Reminder: if you have anyone from Atlanta, Philadelphia, the NY Giants, Baltimore, Chicago, or Cleveland to give them a first class ticket to the bench for this week. Since week 8 brings us 6 teams on a bye it handicaps your bench by a good 18%; thus forcing you to use players you may have normally just left in reserve land. Now while it may seem a tad scary, get it Halloween, to use these players or to bench them trust DCS that this is no trick. It's all treat.
QB, Mark Sanchez, NY Jets: after the way he and his Jets played in week 1 it's hard to believe the Jets are tied for the best record in the league. While the Jets boast a defense that is in the top 3 of all important categories Mark Sanchez has been doing his part by playing like the franchise QB they drafted him to be. After game 1 when the Jets took the training wheels off Sanchez he has had 3 straight games of at least 2 touchdowns (8 in all) with no interceptions. In his last two games he has dealt with torrential rain (Minnesota) and a defense that had "run all over me" written on it (Denver). However, the Jets did win those 2 games even with Mark's measly numbers. For the season Sanchez has 9 scores to just 2 interceptions (both thrown in the Denver game). At New Meadowlands Stadium Sanchez faces the 21st ranked passing defense in GB. While GB's defense has more interceptions then touchdowns given (10-8), they are giving up 214 ypg. Corner back Charles Woodson is questionable for the game which could leave one of Sanchez's targets open all day giving him and you points when your regular starting QB (Matt Ryan, Eli Manning, Joe Flacco) is out this week.
QB, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Buffalo Bills: see week 8 pick up of the week.
RB, Thomas Jones/ Jamaal Charles, KC Chiefs: regardless of what Coach Todd Haley says not just one of these guys is the clear-cut starter. Depending on the week both Charles and Thomas have shredded opposing defenses, and both were used in tandem to pick apart the Jaguars last week as they ran 35 times for 196 yards and 2 scores. These numbers could have been higher, but the Chiefs D made Matt Cassel throw catch with Dwayne Bowe to catch up with Jaguars offense during the first half. Once again at Arrowhead the Chiefs play a putrid run defense in Buffalo who gives up 174 ypg. The Chiefs passing defense hasn't been too good themselves so look for Haley to limit Fitzpatrick, possibly, by keeping the ball and the clock in the Chiefs backfield.
WR, Reggie Wayne, Indianapolis Colts: who has revenge on his mind after being embarrassed at Houston? Who is playing the 30th ranked passing defense in Houston? Who has one healthy option at WR this Sunday? Yes, Peyton Manning. Who is his one healthy option at WR? Yes, Reggie Wayne. Nuff' said.
WR, Steve Johnson, Lee Evans, Buffalo Bills: collectively they have 9 of Fitzpatrick's 11 touchdowns. KC is ranked 25th against the pass. The Bills rushing game stinks. Sounds like every reason to start one of the two.
TE, Tony Moeaki, KC Chiefs: if ever a must start ever existed for a tight end this is it. Against opposing TE's Buffalo has 3 straight games of giving up 2 scores. While yardage and receptions have been somewhat low; what has been given up is passes near the red zone resulting in touchdowns. With Cassel checking down every opportunity he gets; finding Moeaki should be no problem.
D-ST, SF 49ers: even though they have 7 interceptions for the year and they play a QB who has to throw just to keep his team in the game I don't like this play for one reason. LONDON. In England they will be playing on a soccer field that plays much faster then a football field, and in the past this has caused offenses and defenses to not play at their full potential. Besides; they let Matt Moore and a rookie WR, David Getts, play catch on them to the tune of 8 receptions, 125 yards, and 2 scores last week. Until their defensive play is more consistent the 49ers D can't be trusted.
Even though these guys are available to play just keep them on the bench"
QB, Drew Brees, NO Saints: bench Drew! Huh? Drew has been inconsistent as of late, and Cleveland seemed to be just what the doctor ordered to get him off of his free-fall. However, he turned the ball over 5 times while managing 2 scores thanks to garbage time. At home he plays against a Pittsburgh defense that has more then twice the number of interceptions then touchdowns given up (9-4). Pittsburgh has given up no more then 1 score and 281 yards to opposing QB's, and the trend will continue as Pittsburgh dominates both sides of the ball.
RB, Ronnie Brown/ Ricky Williams, Miami Dolphins: with the ineffectiveness of the wildcat offense, the offseason acquisition of Brandon Marshall, and the emergence of Davone Bess the Dolphins run game has steadily been declining while the passing game has been on the increase. For the season the Dolphins running game has only 1 score, coming in week 1 against the Bills, while Chad Henne has thrown for 8 touchdowns. This week the Dolphins play against the Bengals who were tore apart by Matt Ryan and Roddy White. Look for Henne and Marshall to do the same, and for the Williams/ Brown combo to ground out short yardage at best despite what Michael Turner did to the Bengals last week.
WR, Randy Moss, Minnesota Vikings: I was almost tempted to tell DCS readers to bench Moss because of the uncertainty of the QB position, but this game has revenge written all over it. When Moss has revenge on his mind he puts up yards and scores. Moss has held a lifelong grudge against Dallas for passing him up, and has made them pay ever since the 98' draft. Since being shipped out for a 4th round pick Moss should have revenge on his mind, and will find a way to score on NE. Wait. I am gonna tell you to bench him! Favre's ankle may not let him finish the game Sunday. If he can't finish the game Tarvaris Jackson will come in relief, and Jackson will look to run down the field if his first option isn't open.
TE, Jeremy Shockey, NO Saints: vs. TE's the Steelers D has only one game in which they given up a touchdown and more then 49 yards. Meanwhile in Shockey's last two games he has 4 receptions for 51 yards combined with no scores. Look more of the same this Sunday as another TE plays terribly.
