Everyone is confronted with tough decisions week in and week out. Those who make the right decisions on who to start and who to bench will win. Outsiders often attribute the ability to make the right decision to luck. It can be the case, but skilled owners make far more right choices than wrong. Makes sense, right? Below is my way of making those tough decisions a little bit easier.
QUARTERBACKS
Brad Johnson, Vikings (YES!): Johnson’s short rhythm passing should rack up some good yardage totals against the Giants, who are vulnerable to that type of approach.
Marc Brunell, Redskins (NO!): The "Yes" winner the previous two weeks. Tampa Bay has allowed the fewest passing scores this year – three. And they don’t allow many yards, either. Even the rejuvenated Brunell isn’t good enough to contend with that.
RUNNING BACKS
Stephen Davis, Panthers (YES!): Davis is the closest thing to Otis Anderson we may ever see again. Three yards per carry (if that), but he gets the job done for his team and manages to get in the end zone. The Jets provide a very favorable matchup.
Michael Bennett, Vikings (NO!): Those with injuries at running back will be tempted, but I need to see quite a bit more before I’m ready to declare Bennett officially back. The Giants have been above average against the run this year, and the Vikings aren’t likely to be competitive deep into the game.
WIDE RECEIVERS
Reggie Wayne, Colts (YES!): I’m going to make a bizarre prediction: I think the Texans will manage to stay in this game on Sunday, mainly because the Colts are coming off such a big win. Why does that lead me to recommend Wayne? Well, normally this game would get out of hand fast. If it stays competitive, the Colts will keep passing against a very weak secondary.
Hines Ward, Steelers (NO!): If ever there was a week to sit Ward, this would be it. The Steelers should be able to win handily, so they may run a lot, and Ward didn’t exactly take to Charlie Batch last week.
TIGHT ENDS
Jason Witten, Cowboys (YES!): He’s been a little disappointing this year, but he still deserves to start most weeks. The Eagles allowed seven catches and 80 yards to him earlier this season.
Randy McMichael, Dolphins (NO!): He hasn’t had more than 30 yards in a game since Week Two.
KICKERS
Jay Feely, Giants (YES!): Sometimes it’s dangerous to chase the points, but in the case of this year’s top kickers, I think it’s a fine idea.
David Akers, Eagles (NO!): Wait and see whether the Eagles implode (and whether their offense disappears minus TO) before you play Akers.
DEFENSES/SPECIAL TEAMS
Detroit Lions (YES!): They’re not as bad as you might think, and the Cardinals are one of the more turnover prone teams in the league.
Washington Redskins (NO!): Still not a very good fantasy defense.