The Falcons are one of three teams in their division that have the tools at their disposal to make the playoffs.  They are coming off their second consecutive winning season (franchise first) and after a slight decline in Matt Ryan’s production last year there is considerable pressure on the third year quarterback.  Last season this team was plagued with injuries to their top performers and this ultimately kept them from seriously competing for a playoff spot.  Michael Turner disappointed many owners by not being able to stay healthy going into the fantasy playoffs and due to this I have seen him fall to late in the first round. Do not be fooled he is the 6th ranked player overall and he has plenty of value that deep as it is.  Missing the playoffs last season was a by-product of injuries and growing pains, I fully expect to see growth from this young emerging team.

Fantasy Relevant Players

Michael Turner – As I said he is my number 6 ranked player, I expect at least 1200 yards from Turner this year and if he can stay healthy for all 16 games he could come close the the 1600 in his breakout year in 2008. As a side note, If you are interesting in drafting a handcuff for Turner you want Jason Snelling, not Jerious Norwood.

Roddy White – His statistical destiny is in the hands of Matt Ryan.  I like his odds.  With that said I hope to have drafted one of the receivers ranked in that elite group of five that are above him.  If you are not able to get one of them while he has some risk attached White is the best option.

Matt Ryan – In plenty of the mock drafts I have seen and participated in Ryan has fallen down to around the 10th drafted at his position.  He is not someone I would target on draft day, but if he slips and you miss out on Flacco then Ryan had plenty of upside.

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There are three teams in this division capable of making the post season this year, so at the very least we will see some entertaining football from these teams.  The Saints were able to do a phenomenal job retaining their free agent talent and remain heavy favorites to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl for the second straight year.  I seem to be the only one left on the planet that is a Matt Moore fan, so I couldn’t even pretend to be surprised to see a QB change in Carolina as well as a heavy dose of the run game.  The Falcons are the third team with a serious chance at making the playoffs from this division after experiencing a slight decline in production following their breakout 2008 campaign which brought players like Matt Ryan, Michael Turner and Roddy White into the fantasy football spotlight.  Despite their injuries and growing pains they were still able to record their first consecutive winning seasons in franchise history.

Atlanta Falcons

Carolina Panthers

New Orleans Saints

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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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.

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Actives and Inactives for early games in Week 15!

Larry Fitzgerald – ARI: Active
Steven Jackson – STL: Active
Calvin Johnson – DET: Active
Terrell Owens – BUF: Active
Matt Ryan – ATL: Active
Matthew Stafford – DET: Inactive
Michael Turner – ATL: Active
Vince Young – TEN: Active

LATE GAME UPDATES!

Brent Celek – PHI: Active
Devin Hester – CHI: Inactive
Zach Miller – OAK: Inactive
Kellen Winslow – TB: Active

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Michael Turner – ATL: Inactive

Roddy White – ATL: Active

Tom Brady – NE: Active

Fred Taylor – NE: Inactive

Percy Harvin – MIN: Inactive

Devin Hester – CHI: Inactive

Matt Ryan – ATL: Inactive

Mike Sims-Walker – JAC: Active

Matthew Stafford – DET: Inactive

Mike Bell – NO: Inactive

Cadillac Williams – TB: Active

DeAngelo Williams – CAR: Active

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First off, WELCOME TO THE PLAYOFFS! You made it!

Week 13 was a frustrating one for fantasy owners as it had its fair few upsets and narrow scrapes.  Superbowl champs fell to Bruce Gradkowski, the Patriots lost consecutive games, the struggling Giants got a win versus a good Cowboy team that is thirsty to prove itself, and the lowly Redskins had to literally drop the ball in order for the undefeated Saints to scrape by in an overtime win.  This week was filled with huge disappointments for fantasy owners and both cost people playoff births, as well as allowed some people to scrape in.  My Studs and Duds tomorrow should be a pretty lengthy one… but this is Player Adds and the Dump List, so lets get down to it!  Not really any injuries that elevate a back-up workload to that of a feature back so not an exciting list here, mostly for deeper formats.  With that said if you are in the playoffs then you’re starting cast is probably pretty well locked down.  Most all of these players are for insurance in case of an injury that you obviously can’t foresee, planning for injury is the key to success in the playoffs!

Player Adds for Week 14

Robert Meachem (NO) – I hate relying on a teams fifth offensive weapon, but Meachem is earning trust after a surprisingly consistent November, followed by

Garrett Hartley (NO) – I KNOW, WHO?!  Garrett Hartley is possibly the best player at his position for fantasy football and is owned in your league almost guaranteed.  John Carney is out in New Orleans and Hartley has taken over.  Gostkowski was ranked the number one kicker pre-draft this season and mostly because he was on an great offense.  The Saints are the top offense in the league and Hartley is their kicker… end of story.

Jason Campbell (WAS) – If you think this name is surprising wait for the next one!  Here are some numbers for you to consider: 24, 19, 12, 13.  These are his fantasy points (ESPN standard scoring) in four of his last five games, excluding an 8 point week 11 where he lost 6-3 versus Dallas.  If you start two QBs or are in a 14 team league you could do much worse for a back-up.

Bruce Gradkowski (OAK) – Ok, so this is definitely a bigger stretch than Campbell but I have been asked a few times about what to do in a 12 team 2 QB league where the fad is to hold 4 QBs in order to completely screw over the people who are in need.  This to me is a terribly fun format to play in and I want to help those of you out who are in this situation.

Louis Murphy (OAK) – This isn’t the first time he’s showed big play potential.  Trust him as far as Gradkowski can throw him.

Jerome Harrison (CLE) – OK, so I wouldn’t want to start any Cleveland Brown in the playoffs, but he finished Sunday as the second best fantasy back in the league with 21 points.  Harrison was only second to Brandon Jacobs who looked mediocre at best running the ball, however he had a huge screen pass go to the house and make the day look more impressive than it really was.  If Quinn can keep the offense on the field then Harrison could become relevant.

Devone Bess (MIA) – 12 team three WR league? Bess is a nice backup to have as he is an explosive player that can score from anywhere on the field.

Kenny Britt (TEN) – Not believe me last week!? Go get him!

Mohamed Massaquoi (CLE) – 100% dependant on Quinn’s performance, however he gets open plenty so look for him to make some plays while Brady develops.

Bo Scaife (TEN) – This guy is a favorite target for Vince Young, was before he got benched and has been since his return.

Fred Davis (WAS) – Great production recently, as far as TEs are concerned, great fill in if you lost someone to an injury.

Dump List

Matt Ryan (ATL) – The Falcons lost their swagger down the stretch this season.  Key injuries to Ryan and Turner have left the team struggling to stay mathematically in the playoff hunt.  Any chance they have at this point is minimal and I do not think you see a rush back on Turner or Ryan, and without both of these weapons at 100% the offense is very one dimensional, and mediocre.  Ryan has been a fantasy disappointment this season and it is time to drop him for a more capable replacement.

Mario Manningham (NYG) – Even when the Giants recovered and played good football Manningham was not part of the equation… I do not see the dynamic of the Giants receivers changing in the minimal time you have left.  I see questions about teams with Crabtree, Maclin, Avant, or Britt on free agents… all much better options down the stretch.

Rock Cartwright (WAS) – The Redskins did everything no one thought they could… keep the strength of their game (running) relevant throughout the entirety of the game!  And even with this being the case Cartwright was still a huge disappointment and can not be counted on for fantasy production in my book.  No Redskins back can be counted on till they get Portis back.

Larry Johnson (CIN) – If you took a gamble and gobbled up Johnson after his 100 yard performance you can drop him.  Benson had 36 carries coming back, he is the workhorse and there is little to no room for anyone else to produce stats.  LJ is only a handcuff at best, and I’d rather have Bernard Scott.

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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.

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Matt Ryan hurt his foot while being sacked in the first half on Sunday.  He looked very unsteady on his feet on the sideline and went back to the locker room, I have heard nothing on his return as of yet.

Adrian Peterson is officially active for the Vikings late game today.

Kurt Warner is officially listed as inactive

DeSean Jackson was hurt on a 6 yard grab early in the 2nd half.  His return is probable.

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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!

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Jason Snelling – 61 yards and a TD, not that bad as a stand in. I’ve been looking for something promising on Turner’s injury since it happened and I cannot find anything. The Falcons have been very quiet about the extent of the injury and it is looking more and more like Turner will miss significant time. Justin Forsett was going to be my number one pick of the week as I think he keeps the job that he just won through the remainder of the season. However with how severe Turner’s injury is looking to be, I am making Snelling my number 1 pickup of the week!

Justin Forsett – This is a guy that has been a decently productive back when given the chance this season. He was effective enough for the Seahawks  that they felt comfortable dropping Edgerrin James mid way through the season. Forsett has averaged 6.15 yards per carry when given the chance to run prior to this week. On the 17 carries this week he averages slightly over 7 yards, showing his ability to be productive over the course of a game. He will be interesting to watch over the next few weeks as defenses are going to study him much more on film. His first challenge as a fill-in will be vs. a very stout Vikings run defense making him an unlikely start this week except in a deeper league or an injury related emergency…

Donnie Avery – Avery may be on a bad team; however he is the one bright spot apart from Jackson. Avery is a deep treat that has shown his ability to get open in the red zone. He is the receiver that has developed the most chemistry with Bulger. On 4 receptions this Sunday he got 67 yards and 2 TD’s. He may not be a weekly starter because the Rams are that bad, but in 3 WR leagues and leagues with 12 and 14 teams he is an easy WR3 or flex play, with the potential to score on any play. Also in Avery’s favor is the fact that the Rams find themselves behind in the ball game early and often leaving them little options except to go to the air.

Jamaal Charles – Wow, the Chiefs finally scored a rushing touchdown! The last team in the league to score on the ground was the chiefs who’s rookie RB had a breakout game in week 10 amassing 103 yards rushing including his 44 yard score. He has earned a role in the offense, and he’ll get it.

Bernard Scott – Benson Owners nervous about whether he will play? Pick up Scott as a solid back-up to Benson so that should he miss any time you will be all set.  However Adam Shefter is reporting that Benson will be ready to go vs Oakland in week 11 so you should likely be OK.  Larry Johnson is reported to be signing with the Bengals this week… hold off here and keep an eye open!

Deeper League Pickups

And lastly Leonard Weaver is a solid flex option now with Westbrook down for the count with another concussion, but still probably in deep 12 and 14 team leagues.

Dump List! (as this is my first one, so some may not be new to the list!)

Alex Smith – He may be a better QB than the guy he replaced but he is far from a serious fantasy option.  I would drop unless your in a 14 team league or a team that plays 2 QB’s or has an offensive player flex.  I’d rather have Josh Freeman honestly.

T.O., Eli Manning, Matt Ryan, Willis McGahee, LenDale White, Tashard Choice, Felix Jones, Willie Parker, Eddie Royal, Josh Morgan, Todd Heap

edit (6:54 PM) This is a little preemptive but I’m putting Westbrook on my dump list as well, reports are all concerned with his long term health.  Westbrook is most likely done for the season if not for his career.

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