Play ‘Em
Josh Freeman: Freeman continues to be clutch, leading the Bucs to four fourth-quarter comebacks this season. Aside from that, Freeman is having an impressive fantasy year, with 1,533 yards, eight touchdowns and three interceptions. This week, Freeman faces the Falcons, who allow 260 yards passing per game. Atlanta cornerback Dunta Robinson continues to battle a concussion, which should open the passing game for Freeman and Tampa Bay.
Matt Ryan: Much like Freeman, I like the opposing quarterback, Matt Ryan. The Falcons are coming off a bye-week, so expect them to treat Week 9 like a playoff game. Ryan has yet to surpass 300 yards in a game but has thrown at least one touchdown pass in five straight games. Worth noting, Tampa Bay ranks 25th in the league in total yards allowed.
Peyton Hillis: Hillis has scored a touchdown in six of the first seven games this season. This week, Hillis takes on a Patriots’ defense that allowed a total of 125 rushing yards and a touchdown to the Vikings last week. Hillis will continue to be the goal line back, despite sharing carries with Mike Bell.
BenJarvus Green-Ellis: If you’re looking for a sleeper this week, consider the law firm. Green-Ellis had his best game against Minnesota with 112 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Green-Ellis is emerging as the primary back because of Fred Taylor’s toe injury. Consider Green-Ellis a solid No. 2 Fantasy running back this week.
Mike Williams (TB): The most impressive rookie wide receiver has been Williams. Williams had a career day last week with 105 yards and a touchdown. It’s time to consider Williams a legitimate Fantasy wide receiver, as he is Tampa Bay’s go-to guy. Look for Williams to run past Atlanta’s secondary.
Jacob Tamme: This is the first time I’m recommending a tight end. My reasons are Peyton Manning and Dallas Clark’s injury. Tamme filled in nicely on Monday Night with 64 yards and a touchdown. This week the Colts face the Eagles, who give up the fifth most fantasy points to opposing tight ends. Look for more success, because Manning makes everyone around him better. If you’re struggling with the tight end position, run to the waiver wire and claim Tamme.
Bench ‘Em
Matthew Stafford: Stafford was lights-out against Washington with 212 yards, four touchdowns and one interception. However, I’m benching him this week against of the Jets, who shut down Aaron Rodgers (7 Fantasy points) and the Packers last week. The Lions will get the same dose and expect Calvin Johnson to be stranded on Revis Island. Stafford’s shoulder and the Jets’ defense are a bad combination.
Cedric Benson: Benson has been non-existent in the Bengals’ offense with 69 rushing yards last week. Benson hasn’t recorded a touchdown in four straight games and gets to face a Steelers’ defense that allows eight fantasy points to opposing running backs. The Bengals will look to pass, led by Terrell Owens.
Jonathan Stewart: Stewart got a major boost in value after DeAngelo Williams was out but failed to produce. If Williams is out, Stewart will start, but not for your fantasy team. The Saints rank 16th in rushing yards allowed and are coming off a huge win against the Steelers. Stewart, at best, is a flex option in this matchup.
Jahvid Best: Best has been struggling with that turf toe injury, and it showed last week against Washington, as he had 12 carries for 48 yards. This week, Best faces a Jets’ defense that allows 89 rushing yards per game. Best will continue to split carries with Kevin Smith, who is running well in limited action.
Deion Branch: Although Branch has a tasty matchup against the Browns, I’m benching Branch. He had one great game since his return to New England but has slowed down because of a hamstring injury. Last week, Branch had one pass for 21 yards. Brady will continue to look for Brandon Tate downfield, and I expect Welker to break out of his slump.
