Answering your Week 4 start-or-sit questions for fantasy football

ByFANTASY STAFF
October 2, 2016, 10:20 AM

— -- This page will be updated with new questions and answers up until just after noon ET, so refresh often to see if your question was answered. The most recent answers will appear first.

Sometimes, rankings and columns just aren't enough to help you decide which player should go in your lineup. If you're still not sure about that final spot before Sunday's games kick off, send us a question on Twitter using the hashtag #startsitESPN, and you just might get yours answered below.

Each week, ESPN Fantasy analysts KC Joyner and Jim McCormick will provide advice for players just like you stuck with tough choices to make. Let's get started on answering your fantasy football questions for Week 4, which is also a bye week for the Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles.

Alshon Jeffery or Stefon Diggs for flex? PPR league #StartSitESPN

- Sean Doc (@TheSeanDoc) October 2, 2016

Stefon Diggs faces a very banged-up Giants secondary that is down to a third-string free safety. Alshon Jeffery is listed as questionable. Both elements point in the direction of starting Diggs. -- KC

@ESPNFantasy Reed or Kelce? #StartSitESPN

- Timothy Fisher (@timothyfisher08) October 2, 2016

Pittsburgh's starting strong safety has been declared out for this game. The Steelers also have a strong rush defense and they score a lot of points at home. This could cause the Chiefs to get into passing mode more often than usual. Those factors give Travis Kelce an edge over Jordan Reed. -- KC

@ESPNFantasy #startsitespn guy, I've been debating this all week. I know what the rankings are. But Pryor or B Marshall as my WR 2? Thanks!

- Soleslayer (@jordanwings13) October 2, 2016

Strength of matchup could be the best tiebreaker here. Terrelle Pryor?will face a much more favorable opposing coverage this week, and he will be the centerpiece of the Browns' passing attack. That gives him the edge. -- KC

Christine Michael or Spencer Ware in flex #StartSitESPN

- Tony Rochowski (@rochowsk) October 2, 2016

Seattle's offense ranks 24th this season in my good blocking rate (GBR) metric that measures how often an offense gives its ball carriers quality run blocking. Kansas City ranks 17th in GBR. Ware also has a slight edge in good blocking yards per attempt (GBYPA), which measures how productive ball carriers are when given good blocking (9.5 for Ware, 9.3 for Michael). Those factors give Ware the edge. -- KC

Zach Miller has a highly favorable matchup against Detroit, but the banged-up state of the Giants secondary gives Kyle Rudolph the highest possible matchup score in my matchup ratings system. That kind of upside potential is rare, so Rudolph gets the nod in this one. -- KC

#StartSitESPN Russell Wilson or Alex Smith? #FFNow

- Miss Orleans (@Real_MDstudent) October 2, 2016

As noted in an earlier question, Alex Smith may end up having to throw the ball a lot more tonight given the powerful Pittsburgh rush defense and the Steelers' ability to score points at home. Wilson is battling an MCL injury and is on a rush-first offense that probably won't be put into the pass-first mode against the Jets. Add in Smith's ability to gain rushing yards, a trait that might even be more highly rated than Wilson given Wilson's injury, and it gives Smith the advantage in this one. -- KC

@ESPNFantasy M. Ingram or D. Freeman #StartSitESPN

- MLG DoubleA (@Double_A_x99x) October 2, 2016

Devonta Freeman ranks second in good blocking yards per attempt (GBYPA) among running backs with 10 or more good blocking carries this year (12.6). By contrast, Mark Ingram ranks 22nd in GBYPA (7.5). That means Freeman is doing a notably better job when given good run blocking, something he should get on a regular basis against a Carolina rush defense that hasn't been a shutdown platoon this year. Those factors make Freeman the pick here. -- KC

Derek Carr or Eli Manning? #StartSitESPN

- William Cox (@billsqueb) October 2, 2016

Eli Manning is facing an incredibly stout Vikings defense. Derek Carr is facing a Baltimore defense that is nowhere near as strong as Minnesota's and has a coverage liability in Shareece Wright. The Giants also will want to slow the game down as much as possible to protect their injury-riddled secondary. Combine these together and it makes Carr the choice here. -- KC

#StartSitESPN matt stafford or philip rivers this week?

- Kevin Smith (@kevinator38) October 2, 2016

Philip Rivers has a highly favorable matchup against New Orleans, but the injury-plagued state of the Chicago secondary gives Matthew Stafford the second-most-favorable opposing coverage this week among quarterbacks ( Trevor Siemian ranks first versus Tampa Bay). The suggestion here would be to play for that injury-assisted upside and put Stafford in the lineup. -- KC

@ESPNFantasy #StartSitESPN Bills or Jets D/ST?

- Will Manns (@hitmanndjwill) October 2, 2016

It's good to see a D/ST question! Buffalo's defense has an equal pass rush to the Jets', and the Bills have shown a better ability at generating interception chances. Add Buffalo facing an injured backup quarterback, and it gives the Bills a slight edge in this matchup. -- KC

#StartSitESPN Start Siemian over Wilson?, 6pt TDs. Help a guy out:)

- Jason Costello (@coolhiveblue) October 2, 2016

Siemian threw four touchdown passes last week against a solid Cincinnati secondary. Tampa Bay may have the worst set of safeties in the league, a factor that gives Siemian the most favorable matchup rating of any quarterback in Week 4. Given that matchup favorability, it would not be a surprise to see Siemian throw at least three touchdown passes. Add Wilson's injury issue to the mix and it makes Siemian the start option here. -- KC

#StartSitESPN Carson Palmer or Alex Smith

- Jaime (@ballajamm) October 2, 2016

Even as Carson Palmer has struggled, this is an inviting get-right spot against the visiting Rams, a team that just ceded over 400 yards to Jameis Winston & Co. in Tampa. -- J.M.

@ESPNFantasy Pitta or Fleener #StartSitESPN

- Tim Callahan (@t_callahan28) October 2, 2016

Dennis Pitta has enjoyed a team-leading market share of the Ravens' passing game since Week 2, so he has the higher floor and better rapport with his quarterback. The Raiders, meanwhile, have allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to tight ends dating back to last season. -- J.M.

Standard Scoring... Maclin, Snead, Fleener...Who do i sit today?? #StartSitESPN

- Nick Petrillo (@NPetrillo17) October 2, 2016

It might read like I'm down on Fleener, but I actually think he's a fine low-end TE1 today. However, in the context of questions such as this one, I have him sitting. Maclin is due for a positive correction in catch rate and the Steelers' secondary is suspect. Meanwhile, Snead is the better upside asset on the same Saints offense. -- J.M.

Christine Michael or Jordan Howard? #StartSitESPN

- EAGLES 16-0 (@louieporterr) October 2, 2016

I appreciate the fervor in your Twitter name, as the Eagles are indeed going undefeated this season. That said, I favor Howard's higher yardage floor here, as I believe his involvement in the passing game can drive a strong showing. -- J.M.

#StartSitESPN Cousins or Rivers?

- Veezo (@SEAlvizo) October 2, 2016

At the helm of a favored team in the week's highest point total, let's ride with Philip Rivers. Cousins is a really nice option, as well, so this is essentially choosing my second-favorite signal-caller of the week over, say, my No. 6 quarterback in Cousins. -- J.M.

#StartSitESPN Dwayne Washington or Jamal Charles?

- Buddy Blankenship (@bbtwlv) October 2, 2016

This is a common question we're seeing this morning. I'm proving conservative and want to see what role Jamaal Charles might play today, while siding with Washington's early-down share and any goal-line upside he might claim. -- J.M.

@ESPNFantasy mike Wallace or tajae sharp? #StartSitESPN

- Eric Basner (@EricBasner) October 2, 2016

Mike Wallace has developed a fine vertical rapport with Joe Flacco, and the Raiders' pass defense past David Amerson has proved exploitable, so let's go with him over Tajae Sharpe on an inconsistent Tennessee passing offense. -- J.M.

@ESPNFantasy std scoring, Carlos Hyde or Travis Benjamin? #StartSitESPN

- Alex Dierling (@AlexDierling) October 2, 2016

The Dallas Cowboys have ceded 3.31 yards before contact per rush to opposing running backs this season -- most in the league and significantly above the league average rate of 2.35. With an expectation for 20 touches against a generous rush defense, Hyde is in a great spot today. -- J.M.

@ESPNFantasy pick 2 C.J. Anderson, D. Murray, or C. Michael? #StartSitESPN

- dch (@HDclifton) October 2, 2016

Solid options here, but let's sit Michael, as these other workhorse options can add value in the passing phase. -- J.M.

@ESPNFantasy #StartSitESPN should I trade gurley for Odell ? My RB's are stacked

- Kaige Schuler (@Bubbaschuler23) October 2, 2016

If you can pull that off, do it now! I respect the workload Todd Gurley nets, but Odell Beckham Jr. is still the superior fantasy asset on a far better offense. Good luck pulling it off. -- J.M.

@ESPNFantasy 1/2 PPR, Theo Riddick or Will Fuller #StartSitESPN

- Chris Bernitt (@cbernittttttt) October 2, 2016

This is somewhat of a floor and ceiling consideration, as Theo Riddick is a high-floor asset given his steady target share and increased early-down role. The Bears' front seven is depleted, thus Riddick could thrive in space today. I'm siding with Riddick's double-digit touch workload, but do appreciate Will Fuller's upside as a vertical threat and his respectable target share, just not in this context. -- J.M.

@ESPNFantasy Already starting D. Johnson and EZE. Need to bench J. Howard or Crowell. Looking to go 4-0! #StartSitESPN

- Damian Renadette (@damianrenadette) October 2, 2016

Let's go with Jordan Howard, who offers more promise in the total yardage sense given his success in the receiving department last week. Crowell is a fine early-down option, but his game script as a sizable road underdog isn't ideal. The Lions, meanwhile, have allowed the most yards per carry to backs this season. -- J.M.

Happy New Year! But most importantly: .5 PPR, Fleener or Gronk?? #FantasyFootball #StartSitESPN

- Carolyn Strum (@carolyn_strum) October 2, 2016

Even as recency bias suggests Coby Fleener is the safer call given his success in Week 3 and Rob Gronkowski's limited snap and route role, I'm going with the Patriots' superstar given the potential for increased usage and the sheer upside of his red zone role. -- J.M.

Michael or Sims and Jeffrey or Snead #StartSitESPN

- Michael Blackburn (@mblackburn_87) October 2, 2016

Let's go with Charles Sims -- as the Broncos' stout rush defense metrics have softened a bit this season -- and Alshon Jeffery, as he has appreciable upside against a Lions secondary that has graded out poorly in coverage on both Football Outsiders and Pro Football Focus. -- J.M.

Cole Beasley or Jamison Crowder at Flex. Standard #StartSitESPN

- joe degraw (@playboiGreaz) October 2, 2016

I'm going with Cole Beasley in this case. Both players have sizable market shares of their respective offenses, but Beasley's is actually higher, and he is recording a reception on 27 percent of his routes, an astounding rate and somewhat believable given his high-percentage, short-yardage routes. With Dez Bryant looking unlikely to go, Beasley could feast on targets today. -- J.M.

@ESPNFantasy #StartSitESPN pick a flex for ppr, beasly or tyrell williams

- Luis Enrique (@Ruizkin) October 2, 2016

Let's get Tyrell Williams in the lineup. As much as we appreciate Beasley's steady role, Williams delivers greater upside and a similar yardage floor. -- J.M.

@ESPNFantasy should I start Shepard or Jordan Howard at the flex spot this week? #StartSitESPN

- BR?NDON (@B_RadTee) October 2, 2016

The Bears' Howard gets the nod, as he's due double-digit touches and faces a depleted Detroit front. -- J.M.

Should I start Tyler Lockett or Tavon Austin #StartSitESPN

- Ron (@iceman270103) October 2, 2016

Neither? But really, Tavon Austin has a sizable market share of his passing offense, even if he hasn't done much with it. Tyler Lockett, meanwhile, is still struggling to find a share of the Seattle offense, as he wasn't targeted last week. Thus, let's go with Austin. -- J.M.

@ESPNFantasy #StartSitESPN Terrell Pryor or Doug Baldwin?

- Tom Burkart (@tomburkart) October 2, 2016

Pryor is naturally a popular name after last week's dynamic showing, but Baldwin is cementing his status as a legitimate WR1 asset. Let's trust Baldwin in this case. -- J.M.

@ESPNFantasy standard league flex position. Do I start dwayne washington, spencer ware, or jamaal charles? #StartSitESPN

- Jason Toon (@Toon_Got_Swag) October 2, 2016

Signs point to Spencer Ware still seeing a significant share of the offense, so he's the guy of this trio. -- J.M.

Steffon Diggs or DeSean Jackson? @ESPNFantasy #StartSitESPN

- kellie soper (@ladysoper) October 2, 2016

Stefon Diggs has been stellar this season, particularly in the first two weeks. It's tough to get away from his market share, but with Joe Haden banged up and DeSean Jackson seeing such valuable vertical targets, I'm actually going with Jackson in the better matchup with more inviting upside. -- J.M.

@ESPNFantasy #StartSitESPN QB siemian or mariota and cole Beasley Snead or ridick

- Brandon Hibbits (@bhibbits) October 2, 2016

Trevor Siemian is the safer player here, which is something I didn't expect to conclude just a few weeks ago. I'm a big fan of Mariota, but the Titans can't keep the pocket clean and he has struggled with a somewhat ill-fitting passing scheme. As for those flex options, let's get Riddick and his valuable workload in the lineup in what could be a sneaky high-scoring affair between the Bears and Lions. -- J.M.

Tyrrell Pryor or Terrelle Williams for flex #StartSitESPN

- Greg Fuller (@Fuller2258) October 2, 2016

I'd go with Tyrell Williams. I have a suspicion we see Josh Norman shadow Terrelle Pryor, or at least cover him quite often. The Browns really have no key wideout options other than Pryor at the moment, so I don't buy talk that Norman doesn't adapt coverage here. That said, Pryor does offer a high floor, so I wouldn't begrudge chasing last week's rare feats. With Williams, he's assumed in some sense the Keenan Allen role -- leading the team in targets since Week 2 and also providing some big-play ability. The selling point is also being a part of an offense ideally positioned against the Saints' soft secondary. -- J.M.

#StartSitESPN Mohamed sanu and Terrance west and tajae sharpe all on my bench which 1 of the 3 to pick up Detroit RB Washington

- vincent (@guinness17201) October 2, 2016

I'm good with benching Mohamed Sanu here, who could be the classic case of a player who delivered his best fantasy line in Week 1. Terrance West hasn't been very effective, but talk of him starting and/or earning more work is intriguing, as he's been the better back than Justin Forsett on early downs, at least relatively. Tajae Sharpe could see a nice target share, as well, even as efficiency escapes him, especially with Delanie Walker banged up. I dig Dwayne Washington this week against a porous Chicago front, so finding room is a solid move. -- J.M.

I'm torn. Cardinals or Vikings Defense this week? #StartSitESPN

- J-Flo (@JFlo845) October 2, 2016

This could read as simplistic, but let's reduce it to the quarterbacks (and thus the respective offenses these groups face) -- would you rather face Eli Manning and his crew of weapons or Case Keenum and his skill arsenal? I side with the Cardinals in the matchup department enough to differentiate the move. Holding onto both defenses as matchup plays this season could prove productive if you're able to stomach the opportunity cost. -- J.M.

Tevin Coleman, Jerrick McKinnon,Will Fuller, or Sterling Shepard at flex #StartSitESPN

- Luke Wallbrown (@LWallbrown) October 2, 2016

This is a tight group of flex options, in that I have them all bunched in the same tier. That said, I prefer Jerrick McKinnon. Tevin Coleman has been really productive, but also dependent on goal-line usage and some big plays in the passing phase, elements I'm not sure drive his value for this meeting with the Panthers. McKinnon should see around 15 touches and claims intriguing big-play upside himself. -- J.M.

#StartSitESPN Standard score, pick 3. W Snead, K Benjamin, OBJ, M Jones, or A Cooper. Tired of leaving points on the bench!

- ClarkAnderson (@Clatastrophe14) October 2, 2016

You are going to be leaving points on your bench all year given the strong options and depth you have. It's a good thing, really. I'd get Odell Beckham Jr. and Amari Cooper in there for certain, and then I'm willing to give Kelvin Benjamin another shot here. Willie Snead is likely to play but still banged up and could face Brandon Flowers, who has been respectable in coverage. -- J.M.

#StartSitESPN 12 man ppr need delaine walker or hunter henry??

- dimitry meksin (@Dmeksin) October 2, 2016

With Walker expected to play, I'm going to side with his sizable target share. I love Hunter Henry, wrote about him like three times for ESPN Fantasy this week, maybe four! But either way, Walker is simply due a stronger market share and could get loose against the Texans' linebackers. -- J.M.

@ESPNFantasy flex choice Stefon diggs or Larry Fitzgerald in a ppr league? #StartSitESPN

- Joe Anderson (@andersonjoe_) October 2, 2016

Again siding with market share here, as Larry Fitzgerald claims a sizable share and faces an exploitable Rams secondary. -- J.M.

Tevin Coleman or latavius murrey #StartSitESPN

- Jovanni (@Geolosis562) October 2, 2016

Here is a situation that calls for Coleman and his greater upside. The talk of Latavius Murray being a workhorse after a uniquely inefficiency 2015 hasn't occurred, as a committee is in bloom for the Raiders' offense. Coleman at least claims total yardage upside with his receiving ability and role. -- J.M.

Russell Wilson or Derek Carr? #StartSitESPN

- Gail Jones (@gjones32809) October 2, 2016

Russell Wilson surely hasn't helped his investors much so far, but I'm still siding with him given the Jets' secondary has proven fallible. -- J.M.

#StartSitESPN for flex option should I start Cruz, darkwa, or enunwa??

- The Falcon (@mikefalkiewicz) October 2, 2016

I'm going with Quincy Enunwa -- I know the matchup with Seattle doesn't appear inviting, but he could see double-digit targets again. I can only recommend Orleans Darkwa if we see Jennings ruled out, which it appears we won't know until tomorrow. -- J.M.

#StartSitESPN Doug Baldwin or Emmanuel sanders

- John O'Toole (@MrOTooleWCA) October 2, 2016

I dig Doug Baldwin more -- simply prefer his QB rapport and the matchup is pretty inviting against a softening Jets secondary. Only Antonio Brown and Julio Jones have more yards than Baldwin since Week 10 last season. -- J.M.

@ESPNFantasy terell Pryor or Jeremy Maclin #StartSitESPN

- Jared Greene (@jaredg0519) October 2, 2016

I'm siding with Jeremy Maclin here, as the Chiefs might need to pass to contend with a strong Steelers offense and the Steelers have given up the second-most yards to receivers since the start of last season. -- J.M.

@ESPNFantasy Start or sit Washington, oakland or Giants Defense! #StartSitESPN

- leonard (@Bdwy27) October 2, 2016

I'll go purely matchup-based for these streaming options and take Washington, as they face a green rookie quarterback. -- J.M.

RBs Today Dwayne Washington or Cris Tompson #StartSitESPN

- JMED (@pepextreme16) October 2, 2016

Rolling with Washington here. Both backs should see minority shares of their respective backfields, while Washington has more upside in the touchdown department given the potential for goal-line touches. -- J.M.

Stefon Diggs faces a very banged-up Giants secondary that is down to a third-string free safety. Alshon Jeffery is listed as questionable. Both elements point in the direction of starting Diggs. -- KC

@ESPNFantasy Reed or Kelce? #StartSitESPN

- Timothy Fisher (@timothyfisher08) October 2, 2016

Pittsburgh's starting strong safety has been declared out for this game. The Steelers also have a strong rush defense and they score a lot of points at home. This could cause the Chiefs to get into passing mode more often than usual. Those factors give Travis Kelce an edge over Jordan Reed. -- KC

@ESPNFantasy #startsitespn guy, I've been debating this all week. I know what the rankings are. But Pryor or B Marshall as my WR 2? Thanks!

- Soleslayer (@jordanwings13) October 2, 2016

Strength of matchup could be the best tiebreaker here. Terrelle Pryor?will face a much more favorable opposing coverage this week, and he will be the centerpiece of the Browns' passing attack. That gives him the edge. -- KC

Christine Michael or Spencer Ware in flex #StartSitESPN

- Tony Rochowski (@rochowsk) October 2, 2016

Seattle's offense ranks 24th this season in my good blocking rate (GBR) metric that measures how often an offense gives its ball carriers quality run blocking. Kansas City ranks 17th in GBR. Ware also has a slight edge in good blocking yards per attempt (GBYPA), which measures how productive ball carriers are when given good blocking (9.5 for Ware, 9.3 for Michael). Those factors give Ware the edge. -- KC

@ESPNFantasy Zach Miller or Kyle Rudolph? #StartSitESPN

- Adam Atath (@adamatath) October 2, 2016

Zach Miller has a highly favorable matchup against Detroit, but the banged-up state of the Giants secondary gives Kyle Rudolph the highest possible matchup score in my matchup ratings system. That kind of upside potential is rare, so Rudolph gets the nod in this one. -- KC

#StartSitESPN Russell Wilson or Alex Smith? #FFNow

- Miss Orleans (@Real_MDstudent) October 2, 2016

As noted in an earlier question, Alex Smith may end up having to throw the ball a lot more tonight given the powerful Pittsburgh rush defense and the Steelers' ability to score points at home. Wilson is battling an MCL injury and is on a rush-first offense that probably won't be put into the pass-first mode against the Jets. Add in Smith's ability to gain rushing yards, a trait that might even be more highly rated than Wilson given Wilson's injury, and it gives Smith the advantage in this one. -- KC

@ESPNFantasy M. Ingram or D. Freeman #StartSitESPN

- MLG DoubleA (@Double_A_x99x) October 2, 2016

Devonta Freeman ranks second in good blocking yards per attempt (GBYPA) among running backs with 10 or more good blocking carries this year (12.6). By contrast, Mark Ingram ranks 22nd in GBYPA (7.5). That means Freeman is doing a notably better job when given good run blocking, something he should get on a regular basis against a Carolina rush defense that hasn't been a shutdown platoon this year. Those factors make Freeman the pick here. -- KC

Derek Carr or Eli Manning? #StartSitESPN

- William Cox (@billsqueb) October 2, 2016

Eli Manning is facing an incredibly stout Vikings defense. Derek Carr is facing a Baltimore defense that is nowhere near as strong as Minnesota's and has a coverage liability in Shareece Wright. The Giants also will want to slow the game down as much as possible to protect their injury-riddled secondary. Combine these together and it makes Carr the choice here. -- KC

#StartSitESPN matt stafford or philip rivers this week?

- Kevin Smith (@kevinator38) October 2, 2016

Philip Rivers has a highly favorable matchup against New Orleans, but the injury-plagued state of the Chicago secondary gives Matthew Stafford the second-most-favorable opposing coverage this week among quarterbacks ( Trevor Siemian ranks first versus Tampa Bay). The suggestion here would be to play for that injury-assisted upside and put Stafford in the lineup. -- KC

@ESPNFantasy #StartSitESPN Bills or Jets D/ST?

- Will Manns (@hitmanndjwill) October 2, 2016

It's good to see a D/ST question! Buffalo's defense has an equal pass rush to the Jets', and the Bills have shown a better ability at generating interception chances. Add Buffalo facing an injured backup quarterback, and it gives the Bills a slight edge in this matchup. -- KC

#StartSitESPN Start Siemian over Wilson?, 6pt TDs. Help a guy out:)

- Jason Costello (@coolhiveblue) October 2, 2016

Siemian threw four touchdown passes last week against a solid Cincinnati secondary. Tampa Bay may have the worst set of safeties in the league, a factor that gives Siemian the most favorable matchup rating of any quarterback in Week 4. Given that matchup favorability, it would not be a surprise to see Siemian throw at least three touchdown passes. Add Wilson's injury issue to the mix and it makes Siemian the start option here. -- KC

#StartSitESPN Carson Palmer or Alex Smith

- Jaime (@ballajamm) October 2, 2016

Even as Carson Palmer has struggled, this is an inviting get-right spot against the visiting Rams, a team that just ceded over 400 yards to Jameis Winston & Co. in Tampa. -- J.M.

@ESPNFantasy Pitta or Fleener #StartSitESPN

- Tim Callahan (@t_callahan28) October 2, 2016

Dennis Pitta has enjoyed a team-leading market share of the Ravens' passing game since Week 2, so he has the higher floor and better rapport with his quarterback. The Raiders, meanwhile, have allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to tight ends dating back to last season. -- J.M.

Standard Scoring... Maclin, Snead, Fleener...Who do i sit today?? #StartSitESPN

- Nick Petrillo (@NPetrillo17) October 2, 2016

It might read like I'm down on Fleener, but I actually think he's a fine low-end TE1 today. However, in the context of questions such as this one, I have him sitting. Maclin is due for a positive correction in catch rate and the Steelers' secondary is suspect. Meanwhile, Snead is the better upside asset on the same Saints offense. -- J.M.

Christine Michael or Jordan Howard? #StartSitESPN

- EAGLES 16-0 (@louieporterr) October 2, 2016

I appreciate the fervor in your Twitter name, as the Eagles are indeed going undefeated this season. That said, I favor Howard's higher yardage floor here, as I believe his involvement in the passing game can drive a strong showing. -- J.M.

#StartSitESPN Cousins or Rivers?

- Veezo (@SEAlvizo) October 2, 2016

At the helm of a favored team in the week's highest point total, let's ride with Philip Rivers. Cousins is a really nice option, as well, so this is essentially choosing my second-favorite signal-caller of the week over, say, my No. 6 quarterback in Cousins. -- J.M.

#StartSitESPN Dwayne Washington or Jamal Charles?

- Buddy Blankenship (@bbtwlv) October 2, 2016

This is a common question we're seeing this morning. I'm proving conservative and want to see what role Jamaal Charles might play today, while siding with Washington's early-down share and any goal-line upside he might claim. -- J.M.

@ESPNFantasy mike Wallace or tajae sharp? #StartSitESPN

- Eric Basner (@EricBasner) October 2, 2016

Mike Wallace has developed a fine vertical rapport with Joe Flacco, and the Raiders' pass defense past David Amerson has proved exploitable, so let's go with him over Tajae Sharpe on an inconsistent Tennessee passing offense. -- J.M.

@ESPNFantasy std scoring, Carlos Hyde or Travis Benjamin? #StartSitESPN

- Alex Dierling (@AlexDierling) October 2, 2016

The Dallas Cowboys have ceded 3.31 yards before contact per rush to opposing running backs this season -- most in the league and significantly above the league average rate of 2.35. With an expectation for 20 touches against a generous rush defense, Hyde is in a great spot today. -- J.M.

@ESPNFantasy pick 2 C.J. Anderson, D. Murray, or C. Michael? #StartSitESPN

- dch (@HDclifton) October 2, 2016

Solid options here, but let's sit Michael, as these other workhorse options can add value in the passing phase. -- J.M.

@ESPNFantasy #StartSitESPN should I trade gurley for Odell ? My RB's are stacked

- Kaige Schuler (@Bubbaschuler23) October 2, 2016

If you can pull that off, do it now! I respect the workload Todd Gurley nets, but Odell Beckham Jr. is still the superior fantasy asset on a far better offense. Good luck pulling it off. -- J.M.

@ESPNFantasy 1/2 PPR, Theo Riddick or Will Fuller #StartSitESPN

- Chris Bernitt (@cbernittttttt) October 2, 2016

This is somewhat of a floor and ceiling consideration, as Theo Riddick is a high-floor asset given his steady target share and increased early-down role. The Bears' front seven is depleted, thus Riddick could thrive in space today. I'm siding with Riddick's double-digit touch workload, but do appreciate Will Fuller's upside as a vertical threat and his respectable target share, just not in this context. -- J.M.

@ESPNFantasy Already starting D. Johnson and EZE. Need to bench J. Howard or Crowell. Looking to go 4-0! #StartSitESPN

- Damian Renadette (@damianrenadette) October 2, 2016

Let's go with Jordan Howard, who offers more promise in the total yardage sense given his success in the receiving department last week. Crowell is a fine early-down option, but his game script as a sizable road underdog isn't ideal. The Lions, meanwhile, have allowed the most yards per carry to backs this season. -- J.M.

Happy New Year! But most importantly: .5 PPR, Fleener or Gronk?? #FantasyFootball #StartSitESPN

- Carolyn Strum (@carolyn_strum) October 2, 2016

Even as recency bias suggests Coby Fleener is the safer call given his success in Week 3 and Rob Gronkowski's limited snap and route role, I'm going with the Patriots' superstar given the potential for increased usage and the sheer upside of his red zone role. -- J.M.

Michael or Sims and Jeffrey or Snead #StartSitESPN

- Michael Blackburn (@mblackburn_87) October 2, 2016

Let's go with Charles Sims -- as the Broncos' stout rush defense metrics have softened a bit this season -- and Alshon Jeffery, as he has appreciable upside against a Lions secondary that has graded out poorly in coverage on both Football Outsiders and Pro Football Focus. -- J.M.

Cole Beasley or Jamison Crowder at Flex. Standard #StartSitESPN

- joe degraw (@playboiGreaz) October 2, 2016

I'm going with Cole Beasley in this case. Both players have sizable market shares of their respective offenses, but Beasley's is actually higher, and he is recording a reception on 27 percent of his routes, an astounding rate and somewhat believable given his high-percentage, short-yardage routes. With Dez Bryant looking unlikely to go, Beasley could feast on targets today. -- J.M.

@ESPNFantasy #StartSitESPN pick a flex for ppr, beasly or tyrell williams

- Luis Enrique (@Ruizkin) October 2, 2016

Let's get Tyrell Williams in the lineup. As much as we appreciate Beasley's steady role, Williams delivers greater upside and a similar yardage floor. -- J.M.

@ESPNFantasy should I start Shepard or Jordan Howard at the flex spot this week? #StartSitESPN

- BR?NDON (@B_RadTee) October 2, 2016

The Bears' Howard gets the nod, as he's due double-digit touches and faces a depleted Detroit front. -- J.M.

Should I start Tyler Lockett or Tavon Austin #StartSitESPN

- Ron (@iceman270103) October 2, 2016

Neither? But really, Tavon Austin has a sizable market share of his passing offense, even if he hasn't done much with it. Tyler Lockett, meanwhile, is still struggling to find a share of the Seattle offense, as he wasn't targeted last week. Thus, let's go with Austin. -- J.M.

@ESPNFantasy #StartSitESPN Terrell Pryor or Doug Baldwin?

- Tom Burkart (@tomburkart) October 2, 2016

Pryor is naturally a popular name after last week's dynamic showing, but Baldwin is cementing his status as a legitimate WR1 asset. Let's trust Baldwin in this case. -- J.M.

@ESPNFantasy standard league flex position. Do I start dwayne washington, spencer ware, or jamaal charles? #StartSitESPN

- Jason Toon (@Toon_Got_Swag) October 2, 2016

Signs point to Spencer Ware still seeing a significant share of the offense, so he's the guy of this trio. -- J.M.

Steffon Diggs or DeSean Jackson? @ESPNFantasy #StartSitESPN

- kellie soper (@ladysoper) October 2, 2016

Stefon Diggs has been stellar this season, particularly in the first two weeks. It's tough to get away from his market share, but with Joe Haden banged up and DeSean Jackson seeing such valuable vertical targets, I'm actually going with Jackson in the better matchup with more inviting upside. -- J.M.

@ESPNFantasy #StartSitESPN QB siemian or mariota and cole Beasley Snead or ridick

- Brandon Hibbits (@bhibbits) October 2, 2016

Trevor Siemian is the safer player here, which is something I didn't expect to conclude just a few weeks ago. I'm a big fan of Mariota, but the Titans can't keep the pocket clean and he has struggled with a somewhat ill-fitting passing scheme. As for those flex options, let's get Riddick and his valuable workload in the lineup in what could be a sneaky high-scoring affair between the Bears and Lions. -- J.M.

Tyrrell Pryor or Terrelle Williams for flex #StartSitESPN

- Greg Fuller (@Fuller2258) October 2, 2016

I'd go with Tyrell Williams. I have a suspicion we see Josh Norman shadow Terrelle Pryor, or at least cover him quite often. The Browns really have no key wideout options other than Pryor at the moment, so I don't buy talk that Norman doesn't adapt coverage here. That said, Pryor does offer a high floor, so I wouldn't begrudge chasing last week's rare feats. With Williams, he's assumed in some sense the Keenan Allen role -- leading the team in targets since Week 2 and also providing some big-play ability. The selling point is also being a part of an offense ideally positioned against the Saints' soft secondary. -- J.M.

#StartSitESPN Mohamed sanu and Terrance west and tajae sharpe all on my bench which 1 of the 3 to pick up Detroit RB Washington

- vincent (@guinness17201) October 2, 2016

I'm good with benching Mohamed Sanu here, who could be the classic case of a player who delivered his best fantasy line in Week 1. Terrance West hasn't been very effective, but talk of him starting and/or earning more work is intriguing, as he's been the better back than Justin Forsett on early downs, at least relatively. Tajae Sharpe could see a nice target share, as well, even as efficiency escapes him, especially with Delanie Walker banged up. I dig Dwayne Washington this week against a porous Chicago front, so finding room is a solid move. -- J.M.

I'm torn. Cardinals or Vikings Defense this week? #StartSitESPN

- J-Flo (@JFlo845) October 2, 2016

This could read as simplistic, but let's reduce it to the quarterbacks (and thus the respective offenses these groups face) -- would you rather face Eli Manning and his crew of weapons or Case Keenum and his skill arsenal? I side with the Cardinals in the matchup department enough to differentiate the move. Holding onto both defenses as matchup plays this season could prove productive if you're able to stomach the opportunity cost. -- J.M.

Tevin Coleman, Jerrick McKinnon,Will Fuller, or Sterling Shepard at flex #StartSitESPN

- Luke Wallbrown (@LWallbrown) October 2, 2016

This is a tight group of flex options, in that I have them all bunched in the same tier. That said, I prefer Jerrick McKinnon. Tevin Coleman has been really productive, but also dependent on goal-line usage and some big plays in the passing phase, elements I'm not sure drive his value for this meeting with the Panthers. McKinnon should see around 15 touches and claims intriguing big-play upside himself. -- J.M.

#StartSitESPN Standard score, pick 3. W Snead, K Benjamin, OBJ, M Jones, or A Cooper. Tired of leaving points on the bench!

- ClarkAnderson (@Clatastrophe14) October 2, 2016

You are going to be leaving points on your bench all year given the strong options and depth you have. It's a good thing, really. I'd get Odell Beckham Jr. and Amari Cooper in there for certain, and then I'm willing to give Kelvin Benjamin another shot here. Willie Snead is likely to play but still banged up and could face Brandon Flowers, who has been respectable in coverage. -- J.M.

#StartSitESPN 12 man ppr need delaine walker or hunter henry??

- dimitry meksin (@Dmeksin) October 2, 2016

With Walker expected to play, I'm going to side with his sizable target share. I love Hunter Henry, wrote about him like three times for ESPN Fantasy this week, maybe four! But either way, Walker is simply due a stronger market share and could get loose against the Texans' linebackers. -- J.M.

@ESPNFantasy flex choice Stefon diggs or Larry Fitzgerald in a ppr league? #StartSitESPN

- Joe Anderson (@andersonjoe_) October 2, 2016

Again siding with market share here, as Larry Fitzgerald claims a sizable share and faces an exploitable Rams secondary. -- J.M.

Tevin Coleman or latavius murrey #StartSitESPN

- Jovanni (@Geolosis562) October 2, 2016

Here is a situation that calls for Coleman and his greater upside. The talk of Latavius Murray being a workhorse after a uniquely inefficiency 2015 hasn't occurred, as a committee is in bloom for the Raiders' offense. Coleman at least claims total yardage upside with his receiving ability and role. -- J.M.

Russell Wilson or Derek Carr? #StartSitESPN

- Gail Jones (@gjones32809) October 2, 2016

Russell Wilson surely hasn't helped his investors much so far, but I'm still siding with him given the Jets' secondary has proven fallible. -- J.M.

#StartSitESPN for flex option should I start Cruz, darkwa, or enunwa??

- The Falcon (@mikefalkiewicz) October 2, 2016

I'm going with Quincy Enunwa -- I know the matchup with Seattle doesn't appear inviting, but he could see double-digit targets again. I can only recommend Orleans Darkwa if we see Jennings ruled out, which it appears we won't know until tomorrow. -- J.M.

#StartSitESPN Doug Baldwin or Emmanuel sanders

- John O'Toole (@MrOTooleWCA) October 2, 2016

I dig Doug Baldwin more -- simply prefer his QB rapport and the matchup is pretty inviting against a softening Jets secondary. Only Antonio Brown and Julio Jones have more yards than Baldwin since Week 10 last season. -- J.M.

@ESPNFantasy terell Pryor or Jeremy Maclin #StartSitESPN

- Jared Greene (@jaredg0519) October 2, 2016

I'm siding with Jeremy Maclin here, as the Chiefs might need to pass to contend with a strong Steelers offense and the Steelers have given up the second-most yards to receivers since the start of last season. -- J.M.

@ESPNFantasy Start or sit Washington, oakland or Giants Defense! #StartSitESPN

- leonard (@Bdwy27) October 2, 2016

I'll go purely matchup-based for these streaming options and take Washington, as they face a green rookie quarterback. -- J.M.

RBs Today Dwayne Washington or Cris Tompson #StartSitESPN

- JMED (@pepextreme16) October 2, 2016

Rolling with Washington here. Both backs should see minority shares of their respective backfields, while Washington has more upside in the touchdown department given the potential for goal-line touches. -- J.M.

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