Late Week Wisdom

Ok, now it’s crunch time. You’re either sitting good at 7-2 or 6-3 and well positioned to make the playoff, you’re at 1-8 or 2-7 and pretty much sure you’re done for this year, or you’re somewhere in the middle and need to start winning in order to secure your spot in the playoffs. With the last group of you, it’s time to take a few chances and go for broke. Here are some options that should help you do that.

Start

Tyler Thigpen QB KC – I’m not sure I could have envisioned a moment before the season when I would be recommending a KC QB, but here we are. Thigpen has weapons (Gonzo and Bowe), almost no running game and will be up against a soft secondary in SD. They will likely be playing catch up as well. All of these bode well for a surprisingly solid effort on Sunday. (235 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT)

DeAngelo Williams RB CAR – OAK is falling apart and ATL ran all over this team last week. With Jonathan Stewart ailing, look for Williams to run really well this week. I could see Delhomme putting up good numbers too, but with CAR up big in the 2nd half look for them to run all day. (135 yards, 1 TD)

Tim Hightower RB ARI – Here’s yet another rookie RB getting his shot this year. He looked really good last week vs STL and with Edge not getting any carries, looks like it’s his job for good. They get SF this week at home on Monday Night Football. Look for a breakout performance on prime time. (115 yards, 2 TDs)

Matt Jones WR JAC – He’s still hanging around and not getting suspended…yet. Watch the wire, but he looks safe for one more week and it’s a good week to use him. He gets the Lions who are awful vs the pass and is still getting most of the looks from Garrard. (90 yards, 1 TD)

Derrick Mason WR BAL – Yes, he’s still playing and playing really well. The whole BAL team has been a surprise this year and Mason has been Joe Flacco’s main target. They get HOU this week and is yet another team vulnerable to the pass. I could see a high scoring game and Mason will be involved for sure. (125 yards, 0 TDs)

Sit

Trent Edwards QB BUF – Edwards has been solid this year, but this could be a tough week. They get the Patriots on the road this week and we all know how well Belichick and scheme for an opposing QB. I think he’ll post solid, but not top 12 QB numbers.

Steven Jackson RB STL and Willie Parker RB PIT – 2 stud RBs who are still dealing with issues. Jackson hasn’t practiced and looks really doubtful for Sunday. Parker has already been ruled out, so get Mewelde Moore in there. I don’t have as much faith in Jackson’s back ups as they could be Kenneth Darby or Samkon Gado.

Joseph Addai RB IND – Another stud RB who is slowly rounding into form, but it’s going to take one more week. If you can still buy low after this week, it might be a good idea. They have a good schedule and Addai, and the whole IND offense is getting back on track.

Plaxico Burress WR NYG – Here’s yet another disappointing stud. I’m not sure what’s going on with him, but there are other guys on the Giants that are stepping up. Steve Smith has been the most targeted WR over the last few weeks and even though Burress is still the man, that title might be slipping a bit. This week vs PHI will be a good test for him and Eli. (65 yards, 0 TDs)