Saved by the bell
November 14, 2013
Start – Le’Veon Bell, RB, Steelers
Since becoming the starter in Week 4, Bell has been a workhorse for the Steelers. On the ground and through the air, he has been Pittsburgh’s most reliable contributor on the offensive end as of late. With three straight weeks of double-digit fantasy points, according to ESPN standard scoring, owners should expect nothing less from Bell this week against a Detroit Lions team that on average allows more than 100 rushing yards per game.
Sit – Maurice Jones-Drew, RB, Jaguars
Jacksonville’s offense has been anemic, to say the least, and unfortunately the poster boy for the team’s struggles is Jones-Drew. For a guy who two years ago was the NFL’s leading rusher, that level of production has dissipated with only 432 rushing yards and a 3.0 yards per carry average through nine games. To make matters worse for MJD, the Jaguars will face an Arizona Cardinals defense that ranks third against the run.
Start – Riley Cooper, WR, Eagles
Over the past two weeks no receiver in football has done more and made less noise than Cooper. With Nick Foles as the head honcho in Philadelphia for the foreseeable future, and Cooper as his favorite target, this is a match made in heaven for Cooper owners. Over that two-week span, Cooper has 241 receiving yards and a whopping five touchdowns. In a rivalry game against the Washington Redskins this Sunday, a team that ranks 26th against the pass, watch for Cooper to rise to the occasion.
Sit – Ray Rice, RB, Ravens
There has not been a star player who has struggled this mightily in recent memory. Part of Rice’s struggles can be attributed to the Baltimore offensive line, which has been more concerned with protecting Joe Flacco’s $120 million backside than creating holes for the team’s best running back. With only 289 yards on the ground this season and a 2.5 yards-per-carry average, Rice will continue to struggle this Sunday against a resurgent and gritty Chicago Bears defense.
Start – Nick Folk, Kicker, Jets
Kickers don’t usually make fantasy football headlines, but Folk is an exception. Through nine games, he has channeled his inner Andrew Furney and made 100 percent of his kicks, going 23 for 23. As the Jets’ offense continues to have issues scoring touchdowns, this will leave more chances for Folk to get some attempts. He has also proved to be a formidable kicker from long distance, going 12 for 12 on kicks 40 yards or more.