This article is part of our Start vs. Sit series.
Kain Colter, QB/WR, Northwestern (vs. Rice) - Colter has really become a Swiss Army knife for Northwestern this season, making things happen with his arm, legs and hands. Dan Persa is expected to start this game, but even when Persa is on the field, Colter remains a big part of the Northwestern offensive gameplan. Rice sports one of the nation's worst defenses, and Colter should put up big numbers in all three scoring categories Saturday.
Jacob Schmidt, RB, Northwestern (vs. Rice) - This game has all the makings of a blowout. And the fantasy players who benefit the most from a blowout are running backs. Schmidt will probably get a heavy dose of touches in the second half as Northwestern tries to salt away the clock; and with three touchdowns in the last two weeks, that can only mean good things for Schmidt. Consider him a strong flex play this week.
John White, RB, Utah (vs. UCLA) - While his name is rather boring, his season-to-date has not been. White has been Utah's strongest offensive weapon, and that won't stop this week at home against UCLA. The Bruins provide a soft matchup, and you can put money on White receiving 25-plus carries. Expect RB1 numbers from the junior in this one.
Chris Givens, WR, Wake Forest (at Clemson) - Do not let Clemson's No. 9 rank scare you into benching Givens this week. While Clemson's offense is dynamic, its defense ranks 66th in the nation in
Kain Colter, QB/WR, Northwestern (vs. Rice) - Colter has really become a Swiss Army knife for Northwestern this season, making things happen with his arm, legs and hands. Dan Persa is expected to start this game, but even when Persa is on the field, Colter remains a big part of the Northwestern offensive gameplan. Rice sports one of the nation's worst defenses, and Colter should put up big numbers in all three scoring categories Saturday.
Jacob Schmidt, RB, Northwestern (vs. Rice) - This game has all the makings of a blowout. And the fantasy players who benefit the most from a blowout are running backs. Schmidt will probably get a heavy dose of touches in the second half as Northwestern tries to salt away the clock; and with three touchdowns in the last two weeks, that can only mean good things for Schmidt. Consider him a strong flex play this week.
John White, RB, Utah (vs. UCLA) - While his name is rather boring, his season-to-date has not been. White has been Utah's strongest offensive weapon, and that won't stop this week at home against UCLA. The Bruins provide a soft matchup, and you can put money on White receiving 25-plus carries. Expect RB1 numbers from the junior in this one.
Chris Givens, WR, Wake Forest (at Clemson) - Do not let Clemson's No. 9 rank scare you into benching Givens this week. While Clemson's offense is dynamic, its defense ranks 66th in the nation in YPG against. Considering the matchup, Wake Forest will throw all game. Givens could be in line for a monster game this weekend.
Terrance Ganaway, RB, Baylor (at Kansas) - Although he is prone to the occasional less than 40-yard game, Ganaway is normally a safe play because of his touchdown production. This week, against a horrid Kansas defense, owners can expect a 100-plus yard game with his usual touchdowns. He is a must-start.
A.J. Jenkins, WR, Illinois (vs. Michigan) - Jenkins has really fallen off track (along with the rest of the Illinois offense) after a hot start to the season. This should be the week when he turns it all around. The Illini offense faces a Michigan defense prone to giving up big plays. Start Jenkins in all formats this week.
Philip Payne, WR, UNLV (at New Mexico) - Payne has been a fantasy disappointment this season, reaching 100 yards just once this season. This week, he has an opportunity to redeem himself against one of the nation's softest defenses, New Mexico (more than 500 YPG against). Because of his quarterback's uncertainty, Payne is a high-risk, high-reward play for those taking chances in the last week of the fantasy regular season.
SIT
Vick Ballard, RB, Mississippi State, (vs. Alabama) - Ballard had a strong outing last week, rushing for 102 yards and a pair of touchdowns. But this week he goes against an Alabama team looking to bounce back from its first loss of the season. Expect Alabama's defense to key on the Bulldogs' most dangerous weapon. If your fantasy playoff hopes ride on this week's outcome, do not take a chance on Ballard.
Jacory Harris, QB, Miami, (at Florida State) - Harris has played at an unbelievable level this season (18:4 TD-to-INT ratio). But he hasn't really faced too many tough opponents this year. Harris goes up against one of the nation's top pass defenses this Saturday. The Seminoles have been holding opposing quarterbacks to less than 200 yards-per-game this season. Keep Harris on the bench for this one.
B.J. Cunningham, WR, Michigan State (at Iowa) - While Cunningham is an elite talent at receiver, there is no denying a statistical trend that has developed this season. He has alternated good and bad fantasy games every week. Whether it is due to matchups, game circumstance or just coincidence, there is definitely a disparity in his performance week-to-week. Judging from his 104-game last week, we can only expect a mediocre game this week, right?
Marvin McNutt, WR, Iowa (vs. Michigan State) - McNutt is a stud and has burned me before when I have recommended benching him. But it is hard to deny the statistics here. Michigan State's defense only gives up 145.9 YPG to opposing quarterbacks. And while McNutt might see all of James Vandenberg's passes, his ceiling in this game won't be as high as usual. Consider benching McNutt if you have a comparable receiver with a softer matchup.
Tino Sunseri, QB, Pittsburgh (at Louisville) - While Sunseri's 63.0 completion percentage this season is impressive, his 8:8 TD-to-INT ratio sure isn't. He faces a Louisville defense that ranks 17th in the nation in yards against. If the Cardinals keep Sunseri from throwing for a lot of yards, then his owners will be left empty handed by a quarterback who averages less than one touchdown-per-game this season.
Johnathan Franklin, RB, UCLA (at Utah) - Franklin has been outright outplayed by backup Derrick Coleman the last two games. While UCLA still states that Franklin is the starter, the carries and performance on the field say otherwise. Those owners who choose to trot Franklin out there this week at Utah may be taught a tough lesson. Keep him on the bench.
