Fantasy Football Week One Sit 'Em & Start 'Em! Chicago Bears' Jay Cutler & More
Jay Cutler, Chicago Bears
His 26 interceptions in 2009 are not easily forgotten, but the gunslinger should abuse an ultra-thin Detroit secondary. The Lions finished 32nd against the pass last season and the talent level has not improved. Chris Houston as a number one cornerback? That’s a scary thought.
Chicago scored 85 points in the two meetings in ’09, with Cutler throwing for 417 yards, six touchdowns and zero picks. Offensive coordinator Mike Martz should have an air attack in store for week one.
Chad Henne, Miami Dolphins
The Bills defensive backfield possesses a combination of depth and speed that vaulted them to the second rated pass defense in 2009. Chad Henne is all too familiar, producing a 42.5 QB rating, three INT game in Buffalo last year.
Fortunately for him, and unfortunately for his owners, he has two workhorse running backs by his side against a notoriously poor Bills run defense (3-4 scheme or not). Despite his explosive potential, Henne had six games below 200 yards in ’09. Wait for a better spot.
Knowshon Moreno, Denver Broncos
There is legitimate reason to be concerned about Moreno:
1. An injury to his hamstring prevented him from seeing a single snap this preseason
2. Despite getting 14+ carries in 11 games during the 2009 season, he failed to crack the 100-yard plateau in any of them
3. The Broncos offensive line is filled with youth.
However, in spite of these reasons for worry, Moreno’s innate running ability, power, quickness and year of experience under his belt are reasons for optimism.
He should find creases in a Jacksonville defense that allowed 197 and 214 yards on the ground in the final two weeks of ’09. Not to mention the loss of run defense stalwart John Henderson to free agency.
Look for Moreno to be more efficiently utilized in the passing game in 2010 as well. That process began late last season as he compiled 12 receptions for 117 yards in the final four weeks.
Justin Forsett, Seattle Seahawks
Let’s be honest, Forsett didn’t have to beat out much to win the starting tailback job in Seattle. Competition from Leon Washington coming off a devastating injury and a washed up Julius Jones is not exactly stellar.
Forsett did solid work in 2009, racking up 5.4 yards per carry and catching 41 passes, but he was never the focus of an opponent’s game plan.
Does the 5’8 Forsett have what it takes to be an every down back? He’s never done it before (even at California). I’m taking a “show me” stance on this one. He’s a definite sit against a top tier San Francisco defense, except in deeper PPR leagues.
Percy Harvin, Minnesota Vikings
Migraine headaches disrupted Harvin’s training camp and preseason, but he’ll be ready to roll come game day. With Sidney Rice injured and Bernard Berrian disgruntled and on the decline, Harvin will be Brett Favre’s main weapon.
Recent reports that he’ll line up more as an outside receiver only bolster his big play potential. Saints top CB Jabari Greer will likely shadow Harvin, but he’s unstoppable in open space. He caught nine balls for 102 yards in last year’s NFC Championship game. Despite all the chaos, start him with confidence.
Mike Wallace, Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin claims there will be no implementation of a conservative game plan with Dennis Dixon running the team. That seems hard to believe. Dixon’s decision making is extremely questionable, and simple reads/throws will likely be the norm until “Big Ben” returns from suspension.
This is not good news for Mike Wallace. The speed demon averaged over 19 yards per reception as a rookie and needs time for plays to develop. Unless Dixon uses his legs to escape the pocket, Wallace isn’t likely to see significant targets. Improved pass defense (28th in ’09) has been an off-season focus for Atlanta (adding CB Dunta Robinson to the fold) and they’d love nothing more than to ‘pick’ on Dixon’s inexperience.
Aaron Hernandez & Rob Gronkowski, New England Patriots
On the surface Hernandez and Gronkowski appear to cancel out each other’s value. However, against a Cincinnati defense that has trouble holding down the inside passing game, both can be productive. The Bengal linebackers are run stoppers and struggle to cover, so the tight ends will be presented with a constant mismatch.
These aren’t just ordinary TE, both are terrific athletes that can run, more along the lines of oversized WR. If owned, either one is a worth shot this week.
Chris Cooley, Washington Redskins
The Redskins secondary offensive weapons, or lack thereof, will severely hinder Cooley’s production in 2010. Santana Moss is not the deep threat he once was, meaning the ‘Skins have nobody to stretch the field to open things up underneath. He might catch a few dump offs when McNabb is running for his life against the Cowboys pressure, but yardage will be minimal. Fred Davis is the speedier TE with greater downfield aptitude.
Written by Adam Ganeles exclusively for TheFantasyFix.com. Check back weekly for Adam’s NFL Sit ‘Em, Start ‘Em .
Will you be sitting Wallace, Forsett, Henne or Cooley ?
Leave a comment and let us know, or reply to us on twitter @TheFantasyFix
Tags: The Fantasy Fix, Fantasy Sports Blog, Fantasy Football Advice, Fantasy Football, NFL, Sit ‘Em Start ‘Em, Jay Cutler, Chad Henne, Knowshon Moreno, Justin Forsett, Percy Harvin, Mike Wallace, Aaron Hernandez, Rob Gronkowski, Chris Cooley, Chicago Bears, Miami Dolphins, Denver Broncos, Seattle Seahawks, Minnesota Vikings, Pittsburgh Pirates, New England Patriots, Washington Redskins
The Author
