Start 'Em & Sit 'Em is the ultimate look at the best and worst matchups of the week and how those matchups will affect your fantasy team. Sleeper alert highlights a player who's under the radar but could produce strong numbers based on the opponent. Owners beware highlights a player who's a regular starter in most fantasy leagues but could fail to meet expectations. For your final lineup decisions, check our weekly lineup rankings.
Start of the Week
| Team | Player | Analysis |
 Seattle Seahawks |  Matt Hasselbeck, QB | Hasselbeck hasn't been the most consistent quarterback in fantasy football, but he can be a solid starter against lesser opponents. That's the case in Week 9, as the veteran faces a Lions defense that's been awful against the pass. They've allowed 18 touchdown passes overall, and quarterbacks are scoring an average of over 23 fantasy points against them. With six teams on a bye, Hasselbeck is a strong option. |
Quarterbacks -- Start 'Em
| Team | Player | Analysis |
 Jacksonville Jaguars |  David Garrard | Coming off a weak performance against the Titans, Garrard isn't in the good graces of fantasy owners. But I'd still feel safe using him this week based on a matchup against Kansas City. The Chiefs rank 28th in pass defense and are allowing an average of over 21 fantasy points per game to quarterbacks. Garrard has also been a solid starter at home, averaging 21.3 points at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium. |
| More quarterbacks with favorable matchups |
| 1. Aaron Rodgers at Buccaneers: Buccaneers have allowed 16 TD passes; that's the third-most allowed in the NFL. 2. Donovan McNabb vs. Cowboys: Cowboys rank 22nd in pass defense, allowing 243.0 passing YPG on the road. 3. Philip Rivers at Giants: Giants have allowed an average of 25.6 fantasy points to QBs in their last three games. 4. Joe Flacco at Bengals: Bengals allowing an average of 20.6 fantasy PPG, 253.3 passing YPG to QBs this season. 5. Carson Palmer vs. Ravens: Ravens allowing an average of 28.7 PPG and 304.7 passing YPG on the road in 2009. Sleeper alert: Matt Cassel at Jaguars: Jaguars allowing an average of 20.7 fantasy PPG to QBs this season. |
Quarterbacks -- Sit 'Em
| Team | Player | Analysis |
 Atlanta Falcons |  Matt Ryan | Ryan is one of the best young quarterbacks in the league, and he's almost certain to become a star in fantasy football. But based on his recent struggles and this week's matchup against Washington, Ryan could be in for another tough start. The Redskins rank second in pass defense, allowing an average of just 164.9 passing yards per game. The Skins have also allowed only six touchdown passes in 2009. |
| Team | Player | Analysis |
 New York Giants |  Eli Manning | Has Manning's traditional second-half swoon started earlier than normal? After producing tremendous fantasy numbers in four straight starts, Manning has averaged a mere 10.3 points in his last three. In those games, he's recorded three touchdowns and seven turnovers. Now he'll face a Chargers defense that ranks sixth in the league against the pass, so his recent fantasy struggles could continue. |
| More quarterbacks with unfavorable matchups |
| 1. Ben Roethlisberger at Broncos (Mon.): Broncos rank eighth in pass defense; allowed just four TD passes in 2009. 2. Jay Cutler vs. Cardinals: Cutler has thrown for a combined three TD passes and six INTs in his last three starts. 3. Kyle Orton vs. Steelers (Mon.): Steelers allowing an average of just 10.6 fantasy PPG to QBs since Week 5. 4. Vince Young at 49ers: 49ers allowing an average of just 18.3 PPG, 209.3 passing YPG at home this season. 5. Chad Henne at Patriots: Patriots allowing an average of just 13.7 PPG, 159.7 passing YPG at home in 2009. Owners beware: Tony Romo at Eagles: Romo had 183 passing yards, 0 TDs, three TOs in last game at Eagles. |
Running backs -- Start 'Em
| Team | Player | Analysis |
 Green Bay Packers |  Ryan Grant | Outside of a 20-point performance against the Browns in Week 7, Grant hasn't exactly lit the fantasy world on fire this season. But based on this week's matchup in Tampa Bay, he's a very attractive option for owners. The Buccaneers rank a dismal 30th against the run, allowing an average of 162.4 rushing yards per game. Look for Grant to thrive and put up some very nice fantasy totals in this Battle of the Bays. |
| Team | Player | Analysis |
 New Orleans Saints |  Pierre Thomas | There has been some concern about Thomas' role in the Saints offense with RBs Mike Bell and Reggie Bush in the mix. But a stellar 19-point performance eased the minds of owners leaning on Thomas to produce. He should have a second consecutive positive stat line in Week 9, as he'll go up against a Carolina Panthers defense that's allowing an average of 145.2 rushing yards on the road. |
| More running backs with favorable matchups |
| 1. Cedric Benson vs. Ravens: Benson rushed for 120 yards (4.4 YPC) and one TD vs. the Ravens back in Week 5. 2. Brandon Jacobs vs. Chargers: Chargers allowing an average of 23.5 fantasy PPG and 132.1 rushing YPG to RBs. 3. Joseph Addai vs. Texans: Texans rank 20th in run defense; allowing an average of 19.3 fantasy PPG to RBs. 4. Clinton Portis at Falcons: Falcons rank 23rd in run defense; allowing an average of 18.9 fantasy PPG to RBs. 5. Julius Jones vs. Lions: Lions have allowed an average of 39.7 PPG and 138.3 rushing YPG on the road in 2009. Sleeper alert: Jamaal Charles at Jaguars: Starting in place of RB Larry Johnson; Jaguars rank 25th in run defense. |
Running backs -- Sit 'Em
| Team | Player | Analysis |
 Denver Broncos |  Knowshon Moreno | Moreno has the potential to become a reliable fantasy starter down the line, but it's hard to trust him right now based on two factors. First is the presence of Correll Buckhalter, who continues to see his fair share of the carries. Second is a matchup against the Steelers, who rank first in the league against the run and have allowed just two rushing scores. As a result, Moreno is a risk in Week 9. |
| Team | Player | Analysis |
 Tampa Bay Buccaneers |  Cadillac Williams | Williams has re-emerged as a viable fantasy option this season, but it's been hard to trust him in a Buccaneers offense that doesn't offer much firepower. With rookie QB Josh Freeman under center, the Packers are certain to focus on stopping Williams and the ground attack. Based on their rank (ninth) in run defense, that shouldn't be a difficult task. Williams is a risky flex option in larger leagues, at best. |
| More running backs with unfavorable matchups |
| 1. Marion Barber at Eagles: Eagles have allowed an average of 88 rushing YPG at home and four rushing TDs overall. 2. Rashard Mendenhall at Broncos (Mon.): Broncos rank third vs. the run; allowing an average of 86.1 rushing YPG. 3. Laurence Maroney vs. Dolphins: Dolphins rank sixth vs. the run; allowing average of 88 rushing YPG on the road. 4. Ryan Moats at Colts: Moats' role still undetermined; Colts allowing an average of just 92 rushing YPG at home. 5. LenDale White at 49ers: White has only one TD all season; 49ers have allowed just five rushing TDs overall. Owners beware: Kevin Smith at Seahawks: Seahawks allowing an average of 65.5 rushing YPG at home in 2009. |
Wide receivers -- Start 'Em
| Team | Player | Analysis |
 Philadelphia Eagles |  DeSean Jackson | Jackson's rise in fantasy circles has continued this season. After showing signs of greatness as a rookie, he's now in the top eight in fantasy points among wide receivers on NFL.com. The top option for QB Donovan McNabb, Jackson should see more than his share of targets against Dallas. The Cowboys rank an unimpressive 25th in receiving defense and tend to give up big plays in the vertical attack. |
| Team | Player | Analysis |
 Kansas City Chiefs |  Dwayne Bowe | Bowe should be fresh and ready to produce after a bye week, especially with a great matchup against Jacksonville next on the slate. The Jaguars rank 26th against the pass and are allowing an average of close to 27 fantasy points per game to the wide receiver position in 2009. In a game that could turn into a shootout, Bowe is a good bet to find success and is a solid fantasy option across the board. |
| More wide receivers with favorable matchups |
| 1. Greg Jennings at Buccaneers: Buccaneers are allowing an average of 25.6 fantasy PPG to WRs this season. 2. Wes Welker vs. Dolphins: Welker facing his former team; Dolphins rank 24th in receiving defense in 2009. 3. Mike Sims-Walker vs. Chiefs: Chiefs rank 26th in receiving defense; allowing an average of 259.7 receiving YPG. 4. T.J. Houshmandzadeh vs. Lions: Lions allowing an average of 265.0 receiving YPG and 23.3 fantasy PPG to WRs. 5. Santana Moss at Falcons: Falcons are without their top cover CB Brian Williams, rank 29th in receiving defense. Sleeper alert: Michael Crabtree vs. Titans: Titans allowing an average of 33.4 fantasy PPG to WRs this season. |
Wide receivers -- Sit 'Em
| Team | Player | Analysis |
 Arizona Cardinals |  Anquan Boldin | Boldin has become one of the biggest disappointments in fantasy football this season. After eight weeks, he's scored just 41 fantasy points on NFL.com. That's fewer points than Bears rookie WR Johnny Knox! With a problematic ankle limiting his overall effectiveness, not to mention a difficult road game against the Chicago Bears, it might be better to bench Boldin if he's active in this important NFC battle. |
| Team | Player | Analysis |
 Pittsburgh Steelers |  Santonio Holmes | Holmes is on pace to finish the season with a career-best 1,136 yards, but the fact that he hasn't scored a touchdown since Week 1 has made him a less-explosive option in fantasy circles. While it's hard to bench him with six teams on a bye, don't be shocked if Holmes fails to produce in Denver on Monday night. The Broncos have allowed a mere four receiving touchdowns after eight weeks. |
| More wide receivers with unfavorable matchups |
| 1. Steve Smith vs. Chargers: Chargers allowing an average of just 13.7 fantasy PPG to WRs after eight weeks. 2. Roy E. Williams at Eagles: Williams is no longer the top WR in Dallas; he's also averaging just 5.5 fantasy PPG. 3. Antonio Bryant vs. Packers: Packers allowing an average of 16.7 PPG, 179.7 receiving YPG on the road in 2009. 4. Kevin Walter at Colts: Colts rank ninth in receiving YPG; allowed just three receiving TDs in seven games. 5. Ted Ginn at Patriots: Patriots rank fifth in receiving defense; Ginn losing more targets to rookie WR Brian Hartline. Owners beware: Roddy White vs. Redskins: Hard to bench; Redskins rank third in receiving defense (179.4 YPG). |
Tight ends -- Start 'Em
| Team | Player | Analysis |
 San Francisco 49ers |  Vernon Davis | Davis enters this week with more receiving touchdowns (7) than any other player in the entire league. He's meeting his statistical potential and has become a must-start option in all fantasy formats. This week, Davis has a great matchup against the Titans. It also bodes well for Davis that the Niners have turned their offense over to QB Alex Smith, who hooked up with his tight end for four scores in the last two weeks. |
| Team | Player | Analysis |
 Dallas Cowboys |  Jason Witten | Witten hasn't been nearly as productive as fantasy owners had hoped after eight weeks, but he's still a very strong option based on a matchup against the Eagles. In his last 10 games against this NFC East rival, Witten has averaged an impressive six receptions for 76 yards. These Birds have also been awful defending tight ends this season, allowing an average of 11.9 fantasy points per game. |
| More tight ends with favorable matchups |
| 1. Dallas Clark vs. Texans: Total no-brainer; Clark has 20 receptions and three TDs in last four games vs. Texans. 2. Antonio Gates at Giants: Giants have allowed 12 receiving TDs in eight games; allowing 8.6 fantasy PPG to TEs. 3. Brent Celek vs. Cowboys: Cowboys rank just 25th in receiving defense; allowed 12 receiving TDs in 2009. 4. Greg Olsen vs. Cardinals: Cardinals rank 20th in receiving defense; allowing an average of 7.3 fantasy PPG to TEs. 5. Kevin Boss vs. Chargers: Check injury status; Chargers allowing an average of 8.4 fantasy PPG to TEs this season. Sleeper alert: Fred Davis at Falcons: Falcons allowing an average of close to 10 fantasy PPG to TEs this season. |
Tight ends -- Sit 'Em
| Team | Player | Analysis |
| Seattle Seahawks |  John Carlson | Carlson opened the season with a solid 21-point performance against the Rams. Since then, the Notre Dame product has averaged a mere 3.3 fantasy points. Unfortunately, injuries to the Seahawks offensive line have left Carlson on the line of scrimmage to block more often. That's limited his opportunities to make an impact in the passing game. Even against the Lions, Carlson is a risky option. |
| Team | Player | Analysis |
 Baltimore Ravens |  Todd Heap | Heap has been a much better option for fantasy owners this season compared to his 2008 numbers, and it's hard to sit him with six teams on a bye. But if we look at his career totals against the Cincinnati Bengals, it's obvious that Heap is a real risk. In his last seven games against this AFC North foe, Heap has averaged just four catches for 37.8 yards. He's also scored just one touchdown in those contests. |
| More tight ends with unfavorable matchups |
| 1. Kellen Winslow vs. Packers: Outside of a 22-point game, Winslow has averaged 1.2 fantasy points since Week 3. 2. Tony Scheffler vs. Steelers (Mon.): Scheffler averaging a mere 4.4 fantasy PPG on NFL.com after first eight weeks. 3. Bo Scaife at 49ers: 49ers allowing an average of just six fantasy PPG (33 receptions, one TD) to TEs this season. 4. Brandon Pettigrew at Seahawks: Seahawks have allowed 288 yards and an average of 5.0 fantasy PPG to TEs. 5. Anthony Fasano at Patriots: Patriots allowing an average of 4.9 fantasy PPG (22 receptions, 226 yards) to TEs. Owners beware: Heath Miller at Broncos (Mon.): Broncos allowing average of 3.6 fantasy PPG to TEs this season. |
Kickers -- Start 'Em
| Team | Player | Analysis |
 Tennessee Titans |  Rob Bironas | Bironas hasn't had the type of season fantasy owners were expecting, but he has started to produce in recent weeks. In two of his last three games, Bironas has posted double-digit fantasy points. That includes a 14-point outburst against the Jaguars. Bironas next faces a 49ers defense that's allowing an average of close to nine fantasy points per game to kickers, so he's worth a start in most leagues in Week 9. |
| More kickers with favorable matchups |
| 1. Stephen Gostkowski vs. Dolphins: Dolphins allowing an average of 9.4 fantasy PPG (14/19 FGA) to kickers in 2009. 2. Lawrence Tynes at Giants: Chargers have allowed 13 FGs and an average of close to eight fantasy PPG to kickers. 3. Mason Crosby at Buccaneers: Buccaneers allowing an average of 28.7 PPG on their home field this season. 4. Olindo Mare vs. Lions: Mare should see several chances to score points against a very vulnerable Lions defense. 5. Ryan Succop at Jaguars: Jaguars allowing an average of close to eight fantasy PPG (10/12 FGA) to kickers in 2009. Sleeper alert: Josh Scobee vs. Chiefs: Chiefs are allowing an average of almost 10 fantasy PPG to kickers. |
Kickers -- Sit 'Em
| Team | Player | Analysis |
 Miami Dolphins |  Dan Carpenter | Carpenter has actually emerged into a viable low-end fantasy kicker this season, ranking 11th in points at his position on NFL.com. But even with six teams out of action, he's not a great option against New England in a big AFC East battle at Gillette Stadium. No defense has allowed fewer fantasy points per game to kickers than the Patriots, who are surrendering a mere 4.9 (7/8 FGA) on the season. |
| More kickers with unfavorable matchups |
| 1. Nick Folk at Eagles: Eagles have allowed an average of just 5.7 fantasy PPG (7/8 FGA) to kickers this season. 2. John Carney vs. Panthers: Panthers allowing an average of just 5.6 fantasy PPG (6/9 FGA) to kickers in 2009. 3. Matt Prater vs. Steelers (Mon.): Steelers allowing an average of just 5.0 fantasy PPG (6/10 FGA) to kickers in 2009. 4. Steven Hauschka at Bengals: Hauschka scored two fantasy points in his first game vs. the Bengals in Week 5. 5. Jason Elam vs. Redskins: Elam could be replaced by K Michael Koenen on longer FGAs vs. the Redskins. Owners beware: Nate Kaeding at Giants: Giants allowing an average of just 5.0 fantasy PPG to kickers in 2009. |
Defenses -- Start 'Em
| Team | Player |
| Packers defense | The Packers defense, which scored just four fantasy points on NFL.com last week, has a chance to rebound and put up some huge fantasy numbers against Tampa Bay. The Buccaneers field one of the league's worst offenses, averaging a mere 14 points on their home field. With rookie QB Josh Freeman under center, the Pack should dominate in this contest and make their swashbuckling opponents walk the fantasy plank. |
| More defenses with favorable matchups |
| 1. Saints defense vs. Panthers: Saints rank first in total fantasy points among all defenses on NFL.com this season. 2. 49ers defense vs. Titans: Titans offense averaging just 11.0 PPG, 296.2 YPG in four games on the road. 3. Patriots defense vs. Dolphins: Dolphins offense averaging just 16.7 PPG, 217.3 total YPG on the road in 2009. 4. Eagles defense vs. Cowboys: Eagles held Cowboys to six points and 87 rushing yards in last home meeting. 5. Falcons defense vs. Redskins: Defenses facing the Redskins in 2009 are averaging the 2nd-most fantasy PPG. Sleeper alert: Seahawks defense vs. Lions: Defenses facing the Lions are averaging the 10th-most fantasy PPG. |
Defenses -- Sit 'Em
| Team | Player |
 Panthers defense | Outside of two strong performances (Weeks 5 and 8), the Panthers defense has been a mediocre unit in fantasy circles in the first half of the season. This unit is 19th among defenses on NFL.com, averaging just 12.1 fantasy points per game in 2009. To further bury their potential fantasy value into the New Orleans bayou in Week 9, the Panthers now have to face QB Drew Brees and the Saints' top-ranked offensive attack. |
| More defenses with unfavorable matchups |
| 1. Ravens defense at Bengals: Ravens allowing an average of 28.7 PPG and 406.3 YPG on the road this season. 2. Chargers defense at Giants: Defenses facing the Giants in 2009 are averaging the 5th-least fantasy PPG. 3. Bears defense vs. Cardinals: Cardinals offense averaging close to 28 PPG and 338.3 YPG in three road games. 4. Dolphins defense at Patriots: Patriots rank third in total offense; averaging 34.2 PPG on their home field in 2009. 5. Colts defense vs. Texans: Texans offense averaging a solid 28.5 PPG and 436.7 YPG on the road this season. Owners beware: Giants defense vs. Chargers: Chargers offense averaging close to 30 PPG in three road games. |
Michael Fabiano is an award-winning fantasy football analyst on NFL.com. Have a burning question for Michael on anything fantasy football related? Leave it in our comments section or send it to AskFabiano@nfl.com!
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