This article is part of our Start vs. Sit series.
START
Da'Rick Rogers, WR, Tennessee - Rogers was already holding his own as a startable fantasy receiver; but his situation just got a bit juicer with the news that Justin Hunter is done for the season. Expect him to lead the Vols in receiving the rest of the season, starting this week against Buffalo.
Braxton Miller, QB, Ohio State - Miller possesses that dual-threat ability that fantasy owners covet. His skill set reminds people of former Buckeye quarterbacks Terrelle Pryor and Troy Smith. Miller got his first start under center last week against Colorado. While his passing stats didn't look great (5-of-13, 83 yards, 2 TD), he found room to run (83 yards on 17 carries). Expect him to do the same this week against Michigan State.
Nate Scheelhaase, QB, Illinois - Scheelhaase has been less than stellar his last three games, failing to throw for more than 135 yards in any matchup. But keep in mind that he didn't have more than 20 pass attempts in any of those games, either. That won't be the case in Saturday's conference matchup against Northwestern. Expect Illinois to throw the ball to make a statement against its Big Ten foe. Be sure to start Scheelhaase this week.
Danny O'Brien, QB, Maryland - O'Brien is coming off his worst game of the season, but that was against a tough Temple secondary. This week, he gets a more forgiving Towson defense. He hasn't attempted less than 33 passes in any
START
Da'Rick Rogers, WR, Tennessee - Rogers was already holding his own as a startable fantasy receiver; but his situation just got a bit juicer with the news that Justin Hunter is done for the season. Expect him to lead the Vols in receiving the rest of the season, starting this week against Buffalo.
Braxton Miller, QB, Ohio State - Miller possesses that dual-threat ability that fantasy owners covet. His skill set reminds people of former Buckeye quarterbacks Terrelle Pryor and Troy Smith. Miller got his first start under center last week against Colorado. While his passing stats didn't look great (5-of-13, 83 yards, 2 TD), he found room to run (83 yards on 17 carries). Expect him to do the same this week against Michigan State.
Nate Scheelhaase, QB, Illinois - Scheelhaase has been less than stellar his last three games, failing to throw for more than 135 yards in any matchup. But keep in mind that he didn't have more than 20 pass attempts in any of those games, either. That won't be the case in Saturday's conference matchup against Northwestern. Expect Illinois to throw the ball to make a statement against its Big Ten foe. Be sure to start Scheelhaase this week.
Danny O'Brien, QB, Maryland - O'Brien is coming off his worst game of the season, but that was against a tough Temple secondary. This week, he gets a more forgiving Towson defense. He hasn't attempted less than 33 passes in any game this season, so you can count on many opportunities for points. Combine those factors with O'Brien getting two more receiving targets back (Quintin McCree and Ronnie Tyler), and he should make for a great start this weekend.
Nick Toon, WR, Wisconsin - With so many conference matchups starting this weekend, teams will turn to their most talented players to give them the best chance to win. Toon is definitely one of those players and you can bet Russell Wilson will be looking his way the whole game, especially after his 155-yard performance last week. Start Toon in any league this week against Nebraska.
James White, RB, Wisconsin - White has been somewhat of a disappointment in relation to his draft position this season; mainly due to his lack of touches. Expect him to receive a lot of work this week because the Badgers won't be blowing out Nebraska like they have all of their other opponents. Wisconsin will need to make some big plays, and White is the man to do it.
Giovani Bernard, RB, North Carolina - Bernard has been stellar this season, totaling 402 yards and six touchdowns through the Tar Heels' first four games. There is no reason to expect him to slow down this week against East Carolina. Bernard should be a lock for 100-plus yards and multiple touchdowns this Saturday.
Jeremy Ebert, WR, Northwestern - Do not let Ebert's slow start to the season deter you from starting him this week. He is coming off his best game of the season (108 yards, 2 TD), and should get his starting quarterback, Dan Persa, back for this game. Start Ebert against Illinois this week.
SIT
Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama - Richardson is undoubtedly one of the better running backs in the nation, but owners should temper their expectations for this weekend's game at Florida. Alabama doesn't boast the only top-5 defense in this matchup. Florida's defense has been lights out this season, giving up only 231 YPG and only one touchdown per game. A lot of Richardson's value comes from his ability to get in the endzone multiple times. There is a good chance that won't happen in what looks to be a low-scoring game. So don't expect a huge game from Richardson this week.
Montee Ball, RB Wisconsin - It is hard to recommend benching Ball after his strong start to the season, but this week may not produce the results to which his owners are accustomed. He faces a tough Nebraska run defense that gives up few touchdowns. Wisconsin has been used to playing with big leads all season; but if this game forces it to throw, then Ball's lack of pass-catching ability will keep him off the field.
Darius Reynolds, WR, Iowa State - Reynolds has been explosive this season, averaging 18.5 YPC. But he faces a tough opponent this weekend, Texas, and owners should consider benching him.
Le'Veon Bell, RB, Michigan State - Don't be fooled by Bell's three-touchdown game last week, as it came on only eight carries. He won't be able to score as easily against Ohio State this weekend. Bell averages less than 10 carries a game and is still splitting carries with two backs. Keep Bell on the bench for this game.
Casey Pachall, QB, TCU - Owner's will look at Pachall's matchup against SMU this weekend and assume he will continue his solid season Saturday. But if you actually look at the numbers, SMU's defense has limited opposing offenses to 257 total yards per game this year. Pachall's path to the endzone may not be as easy as some think.
Richard Brehaut, QB, UCLA - It was just announced that Brehaut will be the Bruins' full-time starter this weekend. But don't go rushing to start him just yet. He faces Stanford, which is notorious for controlling the clock on offense. Brehaut could make a solid option later in the season, but keep him on the bench this week.
