Love

Randy Moss (NE) – Jaguars allow the 6th most yards per game in the air, and Moss is coming off a good game against a really good secondary.  Moss is set to have a great game for your Super Bowl match-up.

Aaron Rodgers (GB) - Oh, what it must be like to have one of the hottest QB’s in the league go against the worst ranked passing defense in the league.  You’ve been looking at this match-up hoping it would be relevant, and if it is congrats!

Vincent Jackson (SD) – He has been an elite guy all year until his brief cold streak, and boy has he bounced back (Just in time to get you into the Super Bowl too).  The Titans passing defense has its wholes and has been burned by the big play all year, although less since they found an offense in week 6 or so.  Rivers loves his favorite target and should be set to have a big game this week.

Drew Brees (NO) - If there is any team you want to play after your first loss it’s the Bucs.  The Saints are going to let a little frustration out against this two win ball club.

Adrian Peterson (MIN) – He only had 35 rushing yards last week but with his long passing play in junk time he was able to get a very respectable fantasy total last week.  The Bears are not as good as the Panthers, and the Vikes have a chip on their shoulder with the media TOTALLY OVER-REACTING about a sideline conversation that was “heated” although for the life of me it looks like they are talking normally to me… We all need to remember these are two passionate guys trying to win a game… will they get carried away when talking to people? Yup! Do we all get carried away when discussing what we are passionate about? YUP!  With the hits that Favre took Peterson will get his chance to establish the run in order to slow the pass rush.

Frank Gore (SF) – The 49ers offense has been striving for balance lately and they have a really soft defense to practice on this week.  Anyone you have from the 9ers is worth a start and an upgrade from how you would normally use them.

Cedric Benson (CIN) - Jerome Harrison just had the third biggest rushing performance in NFL history and Benson had been one of the most often used backs in the league despite missing two games with an injury.  He is set to have a great game this week and could possibly top 200 yards himself.

Beanie Wells (ARI) – Wells broke a hundred yards last week and might well do it again as they face the terrible Rams.

Ryan Grant (GB) – Two weeks ago he had a breakout game, and last week he held his own against a very stout rush defense.  This week its the struggling Lions that might be without Stafford, which means that the offense wont even be able to allow their defense to rest.

Fred Jackson (BUF) - With the Bills turning their failed hopes and dreams to a new QB this week there is no downside here.  Either he is inconsistent and can’t often utilize all the offensive weapons, or Brian Brohm’s mobility helps him extend plays and make positives out of negatives.  Early in this game you have to expect them to try to get going on the ground.  This would help Brohm find a rhythm and get going at his own pace.  Freddie just eeked out a top 20 spot this week, or will have once my updated ranks come out  against the 20th ranked rushing defense allowing 118 yards per game!  (Oh and you faithful few actually reading during the very beginning… you remember? just read the Terrell Owens section)

Jason Snelling (ATL) – I don’t see Turner rushing back after a third straight ankle injury, so the guy that is proven to get the most carries in his absence is Snelling.  This Bills defense is the worst in the league against the run, and they are very picky through the air.  I don’t have any idea why you would drop back to pass unless you absolutely had to against the Bills.

Michael Crabtree (SF) - He’s been more and more a part of the offense since he came onto the team, and there will be plenty of yards to be shared this Sunday.

Steve Smith (CAR) - Ever since Matt Moore has started taking the snaps Smith has been relevant again.  All them INTs clearly had Delhomme too afraid to take a chance and let that stud

Brent Celek (PHI) – The Broncos have a strong enough defense that they can limit DeSean Jackson’s chances deep.  In order to do this they are going to have to drop 3 back deep almost every play and Celek should have a big day over the middle.

Vernon Davis (SF) – Davis is making a bid to be considered the top TE in football this season.  He’s among the top TD catchers in the league and is facing the Lions, gotta love it!

Hate

Visanthe Shaincoe – I’ve said it before, Bears linebackers are very good at covering TE’s.

Matt Ryan – Bills shut down Brady fantasy-wise.

Ray Rice – Tone down expectations given the match-up.

Rashard Mendenhall – Tone down expectations given the match-up.

Kyle Orton – I would have a tough time starting Orton this week with the ball hawks in the secondary for Philly.

No Comments »

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.

No Comments »

Nick

Ok, here is the deal. I’m having a lot of mixed emotions on who I should start this week. I don’t think I can go wrong with my options, but it is the playoffs and I need all I can get. In our league, our roster looks like this. QB WR WR RB RB TE W/T W/R. I’m set at QB with Schaub and my #1 and #2 RB are AP and MJD. My starting TE is Dallas Clark. As of now I have Greg Jennings and Robert Meachem in my WR spots. This is where I don’t know who to play. I have 2 spots to fill (W/T and W/R). I have Antonio Bryant, who I really like this week. Dwayne Bowe who has a good match-up against the Browns. Heath Miller who may see some action with Woodson on Holmes and Ward being banged up. I also have Beanie Wells and Arian Foster who have great match-ups. Which 2 players should I play in my last 2 spots? And I forgot to mention it is a PPR league. PLEASE HELP!

I would put Bryant in as the WR2 and probably play Bowe and Wells this week.  Wells isn’t a PPR threat but he has a great match-up and they seemed to cut out Hightower really early after that fumble last week.

John

gore maroney moreno charles or jacobs which 3 do i start

Gore Moreno Charles for sure Maroney is going to share too much to have a big game

Kolby R

Baltimore vs Chicago or Arizona vs Detroit
I am currently planning on starting Baltimore. They will crush the pocket and force turnovers. What do you think?

Ravens are my number 1 defense this week, good luck bud!

Matthew

hi jim. i decided to bench sims-walker last night (ugh!), and now i’ve got to go with bowe or manningham this week. what do you think?

Manningham shouldn’t be on your roster anymore so its definitely Bowe!

Quiet Time

Defense: GREEN BAY vs Steelers or ARIZONA vs Lions this week?

WR PPR league: Calvin Johnson??? or Derrick Mason?

Manningham shouldn’t be on your roster anymore so its def Bowe.  And Cardinals Defense is my 3rd, so play them.

Weez

Do I have a better chance starting Boldin/Breaston against the Lions with a banged up Fitzgerald? Or should I start Meachem over Breaston? No way I’m sitting Boldin though. Even after he cost me a win last week….*grumbles*

I like the Boldin Breaston play, and it has nothing to do with Fitz =D

No Comments »

Brad

Pick 2 (PPR/PPC League) Mendenhall vs. Oak, Jacobs vs. Dal, Charles vs. Den, Forsett vs. SF, McCoy @ Atl, and Wells vs. Min

Mendenhall is a given versus the Oakland run defense, in my eyes, and I was leaning towards Jacobs vs. Dallas because both Bradshaw and their 3rd string RB may be unable to play, leaving Jacobs with a bulk of the carries.

What do you think?

I gotta disagree with ya here Brad, I think Charles and McCoy are better options for you.  McCoy is a solid RB2 down the stretch till Westbrook comes back, and Charles has been on a tear as of late and I don’t foresee his production getting any worse this week!  McCoy is the safest play, and Charles is the guy if you need a big game!

Ed T

I am in a 12 team no PRR league and trying to get into playoffs with an important match-up.  Any advice on setting my line up would be highly appreciated.

QB’s – V. Young against Indy or J. Flaco against Green Bay or A Smith against Seattle.

RB’s – 1) J. Addai, against TItans 2) S. Slaton against Jacksonville 3) J. Stewart against Tampa Bay 4) J. Charles against Denver 5) R. Mendenhall against Raiders 5) J. Forsett against 49ers

WR’s 1)R. White against Eagles 2)Derek Mason against Green Bay or 3) Randy Moss against Miami

TE – D. Clark against Titans

Def – Steelers against Raiders

I need 2 RB’s 2 WR’s and a FLex RB

Thanks in advance!!!!

QB – Flacco is a no go given the quality of the GB secondary as of late not to mention his inconsistancy.  Young is a solid option, but with a tough match-up I don’t think he is your best bet. Smith plays a soft defense and has plenty of weapons, he is your guy this week.

RB1 – J Addai’s been very consistent and he’s the guy your going to need.

RB2 – Rashard Mendenhall is your best bet with Big Ben likely not be the focal point coming off his concussion and versus a SOFT rushing D

WR1 – REVENGE! The Patriots are looking for it and they wont stop scoring till time runs out.

WR2 – Backup QB or not Roddy White is the most talented guy you’ve got and will probably be facing man coverage while the Eagles blitz heavy to confuse the back up.

Flex – J Charles has been a BEAST lately, ride that wave!all set on TE and D/ST so good luck buddy!

MyZou

Should I start Cedric Benson or Pierre Thomas? Adrian Peterson is my other RB.

Benson all the way here buddy, i’m currently riding these two backs into the playoffs with a bye week already locked down. Hope you were able to have as much success! Benson was held out last week as mostly as a precaution, he is at 100% and is set for a big game. Don’t value him any differently because of the injury. It wasn’t bad and they just didn’t need him at all banged up going into the playoffs.  I wouldn’t value Benson any differently than you did before he got hurt, he is still a top10 guy.

JoshG

Avant or Mason?

Start Indy or Balt for defense?

Avant for sure, much bigger upside and he’s is facing the 27th ranked passing defense!  I’d have to say go with Baltimore due to their play making ability. It is very possible that both teams have 28 points scored on them, but Baltimore seems more likely that they have a defensive score or even possibly two. Ravens are ranked near number 10 this week and the Colts are around 15th.

Brett

I’m starting Ray Rice and Matt Forte, but if Deangelo Williams is out on Sunday, do I swap Jonathan Stewart for Forte?

If Williams is INACTIVE then yes, if they say he’s got a decreased role that could be BS and just start Forte since his match-up is so good.

Eddie

Should I play Santonio Holmes or Jason Avant?

Avant, he has been vulturing big plays from Jackson and Maclin lately anyways, now he’s going to be used a lot more often.

That is it for this weeks columns folks, stay tuned on game-day for injury updates as well as a link to my live Q&A on game-days!

No Comments »

Titans @ Colts – I am so excited to sit down and watch this game Sunday,  it is hard to think that we can even be talking about this match up when one team is 11-0 and the other started 0-5, but how can we not?! We are about to have sooooo many questions answered about Vince Young and his red hot Titans.  I cannot expect the Titans to win it, but what if they do!? We would not be able to argue that they weren’t SUPER BOWL contenders let alone playoff bound.  The Colts have not displayed the Dominance that the Saints have but they are winning every game on the fortitude and genius of Manning.  But what about the Fantasy Relevance of the players?  Wayne and Manning are auto starts, and Addai has been so productive you probably don’t have a better option for your RB2 spot so no worries there.  Garcon is a flex play or a WR3 if your league starts that many, and he should get more credit for how well he does in that offense.  On the other side of the ball Young is not really a good fantasy option here unless it’s a 2 QB league or you’re counting on someone who ends up inactive, but I think Kenny Britt is the most relevant Titan this week.  He is an interesting flex play here as if the Titans win Britt will find the end zone.  No question CJ is the home run hitter, but you cannot stay in a ball game with Peyton Manning unless you get big plays from your passing game.

Eagles @ Falcons – Both teams are suffering some key injuries that really rob us of an even better match-up, however both teams are also fighting to make the Playoffs and the Falcons realistically can’t lose with back-up QB Redman taking the snaps and a week after rushing Michael Turner back too fast and causing him to re-injure his ankle.  The Eagles are missing starting RB Westbrook and start WR Jackson both with concussions.  White had decent production with Redman last weekend so I do not downgrade him too much, just some for the match-up.  The win here for the Eagles will give them the inside track to the Wild Card round and keep them in the hunt for the division.  I am very unsure about the Falcons RB situation this week, Snelling got minimal work and Norwood looked pretty good, so I am expecting a time share between the two making it a coin flip for who is the better start.  Eagles WRs Avant and Maclin both see big upside as they are facing a very soft Falcons secondary that ranks among the worst in the NFL.  Both WRs were active in the passing game even with Jackson in the lineup so McNabb will have little issues getting used to them.  McCoy has done very well as a fill in for Westbrook and remains a solid RB2 start till Westbrook comes back and takes some snaps away from him.

Cowboys @ Giants – Alright readers it’s December so we all know what that means!  Snow falling on Sundays, Fantasy Football playoffs are here, Egg Nog, and absurd amounts of terrible QB play in Dallas.  Romo is facing a division rival in the month of December so I don’t much like the Cowboy’s chances here, but for the sake of Fantasy Football I remind you all once again to have a very short memory!  All we care about is the last three weeks really, and while that’s not that good for Romo I think it levels out your expectations and gives him a chance to meet them.  Miles Austin is slated to have a big game and I agree, the only other player with upside around that city right now is Felix Jones as they are finally using him as the home run hitter he ought to have been all season.  Bottom line is that we get to watch the Cowboys make the playoffs this month or we get to watch the melt down and find a new head coach and starting QB in the off season, great entertainment either way.  As for the Giants, Eli wasn’t anyone’s starting QB at this point in the season anyways but with his foot injury we need to downgrade the wide outs a little bit.  Jacobs has been a huge disappointment so far and productivity from him would help this team down the stretch tremendously.  Unfortunately Jacobs has shown none of the talent he did last season and I have no reason to expect anything to improve.

Vikings @ Cardinals – Hard not to get excited about two playoff bound teams meeting at the end of the season, it’s a preview of coming attractions!  Warner has come back to limited participation in practice Wednesday but is still splitting the snaps with Leinart in case he cannot go.  Options in Warner’s place if he doesn’t go are Alex Smith and Vince Young.  Tough match-up for the Duo of Cardinals RBs this week, you should find a better option.  Peterson had an off game and had pretty bad production until the Vikes were putting the game on ice late with the running game.  Favre remains a trusted start this week as I do not think the Cards can with stand the balanced attack the Viking offense has this season.  I think Minnesota is stronger in all three phases of the game and should win impressively.

No Comments »

LOVE

Thomas Jones – Bills are soft against opposing RBs given the injuries that have plagued their entire team.  Jones has been a model of consistency all season there is no reason it doesn’t happen again.

Matt Forte – I love all offensive players against the Rams unless they are Browns.

Cedric Benson – Benson was over rested to ensure his production deep into the playoffs.  He is aching to get back and they wont be afraid to use him in a great match up!

Brandon Marshall – The fact that the Chiefs have been on a tear as of late only makes it more likely that the passing game will be relevant deep into the game.

Jason Avant – Avant is a great pickup this week as Jackson’s absence is going to be missed against a weak Falcons secondary in week 13.  Avant is the lead candidate to fill the void Jackson will leave in the offense.

Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson – The game is in Jacksonville but the Jags are quite bad against the pass.  This duo is all set to have quite a great week for fantasy owners especially considering coach Kubiak is intent on ruining their running game.

Randy Moss – Bill Belichick is not pleased with the outing Monday night and is out for revenge against a team Ryan Fitzpatrick just torched!

Rashard Mendenhall – He’s been a bit quiet this past few weeks but with Ben Roethlisberger on the mend they will lean on the running game.

Pierre Thomas – Thomas looked good last week and the Saints wont need to pass against the leagues number one passing defense with Thomas ready to carry it as much as the Saints let him.

Ladainian Tomlinson – The Browns are really soft and if the Chargers can get to the goal line LT can still punch it in.

Vincent Jackson – Jackson has been a big disappointment over the past few weeks but the Browns have been much more disappointing for a lot longer.

Michael Crabtree – Seattle has the 25th ranked pass defense allowing an average of 231 yards per game.  Coach Singletary has this team believing in itself and they are still on the skirts of the wild card hunt.

Burleson and Houshmandzadeh – SF has the 28th ranked passing defense allowing 256.5 yards per game.  I do not think both can put up big numbers but one should have a big game and the other one should be respectable.  It’s up to Hasselbeck and the 49ers defense who gets the scores!

Donald Driver – Driver and Jennings have reversed their roles from what we thought they would be preseason and I have seen nothing to make me expect the roles to switch back.

Brett Favre and Sydney Rice – It’s near impossible to develop the kind of chemistry these two have over the single season time frame that these two have known each other.  I was skeptical but have recently hopped on board…

HATE

Terrell Owens – Guess whose turn it is to get shut down by Darrelle Revis!

Beanie Wells – Hightower got more work last week, and it appears that the Cards trust him more in the critical scenarios!

Calvin Johnson – Now that he has had some good production over the last fort night I’m afraid he has peaked, certainly I can’t expect much from the playoff bound Bengals.

Ryan Grant – I don’t foresee that much production from Grant Monday night against a stout Ravens run defense and struggling secondary.

No Comments »

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.

No Comments »

Love ‘em

Matt Hasselbeck – Off of two straight 300 yard games Matt Hasselbeck is up against the NFL’s 23rd ranked pass defense.  The Seahawks will be down, and they will be able to throw against this mediocre at best passing defense.

Beanie Wells – Break out game last week.  This week… THE RAMS!? SIGN ME UP! Start him! Also all Cardinals are easy and smart starts this week! Except Hightower

Matt Schaub – 357 yards and 4TDs in the Texans’ last meeting with the Titans.

Any Pittsburgh Steeler!  Kansas City has shown the ability to provide some fantasy value this season, although not much.  The Chiefs are a very incomplete team in the middle of a rebuild, The Steelers on the other hand are an established team and are a complete team in all three phases of the game.  Polomalou’s absence will not mean any bad things for the defense, as they have the top rushing D in the league Charles will be neutralized.  All Steelers are good starts this week, namely Mendenhall and the Defense.

Calvin Johnson – As I said last week, you just gotta start a guy this talented.  One of these weeks he will have over a hundred yards and 2 TD’s… That’s what I said last week and this is the most likely week for that to happen.  Last weekend Johnson was quite involved in the passing game, and now they face the Browns!

Marques Colston – Saints receivers are inconsistent… frustrating isn’t it.  Bottom line is despite the two bad weeks Colston is too talented to be on the bench… ever.

Hate ‘em

Joseph Addai – Addai has been a bit of a surprise this year.  Many people though Donald Brown would have more of a role in the offense this season as Addai hasn’t produced like the Colts had hoped in the last few seasons.  Better late than never Addai… with that said the Ravens are tough against the run, and I fully expect Peyton to pick them apart this week in the air.

Miles Austin – Interesting to see a player’s fantasy production drop off once he isn’t a big surprise anymore!  I picked up Austin personally and LOVED having him.  Now unfortunately Roy Williams is developing in that offense and opposing defenses are able to keep Austin in check.  The Cowboy’s have a relatively easy match-up versus the Redskins this weekend, but the Skins are NUMBER ONE!!! vs the pass this season.  Expect a good showing from Marion the Barbarian, not from Austin or Williams.

Jamaal Charles – Good luck against that Steelers D!

Mike Sims-walker and David Garrard – The Bills have a very good secondary, and Jauron isn’t around to ruin that team any more.  The Deffensive Coordinator is the Head Coach in Buffalo now, so I would expect to see some more wrinkles in the Defense now that Fewell doesn’t have to filter his game-plan through Jauron.

Matt Ryan – Ryan hasn’t been playing good football this year.  He is without Michael Turner and against a Giants team desperate to right the ship after their bye week.  Giants win this game, by how much is up to Matty Ice!

Randy Moss – Moss has terrible numbers against the Jets…. why? Darrelle Revis!  Revis has had Moss’ number each time they have played.  The Jets were playing much better the last time these two teams met.  I am playing Moss (and Austin =/) but because I do not have any better options.  If you do, use them!

No Comments »

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.

No Comments »