Week 10 Starters & Benchwarmers

Wondering whether or not to start Peyton Manning and Arian Foster, or bench Chad Henne and David Gettis? The network bozos specialize in that kind of advice. If you’re looking for real help with your starting lineup conundrums, read on.

Here are my picks to roll, and get rolled, in Week 10 of the 2010 season.

Watch ‘em roll

Shaun Hill, QB, Lions at Bills. Before breaking his forearm in Week 6, Hill was one of the hottest passers in the league. Now that he’s returning in Matt Stafford’s place, and facing a delicious matchup in Buffalo (17 passing TDs surrendered vs. a league-low one INT), he should pick up where he left off. In a week when three top fantasy QBs are on bye, Hill offers great upside.

Ronnie Brown, RB, Dolphins vs. Titans. With Chad Pennington back at the controls, Miami’s running game must shoulder the load. Brown scored his second rushing TD of the season last week against the Ravens, and he should have more success against Tennessee’s average-at-best rush defense.

Jahvid Best, RB, Lions at Bills. For the time being, at least, Kevin Smith has receded into the background, leaving Best alone atop Detroit’s RB pecking order. That’s excellent news since he’ll be facing the league’s worst run defense on Sunday.

Mike Thomas, WR, Jaguars vs. Texans. The diminutive wideout reached the end zone against Dallas in Week 8, and now faces a secondary that’s arguably even worse. David Garrard should have another outstanding outing, along with both of his starting WRs.

Mario Manningham, WR, Giants vs. Cowboys. Steve Smith injured his pectoral muscle in Thursday’s practice and is expected to miss one or two games as a result. With Dallas’ sieve-like secondary on tap, Manningham should have an outstanding game as Eli Manning’s No. 2 wideout. Obviously, Hakeem Nicks is golden with or without Smith.

More thumbs up (excluding the no-brainers): QBs Garrard, Matt Schaub, Eli Manning, Mike Vick, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Kyle Orton, Ben Roethlisberger; RBs Jamaal Charles, Thomas Jones, Ahmad Bradshaw, Cedric Benson, Donald Brown, LeGarrette Blount, Peyton Hillis; WRs Mike Sims-Walker, Pierre Garcon, Jacoby Jones, Jeremy Maclin, Hines Ward, Mike Wallace, Steve Johnson, Dwayne Bowe, Steve Breaston.

Roll ‘em back

Tom Brady, QB, Patriots at Steelers. Brady’s owners know he has been fairly mediocre fantasy-wise since Randy Moss left town. Now he’s dealing with a sprained foot, though it won’t keep him off the field against Pittsburgh. But with Wes Welker still less than 100 percent, Brady is a shaky start at best against a defense that’s given up just eight passing TDs in as many games.

Mike Goodson, RB, Panthers at Buccaneers. The second-year back will start in place of the injured DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart. But if those two couldn’t produce behind Carolina’s weak offensive line, what are the third-stringer’s chances? With Jimmy Clausen back under center, nobody in a Carolina uniform should be within sniffing distance of your lineup.

LaDainian Tomlinson, RB, Jets at Browns. He has slowed down from his torrid early-season pace, while Cleveland (one rushing TD to date) has played formidable defense against some of the best teams in the league. With Shonn Greene’s share of the workload steadily increasing, LT is no longer a sure-fire fantasy starter in tough matchups, like Sunday’s.

Santana Moss, WR, Redskins vs. Eagles. He was blanked in the first meeting between these teams, and Donovan McNabb wasn’t much better against his old club. Both players are risky starts against Philly’s high-pressure defense.

Randy Moss, WR, Titans at Dolphins. He is unlikely to see a full workload in his first game as a Titan, and head coach Jeff Fisher has suggested he won’t even play on third downs. Regardless of which QB is under center, Moss has taken a big step down from Brady and Brett Favre.

More thumbs down: QBs Jay Cutler, Carson Palmer, Jon Kitna, Chad Pennington; RBs Beanie Wells, Ricky Williams, Matt Forte, Felix Jones, Marion Barber, BenJarvis Green-Ellis; WRs Michael Crabtree, Brandon Tate, Deion Branch, Steve Smith (CAR), Roy Williams, Mike Williams (SEA).

TAKING A FLIER

Buccaneers defense vs. Panthers. Jimmy Clausen will start this game for Carolina, but he may not finish it. Meanwhile, the Panthers are down to their third running back, and they were arguably the NFL’s worst offense when their starters were healthy. Look for sacks and turnovers galore for the Bucs’ defense, along with a possible shutout.

DON’T BE THE BONEHEAD WHO…lets Sidney Rice remain a free agent any longer. Rice is on track to play limited snaps in Week 10, which should make him a hot commodity on next week’s waiver wire. Grab him now (he’s still available in most leagues), and sock him away for the stretch run. Rice will be playing for a new contract, and with Moss in Tennessee and Percy Harvin better suited to the slot, the big-play receiver could resume his role as Favre’s go-to target as soon as Week 11.