As we approach the ninth week of the NFL season, it is necessary for all fantasy football participants–especially those involved with Bleed Green’s fantasy league–to know who to start and who to sit in order to successfully compete. Below is a brief examination of players that you should be sure to start and bench this week. Unlike previous Fantasy Reports, I now have listed multiple players for each position in the “Start” category, giving you more options and analysis.

Start Em’

QB Matt Hasselbeck, Seattle Seahawks AND QB Donovan McNabb, Philadelphia Eagles

The Seattle gunslinger is up against one of the league’s worst pass defenses in Detroit. The Lions have allowed 18 touchdown passes overall, and Quarterbacks are consistently reaching above 20 fantasy points against them. Though Hasselbeck has been very inconsistent thus far, you can not overlook the fact that he is up against a horrendous defense.

As Eagle fans, we know what McNabb brings to the table. We also know that the Eagles are a pass heavy team that relies on the big play. The Cowboys’ pass defense ranks 22nd in the league and allow 240.3 passing yards per game on the road. McNabb should be able to find his playmakers, especially DeSean Jackson. Expect McNabb to put up huge numbers in the historic rivalry game.

RB Clinton Portis, Washington Redskins AND RB Ryan Grant, Green Bay Packers

The Redskins still are terrible, but Clinton Portis remains a fantasy start. He goes up against the Atlanta Falcons, who rank 23rd against the run. They have struggled to contain the running game, allowing opposing Running Backs to compile 18.9 fantasy points per game, according to NFL.com.

Former Golden Domer, Ryan Grant has only 3 TD’s this season and just 525 yards. But don’t let this fool you into sitting him because if there is going to be one game that he can break out of his slump, it’s this week against Tampa Bay. How can you sit Grant against a team that’s 0-7 and currently ranks 30th against the run? By the way, the Bucs are going to be breaking out their former orange uniforms, the one’s that they went winless in.

WR Wes Welker, New England Patriots AND WR Michael Crabtree, San Francisco 49ers

Tom Brady’s new favorite target will be going up against his former team, the Miami Dolphins. Welker is quietly becoming one of the top receivers in the league, but still is overshadowed by fellow teammate, Randy Moss. The Dolphins rank 24th in pass defense and have a couple inexperienced players in their secondary.

Don’t laugh at my decision to put Michael Crabtree in the “Start Em” category. He already has 11 receptions in his first two games without practicing before the season. Alex Smith is going to give him the ball…a lot, and because of this, I feel he will find the end zone for the first time in his career this weekend. The Tennessee Titans, who have been allowing huge days from opposing wideouts, will be the first team to experience the true talent of Crabtree.

Sit Em’

QB Kyle Orton, Denver Broncos

The Steelers’ defense has been playing their typical way as of lately. They have been getting pressure on the opposing Quarterbacks, something that they failed to do at the start of the season. Since Week 5, the Steelers are allowing an average of 10.5 points to opposing Quarterbacks.

RB Marion Barber, Dallas Cowboys

Marion the Barbarian has done historically bad against the Philadelphia Eagles, never rushing for more then 63 yards against them. In addition to his poor play against the Eagles, he will be losing touches to the Cowboys’ home-run hitter, Felix Jones, as well as Tashard Choice. Barber should be sitting every fantasy owner’s bench this week.

WR Ted Ginn, Miami Dolphins

He goes up against a New England defense that has quickly turned things around. They rank 5th in pass defense and with Chad Henne as the Quarterback in Miami, Ginn’s fantasy value is plummeting. Also, Ted Ginn is losing touches to rookie WR Brian Hartline

Sleeper of the Week

Matt Cassell, Kansas City Chiefs

The Jacksonville Jaguars are consistently giving up big pass plays week in and week out. The Chiefs are coming off their Bye Week with nothing to lose since they realize they have no hopes of sneaking into the playoffs. With the addition of Chris Chambers, Cassell has another weapon to air it out too.