Start 'Em, Sit 'Em: Week 9

11/2/09 - Dear Diary,

Just when you think JaMarcus Russell can't get any funnier, he threw out another comedic gem after Sunday's loss to the Chargers, uttering the words "I did a pretty good job" after throwing for 109 yards and completing two passes to wide receivers. I'm curious to know what he thinks a bad job looks like, but then again, Derek Anderson would kill for that stat line.

Here are this week's starts.

Matt Hasselbeck -- Hasselbeck's best games have come against pass defenses ranked 22nd or lower. Oh look diary, they play 27th-ranked Detroit this week.

Donovan McNabb -- After a pair of erratic outings, McNabb got back to basics and looked sharp against the Giants with 240 yards and three scores. Another division rival awaits as the Eagles take on a Cowboys defense that has allowed two passing TDs in five of their last six contests.

Ronnie Brown/Ricky Williams -- After being shut down against the Jets, this may seem like a stretch. However, the Patriots have allowed four running backs to tally at least 124 total yards, and they've allowed double-digit fantasy points to five. Outside of letting their opponents score and hoping Ted Ginn returns the kickoff, these guys are Miami's best chance to score and keep Tom Brady off the field.

Jamaal Charles -- With Larry Johnson suspended, Charles will draw the start versus a Jacksonville run defense that got embarrassed last week. While KC has struggled to run the ball, Charles is averaging 5.3 YPC in his two-year career and has proven to be an effective receiver as well.

Ryan Grant -- After being bottled up by Minnesota's run D, Grant will find Tampa Bay's unit far more accommodating. Grant registered his best games against St. Louis, Detroit, and Cleveland, which all rank toward the bottom of the league against the run. Guess where Tampa Bay falls? Very good diary, they're 30th.

Brandon Jacobs -- He's this week's do or die play. Matt Forte and LaDainian Tomlinson responded in similar situations last week.

Julius Jones -- There aren't many opportunities to recommend a running back averaging 30 rushing yards in his last four games. Still, Jones continues to see the bulk of the carries, which makes him worth a shot against Detroit's generous run defense.