This article is part of our Start vs. Sit series.
START
Da'Rick Rogers, WR, Tennessee (vs. Vanderbilt) - Rogers has returned to relevance recently with consecutive 100-yard games. Things are looking even brighter for him with Tyler Bray possibly returning this week. If Bray plays, then Rogers' value skyrockets and would make him an absolute must-start in fantasy playoff matchups.
Chris Coyer, QB, Temple (vs. Army) - Since taking over as the starter for the Owls, Coyer has averaged 140.5 rushing yards per game. He is very athletic and doesn't have a terrible arm. As with most mobile quarterbacks, he has the ability to put up top running back numbers on a given week. Whatever stats he adds through the air is just icing on the fantasy cake.
Jaz Reynolds, WR, Oklahoma (at Baylor) - With Ryan Broyles done for the year, and Kenny Stills nursing a hamstring injury, Reynolds will be counted on to lead the Sooners receiving core again this week. He should be poised for a huge game against Baylor in what looks to be an old-fashioned shootout. Reynolds has WR1 potential this week; get him in your lineups.
MarQueis Gray, QB, Minnesota (at Northwestern) - Gray has been inconsistent this season. But the fact remains that he is Minnesota's biggest playmaker on the ground and through the air. This week's matchup against Northwestern is fantasy gold for his owners. The Wildcats will probably put up a lot of points against Minnesota; but their defense is terrible against the run, which should provide
START
Da'Rick Rogers, WR, Tennessee (vs. Vanderbilt) - Rogers has returned to relevance recently with consecutive 100-yard games. Things are looking even brighter for him with Tyler Bray possibly returning this week. If Bray plays, then Rogers' value skyrockets and would make him an absolute must-start in fantasy playoff matchups.
Chris Coyer, QB, Temple (vs. Army) - Since taking over as the starter for the Owls, Coyer has averaged 140.5 rushing yards per game. He is very athletic and doesn't have a terrible arm. As with most mobile quarterbacks, he has the ability to put up top running back numbers on a given week. Whatever stats he adds through the air is just icing on the fantasy cake.
Jaz Reynolds, WR, Oklahoma (at Baylor) - With Ryan Broyles done for the year, and Kenny Stills nursing a hamstring injury, Reynolds will be counted on to lead the Sooners receiving core again this week. He should be poised for a huge game against Baylor in what looks to be an old-fashioned shootout. Reynolds has WR1 potential this week; get him in your lineups.
MarQueis Gray, QB, Minnesota (at Northwestern) - Gray has been inconsistent this season. But the fact remains that he is Minnesota's biggest playmaker on the ground and through the air. This week's matchup against Northwestern is fantasy gold for his owners. The Wildcats will probably put up a lot of points against Minnesota; but their defense is terrible against the run, which should provide a lot of opportunities for Gray to rack up yards. Gray is a high upside play at quarterback this week.
Marqise Lee, WR, USC (at Oregon) - Continuing with the "MarQueis" theme, we have Marqise Lee. Lee has really turned it on in the last few weeks (25 receptions, 292 yards, four touchdowns in last three games). And with news that Robert Woods is likely to miss, or be severely limited, in Saturday's game, Lee's stock rises even more.
Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M (vs. Kansas) - Readers who frequent this column should notice a trend - "start everyone against Kansas." The Jayhawks truly have one of the most abysmal defenses in the nation. Tannehill will have plenty of time to sit in the pocket and dissect this defense. The only thing that will prevent him from having a huge game will be if the Aggies go up by too many points and Tannehill ends up taking an early shower.
Le'Veon Bell, RB, Michigan State (vs. Indiana) - Bell has played his best football of the season recently. As a result, he has received the bulk of Michigan State's carries. Bell has taken advantage of soft matchups this season. This week, he faces an Indiana defense that gives up 450-plus yards per game. Bell is a safe flex option in the fantasy playoffs this week.
SIT
Denard Robinson, QB, Michigan (vs. Nebraska) - At the beginning of the season, a Denard Robinson-Taylor Martinez matchup might have been expected to produce close to 600 rushing yards. But, unfortunately, that probably won't be the case this week. Robinson has battled a few injuries this season (most recently a wrist injury) and his play has suffered. Just like last season, his production has declined in the second half of the season. His yards per carry has dropped to 3.3 over his last four games after averaging 7.1 through his first six. Robinson probably isn't the QB1 he was when you drafted him at the beginning of the season.
A.J. Jenkins, WR, Illinois (vs. Wisconsin) - Jenkins is an elite talent, there is no denying that. But Nate Scheelhaase's inconsistent play has really dragged down Jenkins' value. Scheelhaase looked lost against Michigan last week. And while he basically threw all of his passes to Jenkins, you can bet Wisconsin will try and take Jenkins out of the equation. It is tough to bench a player of his caliber, but you have to consider it if a better option is available. During the playoffs, you have to start the players who give you the best chance to win.
Kenbrell Thompkins, WR, Cincinnati (at Rutgers) - For those who haven't heard, Zach Collaros will miss the rest of season after undergoing ankle surgery. This can't be good for the Bearcats' leading receiver. Not to mention, Rutgers has a top-25 defense. Do not risk starting Thompkins this week.
Zach Maynard, QB, Cal (at Stanford) - You can almost guarantee that Stanford is going to be at its best this week after losing to Pac-12 rival Oregon last week. The Cardinal not only want to win, but want to win big in the Big Game. Maynard might find it hard to throw against what will be a super-motivated defense. No reason to risk starting Maynard this week.
Raymond Maples, RB, Army (at Temple) - Maples has a few factors working against him this week. He is dealing with a concussion that caused him to miss last week's game. But even if he is cleared to play, he still faces a stout Temple defense. The uncertainty at quarterback will surely have the Owls defense keyed on Maples. Maples might have helped you get to the playoffs, but has too many factors working against him to help you during the playoffs.
