Weekly Matchups - Week 14 - Sunday Early Games-  12/10/10

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Cleveland @ Buffalo

 

 

Cleveland Browns (5-7)    Browns Schedule 

 

Opponent Defensive Ranks

Buffalo Pass Defense – 2010: Yards Allowed/Game 10th - TDs Allowed T-26th

Buffalo Rush Defense – 2010: Yards Allowed/Game 32nd – TDs Allowed T-27th

 

Cleveland Offensive Cast

 

Jake Delhomme (QB Week 14 Ranking #NR) 2010 Season: 81/129 – for 786 Yards & 2 TDs

 

Just because the Bills defense is horrible doesn’t mean you should be starting Jake the “Turnover King” Snake.

 

Colt McCoy (QB Week 14 Ranking #NR) 2010 Season: 81/127 – for 975 Yards & 3 TDs

 

McCoy is getting close, but he’ll be out another week with his high ankle sprain.

 

Peyton Hillis (RB Week 14 Ranking #1) 2010 Season: 217 Carries for 962 Yards & 11 TDs || 53 Recs for 436 Yards & 2 TDs

 

The rarity this year for The Big Twinkie is when he doesn’t score, so don’t expect what happened last week to happen again, especially not against the worst rush D in the league.  I’d be shocked if the Browns took a chance on getting more turnovers than points out of Jake Delhomme again, so expect Hillis to be leaned on quite a bit in this game.

 

Josh Cribbs (WR Week 14 Ranking #NR) 2010 Season: 17 Recs for 235 Yards & 1 TD

 

Cleveland receivers were not worth using with Delhomme running the show.

 

Mohamed Massaquoi (WR Week 14 Ranking #NR) 2010 Season: 27 Recs for 365 Yards & 2 TDs

 

See above

 

Chansi Stuckey (WR Week 14 Ranking #NR) 2010 Season: 33 Recs for 300 Yards & 0 TDs

 

See above

 

Brian Robiskie (WR Week 14 Ranking #NR) 2010 Season: 18 Recs for 141 Yards & 0 TDs

 

See Above

 

Ben Watson (TE Week 14 Ranking #NR) 2010 Season: 50 Recs for 574 Yards & 3 TDs

 

Watson is coming off a 10-catch, 100-yard performance with a TD last week and now goes up against a defense that gives up the second most fantasy points to opposing tight ends.  In a league that has been depleted of good fantasy tight ends this year, you have to get Watson in there if you can.

 

 

 

Buffalo Bills (2-10)    Bills Schedule 

 

Opponent Defensive Ranks

Cleveland Pass Defense – 2010: Yards Allowed/Game 20th - TDs Allowed T-21st

Cleveland Rush Defense – 2010: Yards Allowed/Game 20th – TDs Allowed T-1st

 

Buffalo Offensive Cast

 

Ryan Fitzpatrick (QB Week 14 Ranking: #15) 2010 Season: 207/355 – for 2,384 Yards & 20 TDs

 

Fitz continued his streak of 10 straight games with a touchdown pass last weekend, but it’s starting to get a little tough to watch.  Luckily the Browns’ pass D isn’t among the finest in the league, so maybe the journeyman Harvard grad can show us a few high scores in this one.

 

Fred Jackson (RB Week 14 Ranking: #17) 2010 Season: 152 Carries for 663 Yards & 5 TDs || 27 Recs for 188 yards & 2 TDs

 

The Bills couldn’t do a thing against the newly-inspired Vikings last week, Fred Jackson included.  However, Cleveland doesn’t have nearly as formidable of a defense as Minnesota, while playing at home should help FJax a bit as well.

 

C.J. Spiller (RB Week 14 Ranking: #NR) 2010 Season: 48 Carries for 199 Yards & 0 TDs || 20 Recs for 82 Yards & 1 TD

 

Spiller is back, but he won’t be getting enough touches to do any damage with Jackson ahead of him and playing well.

 

Steve Johnson (WR Week 14 Ranking: #13) 2010 Season: 61 Recs for 832 Yards & 9 TDs

 

After his embarrassing drop in the endzone to win the game in OT against Pittsburgh two weeks ago, I was sure Stevie J would come back strong last week versus the Vikings.  Ugh, I couldn’t have been more wrong as he actually put up the worst performance of his year thus far (two catches, 36 yards).  Being at home will help this week, as will playing against a Browns defense that although improved, still gives up receiving TDs with the worst of them.

 

Lee Evans (WR Week 14 Ranking: #NR) 2010 Season: 37 Recs for 578 Yards & 4 TDs

 

Evans has taken a deep backseat to Stevie this year and is far too inconsistent to use regardless.

 

Jonathan Stupar (TE Week 14 Ranking: #NR) 2010 Season: 7 Recs for 59 Yards & 0 TDs

 

I’ve put a nationwide APB out on this man.  If you have any information on his whereabouts, please send me a message.

 

 

 

Green Bay @ Detroit

 

 

Green Bay Packers (8-4)    Packers Schedule 

 

Opponent Defensive Ranks

Detroit Pass Defense – 2010: Yards Allowed/Game 16th - TDs Allowed T-23rd

Detroit Rush Defense – 2010: Yards Allowed/Game 25th – TDs Allowed T-30th

 

Green Bay Offensive Cast

 

Aaron Rodgers (QB Week 14 Ranking #2) 2010 Season: 261/399 – for 3,243 Yards & 23 TDs

 

Rodgers has averaged 304.6 yards and 2.8 TD passes over his last five games against the Lions, and there’s no reason to think he won’t do the same this week.  The guy has been on fire lately, so ride the storm throughout your playoffs.

 

Brandon Jackson (RB Week 14 Ranking #NR) 2010 Season: 136 Carries for 527 Yards & 3 TDs || 36 Recs for 304 Yards & 1 TD

 

Brandon and Starks should split carries against the Lions this Sunday, with Starks likely to get the heavier load.

 

James Starks (RB Week 14 Ranking #NR) 2010 Season: 18 Carries for 73 Yards & 0 TDs || 0 Recs for 0 Yards & 0 TDs

 

Starks is a good fantasy dark-horse this week, though you might want to take caution in using him until you’re absolutely SURE he’s the RB1 on this team.

 

Greg Jennings (WR Week 14 Ranking #1) 2010 Season: 57 Recs for 944 Yards & 11 TDs

 

There’s simply no denying the Rodgers-to-Jennings combo anymore.  Over the last seven games, Jennings has put up either 80-plus yards or caught a TD in each game and has averaged 6.1 receptions for 109 yards a game while catching eight TD passes.  Pretty sick stats to be sure, and now he has the bottom-feeding Lions to chomp on this week.

 

Donald Driver (WR Week 14 Ranking #19) 2010 Season: 38 Recs for 437 Yards & 4 TDs

 

The 35-year old Driver looks like he still has more strength in his body than most 25-year old receivers.  I mean, four catches for 73 yards and a TD isn’t an all-fantasy-world performance by any means, but he DID receive the most targets on the team last week (8), so it looks like Rodgers still has a ton of faith in him.  Against the Lions, you could definitely do worse, so have a little faith yourself.

 

James Jones (WR Week 14 Ranking #NR) 2010 Season: 37 Recs for 510 Yards & 3 TDs

 

With Driver back, Jones will be seeing less playing time, thus fewer balls thrown his way.  Oh well, he was a nice filler for awhile there.

 

Jordy Nelson (WR Week 14 Ranking #NR) 2010 Season: 36 Recs for 377 Yards & 1 TD

 

Nelson is slightly injured and not worth using anyway.

 

Andrew Quarless (TE Week 14 Ranking #NR) 2010 Season: 12 Recs for 143 Yards & 1 TD

 

Quarless has some decent pass-catching, but not enough to depend on.

 

 

 

Detroit Lions (2-10)    Lions Schedule 

 

Opponent Defensive Ranks

Green Bay Pass Defense – 2010: Yards Allowed/Game 6th - TDs Allowed 3rd

Green Bay Rush Defense – 2010: Yards Allowed/Game 18th – TDs Allowed T-3rd

 

Detroit Offensive Cast

 

Drew Stanton (QB Week 14 Ranking #NR) 2010 Season: 36/60 – for 411 Yards & 2 TDs

 

Stanton actually looked pretty darn good against the Bears last week both passing for and running in a TD.  If he keeps it up, like Shaun Hill was, he could be worth using.

 

Jahvid Best (RB Week 14 Ranking #NR) 2010 Season: 136 Carries for 447 Yards & 4 TDs || 50 Recs for 407 Yards & 1 TD

 

Best is definitely looking much better, but he won’t be able to do much against the Packers defense this week.

 

Maurice Morris (RB Week 14 Ranking #NR) 2010 Season: 40 Carries for 133 Yards & 2 TDs || 17 Recs for 117 Yards & 0 TDs

 

Morris will be splitting carries with Best now, and he was hardly worth using before anyway.

 

Calvin Johnson (WR Week 14 Ranking #4) 2010 Season: 62 Recs for 872 Yards & 12 TDs

 

For as talented as Charles Woodson and the Packers D are, Megatron has managed to snag a TD pass in five of his six games against them (the only one he didn’t was in his rookie season; 2007) while hauling down two TDs in three of those games.  Tough trend to contend with, so go ahead and feel confident using him as a WR1 on your fantasy team this week.  

 

Nate Burleson (WR Week 14 Ranking #NR) 2010 Season: 43 Recs for 495 Yards & 4 TDs

 

Woodson may actually end up on Burleson for half of this game or more, so don’t bother against a strong Packers pass D.

 

Brandon Pettigrew (TE Week 14 Ranking #5) 2010 Season: 60 Recs for 590 Yards & 3 TDs

 

Drew Stanton was definitely looking Pettigrew’s way last game tossing him a team-high nine targets while connecting with him for five catches and 36 yards.  Those numbers came against a Bears team that rarely gives up a thing to opposing tight ends, while this week’s game comes against a Packers team that just gave up a 126-yard outing with a TD to Vernon Davis and ranks amongst the worst in the league in guarding tight ends.

 

Tony Scheffler (TE Week 14 Ranking #NR) 2010 Season: 34 Recs for 292 Yards & 1 TD

 

With a third-string QB in there, you can’t really call on a second-string tight end.

 

 

 

New York Giants @ Minnesota 

 

 

New York Giants (8-4)    Giants Schedule 

 

Opponent Defensive Ranks

Minnesota Pass Defense – 2010: Yards Allowed/Game 12th - TDs Allowed T-18th

Minnesota Rush Defense – 2010: Yards Allowed/Game 4th – TDs Allowed T-7th

 

New York Giants Offensive Cast

 

Eli Manning (QB Week 14 Ranking #14) 2010 Season: 260/401 – for 2,982 Yards & 23 TDs

 

Eli misses his boys, that’s for sure, but half the reason why he screwed over fantasy owners last week was because the Giants realized they could just run all over the Redskins and didn’t need Eli to pass the ball to his sub-par receiving corps.  However, this Sunday, they will, and they’ll probably even have Nicks and Smith back in some capacity as well.  Expect a decent bounce-back game out of young Manning against a mediocre Vikings D that the Giants won’t be able to run at will upon.

 

Ahmad Bradshaw (RB Week 14 Ranking #14) 2010 Season: 219 Carries for 1,013 Yards & 7 TDs || 33 Recs for 239 Yards & 0 TDs

 

Bradshaw might have demoted to second-string, but he’s still the main ball-handler on the team seeing that he got 26 touches last week compared to Jacobs’ eight.  Who cares if he’s in there for the first series of the game or not, because with those kind of touches, he’ll put up numbers against any defense in the league.

 

Brandon Jacobs (RB Week 14 Ranking #24) 2010 Season: 100 Carries for 577 Yards & 7 TDs || 7 Recs for 59 Yards & 0 TDs

 

Doesn’t really matter that Jacobs is starting because the Giants are still only giving him RB2 touches.  He did, however, do the most with his eight carries last week rumbling off 103 yards and two touchdowns against a terrible Redskins D, and it looks like his power will be needed in this one versus a tough Minnesota front line.

 

Hakeem Nicks (WR Week 14 Ranking #NR) 2010 Season: 62 Recs for 800 Yards & 9 TDs

 

Nicks will likely be back for this one, but the Giants staff has already said they’ll use him like this is a pre-season game.  Basically, he’ll play maybe a couple of quarters.

 

Steve Smith II (WR Week 14 Ranking #NR) 2010 Season: 47 Recs for 517 Yards & 3 TDs

 

Smitty should be back, but like Nicks, he might not be used all that much.

 

Mario Manningham (WR Week 14 Ranking #23) 2010 Season: 43 Recs for 597 Yards & 5 TDs

 

It was recently opined how frustrating of a receiver Manningham is for Eli to throw to due to his decision-making during option routes.  That doesn’t surprise me in the least, seeing how he comes from the same school as Braylon Edwards, but he’s still the most talented guy he has for the time being.  Eli will need him come Sunday.

 

Derek Hagan (WR Week 14 Ranking #46) 2010 Season: 12 Recs for 96 Yards & 1 TD

 

Hagan had a pretty nice outing last weekend against the Redskins, mostly due to Eli being frustrated as hell with Manningham’s mental lapses.  I don’t expect more than 4-5 catches for 40 or so yards for Hagan in this one, but stranger things have happened.

 

Kevin Boss (TE Week 14 Ranking #8) 2010 Season: 26 Recs for 420 Yards & 3 TDs

 

Manning will depend on Boss once again this week as Nicks and Smitty will only be used sparingly on Sunday.  This isn’t the greatest matchup for the big tight end to roll, but in a league left with slim pickings at the position, you could definitely do worse.

 

 

Minnesota Vikings (5-7)    Vikings Schedule 

 

Opponent Defensive Ranks

New York Giants Pass Defense – 2010: Yards Allowed/Game 2nd - TDs Allowed T-7th

New York Giants Rush Defense – 2010: Yards Allowed/Game 7th – TDs Allowed T-12th

 

Minnesota Offensive Cast

 

Brett Favre (QB Week 14 Ranking #NR) 2010 Season: 212/351 – for 2,446 Yards & 10 TDs

 

This could be the week one of the most impressive streaks in NFL history goes down.  Favre may or may not start in this one, but either way, you can’t use him against a tough Giants defense.

 

Tarvaris Jackson (QB Week 14 Ranking #NR) 2010 Season: 19/28 – for 223 Yards & 3 TDs

 

Tarvaris had a great game against the Bills filling in for Favre, but even if he has to do it again, the outcome will not be the same this time around.

 

Adrian Peterson (RB Week 14 Ranking #8) 2010 Season: 233 Carries for 1,123 Yards & 11 TDs || 33 Recs for 332 Yards & 1 TD

 

Purple Jesus was healthy enough to play last week, and he didn’t disappoint going up over 100 yards on the day and running in three TDs for his faithful fantasy owners.  The Giants obviously have a much better rush D than the Bills, but the Vikings seem committed to getting AP the ball right now, so some damage is sure to be done.

 

Toby Gerhart (RB Week 14 Ranking #NR) 2010 Season: 58 Carries for 216 Yards & 1 TD || 16 Recs for 142 Yards & 0 TDs

 

AP is back healthy, so Gerhart returns to back-up status.

 

Sidney Rice (WR Week 14 Ranking #21) 2010 Season: 9 Recs for 181 Yards & 2 TDs

 

Rice can clearly still make the big-time plays, and I’ll betcha Favre took notice of it from the sidelines last week.  Last year Brett made a living out of tossing it up to Sidney when there was nothing left to do, so it wouldn’t surprise me to see him return to those habits and make Rice a fantasy force yet again for the fantasy stretch run… and against the Giants, he might just have to unless he actually wants to die on the field.

 

Percy Harvin (WR Week 14 Ranking #32) 2010 Season: 51 Recs for 627 Yards & 4 TDs

 

Despite his migraine issues, Harvin doesn’t miss many games because of it.  He did last week though, and I’ll bet the farm he’s pissed as hell and ready to show his teammates he can be counted on because of it.  With the Giants having a strong front seven, you can bet the Vikings will need to pass the ball a little bit in this one and at least get Harvin working on a couple of reverses as well.  Of course, this is all predicated on Harvin playing, so check and make sure he is before getting him in there.

 

Bernard Berrian (WR Week 14 Ranking #NR) 2010 Season: 19 Recs for 190 Yards & 0 TDs

 

Berrian won’t even get the start if Harvin doesn’t play.  He’s that bad.

 

Greg Camarillo (WR Week 14 Ranking #NR) 2010 Season: 17 Recs for 206 Yards & 1 TD

 

Camarillo has basically taken Berrian’s place as the third receiver in this offense… not that it will make a bit of a difference this weekend.

 

Visanthe Shiancoe (TE Week 14 Ranking #NR) 2010 Season: 35 Recs for 437 Yards & 2 TDs

 

The Giants are one of the best in the game at defending tight ends, so look elsewhere this weekend.

 

 

 

Cincinnati @ Pittsburgh 

 

 

Cincinnati Bengals (2-10)    Bengals Schedule 

 

Opponent Defensive Ranks

Pittsburgh Pass Defense – 2010: Yards Allowed/Game 23rd - TDs Allowed 5th

Pittsburgh Rush Defense – 2010: Yards Allowed/Game 1st – TDs Allowed T-1st

 

Cincinnati Offensive Cast

 

Carson Palmer (QB Week 14 Ranking #16) 2010 Season: 280/465 – for 3,009 yards & 20 TDs

 

Palmer was just accepted as the new assistant manager at a downtown Cincinnati Wendy’s, so this should be the last we see of Carson until FOX hires him as a commentator.  That said, Carson will try to go out with a bang, so expect a ton of passing from the new Burger King of Cincinnati.

 

Cedric Benson (RB Week 14 Ranking #26) 2010 Season: 237 Carries for 837 Yards & 6 TDs || 22 Recs for 140 Yards & 1 TD

 

Benson actually had a decent game against the league’s best rush D earlier this season rolling out 74 total yards and a touchdown back in Week 9.  His two 100-yard games against the mighty Ravens last year also showed he can bulldoze even the best defenses at times.  Don’t be so fast to let the stats do the talking though because with the Bengals defense being as bad as it is, Palmer and company will likely have to be playing catch-up the whole game, which means a whole lot less of Ceddy this weekend.

 

Terrell Owens (WR Week 14 Ranking #14) 2010 Season: 71 Recs for 961 Yards & 9 TDs

 

If there’s one way the Steelers can be beat, it’s through the air.  TO and the Bengals will have to do just that playing at Heinz Field this weekend, so look for Palmer to air it out to the only man good enough to keep him in the league at this point, Terrell Me-O Owens.

 

Chad Ochocinco (WR Week 14 Ranking #27) 2010 Season: 59 Recs for 724 Yards & 4 TDs

 

Schizocinco continued his up-and-down season last week hauling in five catches (on 10 targets) for a team-high 96 yards against the Saints.  It’s tough to predict what he’ll do next, both on and off the field, but one thing we know for sure is that the Bengals will be passing the ball in this game.

 

Jordan Shipley (WR Week 14 Ranking #NR) 2010 Season: 44 Recs for 543 Yards & 2 TDs

 

Shipley could end up with a good 4-5 catches this week with the Bengals likely having to throw the ball, but it’s hard to depend on a WR3 when you’re right at fantasy playoff time.

 

Jermaine Gresham (TE Week 14 Ranking #16) 2010 Season: 47 Recs for 409 yards & 3 TDs

 

The Bengals will have to pass the ball to win this game, and against a tireless Steelers pass rush, Palmer might have to look for his ultra-talented tight end early and often in this one.

 

 

 

Pittsburgh Steelers (9-3)    Steelers Schedule 

 

Opponent Defensive Ranks

Cincinnati Pass Defense – 2010: Yards Allowed/Game 15th - TDs Allowed T-14th

Cincinnati Rush Defense – 2010: Yards Allowed/Game 24th – TDs Allowed T-25th

 

Pittsburgh Offensive Cast

 

Ben Roethlisberger (QB Week 14 Ranking #10) 2010 Season: 159/258 – for 2,078 Yards & 13 TDs

 

So let’s go through the list here:  He’s got a broken-as-hell nose, a fractured foot, has at least four prior concussions, has an abnormally large body, and can basically be described as a narcissistic date-rapist who’s fond of motorcycles and wins a Super Bowl on an average of every three years.  Pretty interesting character; I say go with him.  Oh, and Cinci’s D is absolutely sucking right now giving up an average of 33 points over the last four games.

 

Rashard Mendenhall (RB Week 14 Ranking #5) 2010 Season: 257 Carries for 1,007 Yards & 9 TDs || 19 Recs for 116 Yards & 0 TDs

 

Mendenhall went for 99 yards (130 total) and a touchdown against the Bengals earlier in the season and has scored in eight of 12 games so far this year.  With Cincinnati basically throwing in the towel and Pittsburgh needing to win to stay atop the division, you can expect yet another nice game out of Mendy this weekend.

 

Mike Wallace (WR Week 14 Ranking #10) 2010 Season: 41 Recs for 868 Yards & 8 TDs

 

The Big Ben-Wallace combo may have fallen off a bit the last couple of weeks, but they hooked up nicely in their last match against the Bengals in Week 9 to the tune of 110 yards and a touchdown.  Those numbers look about right for the second game as well.

 

Hines Ward (WR Week 14 Ranking #28) 2010 Season: 41 Recs for 523 Yards & 4 TDs

 

Ward’s seven-catch, 107-yard ice cream sundae two weeks ago turned into a one-catch, 13-yard dirt sandwich last Sunday night against the Ravens.  He’s tough to get a gauge on at this point in his career, but you’d have to think that if this is the end of the line for Hines, he’ll want to go out with a bang, so anything’s possible.

 

Heath Miller (TE Week 14 Ranking #NR) 2010 Season: 33 Recs for 384 Yards & 1 TD

 

Miller will be held out of this one after sustaining a concussion last week, so get him on your bench and don’t even think about using Matt Spaeth as a replacement.

 

 

 

Tampa Bay @ Washington 

 

 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-5)    Buccaneers Schedule 

 

Opponent Defensive Ranks

Washington Pass Defense – 2010: Yards Allowed 29th - TDs Allowed T-14th

Washington Rush Defense – 2010: Yards Allowed 28th – TDs Allowed T-23rd

 

Tampa Bay Offensive Cast

 

Josh Freeman (QB Week 14 Ranking #NR) 2010 Season: 213/365 – for 2,442 Yards & 16 TDs

 

Freeman should probably come out of this one with pretty decent stats, but Tampa will likely run the ball a ton as well against this awful Redskins D, so don’t expect too much here.

 

LeGarrette Blount (RB Week 14 Ranking #10) 2010 Season: 134 Carries for 599 Yards & 5 TDs || 2 Recs for 9 Yards & 0 TDs

 

I loved seeing how hard Blount worked for his yards against a tough Falcons D last week and in fact, he almost single-handedly won that game for the Bucs.  Washington is no Atlanta when it comes to stuffing the run and with Albert Haynesworth out, you can be sure LeGarrette will make some serious noise for you in the playoffs this weekend.

 

Cadillac Williams (RB Week 14 Ranking #NR) 2010 Season: 110 Carries for 365 Yards & 2 TDs || 37 Recs for 273 Yards & 1 TD

 

Caddy is actually doing pretty well as the Bucs third-down back, but that’s far from being worth a fantasy play.

 

Mike Williams (WR Week 14 Ranking #11) 2010 Season: 51 Recs for 769 Yards & 7 TDs

 

Williams scored another TD last week against inner-division rival Atlanta and should probably do so again with a weak Redskins D next up on the schedule.  In fact, I’d be shocked if he didn’t score against this woeful Washington team.

 

Arrelious Benn (WR Week 14 Ranking #NR) 2010 Season: 17 Recs for 223 Yards & 2 TDs

 

The rookie seems to be getting the hang of it and the Bucs have said they want to get him more involved, but it’s still not enough for me to be confident in starting him on my fantasy team.

 

Sammie Stroughter (WR Week 14 Ranking #NR) 2010 Season: 22 Recs for 227 Yards & 0 TDs

 

Sammie has been passed on the depth chart by Benn and isn’t worth a fantasy lick.

 

Kellen Winslow Jr. (TE Week 14 Ranking #15) 2010 Season: 50 Recs for 506 Yards & 2 TDs

 

Winslow is fifth in the league in targets for tight ends, and with two TDs in the past four weeks, he could be worth a shot despite his down-year.

 

 

Washington Redskins (5-7)    Redskins Schedule 

 

Opponent Defensive Ranks

Tampa Bay Pass Defense – 2010: Yards Allowed/Game 7th - TDs Allowed T-18th

Tampa Bay Rush Defense – 2010: Yards Allowed/Game 26th – TDs Allowed T-14th

 

Washington Offensive Cast

 

Donovan McNabb (QB Week 14 Ranking #NR) 2010 Season: 253/437 – for 3,149 Yards & 12 TDs

 

McNabb has now thrown a touchdown pass in each of his last 11 games, but the problem remains that in 10 of those games, he threw for just that one.  McNasty McNasty McNasty.

 

Ryan Torain (RB Week 14 Ranking #23) 2010 Season: 91 Carries for 391 Yards & 3 TDs || 8 Recs for 55 Yards & 1 TD

 

I’m going to make a call here that Torain gets the start this week and commands most of the carries for Shanahan and the Redskins.  If this happens, he should be able to put up some nice fantasy stats for your team.  However, you’ll need to check the news Sunday at www.pyromaniac.com or www.ffpharmacy.com to be sure before getting him in your lineup.

 

Keiland Williams (RB Week 14 Ranking #NR) 2010 Season: 57 Carries for 229 Yards & 3 TDs || 30 Recs for 185 Yards & 2 TDs

 

Keiland will return to his third-down back duties with Torain back from injury.

 

James Davis (RB Week 14 Ranking #NR) 2010 Season: 15 Carries for 51 Yards & 0 TDs || 4 Recs for 45 Yards & 0 TDs

 

Davis could get around 10 touches this week, but that’s hardly worth a fantasy sniff.

 

Santana Moss (WR Week 14 Ranking #36) 2010 Season: 64 Recs for 802 Yards & 3 TDs

 

As he’s done a thousand times in the past, Santana looks like he’s fallen off the face of the fantasy planet.  That said, with the Bucs being without their top cover-corner (Aqib Talib) for the rest of the season, there’s a little reason for hope here with Moss.

 

Anthony Armstrong (WR Week 14 Ranking #NR) 2010 Season: 31 Recs for 642 Yards & 2 TDs

 

Armstrong has had a few decent weeks this season, including last week against the Giants, but he hasn’t been consistent enough to depend on him as a starter for your team.

 

Chris Cooley (TE Week 14 Ranking #11) 2010 Season: 60 Recs for 664 Yards & 2 TDs

 

Cooley is a target-machine gathering in another 12 last week from McNabb to put him ahead of the pack in that category for tight ends on the season.  However, he’s also only had two TDs and just two games where he’s put up 70 yards or better.

 

 

 

Atlanta @ Carolina 

 

 

Atlanta Falcons (10-2)    Falcons Schedule 

 

Opponent Defensive Ranks

Carolina Pass Defense – 2010: Yards Allowed/Game 8th - TDs Allowed T-7th

Carolina Rush Defense – 2010: Yards Allowed/Game 27th – TDs Allowed T-27th

 

Atlanta Offensive Cast

 

Matt Ryan (QB Week 14 Ranking #12) 2010 Season: 280/441 – for 2,920 Yards & 21 TDs

 

Ryan may not need to do much in this game for Atlanta to get the Vic, but that’s actually exactly the type of game you want to play him in.  His only two 3-TD games this year have come against the 3-9 Cardinals and the 2-10 Bengals.

 

Michael Turner (RB Week 14 Ranking #4) 2010 Season: 247 Carries for 1,062 Yards & 8 TDs || 11 Recs for 73 Yards & 0 TDs

 

“The Centaur” has either 100-plus yards or a touchdown in five of the last six games, so have no fear rolling with him into your playoffs against a Carolina defense that seems to be getting worse by the minute.  By the way, they gave up three TDs to Marshawn Lynch last week, if that says anything to you…

 

Jason Snelling (RB Week 14 Ranking #NR) 2010 Season: 74 Carries for 300 Yards & 2 TDs || 35 Recs for 239 Yards & 2 TDs

 

Snelling has turned in a nice season thus far putting up over 500 total yards as Turner’s backup, but he can’t be used unless ‘The Centaur’ goes down to injury.

 

Roddy White (WR Week 14 Ranking #6) 2010 Season: 91 Recs for 1,140 Yards & 7 TDs

 

Roddy has been held under 100 yards and without a touchdown for three straight weeks now, a streak NO fantasy owner was expecting after the start we all saw him put up.  If the Falcons want to get him back on track and more involved in their offense heading into the playoffs, they’ll do it this week against the lowly Panthers… and believe me, that’s what they want (and need).

 

Michael Jenkins (WR Week 14 Ranking #NR) 2010 Season: 26 Recs for 339 Yards & 1 TD

 

Jenkins had his first TD of the season last week, and it just might be the only one he gets this year.

 

Harry Douglas (WR Week 14 Ranking #NR) 2010 Season: 19 Recs for 219 Yards & 1 TD

 

Douglas has a ton of talent, but he still sits behind Jenkins on the depth chart.

 

Tony Gonzalez (TE Week 14 Ranking #7) 2010 Season: 54 Recs for 537 Yards & 4 TDs

 

Gonzo hasn’t been nearly as dependable in the past, but against one of the worst defenses in the league in covering tight ends, you have to take a shot on him returning to form.

 

 

Carolina Panthers (1-11)    Panthers Schedule 

 

Opponent Defensive Ranks

Atlanta Pass Defense – 2010: Yards Allowed/Game 26th - TDs Allowed T-23rd

Atlanta Rush Defense – 2010: Yards Allowed/Game 8th – TDs Allowed T-3rd

 

Carolina Offensive Cast

 

Jimmy Clausen (QB Week 14 Ranking #NR) 2010 Season: 101/200 – for 1,056 Yards & 1 TD

 

Don’t even think about it, even against a less than mediocre Falcons pass D.

 

Jonathan Stewart (RB Week 14 Ranking #22) 2010 Season: 102 Carries for 398 Yards & 2 TDs || 6 Recs for 92 Yards & 1 TD

 

Stewart looked good again last week against the Seahawks and has a firm hold of the Panthers main ball-carrier at this point.  Carolina will continue to work him hard as they make an effort to see if he can still be their RB of the future, so expect another 20-25 touches for Stew this weekend.

 

Mike Goodson (RB Week 14 Ranking #26) 2010 Season: 78 Carries for 344 Yards & 2 TDs || 33 Recs for 265 Yards & 0 TDs

 

With Stewart back, Goodson loses a bunch of fantasy value, and with him being a bit banged up as well, you really can’t use him here in crunch-time.

 

Steve Smith (WR Week 14 Ranking #NR) 2010 Season: 39 Recs for 498 Yards & 2 TDs

 

Smitty isn’t worth starting in fantasy leagues anymore with rookie Jimmy Clausen back at the helm.

 

David Gettis (WR Week 14 Ranking #NR) 2010 Season: 27 Recs for 417 Yards & 3 TDs

 

…and if you can’t start Smitty, then you definitely can’t start Gettis.

 

Brandon LaFell (WR Week 14 Ranking #NR) 2010 Season: 25 Recs for 334 Yards & 1 TD

 

…likewise for LaFell.

 

Dante Rosario (TE Week 14 Ranking #NR) 2010 Season: 27 Recs for 229 Yards & 0 TDs

 

Seriously now…

 

 

 

Oakland @ Jacksonville

 

 

Oakland Raiders (6-6)    Raiders Schedule 

 

Opponent Defensive Ranks

Jacksonville Pass Defense – 2010: Yards Allowed/Game 27th - TDs Allowed T-26th

Jacksonville Rush Defense – 2010: Yards Allowed/Game 17th – TDs Allowed T-23rd

 

Oakland Offensive Cast

 

Jason Campbell (QB Week 14 Ranking #NR) 2010 Season: 114/206 – for 1,439 Yards & 8 TDs

 

Campbell could have a pretty decent game, but if he’s really your only option as a starting QB, you likely didn’t make your fantasy playoffs, did you…

 

Darren McFadden (RB Week 14 Ranking #9) 2010 Season: 176 Carries for 870 Yards & 5 TDs || 36 Recs for 351 Yards & 2 TDs

 

I can’t quite figure McFadden out as he rushed for 16 yards on 18 carries in the two games prior to last week, then went off for 97 yards and a TD against a stout Chargers D last week.  His talent gives him the ability to go off at any given time, so make sure you play him against a middling Jaguars defense that has allowed a rushing touchdown per game on the year.

 

Michael Bush (RB Week 14 Ranking #NR) 2010 Season: 113 Carries for 453 Yards & 5 TDs || 11 Recs for 145 Yards & 0 TDs

 

Bush had one of his best games of the season last week (his other ALSO came against the Chargers), but he’ll likely go back to being second-fiddle again this Sunday.

 

Louis Murphy (WR Week 14 Ranking #NR) 2010 Season: 30 Recs for 471 Yards & 1 TD

 

Murphy could get a handful of catches in this one, but can’t be thought of as more than a flex in 16-man leagues.

 

Jacoby Ford (WR Week 14 Ranking #34) 2010 Season: 17 Recs for 324 Yards & 2 TDs

 

He’s not a consistent play yet, but WOW is this kid exciting.  Normally I’d have to put him a little farther down my list, but against a relatively poor Jacksonville defense, I think he might just be worth taking a chance on this week.  If you’re strapped and looking to catch lightning in a bottle, Ford’s your guy.

 

Darrius Heyward-Bey (WR Week 14 Ranking #NR) 2010 Season: 19 Recs for 266 Yards & 1 TD

 

Don’t even mention his name or the fantasy gods will get you.

 

Zach Miller (TE Week 14 Ranking #NR) 2010 Season: 38 Recs for 481 Yards & 4 TDs

 

Miller’s injuries have really taken their toll this year.  The last game he had more than nine yards was back in Week 7.

 

 

 

Jacksonville Jaguars (7-5)    Jaguars Schedule 

 

Opponent Defensive Ranks

Oakland Pass Defense – 2010: Yards Allowed/Game 9th - TDs Allowed T-26th

Oakland Rush Defense – 2010: Yards Allowed/Game 23rd – TDs Allowed T-14th

 

Jacksonville Offensive Cast

 

David Garrard (QB Week 14 Ranking #14) 2010 Season: 179/268 – for 1,982 Yards & 17 TDs

 

Garrard has been a nice surprise this year, but the Jags will likely run MJD all day in this one.  Don’t play him unless you have to.

 

Maurice Jones-Drew (RB Week 14 Ranking #2) 2010 Season: 261 Carries for 1,177 Yards & 4 TDs || 29 Recs for 276 Yards & 2 TDs

 

MJD has strung together five straight 100-yard games now and is just 214 yards short of the career high he set last year (1,391 yards).  That said, he’s also well behind his normal TD output with just six TDs this year after putting up 16, 14, 9 and 15 the last four years.  Not that any of this should matter against a below-average Oakland rush D this week.

 

Mike Sims-Walker (WR Week 14 Ranking #NR) 2010 Season: 36 Recs for 466 Yards & 4 TDs

 

It looks like MSW will be back this weekend, but with Nnamdi Asomugha likely on him, I wouldn’t take the chance.

 

Mike Thomas (WR Week 14 Ranking #47) 2010 Season: 56 Recs for 649 Yards & 3 TDs

 

Mike Sims-Walker will be back this week, which would leave the middle of the field pretty well open for Thomas to do a little business.  Either way, he’s not much more than a flex play in PPR leagues.

 

Marcedes Lewis (TE Week 14 Ranking #9) 2010 Season: 41 Recs for 517 Yards & 8 TDs

 

Lewis is a huge (6’6”, 275 pounds) fluid tight end, but he’s also completely devoid of a pattern when it comes to his fantasy production.  The Raiders aren’t very good at defending this position, so there’s some room for something to happen with him here.

 

 

 

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- 12/10/10