Thinking of benching LJ (1 Viewer)

[Judge Smails]

Doubt I'll have the nads to do it, but I'm seriously thinking of sitting LJ this week. Doubt I would do it even with just a bad matchup (though I think Pitt at home coming off a loss is as bad as you can get). But add in the neck stinger and I'm startin' to wonder. I really think Pitt will be up 2 scores early in this game, and they will have someone on LJ at all times out of the backfield in the passing game. Again, probably won't have the cojones to sit him, but I could easily see a 12 carry, 35 yard day from LJ, while a potential combo of Jones/Benson are sure to get 130+ combined yards and 2 scores..Next week vs. the Chargers won't be that hot either...

With the O-line being what it is, Steelers at home, and LJ nicked, does anyone see ANY possibility of a big game from this week?

 

[nomarriage.com]

common theme:

http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index...&hl=dentist

i'm sitting him.. he's ranked on the cheatsheet lower than my other RB's and I anticipate a miserable game.

 

[One]

This year is an amazingly strange year for first round studs. I don't think you're crazy, but whenever an offense relies on their stud back as mich as KC does, it'll be hard for him not to put up decent fantasy numbers. When they get down LJ could easily catch a number of balls out of the backfield and that's where he racks up the points in my PPR league.

BTW.. so you're considering a T. Jones & C. Benson over him? (since the others have their byes.) I'm not so sure about that one. I'd start LJ/Jones.. easily.

 

[Love to Bet football]

Even if LJ has a terrible game he still has a better chance than 95% of all backs in the leage to score....I'll never bench LJ unless somehow I have LT to replace him with

LJ will have close to 100 yrds rushing and @least 1 TD @ Pitt

 

[amnesiac]

When they get down LJ could easily catch a number of balls out of the backfield and that's where he racks up the points in my PPR league.

this is the great thing about a RB like LJ.

 

[Kevin Ashcraft]

Also have to realize that thsi is his first NFL game back home in PA. I think that may drive him this week.....we know he likes to run angry, and I believe he was pissed when PITT didn't pick him in '03. (No link, I think have heard it somewhere).

I like LJ for:

Ru: 30/115/1

Re: 3 for 35

 

[MLBrandow]

He'll go for 200 and 3 scores. and 7 passes defensed.

And a safety.

Seriously though you'd be a fool to bench a guy who is averaging 150ypg and is starting to find the endzone. PIT's defense is about to become unraveled, and their offense is already nonexistant.

Expect a thrashing for sure.

 

[David Yudkin]

I really think Pitt will be up 2 scores early in this game.

Hmmm. In most years I would tend to agree with you, but KC has outscored PIT 80 to 61 so far and allowed fewer points as well (52 to 77). Not to mention that Big Ben has what, 0 TD and 7 INT so far? Add in Porter and Townsend likely out and the defense may be a notch weaker. The Steelers really haven't been firing on all cylinders, and I'm not sure that they will get it in gear this week.In a week filled with guys on byes, I'm having a hard time thinking most LJ owners will have the firepower at RB depth to bench him.

 

[Kegs & Eggs]

I'm going with Tatum and Rudi and putting LJ on the pine.

 

[RBM]

Expect some bad #s as well, but gotta start him and will just hope for a short score or some more good receiving #s

 

[salmonstud]

I'm going with Tatum and Rudi and putting LJ on the pine.

I am as well. Non point per reception league.

 

[joffer]

Doubt I'll have the nads to do it, but I'm seriously thinking of sitting LJ this week. Doubt I would do it even with just a bad matchup (though I think Pitt at home coming off a loss is as bad as you can get). But add in the neck stinger and I'm startin' to wonder.

don't think it was a stinger, just a strained neck muscle

 

[videoguy505]

I'm going with Tatum and Rudi and putting LJ on the pine.

I am as well. Non point per reception league.

My trio as well. No PPR, and LJ is sitting. Rudi vs. TB and Tater vs. OAK can't be passed up. I'm sitting Rudi for Tatum in week 10 if all holds, since Tatum is back against OAK while Rudi faces the tough SD def and LJ is facing Miami.

 

[Steve Dallas]

Even if his head falls completely off I'm starting him.

 

[coolnerd]

Pittsburgh's run defense has been good, but not just totally dominate. They rank 10th in rushing D. I would also factor in that Larry johnson from a fantasy perspective has shown an ability to put up decent points in various shades of ugly.

A couple of you have viable options so I can see the calculated gamble. Just not one that i would make.

 

[The Houston Stallions]

Even in a league where I have Morris, Gore, Bush, and KJ as other options, LJ is starting!

 

[Ozymandias]

You gotta start him. Pitts defense won't be what it was, without Porter. Yes, he could have a bad game. But so could anyone else. And KC will feed him the ball, running or passing.

You gotta start him.

 

[zoonation]

I will never sit LJ against anyone.

Pitt can't score points with Mr. superbowl QB rating, ride my bike sans helmet most overrated quaterback of all time at the helm.

 

[hellz_fireflies]

Doubt I'll have the nads to do it, but I'm seriously thinking of sitting LJ this week. Doubt I would do it even with just a bad matchup (though I think Pitt at home coming off a loss is as bad as you can get). But add in the neck stinger and I'm startin' to wonder. I really think Pitt will be up 2 scores early in this game, and they will have someone on LJ at all times out of the backfield in the passing game. Again, probably won't have the cojones to sit him, but I could easily see a 12 carry, 35 yard day from LJ, while a potential combo of Jones/Benson are sure to get 130+ combined yards and 2 scores..Next week vs. the Chargers won't be that hot either...With the O-line being what it is, Steelers at home, and LJ nicked, does anyone see ANY possibility of a big game from this week?

Did you lose yet???..If not you just got your first lost!

 

[tombonneau]

Earlier in the week the thought crossed my mind for about 3/17th of a second, but that was it. Reading that he has practiced this week, I'm not worried about the neck.

FWIW, other option would be Dunn, but I'm not even considering.

As others have said, he is producing, even in an ugly fashion. He is the #1 RB in my league right now, and that's pretty much putting up stats that honestly are not his floor, but I'd say around the 2nd story.

So even if he has a sub-par game, its still going to be 12-15.

 

[pizzatyme]

Even if his head falls completely off I'm starting him.

 

[thatguy]

Don't do it. Not just because of the whole "don't bench your studs rule" but because it's LJ. He should have his own rule. Don't bench LJ.

 

[Bojang0301]

Don't do it. Not just because of the whole "don't bench your studs rule" but because it's LJ. He should have his own rule. Don't bench LJ.

 

[xcheck2430]

steelers injuries: joey porter, questionable; deshea townsend, questionable. HAMSTRINGS. start LJ dummy

 

[xcheck2430]

and also, he wouldve scored twice last week. he was one the 6 and got cheap-tackled by antrelle rolle. do you honestly think that on 3 downs he couldnt score from the 6 yard line. jesus christ.

 

[pizzatyme]

steelers injuries: jerry porter, questionable; deshea townsend, questionable. HAMSTRINGS. start LJ dummy

I'd definitely start LJ since this fellas knows about the Jerry Porter injury! Dummy!

 

[xcheck2430]

much love to pizzatyme.... joey porter; sorry

 

[rockbottom895]

and also, he wouldve scored twice last week. he was one the 6 and got cheap-tackled by antrelle rolle. do you honestly think that on 3 downs he couldnt score from the 6 yard line. jesus christ.

Xcheck you have got to lay off a little bit with the personal attacks. First of all, LJ is a GREAT BENCH this week. If you have a semi decent back, starting him over LJ would be the correct move to do. The Steelers, although coming off this loss seem demorialized, they will come back huge. Joey Porter will 100 percent be suited up and ready to play come gametime, but DeShea Townsand doesnt help much on the rush defense away. James Farrior and Troy Palumalu will get the job done. Here are a list of starters that will do better than LJ this week; A healthy Kevin Jones, MICHAEL TURNER, and Maurice Morris. BENCH BENCH BENCH!

 

[xcheck2430]

The Steelers, although coming off this loss seem demorialized, they will come back huge.

and haven't people been saying that EVERY GAME since the 9-0 loss to jacksonville? i've given up on pittsburg as a remote playoff contender. people keep saying there going to come back with this huge defense hard hitting game, yet 1-3. 1 win, 3 losses

 

[xcheck2430]

A healthy Kevin Jones

Lions just lost their 3rd starting o-linemen. Kevin Jones is essentially worthless until some of them return

 

[shadow2k]

Joey Porter will 100 percent be suited up and ready to play come gametime

Joey Porter has already been ruled out for this week.

 

[pizzatyme]

Joey Porter will 100 percent be suited up and ready to play come gametime

Joey Porter has already been ruled out for this week.

Maybe if he shows Cowher tomorrow in practice that he can still do that sack dance where he kicks like Mia Hamm, Cowher will have a change of heart?

 

[tombonneau]

Joey Porter will 100 percent be suited up and ready to play come gametime

Joey Porter has already been ruled out for this week.

Steelers signing Chad Brown on Thursday=Starting Larry Johnson on Sunday

 

[HMH]

Go on bench your stud, this is how FF Championships are lost.

 

[Jackstraw]

The Chiefs Defense has been stingy. I forsee a lot of punts and Larry having a terrible first half. But the Pittsburg D will be on the field a lot. The inside three on the Chief's line is still prettty darn good and they will start to get some push in the second half. I see LJ pushing for 100 yards when its all said and done. If he gets a TD then thats gravy.

Unless of course he breaks a big play then he's right up there to 150 and a touch. I agree with other posters that Pittsburg has some issues right now. They won't be able to physically dominate the Chiefs like they might have in past years.

Scary thing is LJ is starting to resemble Eddie George in his prime with low YPC (3.7) and tons of touches (27.5 per game). This guy will be one of those that will break down pretty early in his carreer. LJ does catch out of the backfield a little better.

 

[Otis]

Also have to realize that thsi is his first NFL game back home in PA. I think that may drive him this week.....we know he likes to run angry, and I believe he was pissed when PITT didn't pick him in '03. (No link, I think have heard it somewhere).

I like LJ for:

Ru: 30/115/1

Re: 3 for 35

This is the main reason you can't bench LJ. Guy is guaranteed to get lots of touches.

 

[Godsbrother]

Joey Porter will 100 percent be suited up and ready to play come gametime

Joey Porter has already been ruled out for this week.

Steelers signing Chad Brown on Thursday=Starting Larry Johnson on Sunday

First off, Porter is much more important to the passing defense than the rushing defense. It hurts losing him but the Steelers defense against the run will still be OK. Secondly, Chad Brown will play sparingly, if at all. If he does play it would only be in a few obvious passing downs or if another Steelers linebacker goes down.That said, I don't think you can sit a guy like LJ no matter who he is playing.

 

[MelvinTScupper]

you people are effing nuts.

Why on God's green Earth would you ever make this stupid of a move? If your team is so stacked that you can afford to bench him, you'll win anyway.

I am starting Larry and Portis, and benching Julius Jones against HOUSTON!!! Larry and Portis don't share carries, and Larry gets 4 shots at the end zone from the 1.

 

[The Jacket]

Here are a list of starters that will do better than LJ this week; A healthy Kevin Jones, MICHAEL TURNER, and Maurice Morris. BENCH BENCH BENCH!

How much do you want to bet that at least 2 of those 3 don't outperform LJ?

 

[MelvinTScupper]

Here are a list of starters that will do better than LJ this week; A healthy Kevin Jones, MICHAEL TURNER, and Maurice Morris. BENCH BENCH BENCH!

How much do you want to bet that at least 2 of those 3 don't outperform LJ?

I'll bet that all 3 don't.

 

[Judge Smails]

Decided not going to do it - LJ will be in my lineup. Analyzed the situation, and fired up or not, the Steelers are just not that good right now. Porter being out probably sealed it for me. I still think LJ will get stuffed often, but that Pitt will try to put 8 in the box and run blitz a lot. Good chance he'll get by into the secondary on 1 or more occassions for a big one..

 

[joffer]

i like to look a the potential time of possession in a matchup like this. if Pittsburgh's offense was really clicking, and KC's defense was really struggling, that could sway me enough if i had better options.

however, even if the Steelers' D holds LJ's YPC low, i still think the KC offense is going to be on the field enough to get him plenty of touches.

 

[amnesiac]

Even if his head falls completely off I'm starting him.

 

[Otis]

LB Joey Porter was downgraded and is OUT. That's the 2nd LB out for this game. Corner Deshea Townsend is questionable with a hamstring injury.

If there is a week to start a running back against the Steelers defense, this one could be it. And if there's a guy you'd want to start, it would be LJ.

Seriously, I think he could be in for a monster game. You're insane to bench him.

 

[Brett Weer]

Probably the toughest decision I've had all year, keep switching LJ and Tatum Bell back and forth. Portis is my other starter. That Tatum Bell matchup at home against OAK looks almost too good to pass up, but I've always been a start your stud proponent regardless of matchups. Perhaps I should report back with my final decision as the RB I bench will be sure to lead all RB's in points this week.

 

[Sputnikv8]

Perhaps I should report back with my final decision as the RB I bench will be sure to lead all RB's in points this week.

Well, then, bench the other one.

 

[thatguy]

Probably the toughest decision I've had all year, keep switching LJ and Tatum Bell back and forth. Portis is my other starter. That Tatum Bell matchup at home against OAK looks almost too good to pass up, but I've always been a start your stud proponent regardless of matchups. Perhaps I should report back with my final decision as the RB I bench will be sure to lead all RB's in points this week.

Start LJ.

 

[The Jacket]

I'm as big an LJ guy as anyone on this forum, but I'd start Tatum Bell over him.

There are three things to running the ball (in order, IMO): (1) your offensive line; (2) your opposition; and (3) your running back.

I'd take Johnson over bell 100 times out of 100, but the Raiders are just God-awful and the Broncos' offensive line is in a whole 'nother league to the Chiefs.

I could see Johnson getting a touchdown, perhaps even two, while Bell is always a big risk in that department. But I see Bell as a lock for 100-150 yards, whereas Johnson could be stonewalled for >50 yards.

 

[Liquid Tension]

Go on bench your stud, this is how FF Championships are lost.

I have LT2, LJ and Ronnie Brown. I am seriously thinking of benching LJ against Pitt with his stinger because RB has a good match-up, LJ hasn't been great so far (line and QB issues), KC is not a good road team, Pitt has a solid Run defense and I think that a neck injury like that could resurface or at least is more likely to become a problem than a normal situation. Last point worded better, there is a higher likelihood of LJ being taken out for injury than normal.There are a lot of factors working here rather than "never bench your studs." That philosophy didn't work to well last year in the playoffs with LT2. Point is that if you have a good option you should explore it; if you have Ruben Droughns I would start LJ.Nothing is as absolute as everyone on these boards make it out to be.

 

[Godsbrother]

LB Joey Porter was downgraded and is OUT. That's the 2nd LB out for this game. Corner Deshea Townsend is questionable with a hamstring injury.

If there is a week to start a running back against the Steelers defense, this one could be it. And if there's a guy you'd want to start, it would be LJ.

Seriously, I think he could be in for a monster game. You're insane to bench him.

The bolded statement might be a bit misleading. The other LB out is Porter's backup James Harrison. The other starting LBs: Clark Haggans, James Farrior, and Larry Foote are not injured. Just wanted to make that clear.Porter will be missed, no doubt about it, but his specialty is pass rushing. Of the four starting Steelers LBs Porter has the fewest tackles in each of the past three or four seasons. I would still start LJ if I had him but the Steelers run defense should still be pretty good.