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.
Stud of the week:
Clinton Portis, RB, Washington — I know what you're thinking. "This guy is telling us to start Clinton Portis? What's he smokin'?" Well, I realize that Clinton Portis is way past his prime, and pretty much is terrible now. BUT, the Redskins are up against a cupcake this weekend called the St. Louis Rams. Despite barely breaking the 30-yard barrier in last weekend's air-it-out shootout loss to Houston, he still managed to find the end zone twice. The Redskins can lean even more heavily on Portis in the running game now that Larry Johnson was cut and an undrafted rookie is the No. 2 guy now. Also, as I've mentioned before, don't forget that Mike Shanahan always seems to get gold out of brass when it comes to running backs. Can you say Olandis Gary? Well, actually, that name doesn't exactly roll off the tongue, but you get the picture. So anyway, start Portis. Don't expect 100 yards, but somewhere around 60-70 and a couple of touchdowns. That's a pretty good day for a washed up runner.
Dud of the week:
Dallas defense — Look, it's no secret that the Cowboys defense has been the strength of the team through the first two weeks. And it most likely will continue to be as long Jason Garrett is calling the offense. But this week when the Cowboys travel to Houston, it's time to find a new fantasy defense. The Texans have the No. 1 rushing offense in the NFL. Oh, and they also have the No. 1 passing defense in the NFL. You guessed it! That makes them the No. 1 total offense in the NFL. As I jump in my Blue Star time machine and harken back to Wednesday, just read my post from then and let it sink in: This offense is really, really dangerous. It should come as no surprise that Dallas' defense, as well as it's played at times this year, has no interceptions, but it is surprising that they have such a low sack total (two). Quite honestly, the Dallas defense is a better than average NFL defense, but until it starts taking the ball away, it's a below average fantasy defense, especially this week.
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