Fantasy Football 2011 "Who Should I Start?" Thread

[DataKing]

The season kicks off on Thursday, and I have a pertinent "who should I start" question, so I figured I'd get the thread started.

Mark Ingram vs. Green Bay
-or-
Marshawn Lynch vs. San Francisco

I'm leaning towards Ingram since the 49ers actually had a good run defense last year, while the Packers were somewhat porous, but I'm always leery of rookies. Interested to hear what others think. And on a side note, here's what the rest of my lineup will look like:

QB: Matt Ryan vs. Chicago
RB1: Rashard Mendenhall vs. Baltimore
WR1: Larry Fitzgerald vs. Carolina
WR2: Greg Jennings vs. New Orleans
WR3: Dez Bryant vs. New York Jets
K: Sebastian Janikowski vs. Denver
DEF: New England vs. Miami

Up against some tough defenses in week 1, so I'm going to need everything I can get from the RB2 spot.

[Danny]

Ingram and it's not even close

[Danny]

And regarding you being leery about rookies, that definitely applies to QB and WR, but rookie RB's tend to be pretty reliable according to expectations when in a good situation.

[RainMaker]

I don't know, Ryan Matthews sort of crapped on everyone last year.

[spleen1015]

I don't know, Ryan Matthews sort of crapped on everyone last year.

True, but Mathews is no Mark Ingram.

[Danny]

He was also injured. And I'm not saying rookie RB's are sure things, but they tend to be about as reliable as non rookie RB's and sometimes are your best bet to get a surprise top 10 RB

[johnnyshaka]

PPR league with QBs handicapped a bit (4 points per TD and only 1 point per 33 yards passing) and I need to narrow down my FLEX starter:

Manningham @WAS
Benson @CLE
Colt McCoy @CIN (it's the friggin' Bengals!!)

[DataKing]

I'm a little leery of Eli based on what I've seen from him in the pre-season, so I'd probably go with McCoy. Even with the handicap I'd expect him to outperform a distracted Cedric Benson.

[RainMaker]

Eli is a nice QB to have if you have another you can throw in for certain matchups. For instance, I picked him and Kolb up last in one league. So whoever has the most favorable matchup will start.

Eli was on my team last year and wasn't bad. If your league doesn't penalize interceptions a lot, he's solid for yards and TDs.

[MrBug708]

Sam Bradford vs Philly or Jay Cutler vs Atlanta

Ray Rice vs Pitt
Stephen Jackson vs Philly
Shonn Green vs Dallas
Beanie Wells vs Carolina

Rice was my first pick overall, but he's facing Pitt, which could be tough. Beanie Wells is up against Carolina, a bad team. I also have LaRod Howlings, the KR for Arizona and this league gives major points for KR's.

[spleen1015]

Sam Bradford vs Philly or Jay Cutler vs Atlanta

Ray Rice vs Pitt
Stephen Jackson vs Philly
Shonn Green vs Dallas
Beanie Wells vs Carolina

Rice was my first pick overall, but he's facing Pitt, which could be tough. Beanie Wells is up against Carolina, a bad team. I also have LaRod Howlings, the KR for Arizona and this league gives major points for KR's.

I am in the 'Always start your studs' camp. I would start Rice every week no matter what.

[MrBug708]

I agree...any thoughts on the QB's?

[spleen1015]

I agree...any thoughts on the QB's?

Lose points for INTs?

[DataKing]

I am in the 'Always start your studs' camp. I would start Rice every week no matter what.

Agree with this 100%. If Rice puts the pads on, he should be your starter. As for your QB situation, I wouldn't exactly call it "good", but I've got to go with Cutler here. I'm not one to believe all the Philly hype, but Cutler is at this point much more of a proven commodity than Bradford. I would, however, start giving Bradford a much more serious look once Clayton comes off the PUP list.

[Danny]

Yes, start your studs. However, if your league is not PPR, I'd probably start Wells over Jackson. That's a tasty matchup.

[CleBrownsfan]

QB question. 6pts for TD's / 1 pt for every 50yds / -1 for INT's

Kolb vs Car or Stafford @ Tam?

[Danny]

Yes, start your studs. However, if your league is not PPR, I'd probably start Wells over Jackson. That's a tasty matchup.

I take that back, I would still start Jackson.

[MrBug708]

Lose points for INTs?

Yessir

[spleen1015]

If it were me, I would start Bradford.

[Lathum]

Week 1- Standard scoring

Romo vs the Jets or cutler vs the Falcons?

[Danny]

Romo

[CleBrownsfan]

Not a great match-up but Romo

[Sublime 2]

Flacco vs. Pitt
Orton vs. Oak

[Danny]

Definitely Orton

[Lathum]

Orton for sure

[Scoobz0202]

Manningham @ WAS

or

Mike Williams vs DET

[Danny]

Williams

[General Mike]

2 from: Maclin, Ochocinco, Santana Moss, Mike Thomas.

[Danny]

Moss and Thomas

[General Mike]

Moss and Thomas


Thats what I thought based on the ESPN projections.

[Danny]

Yeah maclin just returned from injury so he'll be eased in and I Just don't think ocho will do much the first half of the season

[henry296]

With the news that Foster is unlikely to play, who would you use a flex: 1/2 pt PPR.

Derrick Ward
Ben Tate
Malcom Floyd
Nate Burleson

My other RBs are Ray Rice and Jacobs and I assume I would start both them instead of the 2 texans.

[spleen1015]

With the news that Foster is unlikely to play, who would you use a flex: 1/2 pt PPR.

Derrick Ward
Ben Tate
Malcom Floyd
Nate Burleson

My other RBs are Ray Rice and Jacobs and I assume I would start both them instead of the 2 texans.

I am in the same boat with Foster. I have both Tate and Ward. I should start one of them.

[Julio Riddols]

Even if Ward is the "starter" Tate is way better as a runner. I would go with Tate over Ward in a heartbeat. On the other hand though, Burleson has been really good with Stafford in the lineup. He should see a lot of balls thrown his way.

[stevew]

I just see Kubiak as the type of douche that would grind out a whole game with Derek Ward getting 24 touches just to prove that Kubiak is in charge.

[fpres]

The latest word locally is that Ward will start if Foster can't go. Ward, Tate, and Slaton will likely all see some action if that's the case. Take this with a grain of salt though, as Kubiak is frustratingly unpredictable.

[spleen1015]

I am leaning towards not starting any of them and just staying away from the situation this week.

My problem is Mike Thomas, Jared Cook, Jacoby Ford, and Emmanuel Sanders are my other options.

I would kick myself if I started one of these other guys and Ward or Tate had a 20 point day.

I am playing a division rival today as well, so that ups the importance for me. :D

[spleen1015]

Profootballtalk is reporting that Foster is out. He rode a cart off the field during warmups.

Read into that as you like. I won't be starting him today. :(

[henry296]

I think I'm going to go with Ward. I've got Brees in this leuage, so I had a great start and since Ward is the "starter" more likely to have at least a solid day.

[stevew]

I like Sanders, but it could easily be a 3-43 type of game, or it could be something huge. Probably not worth playing until he gets a baseline.

[Sublime 2]

I've stuck with Harvin all week, but now as we approach kickoff I'm second guessing my non-PPR flex position:

Harvin
Hightower
Bush
Addai

I'm starting:

Gore
Blount
M. Williams TB
Stevie Johnson

[stevew]

My big thing was Hightower vs Addai, and I'm gonna stick with Timmy.

[johnnyshaka]

Flex starter in a PPR league:

Benson
Manningham
Julio Jones

[Julio Riddols]

Benson.

[Scoobz0202]

Absolutely kicking myself for not handcuffing Foster.

My backups? Helu, Grant(already used), and Keiland Williams

UGH

[bhlloy]

Probable Santonio Holmes vs Cowboys or Wes Welker vs Dolphins?

[henry296]

Probable Santonio Holmes vs Cowboys or Wes Welker vs Dolphins?

Good choices, but if PPR, I go Welker.

[ColtCrazy]

I am in 3 leagues. Looks like I will go 0-3. Wonderful. Why do I play this again? 2 months ago I seriously considered dropping out of the one league I was in last year. Somehow I got suckered into joining 2 more. My Colts suck, my fantasy teams suck, looks like Madden will be the highlight of my season.

[stevew]

Love that Hightower got all of the workload. Not loving that performance though. Gotta post better than a sub 3.0 ypc.

[Julio Riddols]

Wouldn't be surprised to see Helu get the rock some more next week.

[johnnyshaka]

Flex starter in a PPR league:

Benson
Manningham
Julio Jones

I went with Benson...thankfully...but it doesn't look like it's going to matter as my opponent's team went OFF!!

[stevew]

I swear to god, if I lose my game because Felix Jones was dicking around in that no chance hail mary play and fumbled......

[kingfc22]

I swear to god, if I lose my game because Felix Jones was dicking around in that no chance hail mary play and fumbled......

I did :banghead:

Lost by .4 points as my opponent had the Jets defense.

[MrBug708]

Should I trade Stephen Jackson now? Or should I plan on holding onto him and hope he bounces back? I currently have Ray Rice, Shonn Green, and Beanie Wells on my team. My WR corps are a little more tenuous as I have DeSean Jackson, Steve Johnson, Mike Thomas, Lee Evans, and Lance Moore (who is currently out, but he likely won't be doing special teams anymore, so his value is poor for me)

The WR's on the team that is interested are:
Nicks
Wayne
Gibson
Britt
Floyd
D. Henderson

[sooner333]

I don't know if I would necessarily try to trade Jackson yet. His value isn't going to be very high now. I think you can make it with your three backs and Jackson and Johnson. If you hold onto Jackson now you might be able to get more value for him or another back when the bye weeks factor in.

[sooner333]

I'm not normally a person who likes to shake up my starting QB, especially when it's one I picked high in the draft. But, in my ten team league I have Rivers and Stafford. Rivers is playing NE (who just let Chad Henne go wild) and Stafford is playing KC (who just let Ryan Fitzpatrick go wild). I would think that KC without Berry is going to be a more favorable matchup than NE, but is that enough to make Stafford the starter over my default guy?

[spleen1015]

Rivers is your stud QB. I would stick with him.

[stevew]

Adaai vs Cle, Felix Jones vs SF or Hightower vs Arizona, or Decker vs Cin. Pick 2(or Decker and a RB)

[Apathetic Lurker]

Stop complainin' about your damn wide receivers everyone ! Try living with my group

IDP league - long term


Davone Bess
Lee Evans
Devin Hester
Micheal Jenkins
Louis Murphy
Cecil Shorts
Brian Robiskie
John Baldwin (TS)
Tandon Doss (TS)
Kealoha Pilares (TS)

[spleen1015]

Adaai vs Cle, Felix Jones vs SF or Hightower vs Arizona, or Decker vs Cin. Pick 2(or Decker and a RB)

I would go with Felix Jones and Hightower.

[illinifan999]

My roster is:

QB: Ryan
RB: Bradshaw
RB: Matthews
WR: A. Johnson
WR: C.Johnson
TE: Ji. Graham

Meanwhile for my flex spot I need to choose between:
Tate
Starks
Gibson (STL WR)
AJ Green
Deji Karim
D. Williams

Deangelo Williams absolutely sucked last week and is going against GB this week. Karim is decent, but mostly there for if MJD goes down. I'm mostly trying to decide between Tate and Starks.

[stevew]

Jerome Simpson or Anthony Armstrong or Eric Decker- pick 2 for my bench. I think Armsting might actually be playable this week, but I'm unsure who would be the best 2 of the bench to have. Decker passed the eye test, Armstrong has shaky hands, but really looks like he can make some big plays. I've never seen Simpson play, but he had 9 targets week one.

[dubb93]

I got a couple of decisions this week.

@ RB

Jahvid Best vs. KC
or
Frank Gore vs. Dallas

@ WR(Choose 2)

Devery Henderson vs. Chicago
Kenny Britt vs. Bal
Johnny Knox @ NO
Nate Burleson vs. KC

Personally I'm leaning towards Best @ RB and Britt + Henderson @ WR. I also have Ben Tate at running back but it would take some serious selling to get me to start him over either of the two above.

[JAG]

Jerome Simpson or Anthony Armstrong or Eric Decker- pick 2 for my bench. I think Armsting might actually be playable this week, but I'm unsure who would be the best 2 of the bench to have. Decker passed the eye test, Armstrong has shaky hands, but really looks like he can make some big plays. I've never seen Simpson play, but he had 9 targets week one.

Is there really no one else out there but them?

[JAG]

My roster is:

QB: Ryan
RB: Bradshaw
RB: Matthews
WR: A. Johnson
WR: C.Johnson
TE: Ji. Graham

Meanwhile for my flex spot I need to choose between:
Tate
Starks
Gibson (STL WR)
AJ Green
Deji Karim
D. Williams

Deangelo Williams absolutely sucked last week and is going against GB this week. Karim is decent, but mostly there for if MJD goes down. I'm mostly trying to decide between Tate and Starks.

Sounds like Foster practiced fully Wednesday, so barring a setback, Starks should be your man. He has a great matchup anyway.

[JAG]

I got a couple of decisions this week.

@ RB

Jahvid Best vs. KC
or
Frank Gore vs. Dallas

@ WR(Choose 2)

Devery Henderson vs. Chicago
Kenny Britt vs. Bal
Johnny Knox @ NO
Nate Burleson vs. KC

Personally I'm leaning towards Best @ RB and Britt + Henderson @ WR. I also have Ben Tate at running back but it would take some serious selling to get me to start him over either of the two above.

My inclination would be Best and Britt/Burleson. Maybe Henderson in place of Burleson if it's not a PPR league.

[dubb93]

My inclination would be Best and Britt/Burleson. Maybe Henderson in place of Burleson if it's not a PPR league.

No PPR, 1 point for 10 yards rushing/recieving, 6 point TDs, 5 bonus points for going over 100 yards rushing/recieving, 4 bonus points for TD run/catch over 40 yards, 5 bonus points for TD run/catch over 50 yards.

[MrBug708]

Mike Thomas @ the Jets
Steve Johnson vs Oakland (He has a groin injury)
Julio Jones vs the Eagles
Lee Evans @ Tenn (Probable still)
Lance Moore vs the Bears (Q still)

Need two. I was leaning towards Evans and Thomas with maybe Evans

[stevew]

Is there really no one else out there but them?

12 team league, yeah, everyone of any kind of value is pretty much taken. The knowledge curve of Fantasy football has exploded over the last several years and it's nearly impossible to get any kind of edge whatsoever. I'd love to find an Andre for our league, but it ain't happening.

[Danny]

Jerome Simpson or Anthony Armstrong or Eric Decker- pick 2 for my bench. I think Armsting might actually be playable this week, but I'm unsure who would be the best 2 of the bench to have. Decker passed the eye test, Armstrong has shaky hands, but really looks like he can make some big plays. I've never seen Simpson play, but he had 9 targets week one.

Simpson definitely. Then Decker though I am not big on either guy.

[Danny]

Mike Thomas @ the Jets
Steve Johnson vs Oakland (He has a groin injury)
Julio Jones vs the Eagles
Lee Evans @ Tenn (Probable still)
Lance Moore vs the Bears (Q still)

Need two. I was leaning towards Evans and Thomas with maybe Evans

Go with Johnson and Thomas

[Danny]

I got a couple of decisions this week.

@ RB

Jahvid Best vs. KC
or
Frank Gore vs. Dallas

@ WR(Choose 2)

Devery Henderson vs. Chicago
Kenny Britt vs. Bal
Johnny Knox @ NO
Nate Burleson vs. KC

Personally I'm leaning towards Best @ RB and Britt + Henderson @ WR. I also have Ben Tate at running back but it would take some serious selling to get me to start him over either of the two above.

Britt should be an every week starter. He is a stud as long as he is healthy and out of trouble. Then I go with Knox with Roy Williams likely out.

I'd go with Best for the better matchup.

[Danny]

My roster is:

QB: Ryan
RB: Bradshaw
RB: Matthews
WR: A. Johnson
WR: C.Johnson
TE: Ji. Graham

Meanwhile for my flex spot I need to choose between:
Tate
Starks
Gibson (STL WR)
AJ Green
Deji Karim
D. Williams

Deangelo Williams absolutely sucked last week and is going against GB this week. Karim is decent, but mostly there for if MJD goes down. I'm mostly trying to decide between Tate and Starks.

Go Starks.

[Danny]

Adaai vs Cle, Felix Jones vs SF or Hightower vs Arizona, or Decker vs Cin. Pick 2(or Decker and a RB)

Jones and Hightower easily.

[Danny]

Should I trade Stephen Jackson now? Or should I plan on holding onto him and hope he bounces back? I currently have Ray Rice, Shonn Green, and Beanie Wells on my team. My WR corps are a little more tenuous as I have DeSean Jackson, Steve Johnson, Mike Thomas, Lee Evans, and Lance Moore (who is currently out, but he likely won't be doing special teams anymore, so his value is poor for me)

The WR's on the team that is interested are:
Nicks
Wayne
Gibson
Britt
Floyd
D. Henderson

I am not a fan of Shonn Greene, but if you could get Nicks I would pull the trigger. Probably for Britt also. Not for anyone else on the list.

[Qwikshot]

Okay, just completed two trades...final roster setup

QB-Phil Rivers (S), Fitzpatrick, Cam Newton
RB-Chris Johnson (S), Frank Gore (S), Tolbert, James Starks, Deji Karim
WR-Bowe (S), D Jackson (S), J Nelson, Julio Jones
TE-Jimmy Graham (S)
Flex (RB/WR) - Tolbert? Starks?
K-Novak (S)
DEF- NE (S)

Do I bench CJ against Baltimore (doubtful), but whom do I start in the flex? Tolbert vs NE or Starks vs Carolina

Do I drop NE for Houston, DET was waiver and I won't be able to pickup until the 17th, should I drop NE for DET?

Thanks

Note: redraft yahoo league...points are 6pts per TD (pass, rush, or receiving) 1pt per 25 yds passing, 1pt per 10 yds rush/receiving, standard defensive points

[spleen1015]

I would start CJ and pick up Houston

[Qwikshot]

I would start CJ and pick up Houston

Thanks...should I start Tolbert or Starks at the flex? C Johnson and Gore are RB1 and RB2.

Should I try to get Detroit or just go Houston all the way.

[spleen1015]

I see Tolbert/Starks as a toss up. Maybe Tolbert.

I like Detroit better than Houston, but I think Houston will be decent enough.

[Qwikshot]

I see Tolbert/Starks as a toss up. Maybe Tolbert.

I like Detroit better than Houston, but I think Houston will be decent enough.

Thanks so much.

[albionmoonlight]

.5 PPR league:

Mark Ingram or Ben Tate?

[DataKing]

.5 PPR league:

Mark Ingram or Ben Tate?

Ingram. What I'm hearing out of Houston says that Foster will be back in the lineup this week, and Ingram strikes me as the sort of runner that can have success against the Bears (though part of that is probably just me being a nervous nelly).

[DataKing]

Normally this would seem like a no-brainer, but given the results from last week's game...

Jay Cutler vs. New Orleans
or
Matt Ryan vs. Philadelphia

[spleen1015]

Normally this would seem like a no-brainer, but given the results from last week's game...

Jay Cutler vs. New Orleans
or
Matt Ryan vs. Philadelphia

I am in the same situation in 1 league and I am going with Ryan under the 'Always Play Your Studs' rule.

If Ryan continues to underperform then I will switch down the road.

[albionmoonlight]

I'd go with Ryan. The Saints defense is, IMO, worse against the run than the pass. It is also high-risk, high-reward. So I see two ways that you can lose here with Cutler--Forte has a big game on the ground. Or Cutler ends up with multiple picks and/or fumbles.

Cutler may, of course, have a big game. But there is some downside risk there.

[TLK]

Am I crazy to consider benching MJD @ NYJ for Reggie Bush vs. HOU?

[spleen1015]

I dunno. I assume you drafted MJD to be your #1 RB or at least a starter. If so, he starts 16 games, IMO.

[Danny]

Am I crazy to consider benching MJD @ NYJ for Reggie Bush vs. HOU?

PPR or not? I was big on Bush and have him in all three of my PPR leagues, but I would go MJD is not.

[Danny]

Normally this would seem like a no-brainer, but given the results from last week's game...

Jay Cutler vs. New Orleans
or
Matt Ryan vs. Philadelphia

Go Matt Ryan, though I think both should be pretty close this week.

[Danny]

.5 PPR league:

Mark Ingram or Ben Tate?

Ingram without question, Tate is a backup now.

[Danny]

Thanks...should I start Tolbert or Starks at the flex? C Johnson and Gore are RB1 and RB2.

Should I try to get Detroit or just go Houston all the way.

I like Starks this week, a real nice matchup.

[Danny]

Okay, just completed two trades...final roster setup

QB-Phil Rivers (S), Fitzpatrick, Cam Newton
RB-Chris Johnson (S), Frank Gore (S), Tolbert, James Starks, Deji Karim
WR-Bowe (S), D Jackson (S), J Nelson, Julio Jones
TE-Jimmy Graham (S)
Flex (RB/WR) - Tolbert? Starks?
K-Novak (S)
DEF- NE (S)

Do I bench CJ against Baltimore (doubtful), but whom do I start in the flex? Tolbert vs NE or Starks vs Carolina

Do I drop NE for Houston, DET was waiver and I won't be able to pickup until the 17th, should I drop NE for DET?

Thanks

Note: redraft yahoo league...points are 6pts per TD (pass, rush, or receiving) 1pt per 25 yds passing, 1pt per 10 yds rush/receiving, standard defensive points

Dont ever bench CJ if healthy.

[Simbo Klice]

Alright, in a conundrum with my RB2 spot, PPR League:

Ben Tate vs. Miami (He'll be backing up Foster it appears but seems to be poised to get a good amount of carries, and if Foster has a setback early may be getting the lion's share.)

Steven Jackson vs. NY Giants (The reason for this issue. He's hurt but he expects to play... I know S-Jax plays through injuries and is usually good for a solid line but I'm wary of another 2-carry game.)

Brandon Jacobs vs. St. Louis (He will be in the Monday night game so if I elect to go with Jackson but he gets deactivated I have a safety net. Didn't do anything last week, not sure about his status as far as goal line carries go.)

I'm leaning about 50% Jacobs, 40% Tate, 10% Jackson... Jacobs seems to be the safest play, Tate has the highest upside, and Jackson always gets numbers if he plays a full game.

[Sublime 2]

Non-PPR

Freeman vs Minn
Fitzpatrick vs Oak

and

Blount vs Minn
Greene vs Jax

???

[Julio Riddols]

Non-PPR

Freeman vs Minn
Fitzpatrick vs Oak

and

Blount vs Minn
Greene vs Jax

???

Fitzy has a higher ceiling, Blount is a better back.

[Danny]

Fitz and Green due to Green's matchup.

[eiskrap]

Playing QB by committee which do you think I should go for?

Eli
Sexy Rexy
Newton
Fitzpatrick

Luckily went for Cam last week, think I'm favouring Rex this week too see if he can replicate Cam against the Cards.

[Danny]

Grossman this week

[spleen1015]

I say Fitzpatrick

[Scoobz0202]

Grossman... Maybe Fitzpatrick

[Scoobz0202]

Pick three running backs: PPR

Matt Forte @ Saints
Felix Jones @ 49ers
Tim Hightower vs ARI
Mike Tolbert @ NEP

[Julio Riddols]

I think Grossman is a guy you can get now and flip for help at the trade deadline if you have another QB to go with. He's been excellent as a QB for the skins with 75% of his games being over 300 yards since going there. He and Santana Moss are big sleepers it seems.

[Julio Riddols]

Forte, Jones, Tolbert in a PPR. Otherwise, Hightower replaces Tolbert.

[spleen1015]

Forte, Jones, Tolbert in a PPR. Otherwise, Hightower replaces Tolbert.

Agreed

[CleBrownsfan]

Okay it's playoff time and I have a decision to make at RB since Forte went down.

Scoring:
1 pt for every 25 yds
PPR
6 pts TD

J.Stewart vs Atl or Ricky Williams vs Ind??

[B & B]

http://www.giantsgab.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/playoffs.jpg

[Scoobz0202]

Pick two: PPR

Plaxico vs KCC
Gaffney vs NEP
Mike Williams @ JAX
Manningham @ DAL

[sooner333]

Start three (or two and Laurent Robinson), 1.5 pts per ten yards rush/rec., 6 pts per TD, .25 pts per rush attempt, .5 pts per reception (weird, I know)

Ray Rice (obviously)
Felix Jones
Darren Sproles
Beanie Wells

I also have Toby Gerhart who did well for me last week, but it looks like AD is back for the Vikings.

[sooner333]

Also. Tebow vs. a leaky Patriots defense or Rivers vs. a stingy Ravens defense. I'm leaning Tebow...which is scary because its the semifinals. But all Tebow does...

[Qwikshot]

QB

Cam Newton @ Houston
Tim Tebow vs NE

RB1 and RB2

Frank Gore vs Pitt
Chris Johnson @ Indy
McGahee vs NE
Kevin Smith @ Oak

WR1 and WR2

Fitzgerald vs Cleve
Laurent Robinson @ TB
Victor Cruz vs Wash
Colston @ Minny
Djax vs NYJ

Flex
Def

Detroit OR Tenn

Would anyone care to help me not overthink and set up a decent lineup for Week 15?

[sooner333]

I would go:

Newton
McGahee
Johnson
Fitzgerald
Colston

[Qwikshot]

I would go:

Newton
McGahee
Johnson
Fitzgerald
Colston

Thanks, that's what I was thinking (though I'm waiver on Tebow against NE)...but who would be a good Flex (Kevin Smith is due back). Laurent Robinson has a nose for the end zone.

I think Gore is a bad idea.

[Julio Riddols]

Cruz as a flex. Home run potential and Manning has been killing it lately.

[rowech]

Semifinals -- start two

Barber versus Seattle
Spiller versus Miami
Blount versus Dallas

I can make a case for each of them both for and against. Really torn on this one.

[PurdueBrad]

Rowech, I think I like Spiller and Blount the most from your list.

[PurdueBrad]

I'm in the playoffs (like most of you) and I have to make this choice on two of my teams:

Mendenhall vs. San Fran
Kevin Smith vs. Oakland

One of the leagues is PPR, the other is not. Thoughts or advice are appreciated.

[rowech]

I'm in the playoffs (like most of you) and I have to make this choice on two of my teams:

Mendenhall vs. San Fran
Kevin Smith vs. Oakland

One of the leagues is PPR, the other is not. Thoughts or advice are appreciated.

I don't think Smith is playing yet is he?

[PurdueBrad]

Supposedly Smith practiced fully yesterday and is back this weekend. The injury does scare me some.

[Qwikshot]

Supposedly Smith practiced fully yesterday and is back this weekend. The injury does scare me some.

I'm in the same boat. Kevin Smith looked sharp against New Orleans (I think it was New Orleans) before pulling up limp. Oakland is turf though and Oakland is terrible, if Smith is 100%, then it's almost a no brainer to start him as he'll force the defense to protect against the run (Megatron was shut down last weekend with the wonderful Maurice Morris starting).

[DataKing]

Defense/Special Teams

1 pt per sack
2 pts per turnover
6 pts per return TD
1 pt for each pt allowed under 15.

Atlanta D vs. Jacksonville
New England D vs. Denver

[PurdueBrad]

DataKing, I'm rolling the dice and starting New England for my teams. I think there is a good chance that they grab a pick 6 this game because I think Denver is going to have to throw a lot more and a lot earlier than they have had to. I think the Pats offense can and will score on the Broncos D and that'll lead to them having to play from pretty far behind.

[Ksyrup]

Don't start Sam Hurd.

[BishopMVP]

Start 4 of 6

Ryan Mathews vs BAL
Dez Bryant @TB
Marques Colston @MIN
Marion Barber vs SEA
Vincent Jackson vs BAL
Antonio Brown @SF

Leaning towards the first 4 right now... Vincent Jackson has HR potential, but he's playing @ Baltimore (Mathews is too obv, but I think he'll get enough touches I need to keep him in there), Antonio Brown has been lighting it up but is going against San Fran, while Marion Barber got crucified in the media after his end of game performance last week (despite a very good fantasy game before that). Any chance Barber doesn't get starter touches?

[Honolulu_Blue]

Should I start:

C.J. Spiller vs. Miami
or
Blount vs. Dallas?

[DataKing]

I think Barber gets starter touches this week...if for no other reason than the fact that the Bears only alternative is Khalil Bell.

[MikeVic]

Blount, Bradshaw, or Jacobs? I have Blount starting now but think they will fall behind early and he could be a non-factor. The league is yards-light too... So am I crazy to think about Jacobs?

[rowech]

Ugghhh...as if my decision wasn't hard enough we now have Kevin Smith as a possibility. We have to decide two from:

Barber versus Seattle
Spiller versus Miami
Blount versus Dallas
Smith versus Oakland

[MikeVic]

Ugghhh...as if my decision wasn't hard enough we now have Kevin Smith as a possibility. We have to decide two from:

Barber versus Seattle
Spiller versus Miami
Blount versus Dallas
Smith versus Oakland

I have Smith in a league and ignore him now. I think he's way too fragile. He CAN give you a very nice game, but I think at this point it's more likely he's out by the half.

As with my post, I'm leaning towards going away from Blount. He's had some real stinkers this year, and I think this is a game that the Bucs play from behind very early on (and so not much running).

My process of elimination, that leaves Barber and Spiller I guess.

[rowech]

I made wrong call on RB going with Blount and Barber...yet somehow I still have a chance.

Have an hour and a half to decide on my D...

49ers home vs. Pitt
Ravens at SD

I feel Ravens are better option except for the questions Pit has at C and QB.

[rowech]

Here is the matchup for our title game...this is my guess as what he will play...

Me -- Ryan, MJD, Spiller, C. Johnson, Colston, Gronkowski, Kevin Smith, Hanson, Ravens D.

Him -- Brees, Peterson, M. Bush, R. White, S. Smith, Gates, B. Wells, Novak, Packers D.

Only other viable option is that I could put in Lance Moore for one of my RBs to try and counter Brees some. I'm really curious if people have tried something like that before and how it's worked out. I feel like his team is better than mine overall so I'm thinking I shouldn't make that kind of play because I need more points, not to trade points.

Thoughts?

[bhlloy]

OK, I need some help on my four headed inconsistent RB monster

Pick two from Steven Jackson, Michael Turner, Roy Helu (probable/questionable) and CJ Spiller (I also have Tolbert but think he's a clear step down)

Without the injury concern I would probably have Helu on the top of the pile but I think even if he plays Royster will get a lot of those carries now. Spiller is the boom or bust guy and Turner and Jackson are the boring underachievers. What to do what to do FOFC

[Ronnie Dobbs2]

Here is the matchup for our title game...this is my guess as what he will play...

Me -- Ryan, MJD, Spiller, C. Johnson, Colston, Gronkowski, Kevin Smith, Hanson, Ravens D.

Him -- Brees, Peterson, M. Bush, R. White, S. Smith, Gates, B. Wells, Novak, Packers D.

Only other viable option is that I could put in Lance Moore for one of my RBs to try and counter Brees some. I'm really curious if people have tried something like that before and how it's worked out. I feel like his team is better than mine overall so I'm thinking I shouldn't make that kind of play because I need more points, not to trade points.

Thoughts?

Since it is NO I wouldn't get too cute - Brees could go anywhere with it and you could end up with nothing.

[Ronnie Dobbs2]

OK, I need some help on my four headed inconsistent RB monster

Pick two from Steven Jackson, Michael Turner, Roy Helu (probable/questionable) and CJ Spiller (I also have Tolbert but think he's a clear step down)

Without the injury concern I would probably have Helu on the top of the pile but I think even if he plays Royster will get a lot of those carries now. Spiller is the boom or bust guy and Turner and Jackson are the boring underachievers. What to do what to do FOFC

Turner for sure, and I'd go Spiller with him but it's close.

[Ronnie Dobbs2]

.5 PPR

Pick 3

Austin, Nicks (vs. Revis?), Colston, Harvin

[sooner333]

Would the injury/Royster concern make you start Blount over Helu? I have Reggie Bush, Helu, and Blount at RB (start two...or three if I sit Harvin). I start three WRs: White, Wallace, and Harvin.

This is a 1 PPR league with 1 pt per every 15 yds receiving. The standard 1 pt per 10 yards rushing is in effect.