The last time I suggested fantasy owners start Cedric Benson, he did not exactly set the world on fire.

It was in Cleveland two weeks ago against the Browns. No bad weather, one team — the Browns — in disarray and the other — Cincinnati — on the rise. Benson had put together a string of good games. It looked like the perfect opportunity for a fantasy explosion.

Instead? A dud by RB1 standards.

Explain this: 18 carries for 74 yards, 1 catch for 12 yards against the Browns. So when I thought he would bust, against the Ravens last weekend, Benson threw down 136 total yards and a score.

Suffice it to say I do not have this guy figured out yet. But he has a great match-up — again — this weekend. Use Benson liberally.

A few injury updates before this week’s start and sit advice:

Calvin Johnson, WR, Lions: Not looking good for Megatron. He was out of practice yesterday and did not go again today. Expect him to sit out this week and target a return after the Lions’ bye next weekend. Meanwhile, teammate Matthew Stafford also missed practice yesterday and may miss this weekend’s game as well.

Eli Manning, QB, Giants: Eli is ready to go for the battle of undefeateds. This game between the Giants and Saints could go a long way in determining NFC playoff seedings based on early results. Expect Eli to be on his best behavior in his hometown.

Jerricho Cotchery, WR, Jets: The Jets are expecting Cotchery’s absence this weekend after aggravating a hamstring injury during Monday night’s loss to the Dolphins. David Clowney should get the start in his stead and is only a plug-and-play option in the deepest of leagues.

Willie Parker, RB, Steelers: Parker is preparing to play this weekend against the Browns but he should not really be needed. Rashard Mendenhall is more than capable of carrying the load against another bad run defense.

Start ‘em

Quarterbacks

• Matt Hasselbeck v. Cardinals: Four touchdowns in his first start back at home and another home tilt this weekend. As long as Seattle keeps him off the turf he should keep up with the Arizona offense.
• David Garrard v. Rams: Terrible fantasy day last week but should rebound at home against the lowly Rams. And he gets Mike Sims-Walker back after a one-week booty call hiatus.

Running Backs

• Cedric Benson v. Texans: Here he is again, in the start category. This should be a beastly performance against a porous run defense. Anything less and he might end up in the sit category next week. The cycle continues …
• Knowshon Moreno @ Chargers: Correll Buckhalter may or may not be back. Regardless, this is Moreno’s team going forward. He has taken the reigns and should enjoy a nice match-up.

Wide Receivers

• Randy Moss/Wes Welker v. Titans: If Gisele Bundchen and Bridget Moynahan — can anyone say cat fight?!? — suited up to play wide receiver for the Pats this weekend, they would be must starts. Tennessee’s pass defense is so awful they signed Browns’ cast off Rod Hood this week.
• Nate Burleson v. Cardinals: Burleson, not T.J. Houshmandzadeh, may be the best wide receiver on this team. He has a history and, therefore, chemistry with Hasselbeck.

Tight End

• Chris Cooley v. Chiefs: Cooley was shut out against the Panthers last weekend. No way he goes two weeks in a row with a bagel in the fantasy column. Plus, it is the Chiefs.

Sit ‘em

Quarterbacks

• Mark Sanchez v. Bills: Pretty boy is finally starting to look like a rookie. Actually he did not look that bad against the Dolphins but still. Too risky to start in fantasy right now.
• Brett Favre r. Ravens: A decent test for the old man. The Vikings likely will rely on running game and defense in this one. Favre could fall well short of 200 yards.

Running Backs

• Ray Rice @ Vikings: Likely goes for Willis McGahee, too, though I think he has a better chance of punching one in this weekend. As far as run D’s go, few are as good as the Vikings.
• Marshawn Lynch/Fred Jackson @ Jets: What a mess in Buffalo and I am not talking about Terrell Owens. The Lynch/Jackson time share is two weeks in and we know that the Bills offense is worse than it was before. Stay away.

Wide Receivers

• Vincent Jackson v. Broncos: Give it up for Denver’s defense, they really have shut some people down this year. Not liking Jackson’s chances against a good secondary, but Antonio Gates should be good.
• Santonio Holmes v. Browns: Still an inconsistent fantasy player, Holmes has not stepped into the WR1 role many fantasy owners thought he would this year. Steelers should run all over the Browns.

Tight End

• Dustin Keller v. Bills: The kid at quarterback has stopped looking Keller’s way. The Jets vow to get him more involved but he really is a risky option right now.

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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