Mike Holmgren Hired As New Cleveland Browns Football Czar

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Monday Night Fantasy Football Preview: Giants Vs. Redskins

Every fantasy league across the globe is undoubtedly winding down, but as long as there are NFL games to be played, somewhere out there, there are still fantasy leagues still being operated.

That means there are still owners panicking over their starting lineups and decisions that are weeks in the making. That means that somewhere out there, someone needs our help.

Even though your starting lineup should be completely set by now, there is always a procrastinator or forgetful fantasy owner that needs an extra dose of information, an extra sway toward a player or players, or a boost of confidence in their pre-selected lineup.

Before we get to some of the lesser-knowns, here’s a quick look at the guys who should be in your lineup, and should not be worried about:

Eli Manning, Brandon Jacobs, Steve Smith

That doesn’t necessarily mean that those three potential studs can’t or won’t lay an egg, and it also doesn’t mean that the other players in this column can’t have huge games. However, they’re the three guys in Monday night’s game that you can truly depend on right now, and the only players that we give a 100 percent vote of confidence this week.

For analysis on the other possible options for tonight’s game, read on:

 

New York Giants

 

RB Ahmad Bradshaw

Bradshaw isn’t a guaranteed solid play like Brandon Jacobs, but with a good role and a solid matchup this week, he might as well be. Bradshaw’s early season role is back, and his foot injury, while not completely behind him, seems to be less of a concern than it has been in recent weeks.

Bradshaw received just two less carries than Jacobs last week, and put up decent production against a solid Philadelphia Eagles defense, as he totaled 110-plus yards and a score in Week 15.

The nice thing about Bradshaw is that (when healthy) he’s a lock for 10-plus carries, and also has the potential to be involved in the passing game. He’s a safe bet to be an elite flex play this week, and should not be an injury concern, despite missing Friday’s practice.

Prediction: 13 att, 59 yds, 1 TD, 4 rec, 39 yds, 0 TD

 

WR Hakeem Nicks

Nicks saw his first starting action of his career last Sunday night against Philadelphia, and exploded for 110 yards and a touchdown on just four catches.

Nicks is no lock to rack up the catches, but his explosiveness and ability to make the big play make him a potential stud, and his new starting role makes him a solid WR3. He’ll get more looks and playing time than former starter Mario Manningham, making him a quality start going forward.

A nice matchup with a weakening Redskins pass defense only makes him a better play tonight.

Prediction: 6 rec, 88 yds, 1 TD

 

WR Mario Manningham

Manningham’s stock is quickly falling, as he’s been dealing with nagging injuries and inconsistent play, and finally lost his starting job to Hakeem Nicks last week.

To make matters worse, Manningham saw a dip in targets, and was even out-performed by fourth receiver, Domenik Hixon. He’s still the Giants third receiver and has some value, but he’s not a recommended play for anything other than a WR4 position in fantasy leagues.

Prediction: 3 rec, 34 yds, 0 TD

 

TE Kevin Boss

Boss returned to his inconsistent role of being a decent TE1, as he topped 70 yards receiving for the third time this season, and also hauled in his fifth touchdown catch last week against the Eagles.

We can never be sure when his production is here to stay, but with a good matchup against the Redskins this week, as well as a red-hot Eli Manning, it’s a fairly safe bet Boss stays involved.

Prediction: 5 rec, 75 yds, 1 TD

 

Washington Redskins

 

QB Jason Campbell

We’re not about to give Campbell the nod over Eli Manning (who is absolutely on fire), but we’re closer than you’d think.

Campbell has been directing a rising (and impressive) Washington Redskins attack, as he’s helped Washington put up 30 or more points in back-to-back weeks, and has thrown seven touchdowns in his past three games.

With at least 220-plus yards passing in four straight games as well, Campbell should make a fine play against a banged up and ineffective Giants pass defense.

Prediction: 22-34, 314 yds, 3 TD, 1 INT

 

RB Quinton Ganther

Ganther has given the Redskins something they hadn’t had in the two to three weeks prior to him earning the starting job: a force at the running back position.

He won’t make highlight reels, but Ganther simply moves the ball forward effectively, and is a beast near the goal line.

In his only start this season, Ganther piled up over 90 total yards and two rushing touchdowns, showing he has the ability to carry the load, both in the NFL and on a fantasy level.

Don’t expect his production to cease against a weak Giants defense.

Prediction: 18 att, 78 yds, 0 TD, 4 rec, 33 yds, 0 TD

 

WR Santana Moss

Moss has suffered from inconsistency, poor supporting play, and tough matchups for much of the season, but has finally been given a break.

His starting quarterback is playing at a very high level, the receiver opposite of him is drawing some attention, and more balls are coming his way.

Moss has recorded at least four catches in four straight games for the first time all season, and has a very beatable matchup this week. This could be the breakout game he (and we) have been waiting on.

Prediction: 4 rec, 109 yds, 1 TD

 

WR Devin Thomas

Thomas fell back to a more reasonable role after going off in Week 14, but could once again find himself in the spotlight, as the Giants secondary is dealing with injuries, and really hasn’t performed well, regardless.

Thomas is still a far cry away from being anything close to respectable or reliable, but tonight could be a good night to run with him over the likes of Mario Manningham. He has the better role, and arguably has the better matchup.

Prediction: 4 rec, 55 yds, 0 TD

 

TE Fred Davis

Davis isn’t Chris Cooley. We get that. But when Jason Campbell confides in him as much as he has been, and the results are positive, he doesn’t necessarily have to be.

All you need to know is that Davis gets enough targets to be on your fantasy radar, and he does enough with them to earn a spot on your roster. Add the lovely matchup with the weak Giants defense, and you’ve got yourself a potentially elite TE1 on Monday night.

Prediction: 6 rec, 69 yds, 1 TD

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Fantasy Football Aftermath: Things That Surprised Me Edition

We are now well into the fantasy football playoffs for most people so I’m here with another “just the games” edition of Fantasy Aftermath. This is the time of the season where even the best laid plans can go awry in this crazy game we call football. Just look at some of the unexpected performances this week:

 

 

Reading The Box Scores & Watching The Highlights

Indianapolis 35, Jacksonville 31

 

Well the Colts improve to 14-0 and as a Patriots fan, I get a little bit nervous of somebody else to share the 16-0 perfect season with. Dallas Clark follows up his three TD game in week 14 with a two TD game in Week 15. It is not news that he is a stud tight-end, but some may have noticed that perhaps his receptions were eating into Reggie Wayne ‘s stats.

Well, in this shootout, Wayne got his own with 132 receiving yards that were fueled by a 65-yard touchdown catch. It does concern me that Joseph Addai has been cooling off after what looked like a potential hot streak.

Things that surprised me: Maurice Jones-Drew hauled in two touchdowns via air and ground, maybe he should do some holiday work with Fed-Ex. David Garrard bounced back to have another solid game, but that interception kept the Colts perfect in the defeat. I’d be cautious starting him against the Patriots next week however.

 

 

Dallas 24, New Orleans 17

 

I was watching this game in a Chinatown restaurant during snomageddon this past weekend. For the same reasons as above I was rooting for Dallas to upset the perfect Saints, and they managed to stop a last minute Saints’ comeback.

Things that surprised me: The Cowboys went back to running the ball (Marion Barber: 62 rushing yards, 2 TDs); Nick Folk made a field goal (but missed a key one as well.); Lance Moore returns to the field and scores a TD; Dallas managed to win a game in December.

 

 

Patriots 17, Buffalo 10

 

Patriots finally win one on the road (in the country). Again it was a tough victory that almost was lost in the second half, so I’m still not feeling good about this team right now.

Things that surprised me: L-Mo (23 carries, 81 rushing yards, TD), who’s Sammy Morris? I’ve already written that it looks like Maroney is standing out as the Pats top back but it’s not even close when it comes to the time share. Jonathan Wilhite caught an interception—does this mean we can stop picking on him?

Things that did not surprise me: Fred Jackson had a better day vs. Marshawn Lynch—party is over for Lynch owners (including me); Randy Moss caught a TD—after a rough couple of weeks, Brady was going to get the ball to Moss; Tom Brady had another blah day—Brady’s slump has to be killing fantasy seasons right now.

 

 

Cleveland 41, Kansas City 34

 

Classic two-terrible-teams shootout here folks. Lots of surprises to be had in the stats sheet.

Things that surprised me: Jerome Harrison had 286 rush yards, 3 TD; now how many players started him? I thought so. Of course he’ll be the hot pickup this week; the fact Jamaal Charles‘ 154 yards rushing wasn’t the best performance of the game.

Things that did not surprise me: Josh Cribbs is a machine: Two return TDs; Dwayne Bowe‘s slow start coming back from suspension—I was hoping he’d be back up and running but at least he got targeted 10 times so he’s back as the top receiver on the team.

 

 

Atlanta 10, New York Jets 7

 

The Sanchise continues to struggle late in his rookie season with three interceptions, but hey, he’s a rookie. Both Matt Ryan and Michael Turner return to the field but both were a shell of what you would normally expect, not surprised by either. Ryan fought against a tough Jets defense and Turner is definitely not 100 percent healthy yet.

Did anything surprise me about this game? Probably that Atlanta (thanks to Tony Gonzalez), won but this was a snoozer.

 

 

Houston 16, St. Louis 13

 

Fantasy owners were licking their chops for this matchup: a high powered offense playing one of the worst teams in the NFL? Fantasy point for everyone right? Not so much.

What surprised me: The score—really Matt Schuab? Only one TD? You are playing the Rams! Really Keith Null? Only one pick? I played the Houston defense hoping you’d throw another three to four picks! Way to improve.

What did not surprise me: Andre Johnson. You didn’t score but you always make it worth the start with 195 yard receiving. I’ll take that any day. A Houston running back fumbles the ball (Arian Foster ) and Ryan Moats comes in and takes over. This sounds familiar…

 

 

Miami 24 Tennessee 27

 

Patriots got some help from Tennessee as they take care of the Dolphins and both teams go to 7-7.

What surprised me: Vince Young : (236 passing yards, 3 TDs)- Young has the upside to produce elite numbers but I didn’t expect it against the Dolphins. I also didn’t expect two of those touchdowns to go to Justin Gage. Sorry Kenny Britt.

 

 

Arizona 31, Detroit 24

 

Arizona continues to dominate on the road—who needs time zones? Detroit continues their quest for a top draft pick.

What surprised me: Maurice Morris: really, 128 yards and a TD? I picked him up after the Kevin Smith injury but I didn’t expect you to perform like that. He’s definitely worth a place on your bench just in case, I can see Detroit running the ball more as long as Matt Stafford is out.

What did not surprise me: Beanie Wells was a popular start option coming into the week and he proved experts right (17 carries, 111 yards rushing, TD); Calvin Johnson (3 receptions, 35 yards) here’s why I traded him away—his schedule to end the season is tough.

 

 

Oakland 20, Denver 19

 

Everything about this game was a surprise, but then again Oakland upsetting a team every once in awhile shouldn’t be.

What surprised me: Michael Bush (133 rushing yards, 1 TD)—you couldn’t even put up one fantasy point in the past four weeks now you put up 20? I call fluke. Darren McFadden and Justin Fargas are two reasons I’d leave Bush on the waiver wire. JaMarcus Russell: wait, the QB that got benched for Charlie Frye (who left the game- not a surprise) won the game for the Raiders? Maybe he wants to play after all.

 

 

Cincinnati 24, San Diego 27

 

Cincinnati played a very emotional game after the loss of wide receiver Chris Henry . Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough for a red hot Chargers team.

What surprised me:  J.P. Foschi—the Bengals tight end led the team in receiving with 82 yards. Does it mean anything? Not really. Chad Ochocinco and Laveranues Coles caught the TDs for the team. Ochocinco celebrated his touchdown by breaking into tears on the bench. I don’t think he’ll get fined for that, an emotional gesture in honor of his departed teammate.

 

 

Chicago 7, Baltimore 31

 

The Ravens pour it on for a second straight week. Baltimore got hit hard by snow just like DC but managed to dig themselves out after moving the game back.

What surprised me: Joe Flacco: (234 passing yards, 4 TDs)—well, welcome back Joe, we missed you for a good few weeks. Devin Aromashodu—after a great start filling in for Devin Hester last week, he came back down to earth. What was surprising was that he was still targeted 10 times.

What did not surprise me: Jay Cutler: (QB rating 7.9, 3 interceptions)—can you believe he was a top 10 QB last year?

 

 

Tampa Bay 24, Seattle 7

 

What surprised me: The fact Tampa Bay won. If you told me one of the two quarterbacks in this game threw 4 picks—I would of guessed Josh Freeman , not Matt Hasselbeck.

 

 

San Fransisco 13, Philadelphia 27

 

What surprised me: Leonard Weaver getting the majority of the carries compared to LeSean McCoy—this is definite cause for concern if you own Shady McCoy.

 

 

Green Bay 36, Pittsburgh 37

 

What surprised me: Lack of running game: With both teams having great running backs in Ryan Grant and Rashard Mendenhall, it was sad to see them only go for 37 and 38 yards rushing. At least each had a score to tack on as well. Pittsburgh’s crazy passing game: both Hines Ward and Heath Miller went over 100 yards receiving but Mewelde Moore and Mike Wallace caught the touchdowns. Ben Roethlisberger threw for over 500 yards and 3 TDs.

 

 

Minnesota 7, Carolina 26

 

What surprised me: Um, Carolina beating Minnesota? The Matt Moore-led Carolina Panthers? No way. The game was a 7-6 snoozer until Carolina put up 20 points in the fourth quarter.

What surprised me: All the Minnesota receivers—Adrian Peterson led the team in rushing and receiving, something that shouldn’t happen when you have young talent that have been hot all season long. Matt Moore really? Three TDs?

What doesn’t surprise me: Jonathan Stewart—once again DeAngelo Williams disappoints me with that ankle injury and the Daily Show got all the action with two TDs.

 

 

New York Giants at Washington

 

Washington’s newly found offense goes up against a Giants team that has been struggling to put something consistent together. With two defenses in the top ten against the pass, I think it’ll come down to the run game. Washington is weaker against the run so this may be an OK matchup for Brandon Jacobs. I am starting Quinton Ganther but there’s not a whole lot of great matchups anywhere in this game.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Fantasy Football: Week 15 Rankings

Rankings originally posted at The Fantasy Lounge

QBs

RK	PLAYER	OPP
1	Matt Schaub	STL
2	Kurt Warner	DET
3	Drew Brees	DAL
4	Peyton Manning	JAC
5	Phillip Rivers	CIN
6	Donovan McNabb	SF
7	Tony Romo	NO
8	Aaron Rodgers	PIT
9	Brett Favre	CAR
10	Matt Hasselbeck	TB
11	Eli Manning	WAS
12	Carson Palmer	SD
13	Tom Brady	BUF
14	Jason Campbell	NYG
15	Ben Roethlisberger	GB
16	Joe Flacco	CHI
17	Kyle Orton	OAK
18	David Garrard	IND
19	Alex Smith	PHI
20	Vince Young*	MIA
21	Matt Cassell	CLE
22	Brady Quinn	KC
23	Chad Henne	TEN
24	Jay Cutler	BAL
25	Mark Sanchez	ATL
26	Chris Redman	NYJ
27	Ryan Fitzpatrick	NE
28	Josh Freeman	SEA
29	Kyle Boller	HOU
30	Matt Moore	MIN
31	Daunte Culpepper	ARI
32	Charlie Frye	DEN

 

RBs

RK	PLAYER	OPP
1	Adrian Peterson	CAR
2	Chris Johnson	MIA
3	Ray Rice	CHI
4	Maurice Jones-Drew	IND
5	Thomas Jones	ATL
6	Jamaal Charles	CLE
7	Cedric Benson	SD
8	Knowshon Moreno	OAK
9	Laurence Maroney	BUF
10	Ryan Grant	PIT
11	Steven Jackson	HOU
12	Frank Gore	PHI
13	Ricky Williams	TEN
14	Chris Wells	DET
15	Quniton Ganther	NYG
16	DeAngelo Williams	MIN
17	Pierre Thomas	DAL
18	LaDainian Tomlinson	CIN
19	Rashard Mendenhall	GB
20	Joseph Addai	JAC
21	Justin Forsett	TB
22	Fred Jackson	NE
23	Brandon Jacobs	WAS
24	Jason Snelling	NYJ
25	Reggie Bush	DAL
26	Willis McGahee	CHI
27	Chris Jennings	KC
28	Matt Forte	BAL
29	Marion Barber	NO
30	Jonathan Stewart*	CHI
31	Arian Foster	STL
32	Carnell Williams	SEA
33	Ahmad Bradshaw	WAS
34	Felix Jones	NO
35	Marshawn Lynch	NE
36	Justin Fargas	DEN
37	Darren McFadden	DEN
38	Darren Sproles	CIN
39	Julius Jones	TB
40	Tim Hightower	DET
41	LeSean McCoy	SF
42	Maurice Morris	ARI
43	Leonard Weaver	SF
44	Kevin Faulk	BUF
45	Shonn Greene	ATL
46	Chester Taylor	CAR
47	Mike Hart	JAC
48	Rashad Jennings	IND
49	Ryan Moats	STL
50	Rock Cartwright	NYG

 

WRs

RK	PLAYER	OPP
1	Andre Johnson	STL
2	DeSean Jackson	SF
3	Larry Fitzgerald	DET
4	Anquan Boldin	DET
5	Brandon Marshall	OAK
6	Marques Colston	DAL
7	Sidney Rice	CAR
8	Wes Welker	BUF
9	Reggie Wayne	JAC
10	Randy Moss	BUF
11	Vincent Jackson	CIN
12	Calvin Johnson	ARI
13	Robert Meachem	DAL
14	Donald Driver	PIT
15	Chad Ochocinco	SD
16	Steve Smith (NYG)	WAS
17	Miles Austin	NO
18	Hines Ward	GB
19	Derrick Mason	CHI
20	Roddy White	NYJ
21	Steve Smith (CAR)	MIN
22	Greg Jennings	PIT
23	Mike Sims-Walker	IND
24	Pierre Garcon	JAC
25	Kenny Britt	MIA
26	Terrell Owens	NE
27	Hakeem Nicks	WAS
28	Dwayne Bowe	CLE
29	Steve Breaston	DET
30	Roy Williams	NO
31	Michael Crabtree	PHI
32	Chris Chambers	CLE
33	Mohamed Massaquoi	KC
34	Santonio Holmes	GB
35	Braylon Edwards	ATL
36	Santana Moss	NYG
37	Percy Harvin	CAR
38	Antonio Bryant	SEA
39	TJ Houshmandzadeh	TB
40	Malcolm Floyd	CIN
41	Austin Collie	JAC
42	Devery Henderson	DAL
43	Johnny Knox	BAL
44	Kevin Walter	STL
45	Brandon Gibson	HOU
46	Nate Washington	MIA
47	Devin Thomas	NYG
48	Jerricho Cotchery	ATL
49	Lee Evans	NE
50	Davone Bess	TEN

 

TEs

RK	PLAYER	OPP
1	Vernon Davis	PHI
2	Antonio Gates	CIN
3	Dallas Clark	JAC
4	Brent Celek	SF
5	Jason Witten	NO
6	Jermichael Finley	PIT
7	Visanthe Shiancoe	CAR
8	Heath Miller	GB
9	Kevin Boss	WAS
10	Fred Davis	NYG
11	Jeremy Shockey	DAL
12	Tony Gonzalez	NYJ
13	Todd Heap	CHI
14	Kellen Winslow	SEA
15	Dustin Keller	ATL
16	Greg Olsen	BAL
17	John Carlson	TB

 

DEF

RK	PLAYER	OPP
1	Arizona Cardinals	DET
2	Baltimore Ravens	CHI
3	Denver Broncos	OAK
4	Minnesota Vikings	CAR
5	Seattle Seahawks	TB
6	New York Jets	ATL
7	Cincinatti Bengals	SD
8	Green Bay Packers	PIT
9	Philadelphia Eagles	SF
10	New Orleans Saints	DAL
11	Houston Texans	STL
12	San Francisco 49ers	PHI
13	San Diego Chargers	CIN
14	Pittsburgh Steelers	GB
15	Indianapolis Colts	JAC
16	New England Patriots	BUF
17	New York Giants	WAS
18	Tennessee Titans	MIA
19	Chicago Bears	BAL
20	Washington Redskins	NYG
21	Kansas City Chiefs	CLE
22	Dallas Cowboys	NO
23	Miami Dolphins	TEN
24	Buffalo Bills	NE
25	Tampa Bay Buccaneers	SEA
26	Atlanta Falcons	NYJ
27	Carolina Panthers	MIN
28	Cleveland Browns	KC
29	Jacksonville Jaguars	IND
30	Oakland Raiders	DEN
31	Detroit Lions	ARI
32	St. Louis Rams	HOU

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Fantasy Football: Week 15 Start and Sit

Quarterback to Start

Jason Campbell vs. NYG

I will admit he is a risky start, especially in the fantasy playoffs, but if for some odd reason you have started him the last three weeks, good work. Campbell has rewarded you brave owners with at least 20 points scored in standard leagues and is finally showing some consistency.

Since the insertion of Sherman Lewis as the play-caller on offense, the Skins have taken off and suddenly have a potent offensive attack, led by Campbell.

Want some stats?

The Giants have allowed 23 passing TDs on the season. In the last six weeks the Giants have allowed 14 passing touchdowns (an average of 2.33 per game). The last six QBs to face the Giants have scored at least 20 fantasy points. This all bodes well for Campbell, but you have to have the stones to start him when it matters most.

 

Other QBs to Start

Matt Schaub at STL

Donovan McNabb vs. SF

Matt Hasselbeck vs. TB

Matt Cassel vs. CLE

Vince Young vs. MIA

 

Quarterback to Sit

Alex Smith at PHI

The Niners reverted back to their old ways last week and went run-heavy with Frank Gore plowing his way through the Cards defense in prime time. Smith did throw two TDs in that game, but they were trumped by two INTs and a low yardage total.

I do like Smith after this matchup against the Eagles because the 49ers finish up with Detroit and St. Louis. But this matchup is tough. San Fran has to travel cross-country and the weather reports call for some snow in Philly on Sunday and the extreme cold is a far cry from what Smith is used to on the West Coast.

The Eagles have also picked off 20 passes this season, so Smith is a good bet to make at least a couple mistakes.

 

Other QBs to Sit

Jay Cutler at BAL

Carson Palmer at SD

Brett Favre at CAR

 

 

Running Back to Start

Beanie Wells at DET

Beanie looked solid against the Niners last week and is clearly the better back between him and Tim Hightower . He did fumble, but name an Arizona player that didn’t last week.

The Lions struggle in every facet of the game of football and this statement will reach extreme levels this week because they lost Kevin Smith to a knee injury, Matt Stafford is likely to miss this week’s game and Calvin Johnson missed practice on Thursday and is in danger of not playing. This means a whole lot more three-and-outs for the Lions offense and the Cards are going to control the clock in this one, as they will do it on the ground.

Wells asserted himself after Hightower lost yet another key fumble leading to points for the opposing team last week. He even made a nice catch and run.

This is still going to be somewhat of a split, but I expect Wells to get the early-down and short-yardage work with Hightower stepping in during passing downs, making Wells the better fantasy play and a solid RB2 this week against the Lions.

 

Other RBs to Start

Laurence Maroney at BUF,

Jamaal Charles vs. CLE,

Knowshon Moreno vs. OAK,

Quinton Ganther vs. NYG,

Arian Foster at STL,

Chris Jennings at KC,

Justin Forsett vs. TB,

Fred Jackson vs. NE

 

Running Back to Sit

Matt Forte at BAL

Another week and another horrible game by Forte. He has cracked 100 yards on the ground once…against the Lions, and that’s likely because he had a 61-yard carry. The guy has been just awful and if somehow you made it this far, congrats, but it wasn’t Forte’s doing.

Aside from all his suckiness, the Bears play the Ravens this week and we know what that means…another stinker coming Forte’s way. If you’re hoping for a Windy City revival in this game, then you are going to be one hot potato when Forte crushes your hopes of a fantasy title. The Ravens have allowed only one rushing TD in the last five games. What a coincidence; Forte has scored only one rushing TD in his last six games.

 

Other RBs to Sit

LeSean McCoy vs. SF

Jerome Harrison at KC

Brandon Jacobs at WAS

 

 

Wide Receiver to Start

DeSean Jackson vs. SF

His owners have to be ecstatic with what he has become in only his second season in the NFL. The guy is nearly uncoverable and likely the fastest WR in the game. Jeremy Maclin is injured and will miss this week’s game, meaning Jackson will see more passes. If Jackson can develop some sort of red-zone presence, he is going to end up a top-five fantasy option by the middle of next season.

Last year against San Francisco, Jackson had six catches for 98 yards and he should have no problem surpassing those numbers, McNabb is usually good for one long TD per game, so look for it go to the new D-Jax. He is a solid WR1 in this matchup.

 

Other WRs to Start

Terrell Owens vs. NE

Jason Avant vs. SF

Antonio Bryant at SEA

T.J. Houshmandzadeh

Dwayne Bowe vs. CLE

Steve Breaston at DET

Kevin Walter at STL

Robert Meachem vs. DAL

Kenny Britt vs. MIA

 

Wide Receiver to Sit

Steve Smith vs. MIN

Smith could be in store for a rough game. The Panthers are missing starting tackle Jeff Otah . This means that the inexperienced Matt Moore will be running for his life with Jared Allen chasing after him, limiting Smith’s ability to get deep, which is his bread and butter.

To make matters worse, the Vikes got back stud CB Antoine Winfield last week and he looked as if he didn’t miss a beat.

It will be hard for Smith’s owners to bench him at this all-important time of the fantasy football season, but this matchup could prove to be a brutal one.

Other WRs to Sit

Lee Evans vs. NE

Roddy White at NYJ

Calvin Johnson vs. ARI

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Start ‘Em: Chris “Beanie” Wells Is Ready | NFL Fantasy Football Rankings

Ever since the Arizona Cardinals drafted running back Chris “Beanie” Wells, fantasy football players have waited for him to break out.

In all this time, we’ve all known that sooner or later this stud was going to take over the starting job from Tim Hightower, but no one could say exactly when.

Now, it appears that Wells is ready to help fantasy owners as a top-end No.2 fantasy running back after his strong performance against the 49ers.

In that contest Hightower fumbled early, and head coach Ken Whisenhunt gave Wells the feature role for the rest of the game.

Wells responded with 103 total yards and a critical touchdown run that put the Cardinals back in the game. Not only did Wells produce solid stats, but he showed the burst of speed that has been missing from the Cardinals’ backfield since I don’t know when.

A Chance to Shine

Assuming the Cardinals continue to feed the ball to Wells (get him ready for the postseason), he will have an amazing opportunity to help produce strong numbers for fantasy football owners in the next two weeks.

This week Wells gets to play the Lions, and next week he will face off against the Rams in Arizona.

The two main things I want to see from Wells (other than holding on to the football) is for one, he will need at least 18 carries to be a strong producer in each game. Secondly, he needs to find the end zone like he was able to do last week.

I believe Wells can and will accomplish these objectives because he is playing at a high level coming out of the 49er game, and the Cardinals need this runner to be a factor in the playoffs.

Beyond being a factor, it would also help this team for their opponents to have something extra to fear from this offense than just their great passing game. If Wells has a strong ending to the season, then playoff opponents will be forced to game plan and respect what this team can do on the ground.

That respect can only help ensure the Cardinals’ success when the games start counting in the playoffs.

Chris “Beanie” Wells’ Fantasy Football Ranking

Beanie Wells is a must start fantasy football option in the next two weeks. This kid is at least a great flex play option if not a solid No. 2 running back. Wells is playing his best football (Hightower his worst) coming into these next two all-important games for fantasy owners.

Many fantasy football leagues end their playoffs in week 16, so this gives you two great games at the very end of your fantasy run.

Start Wells and you should enjoy some solid fantasy production from this future fantasy football stud.

NFL Fantasy Football Player Rankings writer Sean E. Douglas: fantasy-info.com

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Week 15 Fantasy Football Player Breakdowns

If you’re still alive in your league’s playoffs, then this is the time of week to take a gander at every player on your roster, his matchup this week, as well as his potential.

When fantasy playoffs roll around, it’s best to have the superstars who have the easy matchups, but are still on teams that have something to play for.

With that said, high profile players from the Jacksonville Jaguars, Houston Texans, Arizona Cardinals, and Baltimore Ravens all make the most sense this week. They have great matc-ups, and their elite players are some of the league’s biggest fantasy studs.

Be sure to check out our Start/Sit and Waiver Wire columns for this week.

For all other analysis for Week 15 , read on:

Indianapolis Colts @ Jacksonville Jaguars

QB Peyton Manning: He won’t be resting yet, and Jaguars defense is weak. *****
RB Joseph Addai: Hasn’t shown any reason not to keep starting him, and match-up rocks. *****
RB Donald Brown: Role is non-existent. *
WR Reggie Wayne: Has cooled down, but could see a lot of targets tonight. ****
WR Pierre Garcon: Has been inconsistent, but ceiling is always high. ***
WR Austin Collie: Manning likes him in the red zone, so worth a shot at WR3. ***
TE Dallas Clark: Arguably the best tight end in football, so a no-brainer, as usual. *****

QB David Garrard: Not a great match-up, and he hasn’t looked good. **
RB Maurice Jones-Drew: Colts will be able to focus on him, but you have to play him. *****
WR Mike Sims-Walker: Played hurt last week and did hardly anything, so can you trust him? ***
WR Torry Holt: Has been regressing all season, and can only get you 40-70 yards, at best. **
WR Mike Thomas: Should be starting over Holt, but isn’t very reliable, either. **
TE Marcedes Lewis: Super shaky play, as his targets are unpredictable. *

Dallas Cowboys @ New Orleans Saints

QB Tony Romo: Has been on fire and matchup is nicer than people think. ****
RB Marion Barber: Should be able to run all over them, but commitment to run game is lacking. ***
RB Felix Jones: Could be good for some big plays, and the touches should be there. ***
WR Miles Austin: Saints probably can’t hold him in check all day, so play him like normal. ***
WR Roy Williams: Has been weak, but Saints have regressed against the pass lately. **
TE Jason Witten: Saints are solid against tight ends, but he’s been too good to sit. ****

QB Drew Brees: Dallas defense is better than advertised, but he’ll be fine. ****
RB Pierre Thomas: Role is slipping a bit, and production isn’t what it had been. ***
RB Mike Bell: Still getting the carries, but the yardage just isn’t there. **
RB Reggie Bush: Role is increasing, and he’s making plays again. ***
WR Marques Colston: Has scored in three straight, and he shouldn’t slow down. ****
WR Robert Meachem: Has been very solid, and is a solid WR3. ***
WR Devery Henderson: Pretty inconsistent, but ceiling is always high. **
TE Jeremy Shockey: Hasn’t done much lately, but he is due. **

Cleveland Browns @ Kansas City Chiefs

QB Brady Quinn: Matchup bodes well, and recent history suggests big game. ***
RB Chris Jennings: Should get the majority of the touches, and matchup isn’t terrible. ***
RB Jerome Harrison: Will get touches, but production is too inconsistent. **
WR Mohamed Massaquoi: Very inconsistent, but Quinn will throw to him in solid matchup. **
WR Josh Cribbs: Could be running even more than usual, so a solid WR3 in return leagues. ***
TE Evan Moore: Regressed a bit last week, but matchup bodes well. ***

QB Matt Cassel: Should be able to put up decent numbers with Bowe back and nice matchup. ***
RB Jamaal Charles: Browns can definitely be run on, and he’s coming off of a huge game. ****
WR Dwayne Bowe: Very good matchup, and he’s slated to start right away. ***
WR Chris Chambers: Could benefit greatly from Bowe’s return. ***
WR Lance Long: Very unreliable, but Bowe’s return could open things up for him. **

Chicago Bears @ Baltimore Ravens

QB Jay Cutler: Ravens can definitely be passed on, but he’s been awful. **
RB Matt Forte: Not a good play against elite run defense. **
WR Devin Hester: Dealing with nagging injuries, and hasn’t looked great. **
WR Johnny Knox: Always has big-play potential, and solid matchup. ***
TE Greg Olsen: Hasn’t done jack in a month, but matchup is solid. ***

QB Joe Flacco: Very nice matchup, and he’s due for a big game. ****
RB Ray Rice: You just can’t sit this guy, especially against bad run defense. *****
RB Willis McGahee: Role is increasing, and is stealing touchdowns again. ***
WR Derrick Mason: Should get plenty of opportunities against another poor pass defense. ***
WR Mark Clayton: Has potential, but very unreliable, even with nice matchup. **
TE Todd Heap: Hasn’t been a reliable source of points all season. *

Arizona Cardinals @ Detroit Lions

QB Kurt Warner: Lions give up a ton of points in passing game, so play him. *****
RB Tim Hightower: Gets carries and matchup is nice. ***
RB Chris Wells: Was solid last week, save for a fumble, and matchup is good. ***
WR Larry Fitzgerald: Dealing with a knee injury, but should be good to go in great matc-up. *****
WR Anquan Boldin: If Fitz is a decoy, he could be in for a huge day, and possibly regardless. *****
WR Steve Breaston: Hasn’t been used much lately, but matchup is awesome. **

QB Daunte Culpepper: Stafford is out again, but he’s still not worth a start. *
RB Maurice Morris: Should carry the load with Smith done for year, but not a great play. **
WR Calvin Johnson: Matchup isn’t horrible, but Culpepper kills his potential this week. ***
WR Bryant Johnson: Unreliable, but is facing former team. *

Atlanta Falcons @ New York Jets

QB Matt Ryan: Practicing again, will likely be game-time decision. **
QB Chris Redman: Not a great start if he plays, as Jets’ pass defense has been active. **
RB Michael Turner: Also practicing, and it’s a solid matchup, so might be worth a shot. ***
RB Jerious Norwood: Hasn’t done much with a decent role, and Turner might be back. *
RB Jason Snelling: Might spell Turner in short yardage situations, but not reliable. *
WR Roddy White: Has been very solid, but will see top corner Revis. **
WR Michael Jenkins: May benefit from White being tied up. **
TE Tony Gonzalez: Ryan’s return could mean a return to elite status for Gonzo. ***

QB Mark Sanchez: Looks like he’ll play this week, and does have a nice matchup. **
QB Kellen Clemens: Sanchez is due back, and he wasn’t very good last week, anyway. *
RB Thomas Jones: Should keep getting the rock a ton against poor run defense. *****
RB Shonn Greene: Still has decent role, but did fumble last week. **
RB Danny Woodhead: Is starting to have a nice smaller role, so usable in deep leagues. **
WR Jerricho Cotchery: If Sanchez is back, he could be a fine WR3. ***
WR Braylon Edwards: Has been a huge disappointment overall, but matchup is friendly. **
TE Dustin Keller: Sanchez’s return could get him some extra targets. ***

Miami Dolphins @ Tennessee Titans

QB Chad Henne: Titans have a solid overall defense, so it’ll be tough. **
RB Ricky Williams: Will have troubles, but the carries will be there. ***
RB Lex Hilliard: Should get some touches, but tough matchup. *
WR Greg Camarillo: Went off last week, but matchup doesn’t bode well. **
WR Brian Hartline: Nothing special, but he gets 3-4 catches usually. **
WR Davone Bess: Came down off his cloud last week, so too unpredictable. **

QB Vince Young: Looks like he’ll play, but monitor status. ***
QB Kerry Collins: If he has to go, he should be OK against average defense. **
RB Chris Johnson: Should top 20 carries once again, and he’s been running hard. *****
RB Lendale White: Small role, so can’t expect much. **
WR Kenny Britt: Has been fairly consistent, even with Gage back. ***
WR Justin Gage: Should start getting more involved in decent matchup. **
WR Nate Washington: Has the potential, but just hasn’t been doing much. **

San Francisco 49ers @ Philadelphia Eagles

QB Alex Smith: Facing strong pass defense, but has looked solid. ***
RB Frank Gore: Tough matchup, but will get the carries and some receptions. ****
WR Michael Crabtree: Has been playing well, and Smith looks for him more often. ***
WR Josh Morgan: Is slowly developing into a decent WR3, but not a great week to use him. **
TE Vernon Davis: The guy can’t be stopped, and Smith goes to him all day. ****

QB Donovan McNabb: 49ers can be difficult at times, and he’s been inconsistent. ***
RB LeSean McCoy: Will continue to get the bulk of the load, but not an easy matchup. ***
RB Leonard Weaver: Probably won’t get the touches to be a flex this week. **
WR DeSean Jackson: Can beat the 49ers deep, so only needs a couple plays to be worth it. ***
WR Jeremy Maclin: Has a bad foot injury, and is likely out this week and for longer. **
WR Jason Avant: Should get extended action with Maclin nicked up. **
TE Brent Celek: Always a safe play, as he’s pretty active. ***

New England Patriots @ Buffalo Bills

QB Tom Brady: Not a good matchup at all, but he has the weapons to change that. ***
RB Laurence Maroney: Should get the rock a lot against bad run defense. ****
WR Randy Moss: Should bounce back from horrible showing last week, despite matchup. ***
WR Wes Welker: Always a strong bet for 10 catches and 100 yards, so you have to play him. ****
TE Benjamin Watson: Scored last week, so slightly back on radar. **

QB Ryan Fitzpatrick: Not a good play at all. **
RB Fred Jackson: Looked good last week and role is solid. ***
RB Marshawn Lynch: Solid role last week, but too inconsistent. **
WR Terrell Owens: Playing against Moss gets him going, so he could be big. ***
WR Lee Evans: Hasn’t done anything in weeks, so sit him. *

Houston Texans @ St. Louis Rams

QB Matt Schaub: Should have no issues at all. It’s the Rams. *****
RB Arian Foster: Is the new feature back, so a solid RB2. ***
RB Chris Brown: Should still get short yardage touches, so not a bad flex. ***
RB Ryan Moats: Fumble issues have killed his role. *
WR Andre Johnson: Must-start every week, and should have huge game. *****
WR Kevin Walter: May not be needed, but decent WR3 value is there. ***
TE James Casey: Tight end no longer a factor in this offense. *

QB Keith Null: Was horrific last week, but Texans aren’t unbeatable through the air. **
RB Steven Jackson: Will be the main source of their offense as usual, so good play. ****
WR Donnie Avery: Null kills any value he had. *
WR Brandon Gibson: Gets open and plays well enough to be a decent WR4. **
WR Danny Amendola: Active more on returns lately, so not a good play. *
TE Daniel Fells: Unreliable, but has potential for a few catches. *

Oakland Raiders @ Denver Broncos

QB Charlie Frye: Can’t like his chances in first start and against tough defense. *
RB Darren McFadden: Has a decent role, but facing a good run defense. **
RB Michael Bush: Has eight carries in past three games, so sit him. *
RB Justin Fargas: Role not big enough, and scary matchup. *
WR Louis Murphy: Only Oakland receiver with any real production, but hardly a WR3. *
TE Zach Miller: Should see some targets with Frye dumping it off. ***

QB Kyle Orton: Not a good match-up at all against stingy secondary, so look elsewhere. **
RB Knowshon Moreno: Should get plenty of touches with Buckhalter out. ****
RB Peyton Hillis: Could have decent role with Buckhalter out. **
WR Brandon Marshall: Won’t be catching 21 balls against this pass defense. ***
WR Eddie Royal: Has been more active, but Raiders are good against the pass. **

Cincinnati Bengals @ San Diego Chargers

QB Carson Palmer: Chargers likely still without Eric Weddle, but Palmer has been awful. **
RB Cedric Benson: Should get the rock a ton against beatable run defense. *****
RB Larry Johnson: Benson is the guy, and didn’t touch it much last week. *
WR Chad Ochocinco: Matchup isn’t bad, but success is tied to Palmer. ***
WR Laveranues Coles: Doesn’t do much, and is hardly worth a WR4 spot. *

QB Phillip Rivers: Not an easy matchup, but is playing too well to sit. ****
RB LaDainian Tomlinson: Should get plenty of carries in big game. ***
RB Darren Sproles: Role isn’t bad, but producion isn’t there. **
WR Vincent Jackson: Always a solid play, and will be needed. ****
WR Malcolm Floyd: Is not a reliable starter, and hardly a WR3. **
TE Antonio Gates: Has been turning it on, and should be active. ****

Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Seattle Seahawks

QB Josh Freeman: Decent matchup, but his decision-making renders him useless. **
RB Carnell Williams: Has been solid, and the match-up is good. ***
RB Derrick Ward: Still has an OK role, so worth a shot at the flex. **
WR Antonio Bryant: Can beat Seattle’s corner so it’s up to Freeman. ***
TE Kellen Winslow: Still getting looks, and better matchup should help a lot. ***

QB Matt Hasselbeck: Hasn’t been performing well, even in “easy” matchups. **
RB Julius Jones: Is the starter, so should be able to produce flex results. ***
RB Justin Forsett: Role is still decent, but sharing the load hurts his value. ***
WR Nate Burleson: Should be active, and matchup is solid. ***
WR TJ Houshmandzadeh: Hasn’t done anything in weeks, but this could be his game. ***
TE John Carlson: Ditto. ***

Green Bay Packers @ Pittsburgh Steelers

QB Aaron Rodgers: Steelers can be passed on, but will he have time? ***
RB Ryan Grant: Not a good play at all on the road against good run defense. **
WR Donald Driver: Is usually active, and he’ll be needed this week. ***
WR Greg Jennings: Really only a WR3 at this point, but potential is always there. ***
WR James Jones: Has been consistent in his role, so a low-end WR3. **
TE Jermichael Finley: Steelers get burned by the tight end, and he’s been solid. ***

QB Ben Roethlisberger: Packers’ defense has looked good, so not a safe play. **
RB Rashard Mendenhall: He was their only solid option last week, and he’ll get the touches. ***
WR Hines Ward: It depends which corner he sees, but he usually shows up in big games. ***
WR Santonio Holmes: Has been solid lately, and was even a strong WR3 last week. ***
WR Mike Wallace: Has been very quiet, but could destroy Packers’ nickel corner. ***
TE Heath Miller: Got more involved last week, but Packers cover tight ends well. **

Minnesota Vikings @ Carolina Panthers

QB Brett Favre: Facing elite pass defense and didn’t look awesome in last prime time game. ***
RB Adrian Peterson: Will get a ton of touches against weak run defense. *****
RB Chester Taylor: Has been active on third downs and short passes, so not a horrible flex. **
WR Sidney Rice: Tough matchup, but he doesn’t stay quiet for long. ***
WR Percy Harvin: Migraines could keep him out again, so check status. **
WR Bernard Berrian: Has been OK the past few weeks, so can be used as WR3. **
TE Visanthe Shiancoe: Great red zone target, and has been getting more passes his way. ***

QB Matt Moore: Not a good bet with Antoine Winfield back for Minnesota. *
RB DeAngelo Williams: Good play any week, but Williams wall kills his value. ***
RB Jonathan Stewart: Ditto. **
WR Steve Smith: Will be covered tightly by Winfield, so only a WR3 this week. ***
WR Muhsin Muhammad. No one outside of Smith is playable in receiving corps. *

New York Giants @ Washington Redskins

QB Eli Manning: Manning has been red hot, and ‘Skins can be had through the air. ****
RB Brandon Jacobs: Still looking for first 100-yard game, but matchup decent. ***
RB Ahmad Bradshaw: Still getting carries, so flex potential is there. **
WR Steve Smith: Still a very reliable WR2, and an elite WR3. ***
WR Hakeem Nicks: Really stepping up, and is officially No. 2 receiver. ***
WR Mario Manningham: Lost starting job to Nicks, but should still get some looks. **
TE Kevin Boss: Is very inconsistent, but could find success against Redskins’ linebackers. ***

QB Jason Campbell: Has looked solid and Giants can’t stop anyone. ****
RB Quinton Ganther: Has the full load and should have decent success. ***
WR Santana Moss: Is due for a big game, and Giants corners can get beat. ****
WR Devin Thomas: Has potential, and not a bad matchup at all. **
TE Fred Davis: Is really coming around, and Campbell likes going to him. ***

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2009 Fantasy Football Future Stars (RB)

Running backs are usually the glue that holds a fantasy football team together. A good RB can take you very far as long as he’s healthy and consistent. Tennessee Titan Chris Johnson (pictured above) has been that player for me and many other owners. The following is a Top 10 list of the best young running backs in the game. The rules? They have to have played less than 3 full seasons in the NFL. The scoring (through Week 14) is the standard one used in my league (i.e. 1 point per 10 yards rushing/receiving, 1 point per every 2 receptions, 6 points per rushing/receiving touchdown, 4 points per passing touchdown, 3 point bonus per 100 yards rushing/receiving, 2 points per two point conversion (rushing/receiving), -1 point per fumble, etc).

Begin Slideshow

Fantasy Football Etiquette

As most fantasy footballers are aware, there is a certain level of etiquette assumed when taking apart in a league. Like anything, there is a set of unwritten rules league members should follow.

The most important of these rules is that you don’t mess with the standings. You don’t throw games because you and a buddy are colluding, you don’t try and make ridiculous trades to help someone else out. Basically you try and win your games, and if you don’t make the playoffs, that is part of the game. Better luck next year.

Well, someone in my league decided to not play by the rules.

For a little background, the league I’m in is fairly standard: 10 team league, no weird scoring, 4 teams make the playoffs, etc.

Going into last week (final week of the regular season) I was in second place, holding a very tenuous lead. I was almost certainly in the playoffs, but seeding had yet to be decided.

Well, I lost my game, which didn’t seem to be a big deal since I would end up in third place instead of second — which is basically irrelevant.

Everything from there played out as I expected, until the first place team, who was a sure bet to win, benched Larry Fitzgerald and Vernon Davis to lose on purpose. He did this so his buddy would beat him, and move ahead of me in the standings.

Turns out, these two idiots have banded together and decided to split the money if one of them wins the league. The number one team lost on purpose so he wouldn’t have to play his buddy in round one of the playoffs, thus insuring at least one of them would make the championship.

Bush league. Beyond bush league.

Seeing as how I know neither of these guys (they are in the league because a friend of mine is the commissioner, and he got a few guys from his gym to join) I took to the message boards. Naturally.

The following messages are taken verbatum from the message boards, starting right afterthe first place team (Ruff Ryders) and his buddy (SHOWTIME — the should be fourth place team, but now third place team because of their colluding bull shit) try to explain their theory of why Ruff Ryders lost. They claimed Ruff Ryders wanted a better matchup.

Here is what transpired from there:

Me:So to clarify, Ruff Ryders threw his game to play a team that already beat him instead of playing a team he would have beaten twice if he wasn’t too busy failing at being strategic. Makes sense.

Here I thought SHOWTIME was the biggest tool in the league for changing his name to something so retarded. But apparently stupidty is an STD.

SHOWTIME: PS, GO FUCK YOURSELF, AGAIN

(Interjection: How clever, eh?)

SHOWTIME: Look man. Man up and call it like it is.

Nate is #1 regardless of if he wins/lost last week and the week before. So he has the right to bench whom ever he wants.

So, instead of focusing on the problem…you team not being as good as you think, why dont you just be a man, realize that its a fantacy team, and deal with STUPID SHIT like me calling my team SHOWTIME! Deal with IT

Me:So in your pea brained, roided out world, where fantasy is spelled with a “c” and whomever is two words, being a man involves what exactly?

Playing scared of a team that you would’ve beaten twice during the regular season if you weren’t strategically challenged?

Or possibly just generally being a weasel?

Ruff Ryders made the choice to play the game like an ass hole, and I am calling him out on it.

As for mocking your team name, I am just saying what everyone else is thinking. I’m sure, though, “SHOWTIME” serves you well when hanging out with the rest of the cast of Jersey Shore.

(Interjection: Normally, I find it obnoxious when people correct correct grammar and spelling on message boards, but this was so blatant I couldn’t resist. Plus that was a top-notch burn and you all know it.)

SHOWTIME:Never once did I make it personal with anyone. So way to go man. I will deal with it. It is what it is. I just dont know what I did wrong. Look at my lineups, I am not even trying. Once I start to win people get upset. There is NO cheating going on here. Look at my teams record, who I start, who I bench. If I cared I would have only lost 2 maybe 3 games.

But if you do want to make it personal come say it to my face

Me: First of all, if you are going to try and take the high road, don’t end your post with a vague threat of violence. It undermines your poor attempt at civility.

Second of all, while I certainly agree I am being petty, I don’t understand why you got involved in the argument if you weren’t ready to be ripped on. We weren’t having a spirited debate about whether the Colts or Saints are a better team, we were arguing about general douche baggery. I’m pretty sure civility was out the window from the start.

None of this matters, of course, since your juggernaut of mediocrity is destined to win the league, anyway. So I suppose we can consider this entire argument moot, and all hand our money over to you now.

The messages pretty much end there, aside from SHOWTIME threatening to kick everyone’s ass.

I guess I just wanted to share my frustration with my four readers (plus I think it is an entertaining exchange). I think it is fair to say I got hosed in the situation. Hopefully, karma will make things right.

 

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Fantasy Football Aftermath: Crunch Time

You’ve been waiting all year for this.

Hours of drafting and weeks of setting lineups have culminated to these final three weeks of the regular NFL season: The fantasy playoffs.

Hopefully most of you in 12-team leagues are either starting or already into your playoffs. The 4 Sport Boston league is set-up with playoffs just the way I like them:

• Playoffs Weeks 14-16 (there’s too much uncertainty in Week 17 for it to be a true championship week)
• Top six teams advance (just like each conference of the NFL, also it’s more fun to include more teams)
• Consolation games (I like any incentives to keep owners playing—I’d also have a consolation bracket too but looks like Craig forgot to put one in)

As we go into the fantasy football playoffs here’s three tips I have to make the most of your run.

 

Don’t Get TOO Cute

I know some experts say, “take who you bring to the dance”. I agree to this somewhat but I feel there are some instances where you have to think of new developments in a player’s situation.

For instance I was mulling over starting either Jamaal Charles or Pierre Thomas . Charles had a great matchup this week but late breaking news out of the Saints camp said that Mike Bell was inactive, thus Thomas would get most of the carries for the Saints.

Even though Thomas was the back I drafted and Charles was a waiver wire grab, I chose Charles because he would be the guy to get every carry. While Thomas’ value rose a bit, he still had Reggie Bush looming over him and might vulture a TD.

Well my hunch was right, Charles earned a total 181 yards and a TD while Thomas earned a combined 100 yards rushing and receiving—but saw Bush score two TDs.

Sometimes there are some situations where the opportunity is too great. Charles playing against the worst run defense in the NFL was indeed that situation.

 

Make Sure Your Roster is Optimized

This is something you should really do after the bye weeks but if you haven’t yet it’s time to dump off all the dead weight and stock your bench with handcuffs to your stud players, and players to add depth to your team.

There’s no reason why you should have an extra defense, or a player done for the season like Steve Slaton . I wouldn’t carry a backup TE, and I am not opposed to picking up guys off the waiver wire so your opponent doesn’t pick them up to use against you.

 

Don’t Worry Too Much About Weather or Resting Players

When it comes to the weather it’s not a big factor unless you are playing in a snow bowl. Also as long as your playoffs end before Week 17 I wouldn’t worry too much about teams resting players.

Even when you look at a team like the Colts who now have everything locked in, they still have perfection to play for and with Week 17 regular Jim Sorgi injured they may think about sticking with Peyton Manning longer than expected.

 

Patriots Pride

I watched the first half of the game then stopped due to frustration and sleepiness (I had a big party the night before).

While I am delighted to see we didn’t lose three in a row, there should be some concern now over the performance of Tom Brady . In the past four weeks he’s averaging five fantasy points below his season average and his recent run of interceptions is making people nervous both in fantasy and outside of it.

While it appears that Tom hasn’t been terrific as of late, I would like to point out he is still on track to have a slightly better season than he did before the 2007 season.

Patriot Nation needs to realize that a 50-8 touchdown-to-interception ratio isn’t going to happen again. We can count on Brady to score 20-30 TDs and 10-15 Ints in a given season. Right now he’s simply going through a rough patch, and unfortunately he’s picked the wrong time to do it.

 

Reading the Box Scores and Watching the Highlights

Pittsburgh 6, Cleveland 13

An ugly game against two ugly teams (you have to admit the Steelers are looking bad now they have unleashed hell onto themselves).

Josh Cribbs continues to be the only offensive weapon for the Browns, racking up 147 combined rushing, receiving, and return yards. Rookie Chris Jennings ran the ball 20 times for 73 yards—just FYI in case you want to know who’s running the ball post Jamal Lewis .

Rashard Mendenhall disappointed, Hines Ward looked like he should of rested that hamstring, but Santonio Holmes caught six passes for 93 yards. He’s been quietly racking up yards and has scored in two of his past three games. Holmes makes a great WR3/Flex play—especially if Ward misses any time.

 

New Orleans 26, Atlanta 23

I already talked about Pierre Thomas but I want to add Robert Meachem to the list of players who analysts caught on to too late.

I’ve been watching Meachem for a bit and I will admit I’ve been hesitant to start him—and with everyone finally jumping on the Meachem boat, I knew that it was the perfect time for him to have a less than average game.

Meachem is still part of a crowded corp of receivers, and I’d rather play someone like Pierre Garcon over him.

Just as I dropped Jason Snelling for Jerious Norwood , it looks like Snelling is the healthier of the two backups for Michael Turner. Still I think the sun has set on big games for both these guys.

 

Detroit 3, Baltimore 48

Kevin Smith left the game in the fourth quarter and he might miss the rest of the season—time to get Maurice Morris on your bench just in case.

While some people worry about the Ravens’ three-headed rushing offense, each of them had a piece of the high scoring action Sunday. Ray Rice racked up 166 rushing yards and one TD, Willis McGahee went for 76 rushing yards and two TDs, and Le’Ron McClain recorded 32 yards and one TD.

Even Heisman alumni Troy Smith joined in the fun and ran 15 yards for a TD. Man the Lions suck.

 

Green Bay 21, Chicago 14

You look at the score and hope that Aaron Rodgers threw three TDs. Well that didn’t happen. Ryan Grant punched it in for two TDs instead. In fact, Rodgers had a terrible day going 16/24 for 180 yards. That lack of production hurt Donald Driver and Greg Jennings .

 

Seattle 7, Houston 34

Like I mentioned before, with Slaton now done for the season it’s now a time share between Ryan Moats and Chris Brown. Brown has been getting more and more work and to make things worse, rookie Arian Foster actually got the most carries in the game.

Another situation that looks too messy to touch. At least you don’t have to worry about Andre Johnson . I’m sure his 193 yards and two TDs won a lot of fantasy games this week.

 

Denver 16, Indianapolis 28

Brandon Marshall caught a record 21 passes for 200 yards and two TDs. If you own him in a PPR league you pretty much won the lottery—or at least felt like you did. This is the kind of upside you hope for in Marshall and unlike Brady, he’s heating up at the right time—continue to start him without fear.

On the Colts side of the ball it’s amazing to think that Dallas Clark got overshadowed by Marshall even though he caught three TDs.

 

Miami 14, Jacksonville 10

Greg Camarillo made an appearance with seven catches for 110 yards. He was productive last season but this can be written off as a fluke. Same can be said about Torry Holt on the Jaguars side of the ball.

 

Buffalo 16, Kansas City 10

Buffalo ran all over Kansas City with both Marshawn Lynch and Fred Jackson looking good. Maybe Lynch isn’t fantasy dead after all. FYI, Dwayne Bowe should be coming off his suspension and makes a great pickup for your bench.

 

Cincinnati 10, Minnesota 30

Chad Ochocinco caught another TD but did not celebrate as he planned—he was stopped by coach Marvin Lewis.

Brett Favre has been quietly cooling off after his hot streak that brought him back into fantasy relevance. No problem for the Vikings however, they can count on Adrian Peterson: he ran for 97 yards and scored twice.

 

Carolina 10, New England 20

On last week’s podcast I said I didn’t think Steve Smith would be much of a problem and besides catch a long 41-yard TD pass he wasn’t. He still did good for his fantasy owners however.

Talking about Patriots on the decline, do we need to worry about Randy Moss ? He only caught one pass for 16 yards and dropped passes, and fumbled the ball as well. He hasn’t topped 100 yards since Week 10 and if the Patriots don’t get their swagger back, we may see more of the bad side of Moss.

 

New York Jets 26, Tampa Bay 3

Owning the Jets defense hasn’t been any sweeter. With Kellen Clemens throwing the ball the Jets stuck with the running game and Thomas Jones ran both Jets touchdowns in.

This could pose to be a problem for Jerricho Cotchery and Braylon Edwards if the team is nervous about Clemens throwing the ball. On the other side this could also mean lots of opportunities for Jones.

 

St. Louis 7, Tennessee 47

After the comeback of Vince Young, he left the game early with a knee injury. Kerry Collins didn’t look too bad but then again this is the Rams.

The Rams started rookie Keith Null and it was a great game…for the Tennessee defense. Null threw five interceptions.

 

Washington 34, Oakland 13

Bruce Gradkowski left this game with a leg injury and Ja-awful returns to lose another game. Darren McFadden said “hi” to his fantasy owners by catching three passes for 84 yards. Like JaMarcus, you can continue ignoring him.

Redskins 4th stringer Quinton Ganther carried the ball 14 times for 50 yards and two TDs—I think he’s installed himself as the Redskins RB you want the rest of the way.

 

San Diego 20, Dallas 17

Vincent Jackson has awaken to post a very respectable game: seven catches for 120 yards.

Do you believe in December curses? Tony Romo continues to be fantasy productive but his team continues it’s December slide.

 

Philadelphia 45, New York Giants 38

Talk about curses, Eli Manning has never been a good second half player but in this shootout he looked good throwing 391 yards and three TDs. Hackeem Nicks led the Giants receivers with four catches for 110 yards and a TD, but Mario Manningham had lots of chances to also put up a good game, but really needs to learn to stay in bounds.

Michael Vick is getting more and more work but remains fantasy irrelevant. However that means that he’s going to continue to eat into Donovan McNabb ‘s time as the team continues to use more wildcat and direct snap formations.

DeSean Jackson : six catches for 178 yards and a TD (plus a return TD) and the coolest chest bump I’ve ever seen .

 

Monday Night: Arizona at San Francisco

If you own Kurt Warner you’re going to start him against the 27th ranked pass defense. If you own Alex Smith you could start him too—Arizona has the 29th ranked pass defense and I can see him throwing for 250 yards and two TDs.

The 49ers have the fifth ranked run defense so this could be a tougher matchup for Tim Hightower and Beanie Wells. Frank Gore is one of the players you start no matter what along with Larry Fitzgerald , Anquan Boldin , and I will even say Vernon Davis.

(Originally posted on 4SportBoston.com )

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