NFL and College Football

Week 9 start ‘em or sit ‘em

Now that midseason has arrived, some players have lost their starting role, which opens the door for midseason replacements to help revive a struggling fantasy team. Shaun Hill and Steve Slaton are giving their backups a chance to be successful in week 9.

Alex Smith, San Francisco

In two games, Alex Smith is just one touchdown shy of Shaun Hill’s output this season, with Smith throwing three in his first game and one last week. He averaged just over 200 yards in each of his starts, which shows they trust him with the ball. Smith also has a few dependable targets. Michael Crabtree doesn’t have a TD catch yet, but his numbers were strong in both of his games so far, with 11 catches total and 137 yards. As Smith adjusts to Crabtree, he still has a reliable safety net in Vernon Davis. Davis caught all four of Smith’s touchdowns, and has 10 catches in the last two weeks. Davis will most likely get most of the looks in red zone passing situations.

They are playing a Tennessee team that has given up the most passing yards per game this season and allowed 19 touchdowns, most in the league. They are also in the bottom third of total sacks, which should make Smith pretty comfortable in the pocket.

Seattle Seahawks’ defense

The Seahawks have struggled defensively this season on the road, but at home their defense has been stellar. They have only allowed 13 points per game at home. The defense has also gotten fantasy points by causing 8 fumbles this season and 18 sacks, which is 7th in the league. Often the opposition is a major factor in the decision of starting a defense, and the Seahawks are home against a struggling (for lack of a stronger word) Detroit Lions team that is only averaging 16 points per game. Not only have the Lions struggled to score, but their offensive line has allowed Matt Stafford to be sacked 24 times this season, which is the third most in the league.

Sit ‘em

Steve Slaton, Houston Texans

Despite the fact that Slaton is leading the Texans in rushing yards, I recommend sitting him this week against the Colts, especially since head coach Gary Kubiak benched him Sunday after his seventh fumble of the year, including one in each of the last 3 games. Not only is Slaton struggling, but fantasy owners should be nervous after the success of his replacement, virtually unknown Ryan Moats. Moats has showed his worth in the two games he has been in this season, including 151 total yards Sunday complimented by 3 touchdowns. It’s not that the Texans are giving up on Slaton, but until he proves he can stop the turnovers, Moats is going to be the hot hand, which should at least be through this week.

The Colts are more than likely going to try to rebound from the near loss last week, a game in which Peyton Manning didn’t throw a single TD. If he starts clicking, look for the Texans to be playing from behind, limiting Slaton’s role even more this week.

Glen Coffee, San Francisco

I discussed San Francisco’s passing offense earlier, so now I am going to mention their rushing game. Coffee had solid performances in weeks four and five without Frank Gore in the lineup but he has been seldom seen in their last two outings. He was a solid option as a flex-position starter or a bye-week replacement, but Gore has taken been the workhorse, making Coffee a nonfactor. Coffee has a total of 11 rushing yards on only three carries the past two weeks.
Quick Pick- Ted Ginn Jr. – His huge special teams performance last week, and the fact that he is the most experienced Miami receiver, should be enough to have gained the trust of his coaches once again.