Week 11: 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.
Up this week, a slew of backs, a QB, a TE and a wide out.
QB Jay Cutler, CHI
Jay Cutler sustained a concussion on one of his scramble plays in Week 10. This would not normally be alarming early in the week, but with Cutler, he has been concussed six times. This mean that his time off the field could be considerable if he does not pass his baseline tests. The team medical staff has a history to consider and past data for comparison. If Cutler is not 100%, he will likely not play this week. If he is up for the task and the extra day helps, I would still conisder sitting Cutler this week vs. San Francisco's defense at home. San Fran will be looking to bounce back from their lackluster outing vs. St. Louis last week. I think Cutler will be held out this week, but I could be wrong. Expect 180 passing yards, 1 TD and 2 INTs with minimal Jay Culter fashion rushing yards.
RB Reggie Bush, DET
Bush lost his second fumble in three weeks and was pulled in the first half against Tennessee. Daniel Thomas does not look too bad and if Bush's punishment lasts longer than one game, Thomas could be the beneficiary. If you own him in a PPR format, he might be worth a look. Bush's solid performances have been sporadic this season. Most owners are frustrated with Bush. I have a feeling we will see Thomas start this next game vs. Buffalo and if he plays well, Bush will play second back. I project more downs and touches for Thomas. Bush will see his share of 8-10 carries for 50-60 yards with a couple of short yardage receptions.
RB Isaac Redman, PIT
Redman started vs. Kansas City, but fumbled. Dwyer then took over and led what was left of the Pittsburgh rushing attack. Many thought Redman would be a huge fantasy play this past week after torching New York in Week 9. Many were surprised when he failed to produce. This week Redman will still be in the mix with other backs still out due to injury. It appears that Mendenhall could play in Week 11. Look for Redman to back-up whomever is healthy enough to lead this rushing game. If Mendenhall is back then Redman might be third in the equation. Pittsburgh's running philosophy hinders backs, but if they are involved in the passing game they can be useful. Redman's back-up role this week is not worth much. He should see 5-6 carries for around 25 yards and likely snag two receptions.
RB Daryl Richardson, STL
Richardson appeared to be in a time share with Steven Jackson and then his production started to decline and has fallen over each of the last four games. I have had Richardson stashed away on my bench waiting for the time to play him. That time has not come this season. This guy has the speed and the toughness to gain some major yardage in the NFL. The one upside for Richardsom is that he is playing a role in the passing game. However, it was Jackson who had a huge game vs. San Francisco - kind of a surprise. Richardson is a guy that could be very useful if Jackson is not performing or gets injured. At this stage, it looks like he will be playing second fiddle. Jackson received 29 carries to Richardson's seven this past week. Look for 7-8 carries for 35-45 yards and two receptions this week. I would start Jackson this week vs. New York.
RB DeAngelo Williams, CAR
Well, the trade deadline came and went and Williams remained in Carolina. Personally, I think Williams could have been a great trade this season. I like to see backs rejuvenate their career with a team change later in their playing days. Unfortunatley, with no trade, Williams has been caught up in the running back saga. The running game focus has shifted from Williams to a combination of Williams & Stewart and then came reports that Stewart is the lead. Williams and Stewart are both risky plays if you ask me. The Carolina running game also includes Cam Newton. The number of touches available to Williams and Stewart are not tremendous with the current offensive schemes. If running lanes can get opened by using an effective passing game then these guys might have a shot, but otherwise the rushing attack is not progressing well. Look for Williams to rush for 20 yards maximum and maybe get a pass out of the backfield for some short to mid-range yardage.
