Fantasy Football Sunday Morning Start 'Em or Sit 'Em Decisions: Week 13

Just hours before the start of Week 13 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:

Antonio Gates – Tight End – San Diego Chargers
According to the Chargers official website Gates has been downgraded to “Out” for today’s game.  Obviously, at this point you need to go to Plan B.  Keep checking the news, just in case something does change, but I wouldn’t plan on depending on him. 

Kevin Boss – Tight End – New York Giants
The team’s healthy wide receivers are Mario Manningham, Derek Hagan and Michael Clayton (at least, those are the one that are worth talking about).  Clearly, they are once again going to lean heavily on their tight ends.  While Travis Beckum is going to get a few opportunities, Boss is much more likely to be the biggest benefactor.

He has scored touchdowns in three of the past four games and is facing a Redskins defense that has allowed 269.4 yards per game, fourth-worst in the league.  They have also allowed 18 touchdowns and it is likely that the Giants are going to let Eli Manning attempt to exploit them.  The targets that normally would go to Hakeem Nicks and Steve Smith need to be allocated somewhere, making Boss a usable option in all formats (especially for those looking to replace Gates). 

Jacoby Ford – Wide Receiver – Oakland Raiders
There have been rumors that Ford will start for the Raiders this week, replacing Darius Heyward-Bey.  Even if he does, until we see him produce consistently it is impossible to trust him during the most important part of your fantasy season.  With a playoff berth hanging in the balance, are you really going to put your future in the hands of someone with 16 receptions, 320 yards and a touchdown on the season?

Granted, Ford does hold more value in leagues that value returns, as he has returned two kicks for touchdowns and has 816 return yards on the year.  Outside of that, keep him away from your starting lineup until he proves otherwise. 

Brandon Marshall – Wide Receiver – Miami Dolphins
He’s listed as questionable on the injury report as he works his way back from a hamstring injury.  The talk is that he is going to play, which puts fantasy owners in a little bit of a tough predicament.  He was certainly drafted to be one of your starting wide receivers, but there certainly are a lot of negatives stacked against him:

• He’s scored just one touchdown on the season
• He hasn’t had more than 64 yards in a game since Week 6
• He hasn’t had more than five receptions in a game since Week 6 (and has only had more than five three times)

Granted, the return of Chad Henne certainly helps, but it is tough to depend on him not knowing if he is going to be playing at 100% or not.  Depending on your other options you are going to have to consider him, but if you have other viable options you may want to leave him on your bench until he proves otherwise. 

Mike Tolbert – Running Back – San Diego Chargers
Among the walking wounded for the Chargers, Kevin Acee recently said (via Twitter) “Norv Turner says he’s optimistic Gates, Tolbert and Floyd will play vs. OAK and play significant number of snaps.”  That’s great news for fantasy owners (though apparently it is not going to be the case for Gates), as there are a ton of things stacked in his favor:

• He has a favorable matchup with the Raiders, who are allowing the fifth most rushing yards per game at 133.7 (as well as having allowed nine rushing touchdowns)
• He has scored in seven of the last eight games
• He’s posted back-to-back 100 yard rushing games
• Ryan Mathews, who many anticipated to be the go to guy in the backfield, continues to struggle

Make sure to check the news early in the day, just to be safe, but Tolbert appears to be a great play as a RB2 this week. 

Kerry Collins – Quarterback – Tennessee Titans
Barring the unexpected, he’s going to be back under center this week.  While he’s only really viable in two-quarterback formats, his presence will likely do wonders for Chris Johnson (who was stymied in Week 12 when Rusty Smith was playing QB).  If that’s the only true benefit he brings to fantasy owners, only those who are playing against Johnson this week are going to complain.

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

Make sure to check out Rotoprofessor’s Week 13 Rankings:

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

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