Before we get to this weeks picks, I just want to take a moment to thank you for reading the Fantasy Football Goat. This Wednesday the blog reached the 500 subscriber mark. Thanks again.


Now, back to business.

There are some pretty prominent fantasy players who are on a bye this week. Studs like Adrian Peterson, Brandon Marshall and Greg Jennings will be at home watching the games just like you and I (except with much bigger TV’s and in much bigger pads). If you are one of the unlucky owners you faces a week without one of these three, good luck.

Now lets take a look at a few players who will be performing – or at least trying to – this Sunday.

Start em if you got em

Thomas Jones RB (NYJ) – He has been fairly hot as of late; 159 yard rushing performances against Oakland last week and 3 touchdowns the week before. This week he gets to play a Chiefs team that is dead last defending the run and doesn’t have any offense to keep him off the field. Getting the yardage and the scores shouldn’t be a problem for him this week. Look for 125 and 2 touchdowns.

Jeff Garcia QB (TB) – Jeffy looked pretty damn good last week, going for over 300 yards, and there is no reason why he shouldn’t look just as good this week against a Dallas secondary that is ranked in the bottom half of the league and will be without a few starters. Combine that with the fact that he gets his old pal Joey Galloway back in the line-up, which in combination with Antonio Bryant, gives him an above average receiving tandem.

Oh and by the way, both receivers were dumped at one point by the Boyz, don’t ya think they will be playing a little harder than usual this Sunday? I do. I think that you can expect somewhere in the neighborhood of 275 and two touchdowns for the willy veteran.

Sit em if you got em

Eli Manning RB (NYG) – Despite his hot start, Eli – like his big bro – has come back down to earth a bit the last few weeks. Not only has he not gone over the 200 yard mark but he has thrown only one touchdown.This week he will be on the road to take on the team with the number one pass defense; Pittsburgh. His numbers will not improve and there are better options. Start him at your own peril. I am thinking 190 and a touchdown.

Willie Parker RB (PIT) – Willie is supposed to be back in the line-up this week but I am not so sure you will want to put him in your line-up right away. First, there is no reason for Tomlin to rush him back when Mewelde Moore has been solid in relief and should still see a nice chunk of action.

Second, the Giants are fifth in the league against the run and, impressively, have only allowed two rushing touchdowns this season. Look elsewhere or settle for a lackluster 50 -60 total yards and zero touchdown performance from fast Willie.

Sleepers: Don’t be surprised if…

…Kevin Curtis WR (PHI) hits the ground running against a 26th ranked Atlanta pass defense. If you were smart enough to stash him on your bench, dust him off and throw him in this week. Your opponent won’t know what hit him when Kevin pulls in at least 75 yards and a touchdown.

…Josh Morgan WR (SF) has a really strong performance against a bad Seattle team in a bad Sunday Night football game (to bad the flex games didn’t start yet, brutal). Anyway, if he can go for 86 and a touchdown against a Giants defense on the road, I like his odds at home against a 29th ranked Seattle defense. I wouldn’t doubt he grabs another touchdown and gets his first career 100 yard game.

More for you

Don’t forget to check this post again after the games. Every Monday or so I go through and grade my performance based on the final stats so that you know how much stock you can put into my picks the following week.

Also, be sure to stop by and check out the Fantasy Football Librarians blog for her extremely thorough listing of start em, sit ems from around the web. I may have a few more for you too so check back later in the week.

Listen to this

Do you like to do more than just read? Grab your iPod or mp3 player and check out my start em sit em podcast. Each Thursday morning I put my start and sit ideas out in audio format. Not only do I offer up more insight on the picks above BUT I add a few more players and discuss some injuries for you to keep an eye on.

Also, check out my Waiver Wire Live radio show over on Blog Talk Radio’s Fantasy Sports Network.  I give you a ton of players that may be available to help your team out as well as give you an early bird preview of next weeks games.

Stick around

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