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Having trouble figuring out who you want to insert into your starting line-up for Monday night ? Look no further than NFL Soup's special edition of Fantasy Versus: Coin Flip.
This column takes a quick look at each team's studs at each position, pits them against each other, and decides for you which one should start .
Read one for analysis and a final fantasy verdict:
Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Steelers, vs. Kyle Orton, QB, Broncos
Big Ben has a slew of weapons in Hines Ward, Santonio Holmes, and Mike Wallace, as well as two capable backs in Rashard Mendenhall and Willie Parker ar his disposal. As one of the league's better yardage quarterbacks, Roethlisberger routinely shows up, especially in big games in front of the nation.
He faces a tough Denver Broncos defense, but will likely be forced to go to the air enough to make starting him worth your while.
Kyle Orton, on the other hand, is facing a Pittsburgh defense that has progressed as the season has gone on, and is finally fully healthy with a confident Troy Polamalu starting his third game back from injury. While the pass defense is still coming together, the Steelers run defense will leave no holes for Knowshon Moreno and co., forcing Orton to the air.
The difference here, however, is that Big Ben thrives under pressure, while Orton historically wilts. If you're judging these passers tonight strictly on the defenses they are facing and the weapons they have at their disposal, you have to run with Roethlisberger, who will continually keep plays alive and make things happen.
Verdict: Go with Big Ben. He has done a terrific job this season when defenses get in his face, as he routinely escapes the pass rush and makes things happen on the run. Orton, while solid all season long, simply isn't flashy enough to keep up with Roethlisberger's numbers all night long.
In addition to going with Roethlisberger, run with the Steelers wide-outs, namely Hines Ward and Mike Wallace, as the Broncos top corner, Champ Bailey, will likely focus on the speedy, big-lay threat, Santonio Holmes.
On Denver's side of things, only Brandon Marshall holds any actual value, and remains a consistent WR2.
Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Steelers, vs. Knowshon Moreno, RB, Broncos
Mendenhall surprised everyone in Week Eight with a solid effort against the formidable Williams Wall of the Minnesota Vikings, topping 60 yards on the ground, and showing that he isn't easily slowed down, even against elite defenses.
While Denver is very good against the run, they were exposed last week by the Baltimore Ravens, and Mike Tomlin and co. will start the game trying to make a statement: that these Pittsburgh Steelers can run the ball on anyone .
Knowshon Moreno is no push-over, either, and should be heavily involved in the offense, but should split his carries with Correll Buckhalter, and is facing an aggressive Steelers run defense that hasn't allowed a 100-yard rusher all season long. Don't expect that trend to stop.
Verdict: Mendenhall may not win you the game all on his own, but he's turning out to be a very productive NFL back, and is quickly making a name for himself in the fantasy realm, as well. It's close, but give Mendy the nod.
For more fantasy guidance, head over to NFLSoup.com.
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