Monday Night Football: Fantasy Football Preview

By this time in the week (and season), you know who the studs are, and you have a pretty good grasp on players’ roles. However, with one or two slots open for bidding tonight, sometimes owners can struggle with which player to use.

First, let’s get the “must-starts ” out of the way:

Kurt Warner, Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin, Frank Gore, and Vernon Davis

We know that these guys should have been set in stone in our line-up dating back to last Monday, so nothing should change there.

And quite obviously, if you have Warner and Alex Smith, that means Smith is on your bench. And in turn, no Cardinals running backs should be played over Gore, simply because of his potential and talent level.

However, here’s a quick glance at the “less than elite” options heading into tonight’s game, and what you may expect to see:

 

Arizona Cardinals

WR Steve Breaston

Breaston offers some versatility in leagues that gives points for return yards, and in the Cardinals high-powered offense, still packs a punch as a reliable WR3.

However, his role has regressed of late, as he’s been primarily impacting games as a returner. Breaston hasn’t caught more than four passes in four games, and only recorded one catch for eight yards last week.

We like Michael Crabtree over Breaston on Monday night .

Prediction: 4 rec, 49 yds, 0 TD

WR Early Doucet

Doucet has caught at least one pass in five straight contests, and has officially moved past Jerheme Urban as the team’s fourth receiving option, but his value is still extremely limited.

However, two things to note: He’s a safer option than Urban going forward, and his value would take an immediate boost with an injury to any of the receivers ahead of him. He isn’t a good play this week, but he could be someone to keep an eye on.

RB Tim Hightower

Due to their re-commitment to the ground game, Hightower is back as a respectable Flex play as the Cardinals starting running back. He still shared the load with Chris Wells, which can hurt his value, but he’s also the back they turn to when they set up screen passes.

Hightower can serve as a capable RB2 in the right setting, and while he won’t post dynamo stats this week against a 49ers defense that can at times lock explosive offense down, he will still provide better numbers than his teammates, Wells.

Prediction: 16 att, 66 yd, 1 TD, 4 rec, 33 yds, 0 TD

RB Chris Wells

Wells continues to keep a solid role in the Cardinals ground game, but still takes a slight backseat to Hightower, and isn’t as big a factor in the passing game.

His value is decent, but he is currently a low-end Flex play until we see more consistency.

Prediction: 10 att, 45 yds, 0 TD, 1 rec, 6 yds, 0 TD

 

San Francisco 49ers

QB Alex Smith

If you’re running with Smith this week, you can find solace in the fact that he’s athletic and has the ability to evade Arizona’s improving pass rush, and can throw well when rolling out of the pocket.

Despite the Cardinals aggressive play from their secondary last week against the Minnesota Vikings, Smith still has a chance at nice fantasy numbers, due to Arizona’s vulnerability to the pass if they are unable to rattle the quarterback.

Working out of the spread has done wonders for this passing attack, and while Arizona has the players to make things happen on defense, we still like Smith’s chances at finishing with quality numbers.

Prediction: 20-33, 267 yds, 2 TD, 2 INT

WR Michael Crabtree

Crabtree will be lining up against a Cardinals defense that is very aggressive, but one that plays a type of defense that could be a good match-up for his skills.

Smith’s top target is obviously tight end Vernon Davis, but Crabtree is still a better play than Josh Morgan, and should also be a better play than Steve Breaston this week.

Prediction: 6 rec, 74 yds, 1 TD

WR Josh Morgan

Morgan is the starter opposite of Crabtree on the line, and has recently found himself being a big part of the passing attack.

With six grabs in each of his last two games, as well as a combined 109 yards and a touchdown, Morgan is slowly progressing into a worthy WR3.

He definitely deserves a roster spot in deep leagues, and could help you next week if you are hurt by Jeremy Maclin’s injury.

However, tonight he only projects to have better numbers than the Cardinals third and fourth receiving options.

Prediction: 5 rec, 61 yds, 0 TD

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Fantasy Football Week 14 Sit Ems

With many of you out there in Bruno Boys Nation getting set for Round 1 of your fantasy football playoffs and the rest still vying for a playoff spot, we want to make sure you enter Sunday knowing what players we feel you should play with caution.

Obviously it’s your team and your gut, so you are the final decision makers, but if these guys fail to get the job done for your fantasy squad don’t say the Bruno Boys didn’t tell you so. 

With that being said the Bruno Boys present the Fantasy Football Week 14 Sit Ems .

 

QUARTERBACKS – SIT ‘EM

Bruce Gradkowski (Oakland Raiders) vs. Washington

Even though Drew Brees shredded the Washington Redskins defense in Week 13 (let’s be real, who hasn’t he been able to beat?) , Gradkowski’s chances are much more slim.

Granted, the new quarterback in Oakland has been infinitely better than his counterpart JaMarcus Russell while leading the Raiders to upsets over two good clubs (Cincinnati Bengals and Pittsburgh Steelers ) , he still is a 26-year old journeyman.

Through 25 career games Gradkowski has just 15 touchdown passes against 25 turnovers and this match-up against the fifth ranked Redskins pass defense will be no easy task.

After getting scorched by Drew Brees for 419 yards and 2 touchdowns in Week 13, the Redskins are still only allowing 11.4 points to opposing QBs, so we think Gradkowski’s luck may be running out. 

 

Matt Cassel (Kansas City Chiefs) vs. Buffalo

While we believe that Jamaal Charles should flourish against the 32nd ranked Buffalo Bills run defense, quite the contrary is true with quarterback Matt Cassel .

The Bills have only allowed 10 passing touchdowns against 21 interceptions through 12 games this season, and Cassel is without his top threat, wide receiver Dwayne Bowe .

Make no mistake, Chris Chambers has filled in admirably, it’s no secret that Bowe was Cassel’s go to guy through the first 10 weeks of the season. Since the loss of Bowe, Cassel has just three TD passes while turning the football over five times.

With the Chiefs focusing on pounding the football, and Cassel being turnover prone of late, it will likely lead to Cassel being used as a game managing quarterback with little fantasy value.

 

Potential Bust Pick of the Week

Tony Romo (Dallas Cowboys) vs. San Diego

Romo has been one of the better options at the quarterback position for the past two weeks totaling 701 passing yards and 5 touchdowns compared to 0 INTs. These statistics are great if you had the guts to rely on him during crunch-time, but his inconsistent play in the month of December has red flag written all over it.

The San Diego Chargers only allow fantasy football quarterbacks to score 11.4 points per contest (16 TD:11 INT) in standard scoring leagues.

With this game against San Diego expected to be a shoot-out in Arlington it might be tough to sit a quarterback of Romo’s ability but keep in mind the signal caller has just 17 touchdown passes to 24 turnovers in just 14 career December games.

 

RUNNING BACKS – SIT ‘EM

Cedric Benson (Cincinnati Bengals) @ Minnesota

This recommendation isn’t for everyone out there reading this. This is for those fantasy owners who drafted the likes of Adrian Peterson and Thomas Jones and snagged Benson late in the draft only to see him shine.

It’s hard to place a running back as a sit ‘em who has carried so many fantasy football teams to the playoffs in 2009. Benson is a workhorse and proved that by having warrior-like 38 touches coming off a hip injury against the Detroit Lions in Week 13.

This Minnesota Vikings front four is not the Lions though, and they don’t allow opposing running backs much room to maneuver.

Last week, the Arizona Cardinals rushers netted 78 yards on 19 carries for 4.1 yards per carry (YPC) , but failed to score. In fact, the Vikings have only allowed three rushing touchdowns in 12 games this season and this statistic alone is enough to make owners’ think twice about Benson.

 

Matt Forte (Chicago Bears) vs. Green Bay

As expected, Forte was able to 96 total yards and a touchdown last week in the Bear victory over the St. Louis Rams , but the fact is, the second year running back out of Tulane has played nowhere near his “potential.”  

The 2008 version of Forte, in which he totaled 1,715 yards and 12 touchdowns, is not the same one that we’ve seen in 2009 (1,072 total yards, four touchdowns) , and the Green Bay Packers are not the match-up that makes Forte a viable start.

The Packers rank fourth in the NFL against the run and have allowed under 11 fantasy points per game to opposing running backs (standard scoring).

In Week 13, fantasy stud Ray Rice was only able to put up 71 total yards (and a fumble lost) , against the Green Bay on Monday Night.

If Forte is going to score fantasy points this week it’s going to be as a receiver and with Jay Cutler forcing the ball down the field, it’s limited Forte in this department as well. The sure-handed receiver has just nine receptions for 59 yards over the Bears’ last three games.

 

Jonathan Stewart (Carolina Panthers) @ New England

Fresh off a 120-yard and touchdown performance in Week 13 many fantasy football owners will be tempted to start Stewart…but they shouldn’t.

Stewart is in the midst of nursing an Achilles injury and fellow running back DeAngelo Williams has practiced this week and is on track to play in Week 14 against the New England Patriots .

Couple that bad news with the fact that the Patriots are stingy against the run, and you have a Bruno Boys sit ‘em for Week 14. The Patriots have allowed just eight total touchdowns to opposing running backs (3 rushing, 4 receiving, 1 passing) , and with Jonathan Stewart not being much of a receiver, we don’t like his chances of scoring a touchdown.

When all is said and done, with Williams returning, Stewart will likely be getting around 40 percent of the touches for Carolina and he’s not a worthwhile start in New England.

 

WIDE RECEIVERS – SIT ‘EM

Mario Manningham & Hakeem Nicks (New York Giants) vs. Philadelphia

Steve Smith has proven that he is a must-start in New York because of his flat-out consistency. Manningham and Nicks on the other hand are WR3 with upside when the match-up is right.

This week, the match-up is far from ideal. The Philadelphia Eagles are 10th in the NFL at defending the pass allowing 205 yards per game, and have allowed 18 TDs against 20 INTs.

Their biggest strength however is in not allowing the long pass play (which Nicks heavily relies on), as they’ve only allowed three 40+ yard pass plays this season.

Unless you are depleted at the wide out position, your best bet for the remainder of the season is to stay away from all wide receivers in New York except for Smith.

 

Percy Harvin (Minnesota Vikings) vs. Cincinnati

As strange as it was to say early in the season, the Cincinnati Bengals defense has been a top-10 unit in shutting down the pass and believe it not they rank No.1 in the NFL in points allowed.

To put these numbers in a fantasy football perspective, the Bengals have allowed just six wide receiver touchdowns all season (third best in the NFL), and less than 15 fantasy points per game to opposing teams’ wide outs.

Harvin has been on an absolute tear the past three weeks averaging 86 yards and a touchdown so it’s hard to sit the rookie at this stage of the season.

However, the match-up is a tough one and Harvin has missed three straight days of practice with a migraine headache. 

The rookie has been a reliable source of points for much of the season, and the Vikings do sport a high-powered offense, but as we said prior, the Bengals have a stingy pass defense.

You can beat the Bengals by spreading the ball around and with Brett Favre having play-makers all over the field, this could be the week the rookie struggles.

 

Roy Williams (Dallas Cowboys) vs. San Diego

Williams was able to post phenomenal numbers last weekend with 60 yards and two receiving touchdowns in a loss to the New York Giants.

These big games come from time to time with Williams, but his level of consistency is third best, behind Miles Austin and Jason Witten, on the Cowboys receiving corps.

The San Diego Chargers passing defense has been vulnerable all season long and they do allow 17.6 fantasy points per game to the opposing wide outs, but with Austin and Witten likely seeing the majority of targets from quarterback Tony Romo, Williams could be in for a dud of a week.

With plenty of points expect to be scored this week many fantasy owners expect him to imitate his Week 13 performance…don’t be one of them.

 

TIGHT ENDS – SIT ‘EM

Fred Davis (Washington Redskins) @ Oakland

Davis has provided some relief to fantasy football owners who had earlier in the season lost Chris Cooley and/or Owen Daniels to season-ending injuries.

His 10 & 11-point games in Weeks 12 & 13 proved that he could be a valuable asset to your team down the stretch run. But just as we mentioned last weekend, tight ends going against the Oakland Raiders find little opportunity to post solid numbers.

The Raiders are the ONLY team in the NFL to not allow a tight end to find pay dirt on them and they allow less than four points per contest to the tight end position.

Davis has been noteworthy of late but don’t expect the second year tight end to make it three straight weeks with double-digit fantasy football points.

 

KICKERS – SIT ‘EM

Robbie Gould (Chicago Bears) vs. Green Bay

Call it skill or luck, we’re thinking more luck, but the Green Bay Packers do not allow kickers to score points on them. They have only allowed nine field goals this entire season, and kickers have averaged 4.6 points against Green Bay in standard scoring fantasy football leagues.

Baltimore Ravens kicker Billy Cundiff posted a whopping two points on them in Week 13, Detroit Lions kicker Jason Hanson racked up four points in Week 12, and San Francisco 49ers Joe Nedney scored six points in Week 11. The list keeps on going and as you can see, the numbers don’t lie, so don’t start Gould.

 

DEFENSES – SIT ‘EM

Cincinnati Bengals D/ST @ Minnesota

The Bengals have been a reliable option lately playing while playing the likes of the Oakland Raiders , Cleveland Browns , and Detroit Lions in successive weeks. This week, however, they won’t be lining up opposite a cupcake offense.

In Week 14, the Bengals have the daunting take of taking on a Minnesota Vikings offense that ranks second in the NFL in scoring at almost 30 points per game, fifth in total yards at 384 per game, and the Vikings as a team have thrown a league low six interceptions.

As you can see, in Week 14, there isn’t much to like about a Cincinnati defense that ranks first in the NFL in points allowed but has yet to take on an offense that is as explosive as the Vikings.

Your best bet is to take a flier on a defense that doesn’t have the statistics to maybe rival the Bengals but has a better match-up.

FOR MORE FANTASY FOOTBALL INSIGHT AND ADVICE, CLICK THE LINK BELOW…

BRUNO BOYS FANTASY FOOTBALL

THIS ARTICLE WRITTEN BY BRUNO BOY JACOB LERMAN.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Fantasy Football Week 14 Start ‘Ems

In a pinch for a skill player that will produce at a high level for you this week, but not sure what route to go? Well, no need to fret the small stuff because the Bruno Boys will help make your lineup decision easier. From Quarterbacks to Defenses we have you covered on who you should feel comfortable about plugging into your Week 14 lineup. Now, it’s time to cut to the chase and read our Fantasy Football Week 14 Start ‘Ems advice.

QUARTERBACKS—START ‘EM

Joe Flacco (Baltimore Ravens) vs. Detroit

After a sloppy performance in Green Bay, in which he threw two costly interceptions, Flacco is in need of a good performance in the worst way possible. Fortunately, he is playing a Detroit Lions’ team that allows the most fantasy points to opposing QBs per game at 18.6.

Having allowed 28 TDs (1 rushing) to opposing QBs on the year, the Lions have had a difficult time stopping anyone this season. Heck, even Brady Quinn posted his best game as a professional (304 yards and 4 TDs) versus Detroit. With the Ravens needing a win big time in order to move to 7-6, you can bet the Ravens and Flacco show up with their A-game.

Ben Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh Steelers) @ Cleveland

Playing against the Cleveland Browns is always a blessing especially during the fantasy playoffs. As such, with Thursday Night Football just hours away, make sure Big Ben is plugged into your line-ups as Roethlisberger should be a viable option for you against Cleveland.

On a per game average, Roethlisberger has been the fifth best standard fantasy QB (tied with Brett Favre with 18.5 points per game), so he doesn’t lack reliability. Even when average as he was in week 13 against the Oakland Raiders , he posted 278 yards and 2 TDs compared to 1 INT. 

RB Rashard Mendenhall should have a field day against the Browns, which will open things up for Roethlisberger, who should be a reliable 18-20 point contributor as long as the wind cooperates some.

Matt Schaub (Houston Texans) vs. Seattle

Matt Schaub has averaged 287 yards and 1.8 TDs per game this season, which is impressive, but not nearly as impressive as his ability to finally stay healthy (The Texans’ QB even returned to the field of play after suffering a shoulder injury early in week 13’s games).

Averaging 18.4 fantasy points per game, he has been reliable, even without a reliable rushing attack keeping team’s honest. However, while still riding a streak of four straight games with double digit fantasy points, Schaub has been a bit turnover prone in those games with 5 INTs and 1 fumble lost, which has led to just average QB play from your fantasy stud.

He should get back on track in week 14 versus a Seattle Seahawks’ team that allowed Alex Smith to throw for 310 yards and 2 TDs in week 13.

RUNNING BACKS—START ‘EM
Jamaal Charles (Kansas City Chiefs) vs. Buffalo

The Bills have not let fantasy owners down for those who have been starting opposing RBs against them. Just last week, New York Jets’ RB Thomas Jones recorded 109 yards against them, while the Jets totaled a convincing 249 rushing yards on them as a team. Without many other options than Charles, the Chiefs figure to steadily move the ball against the Bills by relying on their ground game.

Even against a tough Broncos’ defense in week 13, Charles put up 59 total yards and a TD (though he did also fumble the ball away) reaffirming that he has value for fantasy owner’s playoff runs. The Bills allow almost 26 points per game to fantasy RBs, so make sure to start Charles this weekend.

Laurence Maroney (New England Patriots) vs. Carolina

Crunch time has come for potential playoff teams, and New England is one of them. After struggling the past two weeks, expect the Patriots to come out firing against the Panthers this weekend. That means that Tom Brady should fare well as well as the running game which has been successful in weeks past.

Even though Maroney’s ypc average (3.9) has been less than spectacular, he should get things going in this one. The Panthers have allowed 16 TDs (5 receiving) to opposing RBs, and we believe Maroney is poised to have a solid 12+ point day in Foxboro.

Thomas Jones (New York Jets) @ Tampa Bay

Thomas Jones has been a reliable source of fantasy points from week one through week 13. In fact, he hasn’t had less than 10 fantasy points since a week three matchup with the Tennessee Titans .

In week 14, he faces a Buccaneers team that is 1-11 and is allowing 20.8 fantasy points per game to opposing RBs, including 18 fantasy points to RB Jonathan Stewart in week 13. Thomas Jones should be in for a solid week 14 performance, helping to keep your hopes for a fantasy championship alive one more week.

FREE AGENT PICK-UP OF THE WEEK —Quinton Ganther (Washington Redskins) @ Oakland

Coming off a heartbreaking loss to the New Orleans Saints , the Redskins are facing the Oakland Raiders in week 14. The Raiders allowed 16 fantasy points to Rashard Mendenhall Quinton Ganther now being named the starter, we’re recommending him as a guy to keep an eye on in a great match-up versus Oakland.

Even in splitting time with Rock Cartwright , it would not be surprising to see Ganther accumulate 8-10 fantasy points this weekend, making him a nice flex start for many fantasy owners.

WIDE RECEIVERS—START ‘EM

Derrick Mason (Baltimore Ravens) vs. Detroit

Mason struggled against DB Charles Woodson on MNF, but how nice must it be to face the Lions’ secondary coming off a bad game. The Lions are the second worst team in the league when it comes to defending the WR position (the Titans are the worst, but they’re playing the Rams in week 14), so Mason should be able to post his 70-yard, 1 TD game that we’ve grown accustomed to.

The Lions allow nearly 25 points per game to WRs, and seeing that the Ravens only real threat at the wide receiver position is Mason, he is a promising start if you’re looking for WR help in week 14.

Michael Crabtree (San Francisco 49ers) vs. Arizona

Although Crabtree wasn’t around in the first game of this NFC West rivalry, he will be ready to make an impact for game two. Percy Harvin (15 fantasy points) and Sidney Rice (7) were both fantasy-startable against the Cardinals in week 13. This weekend, the Cardinals will face a 49ers team that has finally been able to move the ball through the air with Alex Smith under center.

Crabtree, having seven NFL games under his belt now, is finally getting in a groove. He has been unable to have that breakout game in 2009, but this could be the week that he shines, especially on MNF.

Terrell Owens (Buffalo Bills) @ Kansas City

The New York Jets and Darrelle Revis were able to shut down TO to the tune of just 31 yards on 3 catches in week 13 on Thursday Night Football. However, Owens’ week 14 opponent allowed Broncos’ stud WR Brandon Marshall to get 15 fantasy points with 94 yards and a TD. Owens could be in line to see some similar numbers, especially due to KC’s inability to cover opposing WRs (21 fantasy ppg allowed to the position).

TIGHT ENDS—START ‘EM

Kevin Boss (New York Giants) vs. Philadelphia

Kevin Boss goes up against a Philadelphia Eagles’ defense that ranks seventh in the NFL in total yards allowed per game, but is dead last when it comes to limiting the TE in fantasy points. The Eagles have allowed 9.8 fantasy points per game to the position, which is a number that Kevin Boss and his owners are excited to see.

Boss has 391 yards and 4 TDs through 12 weeks, which isn’t exactly what fantasy owners hoped for when drafting him, but he should be able to log at least 60 yards receiving this week and makes for a good waiver-wire option.

NOTE: On the other side of the ball, Brent Celek makes for another great start this upcoming weekend facing the New York Giants , who allow the second most fantasy points to TEs in the NFL at 9.7 per game.

KICKERS—START ‘EM

Billy Cundiff (Baltimore Ravens) vs. Detroit

The Lions allow an average of almost 10 points a game to opposing kickers through 12 games this season. In week 13, Shayne Graham posted 11 points on 3 FGs and 2 XPs against the same Lions team that Cundiff will face this weekend. While Cundiff hasn’t done much to prove his worth as a fantasy kicker, going against the Lions should undoubtedly amount to 8-10 fantasy points.

DEFENSES—START ‘EM
Tennessee Titans D/ST vs. St. Louis

A matchup with the St. Louis Rams has led to many fantasy-worthy defensive performances for most of 2009. With the Titans on a roll in the second half, their defense should be good for a solid week 14.

The Rams have only averaged 11.6 points per game this season, which ranks them as the worst scoring offense in the NFL. The Rams are 20th in the NFL having allowed 28 sacks and have a TO differential at -6. As a result, the Titans are a must-start for week 14.

Other favorable D/STs match-ups: (New York Jets @ Tampa Bay, New England Patriots vs. Carolina, Baltimore Ravens vs. Detroit, Pittsburgh Steelers @ Cleveland)

FOR MORE FANTASY FOOTBALL INSIGHT AND ADVICE, CLICK THE LINK BELOW…

BRUNO BOYS FANTASY FOOTBALL

THIS ARTICLE WRITTEN BY BRUNO BOY JACOB LERMAN .

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Fantasy Football Week 14 Rankings: Kickers

Now it’s time to take a look at the Bruno Boys Fantasy Football Week 14 Kicker Rankings .

1. Nate Kaeding (San Diego Chargers) @ Dallas

No kicker in football is as hot as Kaeding right now. With the Chargers offense hitting full throttle over the last month it has led to 10 field goals converted and 14 extra points for the veteran kicker. During that span, Kaeding has 48 fantasy football points in standard leagues and nothing should change here against the Dallas Cowboys in an expected shoot-out.

Point Projection: 11 points

2. Garrett Hartley (New Orleans Saints) @ Atlanta

It’s been a wild 18 months for Hartley. After finishing the 2008 season as the Saints kicker he was expected to keep his duties in 2009 but a four game suspension for violating the leagues substance abuse policy put an end to that. New Orleans signed free-agent kicker John Carney and for the first 11 weeks they never looked back.

However, in Week 12 Carney missed a near chip shot and the coaching staff decided to re-insert Hartley into the starting lineup. He responded well in Week 13 as he knocked down four field goals and a game-winner in overtime against the Washington Redskins .

Expect much of the same this week against an Atlanta Falcons defense that has allowed 28.25 points per game over their last four.

Point Projection: 11 points

3. Ryan Longwell (Minnesota Vikings) vs. Cincinnati

We’ve said it for years now and we will say it again—consistency wins in fantasy football and that’s just what Longwell is. Playing in a high powered Minnesota offense, Longwell has knocked down at least one field goal in all but two games and he has at least two extra points in every contest.

His six field goal attempts over the last four games is not ideal, but this week the Cincinnati Bengals come to town and their defense is far more talented than anyone the Vikings have played over the past month. Look for Minnesota to move the football, but don’t expect them to find the end zone at the rate they have lately.

Point Projection: 11 points

4. Jay Feeley (New York Jets) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Coming off a huge week in which he racked up a very impressive 14 fantasy points, hitting 4-of-4 field goals and adding an extra point, Feely looks primed for yet another double digit outing in week 14.

Ranked 31st against the rush, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will have a difficult time slowing down the Jets’ running game. However, with Kellen Clemens under center, drives are sure to stall once the Jets get down near the goal-line, which means plenty of field goal opportunities for Feely.

Point Projection: 11 points

5. David Akers (Philadelphia Eagles) @ New York Giants

If you’ve been riding the leg of Akers all season long, now is not the time to stop. Through 12 games, the Eagles’ kicker has racked up 6+ fantasy points each and every week, averaging a fantasy football best at his position of 9.9 per week. We expect a repeat of Akers’ prior meeting with the New York Giants this season, a game in which he tallied 10 fantasy points.

Point Projection: 10 points

6. Billy Cundiff (Baltimore Ravens) vs. Detroit

For all those that don’t think kickers’ are tough, take a look at Billy Cundiff as the Ravens’ kicker played through a mild concussion in week 13 in the Monday Night contest against the Green Bay Packers .

He should play through the injury yet again, which is good news for his fantasy owners as he’ll be kicking against a Detroit Lions’ team that has allowed the most fantasy points to the kicker position on the year.

Point Projection: 10 points

7. Shayne Graham (Cincinnati Bengals) @ Minnesota

Through the first eight weeks of the season, Graham did not have one game in which he tallied more than one field goal. The last four weeks have been a different story. In that time span, Graham has connected on 11-of-13 field goal attempts, a big reason he has tallied 12 fantasy football points in three of those contests. The kicker is hot, making him worthy of a fantasy spot.

Point Projection: 9 points

8. Mason Crosby (Green Bay Packers) @ Chicago

Kicking for an offense that’s averaging over 26 points per game has it’s benefits as Crosby’s 29 points over his last three games proves. The good times should continue to roll in week 14 as Crosby will matchup against a Chicago Bears’ team that he notched 8 fantasy points against back in week one.

One thing to be aware of though is that this game is being played in Chicago in December, so be sure to keep a close eye on the weather.

Point Projection: 9 points

9. Matt Prater (Denver Broncos) @ Indianapolis

In each of the last two weeks, Prater’s been putting up points more reminiscent of a RB2 than a K, as the Denver Broncos ’ kicker has recorded 15 points in each of those contests. He won’t get to that lofty total here in week 14, but with the Colts giving up the seventh most fantasy points to kickers’ on the season, he should still be in for a solid outing.

Point Projection: 9 points

10. Matt Stover (Indianpolis Colts) vs. Denver

The misses Stover has had over the last two games may eventually cost him his job when Adam Vinatieri is ready to return. That, though, isn’t yet as Stover remains the Colts’ kicker, a good place to be with the Colts’ putting up 27.6 points per game. Per usual, Stover should have some opportunities to put fantasy football points on the board.

Point Projection: 9 points

11. Rian Lindell (Kansas City Chiefs)  vs. Buffalo

Lindell is currently in the midst of a three-game streak in which he has tallied at least eight fantasy football points. The streak should continue in week 14 as the Buffalo Bills will head to Kansas City to take on a Chiefs’ team that is allowing kickers’ an average of 8.9 points per contest.

Point Projection: 9 points

12. Dan Carpenter (Miami Dolphins) @ Jacksonville

With a six-point effort in week 11 and a two-point showing in week 12, Carpenter, who had had a streak of eight games with at least seven fantasy points prior, was beginning to lose his owners’ confidence.

However, a 11-point performance last week against the New England Patriots , in which he was 3-of-3 on field goals with an extra point, should remedy that. Feel free to employ him against a Jacksonville Jaguars team giving up over 22 points per game.

Point Projection: 8 points

13. Stephen Gostkowski (New England Patriots) vs. Carolina

The New England Patriots’ two-game skid has hit their kicker as Gostkowski has just seven fantasy points combined in those two outings. The Carolina Panthers have limited opposing kickers for the majority of this season, but with the Patriots coming in hungrier than ever, we expect them and Gostkowski to rebound in Week 14.

Point Projection: 8 points

14. Rob Bironas (Tennessee Titans) vs. St. Louis

Ok, the streak of double digit performances ended at five as Bironas tallied just five fantasy points against the Colts in week 13, but that’s no reason to jump ship on the Titans’ kicker, especially with a matchup against the St. Louis Rams on the docket.

The Rams have given up 26.2 points per game on the season, and even if his field goal attempts are limited, Bironas should still have enough extra points to make him a solid play.

Point Projection: 8 points

15. Lawrence Tynes (New York Giants) vs. Philadelphia

While Tynes hasn’t exactly been making the Giants happy of late with his shoddy accuracy, fantasy football owners don’t have much to complain about as the Giants’ kicker has racked up 7+ fantasy points in each of his last four games.

Reaching that number this week will be a bit tougher than in his previous games as the Philadelphia Eagles are a formidable opponent, but we have faith.

Point Projection: 8 points

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BRUNO BOYS FANTASY FOOTBALL

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Dear Santa…College Football Christmas Wishlist for the Denver Broncos

Dear Santa,

This Christmas I want my list to be a little bit different. This year, I want to give all of my presents to the Denver Broncos.

In college football, there are a select group of players that may or may not enter this year’s NFL Draft, and the Broncos could use some of them. Obviously, it would be great if they could have all of them, but I realize you are Santa Claus and not God himself.

The following is a list of the players I feel best define what Josh and Brian are looking for on the Denver Broncos. Players with high character, toughness, and versatility. Players who are willing to be coached, and players who fit our system well.

P.S. Say thanks for me to the Big Man upstairs for Jay Cutler’s karma, for if not for the newest Chicago Bear quarterback’s horrible start, the Broncos would not have a shot at the top ten of the draft and would have only their likely playoff appearance to rub in his face.

Your friend,

Sayre

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Real Cleveland Football For A Change

To borrow a line from the late Harry Caray, “Holy cow!!”

 

Did I just watch a real professional football game in Cleveland?!

 

Not since the days of Minnifield and Dixon have I seen defensive backs sticking to receivers like what I witnessed against the Pittsburgh Steelers last night.

 

Was that Chip Banks, Clay Matthews, and Eddie Johnson dressed up as Marcus Benard, Matt Roth, and David Bowens?

 

Was that Corey Williams or Michael Dean Perry collapsing the pocket like that?

 

 

A Whole Lot of Hitting Going on Out There

 

It wasn’t just that the under-manned Browns beat the reigning Super Bowl Champions, but it was how they went about doing it.

 

Cleveland simply punched the Steelers in the mouth on both sides of the ball.

 

Sure, the Browns had to use some trickery with the Wildcat to move the football. They also resorted to some unique defensive looks to keep the Steelers’ offense confused,but the Browns dominated the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball.

 

They beat the Steelers at what was once their own game. They bloodied their noses and held them down until they cried “Uncle!”

 

I have not seen that from a Browns team since the late 1980s,even when they did win a game.

 

 

Game Ball

 

It is pretty obvious to anyone who was watching that Joshua Cribbs is a special player.

 

He completely took the game over on special teams and on offense, when very few of the skill players were making plays.

 

There are a lot of amazing things you can point to when referring to Cribbs: his speed, his power, and his sheer will all come to mind.

 

But what I find most amazing, is his ability to get it done when everyone in the stadium, including the opposing team, knows he is getting the ball.

 

I understand the organization’s stance when it comes to his contract situation. Why pay a guy who we just renegotiated with, especially when our goal is to create as much cap space as possible under a rebuilding regime?

 

But week in and week out, this guy has earned it.

 

He has been a good soldier and has refrained from ripping the team when he could have just as easily gone the other way. He has done everything that has been asked of him and more.

 

Pay the man!

 

 

Game Balls II

 

There is plenty to go around, because this was truly a “team effort” by its very definition.

 

There are a few players who deserve mention simply because they have taken such a beating from the fans during the year.

 

Specifically, I am pointing to the following players who fit that category: Brandon McDonald, Hank Poteat, Corey Williams, and John St. Clair.

 

If you want to beat them when their down, then you should pat them on the back for their effort when they have earned it; they earned it last night.

 

 

Game Balls III

 

I tried to stop, but I need Spalding to send over a few more.

 

Fullbacks are the Inglorious Bastards of the NFL. They hardly get a mention unless their quarterback is lying on the field in agony because they just missed their assignment.

 

But Steeler defenders are recuperating today after taking some absolutely viscous shots from Lawrence Vickers yesterday.

 

Vickers was pumped up from the start and his attitude helped set the tone from the beginning of the game.

 

Eric Wright was in Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes pockets so often, it looked as if someone sowed him onto their jerseys.

 

His play, as well as the play of the rest of the defensive backfield, allowed Coach Ryan to send the house at Ben Roethlisberger on virtually every play.

 

Marcus Benard…alright…forget it…I give up. Pass one out to the whole front seven on defense and the whole offensive line on offense.

 

 

Evan Moore is the Real Deal

 

I have to admit that I was not willing to jump on the bandwagon after last week’s six catch, 80-yard performance against the Chargers.

 

I heard all the talk about how this converted wide receiver from Stanford was making plays all year in practice.

 

Fans were coming out of the woodwork proclaiming him as the next Jason Whitten.

 

One bleeping game for crying out loud! Give me a break!

 

I’m still not ready to hang his number next to the great Ozzie Newsome. But maybe the Browns are on to something here.

 

That 24-yard pass he hauled in early in the game was a thing of beauty.

 

Evan Moore, welcome to Brownstown.

 

 

The Coaching Staff

 

Just like some of the aforementioned players for whom I passed out accolades (who have been getting roasted by the local fan base), the coaching staff deserves a little credit today as well.

 

Defensive coordinator Rob Ryan pushed all the right buttons in thoroughly confusing the Steelers’ offense.

 

Ironically, Ryan actually simplified things according to some of his players and it paid dividends.

 

Simply put, he played man-coverage for a good portion of the game and attacked particular areas of the Pittsburgh offense with three where they had two (or four where they had three).

 

In 3rd-and-long situations, Ryan had defenders walking all over the place so Roethlisberger and crew could not figure out who was in coverage and who was rushing the passer.

 

It was just what the doctor ordered for a team that has to pass out name tags at practice just to determine who is the teammate that is playing next to him.

 

Offensive coordinator Brian Daboll should get some kudos as well.

 

Some games it is maddening how conservative the Browns’ offense can be. But when your defense is dominating the game and the weather is bad, protecting the lead, running out the clock, and not making any mistakes against an opponent with more talent is the right move.

 

On a day when the Browns were not getting much help out of their passing game, he stuck to his guns.

 

His use of Josh Cribbs was just enough to be effective, but not so much as to be redundant.

 

It helped that his blockers actually executed the game plan.

 

Cleveland’s favorite whipping boy, Eric Mangini, deserves big “ups” for this game.

 

Let’s be real honest here, after all the injuries, personnel changes, and losses —as well as the fact that there was not a lot of talent to begin with—this team could have easily folded the tent and just packed it in for the year.

 

They didn’t; they played inspired and beat a superior, albeit slumping, football team.

 

Anyone out their going to bite the bullet and say it?

 

[Long Pause]

 

Ok, I will anyway. Great job Eric Mangini!

 

 

Six Points and Leroy Watson

 

I have been writing on B/R for less than one year and have been a Featured Writer for only a few months.

 

In that short time, I have had an opportunity to read quite a few writers whom I think very highly of who work for this site. There are an awful lot of writers on this site that I would rather spend my time reading than some of the high-profile sports journalists at some magazines, newspapers, and web sites.

 

Therefore, it is somewhat unfair of me to pick out just a couple when there are so many gifted people who contribute to this site.

 

That said, I want to recommend to anyone who reads this to check out two in particular who I personally cannot wait to read on a regular basis.

 

Leroy Watson is currently a Featured Writer in the Memphis Tigers NCAA basketball section.

 

Although Leroy is a fantastic source for your college basketball jones, it is his feature stories on historical figures that he does on occasion that I find most compelling.

 

My wife, who has absolutely no interest in sports, actually cried twice while reading his pieces.

 

Do yourself a favor and take a peek if you have not already.

 

Secondly, I want to recognize Christopher Maher , who frequently contributes what he calls his “Six Points” piece in this very Browns section.

 

Christopher does not get nearly the traffic that he deserves.

 

He is not a Featured Writer, so he does not get a prime piece of real estate.

 

He does not necessarily share the “popular” mass’s opinion, so Browns’ readers may not find his work appealing.

 

Perhaps it’s because he does not write articles headlined “Why I Love (or Hate) Brady Quinn” or “Eric Mangini Should Be Fired” that keeps him from getting more reads.

 

But Christopher’s sarcastic sense of humor, realistic point-of-view, and brilliant writing style are something I look forward to taking in.

 

Maybe it’s just the smartaleck in me that finds his work so darn good.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Week 14 Fantasy Football Player Breakdowns

Be sure to check out our Start/Sit column for some solid calls this week and if you’re searching for a gem to help you out with line-up issues, take a second to look over this week’s Waiver Wire Pick-ups.

Read on for player match-ups and some quick notes:

New Orleans Saints @ Atlanta Falcons

QB Drew Brees: Falcons defense isn’t very good, so no worries here. *****
RB Pierre Thomas: Should carve Atlanta’s weak run defense all day. *****
RB Mike Bell: Still has a nice role, but yards per carry stinks. ***
RB Reggie Bush: Small role, so barely a flex play. **
WR Marques Colston: Always a good start and nice match-up helps. ****
WR Devery Henderson: Very inconsistent, but loads of potential. ***
WR Robert Meachem: Is red-hot right now, so quality WR3. ****
TE Jeremy Shockey: Has been weak, but Atlanta can’t cover tight ends. ****

QB Matt Ryan: Looks like he has a chance to play, but check status. ***
QB Chris Redman: Solid one week, awful the next. Not a lock to play this week. **
RB Michael Turner: Is trying to get back and New Orleans run defense is awful. ****
RB Jerious Norwood: Hasn’t done much and is playing hurt. **
RB Jason Snelling: Role could increase if Turner doesn’t return. **
WR Roddy White: Has been very active and Ryan return could boost value. *****
WR Michael Jenkins: Inconsistent, so not a great play. **
TE Tony Gonzalez: Saints aren’t amazing against tight end, so he has a shot . ****

Detroit Lions @ Baltimore Ravens

QB Matthew Stafford: Not playing this week.
QB Daunte Culpepper: Ravens pass defense stinks, but he’s still Culpepper. **
RB Kevin Smith: Tough run defense, but he’ll get touches. ***
WR Calvin Johnson: Can still work the deep ball and that’s all Culpepper is good at. ****
WR Bryant Johnson: Wildly inconsistent, but they should have to pass. **

QB Joe Flacco: Ravens will run all day, but Lions are woeful against pass. ****
RB Ray Rice: Could have career day and should get a ton of touches. *****
RB Willis McGahee: Role is decent again, so could be a quality flex this week. ***
WR Derrick Mason: Shouldn’t have any issues getting open this week. ****
WR Mark Clayton: Hit-or-miss, but match-up leaning toward a “hit”. ***
TE Todd Heap: Has been beyond mediocre all season, so don’t bite. **

Green Bay Packers @ Chicago Bears

QB Aaron Rodgers: Bears pass defense is horrible and Rodgers can’t be stopped. *****
RB Ryan Grant: Will have difficulty, but should get solid touches. ***
WR Greg Jennings: Ended the game on a high note last time around, expect the same. ****
WR Donald Driver: Always active and usually plays well against Chicago. ****
WR James Jones: Has been fairly active, so worth using in deeper leagues. **
TE Jermichael Finley: Extremely active last week and that shouldn’t change. ****

QB Jay Cutler: Has been sluggish and Packers defense won’t make it easy. **
RB Matt Forte: Not much room to run in this match-up, so stay away. **
WR Devin Hester: Doesn’t look like he’ll play this week and has been cold. *
WR Earl Bennett: Could stand to see extra targets, but mostly in garbage time. ***
WR Johnny Knox: Always a threat for the deep ball, but match-up is tough. ***
TE Greg Olsen: Packers stop the tight end well, so not a safe play. **

Seattle Seahawks @ Houston Texans

QB Matt Hasselbeck: Pass protection is inconsistent and so is he. **
RB Julius Jones: Should keep getting most of the carries, but not a terrific match-up. **
RB Justin Forsett: Role not what it was, but still offers flex value. ***
WR Nate Burleson: Is still getting it done, but not at the level he should be. ***
WR TJ Housh: Not a bad match-up, but he hasn’t shown us a lot. ***
TE John Carlson: The connection with Hasselbeck just isn’t there. **

QB Matt Schaub: Seattle can’t stop the pass, and he’s due. *****
RB Steve Slaton: He’s on IR, so drop him.
RB Ryan Moats: Is the starter, so should have RB2 value. ****
RB Chris Brown: Still getting goal-line carries, so could be a Flex. ***
WR Andre Johnson: Had 17 targets last week, so do the math. *****
WR Kevin Walter: Targets are solid WR3 projections, but nothing compared to AJ. ***
TE James Casey: Didn’t catch a ball last week and should be off your radar. *

Denver Broncos @ Indianapolis Colts

QB Kyle Orton: Colts not unbeatable through the air, but not an easy match-up. **
RB Knowshon Moreno: Colts can be run on, and he’s looked good. ***
RB Correll Buckhalter: Sharing the load big time, and has been impressive. ***
WR Brandon Marshall: Still their top guy, but that’s not saying much. ***
WR Eddie Royal: More involved recently, but not very reliable. **

QB Peyton Manning: Tough match-up, but he’s risen over all obstacles so far. ****
RB Joseph Addai: It won’t be easy for him this week, but you can’t bet against him. ***
RB Donald Brown: Small role, so not worth a starting spot. *
WR Reggie Wayne: Should bounce back after being contained last week. ****
WR Pierre Garcon: Huge game last week, but faces a tough match-up. ***
WR Austin Collie: Role has been OK, but yardage nothing special. **
TE Dallas Clark: A must-start every week and he can beat these linebackers. *****

Miami Dolphins @ Jacksonville Jaguars

QB Chad Henne: Jas can definitely be passed on and he’s getting better. ***
RB Ricky Williams: Is feeling the weight of the extra carries, but looks great. *****
RB Lex Hilliard: Should get a few more carries, but barely a Flex play. **
WR Davone Bess: Stepped up last week, so potential is sky high. ****
WR Brian Hartline: Has made plays and knows how to get open. **
WR Ted Ginn: A complete afterthought, so drop him. *

QB David Garrard: If MSW is out, his value drops way down. ***
RB Maurice Jones-Drew: Should have a huge day against weak run defense. *****
WR Mike Sims-Walker: Is questionable, but match-up bodes well. ****
WR Torry Holt: Hasn’t scored all season and yardage is dipping. **
TE Marcedes Lewis: Barely a TE2. *

For the rest of Week 14 ‘s Fantasy Player Breakdowns, go here .

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

NFL Mikee’s Adventures in Fantasy Football Week 13 Results Plus Playoffs

I snatched the Raiders’ defense for a couple of my teams this week. The Raiders have Washington and I think they can have a pretty good day.

Team one, NFL Mikee’s Molemen are 7-6 and in fourth place. They need a win this week to notch up a playoff spot in week 15. They lost last week to make things harder this week.

To attempt this feat will be Brett Favre, Andre Johnson, Steve Smith, Derek Mason, Frank Gore, Rashard Mendenhall, Heath Miller, David Akers, and the Philadelphia defense.

Team two, the TWO Wreckers, lost also last week, and are 10-3. This team is pretty good and should make a run in winning this league.

Starting will be Tom Brady, Vincent Jackson, Randy Moss, Davone Bess, Adrian Peterson, LaDanian Tomlinson, Heath Miller, Jay Feeley, and the Steelers defense.

Team three, NFL Mikee’s Maulers are 9-4. In Fox, this is the first round of playoffs.

This week we will start Drew Brees, Darren Sproles, Ryan Grant, Steve Smith, Wes Welker, Vernon Davis, Derrek Mason, Nate Kaeding, and the Titan defense. This team’s projected total is 129 and should win in the first round.

Team four, The South Florida Tarpons, looks like the only team out of seven not in the championship round of the playoffs. Tough luck, Tarps.

This team really struggled as a auto-drafted team and I just could not get them much better.

In the consolation playoffs and destined to lose most likely will be Matt Cassell, Matt Forte, Willis McGahee, Frank Gore, Steve Breaston, Davone Bess, Jeremy Shockey, the Raiders defense, and Dan Carpenter. Good luck to this team. It needs it.

Team five fared a bit better and is in the playoffs in Week 14. The Fort Myers Mustangs were 8-4-1 and are now playing Rashard Mendenhall on Thursday night, who is not doing very well with only three points in the third quarter.

The Steelers are losing 13-3. Wow! Also starting on this playoff squad will be Donovan McNabb, Chris Brown, Anquan Boldin, Randy Moss, Roddy White, Tony Gonzales, the Raider defense, and Nate Kaeding.

Team six, also in the playoffs at 8-5 are ready to roll. The starters will be Kurt Warner, Pierre Thomas, Rashard Mendenhall, Steven Jackson, Larry Fitzgerald, Steve Smith, Brent Celek, the Titans defense, and Matt Prater.

Team seven, the North Fort Myers Warlocks are in first place and, of course, are also in the playoffs.

They will start Ben Roelthlisberger, Frank Gore, Thomas Jones, Wes Welker, Larry Fitzgerald, Percy Harvin, Heath Miller, the Jets defense, and Nate Kaeding.

Six out of seven teams made the playoffs, so that’s cool. We shall see how this first round goes. I predict two league winners out of seven teams.

Good luck in all you fantasy sports teams, and have a good weekend.

Thomas [NFL Mikee] Moreland.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Sunday Night Football Flex Scheduling Watch: Week 13

First, apologies for last week’s Flex Schedule Watch not being posted on Bleacher Report. Suffice to say, it’s a long story and my Twitter followers got the gist of it.

NBC’s Sunday Night Football package gives it flexible scheduling. For the last seven weeks of the season, the games are determined on 12-day notice, 6-day notice for Week 17.

The first year, no game was listed in the Sunday Night slot, only a notation that one game could move there. Now, NBC lists the game it “tentatively” schedules for each night. However, the NFL is in charge of moving games to prime time.

Here are the rules from the NFL web site (note that this was written with the 2007 season in mind):

• Begins Sunday of Week 11
• In effect during Weeks 11-17
• Only Sunday afternoon games are subject to being moved into the Sunday night window.
• The game that has been tentatively scheduled for Sunday night during flex weeks will be listed at 8:20 p.m. ET.
• The majority of games on Sundays will be listed at 1:00 p.m. ET during flex weeks except for games played in Pacific or Mountain Time zones which will be listed at 4:05 or 4:15 p.m. ET.
• No impact on Thursday, Saturday or Monday night games.
• The NFL will decide (after consultation with CBS, FOX, NBC) and announce as early as possible the game being played at 8:20 p.m. ET. The announcement will come no later than 12 days prior to the game. The NFL may also announce games moving to 4:05 p.m. ET and 4:15 p.m. ET.
• Week 17 start time changes could be decided on 6 days notice to ensure a game with playoff implications.
• The NBC Sunday night time slot in “flex” weeks will list the game that has been tentatively scheduled for Sunday night.
• Fans and ticket holders must be aware that NFL games in flex weeks are subject to change 12 days in advance (6 days in Week 17) and should plan accordingly.
• NFL schedules all games.
• Teams will be informed as soon as they are no longer under consideration or eligible for a move to Sunday night.
• Rules NOT listed on NFL web site but pertinent to flex schedule selection: CBS and Fox each protect games in five out of six weeks, and could not protect any games Week 17 in 2007. Unless I find out otherwise, I’m assuming that’s still the case this year, especially with no tentative game listed Week 17. When looking up info on what the protected games might be, I found out that games were protected after Week FIVE this year, and presumably in some of the previous years. Previously all I knew was that games were protected after Week 4 the first year of flexible scheduling.
• Three teams can appear a maximum of six games in primetime on NBC, ESPN or NFL Network (everyone else gets five) and no team may appear more than four times on NBC. A list of all teams’ number of appearances is in my Week 5 post.
• A rule that may have come to light late last year but that, given its restrictiveness and lateness in coming to light, I’m having trouble accepting, is that the balance of primetime games taken from FOX and CBS can’t go beyond 22-20 one way or the other. The current tally is FOX 17, CBS 21; with tentative games, the tally is FOX 20, CBS 21.

Here are the current tentatively-scheduled games and my predictions:

Week 11 (November 22):

• Selected game: Philadelphia @ Chicago.

Week 12 (November 29):

• Selected game: Pittsburgh @ Baltimore.

Week 13 (December 6):

• Selected game: Minnesota @ Arizona.

Week 14 (December 13):

• Selected game: Philadelphia @ NY Giants.

Week 15 (December 20):

• Selected game: Minnesota @ Carolina. See here for why a game involving two small markets that’s this lopsided was kept.

Week 16 (December 27)

• Tentative game: Dallas @ Washington
• Prospects: Lopsided at 8-4 v. 3-9, but it is the NFL’s biggest rivalry so never count out its chances of keeping the spot.
• Protected games: Ravens-Steelers (CBS).
• Other possible games: Broncos-Eagles, at 8-4 v. 8-4, and Jags-Patriots, at 7-5 v. 7-5.
• Analysis: Normally we would expect Broncos-Eagles to be the favorite with Jags-Patriots involving a team too obscure in the Jags even if things break down right. Two things work against it: First, Cowboys-Redskins is still the NFL’s biggest rivalry. Second, picking Broncos-Ravens moves from a Fox game to a CBS game, for the penultimate week of the season, which could force the selection of a Fox game Week 17. Right now, Fox has the better games anyway, but Week 17 is so dependent on circumstances it’s unpredictable even after Week 15.  But the killer could be the Eagles becoming maxed out on NBC appearances, preventing NBC from getting a potentially very valuable Fox game Week 17: Cowboys-Eagles.
• Final prediction: Dallas Cowboys @ Washington Redskins (no change).

Week 17 (January 3 Playoff Positioning Watch):

• AFC East: Patriots lead, Dolphins and Jets a game back, Bills another two back. New England plays Houston, the Jets play Cincinnati, and Miami plays Pittsburgh.
• AFC North: Bengals lead, Ravens and Steelers three games back. The Bengals play the Jets, while the Steelers play the Dolphins and Baltimore plays Oakland. Browns out.
• AFC South: Colts clinched.
• AFC West: Chargers lead, Broncos a game back, Chiefs and Raiders out. The Broncos play the Chiefs while the Chargers play the Redskins.
• AFC Wild Card: If the season ended today, the Broncos and Jags (who play the Browns) would get the nod, with the Dolphins, Jets, Ravens, and Steelers a game back. The Titans and Texans are waiting in the wings; the Titans play the Seahawks. Bengals-Jets and Texans-Patriots the main AFC contenders, though Dolphins-Steelers is appealing as well.
• NFC East: Cowboys and Eagles tied for lead, Giants a game back, Redskins out. Cowboys and Eagles play each other, while the Giants play the Vikings.
• NFC North: Vikings lead by 2 games over Packers. The Vikings play the Giants while the Packers play the Cardinals.
• NFC South: Saints clinched.
• NFC West: Cardinals lead by 3 over 49ers and Seahawks. Arizona plays Green Bay, while the Niners play the Rams and the Seahawks play the Titans.
• NFC Wild Card: The Packers and Cowboys-Eagles loser would get the nod if the season ended today, with the Giants a game back and the Falcons, who play the Bucs, waiting in the wings. The NFC definitely has the better games with Cowboys-Eagles, Giants-Vikings, and possibly Packers-Cardinals, but the NFL showed last year they’re more concerned with making sure the game has playoff implications no matter what happens when we get to primetime, so we’ll see how the rest of the season plays out.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Fantasy Football Week 14 Rankings: Wide Receivers

Need help for your fantasy playoffs? The Bruno Boys have you covered with our Week 14 Wide Receiver Rankings!

 

1. Larry Fitzgerald (Arizona Cardinals) @ San Francisco

Kurt Warner’s re-entry into the starting lineup regained Fitzgerald the fantasy value he was losing when Noodle Arm Matt Leinart was under center. And it showed last week against the Minnesota Vikings , as Fitzgerald collected eight passes for a season-high 143 yards and one score.

Point Projection: 20 points

2. Andre Johnson (Houston Texans) vs. Seattle

When Matt Schaub went out with an injury and Rex Grossman came in, fantasy football owners around the country had to be pounding their skull into the nearest blunt object, at least if they had Johnson on their fantasy team. Hopefully, they didn’t pound themselves into unconsciousness, because Schaub came back, and the day was saved—at least for Johnson’s owners, as he ended up with seven catches for 99 yards and one touchdown. Houston wasn’t so lucky, as they fell to the Jacksonville Jaguars . But, that’s not really one of our concerns, now, is it?

Point Projection: 20 points

3. Randy Moss (New England Patriots) vs. Carolina

Moss caught two passes for 66 yards and one touchdown last week in New England’s loss to the Miami Dolphins . It’s a bit troubling to see his catches ebb in each of his last three games, he has scored twice, and will be a weekly threat to do so. That includes this week against the Carolina Panthers , who are fifth in the league in touchdown passes allowed.

Point Projection: 19 points

4. Marques Colston (New Orleans Saints) @ Atlanta

Of all the players on the Saints who showed up on the stat sheet, nobody caught fewer than Colston’s two passes. Yet he still gained 41 yards and scored a touchdown for the second consecutive week and now has a candy-apple sweet match-up with the Atlanta Falcons , who are 29th in the league in pass defense, and 22nd in touchdown passes allowed. Colston had 85 yards and one score against them back in Week 8.

Point Projection: 19 points

5. Reggie Wayne (Indianapolis Colts) vs. Denver

Wayne didn’t have the production that most fantasy football owners expected against a team in the Tennessee Titans that had previously been killed by passing attacks. Wayne managed just four catches for 48 yards, but he’ll have a chance to redeem himself this week, and that’s exactly what you should expect him to do. Even if he takes on top cover corner Champ Bailey .

Point Projection: 18 points

6. Miles Austin (Dallas Cowboys) vs. San Diego

Austin caught 10 passes for 104 yards and one touchdown against the New York Giants last week as the Cowboys fell. In his last 10 contests, Austin has had fewer than 10 fantasy points only twice, and he’s had 16 or more four times. The San Diego Chargers are a top-10 pass defense, but, then again, so was New York. Austin makes big plays and he likely will do it again in Week 14.

Point Projection: 17 points

7. Sidney Rice (Minnesota Vikings) vs. Cincinnati

Rice was targeted by Brett Favre a total of 16 times in the Vikings’ loss to the Arizona Cardinals last Sunday, and he caught seven of those throws for 72 yards. Rice’s 16 targets were more than double the amount any other receiver got, and two more than Percy Harvin and Bernard Berrian combined. Expect much of the same this week.

Point Projection: 17 points

8. Chad Ochocinco (Cincinnati Bengals) @ Minnesota

It was easy to tell who Carson Palmer was looking for throughout last week’s game against the Detroit Lions , as Ochocinco was targeted 14 times; no other Bengals player had more than four. With that came nine receptions for 137 yards and one score for the Ocho, and this week he gets to go up against a Minnesota Vikings team that was recently strafed by the Arizona Cardinals and who are 21st in pass defense.

Point Projection: 17 points

9. Wes Welker (New England Patriots) vs. Carolina

After a strangely quiet week in New England’s loss to the New Orleans Saints , Welker re-awoke with 10 receptions for 167 yards against the Miami Dolphins , though the Patriots still came up short. He’s still putting together large amounts of catches and yards, but the thing keeping him from putting up even higher fantasy totals are touchdowns—he hasn’t scored since Week Seven, and only four teams have given up fewer touchdown passes than the Carolina Panthers .

Point Projection: 16 points

10. Calvin Johnson (Detroit Lions) @ Baltimore

Megatron should have his own cartoon, because when he’s healthy, he’s saving football fans in Detroit from, well, awful football. Okay, that doesn’t sound like the most exciting program ever to grace the airwaves, but you get the point. Last week, Johnson caught six passes for 123 yards and one touchdown in a loss to the Cincinnati Bengals , which was his third score in his last three games.

Point Projection: 16 points

11. Anquan Boldin (Arizona Cardinals) @ San Francisco

Boldin has been fabulous since coming back from injury in Week 10, other than a 53-yard performance in Week 12 with Matt Leinart taking the snaps. However, In the three games with Kurt Warner at quarterback, Boldin has averaged 7.6 catches and 102 yards per game with three touchdowns.

Point Projection: 16 points

12. Brandon Marshall (Denver Broncos) @ Indianapolis

Predictably, Marshall had an excellent game against the Kansas City Chiefs last week, catching seven passes for 94 yards and one touchdown. And while his opponent this week, the Indianapolis Colts , can be thrown on a bit—they’re 19th in the league in pass defense—only four teams have allowed fewer scoring passes than they have.

Point Projection: 15 points

13. Steve Smith (New York Giants) vs. Philadelphia

With 13 targets, Smith was targeted at least nine more times than any other Giants player last week, and he responded with six receptions for 110 yards. Smith has unfortunately only scored one time since Week Four, but he’s still piling up the yards, and has at least 70 in each of his last three games. He had eight catches for 68 yards the last time he faced the Philadelphia Eagles , and though he didn’t score then, the Eagles can be had; they’ve 18th in the league in passing scores allowed.

Point Projection: 14 points

14. Roddy White (Atlanta Falcons) vs. New Orleans

Without Michael Jenkins lining up opposite him, White was busy last week in Atlanta’s loss to the Philadelphia Eagles , getting a total of 20 passes thrown his way, and catching nine of them for 104 yards and one touchdown. This week, he’ll face the New Orleans Saints , the last team he had 100 yards against before doing so against the Eagles.

Point Projection: 14 points

15. Robert Meachem (New Orleans Saints) @ Atlanta

With eight catches for 142 yards and one touchdown last week against the Washington Redskins , Meachem more than announced his presence to any fantasy football owner who was not previously paying attention. He has now scored in five straight games, and with a juicy match-up against the Atlanta Falcons this week, it could be a touchdown in six games in a row.

Point Projection: 13 points

 

FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK 14 WIDE RECEIVER RANKINGS , CLICK HERE !

THIS ARTICLE WRITTEN BY BRUNO BOY KYLE SMITH .

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

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