The Wonderful and the woeful

Start – Darren McFadden (if active), RB, Raiders

McFadden is a classic tough-guy Raider. This week my start hinges on whether he is active against the Redskins. He should be good to go, and his play will be needed if Terrelle Pryor (concussion) is unable to drop back in the pocket for Oakland. Washington’s defense has been beyond terrible, and their gross amount of yardage allowed to offenses this year should have the Oakland backfield and McFadden drooling.

Sit – Jay Cutler, QB, Bears

Some think Detroit’s defense lends itself to a favorable matchup for Jay Cutler and the Bears; however, I don’t see Cutler having a start-worthy week. I don’t expect him to give an awful performance, but the Detroit Lions’ defense has been deflating quarterbacks’ scores this season despite mediocre results in common defensive statistical categories. For whatever reason, quarterbacks don’t perform at their highest level against the Lions. Don’t be fooled by Cutler.

Start – Any Denver Receiving Target, Broncos

I have Eric Decker, Wes Welker and Julius Thomas in one of my fantasy football leagues. While my running backs have been volatile this season, I can always rely on the Broncos receiving corps. If you have any of these players and are considering giving them a seat on the pine this weekend, think again. Decker has been phenomenal after a tough first week, Welker is as steady as ever and Thomas always seems to get Manning’s attention. Throwing the Bronco’s passing game into your lineup is a recipe for success, especially against an average Eagles defense.

Sit – Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Cardinals

Don’t get lulled into a false sense of security seeing the Cardinals have set a course to face off with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Larry Fitzgerald hasn’t been 100 percent lately, and setting foot on Revis Island won’t offer refuge. According to NFL.com, 61 wide receivers have scored more fantasy points over the last two weeks than Fitzgerald. There are better options available this week. Seek them out.