Scout Widget: Week 11 Sit-Start

The meat of the fantasy schedule has arrived. All "gimme" fantasy advice will be disregarded so we can answer the tough questions:

Quarterbacks

Start

Eli Manning vs. Falcons - The Giants had a bye week to prepare for the Falcons, whose pass defense is less than average. Eli will recapture some of his early season magic at home, so start him if you don't have an elite option at QB.

Donovan McNabb vs. Bears - The Eagles must believe NFL rules mandate that you run the ball no more than 15 times a game. McNabb will again throw like crazy, giving him plenty of chances to put up big numbers.

Kurt Warner vs. Rams - Same as last week.....Warner and the Cards should throw all over the Rams.

Ben Rothlisberger vs. Chiefs - Ben gets his revenge....the over/under on the number of Ben's successful stiff arms on K.C. linebackers is forty-five.

Sit

Matt Schaub vs. Titans - The Titans D has been rapidly improving since getting their secondary healthy....stay away Schaub owners...if you have other options.

Jay Cutler vs. Eagles - The Eagles do a good job on pass defenses, while the Bear WRs are average at best. Look for Cutler to get frustrated and throw three picks (at least).

Running Backs

Start

Ricky Williams vs. Panthers - With Ronnie out, Williams looks to have a big game ahead of him against a sad run defense. (I put this up a bit late, but all of you should have been starting him anyways.....)

Kevin Smith vs. Browns - The Browns do what they can on defense, but they will eventually get worn down because their offense can't do squat. Kevin Smith will have a solid day.

Pierre Thomas vs. Bucs - After a very disappointing game last week, he is just ...well.....flat out due to explode. That's the end of my logic.

Knowshon Moreno vs. Chargers - Knowshown finally looks to be the guy, but I would still be conservative with projections due to the finiky run game of the Broncos. Regardless, Moreno should be started with a chance to put up his biggest numbers of the year.

Sit

Ladell Betts vs. Cowboys - Betts could be worth a start if you have injuries, but the Cowboys will be ready to play after getting their butt whooped against the Pack. Only use if you are desperate.

Lawrence Maroney vs. Jets - While the Jets are usually a good matchup for running backs, Sammy Morris could take carries away from Maroney, especially at the goal line where Maroney fumbled last week.

Wide Receivers

Start

Hines Ward vs. Chiefs - The savvy veteran will nickle and dime his way to a 100 yard and a TD game.

Mario Manningham vs. Falcons - The Falcons have a had a difficult time stoping teams who like to throw, which is good news for Manningham. He and fellow Giants WR Steve Smith are solid starts this week.

Pierre Garcon vs. Ravens - The Ravens secondary is atrocious. With Wayne getting special attention, Garcon has the speed to beat the Ravens deep a few times.

Sit

Devin Hester vs. Eagles - This season isn't getting any easier for Jay Cutler, who will once again have trouble finding his targets. Watch for Hester to get Asante Samuel in coverage most of the day.....so you should sit him.

Randy Moss vs. Jets - Yes.....I crave attention. You shouldn't sit Randy Moss.....however, be certain that Moss will likely not even get 50 yards receiving. if he doesn't' score a TD, he will be a complete bust this week.

49er WRs vs. Packers - The Pack's got corners.....nuff said.....

Tight Ends

Start

Kellen Winslow vs. Saints - The Saints will force the Bucs to throw.....and with Josh Freeman in the fold, this is a great thing for Winslow. We told you to start him last week.....do it again this week.

John Carlson vs. Vikings - The Vikings allow more fantasy points to tight ends than any other team in the league. Do it!!!!!

Sit

Zach Miller vs. Bengals - Miller's athleticism gives him great upside, but he won't be able to overcome crappy QB play AND the suddenly stellar Bengal D. Not even worth a shot in deep leagues this week.

Jason Witten vs. Redskins - We've had enough.....bench him if you have another tight end in the top 10.

-Scout Widget

Scout Widget: Week 6 Sit-Start

Everyone knows that you should start MJD against the Rams this week, so here are some not-so-obvious ideas in my Week 6 Sit-Start:

Quarterbacks

Start

Matt Hasselbeck vs. Cardinals - He's back and healthy (Who caught that joke?). Hasselbeck proved last week he can still be an elite fantasy QB when healthy...that won't change this week when he faces the worst pass defense in the league.

Carson Palmer vs. Texans - The Texans love shoot-outs, which is why you start Carson this week. The Texans will try to get ahead through the air, and while Ced-Ben will get his carries, it will be up to Palmer to win the game through the air.

Brett Farve vs. Ravens - The Ravens were embarrassed last week on the ground by the afore mentioned Cedric Benson, so they will be geared up to stop Adrian Peterson. That will open up the door for old man Farve to exploit a Ravens defense that has been porous, at best.

Jason Campbell vs. Chiefs - Campbell is a very sneaky start against a team that allows an average of 19 fantasy points per game to opposing fantasy QBs. Campbell has been good against really bad defenses, so he is worth a look if your starting QB has a bye or really bad match up this week.

Sit

Joe Flacco vs. Vikings - Flacco will be harassed all day by the Vikings pass rush, which will be helped by the fact the Ravens will be starting rookie O-Lineman Michael Oher. Don't expect many yards from Flacco this week.

Matt Cassel vs. Redskins - Cassel has been a decent backup fantasy QB so far, but this is not the week to squeeze a start out of him. The Skins suck at everything....everything except pass defense, that is. Look elsewhere for a bye week fill-in.

Running Backs

Start

Cedric Benson vs. Texans - After last week's 100 yard performance against the Ravens, I am drinking the Benson kool-aid. And this just in: The Texans aren't quite as good at stopping the run as the Ravens are.....

Ryan Grant vs. Lions - Yes...because everyone plays well against the Lions. This could be an ugly blowout of a game that will see Grant go for at LEAST 100 yards and a TD.

Knowshon Moreno vs. Chargers - After a very solid performance last week against the Pats, Moreno looks to be the unquestioned starter in Denver (as long as he keeps his fumbling under control). Moreno will get to feast on the Chargers this week, who give up more fantasy points than any other team to running backs (28 per game).

Thomas Jones vs. Bills - If Jamal Lewis can run for a hundred yards against the Bills, so can Tom Jones. Oh...and it wouldn't be unusual for Leon Washington to put up respectable fantasy numbers this week, as well.

Sit

Larry Johnson vs. Redskins - Johnson has been horrible anyways, and won't be able to run through Haynesworth and the Skins, either. Jamal Charles will steal some carries as well, making Johnson not a startable option.

Ray Rice vs. Vikings - He may be getting the majority of the touches now, but that doesn't mean you get the big stats. This will definitely be a "famine" week against the stout Vikings D.

Wide Receivers

Start

Chad OchoCinco vs. Texans - Ocho has had a solid season so far and will get a chance to put up big numbers in what should be a shootout against the "don't play defense" Texans.

Donald Driver vs. Lions - Greg Jennings has not been getting the ball as much as everyone thought, which opened the door for Donald Driver to be a starting fantasy WR. That will continue this week against the Lions.

Santana Moss vs. Chiefs - With the Redskins O-line beat up, Jim Zorn will continue to keep TE Chris Cooley into block, meaning Moss will get most of the targets this week. In case you don't know how bad the Chiefs are at defending the pass, check out what Miles Austin did last week in his first start of his career.

Burleson/Housh vs. Cardinals - The Cardinals are #1 in run defense and #32 in pass defense. How should the Seahawks game plan?

Sit

Vincent Jackson vs. Broncos - V-Jack has had a great start to the season, but the rejuvenated Broncos D will cause him some issues. Champ Bailey is bad enough, but the entire Bronco defense is only giving up an average of 10 fantasy points to WRs per game. There may not be a lot of points to go around in this one, so sit Jackson if you have better options.

Bills WRs vs. Jets - The Bills can't pass and the Jets have something to prove after last week's beating at the hands of the Dolphins. Owens and Evans won't produce much Sunday against a motivated Jet squad.

Tight Ends

Start

John Carlson vs. Cardinals - See above about Burleson and Housh. The Seahawks will throw and Carlson will benefit.....he may even get 100 yards and a TD.

Brent Celek vs. Raiders - This guy has been a pleasant surprise for fantasy owners who own him this year. He gets a lot of targets for a TE and already has 2 100 yard games this season. Playing the Raiders doesn't hurt, either.

Sit

Chris Cooley vs. Chiefs - The Skins will have to use Cooley as a blocker more Sunday to offset the loss of Chris Samuels on the O-line. Cooley won't have his normal chances to stretch the field and get some deep receptions.

Antonio Gates vs. Chargers - SIT WHO?!?!?!?!?!? The Broncos allow only 3 fantasy points on average to TEs per week. Sitting Gates may not be an option for most teams, but don't expect big numbers from him this week.

-Scout Widget

Scout Widget: Week 5 Sit-Start

Yes, you should start Peyton Manning against the Titans, who rank dead last against the pass. Now, if you'd like to see some ideas that Captain Obvious DIDN'T come up with, please proceed to the meaty portion of the Week 5 Sit-Start:

Quarterbacks

Start

Ben Rothlisberger vs. Lions - Big Ben gets to play the 25th ranked pass D this week. Mendenhall will get his...but the Lions just won't be able to bring Big Ben down quick enough.

Tony Romo vs. Chiefs - The boy wonder is catching some flack after a loss to the Broncos....and Wide Wade knows it. The Cowboys need to gain some offensive confidence, and will attack the Chiefs with reckless abandon. Look for Romo to have his best game of the season so far.

Brett Farve vs. Rams - Farve looked REEEEALLLYYY comfortable against the Pack last week. While the Vikes won't need to air it out this week, Farve will still put up good numbers for a starting fantasy QB.

Sit

Eli Manning vs. Raiders - This is me being paranoid. The Giants should be able to rest Eli's foot and just run over the Raiders with the Jacobs/Bradshaw combo. Sure...Eli could put up big numbers throwing against the Raiders, but if you are the Giants, why risk it?

Jason Campbell vs. Panthers - The days of getting away with starting Campbell against crappy defenses are over. After a dismal performance against the Bucs last week, Campbell will matchup against the sixth best passing defense. i f the Skins want to win, they will pound the ground with Portis and NOT let Campbell try to win the game.

Running Backs

Start

Rashard Mendenhall vs. Lions - Yes. Parker looks to be out. Yes.

Jerome Harrison vs. Bills - The hot waiver wire pickup this week will produce huge numbers while Jamal Lewis is limited. The Bills have the 26th ranked run defense and will provide little resistance to the dynamic back.

Fred Jackson vs. Browns - This just in: The Browns are bad....REALLY BAD. Only the Panthers have allowed more rushing yards this season. Smells like a big game for Fred Jackson, even if he splits carries with Lynch, who could also be in line for a big game if he gets enough carries.

Sit

Steven Jackson vs. Vikings - It's hard to sit a guy you drafted so high, but you want to play a better matchup this week if you can. This won't end well for Jackson owners.

Cedric Benson vs. Ravens - Benson has looked good so far this year, but the Ravens run D is no joke. Numero Uno against the run. The Bengals will look for Palmer to exploit the Ravens through the air and not with Benson on the ground.

Kevin Smith vs. Steelers - He's banged up and facing a great Steelers run defense. A garbage time TD is the best you can hope for if you start him.

Wide Receivers

Start

Pierre Garcon vs. Titans - Looks like another week of Manning getting better acquainted with the speedster. Garcon will get targeted deep all day, and will likely convert quite a few catches.

Roy Williams vs. Chiefs - Roy will be the beneficiary of a bad K.C. unit. Williams will be able to beat the defense constantly in this game.

Terrell Owens vs. Browns - The Bills will finally get the ball to T.O. I mean, it's the Browns.....if he doesn't get the ball in this game, he won't get the ball at all.

Sidney Rice vs. Rams - Rice is developing a continuity with old man Farve. When Farve throws, his favorite seems to be Rice. Seems like a formula for success against a possible challenger to the Lions 0-16 season.

Sit

Giants WRs vs. Raiders - The Giants will try to limit Manning's passes due to his injury, so don't expect the Giants to go crazy through the air. Also, it's hard to tell if the Raiders will move Nnamdi Asomugha to Manningham, Smith, or keep him on the right side of the field. They could post great numbers, but be careful and pick a better matchup to exploit, if you can.

Antonio Bryant vs. Eagles - He's still not quite one hundred percent from the knee surgery, he has Josh Johnson throwing to him, and he's going up against the Eagles. Another long day for the Bucs and Antonio Bryant

Tight Ends

Start

John Carlson vs. Jags - Carlson will get a lot of looks against a Jags defense that can be exploited through the air, regardless of whether Hasselbeck or Wallace is playing behind center this weekend.

Vernon Davis vs. Falcons - I can't believe I'm doing this. He's had two decent fantasy weeks....*sigh*.....so he could be for real this time. Start him and hope his good luck continues.

Sit

Chris Cooley vs. Panthers - The Redskins will focus on the run against the Panthers, so expect a mediocre stat line at best from Cooley this week.

Tony Gonzales vs. 49ers - You should almost never sit Tony G., but if you have another top 10 TE and a better matchup, use that one instead. The Niners have been impressive on defense this season and should be able to at least limit Tony's touches

-Scout Widget

Scout Widget: Sit-Start Week 1

The season is finally here. Everyone knows they should start Adrian Peterson, but here we try to help fellow fantasy owners by advising them to start or sit players who are a bit less obvious. Sit back, relax, and enjoy then knowledge dump.....

Quarterbacks

Start

Kurt Warner vs. 49ers - People are worried about Kurt Warner's bad preseason performances. Good thing it's the preseason. Warner gets to face the 49ers, and in case you haven't noticed, the improved 49ers are still bad.

Matt Hasselbeck vs. Rams - The Seahawks have Housh, Burleson, and Branch (in the slot...where he should be) and no running game. The only thing that will be able to stop Hasselbeck is his back, and I don't think the Rams pass rush will even touch him during the game. Matt is going to have a great one.

Joe Flacco vs. Chiefs - Anyone looks good against the Chiefs. Plus, this will be a great opportunity for the Ravens to build Flacco's confidence, so they will let him throw enough to put up a good stat line.

Shaun Hill vs. Cardinals - If Warner will be chuckin' TDs, the Niners will have to try to match him. Hill will do a good enough job to start for your fantasy team if you don't have better options.

Sit

Ben Rothlisberger vs. Titans - Some think Big Ben could be a surprise fantasy starter this year. This is just to confirm, especially this week, that those people are stupid.

Eli Manning vs. Redskins - He has no real #1 receiver and the Redskins defense is actually halfway decent. Unless you get points for handing off to Brandon Jacobs, let him sit your bench.

Running Backs

Start

Reggie Bush vs. Lions - Pierre Thomas looks doubtful to play, and even if he does, won't be used nearly as often due to his sprained MCL. This opens the door to Bush, who will have to carry more than usual, as well as get his normal load of receptions, against a Lions defense who is.....the Lions defense.

Kevin Smith vs. Saints - With rookie Matt Stafford starting at QB, look for the Lions to try to limit his throws by giving it to Mr. Smith. He will also get a few receptions out of the backfield, and is always a threat to break the big play against the less than adequate Saints D, especially if the Saints start blowing them out and ease up a bit.

Ray Rice vs. Chiefs - This is the perfect game to use the first time starter. Whether Rice gets the goal line carries or not, he will get plenty of carries and receptions against a very weak opponent.

Sit

Pierre Thomas vs. Lions - Thomas owners are tearing their collective hair out screaming, "Why NOW!!!!". If Pierre didn't have his MCL injury, he could have been the top scorer of the week. But alas.....Pierre Thomas owners will just have to suck it up and deal with the disappointment.

All Bucs RBs vs. Cowboys - Even if you knew the Buce would have a great game rushing the football, how would you know which back would get the carries? Now that the Caddy is back at the top of the depth chart, it is any one's guess who will be Raheem Morris' Back du jour. Stay away from this situation until Raheem starts leaning on one back or the other.

Chris Johnson vs. Steelers - OK...I'm reaching a bit here. The Titans haven't looked that great running the ball during the preseason, so if you have a better option (meaning you play in a really shallow league....or with a bunch of dummies), go for it. Otherwise start him.....just don't expect monster stats.

Wide Receivers

Start

Chad Ochocinco vs. Broncos - Call it a hunch, but Chad will have a huge game against a sketchy at best Broncos defense. Then you can tweet your opponent about how Chad is helping you kick their butt.

T.J. Who's Your Mama vs. Rams - CHAMPIONSHIP!!!! OK....not quite yet, but the Housh will certainly contribute to your first victory of the season as Matt Hasslebeck gets back on track after last year's train wreck.

Josh Morgan vs. Cardinals - If you are desperate at WR, Morgan could surprise against the Cards since the Cards could be up big if they come out of the gate hot. That means garbage time TDs for the 49ers, and likely Josh Morgan.

Sit

Vincent Jackson vs. Raiders - Jackson, who would normally be a fantasy starter, draws Nnamdi Asomugha in coverage this week. Jackson may be the only Charger you DON'T want to start in this one.

All Giants WRs vs. Redskins - The Skins may not be great on the offensive side of the ball, but they can play some defense. Combine that with the lack of talent at wideout for the Giants and you get ALOT of handoffs to Brandon Jacobs.

Dwayne Bowe vs. Ravens - Cassel's hurt. Tony G. is gone. All of the Ravens attention will be focused on stopping Dwayne Bowe. Not good.

Tight Ends

Start

Brandon Pettigrew vs. Saints - Pettigrew will get the start and Stafford will have to look to his security blanket when Megatron gets covered. My bet is that security blanket will be Pettigrew.....at least against the Saints D.

John Carlson vs. Rams - Hasslebeck will pass for a crazy mount of yards against the Rams....Carlson will get in on the action.

Sit

Tony Gonzales vs. Dolphins - Gonzales may not be a bust this week, but expect less than his stellar stat line.

Brent Celek vs. Panthers - While Celek may be a popular sleeper among fantasy owners this year, the Panthers defense should have no problem limiting his catches.

-Scout Widget