Week 9 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em: Chargers QB Philip Rivers and 5 Others You Must Start

Philip Rivers, Chargers

If you drafted Rivers high back in August, chances are you've stuck with him during his turbulent 2011 season. If you've bailed on him already, that's understandable, too. But with all the struggles and turnovers we've seen from Rivers, this week might not be the one to completely give up on him.

The Packers have given up as many big plays in the passing game as any team in football. I'm sure you'd hesitate to call him an "elite quarterback" this season, but the top signal-callers—Drew Brees, Cam Newton—have chewed up the Packers' secondary. Maybe, just maybe, Rivers can get back on track this weekend.

Michael Bush, Raiders

With Darren McFadden watching Raiders practice from the sidelines in a walking boot and crutches, it doesn't look like he'll be making the start Sunday against the Broncos. There's been no official ruling, but it's safe to say Run DMC will be a spectator for at least another week. If that is in fact the case, Bush is in line for a big afternoon; 100 yards and a score against the Broncos' defense isn't a stretch by any means.

LeGarrette Blount, Buccaneers

While coming off an injury should give you a quick pause on Blount, don't be too alarmed; he's practiced all week and should be a full-go on Sunday against the Saints.

If you remember, New Orleans is coming off a butt-kicking on the ground last weekend against the Rams. Steven Jackson ran all over the Saints in leading St. Louis to an upset win. Blount is a similar type of back, and you'd have to think the Bucs will want to use him in the same ways the Rams deployed Jackson in Week 8.

Wes Welker, Patriots

Two below-average performances scaring you off of Welker? Don't even think about it. While Welker has faced two really good defenses the past two weeks in Dallas and Pittsburgh, I'm not ready to put the Giants in that same category. And even if they were, Welker is still a guy you have to start every single week because of the amount of targets he receives. He'll turn it back on this week.

Anquan Boldin, Ravens

With Joe Flacco struggling and the Ravens traveling to Pittsburgh to take on the Steelers, the matchup on paper says to stay away from Boldin this week. Not so fast.

He's been the most targeted receiver in football over the past two weeks.

In the Ravens last three games, Boldin has exploded in two of them: 132 yards on eight catches against Houston in Week 7 and 145 on seven against the Cardinals last week. He also played well in the Ravens' first matchup with the Steelers, catching four passes for 74 yards and a score. There's still some risk here, but not all the signs point down for Boldin.