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SAN FRANCISCO - NOVEMBER 14:  Sam Bradford #8  of the St. Louis Rams in action against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park on November 14, 2010 in San Francisco, California.  (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO - NOVEMBER 14: Sam Bradford #8 of the St. Louis Rams in action against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park on November 14, 2010 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

Fantasy Football Start Em’ Sit Em’: Sam Bradford Is a Must Start

Matthew FairburnDec 3, 2010

With those final few playoff spots in your fantasy league still in the balance, making smart lineup decisions could determine whether or not you’re still playing in a few weeks.

Is it finally time to consider Sam Bradford a reliable fantasy starer? Which studs are going to play more like duds on Sunday?

I’ve got you covered with start em’ sit em’ advice for the crucial Week 13.

Start Em: Sam Bradford Quarterback, St. Louis Rams vs. Arizona Cardinals

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ST. LOUIS - OCTOBER 31: Sam Bradford #8 of the St. Louis Rams looks to pass against Eric Norwood #92 of the Carolina Panthers at the Edward Jones Dome on October 31, 2010 in St. Louis, Missouri.  The Rams beat the Panthers 20-10.  (Photo by Dilip Vishwana
ST. LOUIS - OCTOBER 31: Sam Bradford #8 of the St. Louis Rams looks to pass against Eric Norwood #92 of the Carolina Panthers at the Edward Jones Dome on October 31, 2010 in St. Louis, Missouri. The Rams beat the Panthers 20-10. (Photo by Dilip Vishwana

Sam Bradford is a rookie, but he sure has not played the part.

Gracing a surprising arm, tremendous accuracy and elite intangibles, the former Sooner has made this Rams’ offense relevant again. In his last six games, Bradford has an 11:1 touchdown to interception ratio.

Meanwhile, the Cardinals are a disaster, allowing opposing signal callers to compile an average of 263 yards and 1.5 touchdowns a game through the air.

Bradford is a terrific option for those owners hurting at quarterback this week.

Start Em: Mike Tolbert Running Back, San Diego Chargers vs. Oakland Raiders

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SAN DIEGO - NOVEMBER 22:  Mike Tolbert #35 of the San Diego Chargers breaks a tackle against Nate Jones #33 of the Denver Broncos as he rushes for a gain at Qualcomm Stadium on November 22, 2010 in San Diego, California.  (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty
SAN DIEGO - NOVEMBER 22: Mike Tolbert #35 of the San Diego Chargers breaks a tackle against Nate Jones #33 of the Denver Broncos as he rushes for a gain at Qualcomm Stadium on November 22, 2010 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty

Mike Tolbert has been running like a man possessed in recent weeks and is getting more carries than Ryan Mathews.

To add to Tolbert's value, Oakland just got trampled on by the Dolphins running game.

This game should be a good old fashioned shellacking, which means Tolbert will get plenty of work.

Start Em: Tashard Choice Running Back, Dallas Cowboys vs. Indianapolis Colts

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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 31:  Tashard Choice #23 of the Dallas Cowboys runs the ball against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Cowboys Stadium on October 31, 2010 in Arlington, Texas.  (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 31: Tashard Choice #23 of the Dallas Cowboys runs the ball against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Cowboys Stadium on October 31, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

Marion Barber suffered a calf injury last week, which clears the way for a long overdue increased workload for Tashard Choice.

One of the most valuable late-season running backs for fantasy owners in ‘09, Choice is the most complete back on the Cowboy roster.

His fresh legs against a Colts’ defense that has allowed over 150 yards per game on the ground, a 4.9 yards per carry average and 12 touchdowns, and this Cowboy back could make a great “Choice” for fantasy owners.

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Danario Alexander Wide Receiver, St. Louis Rams vs. Arizona Cardinals

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ST. LOUIS - OCTOBER 17: Danario Alexander #84 of the St. Louis Rams celebrates his first career touchdown against the San Diego Chargers at the Edward Jones Dome on October 17, 2010 in St. Louis, Missouri.  The Rams beat the Chargers 20-17.  (Photo by Dil
ST. LOUIS - OCTOBER 17: Danario Alexander #84 of the St. Louis Rams celebrates his first career touchdown against the San Diego Chargers at the Edward Jones Dome on October 17, 2010 in St. Louis, Missouri. The Rams beat the Chargers 20-17. (Photo by Dil

Sam Bradford lacks weapons on the outside.So you can bet he is glad to have Alexander back in the lineup.

The former Mizzou Tiger has plenty of talent, and at 6'5", presents a great red zone target. Expect him to be a beneficiary of Sam Bradford’s success on Sunday.

Start Em: Derrick Mason Wide Receiver, Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

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BALTIMORE, MD - OCTOBER 10: Derrick Mason #85 of the Baltimore Ravens runs the ball against the Denver Broncos at M&T Bank Stadium on October 10, 2010 in Baltimore, Maryland. Players wore pink in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The Ravens de
BALTIMORE, MD - OCTOBER 10: Derrick Mason #85 of the Baltimore Ravens runs the ball against the Denver Broncos at M&T Bank Stadium on October 10, 2010 in Baltimore, Maryland. Players wore pink in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The Ravens de

Believe it or not, Derrick Mason is continuing to produce. Despite his age, Mason has become Flacco's most reliable receiver, including Anquan Boldin.

With over 80 yards and a touchdown last week, Mason now has 19 catches for 219 yards and three scores in this last four games. Meanwhile, Anquan Boldin is struggling.

Look for Joe Flacco to rely on Mason in key division matchup.

Start Em: Tony Moeaki Tight End, Kansas City Chiefs vs. Denver Broncos

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SEATTLE, WA - NOVEMBER 28:  Tight end Tony Moeaki #81 of the Kansas City Chiefs warms up prior to the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Qwest Field on November 28, 2010 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - NOVEMBER 28: Tight end Tony Moeaki #81 of the Kansas City Chiefs warms up prior to the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Qwest Field on November 28, 2010 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

The Chiefs will get Tony Moeaki back in the lineup against a Denver defense that struggles against the pass.

Champ Bailey will be able to handle Dwayne Bowe, leaving Tony Moeaki as Matt Cassel’s best red zone option.

Sit Em: Joe Flacco Quarterback, Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

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CHARLOTTE, NC - NOVEMBER 21:  Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on November 21, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina.  (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - NOVEMBER 21: Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on November 21, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Joe Flacco has never beaten Ben Roethlisberger.

I expect that to change this week, but I would not want Flacco in my fantasy lineup. The AFC North Showdown should be a defensive struggle, and I anticipate a marginal—but not great—game out of Baltimore’s quarterback.

You can do better.

Sit Em: Darren McFadden Running Back, Oakland Raiders vs. San Diego Chargers

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DENVER - OCTOBER 24:  Running back Darren McFadden #20 of the Oakland Raiders runs against the Denver Broncos at INVESCO Field at Mile High on October 24, 2010 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
DENVER - OCTOBER 24: Running back Darren McFadden #20 of the Oakland Raiders runs against the Denver Broncos at INVESCO Field at Mile High on October 24, 2010 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)

DMAC has not looked the same since returning from injury. He is starting to fade, and going up against the league’s top defense is not going to help matters.

The Raiders will be playing from behind in this contest, so McFadden could compile some receiving yardage but not enough to make him worthy of a lineup spot.

Sit Em: Ladanian Tomlinson Running Back, New York Jets vs. New England Patriots

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ORCHARD PARK, NY - OCTOBER 03: LaDanian Tomlinson #21 of the New York Jets runs against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium on October 3, 2010 in Orchard Park, New York. The Jets won 38-14. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NY - OCTOBER 03: LaDanian Tomlinson #21 of the New York Jets runs against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium on October 3, 2010 in Orchard Park, New York. The Jets won 38-14. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

Another early season stud, LT has begun to show his age. Averaging 3.4 yards per carry in his last four games with zero touchdowns, the former MVP goes up against a New England defense that has been able to slow down opposing rushers recently.

Don’t expect the world out of Tomlinson.

Sit Em: Larry Fitzgerald Wide Receiver, Arizona Cardinals vs. St. Louis Rams

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GLENDALE, AZ - NOVEMBER 14:  Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald #11 of the Arizona Cardinals walks off the field after the game with the Seattle Seahawks at University of Phoenix Stadium on November 14, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona. Seattle won 36-18.  (Photo by
GLENDALE, AZ - NOVEMBER 14: Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald #11 of the Arizona Cardinals walks off the field after the game with the Seattle Seahawks at University of Phoenix Stadium on November 14, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona. Seattle won 36-18. (Photo by

There is no quarterback on the Arizona roster capable of getting the ball to Larry Fitzgerald.

I don’t care how much of his heart and soul Derek Anderson puts into this s***, because it is clearly not enough.

Sit Em: Randy Moss Wide Receiver, Tennessee Titans vs. Jacksonville

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NASHVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 21:  Randy Moss #84 of the Tennessee Titans is introduced before a game against the Washington Redskins at LP Field on November 21, 2010 in Nashville, Tennessee.  (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 21: Randy Moss #84 of the Tennessee Titans is introduced before a game against the Washington Redskins at LP Field on November 21, 2010 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)

Jacksonville’s secondary is an embarrassment but do not get the crazy idea of starting Randy Moss.

Kerry Collins will play, but who knows whether he will be healthy and or sober enough to get the ball downfield to Randy Moss.

Questions, Comments, Want More?

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Make sure to check out my blog, 2guys1football.com

Email me with any concerns @ matthewfairburn@gmail.com

Thanks for reading! Good Luck with your fantasy matchups this week!

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