Studs

Jahvid Best, RB, DET - The concern that I have with Best is not about his talent, it is about his health.  He has a history of injuries from college including a pretty nasty looking neck injury where he was wheeled off on a stretcher.  I assume that every RB will miss at least one game throughout the course of a season and there is more risk when you have a history of them.  With that said, until that injury happens, fantasy owners and the Lions have themselves one hell of a running back.  After a 232 yard 3 TD game in Week 2, Best is the number 2 back in fantasy football.

LeSean McCoy, RB, PHI – On only 16 carries, McCoy totaled 120 yards and found the end zone three times. The Lions defense is certainly prone to big plays, but the Eagles offense isn’t used to such a productive running game.  Kevin Kolb is the starter of this team and while he is capable of leading an effective passing attack, I would not be surprised to see McCoy get more touches than we originally thought he would.

Matt Schaub, QB, HOU - I really wanted to see him cross the 500 yard mark this week, but fantasy owners will need to settle for 497 yards and 3 touchdowns.  If you were concerned about the passing attack of the Texans after week 1, you aren’t now.

Steelers, DST, PIT – Say what you want about the Jets and their blitzing scheme, the Steelers have the inventor of the zone blitz running their defense.  Dick LeBeau running the show and calling the plays.  Revis may miss some time and if he doesn’t he wont be 100%.  I said in the preseason that defenses rarely are drafted first and finish as the best at the end of the season and the Steelers are off to an early lead even without their starting QB to help the offense keep the defense off the field.

Adrian Peterson, RB, MIN – I really love when players remain consistent while their offense as a whole struggles.  As a fantasy owner I try to find consistent players and if you can average 100 yards per game and a TD while your teams starts 0-2 and struggles on offense then you are welcome on my team.

Jay Cutler, QB, CHI - This week we did not see the same old Jay Cutler.  He was effective, precise with the football and threw 0 interceptions.  The truly surprising thing to me in this game was the offensive line play of the Bears.  If they can keep it up the Bears might be able to make a playoff run.

Andre Johnson, WR, HOU – We all breathed a little easier when Andre came back on the field.  Then we all jumped for joy when he caught that long TD pass.  Johnson ended up the top receiver of the week just 14 yards ahead of fellow Texan Kevin Walter who also found the end zone.

DeSean Jackson, WR, PHI – I had high expectations for DeSean Jackson this week and he did not let me down.  Vick and the Eagles offense got DJax involved early when he took a 15 or so yard pass the distance to get this high scoring game started.  Jackson only had the one score, but totaled 135 yards receiving.

Mark Sanchez, QB, NYJ – It was nice to see some life from the Jets offense, even before they get Santonio Holmes back.  Sanchez only threw for 220 yards but threw 3 TDs and no interceptions.  The running game is the focal point of the offense so I don’t see any need to go pick up Sanchez in a 10 team league, however if you are in a 2 QB league and he is still available he could be very productive for you when Santonio returns from his suspension.

Frank Gore, RB, SF – The 49ers did better than expected against the defending world champs.  They dictated the pace of the game and did a great job running the ball down the throat of the Saints defense.  At the end of the game, after a great drive by Alex Smith to tie it up, Brees did what he does and led them right down the field to win the game in the last seconds.  My confidence in him has been fully restored and you can’t afford to sit this guy as long as Mike Singletary gets to run his style of offense.

Darren McFadden, RB, OAK - I am very surprised in the level of production the Raiders are getting from this guy in the absence of Michael Bush.  He may not have had a very high scoring game but touchdowns are not very predictable.  He is 2nd in the league in rushing and has earned the right to have the lead role in this offense.

Duds

Chris Johnson, RB, TEN – Wow, it is hard to be productive when your offense turns the ball over SEVEN times.  Johnson was only responsible for one of them but he was not very effective with barely over 2 yards per carry.

Joe Flacco, QB, BAL – Speaking of turnovers, I am concerned with Flacco in the short term after seeing throw for only 154 yards with 1 TD and 4 INTs.  He should be able to rebound, but after a week like that if your backup QB has a decent match up why risk that the slump continues?

Pierre Garcon, WR, IND - I don’t know what to say about Garcon’s lack of production the past two weeks.  I am very concerned about what his role will be throughout the season if Manning loses faith in his number 2 receiver. If it doesn’t get sorted out soon then Collie will start to look better and better.

Felix Jones, RB, DAL – I hope you didn’t reach for Jones in your draft.  The axe will fall on someone for the Cowboys lack of production and it wont be Romo or Austin.  Phillips will come into question soon and it looks like with the game on the line the Cowboys would rather give Barber the ball than Jones.

Jonathan Stewart, RB, CAR – The Panthers are in trouble after a rough loss to what everyone thought was a bad Buccaneers team.  You can’t start Stewart even in your flex spot until we see if it gets turned around.

Devin Aromashodu, WR, CHI – Nothing, that’s what Devin did during a big win for his team.  He didn’t play much at all on offense and it is not really clear why.  Earl Bennett came back into the lineup this week and Aromashodu owners should watch the situation carefully to see if they need to drop him.

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Studs

Arian Foster, RB, HOU – This was an easy choice to top this list.  Foster was able to propel the Houston Texans past Peyton Manning and the Colts for a great start in their bid to win this division.  I do not think there is any way for Foster to sustain the production of a number 1 fantasy RB for an entire season.  He is however set to be one of the best number 2 RB’s in the league for his fantasy owners due to his ability to make an impact in the passing game as well. As always Coach Kubiak is going to reserve the right to lose his mind and not use him enough to be very effective, but after Sunday Even Kubiak will realize that Foster should be the guy.

Matt Forte, RB, CHI - This was an ugly game with a terrible ending, but not for Matt Forte and the Bears.  In a game where the Bears should have been lighting up the scoreboard Cutler struggled, made bad decisions, and turned the ball over.  This is not a huge surprise, but what was to me was the lack of production of the receiving corp.  Forte was the only spark that existed for the Bears and his two scoring plays were enough to beat the Lions after a terrible rule was enforced to ROB Megatron of a game-winning TD.

Hakeem Nicks, WR, NYG - While this game was great for Nicks’ fantasy owners this week, I do not like what it means for him in terms of consistency.  Touchdowns are random and unpredictable, even more so in the Giants offense where Smith, Boss and, to a lesser extent, Manningham compete for red zone targets.  If you take away the touchdown plays, which were 26, 19 and 5 yard passes, Nicks has only one catch for 25 yards.  He will be a very good flex play down the stretch but I might look to trade Nicks at a high value soon.

Chad Ochocinco, WR, CIN - Carson Palmer looked terrible in the first half Sunday, but once the Patriots had the game locked up and started to employ some prevent defense Ochocinco and the Bengals’ receivers were able to rack up some decent yardage.  I still fear that Palmer’s play will decrease Chad’s value, but if you drafted him he is likely going to be your #2 WR as long as he is healthy.

Darren McFadden, RB, OAK - He sure took advantage of Michael Bush’s absence but fantasy owners have been burned by Raiders running backs in the past so I would not start either McFadden or Bush yet.  With that said, you probably shouldn’t leave this guy unowned because he is making a strong case to the coaching staff to get the starting job after a good performance Sunday. No matter who it is, if either of these running backs are getting a majority of the work they will make a very viable starter for fantasy football owners.

Wes Welker, WR, NE - The Patriots did the best thing they could to get Welker the confidence back that he needs to play at 100%.  Often times with severe knee injuries the player will not be confident enough in the knee to make strong cuts.  Welker would not be effective if he was hesitant and not running perfect routes.  Welker was able to pull in 8 catches and 2 TDs which is a hell of a way to get your confidence back, welcome back Wes.

Miles Austin, WR, DAL – When you think about what makes an elite fantasy WR consistency has to be at the top of the list.  After watching a shining example of how inept the Cowboys offense really can be it is comforting to see that Austin was still incredibly productive.  Austin caught 10 of the 11 passes thrown at him for 146 yards and a TD, even with Dez Bryant being very active in the offense.

Anquan Boldin, WR, BAL - Revis did not stay on Boldin all game and because of it he he was able to be a difference maker on offense for the Ravens in the toughest match up they will face offensively. Boldin was targeted 10 times last night hauling in 7 of them for 110 yards.  This was much better than what was reasonable for us to expect and has me excited to see what he will do throughout the season.

Roddy White, WR, ATL – It may not have looked like it on your fantasy score sheet unless you are in a PPR league, but Roddy White had a very good game for fantasy owners this week.  He had 111 receiving yards on a league-high 13 receptions.  The more important statistic from this game is his targets, he was targeting 23 times by Matt Ryan.  White is the entire Falcons passing offense until they reach the red zone, when Tony Gonzalez becomes relevant again.  With all these opportunities and his talent he is bound to be productive on a consistent basis.

Duds

Frank Gore, RB, SF - I don’t know what happened in this game, I am stunned.  I still can’t figure out if the Seahawks are for real, or the 49ers are not who I thought they would be.  Every 49er deserves to make this list, but Gore will take the fall as he was by far the biggest disappointment for fantasy owners this week.

Andre Johnson, WR, HOU – Arian Foster stole the show.  No one would bother to pass when you can run the ball like that and keep Peyton Manning off the field.  Houston is still one of the top 3 passing offenses in football.

Matt Schaub, QB, HOU – See Andre Johnson.

Shonn Greene, RB, NYJ – After only managing 18 rushing yards and losing a fumble Shonn Greene cost his fantasy owners a point this week and crushing Monday night dreams of many I am sure.  The fumbling is the biggest concern, because if it continues there will be zero goal line chances for Greene.

Jerome Harrison, RB, CLE – It appears that Jerome Harrison was not able to do enough to earn the starting job when he ended the season last year playing like one of the best running backs in the league.  I thought for sure that once Hardesty was put on IR Harrison would definitely be the guy, but Peyton Hillis is apparently going to cause a lot of guessing from week to week about who will have the best game for Cleveland.

CJ Spiller, RB, BUF - The best thing that could happen to this Bills offense is a healthy Fred Jackson.  Spiller does not have the ability to be an effective feature back in this league yet.  He will be valuable to the Bills in a change of pace role as the third down back.  A return to this role will increase his production in fantasy football as well, but if you have him you probably drafted him too high.

Thomas Jones, RB, KC – I was sort of wrong about Jones, I did not think he would have a decent opportunity to be productive in this Jamaal Charles offense.  Jones got the same number of carries as Charles and did nothing with them.  If Haley can’t see that Charles needs to be the feature back then he is blind.  They were able to win, but it was close and did not need to be.  Jones has minimal value to me down the stretch unless there is an injury to Charles, but you can’t drop him yet.

Bernard Berrian, WR, MIN – With all the injuries, there could not be much more opportunity for Berrian and Harvin.  I can accept a bad game from a young player much more than Berrian who is one more bad week away from my dumplist.

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STUDS

Aaron Rodgers (GB) – 383 yards and three scores… oh and he ran one in too!  Rodgers is back in stride in fantasy terms, last week his arm wasn’t needed with Grant running wild.  He is definitely still your guy!

Ben Roethlisberger (PIT) - 503 yards and 3 scores including a game winning last second score to win the game.  If you put all your chips down on Big Ben at QB then you are likely not in need of advice at this point… However if you had an adequate replacement and are wondering about Ben next week I put him behind Alex Smith and Carson Palmer this week so hopefully you don’t need to take the risk.

Matt Moore (CAR) – Where’d this guy come from? Don’t know but I don’t trust him.  If you are in a DEEP QB league then he might be a better option in what is likely to be a passing affair next week.  Even with that said he’s a last resort.

Jerome Harrison (CLE) - If you played Jennings last week I think you’ve learned your lesson.  You can’t count on these one week wonders, and when thats the mistake you made in the Playoffs or Super Bowl, it becomes a VERY long off season.  With that warning in place and at the fore front of your mind… Harrison has a great match-up

Jamaal Charles (KC) – This guy was such a huge Waiver Wire grab…. I am still amazed at how consistent he is making plays.  Keep using him as he remains a top 20 back.

Maurice Jones-Drew (JAC) - It’s always a relief when your Studs do their job, and thats what this guy is!

Maurice Morris (DET) - Morris had a 126 yard game with a score on Sunday when he wasn’t expected to do all that much.  I say pick him up so he can’t be used against you… with that said I don’t trust him this late in the season.

Marion Barber (DAL) - Every aspect of the Cowboys game Saturday was as good as it has looked all season.  With how awful the Skins looked last night I have got to think that Barber should be worth a flex spot next week.

Beanie Wells (ARI) – Hightower is almost an after-thought in Arizona now-a-days.  Beanie had a good day and lived up to the high expectations we all had in this soft match-up.

Vincent Jackson (SD) – This is why you shouldn’t have panicked when he had his drought.  He is one of the best in the league.

Steve Smith (CAR) – Smith is fast proving to doubters that he was not the reason for his recent short comings.  This guy has been rebounding quite well since Moore took over and should have a chance to make some plays next week.

DeSean Jackson (PHI) - DJax is developing into the most explosive player in the league.  This guy defines big-play ability and regardless of match-up he’s going to need to be started.

Jermichael Finley (GB) – Match-up nightmare and fast developing premiere  Tight End in the NFL.

John Carlson (SEA) – Not really a stud, but he exceeded expectations and was the only Seahawk worth a damn this past week.

Todd Heap (BAL) - Can never expect two TD’s but it’s nice to have.  I still like Finley and Davis as pick-ups more though.

Giants (D/ST) – That was some impressive pressure they got on the Skins last night.  They wont do this big again, but that was a domination if i’ve ever seen one.

DUDS

Cedric Benson (CIN) - One of his worst games that he played in all year… the team was down and HAD to throw… this is not anything to worry about with the Chiefs coming to town.

Sidney Rice (MIN) - I’m definitely down on Rice going into a cold weather game, but he is still a fine option for WR 2 and a great flex option.

Greg Olsen (CHI) – I’m sure you are done trusting him as I am. Finley, Davis, Boss, Heap… go find one!

Thomas Jones (NYJ) - Surprisingly bad performance from an incredibly consistent back.  If your still around on in a consolation game then he’s likely still the guy.

Roy Williams (DAL) - The Cowboys continue to demonstrate that Williams is an expendable part of their offense.

Steve Breaston (ARI) – Yea he had a great match-up and should have done better than ONE POINT…. but you know its risky starting a 3rd ranked WR on his team so you can’t be too mad.

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Well, what a week for Fantasy Playoffs to begin!  Lots of Studs this week so lets get right to it! Oh yea, there are plenty of Duds too! =P

Studs

Eli Manning (NYG) - Top Fantasy QB honors in a loss Sunday against the division rival Philadelphia Eagles.  He looked very good with three TD passes and just shy of 400 yards.  He did lose two fumbles, but that is largely a protection issue and with those stats it’s easy to forgive.

Chris Johnson (TEN) – Ok, we expected it, but not quite this big, huge week from CJ this Sunday.  Likely was enough to push you through this round of the playoffs.

Adrian Peterson (MIN) – A lot of readers asked about potentially benching Peterson this week and I did everything in my power to convince you not to do this.  Peterson is set to go off any week regardless of match-up, let alone the fact that despite the impressive numbers the Bengals had defending the run, they really hadn’t faced too many elite backs this season.

Ryan Grant (GB) – Wow! No one saw this big of a game coming from Grant as he totaled 137 yards and two scores.  Grant remains a great RB2 down the stretch, but Rodgers wont see that little production again, which is bound to hurt Grant’s chances of finding the end-zone twice.

Frank Gore (SF) – Despite the offense having become more of a passing oriented attack over the past few weeks, when the 9ers dominated the Cardinals on Monday night they did it on the shoulders of Frank Gore.  It looked like this round one pick was going to cost his owners dearly in the playoffs as he was utilized less and facing a team that destroyed the Minnesota Vikings and Adrian Peterson just last week.  However with San Francisco apparently rededicated to the run, Gore managed 167 yards and a TD.  Keep trusting him, because this offense is learning balance quickly.

Jamaal Charles (KC) – His team had trouble scoring, but not because of him.  Charles broke off a 70+ yard TD run Sunday for the Chiefs only time in the end-zone.  Despite the failures of his team Charles will still help you in the playoffs if the match-up is good.

Quinton Ganther (WAS) – OK, so if you were in a bind this week and you went with Ganther you were rewarded.  His match-up was great, and he got the job done.  However you can’t expect him to be able to score like that on other teams, so do you really want a RB that can only manage 50 yards against Oakland and in a GREAT week for him only sees 3 targets in the passing game?  I wouldn’t and neither should you.  Also if you wanted to start Ganther over a struggling star then it likely came back to bite you anyways, many people asked about him over the likes of Gore and Grant (and a few too many even thought he was a better play than Peterson).

Reggie Bush (NO) – Bush finally made a statement that he is healthy again this week with his 19 point fantasy day Sunday.  He will remain a great flex play through the playoffs, as he is the 4th receiving option in that offense.  For those keeping track Meachem is 5th so yes, he is a better play than Meachem in the flex.

Brandon Marshall (DEN) – Making a strong statement for being a top 3 fantasy football receiver next season with a record breaking performance on Sunday.  Marshall was targeted 28 times and hauled in 21 of them for 200 yards and two scores.  Enough said.

Andre Johnson (HOU) – This performance will take a back seat to Marshall’s but lets be honest this was a ridiculous game as well. 11 catches 193 yards and two scores as well.

DeSean Jackson (PHI) – Jackson has tied an NFL record for most 50+ yard TD plays in a season.  This is one heck of an explosive receiver that was a bargain deal where he was drafted in every league.  Oh, and he is going to remain dynamic the rest of the season.

Derrick Mason (BAL) - You see that play? He has my attention and respect now however, he won’t be upgraded too much as he is limited by the shaky play of Joe Flacco, but he will remain a very good flex or WR3 play.

Hakeem Nicks (NYG) – Nicks wont be a regular in your starting lineup during the playoffs but he had a huge game and might make a flex appearance and definitely in deep formats.

Dallas Clark (IND) – Not much for yardage this week, but three TD grabs is almost unheard of for a TE that isn’t Vernon Davis.

Fred Davis (WAS) – He’s available in too many leagues, Miller just got a concussion (his 2nd this season).

49ers (D/ST) – I still can’t believe they shut down that offense last night.  Warner got ONE point.

Duds

Randy Moss (NE) – negative points (-1) from a guy you start every week regardless of match-up is a tough beat in the playoffs.  If your still in it then your still starting Moss.

Rashard Mendenhall (PIT) – It was the Browns.  Be concerned if your still in the playoffs.

Mike Sims-Walker (JAC) – Hopefully you didn’t play him due to his injury, but I would have played him and would have been burned.

Greg Olsen (CHI) – Two weeks in a row, is Fred Davis available?

Mario Manningham (NYG) – Was on my dump-list, and even in a shootout he can’t perform barely at all.

Steven Jackson (STL) – Bad week I admit, you have better? Doubt it!

Visanthe Shiancoe (MIN) – TE’s are inconsistent, with as many TD passes as he’s got he’s earned a down week.

Donald Driver (GB) – You’ve seen all across the league that as the play of the QB drops so does the production of the WR.  This is just the first week Rodgers has slipped, and he didn’t so much as he wasn’t needed.  Jennings might be an issue, but Driver’s stock doesn’t change.

Kurt Warner (ARI) – Easiest match-up possible on the rebound so if your still around then he’ll still be ok.

Ben Roethlisberger (PIT) - IT WAS THE BROWNS!!! WHATS GOING ON IN PITTSBURGH? Honestly, i don’t know but Santonio Homes is the only one playing well.

Larry Fitzgerald (ARI) – Just hope he’s healthy, ignore the bad week as I’m sure you were planning on.

LeSean McCoy (PHI) - Stick a fork in him, he’s done.  Westbrook might be coming back this week, and you can’t entrust him with your entire season.

Aaron Rodgers (GB) – He just wasn’t needed to make plays.  Grant took the first play for the Packers to the house and they controlled the game through the run ever since.

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Studs

Tony Romo (DAL) – Even though it was December and the Cowboys lost, Romo out preformed all other QBs in Fantasy Football last week!  The Cowboys still need to find answers going down the stretch, but primarily on the defensive side of the ball.  Romo has some pretty average defenses coming up, and with the teams being the Chargers and Saints we can be sure that the Boys’ll be throwing plenty.  The Redskins are the opponent in Week 16 for most super bowl games in Fantasy which is not a great match-up, I’m sure most of you are still having nightmares about the last Cowboys Redskins game!

Kurt Warner (ARI) – If you risked starting Warner last week good for you!  The Cards got a big win over one of the NFC’s top teams, and really made a statement about their chances going into the playoffs.  They did not look like a Super Bowl contender in the early half of the season but all that matters is how you finish.  The next three match ups are against the NFLs 27th, 16th, and 32nd ranked passing defenses in that order.  These teams are (again, in order) the 49ers, the Rams, and the Lions.  The Rams are still a soft match-up for any passing game despite their surprisingly high rank, can’t ask for any better match-ups from your best QB!

Brandon Jacobs (NYG) – If you started Jacobs in week 14 then you are a braver man (or woman) than I.  Even in this big statistical game where he ended up the top Fantasy RB in the league he looked terrible with the ball.  Jacobs’ rushing stats were not enough to break double digits even with his rushing TD, but on one beautifully set-up screen play Jacobs found a whole to go 74 yards for a score (13 fantasy points of his 22 point total).  Jacobs is not the answer to your fantasy team or the New York Giants and should not be counted on as a starter in the playoffs.

Knowshon Moreno (DEN) – Moreno put up the highest fantasy point total of his rookie season this past week against the Chiefs (20 points).  He may not yet be an auto start, but consider that he plays the Chiefs again in Week 17 if that is when your Super Bowl is, as well as the Raiders in Week 15.  Moreno should definitely crack your starting lineup in those games, and probably even in his other match-ups next week vs the Colts and in Week 16 when he faces the Eagles.  Also if you were wondering Buckhalter still made an impact with 113 yards Sunday, but I still can’t see him threatening Moreno’s value as he gets most the carries and the goal line duties.

Robert Meachem (NO) – My apologies to any of you who asked about Meachem over the past week.  It has been easy to excuse his big games as a result of Colston being shut down, but after five of them it just cannot be ignored any more.  It is very difficult to talk about why the 5th weapon in any offense is a reliable fantasy play (Colston, Henderson, Thomas, Bush being who I feel are more valuable players), but numbers do not lie.  Meachem has 7 catches, four TDs and 43 more yards than number one receiver Marques Colston over the last five games.  I talk a lot about the short memory fantasy owners need to have, and Meachem owners should start to get excited.  This can’t mean that Meachem is the new top fantasy receiver in New Orleans, but it sure makes him the number 2 option over Henderson.

Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald (ARI) – In Fantasy Football terms Boldin actually out preformed Fitz on Sunday, but this duo was 1 point apart and both inside the top 5 at WR this week.  Fitz continues to be Warner’s favorite target as he was thrown to 12 times (catching 8 of them) against the Vikings for 143 yards and a score.  Boldin caught one fewer pass on three fewer targets but got two TDs to go along with his 98 yards.  I mentioned the very good match-ups Warner has already so I won’t repeat them, I’ll just say you don’t want to play against either receiver down the stretch!

Pierre Garcon (IND) – A career day for this young Colts receiver on Sunday.  This guy has quite the future ahead of him as long as he is on the field with Manning, but this season he will be near impossible to rely on as a WR1 or WR2 at any point.  For those of you in deeper formats or with flex positions feel free to use Garcon as a WR3 or flex play in the playoffs as his 136 yard performance vastly over shadowed star Reggie Wayne’s 48 yard day!

Jermichael Finley (GB) – Since his injury earlier this season Finley has been a beast.  I have seen numerous games where the Packers motion him around to create the ideal match-up and expose the defense and when executed properly Finley is a monster.  I think Finley will follow a pretty similar career path as Marques Colston down the line (do you remember being able to play Colston as either a WR or a TE? I do!) as long as he stays healthy.  Monday night Finley caught seven passes for 79 yards and two touchdowns proving that he deserves a shot on any Fantasy Football roster in the playoffs.

Duds

Adrian Peterson (MIN) – 5 pts – The whole team struggled, and to get out of this funk, you should see a heavy dose of AP to force teams to focus more on him and leave the passing game open.  Still no worries for AP down the stretch.

Maurice Jones-Drew (JAC) – 7 pts – What can ya say other than a win is a win.  The Jags pulled a close win from the Texans on Sunday and did so with a pretty disappointing performance from both their offensive stars.  MJD is still a top 3 RB.

Frank Gore (SF) – 3 pts – Gore owners have to be worried as they watch Smith develop and the offense migrate towards a pass first philosophy.  If you have another option think about it long and hard because Gore’s production is slipping fast.

LeSean McCoy (PHI) – 2 pts – I have no clue what to make of the RB situation in Philly other than to say that McCoy is the best healthy back there.  You’re not dropping him, and you will likely still be playing him this week, but lets hope he gets the ball next week!

Greg Olsen (CHI) – 0 pts – Two bad teams met Sunday and the Bears won, kind of.  17-9 was the score of this game, and if I was a Bears fan I would be looking for a rock to climb under right about now.  Forte was the only bright spot this week as Olsen was blanked.

Felix Jones and Marion Barber (DAL) – 1 pt each – How bout them Cowboys in December?! We all thought Romo’s name would be on this side of my list this week lets admit it, but both RB’s in Dallas got just one fantasy point this week.  Neither can be trusted through the playoffs, but I would play Jones in a flex spot if the match-up was right.  The Cowboys win when he gets the ball, end of story.

Mike Sims-Walker (JAC) – 1 pt – MSW is still a WR3 or flex play down the stretch but the whole offense is inconsistent, even in a win.

Ray Rice (BAL) – 4 pts – You don’t likely have a better option and I’m not worried about Rice down the stretch either.  Neither team wanted to win much last night judging by the penalties, and with so many long distances to go for a first down Rice just wasn’t able to be a factor in THIS game.

Reggie Wayne (IND) – 4 pts – What can I say, Sunday was the Garcon show… Wayne is still Manning’s go-to-guy so he can be yours as well, still an auto-start.

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STUDS

Drew Brees (NO) went 18/23 with 371 yrds and 5 TDs in what was the biggest chance the Saints had left to be beaten.  No team but Dallas has much chance of beating the Saints this season and Romo in December is a pretty good opponent to have.  If your in the playoffs with Brees your only concern is him sitting out in weeks 16 or 17 if its relevant.

Brett Favre (MIN) – All season I have been warning people of what would happen at the end of the season, and it sure wasn’t this!  We are at the end now and he tallied 392 yards and 3 TDs, I can no longer advise anyone to not trust him till he gives you a reason not to.  You gotta have a short memory in fantasy football so forget last season already!

Justin Forsett (SEA) – This was a big game, and Forsett owners will be using him again, but maybe not this week as apparently the Seahawks don’t want to start him over Jones once he is healthy.  I cannot see the reasoning here as Jones is elusive and explosive and Jones is not so much of either any more. 130 yards and 2 TDs, break out game!

Fred Jackson (BUF) – The Lynch injury was kept really quiet and we knew he would be active but they made Jackson the feature back and Lynch the backup given his shoulder.  The Bills appear to be keeping this dynamic even as Lynch gets back to full strength.  Jackson proved he gets better with more carries and that he can be a very productive part of the offense when given the feature role.  He ran for 73 yards and 2 scores while also catching all five throws that came his way for another 43 yards.

Jamaal Charles (KC) -Despite losing pretty big Charles was still able to rack up 93 yards rushing and a TD. He also added 54 yards on just 3 catches making for pretty impressive output from a RB whose team lost 43-14.  His point totals over the last three weeks have been 18, 17, and 18.

Donald Driver (GB) – Driver beat out Jennings for the majority of the workload on Thanksgiving again this season, he has been a big surprise for the Packers at his age. He pulled down 142 yards and a score.

Miles Austin (DAL) – The return of Austin this week was very good for the Cowboys offense, same with Felix Jones who got him self a decent amount of work this week as well.  Austin had 145 yards and a TD Thursday evening and looks to be critical to their success.  If Romo can produce in December… big if… Austin will benefit greatly.

Percy Harvin (MIN) -146 all purpose yards Sunday as well as a receiving TD make the Vikings slot receiver tied for top fantasy WR in week 12.  a few more weeks with these kinds of numbers will give Harvin rookie of the year honors of Byrd or Britt.  Should the Bills somehow rally Byrd will give him a run for his money.

Terrell Owens (BUF) – Owens got 5 grabs for 96 yards and a TD Sunday in a solid victory for the Bills.  He’s starting to get exciting to watch again, he’s a low WR2 but a definite flex play for as long as Fitzpatrick plays like he has been.

Kenny Britt (TEN) – The Titans are for real and have a shot at making a playoff run.  They are on a tear and momentum is a powerful force.  Britt looked like his late 4th quarter fumble, but when the Titans got the ball back on their own one yard line 2 minutes and 37 seconds on the clock Britt redeemed himself by catching a 4th and 4 conversion from the 7 yard line as well as his last second TD catch to win the game.

Antonio Gates (SD) – Gates finally performed like owners have hoped for all season.  He caught all 7 passes Rivers threw to him getting  118 yards and two scores.  I said it in yesterdays entry, you play your most talented tight end regardless of match-up.  Since you didn’t draft Witten AND Gates then your playing Gates every single week.

New York Jets (D/ST) – Four INTs and a TD this week by Revis and the Jets in a win over the tough running Panthers.  Their fantasy value dropped off since the beginning of the year but they are still usable based on match-up.

DUDS

The Seahawks Passing Game – This is purely from a fantasy football sense, but we all expected at least one TD to go to Housh or Burleson.  Forsett got two and so did the return game putting them so far ahead they were able to just control the clock and get the win.  Good win for the team, but it was done in an unfortunate manner for plenty of fantasy owners.

Beanie Wells and Larry Fitzgerald (ARI) – Was a tough loss for the Cardinals who lost to a last second TD pass on Sunday while using back up QB Matt Leinart.  The offense didn’t have the rhythm it usually does and most all Arizona players suffered stat wise.  This should be fixed my Warner’s return next week.

Chad Ochocinco (CIN) -The Bengals won the game on the ground, and they really had no need to put the ball up in the air Sunday.  None-the-less he hurt some owners this weekend but he should be a viable starting WR in any format down the stretch.

Vincent Jackson (SD) – This makes three dud performances in a row for Jackson and it hurts but before that he’d been money ever week before that so deal with it he’s a stud and you have to start him.  Its not like shutting him down is working for these teams, they are still losing.

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Studs

Brady Quinn and Matthew Stafford – I want to address the performances of the two quarterbacks at the same time. Stafford’s game is statistically the best performance from a rookie QB ever. Look it up, stafford is the first rookie to throw five TD passes since 1937!!!!… Leather helmet wearing Ray Buivid of the Bears was the last one to do it. In addition the 422 yards is the best ever, beating Leinart’s 2006 season-high total of 405 in Arizona. This means little in fantasy football to be honest, neither QB is someone you want to rely on going into the playoffs. All season we have been happily starting anyone playing the Browns and the Lions anyways, so the stars did their job under the ideal circumstances… big deal. From a non-fantasy perspective these games mean that these QB’s have the ability, and its up to the coaching staffs and front offices to make the teams better with more talent and getting everything they can from what they have.

Terrell Owens

Who knew the Bills had an offense? No one!. After one game it has become relatively apparent that Jauron was largely to blame for many of the offensive issues. Fitzpatrick was the first 200 yard passer in Buffalo since dating back to last season, and Owens totaled 9 catches on 14 targets for 197 yards including a 98 yard TD pass. He also finished the week as the highest scoring fantasy WR in the league. The real question is can we expect this type of output from the Bills week after week? We all know I certainly hope so, however it is not likely. Fitzpatrick played really well, and the success of this team is dependant on the QB position (where is it not?) and I do not think Fitz is the answer for the Bills. Remember the name Brian Brohm, because I think you’ll see him taking snaps before the season is over, and I sincerely think he would be better than Edwards and Fitzpatrick. So where does this leave Owens and Evans? Who knows, they are both worth a roster spot for a match-up play its up to the Bills to find a QB for them though!

Greg Jennings

Wow, you finally got what you drafted! The question is, did you already find better options to replace him? Lots of owners are going to feel more than a little burned by Jennings’ performance versus a solid opposing defense on Sunday. Jennings got 10 grabs for 128 yards and a TD which are about the numbers you expected to see probably 4 times by now. Jennings was drafted a top10 WR in most leagues and has been a pretty steady disappointment since week 3, which was the last 100 yard game. Jennings remains a deep threat and a red zone threat as well, and with a superb match-up Thursday versus a Lions D that Brady Quinn made look like a college team… wonder what Rodgers will throw for!?

Brett Favre

Well I don’t know what the Vikings are thinking letting Brett throw so much with AP in the backfield. Did they not watch the film from the end of last season when he just wore out and his team crumbled around him. I am a Peterson owner and have loved every minute of the incredible consistency that he continues to show despite tying the lowest total he has had all season, 9. However with that said, in Fantasy Football you are a fool if you don’t have a pretty short memory. I don’t think he will be able to keep up this kind of output into the playoffs, but as a fantasy owner you dont care start him till the game he tosses 4 or 5 picks in a game. Hope that’s not the playoffs!

Duds

Roy Williams – Dump list earning performance this week versus, admittedly, the best passing defense in the league, but the match-ups don’t get better. His only chance is if teams are still keying on Austin who has been lackluster as of late, and could be tossed aside onto my dump list soon too.

Brandon Marshall – Orton had to play hurt versus a very good pass defense and Marshall suffered. Only 2 points… his fantasy production is linked to Orton’s so it’s up in the air. Your probably still starting him baring you have an obviously better option.

Braylon Edwards – Exactly the same number of drops as fantasy points… ONE! Not a ridiculous number of drops, but not too many catches either (1 on 5 targets).

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Studs

A breakout game this week from the Cardinal RB Beanie Wells. This back made a huge impact with 16 carries and 85 yards and TWO scores. Hightower still knows the blocking scheme’s better and is better at blitz pickup so Beanie will not become the feature back this season, but from a keeper league stand point I really think that next season he will be just that. For the rest of the season Wells is a great option if the Westbrook Turner or Brown injuries hit you particularly hard, or as a flex play depending on match up. Great upside from here on out, he seems to have taken the top fantasy RB spot between the two in Arizona. In ESPN standard scoring Wells was third this week in fantasy points with 23 and has a great match up vs a terrible Rams team.

If you had Reggie Bush in your flex this week than you’re probably in a good mood after this weekend. The speedy back rushed only 6 times but totaled 83 yards rushing and had both a rushing and receiving score. Bush has a speed and elusiveness that makes him a threat from anywhere on the field. Bush becomes a solid flex play and has an excellent match up vs a surging Buccs team. Regardless of how promising play has been from the Buccaneers lately this is the 9-0 Saints so there is no concern in starting Bush in a flex role.

LaDainian Tomlinson was running for two this Sunday in a great game vs the Eagles that no one, myself included thought he had left in him. His wife left him a surprise of a positive pregnancy test in his locker for game day morning and he has his best game of the season with 24 carries 96 yards and a pair of touchdowns. This comes one week after his appearance on a great many dump lists so check your waiver wire and see. LT will be a solid flex play in some deeper leagues, but apart from a really good matchup we should see any more games like this. LT isn’t that old, and he can run through big wholes if they are there. Play him vs any bad defenses he is going to face such as KC and Cle in weeks 12 and 13.

Sydney Rice racked up just over 200 yards Sunday in a Vikings win over the Detroit Lions. Rice is a talented receiver that has built a relationship with Brett Favre. We will need to keep an eye on his production with Berrian back in the lineup and Favre’s recent trend of sliding off late in the season.

Lee Evans has put up respectable fantasy numbers with as much consistency as the Bills have had at quarterback. Evans will remain a flex option in desperate times that might be ahead given the lack of depth many of us are experiencing after this weeks injuries. Bowe was just suspended and this creates a small void for some fantasy owners. Evans can help you through this 4 week gap, but you don’t want to have to play him each week. Also worth noting is that while writing this entry the Bills fired Dick Jauron, how this will effect the offense is unknown but the defensive coordinator is taking over on an interim basis.

Duds

The Cowboy’s new fantasy stud Miles Austin had a terrible game this weekend vs a solid Green Bay secondary. Austin saw four catches for only 20 yards and showed his ability to be contained by a good defense that is able to plan for him. I believe whole-heartedly in Tony Romo’s inability to perform after the month of December begins, but typically this is after a near perfect November for the Cowboys QB. Austin will not be more than a flex play except against good match ups from here on out. With that said, he will be a very good flex play as Roy Williams get introduced into the passing game more and more. This will cause defenses to pick their poison over the course of a game by double covering one of them, leaving the other in single coverage where both are very dangerous.

Nate Burleson wasn’t able to catch a single ball Sunday versus a better than advertised Cardinals secondary. His teammate T.J. Houshmandzedeh saw 17 targets while pulling down 9 of them for 165 yards! It certainly is starting to look like the primary receiver in Seattle is Houshmandzedeh, however Burleson will not be gone completely. I do expect a role reversal here fantasy wise.

Marques Colston gobbled up every pass thrown to him Sunday against the Rams.  Yep, both of them!  The Saints WR was held in check the entire game and only totaled 17 yards in what should have been a big game.  So far this season defenses have been rolling coverage Colston’s way all season.  This hasn’t helped a single team to beat the undefeated Saints so I would expect decent production from Colston the rest of the way, just not at the level we hoped in the preseason.

Joe Flacco had a TERRIBLE game (from a fantasy perspective only!) Monday night versus a VERY favorable match up… the lowly Browns.  There was an inability on a part of the Ravens offense to move the ball in the first half.  This was definitely the case on the other side of the ball, so there was little urgency on the part of the Ravens to take any risks at all.  To compound the issue, very shortly after this first TD there was an pick six for the Ravens D, and from then out it was a ball control game featuring Ray Rice.  Don’t panic here Flaccoholics, no picks, no risks, and a good completion percentage.  This was no where near a game where Flacco needed to make plays.

Lastly, Pierre Thomas had only 11 carries and 37 yards in the same great matchup that Colston under-produced in.  Reggie Bush was the top Fantasy RB in New Orleans this weekend, however neither saw a large amount of carries.  We’ve seen Thomas’ ability after returning from an injury in week 3, and this is still the same guy.  He is the main back for the Saints still, he just had an off week.  I read nothing into this at all!  This is still his job, and Bell shouldn’t see any added work because of this performance.  Bush may see a few while he has the hott hand, but thats about it.

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