Start 'Em Sit 'Em Week 9: Highlighting Tough Decisions on Week 8 Breakout Studs

With only seven weeks left in the fantasy seasons smart enough to exclude the final week, it is time to fine-tune teams for the stretch run.

Finding, or sticking with, the right bench players is vital. With a quality bench, owners have the lineup flexibility to exploit matchups and pick up wins.  

This will help you make the right calls for your team. 

Quarterback

Terrelle Pryor, Raiders

Terrelle Pryor only threw for 88 yards last week, but he picked up 106 rushing yards and a touchdown on just nine carries.

Pryor isn't going to rush for 100 yards every week. He's averaging less than nine carries per start this season. However, he won't need to be as prodigious on the ground to score this week. 

The Philadelphia Eagles roll into Oakland this Sunday ranked 31st in pass defense and 28th in sacked percentage. 

Oakland's offensive line has been bad, and the Raiders are last in sack percentage. While this means the Eagles should enjoy putting more pressure on the quarterback than most weeks, it also means Pryor will get a little more time than he's been getting, and he'll be throwing on a defense that is struggling. 

Verdict: Start

Other Notable QB Calls

Start: Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Russell Wilson has been getting harassed behind a poor offensive line. With Tampa Bay just 22nd in sacks, Wilson will be able to get a little more comfortable this week. 

Sit: Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons at Carolina Panthers

Matt Ryan is coming off of a one-touchdown, four-interception performance and faces the eighth-ranked defense in yards allowed per pass.

Sit: Joe Flacco, Baltimore Ravens at Cleveland Browns

The Browns have the sixth-ranked pass defense, and they are sixth in sacks. Joe Flacco won't enjoy enough time behind his porous offensive line. 

Wide Receiver

Vincent Jackson, Chargers

Vincent Jackson has a rough matchup this week against the Seattle Seahawks.

Jackson has the athletic ability to go up on any defender and come down with a pass. He is 6'5" with great body control. He can even come down with a ball over 6'3" Richard Sherman.

However, Jackson is also the kind of receiver who has a difficult time getting separation from Sherman. The 25-year-old corner plays a physical brand of football, and Jackson will have a hard time getting away with a shove or using his body to gain the space needed to make a catch. 

Now, if we were talking about the days when Jackson spent the game running go routes to catch passes from Philip Rivers, he'd still be worth a play. However, he will be catching passes from a rookie, Mike Glennon, making his second road start in one of the league's most hostile environments. 

It is wise to leave Jackson on the bench. 

Verdict: Sit

Other Notable WR Calls

Start: Terrance Williams, Cowboys vs. Minnesotta Vikings

Terrance Williams has a caught a touchdown in four straight games. This week, he is facing the 29th-ranked pass defense. 

Sit: Danny Amendola, New England Patriots vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

The Patriots' passing game is falling apart. It won't get better against the Steelers' second-ranked pass defense. 

Start: Riley Cooper, Philadelphia Eagles at Oakland Raiders

Riley Cooper has 18 targets and 12 catches over the last three weeks, and he has solid chemistry with quarterback Nick Foles.

Running Back 

Ryan Mathews, Chargers

Just saying the name Ryan Mathews to fantasy owners will typically receive a round of groans. The talented back has had some big games in his career, but more often he's been sidelined with injuries or due to fumble issues. 

However, San Diego's offense is dominant right now, and Mathews is a big reason why. The 25-year-old has rushed for 212 yards on 43 carries combined in the last two games, and he found the end zone last game. 

This week, he's facing the Redskins' 30th-ranked rush defense. 

The Chargers have discovered over the last two weeks that the best defense is a good offense, as neither of their last two opponents have held the ball for more than 23 minutes. I would look for more of the same this week against the Redskins, and that is good news for Mathews. 

Verdict: Start

Other Notable RB Calls

Sit: Steven Jackson, Atlanta Falcons at Carolina Panthers

The Panthers are second in the league in rush defense. This is not the game where Jackson finally starts to reward patient fantasy owners. 

Sit: Fred Jackson, Buffalo Bills vs. Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs are ninth in the league in rush defense. Jackson has been posting solid numbers the last two weeks by scoring a touchdown in each game. However, he hasn't averaged over 3.3 yards per carry in either game. 

Start: Danny Woodhead, San Diego Chargers at Washington Redskins 

Mathews isn't the only Charger worth starting against the anemic Redskins. Woodhead is a nice weapon around the goal line. I expect the Chargers to score with ease on the Redskins. Woodhead has a strong chance to produce.