Start 'Em Sit 'Em Week 9: Last-Minute Advice for Your Fantasy Football Roster

Week 9 of the football season is about to get started, meaning it's time for those last-minute fantasy football decisions. At this point, you likely have a good idea about your chances of making the playoffs in your fantasy football league.

As the season draws closer to the end, fantasy owners begin to feel more and more pressure. Every decision will have an impact on the outcome of your point total. I find myself looking everywhere for an edge, especially in the matchup department.

Week by week, matchups are one of the most important factors to consider when setting your starting lineup. This week there are several players that you must start, but also those players who need to ride the bench.

In the next several slides, I will be breaking down the players that I feel need to start or sit.

Start 'Em: Michael Turner, Running Back, Atlanta Falcons

Michael Turner and the Atlanta Falcons are facing the winless Indianapolis Colts today. This is a great matchup for Turner, as the Colts are allowing an average of 144 rushing yards per game. Indianapolis has not shown the ability to stop anybody's running attack.

Turner and the Falcons offense could expect to see some extra snaps. The Colts offense is also not performing at a high level, struggling to sustain drives. I figure that the Falcons could get as many as four more possessions than their average.

The Colts' struggles likely will allow the Falcons to jump out to an early lead. This will likely allow the Falcons to grind it out on the ground.

Start 'Em: DeMarco Murray, Running Back, Dallas Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys will be looking to make a statement after their embarrassing loss at the hands of the Philadelphia Eagles. Dallas was unable to find any type of success or rhythm. The offensive side of the ball was especially ineffective.

Finding themselves in an early hole forced Dallas to abandon the running game, which impacted DeMarco Murray's final numbers. This week's game versus the Seattle Seahawks will provide the Cowboys an opportunity to rebound.

I fully expect to see Dallas focus on establishing a running game. Murray could easily get around 25 carries today, against a defense that is allowing over 100 yards rushing per game. Expect to see the Cowboys offense with some extra possessions. The Seahawks' offense has not been able to establish any type of consistency.

Start 'Em: Fred Jackson, Running Back, Buffalo Bills

The New York Jets have a reputation of playing very good defense. Rex Ryan puts the majority of his focus on developing a good defensive game plan. However, this season has been up and down for this defensive unit.

New York's defense is still strong, but I still expect to see Fred Jackson have a strong game. Jackson has been an excellent surprise. He is playing great football, while having a lot to do with the success of the Buffalo Bills.

Jackson is a versatile player who is capable of making plays in the running and passing game. He has been a major contributor in the Bills passing attack. Jackson's ability to execute the screen game and the Jets' tendency to blitz could mean a big day for him.

Sit 'Em: Tim Tebow, Quarterback, Denver Broncos

So far this season, Tim Tebow has not shown the ability to be a legitimate fantasy starter. Many feel he has some fantasy value because of his ability to make plays with his feet. However, even his rushing yards don't make him a good fantasy option.

Tebow and the Broncos are traveling to the Black Hole to take on the rival Oakland Raiders. Oakland's defense does a very good job of creating pressure, which has been a problem for Tebow. I do not see a scenario where Tebow puts up good fantasy numbers.

Sit 'Em: Eli Manning, Quarterback, New York Giants

Sitting Eli Manning is not going to be popular advice, as he has a very favorable matchup. Manning is playing the best football of his career. He is finally avoid turnovers, while also putting up impressive numbers. Today, Manning is facing the New England Patriots and their last-ranked passing defense.

All the numbers point to Manning having an excellent game, but I feel we will see the bad Eli Manning. Manning will be without two of his top playmakers, Hakeem Nicks and Ahmad Bradshaw. Both are listed as questionable, but even if the play the will be less than 100 percent.

Manning is also going to have to find a way to keep pace with the high-powered Patriots offense. Tom Brady and the Patriots' offense is capable of putting up a ton of points. I see Manning throwing folding under the pressure and throwing three interceptions.