Week 13 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em: Mark Ingram and Stud Rookies to Play

Now is the time of the year where rookies thrive. When some of the older veteran players bodies are starting to wind down, the fresher rookies step in and do well.

In addition to that, when the bad teams fall out of contention, they are far more likely to turn their rookies loose.

Whatever the reason, these rookies are players to bank on this week. They are best served active in your lineup. If they are on your bench, your team is likely the envy of the league.

Cam Newton

How nice it must be for Newton. How many rookies passing pace drops off with consistent 250-yard performances? Well, that's what's happening with Newton. It just shows how electric his pace was in the early season. 

Against Tampa Bay's defense, plenty of opportunities exist for points. They may not all be through the air, but Newton is a prolific running quarterback as well.

DeMarco Murray

One: Murray has been one of the game's best running backs since assuming the starting role earlier this season.

Two: The Cardinals defense has surrendered plenty of big games to opposing backs all season.

I like where this one is going. More importantly, I like the Cowboys to get a lead pretty early in this one. As a result, they'll be doing a lot of running as the game progresses. 

On the road, running is generally the way to go. That's where the Cowboys are this week. As a result, we'll see plenty of points from the Cowboys star.

Mark Ingram

When the Lions defensive line is at its best, it does a good job rushing the quarterback. What it hasn't done a good job of all year in 2011 is defend the run.

Particularly at home, an understandable fear around Ingram is that they can get a little pass-happy. When Drew Brees gets into a rhythm, it's hard to tell him to not throw it to one of his many weapons. 

Still, I like the look of Ingram an awful lot. If he can get through the line, a few times, a big game awaits. Those aren't bad odds.