This article is part of our Start vs. Sit series.
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Ryan Aplin, QB, Arkansas State (vs. North Texas) - Aplin has been inconsistent this season, but usually ends up with good fantasy numbers at the end of the day. The Red Raiders don't really have a running game, so this offense is run primarily through Aplin (evident by his 33.3 pass attempts per game). And against a weak North Texas defense this weekend, he could have a huge game.
Josh Cooper, WR, Oklahoma State (vs. Baylor) - Cooper is already a decent PPR option; but he could become much more if Justin Blackmon is forced to miss time because of the concussion he sustained last week. This week's matchup against Baylor should provide loads of scoring for both teams, so start Cooper even if Blackmon plays.
Stephen Houston, RB, Indiana (vs. Northwestern) - Houston has strung together a couple of nice games against a pair of tough run defenses over the past two weeks. He is one of the few bright spots on this Hoosier offense, and they will look to get him going against a weak Northwestern run defense. Houston makes a decent flex option this week.
David Ash/Case McCoy, QB, Texas (vs. Kansas) - This isn't a quarterback situation I would normally endorse. But whoever ends up starting this game is destined for a big fantasy day. The Jayhawks defense is atrocious and gives up points in chunks. Start either Ash or McCoy this week.
Malcolm Brown, RB, Texas (vs.
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Ryan Aplin, QB, Arkansas State (vs. North Texas) - Aplin has been inconsistent this season, but usually ends up with good fantasy numbers at the end of the day. The Red Raiders don't really have a running game, so this offense is run primarily through Aplin (evident by his 33.3 pass attempts per game). And against a weak North Texas defense this weekend, he could have a huge game.
Josh Cooper, WR, Oklahoma State (vs. Baylor) - Cooper is already a decent PPR option; but he could become much more if Justin Blackmon is forced to miss time because of the concussion he sustained last week. This week's matchup against Baylor should provide loads of scoring for both teams, so start Cooper even if Blackmon plays.
Stephen Houston, RB, Indiana (vs. Northwestern) - Houston has strung together a couple of nice games against a pair of tough run defenses over the past two weeks. He is one of the few bright spots on this Hoosier offense, and they will look to get him going against a weak Northwestern run defense. Houston makes a decent flex option this week.
David Ash/Case McCoy, QB, Texas (vs. Kansas) - This isn't a quarterback situation I would normally endorse. But whoever ends up starting this game is destined for a big fantasy day. The Jayhawks defense is atrocious and gives up points in chunks. Start either Ash or McCoy this week.
Malcolm Brown, RB, Texas (vs. Kansas) - While the quarterback situation in Texas is still up in the air, it is clear who gets the majority of carries in this offense. As mentioned, the Kansas defense is absolutely terrible. The Longhorns should finally get their offense going, and Brown should benefit in a big way.
Tim Jefferson, QB, Air Force (at New Mexico) - Jefferson faces a soft matchup in New Mexico this weekend. His passing has been very inconsistent, but he does receive a good amount of carries (including the important ones near the goal line). Jefferson should put up big numbers against a defense that sits in the bottom three of the FBS rankings. He makes for a solid spot-start this week.
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Denard Robinson, QB, Michigan (at Purdue) - Robinson enters this matchup a little shook up physically and mentally. He is recovering from a huge loss to Michigan State two weeks ago, in which he was injured and benched. Michigan coach Brady Hoke said he isn't opposed to using two quarterbacks this week. Combine that with the fact that Purdue is coming off a huge defensive showing last week, and Robinson could be in for a down game.
Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina (at Tennessee) - The talented receiver has been a bit of a disappointment this season. And now that Marcus Lattimore is no longer around to attract defensive attention, opponents can shift all of their focus to Jeffery. Expect Tennessee to do just that this weekend.
Kriss Proctor, QB, Navy (at Notre Dame) - Don't let Notre Dame's poor secondary fool you into starting Proctor this week. You'd be lucky to see Proctor throw the ball more than 10 times in a given week. He gets all of his value from his legs, and the Fighting Irish have actually been decent against the run this season. There are better options for week 9.
Taylor Martinez, QB, Nebraska (vs. Michigan State) - This just isn't a good week for mobile quarterbacks. It is hard to ever bench a player of Martinez's caliber because he can break off a huge play for a touchdown at any moment. But Michigan State poses a tough challenge this week. The Spartans look legit, led by one of the nation's top defenses. They didn't have a hard time containing Michigan's Denard Robinson (who possesses a similar skillset to Martinez) two weeks ago. Consider benching Martinez this week if a better alternative is available.
Terrance Ganaway, RB, Baylor (at Oklahoma State) - Ganaway is poised to have a bad game this week against Oklahoma State. This game is shaping up to be an aerial shootout between high-octane offenses. If this were to happen, Ganaway's opportunities would be limited because he isn't involved in the passing game (three receptions all season). Leave Ganaway on the bench for this matchup.
Alex Torres, WR, Texas Tech (vs. Iowa State) - Torres has stepped up in a big way the last few weeks while Darrin Moore was sidelined with a leg injury. Moore returned last week, but didn't do much (one catch, four yards). But this week, he should be healthier and more involved in the Red Raiders' potent offense. This is bad news for Torres' owners because he will most likely regress to an average fantasy receiver so long as Moore is on the field. The ride was fun, but it may be over for Torres.
