Week 10 Friday Mailbag

Question 1: Asked by Valeri

Should I start Tim Tebow or Ryan Fitzpatrick this week? Thanks.

Answer

I have to give the nod to Tebow.  Fitz has a fairly decent match up against the Cowboys secondary but with LT Demetrius Bell still looking like he will be sidelined again, I am concerned about Demarcus Ware severely limiting his ability to extend plays.  This game will become about Fred Jackson for the Bills.  If Jackson gets going, the pass rush should need to respect him enough that Fitz can make the big play.  Tebow on the other hand IS the running threat that slows the pass rush and McGahee doesn’t hurt.  Even if Tebow plays bad, he is almost a lock for double digit points because he will be giving you 5-6 in rushing yards alone.

Question 2: Asked my @MFarrell21

Benson vs Pitt or Donald Brown vs the Jags with Addai likely out?

Answer

It has to be Benson. Not many guys see 20-30 touches per game and Benson has fresh legs after the Bye and his one game suspension.  Pittsburgh’s defense has been playing better as of late, but they are far from as lights-out against the run as they have been in recent years.  Start Benson with confidence this week but do not expect too much from him.  Be happy with 70 yards and hopefully he finds the end zone.

Question 3: Asked by Zach

Hey so what’s your take on Ryan Mathews? He did not get nearly as many carries as I expected him to last night, probably a result of his injury and the Chargers wanting to ease him back into play – as you stated in your love/hate list; but what do you think about going forward, after a 10 day stretch do you think he will start getting the bulk of carries again?  I have Starks on my bench and depending on how he plays this next game, I may consider playing him over Mathews week 11.

Answer

I think Mathews is doing fine. He only had 6 carries, but I am not really surprised that they split the carries evenly. Both backs were running well and if Tolbert can be productive, he will see touches.  Mathews was averaging 5.7 yards per carry last night and had it not gotten out of hand and San Diego would have continued to pound the rock.  My only issue with Mathews is health so if he is active and practicing all week, I think you have to start him. Especially over Starks who is on a by far pass-first team and sharing some touches with Ryan Grant.