Quarterbacks — Better Think Twice Russell Wilson, NC State (@ Virginia Tech)
Wilson makes his second straight appearance on this list due to another brutal fantasy match-up. This will be Wilson's first career battle with a Hokie defense that ranks near the top of the ACC in every major statistical category. They lead the conference in pass defense (157 ypg) and efficiency D (92.49). Wilson is coming off his worst yardage total since Week One and the 183-2-1 line from last week could actually get worse this week.
Joe Webb, UAB (@ East Carolina)
How do you bench the No. 2 player in all of fantasy football? That call can be made by fantasy owners alone. But here are some numbers to consider. Webb threw for only 116 yards, no scores and one interception against ECU in last season's 17-13 loss. He did run for 75 yards and a score. ECU is arguably C-USA's top overall defense as they shut down the high flying Tulsa attack to the tune of 266 total yards last week. But again, this one is your call.
Tim Tebow, Florida (FIU)
This is another tough call. The Gators should have their way on offense with an FIU defense that is no match for the powerful Florida attack. However, the number of plays Tebow sees is a major question. All reports indicate that he will be on the bench early giving John Brantley plenty of opportunity to get some work against an FBS foe. If he does not score in the first 15-20 minutes, he might not score at all. Play with caution.
Other names to bench:
Diondre Borel, Utah State (Boise State)
Thaddeus Lewis, Duke (@ Miami)
Todd Reesing, Kansas (@ Texas)
Jevan Snead, Ole Miss (LSU)
Tate Forcier, Michigan (Ohio State)
Quarterbacks — Deserves A Second Look
Patrick Pinkney, East Carolina (UAB)
A sixth-year senior coming off one of the best games of his career against one of the worst defenses in one of the worst defensive leagues. Yeah, I am on board with Pinkney. The Pirate quarterback is on a hot streak of late with 646 passing yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions over his last three.
Sean Canfield, Oregon State (@ Washington State)
The Washington State plan strikes again. Oregon State should be able to move the ball with ease against the single worst BCS conference team in America. The only question is how deep into the second half does Canfield play. Wazzu is better at home, so here's hoping Canfield plays into the fourth.
Brian Anderson, Marshall (SMU)
This one is risky. If Anderson plays, he could post some big numbers. Over his last three games, he has averaged nearly 300 yards passing per contest (296.3). He should find some room to work against a defense that allows roughly 240 yards passing per game and nearly 30 points per game. The last two quarterbacks to play against SMU posted a 396-2-1 (T. Vittatoe) and 250-3-0 (N. Fanuzzi) line respectively.
Look to the ACC for quarterback guidance:
E.J. Manuel, Florida State (Maryland)
Kyle Parker, Clemson (Virginia)
Tyrod Taylor, Virginia Tech (NC State)
Other solid options should you be in need:
Tom Savage, Rutgers (@ Syracuse)
Nick Florence, Baylor (@ Texas A&M)
Andrew Luck, Stanford (Cal)
Andy Dalton, TCU (@ Wyoming)
Running Backs — Better Think Twice
Montel Harris, BC (North Carolina)
The Tar Heels boast one of the nation elite rush defenses (9th nationally) that allows only 94 yards per game on the ground. Their dynamic front four should be able to handle the Eagle O-line and cause Harris into a low yards-per-carry average. The BC tailback rushed for 24 yards on six carries in the 45-24 loss to the Heels last season. The upside is limited in what should be a low scoring affair.
Baron Batch, Texas Tech (Oklahoma)
The Oklahoma defense is excellent and the only way Batch will score points will be in the passing game. With the recent quarterback issues in Lubbock, this fantasy owner would stay far away from Mr. Batch. He posted 47 yards on eight carries and 32 yards on five catches against OU last season. And that was with Graham Harrell calling the plays.
Daniel Thomas, Kansas State (Nebraska)
Two words: Ndamukong Suh. The all-world nose guard should not have any problems slowing the ground attack of the Wildcats. The Huskers lead the Big 12 in scoring defense (11 ppg) and are allowing an 11th best (nationally) 94 yards rushing per game. The upside is very limited for Thomas this week.
Injury issues swirling and tough match-ups:
Me'Co Brown / Chad Spann, Northern Illinois (@ Ohio)
Brandon Minor / Carlos Brown / Vincent Smith, Michigan (Ohio State)
Daniel Porter, La. Tech (@ Fresno State)
Victor Anderson / Darius Ashley, Louisville (@ South Florida)
Running Backs — Deserves A Second Look
Washaun Ealey, Georgia (Kentucky)
The former AC100 prospect is starting to assert himself as the top Bulldog tailback. He has posted double digit carries in four of the last five games. He posted received high 18 carries last week and he responded with a 98-yard performance. He has also reached pay-dirt three times in his last two games. The Wildcats are the SEC"s worst rush defense so Caleb King might even deserve a look as well.
Graig Cooper, Miami (Duke)
With at least 15 carries in three of his last four contests, Cooper appears to be the name to go with in the Canes backfield. He has rushed for 341 yards over that span and with Javarris James potentially out, Cooper should receive the bulk of the work. He has scored in two straight games and has been getting into the passing attack with seven receptions last week. A banged up and sometimes ineffective Jacory Harris should push Mark Whipple to pound the rock against the lowly Blue Devil defense.
Trent Richardson, Alabama (Chattanooga)
Mark Ingram should not be needed much in this one. In a back-up roll, Richardson has posted a solid 451-yard, 4-TD freshman season thus far. The former AC100 prospect is loaded with talented and should have a field day against a dramatically over-matched Mocs defense. Roy Upchurch might even be an option this weekend.
Other solid starts:
Cody Johnson, Texas (Kansas)
Curtis Steele, Memphis (@ Houston)
Patrick Mealy, Army (@ North Texas)
Guess right and you could be rewarded nicely:
Cyrus Gray / Christine Michael, Texas A&M (Baylor)
Boom Herron / Brandon Saine, Ohio State (@ Michigan)
Jeff Demps / Chris Rainey, Florida (FIU)
Adam Robinson / Brandon Wegher, Iowa (Minnesota)
Wide Receivers — Better Think Twice
James Cleveland, Houston (Memphis)
Injury to the ankle is very concerning. A risky play.
DeMarco Simpson, San Diego State (@ Utah)
Had one catch for 12 yards in 63-14 blowout last season vs. Utes.
Brandon LaFell et al., LSU (@ Ole Miss)
Rebel defense playing well and should be low scoring affair.
Blair White, Michigan State (Penn State)
In two career games vs. PSU: 8 rec, 71 yds, 0 TDs.
Alex Torres / Detron Lewis / Tramain Swindall / Lyle Leong, Texas Tech (Oklahoma)
Too many options. Too good of an opponent. Too much risk.
Dezmon Briscoe / Kerry Meier, Kansas (@ Texas)
Tough to bench these guys but Texas secondary is very talented.
Wide Receivers — Deserves A Second Look
Toren Dixon, Rice (UTEP)
Coming on strong as the 7-158-3 line last week indicates.
Carlton Mitchell, South Florida (Louisville)
Injury concern so be weary but if he plays, he is Daniels' top target.
Antavious Wilson, Marshall (SMU)
Caught 13 balls for 153 yards last week and this one could be a shootout.
Mohamed Sanu / Tim Brown, Rutgers (@ Syracuse)
Look for Schiano to get reps for Tom Savage.
Derrell Johnson-Koulianos / Marvin McNutt, Iowa (Minnesota)
McNutt is on a four game scoring streak and DJK is good for a big play or two.
David Gettis / Kendall Wright, Baylor (@ Texas A&M)
Could be a shootout in College Station and Florence is playing well.
Nick Toon, Wisconsin (@ Northwestern)
Going back to the well after 2-TD game last week.
Top 10 Defensive Spot Starts
1. Oregon State (@ Washington State)
2. South Florida (Louisville)
3. Clemson (Virginia)
4. North Carolina (@ Boston College)
5. UCLA (Arizona State)
6. Boston College (North Carolina)
7. Florida State (Maryland)
8. Arizona State (UCLA)
9. Vanderbilt (@ Tennessee)
10. Kansas State (@ Nebraska)

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