It's time for my bold predictions. You know those predictions as the ones that are usually wrong. I am putting them out there for the whole world to see, bearing my soul for anybody to peer into. You can look, but don't stare. My eyes are up "here".
I'll start with some positive statements.
Aaron Rodgers will be the #1 fantasy QB this year year and will throw more than 40 TDs.
Wes Welker will finish in the top 15 at wide receiver.
Adrian Peterson will finish outside the top 5 at running back.
Fred Jackson will finish within 5 rb positions of C.J. Spiller.
Michael Bush will finish a top 25 back.
Flacco will be a top 5 fantasy QB.
Larry Fitzgerald will still be a top 5 wide receiver.
Thomas Jones will be a top 25 back.
Arian Foster will be a top 15 running back.
Steve Smith (NYG) will be the Steve Smith you want by the end of the year.
Reggie Bush will finish in the top 20.
LeSean McCoy will finish outside the top 20 running backs.
Jay Cutler will throw more than 27 interceptions and finish outside the top 10.
Greg Jennings will finish 8th or better at WR this year.
Matt Forte will finish inside the top 10 at RB.
Jermichael Finley will be the #1 fantasy TE this year.
Dez Bryant will finish ahead of Roy E. Williams at wr..... JK, this isn't bold.
Ahmad Bradshaw will finish ahead of Brandon Jacobs.
DeSean Jackson will finish outside the top 10.
Clinton Portis will be a top 20 running back.
Tim Hightower will finish within 10 slots of Beanie Wells.
These are some of my bold predictions. I look forward to being wrong on all of these at the end of the year.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Friday, August 27, 2010
Why Do Some People Hate Puppies?
I recently did a draft with a group of friends that I have been in a league with for three years. Every year somebody does it, you know them as the puppy hater. It's the guy that takes a kicker or D/ST early in the draft.
This particular friend took the Jets in round 7, and as quick as a blink of an eye, or in this specific scenario a click of a mouse, a puppy died! Some of the guys he passed on were, Ahmad Bradshaw, Dez Bryant, Mike Wallce, Arian Foster and Jason Witten. Those are just the guys in rounds 7 and 8. I am going to lay out the reasons you should NEVER, and I repeat NEVER draft a kicker or a D/ST in anything but the last two rounds.
Going into last year here are the projections for the top 10 kickers:
1 Stephen Gostkowski
2 Ryan Longwell
3 David Akers
4 Nate Kaeding
5 Mason Crosby
6 Jason Elam
7 Rob Bironas
8 Nick Folk
9 Neil Rackers
10 Robbie Gould
Now, let's look at where some of these guys finished and who finished in the top 10.
#1 kicker in 2009 was Kaeding, so they were close on their projection
#2 was Akers, again pretty respectable
#3 Ryan Longwell, he was projected at #21
#4 Rob Bironas, a respectable projection
#5 Mason Crosby; well done fantasy experts
#6 Jay Feely; he was projected as the 23rd best kicker
#7 Gostkowski
#8 Matt Prater; projected at #17
#9 Lawrence Tynes; projected at #16
#10 Jeff Reed; projected at 21
Four of the top 10 projected kickers were either cut, injured or otherwise useless as kickers. As you can see, kicker projections are EXTREMELY irregular and for all intents and purposes impossible to predict.
Let's take it a step further, assuming you could predict the top 10 kickers accurately. The #1 kicker last year (Nate Kaeding), scored a total of 158 points and the #10 kicker (Jeff Reed) scored 126 points. This is a difference of 2 points a week. The difference in the two are negligible compared to other positions.
In comparison, the #1 receiver was Andre Johnson, he scored 205 fantasy points in standard leagues. The #30 receiver was Nate Burleson and he scored 101 points. A difference or 6.5 points per game. The #1 running back was Chris Johnson, he scored 330 points and Laurence Maroney was #30 and he scored 123 points, a difference of 13 points per game. I am using the #1 vs #30 players because these are the last group of people you would start. Standard ESPN leagues start 2 RBs, 2 WRs and 1 flex. Thus, the top 30 WR and the top 30 RB are probably on some body's roster most weeks.
More specifically, if you are in a 12 team league or you start 3 WRs and a flex, like we do in the league mentioned above, this is exaggerated even more. The gap between your #1 kicker and your #10 kicker were 2 points a week. The difference between your #1 RB/WR and your #30 RB/WR are 6.5 and 13 respectively and this gap widens if your league is deeper in either total teams or total starters.
Let's do the same thing with D/ST, here is a snapshot of last years flubs.
Projections for 2009 were that Pittsburgh would be the #1 D/ST, they finished 12th. Giants were supposed to be the #2 D/ST and they finished at 21. The Titans were supposed to be at #3 and they finished 24th. The Dolphins were supposed to be the #8 D/ST and they finished at 22nd.
On the other side of the coin, the Saints were projected as the #27 D/ST and they finished at #6. The Bengals were projected at #30 and they finished at #9. Denver was projected at #29 and they finished as the 10th D/ST last year.
The same thing concerning total point difference between the #1 D/ST and the #10 D/ST was 77 points. That is 4.8 points on an average week between the #1 starter and the last starting D/ST.
Of any of the positions you will start in fantasy your kicker and D/ST will have the highest chance of upsetting the projections and will have the smallest difference in points per week from the top to the bottom. Never draft a kicker or D/ST before the last round. Everytime somebody drafts these positions outside of the last two rounds a puppy dies. If you hate puppies, draft away. If you love soft, cute puppies then don't draft a kicker or D/ST until the last two rounds. Do the right thing, preserve our precious puppies' lives.
This particular friend took the Jets in round 7, and as quick as a blink of an eye, or in this specific scenario a click of a mouse, a puppy died! Some of the guys he passed on were, Ahmad Bradshaw, Dez Bryant, Mike Wallce, Arian Foster and Jason Witten. Those are just the guys in rounds 7 and 8. I am going to lay out the reasons you should NEVER, and I repeat NEVER draft a kicker or a D/ST in anything but the last two rounds.
Going into last year here are the projections for the top 10 kickers:
1 Stephen Gostkowski
2 Ryan Longwell
3 David Akers
4 Nate Kaeding
5 Mason Crosby
6 Jason Elam
7 Rob Bironas
8 Nick Folk
9 Neil Rackers
10 Robbie Gould
Now, let's look at where some of these guys finished and who finished in the top 10.
#1 kicker in 2009 was Kaeding, so they were close on their projection
#2 was Akers, again pretty respectable
#3 Ryan Longwell, he was projected at #21
#4 Rob Bironas, a respectable projection
#5 Mason Crosby; well done fantasy experts
#6 Jay Feely; he was projected as the 23rd best kicker
#7 Gostkowski
#8 Matt Prater; projected at #17
#9 Lawrence Tynes; projected at #16
#10 Jeff Reed; projected at 21
Four of the top 10 projected kickers were either cut, injured or otherwise useless as kickers. As you can see, kicker projections are EXTREMELY irregular and for all intents and purposes impossible to predict.
Let's take it a step further, assuming you could predict the top 10 kickers accurately. The #1 kicker last year (Nate Kaeding), scored a total of 158 points and the #10 kicker (Jeff Reed) scored 126 points. This is a difference of 2 points a week. The difference in the two are negligible compared to other positions.
In comparison, the #1 receiver was Andre Johnson, he scored 205 fantasy points in standard leagues. The #30 receiver was Nate Burleson and he scored 101 points. A difference or 6.5 points per game. The #1 running back was Chris Johnson, he scored 330 points and Laurence Maroney was #30 and he scored 123 points, a difference of 13 points per game. I am using the #1 vs #30 players because these are the last group of people you would start. Standard ESPN leagues start 2 RBs, 2 WRs and 1 flex. Thus, the top 30 WR and the top 30 RB are probably on some body's roster most weeks.
More specifically, if you are in a 12 team league or you start 3 WRs and a flex, like we do in the league mentioned above, this is exaggerated even more. The gap between your #1 kicker and your #10 kicker were 2 points a week. The difference between your #1 RB/WR and your #30 RB/WR are 6.5 and 13 respectively and this gap widens if your league is deeper in either total teams or total starters.
Let's do the same thing with D/ST, here is a snapshot of last years flubs.
Projections for 2009 were that Pittsburgh would be the #1 D/ST, they finished 12th. Giants were supposed to be the #2 D/ST and they finished at 21. The Titans were supposed to be at #3 and they finished 24th. The Dolphins were supposed to be the #8 D/ST and they finished at 22nd.
On the other side of the coin, the Saints were projected as the #27 D/ST and they finished at #6. The Bengals were projected at #30 and they finished at #9. Denver was projected at #29 and they finished as the 10th D/ST last year.
The same thing concerning total point difference between the #1 D/ST and the #10 D/ST was 77 points. That is 4.8 points on an average week between the #1 starter and the last starting D/ST.
Of any of the positions you will start in fantasy your kicker and D/ST will have the highest chance of upsetting the projections and will have the smallest difference in points per week from the top to the bottom. Never draft a kicker or D/ST before the last round. Everytime somebody drafts these positions outside of the last two rounds a puppy dies. If you hate puppies, draft away. If you love soft, cute puppies then don't draft a kicker or D/ST until the last two rounds. Do the right thing, preserve our precious puppies' lives.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
QB's in 2010
Yesterday I talked about how the current state of the NFL is pass first. So where does that leave QB's? Assuming you're in a standard league, one where you're not starting 2 qb's or anything outside of the norm QB's are deep this year. There are about 6 guys this year that stand out. You have Brees, Manning, Brady, Rodgers and Romo. Right behind those 4 you have Shaub and Rivers. After that the cliff drops hard and fast.
After the top 6 guys you are looking at a bunch of guys that will likely rank anywhere from 7-15. This is an obvious statement but the point behind it is that this year there are a handful of guys that are not elite and any one of them should finish within a few points a game of each other.
What does this mean for your draft? If you're picking in the first four rounds you will have to decide where you want your value. I am heavy on WR's this year in the first four rounds because I think the drop off in value from the top 15 WR's to the next 15 WR's are very steep. In a scenario where you're picking at 25 and Brady or Romo are still there, look at the receivers available and decide if you can wait on QB.
I like the QB by match-up strategy this year. If Greg Jennings, Roddy White, Steve Smith or one of the top end #2 guys with potential #1 upside are available at 25 I'm going to wait till late rounds and grab 2 QB's. Guys like Kolb, McNabb, Favre and Roethlisberger are all going in rounds 8-10. Flacco is going in the 7th and guys like Henne and Campbell are going late as well. The value at RB and especially WR in the 3rd and 4th round are too high for me to spend it on a QB.
QB by committee is a viable option this year. Take Big Ben and McNabb in rounds 9 and 10 or Flacco and Kolb in rounds 7 and 9 and play the match-ups. Ben R is obviously not a #1 QB this year because of his suspension but from weeks 4+ he very may well be a top 10 guy for you that you can grab in the 10th round.
After the top 6 guys you are looking at a bunch of guys that will likely rank anywhere from 7-15. This is an obvious statement but the point behind it is that this year there are a handful of guys that are not elite and any one of them should finish within a few points a game of each other.
What does this mean for your draft? If you're picking in the first four rounds you will have to decide where you want your value. I am heavy on WR's this year in the first four rounds because I think the drop off in value from the top 15 WR's to the next 15 WR's are very steep. In a scenario where you're picking at 25 and Brady or Romo are still there, look at the receivers available and decide if you can wait on QB.
I like the QB by match-up strategy this year. If Greg Jennings, Roddy White, Steve Smith or one of the top end #2 guys with potential #1 upside are available at 25 I'm going to wait till late rounds and grab 2 QB's. Guys like Kolb, McNabb, Favre and Roethlisberger are all going in rounds 8-10. Flacco is going in the 7th and guys like Henne and Campbell are going late as well. The value at RB and especially WR in the 3rd and 4th round are too high for me to spend it on a QB.
QB by committee is a viable option this year. Take Big Ben and McNabb in rounds 9 and 10 or Flacco and Kolb in rounds 7 and 9 and play the match-ups. Ben R is obviously not a #1 QB this year because of his suspension but from weeks 4+ he very may well be a top 10 guy for you that you can grab in the 10th round.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Welcome to 2010
So, I have decided that I want to blog about fantasy football again. Hopefully I have the time and desire to keep up with the weekly posts this year. I joined a league this year with my dad and some other fantasy football virgins and it got me thinking that I want to do a draft strategy article for this years fantasy football year.
When I first started playing fantasy football it was all about the running backs. Rb/rb in rounds one and two or bust. The days of rb/rb draft day are all but gone. I have done a lot of mock drafts over at ESPN and I have yet to see a team go rb/rb that ended up with a decent team. The league is no longer a rush first league. This year, more than ever, is a running back by committee year. There are six guys that I view as traditional "work horse" backs this year. Chris Johnson, Adrian Peterson, Maurice Jones-Drew, Frank Gore, Michael Turner and Steven Jackson. If you don't get one of those guys this is the year to wait on running backs.
Looking at the average draft position at ESPN you will notice that of the top 40 players taken in drafts this year 14 are wide receivers. In other words, if you take rb/rb in rounds 1 and 2 you will be left receivers like Anquan Boldin and Chad Ochocinco as your #1 receivers.
Go further in the draft and you see an even further drop off. Rounds 5 and beyond feature guys like Vincent Jackson and Hakeem Nicks. You are looking at starting Mike Wallace and Santana Moss if you draft rb/rb/qb in the first 3 rounds. To show the disparity look at the running backs available in the 5-7 rounds. Ronnie Brown, Ricky Williams, Felix Jones, Justin Forsett, C.J. Spiller, Jerome Harrions, Marion Barber and Arian Foster. While none of these names are sexy they are mostly #1 backs on their respective teams or part of a legitimate time share.
Lets show an example of how a draft may look if you go rb/rb. I'll assume that you are pick #5, right in the middle of a 10 team league.
At pick #1 you go Frank Gore, Steven Jackson or Michael Turner,
At pick #2 you go Ryan Grant or Rashard Mendenhall
At pick #3 the best receiver on the board is Steve Smith of Caroline. While this isn't a terrible pick the value of Philip Rivers, Tony Romo or Matt Shaub may be tempting you.
At pick #4 you have to go reeciver. At that point the best receivers on the board are Steve Smith of the Giants or Chad Ochocinco.
At pick #5 you still need another WR so you look at Hines Ward or Dwayne Bowe.
At pick #6 you can start looking for WR/RB or TE. Brent Celek or Tony Gonazalez would still be available at TE, but if you think TE is deep (I think it is deep this year) you can go for a C.J. Spiller or Justin Forsett type as your flex position.
Lets now compare an example where you take a WR in your second round.
#1 Frank Gore
#2 Reggie Wayne/Larry Fitzgerald/Brandon Marshall/Miles Austion (take your pick)
#3 Roddie White/Miles Austin/Brandon Marshall or whoever is left
#4 Either Romo/Rivers if they have fallen this far or a Pierre Thomas/LeSean McCoy type
#5 You can either go an elite TE like Clark or Gates or you can grab a #3 receiver/running back here.
#6 If you were able to grab Romo/Rivers in round 4 then go RB/WR here if not you can look for a Flacco type and then grab McNabb or another 10-15 QB in round 8 or 10.
If you do not grab two elite WR's in the first four rounds you are going to be stuck. Look at the RB's that are still available in rounds 7-9. Reggie Bush, Justin Forsett, C.J. Spiller, Jahvid Best, Jerome Harrison, Marion Barber, Arian Foster. Even in the 10th round you can take LT, Darren McFadden, Thomas Jones, Clinton Portis or Michael Bush. While none of these guys are sexy picks they are all low end #2's or flex options and each of them have extreme value in the late rounds.
In rounds 7-10 the WR's you will be drafting are Santana Moss, Percy Harvin, Mike Wallace, Braylon Edwards, T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Dez Bryant and Robert Meachem.
The RB position this year is deep. I would have no problem starting Michael Bush as my flex, especially if my rb's/wr's are two of the three listed in our rounds 1-3 above. There are a lot of guys this year that have fallen too far thus giving you the ability to draft value in later rounds and pick your elite WR's early on. Clinton Portis and Thomas Jones both belong on the list of RB's that run better than their age. Over Mike Shanahan's coaching history he ranks in the top 5 in both overall rushing attempts and red zone rushing attempts. He will be taking this team back to the ground. Clinton Portis is not going to be a top 5 back but he will be a guy that gets you 5-15 points a week and can be drafted in the 9th or 10th round.
This year is the year of drafting WR's. Take them often and take them early.
When I first started playing fantasy football it was all about the running backs. Rb/rb in rounds one and two or bust. The days of rb/rb draft day are all but gone. I have done a lot of mock drafts over at ESPN and I have yet to see a team go rb/rb that ended up with a decent team. The league is no longer a rush first league. This year, more than ever, is a running back by committee year. There are six guys that I view as traditional "work horse" backs this year. Chris Johnson, Adrian Peterson, Maurice Jones-Drew, Frank Gore, Michael Turner and Steven Jackson. If you don't get one of those guys this is the year to wait on running backs.
Looking at the average draft position at ESPN you will notice that of the top 40 players taken in drafts this year 14 are wide receivers. In other words, if you take rb/rb in rounds 1 and 2 you will be left receivers like Anquan Boldin and Chad Ochocinco as your #1 receivers.
Go further in the draft and you see an even further drop off. Rounds 5 and beyond feature guys like Vincent Jackson and Hakeem Nicks. You are looking at starting Mike Wallace and Santana Moss if you draft rb/rb/qb in the first 3 rounds. To show the disparity look at the running backs available in the 5-7 rounds. Ronnie Brown, Ricky Williams, Felix Jones, Justin Forsett, C.J. Spiller, Jerome Harrions, Marion Barber and Arian Foster. While none of these names are sexy they are mostly #1 backs on their respective teams or part of a legitimate time share.
Lets show an example of how a draft may look if you go rb/rb. I'll assume that you are pick #5, right in the middle of a 10 team league.
At pick #1 you go Frank Gore, Steven Jackson or Michael Turner,
At pick #2 you go Ryan Grant or Rashard Mendenhall
At pick #3 the best receiver on the board is Steve Smith of Caroline. While this isn't a terrible pick the value of Philip Rivers, Tony Romo or Matt Shaub may be tempting you.
At pick #4 you have to go reeciver. At that point the best receivers on the board are Steve Smith of the Giants or Chad Ochocinco.
At pick #5 you still need another WR so you look at Hines Ward or Dwayne Bowe.
At pick #6 you can start looking for WR/RB or TE. Brent Celek or Tony Gonazalez would still be available at TE, but if you think TE is deep (I think it is deep this year) you can go for a C.J. Spiller or Justin Forsett type as your flex position.
Lets now compare an example where you take a WR in your second round.
#1 Frank Gore
#2 Reggie Wayne/Larry Fitzgerald/Brandon Marshall/Miles Austion (take your pick)
#3 Roddie White/Miles Austin/Brandon Marshall or whoever is left
#4 Either Romo/Rivers if they have fallen this far or a Pierre Thomas/LeSean McCoy type
#5 You can either go an elite TE like Clark or Gates or you can grab a #3 receiver/running back here.
#6 If you were able to grab Romo/Rivers in round 4 then go RB/WR here if not you can look for a Flacco type and then grab McNabb or another 10-15 QB in round 8 or 10.
If you do not grab two elite WR's in the first four rounds you are going to be stuck. Look at the RB's that are still available in rounds 7-9. Reggie Bush, Justin Forsett, C.J. Spiller, Jahvid Best, Jerome Harrison, Marion Barber, Arian Foster. Even in the 10th round you can take LT, Darren McFadden, Thomas Jones, Clinton Portis or Michael Bush. While none of these guys are sexy picks they are all low end #2's or flex options and each of them have extreme value in the late rounds.
In rounds 7-10 the WR's you will be drafting are Santana Moss, Percy Harvin, Mike Wallace, Braylon Edwards, T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Dez Bryant and Robert Meachem.
The RB position this year is deep. I would have no problem starting Michael Bush as my flex, especially if my rb's/wr's are two of the three listed in our rounds 1-3 above. There are a lot of guys this year that have fallen too far thus giving you the ability to draft value in later rounds and pick your elite WR's early on. Clinton Portis and Thomas Jones both belong on the list of RB's that run better than their age. Over Mike Shanahan's coaching history he ranks in the top 5 in both overall rushing attempts and red zone rushing attempts. He will be taking this team back to the ground. Clinton Portis is not going to be a top 5 back but he will be a guy that gets you 5-15 points a week and can be drafted in the 9th or 10th round.
This year is the year of drafting WR's. Take them often and take them early.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Blog update
So, I have been doing this for quite a few weeks now and I wondered what people thought of my blog. Do you read the blog weekly? Are you finding the quick hit information valuable in your fantasy football analysis? If I quit doing the blog altogether would you miss it?
I have decided to stop doing the weekly rankings. My analysis should assist in rankings but I don't think my rankings help much and mainly clutters the blog. I'd like to focus more on the analysis of the match-ups than spending time on the rankings.
Please leave comments on this post if you read this and have any feedback. What do you like/not like about my blog etc. Brutal honesty is a necessity as your feedback will help shape the future of The More You Know: Fantasy Football Edition!
I have decided to stop doing the weekly rankings. My analysis should assist in rankings but I don't think my rankings help much and mainly clutters the blog. I'd like to focus more on the analysis of the match-ups than spending time on the rankings.
Please leave comments on this post if you read this and have any feedback. What do you like/not like about my blog etc. Brutal honesty is a necessity as your feedback will help shape the future of The More You Know: Fantasy Football Edition!
Week 15 Fantasy Football Match-up Analysis!
New Orleans at Chicago:
Saints are still holding on to a sliver of hope that is thinner than the ice that Romeo Crennel is skating on. They came out of last week with a win and will look to take advantage of a bad Chicago pass defense. Chicago is allowing 234 yards per game and have given up 15 TDs. Brees should have a magnificent game and all of his targets are reasonable starts. Jeremy Shockey has put together some decent yardage in the last three games and is finding a place in the Saints' offense. Reggie Bush made his splash in the Saints' offense last week and is a decent start despite the fact that Chicago's pass defense is stout. The Bears allow just 91 yards per game but have allowed 13 rushing TDs. Pierre Thomas is a decent flex start this week since he will be the goal line guy.
The Bears will look to stay on top of a tight divisional race and will do it on the ground. New Orleans allows 113 yards per game on the ground and have given up 10 rushing TDs. Matt Forte is a must start, as if you weren't starting him anyway! Orton is back in and has been playing well. Devin Hester is obviously one of his targets and could be a good #3 or #4 receiver especially in leagues that reward punt return TDs as he's always a threat for that. New Orleans is allowing 231 yards per game in the air and have allowed 20 passing TDs on the year. Orton is a top 10 QB this week and you shouldn't feel bad about having him as your starting QB this week.
Tampa Bay at Atlanta:
Tampa Bay is still holding on to a 9-4 record despite losing a vital game on Monday night. Tampa Bay leads the wild card and will need to beat the the Falcons to avoid a tie for the wild card. Garcia went off last week and Antonio Bryant had a monster game. Atlanta is allowing 223 yards per game and have given up 16 passing TDs to date. Bryant is a must start at this point and should be in your lineup until he proves otherwise. On the ground Atlanta allows 122 yards per game and have yielded 15 TDs this year. Warrick Dunn and Cadillac Williams will be splitting carries and neither one of them are the clear #1 at this point. Both are good flex options but with the split in the back field I wouldn't be comfortable starting either one of them as one of your primary running backs.
Tampa Bay's stout rush defense was exposed last week although it was exposed by two phenomenal runners. Going into last week Tampa Bay had only allowed 1 rushing TD on the year but gave up 4 last week. I wouldn't expect to see another weak week from Tampa Bay as Monte Kiffin will likely be mad about his defenses weak showing. Michael Turner is probably your best option but I wouldn't expect him to get more than maybe one score. In the air Tampa Bay's defense has started locking down other teams of late. They are allowing just 183 yards per game but they have yielded 17 TDs to date. This makes Roddy White and Matt Ryan must starts. They should have nice games as I expect to see Tampa Bay shut down Michael Turner as much as possible.
Washington at Cincinnati:
Clinton Portis called out Jim Zorn this week on the radio and claims he's healthy. I find it difficult to believe that if he were healthy that he wouldn't have been in the game. Portis has been the work horse for the Skins and if he's healthy you have to put him in your line-up. Cincinnati is allowing 126 yards per game on the ground and have yielded 15 TDs. It's going to be your call as to whether or not you think Portis is healthy. Keep your eye on whether he practices on Thursday or Friday, this is generally a good indication as to whether or not a running back is healthy or will be the main guy on Sunday. In the air Cincinnati is allowing 222 yards per game and have allowed 21 TDs in the air. Campbell should be in your lineup and Santana Moss should have a nice game against a porous Bengals defense.
Washington is all but done with their playoff hopes after losing to Baltimore but I still expect them to be playing for a playoff spot despite the probability of it being next to nothing. That being said the Bengal's have very few starters that you're comfortable starting. Houshmandzedah is about it. He is still getting 5+ receptions a game and can be counted on for 75 yards this week.
Seattle at St. Louis:
Seattle gave New England a run for their money last week but with the loss I expect Seattle to start caving to the realization that their team has been a walking med clinic this year. That being said they are playing the Rams. Seneca Wallace put together a decent game last week and actually has some weapons now. St. Louis is allowing 225 yards per game in the air and have yielded 17 TDs to date. Seneca Wallace is a decent start if you're struggling at QB in a deeper league. Deion Branch had a huge game last week but I still think Bobby Engram is the WR you want in Seattle with both being flex plays this week. If Julius Jones was a good fantasy running back, or a good running back for that matter, you would start him this week against a Rams team that gives up 154 yards per game on the ground and have given up 22 TDs to date. But he isn't good so he should still find a spot on your bench or the waiver wire unless you're struggling mightily for a warm body!
St. Louis has little of value in fantasy football but going against Seattle makes what little they have a little higher. Seattle is allowing 119 yards per game on the ground and have given up 12 TDs for the year. Steven Jackson will probably be in your lineup but if you have other options at RB you should play them. Jackson hasn't had a 100 yard game since last year in December and does not look like himself. Donnie Avery, Holt and Bulger are all deep starts if you're struggling to find warm bodies but nobody here has must start potential.
San Francisco at Miami:
The 49'ers are trying to put together some hope for next year and Shaun Hill has actually played well. Isaac Bruce has entered the fantasy discussion again. Frank Gore ran well before injuring his ankle. Gore is questionable so keep your eye on his status if you have him and need to start him. If you have other options I would start them against a Miami team that is allowing just 96 yards per game on the ground and have given up just 8 rushing TDs. In the air Miami is allowing 221 yards per game and have given up 12 passing TDs to date. Shaun Hill is a deeper start but hasn't shown enough to put him in the "startable" QBs yet. Isaac Bruce should be used as a #3 or flex play.
Miami is in playoff contention just one year after almost going without a win. Pennington has been playing well and Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams are actually becoming a decent duo. The 49'ers rush defense isn't as bad as the rest of the team allowing 104 yards per game and have given up 12 TDs to date. Ronnie Brown is obviously in your lineup and Ricky Williams could be used this week as a flex position but nothing more. In the air the 49'ers have given up 18 TDs and are allowing 231 yards per game. Pennington is a good start this week and Devone Bess and Anthony Fasano are decent starts as well.
Buffalo at New York Jets:
Buffalo has fallen off the band wagon. They started out gang busters but have struggled of late. Marshawn Lynch is still getting yards but has not been a fantasy force because he's missed the end zone in many games. The Jets allow just 84 yards per game and only allowed 8 TDs on the ground. This makes Lynch a risky start especially with the Bills' weak offensive showings. Trent Edwards is still questionable for this week but you probably wouldn't want to start him even if he's active since he'll be rusty and Buffalo hasn't been playing well. I don't like Lee Evans in general though he does have a good match-up this week against a Jets team that is allowing 251 yards per game and have given up 19 passing TDs.
Thomas Jones is now the 3rd best fantasy football backs in standard leagues and should be considered a must start. Buffalo is allowing 110 yards per game and have yielded 13 rushing TDs. Leon Washington is a flex play especially in leagues that give points for punt and kick return touchdowns. In the air Favre has put up some modestly poor games mainly due to the fact that their running game has been firing on all cylinders. Buffalo allows just 203 yards per game in the air and has only given up 13 touchdowns in the air and this makes Favre and crew risky starts at this point.
Detroit at Indianapolis:
The Colts are the tale of two teams this year. Against Houston they put up 10 points then they explode for 35 points. This is a week when all your Colts should be in your lineup. They are 9-4 and will need to win a couple more games to ensure a playoff spot. Reggie Wayne has had 3 games of his last 4 without a TD and has struggled with yards as well. Marvin Harrison has reemerged somewhat and Manning is spreading the ball around. Joseph Addai is not a must start anymore and had a poor game last week against a bad Bengals defense. This week the Colts drew the Detroit lottery ticket and play a Lions team that allows 214 yards in the air and a terrible 173 yards on the ground with 19 TDs in the air and 23 TDs on the ground. That is a statistical way of saying that every Colt of value should be in your lineup.
Detroit has 1.5 people worth mentioning and that is Calvin Johnson and Kevin Smith. Kevin Smith has put together a decent year on a putrid team and is going against a bad Colts rush defense that allows 130 yards per game and have given up 15 rushing TDs.
San Diego at Kansas City:
The Chargers have been a huge disappointment this year and surprisingly their passing game is the side of the ball that you're more comfortable starting than the rock formerly known as LT. Lucky for LT and the Chargers they are playing the Chiefs that give up 162 yards per game on the ground and have yielded 21 rushing TDs. LT should be in your lineup despite a rough year. In the air Rivers had a nice game last week and will look to continue that with a strong outing against a KC team that gives up 236 yards per game and have yielded 16 passing TDs.
On the KC side of the ball Thigpen has proven that he deserves a spot in your lineup. This is especially true against the Chargers that give up 249 yards per game and have allowed 21 passing TDs. Dwayne Bowe and Tony Gonzalez are must starts. On the ground Larry J****** will be the main back but is, in now way, a safe start against a Chargers team that allows 103 yards per game but have only allowed 6 rushing TDs on the year, mainly because teams are scoring passing TDs at will.
Green Bay at Jacksonville:
Green Bay is all but done for the year and will try to end the year positively for a bounce back year next year. Aaron Rodgers has proven that he is a good QB and Greg Jennings has cemented himself as their definitive #1 receiver and a top 10 receiver for the foreseeable future. Jacksonville allows just 205 yards per game in the air but have yielded 21 passing TDs. This makes Rodgers and Jennings phenomenal starts this week with Driver as a decent #3 or flex start. Ryan Grant has started running well again and appears to be healthy. Feel comfortable starting Grant against a Jaguars team that allows 113 yards per game on the ground and have given up 11 rushing TDs.
MJD is the only person on the Jax that you want to start. Matt Jones has been suspended for three games and the Jaguars have all but mailed it in for the year. David Garrard lost one of his main targets in Matt Jones and Reggie Williams has been inconsistent at best. Green Bay's run defense is bad and allows 142 yards per game with 17 rushing TDs allowed to date. This makes the Jacksonville's passing game a weak start and puts MJD as a good start.
Tennessee at Houston:
Kerry Collins has put up some good games but can't be considered a great start with LenDale White and Chris Johnson running the show in Tennessee. Houston is allowing 127 yards per game on the ground and have allowed 17 rushing TDs. Chris Johnson is a #1 back this week and White is a #2 or flex back. In the air Justin Gage has been the only receiver worth looking at and he is too inconsistent to start this week despite a poor Houston pass defense that allows 215 yards per game and have allowed 20 TDs.
Matt Schaub missed 4 games and came back and didn't look rusty at all. He threw for 400 + yards and 2 TDs last week. Andre Johnson and Schaub are good starts this week despite going against a stout Tennesse defense that allows just 181 yards per game in the air and have given up just 8 passing TDs. Steve Slaton has a tough match-up against a Tennessee team that allows just 92 yards per game but fortunately for Slaton you can score TDs against the Titans and the Titans have allowed 12 rushing TDs on the year.
Minnesota at Arizona:
Adrian Peterson leads the league in rushing yards but hasn't been the TD machine that owners had hoped he would be. This week the Vikings get Arizona who gives up passing touch downs like they're going out of style but has only allowed a stingy 10 rushing TDs. Adrian Peterson is obviously a must start but the Vikings may end up throwing a bit this week. Arizona has a league worst 27 passing touch downs allowed and are giving up 216 yards per game. Tarvaris Jackson is a DEEP start if you're struggling at QB. Berrian is a good start and Shianco proved that he's a viable fantasy option still coming in with 60 yards and a score last week.
Kurt Warner gets a Minnesota pass defense that allows 217 yards per game and have allowed just 12 passing TDs. Chances are high that Warner still gets his 250+ yards and 2 TDs. Larry Fitzgerald appears to be the #1 still in Arizona but Boldin could just as easly out perform him on any given week. You're obviously starting Boldin and Fitzgerald if you have them. Tim Hightower will be have to run against a tough Minnesota rush defense that allows just 73 yards per game and have only allowed 9 rushing TDs. The Vikings still have the backbone of their defensive line as of now but keep an eye on the legal actions going on there because if they are suspended this week this improves the value of Hightower.
Denver at Carolina:
This just in, Carolina can run the ball! Against a Tampa Bay team that only allowed 1 rushing TD the whole year DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart cut them up for more than 300 rushing yards and 4 rushing TDs. Williams and Stewart should both be start this week against a horrible Denver team that allows 140 yards per game on the ground and have allowed 17 rushing TDs to date. Steve Smith is a must start as well against a Bronco's team that allows 232 yards per game in the air and have allowed 16 TDs this year. Delhomme is not startable at this point with the two headed beast running the ball.
Cutler has returned to the fantasy football must start list and should be able to score against the middle of the road pass defense of Carolina that got cut apart last week by Jeff Garcia. Carolina is allowing 208 yards per game in the air and have yielded 13 TDs through the air. Brandon Marshall also had a huge game last week and should have a great game this week as well.
Pittsburgh at Baltimore:
This game should be a low scoring, hard nosed, knock-down drug out fight. The two best overall defenses meet this Sunday and effectively reduce the fantasy value of everybody involved! Instead of doing analysis for this match-up I'll just list the statistics and let you decide how valuable your player is against these defenses.
Passing:
Baltimore 176 ypg, 13 TDs, 22 INTs, 28 sacks
Steelers 169 ypg, 11 TDs, 16 INTs, 45 sacks
rushing
Baltimore 77 ypg, 3 TDs
Pittsburgh 73 ypg, 5 TDs
New England at Oakland:
New England is in the playoff hunt and will look to get a much needed win against a bad Raiders team. The raiders allow 159 yards per game on the ground and have given up 18 rushing TDs to date. Sammy Morris is the guy in New England but still should be used as a #2 running back at best. In the air Oakland is actually a decent team allowing just 194 yards per game and 15 passing TDs. They do not get a lot of pressure on the QB with just 25 sacks which could give Cassel time to get the ball around. Welker had 150 yards last week and is a must start as well as Randy Moss. At this point you can't view Randy Moss as a top 5 or even 10 receiver.
Oakland has nobody you want to play. Russell went out last week and is questionable for this week but this shouldn't matter as there is literally nobody on the Raiders that you are excited to start. Zach Miller has been the only startable player this year.
New York Giants at Dallas:
This is a true "must win" game for the Cowboys. After Tony Romo gave away a game that the Dallas defense had won last week he will look to make up for it. The Giants are a good defense and will make it difficult. Terrell Owens is no longer a must start and could find your bench this week against a Giants team that allows just 193 yards per game and have allowed 14 passing TDs. Marion Barber is questionable still for this week so keep your eye on the situation. If Barber is in this will lower the value of Choice considerably. Either way they both have a tough match-up. The Giants have allowed just 90 yards per game and have allowed 8 touch downs on the ground.
On the Giants side of the ball your guess is as good as mine as to whether or not the Giants will bring the heat or not. They clinched the division last week with the Cowboys loss and will likely rest some of their banged up players. If Jacobs plays he'll probably not be the main grinder. That being said the Giants may want to eliminate the Cowboys before they even make the playoffs and may bring the heat to avoid a rematch in the playoffs. Dallas' defense has been stout the last 4 weeks and the Giants don't have any MUST starts this week. Dominik Hixon and Eli Manning are both good starts but the Dallas defense makes everybody a risky start.
Cleveland at Philadelphia:
Brian Westbrook has firmly put himself back into the must start category with two monster games in a row and appears to be healthy again. Cleveland allows 149 yards per game on the ground and have allowed 13 rushing TDs. In the air they allow just 211 yards per game and but have allowed 16 passing TDs to date. Everybody on the Eagles should be started in their appropriate positions. You're not starting Jackson as a #1 but you can count on he and Kevin Curtis as solid #2 receivers.
Nobody on the Cleveland side of the ball should be in your lineup. The Eagles allow just 187 yards per game in the air and 93 on the ground. With a 3rd string QB throwing the ball to nobody except Edwards look for the entire team to struggle. If you have the Philadelphia Eagles defense you will start them!
Saints are still holding on to a sliver of hope that is thinner than the ice that Romeo Crennel is skating on. They came out of last week with a win and will look to take advantage of a bad Chicago pass defense. Chicago is allowing 234 yards per game and have given up 15 TDs. Brees should have a magnificent game and all of his targets are reasonable starts. Jeremy Shockey has put together some decent yardage in the last three games and is finding a place in the Saints' offense. Reggie Bush made his splash in the Saints' offense last week and is a decent start despite the fact that Chicago's pass defense is stout. The Bears allow just 91 yards per game but have allowed 13 rushing TDs. Pierre Thomas is a decent flex start this week since he will be the goal line guy.
The Bears will look to stay on top of a tight divisional race and will do it on the ground. New Orleans allows 113 yards per game on the ground and have given up 10 rushing TDs. Matt Forte is a must start, as if you weren't starting him anyway! Orton is back in and has been playing well. Devin Hester is obviously one of his targets and could be a good #3 or #4 receiver especially in leagues that reward punt return TDs as he's always a threat for that. New Orleans is allowing 231 yards per game in the air and have allowed 20 passing TDs on the year. Orton is a top 10 QB this week and you shouldn't feel bad about having him as your starting QB this week.
Tampa Bay at Atlanta:
Tampa Bay is still holding on to a 9-4 record despite losing a vital game on Monday night. Tampa Bay leads the wild card and will need to beat the the Falcons to avoid a tie for the wild card. Garcia went off last week and Antonio Bryant had a monster game. Atlanta is allowing 223 yards per game and have given up 16 passing TDs to date. Bryant is a must start at this point and should be in your lineup until he proves otherwise. On the ground Atlanta allows 122 yards per game and have yielded 15 TDs this year. Warrick Dunn and Cadillac Williams will be splitting carries and neither one of them are the clear #1 at this point. Both are good flex options but with the split in the back field I wouldn't be comfortable starting either one of them as one of your primary running backs.
Tampa Bay's stout rush defense was exposed last week although it was exposed by two phenomenal runners. Going into last week Tampa Bay had only allowed 1 rushing TD on the year but gave up 4 last week. I wouldn't expect to see another weak week from Tampa Bay as Monte Kiffin will likely be mad about his defenses weak showing. Michael Turner is probably your best option but I wouldn't expect him to get more than maybe one score. In the air Tampa Bay's defense has started locking down other teams of late. They are allowing just 183 yards per game but they have yielded 17 TDs to date. This makes Roddy White and Matt Ryan must starts. They should have nice games as I expect to see Tampa Bay shut down Michael Turner as much as possible.
Washington at Cincinnati:
Clinton Portis called out Jim Zorn this week on the radio and claims he's healthy. I find it difficult to believe that if he were healthy that he wouldn't have been in the game. Portis has been the work horse for the Skins and if he's healthy you have to put him in your line-up. Cincinnati is allowing 126 yards per game on the ground and have yielded 15 TDs. It's going to be your call as to whether or not you think Portis is healthy. Keep your eye on whether he practices on Thursday or Friday, this is generally a good indication as to whether or not a running back is healthy or will be the main guy on Sunday. In the air Cincinnati is allowing 222 yards per game and have allowed 21 TDs in the air. Campbell should be in your lineup and Santana Moss should have a nice game against a porous Bengals defense.
Washington is all but done with their playoff hopes after losing to Baltimore but I still expect them to be playing for a playoff spot despite the probability of it being next to nothing. That being said the Bengal's have very few starters that you're comfortable starting. Houshmandzedah is about it. He is still getting 5+ receptions a game and can be counted on for 75 yards this week.
Seattle at St. Louis:
Seattle gave New England a run for their money last week but with the loss I expect Seattle to start caving to the realization that their team has been a walking med clinic this year. That being said they are playing the Rams. Seneca Wallace put together a decent game last week and actually has some weapons now. St. Louis is allowing 225 yards per game in the air and have yielded 17 TDs to date. Seneca Wallace is a decent start if you're struggling at QB in a deeper league. Deion Branch had a huge game last week but I still think Bobby Engram is the WR you want in Seattle with both being flex plays this week. If Julius Jones was a good fantasy running back, or a good running back for that matter, you would start him this week against a Rams team that gives up 154 yards per game on the ground and have given up 22 TDs to date. But he isn't good so he should still find a spot on your bench or the waiver wire unless you're struggling mightily for a warm body!
St. Louis has little of value in fantasy football but going against Seattle makes what little they have a little higher. Seattle is allowing 119 yards per game on the ground and have given up 12 TDs for the year. Steven Jackson will probably be in your lineup but if you have other options at RB you should play them. Jackson hasn't had a 100 yard game since last year in December and does not look like himself. Donnie Avery, Holt and Bulger are all deep starts if you're struggling to find warm bodies but nobody here has must start potential.
San Francisco at Miami:
The 49'ers are trying to put together some hope for next year and Shaun Hill has actually played well. Isaac Bruce has entered the fantasy discussion again. Frank Gore ran well before injuring his ankle. Gore is questionable so keep your eye on his status if you have him and need to start him. If you have other options I would start them against a Miami team that is allowing just 96 yards per game on the ground and have given up just 8 rushing TDs. In the air Miami is allowing 221 yards per game and have given up 12 passing TDs to date. Shaun Hill is a deeper start but hasn't shown enough to put him in the "startable" QBs yet. Isaac Bruce should be used as a #3 or flex play.
Miami is in playoff contention just one year after almost going without a win. Pennington has been playing well and Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams are actually becoming a decent duo. The 49'ers rush defense isn't as bad as the rest of the team allowing 104 yards per game and have given up 12 TDs to date. Ronnie Brown is obviously in your lineup and Ricky Williams could be used this week as a flex position but nothing more. In the air the 49'ers have given up 18 TDs and are allowing 231 yards per game. Pennington is a good start this week and Devone Bess and Anthony Fasano are decent starts as well.
Buffalo at New York Jets:
Buffalo has fallen off the band wagon. They started out gang busters but have struggled of late. Marshawn Lynch is still getting yards but has not been a fantasy force because he's missed the end zone in many games. The Jets allow just 84 yards per game and only allowed 8 TDs on the ground. This makes Lynch a risky start especially with the Bills' weak offensive showings. Trent Edwards is still questionable for this week but you probably wouldn't want to start him even if he's active since he'll be rusty and Buffalo hasn't been playing well. I don't like Lee Evans in general though he does have a good match-up this week against a Jets team that is allowing 251 yards per game and have given up 19 passing TDs.
Thomas Jones is now the 3rd best fantasy football backs in standard leagues and should be considered a must start. Buffalo is allowing 110 yards per game and have yielded 13 rushing TDs. Leon Washington is a flex play especially in leagues that give points for punt and kick return touchdowns. In the air Favre has put up some modestly poor games mainly due to the fact that their running game has been firing on all cylinders. Buffalo allows just 203 yards per game in the air and has only given up 13 touchdowns in the air and this makes Favre and crew risky starts at this point.
Detroit at Indianapolis:
The Colts are the tale of two teams this year. Against Houston they put up 10 points then they explode for 35 points. This is a week when all your Colts should be in your lineup. They are 9-4 and will need to win a couple more games to ensure a playoff spot. Reggie Wayne has had 3 games of his last 4 without a TD and has struggled with yards as well. Marvin Harrison has reemerged somewhat and Manning is spreading the ball around. Joseph Addai is not a must start anymore and had a poor game last week against a bad Bengals defense. This week the Colts drew the Detroit lottery ticket and play a Lions team that allows 214 yards in the air and a terrible 173 yards on the ground with 19 TDs in the air and 23 TDs on the ground. That is a statistical way of saying that every Colt of value should be in your lineup.
Detroit has 1.5 people worth mentioning and that is Calvin Johnson and Kevin Smith. Kevin Smith has put together a decent year on a putrid team and is going against a bad Colts rush defense that allows 130 yards per game and have given up 15 rushing TDs.
San Diego at Kansas City:
The Chargers have been a huge disappointment this year and surprisingly their passing game is the side of the ball that you're more comfortable starting than the rock formerly known as LT. Lucky for LT and the Chargers they are playing the Chiefs that give up 162 yards per game on the ground and have yielded 21 rushing TDs. LT should be in your lineup despite a rough year. In the air Rivers had a nice game last week and will look to continue that with a strong outing against a KC team that gives up 236 yards per game and have yielded 16 passing TDs.
On the KC side of the ball Thigpen has proven that he deserves a spot in your lineup. This is especially true against the Chargers that give up 249 yards per game and have allowed 21 passing TDs. Dwayne Bowe and Tony Gonzalez are must starts. On the ground Larry J****** will be the main back but is, in now way, a safe start against a Chargers team that allows 103 yards per game but have only allowed 6 rushing TDs on the year, mainly because teams are scoring passing TDs at will.
Green Bay at Jacksonville:
Green Bay is all but done for the year and will try to end the year positively for a bounce back year next year. Aaron Rodgers has proven that he is a good QB and Greg Jennings has cemented himself as their definitive #1 receiver and a top 10 receiver for the foreseeable future. Jacksonville allows just 205 yards per game in the air but have yielded 21 passing TDs. This makes Rodgers and Jennings phenomenal starts this week with Driver as a decent #3 or flex start. Ryan Grant has started running well again and appears to be healthy. Feel comfortable starting Grant against a Jaguars team that allows 113 yards per game on the ground and have given up 11 rushing TDs.
MJD is the only person on the Jax that you want to start. Matt Jones has been suspended for three games and the Jaguars have all but mailed it in for the year. David Garrard lost one of his main targets in Matt Jones and Reggie Williams has been inconsistent at best. Green Bay's run defense is bad and allows 142 yards per game with 17 rushing TDs allowed to date. This makes the Jacksonville's passing game a weak start and puts MJD as a good start.
Tennessee at Houston:
Kerry Collins has put up some good games but can't be considered a great start with LenDale White and Chris Johnson running the show in Tennessee. Houston is allowing 127 yards per game on the ground and have allowed 17 rushing TDs. Chris Johnson is a #1 back this week and White is a #2 or flex back. In the air Justin Gage has been the only receiver worth looking at and he is too inconsistent to start this week despite a poor Houston pass defense that allows 215 yards per game and have allowed 20 TDs.
Matt Schaub missed 4 games and came back and didn't look rusty at all. He threw for 400 + yards and 2 TDs last week. Andre Johnson and Schaub are good starts this week despite going against a stout Tennesse defense that allows just 181 yards per game in the air and have given up just 8 passing TDs. Steve Slaton has a tough match-up against a Tennessee team that allows just 92 yards per game but fortunately for Slaton you can score TDs against the Titans and the Titans have allowed 12 rushing TDs on the year.
Minnesota at Arizona:
Adrian Peterson leads the league in rushing yards but hasn't been the TD machine that owners had hoped he would be. This week the Vikings get Arizona who gives up passing touch downs like they're going out of style but has only allowed a stingy 10 rushing TDs. Adrian Peterson is obviously a must start but the Vikings may end up throwing a bit this week. Arizona has a league worst 27 passing touch downs allowed and are giving up 216 yards per game. Tarvaris Jackson is a DEEP start if you're struggling at QB. Berrian is a good start and Shianco proved that he's a viable fantasy option still coming in with 60 yards and a score last week.
Kurt Warner gets a Minnesota pass defense that allows 217 yards per game and have allowed just 12 passing TDs. Chances are high that Warner still gets his 250+ yards and 2 TDs. Larry Fitzgerald appears to be the #1 still in Arizona but Boldin could just as easly out perform him on any given week. You're obviously starting Boldin and Fitzgerald if you have them. Tim Hightower will be have to run against a tough Minnesota rush defense that allows just 73 yards per game and have only allowed 9 rushing TDs. The Vikings still have the backbone of their defensive line as of now but keep an eye on the legal actions going on there because if they are suspended this week this improves the value of Hightower.
Denver at Carolina:
This just in, Carolina can run the ball! Against a Tampa Bay team that only allowed 1 rushing TD the whole year DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart cut them up for more than 300 rushing yards and 4 rushing TDs. Williams and Stewart should both be start this week against a horrible Denver team that allows 140 yards per game on the ground and have allowed 17 rushing TDs to date. Steve Smith is a must start as well against a Bronco's team that allows 232 yards per game in the air and have allowed 16 TDs this year. Delhomme is not startable at this point with the two headed beast running the ball.
Cutler has returned to the fantasy football must start list and should be able to score against the middle of the road pass defense of Carolina that got cut apart last week by Jeff Garcia. Carolina is allowing 208 yards per game in the air and have yielded 13 TDs through the air. Brandon Marshall also had a huge game last week and should have a great game this week as well.
Pittsburgh at Baltimore:
This game should be a low scoring, hard nosed, knock-down drug out fight. The two best overall defenses meet this Sunday and effectively reduce the fantasy value of everybody involved! Instead of doing analysis for this match-up I'll just list the statistics and let you decide how valuable your player is against these defenses.
Passing:
Baltimore 176 ypg, 13 TDs, 22 INTs, 28 sacks
Steelers 169 ypg, 11 TDs, 16 INTs, 45 sacks
rushing
Baltimore 77 ypg, 3 TDs
Pittsburgh 73 ypg, 5 TDs
New England at Oakland:
New England is in the playoff hunt and will look to get a much needed win against a bad Raiders team. The raiders allow 159 yards per game on the ground and have given up 18 rushing TDs to date. Sammy Morris is the guy in New England but still should be used as a #2 running back at best. In the air Oakland is actually a decent team allowing just 194 yards per game and 15 passing TDs. They do not get a lot of pressure on the QB with just 25 sacks which could give Cassel time to get the ball around. Welker had 150 yards last week and is a must start as well as Randy Moss. At this point you can't view Randy Moss as a top 5 or even 10 receiver.
Oakland has nobody you want to play. Russell went out last week and is questionable for this week but this shouldn't matter as there is literally nobody on the Raiders that you are excited to start. Zach Miller has been the only startable player this year.
New York Giants at Dallas:
This is a true "must win" game for the Cowboys. After Tony Romo gave away a game that the Dallas defense had won last week he will look to make up for it. The Giants are a good defense and will make it difficult. Terrell Owens is no longer a must start and could find your bench this week against a Giants team that allows just 193 yards per game and have allowed 14 passing TDs. Marion Barber is questionable still for this week so keep your eye on the situation. If Barber is in this will lower the value of Choice considerably. Either way they both have a tough match-up. The Giants have allowed just 90 yards per game and have allowed 8 touch downs on the ground.
On the Giants side of the ball your guess is as good as mine as to whether or not the Giants will bring the heat or not. They clinched the division last week with the Cowboys loss and will likely rest some of their banged up players. If Jacobs plays he'll probably not be the main grinder. That being said the Giants may want to eliminate the Cowboys before they even make the playoffs and may bring the heat to avoid a rematch in the playoffs. Dallas' defense has been stout the last 4 weeks and the Giants don't have any MUST starts this week. Dominik Hixon and Eli Manning are both good starts but the Dallas defense makes everybody a risky start.
Cleveland at Philadelphia:
Brian Westbrook has firmly put himself back into the must start category with two monster games in a row and appears to be healthy again. Cleveland allows 149 yards per game on the ground and have allowed 13 rushing TDs. In the air they allow just 211 yards per game and but have allowed 16 passing TDs to date. Everybody on the Eagles should be started in their appropriate positions. You're not starting Jackson as a #1 but you can count on he and Kevin Curtis as solid #2 receivers.
Nobody on the Cleveland side of the ball should be in your lineup. The Eagles allow just 187 yards per game in the air and 93 on the ground. With a 3rd string QB throwing the ball to nobody except Edwards look for the entire team to struggle. If you have the Philadelphia Eagles defense you will start them!
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Week 14 fantasy football match-up analysis!
I'm back from Thanksgiving and back to the useless analysis! I hope everybody's Thanksgiving was awesome.
Oakland at San Diego:
Week 14 starts with a doozy! Oakland is bad, very very bad! Ironically they are not too bad on the passing side of the ball. Oakland is allowing just 192 yards per game in the air but have yielded 12 TDs thus far.
San Diego has struggled and LT has not looked to form. LT should have a decent game against an Oakland team that allows 159 yards per game on the ground and has yielded 17 rushing TDs. LT will likely make your lineup but he is not the LT of last year. Philip Rivers has been hit or miss this year as usual but should probably be in your lineup against Oakland. Gates is a must start as well.
On the Oakland side of the ball, as usual, you aren't excited about starting anybody from the Raiders team. McFadden is nothing more than a #3 this week despite the fact that Denver is allowing 144 yards on the ground per game and have allowed 17 rushing TDs. Justin Fargas has been getting the bulk of the load and will continue to be the main back in Oakland.
Jacksonville at Chicago:
Jacksonville got handled by Houston last week and will have another tough game this week against an angry Bears team. Chicago got walloped last week by the Vikings and will try to show that they are better than putrid. Chicago is allowing just 89 yards on the ground per game but have allowed 13 rushing TDs thus far. MJD is a good start this week as Jacksonville will probably want to establish the run game against a Chicago team that runs the ball effectively. David Garrard and Matt Jones should have a decent game this week against the Bears defense that is allowing 241 yards per game and have allowed 14 passing TDs this year.
Kyle Orton would have had a decent fantasy week last week if not for the 3 interceptions and should have a reasonable game against a Jacksonville team that allows 205 yards per game in the air and have allowed 19 passing TDs. Devon Hester found the endzone last week and is a reasonable start this week. Brandon Lloyd, the flavor of the week a month ago isn't worth starting at this point until he proves he is healthy and a part of the offense. Greg Olsen is a good start this week. On the rushing side Matt Forte is a must start at this point regardless of match-up but at 248 attempts thus far may experience some slow down in the back side of the year. Jacksonville is allowing 115 yards per game on the ground and have yielded 11 rushing TDs.
Minnesota at Detroit:
It looks like Minnesota's defense line may keep their backbone players this week since the NFLPA filed a suit to block the suspension of the 5 players in the StarCaps diuretic suspension. Keep an eye on this but it really shouldn't effect your decisions for this week unless you're very shallow at running back.
Minnesota is allowing a stingy 73.1 yards per game on the ground with 9 TDs allowed. This is, in large part, due to the incredible play of Kevin and Pat Williams of the Vikings who are both facing suspension. If they are suspended for 4 games consider the Vikings a mediocre run defense. Kevin Smith could be a deep start but until further notice the only person you're starting with any confidence is Calvin Johnson.
Detroit is bad, you are starting AP, Berrian and maybe Shiancoe if you're struggling at Tight end.
Cleveland at Tennessee:
In non-keeper leagues Braylon Edwards should not be in your lineup or bench! He is officially dropable. I am officially labeling Edwards as the biggest bust of the year. Even more of a bust than his QB Derek Anderson, who is out the rest of the season along with Brady Quinn. There is literally nobody that I would want to own on the Browns in non-keeper leagues. Kellen Winslow has been ruled out for week 14 so be sure to pull him from your lineup if you haven't already.
On the Tennessee side of the ball you're going to start Chris Johnson and LenDale White. White, who had a couple rough games the last few weeks came out gang busters last week and put up great numbers again, in large part to his nose for the end zone. Cleveland is allowing 141 yards per game on the ground and have allowed 11 rushing scores. I wouldn't be surprised to see White and Johnson pass the century marker this week in yards.
Cincinnati at Indianapolis:
Too bad Lewis doesn't like using a consistent running back because the Colts can be run on. They have allowed 134 yards per game and have allowed 15 rushing TDs. Unfortunately none of the Bengals are good starts since you don't know who will be the man. In the air Housh is the only person that you would start from the Bengals and even he isn't a great option against a stout Colts pass defense. The Colts are allowing just 199 yards per game in the air and have only allowed 4 passing TDs. Despite the tough pass defense Housh still gets 5-7 receptions a week and if one of those are for a score he will have a nice game.
The Colts came out with another crazy win last week in which Manning did very little and the Colts struggled the whole game. What they need is to play the Bengals. The Bengals are allowing 225 yards per game in the air and 132 yards per game on the ground with 18 and 14 TDs allowed respectively. Look for Wayne, Gonzalez,Clark and Manning to be good starts this week. Joseph Addai put up another putrid game after finally showing a flash of what he used to be. At this point Addai is a, "start at your own risk" running back. His upside probably deserves a spot in your lineup but if you have other solid options I would consider him a risky start.
Atlanta at New Orleans:
The Saints lost a tough one last week by a field goal to Tampa Bay. Brees threw two tough interceptions in the last couple minutes to let the Buck's take the game. Deuce McAllister is probably out for the rest of the year with a suspension but keep your eye on the situation because the NFLPA has filed a suit to delay the suspension. Even if Deuce plays he has minimal value. Reggie Bush will play this week and always has the opportunity to blow up but don't expect great things against a Falcons team that is allowing 116 yards per game on the ground and 14 TDs on the year. In the air Brees is a must start, as usual. Atlanta is allowing 222 yards per game in the air and have allowed 14 TDs to date. Colston has shown he's part of the offense again and if he finds the end zone he will start putting up phenomenal numbers. Lance Moore is another receiver that you should seriously consider putting in your lineup. He has consistently put numbers up even with Colston back in the lineup.
Matt Ryan had another successful game last week and he is close to a must start at this point. New Orleans is a bad pass defense that allows 224 yards per game and have yielded 19 TDs through the air. Matt Ryan and Roddy White should be in your lineup until they prove otherwise and you should expect good things from them. On the ground Michael Turner will be in your lineup. New Orleans allows 114 yards on the ground per game and have yielded just 8 rushing TDs. Turner may not be top 5 this week but he's top 10 and will need to be in your lineup.
Philadelphia at New York Giants:
Welcome back Brian Westbrook. Westbrook, in a game that some trainers were quoted saying he wouldn't make it out of the first quarter, went off for 100+ yards and 4 scores. He will have a tough match-up this week against a tougher rush defense, even though Arizona is no slouch on the ground. The Giants are allowing just 85 yards per game and have only given up 7 rushing TDs. In the air the giants are allowing 194 yards per game and have allowed 13 passing TDs. McNabb had a monster game last week but will likely struggle this week against a Giants team that has 16 interceptions and 36 sacks to date. DeSean Jackson and Kevin Kurtis are #3 starters this week.
Brandon Jacobs ran well against a stacked Washington line last week and should have a decent game this week as well. Philadelphia is allowing just 94 yards per game on the ground but have only allowed 6 rushing TDs. Plaxico Buress is out and this means that Toomer and Steve Smith are reasonable starts against a Philly team that is allowing 214 yards per game and have yielded 18 TDs in the air. Manning is a good start and generally shows up for divisional games. Kevin Boss could be a deeper tight end but he has been hot or cold this year.
Kansas City at Denver:
Denver is coming off of a big win at the Jets where Cutler threw for 357 yards and he should continue his strong play this week and must be in your lineups. Peyton Hillis the running back that you want to start from Denver and would be a decent play against a KC rush defense that Allows 164 yards per game on the ground and have yielded 20 TDs. Tony Scheffler and Marshall are must starts. Despite Marshall's quiet games he still has too much upside to not be in your lineup.
On the KC side of the ball Larry XXXXXXX (those of you that follow my blog know that I won't type his last name because of my hatred of him) got two scores last week and will probably have a good game this week against a bad Denver defense. Denver allows 159 yards per game on the ground and have allowed 17 TDs. As much as it pains me Larry probably needs to be in your lineup. Thigpen, Dwayne Bowe and Tony Gonzalez must be in your lineup. Denver is allowing 236 yards per game in the air and have allowed 15 TDs in the air.
Miami at Buffalo:
A mediocre game played by two mediocre teams.
Buffalo is allowing 205 yards per game in the air while allowing 12 TDs to date. Chad Pennington had a weak game last week and will try to get back on track. Ginn is a deep #3 or #4 receiver this week. Davone Bess should be picked up in all leagues in the absence of Greg Camarillo but is a risky start at the moment. Ronnie Brown is decent but not great start this week against a Bills team that gives up 110 yards per game on the ground and have yielded 13 TDs thus far. Now that teams have tape on the "wildcat" formation Brown has slowed down to human like numbers but is still a pretty good play.
Trent Edwards is questionable with a groin injury for Sunday so keep your eye on this. If Lossman has to go I don't expect Brown's value to change but I do downgrade Lee Evans, the only person on the Bills receiving core that you want to start on a normal basis. Miami is allowing 233 yards per game in the air and have allowed 15 passing TDs to date. On the ground Lynch should probably be in your lineup but his lack of nose for the end zone is holding him back from being a top 5 running back.
New York Jets at San Francisco:
The Jets lost a bad game last week to Denver and will look to get back on track against a bad 49'ers team. Thomas Jones has entered elite status in large part to his nose for the end zone and should be in your lineup every week despite match-up. Especially this week Jones needs to be in your lineup. The Jets' offensive line have only allowed 23 sacks this year and this is giving Thomas Jones big lanes to run through. Jones is averaging almost 4.7 yards per carry and should dominate this week against a 49'ers team that allows 108 yards per game and have yielded 10 rushing TDs. Favre, Coles, Cotchery and Keller should be good plays this week against a bad 49'ers pass defense that allows 240 yards per game and have given up 18 TDs to date.
On the 49'ers side of the ball nobody are great starts but Isaac Bruce and Shaun Hill will be serviceable. The Jets have a bad pass defense that has allowed 249 yards per game and have yielded 17 TDs through the air. On the ground the Jets are stout and Frank Gore should not have a big game. The Jets rank 4th overall in rush defense and are allowing just 82.1 yards per game and have only yielded 8 rushing TDs.
New England at Seattle:
Matt Cassel and friends came down to earth last week but should begin their floating again this week. Seattle is allowing a league worst 265 yards per game in the air and have yielded 19 passing TDs to date. Welker is questionable for Sunday after a monster hit by Ryan Clark of the Steeler's. If he plays he should be in your lineup and obviously Randy Moss should make your lineup as well. Matt Cassel is a good start this week.
On the Seattle side of the ball nobody is a good start. Julius Jones has proven why he's not a viable fantasy option by not getting yards or TDs. A lot of this is due to the Seahawks' awful team but still nobody has value except John Carlson.
St. Louis at Arizona:
Kurt Warner is having an MVP year and is an absolute must start every week. Especially this week though. St. Louis is a bad team that has allowed 220 yards per game in the air and have yielded 16 passing TDs. Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald are must starts and could easily be the #1 and #2 receivers in all of fantasy football this week. Steve Breaston should be in the mix this week as well and is a worthwhile start in a deeper format. Tim Hightower, after a couple quiet weeks, should be in your lineup this week. St. Louis allows 162 yards per game on the ground and have yielded 21 rushing TDs.
On the Rams side of the ball there are no for sure starts this week. Steven Jackson should be in your lineup but don't expect great stats. Arizona is allowing 98 yards per game on the ground and have yielded 10 TDs on the ground. Donnie Avery is not a safe start and neither is Holt at this point. Bulger may or may not play at this point but he shouldn't be in your lineup either way. He is on your bench in keeper leagues or dropped if not.
Dallas at Pittsburgh:
Dallas' elite offense will go against the most elite defense in the league. Pittsburgh is allowing just 71 yards per game on the ground and 5 TDs total. In the air they are allowing just 167 yards per game and 10 TDs in the air. Terrell Owens had a nice game on Thanksgiving and will look to continue that but it will be tough. Pittsburgh has 13 interceptions and 42 sacks. Tony Romo and Jason Witten are my only two Cowboys that I am starting without thinking. The physical play of the Steelers should prove challenging for the Cowboys. Ultimately the Cowboys' offense is high octane and have the ability to put up huge numbers against any defense in the league.
Ben Roethlisberger slipped during practice and tweaked his knee but is not expected to be slowed down at all. Ben Roethlisberger has been 36 times and could have a long day if the Steeler's can't give him proper protection. The Cowboys have 40 sacks and could make it a long week for the Steeler's offense. It's looking like Willie Parker will play this week so he should probably be in your lineup. Heath Miller will play and has value as a tight end that may have been dropped during his health issues and weak performances.
Washington at Baltimore:
Clinton Portis, who is banged up and coming off of a bad week, will likely struggle again. The Ravens allow just 78 yards per game on the ground and have given up just 3 rushing TDs. In the air Jason Campbell will have a tough game against a Ravens team that allows just 175 yards per game in the air and have a league leading 20 takeaways for the year. Santana Moss should be in your lineup regardless of match-up because of his big play potential but none of the Redskins are "safe" starts this week, especially Portis.
The Ravens are still managing to put points on the board despite not having a consistent running back. It is unsafe to start any Ravens back but if you have to start one I'm still starting McGahee. In the air Derrick Mason has the most value but nobody on the Ravens team are phenomenal starts against a stout Washington pass defense that allows just 192 yards per game in the air and 91 on the ground.
Tampa Bay at Carolina:
Tampa Bay came out of last weeks game with a W despite the close game. Garcia and company will look to battle for a playoff spot against divisional rivals and will need a W to stay in the front of the pack. Warrick Dunn is still active and could be a good start against a Panthers team that is allowing 113 yards per game and have allowed 10 TDs. Antonio Bryant has another good game last week and should be a nice start this week with the Panthers allowing 201 yards per game and have allowed 11 passing TDs.
DeAngelo Williams went O-F-F last week but will likely hit a wall this week. While Tampa Bay have allowed 95 yards per game on the ground they have only given up 1 rushing TD all season. They are stingy in the red zone and Williams may not find a hole against a tough line. Steve Smith and Delhomme may struggle again against a Tampa Bay team that allows just 184 yards per game. On the bright side for the Panther's passing game the Bucks have allowed 16 passing TDs.
Oakland at San Diego:
Week 14 starts with a doozy! Oakland is bad, very very bad! Ironically they are not too bad on the passing side of the ball. Oakland is allowing just 192 yards per game in the air but have yielded 12 TDs thus far.
San Diego has struggled and LT has not looked to form. LT should have a decent game against an Oakland team that allows 159 yards per game on the ground and has yielded 17 rushing TDs. LT will likely make your lineup but he is not the LT of last year. Philip Rivers has been hit or miss this year as usual but should probably be in your lineup against Oakland. Gates is a must start as well.
On the Oakland side of the ball, as usual, you aren't excited about starting anybody from the Raiders team. McFadden is nothing more than a #3 this week despite the fact that Denver is allowing 144 yards on the ground per game and have allowed 17 rushing TDs. Justin Fargas has been getting the bulk of the load and will continue to be the main back in Oakland.
Jacksonville at Chicago:
Jacksonville got handled by Houston last week and will have another tough game this week against an angry Bears team. Chicago got walloped last week by the Vikings and will try to show that they are better than putrid. Chicago is allowing just 89 yards on the ground per game but have allowed 13 rushing TDs thus far. MJD is a good start this week as Jacksonville will probably want to establish the run game against a Chicago team that runs the ball effectively. David Garrard and Matt Jones should have a decent game this week against the Bears defense that is allowing 241 yards per game and have allowed 14 passing TDs this year.
Kyle Orton would have had a decent fantasy week last week if not for the 3 interceptions and should have a reasonable game against a Jacksonville team that allows 205 yards per game in the air and have allowed 19 passing TDs. Devon Hester found the endzone last week and is a reasonable start this week. Brandon Lloyd, the flavor of the week a month ago isn't worth starting at this point until he proves he is healthy and a part of the offense. Greg Olsen is a good start this week. On the rushing side Matt Forte is a must start at this point regardless of match-up but at 248 attempts thus far may experience some slow down in the back side of the year. Jacksonville is allowing 115 yards per game on the ground and have yielded 11 rushing TDs.
Minnesota at Detroit:
It looks like Minnesota's defense line may keep their backbone players this week since the NFLPA filed a suit to block the suspension of the 5 players in the StarCaps diuretic suspension. Keep an eye on this but it really shouldn't effect your decisions for this week unless you're very shallow at running back.
Minnesota is allowing a stingy 73.1 yards per game on the ground with 9 TDs allowed. This is, in large part, due to the incredible play of Kevin and Pat Williams of the Vikings who are both facing suspension. If they are suspended for 4 games consider the Vikings a mediocre run defense. Kevin Smith could be a deep start but until further notice the only person you're starting with any confidence is Calvin Johnson.
Detroit is bad, you are starting AP, Berrian and maybe Shiancoe if you're struggling at Tight end.
Cleveland at Tennessee:
In non-keeper leagues Braylon Edwards should not be in your lineup or bench! He is officially dropable. I am officially labeling Edwards as the biggest bust of the year. Even more of a bust than his QB Derek Anderson, who is out the rest of the season along with Brady Quinn. There is literally nobody that I would want to own on the Browns in non-keeper leagues. Kellen Winslow has been ruled out for week 14 so be sure to pull him from your lineup if you haven't already.
On the Tennessee side of the ball you're going to start Chris Johnson and LenDale White. White, who had a couple rough games the last few weeks came out gang busters last week and put up great numbers again, in large part to his nose for the end zone. Cleveland is allowing 141 yards per game on the ground and have allowed 11 rushing scores. I wouldn't be surprised to see White and Johnson pass the century marker this week in yards.
Cincinnati at Indianapolis:
Too bad Lewis doesn't like using a consistent running back because the Colts can be run on. They have allowed 134 yards per game and have allowed 15 rushing TDs. Unfortunately none of the Bengals are good starts since you don't know who will be the man. In the air Housh is the only person that you would start from the Bengals and even he isn't a great option against a stout Colts pass defense. The Colts are allowing just 199 yards per game in the air and have only allowed 4 passing TDs. Despite the tough pass defense Housh still gets 5-7 receptions a week and if one of those are for a score he will have a nice game.
The Colts came out with another crazy win last week in which Manning did very little and the Colts struggled the whole game. What they need is to play the Bengals. The Bengals are allowing 225 yards per game in the air and 132 yards per game on the ground with 18 and 14 TDs allowed respectively. Look for Wayne, Gonzalez,Clark and Manning to be good starts this week. Joseph Addai put up another putrid game after finally showing a flash of what he used to be. At this point Addai is a, "start at your own risk" running back. His upside probably deserves a spot in your lineup but if you have other solid options I would consider him a risky start.
Atlanta at New Orleans:
The Saints lost a tough one last week by a field goal to Tampa Bay. Brees threw two tough interceptions in the last couple minutes to let the Buck's take the game. Deuce McAllister is probably out for the rest of the year with a suspension but keep your eye on the situation because the NFLPA has filed a suit to delay the suspension. Even if Deuce plays he has minimal value. Reggie Bush will play this week and always has the opportunity to blow up but don't expect great things against a Falcons team that is allowing 116 yards per game on the ground and 14 TDs on the year. In the air Brees is a must start, as usual. Atlanta is allowing 222 yards per game in the air and have allowed 14 TDs to date. Colston has shown he's part of the offense again and if he finds the end zone he will start putting up phenomenal numbers. Lance Moore is another receiver that you should seriously consider putting in your lineup. He has consistently put numbers up even with Colston back in the lineup.
Matt Ryan had another successful game last week and he is close to a must start at this point. New Orleans is a bad pass defense that allows 224 yards per game and have yielded 19 TDs through the air. Matt Ryan and Roddy White should be in your lineup until they prove otherwise and you should expect good things from them. On the ground Michael Turner will be in your lineup. New Orleans allows 114 yards on the ground per game and have yielded just 8 rushing TDs. Turner may not be top 5 this week but he's top 10 and will need to be in your lineup.
Philadelphia at New York Giants:
Welcome back Brian Westbrook. Westbrook, in a game that some trainers were quoted saying he wouldn't make it out of the first quarter, went off for 100+ yards and 4 scores. He will have a tough match-up this week against a tougher rush defense, even though Arizona is no slouch on the ground. The Giants are allowing just 85 yards per game and have only given up 7 rushing TDs. In the air the giants are allowing 194 yards per game and have allowed 13 passing TDs. McNabb had a monster game last week but will likely struggle this week against a Giants team that has 16 interceptions and 36 sacks to date. DeSean Jackson and Kevin Kurtis are #3 starters this week.
Brandon Jacobs ran well against a stacked Washington line last week and should have a decent game this week as well. Philadelphia is allowing just 94 yards per game on the ground but have only allowed 6 rushing TDs. Plaxico Buress is out and this means that Toomer and Steve Smith are reasonable starts against a Philly team that is allowing 214 yards per game and have yielded 18 TDs in the air. Manning is a good start and generally shows up for divisional games. Kevin Boss could be a deeper tight end but he has been hot or cold this year.
Kansas City at Denver:
Denver is coming off of a big win at the Jets where Cutler threw for 357 yards and he should continue his strong play this week and must be in your lineups. Peyton Hillis the running back that you want to start from Denver and would be a decent play against a KC rush defense that Allows 164 yards per game on the ground and have yielded 20 TDs. Tony Scheffler and Marshall are must starts. Despite Marshall's quiet games he still has too much upside to not be in your lineup.
On the KC side of the ball Larry XXXXXXX (those of you that follow my blog know that I won't type his last name because of my hatred of him) got two scores last week and will probably have a good game this week against a bad Denver defense. Denver allows 159 yards per game on the ground and have allowed 17 TDs. As much as it pains me Larry probably needs to be in your lineup. Thigpen, Dwayne Bowe and Tony Gonzalez must be in your lineup. Denver is allowing 236 yards per game in the air and have allowed 15 TDs in the air.
Miami at Buffalo:
A mediocre game played by two mediocre teams.
Buffalo is allowing 205 yards per game in the air while allowing 12 TDs to date. Chad Pennington had a weak game last week and will try to get back on track. Ginn is a deep #3 or #4 receiver this week. Davone Bess should be picked up in all leagues in the absence of Greg Camarillo but is a risky start at the moment. Ronnie Brown is decent but not great start this week against a Bills team that gives up 110 yards per game on the ground and have yielded 13 TDs thus far. Now that teams have tape on the "wildcat" formation Brown has slowed down to human like numbers but is still a pretty good play.
Trent Edwards is questionable with a groin injury for Sunday so keep your eye on this. If Lossman has to go I don't expect Brown's value to change but I do downgrade Lee Evans, the only person on the Bills receiving core that you want to start on a normal basis. Miami is allowing 233 yards per game in the air and have allowed 15 passing TDs to date. On the ground Lynch should probably be in your lineup but his lack of nose for the end zone is holding him back from being a top 5 running back.
New York Jets at San Francisco:
The Jets lost a bad game last week to Denver and will look to get back on track against a bad 49'ers team. Thomas Jones has entered elite status in large part to his nose for the end zone and should be in your lineup every week despite match-up. Especially this week Jones needs to be in your lineup. The Jets' offensive line have only allowed 23 sacks this year and this is giving Thomas Jones big lanes to run through. Jones is averaging almost 4.7 yards per carry and should dominate this week against a 49'ers team that allows 108 yards per game and have yielded 10 rushing TDs. Favre, Coles, Cotchery and Keller should be good plays this week against a bad 49'ers pass defense that allows 240 yards per game and have given up 18 TDs to date.
On the 49'ers side of the ball nobody are great starts but Isaac Bruce and Shaun Hill will be serviceable. The Jets have a bad pass defense that has allowed 249 yards per game and have yielded 17 TDs through the air. On the ground the Jets are stout and Frank Gore should not have a big game. The Jets rank 4th overall in rush defense and are allowing just 82.1 yards per game and have only yielded 8 rushing TDs.
New England at Seattle:
Matt Cassel and friends came down to earth last week but should begin their floating again this week. Seattle is allowing a league worst 265 yards per game in the air and have yielded 19 passing TDs to date. Welker is questionable for Sunday after a monster hit by Ryan Clark of the Steeler's. If he plays he should be in your lineup and obviously Randy Moss should make your lineup as well. Matt Cassel is a good start this week.
On the Seattle side of the ball nobody is a good start. Julius Jones has proven why he's not a viable fantasy option by not getting yards or TDs. A lot of this is due to the Seahawks' awful team but still nobody has value except John Carlson.
St. Louis at Arizona:
Kurt Warner is having an MVP year and is an absolute must start every week. Especially this week though. St. Louis is a bad team that has allowed 220 yards per game in the air and have yielded 16 passing TDs. Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald are must starts and could easily be the #1 and #2 receivers in all of fantasy football this week. Steve Breaston should be in the mix this week as well and is a worthwhile start in a deeper format. Tim Hightower, after a couple quiet weeks, should be in your lineup this week. St. Louis allows 162 yards per game on the ground and have yielded 21 rushing TDs.
On the Rams side of the ball there are no for sure starts this week. Steven Jackson should be in your lineup but don't expect great stats. Arizona is allowing 98 yards per game on the ground and have yielded 10 TDs on the ground. Donnie Avery is not a safe start and neither is Holt at this point. Bulger may or may not play at this point but he shouldn't be in your lineup either way. He is on your bench in keeper leagues or dropped if not.
Dallas at Pittsburgh:
Dallas' elite offense will go against the most elite defense in the league. Pittsburgh is allowing just 71 yards per game on the ground and 5 TDs total. In the air they are allowing just 167 yards per game and 10 TDs in the air. Terrell Owens had a nice game on Thanksgiving and will look to continue that but it will be tough. Pittsburgh has 13 interceptions and 42 sacks. Tony Romo and Jason Witten are my only two Cowboys that I am starting without thinking. The physical play of the Steelers should prove challenging for the Cowboys. Ultimately the Cowboys' offense is high octane and have the ability to put up huge numbers against any defense in the league.
Ben Roethlisberger slipped during practice and tweaked his knee but is not expected to be slowed down at all. Ben Roethlisberger has been 36 times and could have a long day if the Steeler's can't give him proper protection. The Cowboys have 40 sacks and could make it a long week for the Steeler's offense. It's looking like Willie Parker will play this week so he should probably be in your lineup. Heath Miller will play and has value as a tight end that may have been dropped during his health issues and weak performances.
Washington at Baltimore:
Clinton Portis, who is banged up and coming off of a bad week, will likely struggle again. The Ravens allow just 78 yards per game on the ground and have given up just 3 rushing TDs. In the air Jason Campbell will have a tough game against a Ravens team that allows just 175 yards per game in the air and have a league leading 20 takeaways for the year. Santana Moss should be in your lineup regardless of match-up because of his big play potential but none of the Redskins are "safe" starts this week, especially Portis.
The Ravens are still managing to put points on the board despite not having a consistent running back. It is unsafe to start any Ravens back but if you have to start one I'm still starting McGahee. In the air Derrick Mason has the most value but nobody on the Ravens team are phenomenal starts against a stout Washington pass defense that allows just 192 yards per game in the air and 91 on the ground.
Tampa Bay at Carolina:
Tampa Bay came out of last weeks game with a W despite the close game. Garcia and company will look to battle for a playoff spot against divisional rivals and will need a W to stay in the front of the pack. Warrick Dunn is still active and could be a good start against a Panthers team that is allowing 113 yards per game and have allowed 10 TDs. Antonio Bryant has another good game last week and should be a nice start this week with the Panthers allowing 201 yards per game and have allowed 11 passing TDs.
DeAngelo Williams went O-F-F last week but will likely hit a wall this week. While Tampa Bay have allowed 95 yards per game on the ground they have only given up 1 rushing TD all season. They are stingy in the red zone and Williams may not find a hole against a tough line. Steve Smith and Delhomme may struggle again against a Tampa Bay team that allows just 184 yards per game. On the bright side for the Panther's passing game the Bucks have allowed 16 passing TDs.
Week 14 fantasy rankings!
Running Back
1. Adrian Peterson
2. Thomas Jones
3. Steve Slaton
4. Matt Forte
5. LaDainian Tomlinson
6. Michael Turner
7. Chris Johnson
8. Larry Johnson
9. Brandon Jacobs
10. Peyton Hillis
11. Brian Westbrook
12. Marshawn Lynch
13. Joseph Addai
14. Steven Jackson
15. DeAngelo Williams
16. Frank Gore
17. Ryan Grant
18. Clinton Portis
19. Maurice Jones-Drew
20. Marion Barber
21. Ronnie Brown
22. Tim Hightower
23. LenDale White
24. Warrick Dunn
25. Justin Fargas
26. Reggie Bush
27. Willie Parker
28. Kevin Smith
29. Jamal Lewis
30. Pierre Thomas
31. Sammy Morris
32. Derrick Ward
33. Le'Ron McClain
34. Cedric Benson
35. Darren McFadden
36. Leon Washington
37. Chester Taylor
38. Ricky Williams
39. Fred Taylor
40. Mewelde Moore
Wide Receivers
1. Larry Fitzgerald
2. Anquan Boldin
3. Randy Moss
4. Greg Jennings
5. Roddy White
6. Andre Johnson
7. Calvin Johnson
8. Reggie Wayne
9. Brandon Marshall
10. Terrell Owens
11. Marques Colston
12. Dwayne Bowe
13. Lance Moore
14. Steve Smith
15. Bernard Berrian
16. Antonio Bryant
17. Lee Evans
18. Hines Ward
19. Jerricho Cotchery
20. Wes Welker
21. Eddie Royal
22. Donald Driver
23. Laveranues Coles
24. T.J. Houshmandzadeh
25. Santana Moss
26. Amani Toomer
27. Isaac Bruce
28. DeSean Jackson
29. Kevin Walter
30. Santonio Holmes
31. Marvin Harrison
32. Steve Breaston
33. Ted Ginn Jr.
34. Derrick Mason
35. Devin Hester
36. Davone Bess
37. Kevin Curtis
38. Anthony Gonzalez
39. Braylon Edwards
40. Domenik Hixon
Quarterbacks
1. Kurt Warner
2. Drew Brees
3. Peyton Manning
4. Jay Cutler
5. Aaron Rodgers
6. Matt Cassel
7. Brett Favre
8. Matt Ryan
9. Tyler Thigpen
10. Tony Romo
11. Eli Manning
12. Ben Roethlisberger
13. Chad Pennington
14. Kyle Orton
15. Philip Rivers
16. Donovan McNabb
17. Shaun Hill
18. Jeff Garcia
19. Joe Flacco
20. David Garrard
Tight Ends
1. Tony Gonzalez
2. Antonio Gates
3. Tony Scheffler
4. Dallas Clark
5. Jason Witten
6. Dustin Keller
7. Zach Miller
8. Kevin Boss
9. Owen Daniels
10. Chris Cooley
11. Greg Olsen
12. John Carlson
13. Bo Scaife
14. Jeremy Shockey
15. Donald Lee
1. Adrian Peterson
2. Thomas Jones
3. Steve Slaton
4. Matt Forte
5. LaDainian Tomlinson
6. Michael Turner
7. Chris Johnson
8. Larry Johnson
9. Brandon Jacobs
10. Peyton Hillis
11. Brian Westbrook
12. Marshawn Lynch
13. Joseph Addai
14. Steven Jackson
15. DeAngelo Williams
16. Frank Gore
17. Ryan Grant
18. Clinton Portis
19. Maurice Jones-Drew
20. Marion Barber
21. Ronnie Brown
22. Tim Hightower
23. LenDale White
24. Warrick Dunn
25. Justin Fargas
26. Reggie Bush
27. Willie Parker
28. Kevin Smith
29. Jamal Lewis
30. Pierre Thomas
31. Sammy Morris
32. Derrick Ward
33. Le'Ron McClain
34. Cedric Benson
35. Darren McFadden
36. Leon Washington
37. Chester Taylor
38. Ricky Williams
39. Fred Taylor
40. Mewelde Moore
Wide Receivers
1. Larry Fitzgerald
2. Anquan Boldin
3. Randy Moss
4. Greg Jennings
5. Roddy White
6. Andre Johnson
7. Calvin Johnson
8. Reggie Wayne
9. Brandon Marshall
10. Terrell Owens
11. Marques Colston
12. Dwayne Bowe
13. Lance Moore
14. Steve Smith
15. Bernard Berrian
16. Antonio Bryant
17. Lee Evans
18. Hines Ward
19. Jerricho Cotchery
20. Wes Welker
21. Eddie Royal
22. Donald Driver
23. Laveranues Coles
24. T.J. Houshmandzadeh
25. Santana Moss
26. Amani Toomer
27. Isaac Bruce
28. DeSean Jackson
29. Kevin Walter
30. Santonio Holmes
31. Marvin Harrison
32. Steve Breaston
33. Ted Ginn Jr.
34. Derrick Mason
35. Devin Hester
36. Davone Bess
37. Kevin Curtis
38. Anthony Gonzalez
39. Braylon Edwards
40. Domenik Hixon
Quarterbacks
1. Kurt Warner
2. Drew Brees
3. Peyton Manning
4. Jay Cutler
5. Aaron Rodgers
6. Matt Cassel
7. Brett Favre
8. Matt Ryan
9. Tyler Thigpen
10. Tony Romo
11. Eli Manning
12. Ben Roethlisberger
13. Chad Pennington
14. Kyle Orton
15. Philip Rivers
16. Donovan McNabb
17. Shaun Hill
18. Jeff Garcia
19. Joe Flacco
20. David Garrard
Tight Ends
1. Tony Gonzalez
2. Antonio Gates
3. Tony Scheffler
4. Dallas Clark
5. Jason Witten
6. Dustin Keller
7. Zach Miller
8. Kevin Boss
9. Owen Daniels
10. Chris Cooley
11. Greg Olsen
12. John Carlson
13. Bo Scaife
14. Jeremy Shockey
15. Donald Lee
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Week 12 Fantasy Football Rankings
Running Backs
1. Matt Forte (Chicago Bears)
2. Marshawn Lynch (Buffalo Bills)
3. LaDanian Tomlinson (San Diego Chargers)
4. Adrian Peterson (Minnesota Vikings)
5. Marion Barber (Dallas Cowboys)
6. Clinton Portis (Washington Redskins)
7. Ryan Grant (Green Bay Packers)
8. Frank Gore (49'ers)
9. Willie Parker (Pittsburgh Steeler's)
10. Steve Slaton (Houston Texans)
11. Warrick Dunn (Tampa Bay)
12. Joseph Addai (Colts)
13. Michael Turner (Falcons)
14. Brian Westbrook (Philadelphia Eagles)
15. Brandon Jacobs (New York Giants)
16. DeAngelo Williams (Carolina Panthers)
17. Chris Johnson (Tennessee)
18. Maurice Jones-Drew (Jacksonville Jaguars)
19. Jamal Lewis (Cleveland Browns)
20. Ronnie Brown (Miami)
21. Thomas Jones (Jets)
22. Reggie Bush (New Orleans)
23. Justin Fargas (Oakland)
24. Willis McGahee (Baltimore Ravens)
25. Peyton Hillis (Broncos)
26. Jonathan Stewar (Carolina Panthers)
27. Larry Johnson (Kansas City)
28. Kevin Smith (Detroit)
29. LenDale White (Tennessee)
30. Darren McFadden (Oakland)
31. Antonio Pittman (St Louis)
32. Tim Hightower (Cardinals)
33. Sammy Morris (Patriots)
34. Fred Jackson (Buffalo Bills)
35. Julius Jones (Seattle)
36. Derrick Ward (New York Giants)
37. Deuce McAllister (New Orleans Saints)
38. Ahman Green (Houston Texans)
39. Mewelde Moore (Pittsburgh Steelers)
40. Cedric Benson (Bengals)
Wide Receivers
1. Reggie Wayne (Colts)
2. Greg Jennings (Packers)
3. Anquan Boldin (Cardinals)
4. Steve Smith (Panthers)
5. Larry Fitzgerald (Cardinals)
6. Calvin Johnson (Detroit)
7. Roddy White (Falcons)
8. Terrell Owens (Dallas)
9. Andre Johnson (Houston Texans)
10. Brandon Marshall (Denver Broncos)
11. Dwayne Bowe (Kansas City)
12. Randy Moss (Patriots)
13. Hines Ward (Pittsburgh Steelers)
14. Santana Moss (Washington Redskins)
15. Marques Colston (New Orleans Saints)
16. Braylon Edwards (Cleveland Browns)
17. Wes Welker (New England Patriots)
18. Antonio Bryant (Tampa Bay)
19. Eddie Royal (Denver Broncos)
20. T.J. Houshmandzadeh (Cincinnati Bengals)
21. Lee Evans (Buffalo Bills)
22. Donnie Avery
23. Plaxico Burress (Giants)
24. Lance Moore (New Orleans Saints)
25. Donald Driver (Packers)
26. Kevin Walter (Houston Texans)
27. Marvin Harrison (Colts)
28. DeSean Jackson (Philadelphia Eagles)
29. Bernard Berrian (Vikings)
30. Ted Ginn Jr. (Dolphins)
31. Laveranues Coles (Jets)
32. Justin Gage (Tennessee Titans)
33. Steve Breaston (Arizona Cardinals)
34. Jericho Cotchery (Jets)
35. Kevin Curtis (Philadelphia Eagles)
36. Roy Williams (Dallas Cowboys)
37. Derrick Mason (Baltimore Ravens)
38. Torry Holt (St Louis Rams)
39. Greg Camarillo (Miami Dolphins)
40. Santonio Holmes (Pittsburgh Steelers)
Quarterbacks
1. Peyton Manning (Colts)
2. Aaron Rodgers (Green Bay Packers)
3. Drew Brees (New Orleans)
4. Tony Romo (Dallas Cowboys)
5. Jay Cutler (Denver Broncos)
6. Kurt Warner (Arizona Cardinals)
7. Matt Cassel (New England)
8. Eli Manning (New York Giants)
9. Philip Rivers (San Diego Chargers)
10. Jeff Garcia (Tampa Bay)
11. Jason Campbell (Washington Redskins)
12. Brett Favre (Jets)
13. Kyle Orton (Chicago Bears)
14. Ben Roethilsberger (Steelers)
15. Matt Ryan (Falcons)
16. Chad Pennington (Miami Dolphins)
17. Donovan McNabb (Philadelphia Eagles)
18. Kerry Collins (Tennessee Titans)
19. Brady Quinn (Cleveland Browns)
20. Jake Delhomme (Carolina Panthers)
Tight Ends
1. Dallas Clark (Colts)
2. Antonio Gates (San Diego Chargers)
3. Tony Gonzalez (Chiefs)
4. Kellen Winslow (Cleveland Browns)
5. Jason Witten (Dalls Cowboys)
6. Chris Cooley (Redskins)
7. Owen Daniels (Houston Texans)
8. Greg Olsen (Bears)
9. Dustin Keller (Jets)
10. Bo Scaife (Tennessee Titans
11. Tony Scheffler (Broncos)
12. Vernon Davis (49'ers)
13. John Carlson (Seahawks)
14. Zach Miller (Oakland)
15. Kevin Boss (Giants)
Defense/Special Teams
1. Pittsburgh Steelers
2. Tampa Bay
3. Chicago Bears
4. Tennessee Titans
5. Baltimore Ravens
6. Philadelphia Eagles
7. Washington Redskins
8. Dallas Cowboys
9. Minnesota Vikings
10. New York Giants
11. Carolina Panthers
12. Green Bay Packers
13. New York Jets
14. Jacksonville Jaguars
15. Miami Dolphins
1. Matt Forte (Chicago Bears)
2. Marshawn Lynch (Buffalo Bills)
3. LaDanian Tomlinson (San Diego Chargers)
4. Adrian Peterson (Minnesota Vikings)
5. Marion Barber (Dallas Cowboys)
6. Clinton Portis (Washington Redskins)
7. Ryan Grant (Green Bay Packers)
8. Frank Gore (49'ers)
9. Willie Parker (Pittsburgh Steeler's)
10. Steve Slaton (Houston Texans)
11. Warrick Dunn (Tampa Bay)
12. Joseph Addai (Colts)
13. Michael Turner (Falcons)
14. Brian Westbrook (Philadelphia Eagles)
15. Brandon Jacobs (New York Giants)
16. DeAngelo Williams (Carolina Panthers)
17. Chris Johnson (Tennessee)
18. Maurice Jones-Drew (Jacksonville Jaguars)
19. Jamal Lewis (Cleveland Browns)
20. Ronnie Brown (Miami)
21. Thomas Jones (Jets)
22. Reggie Bush (New Orleans)
23. Justin Fargas (Oakland)
24. Willis McGahee (Baltimore Ravens)
25. Peyton Hillis (Broncos)
26. Jonathan Stewar (Carolina Panthers)
27. Larry Johnson (Kansas City)
28. Kevin Smith (Detroit)
29. LenDale White (Tennessee)
30. Darren McFadden (Oakland)
31. Antonio Pittman (St Louis)
32. Tim Hightower (Cardinals)
33. Sammy Morris (Patriots)
34. Fred Jackson (Buffalo Bills)
35. Julius Jones (Seattle)
36. Derrick Ward (New York Giants)
37. Deuce McAllister (New Orleans Saints)
38. Ahman Green (Houston Texans)
39. Mewelde Moore (Pittsburgh Steelers)
40. Cedric Benson (Bengals)
Wide Receivers
1. Reggie Wayne (Colts)
2. Greg Jennings (Packers)
3. Anquan Boldin (Cardinals)
4. Steve Smith (Panthers)
5. Larry Fitzgerald (Cardinals)
6. Calvin Johnson (Detroit)
7. Roddy White (Falcons)
8. Terrell Owens (Dallas)
9. Andre Johnson (Houston Texans)
10. Brandon Marshall (Denver Broncos)
11. Dwayne Bowe (Kansas City)
12. Randy Moss (Patriots)
13. Hines Ward (Pittsburgh Steelers)
14. Santana Moss (Washington Redskins)
15. Marques Colston (New Orleans Saints)
16. Braylon Edwards (Cleveland Browns)
17. Wes Welker (New England Patriots)
18. Antonio Bryant (Tampa Bay)
19. Eddie Royal (Denver Broncos)
20. T.J. Houshmandzadeh (Cincinnati Bengals)
21. Lee Evans (Buffalo Bills)
22. Donnie Avery
23. Plaxico Burress (Giants)
24. Lance Moore (New Orleans Saints)
25. Donald Driver (Packers)
26. Kevin Walter (Houston Texans)
27. Marvin Harrison (Colts)
28. DeSean Jackson (Philadelphia Eagles)
29. Bernard Berrian (Vikings)
30. Ted Ginn Jr. (Dolphins)
31. Laveranues Coles (Jets)
32. Justin Gage (Tennessee Titans)
33. Steve Breaston (Arizona Cardinals)
34. Jericho Cotchery (Jets)
35. Kevin Curtis (Philadelphia Eagles)
36. Roy Williams (Dallas Cowboys)
37. Derrick Mason (Baltimore Ravens)
38. Torry Holt (St Louis Rams)
39. Greg Camarillo (Miami Dolphins)
40. Santonio Holmes (Pittsburgh Steelers)
Quarterbacks
1. Peyton Manning (Colts)
2. Aaron Rodgers (Green Bay Packers)
3. Drew Brees (New Orleans)
4. Tony Romo (Dallas Cowboys)
5. Jay Cutler (Denver Broncos)
6. Kurt Warner (Arizona Cardinals)
7. Matt Cassel (New England)
8. Eli Manning (New York Giants)
9. Philip Rivers (San Diego Chargers)
10. Jeff Garcia (Tampa Bay)
11. Jason Campbell (Washington Redskins)
12. Brett Favre (Jets)
13. Kyle Orton (Chicago Bears)
14. Ben Roethilsberger (Steelers)
15. Matt Ryan (Falcons)
16. Chad Pennington (Miami Dolphins)
17. Donovan McNabb (Philadelphia Eagles)
18. Kerry Collins (Tennessee Titans)
19. Brady Quinn (Cleveland Browns)
20. Jake Delhomme (Carolina Panthers)
Tight Ends
1. Dallas Clark (Colts)
2. Antonio Gates (San Diego Chargers)
3. Tony Gonzalez (Chiefs)
4. Kellen Winslow (Cleveland Browns)
5. Jason Witten (Dalls Cowboys)
6. Chris Cooley (Redskins)
7. Owen Daniels (Houston Texans)
8. Greg Olsen (Bears)
9. Dustin Keller (Jets)
10. Bo Scaife (Tennessee Titans
11. Tony Scheffler (Broncos)
12. Vernon Davis (49'ers)
13. John Carlson (Seahawks)
14. Zach Miller (Oakland)
15. Kevin Boss (Giants)
Defense/Special Teams
1. Pittsburgh Steelers
2. Tampa Bay
3. Chicago Bears
4. Tennessee Titans
5. Baltimore Ravens
6. Philadelphia Eagles
7. Washington Redskins
8. Dallas Cowboys
9. Minnesota Vikings
10. New York Giants
11. Carolina Panthers
12. Green Bay Packers
13. New York Jets
14. Jacksonville Jaguars
15. Miami Dolphins
Week 12 Fantasy Football Match-up Analysis!
Cincinnati at Pittsburgh
Cincinnati will have their work cut out for them against the #1 defense in the league. Pittsburgh is allowing just 69 yards per game on the ground and have yielded just 4 rushing TDs this year. The Bengal's still don't have a premier running back and you likely wouldn't have any of their running backs in your lineup anyway but if you had them in your lineup sit them this week. Fitzpatrick has been playing a little better and the Bengal's had a good game in the air last week but don't expect much against a stout Steeler's pass defense that is allowing just 169 yards per game and have given up 9 passing TDs all year. Houshmandzedah is the only person you're starting on the Bengals and temper your expectations for him as well. Chad Ocho-Cinco has been deactivated for this weeks game for breaking a rule(s) of the team. This means that Housh will be drawing even more double teams than normal. Housh still leads the NFL in receptions so if he finds the end zone he could have a reasonable game but not a game like last week.
In Pittsburgh Willie Parker appears to be healthy and is a must start this week against the Bengals. They allow 131 yards on the ground and have yielded 12 rushing TDs. In the air Ben R will try to get back on track against a bad Bengal's pass defense that has given up 14 passing TDs. Hines Ward is a good start and is the main target for the Steeler's. Heath Miller has practiced two days in a row and hopes to play Thursday night but don't expect huge things as he has been mostly quiet this year even when he is healthy.
Houston at Cleveland
Brady Quinn got his first win amidst a pretty poor game. Quinn broke his right index finger on one of the Bills' helmets last Monday but is cleared to play for Sunday. Keep an eye on him though because if he plays he has a good matchup if you're struggling at QB. The Texans have allowed 211 yards per game and have given up a putrid 17 passing TDs. Braylon Edwards still has a case of the dropsies but is still a prime target. Edwards is a #2 or #3 receiver at this point. Kellen Winslow strained his shoulder Monday night but is likely for Thursday night. Keep your eye on him but he should be a good start. On the ground Houston gives up 133 yards per game and have yielded 15 TDs. Jamal Lewis is a good start this week as the Browns will have to protect Quinn's finger.
Cleveland's defense isn't much better than Houston and that means that Rosenfels should have a reasonable game. Schaub is out for up to an additional month and Rosenfels will try to rebound from a horrible game. Sage is not a good start at all and should be on your bench. Andre Johnson is too good to sit but temper your expectations. On the ground Slaton should have a nice game against a Browns defense that allows 149 yards on the ground and have yielded 11 rushing touchdowns.
San Francisco at Dallas
Romo came back last week and performed just well enough to pull a win out thanks to some superior play from their defense. He will still wear his pinkie splint but is improving. After taking a hobo to the movies this week Romo and the Cowboys will try to stay on task by beating the bad 49'ers. The 49'ers are allowing 235 yards in the air and have yielded 15 TDs. Terrell Owens has been off the must start list for a few weeks but I do expect him to find the end zone this week. The Cowboys will likely try to keep it on the ground as much as possible against a San Francisco that allows 107 yards per game and have allowed 10 rushing TDs. Marion Barber should have a good game despite the bad news that Felix Jones will be put on IR with a torn ligament under his big toe. After missing time with a torn hamstring Jones tore a ligament under his big toe while rehabbing the hamstring.
On the 49'ers side of the ball Frank Gore is a must start against a Cowboys team that gives up 106 yards per game and have yielded 8 TDs on the ground. On the passing side of the ball nobody on the 49'ers are must starts. Shaun Hill has been serviceable and Vernon Davis has finally put together a couple decent games but the Cowboys team has a refreshed secondary after getting Terrence Newman back and they are allowing just 188 yards per game but have allowed 13 passing touchdowns.
Tampa Bay at Detroit
Tampa Bay struggles to stay ahead in the wild card standings and should have an easy time of it going against the 0-10 Lions. Detroit has put up a couple close games but Tampa Bay should have a good game this week. Detroit is allowing 172 yards per game on the ground and 231 yards in the air. Earnest Graham and Cadillac Williams are both out for Tampa Bay which makes Warrick Dunn a must pick-up and start. Detroit has given up an impressive 17 rushing touchdowns and Dunn should have a nice game. Garcia is a reasonable start against a Detroit team that has given up 16 passing touchdowns. Antonio Bryant should be in your lineup if possible.
Kevin Smith has quietly put together quite a decent sleeper running back sleeper season but he should be on your bench against a Tampa Bay defense that has only allowed 1 rushing TD all year while allowing 99 yards per game. In the air Tampa Bay's cover 2 defense is allowing 182 yards per game and have yielded 13 TDs. Calvin Johnson is the only person you're starting for the Lions but he is questionable with a quad injury. Keep your eye on him but if he's playing he has to be in your lineup with 5 scores in his last 6 games, he's the Lions' only legitimate option now.
Jets at Tennessee
The tough Jets rush defense could be the end of the Titans' 10-0 run although Collins proved last week that he can still throw the ball with a 230 yard game with 3 scores last week. It's good time for him to be getting into a rhythm against a poor Jets pass defense that is allowing 240 yards per game and have yielded 14 passing TDs. He will likely need to win the game for the Titans since Chris Johnson and LenDale White will have a tough game against the Jets that allow just 81 yards per game and have only allowed 7 rushing TDs. If you drafted Chris Johnson as your number 3 running back treat him like that this week.
Brett Favre has been riding the Thomas Jones engine and will try to continue that ride this week. Tennessee allows 95 yards on the ground and have yielded 10 TDs. While they are a stout run defense their pass defense is more stout, mostly because of the pressure that Hainsworth puts on the QB. The Titans allow just 187 yards in the air and have allowed a stingy, league leading, 5 passing TDs. Favre, Coles, Keller and Cotchery are not great plays if you have better options but if Favre decides to play Vintage Favre a big game should never surprise anybody. Thomas Jones is a #2 or 3 back this week despite being the 4th best fantasy back thus far.
Buffalo Bills at Kansas City
Tyler Thigpen has been the only bright spot in a terrible KC team. He has thrown for an average of 2 TDs a game over the last 4 games making Tony Gonzalez and Dwayne Bowe viable fantasy options. This week he should have a decent chance of expanding his positive play going against the Bills pass defense that allows 202 yards per game but just 7 TDs allowed in the air to date. Larry Johnson got the bulk of the carries last week by default. Larry Johnson is still not a consistent runner and is averaging around 3 yards per carrie.
On the Bills side of the ball most of their players should be in your lineup if possible. Lynch finally looked like he did when he was a rookie last year and has a phenomenal match-up this week against KC that allows 165 yards per game on the ground and have yielded 16 TDs to date. Lynch is a must start. In the air Trent Edwards has played terrible. Edwards has thrown 2 or more interceptions in the last three games and at inopportune times to boot. Edwards needs to be on the bench despite the fact that KC allows 237 yards per game in the air and have allowed 12 TDs. Until Edwards proves that he remembers how to be a professional QB he should be on your bench. Think of Lee Evans as a #3 receiver at best until Edwards gets back on track.
Chicago at St. Louis
Chicago finds itself in a three way tie for 1st at 5-5 and will try to get an easy win against a very bad Rams team. Matt Forte is primed for a huge game against a Rams team that allows 158 yards per game on the ground and have allowed a league worse 18 TDs on the ground. Forte is my start of the week at running back and should be in your lineup regardless of who else you have. Orton looked shaky last week in his first week back and coupled with the fact that Forte is going to demolish the Rams defense I don't like any of the Bears passing game this week.
On the ground Chicago looks a bit like retro Bears defense. They are allowing just 87 yards on the ground per game and have yielded 10 TDs. Steven Jackson is out of the lineup again this Sunday and that makes Antonio Pittman the main guy behind Bulger. You are not starting Pittman against a tough Bears defense. In the air the Bears can be beat. They are allowing 249 yards per game in the air and have allowed 13 TDs. Donnie Avery is the receiver you want to start in St Louis and is the only Ram I would want to start this week on both sides of the ball.
New England at Miami
Always a tough fight Miami will try to steal a win from the Brady-less Patriots. While allowing 104 yards on the ground the Patriots have only allowed 5 rushing touchdowns. Ronnie Brown could be a good start but I expect him to not find the end zone making him a #2 running back. In the air the Patriots are susceptible allowing 204 yards per game and have yielded 16 passing touchdowns. Unfortunately Pennington hasn't been playing consistently well and Ted Ginn Jr is too inconsistent to be a must start. They are deeper plays if you're having injury problems.
On the Patriots side of the ball Cassel is coming off of a huge game where he passed for over 400 yards and rushed for 60. Cassel and the Patriots should continue their air exploits going against a Dolphin's team that allows 223 yards in the air and have given up 12 TDs especially since Miami's rush defense is stout at 91 yards per game allowed and just 5 rushing touchdowns allowed all year. Randy Moss, Wes Welker and Matt Cassel should probably be in your lineup this week.
Minnesota at Jacksonville
Adrian Peterson had an off week last week and will look to get back on track against the mediocre rush defense of the Jaguars. The Jags allow 113 yards per game and have allowed 7 rushing touchdowns. As if you needed to hear it from here but Adrian Peterson should be in your lineup! Frerotte is looking more like what we expected him to look like over the last few weeks and should not be in your lineup along with all the other Vikings' pass game. Jacksonville is allowing 215 yards per game in the air and have given up 18 passing touchdowns. Sidney Rice and Visanthe Shiancoe are the only two people in the Vikings' pass game that I would want to start.
The is trying hard to hold on to some sort of playoff hope but they are looking up at Indianapolis and Tennessee. If you're expecting any production from any Jaguar it is probably Garrard. The Vikings are allowing 223 yards per game and have given up 8 passing touchdowns. MJD and crew will find it difficult to get started against a Minnesota team that allows just 74 yards per game on the ground. MJD is finding the end zone and has periodic flashes of great talent but could still lay an egg at any time.
Philadelphia at Baltimore
The Eagle's had a horribly disappointing week against a bad Bengal's team last week and will find it difficult to right the ship this week against the always physical and tough Ravens defense. The ravens are allowing just 80 rushing yards per game and have given up a stingy 3 rushing TDs. Brian Westbrook is obviously not 100% and has gone three games without finding the end zone. Westbrook is not a must start until he shows that he is healthy and this week does not look good for that to be the week. In the air Baltimore is a little more susceptible. They are allowing 188 yards per game and have given up 12 passing touchdowns. McNabb and DeSean Jackson will try to get back on track this week but with the Raven's 20 sacks and 15 INTs they will have a rough time at it.
The Ravens are the new winners of the running back heart breakers. If you start whoever had the big game the previous week for the Ravens you will be wrong the next week. It looks like McGahee is the man again but as soon as you get comfortable with that Ray Rice will have 100 yards and a score! The Eagle's rush defense is allowing 98 yards per game and have allowed just 5 rushing TDs. This makes me nervous to start McGahee but he is the back you want to start if you have to start a Ravens back. In the air Philadelphia is allowing 194 yards per game and have given up 13 passing TDs. Flacco has proven he can do more than just "manage" a game but he should be on your bench along with the rest of the Raven's passing game.
Oakland at Denver
Oakland will have a supposed healthy McFadden back this week against a bad Denver defense. Denver is allowing 143 yards on the ground and have given up 13 rushing TDs. McFadden and Fargas have little value despite the good match-up as they will both be getting snaps. In the air the Bronco's have been Terrible. They are allowing 244 yards per game and have allowed 14 TDs. They have just 4 interceptions and get virtually no big plays. That being said Russell and the rest of the Oakland passing team still has little to no value and should not be in your lineup.
Cutler has been slowly returning to form and has should have a decent game. Oakland's pass defense is surprisingly better than you would think. They are allowing 195 yards per game and have allowed 12 passing touchdowns. On the ground it is a different story. Oakland is allowing 165 yards per game on the ground and have given up 15 touchdowns. Unfortunately you don't want to start any Denver backs (see the Baltimore analysis!)
Carolina at Atlanta
Carolina is having a good year and will try to continue their winning season with a win against the quick and surprising turn around Atlanta Falcons. Delhomme has been a huge disappointment this year and will continue to struggle as the Panther's will stay on the ground with the two headed monster known as DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart. Atlanta is allowing 226 yards per game and have yielded 13 passing touchdowns but I don't trust Delhomme until he shows me he can play the position again. On the ground Atlanta allows 120 yards per game and have given up 11 passing touchdowns. DeAngelo Williams is still the guy you want in Carolina but Stewart has some value as a low #2 or flex running back.
Matt Ryan is having a phenomenal rookie year but will likely struggle this week against a tough Panther's pass defense. Carolina is allowing just 185 yards per game and have only given up 8 passing touchdowns. Roddy White has earned a spot in most people's lineups. Turner is another big play guy this year that has to be in your lineup. Carolina are allowing 108 yards per game but have given up a stingy 5 rushing touchdowns.
New York Giants at Arizona
This is somewhat of a test game for Arizona and Warner will have his work cut out for him. The Giants are allowing just 175 yards per game and have allowed 12 passing touchdowns on the year. They have 31 sacks and know how to get pressure on the QB. Warner broke his streak of consecutive games with 2 more TD passes and will look to start up a new streak. He has been nothing short of amazing and if the Arizona offensive line can give him time he is still one of the most potent and dangerous passers in the league. Boldin and Fitzgerald are obviously both still in your lineup. Tim Hightower and whoever else runs with him will also have a tough game against the Giants that allow just 91 yards per game and have allowed just 4 TDs on the ground. I am sitting Hightower if I have any other options.
From the Giants side of the ball you need to keep a watchful eye on Brandon Jacobs as he is questionable this week. If he practices Friday he will likely play Sunday. The Giants have been relying on the run this year and will have a tougher time this week. Arizona is allowing just 90 yards per game and have allowed 7 rushing TDs. Arizona is allowing 210 yards in the air but have racked up 23 sacks while giving up 19 passing TDs. If Arizona gets to Manning it could be a long game for the Giants.
Washington at Seattle
Clinton Portis missed practice on Wednesday but did the same last week against the Cowboys and still started. Portis has been the heart and soul of the Redskins offense and they will want him in if at all possible. Seattle is allowing 116 yards per game on the ground and have given up 9 TDs so if Portis can play you want him in your lineup. In the air Jason Campbell has struggled recently and will try to get back on track against the terribad Seahawks pass defense. Seattle is allowing 265 yards per game in the air and have allowed 15 passing touchdowns. Santana Moss and Cooley are the only two people I'm starting from the Redskins passing game this Sunday.
On the Seattle side of the ball they will have a tough go at it. Washington is allowing just 84 yards on the ground and 192 yards per game in the air with 7 and 10 TDs respectively. Hasselbeck's first game was tough, as expected, and shouldn't be used in week 12 unless you have to. Nobody on the Seahawks are must starts this week but Engram and Carlson have the best chances of doing something positive.
Indianapolis at San Diego
You want Peyton Manning and Reggie Wayne to start clicking? Well this is your week. San Diego owns the worst pass defense in the league allowing 267 yards per game and have given up 17 passing touchdowns while only having 6 interceptions. Wayne is a must start and Harrison could be a decent deeper start this week if you have injury problems. On the ground San Diego is allowing just 105 yards per game and have allowed 6 touchdowns. Addai showed last week while he's still a premier back and as long as he's healthy should probably be in your lineup.
The Colts rush defense is bad. They allow 149 yards per game and have allowed 15 rushing TDs. LT showed a flash of his old self last week and should have a nice game this week. LT and Antonio Gates are you only two must starts this week. Indianapolis is allowing just 189 yards per game and have allowed just 2 passing TDs thus far. Rivers had a horrible game last week and will likely struggle again this week.
Green Bay at New Orleans
Green Bay is playing for first place and will try to stick to the Saints. The Saints are a mediocre to bad defense allowing 111 yards on the ground and 235 yards in the air. Aaron Rodgers should be in your lineup this week as well as Greg Jennings. Driver is a strong #3 receiver this week. Ryan Grant has finally looked like the running back that took the NFL by storm last week. He looks healthy and assuming he plays should be in your lineup.
The Saints are fighting for relevancy and a lot of it will come down to Bushes status. Bush is still questionable so keep your eye on him. If he can go you have to start him against a bad Green Bay rush defense. Green Bay is allowing 147 yards on the ground and have given up 9 rushing TDs. In the Air Green Bay is strong and are allowing just 176 yards per game and have allowed 11 passing touchdowns. Drew Brees has been one of the better QBs in the league but may struggle this week after a mediocre week last week.
Cincinnati will have their work cut out for them against the #1 defense in the league. Pittsburgh is allowing just 69 yards per game on the ground and have yielded just 4 rushing TDs this year. The Bengal's still don't have a premier running back and you likely wouldn't have any of their running backs in your lineup anyway but if you had them in your lineup sit them this week. Fitzpatrick has been playing a little better and the Bengal's had a good game in the air last week but don't expect much against a stout Steeler's pass defense that is allowing just 169 yards per game and have given up 9 passing TDs all year. Houshmandzedah is the only person you're starting on the Bengals and temper your expectations for him as well. Chad Ocho-Cinco has been deactivated for this weeks game for breaking a rule(s) of the team. This means that Housh will be drawing even more double teams than normal. Housh still leads the NFL in receptions so if he finds the end zone he could have a reasonable game but not a game like last week.
In Pittsburgh Willie Parker appears to be healthy and is a must start this week against the Bengals. They allow 131 yards on the ground and have yielded 12 rushing TDs. In the air Ben R will try to get back on track against a bad Bengal's pass defense that has given up 14 passing TDs. Hines Ward is a good start and is the main target for the Steeler's. Heath Miller has practiced two days in a row and hopes to play Thursday night but don't expect huge things as he has been mostly quiet this year even when he is healthy.
Houston at Cleveland
Brady Quinn got his first win amidst a pretty poor game. Quinn broke his right index finger on one of the Bills' helmets last Monday but is cleared to play for Sunday. Keep an eye on him though because if he plays he has a good matchup if you're struggling at QB. The Texans have allowed 211 yards per game and have given up a putrid 17 passing TDs. Braylon Edwards still has a case of the dropsies but is still a prime target. Edwards is a #2 or #3 receiver at this point. Kellen Winslow strained his shoulder Monday night but is likely for Thursday night. Keep your eye on him but he should be a good start. On the ground Houston gives up 133 yards per game and have yielded 15 TDs. Jamal Lewis is a good start this week as the Browns will have to protect Quinn's finger.
Cleveland's defense isn't much better than Houston and that means that Rosenfels should have a reasonable game. Schaub is out for up to an additional month and Rosenfels will try to rebound from a horrible game. Sage is not a good start at all and should be on your bench. Andre Johnson is too good to sit but temper your expectations. On the ground Slaton should have a nice game against a Browns defense that allows 149 yards on the ground and have yielded 11 rushing touchdowns.
San Francisco at Dallas
Romo came back last week and performed just well enough to pull a win out thanks to some superior play from their defense. He will still wear his pinkie splint but is improving. After taking a hobo to the movies this week Romo and the Cowboys will try to stay on task by beating the bad 49'ers. The 49'ers are allowing 235 yards in the air and have yielded 15 TDs. Terrell Owens has been off the must start list for a few weeks but I do expect him to find the end zone this week. The Cowboys will likely try to keep it on the ground as much as possible against a San Francisco that allows 107 yards per game and have allowed 10 rushing TDs. Marion Barber should have a good game despite the bad news that Felix Jones will be put on IR with a torn ligament under his big toe. After missing time with a torn hamstring Jones tore a ligament under his big toe while rehabbing the hamstring.
On the 49'ers side of the ball Frank Gore is a must start against a Cowboys team that gives up 106 yards per game and have yielded 8 TDs on the ground. On the passing side of the ball nobody on the 49'ers are must starts. Shaun Hill has been serviceable and Vernon Davis has finally put together a couple decent games but the Cowboys team has a refreshed secondary after getting Terrence Newman back and they are allowing just 188 yards per game but have allowed 13 passing touchdowns.
Tampa Bay at Detroit
Tampa Bay struggles to stay ahead in the wild card standings and should have an easy time of it going against the 0-10 Lions. Detroit has put up a couple close games but Tampa Bay should have a good game this week. Detroit is allowing 172 yards per game on the ground and 231 yards in the air. Earnest Graham and Cadillac Williams are both out for Tampa Bay which makes Warrick Dunn a must pick-up and start. Detroit has given up an impressive 17 rushing touchdowns and Dunn should have a nice game. Garcia is a reasonable start against a Detroit team that has given up 16 passing touchdowns. Antonio Bryant should be in your lineup if possible.
Kevin Smith has quietly put together quite a decent sleeper running back sleeper season but he should be on your bench against a Tampa Bay defense that has only allowed 1 rushing TD all year while allowing 99 yards per game. In the air Tampa Bay's cover 2 defense is allowing 182 yards per game and have yielded 13 TDs. Calvin Johnson is the only person you're starting for the Lions but he is questionable with a quad injury. Keep your eye on him but if he's playing he has to be in your lineup with 5 scores in his last 6 games, he's the Lions' only legitimate option now.
Jets at Tennessee
The tough Jets rush defense could be the end of the Titans' 10-0 run although Collins proved last week that he can still throw the ball with a 230 yard game with 3 scores last week. It's good time for him to be getting into a rhythm against a poor Jets pass defense that is allowing 240 yards per game and have yielded 14 passing TDs. He will likely need to win the game for the Titans since Chris Johnson and LenDale White will have a tough game against the Jets that allow just 81 yards per game and have only allowed 7 rushing TDs. If you drafted Chris Johnson as your number 3 running back treat him like that this week.
Brett Favre has been riding the Thomas Jones engine and will try to continue that ride this week. Tennessee allows 95 yards on the ground and have yielded 10 TDs. While they are a stout run defense their pass defense is more stout, mostly because of the pressure that Hainsworth puts on the QB. The Titans allow just 187 yards in the air and have allowed a stingy, league leading, 5 passing TDs. Favre, Coles, Keller and Cotchery are not great plays if you have better options but if Favre decides to play Vintage Favre a big game should never surprise anybody. Thomas Jones is a #2 or 3 back this week despite being the 4th best fantasy back thus far.
Buffalo Bills at Kansas City
Tyler Thigpen has been the only bright spot in a terrible KC team. He has thrown for an average of 2 TDs a game over the last 4 games making Tony Gonzalez and Dwayne Bowe viable fantasy options. This week he should have a decent chance of expanding his positive play going against the Bills pass defense that allows 202 yards per game but just 7 TDs allowed in the air to date. Larry Johnson got the bulk of the carries last week by default. Larry Johnson is still not a consistent runner and is averaging around 3 yards per carrie.
On the Bills side of the ball most of their players should be in your lineup if possible. Lynch finally looked like he did when he was a rookie last year and has a phenomenal match-up this week against KC that allows 165 yards per game on the ground and have yielded 16 TDs to date. Lynch is a must start. In the air Trent Edwards has played terrible. Edwards has thrown 2 or more interceptions in the last three games and at inopportune times to boot. Edwards needs to be on the bench despite the fact that KC allows 237 yards per game in the air and have allowed 12 TDs. Until Edwards proves that he remembers how to be a professional QB he should be on your bench. Think of Lee Evans as a #3 receiver at best until Edwards gets back on track.
Chicago at St. Louis
Chicago finds itself in a three way tie for 1st at 5-5 and will try to get an easy win against a very bad Rams team. Matt Forte is primed for a huge game against a Rams team that allows 158 yards per game on the ground and have allowed a league worse 18 TDs on the ground. Forte is my start of the week at running back and should be in your lineup regardless of who else you have. Orton looked shaky last week in his first week back and coupled with the fact that Forte is going to demolish the Rams defense I don't like any of the Bears passing game this week.
On the ground Chicago looks a bit like retro Bears defense. They are allowing just 87 yards on the ground per game and have yielded 10 TDs. Steven Jackson is out of the lineup again this Sunday and that makes Antonio Pittman the main guy behind Bulger. You are not starting Pittman against a tough Bears defense. In the air the Bears can be beat. They are allowing 249 yards per game in the air and have allowed 13 TDs. Donnie Avery is the receiver you want to start in St Louis and is the only Ram I would want to start this week on both sides of the ball.
New England at Miami
Always a tough fight Miami will try to steal a win from the Brady-less Patriots. While allowing 104 yards on the ground the Patriots have only allowed 5 rushing touchdowns. Ronnie Brown could be a good start but I expect him to not find the end zone making him a #2 running back. In the air the Patriots are susceptible allowing 204 yards per game and have yielded 16 passing touchdowns. Unfortunately Pennington hasn't been playing consistently well and Ted Ginn Jr is too inconsistent to be a must start. They are deeper plays if you're having injury problems.
On the Patriots side of the ball Cassel is coming off of a huge game where he passed for over 400 yards and rushed for 60. Cassel and the Patriots should continue their air exploits going against a Dolphin's team that allows 223 yards in the air and have given up 12 TDs especially since Miami's rush defense is stout at 91 yards per game allowed and just 5 rushing touchdowns allowed all year. Randy Moss, Wes Welker and Matt Cassel should probably be in your lineup this week.
Minnesota at Jacksonville
Adrian Peterson had an off week last week and will look to get back on track against the mediocre rush defense of the Jaguars. The Jags allow 113 yards per game and have allowed 7 rushing touchdowns. As if you needed to hear it from here but Adrian Peterson should be in your lineup! Frerotte is looking more like what we expected him to look like over the last few weeks and should not be in your lineup along with all the other Vikings' pass game. Jacksonville is allowing 215 yards per game in the air and have given up 18 passing touchdowns. Sidney Rice and Visanthe Shiancoe are the only two people in the Vikings' pass game that I would want to start.
The is trying hard to hold on to some sort of playoff hope but they are looking up at Indianapolis and Tennessee. If you're expecting any production from any Jaguar it is probably Garrard. The Vikings are allowing 223 yards per game and have given up 8 passing touchdowns. MJD and crew will find it difficult to get started against a Minnesota team that allows just 74 yards per game on the ground. MJD is finding the end zone and has periodic flashes of great talent but could still lay an egg at any time.
Philadelphia at Baltimore
The Eagle's had a horribly disappointing week against a bad Bengal's team last week and will find it difficult to right the ship this week against the always physical and tough Ravens defense. The ravens are allowing just 80 rushing yards per game and have given up a stingy 3 rushing TDs. Brian Westbrook is obviously not 100% and has gone three games without finding the end zone. Westbrook is not a must start until he shows that he is healthy and this week does not look good for that to be the week. In the air Baltimore is a little more susceptible. They are allowing 188 yards per game and have given up 12 passing touchdowns. McNabb and DeSean Jackson will try to get back on track this week but with the Raven's 20 sacks and 15 INTs they will have a rough time at it.
The Ravens are the new winners of the running back heart breakers. If you start whoever had the big game the previous week for the Ravens you will be wrong the next week. It looks like McGahee is the man again but as soon as you get comfortable with that Ray Rice will have 100 yards and a score! The Eagle's rush defense is allowing 98 yards per game and have allowed just 5 rushing TDs. This makes me nervous to start McGahee but he is the back you want to start if you have to start a Ravens back. In the air Philadelphia is allowing 194 yards per game and have given up 13 passing TDs. Flacco has proven he can do more than just "manage" a game but he should be on your bench along with the rest of the Raven's passing game.
Oakland at Denver
Oakland will have a supposed healthy McFadden back this week against a bad Denver defense. Denver is allowing 143 yards on the ground and have given up 13 rushing TDs. McFadden and Fargas have little value despite the good match-up as they will both be getting snaps. In the air the Bronco's have been Terrible. They are allowing 244 yards per game and have allowed 14 TDs. They have just 4 interceptions and get virtually no big plays. That being said Russell and the rest of the Oakland passing team still has little to no value and should not be in your lineup.
Cutler has been slowly returning to form and has should have a decent game. Oakland's pass defense is surprisingly better than you would think. They are allowing 195 yards per game and have allowed 12 passing touchdowns. On the ground it is a different story. Oakland is allowing 165 yards per game on the ground and have given up 15 touchdowns. Unfortunately you don't want to start any Denver backs (see the Baltimore analysis!)
Carolina at Atlanta
Carolina is having a good year and will try to continue their winning season with a win against the quick and surprising turn around Atlanta Falcons. Delhomme has been a huge disappointment this year and will continue to struggle as the Panther's will stay on the ground with the two headed monster known as DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart. Atlanta is allowing 226 yards per game and have yielded 13 passing touchdowns but I don't trust Delhomme until he shows me he can play the position again. On the ground Atlanta allows 120 yards per game and have given up 11 passing touchdowns. DeAngelo Williams is still the guy you want in Carolina but Stewart has some value as a low #2 or flex running back.
Matt Ryan is having a phenomenal rookie year but will likely struggle this week against a tough Panther's pass defense. Carolina is allowing just 185 yards per game and have only given up 8 passing touchdowns. Roddy White has earned a spot in most people's lineups. Turner is another big play guy this year that has to be in your lineup. Carolina are allowing 108 yards per game but have given up a stingy 5 rushing touchdowns.
New York Giants at Arizona
This is somewhat of a test game for Arizona and Warner will have his work cut out for him. The Giants are allowing just 175 yards per game and have allowed 12 passing touchdowns on the year. They have 31 sacks and know how to get pressure on the QB. Warner broke his streak of consecutive games with 2 more TD passes and will look to start up a new streak. He has been nothing short of amazing and if the Arizona offensive line can give him time he is still one of the most potent and dangerous passers in the league. Boldin and Fitzgerald are obviously both still in your lineup. Tim Hightower and whoever else runs with him will also have a tough game against the Giants that allow just 91 yards per game and have allowed just 4 TDs on the ground. I am sitting Hightower if I have any other options.
From the Giants side of the ball you need to keep a watchful eye on Brandon Jacobs as he is questionable this week. If he practices Friday he will likely play Sunday. The Giants have been relying on the run this year and will have a tougher time this week. Arizona is allowing just 90 yards per game and have allowed 7 rushing TDs. Arizona is allowing 210 yards in the air but have racked up 23 sacks while giving up 19 passing TDs. If Arizona gets to Manning it could be a long game for the Giants.
Washington at Seattle
Clinton Portis missed practice on Wednesday but did the same last week against the Cowboys and still started. Portis has been the heart and soul of the Redskins offense and they will want him in if at all possible. Seattle is allowing 116 yards per game on the ground and have given up 9 TDs so if Portis can play you want him in your lineup. In the air Jason Campbell has struggled recently and will try to get back on track against the terribad Seahawks pass defense. Seattle is allowing 265 yards per game in the air and have allowed 15 passing touchdowns. Santana Moss and Cooley are the only two people I'm starting from the Redskins passing game this Sunday.
On the Seattle side of the ball they will have a tough go at it. Washington is allowing just 84 yards on the ground and 192 yards per game in the air with 7 and 10 TDs respectively. Hasselbeck's first game was tough, as expected, and shouldn't be used in week 12 unless you have to. Nobody on the Seahawks are must starts this week but Engram and Carlson have the best chances of doing something positive.
Indianapolis at San Diego
You want Peyton Manning and Reggie Wayne to start clicking? Well this is your week. San Diego owns the worst pass defense in the league allowing 267 yards per game and have given up 17 passing touchdowns while only having 6 interceptions. Wayne is a must start and Harrison could be a decent deeper start this week if you have injury problems. On the ground San Diego is allowing just 105 yards per game and have allowed 6 touchdowns. Addai showed last week while he's still a premier back and as long as he's healthy should probably be in your lineup.
The Colts rush defense is bad. They allow 149 yards per game and have allowed 15 rushing TDs. LT showed a flash of his old self last week and should have a nice game this week. LT and Antonio Gates are you only two must starts this week. Indianapolis is allowing just 189 yards per game and have allowed just 2 passing TDs thus far. Rivers had a horrible game last week and will likely struggle again this week.
Green Bay at New Orleans
Green Bay is playing for first place and will try to stick to the Saints. The Saints are a mediocre to bad defense allowing 111 yards on the ground and 235 yards in the air. Aaron Rodgers should be in your lineup this week as well as Greg Jennings. Driver is a strong #3 receiver this week. Ryan Grant has finally looked like the running back that took the NFL by storm last week. He looks healthy and assuming he plays should be in your lineup.
The Saints are fighting for relevancy and a lot of it will come down to Bushes status. Bush is still questionable so keep your eye on him. If he can go you have to start him against a bad Green Bay rush defense. Green Bay is allowing 147 yards on the ground and have given up 9 rushing TDs. In the Air Green Bay is strong and are allowing just 176 yards per game and have allowed 11 passing touchdowns. Drew Brees has been one of the better QBs in the league but may struggle this week after a mediocre week last week.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Week 11 Rankings!
This is week 11 fantasy football rankings as decided by Stan Schlueter.
Running Backs
1. Brian Westbrook
2. Matt Forte
3. Frank Gore
4. Michael Turner
5. Adrian Peterson
6. DeAngelo Williams
7. Chris Johnson
8. Ronnie Brown
9. Marion Barber
10. Steve Slaton
11. Marshawn Lynch
12. Joseph Addai
13. LaDainian Tomlinson
14. Brandon Jackson
15. Tim Hightower
16. Deuce McAllister
17. Jamal Lewis
18. Ryan Grant
19. LenDale White
20. Willie Parker
21. Antonio Pittman
22. Maurice Jones-Drew
23. Willis McGahee
24. Earnest Graham
25. Larry Johnson
26. Justin Fargas
27. Jonathan Stewart
28. Julius Jones
29. Ladell Betts
30. Ricky Williams
31. Kevin Smith
32. Mewelde Moore
33. Peyton Hillis
34. Jerious Norwood
35. Fred Taylor
Wide Receivers
1. Anquan BOldin
2. Larry Fitzgerald
3. Reggie Wayne
4. Brandon Marshall
5. Steve Smith
6. Marques Colston
7. Greg Jennings
8. Roddy White
9. Andre Johnson
10. Santana Moss
11. Calvin Johnson
12. Terrell Owens
13. Dwayne Bowe
14. Lee Evans
15. DeSean Jackson
16. Eddie Royal
17. Hines Ward
18. Plaxico Burress
19. T.J. Houshmandzadeh
20. Steve Breaston
21. Braylon Edwards
22. Donald Driver
23. Lance Moore
24. Kevin Curtis
25. Bernard Berrian
26. Donnie Avery
27. Muhsin Muhammad
28. Kevin Walter
29. Santonio Holmes
30. Antonio Bryant
31. Vincent Jackson
32. Matt Jones
33. Bobby Engram
34. Roy Williams
35. Greg Camarillo
36. Chad Johnson
37. Mark Bradley
38. Anthony Gonzalez
39. Torry Holt
40. Marvin Harrison
41. Chris Chambers
42. Ted Ginn Jr.
43. Matt Jones
44. Jason Hill
45. Derrick Mason
Quarterbacks
1. Kurt Warner
2. Drew Brees
3. Jay Cutler
4. Donovan McNabb
5. Peyton Manning
6. Aaron Rodgers
7. Matt Ryan
8. Tony Romo
9. Philip Rivers
10. Jake Delhomme
11. Tyler Thigpen
12. Ben Roethlisberger
13. Chad Pennington
14. Eli Manning
15. Matt Hasselbeck
16. Jason Campbell
17. David Garrard
18. Shaun Hill
19. Trent Edwards
20. Brady Quinn
Tight Ends
1. Tony Gonzalez
2. Antonio Gates
3. Jason Witten
4. Kellen Winslow
5. Dallas Clark
6. Tony Scheffler
7. Owen Daniels
8. Chris Cooley
9. Greg Olsen
10. Bo Scaife
11. Kevin Boss
12. John Carlson
13. Zach Miller
14. Billy Miller
15. Anthony Fasano
D/ST
1. Miami Dolphins
2. Carolina Panthers
3. Philadelphia Eagles
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
5. New York Giants
6. Tennessee Titans
7. Baltimore Ravens
8. Pittsburgh Steelers
9. Arizona Cardinals
10. Jacksonville Jaguars
11. Indianapolis Colts
12. San Francisco
13. Green Bay Packers
14. Washington Redskins
15. Chicago Bears
Running Backs
1. Brian Westbrook
2. Matt Forte
3. Frank Gore
4. Michael Turner
5. Adrian Peterson
6. DeAngelo Williams
7. Chris Johnson
8. Ronnie Brown
9. Marion Barber
10. Steve Slaton
11. Marshawn Lynch
12. Joseph Addai
13. LaDainian Tomlinson
14. Brandon Jackson
15. Tim Hightower
16. Deuce McAllister
17. Jamal Lewis
18. Ryan Grant
19. LenDale White
20. Willie Parker
21. Antonio Pittman
22. Maurice Jones-Drew
23. Willis McGahee
24. Earnest Graham
25. Larry Johnson
26. Justin Fargas
27. Jonathan Stewart
28. Julius Jones
29. Ladell Betts
30. Ricky Williams
31. Kevin Smith
32. Mewelde Moore
33. Peyton Hillis
34. Jerious Norwood
35. Fred Taylor
Wide Receivers
1. Anquan BOldin
2. Larry Fitzgerald
3. Reggie Wayne
4. Brandon Marshall
5. Steve Smith
6. Marques Colston
7. Greg Jennings
8. Roddy White
9. Andre Johnson
10. Santana Moss
11. Calvin Johnson
12. Terrell Owens
13. Dwayne Bowe
14. Lee Evans
15. DeSean Jackson
16. Eddie Royal
17. Hines Ward
18. Plaxico Burress
19. T.J. Houshmandzadeh
20. Steve Breaston
21. Braylon Edwards
22. Donald Driver
23. Lance Moore
24. Kevin Curtis
25. Bernard Berrian
26. Donnie Avery
27. Muhsin Muhammad
28. Kevin Walter
29. Santonio Holmes
30. Antonio Bryant
31. Vincent Jackson
32. Matt Jones
33. Bobby Engram
34. Roy Williams
35. Greg Camarillo
36. Chad Johnson
37. Mark Bradley
38. Anthony Gonzalez
39. Torry Holt
40. Marvin Harrison
41. Chris Chambers
42. Ted Ginn Jr.
43. Matt Jones
44. Jason Hill
45. Derrick Mason
Quarterbacks
1. Kurt Warner
2. Drew Brees
3. Jay Cutler
4. Donovan McNabb
5. Peyton Manning
6. Aaron Rodgers
7. Matt Ryan
8. Tony Romo
9. Philip Rivers
10. Jake Delhomme
11. Tyler Thigpen
12. Ben Roethlisberger
13. Chad Pennington
14. Eli Manning
15. Matt Hasselbeck
16. Jason Campbell
17. David Garrard
18. Shaun Hill
19. Trent Edwards
20. Brady Quinn
Tight Ends
1. Tony Gonzalez
2. Antonio Gates
3. Jason Witten
4. Kellen Winslow
5. Dallas Clark
6. Tony Scheffler
7. Owen Daniels
8. Chris Cooley
9. Greg Olsen
10. Bo Scaife
11. Kevin Boss
12. John Carlson
13. Zach Miller
14. Billy Miller
15. Anthony Fasano
D/ST
1. Miami Dolphins
2. Carolina Panthers
3. Philadelphia Eagles
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
5. New York Giants
6. Tennessee Titans
7. Baltimore Ravens
8. Pittsburgh Steelers
9. Arizona Cardinals
10. Jacksonville Jaguars
11. Indianapolis Colts
12. San Francisco
13. Green Bay Packers
14. Washington Redskins
15. Chicago Bears
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Week 10 Fantasy Football Matchup Analysis!
Jets at Patriots
One of the best rivalries in football heads off on Thursday night and one of the two 6-3 teams will leave 6-4.
The Jets are coming off an absolute trouncing of the Rams where Favre threw for just 167 yards and mixed it up by not throwing any pics. Thomas Jones went off for 149 yards and three scores. New England is allowing 100 yards per game on the ground but have yielded just 4 TDs. Thomas Jones is obviously a big part of the Jets' offense but don't expect a huge game from Jones. The Pats are allowing 201 yards per game in the air and have yielded 4 TDs. Look for the Jets passing game to produce against a bad Pats passing defense.
The Jets stout run defense makes all the Pats running backs poor starts. The Jets are allowing just 76 yards on the ground and have given up a stingy 7 rushing TDs. In the air they give up 223 yards per game and have yielded 11 passing TDs. I expect most of this game to stay in the air making Welker, Moss and even Cassel good plays.
Denver at Atlanta
Welcome back Jay Cutler! Cutler went off last week with 447 yards, three scores and should continue the dominance against a Falcon's pass defense that has given up 228 yards per game and 12 passing touchdowns. Marshall, Cutler and Scheffler are must starts and Royal is a nice start if you are a little thin at receiver. On the ground Torain is out for the year along with Michael Pittman. Selvin Young still can't practice and that makes fullback Petyon Hillis the likely winner for the starting job. You are obviously not starting any Denver back.
If ever a week to start Matt Ryan and Roddy white existed this is it. Denver has allowed 243 yards per game and yielded 14 touchdowns in the air. They have only managed to grab three interceptions to go with their poor defense. Don't be afraid to start Michael Jenkins this week. It doesn't get much better for the Bronco's on the ground. Turner is a must start against a Denver team that has allowed 146 yards per game on the ground and 11 rushing TDs.
New Orleans at Kansas City
Drew Brees is going to have a monster game. Kansas City is allowing 234 yards per game in the air and have yielded 11 TDs. Brees and the Saints are coming off of another tough loss and will try to wrap up a win against the terrible Chiefs! Colston re-entered fantasy relevance last week and is a must start this week. Until Jeremy Shockey does something worth while Billy Miller is the tight end you want in New Orleans. Bush is looking probable this week but will likely be limited. Which is too bad for Deuce McAllister and Bush because KC is the leagues worst rush defense allowing 172 yards per game and have yielded 14 TDs.
On the KC side of the ball larry johnson is back and active this week but nobody's sure what his role will be. Keep him out of your lineup until we have an idea. New Orleans is allowing a generous 107 yards per game on the ground but have only allowed 5 rushing touchdowns thus far. None of the KC backs are great starts this week. On the passing side of the ball Thigpen has shown that he has some value so if you're in a pinch at QB feel confident starting him against a Saints pass defense that is allowing 238 yards per game and have given up 14 passing touchdowns. Dwayne Bowe is also a good start with Tony Gonzalez topping off the Chiefs passing game as a must start.
Philadelphia at Cincinnati
Westbrook, my #1 ranked running back this week should explode this week. Cincinnati is allowing 138 yards per game on the ground and have yielded 12 TDs. Westbrook is banged up but said he is feeling better than he did last week despite not being 100%. Cincinnati's pass defense is coming in at #10 in the NFL giving up just 194 yards per game but have allowed 13 TDs. Despite their decent pass defense look for Jackson to continue his production and Kevin Walter could be a good start as well while he's finding his way back into the Eagle's offense.
There aren't any great Bengal starts against a Philadelphia team that allows just 190 yards per game in the air and 123 yards on the ground. Fitzpatrick is still the man in Cincinnati which makes Housh a #2 and Johnson a #3 starter.
Chicago at Green Bay
Green Bayweak run defense means a good matchup for Forte. Green Bay is allowing 154 rushing yards per game and have yielded 9 TDs. Forte should dominate this week and must be in your lineup. Green Bay's pass defense is allowing just 179 yards per game in the air and have yielded 11 TDs. This makes Orton, the expected starter, and all the Bears receivers sits this week.
All your Packers involved in the passing game should find their way into your lineup. The Bears are allowing a putrid 252 yards per game in the air and have yielded 11 TDs. Rodgers is a top 5 QB this week. Ryan Grant should probably find his way onto your bench this week against a Bears run defense that is allowing just 75 yards per game and yielded just 9 TDs thus far.
Houston at Indianapolis
Indy came out of last week with a W and should continue to produce this week against a bad Houston defense. Houston is giving up 130 yards per game on the ground and have given up 14 rushing TDs. In the air they give up 199 yards per game and 15 passing touchdowns to date. Manning and Wayne need to be in your lineup. I'm putting Addai on notice. If he doesn't have a big game this week he is officially off the must start group of players!
Houston has a tough matchup especially in the air. Indy is allowing just 191 yards per game in the air and have yielded a league leading 2 passing touchdowns. Sage is in at QB and the only part of the passing game that you will want to start is Andre Johnson. The best Houston fantasy play for Houston is Slaton who is going against the Colts that allow 134 yards on the ground and have yielded 12 rushing TDs. Slaton is a must start this week.
Oakland at Miami
Ricky Williams looked like Williams circa 2002. but don't get your hopes up, he's still not worth starting except in deep leagues where you have injury problems. Ronnie Brown is still the running back you want in Miami. Speaking of Ronnie Brown, he is a nice start this week against a terrible Oakland rush defense that is allowing 158 yards per game on the ground and have yielded 13 TDs. Pennington is a reasonable low end #1 or #2 QB this week against an Oakland pass defense that has given up 12 TDs in the air despite only allowing 197 yards per game.
On the Oakland side you're still avoiding them like the plague. McFadden's turf toe is still hurting him and Fargas just isn't running well, especially when he's the only player on Oakland worth mentioning. Miami has a good run defense at 93 yards per game and just 5 rushing touchdowns to date. Sit everybody on the Raiders!
Baltimore at New York Giants
I'm going to go out on a limb here and say somebody is going to get injured during this game. Baltimore is a tough defense that only gives up 65 yards on the ground and 193 in the air. They have only given up 1 rushing TD which makes Brandon Jacobs a sit if you have anything else worth starting. Eli Manning and Plaxico Burress are not great starts either against a Baltimroe team that has 14 interceptions and 19 sacks. I like Kevin Boss in this game as I expect Manning to look to him as an out option.
The Ravens just can't decide which running back they want to be the man. It's Ray Rice one week then McGahee re-emerges as the main guy. If I'm choosing one going forward it's still McGahee. McGahee doesn't have a great match-up against the Giants who allow just 88 yards per game and have only given up 4 rushing TDs. Flacco has been playing well and winning games but still isn't a phenomenal fantasy option, especially against the Giants who only allow 177 yards per game but have given up 11 TDs in the air.
Minnesota at Tampa Bay
Adrian Peterson showed again last week why he's the best young running back in the league. He doesn't have a great match-up this week against a Bucks team that allows just 95 yards on the ground and has only allowed 1 measly rushing TD. If anybody is going to beat them it would be AP. While you are not sitting AP against any team, I would temper your expectations. Tampa Bay is allowing just 190 yards in the air but have allowed 12 TDs. I wouldn't want to start any of the Vikings pass offense but if a deep league look to Sidney Rice as a sleeper.
Warrick Dunn is back this week which is good for the Bucks. That being said I wouldn't expect much from either Dunn or Graham. Minnesota is allowing a stingy 70 yards per game on the ground and just 8 TDs. Graham is still the man you want to start in Tampa Bay but neither will have great games. Jeff Garcia and Antonio Bryant are good starts this week against a suspect Minnesota pass defense. Minnesota is allowing 219 yards per game and have given up 8 passing touchdowns. Alex Smith is a decent TE option this week as well.
Detroit at Carolina
Detroit, the dog butted lions. I won't even capitalize their name! Not much to say about the lions. Regardless of who they're playing Calvin Johnson is the only person that you are starting happily. Kevin Smith has turned in a couple nice games and could be a #3 or flex start this week but that's about it.
For Carolina you're starting everybody. Jonathan Stewart is a #3 or flex play with DeAngelo Williams as a #1. Steve Smith and Delhomme should rebound after a terrible game last week when Delhomme threw for 76 yards, 4 interceptions and a score. Muhammad is a reasonable play but Carolina will likely keep it on the ground for the most part.
St. Louis at San Francisco
Steven Jackson is still on the mend and is questionable for Sunday. Antonio Pittman will go if Jackson can't. It's too bad for Jackson that he can't go because San Francisco has given up 10 TDs and allowed 105 yards per game. Bulger is the starter this week and could have a good game against the 49'ers defense that gives up 230 yards per game and have yielded up a plethora of passing TDs at 14. Donnie Avery has some big play potential today and Torry Holt is a deeper start.
Surprisingly enough the 49'ers are pretty good starts this week. The Rams are allowing 238 yards per game in the air and 161 yards on the ground while allowing 13 and 15 TDs accordingly. Shaun Hill should not be started and neither should most of the 49'ers receivers as they are too inconsistent to be in your lineup. Vernon Davis is the only part of the passing game that I would feel comfortable starting. Frank Gore is a must start and should make the lineup in every league you own him.
Arizona at Seattle
Arizona pulled out a close one in large part because of the 49'ers poor clock management. They will look to bounce back against a horrible Seattle team, especially pass defense. Kurt Warner is my start of the week against a Seattle team that gives up 252 yards per game and have yielded 14 passing touchdowns. Since Warner took over for Lienart last year he has thrown no less than 2 touchdowns in every game he's started. That is more consistent then death or taxes. All three Cardinal receivers should be in your lineup and all three should have nice games. Tim Hightower is still the back you want against a Seattle team that gives up 120 yards per game and have yielded 8 TDs on the ground.
On the Seattle side of the ball Hasselbeck is scheduled to be the starter this Sunday. He will play for just the 5th game this year and left one of those games in the early parts of the game. The Cardinal's pass defense is suspect at 216 yards epr game and have given up a league leading 18 passing touchdowns. Koren Robinson is the #2 at Seattle and could be a sleeper for this week. Don't expect much from Hasselbeck on his first game back but Bobby Engram could have nice game especially with Arizona's rush defense being stout. Arizona is allowing just 95 yards per game on the ground and have only given up 5 TDs.
Tennessee at Jacksonville
The 9-0 Titans go into Jacksonville and look to continue their winning ways. Chris Johnson and LenDale White got shut down last week and will look to bounce back against a Jaguar's team that is allowing 113 yards on the ground and have yielded 7 rushing TDs. Johnson is a #1 this week with White as a #2. Kerry Collins will not put up phenomenal numbers but should have a decent game against a Jaguar's team that allows 213 yards per game and have given up 8 passing touchdowns.
The match-up is not in Jacksonville's favor on either side of the ball but if it leaned one way it would in the air. Tennessee is allowing 194 yards pr game and 5 TDs while only giving up 90 on the ground and 8 rushing TDs. Garrard will try to continue his strong play and should have a decent game. Matt Jones is still in the lineup he should be a good #3 or flex play.
San Diego at Pittsburgh
Roethlisberger is practicing and while not at 100% should be a great start against the worst pass defense in the league. San Diego is allowing 265 yards per game and have given up 17 TDs in the air. Hines Ward, Santonio Holmes and Matt Spaeth (who is filling in for the inactive Heath Miller) are good starts this week. It looks like Fast Willie will be in the game Sunday but I wouldn't expect a great game. San Diego is allowing 103 yards and have yielded just 6 rushing touchdowns.
LT and gang will have a rough go at Pittsburgh who are allowing just 177 yards in the air and 69 on the ground. Pittsburgh has allowed just 12 TDs total on both sides of the ball this year. Rivers is coming off of a nice game last week when the Charger's barely pulled off a win against the dog butted Chiefs and will try to continue it but don't expect a high scoring game.
Dallas at Washington
Dallas is struggling and will look to get some help again from Tony Romo and maybe Terrance Newman. Both teams are coming off of a bye week and hope to stay healthy. Washington is allowing just 191 yards in the air and have given up 9 TDs. Romo and Owens are must starts and Roy Williams will get his first start as a Cowboy. Look for Witten to have a big game. Felix Jones is looking doubtful and that means Marion Barber will have to shoulder the load against a Washington team that is allowing just 81 yards on the ground and have only allowed 6 TDs.
Santana Moss always blows up against the Cowboys and shouldn't have any trouble continuing that feat against a Dallast defense that is allowing 194 yards per game and have given up 12 passing TDs. If Portis can go he should have a nice game as Dallas is allowing 107 yards per game and have given up 8 rushing TDs to date.
Cleveland at Buffalo
The Quinn Experiment went well for the first week against a horrible Denver defense. He will have a little tougher match-up against a Buffalo team that gives up 205 yards per game but has only allowed 7 passing TDs. The Browns are likely to build the offensive game plan to include quick dump off passes and over the middle type routes. Kellen Winslow was Quinn's go to man the first game and could have another nice game if he keeps the chemistry going. On the ground Jamal Lewis is a #2 or 3 starter against a Buffalo team that gives up 104 yards per game and have yielded 11 TDs.
On the Buffalo side of the ball Marshawn Lynch is a good start against a Cleveland team that gives up 145 yards per game and have yielded 10 TDs. Trent Edwards and Lee Evans are your two starters from the Bills passing game with James Hardy as a deeper start. The Browns are allowing 227 yards in the air and have given up 12 passing touchdowns.
One of the best rivalries in football heads off on Thursday night and one of the two 6-3 teams will leave 6-4.
The Jets are coming off an absolute trouncing of the Rams where Favre threw for just 167 yards and mixed it up by not throwing any pics. Thomas Jones went off for 149 yards and three scores. New England is allowing 100 yards per game on the ground but have yielded just 4 TDs. Thomas Jones is obviously a big part of the Jets' offense but don't expect a huge game from Jones. The Pats are allowing 201 yards per game in the air and have yielded 4 TDs. Look for the Jets passing game to produce against a bad Pats passing defense.
The Jets stout run defense makes all the Pats running backs poor starts. The Jets are allowing just 76 yards on the ground and have given up a stingy 7 rushing TDs. In the air they give up 223 yards per game and have yielded 11 passing TDs. I expect most of this game to stay in the air making Welker, Moss and even Cassel good plays.
Denver at Atlanta
Welcome back Jay Cutler! Cutler went off last week with 447 yards, three scores and should continue the dominance against a Falcon's pass defense that has given up 228 yards per game and 12 passing touchdowns. Marshall, Cutler and Scheffler are must starts and Royal is a nice start if you are a little thin at receiver. On the ground Torain is out for the year along with Michael Pittman. Selvin Young still can't practice and that makes fullback Petyon Hillis the likely winner for the starting job. You are obviously not starting any Denver back.
If ever a week to start Matt Ryan and Roddy white existed this is it. Denver has allowed 243 yards per game and yielded 14 touchdowns in the air. They have only managed to grab three interceptions to go with their poor defense. Don't be afraid to start Michael Jenkins this week. It doesn't get much better for the Bronco's on the ground. Turner is a must start against a Denver team that has allowed 146 yards per game on the ground and 11 rushing TDs.
New Orleans at Kansas City
Drew Brees is going to have a monster game. Kansas City is allowing 234 yards per game in the air and have yielded 11 TDs. Brees and the Saints are coming off of another tough loss and will try to wrap up a win against the terrible Chiefs! Colston re-entered fantasy relevance last week and is a must start this week. Until Jeremy Shockey does something worth while Billy Miller is the tight end you want in New Orleans. Bush is looking probable this week but will likely be limited. Which is too bad for Deuce McAllister and Bush because KC is the leagues worst rush defense allowing 172 yards per game and have yielded 14 TDs.
On the KC side of the ball larry johnson is back and active this week but nobody's sure what his role will be. Keep him out of your lineup until we have an idea. New Orleans is allowing a generous 107 yards per game on the ground but have only allowed 5 rushing touchdowns thus far. None of the KC backs are great starts this week. On the passing side of the ball Thigpen has shown that he has some value so if you're in a pinch at QB feel confident starting him against a Saints pass defense that is allowing 238 yards per game and have given up 14 passing touchdowns. Dwayne Bowe is also a good start with Tony Gonzalez topping off the Chiefs passing game as a must start.
Philadelphia at Cincinnati
Westbrook, my #1 ranked running back this week should explode this week. Cincinnati is allowing 138 yards per game on the ground and have yielded 12 TDs. Westbrook is banged up but said he is feeling better than he did last week despite not being 100%. Cincinnati's pass defense is coming in at #10 in the NFL giving up just 194 yards per game but have allowed 13 TDs. Despite their decent pass defense look for Jackson to continue his production and Kevin Walter could be a good start as well while he's finding his way back into the Eagle's offense.
There aren't any great Bengal starts against a Philadelphia team that allows just 190 yards per game in the air and 123 yards on the ground. Fitzpatrick is still the man in Cincinnati which makes Housh a #2 and Johnson a #3 starter.
Chicago at Green Bay
Green Bayweak run defense means a good matchup for Forte. Green Bay is allowing 154 rushing yards per game and have yielded 9 TDs. Forte should dominate this week and must be in your lineup. Green Bay's pass defense is allowing just 179 yards per game in the air and have yielded 11 TDs. This makes Orton, the expected starter, and all the Bears receivers sits this week.
All your Packers involved in the passing game should find their way into your lineup. The Bears are allowing a putrid 252 yards per game in the air and have yielded 11 TDs. Rodgers is a top 5 QB this week. Ryan Grant should probably find his way onto your bench this week against a Bears run defense that is allowing just 75 yards per game and yielded just 9 TDs thus far.
Houston at Indianapolis
Indy came out of last week with a W and should continue to produce this week against a bad Houston defense. Houston is giving up 130 yards per game on the ground and have given up 14 rushing TDs. In the air they give up 199 yards per game and 15 passing touchdowns to date. Manning and Wayne need to be in your lineup. I'm putting Addai on notice. If he doesn't have a big game this week he is officially off the must start group of players!
Houston has a tough matchup especially in the air. Indy is allowing just 191 yards per game in the air and have yielded a league leading 2 passing touchdowns. Sage is in at QB and the only part of the passing game that you will want to start is Andre Johnson. The best Houston fantasy play for Houston is Slaton who is going against the Colts that allow 134 yards on the ground and have yielded 12 rushing TDs. Slaton is a must start this week.
Oakland at Miami
Ricky Williams looked like Williams circa 2002. but don't get your hopes up, he's still not worth starting except in deep leagues where you have injury problems. Ronnie Brown is still the running back you want in Miami. Speaking of Ronnie Brown, he is a nice start this week against a terrible Oakland rush defense that is allowing 158 yards per game on the ground and have yielded 13 TDs. Pennington is a reasonable low end #1 or #2 QB this week against an Oakland pass defense that has given up 12 TDs in the air despite only allowing 197 yards per game.
On the Oakland side you're still avoiding them like the plague. McFadden's turf toe is still hurting him and Fargas just isn't running well, especially when he's the only player on Oakland worth mentioning. Miami has a good run defense at 93 yards per game and just 5 rushing touchdowns to date. Sit everybody on the Raiders!
Baltimore at New York Giants
I'm going to go out on a limb here and say somebody is going to get injured during this game. Baltimore is a tough defense that only gives up 65 yards on the ground and 193 in the air. They have only given up 1 rushing TD which makes Brandon Jacobs a sit if you have anything else worth starting. Eli Manning and Plaxico Burress are not great starts either against a Baltimroe team that has 14 interceptions and 19 sacks. I like Kevin Boss in this game as I expect Manning to look to him as an out option.
The Ravens just can't decide which running back they want to be the man. It's Ray Rice one week then McGahee re-emerges as the main guy. If I'm choosing one going forward it's still McGahee. McGahee doesn't have a great match-up against the Giants who allow just 88 yards per game and have only given up 4 rushing TDs. Flacco has been playing well and winning games but still isn't a phenomenal fantasy option, especially against the Giants who only allow 177 yards per game but have given up 11 TDs in the air.
Minnesota at Tampa Bay
Adrian Peterson showed again last week why he's the best young running back in the league. He doesn't have a great match-up this week against a Bucks team that allows just 95 yards on the ground and has only allowed 1 measly rushing TD. If anybody is going to beat them it would be AP. While you are not sitting AP against any team, I would temper your expectations. Tampa Bay is allowing just 190 yards in the air but have allowed 12 TDs. I wouldn't want to start any of the Vikings pass offense but if a deep league look to Sidney Rice as a sleeper.
Warrick Dunn is back this week which is good for the Bucks. That being said I wouldn't expect much from either Dunn or Graham. Minnesota is allowing a stingy 70 yards per game on the ground and just 8 TDs. Graham is still the man you want to start in Tampa Bay but neither will have great games. Jeff Garcia and Antonio Bryant are good starts this week against a suspect Minnesota pass defense. Minnesota is allowing 219 yards per game and have given up 8 passing touchdowns. Alex Smith is a decent TE option this week as well.
Detroit at Carolina
Detroit, the dog butted lions. I won't even capitalize their name! Not much to say about the lions. Regardless of who they're playing Calvin Johnson is the only person that you are starting happily. Kevin Smith has turned in a couple nice games and could be a #3 or flex start this week but that's about it.
For Carolina you're starting everybody. Jonathan Stewart is a #3 or flex play with DeAngelo Williams as a #1. Steve Smith and Delhomme should rebound after a terrible game last week when Delhomme threw for 76 yards, 4 interceptions and a score. Muhammad is a reasonable play but Carolina will likely keep it on the ground for the most part.
St. Louis at San Francisco
Steven Jackson is still on the mend and is questionable for Sunday. Antonio Pittman will go if Jackson can't. It's too bad for Jackson that he can't go because San Francisco has given up 10 TDs and allowed 105 yards per game. Bulger is the starter this week and could have a good game against the 49'ers defense that gives up 230 yards per game and have yielded up a plethora of passing TDs at 14. Donnie Avery has some big play potential today and Torry Holt is a deeper start.
Surprisingly enough the 49'ers are pretty good starts this week. The Rams are allowing 238 yards per game in the air and 161 yards on the ground while allowing 13 and 15 TDs accordingly. Shaun Hill should not be started and neither should most of the 49'ers receivers as they are too inconsistent to be in your lineup. Vernon Davis is the only part of the passing game that I would feel comfortable starting. Frank Gore is a must start and should make the lineup in every league you own him.
Arizona at Seattle
Arizona pulled out a close one in large part because of the 49'ers poor clock management. They will look to bounce back against a horrible Seattle team, especially pass defense. Kurt Warner is my start of the week against a Seattle team that gives up 252 yards per game and have yielded 14 passing touchdowns. Since Warner took over for Lienart last year he has thrown no less than 2 touchdowns in every game he's started. That is more consistent then death or taxes. All three Cardinal receivers should be in your lineup and all three should have nice games. Tim Hightower is still the back you want against a Seattle team that gives up 120 yards per game and have yielded 8 TDs on the ground.
On the Seattle side of the ball Hasselbeck is scheduled to be the starter this Sunday. He will play for just the 5th game this year and left one of those games in the early parts of the game. The Cardinal's pass defense is suspect at 216 yards epr game and have given up a league leading 18 passing touchdowns. Koren Robinson is the #2 at Seattle and could be a sleeper for this week. Don't expect much from Hasselbeck on his first game back but Bobby Engram could have nice game especially with Arizona's rush defense being stout. Arizona is allowing just 95 yards per game on the ground and have only given up 5 TDs.
Tennessee at Jacksonville
The 9-0 Titans go into Jacksonville and look to continue their winning ways. Chris Johnson and LenDale White got shut down last week and will look to bounce back against a Jaguar's team that is allowing 113 yards on the ground and have yielded 7 rushing TDs. Johnson is a #1 this week with White as a #2. Kerry Collins will not put up phenomenal numbers but should have a decent game against a Jaguar's team that allows 213 yards per game and have given up 8 passing touchdowns.
The match-up is not in Jacksonville's favor on either side of the ball but if it leaned one way it would in the air. Tennessee is allowing 194 yards pr game and 5 TDs while only giving up 90 on the ground and 8 rushing TDs. Garrard will try to continue his strong play and should have a decent game. Matt Jones is still in the lineup he should be a good #3 or flex play.
San Diego at Pittsburgh
Roethlisberger is practicing and while not at 100% should be a great start against the worst pass defense in the league. San Diego is allowing 265 yards per game and have given up 17 TDs in the air. Hines Ward, Santonio Holmes and Matt Spaeth (who is filling in for the inactive Heath Miller) are good starts this week. It looks like Fast Willie will be in the game Sunday but I wouldn't expect a great game. San Diego is allowing 103 yards and have yielded just 6 rushing touchdowns.
LT and gang will have a rough go at Pittsburgh who are allowing just 177 yards in the air and 69 on the ground. Pittsburgh has allowed just 12 TDs total on both sides of the ball this year. Rivers is coming off of a nice game last week when the Charger's barely pulled off a win against the dog butted Chiefs and will try to continue it but don't expect a high scoring game.
Dallas at Washington
Dallas is struggling and will look to get some help again from Tony Romo and maybe Terrance Newman. Both teams are coming off of a bye week and hope to stay healthy. Washington is allowing just 191 yards in the air and have given up 9 TDs. Romo and Owens are must starts and Roy Williams will get his first start as a Cowboy. Look for Witten to have a big game. Felix Jones is looking doubtful and that means Marion Barber will have to shoulder the load against a Washington team that is allowing just 81 yards on the ground and have only allowed 6 TDs.
Santana Moss always blows up against the Cowboys and shouldn't have any trouble continuing that feat against a Dallast defense that is allowing 194 yards per game and have given up 12 passing TDs. If Portis can go he should have a nice game as Dallas is allowing 107 yards per game and have given up 8 rushing TDs to date.
Cleveland at Buffalo
The Quinn Experiment went well for the first week against a horrible Denver defense. He will have a little tougher match-up against a Buffalo team that gives up 205 yards per game but has only allowed 7 passing TDs. The Browns are likely to build the offensive game plan to include quick dump off passes and over the middle type routes. Kellen Winslow was Quinn's go to man the first game and could have another nice game if he keeps the chemistry going. On the ground Jamal Lewis is a #2 or 3 starter against a Buffalo team that gives up 104 yards per game and have yielded 11 TDs.
On the Buffalo side of the ball Marshawn Lynch is a good start against a Cleveland team that gives up 145 yards per game and have yielded 10 TDs. Trent Edwards and Lee Evans are your two starters from the Bills passing game with James Hardy as a deeper start. The Browns are allowing 227 yards in the air and have given up 12 passing touchdowns.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Week 10 Rankings!
**Disclaimer** I didn't rank the Thursday game since I already watched the games. So this does not include any Denver or Cleveland players.
Running Backs:
1. LaDainian Tomlinson
2. Adrian Peterson
3. Frank Gore
4. Michael Turner
5. Brian Westbrook
6. Ronnie Brown
7. Maurice Jones-Drew
8. Thomas Jones
9. Chris Johnson
10. Brandon Jacobs
11. DeAngelo Williams
12. Marshawn Lynch
13. Mewelde Moore
14. Tim Hightower
15. Matt Forte
16. Ryan Grant
17. Deuce McAllister
18. Jamaal Charles
19. Joseph Addai
20. LenDale White
21. Willis McGahee
22. Steve Slaton
23. Kevin Faulk
24. Ray Rice
25. Jonathan Stewart
26. Fred Taylor
27. Justin Fargas
28. Julius Jones
29. Kevin Smith
30. Le'Ron McClain
Wide Receivers:
1. Greg Jennings
2. Roddy White
3. Larry Fitzgerald
4. Anquan Boldin
5. Steve Smith
6. Andre Johnson
7. Lee Evans
8. Calvin Johnson
9. Laveranues Coles
10. Randy Moss
11. Dwayne Bowe
12. Reggie Wayne
13. Marques Colston
14. Plaxico Burress
15. Donald Driver
16. Bernard Berrian
17. Wes Welker
18. Jericho Cotchery
19. Donnie Avery
20. Kevin Curtis
21. DeSean Jackson
22. Derrick Mason
23. Matt Jones
24. Vincent Jackson
25. Hines Ward
26. Santonio Holmes
27. Lance Moore
28. Greg Camarillo
29. Torry Holt
30. Isaac Bruce
31. Chris Chambers
32. Kevin Walter
33. Chris Chambers
34. Muhsin Muhammad
35. Steve Breaston
36. Ted Ginn Jr.
37. Anthony Gonzalez
38. Marvin Harrison
39. Devin Hester
40. Rashied Davis
Quarterbacks
1. Kurt Warner
2. Drew Brees
3. Aaron Rodgers
4. Jake Delhomme
5. Philip Rivers
6. Brett Favre
7. David Garrard
8. Donovan McNabb
9. Matt Ryan
10. Peyton Manning
11. Sage Rosenfels
12. Chad Pennington
13. Trent Edwards
14. Marc Bulger
15. Ben Roethlisberger
Tight Ends:
1. Antonio Gates
2. Tony Gonzalez
3. Dallas Clark
4. Owen Daniels
5. Visanthe Shiancoe
6. Bo Scaife
7. Anthony Fasano
8. Jeremy Shockey
9. Zach Miller
10. Greg Olsen
11. Donald Lee
13. John Carlson
14. Mercedes Lewis
15. Kevin Boss
D/ST:
1. Tennessee Titans
2. Jacksonsville Jaguars
3. Pittsburgh Steelers
4. Carolina Panthers
5. Baltimore Ravens
6. New York Giants
7. Green Bay Packers
8. Chicago Bears
9. Miami Dolphins
10. Philadelphia Eagles
11. Arizona Cardinals
12. San Diego Chargers
13. New York Jets
14. Minnesota Vikings
15. New England Patriots
Running Backs:
1. LaDainian Tomlinson
2. Adrian Peterson
3. Frank Gore
4. Michael Turner
5. Brian Westbrook
6. Ronnie Brown
7. Maurice Jones-Drew
8. Thomas Jones
9. Chris Johnson
10. Brandon Jacobs
11. DeAngelo Williams
12. Marshawn Lynch
13. Mewelde Moore
14. Tim Hightower
15. Matt Forte
16. Ryan Grant
17. Deuce McAllister
18. Jamaal Charles
19. Joseph Addai
20. LenDale White
21. Willis McGahee
22. Steve Slaton
23. Kevin Faulk
24. Ray Rice
25. Jonathan Stewart
26. Fred Taylor
27. Justin Fargas
28. Julius Jones
29. Kevin Smith
30. Le'Ron McClain
Wide Receivers:
1. Greg Jennings
2. Roddy White
3. Larry Fitzgerald
4. Anquan Boldin
5. Steve Smith
6. Andre Johnson
7. Lee Evans
8. Calvin Johnson
9. Laveranues Coles
10. Randy Moss
11. Dwayne Bowe
12. Reggie Wayne
13. Marques Colston
14. Plaxico Burress
15. Donald Driver
16. Bernard Berrian
17. Wes Welker
18. Jericho Cotchery
19. Donnie Avery
20. Kevin Curtis
21. DeSean Jackson
22. Derrick Mason
23. Matt Jones
24. Vincent Jackson
25. Hines Ward
26. Santonio Holmes
27. Lance Moore
28. Greg Camarillo
29. Torry Holt
30. Isaac Bruce
31. Chris Chambers
32. Kevin Walter
33. Chris Chambers
34. Muhsin Muhammad
35. Steve Breaston
36. Ted Ginn Jr.
37. Anthony Gonzalez
38. Marvin Harrison
39. Devin Hester
40. Rashied Davis
Quarterbacks
1. Kurt Warner
2. Drew Brees
3. Aaron Rodgers
4. Jake Delhomme
5. Philip Rivers
6. Brett Favre
7. David Garrard
8. Donovan McNabb
9. Matt Ryan
10. Peyton Manning
11. Sage Rosenfels
12. Chad Pennington
13. Trent Edwards
14. Marc Bulger
15. Ben Roethlisberger
Tight Ends:
1. Antonio Gates
2. Tony Gonzalez
3. Dallas Clark
4. Owen Daniels
5. Visanthe Shiancoe
6. Bo Scaife
7. Anthony Fasano
8. Jeremy Shockey
9. Zach Miller
10. Greg Olsen
11. Donald Lee
13. John Carlson
14. Mercedes Lewis
15. Kevin Boss
D/ST:
1. Tennessee Titans
2. Jacksonsville Jaguars
3. Pittsburgh Steelers
4. Carolina Panthers
5. Baltimore Ravens
6. New York Giants
7. Green Bay Packers
8. Chicago Bears
9. Miami Dolphins
10. Philadelphia Eagles
11. Arizona Cardinals
12. San Diego Chargers
13. New York Jets
14. Minnesota Vikings
15. New England Patriots
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