2011 Week 9 Fantasy Advice

Did you have a good week 8? This is the time to start winning, and catch momentum, while the bye weeks are few, and games begin to get tighter, and better. Remember, Thursday games start next week, and that could play even more into your choices. But, enjoy the traditional Sunday and Monday games this week while you can.

Byes: DET, JAX, MIN, CAR

Who to Start:

QB Eli Manning (NYG) vs. NE: Remember before the season, when Eli said he should be considered elite, and be compared to Tom Brady? Well, based on his performance this year, he should. Now, he goes head-to-head with Brady, but he has the benefit of playing the Patriots horrific pass defense, which hasn't stopped anyone this year. Eli may just be as good, or better than Brady, for at least this week.

RB Beanie Wells (ARZ) vs. STL: He didn't have an amazing game last week, but he was playing Baltimore. He's now playing St. Louis. Their run defense is abysmal, so Beanie should have a big game on Sunday, and he may need to, with Kevin Kolb likely out due to injury.

WR Dwayne Bowe (KC) vs. MIA: In the beginning of the year, I kept saying how he may be a big bust this season. Well, now that the Chiefs have won 4 in a row, I can retract those statements, kind of. Bowe is going up against the awful Dolphins secondary on Sunday, so he should have a big game.

WR Brandon Lloyd (STL) vs. ARZ: Even having A.J Feeley hasn't slowed him down. He had a big game last week against New Orleans, and he may have a bigger one on Sunday, no matter who plays at QB. The Cardinals secondary has been awful this season, so watch out for Lloyd to have a big game on Sunday.

TE Brent Celek (PHI) vs. CHI MON: Usually, Celek is nowhere to be found on any fantasy roster due to his role in the Eagles offense. But, don't worry about that this week, because Celek is facing a team that struggles to defend the Tight End.

DEF Houston vs. CLE: The Texans have had the benefit of playing 2 bad offensive teams in consecutive weeks. Last week was Jacksonville, and this week is Cleveland. The defense looks very good, so watch out for the Texans D to put up big points this week.

Who to Sit:

QB Joe Flacco (BAL) vs. PIT: Boy, has he been awful since his explosion in week 1. Going up against the revamped Steelers defense this week, don't expect him to have a very good game this time around.

RB Peyton Hillis (CLE) vs. HOU: He looks like he'll play this week, but that doesn't mean to start him. The Texans rushing defense is one of the best in the league right now, thanks to the Wade Phillips renaissance. The Madden Curse may be real.

WR Nate Washington (TEN) vs. CIN: He has seen a numbers spike since Kenny Britt hit the shelf due to injuries, but don't expect the numbers to be high this week. The Bengals defense has been quietly awesome this season, especially against the pass. So, watch out Titans.

WR Michael Crabtree (SF) vs. WSH: He hasn't seen an amazing season this year, despite the amazing overall success of the team. Despite the Redskins struggles this season, they still have defended the pass quite well, so now Crabtree won't have too much success this weekend.

TE Scott Chandler (BUF) vs. NYJ: Here's one from the vaults: "Who?" He's one of Ryan Fitzpatrick's favorite targets right now, and he's had a great season. But, he'll be going up against a defense that has struggled, but defended against the tight end very well this season. Watch out.

DEF San Diego vs. GB: They used to be one of the best fantasy defenses around, but they are struggling badly right now. And, to compound things, they will now be facing Aaron Rodgers and the Packers. Tall order.

3 Super Sleepers:

QB Matt Cassel (KC) vs. MIA: It's safe to start him now. He's looked a lot better in the past 2 weeks for Kansas City, and going up against the horrendous Miami pass defense, he may have a breakout Sunday. But, he's still a sleeper for a reason.

RB Michael Bush (OAK) vs. DEN: Run DMC is out on Sunday, so the focus will turn to Michael Bush right now. The Broncos don't stop the run very well, so Michael Bush could have a very big game on Sunday, and possibly upstage Carson Palmer.

WR Victor Cruz (NYG) vs. NE: New England's pass defense is awful, and Victor Cruz is a possible big target for Eli Manning with his lack of big receivers. Cruz has the potential for a big game on Sunday, against the New England secondary that continues to deteriorate.

Buyer Beware:

QB Matt Schaub (HOU) vs. CLE: I know it's hard to bench him at this stage of the season, but Cleveland has a very underrated, and under the radar pass defense, which has allowed the 3rd fewest fantasy points to QB's this season. Schaub may have some troubles on Sunday, especially without Andre Johnson, which may happen again.

Good Luck in Week 9!