By Dan Rosenzweig-Ziff
As week nine of the NFL approaches, fantasy football addicts are still coping with the loss from the week before. If you’re one of those people who bases his or her starters off of the projected points, this article is not for you. But if you are looking for a game time go big or go home decision, here are the start ‘em sit ‘em’s for this week.
Start:
Eddie Lacy, RB Green Bay: With Lacy averaging at least 12 points in the last three weeks, he is a must start this week as he has clearly become the lead RB in Green Bay. Facing the Bears, who allow the 6th most fantasy points to opposing RBs–including 3 rushing touchdowns to Roy Helu last week–Lacy is poised to have a big week.
Terrelle Pryor, QB Raiders: 65.2 rushing yards per game…from a QB! In a week filled with good byes, Pryor is a good fill in as he is facing the 29th ranked Eagle’s passing D, who are also mediocre (18th) against the run. In such an up and down season for the Raiders QB, week 9 is a good possibility for Pryor to have one of his better weeks.
Ryan Mathews, RB San Diego: Facing a poor Redskins defense this week, Mathews looks to continue his dominance of previous weeks. He has topped the 100-yard mark his last 2 games, and could again this week. Coming off a bye week, Mathews should be well rested and ready to take advantage of his great opportunity this week.
Sit:
Matt Forte, RB Bears: The Bears’ defense struggles combined with the red hot Packers’ offense means one thing for the Bears: Pass, Pass, Pass. While Forte has been very good this year, he averages less than 4 yards a carry against the Packers and will receive fewer carries this week because of the probable need the Bears will have to get back into the game, forcing them to throw the ball more often.
Fred Jackson, RB Bills: Jackson faces the tough Chiefs’ (8-0) defense this week, which could make his hunt for the end zone a difficult one. Furthermore, C.J. Spiller could be coming back this week for the Bills, meaning less carries for Jackson. He also has not rushed for more than 45 yards in his last 3 games, so Jackson should not be in starting lineups this week.
Antonio Brown WR, Pittsburgh: Brown has not topped 10 fantasy points since his week 3 outburst, nor does he have any TD since then. If Aqib Talib returns for New England this week, it will be a very tough game for the Steelers Receiver, whose QB has not thrown multiple touchdowns in a game since week 3.
(Photo by Jack Hooker)
