4 yards and 2.2 touchdowns over the past four weeks and should find similar success through the air vs the Dolphins.

Zac Stacy – Started in only 43 percent of leagues last week Stacy needs to be in lineups this week versus the Titans. The Rams will need to lean on their bellcow heavily going forward and Stacy comes in as top-15 option this week after looking impressive against the Seahawks on Monday Night Football. The Titans have given up multiple big games to opposing running backs and this week should be no different. Stacy is an RB2 option that will look to eclipse 90 yards from scrimmage with a possible dance in the end zone.

Ryan Mathews – Mathews should keep the good times going against Washington this week who have been a fantasy goldmine this season for opposing running backs. The only thing holding Mathews back from a RB1 label this week is the presence of passing down specialist Danny Woodhead who is sure to siphon some carries and possibly a score.

Darrius Heyward-Bey – DHB is in line for a ton of potential fantasy production with Reggie Wayne lost for the season. DHB should be started regardless of match-up going forward as Andrew Luck’s potential number one receiver across from T.Y Hilton. DHB will be a boom or bust fantasy play but should be a weekly threat for at least 80 yards receiving.

Jarrett Boykin – Continue starting Boykin this week even if James Jones returns to action. Boykin is locked as a upside WR3 for as long as Cobb is on the shelf which will be until at least week 15. Boykin continues to develop chemistry with Aa-Rod and is a big bodied receiver who may have played himself into a role even when Cobb Returns. This week the Packers square off against the Bears who will be focusing their efforts on Jordy Nelson leaving Boykin to test single coverage.

Jordan Reed – Jordan Reed continues to impress and has worked his way into the TE1 conversation. Reed is functioning as the team’s number two option in the passing game and he is now a weekly must start regardless of match-up. Dynasty league owners may want to inquire now as his price tag may continue to go up.

Sit Em

Josh McCown – Some may get the idea that McCown is a good option this week versus the Packers in a bye week pinch but we recommend against that idea. McCown does have enviable weapons but the Packers still field a respectable secondary despite the potential for garbage time production. There are a lot of safer options this week for those in a bye week crunch.

Mike James – Despite being the starter again this week and Zac Stacy making the Seahawks run defense look human James is not a suggested play this week. For the most part this season the Seahawks have been stout versus the run leaving James as a shaky RB3 play albeit with slightly more upside in PPR formats.

Bilal Powell – Against the Saints this week there is a very good chance that the Jets will go back to ball-control offense and employ the services of ground and pound specialist Chris Ivory. The Jets should look to control the clock and keep Brees off the field as long as possible mitigating Powell’s potential role this week. Those in 12 team leagues probably did not draft Powell to start so unless in a serious bye week crunch you should have higher upside options available. If you are not sure just leave a comment or hit us up on twitter @fantasysportdoc.

Julian Edelman – With Gronkowski back in the line-up demanding 25 percent of Tom Brady’s targets and Danny Amendola back in the line-up, at least for now, Edelman’s stock has dropped. Edelman has managed only 51 yards over the past two games with only two targets in week eight. Keep Edelman on your roster because another Amendola injury is never too far away but Edelman should not be started going forward in any except for the deepest of leagues.

Robert Woods – Despite the fact that I like Woods more than any other expert currently does for week nine versus the Chiefs, Woods is not a recommended play if you have other upside options. Stevie Johnson is banged up and if he misses this weeks game Woods may be shut-down by Brandon Flowers. Woods is among the most talented receivers in the NFL but with Thad Lewis as his QB and a match-up against the league’s hottest team and arguably the leagues best defense there should be better options in all but the deepest of leagues.

Jared Cook – Cook was cooking to start the year but his play quickly tapered off with Sam Bradford looking inept and now Kellen Clemens starting with Bradford lost for the year. He still has legitimate upside but has a bench floor leading us to recommend sitting him in all except for the most enticing match-ups. Cook is no more than a low floor TE2 going forward.