The results are in. Is your team in the clear? Were you in the top six? We assume so, because you are still regularly reading our start and sit column. The decisions for your team are now more important than ever. One false move (we had a team lose by .04 points last week), and you'll be using your terrible towel as a washcloth instead of a symbol of team pride. This week is even more special, because there is a Saturday night game, meaning one more deadline you have to look out for. Read our tips now, prepare for battle, and set your lineups.
Jacksonville Jaguars @ Atlanta Falcons (THU, 8:20 ET)
START: WR Julio Jones
SIT: JAC Defense
The Jaguars secondary is very thin. With their starting cornerback Rashean Mathis and strong safety Dwight Lowery out for Sunday’s game, the wide receiver duo of Julio Jones and Roddy White should have plenty of opportunities to rack up the yards. Even though Jones may not match the performance he had last week (3 receptions for 104 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns), a solid final line isn’t that far-fetched.
Dallas Cowboys @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (SAT, 8:20 ET)
START: RB Felix Jones
SIT: WR Mike Williams
The Buccaneers defense gives up, on average, 139.7 rushing yards per game. With Felix Jones reassuming the starting running back role for the Cowboys after DeMarco Murray’s season-ending injury, anyone who picked him up off of waivers or held onto the Dallas back for a rainy day should make sure he’s in your RB2 spot, at least.
Miami Dolphins @ Buffalo Bills (SUN, 1:00 ET)
START: TE Anthony Fasano
SIT: RB C.J. Spiller
Just in case Jimmy Graham’s back spasms force him to sit out Sunday’s game against Minnesota, Anthony Fasano could serve as a viable fill-in. In fact, the Bills defense gives up the 4th most points to the opposing TE. In a postseason pinch, Fasano should be able to offer up some much-needed help in a position where points are hard to come by.
Seattle Seahawks @ Chicago Bears (1:00 ET)
START: WR Doug Baldwin
SIT: RB Marion Barber
We swear, Tim Tebow didn’t impact our decision on this one. Marion Barber is embroiled in a timeshare with Kahlil Bell and the Seattle rush defense gives up less than 4 yards per carry to the opposing running back. In their game against Denver, Bell looked like the more complete back utilizing an element of speed that Barber just doesn’t possess.
Tennessee Titans @ Indianapolis Colts (1:00 ET)
START: WR Nate Washington
SIT: Any Colts player
In his first game as the Titans starting QB, Jake Locker developed a good rapport with Nate Washington (6 receptions, 130 yards, 1 touchdown). The Colts defense struggles in every aspect, so expect Locker to continue looking Washington’s way through Sunday’s game.
Green Bay Packers @ Kansas City Chiefs (1:00 ET)
START: WR James Jones
SIT: RB Ryan Grant
Yeah, Ryan Grant may have looked like the Ryan Grant of old but don’t read too much into it. The Packers have been and will continue to be a pass first squad, which is why James Jones is worth a start, especially if you’re one of the people that lost Greg Jennings for the rest of the season. With Jennings out, the rest of the Green Bay receiving corps will see a spike in targets. Expect Jones to benefit from the team’s unfortunate loss.
New Orleans Saints @ Minnesota Vikings (1:00 ET)
START: WR Percy Harvin
SIT: RB Chris Ivory
For the deepest of deep leagues, Chris Ivory is definitely worth picking up in Mark Ingram’s absence. However, starting him is a different story. The Vikings defense is still very capable of stopping the running game, and when it comes to Ivory, your only hope is for a cheap touchdown. Don’t take huge risks at such an important time.
Cincinnati Bengals @ St. Louis Rams (1:00 ET)
START: CIN Defense
SIT: RB Steven Jackson
In his last four games, Steven Jackson has yet to exceed 80 total yards. Hardly the work of a player highly regarded as RB1 material. The Bengals defense is a solid group against the run, so Jackson won't find much success against Cincy.