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
Kurt Warner, Cardinals (YES!): The sheen came off a little this past week, but Warner is still playing a lot better than he has in recent years. The Texans have defended the pass a little better lately, too, but they still aren’t very good. And again, the Texans should be able to stay just close enough to keep Warner throwing.
Michael Vick, Falcons (NO!): Vick was tremendous last week and this is another big game for the Falcons. Nonetheless, a road game in Chicago against one of the top couple of defenses in the league is not the time to start Vick. Particularly when Vick is dinged.
RUNNING BACKS
DeShaun Foster, Panthers (YES!): This year, with so many bad teams eliminated from the playoffs, it’s pretty easy to find favorable matchups. Foster has one against the Saints. At this stage, Stephen Davis has given way to Foster entirely.
Edgerrin James, Colts (NO!): I know this is a little off the wall, but there’s only one player that the Colts really need to worry about protecting for the playoffs over the next few weeks, and that’s James, who is on pace for an historic season in terms of carries. Even with the undefeated season on the line, I think San Diego’s intensity level will be higher this game, and the Colts won’t want to risk James on a lot of carries.
WIDE RECEIVERS
Chris Chambers, Dolphins (YES!): He’s on quite a hot streak here. If you didn’t drop him earlier, feel free to take advantage now.
Darrell Jackson, Seahawks (NO!): If you didn’t drop him earlier, don’t start him this week. Wait and see what happens before using him.
TIGHT ENDS
Bryan Fletcher, Colts (YES!): Here’s a good play – a Colts backup who scores enough to justify starting anyway.
Erron Kinney, Titans (NO!): He’s played well in pain a lot this week, but coming off a missed game last week, it’s best to stay away.
KICKERS
Nate Kaeding, Chargers (YES!): I’m sticking with my crazy belief that the Chargers are going to win this game.
David Akers, Eagles (NO!): The Eagles have only won one road game all year.
DEFENSES/SPECIAL TEAMS
Miami Dolphins (YES!): This game features two of the better teams at giving the ball away.
San Diego Chargers (NO!): This is a combination of a defense that doesn’t force a lot of turnovers against an offense that doesn’t commit many.