Week 9 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em: Michael Bush and Others You Must Start

Going back and forth on who to start and who to sit in fantasy football can be a travesty. It can also be the catalyst responsible for ruining your season.

For those who are on the fence this week, here are four must starts in Week 9.

Michael Bush: RB, Raiders (vs. Broncos)

If you have yet to pick up Raiders RB Michael Bush, you better do so now. That is, provided he's still available. For those that have Bush, he's a definite start at home against Denver this week.

The Broncos have improved defensively. However, they still allow close to 120 rushing yards per game, while Oakland averages almost 160. The Raiders have had much success against the Broncos in the ground game in recent history, so there's no reason why Bush can't continue that trend.

Until Denver proves they can consistently stop the run, there's really no reason to try anything else. Running the football is the secret recipe to winning in a pass-happy league.

Julio Jones: WR, Falcons (at Colts)

Of the players mentioned on this list, Falcons WR Julio Jones is the most concerning. However, he did return to practice this week, according to Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

If Jones ends up playing, you must start him. The Colts have the 22nd-ranked pass defense and the 31st-ranked rush defense. Therefore, expect the Falcons to setup the pass early on with some play-action.

Jones will get some targets against an even more vulnerable Indy pass defense as a result. He should have a solid game after missing the past two. He's not going to dominate, but Julio will prove to be productive enough that Matt Ryan can dish the ball around effectively.

Eli Manning: QB, Giants (at Patriots)

Since he's not considered a gunslinging QB like Brees, Rodgers or Brady, Eli Manning is quietly having a very productive season.

Through just seven games, he's thrown for over 2,100 yards and has 13 TDs to just five picks. The Giants rank No. 4 in passing offense. The ground game may be lacking, but it's been effective enough to let Manning blossom.

This week, Manning will perform very well once again. The New England Patriots rank No. 32 against the pass, allowing 323 yards per game. With that, don't be surprised if the Giants steal a victory in New England.

Eli will keep pace alongside Tom Brady, thanks to Bill Belichick's defense, or lack thereof.

Ray Rice: RB, Ravens (at Steelers)

When the Ravens and Steelers meet in Pittsburgh on Sunday, Baltimore RB Ray Rice's production could very well determine the outcome.

He may have only 489 rushing yards on the year, but he also is second on the team with 373 receiving yards. In addition, he has seven TDs and ran for over 100 yards against The Steel Curtain in Week 1.

Rice is a dual-threat back. With Pittsburgh dealing with some injuries, his production will flourish in Week 9. Whether the rest of teammates plays up to his level is another story. However, regardless of the outcome, Ray Rice will put up some solid fantasy numbers this week.

Be sure to check out John on Bleacher Report. 

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