Week 10: Sit 'Em
Sit'em articles can vary widely across fantasy websites. Some weeks you might see consistency among experts and other weeks you might not find one match between articles. Sit'em picks are focused on selecting usually solid players that are not worth starting in any given week. Circumstances might include match-up, injury watch, RBBC approach, passing vs. rushing focus, past performance, etc.
Sit'ems include some tough calls. We all have doubts each week and have to consider our options. It is a difficult decision to sit your stud or solid player, but occaisonally you must in order to win that match-up.
RB Andre Brown, NYG
Brown suffered a shoulder injury this past Sunday. He left the game, but was cleared to return if needed. Bradshaw is the workhorse in this scenario and Brown is definitely his back-up. David Wilson has been a non-factor of late. If we consider Brown saying his shoulder is good to go, we could consider him a flex option. However, if Brown was cleared to return to the game last week, why did he not? I question his ability to contribute this week. When Brown has a good day, he gains 15-20 yards and has a score; when he has a poor outing, he just gains his 15-20 yards. I am going to say play it safe this week with Brown and keep him on your bench. I think he will play, but only rush for 25 yards in back-up duty to Bradshaw and not score. This will render him useless for gaining you the fantasy points you need.
Injury Status: Injured ReserveRB Michael Bush, CHI
Bush has scored less than six points in each of his last five outings. This is not worthy of the flex spot on your roster that he likely earned earlier this season. Matt Forte has been receiving the lion's share of the workload and he is performing very well. Bush is simply an afterthought at this time in Chicago's offense. Last game, Bush received ten carries for 16 yards and grabbed one pass for 17 yards. Considering that this was an easy match-up vs. Tennessee, I am not thrilled with Bush's involvement. The game was a blowout with Chicago scoring 51 points and Bush did not even figure into the scoring mix. With Bush and his team up against Houston this week, I would keep him seated until we see greater performance. He can only continue to hurt your fantasy chances if he remains in your line-up. Expect 7-9 carries this week for 20-25 yards and no score.
Injury Status: Injured Reserve
RB Jamaal Charles, KC
Jamaal Charles has been a disappointment over the past few weeks. His minimal fantasy production over the last three weeks has been a killer for many fantasy owners. Charles started the season with great success, but has gone downhill quickly. Last week Charles suffered an injury dislcosed as a neck injury due to a helmet-to-helmet hit. The injury appeared to be severe as Charles remained on the field for some time before getting up and heading off under his own power. Concussion tests have come back negative and it appears Charles will play this week against Pittsburgh. However, with the poor performances in the Kansas City running game over the past few games, I am strongly considering Charles for my bench. I suspect we will see Charles play, but only nab 50-60 rushing yards and grab a few receptions for minimal yardage. If points are your concern, consider keeping him on the pine.
RB Darren McFadden, OAK
McFadden and Mike Goodson are currently sidelined with high ankle sprains. The high ankle sprain is an injury that running backs dread. These types of sprains can take weeks to fully heal and may nag a player for over a month. McFadden has not been ruled out yet for this week's match-up vs. Baltimore, but the probability of him playing does not look good. It appears we will see Taiwan Jones, Marcel Reece, or even an unrestricted free agent such as Ryan Grant this week and in weeks to come if McFadden and Goodson remain out. Watch this situation carefully. If McFadden returns soon, he is obviously a guy you should start, but my gut tells me he will be out this week.
WR Danny Amendola, NE
The good news is that Amendola is slated to return this week from his shoulder dislocation that sidelined him for multiple weeks. The bad news is that as he returns to action in Week 10, he and his teammates face a stout San Francisco defense. Amendola is reported to be feeling good and practicing well. However, I encourage you to watch his status this week. The type of shoulder disclocation that Amendola suffered could have posed much greater damage and threat than was noted. The team doctors and trainers will be watching him closely and not put him at risk if he is not truly ready for action. I think he will play, but am a bit worried considering the match-up. I might keep him out of my line-up this week to see how he jumps back into the swing of things before starting him in Week 11 against New York, in my opinion, a friendlier match-up. If he does start this week, look for 3-4 receptions for 40-50 yards and no score.
