This article is part of our Start vs. Sit series.
Nick Toon, WR, Wisconsin (vs. Penn State) - After starting the 2011 season on a strong note, Toon really fell off track in midseason. Many owners may have lost trust in Toon and relegated him to the waiver wire. In the last two weeks, though, he has returned to fantasy relevance (14 receptions, 167 yards, 2 touchdowns). Wisconsin faces a tough Penn State D this week; but with the Leaders division title on the line, you can bet the Badgers will let Russell Wilson air it out a bit. Start Toon as a high-upside WR2.
Malcolm Brown, RB, Texas (at Texas A&M) - Brown returned from his foot injury last week and didn't look strong (11 carries for 33 yards). But his carries were limited, and Texas A&M's defense shouldn't be as tough up front this week as Kansas State was last week. With another week of healing under his belt, Brown should come out strong.
Michael Hayes, RB, Houston (at Tulsa) - You can be sure about one thing this Friday, Houston will want to win big to heighten its bid at a BCS bowl. Hayes has received more carries than Charles Sims the last few weeks. And in a game where Houston will want to break the scoring record, there is a great chance Hayes finds the endzone at least once.
Zach Maynard, QB, Cal (at Arizona State) - Maynard looked good, connecting on a few big plays, against a strong Stanford defense during last
Nick Toon, WR, Wisconsin (vs. Penn State) - After starting the 2011 season on a strong note, Toon really fell off track in midseason. Many owners may have lost trust in Toon and relegated him to the waiver wire. In the last two weeks, though, he has returned to fantasy relevance (14 receptions, 167 yards, 2 touchdowns). Wisconsin faces a tough Penn State D this week; but with the Leaders division title on the line, you can bet the Badgers will let Russell Wilson air it out a bit. Start Toon as a high-upside WR2.
Malcolm Brown, RB, Texas (at Texas A&M) - Brown returned from his foot injury last week and didn't look strong (11 carries for 33 yards). But his carries were limited, and Texas A&M's defense shouldn't be as tough up front this week as Kansas State was last week. With another week of healing under his belt, Brown should come out strong.
Michael Hayes, RB, Houston (at Tulsa) - You can be sure about one thing this Friday, Houston will want to win big to heighten its bid at a BCS bowl. Hayes has received more carries than Charles Sims the last few weeks. And in a game where Houston will want to break the scoring record, there is a great chance Hayes finds the endzone at least once.
Zach Maynard, QB, Cal (at Arizona State) - Maynard looked good, connecting on a few big plays, against a strong Stanford defense during last week's Big Game. While his ceiling isn't incredibly high, he should be a lock for a solid game against a Sun Devils defense that gives up 274 passing yards per game. Consider Maynard a low-risk option at quarterback this weekend.
Blake Bell, QB, Oklahoma (vs. Iowa State) - While Landry Jones runs the show in Oklahoma, Bell showed the nation what he could do last weekend against Baylor (four rushing touchdowns), running Oklahoma's goal-line "Wildcat" offense. Defenses haven't found an answer for Bell, who has seven rushing touchdowns over his last three games. He doesn't really contribute in any other stat columns, so there is definite risk in starting Bell. But those in a pinch should strongly consider Bell because of his potential to punch in a few touchdowns.
Ralph Bolden, RB, Purdue (at Indiana) - Bolden has put together consecutive solid performances, averaging 75.5 yards and a touchdown per game. This trend should continue against an abysmal Indiana defense Saturday. Bolden should see an increased workload in what should be a game dominated by Purdue. Bolden makes for a strong flex play this weekend.
SIT
Tyler Wilson, QB, Arkansas (at LSU) - This matchup obviously has fantasy owners questioning whether to start Wilson this week. Wilson isn't a prolific passer by any means. A lot of his value comes from having talented receivers to work with. But Arkansas hasn't faced a defense of LSU's caliber this season. The Tigers have the shutdown corners to contain Arkansas' explosive receivers, which will limit Wilson's fantasy value. Look for other options at quarterback this week.
Silas Redd, RB, Penn State (at Wisconsin) - Redd is expected to play this week, despite the collarbone/chest injuries he sustained a few weeks ago. But do not be fooled into starting him against Wisconsin this Saturday. Penn State doesn't have much of a passing game, so the Badgers defense will be keyed on Nittany Lions running backs. Also, the emergence of Stephfon Green has allowed Penn State to limit Redd's work these last couple weeks. He may have helped get you to the playoffs, but do not risk starting Redd this week.
Roy Finch, RB, Oklahoma (vs. Iowa State) - Finch belongs on the bench for the same reason you should start Blake Bell this week. Bell has become the Sooners' goal-line option, and Finch's value takes a big hit because of that. With fewer opportunities to score, Finch will have to have a huge yardage game to help in fantasy.
Tommy Rees, QB, Notre Dame (at Stanford) - Rees has had a very up-and-down season this year. This week is looking to be a down one, as Rees goes up against an all-around solid Cardinal defense this Saturday. Do not risk your fantasy playoffs on Rees this week.
Dan Herron, RB, Ohio State (vs. Michigan) - Herron has put together a strong second half after missing time due to suspension. He will find it hard to continue that success against one of the nation's top front fours. Michigan just held one of the Big Ten's top rushers, Rex Burkhead, to a mere 36 yards last week. One could expect a similar outcome for the Buckeye's top rusher.
Andre Debose, WR (vs. Florida State) - Many owners rushed to the waiver wire to acquire DeBose after his 151-yard, two-touchdown performance last week. But keep in mind that his performance came against Furman. Florida State has a far superior secondary and will not be beat downfield. DeBose is looking more like a one-week-wonder than a quality start for championship week.
