Onion Sports has expert analysis on which players to keep and which players to drop from your fantasy football starting lineup this week:
Start ’Em
Calvin Johnson (WR): Johnson has the ability to exploit Tampa Bay’s vulnerability against wide receivers who are much bigger, faster, stronger, and more talented than them
Geno Smith (QB): A viable spot start in deeper 42- or 44-team leagues
Caleb Sturgis (K): Where to begin? The second-year University of Florida product showed that his solid rookie year was no fluke with a strong 15-point game to begin the year. After several single-digit efforts, the St. Augustine, FL native has really hit his stride, achieving double-digit fantasy points in four of the last six weeks. The confident, buoyant 25-year-old, who was the first placekicker selected in the 2013 NFL Draft, has missed just five field goals this year, with a season long of 51 yards. However, Sturgis has so many wonderful qualities that simply don’t come through in his stats. Off the field, he is a kind, gentle, and generous person, always there to lend a hand when he sees someone in need. On it, he is a model professional who constantly pushes those around him to strive to be the best they can be, a characteristic he gained having been raised in a very sports-centric family. Sturgis’ father, Smiley, was a strong tennis player in his youth, and now works as a pastor in St. Augustine. Meanwhile, Sturgis’ older brother, Nathan, enjoyed a successful professional soccer career playing for a number of teams in the MLS. The Miami Dolphins are incredibly lucky to have Caleb in their starting lineup, and you will be too.
Sit ’Em
Joique Bell (RB): Finally a feature back, Bell becomes the latest in a long line of running backs to carry the load for Reggie Bush
Minnesota Vikings (D/ST): Could have trouble on third-and-longs figuring out whether Jets are planning to run the ball up the middle or run the ball outside
Zach Mettenberger (QB): Solid line protection should give him plenty of time to read the signs calling for him to be benched
