NFL Week 9 Fantasy Start 'em, Sit 'em

Sit 'em

Matt Hasselbeck, Tennessee - I really want to say start Hasselbeck, but I can't; he's up against the top defense in the league.  Don't expect a repeat of his performance against the Colts this week as Hasselbeck plays the Bengals.

Joe Flacco, Baltimore - Do not start Flacco.  In fact, why is he on your roster?  Tim Tebow is going to get you more fantasy points than Flacco in a normal week.  This week, going up against a Steelers defense that was embarrassed by the Ravens in Week 1, this won't be good for Flacco.  Do not start Flacco.

Sleeper

Carson Palmer, Oakland - It's got to be a deep league, or multiple QB positions for you to think of Palmer, but I like what he has going for him this week. In Week 7, he got into a game and got hit.  In Week 8, the team had the bye, letting Palmer have two full weeks of practices and study to get the offense down.  In Week 9, the Raiders play the Broncos, who have been hemorrhaging fantasy points to starting quarterbacks this year.  If you have the slot for Palmer, he might be worth the start.

Running Backs:

Start 'em:

Steven Jackson, St. Louis - Last week, the Arizona Cardinals allowed Ray Rice to destroy them.  This week, they have to try to stop Jackson, who had 159 yards and 2 touchdowns against the Saints last week.  Jackson will at least break the century mark and pick up a touchdown this week.

Michael Turner, Atlanta - The Falcons face the Colts this week.  That should explain it enough.

Sit 'em:

Chris Johnson, Tennessee - CJ2K is playing like CJ.2K lately.  If he can't figure it out soon, the monstrous contract he held out for will ensure he gets cut in the offseason.   Not only is Johnson a non-factor most weeks, he will be facing the Bengals defense this week.  Don't expect anything out of him.

Jackie Battle, Kansas City - As much as we complain about the Dolphins defense, they have suddenly found a way to shut down some running games.  If Battle, who, let's face it isn't Jamaal Charles, can get to the 75 yard mark this week, I will be shocked.

Sleeper:

Reggie Bush, Miami - That's right.  A Dolphins player sighting.  I like Bush this week.  The Chiefs haven't been great against the run, and the Dolphins seem to have figured something out on how to use Bush.  If Daniel Thomas comes back, Bush will lose some carries, but a week after just his second 100 yard rushing performance in his 6 year career, I look for Bush to have another solid day.

Wide Receiver:

Start 'em:

Dwayne Bowe, Kansas City - everything above about why to not start Jackie Battle is exactly why you should start Bowe.  The Dolphins secondary is a mess, and Bowe should see plenty of action as Matt Cassel compensates for the lack of a running game.  Bowe will find the endzone this week, and should be in the 90-100 yards receiving range.

Brandon Lloyd, St. Louis - The Denver Broncos' best receiver, St. Louis' Lloyd had a solid day against the Saints last week, posting 53 yards and a touchdown.  This week, going against a bad Arizona team, look for Lloyd to get to the 100 yards mark, and at least a touchdown.

Sit 'em:

Nate Washington, Tennessee - I like what Washington has been doing without Kenny Britt around in Tennessee, but against the Bengals, I think you have to sit him.  I can't see him finding pay dirt this week, and about 60 yards is the most I would anticipate.

Pierre Garcon, Indianapolis - I can't endorse a Colts wide receiver at this point.  He's probably the best of the options for the Colts, but there has to be someone better out there for you to start.

Sleeper:

Sidney Rice, Seattle - The Seahawks are coming off a solid passing day against the Bengals, and will be looking to tack advantage of the injured Cowboys secondary this week.  Seattle QB Tavaris Jackson has fallen in love with throwing the ball to Rice, and that should continue this week - especially with the Seahawks inability to run the ball.  Look for Rice to be in the 75-100 yard range, with a touchdown.

Tight Ends:

Start 'em:

Jake Ballard, New York Giants - I really like Ballard, especially now that I have watched him for an entire game.  With the Giants playing the Patriots, Ballard could have a big day as the Patriots try to find a way to slow down Manning.  Ballard won't quite get to the 100-yard mark, but he will get close.

Sit 'em:

Vernon Davis, San Francisco - Davis has been lost this season in San Francisco.  Even with the 49ers playing the Redskins, I don't like relying on Davis.  He's still among the top TEs out there, but I just can't get behind him.  I wouldn't expect anything more than 40-45 yards this week.

Sleeper:

Heath Miller, Pittsburgh - This is a high risk pick, but could be high reward.  The Ravens have been the stingiest defense in the league against tight ends this season, but the Steelers are out to prove something this weekend.  It's a risk, but my feeling is, Miller has a solid day this week.