Hot
- Start'em if ya Got'em
QB – Rex Grossman – Yes the QB with more Gross in his name and game than ‘sexy’ is the QB start’em this week. I wanted to go Flacco but this matchup for Rex is too sexy! Dan Orlovsky just threw for 350 yards against the Patriots, so why can’t Rex? I figure with no Fred Davis and Trent Williams, the TE will now be blocking on the line versus catching passes. I also think Rex will be in the shotgun more with his LT out of the line up and this helps him and Helu. Whether it’s playing from behind in catch-up mode or just taking advantage of the leagues 32nd ranked pass defense, this is set up for 300 yds and 2 tds. Consider Rex and low QB1 high QB2 for this week.
RB – CJ Spiller – Coming off his best week of his career, Spiller is up against a San Diego defense that just got destroyed by MJD. Now, that doesn’t mean the matchup means production, because Spiller is no MJD; but none the less - SD is 26th against the run giving up 131.7 yards per game. Considering Spiller’s role in this offense his 17-25 touches including receptions should catapult him to 150 total yards with the possibility of breaking a long one for a TD. He is an RB2 in PPR and solid Flex play in standard leagues.
WR – Julio Jones – Coming out of last week’s game apparently healthy and stretching the field on some deep balls, Julio is poised to resume his early season success. Though he only had 4 catches on 10 targets, I am going to chalk that up to timing in regards to the time missed along with Ryan and the pass rush that pressured him. This week he faces the Panthers and Captain Munnerlyn a corner who allows a 123.3 rating among CB’s who play at least 75% of snaps. Conversely, Julio’s teammate Roddy White is facing Chris Gamble who allows a 50.4 rating which is 3rd best in the league amongst those at 75% snaps. i.e. completions will come through Julio. High WR3 upside to WR2 in PPR.
Not
- Nate Dogg: "Hold up;..... Wait"
QB – Ben Roethlisberger – There will be no NEED to throw in this game. The Steelers should just pound Mendy and Isaac all night against Cleveland’s 31st ranked run defense that yields 151 yards per game. When Ben does pass, it will be against Cleveland’s #1 ranked pass defense giving up only 184 yards per game and only the 8th most points allowed. And his best receiver Mike Wallace will be blanketed by shut down corner Joe Haden. Proceed with caution.
RB – Steven Jackson – On the road, in Seattle; with a third string qb? No thanks.
WR – Brandon Lloyd – See Steven Jackson.