By: Jonathan Goad

Before we get started, I need to give a big shout out to teecraze.com for the awesome cover photo that we’ve been using. It’s fantastic! A football player riding a flying shark that breathes fire. That’s genius!

And now back to your regularly scheduled programming…

Hopefully you listened to my advice last week. I nailed the Start/Bench portion. I listened to me and picked up a big win. Look, you don’t have to listen to me, but you might win some games if you do and…

Photo credit to Quickmeme

Anyway, here’s this week’s advice.

START

Michael Crabtree, WR, Baltimore Ravens

Crabtree had his best game of the season last week (6-93-1). He hasn’t seen fewer than eight targets since week 1. He’s also playing the Saints this week who are awful against WRs. This game could turn into a shootout which bodes well for Crabtree. Expect a nice game.

Photo credit to the Baltimore Sun

Mohamed Sanu, WR, Atlanta Falcons

This choice is dependent mostly on if Calvin Ridley suits up. If Ridley doesn’t play, which is up in the air right now, Sanu should have a nice game as Atlanta’s number two receiver. Sanu also has three TDs in the last four games. Whether Ridley plays or not, Sanu should see some red zone targets. I like Sanu a lot if Ridley doesn’t play. He’s a flex option if Ridley does play. For sure start him if Ridley is out.

 Chris Thompson, RB, Washington Redskins

Thompson is going to be questionable again this week. He may miss his second straight game. However, if he does play, start him. He’s the pass catching back for the Redskins and Dallas has been a little suspect against receiving RBs. There’s potential for a big game for Thompson in PPR leagues. Make sure you’re paying attention to his health throughout the rest of the week. Start him if he plays, though.

BENCH

Photo credit to NESN.com

Now that’s a benching. Considering doing that to these players:

Javorius Allen/Alex Collins, RBs, Baltimore Ravens

The Saints are actually pretty solid against the run this season. I’m not really a fan of either of these guys in this game, but I give Allen a slight advantage because he catches more passes, and as I mentioned before, this game could be a shootout. However, Allen only had four touches for 19 yards last week. I’d stay away from both of these guys this week.

Albert Wilson, WR, Miami Dolphins

Wilson was a popular waiver wire addition after his 6-155-2 performance last week. However, 118 of those yards came on his two long TDs. Detroit has been very good against WRs this season. Only one has gone for over 100 yards. That was Davante Adams. They have given up five touchdowns to WRs, but I think that’s the only way Wilson has a decent game. He needs to score to have a decent week. I’d look elsewhere.

Cole Beasley, WR, Dallas Cowboys

Beasley was another popular pick up after his nice week 6 performance (9-101-2). Don’t expect a repeat of that this week against Washington. They’ve been decent against receivers as they’ve only allowed one to go over 100 yards. Remember, just because you were successful in claiming Beasley (or Wilson) doesn’t mean you have to start him.

Photo credit to Gfycat

FLEX

Photo credit to WiffleGif

James White, RB, New England Patriots

Because Chicago is excellent against the run, you may think that White would be a good start since he catches so many passes. That’s not quite the case. The Bears have been solid against pass-catching RBs, too. They haven’t given up more than four catches and 30 yards to RBs out of the backfield. There’s always potential for receiving backs, but just limit your expectations with White this week.

Mark Ingram, RB, New Orleans Saints

I don’t know what to make of the Saints backfield now that Ingram is back. Kamara looked like an MVP candidate in the first four weeks. Then he only had nine touches to Ingram’s 18 in week five. I can’t imagine either will be a bell cow for the Saints. Ingram might be touchdown dependent going forward. You’ll likely still start him, but don’t be surprised if the touch leader changes from week to week. The Saints also plays Baltimore this week. They’re darn good against RBs. They’ve only given up one touchdown to RBs and no RB has gone over 100 total yards against them.

Golden Tate, Kenny Golladay, Marvin Jones, WRs, Detroit Lions

Any of these three could have a huge game. Any of these three could also have an awful game. Tate and Golladay have had the better seasons so far, but Jones could break out at any point. I think it’s best to limit expectations on all three. If you need an order of the three, go with Tate, Golladay, and then Jones. I’m not confident in that though. Like I said, any could have a big game.

That’s it for this week’s advice. There’s only one question left to ask…

Photo credit to Giphy