Sit these studs? Only at your peril

11/20/08
fantasy football
By Ryan Chatelain

Sit these studs? Only at your peril

Photo credit: Game Face

By Ryan Chatelain

The matchup was unfavorable to say the least: Brandon Jacobs vs. the Ravens, the NFL’s second-stingiest team against the run.

Owners of Jacobs who had another strong running back option likely benched the Giants standout. Those who started him hoped he could grind out at least a touchdown.

Here is Jacobs’ surprising stat line after the first quarter on Sunday: eight rushes, 70 yards and two scores. (With a large lead and an ailing knee, Jacobs only carried the ball once more during Big Blue’s 30-10 rout of Baltimore.)

Sometimes fantasy footballers pay too much attention to matchups. Yes, they are a vital tool for setting your lineup, but there are times when it’s best to look the other way.Here is my advice:
Your two or three best players should probably never be benched.
Never leave a hot player riding the pine.
If you are considering sitting someone because of his matchup, check to see how he performed in games against tough foes.

I can’t say I blame those who benched Jacobs. In Week 8 against Pittsburgh, the NFL’s top-ranked run defense, he was held to 47 yards.

But there are some players you should never sit, regardless of matchups — least of all these five:

Adrian Peterson, RB, Minnesota

Although A.P.’s numbers take a hit when he faces tougher defenses — five of his six 100-yard games this season have come against poor run defenses — he has still amassed at least 77 yards in all but one game.

Peyton Manning, QB, Indianapolis

Despite off-season knee surgery, Manning has tossed at least two TDs in six of his past seven games. In Week 10 against the Steelers (No. 1 against the pass), he threw for 240 yards and three TDs.

Kurt Warner, QB, Arizona

The MVP candidate has thrown for at least 236 yards in eight of his last nine games — and 300 yards in his last four contests. He was even strong against a pair of top pass defenses: Carolina (381 yards, two TDs) and Dallas (236 yards, two TDs).

Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Arizona

Warner’s favorite target has at least 80 yards receiving or a score in every contest this season. Three of his better games have come against Carolina, Dallas and Washington — all top-10 pass defenses.

Roddy White, WR, Atlanta

White has flourished with rookie QB Matt Ryan, with 90 yards or a TD in seven of his past eight games. He missed those marks against Oakland only because of a 24-0 halftime edge that caused Atlanta to heavily favor the run in the second half.

WEEK 12 SIT/START

Sit

Brett Favre, QB, Jets (vs. Tennessee). Favre has passed for one or no TDs in half his games, and the Titans have only allowed five scores through the air.

Tim Hightower, RB, Cardinals (vs. Giants). He’s struggled in two of three games since becoming the starter. Big Blue has allowed the fewest fantasy points to running backs in the NFL.

Laveranues Coles, WR, Jets (vs. Tennessee). Coles has failed to surpass 65 yards receiving since Week 4, and the Titans have only allowed one TD to a wide receiver this season.

Start

Kerry Collins, QB, Tennessee (vs. Jets). While the Titans’ running game has stumbled a bit, the former Giants quarterback has tossed five TDs in his past two games. The Jets are 28th against the pass.

Peyton Hillis, RB, Denver (vs. Oakland). Selvin Young is expected to miss one more week with a groin injury, meaning Hillis should receive the bulk of the carries against an abominable

Raiders run defense.

Kevin Walter, WR, Houston (vs. Cleveland). Surprisingly, Walter is a top-20 fantasy receiver, and the Browns have struggled to stop the pass.

(Photo by AP)
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Sit these studs? Only at your peril

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