Fantasy Football Versus: The Matchup Start and Sit Decision Maker

McFadden is the newest shiny toy that kids are playing with these days, and despite that annoying, touchdown-stealing Michael Bush, you should beg your mom to buy you one, too.

But if your mom doesn't have the money to afford to upgrade or take a chance on a new toy, maybe there's something in your closet that can keep you entertained.

This article takes a closer look at some start/sit issues in fantasy football, matching players up against each other by position, and giving a clear-cut decision on who is the better start.

Still not convinced who to start upon finishing the article?  That's what the comment board is for.  Post away for some start/sit advice, and I'll offer my opinion with some analysis.

Matt Ryan (Atl) vs. Matt Hasselbeck (Sea)

After solid debuts, both quarterbacks have hype oozing out of them from different angles. Hasselbeck, despite destroying a very destroyable Rams defense, has everyone talking like it's Christmas, while Ryan played well against an average Dolphins team and has Rotoworld.com saying his " training wheels" are off.

But with relatively tough matchups (potentially) for both, it's not likely that they escape week two unscathed.

Ryan goes up against a Carolina defense that was castrated by the Eagles, while only allowing Donovan McNabb 79 passing yards. Something tells me if Jake Delhomme hadn't thrown four interceptions, we'd be talking about the Panthers defense, and not the Eagles.

Needless to say, I'm a bit weary about Ryan and the 1-0 Falcons up-ending the 0-1 Panthers.

Hasselbeck, on the other hand, faces a much-improved 49ers defense, but not one that can't be thrown upon. If Julius Jones can repeat what he did in week one, even a little bit, Hasselbeck should post good numbers.

Verdict: Go with the baldy (Hasselbeck), and you won't be disappointed.

Brandon Marshall (Den) vs. Braylon Edwards (Cle) vs. Lance Moore (NO)

All three receivers were terribly disappointing on Sunday, yet all three still have that creepy word you kept muttering under your breath when you drafted them in August: potential.

Right, potential.

Marshall and Edwards have the potential to drop passes (and your game) through their hands, while the sure-handed Moore is "just another" option in the explosive, yet crowded, New Orleans receiving corps.

Quite honestly, these are three guys you absolutely cannot trust, that is, unless you're using them as a WR3.

If you're counting on any of them as a WR2, you probably have been made aware of two things already: first, you're 0-1, and second, you need to find a wide receiver gem, and fast.

Don't worry, because all three can still get it done.

Marshall should tally more than the lousy four receptions he had last week against a beatable Cleveland secondary, while Edwards has a shot to actually score a touchdown against a sketchy Denver defense.

And Moore? Dude plays for the Saints. He's always a decent play at the WR3 spot. However, this week he's facing a tough Philly defense.  He could be active underneath, but the matchup is just too unfriendly.

Verdict: Brandon Marshall can't stay down for long, and while he drops passes (a lot of them), he has better chemistry with Kyle Orton than Edwards has with Brady Quinn.

DeAngelo Williams (Car) vs. Steven Jackson (Stl)

Williams got you a touchdown in week one, but largely thanks to Jake Delhomme's awful play, was grounded, failing to top 40 yards rushing.

Jackson, on the other hand, made the Seattle defense think of its Super Bowl days, also largely due to his quarterback's ineffectiveness.

Both should continue to see their passers provide inept and inaccurate throws, which should keep defenses painfully close to the line, making both of their values for week two quite low.

But if you must go with one of them (after all, you did draft them in the first round, didn't you?), then you have to go with the better matchup.

Williams goes up against the Atlanta Falcons, who made Ronnie Brown look like Ricky Williams' back-up, while nearly shutting-out the Dolphins.

That doesn't bode well for Jake Delhomme, which in turn really doesn't bode well for Williams. However, I do expect the Carolina defense to ease the pressure a bit on the offense.

Jackson, on the other hand, faces a solid run-stopping team in Washington in week two.

They shut Brandon Jacobs down, and with Albert Haynesworth in the middle, it's hard to like S-Jax's chances to improve on last week's 67 yards.

Verdict: Call me crazy, but I trust any Carolina passer more than Marc Bulger right now; interceptions be damned. Jackson's offense offers absolutely nothing to think they can compete with anyone right now.

Any other questions or comments, hit up the comment board below.