As I'll do every week, I'm going to examine one guy I think everyone should start this week and one guy I think everyone should bench this week. Of course, I'm not including guys like Adrian Peterson and Chris Johnson, who obviously should be started every week, but guys you might be on the fence about.
Drumroll, please....
Stud of the Week:
Dez Bryant, WR, Cowboys — So, I realize Sunday's game against Chicago will mark just the second actual NFL game Bryant will have ever played in, including preseason, and he missed most of his final year in college due to suspension, but Bryant showed on Sunday night against Washington that he is ready for the big stage. The big, physical receiver was targeted a team-high 12 times and caught eight balls for 56 yards. A few of those catches came on Dallas' last-minute drive at the end of the game, showing that Romo has full confidence in his rookie standout. Miles Austin's big game last week will draw coverage away from Bryant, and the former Oklahoma State star will want to make some noise in his home debut playing at the "stadjum". I'd look for somewhere in the neighborhood of 80-90 yards and a touchdown for Bryant.
Dud of the Week:
Carson Palmer, QB, Bengals — If you look back about four years, Palmer was a premiere fantasy quarterback. Then he suffered a knee injury, came back two seasons later and virtually fell of the face of the fantasy earth. Now, he has two past-their-prime receivers in Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens, although Ochocinco had a great game last week, as did Palmer. This week, the Bengals face the Ravens with a banged up secondary that's missing guys such as Ed Reed. BUT, that defense shut down the Jets offense on Monday night, allowing just three first downs. However, that was against Mark Sanchez, who it seems could be shut down by a good high school offense right now. Anyway, Palmer's not someone who you would absolutely sit, but if you have a better option, take it.
Good luck.
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