Week 13 Friday Mailbag

Question 1: Asked by @E_RICHT5F3LD

Who do u think I should start at RB out of… Foster, MJD, Murray and Sproles? I need 3 of 4.

Answer

I am sitting Sproles here if I was you. Keep your expectations low on Foster this week but Sproles is the only guy that I wouldn’t call a “stud”.  These should be your three regardless of match-up.  New Orleans is pass-first and Sproles’ touches are limited. He has been a great weapon for them and I am sure they will continue to use him a fair amount but the other options are all feature backs in their offense.

Question 2: Asked by @bdavis712 and Eric via email.

Should I start Victor Cruz, Jordy Nelson or Andre Johnson?

Answer

This is a really, really difficult decision you have this week.  I have Cruz 10th and Nelson 11th in my rankings and you are going to have to trust your gut.  The reason why I would go with Cruz is simple, the stats.  Green Bay is currently ranked 31st in the NFL in pass defense and this is due in large part to what fantasy owners call “junk-time”.  Basically, after Green Bay has the game wrapped up and out of reach, the opponent just keeps throwing the ball on every play and the Packers sit in prevent defense and essentially allow a lot of yardage.  The secondary is definitely weaker than it has been in years past but not quite as bad as 31st. The nice thing is, junk-time counts just as much as anything else and even if Cruz has no catches going into the 4th quarter, there is no way he finishes the game that way.  Green Bay on the other hand will likely have the game locked-up and be running out the clock by the end of the game.  This limits Nelson’s chances and makes Cruz a slightly better play in my opinion.