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.