Start Em
Quarterback Troy Smith – With 17 and 19 points in back to back weeks, Smith looks like a legitimate NFL starter. Since taking over for Alex Smith, Michael Crabtree has been beastly with back to back touchdown games. Smith will be fantasy relevant for the rest of the season and is a solid spot starter with the 49ers making the playoff push. The Buccaneers have given up 15 touchdowns through the air so expect another double digit fantasy game for the waiver wire pick up.
Running Back Mike Tolbert – The chances of Ryan Mathews playing are next to slim with numerous ankle injuries, leaving Tolbert as the workhorse in the Chargers backfield. Tolbert is averaging 4.5 yards per carry and has scored a touchdown in five of his last six games. With the Broncos having the 30th ranked rushing defense, Tolbert is a top 12 running back option and should be in everyone’s lineup for Monday Night.
Wide Receiver Mike Thomas – With Mike Sims-Walker doubtful for Sunday’s game, Thomas makes for an excellent number two receiver against the Browns. Thomas leads the Jaguars in targets and has scored touchdowns for Jacksonville in the last two games. While the hail-mary was a fluke, the skills Thomas posses as a deep threat are as real as it gets. Thomas will be a top 10 receiver in targets this week and is a must start in ppr leagues.
Tight End Benjamin Watson – Outside of Peyton Hillis, the only Brown I recommend for Sunday is Watson. Last week vs. a stealthy Jets defense, Watson caught five balls for 74 yards and is clearly Colt McCoy’s favorite option. Jacksonville has the 29th ranked pass defense and with McCoy having a lack of options to throw to, Watson is a top 10 tight end this week.
Defense Tennessee Titans – Opposing quarterbacks at LP Field in Nashville are averaging less than 200 yards through the air this season. With the inconsistent Donovan McNabb coming into town, the Titans defense is a top five option. Since week three McNabb has thrown an interception in every game, a trend that obviously equals an extension when you play under owner Dan Snyder.
Sit Em
Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick – It’s likely that NFL defenses are getting a better grasp on Fitzpatrick as he’s thrown for a measly three touchdowns in his last three games. While the loss of Roscoe Parrish has hurt Fitzpatrick, it’s more than likely that Fitzpatrick was overachieving. With the Bengals defense coming up this Sunday, I would recommend benching Fitzpatrick as they have given up a total of 348 yards in their last two games to Ben Roethlisberger and Peyton Manning
Running Back Ahmad Bradshaw – You won’t find a bigger Bradshaw fan then me, but the Eagles rushing defense is on fire. Philadelphia held Frank Gore, Michael Turner and Chris Johnson to 3.0 yards per carry and under in those three games. The Eagles rushing defense is improving, allowing less than 77 yards per game on the ground in their last four contests.
Wide Receiver Andre Johnson – Like Bradhsaw, I doubt you’re going to bench Johnson, but going to ‘’Revis Island’’ is never a fun time. In his matchup with Darrelle Revis in 2009, Johnson was held to four catches for 35 yards and no touchdowns. Revis is once again the most dominant cornerback in the league after shutting down Calvin Johnson to one catch in week nine.
Tight End – Rob Gronkowski – After a three touchdown game vs. the Steelers on Sunday night, Gronkowski was a hot commodity on the waiver wire. While I understand fantasy players getting excited about Gronkowski, you have to ask yourself, are Patriots position players reliable? On the season Gronkowski has 19 receptions for 220 yards leaving him behind his own tight end teammate Aaron Hernandez. The only Patriot I would recommend starting is Tom Brady, as every week in Bill Belichick's offense a different star emerges.
Defense – New York Giants – In the battle of an elite offense going against a great defense, most analysts take the defense, but for this match up I would disagree. Philadelphia is a top 10 running and passing offense, making the Giants less then desirable. With Michael Vick under center the Eagles are averaging 37 points per game. Going back to last season when the Eagles put up 40 and 45 points in two victories over New York it’s obvious Philadelphia has the Giants number.