Week 3: 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.
Week 1 sit'em included 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.
QB Joe Flacco, CIN
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This week Flacco and his wide outs are up against the New England defense. Flacco's 66.8 passer rating against Philadelphia is indicative of things to come. He was unable to complete the majority of his passes (only 22 of 42) in Week 2 and I think he will struggle again this week. I am looking for Ray Rice to carry the bulk of the offensive workload for Baltimore this week. Rice should open some passing opportunities for Flacco and his wide outs, but I foresee a slow week for Flacco in terms of fantasy production. We should see about 220 passing yards with a TD to Pitta and two interceptions.
QB Michael Vick, ---
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Vick has now thrown six interceptions in two games. This week he faces an Arizona defense that can pressure the passer. I believe Vick will be scrambling more often than not and his passing accuracy and compleitions will be a challenge. LeSean McCoy should have a solid outing and as far as receptions go, Brent Celek will likely see the ball as the top receiver. Vick and Celek should connect for some short and mid-range passes, but Vick's ability to get the ball deep will be hindered. I suspect we will see about 250 yards passing, some rushing yards, one TD and two intercepts this week.
RB Cedric Benson, ---
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The Green Bay offense has been off to a very slow start to this campaign. Benson's Week 1 performance is completely forgettable and his Week 2 production of 81 rushing yards was not great if you do not count the 35 receiving yards and 4 receptions if you are in a PPR league. This week Green Bay travels to Seattle. Last week I heard feedback from some readers about Seattle's prowess at home. The stadium will be loud and Seattle will be up for the challenge that Green Bay brings. The Seattle rush defense is tough, holding opponents to an average of 46 rushing yards and I think Benson is going to have an off day (San Francisco shut him down, Chicago kept him from the end zone and I think he will go scoreless yet another week). Look for Benson to rack up 50-60 rushing yards and grab a few short yardage receptions.
RB Chris Johnson, ---
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Wow has Johnson been a bust so far this season. His 21 yards over 19 carries and 8 receptions for 58 yards in the first two weeks of the season is just awful production. Tennessee has gotten well behind in their games to-date and this has not helped the running situation, but even when the run is valid, the production is extemely limited. This week they face another high-powered offense in Detroit and once again Tennessee will be playing from behind. I suspect we will see Johnson continue in his starting role until he proves completely useless or the offense begins to support themselves and turn things around. Coach Munchak has noted that the team will not abandon the run and Johnson, but has to shift gears if they are going to have any shot in games this season. This week I think we will see more out of Johnson than we did in Week 2, but still not enough to make him a viable starter on your roster. Let's say 30-40 rushing yards with 2-3 short yardage receptions tagged on, but no score.
WR Jeremy Maclin, ---
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Maclin is banged up again. He re-inured his hip and is listed as having a hip contusion. Maclin was productive in Week 1 and was looking decent in Week 2 --with one 23 yard reception for a TD-- until he had to exit the game early. It appears that Maclin will not practice Wednesday and that his Week 3 status will be up in the air going into Sunday's match-up vs. Arizona. As you will or have read, I do not like Vick this week vs. Arizona's up-and-coming defensive unit. Vick will be pressured and this means that Celek will likely be the beneficiary of the passing game. If Maclin does go this weekend, he will be sore and likely speed-limited with such a hip injury. I would play it on the cautious side with Maclin and keep him on your bench. He could post 3-4 receptions for 30-40 yards this week, but will probably be kept scoreless.
WR Titus Young, ---
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Titus Young has been a disappointment for my fantasy team this season. I was expecting big things from this big receiver playing opposite MegaTron. So far we have only seen two receptions, one a piece in each of the first two weeks for minimal yardage. This week Detroit is playing Tennessee and will likely have at it with the offense, but I think Stafford has other targets in mind. Until I see Young have a productive game, I will be keeping him stashed away on my bench. I do think he will break out this season, when and where is a guessing game at this point. This week should be his best so far with 3-4 receptions for maybe 40 total yards. However, these numbers are still not enough to warrant a starting position at WR or Flex.
TE Jermichael Finley, ---
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Seattle has the ability to shut down opposing tight ends. Overall the Seattle pass defense is ranked in the top 15 and their rush defense is second in the league. Green Bay has been struggling to put up the numbers anticipated by fantasy owners this season. Finley looked solid in Week 1 with 7 receptions and a TD, but in Week 2 his 4 receptions for 26 yards was much less than desired. This week Rodgers and company will be looking to get back into the swing of things, but Seattle's defensive units at home will be a tough match-up. Rodgers looks to Nelson and Jennings (returning this week from his groin injury) first and foremost. I think Finley will see his targets this week, but be covered closely, especially in the red zone. Look for 4-5 receptions, but for less than 40 yards and no score.