Must start: Ray Rice
Posted on 12. Sep, 2009 by Jesse in Articles
This is the first article in a series that will run throughout the entire season. Each week, I’ll pick a guy who may normally be on your fantasy bench, and I’ll implore you to insert said player into your starting lineup. It’s not a ground breaking idea by any means, but my hope is that it will be useful for fantasy owners and will be entertaining to read.
Week #1’s MUST START: Ray Rice, RB Baltimore
At the conclusion of last season, Rice was arguably the third most valuable RB on Baltimore’s roster. Willis McGahee was widely considered the starter, and FB/RB hybrid Le’Ron McClain was the team’s leading rusher and a consistent fantasy play. All three players have returned this season, but things are certainly not the same.
People around Baltimore have grown tired of Willis’ me-first act, and despite some decent work in the preseason, Rice is expected to see the majority of carries starting in week one. McClain is supposedly being viewed as a fullback first this season, which should limit his carries between the 20’s and provide extra opportunity for Rice as well. I’m sure McClain will still get touches around the goal line, but Rice is a much more versatile option who has home-run ability.
Rice also has a fantastic matchup tomorrow, which is the primary reason he’s been elected as our “must start” of the week. Baltimore should absolutely torch KC, and will be rushing the ball a lot in the second half which will lead to lofty totals for Ray Ray. I’m rolling with Rice in a league this weekend and actually benched Chris Johnson to do so. Since Johnson’s stat line was mediocre on Thursday night, I’m already feeling OK about the decision.
Rice may not finish with top-ten numbers, but in certain situations he should be great. Sunday is one of those matchups, so don’t think twice. Start Ray Rice in week one without reservation.
Honorable Mention: Cedric Benson vs Denver, Mike Bell vs Detroit, Julius Jones vs Rams, Felix Jones vs Tampa, and Beanie Wells vs San Francisco
Best of luck to all as the season gets started!
