This article is part of our Start vs. Sit series.
START
Ryan Aplin, QB, Arkansas State - The knock on Aplin entering the season wasn't his ability, but the fact that he may be splitting snaps with teammate Phillip Butterfield. Well, Butterfield tore his ACL in the preseason and the starting gig is solely Aplin's. He didn't find the endzone against a superior Illinois team last week, but Aplin should take advantage of a weaker opponent, Memphis, at home this week. Take a chance on him and get Aplin in your lineups.
Duane Bennett, RB, Minnesota - Bennett didn't have a huge game last week against USC, rushing for only 53 yards (3.5 YPC). But he did find the endzone and is virtually unchallenged as the Golden Gophers' lead tailback. This week he gets a much softer defense in Miami, Ohio, and is deserving of a flex start.
D.J. Woods, WR, Cincinnati - Woods didn't break out like most thought he would in week 1, even with the Bearcats putting up 72 points. That shouldn't be the case this week at Tennessee. While the Volunteers offer a much tougher matchup than Week 1's Austin Peay, Tennessee's secondary has some holes and you can expect Cincinnati to be throwing. Keep Woods in your lineup this week.
Rex Burkhead, RB, Nebraska - Burkhead had a decent game (11 carries for 75 yards, TD) after being mentioned here last week. He should have an even better game this week against Fresno State. The Cornhuskers will look to control
START
Ryan Aplin, QB, Arkansas State - The knock on Aplin entering the season wasn't his ability, but the fact that he may be splitting snaps with teammate Phillip Butterfield. Well, Butterfield tore his ACL in the preseason and the starting gig is solely Aplin's. He didn't find the endzone against a superior Illinois team last week, but Aplin should take advantage of a weaker opponent, Memphis, at home this week. Take a chance on him and get Aplin in your lineups.
Duane Bennett, RB, Minnesota - Bennett didn't have a huge game last week against USC, rushing for only 53 yards (3.5 YPC). But he did find the endzone and is virtually unchallenged as the Golden Gophers' lead tailback. This week he gets a much softer defense in Miami, Ohio, and is deserving of a flex start.
D.J. Woods, WR, Cincinnati - Woods didn't break out like most thought he would in week 1, even with the Bearcats putting up 72 points. That shouldn't be the case this week at Tennessee. While the Volunteers offer a much tougher matchup than Week 1's Austin Peay, Tennessee's secondary has some holes and you can expect Cincinnati to be throwing. Keep Woods in your lineup this week.
Rex Burkhead, RB, Nebraska - Burkhead had a decent game (11 carries for 75 yards, TD) after being mentioned here last week. He should have an even better game this week against Fresno State. The Cornhuskers will look to control the ball for longer than they did last week (27:39 TOP), which will translate into more carries for Burkhead. With no competition in the backfield, Burkhead should be a solid play with a high floor in most formats.
A.J. Jenkins, WR, Illinois - Jenkins had a breakout performance last week and should build on that this week against South Dakota State. Nate Scheelhaase seems to have taken a step forward this season as a passer, which will only help Jenkins' numbers. Expect Jenkins to have another huge game against a soft defense.
Derek Moye, WR, Penn State - Moye didn't impress in Penn State's 41-7 win over Indiana State last Saturday. His lack of production can be attributed to the fact that he simply wasn't needed. That won't be the case against Alabama this week, as Penn State will likely be throwing early and often. Give Moye another chance this week.
Da'Rick Rogers, WR, Tennessee - Everyone knows that Justin Hunter is the stud receiver at Tennessee, but Rogers shouldn't get overlooked this week. He had a great game last week, going for 100 yards and a score. Expect him to have another strong game as two high-powered air attacks, Tennessee and Cincinnati, face off Saturday.
Mike Trumpy, RB, Northwestern - Trumpy received the most carries of the Northwestern tailbacks last week, and he also did the most with those carries. With Dan Persa out for another week, expect the Wildcats to stick with a ground attack against Eastern Illinois on Saturday. Trumpy should make a decent flex play this week.
SIT
Silas Redd, RB, Penn State - Redd showed what kind of explosive talent he can be against Indiana State last week, but he might not be as dominant this week against a stout Alabama defense. The Nittany Lions' uncertainty at quarterback will surely have Alabama's defensive attention focused solely on Redd. Redd is an emerging stud, but consider benching him this weekend.
Rodney Stewart, RB, Colorado - This is the second straight week Stewart is on the "sit" list. This has nothing to do with his talent as a running back; that is unquestioned. It is more about the situation surrounding him. The Buffs didn't look very strong against Hawaii in week 1, and it won't get any easier against Cal this weekend. Stewart will still get his touches, but his stats will be hard-earned. Consider benching Stewart for a mid-level tailback with a better matchup.
Adonis Thomas, RB, Toledo - Thomas is a fantasy force, but may not seem like one this week. Toledo draws the stout Ohio State defense that just reinstated three defensive players for this game. It is hard to see Thomas finding many holes this week. Consider a safer option.
Eric Page, WR, Toledo - Page should be benched for the same reasons it is recommended to bench Toledo running back Adonis Thomas. After all the offseason scandals and suspensions, Ohio State is playing with a chip on its shoulders. Not to mention it just reinstated three more starters to a defense that posted a shutout last week.
MarQueis Gray, QB, Minnesota - This "sit" applies to Big 10-only leagues. Gray missed a significant chunk of the Golden Gophers' season opener due to leg cramps, opening the door for freshman Max Shortell to step in and create a quarterback controversy. Gray, who was a Big 10-only sleeper, could end up losing time to the freshman as coach Jerry Kill stated that he isn't opposed to using two quarterbacks in a game. Keep Gray on the bench until this situation clears up.
Robbie Rouse, RB, Fresno State - Several factors are working against Rouse this week. The most glaring is his matchup against a tough Nebraska defense. Combine that with the loss of his starting center, Richard Helepiko, to injury and you have a recipe for a bad fantasy day. Keep Rouse on the bench this weekend.
