
Michael J. Igyarto
One Man’s Opinion – Start Sit Week 1
Every week, our FFBLife columnist, Michael J. Igyarto “Iggy” stops by for a Start Em Sit Em column to give his MASSIVE following (believe me, it’s real people). Find Iggy on Twitter @windycityiggy
Start ‘Em:
Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger
What baffles me is the fact that Ben Roethlisberger is owned in 100% of leagues, but only being started by 25% of teams. It’s understandable if you didn’t draft Big Ben as you’re starting quarterback, but the matchup against the Broncos bodes well for Ben and his passing attack. The Broncos had the 23rd ranked pass defense last season, and I smell a shootout against Peyton and Co. on Sunday night. The Steelers O-Line is definitely a concern, and so is Big Ben’s health. That’s why you have to look at starting Big Ben now, in the early weeks of the season when he’s still fresh. The running back situation is also questionable at the moment. Rashard Mendenhall was taken off the PUP list, which was a surprise to some, and is questionable for week 1. Isaac Redman looks to be the starting back to start the season, with Jonathan Dwyer or Chris Rainey filling in on passing downs. Put all these factors in the equation, and I see Big Ben airing it out in week 1 against the Broncos. Like I said, most probably drafted Big Ben as their back-up this season, but if you have a QB dilemma for week 1, Big Ben is a solid option in my opinion.
Tennessee Titans TE Jared Cook
Jared Cook could be primed for a breakout season this year. He finished extremely strong in 2011, catching 21 balls for 335 yards, and a touchdown. He is in his final year of his contract, and has publicly said he expects an extension from the Titans. The wide receivers in Tennessee are thin as of right now. Kenny Britt is suspended, Marc Mariani is on the IR, and they will be starting rookie WR Kendall Wright. The Titans play the New England Patriots on Sunday, and if they fall into an early hole, look for them to throw often. Word out of the Titans camp says that Jared Cook will be the team’s #1 option in the red zone, and that’s good news for Cook, who finished as the 12th ranked tight end last season despite only scoring three touchdowns. Look for Cook to rollover the late 2011 performance right into the 2012 season against a team like the Patriots.