Opinion Corner: Working around bye weeks

Usually, bye weeks provide managers with the stress of having to scramble around to fill the void of star players sitting at home on Sundays.

This week, however, managers will be forced to start some players that they may not have had the courage to start because of the false confidence in those who were expected to be studs.

Julio Jones came into the season with a lot of hype and came out of the gates flying. Unfortunately for Jones’ owners, he has had an inconsistent season.

For most, he’s a difficult player to bench because of his potential, but this week you’ll get to start one of your wide receivers that may have been buried on your bench.

A good start at wide receiver this week is Stevie Johnson. The Bills are home against the Titans, and Johnson and Fitzpatrick should be able to put up impressive numbers similar to the beginning of the season.

The Titans have the fourth worst pass defense in the league, and Johnson has been able to make some noise against the weaker teams.

A sleeper this week is Mike Williams of the Buccaneers. Williams’ name was absent in the majority of leagues on draft day and if he hasn’t been picked up in your league, grab him. If he’s on your bench, start him.

Jackson has been the most traded wide receiver on www.fantasymoves.com this week and if he’s on your roster, you should be able to improve at a position that you are struggling in by trading him.

Another wide receiver that has the potential to have a good week, especially in PPR leagues is Antonio Brown of the Steelers. The Bengals host Pittsburgh and will have their hands full dealing with the deep threat of Mike Wallace and route running of Brown.

If Brandon Gibson is still available, scoop him up. With Danny Amendola out for several weeks, Gibson rolls into the number one spot. He led the team in targets last week and pulled in 91 yards.

For those who are looking to replace the inconsistent Michael Vick, look to Matt Schaub, or Ryan Fitzpatrick.

Schaub and the Texans are up against the Ravens who have been riddled with injuries on defense. Ray Lewis is now out for the season, and even with Lewis the Ravens had difficulty stopping the run.

With extra attention having to be paid to running back Arian Foster, Schaub should be able to find his receivers in the end zone this week.

Michael Turner and Jamaal Charles are two starting running backs that will need to be replaced this week, which may come as a relief to some managers as Charles and Turner haven’t produced on a regular basis.

Trent Richadson will travel to Indianapolis where he’ll continue to add to his impressive rookie season. The Colts continue to field a poor rush defense and Richardson’s power game will roll into the end zone at some point during Sunday’s contest.

Another strong start this week is Ahmad Bradshaw. He’ll continue his stellar play as of late against the Washington Redskins. The Giants are firing on all cylinders and their balanced attack has been difficult to slow down.

For those that are looking for a short fix at running back, pick up Felix Jones off the waiver wire.

The Cowboys will travel to Carolina where the Panthers will have their hands full with the Cowboys. Don’t get me wrong, the Cowboys are overrated and won’t win a thing this season, but Cowboy players should have a statistically big day.

Demarco Murray is definitely out this week and Jones will get the start. He’ll be good to go this week, but if you only get one waiver wire move a week and aren’t desperate for a back this week, don’t go for Jones. He’s proven that he’s incapable of carrying the load long term.

A running back that deserves to ride the pine this week is Rashard Mendenhall. Until he is 100 percent healthy, keep him on the bench. Don’t let him go as he’ll definitely put up numbers like he did two weeks ago, just wait for him to be fully healed.

Doug Martin should also find himself on your bench this week. LeGarrette Blount has received the ball in the red zone the last two weeks and with his size, he should continue to do so. Martin will continue to get more carries, but not when it counts.

Steven Jackson should also be replaced this week. Not only will Jackson not produce this week because of the Rams running a little less when down to Green Bay, he’ll also split carries with Daryl Richardson. Richardson has the ability to bust loose for big gains and has seen an increase in opportunities to get the ball.

Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, who has had a strong campaign this season, deserves to sit this week if he’s on your team. He’s due for a lackluster performance. The Cardinals will be facing the surprising Minnesota Vikings and quarterback Kevin Kolb is injured.

The Cardinals running game will continue to struggle and the Vikings will be able to focus more on Fitzgerald. Unlike Steven Jackson, Fitzgerald should be a short term benching. Fitzgerald will continue to put up numbers, but it’ll be difficult for him to produce big every week.

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Jessy Sandhu is the founder of www.fantasymoves.com. Follow him on Twitter @FantasyMoves

Tags: sports, nfl, fantasy