Fanspeak Fantasy Football: Start ‘Em or Sit ‘Em Week 9

By Staff Writer Ryan Gerrity –  @RyanGerrity:

Start:

1. Andy Dalton, QB, Cincinnati Bengals
It does not matter who the Bengals are playing this week because after a 5 touchdown performance last week, Dalton is a QB1 officially.  He put a show on against a top 5 defense in the Jets last week, and against the Dolphins I expect big numbers
2. Darren McFadden, RB, Oakland Raiders
Last week McFadden ran for over 70 yards but he did score two touchdowns.  It was a great performance for owners of McFadden, and this week against the Eagles it should continue as long as Terrelle Pryor doesn’t run the ball more than last week.
3. Darius Heyward-Bey, WR, Indianapolis Colts
Reggie Wayne is out for the year and targets from Andrew Luck are up in the air.  The difference between DHB and Hilton is that DHB has the size advantage to potentially become a possession receiver and fill the void of Wayne.
4. Jake Locker, QB, Tennessee Titans
Two weeks ago against the 49ers Locker put up some big fantasy numbers surprisingly.  The Rams played great defense against the Seahawks on Monday Night Football, but they are vulnerable in the play action pass game which the Titans could exploit.
5. Eddie Lacy, RB, Green Bay Packers
Lacy has proven to be a good fantasy running back the past couple of weeks, and this week he should continue to prove that.  The Bears have let up more points to opposing running backs than any other defense, which is great news for Lacy owners.

Sit:

Courtesy of ICON SMI

1. Tom Brady, QB, New England Patriots
The Tom Brady is not himself this year for some odd reason.  Even with the return of Gronkowski and Amendola last week, Brady did not impress any of his fantasy owners.  The Patriots face the #2 ranked pass defense in the Steelers this which will cause more struggles for Brady.
2. Ray Rice, RB, Baltimore Ravens
It is tough to say that you need to sit a star running back in the NFL, but Rice has only been averaging 2.8 yards per carry this year.  The Ravens face the Browns this week who have proven to be a tough match up on defense.
3. T.Y. Hilton, WR, Indianapolis Colts
Hilton is more of an elusive and speed receiver that will play the slot position very well.  That is not where the Texans are vulnerable, and Heyward-Bey will be the Colts receiver that does well this week.
4. Trent Richardson, RB, Indianapolis Colts
Richardson has only put up double digit fantasy points once since being with the Colts, and that was against the Jaguars.  The Texans have a lot of injured players on their defense, but they should still hold Richardson under double digit points.
5. Torrey Smith, WR, Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens are facing the Browns this week who is going to be a tough match up for everyone on the Ravens.  Especially Smith who is going to be facing shut down corner, Joe Haden.  Haden has been shutting down all receivers this year, which will translate into low scoring fantasy performance for Smith this week.