Lions vs Tampa Bay

Shaun Hill practiced this week and the talk out of Detroit is that their going to roll him out there. However until its official, keep an eye on Stanton.  A soft Bucs defense that has had its share of banged up safeties, may have some trouble stopping the Lions passing attack. Look for Calvin Johnson to be a big points getter this weekend. Not too confident about the running game with the Lions, but you see what the Redskins running game did to Tampa last week. It could be a much different scenario if the game was indoors at Detroit, but all the lions are still worth looks this week, especially if the pickings are thin in your playoffs.

Freeman, Blount, and Williams, may be the top 3 offensive stars for Tampa Bay, but none of them cracked the top ten in the FFCPI this week at their respective positions. Unless you are very thin, Freeman may be a risky play at QB, and other then a #2 RB or WR, Blount and Williams should be used as advertised. In other words, as #2 guys they should suite you well, but don't expect them to carry the load of your offense, especially in the Fantasy playoffs.

Good Start: Calvin Johnson,

Middle Of The Road: Josh Freeman, LeGarrette Blount, Mike Williams, Jahvid Best, Detroit QB

Bad Start: Maurice Morris, Cadillac Williams

 

Houston Vs Tennessee

Remember what happened the last time these 2 teams met? I'm sure Andre Johnson owners do. Hopefully he got all the right hooks out of him this week and is ready to give you a full 60 minutes in your semi finals, as im sure that's why you drafted him. He is on a major roll right now, and in that first game caught 9 passed and a TD, without playing a full game. Lets see what happens this time around. In that same game, Running back Arian Foster put up 218 yards, and should also be looked at this week as a stud back.

On the flip side is Chris Johnson, who finds himself right above foster in our FFCPI for the week as the #4 running back, and in all reality the only viable offensive option for the titans in your fantasy agenda. However as we have said week in and week out, the Texans do have the worst pass defense in the NFL. What does this mean exactly for Kerry Collins and Randy Moss? Proceed with caution. Its too late in the season and to cautious a weekend, to begin to experiment. Tough call.

Good Start: Matt Schaub, Andre Johnson, Arian Foster, Chris Johnson

Middle Of The Road: Kerry Collins, Randy Moss, Kenny Britt, Owen Daniels

Bad Start: Nate Washington, Bo Scaife

 

Atlanta vs Seattle

In the last 4 games, the Seahawks have been one of the poorer secondaries in football, giving up a ton of Fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. The Falcons offense is on fire, and Matt Ryan should be a great start in Seattle. Look for Rody White to receive the majority of looks on the flip side of things, and also Michael Turner being a viable option. In other news, its the usual suspects for Atlanta this week as they travel to Seattle. The one thing i will say just to play devils advocate is that as of this article,. the weather in Seattle calls for rain. Shocker?

Hasselbeck may get some of his healthier receivers back this week, and as the Seahawks fall back in this game early, expect the offense to do nothing but throw to try and chase the score back to even. If you are in a deeper league or a 2Qb league, then Hasselbeck may be an interesting look. Other then that, its very sketchy. The majority of his passes will go towards Mike Williams. The Falcons should be able to stop their run, so dont look to see much of it.

Good Start: Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, Rody White

Middle Of The Road: Matt Hasselbeck, Tony Gonzales, Mike Williams

Bad Start: Marshawn Lynch

 

Denver vs Oakland

As the 2010 Denver regular season continues to spiral out of control, there is very little left to play for or get excited for. If anything, this one be one of those weeks, as these two classic AFC west rivals, square off in Northern California.

There is one hope for the Broncos from a fantasy standpoint, and that is Knowshown Moreno. Moreno has been playing lights out at the Running Back position as of late, for a bad team. As long as the Broncos dont fall behind by too much in this game, then I feel you can rely on him to carry the load, and attack a Raiders defensive line that has been allowing 132 rushing yards per game.

On the flip side of this match-up however, you will find our #1 Running Back in the FFCPI for playoff week 15, and that is none other than Oaklands Darren McFadden. If i were to tell you that at draft week, what would you think? McFadden should tear apart this Broncos defense on the ground. Also take a look at Zach Miller who got 65 receiving yards and a touchdown, the last time these teams met in Denver.

Good Start: Knowshown Moreno, Darren McFadden

Middle Of The Road: Kyle Orton, Jason Campbell, Zach Miller, Brandon Lyod, Louis Murphy

Bad Start: Jacoby Ford

 

New York Jets vs Pittsburgh

 A season that goes from bad to worse to embarrassing for the Jets, now finds itself making a stop against one of the best defenses in the NFL. Not exactly something all Jet fantasy owners should be excited about, especially when the offense hasn't scored a touchdown in the last 2 games. The huge hit for the Jets, is also felt in our FFCPI as in all reality, none of their guys can be trusted this week. I dont expect an aging LT to do anything against this Steelers line, and Greene has just not been getting enough reps for you to rely on him. If anything, they have to establish a passing attack in order to score, and if thats the case then Holmes, Edwards, and Keller would be your only options. Holmes is still Sanchez go to guy, and if it wasn't for an amazing drop in the end-zone last week, the whole complexion of this game may have a different tune.

The Jets defense is still able to keep the offense in the games, so that should also be something taken into account when checking our your Steelers matchups this week. Big Ben and Hines Ward find themselves in our top ten this week, and Mendenhall takes a bit of a hit. As bad as the Jets have looked lately, this is still a defense that can keep into check. Heath Miller owners should also check the health of the tight end before kick off on Sunday.

Good Start: Hines Ward, Santonio Holmes, Ben Roethlisberger, Mike Wallace

Middle Of The Road: Mark Sanchez, Rashard Mendenhall, Dustin Keller, Braylon Edwards, Heath Miller

 Bad Start: Ladanian Tomlinson, Shonne Greene

 

Green Bay vs New England

There has been no clear cut word on the status of Aaron Rodgers for this week, but we will assume for the purposes of this article that he is playing. In the event that he does not, it would be wise to start any other QB on your roster or waiver wire, then Rodgers real life backup Matt Flynn. He did not look good at all last week and is very hard to trust. The Patriots defense may not be one of the better ones statistically, but the young core of defenders have been playing very well the last few weeks and have actually only allowed one touchdown in the last 2 games. The rest of the Packers offense unfortunately will rest in the hands of the Quarterback. If its Flynn then dont expect much. Heck even if its Rodgers, be cautious. Not a good week to be a Packers fantasy owner.

On the other hand, the Patriots offense has been on fire. As Brady goes, so do his receivers. Branch and Welker are great plays as #2 or Flex spots. If they get ahead then you can also look for a steady amount of carries from the Law Firm of Benjarvus Green-Ellis. The Tight Ends should also be able to expose the Packers line-backing core, and its not often that I say this in these columns, but with no Aaron Rodgers, and a good chance of the Patriots defense being on your waiver wire, then you may wanna give them a look this week on Sunday night in Foxboro Massachusetts.

Good Start: Tom Brady, Wes Welker, Ron Gronkowski, Aaron Rodgers (CHECK STATUS)

Middle Of The Road: BenJarvrvus Green-Ellis, Aaron Hernandez, Deion Branch, Greg Jennings, Donald Driver

Bad Start: Danny Woodhead, Brandon Jackson,

 

Chicago vs Minnesota

A Monday night game outdoors in Minnesota. This should be a good mix of ground and pound for both teams, as temperatures are sure to be close to or below zero. Can you imagine being a Vikings player right now? Its one thing to deal with the Favre crap all season, but now you have lost your stadium and you dont even know where the future of your home games are? At the same time you still dont know what the Quarterback situation is, and with Favre being in the mix you probably wont know until game time. That being said, Adrian Peterson is the only Viking worth starting. He has a good history against the Bears, and this is Monday night football. Cant be any worse then his “home” performance last week against the Giants.

Matt Forte should get a minimum of 20 carries on Monday night. Jay Cutler played awful with the weather conditions last week, and even though as of now the forecast does not call for snow on Monday, you should take that into account. Poor receiving core against a good Vikings secondary could also mean that tight end Greg Olsen gets involved a little but more in this weeks passing game, if there is one.

Good Start: Matt Forte, Adrian Peterson

Middle Of The Road: Percy Harvin, Jay Cutler, Johnny Knox, Greg Olsen, Earl Bennett, Sidney Rice

 Bad Start: Chester Taylor,  Visanthe Shaincoe

Kansas City at St. Louis

This is a tough match-up to predict as the health of Matt Cassel dictates the value of several fantasy players.

The Chiefs have very little to offer without the services of Matt Cassel, who has been recovering from an appendectomy.  If he sits out again this weekend, avoid just about every Chiefs player aside from Jamaal Charles.  On the other hand, if Cassel does take the field, you have to like Dwayne Bowe and Thomas Jones too.

The Rams are a team on the rise and Sam Bradford is better than most quarterbacks.  We also like Steven Jackson in the backfield and Danny Amendola has evolved as one of the safer options in PPR leagues. 

Good Start: Steven Jackson, Jamal Charles, Dwayne Bowe

Middle Of The Road: Sam Bradford, Thomas Jones, Danny Amendola

Bad Start: Matt Cassel, Danario Alexander, Tony Moeaki

 

New Orleans at Baltimore

Two of the better teams face off by the harbor, but if the Ravens secondary wilts like it did in the fourth quarter last weekend, this could be a blowout.

The Saints have been one of the elite teams in the NFL and Drew Brees, the fifth ranked quarterback this week, and Marques Colston, the third best wide out this weekend, are the main reason why.  Also playing well have been Lance Moore and at times Robert Meachem.  You should avoid the backfield as Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas are still struggling, while Christopher Ivory is banged up.  On top of that, the Ravens allow just 99 rushing yards per game. 

The Ravens take on the fifth best defense in the NFL this weekend, and Derrick Mason has not practiced much because of injury woes.  You can start Ray Rice, but his three touchdowns this season have been a letdown.  Joe Flacco faces a defense that allows fewer than 200 passing yards per game, so his value as well as Anquan Boldin's takes a hit this weekend. 

Good Start: Drew Brees, Marques Colston

Middle Of The Road: Ray Rice, Anquan Boldin, Lance Moore, Robert Meachem

Bad Start: Joe Flacco, Pierre Thomas, Reggie Bush, Christopher Ivory, Derrick Mason, Jeremy Shockey, Todd Heap

 

Arizona at Carolina

Two rookie quarterbacks face off in a game that will be dictated on the ground.

Fresh off the game of his life, Tim Hightower should be a fantasy star this weekend.  I also expect John Skelton to perform at a higher level now that he has a start under his belt.  That means both Larry Fitzgerald and Steve Breaston could enjoy a nice bump in production.

The Panthers have frustrated fantasy managers all season.  While we understand why you might want to waive the white flag on the passing game, have some confidence in Jonathan Stewart and to a lesser extent Mike Goodson as the Cardinals surrender more than 140 rushing yards per game. 

Good Start: Jonathan Stewart, Tim Hightower, Larry Fitzgerald

Middle Of The Road: Mike Goodson, Steve Smith, Steve Breaston, Brandon LaFell

Bad Start: Jimmy Clausen, John Skelton, Beanie Wells

 

Cleveland at Cincinnati

This is a match-up for state supremacy, though Ohio State may actually have an argument. 

The Browns face a horrendous defense, but I just don't see many fantasy options other than Peyton Hillis, who we rank as the eighth best at his position this weekend.  If you really want to test the Bengals pass defense, Mohamed Massaquoi and Benjamin Watson would be the top targets.

The Bengals may not be very good, but they still have players who can post big numbers.  That includes Carson Palmer thanks to the presence of Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco.  Also, look for Cedric Benson to snap out of his funk against a Browns defense that surrenders 125 rushing yards per game. 

Good Start: Peyton Hillis, Terrell Owens

Middle Of The Road: Carson Palmer, Cedric Benson, Chad Ochocinco, Benjamin Watson, Mohamed Massaquoi, Joshua Cribbs

Bad Start: Jake Delhomme, Colt McCoy, Jermaine Gresham

 

Washington at Dallas

A conference game with very little on the line, what a downer.

The 'Skins are in quite the bind and how sad are things when you bench Donovan McNabb for Rex Grossman.  Even with this desperate move, you should be able to rely on Ryan Torain and Santana Moss for some solid numbers, while it's good news for fantasy managers that Chris Cooley spoke with the coaching staff to get more looks.

The Cowboys are riding a hot streak and Jon Kitna should be able to rack up some yardage.  Miles Austin and Jason Witten are both expected to have big games, while Roy Williams in hobbled and the backfield is crowded due to Marion Barber's return.  It goes without saying that this is a great game to start the Cowboys defense.

Good Start: Ryan Torain, Santana Moss, Miles Austin, Jason WItten

Middle Of The Road: Jon Kitna, Felix Jones, Roy Williams, Anthony Armstrong, Chris Cooley

Bad Start: Rex Grossman, Tashard Choice, Marion Barber

 

Jacksonville at Indianapolis

A surprising big game for the AFC South pits an overachieving quarterback against an underachieving fantasy legend.

The Jaguars have had some surprise fantasy contributors this season as aside from Maurice Jones-Drew, David Garrard, Mercedes Lewis, and even Rashad Jennings have had some big moments.  The risk is in the receiving corps where Mike Sims-Walker and Mike Thomas seem to alternate big performances.  The best way to attack the Colts defense this season has been via the rush, so look for Jones-Drew and Jennings to have solid efforts.

The Colts welcome back Austin Collie and he is actually a pretty big addition.  He will not only post solid numbers, but he will help spread the field for fellow targets Reggie Wayne, Pierre Garcon, and Jacob Tamme.  This explains why we like Peyton Manning as the top quarterback this weekend.  The player to avoid this weekend is Blair White, who slides back down the depth chart.  The backfield remains split with Donald Brown used as the main running back, while Javarris James gets the goal line carries. 

Good Start: Peyton Manning, Maurice Jones-Drew, Reggie Wayne, Pierre Garcon, Austin Collie, Jacob Tamme, Mercdes Lewis

Middle Of The Road: Mike Sims-Walker

Bad Start: David Garrard, Javarris James, Donald Brown, Rashad Jennings, Mike Thomas

 

Buffalo at Miami

The Bills and 'Phins are shockingly two of the hotter teams in the NFL entering this weekend. 

Ryan Fitzpatrick faces a good defense, so temper your expectations for the Harvard quarterback.  Also, Lee Evans is out for the season with an injury, so look for David Nelson and Steve Johnson to step up.  On the ground, Fred Jackson remains a viable fantasy option, but he not only takes on a defense that surrenders fewer than 100 rushing yards per game, he is also losing some carries to rookie CJ Spiller. 

The 'Phins are hoping for a playoff spot, and Brandon Marshall is the playmaker who can get them there.  Let's see if he can find the end zone for a second week in a row.  The backfield has gone bust, which is a shame because the Bills have the worst rush defense in the NFL.  That's why you're almost forced to roll the dice with Ronnie Brown or Ricky Williams.  Finally, despite Chad Henne's collapse in production, wide out Davone Bess and tight end Anthony Fasano are legitimate fantasy options. 

Good Start: Brandon Marshall, Steve Johnson

Middle Of The Road: Ryan Fitzpatrick, Fred Jackson, Ronnie Brown, Ricky Williams, David Nelson, Davone Bess, Anthony Fasano

Bad Start: Chad Henne

 

Philadelphia at New York Giants

The opposite of the 'Skins versus Cowboys, this is a great contest with plenty on the line.

The Eagles are eager to prove that they are legitimate, and this weekend they face a great defense in the G-Men.  Nonetheless, all of the top Eagles are no-brainers and must remain in your starting lineup.  That includes Michael Vick, DeSean Jackson, and LeSean McCoy.  The next echelon is Jeremy Maclin, before you reach the unreliable Brent Celek. 

The Giants are dealing with the loss of Steve Smith to injury, but they still have Hakeem Nicks and Kevin Boss, who figure to have plenty of looks from Eli Manning.  Sure, Manning will have his turnovers, but he usually makes up for it with plenty of yardage and a touchdown or two.  The backfield is now the strength of the Giants with both Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw earning the trust of fantasy managers.

Good Start: Michael Vick, Eli Manning, LeSean McCoy, Ahmad Bradshaw, Brandon Jacobs, DeSean Jackson, Hakeem Nicks

Middle Of The Road: Jeremy Maclin, Kevin Boss

Bad Start:  Steve Smith, Mario Manningham, Brent Celek

 

 

 

Follow Rob Shaw on Twitter: @FFChamps_Rob


Follow Anthony Zachariadis on Twitter: @FFChamps_TONY


Follow @FFChamps on Twitter