NFL Fantasy Football Sunday Morning Start 'Em or Sit 'Em Decisions: Week 10

Just hours before the start of Week 10 I know many people have questions running through their heads.  Who should I start?  Who should I sit?

Let’s take a look at a few situations to try and settle things:

Beanie Wells – Running Back – Arizona Cardinals

He’s listed as questionable and according to the team’s official website, coach Ken Wisenhunt was quoted as saying, “We cut down on the run game (plays) this week from the standpoint of volume so he is a lot more comfortable with what he have in and hopefully that allows us to play him in that role if we have the opportunity Sunday.”

Last week, with Wells’ knee being a problem, he got just one carry for minus-2 yards.  Once again, Tim Hightower will be starting and is a major threat to get the bulk of the carries.  It is definitely worth keeping Wells stashed on your bench, as he still has the potential to develop into a RB1, but at this point he should be no where near your starting lineup until he proves that he can produce.

Blair White – Wide Receiver – Indianapolis Colts

Can the Colts keep anyone healthy in 2010?  White, who was in line to take over the third receiver spot with Austin Collie injured, appears to have hurt his shoulder in practice and was sidelined both Thursday and Friday.  He’s going to be a game time decision, and luckily for fantasy owners the Colts-Bengals game is a 1 PM start, so we will know early if he’s going to play.

The fact that they promoted Chris Brooks from the practice squad tells you that the Colts are worried, however.  If he doesn’t play, Brandon James would take his spot as the third receiver, but he has no value to fantasy owners.  The majority of the targets will likely be split between Reggie Wayne, Pierre Garcon and Jacob Tamme.

Tamme and Garcon figure to be the biggest benefactors.  Tamme has quickly developed into a must start fantasy tight end and Garcon is definitely usable as a WR2, depending on your other options.  White, who was a low-end option to begin with, should be on your bench.

Ryan Torain – Running Back – Washington Redskins

The Redskins have three important players listed as questionable for their Monday matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles.  Donovan McNabb is suffering from a hamstring injury, but is expected to play (though he’s only viable in two-quarterback formats).

Torain is also suffering from a hamstring injury, but he is expected to start.  However, with Clinton Portis potentially returning (though he is still returning from a groin injury).  His potential presence certainly brings into question the number of touches Torain could receive.

Philadelphia is in the middle of the pack against the run, giving up 103.9 rushing yards per game.  With the expectation that he plays, Torain should be considered a low-end RB2 or, better yet, a FLEX option depending on your other options. 

The uncertainty, however, should make you consider your other options that play on Sunday.  You don’t want to take the risk and use him, only to find out that he’s going to sit and you have limited alternatives.

Sidney Rice – Wide Receiver – Minnesota Vikings

There was talk that he would be activated from the PUP list for today’s game, but it never happened.  Even if he was to dress for today’s matchup in Chicago, it’s would’ve been impossible to trust him in his first game back.  Owners will have to look towards Week 11, hoping that he’s active, but even then it will probably be in an extremely limited role.  Just keep him stashed and hope that he becomes usable at some point in 2010.

What are your thoughts of these players?  Who would you start?  Who would you sit?

Make sure to check out Rotoprofessor’s Week 10 Rankings:

Top 25 Quarterbacks
Top 40 Running Backs
Top 60 Wide Receivers
Top 20 Tight Ends
Top 15 Kickers
Top 15 Defenses
Waiver Worthy
Start ‘Em or Sit ‘Em
Sunday Sleepers

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