Sit/Start Week 16

Quarterbacks

Alex Smith: He hit a Philadelphia wall last week, but gets to return home and face the hapless Detroit Lions who are about last in every passing defensive category. he is a much safer play this week, as well as any 49er.

Eli Manning: He has a tough matchup, but has been hot lately. He’s becoming startable even in bad matchups now with the help of Steve Smith, Hakeem Nicks, Mario Manningham and Kevin Boss.

Joe Flacco: This could be a slug fest, but the Steelers have been giving up big play after big play. And it looks like Flacco has turned it around after a mid-season slump. Don’t be afraid to get him in your lineup.

Running Backs

Jason Snelling: The Bills are the worst rushing defense in the league and have one of the best pass defenses. Jason Snelling will get the bulk of the carries, while Jerious Norwood will be the change of pace back.

Jerome Harrison: Yes, I think you should start a running back that just broke Jim Brown’s franchise record. Crazy, huh? I’ve seen a lot of people worried that Mangini will screw us fantasy owners around again, but I don’t see it happening. Jennings was used in the Pittsburgh game because the weather was horrible and Mangini wanted a back who would hold onto the ball and pound it between the tackles. Harrison has won the job and will get the bulk of the carries.

Michael Bush: It looks like Justin Fargas will be out and Michael Bush will get the start. Yes, Darren McFadden will get work, but against Cleveland’s poor rush defense the main back is worth a flex play.

Wide Receivers

Steve Smith: In the battle of the Steve Smiths I see Carolina’s Smith winning the fantasy points award this week. The Giants pass defense is bad and Smith is Moore’s only good target whereas Manning has many targets. Get Mighty Mouse into your lineup.

Michael Crabtree: The Lions are pussy cats when it comes to pass defense. Look for Smith to give rookie Crabtree some work to help him end his season on a high note to build on for next season.

Mike Sims-Walker: New England is poor against wide receivers, well, dead last in the last 7 games to be exact. Sims-Walker looks to be healed up. Look for him to get a lot of work in what could be a passing fest for the Jags in the second half.

Sit Down!

Quarterbacks
Peyton Manning: This will be the only time you ever see him on the sit list. Unless Caldwell gives a little more guidance on how much the starters will play I don’t feel safe starting him against the best pass defense in the league. That doesn’t mean sit him in favor of Brian Brohm, but I would for someone like Alex Smith.

Kyle Orton: The Eagles have been playing tough and Orton has only thrown to Brandon Marshall with any success. Look at Alex Smith last week in Philly.

Brett Favre: He hasn’t won outdoors on the road with a temperature below 39 degrees since 2002. The Bears have folded, but Favre isn’t the lock that he was earlier in the season.

Running Backs

Matt Forte: This may be too easy, but talk about a bad matchup for a disappointing back. I would start a whole slew of RB’s before even thinking about starting Forte.

Joseph Addai: The Jets rush defense has improved lately. Add that to the playing time question and I’d look for safer options.

Knowshon Moreno: Has Knowshon hit a rookie wall? He had a prime matchup last week and couldn’t get it done. I’d be wary of him in Philadelphia.

Wide Receivers

Reggie Wayne: Ok, even if we weren’t worried about playing time we would be worried about the Revis factor.

Jeremy Maclin: He’s back from his injury, but I would worry about getting him back into your lineup against a good Denver pass defense.

Chris Chambers: You may be tempted to start him since he had a big game last week, but those numbers came on only 5 targets and against Cleveland. Dwayne Bowe is back to being the number one target and they get a tough Bengals pass defense.