It’s anybody’s guess as to how the Eagles will respond after their playoff hopes were essentially dashed at home against New England, while Seattle continues to play hard even though their playoff ship has long since sailed.
 
Vince Young was stellar from a Fantasy perspective in Philadelphia’s loss, throwing for 400 yards and a TD. LeSean McCoy was not much of a factor (10 carries, 31 yards) even though he did score. That was obviously a function of the Eagles having to get away from the running game because they were so far down for most of the game. Jason Avant had a great day with 110 yards and a TD on 8 catches, and also led the team with 14 targets. DeSean Jackson was benched in the fourth quarter after dropping two catchable balls that could have both been touchdowns. You have to wonder how much more he can try Andy Reid’s patience and continue to see playing time.
 
Tarvaris Jackson usually isn’t worth a start unless you’re in the deepest of leagues, but he was decent in the loss to Washington with 144 yards and 2 TDs. Marshawn Lynch continues to operate in full-on Beast Mode. He didn’t score a TD rushing for the first time in seven games played but he did find the end zone on a 20-yard reception, his only catch of the day. Doug Baldwin had 5 catches for 60 yards, and he and Ben Obomanu will definitely see more action, since Sidney Rice has been put on injured reserve.
 
Seattle has a pretty strong defense, allowing 240 yards per game and 15 TDs passing and 101 yards and 6 TDs on the ground, plus you have to think they’ll be jacked up playing at home on Thursday Night Football. Logically, at least, the Seahawk defense would look to be much stingier than the Patriots were in Week 12. And since it’s hard to envision a scenario where either team gets out to a huge lead, the Eagles will be able to have much more balance in their offense. Michael Vick looks to be out, but that should not come as a surprise. Jeremy Maclin was expected to miss the game as well, meaning Jason Avant could get a lot of looks again, as well as Riley Cooper and Brent Celek. Maybe the biggest question surrounding the Eagles regards DeSean Jackson. Can the Eagles trust him? Has he pissed Andy Reid off to the extent that he won’t get as many looks? Or will Jackson play like a man possessed and go off for 150 yards and 2 TDs? The most important question is, can you trust him? I don’t, but Lord knows I’ve been wrong before.
 
As far as the Seahawks go, you have to ride the hot hand of Lynch, but other than that nobody really jumps out as a great start. They don’t look bad, just not great.
 
GOOD STARTS: QB Vince Young, RB LeSean McCoy, RB Marshawn Lynch, WR Jason Avant
 
MIDDLE OF THE ROAD STARTS: QB Tarvaris Jackson, WR DeSean Jackson, WR Riley Cooper, WR Doug Baldwin, WR Ben Obomanu, TE Brent Celek
 
BAD STARTS: Tarvaris Jackson barely stays out of this category because he’s playing at home. He’s a mid-range start at the very best based on his stats, and only worth starting as a desperation play in a deep league.

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