Andrew Hedglen
Contributing Writer
What a week last week was, as Tampa Bay’s rookie running back Doug Martin scored a third-best all time 51 fantasy points. Of course, I faced off against the guy who had him. Anyways, let’s move on to week 10 as we discuss who to start and sit. Who to start:
Ryan Tannehill (Dolphins QB) – Tannehill is a great start this week if you have Aaron Rodgers or RG3 on their bye weeks, as the Dolphins face the Titans at home. They’ve given up the fourth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks, and Tannehill has proven that he’s a stud halfway through his rookie season. I don’t think a three or four touchdown game is unrealistic this week.
Rashad Jennings (Jaguars RB) – He’s been solid as Maurice Jones-Drew’s replacement due to injury over the past three weeks, and the Colts have given up the sixth-most fantasy points to running backs. While the Jaguars have struggled to get much going this season, this could be a game where the Jaguars get a good mix of the run and pass game going against a Colts defense that has struggled. That will help Jennings even more.
Emmanuel Sanders (Steelers WR) – The Steelers face the Chiefs, who are middle-of-the-pack in terms of their pass defense, but the big thing here is that Antonio Brown will likely miss the game due to his ankle injury. Sanders has shown that he’s a reliable guy when needed, and should fair well this week.
Dwayne Allen (Colts TE) – Allen hauled in six catches for 75 yards last week, and with Coby Fleener looking to miss a couple more games due to injury, Allen should be a viable fantasy option against Jacksonville this week. Andrew Luck broke the single game yardage record for rookies last week, and Allen came up with some nice plays. If you’re in dire need of a tight end this week, Allen should pay dividends.
Daniel Thomas (Dolphins RB) – While Reggie Bush is the clear star back in Miami, Thomas has played more snaps than Bush for two weeks in a row. It’s evident that Bush may not be back to full health quite yet. This isn’t me saying start Thomas over Bush, I think Bush should have a monster game against Tennessee, which has given up the fourth-most fantasy points to running backs. However, Thomas should get a lot of work too, and will be a good option in deep leagues this week.
Here’s who to sit on the bench:
Michael Vick (Eagles QB) – While Vick has been a pretty good option, the Cowboys coming into Philadelphia this week doesn’t bode well for him. The Eagles are missing four of five starting offensive lineman, and the Cowboys have given up the third-least fantasy points to quarterbacks. With DeMarcus Ware and crew facing the miserable Eagles offensive line, it’s going to be even uglier than it was last week against the Saints, which have been the worst in almost every defensive category.
Kyle Rudolph (Vikings TE) – After beginning the season on a role, Rudolph and the Vikings’ passing game has done absolutely nothing in the past three weeks. Christian Ponder is in a major slump. At this point, we need to wait for Ponder and Rudolph to start connecting again and for the Vikings’ passing game to come to fantasy relevance again.
Chris Ivory (Saints RB) – While Ivory took 10 carries for 48 yards and a touchdown in his season debut last week returning from injury, the Saints backfield is too unpredictable. With Darren Sproles out, the Saints are back to the three-headed monster in Pierre Thomas, Mark Ingram, and Ivory. While he’s a good waiver wire pickup, don’t think Ivory will take over in a three running back system.