Each week, the CFG staff will outline a few players to start and sit at each position.  We kick off this week with the quarterbacks.

Week 1 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Series
Quarterbacks
Running Backs
Wide Receivers / Tight Ends

 

QUARTERBACKS - WEEK 1


Todd DeVries
Since my partners in crime below went heavy on the BCS players, I’ll try to give my segment a non-BCS flavor.

Start ‘Em (non-BCS)

Ryan Lindley, San Diego State (vs. Nicholls State)
Lindley is in year two of the Brady Hoke offense, and I think he’s in for a big year.  He’s got a pair of dangerous weapons to throw to in Vincent Brown and Demarco Sampson.  Last year against the one true cupcake on the schedule, Lindley threw for 287 yards and accounted for 3 TDs.  Look for similar numbers in this year’s opener.

Steven Ensminger, La Tech (vs. Grambling)
It’s the system, stupid.  With Tony Franklin calling the offensive plays and Sonny Dykes as head coach, I am a believer in the Bulldogs this year from a fantasy perspective.  Despite some suspensions at wideout, I think the offense clicks in its debut.

Sit ‘Em (non-BCS)

Kyle Padron, SMU (at Texas Tech)
Padron has a low ceiling this week against a Tommy Tuberville defense in Lubbock, where SMU has not played well historically.  I still believe Padron will be winging it around, but keep your expectations in check.  Give Padron a rest this week if you have backup with a juicy matchup.

Kellen Moore, Boise State (vs. Virginia Tech)
This one might seem obvious as this is Moore’s worst match up of the season.  Like Padron above, I expect Moore to play pretty well on Monday, but his potential is limited this week.



Joe Arpasi

Start ‘Em

Dan Persa, Northwestern (@ Vanderbilt)
What I like to see in early season match-ups are games that should be competitive for four quarters. Persa will be the heart and soul of the Northwestern offense in this road battle. Persa is game tested and will be able to thrive in the pressure cooker of a tough road opener.

Dayne Crist, Notre Dame (vs. Purdue)
You will notice a theme here, games that should be competitive for four quarters. Although this will be Crist’s first career start where he is bound to make some mistakes, he will have the ball in his hands plenty of times to make up for those mistakes. Look for Brian Kelly to try to set the tone for the season with a strong offensive production.

Sit ‘Em

Andrew Luck, Stanford (vs. Sacramento State)
Luck is getting plenty of preseason pub, but he won’t be needed to carry the team through the air against cupcakes. The ground game may see an emphasis in this one as the coaches look for an identity on the ground. With WR Owusu sitting out for the game it means that Luck also has one less pass target to rely on.

Trevor Vittatoe, UTEP (vs. Arkansas Pine-Bluff)
With the injury news about Donald Buckram, many fantasy owners are seeing big numbers through the air. But its too early to tell if Vittatoe will throw for 300 yards and 3 TDs. You might be better off leaving Vitt on the bench since he could blow up just as easily as score an average fantasy point total.



Kevin Mount

Start 'Em (BCS-only)

QB John Brantley, Florida (vs. Miami Ohio)
I think the Gators will come out looking to establish their passing game and get Brantley adjusted to being the main man under center. The Swamp will be rocking and we think so will Brantley and his passing totals. Let the post Tebow era begin in Gainesville.

QB Dayne Crist, Notre Dame (vs. Purdue)
The arrival of Brian Kelly and a depleted Purdue secondary should lead to a big day for Mr. Crist. We have seen what Kelly can do with a QB and with the Boilers fielding a group of new starters in the back seven, the Golden Domers could be throwing the ball all over the place on Saturday.

Sit 'Em (BCS-Only)

QB Robert Griffin, Baylor (vs. Sam Houston State)
I have this sinking feeling that the Baylor savior may be worked back into the mix slowly as there is no reason to go crazy and risk him against a weak opponent in Sam Houston State. Add the fact that it should be a blow out and he probably wont play much more than 2 quarters, and you have a somewhat disappointing fantasy performance.

QB Christian Ponder, Florida State (vs. Samford)
While I think Ponder will put up decent numbers, I just don’t see anything spectacular against an overmatched Samford club. This could be a game where the numbers are spread out fairly evenly between the run and the pass and I’m not sure that Ponder will play much more than a half of football.