Ok, here we are, week 16. This should be the final week of the season. I know some of you might have games next week, but my preference is to move it up to week 16. It just makes things much easier. Anyway, onto my recommendations. We've got a number of injured stars again this week and that makes some interesting decisions come Sunday. There will also be a bunch of game-time decisions as well, so watch the news on Sunday morning.
Start
Shaun Hill QB SF - Hill had a down week last week by not throwing a TD pass since he took over as the starter. That should change this week as the 49ers head to STL to face a defeated Rams team. With Frank Gore looking iffy, look for Hill to get multiple TDs and he may even run one in. (265 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT)
Pierre Thomas RB NO - You could be looking at the fantasy playoff MVP after taking over for Reggie Bush and Duece McAllister. This week would culminate a dominating few weeks for Thomas and with the Lions' on tap, that looks very likely. Don't hesitate to start him over most of this year's first round picks. (125 yards, 2 TDs)
Sammy Morris RB NE - Another late round sleeper has emerged again as NE's main man. There are 2 other backs in NE getting carries, but Morris is the goal line guy and the #1 RB as well. Look for NE to pound the ball to keep Warner and company off the field this week. (85 yards, 1 TD)
Jerricho Cotchery WR NYJ - It's tough to recommend any Jets receiver after what's been a disappointed stretch of games, but this is the week Favre should bounce back and I think Cotchery should be the main beneficiary. (75 yards, 1 TD)
Kevin Walter WR HOU - As strange as it may sound, Walter has alternated weeks of productivity this year. He had a down week last week, so look for a rebound game vs OAK. I could see OAK's main cover guy, Nmandi what's his face, on Andre Johnson most of the game and that would allow Walter to get open deep. (85 yards, 1 TD)
Sit
Tony Romo QB DAL - I know anyone would have a hard time benching Romo in your championship, but if I had a quality back up I might consider it. He came through last week vs NY, but BAL is a much tougher assignment. Look for modest numbers from Romo at best and the potential for a down week.
Larry Johnson RB KC - Since returning from his "suspension" LJ hasn't quite lit the world on fire. KC's new offense doesn't feature the RB and really doesn't fit Johnson quite as well. They are passing first and with MIA, that's how you beat them. I could see KC playing catch up for most of the day and that would further limit LJ's upside.
Willie Parker RB PIT - You might be tempted to get Parker back in your starting lineup after the news of TEN's run stopper being out, but I'd give that a second thought. Parker has only 1 TD since week one and he is still splitting the carries with M. Moore. Even Gary Russell is a threat to steal a TD or two, so find another option for this week.
Anquan Boldin WR ARI - After missing practice this week, Boldin looks very iffy for the game in NE. ARI can't really improve their position, so you might see them play it safe with Boldin and possibly even Kurt Warner. The weather also could play a factor in limiting ARI's passing game. Those are all red flags for this all-pro WR.
Santana Moss WR WAS - He finally got back in the end zone last week and his owners might feel like he's back and ready to dominate like earlier in the season. There are just a few problems with that. One, he suffered a minor concussion which limited him in the 2nd half of last week's game (although he has practice without incident this week). Second, he's facing PHI the team that held him without a catch the last time these two teams met. Again, too many red flags for me to trust him in week 16.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Tuesday's Take
This is our last installment of Tuesday's Take for the 2008 season and if you're still reading, then you must be playing for something. Whether it's the championship or just for pride, there could still be some guys on the wire that can help. Last week a few guys made a big difference in those matchups. Guys like Pierre Thomas, Dominic Rhodes and Kevin Faulk had huge weeks to carry their owners on. If you aren't lucky enough to have them, these guys could give you a solid option to plug into your lineup in week 16.
DeShaun Foster RB SF - Frank Gore sat out last week's game vs MIA and Foster put up solid production against a tough MIA D. If Gore is out again this week, Foster could be a solid RB #2 if you're desperate at RB. SF gets to play STL who is battling DET for the top pick in next year's draft.
Tashard Choice RB DAL - He's probably not available, but if he is grab him immediately. We don't know Marion Barber's status this week, but we do know Choice played great this past week vs NY. He's a threat to catch a few passes as well as run up the middle.
Deion Branch WR SEA - Left for dead earlier in the year, Branch as responded over the last few weeks as Seneca Wallace has emerged. He should continue to be the #1 guy in SEA and a solid #3 WR for you in the last week of the season.
Dennis Northcutt WR JAC - Someone had to step up when Matt Jones was finally suspended and Northcutt filled that roll this week. It would take some guts to start him this week, but he's worth the pick up if you're desperate.
Dan Orlophsky QB DET - DET held their own this week vs IND and this week is their best chance to get that elusive first win. Orlophsky has shown that he can run this offense and get Megatron the ball. He's been pretty good at avoiding the INT as well, so this week vs NO could be a great time to give him the ball...again only if you're desperate.
Good luck and look for some championship starts and sits in a few days.
DeShaun Foster RB SF - Frank Gore sat out last week's game vs MIA and Foster put up solid production against a tough MIA D. If Gore is out again this week, Foster could be a solid RB #2 if you're desperate at RB. SF gets to play STL who is battling DET for the top pick in next year's draft.
Tashard Choice RB DAL - He's probably not available, but if he is grab him immediately. We don't know Marion Barber's status this week, but we do know Choice played great this past week vs NY. He's a threat to catch a few passes as well as run up the middle.
Deion Branch WR SEA - Left for dead earlier in the year, Branch as responded over the last few weeks as Seneca Wallace has emerged. He should continue to be the #1 guy in SEA and a solid #3 WR for you in the last week of the season.
Dennis Northcutt WR JAC - Someone had to step up when Matt Jones was finally suspended and Northcutt filled that roll this week. It would take some guts to start him this week, but he's worth the pick up if you're desperate.
Dan Orlophsky QB DET - DET held their own this week vs IND and this week is their best chance to get that elusive first win. Orlophsky has shown that he can run this offense and get Megatron the ball. He's been pretty good at avoiding the INT as well, so this week vs NO could be a great time to give him the ball...again only if you're desperate.
Good luck and look for some championship starts and sits in a few days.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Late Week Wisdom
"Playoffs!?!" This is it. All of your hard work starting back in August comes down to this weekend and the next, hopefully. It's not time to get cute with who you start, but you do need to be aware of who's hurting and who's starting. I'll touch on a few as we look at who to start and who to sit in week 15.
Start
Matt Cassell QB NE - After a stretch of unbelievable games, Cassell came back to earth recently. Look for him to rebound @ OAK this week. It appears to be a tough match up on paper, but I think NE dominates and you know Randy Moss would love to put up some big numbers against his former team. (255 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT)
Micheal Turner RB ATL - There shouldn't be any more doubt about Turner or the Falcons, especially at home. CAR exposed the Bucs defense last week and look for Ryan test the secondary early and open up some running lanes for Turner. I could see multiple TDs this week. (85 yards, 2 TDs)
Dominic Rhodes RB IND - Joseph Addai looks like he'll miss this week's game and if you're a Rhodes owner you couldn't be happier. IND gets my Lions at home this week and you know how well opposing RBs do vs DET (just ask TEN). If Rhodes gets the majority of the carries this week, he could produce top 5 numbers. (125 yards, 1 TD)
Antonio Bryant WR TBY - You might be a little leary about starting a WR that exploded last week for 200 yards and 2 TDs, but he might be TBY's only legit weapon outside of Dunn. If ATL gets up early on TBY, look for Bryant to be heavily involved once again. Don't expect a repeat of last week, but he should be solid. (105 yards, 1 TD)
Davone Bess WR MIA - He's taken over for Greg Camarillo in MIA and established his role as MIA's #1 WR. This week vs SF, he should find lots of room and at the very least put up some good yardage numbers. He might not score, but that shouldn't keep you from plugging him in. (95 yards)
Sit
Brett Favre QB NYJ - I just wouldn't feel comfortable relying on Favre in my fantasy playoffs. He's disappointed the last few weeks and I think the Jets get back to running the ball down BUF's throat.
Willie Parker RB PIT - Willie called out his team this week for not playing "Steelers' football", but it's just that he's not the only one running the ball these days. This is now a full blown committee and when you're facing a team like BAL, I'd look elsewhere.
Frank Gore RB SF - After injury his ankle last week, Gore looks like at the very least a game-time decision on Sunday. He might not even make the trip to MIA, so watch the news. I'd stay clear regardless if he starts.
Laveranues Coles WR NYJ - I'm not trying to pile on the Jets, but the whole passing game (outside of D. Keller) has taken a down turn. Following Favre has been Coles. There are 36 WRs I'd rather start this week.
Santonio Holmes WR PIT - Holmes just hasn't exploded this year like many thought coming into the year. He hasn't produced solid numbers the last few weeks, but he's just not dependable especially against the Raven's secondary.
Start
Matt Cassell QB NE - After a stretch of unbelievable games, Cassell came back to earth recently. Look for him to rebound @ OAK this week. It appears to be a tough match up on paper, but I think NE dominates and you know Randy Moss would love to put up some big numbers against his former team. (255 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT)
Micheal Turner RB ATL - There shouldn't be any more doubt about Turner or the Falcons, especially at home. CAR exposed the Bucs defense last week and look for Ryan test the secondary early and open up some running lanes for Turner. I could see multiple TDs this week. (85 yards, 2 TDs)
Dominic Rhodes RB IND - Joseph Addai looks like he'll miss this week's game and if you're a Rhodes owner you couldn't be happier. IND gets my Lions at home this week and you know how well opposing RBs do vs DET (just ask TEN). If Rhodes gets the majority of the carries this week, he could produce top 5 numbers. (125 yards, 1 TD)
Antonio Bryant WR TBY - You might be a little leary about starting a WR that exploded last week for 200 yards and 2 TDs, but he might be TBY's only legit weapon outside of Dunn. If ATL gets up early on TBY, look for Bryant to be heavily involved once again. Don't expect a repeat of last week, but he should be solid. (105 yards, 1 TD)
Davone Bess WR MIA - He's taken over for Greg Camarillo in MIA and established his role as MIA's #1 WR. This week vs SF, he should find lots of room and at the very least put up some good yardage numbers. He might not score, but that shouldn't keep you from plugging him in. (95 yards)
Sit
Brett Favre QB NYJ - I just wouldn't feel comfortable relying on Favre in my fantasy playoffs. He's disappointed the last few weeks and I think the Jets get back to running the ball down BUF's throat.
Willie Parker RB PIT - Willie called out his team this week for not playing "Steelers' football", but it's just that he's not the only one running the ball these days. This is now a full blown committee and when you're facing a team like BAL, I'd look elsewhere.
Frank Gore RB SF - After injury his ankle last week, Gore looks like at the very least a game-time decision on Sunday. He might not even make the trip to MIA, so watch the news. I'd stay clear regardless if he starts.
Laveranues Coles WR NYJ - I'm not trying to pile on the Jets, but the whole passing game (outside of D. Keller) has taken a down turn. Following Favre has been Coles. There are 36 WRs I'd rather start this week.
Santonio Holmes WR PIT - Holmes just hasn't exploded this year like many thought coming into the year. He hasn't produced solid numbers the last few weeks, but he's just not dependable especially against the Raven's secondary.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Late Week Wisdom
Week 14. In many leagues this is week 1 of the playoffs, so either you're still in the hunt or on the outside (and must be pretty dedicated to still be reading this blog). At this point you need to win at all costs and sometimes that means making that tough choice to bench a guy who isn't healthy or is playing awful. Here are some options for this week and also some guys you might want to consider benching.
Start
Tyler Thigpen QB KC - He's slowed down over the last few weeks, but don't let that scare you away from calling his number this week vs DEN. I'd call him a top 10 QB this week with a favorable matchup, despite Champ Bailey's potential return. KC's new offense, which includes Larry Johnson, should be able to move the ball vs DEN and with DEN's offense putting up points, might need to air it out to keep up. Add in the fact that Thigpen should get you a few points on the ground, you have a recipe for success. (235 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, 30 rushing yards)
Peyton Hillis RB DEN - On the other side of the ball, Mike Shanahan has found another gem. The 3rd RB at Arkansas last year (behind McFadden and Jones) has emerged into a solid options for the Broncos. He's got the power to get the tough yards, enough speed to break off some long runs and even the pass catching ability to keep him in there on 3rd downs. Last week he was the only DEN RB to get carries. When was the last time that happened? (85 yards, 1 TD)
Tim Hightower RB ARI - We all anointed him the next great rookie RB after he exploded onto the scene a few weeks ago. He hasn't exactly followed up on that breakout performance, but this might be the week he does it. That breakout performance came against the team he faces this week in the Rams. You know Warner would love to stick it to his team again, so I could see ARI getting up big quick and then pounding Hightower the whole second half. (125 yards, 2 TDs)
Amani Toomer WR NYG - I talked about Hixon on Tuesday as the news of Burress hit the wire, but Toomer was the one who got the long TD last week and I think both WRs have value this week. I'd rather have Toomer starting, but it's close. Both should have solid weeks. (90 yards)
Matt Jones WR JAC - I honestly don't understand how the NFL works. Jones was suspended for 3-4 games almost 6 weeks ago, yet he's still suiting up for the Jaguars...and putting up numbers once again. He topped 100 yards last week and I'm guessing he does it again. (115 yards)
Sit
Marion Barber RB DAL - After going down with the injury last week, Barber appeared to be a safe start this week, but after missing practice today he could be a game-time decision. Add this to the fact that he's facing the #1 defense in the league and it adds up to a sit for me.
Willie Parker RB PIT - Another injury risk as well as a full blown committee in PIT steers me away from this guy. At this point in the playoffs you can't take any chances.
Matt Schaub QB HOU - After sitting out the last 5 weeks, Schaub looks set to return this week vs GBY. I just don't trust putting my playoff life on a guy in his first week back from injury, on the road and facing a GBY in December.
Santana Moss WR WAS - Moss has really slowed down over the last month. This week WAS gets to face another tough D in BAL. With Jason Campbell slowing down as well, you just can't rely on Moss delivering top WR numbers in this matchup.
Start
Tyler Thigpen QB KC - He's slowed down over the last few weeks, but don't let that scare you away from calling his number this week vs DEN. I'd call him a top 10 QB this week with a favorable matchup, despite Champ Bailey's potential return. KC's new offense, which includes Larry Johnson, should be able to move the ball vs DEN and with DEN's offense putting up points, might need to air it out to keep up. Add in the fact that Thigpen should get you a few points on the ground, you have a recipe for success. (235 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, 30 rushing yards)
Peyton Hillis RB DEN - On the other side of the ball, Mike Shanahan has found another gem. The 3rd RB at Arkansas last year (behind McFadden and Jones) has emerged into a solid options for the Broncos. He's got the power to get the tough yards, enough speed to break off some long runs and even the pass catching ability to keep him in there on 3rd downs. Last week he was the only DEN RB to get carries. When was the last time that happened? (85 yards, 1 TD)
Tim Hightower RB ARI - We all anointed him the next great rookie RB after he exploded onto the scene a few weeks ago. He hasn't exactly followed up on that breakout performance, but this might be the week he does it. That breakout performance came against the team he faces this week in the Rams. You know Warner would love to stick it to his team again, so I could see ARI getting up big quick and then pounding Hightower the whole second half. (125 yards, 2 TDs)
Amani Toomer WR NYG - I talked about Hixon on Tuesday as the news of Burress hit the wire, but Toomer was the one who got the long TD last week and I think both WRs have value this week. I'd rather have Toomer starting, but it's close. Both should have solid weeks. (90 yards)
Matt Jones WR JAC - I honestly don't understand how the NFL works. Jones was suspended for 3-4 games almost 6 weeks ago, yet he's still suiting up for the Jaguars...and putting up numbers once again. He topped 100 yards last week and I'm guessing he does it again. (115 yards)
Sit
Marion Barber RB DAL - After going down with the injury last week, Barber appeared to be a safe start this week, but after missing practice today he could be a game-time decision. Add this to the fact that he's facing the #1 defense in the league and it adds up to a sit for me.
Willie Parker RB PIT - Another injury risk as well as a full blown committee in PIT steers me away from this guy. At this point in the playoffs you can't take any chances.
Matt Schaub QB HOU - After sitting out the last 5 weeks, Schaub looks set to return this week vs GBY. I just don't trust putting my playoff life on a guy in his first week back from injury, on the road and facing a GBY in December.
Santana Moss WR WAS - Moss has really slowed down over the last month. This week WAS gets to face another tough D in BAL. With Jason Campbell slowing down as well, you just can't rely on Moss delivering top WR numbers in this matchup.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Tuesday's Take
I hope everyone had a nice holiday weekend. I got to watch my Lions get "carved" up on Thanksgiving by the Titans and at the same time watch Lendale White end my fantasy season in one league. I'm still not sure how I missed the playoffs with a team of Brees, Turner, Parker/Moore, Marshall, S. Moss and Colston and while having the 3rd highest point total, but here I am on the outside looking in. I guess that's fantasy football...mostly luck and this year the majority of mine was bad. Oh well, I'm still here to help those of you who are left. We'll start by looking at a few RBs and WRs that could come up big for you in the playoffs.
Tashard Choice RB DAL - The 2nd DAL rookie RB to have value this year behind Marion Barber, Choice stepped in well for Barber this week and could have more value if Barber's injury is serious. Grab him even if you aren't a Barber owner because anything can happen in the fantasy playoffs, especially on a high-octane DAL offense.
Brandon Jackson RB GBY - Another valuable hand-cuff, Jackson stepped in for Grant this week and ran really well vs a tough CAR D. I'd be happy to grab either of these RBs for their upside alone.
Domenik Hixon WR NYG - This is his second appearance here, but with the new Plaxico Burress news, his value is secure for the rest of the season. Eli looks like he's rounding into playoff form like last year and Hixon looks to be the heir apparent to Burress for this season and possibly next.
Davone Bess WR MIA - As soon as Greg Camarillo was lost for the season, Bess stepped right in and showed his big play potential. Pennington has looked his way early and often in the last 2 games and that shouldn't change anytime soon. MIA has a great schedule ahead and Bess could be a solid #3 WR with upside, especially in PPR leagues.
That's all I've got this week. I'd recommend grabbing your stud's back up, just in case something crazy happens. That means Chester Taylor, Jerious Norwood, Fred Jackson, and the two RBs I mention above shouldn't be on your wire.
Tashard Choice RB DAL - The 2nd DAL rookie RB to have value this year behind Marion Barber, Choice stepped in well for Barber this week and could have more value if Barber's injury is serious. Grab him even if you aren't a Barber owner because anything can happen in the fantasy playoffs, especially on a high-octane DAL offense.
Brandon Jackson RB GBY - Another valuable hand-cuff, Jackson stepped in for Grant this week and ran really well vs a tough CAR D. I'd be happy to grab either of these RBs for their upside alone.
Domenik Hixon WR NYG - This is his second appearance here, but with the new Plaxico Burress news, his value is secure for the rest of the season. Eli looks like he's rounding into playoff form like last year and Hixon looks to be the heir apparent to Burress for this season and possibly next.
Davone Bess WR MIA - As soon as Greg Camarillo was lost for the season, Bess stepped right in and showed his big play potential. Pennington has looked his way early and often in the last 2 games and that shouldn't change anytime soon. MIA has a great schedule ahead and Bess could be a solid #3 WR with upside, especially in PPR leagues.
That's all I've got this week. I'd recommend grabbing your stud's back up, just in case something crazy happens. That means Chester Taylor, Jerious Norwood, Fred Jackson, and the two RBs I mention above shouldn't be on your wire.
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