The Brady Quinn era officially begins tonight.

Quinn will start for the Browns against Denver on the NFL Network in the first Thursday night game since week 1 of the 2008 season. Those without NFL Network should be able to follow along on NFL.com.

Make sure to set your fantasy lineup(s) before the start of tonight’s game if you have any Browns and/or Broncos on your team.

Quinn ascended to the top of the depth chart in Cleveland after another lackluster performance by incumbent quarterback Derek Anderson. DA has been wildly inconsistent as the starter this year, so — just like the people of America — Cleveland opted for a change.

However, does Quinn’s ascension to the starter in Cleveland make him a legitimate fantasy starter? Not yet. But he does have a great opportunity to shine against a defense that is making all quarterbacks look like Joe Montana. Quinn is undoubtedly a popular waiver wire add this week, but I only would use him tonight as a bye week starter.

As much as it feels like this game is all about Brady Quinn, he is, in fact, not the only player with fantasy implications tonight.

Start ‘em

  • Jay Cutler [QB, Broncos]: Quinn’s counterpart in tonight’s game has struggled a little in recent weeks. He tends to get off to slow starts, so correcting that problem could be his top priority tonight. If the Broncos can get any type of running game going, it certainly will help. Regardless, Cutler remains a must-start in all formats.
  • Jamal Lewis [RB, Browns]: Everyone and their mother can run, pass and catch against the Broncos’ defense. Lewis gets to do the former tonight and should be featured heavily to help take some of the pressure off Quinn. He easily could score a couple of touchdowns.
  • Brandon Marshall and Eddie Royal [WRs, Broncos]: Marshall got off to a hot start when his season officially began, but has been a little lackluster for fantasy owners of late. But he remains a member of the stud wide receiver class and should be in all fantasy lineups. Royal continues to impress as a rookie and complement to Marshall.
  • Kellen Winslow [TE, Browns]: Sure, he has been in some hot water lately. And Quinn is making his first regular season start tonight. But that should not discourage Winslow owners, as he could be the focal point of the passing game on underneath and across-the-middle routes. Quinn likely will rely on him as a safety net.

Sit ‘em

  • Brady Quinn [QB, Browns]: Like I said, Quinn needs time to develop as a starting quarterback. And he needs to have some kind of sample size before fantasy owners can rely on him as a starter. Give the kid some time on your bench and keep an eye on his stats.
  • Ryan Torian and Selvin Young [RB, Broncos]: Young is a game-time decision, so he certainly should not be in fantasy lineups tonight. That means Torian could be the workhorse, but the jury is still out on this young rookie. Stay away from Broncos’ backs tonight.
  • Tony Scheffler [TE, Broncos]: Another player battling injury, Scheffler may not play tonight. So make sure to keep him on your bench.

On the fence

  • Braylon Edwards [WR, Browns]: Tough call. He drops almost as many as he catches, and who knows how Quinn will fare in his first start. If you are on the fence between Edwards and a similar player, I would give him a shot. He could have a big game against a depleted secondary if he can hold onto the ball.

For more great fantasy roster advice this week, including a plethora of Start & Sit links and consensus rankings, head over to the Fantasy Football Librarian. Don’t forget to grab your library card.

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