At this point of the season, unless you’re preparing for the playoffs, you’re preparing for next season. This week I focus on those two scenarios. I won’t be worrying too much about under the radar guys, or sneaky pick-ups. This will be about instant impact or long-term value with a nod towards playoff match-ups. I’m psyched just typing that sentence. Let’s do this!

As always, I look forward to your comments below.  I’ll do my best to respond to them all. Feel free to ask me any line-up or trade questions throughout the week on Twitter @TheDannyFresh.

Now let’s take a look at what we learned and what we think we learned from week thirteen:

 

Colts/Patriots

What we learned: You can start Aaron Hernandez confidently—and he’s still incredibly young—but Rob Gronkowski has now cemented himself along with Jimmy Graham as the tight end to be rolling out every week and for years to come.

What we think we learned: The Colts should have been starting Dan Orlovsky instead of Curtis Painter all season. Yes, it was a lot of junk time scoring, but 30 of 37 is impressive no matter how you slice it. Those of you who held onto Pierre Garcon and Reggie Wayne look like you might just see some rewards from your –like patience. The Colts do get the Ravens next, so rewards won’t necessarily come this week.

Broncos/Vikings

What we learned: Ironically this is the game that changed my opinion on Tim Tebow. The Vikings defense presented a formula that I thought was perfect for limiting Tebow, forcing him to use his arm, not his legs, in order to thrive. On top of which the pace of the game was far from Tebow’s supposed comfort zone. Yet, once again, he thrived. I now think the QB can be counted on consistently as a low-end QB1

What we think we learned:  Christian Ponder and Percy Harvin are a duo to watch moving forward. Stability is something that hasn’t been seen much in Minnesota over the last few years, but perhaps this young pair is changing that. Demaryius Thomas gave his best sample yet of why he’s such a tantalizing fantasy option. However, his risk matches his talent, so I would preach caution unless you are in need of that Hail Mary starter at WR.

Bills/Titans

What we learned: CJ Spiller is not Fred Jackson, but he can do some things when he’s given some touches. Spiller is one of the most important players to watch if you are scouting for next year, and has some friendly match-ups the remainder of the way.

What we think we learned: Chris Johnson is driving owners bat-sh*t this season.  But, he does seem to have his burst back. Here is the only thing I can offer that may not have been said already: For some athletes, supreme confidence is paramount to their success. Perhaps for Johnson, who certainly was loaded with self-confidence during his off-season contract negotiations, a slow start really got into his head. After a couple of HUGE games in a row, CJ2K is back just in time.

Raiders/Dolphins

What we learned:  Carson Palmer put up all his numbers in junk time, so his line is a little misleading. Monitoring the injury reports this week with regards to the Raider’s WRs is a must for all Palmer owners.

Throw away the Michael Bush statline from this past week. His performance on Sunday is much less important than whether or not Darren McFadden is playing this week. If Run-DMC is out again, you can roll out Bush…again. Sigh. Speaking of RBs named Bush, Reggie continued his hot play over the last month and looks like a solid start here on out. I can’t believe I just wrote that sentence.

Nope, still can’t.

What we think we learned: I said it last week, and he backed it up again: Don’t sleep on Chaz Schilens. Dude can ball.

 

 

Jets/Redskins

What we learned: Roy Helu. Yup. Ride him kids.

What we think we learned: I’m encouraged by Santonio Holmes’ production the last few weeks.  He still isn’t clicking perfectly with Mark Sanchez, but I feel much more comfortable with Holmes in my line-up for the playoffs than I would have about a month ago.

Falcons/Texans

What we learned:  I know Michael Turner owners are getting nervous. He is clearly banged up and slowing down. However the Burner has a VERY friendly schedule going forward starting off with the Panthers next week. Do you know what the rule about the Panthers is? No? Here, let me remind you.

What we think we learned: Julio Jones is back and healthy and he’s an upside WR3. TJ Yates was not terrible. Do with that what you will.

Chiefs/Bears

What we learned: Bleh. Nothing to see here.

What we think we learned: I know what you’re thinking. I see you planning on using that waiver for Marion Barber. Don’t you do that young man. You put that waiver priority right back in your pocket.

Bengals/Steelers

What we learned: I’ve run out of things to say about AJ Green, so I’ll just say this: We have a new WR in the top 10, and that might be his floor.

What we think we learned: I can’t remember a year when “workhorse” RBs were performing so inconsistently. If not for LeGarrette Blount, Rashard Mendenhall would be the flag-bearer of this group. There is no rhyme or reason to when he will go off or when he will shrink into the background. If you’ve got him, you probably need to start him. But, I would rather start a back with less upside than Mendenhall who gave me more consistent play come playoff time.

Panthers/Buccaneers

What we learned: This is the part where I say I told you so about Blount. I told you so.  You can use that same link to see how I also told you so about Mike Williams.

What we think we learned: Brandon LaFell got the start this week and responded with a respectable game. If you are taking a flyer down the stretch, LaFell is one to play the lottery on. Those looking towards next year should scout him, as LaFell will be a hot sleeper in next year’s draft.

 

Packers/Giants

What we learned: What a fantastic game! It was heartbreak for my Giants, but still great stuff. Like I said last week, Victor Cruz is putting up huge numbers, but Hakeem Nicks is still the Giants best WR and top target for Eli Manning. Manning continues to have his finest season as a pro and has become a strong option as a QB1 for a championship-caliber fantasy team.

I don’t want to insult your intelligence by assuming here, but please, please don’t you dare start Donald Driver just because of this game.

What we think we learned: Brandon Jacobs had the numbers, but Ahmad Bradhsaw’s return to the Giants line-up is huge. The whole offense has a better feel with him in the line-up.

Ravens/Browns

What we learned: This game featured the worst combined QB play of the week—which is amazing when you think of who played in the Bears/Chiefs game. Can we please all agree that Joe Flacco is a serviceable NFL QB, and that’s it—and that Colt McCoy isn’t even that? Booooooooooooo!

What we think we learned: Is Ray Rice the #1 overall pick next year? I‘ll take your comments below.

Cowboys/Cardinals

What we learned: So, any thought that Early Doucet had carved himself a niche in the Cardinals offense has ended.  Hey what do you know, the Cowboys and Tony Romo finally realized that the best player on their offense is Dez Bryant and if you throw him the ball a lot, good things happen.

What we think we learned: You have to throw away the DeMarco Murray performance on Sunday. However, you do have to watch Felix Jones closely. He ran well and if this leads to a timeshare in the Cowboys, that changes the whole playing field for owners that though they had gold in their hands with Murray.

Not Marion Barber...not Andre Roberts either.

 Watching Jerry Jones react in his suite to his own coach Jason Garrett calling a time-out negating Dan Bailey’s FG, only to see him then miss the follow-up attempt was more riveting than the entirety of this game. If I was Garrett I would be ducking my boss in the hallways for, oh, I don’t know…the rest of my lifetime. LaRod Stephens-Howling is Darren Sproles without the vision. I meant that as much more of a compliment than it sounded.

49ers/Rams

What we learned: Woe, thy name is Steven Jackson. As bad as things have gotten, it’s about to get worse. He could not possibly have worse match-ups on the horizon. Unless you are desperate, you can’t justify starting him at this point.

What we think we learned: Michael Crabtree is still flying under the radar, but he’s become a very viable WR3 (and he gets Arizona next week), but I like him even more looking toward next year—especially if the 49ers add a true slot WR next season.

Chargers/Jaguars

What we learned: My MVP ballot: 1. Aaron Rodgers, 2. Drew Brees, 3. Maurice Jones-Drew. I have no doubt in my mind that without MJD the Jaguars would be winless. Pocket Hercules is playing as well as he ever has and has firmly regained his RB1 status and his first round draft status next season.

What we think we learned: Philip Rivers looked like Philip Rivers for the first time all season. This goes against my general advice of not riding one hot week, but my gut says Rivers finishes strong. Antonio Gate still has the determination, hands and smarts that made him one of the all times greats at the TE position.  But, he is a shell of his former self physically. He’s good, but no longer great.

Saints/Lions

What we learned: OK, here is a really important one for this season and beyond. Cream rises, folks - and Mark Ingram is rising fast. He’s starting to simply take over the rushing offense on a powerful Saints offense that’s scoring at a dizzying pace. This is a BIG deal. He’ll never produce like top RB1 because the Saints offense doesn’t lend itself to the style of play needed for that.  But, he’s a fantastic flex-play or even RB2 here on out and is a solid RB2 with upside next season.

What we think we learned: The Lions just aren’t ready. Neither is their coach. The future is bright, but that entire franchise needs some ripening.  Kevin Smith, it just isn’t meant to be.
 

One note before I go: 

The NFL is changing.

Both offenses and defensives are growing more complex and intricate.  There is more new talent in the league over the last few years than I can ever remember coming in at one time. An unbelievable crop of rookies coming in this next year will provide us with the deepest pool of QBs I’ve seen in my lifetime in the NFL, possibly ever. The TE is now a featured position, with elite athletes scoring like top WRs. Kickers are making longer and longer field goals with ease.
 
As the NFL changes, so should our fantasy leagues. Before this season wraps up, I urge you all to look  at some rule changes in the off-season. I have my thoughts on what make sense for my leagues, but only you, your commissioner and your fellow league mates can make those changes that are right for your own league. Changes keep your league fresh, add new wrinkles, can adapt to the trends in the NFL and most importantly can lead to a more fun experience. Don’t be afraid to be the radical and throw out something wild. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. If you always play conservative you never get to be the hero. Embrace change, you’ll be better for it.
 
It can be hard, but it’s good. That’s what she said.

 

If this is your first time checking out my column I encourage you to go back and read the previous weeks.  It will give you a greater sense of trends. Also, you can leave comments making fun of my wrong predictions. Always good times.  See you next week!

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The views and content in this article are not necessarily the opinion of Fantasy Football Champs, www.FFChamps.com, and its in-house experts.