Week 9 Fantasy Football Start 'Em, Sit 'Em: Andy Dalton and Must-Start Rookies

The unquestioned Rookie of the Year through the first half of the season has been Cam Newton. He's a quarterback worth starting every week, almost regardless of who your other options are. Only Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers and Drew Brees are consistently as reliable, and even that's close in any given week.

But Cam Newton is on a bye this week. Still, at his position, as well as others, there are other rookies worth starting. 

These rookies are all starting in fewer than 50 percent of ESPN leagues, which should not be the case. 

Andy Dalton

Dalton is actually not a typical rookie. He's still a little turnover prone, but is actually a pretty dependable player. Rookies tend to have an "outhouse or castle" quality to them, but that's not the case with Dalton. 

I really like his matchup against the Tennessee defense. Curtis Painter just threw for 250 yards against them, and I don't see Dalton having a problem matching that.

He and A.J. Green are forming a lethal QB-WR duo this season. Until otherwise noted, don't look for that to change.

Side note: Green would certainly qualify for this list, but is starting in well more than half of ESPN leagues. 

Mark Ingram

Ingram is a risk, there is no doubt about it. He's listed as questionable and plays in an offense that relies mostly on the pass.

But the Buccaneers' defense has not done a good job against the run in recent weeks. So, if Ingram is in the lineup, he's a must play back.

Keep an eye on him but at this point, Ingram's matchup makes him worth a gamble. 

Julio Jones

Jones is another rookie whose health makes him a gamble, although it's not a big one. For one, he's listed as probable against the Colts. 

Two, he's playing the Colts, whose secondary will have a hard time against a player like Jones. 

Jones has missed the last two games, but look for him to step back into action and make an immediate impact this season.