Week 9 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em: Ray Rice and 5 Hyped Up Players to Avoid

Week 9 of the NFL season is quickly approaching, and for fans it means another week of fantasy decisions. 

For the most part, Week 9 has some favorable matchups in store. Darren McFadden, Frank Gore, Arian Foster, Michael Turner, etc all have favorable fantasy matchups this week. On the other hand, avoid starting players from the Pittsburgh-Ravens game. 

Who to sit? I will address which players you should downright avoid in Week 9. 

Mike Wallace vs. Ravens

Mike Wallace has eclipsed 100 yards receiving in a game four times this season already. His consistency has been the most surprising element. It's one reason why quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is having such a huge season.  
 
Despite the success of Mike Wallace this season, the Ravens are a different animal on defense. The Ravens are ranked third against the pass (third against the run) and will likely have Ed Reed providing safety help to whoever lines up opposite Mike Wallace.  
 
The Steelers-Ravens games aren't known for shootouts, so do not expect much from Wallace this Sunday.

Stevie Johnson vs. Jets

Stevie Johnson of the Buffalo Bills will likely line up opposite Darrell Revis this Sunday. Revis is considered the best cornerback in football, and I expect him to contain the athletic Stevie Johnson.

Avoid Stevie Johnson this Sunday against the Jets.  

Anquan Boldin vs. Steelers

Anquan Boldin played a masterful game against his former team (Arizona Cardinals) last week in a Ravens win. I do not expect that type of performance against a surging Steelers defense this week.  
 
The Steelers are ranked first against the pass, and that is not good news for the struggling Joe Flacco. The Ravens offense has struggled the last few weeks, and I do not expect this to change suddenly against a strong Steelers defense.

Demarco Murray vs. Seahawks

This selection may seem strange to some folks, but there is no error here. This selection has more to do with the Seahawks defense than the Cowboys rushing attack. The Seahawks are ranked first overall in yards per carry allowed (rushing). 

Expect Tony Romo to attack an average Seahawks secondary that is susceptible to big plays. 

Ray Rice vs. Steelers

Ray Rice scored three touchdowns last week in the Ravens win over the Arizona Cardinals. The Steelers are ranked eight overall against the run despite all the injuries on that defensive line.  

With the Steelers at home, I trust their defensive line more than the Ravens shaky offensive line.