Ask the Geeks: Week 10 (Part 2)
Brandon's take: Although on paper, Kevin Jones has a better matchup, I actually think Jacobs will have a solid game this week. Also, consider that in the past four games, Jacobs is averaging about 25 yards/game better than Jones. Obviously you're never going to bench LT, so go with LT and Jacobs. In terms of receivers though, you have more of a dilemma, unless Chad Johnson doesn't play this week. IF he plays (he's questionable now), then you have to start him and I'd recommend benching Roddy White (who was mediocre last week against a mediocre defense). I think Chad Johnson might not play though, making your decision a lot easier.
Matt's take: I'm with Brandon on the receivers. As for Jacobs vs. Jones, it's close, and either of them could be in for a big day. But I'm going to beg to differ with Brandon on this one and suggest that you start Jones. Dallas has allowed an average of only 84 rushing yards per game, and has given up only four rushing touchdowns; compare that to 115 and seven for Arizona. In addition, think about how those two games are likely to play out. Detroit's defense has been solid, and they're the favorite to beat the Cards - which means they're likely to be holding a lead for most of the game. That also means they're likely to run the ball a lot. Compare that to the Giants-Cowboys matchup, which seems more likely to be a shootout, so Jacobs might not see a whole ton of carries. Dallas is much more vulnerable through the air than on the ground, so I expect to see a lot of Eli Manning, and not so much of Brandon Jacobs. With all that said, Jacobs is a beast, so I can't blame you if you start him, but I'd go with Jones.
Brandon's take: It's hard to say without knowing who you're going to drop for those players. Faulk will never give you great stats, while Dayne picks 2 games a year to play well (he's already had one this year). If Larry Johnson returns in a few games, Kolby Smith will have no value in your playoffs. I guess if I HAD to pick up one of those three, I'd go with Dayne, but unless you're dropping someone on the IR or David Carr, I advice you don't waste your time.
Matt's take: Really, what you're looking for is a gamble who might pay off by becoming his team's starter in the postseason. Dayne's out, since the Texans backfield is too confusing to ever know who's going to produce. Faulk's pretty much out as long as Maroney's hammy is all healed up after the Pats bye (which it sounds like it will be). That leaves Kolby Smith, who, if Larry Johnson is really out for the season and Priest Holmes plays like the 34-year-old that he is, Smith could end up getting most of the carries in KC.
Brandon's take: I'd have to go with Donald Driver. While Philip Rivers couldn't exploit a terrible pass defense, Brett Favre should have no problem. Expect big things from all the Green Bay receivers this week. If you want a solid 7 points though, by all means, start DeShaun Foster...but I wouldn't recommend it.
Matt's take: There's been a lot of buzz about DeShaun Foster this week in the fantasy football world, since he's historically dominated the Falcons, but I'm not really buying it. Here in the real world, he's just a subpar fantasy running back who's happened to have a few big games against one specific team. Start Driver, and hopefully we won't watch Foster make me eat my words on Sunday. If that happens, he's officially a witch and we should burn him.
Brandon's take: A Bills fan? Maybe Matt can answer this one. Hah, nah, I guess out of sympathy (Go Patriots!) I'll help you out Mike. In terms of running backs, that's a good dilemma to be in. Both players should have decent games, but I'm going to lean towards Marion the Barbarian. The Giants have been tough on quarterbacks this year, but have allowed a bit more than the Cowboys in terms of the running game, which is the only reason I'm suggesting Barber. For your receivers, you're in a tough spot deciding between Chris Henry and Steve Smith. Henry is a wild card, as he hasn't even played this year. IF Vinny Testaverde starts this week, go with Steve Smith for sure. However, if the Panthers have to start Matt Moore, I'd actually have to go with Chris Henry...at least he has real game time experience with Carson Palmer, something that Moore and Steve Smith do not have.
Matt's take: Right on, Mike - Miami's going down. Which really isn't all that fun to say about the Dolphins this season; it's more of a statement of fact than a chest-thumping assertion. God they suck. Anyway, start Barber - he's turning into a superstar this season and will also likely be looked to often by Romo as a check-down option as the nasty Giants pass rush closes in on him. I'm with Brandon on the receivers - start Smith only if Testaverde's playing. Chris Henry could score this week, but I doubt he'll get more than three or four looks, so if he doesn't find the end zone he isn't likely to put up much in the way of yardage to make up for it.
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1 comment
#1. Brandon, 1 year ago
Wow, the Dolphins put up a fight huh? Looks like they come out of this week the only 0-win team though with the Rams big win.
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