As you know, in the weekly “Choices” articles, The Fantasy Greek will tell you, in part, who to consider playing or who to consider not playing, as well as what to look for in each of the nine games you will see at1:00 p.m.on Sunday. The goal this week is to look for how teams are playing and how certain players are playing so you cant start to get a feel for which players on your roster are your starters and which players on your roster are more than likely, match-up or bye-week plays. Put another way, evaluate each game’s “story line” and see how it plays out.
As to who to play this week, The Fantasy Greek would not blame anyone for starting the starting roster they drafted just days ago, or even a week or so ago. In many instances, it is very difficult to tell how players will play this week because there is no real history, besides last season, to gauge a player’s and team’s future performance. Frankly, teams are also different from last season based on their roster turnover as well as the mere passage of time. Nonetheless, there is no reason not to consider the match-up and how things could or should play out. If this means you feel more comfortable playing one player over another, by all means, go right ahead.
The goal in “Fantasy Football Choices” is to provide you, the fantasy football player, with enough information to make sensible and reasonable choices in setting your line-up this week by reviewing the weekly match-ups and identifying which players are “On the Gridiron,” a “Coach’s Decision,” or “On the Pine.” For many of you, the information provided simply provides affirmation to the decisions you have already made. If you like, skip the fluff, and find your player’s match-up for analysis. We also provide a down & dirtly listing of players listed in each category within the Quick Hits (coming out by Wednesday; see links above). If you are looking for a waiver wire pick-up, then look for those players still on your waiver wire, and you can read that analysis too.
Onto the fantasy match-up and your choices!
ON THE GRIDIRON: Identifies players you should play because of their match-up or because of their role on their team’s offense.
COACH’S DECISION: Identifies players who you normally would play but whose match-up this week is not very good; identifies players who you normally would not play but whose match-up this week is good; or identifies players who are injured that you, the fantasy coach, will need to make the call on whether or not to play.
ON THE PINE: Identifies players who you should likely avoid unless there is no one else on your roster or on the waiver wire that can help your team win.
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FALCONS v. CHIEFS
Falcons Story Line: The Falcons passing game has looked downright explosive in the pre-season. In Week 1, the Falcons take on what could be a formidable Chiefs defense. So, fantasy footballers with Matt Ryan, Julio Jones, and Roddy White hope to see a Falcons passing game that takes flight. Interrelated to the Falcons passing game is the Falcons running game. It is expected that Michael Turner’s role will be reduced. The question remains to what extent Turner remains effective. In the past three seasons, Turner has scored 33 touchdowns. So, it’s possible Turner can still be more than fantasy football relevant should he remain a touchdown hawk. As for Jacquizz Rodgers, it’s his time to shine in the passing game when spelling Turner. On defense, the Falcons would like to show that they are as good as billed against a versatile offense.
Chiefs Story Line: 2011 was a forgetful one for the Chiefs given all the injuries the team sustained. The Chiefs need a good start to a new season. Matt Cassel always seems to be the center of attention given what has not been a good transition from the number one quarterback for the Patriots to the number one quarterback for the Chiefs. Dwayne Bowe signed recently, so the hope is he has shaken off any rust and is ready to take on what looks like a fairly formidable pass defense. It is already apparent that Jamaal Charles (who is healthy) and Peyton Hillis will split the carries in the offense. The hope is they can capture the 2010 magic of Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones in 2012. That would be a good thing for fantasy footballers. The Chiefs defense looks pretty stout especially with rookie Dontari Poe. The Falcons are a good challenge.
The Bottom Line: The Fantasy Greek thinks this will be a hard fought game. But, in the end, the Falcons pass offense should be too much for the Chiefs to handle. The Fantasy Greek sees this as a Falcons win.
ON THE GRIDIRON: Given the new look of the offense, QB Matt Ryan, WR Julio Jones, WR Roddy White, and TE Tony Gonzalez can all be on fantasy gridirons this week. Indeed, for Gonzalez, this is more than a favorable match-up as the Chiefs had a difficult time defending the tight-end position last season. While RB Michael Turner’s role could very well be reduced, the match-up is still favorable so consider Turner a low-end RB2 or flex-play this weekend. Even though the Falcons were one of the better rush defenses in the league last season, RB Jamaal Charles still makes for a decent RB2 start given his versatility in the passing game. Even though the Falcons sport a good pass defense, WR Dwayne Bowe has never let that stop him. He is usually good regardless of the match-up.
COACH’S DECISION: The Falcons DST can be started only if there is no other better defense you can start this week. Typically, the Chiefs are pretty good at protecting the ball. Because the Falcons run defense is pretty good and RB Peyton Hillis.is a prototypical running back, you can consider Hillis as a candidate for the pine if you have a better option. Otherwise, Hillis can be in line-ups as a flex option.
ON THE PINE: Because The Fantasy Greek still sees RB Jacquizz Rodgers as a change of pace back, this is likely a good week to avoid him until we see more. Certainly, there is nothing about the match-up that compels one to play Rodgers. Evn though there is nothing about the match-up that absolutely screams avoid QB Matt Cassel, there is nothing about Matt Cassel that compels a fantasy football player playing him. Cassel has in the past been his own worst enemy. While WR Dexter McCluster and WR Jonathan Baldwin made some noise in the pre-season, it was not enough to get them off the fantasy football pine. WR Steve Breaston, TE Kevin Boss, and TE Tony Moeaki should be avoided for now until there is a reason to play them in fantasy football. With the Falcons sporting what appears to be a high-flying offense, the Chiefs DST should be avoided.
BILLS v. JETS
Bills Story Line: The Bills made the biggest defensive signing of free agency by signing former Texans DE Mario Williams, and then book-ended the defensive line by signing DE Mark Anderson of the Patriots. This is a dangerous combination with a pass defense that was ranked sixth in the NFL in interceptions in 2011, and ranked as one of the top defensive units for interceptions returned for a TD. Fantasy footballers expect the Bills DST to be formidable. As a subplot to all this, after Fred Jackson was lost to injury last season, CJ Spiller stepped up his game and became a late season fantasy football starlet. Spiller’s 2012 role is one of great interest.
Jets Story Line: When the Jets added Tim Tebow to the fold, this was not a ringing endorsement of Mark Sanchez. So far, adding Tebow doesn’t seemed to have helped or hurt the team. The Jets passing offense just looks bad. Add to this an anemic rush offense, and the Jets could be in deep trouble as soon as Week 1. While the Jets DST has generally been good, it could be hard for them to improve on what wasn’t a very good 2011 defensive season unless the offense can spend some significant time on the field. The Jets defense was pretty average against the rush in 2011, and was thirteenth in most points allowed.
The Bottom Line: If the Bills don’t come out swinging in Week 1 in this match-up, shame on them. The Fantasy Greek is calling this a Bills win.
ON THE GRIDIRON: Before injury last season, RB Fred Jackson was en route to post 2,200-plus all-purpose yards and multiple touchdowns. Fred Jackson is simply a must start against a rush defense that was closer to average in rush defense last season. So far, the Jets offense has been plagued by indecision and a lack of protection (allowing the fifth most fantasy points to opposing defenses in 2011) which makes the Bills DST a must start. While The Fantasy Greek expects a lot from the Bills defense this weekend, The Fantasy Greek also expects RB Shonn Greene to post some decent, not great numbers, as the Jets main offensive weapon. Greene can be started as a low-end RB2 or flex-play.
COACH’S DECISION: While the Jets defense struggled in 2011, its pass defense was one of the best. As such, QB Ryan Fitzpatrick and the Bills wide-receivers (Donald Jones, David Nelson) not named Steve Johnson should be avoided. As for Stevie Johnson, there has been much talk of how Darelle Revis has had a difficult time defending him. If limiting a player to roughly 150 yards receiving and 1 TD in two games, is not a good stat line in reality and in fantasy, not sure what is. Yet, Stevie Johnson can make a big play, so he is one option to be considered with your other options. Even though RB C.J. Spiller was effective in 2011, it was without Fred Jackson in the line-up. This would be a good week to avoid Spiller. While the Bills were the worst in defending opposing tight-ends in 2011, this just doesn’t seem like a good week to start TE Dustin Keller given the Jets quarterback issues. While the Jets may lose the game, it doesn’t mean the Jets DST can’t have some fantasy football value. Simply put, the Bills tend to do well protecting the ball so if you have a better defensive option, you may want to consider it.
ON THE PINE: TE Scott Chandler started last season strong, but then disappeared from the box score before he was lost to season ending injury. The reasons for avoiding QB Sanchez and QB Tim Tebow are noted above. Along these lines, WR Santonio Holmes and WR Stephen Hill are better left on fantasy football pines.
COLTS v. BEARS
Colts Story Line: It’s time for the “most NFL ready” QB Andrew Luck to show what he can do against a Bears defense that historically is one of the best, and one of the most opportunistic. Along with this, it will be interesting to see if Reggie Wayne, Coby Fleener, or some other Colts receiver steps it up in the passing offense to become a Luck favorite. Most fantasy footballers aren’t expecting much from the Colts defense, but boy, with all those pretty good defensive cast-offs the Colts have acquired, one wonders whether this could be a much better unit than billed.
Bears Story Line: This goes without saying: what will the Bears offense look like with Matt Forte, Michael Bush, and Brandon Marhsall all on the field for a sixty minute game. The Fantasy Greek expects Matt Forte’s workload to be materially scaled back. It is also worth paying attention to the effectiveness of the offensive line as well as the health of Brian Urlacher, who has been slowed by a bothersome knee. It goes without saying that the defense needs Urlacher healthy.
The Bottom Line: The Colts have been absolutely impressive in the pre-season. But, the Bears should be show-casing an offense that is formidable and tough to defend. The Fantasy Greek is calling this a Bears win.
ON THE GRIDIRON: The Colts defense should improve as the season progresses but in Week 1, Bears playmakers like QB Jay Cutler, RB Matt Forte, and WR Brandon Marshall are all worth getting on fantasy football gridirons. RB Michael Bush is worth a flex-play in non-PPR leagues. Even though Luck has looked great in the pre-season, a rookie quarterback versus a seasoned Bears DST is too much to ask for.
COACH’S DECISION: The Bears were towards the middle of the league defending opposing quarterbacks in fantasy football in 2011. QB Andrew is an option based on his pre-season performance but fantasy footballers should consider their other options. That said, WR Reggie Wayne is Reggie Wayne and makes for a viable WR3. If you are looking for a sleeper tight-end this weekend, TE Coby Fleener is it. The Bears allowed the sixth most fantasy points to tight-ends last season and have historically had difficulty defending the position.
ON THE PINE: The Bears generally defend the rush well so Colts RBs Donald Brown, Mewelde Moore, Vick Ballard, and DeLone Carter should be avoided. WR Austin Collie is nicked up and for now, rookie WRs LaVon Brazil and TY Hilton should be avoided too. Monitor TE Dwayne Allen this week and avoid the Colts DST till further notice. The Bears second receiver has generally not been fantasy football relevant. But, monitor rookie WR Ashlon Jeffrey who presents as an outstanding compliment to Brandon Marshall especially in the red zone. No other Bears or Colts player is worth fantasy football consideration this week.
JAGUARS v. VIKINGS
Jaguars Story Line: Blaine Gabbert had a forgettablel rookie season in 14 starts, where he was sacked 40 times for 293 yards lost. So far this pre-season, Gabbert has looked more like a pro-ready pocket passer who could very well be ready to take the next step in the pro-game. This is important because the fantasy football value of Justin Blackmon, Laurent Robinson, and Marcedes Lewis hang in the balance. Were hoping to see Maurice Jones-Drew in this game but missing one game for what was likely an ill-advised holdout would be no surprise. The Jaguars defense has already been hit by the injury bug. The Fantasy Greek just hopes this unit can keep it together to stay competitive this season.
Vikings Story Line: Much like Blaine Gabbert, Christian Ponder gets another chance to make amends for a rookie season which started well, but then became forgeattable. Adrian Peterson has long said he is ready to play, but the Vikings have been bringing him along slowly. Adrian says he’s ready; fantasy footballers are ready. The Vikings have a better defense than they get credit for.
The Bottom Line: The Jaguars could very well just be cursed. When one aspect of their game seems to come together (quarterback play), another aspect of their game seems to come undone (defense). The Vikings on the other hand, seem to be coming together at the right time. It’s a young team that has a lot of promise. The Vikings should win the opener at home but the Jaguars should be in this game from the beginning.
ON THE GRIDIRON: It is expected that RB Rashad Jennings will get a majority of the carries even if Maurice Jones-Drew is active in the game. Jennings makes for a low-RB2 play or flex-play against a defense which has fallen off a bit in recent years — decent in rush defense, but not the greatest either. Rookie WR Justin Blackmon has shown why he was the number one drafted wide-receiver in this year’s draft.
COACH’S DECISION: The Fantasy Greek is listing QB Blaine Gabbert as a Coach’s Decision not because you should consider playing him but because he should have a good game here. It is something worth monitoring. Likewise, WR Laurent Robinson and TE Marcedes Lewis should have good games even though many fantasy footballers will likely not be playing them this weekend. If we knew RB Adrian Peterson would play half the offensive snaps in the game, Peterson becomes an automatic RB2. Right now, Peterson’s prospects to play do not look so good. In his stead, RB Toby Gerhart makes for a good RB2 play if Peterson is out or extremely limited. WR Percy Harvin is the Vikings best playmaker with Peterson expected to be out. He makes for a decent WR3 play this weekend. Also, if you are looking for a tight-end sleeper, look no further than TE Kyle Rudolph against a Jaguars defense that gave up the third most fantasy points to tight-ends last season.
ON THE PINE: Last season, both the Jaguars and Vikings defense would have merited consideration given all of the woes each quarterback had in 2011. In Week 1 of the 2012 season, all bets are off and both the Vikings DST and the Jaguars DST should be avoided. It doesn’t look like Maurice Jones-Drew will have a role in this weekend’s game. While The Fantasy Greek has high hopes for Vikings QB Christian Ponder, these hopes do not include a start in Week 1 of the 2012 fantasyfootball season. WR Jerome Simpson is presently suspended so we’ll have to wait and see which other wide-receiver among Jarius Wright, Stephen Burton, Michael Jenkins, or Devin Aromashadu steps up in the offense.
DOLPHINS v. TEXANS
Dolphins Story Line: After a tumultuous off-season where the Dolphins couldn’t quite score any big free agent signings, The Dolphins get another fresh start under new head coach Joe Philbin and new offensive coordinator Mike Sherman. With few offensive weapons in 2011, Reggie Bush had his best season as a pro, with his previous best being in 2006. The hope is Reggie Bush has another good season because besides Ryan Tannehill having a solid rookie season, expectations are low for the Dolphins. The camp battle between RBs Daniel Thomas and Lamar Miller continues into the regular season.
Texans Story Line: The Texans were two wins away from a Super Bowl appearance last season and this was after the team limped into the playoffs with their best players out or limited in some way. Before the slew of injuries, the Texans were a dominant team. So, we are looking for Andre Johnson to return to good form, and Matt Schuab to be the solid passing quarterback we had grown accustom to seeing before his recent statistical skid. The Texans defense should be tops once again. The Texans would like a second receiver to step up to open up the passing game and Lestar Jean could be that player.
The Bottom Line: There are two different teams taking the same field to play each other this Sunday. This shouldn’t even be a close game. Texans win.
ON THE GRIDIRON: This is a week to get all of the Texans playmakers in the game: QB Matt Schaub, RB Arian Foster, WR Andre Johnson, and theTexans DST
COACH’S DECISION: The Texans had the No. 2 rush defense in fantasy football last season so RB Reggie Bush is a player to potentially avoid even though he should get a bunch of touches in the game. With the Texans controlling this game, RB Ben Tate should get a fair share of work and therefore, makes for a decent flex-option.
ON THE PINE: All other Dolphins like QB Ryan Tannehill, RB Daniel Thomas, RB Lamar Miller, WR Davone Bess, and WR Legedu, TE Anthony Fasano, and the Dolphins DST should be avoided this week. Whil other Texans playmakers not mentioned above could have a good game, none are worth starting until they prove themselves in some way, including TE Owen Daniels.
PATRIOTS v. TITANS
Patriots Story Line: With all of the weapons the Patriots have on their offense, one wonders how the offense will look in 2012. After all, while Rob Gronkowski was a scoring machine last season, no one really expects him to keep up that pace in 2012, especially after the Patriots added Brandon Lloyd to the fold, a player who has excelled in the Josh McDaniels’ offenses. Likewise, one wonders how this all will affect Wes Welker who signed his franchise tender this past off-season. There has been much pre-season hype over Stevan Ridley. But really, no one knows what his role will look like in the regular season, in an offense built around passing the ball. Lastly, the Patriots made some splashy draft picks in DE Chandler Jones and ILB Dont’a Hightower. Let’s see if this turns around a defense that is more average than the team’s offense.
Titans Story Line: The 2012 regular season is an exciting time for the Titans! Finally, QB Jake Locker takes hold of the reigns of the offense. Rookie wide-receiver Kendall Wright looks to cap off a sensational pre-season with a sensational regular season. For all the hype that surrounded RB Chris Johnson in the pre-season, it’s time to see if he can capture the magic-in-the-bottle that was his rushing championship from a couple of season ago.
The Bottom Line: The Fantasy Greek expects big things from Jake Locker and the Titans this season, i.e., “Playoffs or Bust.” But, the Titans will have to wait a week for the season’s first win. The Patriots will win this game in a shootout.
ON THE GRIDIRON: With all the offensive weapons the Patriots boast, get them all into your starting fantasy football line-ups this week including: QB Tom Brady; WR Wes Welker (WR2); WR Brandon Lloyd (WR2); Rob Gronkowski (TE1); and, Aaron Hernandez (TE1). With the Titans expected to pass to keep up with the Patriots, both WR Nate Washington and WR Kendall Wright make for must-starts as WR3s. If you drafted RB Chris Johnson, you are compelled to play him this week even though his role will be more as a pass catcher than as a running back.
COACH’S DECISION: RB Stevan Ridley makes for a fine flex-play this week or low-end RB2 against a Titans rush defense which was top-10 in most fantasy points allowed to RBs in 2011. While QB Jake Locker will likely not be on fantasy football gridirons, this week’s match-up is a good one and he should do well this week.
ON THE PINE: WR Kenny Britt is missing this week due to suspension. TE Jared Cook should be on fantasy football pines as the Patriots allowed the fourth least fantasy points to opposing tight-ends in 2011. Among other reasons, the Patriots hardly ever turn over the ball so the Titans DST should be avoided this week. No other Patriots or Titans playmaker is worth consideration this week.
EAGLES v. BROWNS
Eagles Story Line: After falling well short of expectations last season, The Fantasy Greek expect the Eagles to follow-up last year’s disappointing season with a Super Bowl run. A key to all this is Michael Vick staying healthy, and for the Eagles defense to dominate.
Browns Story Line: Everyone wants to see RB Trent Richardson back on the field, pounding the rock. Otherwise, if the Browns can just keep up with the Eagles offensively, this would go a long way toward showing that the Browns are a different team than they were a season ago with Brandon Weeden under center. Defensively, the Browns need their back-up linebackers to step it up especially since there is a possibility CB Joe Haden misses a few games after this week.
The Bottom Line: The Eagles are supposed to win this game. This is not a statement against the Browns but a statement in support of an Eagles team whose time has come.
ON THE GRIDIRON: Even with Joe Haden active this week, this is no time to avoid QB Michael Vick but remember, this may not be Vick’s best week of the season. RB LeSean McCoy is a must start against a defensive line giving up the sixth most fantasy points to opposing running backs in 2011. With Joe Haden active, WR Jeremy Maclin could have an off week. Still, Maclin is still worth a WR3 start this week because of his play making ability. With all teams looking to turn things around, there will be growing pains which makes the Eagles DST a must start. The nice thing] about the Browns offense is opposing defenses have to respect Brandon Weeden in terms of his passing ability. So, RB Trent Richardson (he is expected to play, but make sure to confirm this before kickoff) should still be in a position to do some good things this week and is an RB2 start.
COACH’S DECISION: WR DeSean Jackson could actually have a decent game this week with the coverage expected to roll to Maclin. But, evaluate Jackson along with the rest of your other wide-receiver options. If you are strapped for a tight-end option this week, TE Brent Celek makes for a decent one, but not a great one, against what has been an average defense against the position.
ON THE PINE: The Fantasy Greek can see a set of circumstances where QB Brandon Weedon becomes an option for fantasy footballers, but not this week. Should Trent Richardson be inactive for some reason this week, RB Montario Hardesty becomes an option, but not a very good one. While The Fantasy Greek likes Browns wide-receivers Greg Little, Mohamed Massaquoi, and Josh Gordon, this is not an ideal week to play any of them. Besides, it would be nice to see some more separation between them in terms of which is better suited for fantasy football purposes. Avoid the Browns DST.
RAMS v. LIONS
Rams Story Line: The 2011 season was a disaster for the Rams. This season, the Rams start anew under new head coach Jeff Fisher. The Fantasy Greek expects this single change to have a profound impact on the Rams. After an outstanding rookie season, Sam Bradford had one of the worst of sophomore slumps last year. This pre-season, Bradford has looked poised, confident, and a semblance of his old self in the passing game. Speaking of the passing game, Brandon Gibson, Danny Aemndola, and Steve Smith could all make an impact this season. Very quietly, the Rams revamped a defense that ended up being one of the worst in the league last season by bringing in a few key free agents like DB Corland Finnegan, and by drafting some top talent, like Janoris Jenkins, the last couple of seasons. The Rams present a decent and fair challenge to the Lions this week.
Lions Story Line: The Lions made the playoffs for the first time in many, many years last season but did not go very deep. The Lions are looking for a second wide-receiver to step up as a true compliment to Calvin Johnson in the offense. Much of the off-season scuttlebutt has been that this would be Titus Young. In addition, if the Lions were missing anything last season, it was a consistent rushing attack due to the fact most of the Lions running backs were injured. This off-season, it was believed that the group of running backs would be returning. But that is not the case as one (Jahvid Best, concussions) has still not been cleared to return to the gridiron and another (Mikel Leshoure) is serving a league imposed suspension. So, for the short term, the work load rests on the shoulders of Kevin Smith who has had his own share of injuries during his career. The Lions DST while having a solid line, was lacking a shutdown secondary.
The Bottom Line: The Lions are likely favored to win this game. Believe it or not, however, this is a game that has opening week upset written all over it. The key is obviously slowing down Calvin Johnson just enough so that the Rams can get their offense back on the field to eat away at the clock. The Fantasy Greek likes the Rams chances. The Fantasy Greek is calling this a Rams win.
ON THE GRIDIRON: Even though the Lions are one of the better teams defending the rush, RB Steven Jackson tends to be fairly match-up proof. In any case, Jackson makes for a decent low-end RB2 this weekend and a solid flex-play. QB Mathew Stafford and WR Calvin Johnson, are must starts even though again, this may not be their best game of the season. With RB Kevin Smith the Lions featured back, playing a rush defense that struggled last season, Smith makes for a solid RB2 and solid flex-play this week. The Rams were awful turning the ball over last season so don’t hesitate to start the Lions DST even though the Rams of 2012 are a different team.
COACH’S DECISION: The Fantasy Greek mentions QB Sam Bradford as a coach’s decision because he should have a decent game this week. In terms of Rams wide-receivers that could play well this week, WR Danny Amendola has shown a connection with Badford which makes Amendola a fantasy football option, even though not the best one. TE Brandon Pettigrew had a great season last year. And while it may be tough to keep Pettigrew off the fantasy football gridiron, the Rams were the best team defending tight-ends last season. So, if you have a better option, you should consider it.
ON THE PINE: While RB Isaiah Pead, WR Brandon Gibson, WR Steve Smith, and TE Lance Kendricks could all do something this week, this is a week to monitor how they do. In the case of Kendricks, while showing promise in the pre-season, he should be on fantasy football pines for the additional reason that the Lions defend tight-ends well. While there is a wait to see which Lions wide-receiver steps up their game, keep wide-receivers Nate Burleson, Titus Young, and Ryan Broyles on fantasy football pines.
REDSKINS v. SAINTS
Redskins Story Line: Besides seeing how Robert Griffin III, and the Redskins passing attack responds in a game that should turn into a shootout, fantasy footballers are attentively watching to see if they will be able to figure out which Redskins running back will be the featured back.
Saints Story Line: A resounding lop-sided victory is what the Saints need to put bounty-gate firmly in the rear view mirror, at least o the field.
The Bottom Line: The Saints win this game in resounding fashion. Get all of your fantasy football playmakers on both teams in active line-ups.
ON THE GRIDIRON: Because The Fantasy Greek expects a lot of passing in this game, WR Pierre Garcon and TE Fred Davis for the Redskins, as well as QB Drew Brees, RB Darren Sproles, TE Jimmy Graham, and WR Marques Colston for the Saints, are must starts.
COACH’S DECISION: QB Robert Griffin III is listed as a coach’s decision only because it is likely a vast majority of fantasy footballers have RGIII as their QB2. Know that RGIII makes for a solid start in what should be a high scoring game should your QB1 have a difficult match-up. In The Fantasy Greek’s opinion, RB Roy Helu is the Redskins running back to consider starting, if you dare, but only as a flex-play. As anyone who knows Mike Shanahan in fantasy football knows, there is nothing certain about which running back to start on one of his teams. Saints RB Mark Ingram looks healthy again and makes for a solid flex-play this week.
ON THE PINE: Because this is expected to be a high scoring game, avoid both the Redskins DST and the Saints DST this week. Also, as already referenced, no one knows which Redksins running back will be featured this week, so avoid RB Alfred Morris and RB Evan Royster. WR Santana Moss has something left in the tank after a long and distinguished career. But, until Moss gets into a regular rhythm, try to keep him on fantasy football pines for the time being. The Fantasy Greek suggests avoiding WRs Lance Moore and Devery Henderson this week as only because until one of them steps up their game, they are no better than a bye week replacement for now. Monitor Saints WR Joseph Morgan this week. RB Pierre Thomas should be avoided because of his reduced role given the presence of Mark Ingram.