Kings of Leon - Washington Owners Will Cash In On Do-it-all Back This Week

I make only one promise to you this week: I will have ZERO Redskins in today’s piece. Let’s get to it.

Start

Matt Ryan, QB ATL- The young signal caller for the Falcons has escaped the sophomore slump. Not only is he getting solid fantasy production, he is winning in the process. This week he faces the 26th ranked pass defense of the Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys have given it up to Byron Leftwich, Matt Cassel and Kyle Orton. They aren’t generating interceptions and they aren’t getting the sacks you would have expected from their pass rush (only 10 so far this season.) Look for Ryan to get it done this week on the road in Jerry’s Funhouse.

Leon Washinton, RB NYJ- I have leaned on him all season, with not too much else on my roster to rely on. This week I like him as a must-start because Sanchez is really struggling. Rex Ryan made it clear in the offseason that Washington was going to be a key member of this offense. Last week against the Bills he really came alive, with 99 yards rushing and 46 yards receiving. The Raiders (this week’s opponent) are the 5th worst unit in the league, allowing 145 yards per game on the ground. Expect to see the Jets get the ball to Leon Washington early and often this week.

Steve Breaston, WR ARI- This is your risky move of the week. It looks like Anquan Boldin is going to miss the game this week against the Giants. We all just witnessed the Saints air it out against the Giants, and Kurt Warner is certainly capable of exploiting that pass defense this weekend. Larry Fitzgerald will draw everyone’s attention and Breaston should be able to slide in for a nice day.

Greg Olsen, TE CHI - The budding friendship between Jay Cutler and Greg Olsen is starting to bear fruit for fantasy owners. Olsen is getting targeted more and more and his production has risen--he has scored a touchdown in three straight games. The Bengals defense has been adept at getting to the quarterback (though losing Odom was a blow) so you would think Cutler would be looking for Olsen in the shorter and intermediate patterns.

New England Patriots, DEF- I am kind of glomming on here on the heels of their shutout last week and the fact they are playing an inferior team. But when you get an easy one, you take it.

Sit

Mark Sanchez, QB NYJ - He came out like gangbusters early in the season and has since plummeted back to reality. His performances against the Saints, Dolphins and Bills have given fantasy owners ulcers. It is time to sit the rookie and wait for him to prove that he is in fact a guy who can help your fantasy team.

Jamal Lewis, RB CLE- This is kind of like advising you not to touch a glowing hot oven burner. But some people need to be told. The Browns play the Green Bay Packers who have very quietly been decent against the run. They are 10th overall in rushing yards allowed and slightly more mediocre in yards per game, but they don’t let in rushing touchdowns, tied for second in fewest rushing touchdowns allowed. Oh yeah, and the Browns are...you know, the Browns.

Santana Moss, WR WAS- I think the inclusion of this Redskin is okay, since I am begging you to sit him. The whole world is in disarray inside the capital beltway this week and NOBODY knows what the Redskins’ offense is going to look like on Monday Night Football. Moss has not fared well against the Eagles since coming to the Redskins and he is struggling to get in sync with Jason Campbell. If you have a warm body on your bench, start him over Moss this week.

Zach Miller, TE OAK - He blew up last week with 139 yards and a touchdown against the Eagles (leading me to almost advise you to start Chris Cooley, but I made a promise and I intend to keep it.) But the Jets defense has an exceptional secondary and one gets the sense that Rex Ryan will make Miller a focus of his defense this week. They typically handle tight ends well having only given up one touchdown to an opposing tight end all season. Don’t expect Zach to have back-to-back stellar weeks.

New York Giants, DEF- I am piggy-backing a little on the Steve Breaston pick above. Last week the Giants cost fantasy owners around the country cold, hard cash. Up until their clash with the Saints, they were anchoring teams in most leagues. Ken Whisenhunt is no slouch and you have to believe he and his coaching staff saw some things they can take advantage of with Kurt Warner. I would be very careful about starting the Giants defense this week.