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Each week in this space, I review players who are ranked outside the top 10 for QBs and TEs and top 20 for WRs in the weekly ESPN rankings. This is based on who I think will flourish and who will disappoint this upcoming week. I do not review those ranked higher since they are probably highly drafted and unable to be benched, especially with the lack of depth a RB. The next two weeks are going to be very hard with six teams being on byes, but we will give it a shot. Last week was ok, I went 5-3 in the play them and 5-4 in the bench them. We have our fifth bye week with the Chicago, Tennessee, Indianapolis, San Diego, Baltimore, Houston being off. Let’s get to this week.
Play Them
Michael Vick (11) – He may only be 80 percent, but that is plenty good enough against the awful Giants defense.
Ben Roethlisberger (14) – He has been average at best, but gets a pretty bad Raiders team in what should be nice weather.
Steven Jackson (21)- This is what you have saved him for, I would take a chance that he gets 15 touches and a TD.
BenJarvus Green-Ellis (25) – He will get his carries, and I can see at least 3-4 red zone carries in a close low scoring game.
Roy Helu (30)- The Redskins should have to throw to stay in the game, which mean more snaps than usual for Helu.
Terrance Williams (20)- He has taken over as the WR2 for the Cowboys, and with a shaky Lions secondary the passing game is overdue to break out.
Michael Floyd (27)- He continues to get at least 6-8 targets a game but no touchdowns. That could change versus a bad Falcons defense.
Rueben Randle (18)-He has passed Nicks and seems to be a favorite of Manning especially against an Eagles defense.
Brandon Pettigrew (14)- In what should be a wide open game, he could sneak in a touchdown
Bench Them
Tom Brady (12) – Miami has a top pass defense, and now gets a struggling QB. If he had a different name on his back would not be fantasy worthy.
Andy Dalton (15) – He has had two great weeks, but now gets the rising Jets, stay away.
Mike James (21)- He is getting the Panthers in his first start. Martin had issues running and a lesser talent will have more.
Chris Ivory (23)- He carried the workload, but I expect some hangover this week on the road.
Lamar Miller (24)- He has not carried the ball more than 12 times all year, and Thomas keeps getting more snaps.
Hakeem Nicks (23) He has a great matchup but looks hurt, slow or uninterested.
Julian Edelman (24)- With Gronk back and the ghost of Amendola, this will limit his targets.
Steve Johnson (26)- He continues to be nicked up, and the Saints had a week off to prepare.
Kyle Rudolph (12)- He has one good week, but with Ponder back, there is no chance of another.
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Thanks for reading and please free to ask any questions on Twitter or in the comments below.
Mike