This has to have been one of the craziest weeks I've dealt with in a long time. The updates have been far less frequent, so we here at the 'Table apologize for that. Blame the liquor. It's the only way to go. It won't stop us from setting up the games for the weekend and going over who to start and who to sit.
Let's get to it.
Cincinnati at Pittsburgh
Who to Start: Hines Ward, Willie Parker, Mewelde Moore, T.J. Houshmandzadeh
Who to Sit: Ben Roethlisberger, Cedric Benson, Chad Johnson
What to Expect: Early this season, we mentioned that Cincinnati's pass defense is an underrated group. Last week, we saw their skill in action.
The Bengals picked off Donovan McNabb three times and forced a fumble. This week, they get Roethlisberger, who has been interception prone already this season. I'd expect the Steelers to focus on the ground game, giving Parker and Moore plenty of chances to take it up the middle against the Bengals.
Parker has more upside here, so long as he stays healthy and can get on the field.
I wouldn't sleep on Moore though. The Steelers used him in goal-line situations last week, and they could do so again. I'll give him 50 yards and a touchdown. In deeper leagues, he's a flex option. I'd certainly rather play Parker.
In the passing game, you can keep Ward active, because he does seem to get his catches every week. I'd avoid Holmes and Washington if possible. After watching the matchup last week, this doesn't seem to be the type of scenario where they would thrive.
On the Bengals' side, the offense is still largely inept. Fitzpatrick completed passes last week but still couldn't get the team into the end zone. I'd keep Housh in the lineup, but look elsewhere to fill out the rest of the dance card. Just doesn't work against one of the games best defenses.
As I'm writing this, Chad Johnson has been deactivated for tonight's game.
The same is true with Benson and the running game. It's an unfavorable matchup on the road. Division games between these two rarely lead to large point totals.
Sleeper Pickup: Wouldn't call anyone here a sleeper pickup. Moore is still likely owned in most leagues.
Houston at Cleveland
Who to Start: Sage Rosenfels, Kevin Walter, Brady Quinn, Steve Heiden, Jamal Lewis
Who to Sit: Ahman Green
Who to Sit: Ahman Green
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