Austin Collie, WR, IND - Active

Chris Ivory, RB, NO - Inactive

David Garrard, QB, JAC - Active

DeSean Jackson, WR, PHI - Active

Jacob Tamme, TE, IND – Active

Joseph Addai, RB, IND – Inactive

Marion Barber, RB, DAL – Inactive

Matt Cassel, QB, KC – Active

Maurice Jones-Drew, RB, JAC – Active

Roy E. Williams, WR, DAL – Inactive

Ryan Torain, RB, WAS – Active

Terrell Owens, WR, CIN - Active

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Question 1: Asked by @NYLivinCAMind

Can’t believe im asking but: pick 3 NON-PPR: Arrelious Benn, Sidney Rice, Joe Webb(no joke), Greg Jennings or Larry Fitzgerald.

Answer

Well KJ, being playoff time… it is not a good idea to take a big risk on this decision.  It looks more and more like Rodgers is not going to be able to go in this game, so I will assume he does not for this answer.  I would start Sidney Rice, Greg Jennings and Larry Fitzgerald.  I have seen a lot of chatter about using Joe Webb in leagues that allow him to be started as a WR.  I want to caution everyone about this: DON’T DO IT! It seems like a really good idea, but mostly because it feels like you are cheating the system.  It’s just not worth it worth the risk. In last week’s game Webb was 2 for 5 with just 8 yards passing, despite adding a 16 yard scramble we did not see enough good to think he can be a valuable fantasy-option and the playoffs is the worst time to get “cute” and make a mistake.  Same thing with Arrelious Benn, despite a big game he just hasn’t proven he can provide value on a consistent basis… maybe after this week if he does well he will be worth the risk.

Question 2: Asked by @Beave623

RB help..I have Turner, Hillis, Foster & DMac…can play 3…heard Foster having hip issue. Advice?

Answer

To my other readers, me and Clyde talked some on twitter about his lineup.  He also has Andre Johnson and Roddy White! I made a comment about trading one of these stud RBs for a WR.  In most cases, this is the right decision.  It is very difficult to make the right call when trying to decide between 3 of 4 running backs all ranked in the top 5 and trading one for a WR will help you spread out your talent to the other positions you may be weaker.  Clyde however has elite talent at every position and has no need for a trade, so on to the tough decision! I would sit Hillis here and I will be updating my rankings to show this later today or tomorrow morning.  The reason is, with Colt McCoy at QB the Browns have extra options for their offense.  McCoy was a very smart game-manager in his previous starts and I expect him to play at a high level again.  The Bengals are their opponents for the week and their secondary is what is ailing at this time and through the air is how I expect the Browns to challenge them.

Question 3: Asked by Chevis420

What 2 should I start out of these 4: Benson, Goodson, Hightower, PT. Really torn between benson and goodson…

Answer

Well, I actually like Hightower here!  It is tough to make a gutsy call and shy away from someone that got you this far, but the Panthers have the 25th ranked rush defense and are allowing 132 yards per game.  After such a dominant performance last week, I think it is reasonable to expect something in the area of 80 yards and a TD.  Wells clearly is not the x-factor that I thought he would be this season.  It has become clear that Hightower is the guy they trust the most as people try and save their jobs. You can see my answer and the answers of others on Fandemic.

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49ers at Chargers

The playoff dreams of two teams hang in the balance tonight as the 9ers travel to San Diego to take on Rivers and the Chargers.  Neither team is playing perfect football this season, but each still clings to hopes of a division title and playoff berth going into this game.  Rivers has been the best and most consistent QB in the NFL this season and the issues with them have been almost entirely on special teams.  There have been a staggering number of special teams turnovers from the Chargers this year and it has almost destroyed the season for the top ranked defense and 2nd ranked offense.  The outcome of this game will come down to turnovers and if the Chargers are able to minimize their mistakes and play sound football… then there are VERY few teams capable of beating them.  Lower expectations for Westbrook and Crabtree against this incredibly consistent defense and after all the work that Ryan Mathews got late last week, there is little chance of a big game from Tolbert here as well.  I still think that Tolbert is the lead back and should see a fair few carries (at least enough that he remains a top 25 RB and a very solid flex starter).  Vincent Jackson has come back from his injury and has the potential to explode back to his top 10 form with Philip Rivers throwing the ball, but he is too risky to crack the top 30 at his position. However, if you’re gambling, he is a pretty good risk to take as he still has the pro-bowl talent he had before holding out of his contract.  I expect the Chargers to get the win at home, with the playoffs on the line.

Eagles at Giants

The Giants have been the team to come the closest to shutting down the Eagles’ top ranked offense.  They pride themselves on pressuring the QB with just their front four and have a wide variety of talent on the D-line.  Michael Vick is by far the best QB in the league at evading pressure and making defenses account for every inch of the field.  The Giants are another team that has killed themselves with turnovers at times, but their punishing running game has taken over games in recent weeks and the Eagles are without Stewart Bradley.  Bradley missed time at the end of last season and the Eagles D was never quite the same, but it looks as if Asante Samuel will return and if Eli Manning can’t protect the football, then turnovers will cost the Giants the division.  I personally think that the two-headed monster of Jacobs and Bradshaw will be too much for the Eagles without Bradley… but I do not see the Giants being able to shut down Vick.  In order to get the win the Giants will need to control the clock with the run game to limit the chances for Vick, but still be able to stretch the field with Hakeem Nicks and Mario Manningham by using the play action pass. Lower your expectations of LeSean McCoy, but he is still a must start as he is so involved in the passing game and has been such a reliable player for fantasy owners this season.  Despite the quality of the opposing defense, Maclin and Jackson are still must-starts as well as Hakeem Nicks.

Jets at Steelers

The Jets offense has completely collapsed in recent weeks and it has been two games in a row without scoring a touchdown.  The worst opponent to have when you are struggling on offense is the Steelers, who have allowed an average of 60 rushing yards per game.  Every player involved in this game should be downgraded and the only players worth the risk are Big Ben, Mike Wallace and Santonio Holmes… but the likelihood of a big game is very low, so don’t expect it.  This should be a game of field goals and I expect the Steelers to win it. On paper, the Jets have little chance of success because they pride themselves on their running game and the Steelers seem to stop the run with little emphasis.  Lately, Troy Polamalou has been back to his old game-breaking self and should be able to capitalize on the recently poor decision-making of Sanchez. I expect the Steelers to have the edge and continue the collapse of what looked to be a Super Bowl contender.

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