Fantasy Football Week 15 Start em, Sit em Projections and Lineup Advice Q&A
December 13, 2010 by Jerod-Morris · Comments Off
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Well, as I explained in this week’s waiver wire sleeper picks post, I needed another Monday night miracle to make the playoffs in the P&G-sponsored Blogger Fantasy Football League*. Barring something truly miraculous over the next hour, my season will end at the hands of Team Gunaxin.
Regardless, it has been a great experience, highlighted by the trip to New York and the draft in the NFL boardroom. That was a truly memorable experience that I’ll remember forever, and I cannot thank P&G and the NFL enough for making it reality. I would have loved to be able to enjoy this year’s Super Bowl live from Jerry World as well; but alas, it was not meant to be.
Luckily I am in many more leagues than just that one and actually had three byes this week. So fear not, dear reader! Just because my season has come to a screeching halt in the P&G league, I still have leagues with friends and family that I must win for essential bragging rights and pride. Thus, I will still be working just as hard as always to analyze the players, trends, matchups, and injuries to help myself out in my other leagues and to help you out in yours.
Let’s start analyzing.
Before we delve into the Week 15 start ‘em, sit ‘em picks, here is a quick note and then a recap of how I did with my Week 14 top-line picks:
- Don’t forget to check out the Text It To The House promotion. It’s the fun, easy weekly game I told you about a couple weeks back. You pick the five players who will have longest plays from scrimmage this week
And now a quick look back at my Week 14 top-line picks, which we pretty solid – a nice rebound effort after my poor Week 13:
- Start em hits: Knowshon Moreno; Vernon Davis; Atlanta Falcons
- Start em misses: Jay Cutler (damn me for trusting him);
- Sit em hits: Matt Cassel (obviously this is kind of cheap, but I said it on Sunday night, more than a week before we knew he was out!); Marshawn Lynch; Titans WRs (no TDs); Tennessee Titans
- Sit em misses:
Still to play: Anquan Boldin, Joel Dreesen
Fantasy Football Week 15 Start em, Sit em Projections and Q&A
***San Francisco and San Diego play on Thursday night.***
Remember when reading this post that everything is relative. Just because I say “sit Player X” doesn’t mean I’d sit him in all cases. It just means that, in comparison to the general opinion of that player, who likely is not a consensus must-start (because that is who I try to pick for these columns, so that they are useful), I either like him or dislike him more than others.
If you want specific player-to-player comparisons, I’ll be posting my rankings later in this week, which will give you a more clear indication of how I view one guy versus another. This post is meant to provide general guidance on borderline starters and whether I think, generally, they should be in lineups or not.
Fantasy Football Week 15 Start ‘em QB: Matt Ryan, Atlanta (at Seattle)
I don’t think this one is very tough.
The Seattle Seahawks are among the generous defenses in the NFL to opposing QBs. As anyone who watched Alex Smith – Alex Smith! – torch the Seahawks this past weekend knows, even a poor passing game can put up big numbers against Seattle. Matt Ryan and the Falcons do not exactly have an explosive passing offense, but it is solid and steady, and it will be able to take advantage of the gaping holes in the Seattle secondary.
Matt Ryan has 22 TD passes and 8 INTs on the season. He has thrown at least one TD pass in every game but one this year and has thrown at least two in three out of his last four games. Roddy White is healthy, Tony Gonzalez is still a threat, and Michael Turner is keeping defenses honest. Ryan will rarely wow you with Brady-like fantasy explosions, but there is something to be said for a guaranteed 14-18 points come playoff time. Ryan will give you that this Sunday, with the potential for more.
Matt Ryan fantasy football Week 15 projection: 245 passing yards, 2 TDs, 0 INT
Other start ‘em QBs for Week 15:
- Jon Kitna isn’t flashy. In fact, he’s kind of like a poor man’s Matt Ryan in terms of his fantasy value. He’s capable of a big week every now and then, but almost always provides 10 or more points. With a solid matchup against Washington, Kitna is worth a look.
- In case you had lingering doubts about Peyton Manning, he’s facing Jacksonville this week. Start him…and stop worrying.
- David Garrard is having his best season as a pro. As I wrote in this week’s waiver wire sleeper picks article, he doesn’t have a prolific history against Indianapolis, but the Colts’ D has struggled some lately and Garrard is finally a consistent fantasy producer. In a two-QB league, he’s a very good #2 option.
Fantasy Football Week 15 Sit ‘em QB: Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh (v NYJ)
There are a few reasons why I’m not big on this matchup. First off, I watched the Jets play this weekend, and while their offense was beyond awful the defense played pretty well. Granted, it’s not hard to look good when you’re facing Chad Henne, but they still completely shut down an NFL passing game. And we know that Revis Island is still, in fact, and island.
Secondly, Big Ben and the Steelers’ passing game is really struggling. In fact, Ben has just one TD pass (along with one INT) over his last three games. Not only is the O-Line having trouble protecting him, but Ben looks a bit out of sorts even when he has time to throw.
If you’re reading this, you’re in the playoffs. Do you really want to trust a struggling QB against Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie with your season on the line? Let Ben surprise you with a big game, just don’t start him and have to count on it.
Ben Roethlisberger fantasy football Week 15 projections: 240 yards passing, 0 TD, 1 INT
Other sit ‘em QBs for Week 15:
- Two weeks in a row I told you to start Jay Cutler. He was decent in Week 13 and terrible in Week 14. Granted, weather played a factor last week, but it doesn’t change the fact that recommending Jay Cutler went against my fantasy principles. Notice how every time I do that it leads to failure? I need to start trusting my damn self. You have my apologies.
- Wow Kyle Orton. Just…wow. No TDs and 3 INTs against an Arizona team that even Troy Smith lit up. There is no excuse. With rumors now circulating that Tim Tebow could start getting more time, it’s time to stop counting on Orton.
- Don’t get unnecessarily excited about Jason Campbell. Darren McFadden did most of the work on one of those two TD passes, and, well…it’s Jason Campbell. Plus, Denver’s pass D has been better over the last couple of weeks.
Fantasy Football Week 15 Start ‘em RB: Jonathan Stewart, Carolina (v Arizona)
Sometimes it’s just too easy.
Want to know how to figure out which RB to start each week? Just go down the schedule and find out who is playing Carolina. Without fail, that RB will have a productive fantasy day. The Cardinals give up more fantasy points to opposing running backs than anyone else in the NFL. That probably is not going to change over the final three weeks of the season with the Cards having little left to play for.
And just in case you’ve been sleeping on the Carolina Panthers, they still suck. Badly. But, at least they have found a bright spot in the return of Jonathan Stewart. He’s had at least 92 yards in each of his last three games and scored a touchdown in one of them. JStew’s scoring potential will always be limited by the Panthers’ moribund passing game, but if he’s going to get another touchdown the Cardinals are the most likely opponent.
Jonathan Stewart fantasy football Week 15 projection: 110 yards rushing, 1 TD
Other start ‘em RBs for Week 15:
- BenJarvus Green-Ellis has become a weekly must start. The offense he plays for is just too good, and Bill Belichick clearly trusts him as a 15-20 carry back. The Lawfirm had a bad fantasy day by his own lofty 2010 standards last week, and yet he still rushed for 80+ yards against the Bears in a blizzard. Not bad.
- Ronnie Brown owners, I know you’re sick of Ronnie being unproductive. I know. But if you’ve held onto him this long, the Bills give up the third most fantasy points to opposing running backs. And since the Dolphins can’t throw the ball, Ricky Williams even makes some sense if you’re desperate. I’m serious.
- LeGarrette Blount disappointed last week, but he’s still the main guy for the Bucs, he still averaged 4+ yards per carry, and he faces a Lions D that has given up the fourth most fantasy points to opposing RBs. He remains a top-20 option.
Fantasy Football Week 15 Sit ‘em RB: Christopher Ivory, New Orleans (at Baltimore)
You know that I’ve been high on the Saints’ rookie in recent weeks, and despite the return of Pierre Thomas in Week 14 it looked like Ivory was going to prove me right with another solid outing. He amassed 47 yards on his first seven carries, but then suffered a hamstring injury and was forced to the leave the game. This is all kinds of bad for Ivory owners.
First off, hamstring injuries can be tricky and linger. We’ve seen numerous hamstring injuries ruin entire months for players already this season. Secondly, the Saints don’t have to be in a hurry to get Ivory back in there and get him tons of touches now that Thomas and Reggie Bush are back. Thirdly, specific to Week 15, Baltimore is one of the stingiest run Ds in the NFL. Even if he was healthy, this would have been a tough matchup for Ivory.
If he ends up being out this week, obviously this one becomes automatic. But even if he plays. I don’t like Ivory based on the matchup and the fact that the Saints’ #1 and #2 preseason options are back in the fold.
Christopher Ivory fantasy football Week 15 projection (assuming he starts): 12 carries, 40 yards, 1 reception, 10 yards
Other sit ‘em RBs for Week 15:
- There is absolutely no reason to go near LaDainian Tomlinson or Shonn Greene this week. The Steelers are still the best team against the run in the NFL, and the Jets’ offense is providing very few scoring opportunities.
- Fred Jackson has now gone two straight games without a score as the Buffalo offense has stalled against better competition. They face another stiff defense, the Dolphins, in Week 15. It could be another day of decent yardage but few scoring chances for Jackson. He’s not a must-sit, but if you have other top 20 options, use them.
- Cleveland continues to play the run well and Cincinnati continues to not run the ball effectively. Cedric Benson is coming off a pathetic 19-yard day and is worth sitting if you have other top-20 options.
Fantasy Football Week 15 Start ‘em WR: Pierre Garcon, Indianapolis (v Jacksonville)
I was high on Garcon last week, placing him in my top 20 despite the overrated struggles of Peyton Manning. Pierre responded by hauling 6 passes for 93 yards and two TDs. He now has at least five catches and 56 yards in each of his last four games, and he has caught at least one TD in consecutive ball games. Clearly he and Manning had found some of the rhythm they lacked earlier in the season, and a big part of it seems to be Garcon just focusing better.
So regardless of the matchup, Garcon would be a must-start this week. Fortunately for Garcon owners, the matchup is a thing of beauty. The Jags give up tons of fantasy points to opposing WRs, and there will be plenty to go around for both Garcon and Reggie Wayne. Both players absolutely have to be in fantasy lineups this week.
Pierre Garcon fantasy football Week 15 projections: 6 receptions, 80 yards, 1 TD
Other start ‘em WRs for Week 15:
- You saw what Desean Jackson did to the Cowboys last week, right? Well Santana Moss was Desean Jackson before Desean Jackson was Desean Jackson. He’s a Cowboy killer and is coming off a nice Week 14. He’s a solid play this week.
- Way too many people asked me about Malcom Floyd last week. Why in the world would you ever sit Philip Rivers’ #1 WR, especially with Antonio Gates out? Floyd is a must-start this week, and I may just end up warming up to Vincent F’ing Jackson too. We’ll see on that one.
- If you’re desperate for a third WR, I like Earl Bennett as a guy who has proven he’ll give you something. He’s not flashy, but he’s been productive over the last three weeks as Jay Cutler’s top, most reliable target.
Fantasy Football Week 15 Sit ‘em WR: Brandon Lloyd, Denver (at Oakland)
Well, the fun ride had to end at some point for Brandon Lloyd owners, didn’t it? I mean, there is a reason why this guy has bounced around so much and never put together a complete season worth of solid play. It’s because he’s just an okay receiver and needs a scheme, QB, and matchup to be all working in his favor. Unfortunately for Lloyd and his owners, these elements have not been working in his favor recently.
Over his last two games, Lloyd has five catches for 63 yards and no TDs. In Week 15 he gets to face a Raiders’ defense that isn’t spectacular, but that is in the bottom third in terms of points allowed to opposing WRs (bottom in this case meaning not many points allowed). With Kyle Orton struggling and offensive whiz Josh McDaniels no longer around, I see a cloudy future for Lloyd and any owners counting on him in the playoffs.
Caveat: Lloyd has been targeted 17 times over the last two weeks, and is still a redzone threat if the Broncos can get there; so he’s not a blanket sit. But he won’t be a top 25 WR this week for me, so if you have equal or better options, roll with ‘em.
Brandon Lloyd fantasy football Week 15 projection: 4 receptions, 50 yards, 0 TD
Other sit ‘em WRs for Week 15:
- Consider sitting Mike Wallace this week. With Darrelle Revis sure to be blanketing him, and Big Ben struggling as it is, Wallace could be in for a rough go of it this week. Also, in non-PPR leagues, Hines Ward is worth sitting too.
- I am still not sold on Brandon Marshall. Yes, he scored a touchdown last week in his return from a hamstring injury, but he only had two catches. He has no chemistry with Chad Henne at all, and the Dolphins will surely run, run, run against the Bills.
- So I guess Alex Smith’s return wasn’t the boon we all thought it would be for Michael Crabtree, huh? He had just one catch for one yard against the Seattle Seahawks. With San Fran going on the road to face San Diego and its stout pass D, this is a week to sit Crabtree.
Fantasy Football Week 15 Start ‘em TE: Jason Witten, Dallas (v Washington)
Well, welcome back to fantasy relevance Jason Witten! After scoring just six TDs over the previous two seasons combined, Witten has now caught six TDs since Week 4 of 2010. Clearly Witten has a nice rapport with Jon Kitna, which has reached a crescendo now that we’re in the fantasy playoffs as Witten has three TDs over the past two weeks.
In Week 14, we saw Kellen Winslow score a TD against the Redskins, who have actually been pretty good against opposing tight ends this season. Regardless, Witten is red hot and re-staking his claim among the best weekly TE options in the NFL. He starts for you, no matter what the matchup for the rest of the season.
Jason Witten fantasy football Week 15 projection: 6 receptions, 75 yards, 1 TD
Other fantasy football Week 15 projections:
- As long as Alex Smith is his QB, Vernon Davis is a must-start. With the Chargers killing opposing WRs this season, Smith will likely have to go to VD even more.
- Jacob Tamme‘s numbers have declined over the past couple of weeks, but I doubt there will be ten better options than him this week. Jacksonville gives up lots of points to TEs, and Tamme still catches 4-5 passes even on his slow weeks.
- Assuming Matt Flynn starts against New England this week, Andrew Quarless is a sneaky play.
Fantasy Football Week 15 Sit ‘em TE: Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez, New England Patriots (v Green Bay)
This is an odd combo to put in the sit ‘em category because we know that one of them will go off this week. Just look at their games logs here and here. One week it’s one guy having a nice day, and the next week it’s the other guy. The problem is predicting which guy will have the solid day. If we trust the alternating weeks theory, it would appear that this is the week Hernandez has a good game. Plus, the Packers actually give up a decent amount of points to opposing TEs.
Here’s the thing though: it’s the playoffs. This is do or die. You can’t afford a 1-catch day from any spot on your roster, and we’ve seen far too many of those from these two guys. I’d much rather grab a guy who is his team’s sole tight end option and who is more consistent. It’s fun playing Patriots TE Roulette during the regular season; it’s not so much fun when the stakes are higher.
Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski fantasy football Week 15 projection: Who the hell knows, but one of them will have just one catch. That we know.
Other sit ‘em TEs for Week 15:
- Neither Jimmy Graham nor Jeremy Shockey really did much in Week 14. This week, they face the stingiest defense in the NFL in terms of fantasy points allowed to opposing tight ends. Meh.
- Greg Olsen has three straight 1-catch games. Let’s put it this way: I’d play Aaron Hernandez or Rob Gronkowski over Olsen.
Fantasy Football Week 15 Start ‘em Defense/Special Teams: Miami Dolphins (v Buffalo)
In case you haven’t been paying attention, the Miami Dolphins are sneaking their way back into playoff contention (though they need to win out and get help) on the back of a very strong defense. With a solid matchup against the Bills this week, the Dolphins’ attacking D is a solid option for your playoff lineup. Miami drops too many interceptions and isn’t good enough on special teams to provide many 20-point outbursts, but they are good for a solid 10-15 points per week, and that’s good enough to get you to the next round.
Miami Dolphins fantasy football Week 15 projection: 10 pts or less allowed, 3 sacks, 2 TOs
Other start ‘em D/ST units for Week 15:
- After playing terribly during the first half of the season, the New England defense has shut down the Jets and the Bears to become fantasy-relevant. If Matt Flynn does indeed start for the Packers in Week 15, the Patriots are a must-start.
- The New York Jets defense played well last week despite the loss, and they face a Pittsburgh offense that is really struggling. I expect a tough, nasty game with few points. You’re already starting Pittsburgh; start the Jets too.
Fantasy Football Week 15 Sit ‘em Defense/Special Teams: Green Bay Packers (at New England)
The Chicago Bears had one of the league’s best defenses and got to face the Patriots in Chicago in blizzard conditions. What did New England do? They annihilated them. The Packers have a similarly good defense, but they have to face the Patriots in Foxboro with an inexperienced QB who will probably give Tom Brady good field position a few times. With many other good D/ST options this week, there is no point in rolling the dice against Tom Brady.
Green Bay Packers fantasy football Week 15 projection: 27 or more points allowed, 1 sack, 1 TO
Other start ‘em D/ST units for Week 15:
- Baltimore has to face a New Orleans offense that is clicking on all cylinders. With the weakness of Baltimore’s defense being the secondary, I don’t like this matchup.
- The New York Giants have to face Michael Vick and the Fastest Show on Turf. The smart move has been to sit any D facing Vick this year. That should apply in the playoffs.
Alright folks. The comment section awaits. Ask away!
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* – The P&G Blogger Fantasy League (BFL) is a group of 12 digital sports influencers competing on the NFL.com fantasy platform for the chance to win P&G product, a donation to a local charity, and a trip to Super Bowl XLV, all furnished by P&G. The NFL Entities have not offered or sponsored the sweepstakes in any way.
Fantasy Football Week 15 Waiver Wire Sleeper Picks
December 12, 2010 by Jerod-Morris · Comments Off
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So…you remember how I need a miracle to win my Week 14 matchup in the P&G-sponsored Blogger Fantasy Football League*? Yeah, well it looks like I’m going to need yet another Monday miracle this week to keep my season alive.
The question is, can my prayers be answered two weeks in a row? Furthermore, if the fantasy football gods want to answer my prayers, is it even conceivable?
Let’s take a quick look, as well as analyze the free agent list for this week’s waiver wire sleeper picks.
As I write this, there is still 7:44 left in the third quarter of the Cowboys-Eagles game on Sunday night. My opponent has both Vick and Witten, and he already has a 117.5-53.50 lead on me. How did he run up such a huge lead? He has Darren McFadden, Marques Colston, and the Atlanta D. Add in double-digit days from Steven Jackson and already from Vick, and it adds up to triple digits quickly.
Thanks to the Metrodome collapse, three of my top players – Eli Manning, Adrian Peterson, and Sidney Rice – had their game postponed until Monday night. Those three players plus Billy Cundiff are my last hope to sneak into the playoffs. What I am wondering as Sunday night winds down is how plausible a comeback is even if all four guys have great nights.
For the sake of discussion, let’s assume that Vick and Witten don’t explode during the second half and Team Gunaxin finishes with 125 points total. That would leave me down 71.5 points, or 17.9 points per remaining player. We’ve seen Eli, AD, and Sidney Rice score 18 points in a week before, but could all three do it on the same field on the same night? It would certainly take quite a Monday night shootout.
Here’s hoping.
Update: As I should have expected when I wrote the above projection for Vick and Witten, they both did go off in the second half. I’m now down 137.16-53.50 and need career days from four guys just to compete. I won’t be holding my breath.
I didn’t think I had much of a chance last week, and somehow I ended up winning. Maybe we’re a team of destiny and can pull this one out too. It’s unlikely, in fact highly unlikely, but I guess the optimist would say that would just make it all the more sweeter if it does come true. I’ll choose to be optimistic.
Now time for some sleepers.
Fantasy Football Week 15 Waiver Wire Sleeper Picks
Remember, a player must be owned in less than 50% of Yahoo leagues to be included in this post. Additionally, I primarily focus on players’ values for Week 15, although in certain cases I’ll recommend players who may not be immediately valuable this week but who stand out as valuable long-term acquisitions.
Fantasy Football Week 15 Waiver Wire Sleeper Picks: QB
David Garrard, Jacksonville (44%, at Indianapolis)
Well, David Garrard and the Jacksonville Jaguars just keep defying expectations, don’t they? In Week 14, Garrard had yet another 3 TD performance. That is the fourth time this year that Garrard has thrown at least 3 TD passes in a game. He now has a very solid 20:12 TD:INT ratio. He’ll never wow you with yardage, but he does produce touchdowns.
In Week 15, Garrard and the Jags face an Indianapolis team that they beat earlier this year. Garrard accounted for 3 TDs (2 passing, 1 rushing) in that matchup. He hasn’t exactly lit the Colts up during his career (12 total TDs in 10 games) but consider the following:
- He and the Jags’ offense is hot;
- Indy just gave up 3 passing TDs to Kerry Collins and the previously moribund Titans’ offense;
- The Jags’ pass D is poor, meaning Peyton Manning will likely be able to put plenty of points on the board, thus necessitating more throwing from Garrard.
Anyone would be nervous having David Garrard starting in the playoffs, but he has never been hotter in his career than he is this season. If you’re a Matt Cassel owner desperate for a healthy option, Garrard is one to target.
Jon Kitna, Dallas Cowboys (35%, v Washington)
I am writing this while watching the Cowboys-Eagles game, so I don’t know what Kitna’s final numbers will be. However, I do know that he’s already thrown one touchdown, which gives him 12 on the season. While Washington’s pass D has been better recently, many QBs have put up good numbers against them. Kitna will never be an elite option, but he is in fantasy what he is in real life: a solid backup who can step in and keep you afloat if he has to.
Kerry Collins, Tennessee Titans (4%, v Houston)
Look, I’m not going to call this a slam dunk just based on the matchup no matter how good the matchup is…because it is a Titans player we’re talking about here after all. A few weeks back I thought they would go off against Houston’s terrible defense, but the Rusty Smith-led Titans could do nothing. I realize that Kerry Collins is far better than Smith, and he’s coming off a solid option against Indy, but I just find it hard to trust the Titans. Obviously the matchup is great, and you could do worse if you’re in a pinch, but I’d still tread with caution and be very hesitant about using Collins in a 1-QB league.
Fantasy Football Week 15 Waiver Wire Sleeper Picks: RB
Ryan Torain, Washington Redskins (44%, at Dallas)
Here is what I said about Ryan Torain in this article last week:
Don’t forget about Ryan Torain; his head coach Mike Shanahan certainly hasn’t. Last week, Shanahan was discussing his running backs and remarked how much he missed Torain, as well he should. Since Torain’s injury, Keiland Williams had one decent game. Otherwise, Washington has gotten next to nothing from its running game.
Remember, in the last two full games Torain played, Weeks 6 and 7, he topped 100 yards in each and scored two TDs. With Tampa Bay, Dallas, and Jacksonville coming up on the schedule, there are opportunities for Torain to put up similar numbers should he be healthy enough to play.
In his first game back in Week 14, Torain rushed for 172 yards. I’d say Torain has his job back. Not even finicky Mike Shanahan could sit him now…could he?
Tim Hightower, Arizona Cardinals (45%, at Carolina)
Things just are not going well for Beanie Wells in Arizona. He has been injury prone and ineffective when on the field. And now he appears to be the clear #2 behind Tim Hightower, who had his second straight nice game in Week 14.
Hightower scored two TDs and had 148 yards rushing in a rather unexpected 43-13 win for the Arizona Cardinals with 4th stringer John Skelton at QB. This was Hightower’s second straight game with 15 or more carries, and in Week 15 he faces a Carolina D that got run over by Michael Turner in Week 14. Hightower is by no means a sure thing, but he’s obviously the back in Arizona that you want, and he’s proven to be a solid flex option.
Rashad Jennings, Jacksonville Jaguars (3%, at Indianapolis)
Here are Rashad Jennings’ touch totals over the last three weeks: 7; 12; 5. So far he doesn’t seem like the kind of guy you’d want to even consider starting, now does he? Well, consider that Jennings has amassed over 200 total yards over that three-game span and has scored a touchdown in every game. With a matchup coming up against Indy’s weak run D, Jennings could once again provide value with 7-10 touches. If you’re desperate for RB help or in a deep league, Jennings is a guy that almost certainly is available for you. And though it’s unlikely, if anything should happen to MJD then Jennings would get all the carries and be a top 20 back in an offense that is really clicking.
Other names to know:
- Marshawn Lynch (42%, v ATL) continues to get the majority of the carries in Seattle if you’re desperate.
- Tashard Choice (32%, v WAS) remains a solid option. As I write this he only has 4 carries for 13 yards deep into the second quarter, but he did have a couple more goalline carries he just wasn’t able to cash in. Still, those chances will continue.
- Anthony Dixon (14%, at SD) is getting the majority of the carries in San Francisco, though he is less explosive than Brian Westbrook.
- All Javarris James does is catch touchdowns. He now has six on the season and three over the last two weeks. With none of the Indy running backs being able to stay healthy or seize the job, James is a decent option.
Fantasy Football Week 15 Waiver Wire Sleeper Picks: WR
Wow, the pickings really are pretty slim at WR this week. Scrolling through the guys owned in 50% or less of leagues, there really are not many people to get excited about. I was able to find a few, but hopefully your WR corps is set for the playoffs and you don’t need to dig too deeply into the free agent list.
Blair White, Indianapolis (15%, v Jacksonville)
There is a contingency with White: he has value, and plenty of it, but only if Austin Collie remains out with a concussion. As of right now, we don’t know whether Collie will play or not in Week 15. Collie has only had six receptions since Week 6, so I’ll assume he won’t play right now. Assuming that’s the case, Blair White has 20 catches and 3 TDs over the last four games, and he has caught at least four passes in every game. Against a suspect Jags D, White is a worthy #3 WR option.
Earl Bennett, Chicago (16%, at Minnesota)
Week 14 was a week to forget for the Chicago Bears, but at least one useful piece of information came out of their debacle of a loss to the Patriots: Earl Bennett is still Jay Cutler’s top option. Bennett once again led the team in catches and yards, though neither figure was impressive: 3 catches, 53 yards. Still, the Bears will continue to throw the ball and Bennett is obviously the top guy. He’s a decent #3 WR option.
Nate Washington, Tennessee (42%, v Houston)
I’m putting Nate Washington here for one reason and one reason only: the matchup. Though Washington failed to capitalize the last time Tennessee played Houston, he’ll have Kerry Collins firing passes at him this time rather than Rusty Smith. There is plenty of risk with Nate Washington, but also some decent upside.
Others to keep an eye on:
- Davone Bess (47%, v BUF) was shut down in Week 14, but he was being covered by Darrelle Revis. He’ll have a much easier time against the Bills in Week 15, especially for you PPR players.
- Ben Obomanu (12%, v ATL) should be back in Week 15 after sitting out Week 14 with an injured hand. Seattle WRs are dropping like flies, so Obomanu should get some looks.
Fantasy Football Week 15 Waiver Wire Sleeper Picks: TE
Anthony Fasano, Miami Dolphins (17%, v Buffalo)
Coming into Week 14, Buffalo had been one of the most generous defenses to opposing tight ends. The Browns, however, were unable to take advantage. Still, I think Fasano has some upside here. He is not a guy who has been consistent, but not many tight ends have been this season. Fasano does have four touchdowns on the year. With a lot of tight ends either injured or playing inconsistently, Fasano as good as any in the 12-18 range.
Andrew Quarless, Green Bay Packers (1%, at New England)
Quarless has not done much filling in for Jermichael Finley this year. In Week 14 though, he showed signs of life by catching 5 passes for 62 yards (and an unfortunate fumble). If Aaron Rodgers is out because of a concussion in Week 15, young Matt Flynn will probably look to his tight end often, increasing Quarless’ value like it was increased in Week 14.
Fantasy Football Week 15 Waiver Wire Sleeper Picks: Defense/Special Teams
Miami Dolphins (42%, v Buffalo)
The Dolphins defense has been very good recently. The ‘Phins have not given up more than 17 points since Week 9. They are also sacking the quarterback and forcing turnovers. A matchup against the struggling Buffalo offense should not provide too much trouble in Week 15.
Cleveland Browns (33%, at Cincinnati)
Like the Dolphins, the Browns have been playing much better as of late. They held the Dolphins and Bills to 13 points each over the last two weeks. This week they face a Cincinnati team that is reeling, dealing with QB-WR bickering, and that gave up two defensive TDs to the Steelers last week.
If you have any questions, the comment section is yours.
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* – The P&G Blogger Fantasy League (BFL) is a group of 12 digital sports influencers competing on the NFL.com fantasy platform for the chance to win P&G product, a donation to a local charity, and a trip to Super Bowl XLV, all furnished by P&G. The NFL Entities have not offered or sponsored the sweepstakes in any way.
Fantasy Football Week 14 Sunday Live Chat
December 11, 2010 by Jerod-Morris · Comments Off
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Every Sunday morning starting at 10:00 CT (11:00 ET) we are here to answer your last minute start/sit questions. And we’ll be here again this weekend.
Register below and we’ll send you an email Sunday morning to remind you.
Note: I usually open up the chat early, but won’t be able to this week, so we’ll start promptly at 10:00 CT and go all the way up until kickoff.
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Fantasy Football Week 14 Rankings – UPDATED Friday 12/10
December 10, 2010 by Jerod-Morris · Comments Off
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It’s Friday and the injury updates have been posted. Now it’s time to revamp the rankings as we head into the weekend and make our final roster tweaks.
I, of course, will be scrounging for every relevant piece of information I can find in hopes of winning, getting help, and making the playoffs in the P&G-sponsored Blogger Fantasy Football League*. And you, of course, can help me by chiming in with your thoughts on who I should start and sit. (P&G Gift Packs to the best comments!)
In addition to the rankings below, make sure you also check out this week’s start em, sit em column. Plus, we’ll be chatting it up on Sunday morning like we always do.
Fantasy Football Week 14 Rankings
Note that there are no teams are on bye in Week 14.
***Indianapolis and Tennessee already played, but I left players from those teams in there so you can see where I had them.***
Remember, these rankings are general. They are a guide for how I view players in relationship to one another, but could and would vary based on your league’s scoring settings. Also, the specifics of your roster could dictate whether one player plays over another. So use this is as a guide and feel free to ask specific questions below.
And a lot can still change between now and Sunday. I will update these rankings at least once between now and kickoff, probably twice. Follow us on Twitter for all the latest player updates and late breaking fantasy-relevant news.
Fantasy Football Week 14 Rankings: QB
Not ranked due to injury: Matt Cassel (at SD); Colt McCoy (at BUF); Derek Anderson (v DEN)
- Aaron Rodgers (at DET)
- Michael Vick (at DAL)
- Drew Brees (v STL)
- Tom Brady (at CHI)
- Joe Flacco (at HOU)
- Philip Rivers (v KC)
- Jay Cutler (v NE)
- Peyton Manning (at TEN)
- Kyle Orton (at ARI)
- Josh Freeman (at WAS)
- Eli Manning (at MIN)
- Matt Ryan (at CAR)
- Matt Schaub (v BAL)
- Ryan Fitzpatrick (v CLE)
- Mark Sanchez (v MIA)
- David Garrard (v OAK)
- Ben Roethlisberger (v CIN)
- Jon Kitna (v PHI)
- Sam Bradford (at NO)
- Donovan McNabb (v TB)
- Alex Smith (v SEA)
- Matt Hasselbeck (at SF)
- Jason Campbell (at JAX)
- Chad Henne (at NYJ)
- Carson Palmer (at PIT)
- Drew Stanton (v GB)
- Brett Favre (v NYG)
- Tarvaris Jackson (v NYG)
- Jake Delhomme (at BUF)
- Brody Croyle (at SD)
- Kerry Collins (v IND)
- Jimmy Clausen (v ATL)
- John Skelton (v DEN)
- Troy Smith (v SEA)
- Max Hall (v DEN)
Fantasy Football Week 14 Rankings: RB
Not ranked due to injury: Darren Sproles (v KC); Jason Snelling (at CAR); Jospeh Addai (at TEN); ; Marion Barber (v PHI)
- Peyton Hillis (at BUF)
- Adrian Peterson (v NYG)
- Maurice Jones-Drew (v OAK)
- Chris Johnson (v IND)
- Knowshon Moreno (at ARI)
- Michael Turner (at CAR)
- Jamaal Charles (at SD)
- Steven Jackson (at NO)
- LeSean McCoy (at DAL)
- Arian Foster (v BAL)
- Darren McFadden (at JAX)
- Ray Rice (at HOU)
- Fred Jackson (v CLE)
- Rashard Mendenhall (v CIN)
- BenJarvus Green-Ellis (at CHI)
- Matt Forte (v NE)
- Ahmad Bradshaw (at MIN)
- LeGarrette Blount (at WAS)
- Christopher Ivory (v STL)
- Mike Tolbert (v KC)
- Jonathan Stewart (v ATL)
- Brandon Jacobs (at MIN)
- Thomas Jones (SD)
- Shonn Greene (v MIA)
- Ronnie Brown (at NYJ)
- Tashard Choice (v PHI)
- Marshawn Lynch (at SF)
- Cedric Benson (at PIT)
- Ryan Torain (v TB)
- Ryan Mathews (v KC)
- Michael Bush (at JAX)
- Felix Jones (v PHI)
- James Starks (at DET)
- LaDainian Tomlinson (v MIA)
- Brandon Jackson (at DET)
- Javarris James (at TEN)
- Ricky Williams (at NYJ)
- Danny Woodhead (at CHI)
- Anthony Dixon (v SEA)
- Tim Hightower (v DEN)
- Brian Westbrook (v SEA)
- Jahvid Best (v GB)
- CJ Spiller (v CLE)
- Maurice Morris (v GB)
- Chester Taylor (v NE)
- Beanie Wells (v DEN)
- Pierre Thomas (v STL)
- Mike Goodson (v ATL)
- Toby Gerhart (v NYG)
- Reggie Bush (v STL)
- Justin Forsett (at SF)
- Cadillac Williams (at WAS)
- Dexter McCluster (at SD)
- Willis McGahee (at HOU)
- James Davis (v TB)
- Keiland Williams (v TB)
- Donald Brown (at TEN)
- Mewelde Moore (v CIN)
Fantasy Football Week 14 Rankings: WR
Not ranked due to injury: Big Mike Williams (at SF); Brian Hartline (at NYJ); Vincent Jackson (v KC); Kenny Britt (v IND); Mike Sims-Walker (v OAK); Austin Collie (at TEN); Ben Obomanu (at SF); Percy Harvin (v NYG)
- Greg Jennings (at DET)
- Reggie Wayne (at TEN)
- Andre Johnson (v BAL)
- Anquan Boldin (at HOU)
- Roddy White (at CAR)
- Marques Colston (v STL)
- Calvin Johnson (v GB)
- Mike Wallace (v CIN)
- Brandon Lloyd (at ARI)
- Wes Welker (at CHI)
- Jeremy Maclin (at DAL)
- Santonio Holmes (v MIA)
- DeSean Jackson (at DAL)
- Malcom Floyd (v KC)
- Larry Fitzgerald (v DEN)
- Derrick Mason (at HOU)
- Miles Austin (v PHI)
- Pierre Garcon (at TEN)
- Sidney Rice (v NYG)
- Santana Moss (v TB)
- Mike Williams TB (at WAS)
- Deion Branch (at CHI)
- Dwayne Bowe (at SD)
- Stevie Johnson (v CLE)
- Mario Manningham (at MIN)
- Terrell Owens (at PIT)
- Donald Driver (at DET)
- Earl Bennett (v NE)
- Michael Crabtree (v SEA)
- Davone Bess (at NYJ)
- Blair White (at TEN)
- Hakeem Nicks (at MIN)
- Anthony Armstrong (v TB)
- Lance Moore (v STL)
- Robert Meachem (v STL)
- Johnny Knox (v NE)
- Mike Thomas (v OAK)
- Danny Amendola (at NO)
- Chad Ochocinco (at PIT)
- Steve Smith NYG (at MIN)
- Braylon Edwards (v MIA)
- Danny Woodhead (at CHI)
- Steve Smith CAR (v ATL)
- Brandon Marshall (at NYJ)
- Jacoby Ford (at JAX)
- Roy Williams (v PHI)
- James Jones (at DET)
- Jordan Shipley (at PIT)
- Brandon Stokley (at SF)
- Mohamed Massaquoi (at BUF)
- Brandon Gibson (at NO)
- Jason Avant (at DAL)
- Nate Washington (v IND)
- Nate Burleson (v GB)
- Hines Ward (v CIN)
- Danario Alexander (at NO)
- Derek Hagan (at MIN)
- Jabar Gaffney (at ARI)
- Eddie Royal (at ARI)
- Steve Breaston (v DEN)
- TJ Houshmandzadeh (at HOU)
- Michael Jenkins (at CAR)
- Emmanuel Sanders (v CIN)
- Devery Henderson (v STL)
- Louis Murphy (at JAX)
- Devin Hester (v NE)
- Legedu Naanee (v KC)
- Seyi Ajirotutu (v KC)
- Kevin Walter (v BAL)
- Brandon Tate (at CHI)
- Laurent Robinson (at NO)
- Lee Evans (v CLE)
- Dexter McCluster (at SD)
- Jacoby Jones (v BAL)
- Deon Butler (at SF)
- Jerricho Cotchery (at NE)
- Randy Moss (IND) … I don’t care if he deserves to be here, but I’m putting in last place out of principle.
Fantasy Football Week 14 Rankings: TE
Not ranked due to injury: Todd Heap (at HOU);
- Antonio Gates (v KC) … if he plays – and the latest is that he will
- Jacob Tamme (at TEN)
- Vernon Davis (v SEA)
- Tony Gonzalez (at CAR)
- Jason Witten (v PHI)
- Chris Cooley (v TB)
- Benjamin Watson (at BUF)
- Brandon Pettigrew (v GB)
- Marcedes Lewis (v OAK)
- Kellen Winslow (at WAS)
- Kevin Boss (at MIN)
- Brent Celek (at DAL)
- Dustin Keller (v MIA)
- Aaron Hernandez (at CHI)
- Rob Gonkowski (at CHI)
- Visanthe Shiancoe (v NYG)
- Anthony Fasano (at NYJ)
- Jeremy Shockey (v STL)
- Jermaine Gresham (at PIT)
- Ed Dickson (at HOU)
- Greg Olsen (v NE)
- Joel Dreessen (v BAL)
- Tony Moeaki (at SD)
- Andrew Quarless (at DET)
- Zach Miller (at JAX)
- Jimmy Graham (v STL)
- John Carlson (at SF)
- Owen Daniels (v BAL)
Fantasy Football Week 14 Rankings: Defense/Special Teams
- Green Bay (at DET)
- Atlanta (at CAR)
- Pittsburgh (v CIN)
- New York Giants (at MIN)
- San Francisco (v SEA)
- Seattle (at SF)
- New York Jets (v MIA)
- Cleveland (at BUF)
- San Diego (v KC)
- Oakland (at JAX)
- Tampa Bay (at WAS)
- Philadelphia (at DAL)
- New England (at CHI)
- New Orleans (v STL)
- Chicago (v NE)
- Minnesota (v NYG)
- Miami (at NYJ)
- Baltimore (at HOU)
- Dallas (v PHI)
- Indianapolis (at TEN)
- Tennessee (v IND)
- Denver (at ARI)
- Kansas City (as SD)
- Washington (v TB)
- Jacksonville (v OAK)
- Detroit (v GB)
- Cincinnati (at PIT)
- Carolina (v ATL)
- Buffalo (v CLE)
- Arizona (v DEN)
- St. Louis (at NO)
- Houston (v BAL)
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* – The P&G Blogger Fantasy League (BFL) is a group of 12 digital sports influencers competing on the NFL.com fantasy platform for the chance to win P&G product, a donation to a local charity, and a trip to Super Bowl XLV, all furnished by P&G. The NFL Entities have not offered or sponsored the sweepstakes in any way.
Fantasy Football Week 14 Friday Injury Updates
December 9, 2010 by Jerod-Morris · Comments Off
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Patriots-Bears Injury Updates
Tom Brady is on the injury report with an injured right shoulder. This is definitely something to be worried about, and you should definitely sit Brady*.
* – if you sit Tom Brady after how well he’s been playing lately, unless you have a truly elite alternative (i.e. Rodgers, Vick, Brees, Rivers) I will find you and slap you silly. Tom Brady is always on the injury report as probable.
The only significant Bears injury is backup running back Chester Taylor. He has a knee issue, but practiced Thursday and should be fine.
Browns-Bills Injury Updates
Colt McCoy is still hobbled by an ankle injury. He is unlikely to play Sunday. It’ll be the Jake Delhomme show again.
Joshua Cribbs has been practicing, but he should not be on anyone’s roster. His foot injuries have sapped his explosiveness, and he isn’t even providing value on special teams this year.
The Bills have significant injuries to be concerned about.
Bengals-Steelers Injury Updates
Jermaine Gresham is on the injury report for missing practice due to personal reasons. He’ll play Sunday.
Terrell Owens has a knee issue but practiced fully Thursday. He’s good to go, but has a tough matchups.
Heath Miller has not practiced this week as he deals with a concussion. He is unlikely to play this weekend.
Hines Ward missed practice Thursday but it was not injury related. He’ll play Sunday.
Isaac Redman practiced Thursday and will play Sunday.
Raiders-Jaguars Injury Updates
Zach Miller is still limited because of his foot injury. He’ll probably play, but he has not been effective recently.
Mike Sims-Walker practiced full on Thursday and should be ready to go on Sunday.
Buccaneers-Redskins Injury Updates
Mike Williams has a nagging knee injury that forced him to miss practice today. This isn’t particularly encouraging, but it sounds like Raheem Morris still expects his rookie WR to play. Track this one, but Williams is definitely worth starting against a decimated Washington secondary.
Kellen Winslow is on the injury report as always with a knee issue. He’ll play.
Santana Moss practiced fully Thursday and should be good to go for Sunday. He is targeted often and has had success against Tampa Bay in the past. He should have a nice day.
Ryan Torain is finally back practicing in full and appears healthy. No one grabbed the RB spot while Torain was out, so expect to go back to starting and getting 20+ carries this week.
Packers-Lions Injury Updates
Donald Driver left last week’s game with a hand issue, but he was back practicing on Thursday and should be good to go this weekend.
Shaun Hill and Matthew Stafford are both out again. Drew Stanton will start.
Nate Burleson has a hamstring issue, but he practiced in full Thursday and lots ready to start Sunday.
Jahvid Best has been getting healthier each week, and while he’s practicing sporadically right now, that is part of the Lions’ strategy to keep his fresh and healthy. He should play Sunday.
Calvin Johnson has a gimpy groin and is only practicing on a limited basis, but he is expect to play Sunday.
Giants-Vikings Injury Updates
This is a game with a lot of injuries. Let’s get to it.
Ahmad Bradshaw has a wrist injury, but he practiced in full on Thursday and will be ready to go Sunday.
Hakeem Nicks is “on track” to play as of now, and he practiced on a limited basis yesterday.. He apparently cannot be medically cleared until Saturday when he has stitches removed, but right now things look good. Track this one leading up until kickoff. I don’t typically like starting guys who are coming off layoffs, but Nicks has only missed two games and his injury is not the kind of thing that should affect him once he’s back on the field.
Steve Smith is also “on track” to play. He has practiced on a limited basis this week, so he is not a sure thing. Check this one leading up until kickoff. Again, because Smith is coming off a layoff, I’d feel more comfortable sitting him if I had the luxury.
Brett Favre has not practiced yet this week. This appears to be a game-time decision. At this point, I’m not really sure if Favre playing helps or hurts the offense. Tarvaris Jackson did a nice job last week all things considered.
Percy Harvin is dealing with migraines again and has not practiced this week. Nothing is wrong with him physically, so he should fine to deploy if he plays Sunday, but we won’t know until then probably.
Sidney Rice is probably not 100%, but he looked good last week catching two TDs. He is only practicing on a limited basis, but will start on Sunday. He’s a solid option, but risky because of the lingering effects of the injury and New York’s defense being pretty good against the pass.
Adrian Peterson is only practicing on a limited basis, but did you see what he did last week? He should be fine to play on Sunday.
Falcons-Panthers Injury Update
Jason Snelling, only to be considered in desperation move, will most likely be out this week as he was last week.
Roddy White is practicing in full and good to go this week.
Tony Gonzalez hurt his ankle last week but is good to go this week, and has a nice matchup.
Carolina has no significant injuries.
Rams-Saints Injury Update
Pierre Thomas is practicing in full again and expected to be active. However, Sean Payton has already said that PT will not be cutting into Chris Ivory’s carries. As long as Ivory keeps producing, I expect that will be the case. I wouldn’t even bother owning PT right now unless you’re in a really deep league or extremely desperate for running backs.
The Rams have no significant injuries to speak of.
Seahawks-49ers Injury Update
Both Mike Williams and Ben Obomanu have been sitting out practice this week. It is unknown if either will play, and both play the late game Sunday. Unless you’re desperate, I’m not sure either is really worth waiting on. Have replacements ready.
The 49ers are relatively healthy. Brian Westbrook missed practice Thursday but should get his 8-12 touches Sunday. And remember that Alex Smith is in for Troy Smith, which should help Michael Crabtree and Vernon Davis.
Dolphins-Jets Injury Update
Brian Hartline has not practiced because of his hand injury. He is expected to miss Sunday’s game.
Brandon Marshall has been limited in practice because of his hamstring injury. He is expected to play Sunday, but I wouldn’t get too excited. He hadn’t been doing much before getting hurt and the Jets will probably be a little angry.
The Jets have no significant injuries.
Broncos-Cardinals Injury Update
The Broncos have no significant injuries.
Steve Breaston has been limited in practice because of a knee injury. He should play, but will be limited by the Cardinals’ terrible QB play.
Chiefs-Chargers Injury Update
Matt Cassel had to have his appendix removed earlier this week. I do not expect him to play Sunday. Even if he does…he just had his appendix taken out!
As of right now, Vincent Jackson, Legedu Naanee, and Patrick Crayton are all expected to be out. Jackson did practice Thursday, so you never know. But remember he got hurt after two plays a few weeks back. I’d like to see him actually make it through a game.
Antonio Gates did not practice on Thursday. As usual, you’ll just have to wait until game time to see if he’s going to play.
Darren Spoles only practiced on a limited basis Thursday as he deals with a concussion.
Eagles-Cowboys Injury Update
The Eagles have no significant injuries on offense. On defense, Asante Samuel has not been practicing, so his status remains in doubt.
Marion Barber has not practiced for Dallas, meaning its Tashard Choice and Felix Jones splitting carries again.
Remember that Dez Bryant is out for the year.
Ravens-Texans Injury Update
Todd Heap has not practiced this week as he deals with a thigh injury. If you are counting on Heap, make sure you grab Ed Dixon as insurance since this is the Monday night game.
Andre Johnson did not practice Thursday, but this is normal. Johnson has a nagging ankle injury that the Texans try to rest throughout the week.
Owen Daniels is practicing and should play. His presence will lessen the value of Joel Dreessen.
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* – All injury information courtesy of the official NFL injury report and the CBS Sports player pages.
For the latest injury updates leading up to kickoff, follow Will Carroll on Twitterread his column Sunday morning. and make sure
Help me set my Week 14 lineups!
December 9, 2010 by Jerod-Morris · Comments Off
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Friends, you have helped me out a great deal over the last two weeks. You’ve provided sage advice, some of which I took and some of which I should have taken but did not, and helped to guide my team in the P&G-sponsored Blogger Fantasy Football League* to the cusp of the playoffs.
And now it all comes down to this week.
I need to beat Team Gunaxin and then get a little bit help and I will make the playoffs. Our friend Dan Levy broke down the playoff scenarios here if you’re interested, but none of it matters if I don’t win, which will be a tremendous challenge because Team Gunaxin has an excellent roster and a bunch of red hot players.
I’ll show you my lineup as it sits right now, and then break down the position decisions one-by-one so you can vote and help me decide. (As always, the most thoughtful and well-reasoned responses will get P&G Gift Bags sent to them as a token of my appreciation for your efforts.)
In case you don’t feel like clicking and checking out the nice NFL.com fantasy interface and GameCenter section (I really do like it), my lineup right now is as follows:
- QB Eli Manning (at MIN)
- RB Adrian Peterson (v NYG)
- RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis (at CHI)
- WR Mike Wallace (v CIN)
- WR Sidney Rice (v NYG)
- WR Earl Bennett (v NE)
- TE Vernon Davis (v SEA)
- K Dan Capenter (at NYJ)
- D Oakland (at JAX)
Here is what I’m up against. It’s tough:
- QB Michael Vick (at DAL)
- RB Steven Jackson (at NO)
- RB Darren McFadden (at JAX)
- WR Calvin Johnson (v GB)
- WR Marques Colston (v STL)
- WR Deion Branch (at CHI)
- TE Jason Witten (v PHI)
- K Garrett Hartley (v STL)
- D Cleveland (at BUF)
Going matchup-by-matchup off the top of my head, he wins most of them. But as I was reminded Monday night, when I somehow held on for a two point win despite my opponent having five guys playing and needing just 25 points, anything can and does happen. I know this: I’ll leave no stone unturned in my efforts to put the best lineup possible out there this week.
So here are the questions I pose to you, my astute readers. Please vote and then use the comment section to explain yourself.
Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.———-
Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.———-
Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.———-
Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.———-
Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.———-
Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.Thanks for the help everyone! Let’s hope we can do this again next week.
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* – The P&G Blogger Fantasy League (BFL) is a group of 12 digital sports influencers competing on the NFL.com fantasy platform for the chance to win P&G product, a donation to a local charity, and a trip to Super Bowl XLV, all furnished by P&G. The NFL Entities have not offered or sponsored the sweepstakes in any way.
Fantasy Football Week 14 Rankings
December 7, 2010 by Jerod-Morris · Comments Off
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Update: This rankings are from Wednesday.
Click to view my updated rankings from Friday.
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HELL YES!!!
I still am not quite sure how it happened, but I survived last night and live to fight another day in the P&G-sponsored Blogger Fantasy Football League*. If you want to see just how unlikely my last second (literally) victory was, view this week’s start em, sit em post.
I’ll put it this way: before kickoff the Jets-Patriots game I asked my Twitter followers to give me hope that I could win. If you had then read the resulting feed of replies, you might have thought I’d just told everyone that I was suffering from a terminal illness. People told me to forget about it and to pray and that it would take a miracle.
And it did take a miracle: the recurring football miracle of Bill Belichick of Tom Brady, who continue to redefine their greatness with each successive season.
So what does my win last night mean? I’ll tell you:
Here are the standings in the Procter Division:
- Fresh 2 Death 10-3 – playoff spot clinched
- DayQuil Fighter of the NyQuil 8-5 (1,011 pts)
- Team Gunaxin 7-6 (1,260 pts)
- Midwest Sports Fans 7-6 (1,181 pts)
- What Would Revis Do 4-9
The top two teams in each division make the playoffs. DayQuil plays Revis in Week 14. Revis is loaded with Jets, which is why I won last night, so I have to hope the Jets bounce back against the Dolphins. If DayQuil wins, they are in the playoffs. That’s it.
However, should Revis beat DayQuil, then it likely comes down to the winner of my battle with Team Gunaxin. The winner would then be tied with a DayQuil at 8-6 and more than likely have the overall points advantage.
I will be presenting my roster decisions for your input later today or tomorrow, and I need you all to really bring the expert advice this week. We keep hanging around, somehow, some way, and now it’s do or die time in Week 14, as I’m sure it is for many of you. Let’s get eachother Ws!
Fantasy Football Week 14 Rankings
Note that there are no teams are on bye in Week 14.
***Indianapolis and Tennessee play on Thursday night this week.***
Remember, these rankings are general. They are a guide for how I view players in relationship to one another, but could and would vary based on your league’s scoring settings. Also, the specifics of your roster could dictate whether one player plays over another. So use this is as a guide and feel free to ask specific questions below.
And a lot can still change between now and Sunday. I will update these rankings at least once between now and kickoff, probably twice. Follow us on Twitter for all the latest player updates and late breaking fantasy-relevant news.
Fantasy Football Week 14 Rankings: QB
Not ranked due to injury: Colt McCoy (at BUF); Derek Anderson (v DEN)
- Michael Vick (at DAL)
- Aaron Rodgers (at DET)
- Drew Brees (v STL)
- Tom Brady (at CHI)
- Joe Flacco (at HOU)
- Philip Rivers (v KC)
- Jay Cutler (v NE)
- Peyton Manning (at TEN)
- Kyle Orton (at ARI)
- Matt Schaub (v BAL)
- Matt Ryan (at CAR)
- Josh Freeman (at WAS)
- Eli Manning (at MIN)
- Ryan Fitzpatrick (v CLE)
- Matt Cassel (at SD)
- Mark Sanchez (v MIA)
- David Garrard (v OAK)
- Ben Roethlisberger (v CIN)
- Jon Kitna (v PHI)
- Sam Bradford (at NO)
- Alex Smith (v SEA)
- Matt Hasselbeck (at SF)
- Brett Favre (v NYG)
- Jason Campbell (at JAX)
- Carson Palmer (at PIT)
- Donovan McNabb (v TB)
- Jake Delhomme (at BUF)
- Chad Henne (at NYJ)
- Drew Stanton (v GB)
- Kerry Collins (v IND)
- Jimmy Clausen (v ATL)
- John Skelton (v DEN)
- Troy Smith (v SEA)
- Max Hall (v DEN)
- Tarvaris Jackson (v NYG)
Fantasy Football Week 14 Rankings: RB
Not ranked due to injury: Mike Goodson (v ATL); Jospeh Addai (at TEN); Pierre Thomas (v STL); Marion Barber (v PHI)
- Peyton Hillis (at BUF)
- Adrian Peterson (v NYG)
- Maurice Jones-Drew (v OAK)
- Chris Johnson (v IND)
- Knowshon Moreno (at ARI)
- Michael Turner (at CAR)
- Jamaal Charles (at SD)
- Steven Jackson (at NO)
- LeSean McCoy (at DAL)
- Arian Foster (v BAL)
- BenJarvus Green-Ellis (at CHI)
- Darren McFadden (at JAX)
- Rashard Mendenhall (v CIN)
- Matt Forte (v NE)
- Ahmad Bradshaw (at MIN)
- Fred Jackson (v CLE)
- Christopher Ivory (v STL)
- LeGarrette Blount (at WAS)
- Ray Rice (at HOU)
- Mike Tolbert (v KC)
- Jonathan Stewart (v ATL)
- Shonn Greene (v MIA)
- Ronnie Brown (at NYJ)
- Tashard Choice (v PHI)
- Marshawn Lynch (at SF)
- Brandon Jacobs (at MIN)
- Cedric Benson (at PIT)
- Michael Bush (at JAX)
- Thomas Jones (SD)
- Felix Jones (v PHI)
- Ryan Torain (v TB)
- James Starks (at DET)
- Ryan Mathews (v KC)
- LaDainian Tomlinson (v MIA)
- Brandon Jackson (at DET)
- Javarris James (at TEN)
- Ricky Williams (at NYJ)
- Danny Woodhead (at CHI)
- Anthony Dixon (v SEA)
- Tim Hightower (v DEN)
- Brian Westbrook (v SEA)
- Jahvid Best (v GB)
- Chester Taylor (v NE)
- Toby Gerhart (v NYG)
- CJ Spiller (v CLE)
- Jason Snelling (at CAR)
- Maurice Morris (v GB)
- Reggie Bush (v STL)
- Justin Forsett (at SF)
- Beanie Wells (v DEN)
- Cadillac Williams (at WAS)
- Dexter McCluster (at SD)
- Willis McGahee (at HOU)
- Darren Sproles (v KC)
- James Davis (v TB)
- Keiland Williams (v TB)
- Donald Brown (at TEN)
- Mewelde Moore (v CIN)
Fantasy Football Week 14 Rankings: WR
Not ranked due to injury: Big Mike Williams (at SF); Brian Hartline (at NYJ); Vincent Jackson (v KC); Kenny Britt (v IND); Mike Sims-Walker (v OAK); Steve Smith NYG (at MIN); Brandon Marshall (at NYJ); Austin Collie (at TEN); Hakeem Nicks (at MIN)
- Greg Jennings (at DET)
- Reggie Wayne (at TEN)
- Andre Johnson (v BAL)
- Anquan Boldin (at HOU)
- Roddy White (at CAR)
- Calvin Johnson (v GB)
- Marques Colston (v STL)
- Dwayne Bowe (at SD)
- Mike Wallace (v CIN)
- Brandon Lloyd (at ARI)
- Jeremy Maclin (at DAL)
- DeSean Jackson (at DAL)
- Santonio Holmes (v MIA)
- Wes Welker (at CHI)
- Larry Fitzgerald (v DEN)
- Derrick Mason (at HOU)
- Miles Austin (v PHI)
- Pierre Garcon (at TEN)
- Malcom Floyd (v KC)
- Sidney Rice (v NYG)
- Mike Williams TB (at WAS)
- Deion Branch (at CHI)
- Stevie Johnson (v CLE)
- Mario Manningham (at MIN)
- Terrell Owens (at PIT)
- Donald Driver (at DET)
- Earl Bennett (v NE)
- Santana Moss (v TB)
- Percy Harvin (v NYG)
- Michael Crabtree (v SEA)
- Davone Bess (at NYJ)
- Blair White (at TEN)
- Chad Ochocinco (at PIT)
- Anthony Armstrong (v TB)
- Lance Moore (v STL)
- Robert Meachem (v STL)
- Mike Thomas (v OAK)
- Danny Amendola (at NO)
- Braylon Edwards (v MIA)
- Danny Woodhead (at CHI)
- Steve Smith CAR (v ATL)
- Johnny Knox (v NE)
- Jacoby Ford (at JAX)
- Roy Williams (v PHI)
- James Jones (at DET)
- Jordan Shipley (at PIT)
- Ben Obomanu (at SF)
- Brandon Stokley (at SF)
- Mohamed Massaquoi (at BUF)
- Brandon Gibson (at NO)
- Jason Avant (at DAL)
- Nate Washington (v IND)
- Nate Burleson (v GB)
- Hines Ward (v CIN)
- Danario Alexander (at NO)
- Derek Hagan (at MIN)
- Jabar Gaffney (at ARI)
- Eddie Royal (at ARI)
- Steve Breaston (v DEN)
- TJ Houshmandzadeh (at HOU)
- Michael Jenkins (at CAR)
- Emmanuel Sanders (v CIN)
- Devery Henderson (v STL)
- Louis Murphy (at JAX)
- Devin Hester (v NE)
- Legedu Naanee (v KC)
- Seyi Ajirotutu (v KC)
- Kevin Walter (v BAL)
- Brandon Tate (at CHI)
- Laurent Robinson (at NO)
- Lee Evans (v CLE)
- Dexter McCluster (at SD)
- Jacoby Jones (v BAL)
- Deon Butler (at SF)
- Jerricho Cotchery (at NE)
- Randy Moss (IND) … I don’t care if he deserves to be here, but I’m putting in last place out of principle.
Fantasy Football Week 14 Rankings: TE
Not ranked due to injury: Todd Heap (at HOU);
- Antonio Gates (v KC) … if he plays
- Jacob Tamme (at TEN)
- Tony Gonzalez (at CAR)
- Vernon Davis (v SEA)
- Jason Witten (v PHI)
- Chris Cooley (v TB)
- Benjamin Watson (at BUF)
- Marcedes Lewis (v OAK)
- Kellen Winslow (at WAS)
- Kevin Boss (at MIN)
- Brent Celek (at DAL)
- Brandon Pettigrew (v GB)
- Rob Gonkowski (at CHI)
- Dustin Keller (v MIA)
- Visanthe Shiancoe (v NYG)
- Jeremy Shockey (v STL)
- Jermaine Gresham (at PIT)
- Ed Dickson (at HOU)
- Anthony Fasano (at NYJ)
- Greg Olsen (v NE)
- Joel Dreessen (v BAL)
- Tony Moeaki (at SD)
- Andrew Quarless (at DET)
- Zach Miller (at JAX)
- Jimmy Graham (v STL)
- Aaron Hernandez (at CHI)
- John Carlson (at SF)
- Owen Daniels (v BAL)
Fantasy Football Week 14 Rankings: Defense/Special Teams
- Green Bay (at DET)
- Atlanta (at CAR)
- Pittsburgh (v CIN)
- San Francisco (v SEA)
- Seattle (at SF)
- New York Jets (v MIA)
- Cleveland (at BUF)
- Tampa Bay (at WAS)
- Philadelphia (at DAL)
- New York Giants (at MIN)
- New Orleans (v STL)
- Chicago (v NE)
- Oakland (at JAX)
- Minnesota (v NYG)
- Miami (at NYJ)
- Baltimore (at HOU)
- Dallas (v PHI)
- Indianapolis (at TEN)
- Tennessee (v IND)
- Denver (at ARI)
- San Diego (v KC)
- New England (at CHI)
- Kansas City (as SD)
- Washington (v TB)
- Jacksonville (v OAK)
- Detroit (v GB)
- Cincinnati (at PIT)
- Carolina (v ATL)
- Buffalo (v CLE)
- Arizona (v DEN)
- St. Louis (at NO)
- Houston (v BAL)
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* – The P&G Blogger Fantasy League (BFL) is a group of 12 digital sports influencers competing on the NFL.com fantasy platform for the chance to win P&G product, a donation to a local charity, and a trip to Super Bowl XLV, all furnished by P&G. The NFL Entities have not offered or sponsored the sweepstakes in any way.
Fantasy Football Week 14 Start em, Sit em Projections and Lineup Advice Q&A
December 6, 2010 by Jerod-Morris · Comments Off
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Well, it all comes down to this.
As I put the finishing touches on this week’s Start ‘em, Sit ‘em post, I currently lead my Week 13 opponent (Brian Bassett of The Jets Blog) 61.22-36.20 in the P&G-sponsored Blogger Fantasy Football League*.
Before you get too excited for me though, take a look at who he still has left to play: QB Mark Sanchez; RB Shonn Greene; WR Danny Woodhead; TE Dustin Keller; D/ST New York Jets. Basically, if those five players average five points a piece, I’m toast.
What will make a loss burn even more is that the team I needed to lose, PUNTE‘s squad, did in fact lose. A win and I am a single game out of the final playoff spot with one week to play. I’ll have a fighting chance. A loss and I’m done, just playing Week 14 for pride.
Needless to say, I will be watching the Monday night game with great intrigue, hoping for a miracle.
Update: I don’t know how the hell it happened, but I won! Still alive baby!
Regardless of the outcome though, you can rest assured that I never bail on a fantasy football team as long as I still have games on the schedule. I simply do not believe in it. Plus, whether I’m still alive the Blogger Fantasy League or not, I have five other leagues for which I need to get ready for the playoffs.
As always, I share my research with you here at MSF Fantasy Sports. Yesterday I posted the Week 14 waiver wire sleeper picks column. In this post, I highlight players at every position that you should consider starting and others whom you should consider sitting.
Before we delve into the Week 14 start ‘em, sit ‘em picks, here is a quick note and then a recap of how I did with my Week 13 top-line picks:
- Don’t forget to check out the Text It To The House promotion. It’s the fun, easy weekly game I told you about a couple weeks back. You pick the five players who will have longest plays from scrimmage this week
And now a quick look back at my Week 13 top-line picks:
- Start em hits: Jay Cutler, New York Giants D
- Start em misses: Fred Jackson, Mario Manningham, Tony Gonzalez
- Sit em hits: Randy Moss, Kellen Winslow, Arizona Cardinals D; LT
- Sit em misses: Tom Brady (HUGE MISS!)
Fantasy Football Week 14 Start em, Sit em Projections and Q&A
Note: no teams are on bye in Week 14.
***Indianapolis and Tennessee play on Thursday night.***
Remember when reading this post that everything is relative. Just because I say “sit Player X” doesn’t mean I’d sit him in all cases. It just means that, in comparison to the general opinion of that player, who likely is not a consensus must-start (because that is who I try to pick for these columns, so that they are useful), I either like him or dislike him more than others.
If you want specific player-to-player comparisons, I’ll be posting my rankings later in this week, which will give you a more clear indication of how I view one guy versus another. This post is meant to provide general guidance on borderline starters and whether I think, generally, they should be in lineups or not.
Fantasy Football Week 14 Start ‘em QB: Jay Cutler, Chicago (v New England)
No, you are not seeing things. I am recommending Jay Cutler as my start ‘em QB for the second straight week. Though Cutler underperformed my lofty expectations against Detroit in Week 13, going 21-26 for 234 yards with one TD and no INTs is nothing to be ashamed of. That’s a solid 12-15 points in any scoring system and certainly good enough to have helped you win your matchup.
In Week 13, the call was easy. Cutler had been playing well, he was facing a defense that had been carved up recently by opposing QBs, and he had a great history against them. In Week 14, the call isn’t quite so easy, but the stats and trends still suggest that it’s a good one.
First of all, let’s discuss the matchup. Cutler faces a New England secondary that, coming into Week 13, was giving up the 4th post fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. (Note: I am writing this on Monday night, so I do not know how the Patriots will fare against Mark Sanchez and the Jets, but 11 games of shoddy secondary play speaks more to me than whatever they do Monday night.)
And here is the other thing about the Patriots: they do not generate much of a pass rush from their front four. New England has to use creative blitzes to get pressure on the QB, and Cutler has been doing a much better job lately of hitting his hot receivers and not getting flustered by the blitz. Just look at his numbers: Cutler has 5 TDs and 1 INT over the last three games. For the season, he has 16 TDs, just 10 INTs (down from 26 last year), and he even has 189 rushing yards. Hey, every little bit helps right?
It’s taken me until now to really buy into the Bears as an NFC playoff contender, but they cannot be ignored any longer. The same is true with Jay Cutler. He is still capable of putting up a huge day every week – witness his 4 TD, 0 INT game in Week 12 – but what makes Cutler different this year is that he is minimizing mistakes and not putting up the truly awful games anymore. Let’s hope that continues. The matchup suggests it will.
Update: Yes, even after watching the Patriots dismantle the Jets last night, I still suggest that you start Jay Cutler. Don’t forget that the Patriots had extra time to prepare for this game. While the Jets did also (neither team had played since Thanksgiving), who do you think that benefits more – a Belichick team or a Rex Ryan team? Exactly. This week, the Pats will have less time to prepare, which could give mad scientist Mike Martz and advantage over the Pats’ young secondary. The Patriots still give up the 5th-most fantasy points to opposing QBs, and while they are improving as the season progresses, so is Cutler.
Jay Cutler fantasy football Week 14 projection: 245 yards passing, 2 TDs, 1 INT
Other start ‘em QBs for Week 14:
- Joe Flacco starts against Houston. There you go.
- Josh Freeman has been surprisingly consistent all year long. He faces a Washington defense in Week 14 that typically gives up big days to opposing QBs.
- I had Kyle Orton listed here when I originally wrote this, but then pass-happy Josh McDaniels got fired, replaced by the Denver running backs coach. With Arizona boasting one of the worst run Ds in the NFL, I tend to think Knowshon Moreno will get plenty of touches, perhaps limiting Orton’s value somewhat. He’s not a bad start, but not quite as good as if McD was still around.
- Tom Brady. Can you possibly sit him?
Fantasy Football Week 14 Sit ‘em QB: Matt Cassel, Kansas City (at San Diego)
Matt Cassel has been a revelation this season. Coming into Week 13, Cassel had thrown 22 TDs and only 4 INTs. He had been, in a word, incredible. Certainly, this kind of production was unexpected from a guy who threw just 16 TDs last year along with 16 INTs.
In Week 13, Cassel did not continue his streak of 2-TD games. He had thrown at least two TDs in four straight games, but tossed just one in Week 13. He wasn’t terrible – 17-31, 196 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT – but it wasn’t the explosive day we’ve come to expect. This pedestrian production was somewhat surprising considering Cassel’s success against Denver early in the season and their #31 ranking in terms of fantasy points allowed to opposing QBs.
In Week 14, Cassel has a much less promising matchup. He faces a San Diego defense that is #2 in the NFL in fantasy points allowed to opposing QBs. And before you say that they played terribly on defense in Week 13, understand that Jason Campbell had just 117 yards and a TD…and that was above the Chargers’ season average for fantasy points allowed to QBs.
If Cassel is your #1 QB and you don’t have a decent backup, he’s okay to play this week. I list him here because I don’t think he’ll end up as a top 12 QB in my rankings, and he could be sat for someone like Josh Freeman, Kyle Orton, or Joe Flacco if that is a decision your roster provides.
Matt Cassel fantasy football Week 14 projection: 180 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Other sit ‘em QBs for Week 14:
- Sam Bradford faces a New Orleans pass D that doesn’t give up many passing TDs. This is a good week to sit the rookie.
- I know that a lot of people like Jon Kitna, and I have to admit that he’s playing a lot better than I thought he would filling in for Tony Romo, but I don’t like the matchup against Philadelphia.
- Tom Brady faces a Chicago defense that tops in the league at defending opposing QBs – in terms of fantasy points and TD passes allowed. It’s tough to sit him, but if you have another good-to-very-good option, this would be the week to use it. [Update: This hasn't been posted for 15 minutes yet and I already take this back. Tom Brady is carving up the Jets as we speak. I think he's hot enough right now that matchup is irrelevant. Play him!]
Fantasy Football Week 14 Start ‘em RB: Knowshon Moreno, Denver (at Arizona)
This one is pretty easy…and now that I just said that, I’m sure it’s bound to blow up in my face. But, jinxes aside, consider this:
- Arizona gives up the most fantasy points to opposing running back, as Steven Jackson found out in Week 13 when he went for 102 yards and a TD against them.
- Knowshon is coming off one of his best days in the NFL, a career-high 161 yards on 23 carries. He didn’t get into the end zone, but he ran extremely well.
- Look at Moreno’s game log. He has now been worthy of starting for four straight weeks.
- His running backs coach was just installed as the head coach. Don’t you think he’ll get his guy plenty of touches against a team that is terrible against the run?
Add it all up and it makes Knowshon Moreno a pretty obvious start candidate in Week 14. The question will be if he makes the top 10 this week. I haven’t done the rankings yet, but I expect that he will.
Knowshon Moreno fantasy football Week 14 projection: 110 yards rushing, 1 TD, 4 receptions, 35 yards
Other start ‘em RBs for Week 14:
- Chris Johnson owners, I know you’re frustrated, and there are reasons for concern for the balance of the season. Week 14 is not the week to lose patience, however, as the Titans face the porous Colts run D.
- I really like Tashard Choice, as I’ve been saying in the waiver wire sleeper picks column for the past three weeks. After his 100-yard performance in Week 13, I think Choice could get a 15-20 carries against Philly in Week 14. The Eagles are in the bottom half of the league in giving up fantasy points to opposing RBs. And yes, I like Choice over Felix Jones because Choice is the one who scores the TDs.
- LeGarrette Blount continues to earn our trust. He went over 100 yards in Week 13 against a very good Falcons run D and he also scored a TD. In Week 14, Blount faces a Redskins D that let the Giants run all over it in Week 13.
Fantasy Football Week 14 Sit ‘em RB: Marshawn Lynch, Seattle (at San Francisco)
Marshawn, you aren’t fooling me.
I know that many of you will be impressed with Lynch’s 3-TD game in Week 13. While it was impressive, there are plenty of reasons for you to not buy into a late season resurgence for Lynch.
- In Week 13, Lynch and the Seahawks faced the Panthers, a team that is among the most generous to opposing running backs. In Week 14, Lynch and the Seahawks face the 49ers, who are among the least generous to opposing RBs.
- Look at Lynch’s game log, paying special attention to the weeks preceding his Week 13 outburst. Not only had he not had more than 13 carries in any of the five previous games, but he’d only scored once.
So, do I think Marshawn Lynch’s 3-TD game was an aberration? Yes, although that is admittedly pretty obvious. What is less obvious is if it suggests that Lynch will become useful down the stretch. I don’t think so. His previous five games speak much louder to me than one great game against a bad run D.
Marshawn Lynch fantasy football Week 14 projection: 12 carries, 45 yards, 0 TDs, 1 reception, 10 yards
Other sit ‘em RBs for Week 14:
- Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams seemed to be on the verge of breaking out coming into Week 13. Then they and the Dolphins offense sputtered against Cleveland. Against a Jets D that gives up the fewest fantasy points to opposing RBs, two guys who split carries don’t have a whole lot of value.
- Jonathan Stewart has a nice day against Seattle in Week 13 and has looked good since returning. The Seahawks, however, have a pretty poor run D. The Falcons, Stewart’s opponent in Week 14, do not. The going could be much tougher.
- Cedric Benson faces the Steelers in Week 14. Though he is coming off a 2-TD day against New Orleans, and though he scored against Pittsburgh earlier this year, it’s still not a matchup I like. You trust Cedric Benson at your own peril.
Fantasy Football Week 14 Start ‘em WR: Anquan Boldin, Baltimore (at Houston)
It’s been a frustrating year for Anquan Boldin owners. Coming into Week 13, Boldin had only six TD catches on the season. Take away Boldin’s 3-TD, 142-yard outburst against Cleveland, and his numbers would be barely pedestrian. Basically, Boldin has been nothing more than a borderline starter for most of the season.
However, signs are pointing up for Boldin’s fantasy value, at least this week. Not only did he catch a long TD for the Ravens against Pittsburgh in Week 13, but he faces a Houston secondary that is among the worst in the league in containing opposing WRs. If you own Boldin, this is the week to play him. His next two games are against New Orleans and then Cleveland again; New Orleans has been good all year against the pass and Cleveland is vastly improved since the last time Boldin saw them.
But forget about the future right now. In this column we are concerned with Week 14. Take a look at how #1 WRs have done against Houston this year. It is pretty remarkable. I’d be shocked if Boldin didn’t put up solid numbers you this week.
Anquan Boldin fantasy football Week 14 projection: 8 receptions, 100 yards, 1 TD
Other start ‘em WRs for Week 14:
- I know that Dwayne Bowe did nothing in Week 13, and I know he faces a tough Chargers pass D in Week 14, and I know I told you to sit Matt Cassel above…but…I’d still start Bowe, who has been too good this year for us to be soured by one bad game. (And this comes from a guy who has always hated and distrusted Dwayne Bowe.)
- I like Earl Bennett a lot this week. He is becoming Jay Cutler’s go-to guy, and the matchup against New England is very promising.
- Calvin Johnson continues to prove how amazing he is. Against the Bears stingy D and with a 3rd stringer in at QB, MegaTron still got into the end zone and provided nice value. Just keep him in your lineups. Please. Even if I change my mind later this week, tell me to shut the hell up and still start him. Okay? Okay.
- You know that you’re starting Greg Jennings. Also consider both Donald Driver and James Jones as a decent WR #3 options as well.
- Mike Williams TB against Washington is a nice start this week.
Fantasy Football Week 14 Sit ‘em WR: Any Tennessee Titans WR (v Indianapolis)
Yes, the Colts have a pretty good pass defense, which contributes to this rare team selection. More important though is the anemic recent history of the Titans passing game. Remember how Randy Moss was supposed to make the Titans more explosive? Yeah, well it hasn’t happened.
Kenny Britt is supposed to be back in Week 14, which will muddy up the Tennessee passing waters even more. And if we learned anything from the returns of Sidney Rice and Vincent Jackson after long layoffs, it’s that you are usually well served to wait a week or two and let players get back up to game speed.
What Britt’s presence will do is take targets away from Moss and Nate Washington, neither of whom have done much of anything lately. We all blamed Rusty Smith after their poor Week 12 performance, but they were just as bad against the poor Jags secondary with Kerry Collins under center in Week 14.
To be perfectly frank, it seems to me like the Titans might be quitting on the 2010 season. With all the turmoil between Jeff Fisher and Vince Young, plus the five game losing streak, this is starting to seem like a lost season for the Titans. Going up against a desperate Colts team on a short week, what reason do you have to trust any of these guys? Sit ‘em all. You won’t be sorry.
Tennessee Titans WRs fantasy football Week 14 projection: 8 receptions, 90 yards, 0 TDs total
Other sit ‘em WRs for Week 14:
- Mario Manningham really hasn’t played all that well with Steve Smith and Hakeem Nicks out. Perhaps he is just not cut out to be a #1 WR? Against the resurgent Minnesota Vikings D, I wouldn’t want Manningham to be anything more than a #3 WR, and I wouldn’t mind being able to sit him down this week.
- If Brandon Marshall comes back this week, don’t get excited. Not only will he have to face Darrelle Revis, but he’ll still have crappy Chad Henne as his QB.
- I’m not a big fan of the St. Louis WRs this week – namely Danario Alexander and Danny Amendola – because New Orleans’ pass D has been very stingy this year.
- Stevie Johnson had a rough outing in Week 13, a week after dropping the game-winning TD in OT. In Week 14, he’ll probably be blanketed by Browns rookie Joe Haden, who is becoming one of the league’s best cover corners as the season goes on.
Fantasy Football Week 14 Start ‘em TE: Vernon Davis, San Francisco (v Seattle)
Well, hopefully.
Vernon Davis was outstanding in Week 13, turning four receptions into 100+ yards and a TD. In Week 14, Davis gets to face a Seahawks defense that is not good against the pass. Though they have held opposing tight ends in check decently this year, the 49ers use Davis more like a WR on some of the deeper routes where he gets most of his production.
It’s clear that Troy Smith and the 49ers have been making a more concerted effort to get Davis the ball over the last couple of weeks. In this must-win battle for the 49ers, I expect that to continue, especially if Alex Smith ends up back as the starter. He is more accurate than Troy Smith, and looks to Davis more.
Vernon Davis fantasy football Week 14 projection: 5 receptions, 75 yards, 1 TD
Other start ‘em TEs for Week 14:
- Benjamin Watson faces a Buffalo defense that gives up the second-most fantasy points to opposing TEs. Coming off a 100-yards, TD performance he is a solid option this week.
- Carolina is among the more generous defenses to opposing TEs. That bodes well for Tony Gonzalez this week.
Fantasy Football Week 14 Sit ‘em TE: Joel Dreessen, Houston (v Baltimore)
Dreeseen has been a solid option as of late. He’s been worthy of starting three straight weeks, which isn’t bad for a 2nd-stringer only playing because of Owen Daniels’ injury. However, the signs aren’t very positive for Week 14.
First off, Daniels is expected to return. There is no telling how many targets he will get, but Daniels presence certainly will reduce Dreessen’s role some. Secondly, the matchup is terrible. No defense shuts down opposing TEs more than the Ravens.
Joel Dreessen fantasy football Week 14 projection: 2 receptions, 20 yards, 0 TDs
Other sit ‘em TEs for Week 14:
- Visanthe Shiancoe just isn’t getting the red zone looks he got last year. He couldn’t take advantage of a Bills defense that has given up a lot of points to opposing TEs, so what makes us think he’ll do it against the Giants, who do a good job of minimizing TEs?
- Brandon Pettigrew has been much better with Shaun Hill in the lineup this year. Without him, Pettigrew’s numbers have suffered. He had 5 catches for 36 yards against the Bears in Week 13, and I think that’s about as much as we can expect from him right now.
Fantasy Football Week 14 Start ‘em Defense/Special Teams: Atlanta Falcons (at Carolina)
You know that I love targeting whatever defense is facing the Carolina Panthers and Jimmy Clausen. With the emergence of Mike Goodson and the return of Jonathan Stewart, the Panthers have been putting up a little bit more fight lately. Still, anytime you can face an inexperienced and unproductive QB like Jimmy Clausen, you have to like your chances.
Here is the other reason I like Atlanta this week: the strength of their defense is against the run. Yes, LeGarratte Blount has a solid day in Week 13, but the Falcons have still been very consistent containing opposing running games this year. Running the ball is all that Carolina can do. If the Falcons inhibit their ability to do so, it could put the game in Jimmy Clausen’s hands. That’s a great recipe for any defense.
Atlanta Falcons fantasy football Week 14 projection: 14 or fewer points, 3 sacks, 2 TOs
Other start ‘em D/ST units for Week 14:
- I like both the San Francisco 49ers and the Seattle Seahawks defenses in Week 14. I don’t expect a particularly high scoring game, and there should be plenty of sacks and turnovers to go around.
- Buffalo’s offense has struggled for two straight weeks now. The Cleveland Browns defense continues to improve. I like the Browns on the road this week against Buffalo.
Fantasy Football Week 14 Sit ‘em Defense/Special Teams: Tennessee Titans (v Indianapolis)
Call this one a hunch.
Tennessee’s defense has not been the reason it’s been losing lately. In fact, the Titans have held their last three opponents under 20 pts. And with the Colts coming in having given up four Pick 6′s in the last two games, you might think Tennessee’s D is one you want to play. And maybe it is, if you look at things strictly based on statistics, but I wouldn’t.
You can chalk this one up to my belief in Peyton Manning. I think he will be extra cautious with the football and limit his mistakes. I also think that the short week benefits the Colts more than it benefits the punchless Titans, who will be facing their first week playing for nothing. The Colts are still very much alive in the AFC South race and have not stopped fighting despite playing poorly. The Titans, other than Cortland Finnegan obviously, seem to have stopped fighting.
I believe Peyton and the Colts get their offense going in primetime. Do I have more than a hunch to base this off of? Not particularly, other than what I’ve already stated. But sometimes you have to trust your gut, and my gut says stay away from the Titans until they prove they haven’t quit on the season.
Tennessee Titans fantasy football Week 14 projection: 24 or more points, 1 sack, 1 TO
Other sit ‘em D/ST units for Week 14:
- I like St. Louis‘ defense when it plays at home. I do not like it as much on the road, especially not against Drew Brees and the Saints.
- I trusted San Diego‘s defense last week and they did nothing. Against a very balanced, explosive Chiefs offense in Week 14, I’m not too excited about trusting the Chargers again.
The comment section awaits. Make ‘em good questions this week. Let’s all get into the playoffs and do some damage!
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* – The P&G Blogger Fantasy League (BFL) is a group of 12 digital sports influencers competing on the NFL.com fantasy platform for the chance to win P&G product, a donation to a local charity, and a trip to Super Bowl XLV, all furnished by P&G. The NFL Entities have not offered or sponsored the sweepstakes in any way.
Fantasy Football Week 14 Waiver Wire Sleeper Picks
December 5, 2010 by Jerod-Morris · Comments Off
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With Week 13 close to being in the books, I am sure that we will have lost another chunk of our readership. Not because the advice we’ve given has been poor (at least, I hope not!), but because with only one week left in most leagues’ regular seasons, the number of people scrambling for roster advice will now be diminished as more teams get eliminated.
And while my team in the P&G-sponsored Blogger Fantasy Football League* is hanging by the thinnest of threads, I am still in playoff contention of each of my five other leagues. Thus, you know I’m scouring the waiver wire for any player who will give me an advantage.
This column includes the fruits of that research, and it will hopefully assist you in finding some guys who can help you get into the playoffs and do well once you’re there.
Fantasy Football Week 14 Waiver Wire Sleeper Picks
Remember, a player must be owned in less than 50% of Yahoo leagues to be included in this post. Additionally, I primarily focus on players’ values for Week 14, although in certain cases I’ll recommend players who may not be immediately valuable this week but who stand out as valuable long-term acquisitions.
Fantasy Football Week 14 Waiver Wire Sleeper Picks: QB
David Garrard, Jacksonville (43%, v Oakland)
David Garrard is never a sexy pick at QB, and with good reason. His career has been marred by inconsistency, and he doesn’t have receiving targets that make you expect big things. But a funny thing has happened in 2010: David Garrard has been a pretty solid, consistent fantasy option at QB.
Not only does he have six games in which he’s passed for two or more touchdowns, but he’s also run for four touchdowns. This ability has given him some value even in weeks when his passing has been non-existent (Week 13, for example). Garrard has become the kind of QB who won’t win matchups for you, but he won’t lose them either.
If you have a really good stable of RBs and WRs and just need consistent double digit production from your QB, David Garrard is proving to be a guy you can trust to get it for you.
As you know, usually I try to list at least 2-3 guys here, but there are no other QBs owned in less than 50% of leagues that I feel comfortable recommending. Some of the other options are:
- Jon Kitna is not a terrible option, but Philadelphia does a pretty decent job against the pass and is adept at turning mistakes into picks – especially if Asante Samuel is back.
- Chad Henne faces the Jets…hell no. Henne sucks.
- Drew Stanton was serviceable against the Bears, but Green Bay’s defense is also very good and should contain him.
- Matt Hasselbeck has a decent matchup against the 49ers, but he hasn’t proven he can be trusted against even bad defensive teams.
- Tarvaris Jackson is going to be a hot name this week, but he faces a Giants D in Week 14 that will get after him with a strong pass rush and that gives up fewer passing yards per game than any other defense.
See what I mean? I wouldn’t go fishing on the waiver wire for a QB this week. Go with who ya got.
Fantasy Football Week 14 Waiver Wire Sleeper Picks: RB
Ryan Torain, Washington (39%, v Tampa Bay)
Don’t forget about Ryan Torain; his head coach Mike Shanahan certainly hasn’t. Last week, Shanahan was discussing his running backs and remarked how much he missed Torain, as well he should. Since Torain’s injury, Keiland Williams had one decent game. Otherwise, Washington has gotten next to nothing from its running game.
Remember, in the last two full games Torain played, Weeks 6 and 7, he topped 100 yards in each and scored two TDs. With Tampa Bay, Dallas, and Jacksonville coming up on the schedule, there are opportunities for Torain to put up similar numbers should he be healthy enough to play.
Speaking of his health, Torain was close to playing this week. You’ll need to track his health leading up to kickoff in Week 14, but I expect him to play. Assuming he does, all signs point to Torain resuming his role as the team’s feature back.
Tashard Choice, Dallas (8%, v Philadelphia)
I have not been right about everything this season, not by a long shot. One thing I am starting to look prescient about, however, is the potential emergence of Tashard Choice as the 2010 version of Jerome Harrison (i.e. a running back that comes out of nowhere to put up huge numbers down the stretch).
With the Cowboys out of playoff contention, and Marion Barber being both ineffective and injured, Choice is getting a chance, and he’s coming through. He got a goalline carry in Week 12 and scored. In Week 13, Choice split carries with Felix Jones and took advantage of a weak Indy run defense.
Moving forward, I think we can expect Choice to continue to get opportunities. Seeing as how his career yard-per-carry average is over 5 yards (just like Jerome Harrison’s before he busted out last year) the signs are positive that Choice should be able to capitalize on his chances.
Christopher Ivory, New Orleans (30%, v St. Louis)
Here is another name that should be familiar to you if you read this column regularly. All Ivory does is continue to prove me right, and continue to make Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas afterthoughts in New Orleans. He has scored five TDs over the past three weeks and is putting up good yardage totals as well.
Granted, the upcoming matchups aren’t stellar (v STL, @ ATL, @ BAL), but Ivory plays for an offense that produces scoring opportunities on a regular basis. Ivory doesn’t need to run for 100 yards to have value; he’s getting the redzone carries and proving he can take advantage of them while also proving that he has the breakaway speed to get big runs that can compensate for otherwise pedestrian yardage totals.
Obviously the presence of Pierre Thomas would hurt Ivory; but will the PT Cruiser ever be healthy? Who knows. Even if he is, Ivory has done enough to continue getting double digit touches per week. In the Saints offense, that’s oftentimes all you need to have significant fantasy value.
Other names to keep an eye on:
- Anthony Dixon may have more value than we thought. He split carries with Brian Westbrook in Week 13 (nine each) and will get the goalline carries too. Looks to me like he has just as much value, if not more, than Westbrook.
- Rashad Jennings scored again in Week 13, his second straight game with a TD. He’ll only get a max of about 10 carries, but he’s proving he can maximize the value of those. If you’re desperate, he’s an option.
Fantasy Football Week 14 Waiver Wire Sleeper Picks: WR
Mohamed Massaquoi, Cleveland (13%, at Buffalo)
Quietly, a Cleveland wide receiver is starting to emerge as a low-end #3 WR in deep leagues. Second-year man Mohamed Massaquoi now has three straight games in which he’s caught four passes. He has had at least 51 yards in each game, topping out at 81 yards in Week 13 against a pretty good Miami secondary.
Massaquoi’s TD potential limited. He only has five in his career and he plays in an offense that does not provide many scoring opportunities for WRs. However, the Vikings were able to attack the Buffalo secondary with Tarvaris Jackson, and Cincinnati’s secondary has not played at the high level that was expected. Those are the Browns next two opponents. If you need 6-8 safe points from your third wide receiver slot, MoMass is starting to become an option you can trust.
Earl Bennett, Chicago (5%, v New England)
Earl Bennett has had two straight outstanding weeks. He caught 4 passes for 56 yards and 2 TDs in the Bears’ Week 12 win over Philly, then in Week 13 he caught 7 balls for 104 yards. Clearly, Bennett and his college teammate Jay Cutler have a nice rapport going as the season moves into its final month.
In Week 14, the Bears get to face a defense that a) doesn’t put much pressure on the quarterback from its front four, and b) that gives up plenty of fantasy points to opposing WRs and QBs. With Bennett emerging as the top option for Cutler, he’s a guy you want in your Week 14 lineups.
Anthony Armstrong, Washington (6%, v Tampa Bay)
You should recognize this name from past waiver wire sleeper picks columns. I’ve mentioned Armstrong before as a guy in yardage leagues who has a lot of potential because of his very high yard-per-catch average, which was an eye-popping 21.8 before Week 13. Granted, he only had 25 catches and 1 TD, but that’s still an impressive number that suggests plenty of big play potential.
Finally in Week 13 Armstrong put it all together. He caught a season-high 6 passes, a season-high 97 yards, and he caught a TD. Granted, he did a lot of his damage late when the game was already decided, but it came against one of the league’s best pass defenses. With the stellar Aqib Talib likely to be blanketing Santana Moss next week, I expect Armstrong to have the opportunity to make some more big plays.
Other names to know:
- Davone Bess (48%, at NYJ) continues to be a solid PPR option, especially with Brandon Marshall nursing a tender hamstring and Brian Hartline now having a finger injury.
- Danny Amendola (48%, at NO) and Robert Meachem (45%, v STL) are names you should recognize from past columns; both are solid options on a weekly basis.
- Ben Obomanu (17%, at SF) continues to be a top target from Matt Hasselbeck and the 49ers will give up passing yards.
Fantasy Football Week 14 Waiver Wire Sleeper Picks: TE
Benjamin Watson, Cleveland (29%, at Buffalo)
Watson was outstanding in Week 13, amassing 100 receiving yards on 10 catches. He also got into the endzone for the third time this season. His big week came against a Miami defense that will give up yardage to opposing tight ends; luckily for Watson, Buffalo will do so as well.
Watson is still a bit inconsistent (he has a catchless game and a 1-catch game in his last five) but he has the weekly potential to go off like he did in Week 13. If you need a tight end this week, you could do plenty worse than Watson.
Jimmy Graham, New Orleans (1%, v St. Louis)
This guy has big time athletic ability and big time potential, both because of that athletic ability and because of the offense he plays in. Graham only had three catches in Week 13, but they went for 72 yards. That’s pretty damn good for a tight end.
Graham’s potential is limited by his inexperience and the presence of Jeremy Shockey, but he is emerging as a new tool in Drew Brees’ voluminous toolbox. If you’re in a pinch, the guy has big play potential that is worth taking a flyer on.
Fantasy Football Week 14 Waiver Wire Sleeper Picks: D/ST
Seattle Seahawks (47%, at San Francisco)
This is not an endorsement of the Seahawks’ defense, but more an acknowledgment of the fact that the San Francisco 49ers offense is far less than explosive. If you need a defense, there is a good chance the Seahawks won’t kill you, simply because the 49ers don’t have the ability to kill them.
Cleveland Browns (26%, at Buffalo)
The Browns were pretty impressive on defense against a Miami offense that had taken the Raiders to the woodshed in Week 12. As the season has progressed, the Browns’ young secondary has matured and is making things extremely tough on opposing QBs and WRs. That spells trouble for Ryan Fitzpatrick and the Bills WRs, and should make the Browns a solid if unspectacular option in Week 14.
If you have any specific questions, pose them below in the comment section.
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Fantasy Football Week 13 Sunday Live Chat
December 4, 2010 by Jerod-Morris · Comments Off
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Every Sunday morning starting at 10:00 CT (11:00 ET) we are here to answer your last minute start/sit questions. And we’ll be here again this weekend.
Register below and we’ll send you an email you Sunday morning to remind you.
Make sure to check out all of our Week 13 analysis:
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