Fantasy Football Week 16 Sit Em, Start Em: All Aboard the Torain Train Again!
RB Start: Ryan Torain, Washington Redskins
Sidelined from week 9-13 with a hamstring injury, Torain has returned with a vengeance.
With no competition for snaps restraining his productivity, he ran for 172 yards on 24 carries vs. Tampa Bay in week 14, and posted 98 all-purpose yards and a TD last week at Dallas.
In six games as the starting running back he's compiled 500 yards rushing (83 per game).
Renowned as a downhill, one cut runner, Torain has seven runs of 20+ yards in 126 carries, and is averaging 4.9 yards per rush on the season.
While not a huge factor out of the backfield, he does have 15 receptions, six going for first down yardage and two scores.
Grossman was quite content in checking down to him last week.
I've been fading the dreadful Jacksonville pass defense all season, but they haven't exactly bottled up the run either. The Jags have allowed 116 rush yards per game (4.6 per carry) and 15 touchdowns. They were pierced for 155 yards last week by the Colts anemic ground game.
Torain has proven capable of monstrous fantasy weeks, and this is a golden opportunity to tack on another against the Jaguar piñata.
Sit him at your own risk.
RB Sit: Peyton Hillis, Cleveland Browns
The waiver wire hero has developed a true cult following. He's amassed the second most fantasy points of any RB (behind only Arian Foster) and has been a savior for many fantasy squads.
Nevertheless, Hillis suffered a rough patch earlier in the year, and his performance is dipping once again at the most inopportune time.
He's an absolute beast, but this workload is foreign territory and he takes (and dishes out) a beating week in week out.
He averaged 111 rushing yards per game in November, but that figure has dropped to 75 in December.
His last three games: 18 carries for 57 yards (seven receptions for 22), 21 carries for 108 yards against the bewildered Buffalo run defense and 14 carries for 59 yards last week.
He's been held out of the end zone for three successive weeks, as he, and he alone, has been the focus of the opponents defensive game plan.
Hillis has suffered with fumblitis as well, fumbling eight times and losing five.
He torched Baltimore in the first meeting for 144 rushing yards (48 yarder, longest given up by Ravens this season) and seven catches. The Ravens have since righted the ship, however, ranking 5th against the run, holding the opposition to 94 yards per game and five touchdowns. They held the Saints to a paltry 27 yards last week.
It's not easy to sit a fantasy phenom, but sometimes the situation calls for making difficult decisions.
Sidelined from week 9-13 with a hamstring injury, Torain has returned with a vengeance.
With no competition for snaps restraining his productivity, he ran for 172 yards on 24 carries vs. Tampa Bay in week 14, and posted 98 all-purpose yards and a TD last week at Dallas.
In six games as the starting running back he's compiled 500 yards rushing (83 per game).
Renowned as a downhill, one cut runner, Torain has seven runs of 20+ yards in 126 carries, and is averaging 4.9 yards per rush on the season.
While not a huge factor out of the backfield, he does have 15 receptions, six going for first down yardage and two scores.
Grossman was quite content in checking down to him last week.
I've been fading the dreadful Jacksonville pass defense all season, but they haven't exactly bottled up the run either. The Jags have allowed 116 rush yards per game (4.6 per carry) and 15 touchdowns. They were pierced for 155 yards last week by the Colts anemic ground game.
Torain has proven capable of monstrous fantasy weeks, and this is a golden opportunity to tack on another against the Jaguar piñata.
Sit him at your own risk.
RB Sit: Peyton Hillis, Cleveland Browns
The waiver wire hero has developed a true cult following. He's amassed the second most fantasy points of any RB (behind only Arian Foster) and has been a savior for many fantasy squads.
Nevertheless, Hillis suffered a rough patch earlier in the year, and his performance is dipping once again at the most inopportune time.
He's an absolute beast, but this workload is foreign territory and he takes (and dishes out) a beating week in week out.
He averaged 111 rushing yards per game in November, but that figure has dropped to 75 in December.
His last three games: 18 carries for 57 yards (seven receptions for 22), 21 carries for 108 yards against the bewildered Buffalo run defense and 14 carries for 59 yards last week.
He's been held out of the end zone for three successive weeks, as he, and he alone, has been the focus of the opponents defensive game plan.
Hillis has suffered with fumblitis as well, fumbling eight times and losing five.
He torched Baltimore in the first meeting for 144 rushing yards (48 yarder, longest given up by Ravens this season) and seven catches. The Ravens have since righted the ship, however, ranking 5th against the run, holding the opposition to 94 yards per game and five touchdowns. They held the Saints to a paltry 27 yards last week.
It's not easy to sit a fantasy phenom, but sometimes the situation calls for making difficult decisions.
QB Start: Jon Kitna, Dallas Cowboys
At 38 years of age, Kitna is producing like a QB in the prime of his career.
In nine starts since Tony Romo's injury he has four 300+ yard games and five multi-touchdown games.
Kitna has led the Cowboys rejuvenated offense to 27 or more points in six straight weeks, throwing 11 TD's against four interceptions during that 4-2 stretch.
His comfort level with tight end Jason Witten continues to augment each week, and he's spreading the wealth all over the gridiron (eight different receivers in week 14 and seven last week).
Kitna's 18.4 fantasy points per week (according to standard Yahoo scoring) eclipse the 17.9 of Matt Ryan and 17.5 of Joe Flacco.
There’s no reason to believe he won’t at the very least match that figure against an Arizona pass defense that ranks 23rd allowing 228 yards per game, rarely putting opposing quarterback’s under pressure (26 sacks). They also haven’t faced a dynamic passing offense since New Orleans in week five.
Kitna and co. should move the rock at will.
QB Sit: Matt Casell, Kansas City Chiefs
Cassel appeared reasonably healthy last week just 11 days removed from an appendectomy. His health, albeit, has no impact on this sit recommendation.
Cassel's 24:5 TD:INT rate is extremely impressive, but he amassed huge touchdown weeks against questionable, at best, secondaries in SF, HOU, DEN, SEA (14 of his 24 scores to be exact).
Outside of his ability to connect in the end zone, he's provided limited fantasy appeal (10th rated QB).
He's averaging 206 yards per contest with seven games below 200 yards, and has cracked the 300-yard plateau just once (469 on 53 attempts).
The Chiefs are a running, ball control style offense, with a high frequency of conservative passes–then taking an occasional deep shot with Dwayne Bowe.
Tennessee's secondary won't be bated into a big play, as they keep everything in front of them and rely on making a quick tackle. The Titans allow 65 percent completions, but only 6.8 yards per attempt.
Over the course of the game yards can be accumulated, but a strict regimen of pass is required. That is not Kansas City's style. They'd prefer to grind it out on the ground.
If you have another viable option for championship week, utilize it.
At 38 years of age, Kitna is producing like a QB in the prime of his career.
In nine starts since Tony Romo's injury he has four 300+ yard games and five multi-touchdown games.
Kitna has led the Cowboys rejuvenated offense to 27 or more points in six straight weeks, throwing 11 TD's against four interceptions during that 4-2 stretch.
His comfort level with tight end Jason Witten continues to augment each week, and he's spreading the wealth all over the gridiron (eight different receivers in week 14 and seven last week).
Kitna's 18.4 fantasy points per week (according to standard Yahoo scoring) eclipse the 17.9 of Matt Ryan and 17.5 of Joe Flacco.
There’s no reason to believe he won’t at the very least match that figure against an Arizona pass defense that ranks 23rd allowing 228 yards per game, rarely putting opposing quarterback’s under pressure (26 sacks). They also haven’t faced a dynamic passing offense since New Orleans in week five.
Kitna and co. should move the rock at will.
QB Sit: Matt Casell, Kansas City Chiefs
Cassel appeared reasonably healthy last week just 11 days removed from an appendectomy. His health, albeit, has no impact on this sit recommendation.
Cassel's 24:5 TD:INT rate is extremely impressive, but he amassed huge touchdown weeks against questionable, at best, secondaries in SF, HOU, DEN, SEA (14 of his 24 scores to be exact).
Outside of his ability to connect in the end zone, he's provided limited fantasy appeal (10th rated QB).
He's averaging 206 yards per contest with seven games below 200 yards, and has cracked the 300-yard plateau just once (469 on 53 attempts).
The Chiefs are a running, ball control style offense, with a high frequency of conservative passes–then taking an occasional deep shot with Dwayne Bowe.
Tennessee's secondary won't be bated into a big play, as they keep everything in front of them and rely on making a quick tackle. The Titans allow 65 percent completions, but only 6.8 yards per attempt.
Over the course of the game yards can be accumulated, but a strict regimen of pass is required. That is not Kansas City's style. They'd prefer to grind it out on the ground.
If you have another viable option for championship week, utilize it.
WR Start: Santonio Holmes, New York Jets
Against elite level defenses you need to pass to establish the run.
Hopefully the Jets came to grips with this phenomenon last week. They still played the game relatively close to the vest, but gave quarterback Mark Sanchez more opportunities to leave his imprint on the outcome.
The same approach will be necessary this week at Chicago, which is excellent news for Holmes owners. He proved last week that he's capable of taking on the role of "security blanket" (six catches for 40 yards) and has been targeted 84 times in ten games.
But make no mistake; his true value lies in his acclaimed game-breaking ability.
Holmes has nine receptions of 20 or more yards in the last seven weeks (including four over 35 yards).
While Sanchez doesn't always throw the ball accurately in the intermediate routes, he throws an aesthetically pleasing deep ball.
If the Jets can run successfully early on, that will open shots down the field to Holmes (and Braylon Edwards).
The Bears secondary allows easy completions (62 percent) and yardage (221 per game), but stiffen up on the goal line allowing only 12 air scores.
*Monitor turf toe as game day approaches.
WR Sit: Kenny Britt, Tennessee Titans
The media/fantasy hype surrounding Britt is spiraling out of control. 353 of his 601 receiving yards and three of his seven touchdowns came in a two-week period.
Outside of those two explosive efforts, he's missed four and a half weeks with a hamstring injury and was held below 41 yards in five games. He did crack the goal line in five successive weeks between three-seven, but his high-reception game was five, and high-yardage output was 86.
He's only seeing six targets per week (54 total), albeit was targeted nine times last week against Houston's invisible coverage.
Tennessee is still a predominantly rushing offense unless they fall behind early. Their passing attack will never be classified as efficient, with Collins averaging 195 yards in five games started.
The reward is high (18 yards per catch) but the risk of a no-show is very real.
In three games against the AFC West (left the San Diego game with injury) he has three total receptions.
The Kansas City pass defense ranks 19th in the NFL, but that standing is on the upturn behind talented young corners. They allow only 6.5 yards per pass attempt.
Don't let the talking heads alter your decision. Britt is NOT a must-start.
Against elite level defenses you need to pass to establish the run.
Hopefully the Jets came to grips with this phenomenon last week. They still played the game relatively close to the vest, but gave quarterback Mark Sanchez more opportunities to leave his imprint on the outcome.
The same approach will be necessary this week at Chicago, which is excellent news for Holmes owners. He proved last week that he's capable of taking on the role of "security blanket" (six catches for 40 yards) and has been targeted 84 times in ten games.
But make no mistake; his true value lies in his acclaimed game-breaking ability.
Holmes has nine receptions of 20 or more yards in the last seven weeks (including four over 35 yards).
While Sanchez doesn't always throw the ball accurately in the intermediate routes, he throws an aesthetically pleasing deep ball.
If the Jets can run successfully early on, that will open shots down the field to Holmes (and Braylon Edwards).
The Bears secondary allows easy completions (62 percent) and yardage (221 per game), but stiffen up on the goal line allowing only 12 air scores.
*Monitor turf toe as game day approaches.
WR Sit: Kenny Britt, Tennessee Titans
The media/fantasy hype surrounding Britt is spiraling out of control. 353 of his 601 receiving yards and three of his seven touchdowns came in a two-week period.
Outside of those two explosive efforts, he's missed four and a half weeks with a hamstring injury and was held below 41 yards in five games. He did crack the goal line in five successive weeks between three-seven, but his high-reception game was five, and high-yardage output was 86.
He's only seeing six targets per week (54 total), albeit was targeted nine times last week against Houston's invisible coverage.
Tennessee is still a predominantly rushing offense unless they fall behind early. Their passing attack will never be classified as efficient, with Collins averaging 195 yards in five games started.
The reward is high (18 yards per catch) but the risk of a no-show is very real.
In three games against the AFC West (left the San Diego game with injury) he has three total receptions.
The Kansas City pass defense ranks 19th in the NFL, but that standing is on the upturn behind talented young corners. They allow only 6.5 yards per pass attempt.
Don't let the talking heads alter your decision. Britt is NOT a must-start.
TE Start: Marcedes Lewis, Jacksonville Jaguars
Lewis has broken through in his fifth NFL season, and it would be apropos for him to finish his masterpiece in style.
He's eighth amongst tight ends in receptions with 51, sixth in yardage with 637, second in touchdowns with nine and third in total fantasy points.
He's yet to surpass the 70-yard mark in any game this year, but has seven games above 50 yards.
He has been the definition of consistent, always finding a way to reward his fantasy owners.
He's the made the most of his 75 targets, with at least one 15-yard reception in 13 of 14 weeks and eight 20+ yard plays.
The Redskins pass defense is tied for 30th allowing 263 yards per contest. Kellen Winslow hauled in a 41-yard TD pass against them in week 14, and Jason Witten cut them to ribbons last week for ten catches, 140 yards and a score.
Start Lewis with comfort.
TE Sit: Brandon Pettigrew, Detroit Lions
In three and 3/4 games with Drew Stanton behind center, Pettigrew has been a non-factor.
In week six at the Giants he caught four balls for 46 yards (after Hill went out with injury), and in Stanton's three December starts he has a composite nine receptions for 75 yards.
He was targeted nine times in week 13, but has been lost in the shuffle the last two outings.
Pettigrew ranks third amongst TE in receptions with 64, but loses much of his luster without Stafford/Hill tossing him the rock. He hasn't crossed the goal line since week nine.
Outside of Ben Watson's 10-catch for 100 yards and a TD effort in week 13, the Dolphins have kept opposing tight ends under wraps all season.
Seek a more secure option with established QB play.
*Latest report is that Shaun Hill (broken finger) took first-team reps on Wednesday. He’ll have to shake off the rust regardless, and does not change this recommendation.
Lewis has broken through in his fifth NFL season, and it would be apropos for him to finish his masterpiece in style.
He's eighth amongst tight ends in receptions with 51, sixth in yardage with 637, second in touchdowns with nine and third in total fantasy points.
He's yet to surpass the 70-yard mark in any game this year, but has seven games above 50 yards.
He has been the definition of consistent, always finding a way to reward his fantasy owners.
He's the made the most of his 75 targets, with at least one 15-yard reception in 13 of 14 weeks and eight 20+ yard plays.
The Redskins pass defense is tied for 30th allowing 263 yards per contest. Kellen Winslow hauled in a 41-yard TD pass against them in week 14, and Jason Witten cut them to ribbons last week for ten catches, 140 yards and a score.
Start Lewis with comfort.
TE Sit: Brandon Pettigrew, Detroit Lions
In three and 3/4 games with Drew Stanton behind center, Pettigrew has been a non-factor.
In week six at the Giants he caught four balls for 46 yards (after Hill went out with injury), and in Stanton's three December starts he has a composite nine receptions for 75 yards.
He was targeted nine times in week 13, but has been lost in the shuffle the last two outings.
Pettigrew ranks third amongst TE in receptions with 64, but loses much of his luster without Stafford/Hill tossing him the rock. He hasn't crossed the goal line since week nine.
Outside of Ben Watson's 10-catch for 100 yards and a TD effort in week 13, the Dolphins have kept opposing tight ends under wraps all season.
Seek a more secure option with established QB play.
*Latest report is that Shaun Hill (broken finger) took first-team reps on Wednesday. He’ll have to shake off the rust regardless, and does not change this recommendation.
Written by Adam Ganeles exclusively for TheFantasyFix.com. Check back weekly for Adam's NFL Sit 'Em, Start 'Em
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Tags: The Fantasy Fix, Fantasy Football Advice, Fantasy Football, NFL, Adam Ganeles, Sit Em, Start Em, Week 14, QB Start, QB Sit, RB Start, RB Sit, WR Start, WR Sit, TE Start, TE Sit, Jon Kitna, Matt Casell, Ryan Torain, Peyton Hillis, Santonio Holmes, Kenny Britt, Marcedes Lewis, Brandon Pettigrew, Dallas Cowboys, Kansas City Chiefs, Washington Redskins, Cleveland Browns, New York Jets, Tennessee Titans, Jacksonville Jaguars, Detroit Lions
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