Rex Grossman Is Our Quarterback

Mr. T has decided to get me back from making him write both Start ‘Em and Sit ‘Em columns last week by making me do the same for Week 16. Luckily, thanks to my team’s pathetic performance in the opening round of the playoffs last week, I now find myself with a lot more free time on my hands. Those of you lucky enough to not have been relying on Tom Brady and DeAngelo Williams last week and are now fighting for the championship, here’s for you.

You know who you should start?

Alex Smith (QB – SF)
He had a terrible game last week, but he was decent before then, and nothing brings out the fantasy points in a quarterback than getting to go against the Lions.

Michael Bush (RB – OAK)
Be sure to stay aware of Justin Fargas’ health, but after his 133-yard rushing performance last week, Bush has earned himself the start. Going against the Browns 29th ranked run D, he could be a fantasy championship difference-maker.

Larry Johnson (RB – CIN)
Here’s a flex play for you desperate owners out there. You think Larry Johnson doesn’t want to run the ball down his former team’s throat? Because I’m pretty sure he does. And with this being a game the Bengals should easily win, look for them to give Cedric Benson a bit of a rest and allow LJ to get some work in.

Derrick Mason (WR – BAL)
Sitting a mere 72 yards away from his eight 1000 yard season in 9 years, Mason should hit that number and then some against the weak Pittsburgh pass D. As they showed last week against the Packers, the Steelers aren’t stopping any aerial attacks, and the Ravens should take advantage of that this week.

Fred Davis (TE – WSH)
Getting a chance to show his heavily-hyped talent, Davis has responded with 5 TDs in his past 4 games. He’s become Jason Campbell’s favorite target, and that trend should continue this week.

You know who you should sit?

Brett Favre (QB – MIN)
And the long-predicted late-season swoon is upon us! After putting up numbers comparable to the best of his career for most of the season, Favre has put up back-to-back weak games. The Chicago defense is very vulnerable, and Favre did put up monster numbers against them earlier in the year, but I’m going to give the edge to Father Time and the cold Chicago weather. Another long day for Favre is in the works.

David Garrard (QB – JAX)
For my final Sit ‘Em column of the year, I might as well go back to what has been my constant refrain. You don’t start David Garrard on the road. Don’t even think about it.

Rashard Mendenhall (RB – PIT)
The Steelers seem to lean more heavily on their aerial attack the more desperate they are for a win, such as in last week’s 500 yard explosion from Roethlisberger. This leaves Mendenhall behind, and against the Raven’s tough run D, he’s not someone you want to be relying on.

LeSean McCoy (RB – PHI)
With his carries already being cut into by Leonard Weaver, it looks like McCoy might now have to also deal with the return of Brian Westbrook. With all three said to be getting carries this week, this is a situation you want to stay far away from.

Reggie Wayne (WR – IND)
This weekend’s winner of the “which stud WR gets to be shut down by Darrelle Revis?” award. Add to that the fact that Wayne has been underperforming for weeks now, and that the Colts’ starters might not play much and you have a recipe for disaster.