by Ted Cahill

This must be second chance week.

Alex Smith and Vince Young are back in as starters of their original NFL team. Usually first-round busts have to switch teams if they want their second chance, but Smith and Young have skipped that step.

Now we’ll see if either learned anything from their time on the bench or if they’re just as scary as the first time around.

Start

Steven Jackson, Rams at Detroit
For all the Jackson owners that are wondering why they drafted him, this is your week. The Lions’ defense should be no problem, even for Jackson who has struggled this year.

David Garrard, Jaguars at Tennessee
The Titans give up 311 passing yards per game. Now I know they’re coming off a bye and Garrard hasn’t thrown a touchdown on the road this season. I don’t care; you can send him out and not worry.

Darren Sproles, Chargers vs. Oakland
With LaDainian Tomlinson continuing to regress, Sproles becomes increasingly important in the offense. The Raiders give up 4.6 yards per carry and Sproles has scored 11 touchdowns in his last seven games against the Black and Silver.

Roddy White, Falcons at New Orleans
Normally White wouldn’t be anywhere near this list, he’s too much of a must start. But I want to make sure everyone realizes playing the Saints doesn’t change that. Matt Ryan probably won’t throw for 300 yards like he did the last time in the Super Dome, but White is still his favorite target.

Sit

Michael Crabtree, 49ers at Indianapolis
Like many of you, I picked Crabtree up last week and stuck him on the bench. But this isn’t the week to bring out the shiny new toy. The Colts give up 180 yards through the air and with Smith back in at quarterback, the 49ers will continue to try and run the ball down their throats.

Mark Sanchez, Jets vs. Dolphins
Don’t be fooled by the Dolphins poor pass defense. Yes they give up 234 yards through the air, but I’d be surprised if Sanchez really got the license to throw this week. There will be plenty of running in this game by both teams.

Jonathan Stewart, Panthers at Arizona
The Cardinals shut down the Giants strong rushing attack last week. The Bills did the same to the Panthers. Combine those facts and you get Stewart on the bench in the desert.

Ahmad Bradshaw, Giants at Philadelphia
If Bradshaw couldn’t do anything against Arizona, I don’t expect him to do anything in Philadelphia. The Eagles give up 3.6 yards per carry and will be stacking the box again this week.