Week 10 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em: 2011 NFL Fantasy Football Bench Roster Advice

Start 'Em

Jonathan Stewart vs. Titans:

While DeAngelo Williams has failed to live up to his new contract, fellow Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart should have a good game against a suspect Titans run defense.

Roy Helu @ Dolphins:

Redskins quarterback John Beck clearly favored running back Roy Helu in the passing game last week, checking down to him often as the receiving corps is struggling overall without Santana Moss. While it’s hard to figure what Mike Shanahan will do weekly with his running game, it appears he’s finally grown tired of Ryan Torain’s ineffective play and Tashard Choice isn’t likely for action this week.

The Dolphins have been respectable against the run, but when you include Helu’s activity in the passing game, he makes for a decent flex play this week.

Laurent Robinson vs. Bills:

With Miles Austin down for up to a month with a hamstring injury, Laurent Robinson will return to the starting lineup, making him a solid WR-3 play weekly. Robinson came to the team at the start of the season after the Rams released him, but it hasn’t taken long to establish chemistry with Tony Romo, and his production has shown that.

Steve Breaston vs. Broncos:

Concern grew last week for Steve Breaston’s fantasy value after rookie Jonathan Baldwin made some plays against the Chargers on prime-time television. While Baldwin will be active in the Chiefs offense, his role didn’t stop Matt Cassel from targeting Breaston 11 times last week for seven receptions and more than 100 yards.

Look for Breaston to have another solid performance as the Chiefs will likely find themselves in a close game against a Broncos team that is fresh off a division win against the Raiders.

Tim Tebow @ Chiefs:

Maybe he won’t have the typical stat line you would expect from a top-10 fantasy quarterback, but as long as he’s on the field, he should post respectable numbers. Expect Tebow to play in full against the Chiefs, as the Broncos look for their second win in as many games, and another 100-yard rushing performance is not out of the question.

Sit 'Em

Marshawn Lynch vs. Ravens:

Credit Marshawn Lynch’s success against the Cowboys to the ineffective play of their inside linebackers, rather than Lynch’s ability to run against a high-ranked run defense. Lynch has struggled with health problems throughout the season, and I wouldn’t count on him against a tough Ravens defense.

Cedric Benson vs. Steelers

While Cedric Benson continues to carry the football 20-plus times a game for the Bengals, but he’s struggled to find the end zone or break any explosive runs. While the Steelers have had their struggles at times this year against the run, they’ve been playing well of late, and Benson shouldn’t be counted on for much this week, once again.

Darrius Heyward-Bey @ Chargers:

Not sure what happened with Darrius Heyward-Bey over the bye week, but it appears he’s fallen out of favor in the Raiders passing game as he failed to start or catch a pass against the Broncos. DHB was the top receiver for the month leading up to the bye, but with a new quarterback in town, we need to see this talented young receiver earn his way back into the lineup before considering him as a fantasy option.

Jabar Gaffney @ Dolphins:

The Redskins quarterback will likely continue to struggle, and while Jabar Gaffney is considered the top receiver, tight end Fred Davis and running back Roy Helu are better options. Look to rookie Leonard Hankerson as a possible receiver who could emerge in this offense, but don’t expect Gaffney to provide more than 50 yards receiving weekly.

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