Week 9 Start Em Sit Em: Ben Roethlisberger and Other QBs You Must Start

This week, my fantasy football quarterback recommendations don't include the usual studs, such as Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers or Drew Brees. Instead, this week, my must-starts feature three passers whose value has been ever-shifting all season long, but who have found themselves with solid matchups in Week 9.

Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers (vs. Baltimore Ravens)

The first time Ben Roethlisberger faced the Ravens this season, in Week 1, things didn't go so well. He completed just 53.7 percent of his passes for 280 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions.

Luckily for him, and your fantasy team, he's managed to turn it around. In the seven intervening weeks, he's had a total of 183 completions for 2,302 yards, 14 touchdowns and seven interceptions.

Eleven of those touchdowns and only two of those interceptions have come in the last four weeks. Roethlisberger's impressive run culminated in his Week 8 performance that saw his team best the New England Patriots on the merits of his 36-of-50, 365-yard, two-touchdown day.

Considering the Ravens have a significantly better pass defense than the Patriots, Ben's success should be clipped a bit. However, the sting of that Week 1 loss is going to make this week's meeting a bit different than were the two teams not such rivals.

Clearly, the Steelers are at a disadvantage in the run game. The Ravens should have no trouble stuffing Rashard Mendenhall and company, meaning that it may just be another 50-attempt outing for Roethlisberger.

No matter what, don't let the matchup scare you. This is going to be another impressive day for Roethlisberger, whether or not his team comes up with the win. Give him the start, without hesitation.

Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons (at Indianapolis Colts)

Few things are guaranteed in fantasy football. However, one thing that's becoming increasingly clear is that if you have a player on your roster who is facing the Indianapolis Colts, he is immediately elevated to a must-start player for that week.

Such is the case for the Falcons' Matt Ryan, who takes his considerable arm and talented receivers with him against the league's overall worst defense.

Ryan has struggled to get a lot going on offense for his team, with nine touchdowns to eight interceptions and 1,683 yards. However, a dose of the Colts' poor secondary might just be what the doctor ordered.

While his performances through the first seven weeks of the season is enough to give you a pause, the matchup is just too ideal to leave him on your bench in Week 9.

Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys (vs. Seattle Seahawks)

In his last two starts, Tony Romo has fallen flat. He has averaged just 184.5 yards and thrown three touchdowns to two interceptions in that time.

In Week 7, it was understandable. The St. Louis Rams are susceptible to the run and the Cowboys decided to go with what was a sure-fire offensive strategy. It worked.

However, in Week 8, Romo was shaken by the Philadelphia Eagles' three top-flight cornerbacks. He completed just over 51 percent of his passes. This week should prove to be better for the oft-unreliable fantasy quarterback, with the Seattle Seahawks' weak pass defense coming to town.

Better yet is that the Seahawks are a tough team to run against, meaning that Romo will be asked to step up and go for the win via the air. With reliable targets Dez Bryant, Miles Austin and Jason Witten at the ready, it should be an up week for Romo, making him worthy of a fantasy start.