Start 'Em, Sit 'Em: Week 8

By Andy Bottoms, RotoExperts.com, Special to SI.com

Jay Cutler should thrive against a Browns' defense that's surrendered 313 passing yards and two TDs against competent QBs. John Biever/SI

10/26/09 - Dear Diary,

Since things aren't working out for JaMarcus Russell as a pro quarterback, his post-game comments suggest he may be better suited for a career in comedy. Through seven games, he is completing 46.3 percent of his passes and has 13 turnovers compared to two TDs. That didn't keep him from telling reporters, "I don't think it's me personally. I really don't. Do you?" I mean, he's not exactly the next Sinbad, but pretty hilarious stuff.

Here are this week's starts:

Quarterbacks

Jay Cutler -- Sure, the Bears weren't competitive versus the Bengals, but you know what makes things better when you're down in the dumps? Yes diary, I suppose beer does do that, but in this case I mean a date with the Browns. Cleveland has given up an average of 313 passing yards and two TDs to the last four competent QBs they've faced (sorry Trent Edwards).

David Garrard -- The bye week probably wasn't enough for the shell-shocked Titans secondary to heal from the 59-0 beating New England handed them. Less than a month ago, Garrard hung 323 passing yards and three scores on Tennessee, and while he may not repeat that, he's a strong bye-week fill-in.

Running Backs

Joseph Addai -- An injured Donald Brown means more opportunities for Addai, who has scored in four straight. His 3.5 yards per carry are ugly, but he's made up for it by catching 27 passes. Meanwhile, the 49ers have allowed opposing RBs to gain 262 total yards and score five TDs the past two games.

Matt Forte -- It's now or never for Forte. There are two rules, diary: 1) Always start the RB versus Cleveland and 2) Never wear denim shirts.

Steve Slaton -- For all the heat he took earlier this season, Slaton has at least 89 total yards in each of the last five contests to go with five TDs. Oh, by the way, Buffalo is allowing the most yards per carry and rushing yards per game in the league.

Kevin Smith -- St. Louis has allowed eight rushing touchdowns...in the past three games. In a game that approximately zero fans without a rooting interest will watch, I like Smith to score at least once for Detroit.

LaDainian Tomlinson -- Similar to Matt Forte, if L.T. can't get it done against the Raiders, stick a fork in him.

Beanie Wells -- Ken Whisenhunt can say what he wants, but actions speak louder than words. By giving Wells 14 carries compared to four for Tim Hightower, Wells looks poised to take over sooner than expected. With three catches against the Giants, Beanie is also shedding the stigma of being a poor receiver. As for this week's opponent, Carolina gives up over 130 rushing yards per game, making Wells a solid flex option.

Wide Receivers

Donnie Avery -- With the Lions allowing 273.8 receiving yards per game, someone on the Rams is bound to have a nice game, so I'll go with Avery by default. Don't expect too much, but he's an option if you're in a bind.

Lee Evans -- In the first five games, Evans had 12 catches for 159 yards and one TD. With Ryan Fitzpatrick at the helm, he has nine grabs for 143 yards and two scores in two games. By his own admission, Fitzpatrick has better chemistry with Evans, and unlike teammate Terrell Owens, Evans appears to have a functioning pair of hands.

Devin Hester -- Coming off of his first career 100-yard game, Hester is a terrific start against a Browns secondary that has allowed five wideouts to gain at least 82 yards this season. That's right diary, Brady Quinn is to blame for that, too.

Dennis Northcutt -- OK, maybe I'm trying to breathe life into this Lions-Rams game, but with Calvin Johnson's availability still in question, Northcutt is worth a look if you're desperate. He's caught at least five passes in each of the last two games and faces a Rams secondary allowing 258.9 receiving yards per game.

Mike Sims-Walker -- In case your memory is as bad as mine, MSW had seven catches, 91 yards, and two TDs in Jacksonville's first game against Tennessee. Consider yourself reminded.

Tight Ends

Vernon Davis -- I was concerned that Michael Crabtree would impact Davis negatively by stealing some of his targets, but 93 yards and three TDs later, I stand corrected. Sure, the Colts have shut down opposing tight ends, but outside of John Carlson, they haven't faced any decent ones.

Zach Miller -- He's been wildly inconsistent this season, but if you're in a bind due to bye weeks, Miller is a reasonable option against the Chargers. They have been horrible against opposing tight ends the past couple seasons and Miller notched six receptions for 96 yards against them in Week 1.

Goodnight, diary...