Thursday Night Start ‘Em or Sit ‘Em: John Brown, Michael Floyd & More

by Eric Stashin (aka The Rotoprofessor)

Thursday games are often tricky, because there isn’t necessarily a reason to take any undue risks with questionable options (which could set you back and spoil your week).  Who are the borderline players that should be in lineups?  Who should be sat down?  Let’s take a look at the skill players taking the field tonight and try to answer those questions:

Arizona Cardinals

Michael Floyd – Wide Receiver
Carson Palmer has already been ruled out, meaning all of the Cardinal receivers are going to take a hit in their potential upside. While Floyd has scored in two of the past three games, even if Palmer were healthy he’d be a questionable option.

Despite being targeted 31 times, Floyd has managed just 12 receptions for 170 yards. He hasn’t had more than 4 catches in a game (and he needed 11 targets to get there) nor has he eclipsed 65 yards. Sooner or later inefficiency is going to cost him opportunities, regardless of who is throwing him the football.  In other words, the risk far outweighs the reward.

John Brown – Wide Receiver
While Floyd has struggled, Brown has taken advantage of his opportunities the past two weeks:

• Week 3 – 6 receptions (11 targets) for 70 yards
• Week 4 – 10 receptions (16 targets) for 144 yards

While he has not yet found the end zone, he’s operated consistently as the team’s safety net (no reception greater than 29 yards). Sooner or later you have to think he will cross the goal line, but regardless he appears to have assumed a significant role in the offense. In two-receiver formats there is still a bit of risk in utilizing him, but in three-receiver leagues the opportunities he’s been getting wins out. Regardless of who is playing quarterback, he should be a viable option for those in the deepest of formats.

Must Start:

• David Johnson – Running Back
• Larry Fitzgerald – Wide Receiver (though only in three-receiver formats; in shallower leagues the absence of Carson Palmer makes him a questionable play)

San Francisco 49ers

Blaine Gabbert – Quarterback
The matchup alone would make us wonder if Gabbert was a viable option… Then we remember that it’s Gabbert we are talking about. Even in two-quarterback formats he’s a tough sell.

Jeremy Kerley – Wide Receiver
He’s been the 49ers best receiver, which really should tell you everything you need to know about the offense. As it is his 88 yards in Week 4 was his best output of the season, as he’s posted a pair of games under 30 yards. Move on.

Torrey Smith – Wide Receiver
You would want to believe that he’d be a good fit for Chip Kelly’s high-paced offense, but he’s totaled just 9 catches and 106 yards. Always a threat to be boom or bust, there’s far too much bust and the boom is nonexistent. Maybe he finally explodes, but it’s impossible to bet on.

Vance McDonald – Tight End
He will be a game time decision, and while there is upside even if he plays it’s possible he’s used in a limited role. Tight end is definitely deep enough that he, along with Garrett Celek, can safely be ignored.

Must Start:

• Carlos Hyde

Source – ESPN