In sports, you always want to avoid a so-called sophomore slump: a breakout rookie year followed by a dissatisfying second showing. Sure, last week’s column had some pretty good advice. But I’m not focused on that. How do I make it through this second week of start ’em sit ’em without throwing us all over the proverbial fantasy cliff?
All things considered, last week was a good one for this writer. With the exception of a misinformed tip on Kirk Cousins, most things turned out pretty well. My own team is now 4-0, so I guess I get to keep on writing this thing until the gods decide they’re tired of my self-satisfied nonsense and deal me a punishment the old-fashioned way: by giving me a lower combined score than my fantasy opponent. Until then, you’ll have to just keep dealing with me.
Before I get started, I have a confession to make: I felt kinda weird writing this last week, as it pretty much felt like I was having a pretty conceited conversation with myself. But I somehow made it to #1 on The Black & White Online’s “Most Popular”. I’ve concluded that meant that somebody read this besides my family. So to my reader(s): I thank you for the self esteem boost, and I’ll be happy to return the favor and read your fantasy football column any day. Here we go.
Start ‘Em: Quarterbacks
Jay Cutler, Chicago at Carolina: A friend of mine had a lineup conundrum last week, and it involved choosing Cutler or Kirk Cousins. I advised she go with Cutler, she went with Cousins. It was a mistake. She lost. Part of me believes that Carolina’s defense is porous (as they showed against my beloved Ravens last week), and part of me is just rubbing it in. Maybe this time, people will listen.
Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh at Jacksonville: Yep, it’s the return of my “play-anybody-against-Jacksonville” strategy. Worked last week. Do I have a vendetta against Jacksonville? Or jaguars? Maybe it’s because I got scratched by a jaguar as a child, and have a scar on my back as a result. Maybe that was a lie. Maybe it’s just because Jacksonville can’t play D.
Sit ‘Em: Quarterbacks
Kirk Cousins, Washington vs. Seattle: So yeah, I messed up on this one last week. He turned it over four times, and now plays a Seattle defense that’s just slightly better than the Giants’. Yeah, I’m putting my foot in my mouth. Find somebody better.
Tom Brady, New England vs. Cincinnati: Yes, he’s still Tom Brady, but he also isn’t Tom Brady in his prime. Put simply, Brady is having a down season and is showing no sign of an upswing. And you won’t get many rushing yards from him, either, as even yours truly has a faster 40-yard-dash time (and will take any opportunity to share that news). Anyway, in case you don’t know, Cincinatti is really good.
Start ‘Em: Running Backs:
Eddie Lacy, Green Bay vs. Minnesota: Never thought he’d show up here given his inconsistent performance recently. The NFL Vikings defense is hardly anything to be afraid of, unlike the Whitman defense. Although the unfortunate missed kick has been much of the talk, credit should go to the D for holding a stellar Wootton team to only seven points. Well done. Maybe the Minnesotans can take a page out of your book.
Rashad Jennings, New York Giants vs. Atlanta: The Falcons aren’t getting much attention for how bad they are defensively. They give up 29 fantasy points per game to running backs, and with Jennings’ success against better defenses this season, he’s an obvious start.
Sit ‘Em: Running Backs:
Matt Asiata, Minnesota at Green Bay: He’s an anomaly–an anomaly that’s in the top three in points for running backs–but still an anomaly. He didn’t even lead his own team in rushing this week. His success will have to taper off eventually.
Knile Davis, Kansas City at San Francisco: Niners have a stout run D, he’s still technically a backup, and I own Jamaal Charles. Wishful thinking?
Start ‘Em, Wide Receivers:
Keenan Allen, San Diego vs. New York Jets: After a start to the year that was hardly electrifying, he made his owners ecstatic with a performance against the aforementioned Jaguars, and now gets a tasty matchup against the Jets that has great potential for success. Don’t be shocked if he has another big day. And in honor of the Chargers, please excuse the four electricity puns I just made.
Demaryius Thomas, Denver vs. Arizona: Even he admits he’s getting down on himself for how hard this year has been, but he’s still just as talented. And although Patrick Peterson is stellar in coverage, he’s not perfect.
Sit ‘Em, Wide Receivers:
Julian Edelman, New England vs. Cincinatti: As Tom Brady goes, so go his receivers. Tough matchup, lackluster team play. The Patriots as we know them are gone.
Steve Smith, Baltimore at Indianapolis: You may want to ride the hot hand, but a few things are different this week. The Ravens never play as well on the road, the Indianapolis pass defense is underrated, and there’s no revenge to be had this time around. Sure, Joe Cool hardly throws to anybody else, but reluctant as I am to say it, I think it could be a tough day for the Ravens.
Hope this helps.
SVB
