What About Westy?

Brian Westbrook owners know that every year their man is going get dinged up and probably miss a game or two. But having the one of the most productive RB's in the league is almost always worth the risk. This week presents a unique challenge. There are currently conflicting reports that Westbrook will almost certainly be inactive this week and that he has said he will play. Normal protocol in these situations is to have a backup ready to deploy when a final decision is made during pre-game warmups. Unfortunately, Philadelphia plays on Sunday night. So unless you're already holding Matt Forte on your bench, any backup options will have played by Sunday evening.

So let me draw your attention to one Rashard Mendenhall. The rookie RB will get his first start on Monday night and at 59% owned in Yahoo! public leagues, there is a chance you may be able to snag him as a Westbrook safety net. Granted, Mendenhall has not looked particularly impressive in his limited number of carries. And Baltimore is a tough defense. But he does offer a legitimate starter alternative that will allow you to wait and see on Westbrook.

If Mendenhall has already been claimed in your league and you still want to give Westbrook the benefit of the doubt, McGahee is questionable at the moment, as is Le'Ron McClain. So the 16% owned Ray Rice may also be an alternative.

Bottom line, if you have a solid starter to play in place of Westbrook in an early Sunday game, do it. But if you're thin on bench options in this first bye week. Consider Mendenhall or Rice as hedges on Westbrook's playing status.