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Must Start:
Earnest
Graham v. WAS: I’ve been amazed at how well Graham has played
since taking over the starting role. Generally speaking, third-string
running backs don’t excel when given their chance. That is why
they are buried on the depth chart. He has managed to hold off
a challenge from Michael Bennett (for what it is worth) as well
as the return of Michael Pittman. Pittman will continue to get
third down looks, but Graham is a solid start in a fairly proficient
offense.
Edgerrin James v. SF: All the fears of James losing carries to
the other Arizona running backs seem to have abated as he continues
to get the vast bulk of the touches, including those at the stripe.
And he is playing San Francisco, a team that has earned a living
this year by making other team’s players look great.
 Cedric
Benson v. DEN: Underachieving running back meets underperforming
defense – who will suck worse? Rex Grossman behind center should
make opposing defenses stay honest in the secondary, theoretically
creating running room for Benson. At some point this season, Benson
will have a good game and Denver is a likely sucker.
Maurice
Morris @ STL: With Shaun Alexander still ailing, Morris gets
the start against the fantasy-friendly Rams defense. He is getting
the job done, although not in any sort of amazing fashion. Two
touchdowns in the last two games are good enough to earn a start
this week with an excellent match up.
Going Out On a Limb:
Fred Taylor v. BUF: Taylor is currently sunbathing in the free
agent pool of many leagues, but is worth a serious look this week.
Regardless of Buffalo fans’ optimism after their four-game
winning streak (which New England convincingly crushed), the Bills
are not a good team. Taylor loses touches when the Jaguars are
behind and that should not be a problem this week.
Grab A Gatorade:
Derrick
Ward v. MIN: Sure, he is the sexy free agent pick up this
week, but don’t get too excited. The Giants would love to see
him start over poorly considered off-season acquisition Reuben
Droughns, but against the Vikings, it probably doesn’t matter.
Ward hasn’t played in weeks, will lose some carries to Droughns,
and has a horrible match up. He is a good pick up if Brandon Jacobs
is out multiple weeks as the schedule gets easier.
Thomas
Jones @ DAL: We are now entering Week 12 and Jones has, count
them, zero touchdowns this season. He definitely put up some nice
yardage numbers against the Steelers last week, but until he starts
crossing the stripe, can’t be seriously considered for your starting
line up. As the Cowboys will likely be up big by halftime, Leon
Washington will get a good deal of second-half work, to Jones’
detriment.
LenDale
White @ CIN: Over the last two weeks, LenWhale has 21 carries
for 54 yards, hardly inspiring stuff. Watching last week’s game
against Denver, it quickly became apparent that Chris Brown once
again has a significant role in the Titans’ offense, particularly
when they are playing from behind. Considering how explosive the
Bengals have looked with third receiver Chris Henry back, the
Titans will be playing from behind for most of this game.
Laurence Maroney v. PHI: He finally got his touchdown last week
before leaving the game early. Counting on a Patriots running
back has become disturbingly similar to trusting a New England
receiver over the last few years. One of them may have a good
game, but good luck guessing who and when.
Warrick Dunn v. IND: As if the Falcons didn’t have enough
to worry about, LT Todd Weiner is not expected to play this week.
While the Atlanta offensive line is often regarded as an elite
unit (yeah that is sarcasm), losing another offensive lineman
will certainly hurt their running game.
Wide Receivers
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