Gridiron Experts Start’em Sit’em Week 9

Gridiron Experts Start’em Sit’em Week 9

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

• Vince Young (TEN): We’re not hopping on the bandwagon with VY just yet, but for those who have quarterback problems this week, you might want to start him against the 49er’s. The Titans have nothing to lose these day, as it would take a miracle for them to make the playoffs. With the monkey off their backs after beating a divisional opponent last week, the Titans could put the hurt on the 49er’s this weekend. San Francisco is allowing on average 252 yards per game through the air, and with the mobile quarterback extending plays the Titans might look different this weekend. VY has been riding the bench for too long and is starting to look like a good fantasy option.

• Matt Hasselbeck (SEA): The Lions are coming to town this weekend, and you can bet the Seahawks are going to want to get their offense back on track before taking off on a brutal three game road trip, which in reality could make or break their season. The Lions, despite only one win less than the Seahawks, are terrible and should get lit up on the road.
• Kurt Warner (ARZ): The Cardinals were surprised by the Panthers last week in a match-up many are dubbing an “overlook game”. The Bears game could be an important win (or loss) in the standings and not one the Cardinals are going to want to screw up. Warner isn’t a flake and will bounce back for a big fantasy day. Start him.

• Rashard Mendenhall (PIT): The Broncos are a tough match-up for the Steelers running game, but don’t steer clear. Mendenhall is averaging 5.4 yards per carry and has had a week off to game plan for Monday Night Football.

• Joseph Addai (IND): The Texans seem to pee their pants every time they face the divisional juggernaut Colts. Addai should get another week without the rookie looking over his shoulder. Great match-up.

• Jonathan Stewart (CAR): The Panthers look like they have finally figured out that J-Stew is a power back, and is great around the goal line. The Saints should run up the score, but it’s as if the Panthers are finally realizing their strength is in their running game as they aren’t putting the game in Delhomme’s hands anymore.

• DeSean Jackson (PHI): Have you been taking your fantasy advice from ESPN and (can you believe it) benching this kid the last two weeks? Jackson is a nightmare for defensive coordinators along with fantasy owners who have to face him. The Eagles are on a hot streak and will always find a way to get the ball into Jackson’s hands.

• Steve Smith (NYG): The Giants have a tough game against the Chargers this week. Both teams are better than what their record is showing in the standings, and a shoot-out could be in the works. Start’em, he’s due to bounce back.

• Kevin Walter (HOU): Need a sleeper? Take a look at Walter this week. The Texans will not be able to throw in any back-up Tight End and expect Owen Daniels type numbers. So watch for the offense to tweak their formations a little getting Walter (6’3″, 222 lbs) lined up more in a role that could replace the lost go-to weapon. If you look at the Texans receiving core, there’s nobody else that could really take on the role right away.

• Fred Davis (Was): Davis is probably sitting on your waiver wire as you read this. The Redskins offense is heavily geared towards the Tight End position, and with a week to stew over the bingo-caller nick name, Sherman Lewis will want to try to save face. Good bye week match-up.

• John Carlson (SEA)- Good match-up against the Lions.

Sit’em

• Joe Flacco (BAL)- The Bengals, despite being on the road, were in Flacco’s head in their first meeting (186 yards, 2 INT’s). The Ravens are coming off a big win against the Broncos, but with a bye week to game plan for the sequel the Bengals should be able to get to the young quarterback once again. Look at other match-ups.
• Marion Barber (DAL)- Split carries, nagging injuries, and against an underrated rushing defense is not a good play. Bench him.
• Steve Slaton (HOU) We said start’em last week and he made us look stupid, but the opportunities were there. Steve butter-fingers lost his job for the day and fantasy owners had to watch Ryan Moats rack up what should have been Slaton’s yards. Those who think it was just a one week thing are going to feel the pain twice. At best it’ll be a 50/50 thing from now on. Sit’em.

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