Fantasy Football Start 'Em or Sit 'Em Debate: Ronnie Brown

Thursday night games add a twist for fantasy owners who hold questionable options.  It forces owners' hands earlier then they’d like, as they need to make some of their decisions before kickoff on Thursday if they own a player in that game.

This week owners are left to debate if they should use Ronnie Brown or leave him on the bench.  The Dolphins are on their third string quarterback, with both Chad Henne and Chad Pennington being lost to injuries in Week 10.  That will likely mean a few more looks in the Wildcat, giving Brown extra opportunities to shine.

The thing is, Brown has been a far cry from effective thus far in 2010:

• He’s actually attempted just one pass, which was incomplete
• He has just 444 yards and three TDs on 113 carries (averaging 3.9 yards per carry)
• He has 18 receptions for just 120 yards

His 2009 campaign did end prematurely (he played just nine games), but his numbers far exceeded what he’s posted thus far.  In nine games he had 648 yards and eight TDs, with 14 receptions for 98 yards.  He was also 2-6 for 22 yards and a touchdown when passing.

As if those struggles weren’t enough, the Bears' defense is the second best in the league against the run in 2010, allowing just 82.3 rushing yards per game.  Yes, they’ve been prone to the big play (tied with a league leading 11 runs of 20+ yards), but Brown has only broken one long run all year (as has Ricky Williams).

That’s not to mention that the Bears are coming off a game where they stymied Adrian Peterson, who we all know is one of the elite backs in the game.  He had 17 carries and managed just 51 yards.

Unless Tyler Thigpen can get something going in the passing game, the Bears will be free to key in on the run.  With Brown struggling already, seeing them stack the box on him has to scare you.  Let’s not forget that he is just one week removed from a 12 carry, 11 yard performance (the third time this season he’s rushed for under 30 yards in a game).

If you have other options you can turn to, use them.  Brown carries too big of a question mark this week.  That’s not to say that he’s not going to perform, but the risk far outweighs the potential reward.

What are your thoughts on Brown?  Would you start him?  Why or why not?

Make sure to check out Rotoprofessor’s Week 11 Rankings:

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

THIS ARTICLE IS ALSO FEATURED ON WWW.ROTOPROFESSOR.COM/FOOTBALL