Gridiron Experts Start’em Sit’em Week 13

Gridiron Experts Start’em Sit’em Week 13

Most sites recycle imaginary fantasy numbers with yards and touchdowns and quick blurbs on how great Drew Brees or Adrian Peterson is going to do, but you already know that. We here at Gridiron Experts are not about to insult your fantasy football intelligence by posting the obvious numbers, instead we go out on a limb and try spotting great fantasy match-ups that many people might be overlooking. Star players will always perform, but key players can thrive in one week situations through either an offensive game plan or an excellent match-up. Our goal is to zone in on these perfect match-ups and offer advice that might make your life a little easier. It always comes down to you making the last minute call with your line-up, but hopefully we can help.

Start’em

• Matt Schaub- The Texans have gone from a team to watch out for to the new Cincinnati “Bungals”. While stuck in a downward spiral with a 3 game losing streak, Schaub’s numbers have still been strong and you should not overlook him. The Jaguars defense is good but not great, and with the Texans defense unable to play 4 quarters, and kicker Kris Brown needing to get a prescription for glasses, Schaub will have to rack up the points if they ever want to win again.
• Carson Palmer- The passing game hasn’t been able to put up more than 225 yards in each of the last 4 games, but a match-up against the Lions should fix that. Palmer has been a leader on the field but only an average fantasy quarterback; Gridiron Experts expects big numbers from Carson and number 85 this week.
• Sleeper QB Chris Redman- You’d have to be in a serious bind to have to start this guy this late into the season…but hey, maybe you have bad match-ups or Matt Ryan is on your team. The Eagles are squeaking by lately and have problems against tight ends, Tony Gonzalez is one of the best and should be a safe target for Redman. Expect a couple INT’s, but 225 yards and 2 touchdowns is very doable.
• Brandon Jacobs- What has happened to this guy lately? Yards are way down, so are touchdowns and even carries per game. Has the toll of being a larger running back finally caught up with Jacobs? Well, this week’s match-up will surely be the ultimate test; Jacobs is at home facing the division leading Cowboys and has no one behind him to steal carries. Star players make big plays in big games. Start him.
• **Friday Injury to Justin Forsett has us pulling the plug on our recommendation of starting the Seattle Running back. Instead take a look at Matt Fotre or Jamaal Charles, neither player is a fantasy gem, but the match-ups this week are worth giving these bench warmers a decent shot at respectable  numbers.
• Sleeper RB Rock Cartwright- Cartwright made his fourth career start in Week 12 against Philly as he continues to be the man with Clinton Portis and Ladell Betts out. The Saints are off a huge win and may be caught sleeping in a nothing game.
• Terrell Owens- Rookie Darrelle Revis showed up T.O. in the first match-up and will try once more on Canadian soil. Terrell Owens is very competitive and loves the spotlight, expect a big night with his new quarterback and a coach who has nothing to lose.
• Brandon Marshall- Marshall caught six passes in last weeks game for a total of 86 yards, he is overdue for a touchdown and has a great match-up. Rank’em high…very high.
• Sleeper T.J. Houshmandzadeh- How much do you think T.J. is regretting his off-season signing with the Seahawks, especially since the Bengals are kicking ass? Housh had a terrible week against the Rams and is way too passionate for the game to just collect easy paychecks. A bounce back game is in store. Start him.
• Tony Gonzalez- The Eagles always have trouble against receiving tight ends, and Gonzo is one of (if not) the best TE’s there is. He will find the end zone.
• Sleeper TE Dustin Keller- Sanchez has hit his go-to tight end at least 4 times in each of the Jets last four games. Keller has had a spike in fantasy value lately, and Gridiron Experts likes him on Thursday Night.

Sit’em

• Jay Cutler- Flogging a dead horse. Cutler is garbage in fantasy football this season, swallow your pride and start someone else.
• Beanie Wells- The Vikings are an excellent defensive headache, and rookie Wells will be lucky if he cracks 60 yards. Of course there is always a chance he gets red zone touches, but more likely the Cardinals will use Hightower this weekend, as a quick audible at the line could involve blocks, quick outs, and no-rookie mistakes.
• Donald Driver- A weekly starter here in our start’em sit’em article, but Driver is about to have a tough week. The Ravens are going to double this veteran wide receiver and force Rodgers to look at other options all the while avoiding the pass rush. Rest him for your fantasy playoffs.

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