2011 Fantasy Football Week 9: Start' Em Sit 'Em

Start Em

Ryan Fitzpatrick QB – It’s not often that a quarterback not named Tom Brady or Aaron Rodgers is a top 10 QB when going against the Jets, but Fitzpatrick has been sneaky good. Fitzpatrick is not an elite QB, but unlike the average to mediocre quarterbacks in this league, Fitzpatrick won’t force the ball to receivers that aren’t open. So if Darelle Revis is glued to Steve Johnson, look for Donald Jones (should be back for Sunday’s game), Namman Roosevelt and David Nelson to breakout. Currently the 10^th ranked QB in standard fantasy leagues, Fitzpatrick should throw for another 250 yards and two touchdowns in Sunday’s AFC East showdown.

Jackie Battle RB – Since getting into the Chiefs running back rotation, Battle has clearly become Todd Hailey’s go to guy. In his last three games Battle has received 16 -19 carries while averaging 88.3 rushing yards and touching paint dirt twice. Thomas Jones and Dexter McCluster continue to stall the offense, so Sunday Battle should receive 20 plus carries in a game Kansas City must look at as a must win. Battle is not elusive, but he’s strong, and he’s far and away the best option for goal line carries. Team’s can rack it up vs. Miami, so stick with Battle as he has yet to let you down.

Check out more of Evan's Start and Sit selections after the jump:

Darrius Heyward – Bay WR – Yes, it’s as shocking to me as it is to you, but DHB has been as consistent as any receiver in the league over his last four games. The speed Al Davis saw is finally starting to show off, as DHB has become the number one target in the Raiders offense. With Carson Palmer under center, the Raiders passing game should become more potent and DHB should be the beneficiary. Now in his third season DHB is proving the critics wrong and showing that he was worthy of a top 10 pick.

Brent Celek TE – A no show last season, Celek has picked it up of late and maybe it’s because I want to believe, but I am buying Celek’s value going forward. If the Eagles can protect Michael Vick, then Celek is an asset in the passing game. Coming off a seven catch 94 yard game against Dallas on Sunday night, Celek helps with the short passing game, something the Eagles had been missing.  Yes, the Bears have an intimidating pass rush, but with Jason Peters back in the in the lineup the Philadelphia offensive line looksto be in great shape. Celek disappointed a year ago, but as fantasy owners we know that a player can disappear for a season and return to be valuable. I’m buying the last two weeks and looking forward to Celek becoming useful in fantasy tight end.

Dallas Cowboys D/ST – Last week wasn’t the best showing for the Cowboys, as they got destroyed by Vick and LeSean McCoy. At home game against the dreaded Seahawks offense, Dallas should have the bounce back game they need. Seattle has scored 15 points in their last two outings, and have looked as anemic as ever on the offensive side. And while Dallas looked pathetic from a defensive standpoint at Philadelphia, they have scored double digit fantasy points in four of their last six games. Similar to the Rams game two weeks ago, I like the Cowboys to pick on the weak and get back in the division race.

Sit Em

Joe Flacco QB – A week after telling you to get Flacco into your lineup, I am backing off quickly as Baltimore heads to Pittsburgh. Even with the LaMar Woodley and James Harrison sidelined, Flacco’s dramatic second half comeback over Arizona doesn’t leave me with enough confidence to start him against the Steelers. In standard scoring leagues, Flacco has failed to put up double digit fantasy points in the last two weeks and that was in games against the Jaguars and Cardinals. With revenge on their mind from a week one loss, start Palmer, Tim Tebow or Matt Ryan in his place.

Peyton Hillis RB – Hillis should be back in action on Sunday but that doesn’t mean he should be in your lineup. With the exception of a 94 yard performance against the Colts, last year’s poster child for waiver wire gold has looked like a shell of himself. The game plan against the Browns has been simple in 2011; stop the run and make Colt McCoy beat you with his arm. The Texans have been stellar vs. the run as they rank 12^th in rushing defense. Hillis is nothing more than a flex play in a week where you were looking for him to be your lead back.

Steve Johnson WR – As I mentioned earlier I like Fitzparick in his next start, I just think he will be looking to other receivers. As we all know by now, Darelle Revis is the best corner back in the league, and with Revis on Johnson, I don’t see much production coming in this game. Revis has been thrown at 33 times this season and has allowed 10 receptions which is a league low. Johnson has yet to have a 100 receiving and has become more of a move the chains type player, then an over the top touchdown machine. You know the drill for Sunday; bench Johnson as he will likely be a non factor.

Jermichael Finley TE – Lots of players came into the season with hype and as usual they have failed to meet expectations. Finley is the prime example of that for the tight end position as he’s become the fourth receiving option in the Packers passing game. With 10 catches in his last four games, it’s hard to know what Finley is going to give you on a given Sunday. It’s not that Finley isn’t talented, but in the pecking order of go to guys, he’s fallen behind Jordy Nelson and James Jones in the explosive Green Bay offense. Until he becomes a consistent target I would be weary of Finley and use the waiver wire for a tight end.

New York Giants D/ST – The Giants have one of the best defenses in the league, but coming off a bad loss to the Steelers, I would not start any defense vs. the Patriots. The Dolphins moved the ball up and down the field a week ago in New York, so Brady and crew shouldn’t have a problem as they seek revenge for that Super Bowl loss in 2007. If you don’t think New England will have the game in mind on Sunday you are crazy, Even if the Giants are able to sack Brady three or four times, the Patriots should still score anywhere between 24-30 points.