Fantasy Football Week 10 Sit Em, Start Em: Josh Freeman Takes On Panthers Rd 2
QB Start – Josh Freeman, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Freeman was unable to fully exploit a vulnerable Falcons secondary last week completing only 11 passes, albeit two for scores. He broke a string of three interception-less games with two picks, and four 200+ yard weeks with 189 passing yards. As usual he delivered some freakishly sick pinpoint passes, but looked rattled at times.
With the division lead on the line, the pressure may have gotten to him. His attempts were limited for the second consecutive week, but look for the air show to resume versus Carolina.
Somehow, the Panthers are 3rd in the NFL in net passing yards allowed in what is likely to be a short-lived standing. Their season is in the dumpster and their head coach is a lame duck.
The deep ball is a major facet of the Bucs burgeoning passing attack, and they will seek to re-establish confidence in their QB this week. Against Carolina's inept offense, team's can afford to take offensive risks themselves without fear of being punished for it.
Freeman threw two touchdowns at Carolina in week two.
QB Sit – Brett Favre, Minnesota Vikings
If fantasy owners choose to "buy" on Favre after his 446-yard outburst last week, good luck to them. Just remember, Arizona's 27th rated pass defense has made many an average quarterback look like Johnny Unitas.
A high-powered offense would have laid a 50 spot on the Cardinals, but the Vikings were stuck on ten points midway through the fourth quarter. Why? Stalled drives and turnovers, which have become the norm in Minnesota.
Favre has thrown six interceptions against three touchdowns over the last three weeks, and sports a 13:9 ratio on the season.
The Vikings are still short on pass-game weapons. Bernard Berrian's performance was more a fluke than revitalization, and if even Sidney Rice returns he won't be close to game shape.
The Bears pass defense ranks 18th in the league, but they've allowed only five passing scores (11 INT). Julius Peppers hasn't recorded a sack since week four and it's about time he woke up to haunt Old Man River.
Freeman was unable to fully exploit a vulnerable Falcons secondary last week completing only 11 passes, albeit two for scores. He broke a string of three interception-less games with two picks, and four 200+ yard weeks with 189 passing yards. As usual he delivered some freakishly sick pinpoint passes, but looked rattled at times.
With the division lead on the line, the pressure may have gotten to him. His attempts were limited for the second consecutive week, but look for the air show to resume versus Carolina.
Somehow, the Panthers are 3rd in the NFL in net passing yards allowed in what is likely to be a short-lived standing. Their season is in the dumpster and their head coach is a lame duck.
The deep ball is a major facet of the Bucs burgeoning passing attack, and they will seek to re-establish confidence in their QB this week. Against Carolina's inept offense, team's can afford to take offensive risks themselves without fear of being punished for it.
Freeman threw two touchdowns at Carolina in week two.
QB Sit – Brett Favre, Minnesota Vikings
If fantasy owners choose to "buy" on Favre after his 446-yard outburst last week, good luck to them. Just remember, Arizona's 27th rated pass defense has made many an average quarterback look like Johnny Unitas.
A high-powered offense would have laid a 50 spot on the Cardinals, but the Vikings were stuck on ten points midway through the fourth quarter. Why? Stalled drives and turnovers, which have become the norm in Minnesota.
Favre has thrown six interceptions against three touchdowns over the last three weeks, and sports a 13:9 ratio on the season.
The Vikings are still short on pass-game weapons. Bernard Berrian's performance was more a fluke than revitalization, and if even Sidney Rice returns he won't be close to game shape.
The Bears pass defense ranks 18th in the league, but they've allowed only five passing scores (11 INT). Julius Peppers hasn't recorded a sack since week four and it's about time he woke up to haunt Old Man River.
RB Start – Fred Jackson, Buffalo Bills
The Bills were unable to establish any semblance of a ground game last week as Jackson rushed for 16 yards on eight carries with a four-yard touchdown run.
In the prior three weeks following the Lynch trade he had resumed primary ball carrying duties, averaging 18 attempts for 70 yards. Despite his relative inefficiency, the Bills prefer to use the reliable Jackson rather than sending C.J. Spiller in to face the blazing fire behind a shaky line. Spiller hasn't received more than seven carries all season.
The Lions defense laid it all out last week holding the Jets potent rushing attack in relative check (110 yards). Avoiding a letdown effort will be a tough task for Detroit and their 25th ranked run defense. They've allowed 130 yards per game, 4.7 per carry and nine touchdowns.
The Bills are actually favored in this contest and will be desperate to nab a W. They've been scoring points with the pass, but they need to win with the run.
RB Sit – Ryan Torain, Washington Redskins
After injuring his hamstring in week eight, Torain was the beneficiary of a bye week to heal. He's been a full participant in practice and looks like the week ten starter.
Nevertheless, proceed with caution. Starter or not, the Redskins won't overwork their 24-year old back just two weeks removed from the incident.
Add in a possible Portis return (game time decision) to the equation and we have ourselves a questionable fantasy play.
Torain ran for 70 yards and a TD on 18 carries at Philadelphia in week four, but he'll face a different animal this week.
Since their last meeting the Eagles have held four successive opponents below 75 net rushing yards (IND, TEN, ATL and SF).
He has two 100-yard games on his resume, but don't reach for the stars. Use this week to evaluate Torain's performance level for the duration of the season and whether he's fully recovered.
The Bills were unable to establish any semblance of a ground game last week as Jackson rushed for 16 yards on eight carries with a four-yard touchdown run.
In the prior three weeks following the Lynch trade he had resumed primary ball carrying duties, averaging 18 attempts for 70 yards. Despite his relative inefficiency, the Bills prefer to use the reliable Jackson rather than sending C.J. Spiller in to face the blazing fire behind a shaky line. Spiller hasn't received more than seven carries all season.
The Lions defense laid it all out last week holding the Jets potent rushing attack in relative check (110 yards). Avoiding a letdown effort will be a tough task for Detroit and their 25th ranked run defense. They've allowed 130 yards per game, 4.7 per carry and nine touchdowns.
The Bills are actually favored in this contest and will be desperate to nab a W. They've been scoring points with the pass, but they need to win with the run.
RB Sit – Ryan Torain, Washington Redskins
After injuring his hamstring in week eight, Torain was the beneficiary of a bye week to heal. He's been a full participant in practice and looks like the week ten starter.
Nevertheless, proceed with caution. Starter or not, the Redskins won't overwork their 24-year old back just two weeks removed from the incident.
Add in a possible Portis return (game time decision) to the equation and we have ourselves a questionable fantasy play.
Torain ran for 70 yards and a TD on 18 carries at Philadelphia in week four, but he'll face a different animal this week.
Since their last meeting the Eagles have held four successive opponents below 75 net rushing yards (IND, TEN, ATL and SF).
He has two 100-yard games on his resume, but don't reach for the stars. Use this week to evaluate Torain's performance level for the duration of the season and whether he's fully recovered.
WR Start – Davone Bess, Miami Dolphins
Bess transcends your typical slot receiver. No, he's not a deep threat, but he fights for yardage and is tough to bring down after the catch. With that said, it's tough to eat up significant real estate working in confined spaces, thus his failure to record a 100-yard game this season.
He's caught five or more passes in all but one game and is routinely the beneficiary of eight-nine targets.
His style is tailor made for the Titans cornerbacks. Tennessee allows nearly 65% completions and rely on quick breaks on the ball and secure tackling. This is not the recipe to shut down Bess. They'll allow the underneath stuff all day, and he'll take it.. and then some.
This might not be his week to break the century mark, but a double-digit reception outing is not farfetched. The conservative Chad Pennington takes over at quarterback.
WR Sit – Michael Crabtree, San Francisco 49ers
Given the environment he's working in, the progress of Crabtree is difficult to accurately assess. One thing is for certain, despite catching a touchdown in week eight; Crabtree won't find much long-term success with Troy Smith under center.
Crabtree's had only one game above 60 receiving yards this season and that's unlikely to change after this week.
Smith will never be trusted, nor does he possess the confidence to make down field throws. Vernon Davis returns from a week on the sidelines and should attract a lot of Smith's attention over the middle in safer patterns.
The St. Louis pass defense ranks 15th in the NFL and is improving weekly. They held Philip Rivers to 249 yards, a red hot Josh Freeman to 212 and forced three interceptions from Matt Moore.
Let's label this an "unfortunate sit".
Bess transcends your typical slot receiver. No, he's not a deep threat, but he fights for yardage and is tough to bring down after the catch. With that said, it's tough to eat up significant real estate working in confined spaces, thus his failure to record a 100-yard game this season.
He's caught five or more passes in all but one game and is routinely the beneficiary of eight-nine targets.
His style is tailor made for the Titans cornerbacks. Tennessee allows nearly 65% completions and rely on quick breaks on the ball and secure tackling. This is not the recipe to shut down Bess. They'll allow the underneath stuff all day, and he'll take it.. and then some.
This might not be his week to break the century mark, but a double-digit reception outing is not farfetched. The conservative Chad Pennington takes over at quarterback.
WR Sit – Michael Crabtree, San Francisco 49ers
Given the environment he's working in, the progress of Crabtree is difficult to accurately assess. One thing is for certain, despite catching a touchdown in week eight; Crabtree won't find much long-term success with Troy Smith under center.
Crabtree's had only one game above 60 receiving yards this season and that's unlikely to change after this week.
Smith will never be trusted, nor does he possess the confidence to make down field throws. Vernon Davis returns from a week on the sidelines and should attract a lot of Smith's attention over the middle in safer patterns.
The St. Louis pass defense ranks 15th in the NFL and is improving weekly. They held Philip Rivers to 249 yards, a red hot Josh Freeman to 212 and forced three interceptions from Matt Moore.
Let's label this an "unfortunate sit".
TE Start – Marcedes Lewis, Jacksonville Jaguars
When a player of any fantasy worth is facing off against the Texans pass defense, they become a must start.
Passing games cut through Houston like a hot knife through butter. They rank 32nd, allowing 298 yards with a 107.7 QB rating and 20 touchdowns.
To be fair to Lewis, he has earned the right to start with his on-field performance. He's not a PPR guy, but he's a big play threat and red zone monster.
Lewis entered this season with seven career scores in 62 games. This year he's racked up seven scores in eight games. He's averaged five targets per, and has a 20+ yard reception in five of seven.
By the way, Randy McMichael reached paydirt twice against the Texans last week, and Jacob Tamme exposed them the week prior.
TE Sit – Brent Celek, Philadelphia Eagles
At what point do we forget about the past and concentrate on the current?
Celek was an all-around beast last season, accumulating wide receiver like numbers. But this year, it's just not happening.
He hasn't cracked the 50-yard barrier or five-reception mark through eight games. In his last two outings he was held to two catches for eight yards and netted a big goose egg last week.
While it's hard to fathom what exactly has held him back, Vick's propensity to scramble rather than eyeing the tight end has been major contributing factor.
Whatever the reason, the script is unlikely to change now. It’s time to move on with more consistent options on the wire.
When a player of any fantasy worth is facing off against the Texans pass defense, they become a must start.
Passing games cut through Houston like a hot knife through butter. They rank 32nd, allowing 298 yards with a 107.7 QB rating and 20 touchdowns.
To be fair to Lewis, he has earned the right to start with his on-field performance. He's not a PPR guy, but he's a big play threat and red zone monster.
Lewis entered this season with seven career scores in 62 games. This year he's racked up seven scores in eight games. He's averaged five targets per, and has a 20+ yard reception in five of seven.
By the way, Randy McMichael reached paydirt twice against the Texans last week, and Jacob Tamme exposed them the week prior.
TE Sit – Brent Celek, Philadelphia Eagles
At what point do we forget about the past and concentrate on the current?
Celek was an all-around beast last season, accumulating wide receiver like numbers. But this year, it's just not happening.
He hasn't cracked the 50-yard barrier or five-reception mark through eight games. In his last two outings he was held to two catches for eight yards and netted a big goose egg last week.
While it's hard to fathom what exactly has held him back, Vick's propensity to scramble rather than eyeing the tight end has been major contributing factor.
Whatever the reason, the script is unlikely to change now. It’s time to move on with more consistent options on the wire.
Written by Adam Ganeles exclusively for TheFantasyFix.com. Check back weekly for Adam's NFL Sit 'Em, Start 'Em
Tags: The Fantasy Fix, Fantasy Football Advice, Fantasy Football, NFL, Adam Ganeles, Sit Em, Start Em, Week 10, Josh Freeman, Brett Favre, Fred Jackson, Ryan Torain, Davone Bess, Michael Crabtree, Marcedes Lewis, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Minnesota Vikings, Buffalo Bills, Washington Redskins, Miami Dolphins, San Francisco 49ers, Jacksonville Jaguars
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