24 Hours 'Til Sunday — Andy Richardson

In the preseason, when it became clear that Sidney Rice was going to be out for a substantial period of time, I traded for Bernard Berrian in my dynasty league. After a month of him catching nothing from Brett Favre but angry glares, I cut him. I actually picked him up again last week, cut him on the weekend because I needed the roster spot, and lost out on a waiver claim on Wednesday. And then traded for him AGAIN.

I tell you this story just so you know that I'm insane. OK, who's ready for some advice? On to the games!

Ravens at Falcons: Bench Michael Turner, start Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco, and do not even consider benching Roddy White. Ever.

Lions at Bills: Shaun Hill against Ryan Fitzpatrick, the league's first 0-16 team versus its second one? Games like these can either be shootouts or ugly 13-10 affairs. I wouldn't go out of my way to start secondary players, but I'd go ahead with Hill and Best and obviously Megatron, and it's tough to bench Steve Johnson right now. C.J. Spiller... eh, I'd still like to see him have a big game before I start him again.

Vikings at Bears: Turns out Berrian strained his groin in practice on Friday and is questionable. Freaking AWESOME. I imagine I'll waive him again this week. Percy Harvin should play and be pretty good, because he's good. Tough matchup for Adrian Peterson, but I wouldn't bench him against anyone. Minnesota defense has played well enough that I'm not too keen on starting any Bears this week.

Jets at Browns: I'm tired of saying "this will be the week Shonn Greene has his 2010 breakout." Because he's just not getting enough chances. But it's coming, and I'm sure he'll be on my bench when it happens. Maybe this week. Peyton Hillis is the only Brown I'd start, very tough matchup or no. I'd probably start Braylon Edwards if I had him anywhere, 'cause the guy has talent and motivation this week.

Bengals at Colts: It's all gone south for the Bengals, who have been lit up by some top passers this year -- so why not Peyton Manning. No Austin Collie, no Joseph Addai, no Mike Hart, maybe no Blair White. History repeats itself: I blew a trade for Dallas Clark in my dynasty league two years ago, costing me a title, and I blew a pickup of Jacob Tamme two weeks ago, perhaps costing me another one. Oh well. Decent matchup for Cedric Benson, and I'd probably start Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco for late production after they fall way behind.

Texans at Jaguars: Not much defense played by these teams. This is a game where I'm starting the starters and rolling the dice on kickers and secondary targets like Jacoby Jones and Mike Walker. Love Marcedes Lewis and both running backs. And quarterbacks. Sounds like Owen Daniels is out, so go ahead and spot start Joel Dreessen....although keep in mind James Casey will also play. And enjoy the points.

Titans at Dolphins: Sounds like Kerry Collins, not Vince Young, will start, which messes up those of us who drafted Young solely to use for Drew Brees' bye this week. Or Chad Henne, since he's been benched for Chad Pennington. Another second-round quarterback bites the dust. Had the schedule shaken out a little differently, the Dolphins could have faced Randy Moss playing for three different teams this year (they played the Vikings back in Week 2). I'm lukewarm on using Moss. Brandon Marshall should be fine with the QB switch.

Panthers at Bucs: Tampa Bay is the popular suicide pool pick this week for six out of the ten of us remaining. (The others hadn't used the Giants yet.) LeGarrette Blount and Mike Williams should be good. Panthers are going with Jimmy Clausen at quarterback and Mike Goodson at running back. I'm starting Goodson in a couple of leagues because of the favorable matchup, but I wouldn't expect huge numbers, just decent ones. And Clausen, well, good things the Panthers have won their game this year.

Kansas City at Broncos: This game was a slugfest in Week 17, and seems like it might be again. Lots of running from KC and passing from Denver. No injuries of note, although Dexter McCluster may not play for Kansas City.

Seahawks at Cardinals: Matt Hasselbeck returns, not a moment too soon. Reportedly the Seahawks now doubt whether Charlie Whitehurst is the long-term answer at quarterback. I still do not know what made them at one point believe he was, but I guess everyone makes mistakes. In the NFL, of course, it gets you fired before too long. Beanie Wells practiced some on Friday, but as we learned last week, that doesn't mean he'll get a lot of work on Sunday. I won't use the guy again after getting burned. Tim Hightower will probably be the main back. Good matchup for Marshawn Lynch. Mike Williams hurting but should play. One of these teams might actually win the NFC West, which is a sad statement. These days I actually think the Rams might win it. Ugly.

Cowboys at Giants: I feel kind of sorry for Wade Phillips. Is that wrong? I can't help it. Not a bad guy, just not a great head coach. Still paying for benching Doug Flutie for Rob Johnson in the playoffs, I guess. I don't think Dallas' offense will be as productive this week as it was a few weeks ago in Dallas. I'd use Jason Witten, but I'm wary of their wideouts. And Jon Kitna, and the running backs. For the Giants, no Steve Smith, which is a huge blow to those of us counting on him, but a huge boon to Mario Manningham owners. Don't see Dallas' defense getting any better with Phillips gone.

Rams at 49ers: I still remember huge battles with Jim Everett throwing touchdowns and Jerry Rice and John Taylor weaving through Rams defenders for long scores. Good times. This will probably be lower-scoring, with Frank Gore and Steven Jackson being the main players, but some value in Vernon Davis and maybe even Sam Bradford. I give up figuring out who the Rams' top receiver will be.

Patriots at Steelers: Tom Brady is limping around but it shouldn't hurt him that much. Not a scrambler. I traded Danny Woodhead for Berrian this week, by the way. Just figured Woodhead has a pretty low weekly ceiling, though he's the only New England running back I'd use this week. I don't much like New England at all this week, though I'd be using Brady and Aaron Hernandez without many worries. Pittsburgh's offense should be fine.

Eagles at Washington: Eagles are talking new contract for Michael Vick. Kevin Kolb, another former second-round quarterback who appears to be out of a starting job. I suspect the Eagles will handle Washington pretty well this week. Washington will probably use Ryan Torain as its main back, but if Clinton Portis is active, who really knows. Since it's Monday, I'd rather avoid both unless I have no choice.

As always, feel free to post questions if you've got 'em, and enjoy the games.

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