Fantasy Football News 2011/2012

Search

hacheman@therx.com
Staff member
Joined
Jan 2, 2002
Messages
139,222
Tokens
Always New Depths

The juxtaposition would have been easy for even the most novice of football fans to spot.

On one hand last evening, there was Marshawn Lynch, running as if every yard might be his last.

On the other, there was DeSean Jackson, occasionally bothering to finish a route or look his teammates in the eye.

For Lynch, the game was the culmination of a recent run that’s seen him rack up 591 yards rushing in five games after he looked dead in the water following a 16-carry, 24-yard dud against the Bengals in Week 8.

For Jackson, the game was just the latest low on his “Always New Depths” world tour and wildly unsuccessful contract drive. When he wasn’t tuning out his quarterback — both on and off the field — he was there yukking it up with Lynch of all people as teammate Nnamdi Asomugha lay motionless on the field with a head injury.

You could call his “performance” bizarre, maddening or exceedingly immature, but what it was more than anything was downright stupid. In his quest to be paid like one of the game’s top receivers, Jackson has chosen to highlight his manifold faults instead of breathtaking strengths.

Before tonight there was his Week 12 cower in the end zone. Before that, there was his inexplicable taunting of Giants DC Perry Fewell. Before that, there was his Week 10 deactivation for being late to a team meeting and more-or-less not giving a you know what. Before that (stay with me), there was three weeks of just generally being invisible as the Eagles attempted to overcome a slow start.

What he might do next week is anyone’s guess, but as is the case with the team he plays for, it’s unclear if he’s finally reached rock bottom.

Which brings us back to Lynch. It’s hard to believe Beast Mode’s recent run of dominance didn’t crescendo with last night’s performance (and pair of magnificent touchdown rumbles), but with a Rams team that’s allowed the top two opposing rushing performances of the season on tap for Week 14, Lynch will have an excellent shot at atoning for his lone disappointing game (88 yards on 27 carries in St. Louis in Week 11) of the past five weeks.

NEWS OF THE DAY #2
Serving as the opening act for Jackson’s latest “just doesn’t get it” national T.V. performance was former teammate Donovan McNabb. In a barely five-minute SportsCenter interview meant to explain his (successful) request to be waived by the Vikings, McNabb managed to reinforce his reputation as one of the game’s most clueless players while sprinkling in a number of absurd claims.

Among them:
1. He had little to nothing to do with the struggles of the 2010 Redskins and 2011 Vikings.
2. He’s a great locker room presence.
3. He’s still capable of making those around him better.

Nevermind all that, however. While McNabb appears to be the only person unaware he’s a shell of his former self, he doesn’t need to be the Donovan McNabb of old to make a difference down the stretch. He essentially just needs to be better than T.J. Yates or Caleb Hanie.

Is that something he’s capable of?

Despite being benched for a rookie in Minnesota, the answer is likely yes. Although the Vikings were undoubtedly sputtering with McNabb under center, they were hardly reinventing bad football. With a supporting cast not so dissimilar to the ones surrounding Yates and Hanie at the moment, the Vikings were able to average 20.2 points during McNabb’s six starts, which would rank 21st in the NFL right now. Hardly elite, but more than should reasonably be expected from either Hanie or Yates, and probably enough to keep teams with excellent running games and stout defenses on track for the playoffs.

McNabb was bad in Minnesota, but not bad enough to make opposing teams completely give up on defending the pass. That was territory Chicago and Houston were both already veering toward last weekend.

Although beat writers in both cities have expressed skepticism McNabb will end up in their towns, they have to be considered the co-favorites for the six-time Pro Bowler’s services. Yes, McNabb is still being dogged by questions about his conditioning, and yes he would be facing a steep learning curve in either offense. But those are question marks the Bears and Texans would be wise not to fixate on. As the Chiefs have quickly figured out with Tyler Palko, just because somebody is the most familiar with your playbook doesn’t mean they’ll be the best at executing it.

McNabb should have enough left in the tank for one last hurrah, and Houston and Chicago would be foolish if they weren’t dying to find out.

BIZARRE/ULTIMATELY MEANINGLESS STATS OF THE WEEK
These first stats are actually neither bizarre nor meaningless, but some rather interesting numbers put forth by ESPN Dallas’ Tim MacMahon about the Cowboys’ rushing attack.

With battering ram fullback Tony Fiammetta in the lineup this season (he’s appeared in half of their 12 games), the Cowboys have averaged 145.8 rushing yards and 5.6 yards per carry. Without Fiammetta leading the way, those numbers drop dramatically to 85.6 yards per game and 3.2 yards per carry.

Ascendant back DeMarco Murray appears to have broken out with a rather large boost from his lead blocker, going for 601 yards and an eye-popping 8.0 yards per carry in four games with Fiammetta clearing lanes. In Fiammetta’s absence the past two weeks, Murray has rushed for only 160 yards while averaging 3.4 yards per carry.

Fiammetta remains out indefinitely with a mysterious illness, and is reportedly not guaranteed of returning this season. If Murray is held in check for the third straight week against the Cardinals on Sunday, don’t call it a coincidence. Now onto the rest of the bizarre...

Even after Chris Johnson went off for 190 yards on the ground last Sunday, he’s still rushed for 13 fewer yards than Ben Tate, who’s appeared in one less game.

Brandon Jacobs has one less yard rushing than Tim Hightower.

Combined, Santonio Holmes and Plaxico Burress have just 16 more receiving yards than Victor Cruz.

At 48th in the NFL in receiving yards, Jermichael Finley finds himself sandwiched between Owen Daniels and Darrius Heyward-Bey.

Philip Rivers has taken more sacks, lost more fumbles and thrown more interceptions than Josh Freeman.

INJURY QUICK SLANTS
Cedric Benson (foot) missed another practice Thursday, but is expected to return this afternoon and be listed as probable on the injury report. … Andre Johnson was limited for the second straight day with a mysterious knee issue, and will be someone to pay close attention to the next few days. … Both Michael Turner (groin) Julio Jones (hamstring) were again absent from Falcons practice, though neither is believed to be in danger of missing Sunday’s game against the Texans. … Kevin Smith (ankle) returned to Lions practice in a limited capacity. Optimism surrounds his Week 13 status, but he’ll likely need to practice again today to play Sunday. … Josh Freeman (shoulder) and Kevin Kolb (toe, foot) remain on track to start, but Sam Bradford’s (ankle) status has grown murky after he was downgraded to out on Thursday. He needs to practice today. ... Denarius Moore (ankle) failed to resume practicing, and is shaping up as a game-time decision. … Both Miles Austin (hamstring) and Ahmad Bradshaw (foot) will have to practice this afternoon to have any chance of seeing their multi-week absences end this weekend. … Adrian Peterson (ankle) remains likely to miss his second consecutive game.

FOUR PICKS FOR SUNDAY
Big game: Saints 37, Lions 27
Already sputtering the past month, the Lions watched the wheels come off on Thanksgiving. Things won’t get any easier without Ndamukong Suh against an offense that’s not taking any prisoners.

Big game II: Steelers 28, Bengals 14
Pittsburgh atones for its bizarre Week 12 performance in Kansas City and too close Week 10 win in Cincinnati with a two-score snoozer.

Upset of the week: Giants 24, Packers 21
Yes, the Giants are coming off one of their worst performances of the Tom Coughlin era, but let’s not forget this is a team that’s beaten the Patriots on the road and hung with the 49ers in San Francisco until the game’s final moments in the past 30 days. The Packers are clearly the NFL’s best team, but have by no means looked invincible, letting Tampa Bay, San Diego and Minnesota hang around in three of their past five games. Like every team besides the ‘72 Dolphins and ‘07 Patriots, the Packers will lose a game this regular season, and Sunday in New York is as good a bet as any.

The I really don’t have a clue but will pretend I do game: Chiefs 21, Bears 10
Riding the same suffocating defense that nearly upset Pittsburgh last Sunday, Kansas City downs the Bears in Chicago, and adds insult to injury by doing it with Kyle Orton under center.
 

hacheman@therx.com
Staff member
Joined
Jan 2, 2002
Messages
139,222
Tokens
Matchups: Blount Force

1:00PM ET Games

Carolina @ Tampa Bay

Forward-thinking owners having been eyeing LeGarrette Blount's cakewalk late-season schedule for sometime, and it can't hurt that he's on fire heading in. Blount has amassed 313 yards on his last 60 carries (5.22 YPC) and totaled 272 yards in his last two games. He also set career highs in receptions and receiving yards in Week 12. Against a pathetic Panthers run defense, there are only four backs I'd play over Blount among this week's post-Thursday games: 1) Ray Rice 2) Arian Foster 3) Frank Gore and 4) Matt Forte. ... Josh Freeman was limited in practice this week with a shoulder injury, and it's reasonable to believe the Bucs will err on the side of caution with a run-heavy game plan versus Carolina. Freeman, who didn’t resume throwing until Friday, has shown no signs of breaking out of his funk. In his last four games, Freeman is 117-of-192 (60.9%) for 1,256 yards (6.54 YPA), and a 7:10 TD-to-INT ratio with an 11th turnover on a lost fumble. Freeman is merely a two-QB league option.

Mike Williams South has picked up his play recently, scoring in back-to-back games and clearing 80 yards in both. His mini-hot run figures to end Sunday against Panthers shutdown cornerback Chris Gamble. In the midst of perhaps the finest season of his career, Gamble has allowed just 17-of-40 passes (42.5%) against him to be complete this year, according to Pro Football Focus. The 17 completions have gone for 210 yards (5.25 YPA), and Gamble has been burned for only one touchdown all season. He has consistently shadowed No. 1 wide receivers. ... It's probably going to be a quiet day for the entire Bucs passing attack on Sunday. Dezmon Briscoe and Preston Parker have been complete non-factors of late, and Arrelious Benn actually finished Week 12 with negative yards. Blount is Tampa Bay's only surefire fantasy starter in Week 13.

The Bucs are getting slaughtered in the running game without key front-four starters DT Gerald McCoy (biceps, I.R.) and LE Michael Bennett (groin). In McCoy's five missed games so far, Bears, Packers, Saints, Texans, and Titans backs have torched Tampa for 677 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 122 carries (5.55 YPC). The Bucs may have single-handedly helped turn around Chris Johnson's season in Week 12. While neither DeAngelo Williams nor Jonathan Stewart can be counted on for more than 15 touches Sunday -- they're averaging 10.8 and 11.7 per game, respectively, both are worth strong flex consideration due to the mouth-watering matchup. ... The Bucs' soft front seven also bodes well for Cam Newton's fantasy outlook because he's averaging nearly eight rushing attempts a week and will continue to be the favorite for red-zone scores in Carolina's backfield. Tampa Bay has surrendered the third-most rushing touchdowns in football.

Newton's target distribution since Carolina's Week 9 bye: Steve Smith 25, Greg Olsen 23, Legedu Naanee 18, Stewart 17, Brandon LaFell 13, Williams 2. ... The targets are there for Olsen, but the production hasn't been with no scores since Week 8 and four consecutive games under 50 yards. Unless a player is nursing an undisclosed injury, these things tend to even out. Unfortunately, this will be a tough matchup for Olsen. Over the past three weeks, Tampa has held Packers, Texans, and Titans tight ends to nine receptions, 104 yards, and one touchdown. It's a per-game average of 34.7 yards on three catches. ... Smith's production has slowed since the bye with Panthers OC Rob Chudzinski stressing the run game more. Whereas Carolina passed on 58.4% of its plays in the first nine games, the percentage has dropped to 51.6% over the last two. The ratio can be heavily impacted by game flow, of course, and the Cam-to-Smiff combo can be at its most lethal off play-action, when defenses are worried about the run. Smith will bounce back soon, and it will be big when he does. ... LaFell played ahead of Naanee for the first time this season in Week 12, but finished with just 46 yards on six targets. LaFell's promotion may have only been temporary, as Naanee missed practice all week with Achilles' tendinitis. LaFell could be a WR3/4 stretch-run asset if he's formally overtaken Naanee, but we need to see it official before he's a confident fantasy option.

Score Prediction: Panthers 24, Bucs 17

Tennessee @ Buffalo

C.J. Spiller failed to break tackles and stutter-stepped at the line in his first start of the season, but he's got a good-looking follow-up matchup. Over the past two weeks, Tennessee's defense has been softened up by Bucs and Falcons big backs LeGarrette Blount (6'0/247), Michael Turner (5'10/244), and Jason Snelling (5'11/234) for 283 yards on 53 touches with a combined 4.46 YPC average. The Titans now rank 22nd against the run. Spiller is unlikely to emerge as a long-term feature back because his game lacks physicality, but he's well worth an RB2/flex start this week. The Bills face San Diego (No. 25 run defense) and Denver (No. 19) in Weeks 14 and 16, so this game may go a long way toward telling whether Spiller can be a bankable fantasy-playoffs option. ... Rookie Johnny White is no threat to Spiller's workload yet, receiving fewer Week 12 carries than waiver pickup Tashard Choice. Choice, who is terrible, lost five and three yards on his two rushing attempts. ... The Bills' wideout injuries have continued to result in an increased role for TE Scott Chandler. A part-timer earlier in the year, Chandler has played 127-of-144 snaps (88.2%) over the last two games, finishing each with at least five receptions. Chandler, used primarily as a slot receiver, is one of my favorite Week 13 breakout candidates. Over their last eight games, the Titans have allowed six touchdowns to tight ends and 563 yards on 46 receptions. It's an average weekly line of nearly 5-71-1 over a sustained stretch. This is an excellent matchup for Chandler.

Here is Ryan Fitzpatrick's target distribution since Buffalo's Week 7 bye: Stevie Johnson 41, David Nelson 29, Chandler 21, Brad Smith 14, Spiller 10, Naaman Roosevelt 7. ... Keep in mind that 13 of Chandler's 21 targets have come in the last two games and he's caught 11 of them. His role is clearly on the rise. ... Roosevelt's impending return from a shoulder injury will cut into Smith's playing time. Smith is not a fluid, natural receiver and is best utilized as a gadget guy. ... Nelson is efficient in the slot, hauling in 18 of the 29 intended passes. While always a fair bet to find pay dirt as a 6-foot-5 red-zone threat, Nelson has cleared 50 yards once in the last eight games and lacks fantasy upside. ... Nelson will likely tangle with Titans top CB Cortland Finnegan for more snaps in this game than Johnson because Finnegan covers the slot when opponents use three- and four-wide sets. The Bills are featuring Johnson in the passing game. ... Fitzpatrick has only one 300-yard game this season and the Titans play even better pass defense than their No. 13 ranking suggests. It's a tough matchup for a weak-armed quarterback.

The Titans don't face a run defense ranked higher than 17th in their next three games, and Chris Johnson is preying on weak opposition. In seven matchups with top-20 run defenses, Johnson has managed just 244 yards on 95 carries (2.57 YPC) with a pathetic 34.9 per-game average. In four games against bottom-five run defenses, Johnson has 455 yards on 87 attempts (5.23 YPC). The Bills rank 22nd in run defense, so this is another favorable matchup. The Titans should also keep the game close or maintain a lead because of their superior defense. Johnson projects to offer plenty of volume. Javon Ringer is averaging seven touches a game over the past month. ... Jared Cook is always a roll of the dice because he's less than a 60% player, but the matchup couldn't be better. In their last nine games, the Bills have yielded 49 receptions for 632 yards and seven touchdowns to tight ends, good for nearly a six-catch, 71-yard weekly average. I like Chandler a bit better than Cook in this particular game, but they're both quality fall-back tight end options.

The Bills are routinely slaughtered by the pass, having allowed an AFC-high 21 passing scores while managing the second fewest sacks in football. Maybe they should have hung onto Aaron Maybin, after all. Unfortunately, the Titans' passing game lacks any threat of explosiveness with Matt Hasselbeck at the helm. Despite favorable matchups with the Falcons (No. 26 pass defense) and Bucs (No. 30), Hasselbeck is just 32-of-59 (54.2%) for 284 yards (4.81 YPA) in his last two games while playing with a sore throwing elbow. This overall lack of passing game production kills the fantasy upside of pass catchers like Nate Washington and Damian Williams. It is perhaps notable that Williams has been targeted by Hasselbeck more often than Washington recently.

Score Prediction: Bills 20, Titans 16

Indianapolis @ New England

Vegas oddsmakers have the Patriots as 20-point favorites in this game, clearly anticipating a big, early lead for New England. It's a matchup that sets up well for BenJarvus Green-Ellis. When the Pats have won by a touchdown or more this season (seven-game sample), BJGE has scored all seven of his TDs and is averaging roughly 72 yards per game. When the Pats lose or win a tight one (four-game sample), Green-Ellis has zero touchdowns with a 40-yard average. He is a good bet to score against Indianapolis, and not just because the Colts rank 31st versus the run. ... Shane Vereen has seen a playing-time bump late in recent blowouts, but that work could just as easily go to Danny Woodhead, Green-Ellis, Kevin Faulk, or Stevan Ridley moving forward. Law Firm is New England's only viable fantasy back in Week 13. ... Tom Brady is the No. 2 overall fantasy quarterback. Start 'em. ... Rob Gronkowski is the No. 1 overall fantasy tight end. Start 'em. ... Wes Welker is the No. 2 overall receiver in standard leagues and No. 1 in PPR. Start him, too.

Aaron Hernandez isn't a tight end -- he's a yoked-up wideout -- and the Colts have been shredded by big, physical receivers all year. This might be Hernandez's best game yet. ... Deion Branch has a less attractive matchup against the Colts' small, quick corners. Branch's mere presence as a starting receiver in an extremely efficient, high-volume passing attack gives him week-to-week fantasy appeal, but he's just a WR3 option. ... Here is Brady's updated target distribution since the Pats' Week 7 bye: Gronkowski 46, Welker 41, Branch 34, Hernandez 28, Chad Ochocinco 8. Don't get cute thinking there are viable fantasy options in New England behind the big four there.

Backfield usage in Indianapolis and club president Bill Polian's recent comments point to Donald Brown sticking as the Colts' feature back going forward. Brown has 50 touches over the past three games, while Delone Carter has 10 (0 in Week 12) and Joseph Addai has received just seven (all in Week 12). According to Pro Football Focus, Brown has also played at least 45 snaps in each of the last three games. Addai returned from his hamstring injury/emergency back role to play 11 downs last Sunday. The Patriots field a top-12 run defense, but the playing time and touches are going to be there for Brown. He has also gained the Colts' trust in blitz pickup and will play in passing situations. Indy figures to have plenty of those playing from behind all day in Foxboro.

Orlovsky hasn't won a start since the 2004 Motor City Bowl. Don't think he will spark Indianapolis' pass catchers in fantasy. ... Here is Orlovsky's target distribution in three appearances as a Colt: Jacob Tamme 6, Reggie Wayne 5, Pierre Garcon 4, Austin Collie 3, Brody Eldridge 2, Brown 1. ... Two blown open-field tackles in the Panthers' secondary led to Wayne's 56-yard touchdown catch last week. It was Wayne's first TD since Week 1. The contract-year wideout has played this season with indifference, and I would bet against the big game being a sign of things to come. ... Desperate fantasy owners can try hoping that pass-heavy comeback mode and the Patriots' porous secondary spur Garcon and Tamme, assuming New England doesn't dominate time of possession. It'd be a risky, if relatively high-upside gamble. Garcon won't be dealing with Chris Gamble as he was last week, and Orlovsky has shown an obvious affinity for Tamme thus far.

Score Prediction: Patriots 42, Colts 17
<!--RW-->
Oakland @ Miami

Darren McFadden will miss a fifth consecutive game with a mid-foot sprain, leaving Michael Bush to take on his toughest matchup to date. In their last seven games, the Dolphins have allowed 532 yards on 152 carries (3.50 YPC) to enemy tailbacks, none of whom has scored. Bush can counter with heavy volume, of course. He's averaging 29 touches for 148 yards per start and has scored a touchdown in four straight. Bush is more of a high-end RB2 than top-five option this week, but he's still a must-start. Workloads like his are near impossible to come by. ... Brandon Myers and Kevin Boss are rotating at tight end, and neither has cleared receiving 40 yards since the season's first month. There's no fantasy value here. ... Raiders FB Marcel Reece has an extraordinary skill set as a 6-foot-3, 240-pound former college wide receiver. He ran 4.42 at the 2008 Washington Pro Day, with an impressive 9-foot-6 broad jump. The fact that Reece led the Raiders in Week 12 receiving (5-92) had more to do with the fact that Oakland was incredibly short-handed at wideout than Reece's emerging role, however. He's much more valuable in real life than fantasy football.

Denarius Moore and Jacoby Ford's foot injuries have stripped Oakland's big-play ability, leading to a slowdown in Carson Palmer's production after his fast start as a Raider. Moore is tentatively due back this week, but got in little practice time and is officially a game-time decision. As the Raiders' flanker, Moore will likely spend most of this game in Dolphins LCB Vontae Davis' coverage. Davis held Dez Bryant to 35 yards on three catches in Week 12. It's a good week to wait and see on Moore, make him "prove" he's healthy, and possibly start him as a WR3 in a potential Week 14 shootout against the Packers. ... Ford, like McFadden, is believed to be targeting the Green Bay game to return from his foot sprain. Heyward-Bey will start at split end, but has not cleared 45 yards since Week 7 and would be a weak WR3 option, particularly if Moore plays. ... Miami's No. 24 pass-defense ranking suggests Palmer has a favorable matchup, but I'd be hard pressed to consider Palmer more than a high-end QB2 until his supporting cast returns at full strength.

After their fluky three-game win streak, the Dolphins' close Thanksgiving loss to Dallas provided an accurate glimpse of what to expect from Miami's skill players in the weeks ahead. Brandon Marshall racked up a team-high ten targets, while Brian Hartline was a distant second with five. Reggie Bush got 19 touches to Daniel Thomas' seven. Game flow can heavily impact usage and production, but on a weekly basis there are only two Dolphins worth consideration in standard fantasy leagues: Marshall and Bush. ... Marshall knows Raiders DBs Stanford Routt, Michael Huff, and Tyvon Branch well from their time together in the AFC West. In his last five meetings with Oakland, Marshall has posted rock-solid stat lines of 7-73-1, 5-67-1, 4-84, 5-82, and 6-67. It's an average of over five catches for 75 yards a game. He's a WR2. ... It's not breaking news that quarterbacks struggle when pressured, but Matt Moore gets more rattled than most. In four matchups this year with teams that rank in the top ten in sacks, Moore is 74-of-116 (63.8%) for 832 yards (7.17 YPA), three touchdowns, and six turnovers with seven fumbles. In his four other games, Moore is 64-of-103 (62.1%) for 775 yards (7.52 YPA) with six scores and three turnovers. He's fumbled twice, losing neither. Oakland ranks fifth in sacks, so if the trend holds Moore will struggle on Sunday. ... The Raiders can be beaten on the ground, where they rank 27th in rush defense and surrender a league-high 5.28 yards per carry. I'm not a long-term believer in Bush, but he has a plus Week 13 matchup and is the heavy favorite for touches in Miami's backfield.

Score Prediction: Raiders 23, Dolphins 17

Kansas City @ Chicago

Oakland was lucky to face turnover-prone Caleb Hanie in last week's game against the Bears, because Chicago's defense was stifling and it is becoming a trend. Over the last three games, opposing running backs have managed just 194 yards and one touchdown on 60 carries (3.23 YPC) against the Bears. Meanwhile, the Kansas City backfield has devolved into a three-way mess of ineffectiveness, suddenly led by Thomas Jones. That's right, the washed-up 33-year-old leads the Chiefs in carries over the past two games, and Dexter McCluster is second. Jackie Battle is third in line for rushing attempts and has all of two receptions since Week 5. It's hard to imagine using any of the three in a difficult matchup when none of them is a safe bet to exceed ten touches. For all of his PPR potential, McCluster has three catches over the past two weeks.

The Bears' run defense has come on lately, but their pass defense has been smothering for a more sustained stretch despite being matched up with one of the tougher pass-offense schedules in football. Over its last six games, Chicago has limited quarterbacks to 153-of-262 passing (58.4%) for 1,663 yards (6.35 YPA), five touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. The Chiefs are trying to be secretive about their Week 13 starting quarterback, but whomever it is will likely struggle. ... While Steve Breaston and Jonathan Baldwin's fantasy values have gone by the wayside since Matt Cassel's year-ending injury, Dwayne Bowe has done well to stay relevant with seven receptions a game. The first read on a heavy majority of Kansas City passing plays, Bowe will be a WR3 if Tyler Palko starts and a borderline WR2 if a stronger-armed Kyle Orton gets the nod.

The Bears made some tweaks to their post-Jay Cutler offense in Week 12, utilizing Matt Forte on perimeter run plays and Marion Barber as the primary inside ball carrier. Forte finished with "only" 18 touches in large part because of Hanie's three first-half picks. By the third quarter, the Bears were trailing 18-7, and Hanie threw 21 of his 36 passes in second-half comeback mode. Forte capitalized in PPR leagues with six receptions, but the carry total (12) was not a sign of things to come. While Barber's role has undoubtedly grown, expect Forte to approach 25-30 touches in Sunday's matchup with Kansas City's 26th-ranked run defense. The Bears will do their best to prevent Hanie from throwing so often going forward, and Forte will be the offensive centerpiece. ... Barber remains a TD-heavy league flex option only, but did show some spark with 63 yards on 10 rushing attempts in Week 12, including a 21-yard burst. Despite several short-yardage carries that lower his average, Barber has racked up a respectable 198 yards and three touchdowns on his last 48 runs (4.13 YPC). Barber will stay involved as a candidate for 8-11 touches per week.

The Bears again started Roy Williams over Johnny Knox against Oakland, but Knox was clearly Hanie's preferred option. Knox's ten targets tied Forte for the team lead, and according to Pro Football Focus, he played 56-of-70 snaps (80.0%). Knox showed his big-play ability on a 29-yard touchdown in the second quarter and a fourth-quarter 81-yard bomb to set up Kellen Davis' nine-yard score. The rubs are that Knox's playing time may have been inflated due to comeback mode, and Hanie is an unreliable passer. Upside isn't an issue, but Knox is a dice-roll WR3. ... Rather predictably, Bears slot receiver Earl Bennett has been rendered a non-factor in old college pal Cutler's absence. Hanie targeted Bennett only four times against the Raiders, and the two hooked up once for five yards. ... Hanie's garbage time-influenced Week 12 fantasy statistics don't look bad. He's got a big arm and might run faster in a straight line than Cutler. But the Bears are working against fantasy owners in that they want to minimize Hanie's impact on games. If you're starting Hanie in a fantasy league, you're essentially betting that Chicago will fall behind early.

Score Prediction: Bears 24, Chiefs 14

Denver @ Minnesota

These were the words of NFL Network's Mike Mayock on the Broncos' offense during an SI.com podcast this week: "It's forcing coordinators to make phone calls to their buddies in the college level to say, 'How do we deal with this?' ... It's forcing coordinators to completely rip up game plans and change the way they look at things in today's NFL. ... All 53 players on that roster believe in Tim Tebow. Until teams figure it out and shut him down, count me in. I believe in Tim Tebow." On a personal note, I'm unaware of a more intelligent, well-rounded football analyst than Mike Mayock. And in my fantasy league, I will be starting Tebow for a seventh straight week when he heads to Minnesota. ... The Vikings' defense poses an intriguing matchup for Tebow because it can stop the run but has no prayer against the pass. Decimated by injuries, Minnesota has lost top safety Husain Abdullah (concussion) and No. 1 corner Antoine Winfield (collarbone) to I.R. Promising CB Chris Cook remains out indefinitely on suspension, while third safety Tyrell Johnson (hamstring) joined Abdullah and Winfield on the shelf for good this week. NFL front sevens still haven't figured out how to stop Tebow's running game, and he's now facing easily the worst pass defense he's seen in 2011. In terms of fantasy scoring, this could be Tebow's biggest game yet.

Here is Tebow's target distribution on the season: Eric Decker 36, Eddie Royal 30, Demaryius Thomas 22, Matt Willis 11, Daniel Fells 9. ... Royal was spotted in a walking boot at the club facility this week and may not play. Royal's absence would likely thrust Thomas into the starting lineup. Decker has been the lone viable Denver wideout from a fantasy perspective, but Thomas offers difference-making talent and qualifies as a Week 13 sleeper. Facing an awful Minnesota secondary and a front seven that will cheat toward the line to halt Tebow and Willis McGahee, Broncos receivers are going to be open on Sunday. ... The Vikings have a top-nine run defense, so the matchup is not working in McGahee's favor this week. The promising news long term is that McGahee is clearly recovered from his previous hand and hamstring maladies, racking up 117 yards on 23 carries (5.09 YPC) in Week 12 at San Diego. If you have high-volume running backs with better matchups, use them, but McGahee can certainly make for a respectable flex.

Toby Gerhart's Week 12 start went about as well as it could have for a back with below-average run skills against Atlanta's top-two rush defense. Gerhart was held to two yards or fewer on 12-of-17 carries. More troubling, he was stuffed on 3-of-4 short-yardage runs, including a would-be touchdown plunge on fourth-and-one in the fourth quarter. The good news is that Gerhart goes from facing the NFL's No. 2 run defense to the 19th-ranked unit. He should approach 20 touches and will remain a solid bet to find pay dirt. ... Since Adrian Peterson went down at the end of the first quarter in Week 11, Percy Harvin has received 20 touches in seven quarters, taking them for 169 yards and two scores. Harvin came oh-so-close to a four-TD game in Week 12, getting tackled at the Falcons' one after a 20-yard reception, caught by the shoestring at the end of a 104-yard return, and narrowly missing out on a rushing score before Gerhart was thrown for a loss. Harvin is a slot receiver and Champ Bailey covers outside receivers, so he should avoid Denver's top cornerback for most of this game. A potential every-snap player for the first time this season following Michael Jenkins' year-ending knee injury, Harvin will be a high-upside WR2 in this game.

With Broncos edge rushers Von Miller and Elvis Dumervil on an all-out rampage, the Vikings will struggle to keep Christian Ponder upright in Week 13. Dumervil and Miller have combined for 11 sacks over the past five games, and adversaries LT Charlie Johnson and RT Phil Loadholt are not up to the task. Pro Football Focus has graded Loadholt as the league's third-poorest right tackle in pass protection. Johnson ranks 28th among 37 qualifying left tackles. Ponder should have ample opportunities to put his athleticism to use, but he'll have little time in the pocket. His matchup will improve if Miller (thumb surgery) does not play. ... Jenkins' loss leaves Devin Aromashodu and Greg Camarillo as Ponder's top two perimeter targets. Camarillo is too slow to separate outside, and Aromashodu has nine receptions on the year. If Bailey stays at his usual left corner position, he will spend most of this game covering Aromashodu. ... Visanthe Shiancoe and rookie Kyle Rudolph have been eating away at each other's production all season. They would be worth a look this week and beyond if they could morph into one tight end's body.

Score Prediction: Broncos 21, Vikings 20

Cincinnati @ Pittsburgh

I discussed it in my Week 10 matchups column, and it held true in the first Bengals-Steelers battle earlier this year: Cincy defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer has Ben Roethlisberger's number. In their past six meetings, Zimmer has held Big Ben to a 4:4 TD-to-INT ratio on 118-of-194 passing (60.8%) for 1,357 yards (6.99 YPA). The per-game yardage average is 226.2. Roethlisberger could bust the funk at any moment, but last Sunday night's effort against Kansas City (193 yards) provided little reason for optimism. Consider Big Ben a QB2 in Week 13. ... Rashard Mendenhall has essentially lost his passing-game role to Mewelde Moore and Isaac Redman, which especially stings when he's not toting the rock 20 times per game. Mendenhall hasn't exceeded 17 carries since Week 6 and will likely need a goal-line touchdown to finish Week 13 as a worthwhile fantasy start. The Bengals' top-five run defense allows the third-fewest yards per carry (3.52) in football.

A picture of consistency, Antonio Brown has cleared 80 yards and/or scored a touchdown in five straight games. Here is Big Ben's target distribution over that span: Brown 37, Mike Wallace 36, Heath Miller 26, Emmanuel Sanders 19, Jerricho Cotchery 13, Mendenhall 13, Hines Ward 9. ... Brown's increasing role and Wallace's failure to exceed 70 yards since Week 7 have concerned some "60 Minutes" owners, but Wallace has in no way slowed down in terms of on-field performance, and has actually seen more targets than Brown in the Steelers' past two games. In coverage, Cincinnati's pass defense is significantly less imposing with top CB Leon Hall on injured reserve. FS Chris Crocker is coming off what is believed to be a subluxed (temporarily dislocated) right shoulder. Wallace is going to catch fire soon, and you don't want to be late to that dance. ... Miller's targets, on the other hand, have dipped in four consecutive games along with his yardage totals. He's only a TE2 going forward. ... Sanders and Ward are rotating sub-package wideouts playing in three- and four-receiver formations. Sanders played 29-of-66 snaps (43.9%) in Week 12, according to Pro Football Focus. Ward was in for 17 downs (25.8%). These players are not fantasy options.

Cedric Benson is coming off his best game since the first month of the season, but he's lined up to be shut down in Sunday's matchup with Pittsburgh's No. 6 run defense. In seven career games against the Steelers, Benson has managed 315 yards on 94 carries (3.35 YPC). Further hurting Benson's chances is the fact that SS Troy Polamalu has been medically cleared from his Week 12 concussion symptoms. After missing practice time with a foot injury, Benson is not playable in fantasy leagues this week. ... Andy Dalton threw two touchdown passes in the aforementioned Week 10 game, but Pittsburgh's defense was at less than full strength. Top edge rusher LaMarr Woodley, who had nine sacks in the season's first eight games, is back from his four-week hamstring injury and will be bookended by a healthy James Harrison. It's going to be very tough sledding for the entire Cincinnati offense this Sunday.

The 42.5-point over/under on this game seems awfully high. Jermaine Gresham will likely spend the day on the line blocking, and Pittsburgh held Jerome Simpson catch-less on four targets in Week 10. Simpson is easy to eliminate from the Bengals' offense with physical man coverage. Barring an absolutely mammoth effort from A.J. Green, Cincinnati will struggle to put points on the board. ... Green reconfirmed himself as an every-week fantasy starter by torching Browns top corner Joe Haden for 110 yards in Week 12. Fully recovered from his previously hyperextended knee, Green is the No. 11 overall receiver in fantasy points per game and should be in lineups at Heinz Field.

Score Prediction: Steelers 17, Bengals 13
<!--RW-->
Atlanta @ Houston

It would be foolhardy to say with confidence that T.J. Yates will play effectively enough for Andre Johnson to maintain WR1 value the rest of the way. What we can say confidently is that Johnson should be open against Atlanta. LCB Brent Grimes, easily the Falcons' top cover corner, will miss 2-4 weeks after knee surgery, and nickel back Kelvin Hayden is out at least one more game with a dislocated toe. RCB Dunta Robinson is having a horrible year. Atlanta will be minus at least two of its top three cornerbacks while selling out to stop the run with eight defenders in the box. Even before Grimes' multi-week loss, the Falcons were playing bottom-eight pass defense. Johnson should have plenty of playmaking opportunities on Sunday. ... In terms of arm strength, athleticism, and a willingness to throw downfield, Yates is an upgrade on Matt Leinart. Whereas everything Leinart did was deliberate, long, and slow, Yates possesses a lightning-quick release, plays with more aggressiveness, and puts superior zip on the football. In Week 12, the NFL.com Gamebook characterized all 13 of Leinart's attempts as "pass short," with 11 intended for running backs or tight ends. Leinart did not complete a single pass to Johnson, targeting him once. The rookie Yates came off the bench to target Johnson three times, hooking up twice for 22 yards.

Here was Yates' Week 12 target distribution: Owen Daniels 6, Johnson 3, Arian Foster 2, Jacoby Jones 2, James Casey 1, Kevin Walter 0. ... The early target stats seem to bode well for Daniels, but I'd still find him difficult to trust in an extremely run-heavy offense where he can get stuck on the line blocking for long stretches. Daniels hasn't hit pay dirt since Week 4 and has been under 40 yards in three straight games. ... Jones and Walter remain fantasy non-factors as secondary options in an offense that skews heavily toward the run. ... The Texans entered Week 12 planning to get Ben Tate "12-15 carries" against the Jags, Gary Kubiak told CBS last Sunday morning. Unfortunately, game flow didn't allow for it as an in-game quarterback change and solid effort from Jacksonville's defense slowed ball movement. Tate will have a bigger role going forward than his five Week 12 carries suggest, but he needs favorable matchups and big Texans leads to prove fantasy viable. ... The Falcons are No. 2 against the run, but Arian Foster is matchup-proof as a nearly 30 touch-per-game back and the centerpiece of his offense. Since returning from his early-season hamstring injury, he is averaging over 27 touches for 154 yards per game.

The Julio Jones situation is tricky because Falcons OC Mike Mularkey heaped post-game praise on the rookie despite a catch-less Week 12 effort. "He obviously didn't get many chances," said Mularkey. "We were emphasizing 'take what the defense is giving you' and that's been important. Matt (Ryan) did that. ... Julio really helped block in the run game. He helped with some of the coverages by getting other guys open. ... He'll have his numbers and his day." The Falcons don't seem to be concerned with Jones' health, and he'll have a better Week 13 matchup than Roddy White. The Texans will likely try to take away White with top CB Johnathan Joseph, leaving a combo of Kareem Jackson and Jason Allen on Julio. Playing in a passing-friendly environment beneath Reliant Stadium's retractable roof, I like Jones' chances of a bounce-back game. ... The Texans began allowing Joseph to shadow opposing No. 1 receivers in Week 4. Here is how the opponents have fared since: Mike Wallace 4-77, Mike Williams South 2-43, Denarius Moore 0-0, Greg Little 2-33, Nate Washington 1-10, Mike Thomas 3-24 and 2-11. Anquan Boldin has been the outlier with an 8-132 line in Week 6. Houston hasn't allowed a touchdown to a No. 1 wideout in its last eight games, and over that span has permitted just 330 yards on 22 receptions to top receivers. It's a weekly average of under three catches for 42 yards. This is a concern for White.

With much improved safety play, Houston's No. 2 pass defense has been similarly suffocating against tight ends. Jared Cook is the only player at the position to have scored on the Texans since Week 4, and during that span tight ends have managed 26 receptions for 246 yards against Houston. It's an average of just over three catches for 30 yards per game. On paper at least, this week sets up extremely well for Jones. White and Tony Gonzalez may have quiet days. ... Michael Turner turns 30 in ten weeks and is second in the NFL in carries. He has led the league in rushing attempts in two of the past three seasons. Turner showed up on the Week 13 injury report with a groin ailment, which should not be surprising considering the wear and tear on his aging body. I'm inclined to believe Turner will struggle against Houston's top-four run defense. Jason Snelling is next in line for carries. ... Matt Ryan has picked up his production recently by torching the pass defenses of Minnesota (No. 29 ranking), New Orleans (No. 27), and Indianapolis (No. 18) in three of the past four weeks. The Texans are a different animal, especially with FS Danieal Manning back from his leg injury. Gregg Rosenthal and Chris Wesseling have Ryan ranked 11th among fantasy quarterbacks for Week 13, and that's right where I'd have him, too. I'd play Tim Tebow over Matt Ryan, for sure.

Score Prediction: Texans 21, Falcons 18

NY Jets @ Washington

The Jets have been squelching opposing ground attacks since a slow start, but they'll be missing a difference-making front-seven component in D.C. LE Mike DeVito, whom Pro Football Focus grades as the NFL's No. 2 overall 3-4 end in run defense, is sidelined by a left MCL injury. Roy Helu carries risk because he plays in a Mike Shanahan backfield, but Shanny was emphatic this week when announcing Helu as the Skins' bell-cow back. "He's our starter for sure," Shanahan said. "We felt he was ready." Added Rex Grossman of Helu's hurdling, 28-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter at Seattle, "It was one of the most impressive runs I've ever seen." Helu has now racked up 354 yards on his last 73 carries (4.85 YPC) and quietly ranks eighth in the NFL in receptions among running backs. Helu owners are sitting on a potential PPR goldmine, and DeVito's absence makes the rookie more attractive in standard leagues. With a legitimate shot at 30 touches against the Jets, Helu is a strong RB2 regardless of format. ... Grossman is coming off a 314-yard, two-touchdown performance against the Seahawks. History says Grossman is bound to go back in the tank shortly after good games, and it will probably happen this week considering the matchup. The Jets' No. 7 pass defense has allowed the second-fewest touchdown throws in the league while holding opponents to the fourth-lowest completion percentage. In order to stay competitive Sunday, the Skins need to lean heavily on Helu and minimize Grossman's impact.

Santana Moss (hand) resumed his normal role in Week 12, playing 58-of-73 (79.5%) snaps and tying for the team lead in targets. Moss figures to get the Darrelle Revis treatment on Sunday, but he'll face the injury-sacked secondaries of New England (No. 32 rank), the Giants (No. 26), and Minnesota (No. 29) during the fantasy playoffs. ... Assuming Revis shadows Moss, Fred Davis should be open more often than any Skins pass catcher against New York. Over their last five games, the Jets have yielded 335 yards and three touchdowns on 30 receptions to tight ends, good for a six-catch, 67-yard weekly average. The Jets' safeties, particularly SS Eric Smith, are vulnerable in coverage. ... After a monster (7-115-1) game in Week 11, Jabar Gaffney stayed afloat in Moss' return with five catches for 72 yards at Seattle. The journeyman's week-to-week target and yardage totals will likely continue to decrease, however, and it's conceivable that Gaffney will see plenty of Revis this week when Moss moves to the slot on passing downs. ... Situational deep threat Anthony Armstrong's 50-yard touchdown in Week 12 was a complete fluke in that he was in for just three of the Skins' 73 offensive snaps. Armstrong isn't a viable sleeper.

Mark Sanchez torched a pathetic Bills defense for four Week 12 red-zone touchdowns, finishing with 180 yards. Whereas Buffalo ranks 22nd versus the pass and has allowed the most passing scores in the AFC, Washington fields a top-ten pass defense and has permitted the NFC's third-fewest passing TDs. Also tied for the NFC lead in sacks, the Skins bring considerably more down-to-down heat than the Bills. Sanchez is a QB2 in this matchup. ... Sanchez's target distribution since the Jets' Week 8 bye: Santonio Holmes 32, Plaxico Burress 29, Dustin Keller 27, Jeremy Kerley 13, Joe McKnight 11. ... Holmes isn't heavily targeted as most "No. 1 receivers" are, which at least partially explains his disappointing production. He will square off primarily with Redskins LCB DeAngelo Hall in this game, giving Holmes a favorable matchup. Hall has been beaten like a drum all season. ... Josh Wilson is the Redskins' top defensive back in coverage, but Burress (6'5/232) has a significant size advantage on the 5-foot-9, 192-pound right corner. Picking it up in terms of catch and yardage totals recently, Plax is a viable WR3 against the Redskins and a solid bet to score. Among NFL wide receivers, only Calvin Johnson, Jordy Nelson, Eric Decker, Greg Jennings, and Wes Welker have found pay dirt with more frequency than Burress this season.

Running the best he has all year behind an offensive line stepping up of late, Shonn Greene has amassed 366 yards on his last 72 rushing attempts (5.08 YPC). Unfortunately, Jets playcaller Brian Schottenheimer's fondness for throwing in scoring position has kept Greene out of the end zone since Week 5. Greene will continue to be an RB2/flex only against a hit-or-miss Redskins run defense. ... The Jets are unlikely to enjoy much overall passing success on Sunday, and the matchup is difficult enough to keep Keller in the low-end TE1 range despite his two-score Week 12. In its last five games, Washington has surrendered 291 yards and three touchdowns on 20 catches to tight ends. It's a mediocre average of four catches for 58 yards per game. ... I recall seeing some hype for McKnight leading up last Sunday's tilt with Buffalo. McKnight is a change-up back behind Greene, and isn't even guaranteed that role when LaDainian Tomlinson (knee) returns. McKnight would need injuries to both Greene and L.T. in order to be a serious fantasy option.

Score Prediction: Redskins 20, Jets 17

4:05PM ET Game

Baltimore @ Cleveland

The Ravens return from a ten-day layoff after their Thanksgiving Har-Bowl win to face a Browns team they'll face twice in the next month. Offensively, the greatest benefactors from the extended rest period project to be linemen and Ray Rice. Rice has racked up 18 or more touches in 8-of-11 games, so he should emerge from the time off with fresh legs. Now down run-plugging SLB Scott Fujita (hand, I.R.) and shuffling linebackers to compensate, Cleveland has been lit up for 764 yards and five touchdowns on 150 carries (5.09 YPC) by tailbacks over the past five games. Owners should be excited that Rice gets this matchup twice in the final four fantasy weeks. Rice's other remaining opponents are the Colts (No. 31 run defense) and Chargers (No. 25), so it's likely that he'll be on many championship rosters. ... Ed Dickson has come crashing back to Earth after his 10-79-2 game in Week 10, finishing with 21 yards in Week 11 and 15 yards in Week 12. There are much better TE2s out there. (Scott Chandler and Jacob Tamme immediately come to mind.)

This is a game Baltimore should control on the ground, limiting Joe Flacco's impact. Flacco set back-to-back season lows in pass attempts in Weeks 11 and 12, so it seems clear the Ravens were already making an effort to balance their offense after Flacco got on pace for the sixth-most pass attempts in NFL history during the first nine games. Also not working in Flacco's favor are the facts that Cleveland ranks No. 1 in pass defense and is allowing just one passing touchdown per game. Flacco is mid-range QB2 material. ... Last season, Anquan Boldin lit up then-Browns CB Eric Wright for 142 yards and three touchdowns in Week 3. Joe Haden covered Boldin during the Ravens' Week 16 game in Cleveland, and Haden bottled up Baltimore's top wideout for 15 scoreless yards on two catches. I like Torrey Smith's chances of out-producing Boldin on Sunday.

The Ravens rank third the league in total defense and are top five against both the run and pass. Only the Texans and 49ers have allowed fewer points. You will be hard pressed to find a fantasy starter on the Browns' roster this week. ... The Ravens have had something of a stranglehold on opposing No. 1 wide receivers, holding Santonio Holmes (3-33), Larry Fitzgerald (3-98), Sidney Rice (2-14), Michael Crabtree (6-54), and Mike Wallace (4-68-1) to an average of under four catches for 54 yards and one combined touchdown since the season's first month. Greg Little isn't as good as any of the above. ... Behind Little, Josh Cribbs, Mohamed Massaquoi, Ben Watson, Evan Moore, and Jordan Norwood serve only to cancel each other out from fantasy consideration. ... Peyton Hillis returned from his hamstring injury in Week 12 to manage 61 yards on 21 touches. Montario Hardesty (calf) is due back this week to siphon away work, and Hillis simply hasn't been the same player since his early-to-midseason surge in 2010. Over his last seven games, Hillis has 324 rushing yards on 97 carries (3.34 YPC) and two touchdowns. Perhaps Hillis will be a fantasy option in Week 15 at Arizona, but he's got the Ravens twice (No. 3 run defense) and Steelers (No. 6) in three of the next four weeks. Hillis' chances of serious stretch-run fantasy relevance are slim.

Score Prediction: Ravens 20, Browns 13

4:15PM ET Games

Dallas @ Arizona

Arizona's pass defense rank has "risen" to No. 25 by preying on an injured Michael Vick in Week 10 and two matchups with the Rams over the past month. Mixed in was Michael Crabtree's 120-yard, seven-catch shredding of Patrick Peterson. This is one of the league's worst pass defenses, and Dallas' passing game enters the contest hitting on all cylinders. Since Week 8, Tony Romo is 87-of-128 (68.0%) for 1,067 yards (8.34 YPA), ten touchdowns, and two turnovers. Romo is the No. 5 fantasy quarterback over that span. For Week 13, here is how I personally would rank the top-five QB plays: 1) Aaron Rodgers 2) Drew Brees 3) Tom Brady 4) Tony Romo 5) Cam Newton. ... Both Dez Bryant and Laurent Robinson have incredibly favorable matchups as well. Bryant figures to draw Peterson while Robinson takes on A.J. Jefferson on the outside and Michael Adams when Robinson moves inside to the slot. Robinson has played well enough lately to earn high-end WR2 status against a bad defense. Bryant is a WR1 until Miles Austin (hamstring) returns. Shake off Bryant's scoreless 3-35 Thanksgiving stat line against Vontae Davis and use him on Sunday.

Jason Witten's production has been down with Robinson and Bryant beating DBs to death on the perimeter, but Witten has warranted an every-week start by ranking fourth among tight ends in fantasy points. Witten is in the "second tier" of tight ends behind Rob Gronkowski and Jimmy Graham. ... DeMarco Murray is averaging 24 touches a game since taking over as the Cowboys' lead back in Week 7. Felix Jones has seven touches combined since returning from his high ankle sprain two games ago. The workload isn't a problem, and this is a good opportunity for Murray to rediscover the end zone after a two-game lull. The Cardinals have permitted the fifth-most rushing touchdowns in the league so far. ... Jones is worth picking up in all leagues as a late-season lottery ticket in the event of a Murray injury. Jones would take over as the Dallas' clear-cut feature back in that scenario, and the Cowboys face the Giants (No. 24 run defense), Bucs (No. 30), and Eagles (No. 15 and falling after Thursday night) during the fantasy playoffs.

The Cardinals finally get back Kevin Kolb from foot and toe injuries, but it won't matter if he plays as poorly as he did in the season's first half. You're starting Larry Fitzgerald because you believe he will find a way to make big plays. The QB situation is working against all of Arizona's receivers. ... Despite starting every game, Andre Roberts averaged 19 yards a week in Kolb's seven starts earlier this year, going catch-less in two of them. Roberts is only a slightly worse fantasy option than Early Doucet against Dallas' No. 14 pass defense. Production in the passing game is unlikely to support more than one Cardinals receiver in fantasy leagues this week. Dallas is a top-seven team in sacks, and Kolb reverts to his shell under pressure. ... The Cowboys' run defense has been up and down all season, opening the year shutting down ground games, then tanking around midseason. They've picked it up lately, but ultimately it's a Jekyll & Hyde unit and not tough enough to consider sitting Beanie Wells. Confirming his knee is as healthy as it's going to get, Wells has 257 yards on his last 34 carries (7.56 YPC) while regaining must-start status.

Score Prediction: Cowboys 24, Cardinals 17
<!--RW-->
Green Bay @ NY Giants

Pack-Giants has a 52.5-point over/under, a close second for highest of Week 13 behind Saints-Lions. New York's defense was a sieve in last Monday night's loss to New Orleans, surrendering a whopping 582 yards from scrimmage and seven touchdowns, and is now playing on a short week without RE Osi Umenyiora (ankle). The Packers are on a long week after their Thanksgiving win. Aaron Rodgers will light it up. ... After a brief slump and minor knee injury, Greg Jennings re-found his groove with five catches for 74 yards and a touchdown in Week 12. Jennings is headed for his third top-eight fantasy receiver finish in the past four years. ... After scoring five TDs in his prior three games, Jordy Nelson hit a bump in the road with a 4-26-0 line on Thanksgiving. He'll see single coverage for the entirety of Sunday's game and will be a good bet to find the end zone again. ... The Giants are getting destroyed by tight ends, and the trend held Monday as Jimmy Graham went off for 84 yards and two scores. In its last four games, the G-Men have allowed five touchdowns and 33 receptions for 395 yards players at Jermichael Finley's position. It's a weekly average of over eight catches for 99 yards. Finley won't have a better matchup the rest of the way.

Capitalizing on Rodgers' pretty play-action fake, James Jones got behind the Detroit defense for a 65-yard touchdown on Thanksgiving, giving him five scores on the season. He only played 26-of-64 snaps (40.6%). Jones has been maddeningly inconsistent because his weekly target and snap totals are so low. He'll remain a dice roll against the Giants. ... The Packers' three-back committee gets a tasty matchup against New York's No. 24 run defense, though no member offers much week-to-week fantasy upside because it's a timeshare. James Starks is the best bet for yards and snaps. Ryan Grant's feet are stuck in cement. John Kuhn vultures most everything at the stripe.

Brandon Jacobs' role as a feature back has translated to 70 touches over the past month, but tentative tip-toeing has prevented him from capitalizing on Ahmad Bradshaw's (foot) absence. Jacobs is averaging 3.11 yards per carry on the season and almost certainly won't be a Giant in 2012 with a $4.4 million salary coming due. The Packers can be run on (4.88 YPC allowed), but often prevent opponents from doing so because they grab big, early leads and force teams to play from behind. Only the Bears and 49ers have been run against less frequently this season. Jacobs will need a touchdown to save his fantasy day. He's just a flex option in this game, and perhaps not even that if Ahmad Bradshaw (foot) plays after returning to Friday’s practice. Bradshaw could be available for a limited role off the bench. ... Eli Manning has cooled off since his red-hot start to the season, but New York's defensive collapse is working in his favor. He wound up throwing for 406 yards and two touchdowns against the Saints in large part because of New Orleans' monster lead. A similar scenario is conceivable versus Green Bay.

Victor Cruz is averaging six catches for nearly 105 yards per game since Week 2. He has seven touchdowns in his last nine games. Cruz's fantasy value was already solidified, and his role has been too with Mario Manningham (knee) in danger of missing the season's remainder. Green Bay's defense has atoned by leading the NFL in turnovers, but ranks 31st against the pass. In a projected shootout, Cruz is a top-ten fantasy wideout for Week 13. ... With Manningham out in Week 12, Ramses Barden played in all three-receiver sets but was targeted only four times. Eli doesn't seem to trust Barden yet, but he's worth grabbing in 14-team leagues because Mario may not return anytime soon. ... Continuing to take a backseat in the passing game with injuries on the Giants' O-Line, bulky TE Jake Ballard hasn't cleared 50 yards or scored in the last three weeks. Ballard can be dropped from fantasy rosters. ... Keep an eye on updates heading into Sunday morning, but the Giants expect Hakeem Nicks (concussion, ribs) to play Sunday after he received medical clearance early in the week. Nicks remains a low-end WR1 coming off a seven-catch, 87-yard game last Monday night.

Score Prediction: Packers 34, Giants 26

St. Louis @ San Francisco

Frank Gore hasn't found pay dirt since Week 8, but things are looking up heading into Sunday's matchup with St. Louis' last-ranked run defense. Gore's legs should be as fresh as they've been all year after a 10-day layoff following the Niners' Thanksgiving night loss, and difference-making rookie lead blocker Bruce Miller is returning from a concussion. Pro Football Focus has graded Miller as the NFL's fourth-best blocking fullback in the league this season, behind Jed Collins (Saints), Jim Kleinsasser (Vikings), and Vonta Leach (Ravens). Over the last three weeks, the Rams have been ransacked for 406 yards and two touchdowns on 73 carries (5.56 YPC). ... The 49ers have shown no signs of increasing Kendall Hunter's role enough for him to be a Week 13 flex option, despite the mouth-watering matchup. Hunter received five touches on Thanksgiving.

The Rams are arguably even weaker versus the pass than the run considering the sorry state of their secondary, but the combination of Alex Smith's below-average talent and San Francisco's run-heavy mindset keeps Smith off the QB1 radar. He's got one multiple-touchdown game since Week 5, and hasn't hit 300 yards in his last 16 starts. ... Michael Crabtree should still be open enough to qualify as a high-end WR3. Crabtree lit up St. Louis for 10 catches, 183 yards, and two touchdowns in two games last season, when the Rams' pass defense was in much better shape. Crabtree will dominate targets among 49ers wideouts with Braylon Edwards (shoulder, knee) unlikely to play. ... Vernon Davis will set a personal low for yards since the Mike Martz era this season, but has a touchdown in two of his last three games with the lone outlier coming against a Ravens defense that hasn't let a tight end score all year. Davis is still the No. 9 overall fantasy tight end.

Is Steven Jackson wearing down? S-Jax is fourth among active tailbacks in rush attempts, and all three players ahead of him (LaDanian Tomlinson, Thomas Jones, Ricky Williams) are late-career role players. S-Jax has managed 106 yards on his last 32 carries (3.31 YPC), and the average is likely to take another dip in Sunday's matchup with San Francisco's top-ranked run defense. The 49ers still haven't allowed a rushing touchdown all season, and S-Jax's passing-game role under struggling first-year OC Josh McDaniels hasn't been big enough to compensate when Jackson isn't scoring or racking up big rushing totals. He's a low-end flex option this week. ... Brandon Lloyd is the lone St. Louis pass catcher worth a fantasy start, and he's solidified himself as a borderline WR1 by ranking sixth among wideouts in fantasy scoring over the past five weeks. Lloyd never plays in the slot, so he'll avoid 49ers top CB Carlos Rogers for the vast majority of Week 13 snaps. Lloyd will spend most of this game in RCB Tarell Brown's coverage.

Score Prediction: 49ers 27, Rams 10

Sunday Night Football

Detroit @ New Orleans

The 53.5-point over/under on Lions-Saints is the highest of Week 13, so fire up your players in this one. ... Suspended DT Ndamukong Suh's presence was so vital to the Lions' defense because not only did he explode through gaps to pancake passers, he drew constant double teams and opened rushing lanes for pals Cliff Avril, Kyle Vanden Bosch, Corey Williams, Lawrence Jackson, and Willie Young. Detroit will be easier -- perhaps significantly easier -- to pile up points and yards against until Suh returns. Drew Brees is scalding hot with a 15:3 TD-to-turnover ratio over his last five games. Detroit will also be without playmaking FS Louis Delmas, who suffered a multi-week knee injury on Thanksgiving. ... The Lions are not positioned well to stop the Saints' No. 1-ranked passing attack. Marques Colston is averaging 84.8 yards in his last six games and is a borderline WR1 in this matchup. ... Delmas' absence may particularly be felt in coverage of Jimmy Graham. With 84 yards and two touchdowns in last Monday night's stomping of the Giants, Graham is again pushing Rob Gronkowski for No. 1 overall fantasy tight end honors. Gronkowski is averaging 13.9 fantasy points per game. Graham is at 13.1. There is a large gap behind them with Tony Gonzalez (9.5), Jason Witten (9.2), and Antonio Gates (8.8) rounding out the top five.

Lance Moore is worth a WR3 look due to this game's high-scoring projection, but owners have to be prepared for clunkers. Moore has been held to 50 yards or fewer in 7-of-10 appearances, and his week-to-week playing time and targets are unpredictable. ... Robert Meachem and Devery Henderson have been all but weeded out of the offense. Meachem is catch-less in two of the last three games. Henderson hasn't scored a touchdown since Week 2, and is averaging 17 yards a week over the past two months. ... Coming off a bye, the Saints' Week 12 backfield distribution may not have painted an accurate picture because New Orleans jumped out to 21-3 first-quarter lead. Mark Ingram broke off his 35-yard touchdown in fourth-quarter garbage time. Pierre Thomas scored his TD from 12 yards out in the fourth to give the Saints a 42-17 lead. Ultimately, this is going to remain a three-headed monster. Darren Sproles is the best weekly bet for total yardage. Thomas is essentially a designated screen-play back, doing most of his damage between the twenties with some red-zone opportunities sprinkled in lightly. Ingram has been underutilized. He is a volume runner who would excel on 20 carries a game, but the Saints aren't going to give him that. Ingram's workload increases when New Orleans gets into keep-the-lead mode early. All of the above have favorable Week 13 matchups against the Lions' Suh-less, 23rd-ranked run defense.

Having shed his gloves and practicing without a splint on his previously broken right index finger, Matthew Stafford is set up for a fast fantasy finish. Three of his next four games will be played indoors, and the upcoming two are against bottom-six pass defenses (No. 27 Saints, No. 29 Vikings). Stafford is a top-five fantasy quarterback play in this projected high-scoring affair. ... The Saints' secondary strength is LCB Jabari Greer, who will square off with Calvin Johnson on the majority of snaps. It will be interesting to see how often blitz-happy DC Gregg Williams leaves Greer on an island. Greer (5'11/180) gives up six inches and 56 pounds to Megatron (6'5/236). ... Here is Stafford's target distribution since the Lions' Week 9 bye: Johnson 35, Nate Burleson 23, Brandon Pettigrew 21, Titus Young 15, Maurice Morris 13, Tony Scheffler 12, Kevin Smith 9. ... Though Burleson has ultimately been more productive than Pettigrew of late, the two have resumed rendering each other hit-or-miss options while vying for over-the-middle targets. Neither Burleson nor Pettigrew would be a poor Week 13 fantasy play, but they're not great ones, either.

Young has received three targets in each of the past two games since a fluky nine-target Week 10, when Stafford attempted a franchise-record 63 throws. Young offers big-play ability, but he doesn't get the rock enough for fantasy reliability. ... Kevin Smith is due back from his ankle injury, which clearly proved a mild sprain as opposed to the high variety. While there is reason to be wary of Smith because of all the confusion, ultimately the ailment was a minor tweak. Smith needs to be reinserted into fantasy lineups as a legit candidate for 20-plus touches in a shootout and plus matchup. The Saints allow over five yards a carry on the ground, the third-highest rate in football, and Smith will be an every-down back capable of capitalizing in a major way if Detroit falls behind early. He is an enormous upgrade on Maurice Morris as a check-down target because Smith has some change-of-direction skills and at least a prayer of making the first defender miss in the open field. Morris lacks that.

Score Prediction: Saints 38, Lions 31

Monday Night Football

San Diego @ Jacksonville

For better or worse, the Jags are throwing the fate of their franchise behind Blaine Gabbert after ex-coach Jack Del Rio benched the rookie in Week 12. GM Gene Smith, who traded up to draft Gabbert this past April, was signed to a three-year extension on Tuesday. Interim coach Mel Tucker followed up by naming Gabbert his Week 13 starter. Luke McCown wouldn't have saved Jacksonville's last-ranked passing offense, but Gabbert certainly isn't the immediate answer. He will continue to struggle against San Diego's top-nine pass defense. ... It's not uncommon for NFL teams to surge briefly after in-season coaching change. We've seen it before with Jim Haslett in the post-Scott Linehan era, and Jason Garrett's finish after Wade Phillips' 2010 firing. If it's going to happen in Jacksonville, it will almost certainly be because of Maurice Jones-Drew. Enjoying perhaps the best season of any running back in the league considering his situation, Jones-Drew ranks eighth at his position in fantasy scoring and has a favorable enough schedule to stay hot. MJD will finish the season facing San Diego (No. 25 run defense), Tampa Bay (No. 30), and Tennessee (No. 22) in three of his final four games. Expect 25-plus touches on Monday night.

Philip Rivers' lofty recent fantasy stats were not matching his poor on-field play, and more often than not in that kind of scenario the box scores begin catching up to the performance. Especially when the offense suddenly stops facing large deficits. Such was the case in last week's 16-13 loss to Denver, supposedly a passer-friendly matchup. Rivers still threw 36 times, but averaged a year-low 5.2 yards per attempt and took three more sacks behind an injury-wrecked offensive line. The matchup is again favorable, on paper, against a Jacksonville defense that has lost both starting cornerbacks to injured reserve over the past month. This is probably going to be another relatively close game, however, and not one that forces Rivers to flirt with 40 pass attempts. He's a low-end QB1 on Monday Night Football. ... Vincent Jackson has swapped mammoth efforts with clunkers week by week. He is now coming off a slow game, and "due" for a big one after getting shut down yet again by Champ Bailey in Week 12. V-Jax an elite fantasy receiver play in this one.

Antonio Gates' forty time is probably closer to 5.0 than 4.5 at this stage of his career, but he is finding the end zone with frequency. Working in Gates' Week 13 favor is the fact that the Jaguars have allowed the sixth-most fantasy points in the league to tight ends. Start 'em. ... Malcom Floyd will return to the starting lineup on Monday night, moving Vincent Brown into a situational/third receiver role. Brown is no longer start-able in fantasy football, and Floyd would have to show he's capable of playing four full quarters unscathed before becoming a serious WR3 candidate. Floyd has battled a multitude of lower-body injuries this season, often leaving games early after first-half setbacks. He's in prove-it mode. ... Ryan Mathews is San Diego's feature back when healthy, and that notion was reinforced when he racked up 142 yards on a team-high 23 touches in Week 12 against Denver. Mike Tolbert got the rock 14 times, managing 63 yards. Off the injury report this week, Mathews is a high-end RB2 in Monday night's matchup with Jacksonville. Run-plugging Jags NT Terrance Knighton (ankle) is not expected to play, and Mathews has 279 yards on his last 57 carries, good for a crisp average of 4.89 yards per tote. Tolbert is a low-end flex option.

Score Prediction: Chargers 24, Jaguars 17
 

hacheman@therx.com
Staff member
Joined
Jan 2, 2002
Messages
139,222
Tokens
Week 13 Injury Questions
We wait and wait for our studs to get back from injury. Darren McFadden's owners have been in pain for more than a month. So have the owners of players like Miles Austin and Ahmad Bradshaw. But how much can we really expect after so much time off?

Leg injuries prevent players from staying in shape during their layoffs. Before performing at optimal levels, an "ease-in" period is often needed.

As we get set for Week 13, we'll have an eye on how teams are managing guys coming of injuries.

Of course, the Rotoworld News Page will be humming all Sunday morning to bring you the latest from around the league. Also, be sure to read every word of these rankings from Gregg Rosenthal/Chris Wesseling in combination with Evan Silva's unprecedented Matchup Column.

If you want to draft a new team just for this week, check out SnapDraft here. And if you don't have it already, you need the Rotoworld App for your iPhone/iPod. Badly.

OK, let's get to the hurt folks:

1PM GAMES
JETS at REDSKINS
* LaDainian Tomlinson (knee) is back to reclaim his third-down role from Shonn Greene/Joe McKnight.
* Jeremy Kerley (knee) is ready to go as the No. 3 receiver, sending Patrick Turner back to the bench.

CHIEFS at BEARS
* Devin Hester's shin is getting better, but his role is still expected to be on special teams.
* Jay Cutler (thumb) may be done for the regular season. Caleb Hanie is the man here.

TITANS at BILLS
* Naaman Roosevelt (shoulder) is ready to play, but Brad Smith has won the wideout job opposite Stevie Johnson. David Nelson remains in the slot.
* Jared Cook is a go after a concussion scare.
* Rian Lindell (shoulder) needs another week. Dave Rayner will kick for the Bills.

RAIDERS at DOLPHINS
* Darren McFadden (foot) still isn't ready. It's the Michael Bush show.
* Jacoby Ford (foot) and Denarius Moore (foot) are both out as well. Darrius Heyward-Bey and Chaz Schilens will be the Raiders' starting wideouts, which is a concern for Carson Palmer.
* Taiwan Jones (hamstring) is out. Marcel Reece is headed for a fistful of touches again.
* Sebastian Janikowski (hamstring) is expected to kick through his questionable tag.
* Dan Carpenter (groin) will make his return.

BENGALS at STEELERS
* Cedric Benson (foot) took a couple days off this week, but will start in this brutal matchup.
* Emmanuel Sanders (knee) will be active as a kick returner and depth at widout. Antonio Brown's role as the No. 2 receiver won't be affected.

BRONCOS at VIKINGS
* Adrian Peterson (ankle) is out. Plodding Toby Gerhart gets the call again.
* Eddie Royal (toe) is headed for a true game-time call. Demaryius Thomas will start and figures to be open plenty if Royal can't go, but he'd be extremely risky with Tim Tebow at the helm.
* Percy Harvin popped up with an illness late in the week. It's not thought to be related to migraines and he's expected to play, but it's something to monitor.
* Michael Jenkins (knee) is done for the year. Greg Camarillo steps in outside.

PANTHERS at BUCS
* Josh Freeman (shoulder) is officially a game-time call, but he's expected to give it a go. Just be aware the damage is on Freeman's throwing side.

COLTS at PATRIOTS
* Joseph Addai (hamstring) was a late addition to the injury report, hinting at an aggravation. Donald Brown is a strong bet to lead this backfield in touches and Addai may end up inactive.
* Dallas Clark (leg) remains out.
* Chad Ochocinco (hamstring) is expected to play. Yawn.

FALCONS at TEXANS
* Julio Jones (hamstring) is expected to play, but is a risky WR3 coming off his airball. Jones didn't practice on Wednesday or Thursday, meaning he's at far less than 100 percent.
* Michael Turner (groin) should be a full go, but is just a high-end RB2 in this difficult matchup.

4PM GAMES
RAVENS at BROWNS
* Peyton Hillis (hamstring) is a full go while Montario Hardesty (calf) is ready for a backup role. Look for something like 6-9 touches for Hardesty.

PACKERS at GIANTS
* Ahmad Bradshaw (foot) is a true game-time call. If active, he'll likely share the load with Brandon Jacobs. It's a situation to avoid if possible.
* James Starks (knee, ankle) practiced in full this week. He's a full go.
* Mario Manningham (knee) won't play in this one and is in danger of missing the rest of the season. Victor Cruz is bordering on WR1 status.
* Hakeem Nicks (ribs, concussion) is a full go.

COWBOYS at CARDINALS
* Miles Austin (hamstring) remains out, meaning Laurent Robinson is in.
* Kevin Kolb (toe) finally makes his return, sending John Skelton back to the bench.
* Beanie Wells (knee) is all systems go as a strong RB2.
* Todd Heap (hamstring) will likely be active, but isn't a fantasy option.

RAMS at 49ERS
* Sam Bradford (ankle) is a true game-time call after aggravating his ankle in Week 12. He's off the radar against the defense anyway.
* Braylon Edwards (knee) is not expected to play. Ted Ginn and Kyle Williams will rotate opposite Michael Crabtree.

SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
LIONS at SAINTS
* Kevin Smith (ankle) is expected to play barring a setback. If he can sustain health, he'll carry a major load in this potential shootout.

MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
CHARGERS at JAGUARS
* Malcom Floyd (hip) ready to return, rendering Vincent Brown a non-factor.
* Jason Hill was cut this week. Jarrett Dillard and Cecil Shorts are going to get a chance.

SURVIVOR PICK OF THE WEEK
The most likely winner of the week is obviously the Patriots. The oddsmakers have tabbed them as a 20-point favorite over the Dan Orlovsky led Colts. The Niners are also a strong play as they need to keep winning to stay clear of the Saints for a bye.

If you've used those two teams, it's going to be hairy. I'd stay away from a Ravens team susceptible to bad road losses. The Bears are an sneaky one as the Chiefs put everything they had into last week's Monday Night Football loss. And if I was really desperate, I'd consider the Bills at home against the Titans. Buffalo almost always shows up at home no matter how bad the freefall is.

MY TOUGHEST DECISION OF THE WEEK
In a 10-team half-PPR, my WR3 spot came down to Vincent Jackson vs. Laurent Robinson. After much deliberation, I've decided to roll with Jackson.

The pattern of Jackson alternating duds with monster games all year is too strong to ignore. He's had four 100-yard games this year, each coming after games with 63 yards or less. Jacksonville's banged-up secondary has been buttered up to give up a big day.
Robinson is still a really strong play with Miles Austin out again. But without a 100-yard game in any his last four, the upside just isn't a high.
 

hacheman@therx.com
Staff member
Joined
Jan 2, 2002
Messages
139,222
Tokens
Bad Day Forte

One of the most significant injuries of Week 13 happened almost immediately after games got underway Sunday afternoon, as Matt Forte (5 rush, 12 yds) departed midway through the first quarter with what is believed to be a partially torn right MCL, according to ProFootballTalk’s Mike Florio. The early word (per Bears beat writer Mike C. Wright) is that Forte is expected to miss 2-4 weeks.

Forte will get platelet-rich plasma treatment in an effort to heal faster (and was reportedly walking sans crutches after Sunday’s game), but fantasy owners should still be prepared for the Chicago RB1 to miss multiple weeks.

The impact: Marion Barber (14 rush, 44 yds) becomes a must-add off the waiver wire, with the caveat that the Bears offense only scored three points against the Chiefs, and suddenly has a rather low ceiling with Caleb Hanie under center.

In other injury news…

While putting together a solid second game back from injury (4 rec, 97 yds) – and establishing a strong rapport with new starting QB T.J. Yates – Andre Johnson pulled up mid-stride with another hamstring injury. This was to his left hamstring – not the right hamstring that led to his earlier extended absence – but either way, it’s another significant setback in a very frustrating season. Johnson’s timetable should become clearer after a Monday MRI, but fantasy owners should be prepared for the Texans WR to miss at least one game, and possibly more.

Follow me on Twitter: @MattStroup

Kevin Smith went down with an apparent aggravation of his high ankle sprain early in the third quarter of Sunday night’s game. Smith walked off the field under his own power, and appeared to be making efforts to get back into the game, but the Lions didn’t give him that chance. Smith has already shown impressive toughness in playing through his ankle trouble, so it’s certainly possible he’ll be ready to play in Week 14. Maurice Morris (12 rush, 28 yds; 5 rec, 47 yds, TD) would benefit if Smith can’t play, but it’s hard to imagine relying on Morris in the fantasy playoffs outside of deeper PPR leagues.

Per beat writer Scott Petrak, Peyton Hillis (12 rush, 45 yds; 1 rec, 52 yds) was not in the Browns’ locker room after Sunday’s game due to an undisclosed injury. Browns coach Pat Shurmur said he doesn’t believe that Hillis aggravated his troublesome hamstring, and as of Sunday night the RB’s status was unclear, with an update expected on Monday. If Hillis is unable to play, Montario Hardesty could see extensive work in a brutal matchup against the Steelers on Thursday.

Kyle Orton came on early in relief of a brutally bad Tyler Palko, but left with an injured right index finger on his first (and only) pass attempt. ESPN’s Chris Mortensen reports that Orton dislocated his index finger, leaving his immediate status uncertain. A healthy Orton would likely get a shot to start in Week 14, but there appears to be at least a decent chance that Palko will be back doing his wretched starting QB impersonation next Sunday.

James Starks was carted off in the second quarter due to an ankle injury. Ryan Grant should theoretically benefit if Starks can’t play in Week 14, but he was altogether uninspiring against the Giants (13 rush, 29 yds; 1 rec, 17 yds). Furthermore, the Packers got Brandon Saine involved for his most extensive work yet (6 rush, 16 yds; 4 rec, 29 yds), and with or without Starks, the Green Bay backfield remains too unreliable to trust in fantasy leagues.

Nate Washington (4 rec, 40 yds) picked up an ankle injury in Sunday’s win over the Bills. No word as of Sunday night exactly how serious the injury might be, but any absence for Washington would mean more targets for Damian Williams (4 rec, 62 yds), with Lavelle Hawkins (2 rec, 9 yds) potentially surfacing as someone to watch in deeper leagues.

Andy Dalton left Sunday’s blowout loss with what initially appeared to be a hip injury, but the Bengals later referred to his absence as a coach’s decision. Based on early indications, this doesn’t sound like a significant cause for concern.

Other Injury Notes: Chaz Schilens had his most productive outing since 2009 (6 rec, 89 yds), but was unable to finish Sunday’s game due to a foot injury (which was very Chaz Schilens of him) … Colt McCoy missed time early due to a knee injury, but re-entered the game and played through it … The Jets lost Joe McKnight to an elbow injury … LaDainian Tomlinson missed time with a knee injury, but was able to return … Eddie Royal left with a neck injury … Martellus Bennett saw his day end early due to a rib injury … Rex Grossman needed a shot in his left (non-throwing) shoulder prior to Sunday’s game … Kevin Boss was unable to finish the loss to Miami due to a hip pointer … Laurent Robinson went to the locker room with a second quarter shoulder injury, but was able to return.

Editor’s note: If you want to draft a new fantasy team, check out SnapDraft here.

Defensive Injuries: 49ers LB Patrick Willis (hamstring) is headed for a Monday MRI … Cowboys DE DeMarcus Ware was on the sideline (with helmet on) due to a neck injury late in Sunday’s game … Bucs CB Aqib Talib suffered a hamstring injury in the first quarter … Packers CB Charles Woodson sustained a concussion … Steelers LB LaMarr Woodley tweaked his troublesome hamstring … Texans LB Brian Cushing suffered a knee injury while getting faked out of his trousers by Tony Gonzalez (which is not an occurrence that happens to many defenders these days).
 

hacheman@therx.com
Staff member
Joined
Jan 2, 2002
Messages
139,222
Tokens
Surviving the Fantasy Flu

Teammate Damian Williams compared Chris Johnson's 153-yard performance against the Bills to Michael Jordan's legendary “Flu Game” versus the Utah Jazz in the 1997 NBA Finals. Johnson revealed Sunday night that he hadn’t eaten a full meal since breaking out for 190 yards against the Bucs, losing 10 pounds in a week.

“I can’t lie, I felt weak out there,” Johnson explained. “It was pretty hard to practice all week. It was the flu or something, I don’t know, but it was bad. I just had to push through it because we have to continue to win if we want to make the playoffs.” Johnson was one of handful of high-profile players battling a virus this week. While all of them excelled, Johnson is the top story after finally showing 2000-yard form at Buffalo.

We noted last week that Johnson was nearly vintage CJ2K last week. After watching Sunday’s game on NFL.com’s Game Rewind, I’m confident that he’s now 100 percent the player he was in 2009. Johnson was patient yet decisive, made sharp cuts, and every carry had the potential to go to the house. Whereas Javon Ringer had a stronger burst as a change-of-pace back early in the season, he looked like he was running in quick sand contrasted against Johnson’s silly speed on Sunday. This marked his first multi-touchdown game since October 2010, he had cleared 100 yards by halftime, and the 48-yard score was a season long. Johnson is now up to nine career rushing touchdowns of 45+ yards, tied for fourth all-time behind Hall of Famers Barry Sanders (18), Jim Brown (13), and O.J. Simpson (10).

Fantasy owners who managed to survive Johnson’s 366 yards and one touchdown through eight weeks are poised to reap the benefits of a back exploding for 486 yards and three scores in the past four games. The Titans draw the Saints (4.9 yards per carry) in Week 14 and the Colts (30th in run defense) in Week 15.

“Great running backs like that, you don’t lose it overnight,” FB Ahmard Hall said Sunday. “We had a lot of problems with myself, the tight ends, the offensive line early. And now we have that fixed pretty much. Now we have to keep putting up these 100 yard games.” Added Johnson, “I feel like we’re finally clicking on all cylinders.”

Not to be outdone by Johnson, Percy Harvin established a career-high with 156 yards on eight receptions after missing Friday’s practice and Saturday’s walkthrough due to illness. In a shootout that boasted nine plays of 20+ yards, Harvin had the game’s two longest scores (52, 48 yards), taking two short passes the distance.

Since Adrian Peterson went down, rookie Christian Ponder is showing increased confidence in his top receiver. Already just 12 yards shy of a career-high in scrimmage yards, Harvin is averaging 12.3 touches for 125.3 yards and a total of four touchdowns over the past three weeks. In fact, his touches and production have increased in each of Ponder’s six starts this season: 4-23-0; 8-77-1; 9-70-0; 11-94-1; 13-106-1; 13-175-2.

“He’s an amazing athlete,” coach Leslie Frazier said Sunday night. “He was ill on Friday; he wasn’t able to get in to work. He wasn’t feeling too good on Saturday. He went out and played a good game. He’s a great player, great competitor, and has no quit in him at all. I can’t say enough about his effort and his heart.”

While we’re on the subject, Arian Foster (152 yards, TD) tweeted Sunday night that his immune system was in a “holy war” with a virus on Sunday. Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey, who had matched Johnson’s 12-pound weight loss while battling a virus earlier in the week, stymied the interior pass rush of a Bengals squad that sacked Ben Roethlisberger five times the last time the two teams met.

Game Balls

Rob Gronkowski - A disappointing game from Gronk is as rare as a squonk’s tears. When his third touchdown reception was ruled a lateral, Gronk went from breaking the single-season mark for tight ends jointly held by Antonio Gates and Vernon Davis to becoming the first with a touchdown catch and touchdown run in the same game. Gronkowski has now scored 24 touchdowns in his first 27 career regular season games, and his 176 fantasy points are more than any wide receiver save Calvin Johnson. It will be interesting to see if he draws first-round consideration in fantasy drafts next summer.

Ray Rice - Ravens OC Cam Cameron is no longer under fire for an offense skewing too heavily toward the pass. Rice has had three games with fewer than 10 carries this season, he’s toted the rock 20+ times in each of the past three weeks. Already over 100 yards against an injury-depleted Cleveland defense, Rice broke off a 67-yard run only to lose the short touchdown to Ricky Williams. With 214 yards and at score of his own, though, Rice is now second only to LeSean McCoy in fantasy points.

Aaron Rodgers - The MVP favorite would have cleared 400 yards if not for a series of drops by Jermichael Finley and Greg Jennings, but the receiving corps made up for those miscues with a display of ridiculous body control along the sidelines. Rodgers completed 21-of-25 attempts for 265 yards and three touchdowns outside the numbers. With a pair of surgical strikes to Finley and Jordy Nelson, Rodgers needed all of 14 seconds to put the Packers in field-goal range when Eli Manning left just less than a minute on the clock after tying the game at 35. “I’m running out of things to say about him,” said coach Mike McCarthy. The Packers’ 18 consecutive wins are tied for second-most all-time behind the 2003-04 Patriots, who won 21 straight.

Cam Newton - On the same afternoon where he broke Steve Grogan’s 1976 mark of 12 rushing scores, Newtown became just the third player in NFL history with a touchdown pass, three rush scores, and a reception in the same game, joining LaDainian Tomlinson and Ronnie Brown. Yes, lost amid the rushing scores was a 27-yard catch. Matching Rodgers’ 39 standard-scoring fantasy points, Newton is also the first quarterback with three rushing touchdowns in a game since Daunte Culpepper with the Raiders in 2007.

Drew Brees - Behind 342 yards and three touchdowns against the Lions, Brees became the first player in NFL history with 4,000+ passing yards in his team's first 12 games of a season. He’s also the fourth QB in NFL history with 30+ TD passes in four different seasons, joining Brett Favre (9), Petyon Manning (6), and Dan Marino (4). Up to 1,050 yards, Jimmy Graham is first tight end in Saints history to top the 1,000 mark.

Willis McGahee - Football Outsiders noted several years back that a decrease in a running back’s efficiency as a receiver is often a harbinger of a swift decline. By that measure, McGahee appeared to be washed up coming off averages of 3.9 and 5.7 yards per reception in 2009 and 2010. He was supposed to be winding down, not on the verge of one of his finest seasons at age 30. McGahee is tied for the NFL lead with six 100-yard performances to go with a rushing average of 4.9 yards per carry. As Gregg Rosenthal has been ranking him the past month, McGahee is a borderline RB1 option.


<!--RW-->Tebow Kool Aid

Denver-based sports cartoonist @DrewLitton is drinking the Tebow Kool Aid Monday morning after a 149.3 passer rating and 20.2 yards per completion in Denver’s fifth consecutive road victory (their longest road win streak since John Elway’s second consecutive Super Bowl in 1998).

NFL Films guru Greg Cosell opined a few weeks back that the Broncos cannot win long-term in this league with Tebow running the triple option. But, Cosell added, as long as Tebow is winning, it buys him time to develop as a passer in the same way that other young running quarterbacks have evolved. That development is coming along more smoothly than the Tebow skeptics will readily admit.

For the first time as a starter, Tebow failed to pick up a first down via the run. His passing numbers have improved for three straight weeks, even if Sunday’s performance came against a Vikings secondary routinely blowing coverage while playing without five of its top six players. Tebow was on target and reading coverage correctly while leading his fifth fourth-quarter comeback victory in 10 career starts.

As Profootballtalk points out, Tebow’s passing numbers on 158 attempts actually compare favorably with Kyle Orton’s 155 attemps. Orton has a significant edge in completion percentage, but Tebow more than makes up for that with more yards, a higher per-attempt average, more touchdowns (10:8), fewer interceptions (1:7), and a passer rating more than 12 points higher. Per CBSSports.com’s Clark Judge, Tebow’s numbers over 16 games project to 13.76 wins, 22.4 touchdown passes and 2.3 interceptions. This is the same quarterback who prompted Boomer Esiason to insist “He can’t play. He can’t throw.” Just a few months ago, ESPN’s Merrill Hoge shouted from mountain tops: "It's embarrassing to think the Broncos could win with Tebow!"

Garbage Men

Dan Orlovsky / Pierre Garcon - It may seem that Colts made this a game against a Patriots team resting its offensive starters in the second half while playing defenders out of position throughout. That’s not the case. Entering the fourth quarter, the Colts trailed 31-3. Both of Orlovsky’s touchdowns to Garcon came in the final three minutes, with the Pats defense rolling over. Respected Colts blog 18to88.com cautions, “Don't take his performance seriously. (Orlovsky is) a horrible player. Putting hope in a guy who has never won and NFL start and gives the team no chance to win is just as foolish as putting it in Painter was.” The blog also points out that Garcon has 75 catches, 1,074 yards, and nine TDs in his last 16 games.
Committee Report

Carson Palmer - On the first nine drives of Sunday’s game against the Dolphins’ suddenly shut-down defense, Palmer was 11-of-30 for 120 yards, a pick-six, and a 34-0 deficit. On the final two drives, Palmer was 9-of-11 for 153 yards and two touchdowns. Palmer should show improvement with Denarious Moore (ankle) expected to return for Week 14 at Green Bay.

Committee Report

Saints - Mark Ingram (16 carries, 54 yards, TD) / Darren Sproles (9 touches, 74 yards, TD) / Pierre Thomas (4 touches, 21 yards)

Thomas’ season-low four touches were more than a little surprising one week after leading the way with 110 yards and a score. Ingram has found the end zone in back-to-back weeks, and it appears as though the Saints are working to increase his role. Sproles had a typical game, doing the majority of his damage through the air in the two-minute drill.

Lions - Kevin Smith (12 touches, 80 yards, TD) / Maurice Morris (17 touches, 65 yards, TD)

Smith wasn’t as spry as normal, but he was still on his way to a big game before aggravating his ankle sprain early in the third quarter. Morris was an afterthought before Smith was forced out, but he did produce acceptable fantasy numbers for a second straight game. He’s a flex option against the Vikings in Week 14 if Smith can’t go.

Panthers - Jonathan Stewart (16 touches, 99 yards, TD) / DeAngelo Williams (11 carries, 29 yards)

Stewart has been outplaying Williams all season, and the Bucs game was no different. Stewart appeared to play more snaps than Williams, though that’s unofficial. Keep in mind that no Panthers back has topped 16 touches in a game all season, and the Falcons’ No. 2 run defense is on the docket for Week 14.

Chiefs - Dexter McCluster (13 touches, 107 yards, TD) / Thomas Jones (16 carries, 36 yards) / Jackie Battle (11 carries, 15 yards)

The bloom is officially off the Battle rose. Averaging 3.3 yards per carry over the past five games, Battle has fallen to third in the backfield pecking order. Jones isn’t fairing much better. McCluster’s 61 rushing yards and 107 scrimmage yards are new career-highs, though the touchdown was of the fluky Hail Mary variety on a tipped ball just before halftime. Don’t expect legit flex value going forward.

Colts - Donald Brown (15 touches, 56 yards, TD) / Joseph Addai (14 touches, 41 yards) / Delone Carter (3 carries, 20 yards)

Addai started for a second straight week, but he continues to be outplayed by the former first-round bust. Brown has scored three times in the past five weeks, averaging 65 scrimmage yards per. Until or unless Addai is out of the picture, Brown is merely a flex option.

Packers - Ryan Grant (14 touches, 46 yards) / Brandon Saine (10 touches, 45 yards) / James Starks (3 carries, 5 yards)

Starks was carted to the locker room in the second quarter after aggravating his ankle sprain for the third time. Grant and Saine split time the rest of the way, with Saine as the passing-down back. If the Packers elect to hold Starks out so he can finally get over the injury, Saine would be the preferred pickup over Grant. The two would likely split touches, but Grant hasn’t had a run of 10+ yards since Week 3. Saine was the more impressive back in relief of Starks.

Dolphins - Reggie Bush (22 carries, 100 yards, TD) / Daniel Thomas (13 carries, 73 yards)

Reinventing his game, Bush ran between the tackles and didn’t catch a single pass against the Raiders. For as long as the game was in question, he functioned as the clear feature back. Thomas continues to pile up carries in garbage time. He’s purely a backup.

Giants - Brandon Jacobs (8 carries, 59 yards, TD) / Ahmad Bradshaw (13 touches, 47 yards)

Bradshaw came out of his Week 13 return healthy, but he failed to gain separation as the lead back. Jacobs was the more effective player, showing more of a burst than he’s had in weeks. I’d project close to a 60-40 split, in Bradshaw’s favor, going forward.

Patriots - BenJarvus Green-Ellis (6 carries, 14 yards, TD) / Stevan Ridley (8 carries, 33 yards) / Danny Woodhead (4 carries, 12 yards) / Kevin Faulk (3 touches, 18 yards)

Throw out the results from this game. Bill Belichick used the winless Colts to experiment with position changes, snap counts, and substitutions. The Patriots had a 31-3 by the end of the third quarter. Neither Green-Ellis nor Woodhead saw the field in the second half while Ridley took all of the reps. Look for Lawfirm to return as the lead back in Week 14 at the Redskins.

Injury Ward

Kyle Orton, Chiefs - Finger
Andy Dalton, Bengals - Hip
Colt McCoy, Browns - Knee
Matt Forte, Bears - Knee
Kevin Smith, Lions - Ankle
Peyton Hillis, Browns - Hip
James Starks, Packers - Ankle
Joe McKnight, Jets - Elbow
LaDainian Tomlinson, Jets - Knee
Andre Johnson, Texans - Hamstring
Nate Washington, Titans - Ankle
Chaz Schilens, Raiders - Foot
Eddie Royal, Broncos - Neck
Scott Chandler, Bills - Ankle
Kevin Boss, Raiders - Hip
Andrew Quarless, Packers - Knee
Patrick Willis, 49ers - Hamstring
Pat Angerer, Colts - Knee
Charles Woodson, Packers - Concussion
Aqib Talib, Buccaneers - Hamstring
Tamba Hali, Chiefs - Hand
LaMarr Woodley, Steelers - Hamstring

Check out Matt Stroup’s “Bad Day Forte” for in-depth analysis of Sunday’s M*A*S*H unit fallout.

<!--RW-->Awards Section

Stat of the Week: Tony Romo’s 90.5 winning percentage in November is the highest among all quarterbacks beginning their career in the Super Bowl era. After Sunday’s loss to the Cardinals, Romo is just 8-11 in December.

Runner-Up: Buoyed by Sunday’s 100-yard performance against the Texans’ “Bulls on Parade” defense, Tony Gonzalez became the only player in NFL history with 60+ receptions in 13 consecutive seasons. Jerry Rice and Derrick Mason shared the lead with 12.

Quote of the Week: Browns RB Peyton Hillis, responding to a group of reporters asking to pin a miniature clip-on microphone on him for an interview: “Why not? You’ve pinned everything else on me this year.”

Runner-Up: Retired RB Fred Taylor on the journey from Jack Del Rio’s Jacksonville offense to Bill Belichick’s New England offense: “It’s the difference between a Shell Hot Dog and Ruth’s Chris.”

Tweet of the Week: From Rotoworld’s own @Chetrazzball on Marshawn Lynch’s Skinnerian reward for scoring touchdowns: “Skittles, Positive Reinforcement.”

Runner-Up: From writer Paul Raff a/k/a @mookiewilson86 on the head-scratching decision to go with Madonna as the halftime act at this year’s Super Bowl: “Hope Madonna does 'Bob Papa Don't Preach' during the Super Bowl halftime show.”

Second Runner-Up: Mark Craig of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, summing up Donovan McNabb’s impact with the Vikings: “Final: Donovan 1 win, Spergon 0.”

Fantasy MVP of Week 13: Aaron Rodgers, Packers / Cam Newton, Panthers

Fantasy Breakout Player of Week 13: C.J.Spiller, Bills

Fantasy Rookie of Week 13: Cam Newton, Panthers

Fantasy Disappointment of Week 13: LeGarrette Blount, Buccaneers

Fantasy Fraud of Week 13: Caleb Hanie / Earl Bennett, Bears

Fantasy Fluke of Week 13: Donald Driver, Packers / Robert Meachem, Saints

Fine Fifteen Fantasy Offenses

1. Patriots
2. Packers
3. Saints
4. Giants
5. Cowboys
6. Eagles
7. Lions
8. Falcons
9. Steelers
10. Chargers
11. Panthers
12. Vikings
13. Raiders
14. Broncos
15. Ravens

Early Waiver Look

QB: Dan Orlovsky, Kevin Kolb, Christian Ponder, Donovan McNabb
RB: Marion Barber, Brandon Saine, Montario Hardesty, Maurice Morris, Ryan Grant, Mossis Madu
WR: Golden Tate, Demaryius Thomas, Brad Smith, Damian Williams, Andre Roberts, Robert Meachem, Brandon LaFell, Devin Aromashodu, Ted Ginn
TE: Jacob Tamme
 

hacheman@therx.com
Staff member
Joined
Jan 2, 2002
Messages
139,222
Tokens
MNF Matchup: Chargers @ Jags
Monday Night Football

San Diego @ Jacksonville

For better or worse, the Jags are throwing the fate of their franchise behind Blaine Gabbert after ex-coach Jack Del Rio benched the rookie in Week 12. GM Gene Smith, who traded up to draft Gabbert this past April, was signed to a three-year extension last Tuesday. Interim coach Mel Tucker followed up by naming Gabbert his Week 13 starter. Luke McCown wouldn't have saved Jacksonville's last-ranked passing offense, but Gabbert certainly isn't the immediate answer. He will continue to struggle against San Diego's top-seven pass defense. ... It's not uncommon for NFL teams to surge after in-season coaching change. We've seen it before with Jim Haslett in the post-Scott Linehan era, and Jason Garrett's finish after Wade Phillips' 2010 firing. If it's going to happen in Jacksonville, it will almost certainly be because of Maurice Jones-Drew. Enjoying perhaps the best season of any running back in the league considering his situation, Jones-Drew ranks eighth at his position in fantasy scoring and has a favorable enough schedule to stay hot. MJD will finish the season facing San Diego (No. 26 run defense), Tampa Bay (No. 29), and Tennessee (No. 21) in three of his final four games. Expect 25-plus touches on Monday night.

Philip Rivers' lofty recent fantasy stats were not matching his poor on-field play, and more often than not in that kind of scenario the box scores begin catching up to the performance. Especially when the offense suddenly stops facing large deficits. Such was the case in last week's 16-13 loss to Denver, supposedly a passer-friendly matchup. Rivers still threw 36 times, but averaged a year-low 5.2 yards per attempt and took three more sacks behind an injury-wrecked offensive line. The matchup is again favorable, on paper, against a Jacksonville defense that has lost three of its top four cornerbacks (Rashean Mathis, Derek Cox, William Middleton) to injured reserve over the past month. This is probably going to be another relatively close game, however, and not one that forces Rivers to flirt with 40 pass attempts. He's a low-end QB1 on Monday Night Football. ... Vincent Jackson has swapped mammoth efforts with clunkers week by week. He is now coming off a slow game, and "due" for a big one after getting shut down yet again by Champ Bailey in Week 12. V-Jax is an elite fantasy receiver play in this one.

Antonio Gates' forty time is probably closer to 5.0 than 4.5 at this stage of his career, but he is finding the end zone with frequency. Working in Gates' Week 13 favor is the fact that the Jaguars have allowed the sixth-most fantasy points in the league to tight ends. Start 'em. ... Malcom Floyd will return to the starting lineup on Monday night, moving Vincent Brown into a situational/third receiver role. Brown is no longer start-able in fantasy football, and Floyd would have to show he's capable of playing four full quarters unscathed before becoming a confident WR3 candidate. Floyd has battled a multitude of lower-body injuries this season, often leaving games early after first-half setbacks. He's in prove-it mode. ... Ryan Mathews is San Diego's feature back when healthy, and that notion was reinforced when he racked up 142 yards on a team-high 23 touches in Week 12 against Denver. Mike Tolbert got the rock 14 times, managing 63 yards. Off the injury report this week, Mathews is a high-end RB2 in Monday night's matchup with Jacksonville. Jaguars DEs Matt Roth (concussion) and Aaron Kampman (hamstring) are both listed as doubtful, and NT Terrance Knighton (ankle) is questionable after missing most of this week's practice reps. Mathews has 279 yards on his last 57 carries, good for a crisp average of 4.89 yards per tote. Tolbert is a low-end flex option.

Score Prediction: Chargers 24, Jaguars 13
 

hacheman@therx.com
Staff member
Joined
Jan 2, 2002
Messages
139,222
Tokens
Instant Impressions: Week 13

By Christopher Harris
ESPN.com

Matt Forte took a brutal shot from Derrick Johnson early in The Bears' loss Sunday to the Kansas City Chiefs, and suffered what looked like a catastrophic knee injury. Early signals out of Chicago are that perhaps the damage isn't as bad as it looked, though we could have more definitive word as soon as Monday afternoon. Reporters spotted Forte walking in the locker room without crutches, and ESPNChicago.com reports that the damage is to Forte's MCL and will cause him to miss between two and four games. This obviously comes at the worst possible time for fantasy owners, as we approach the playoffs in standard ESPN.com leagues. Marion Barber will be the must-add player off the waiver wire this week, but Barber hasn't held up well as a full-time back since '07, and I'm not hopeful that the Caleb Hanie-led Bears offense is ready to go on a roll behind Barber. Forte owners must add Barber, but maintain moderate expectations. Kahlil Bell will likely be Barber's backup.


Andre Johnson caught one deep pass from T.J. Yates on Sunday; it was a well-thrown ball, in that it gave AJ a chance to be his super-freak self and make the bomb-catch, but let's not buy into the hype that Yates and Johnson had established some kind of Vulcan mind-meld, y'know? That play went for 50 of AJ's 97 yards; his other three catches were of the short-ish variety. Of course, all this might be moot because on his final grab, Johnson pulled up lame with a left hamstring injury (he had surgery on his right hamstring earlier this season). He'll have an MRI on Monday, but the initial thought is that if the damage was bad enough to force him to pull up and miss the rest of Sunday's game, it's going to be bad enough to keep him out of action at least next week. And unfortunately during Johnson's six-game absence, no Houston Texans receiver stepped forward as a decent fantasy replacement, not Kevin Walter, not Jacoby Jones, not Owen Daniels. What a mess.

• Good news from the Shanahan front: He stuck to his Roy Helu word and gave his rookie rusher a full accompaniment of touches. Helu had all 23 of the Washington Redskins' carries, plus had four catches. Evan Royster had one catch, and Ryan Torain didn't touch the ball from scrimmage for a second consecutive week. It's going to be a dangerous game to keep trusting Shanny in your fantasy playoffs, but at least now you have back-to-back weeks of high usage for Helu to fall back on.


• Alas, the news wasn't so good from the land of Belichick. BenJarvus Green-Ellis looked like he had a dream matchup versus the Indianapolis Colts but wound up with only six carries for 14 yards (fortunately he did find the end zone) because the New England Patriots were winning by a bunch and decided not to give BJGE a single snap in the second half. (Stevan Ridley took over.) So between Shanny and Belichick's perpetual communal battle between logical and madcap RB decisions, the score in Week 13 was 1-1.


• In ESPN.com's Week 13 ranks, I was the only ranker to put Hakeem Nicks over Victor Cruz, and the only ranker to put Dez Bryant ahead of Laurent Robinson. I made enough bad calls to float a battleship (slotting DeAngelo Williams above Jonathan Stewart was certainly one of 'em!), but those two assessments proved accurate, as Nicks and Bryant asserted their dominance Sunday. Some would proclaim me too stubborn and unwilling to bend from my initial opinions about players. But it's such a dangerous game to get carried away by surprising ancillary receivers. The moment we notice that Cruz and Robinson have been dominant, opposing defenses pay attention, too. And instead of rolling coverage away from the players they fear most (Nicks and Bryant), they play it a bit more straight up, and the more talented players flex their muscles. Nicks scored 20 fantasy points Sunday and Bryant scored 14; Cruz had 11 (but still had an impressive 119 receiving yards) and Robinson (who banged up his shoulder but returned to the game) had 7.


• Give C.J. Spiller and Toby Gerhart credit for fine Week 13 efforts while replacing two of the best RBs of '11. I haven't watched the Buffalo Bills/Tennessee Titans game tape yet, but every time I looked up in ESPN's War Room, Spiller was hitting a hole decisively or getting around the edge with aplomb. He produced an explosive early-game 35-yard TD run and overall had 102 yards from scrimmage on 17 touches. He's ensconced as a flex option. Gerhart didn't make anyone forget about Adrian Peterson on Sunday, but he did punish a Denver Broncos tackler or two, plus caught an unexpected eight passes. Gerhart has generated 11 and 13 fantasy points the past two weeks against the Falcons and Broncos, two of the toughest teams to run against over the past six games or so. If AP can't go in Week 14, Gerhart will have an easier matchup against the Detroit Lions, and will also be worth using as a flex. At the very least, if you're a Peterson owner entering the playoffs and haven't handcuffed him to Gerhart, shame on you.

Rob Gronkowski. Wow. For a moment, we believed he had set the single-season record for receiving TDs by a tight end Sunday, when he found the end zone versus the Colts for the third time, but official scorers ruled that this third TD was just barely a lateral from Tom Brady, and thus counted as a running score. Gronk is up to 13 receiving TDs (and 14 overall) for the season, which ties him with Antonio Gates in '04 and Vernon Davis in '09 for the most in a single season by a TE. Let's just say that record is going to fall, and soon.


James Starks aggravated his ankle injury early in Sunday afternoon's tilt versus the New York Giants, and had to be carted to the locker room. He produced 5 yards on three carries before the pain came for the third straight game, and he didn't return. In his absence, a plodding Ryan Grant had 29 yards on 13 carries, while Brandon Saine had 16 yards on six carries. And of course, the Green Bay Packers' passing game dominated the fantasy ledger. We'll know more about Starks soon, presumably, but by now hopefully fantasy owners have stopped relying on the Packers' running game altogether.


Kevin Smith also re-aggravated an ankle problem, and he didn't return to the Detroit Lions' dispiriting Sunday night loss to the New Orleans Saints. Smith had produced well in the passing game (six grabs, 46 yards) to that point, though he hadn't looked shifty in the running game, presumably because of the bad ankle. In Smith's absence, the pedestrian Maurice Morris was awful as a rusher -- 28 yards on 12 carries -- though he did score near the end of the third quarter on a dump-off red zone pass. As the Lions' season slowly spirals down the commode, Smith would seem unlikely to play in Week 14 versus the Vikings. You won't want to use any of the Lions' RBs in that game.


Peyton Hillis made one big play versus the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, a 52-yard catch-and-run on a completely blown coverage (which saw Hillis get run down from behind before he could score). Otherwise, he was a steaming pile of mediocrity (12 carries, 45 yards), plus was reportedly injured in the game, as he didn't have another touch after the 6:49 mark of the third quarter, while Chris Ogbonnaya took over (Montario Hardesty and his perennially injured calf played three downs Sunday and didn't have a touch from scrimmage). Browns beat reporters said Hillis wasn't in the locker room after the team's loss, adding to speculation that Hillis got hurt. Heading into a Thursday game versus the Pittsburgh Steelers, he looks questionable at best, and we don't yet know whether Hardesty can take his place.


• What a genius Todd Haley is. Once again, he went with Tyler Palko as his starter, only to watch the vagabond lefty go 4-of-5 for 27 yards and two sacks in the first quarter. (It looked worse than it sounds.) Finally realizing the error of his ways, Haley began the second quarter with Kyle Orton under center, only to see Orton bang his throwing hand on a defender's helmet, dislocating the forefinger. Re-enter Palko. Yes, the Chiefs upset the Bears behind Palko, but realize that his only offense came on a completed Hail Mary (a deflection that Dexter McCluster caught) at halftime. Had 'em all the time, Haley! We don't know yet whether Orton's injury will keep him out longer term, but until someone else is under center, Dwayne Bowe needs to be out of your lineup.


LeGarrette Blount's ridiculous season continues. (And I don't mean ridiculous in a good way.) Blount, who was my No. 19 RB this summer -- I was mocked and reviled in some quarters for putting him that low -- has produced two 19-point, a 16-point and an 11-point fantasy day this season. He has also produced five days of seven fantasy points or fewer, and missed two games with a knee injury. (He currently sits 28th in fantasy points among RBs.) And while Ray Rice and Chris Johnson were able to take advantage of ultra-tasty matchups Sunday, Blount racked up 19 rushing yards on 11 carries versus a Carolina Panthers run D that had allowed an average of 27 fantasy points to opposing rushers over the past five weeks. Seriously. I was always lower on Blount than most folks, and I have to imagine most of his fantasy owners are flat-out done with him by now.

• Don't look now, but Dan Orlovsky is better than Curtis Painter. The Colts are still winless, and much of his Week 13 statistical goodness came during a fruitless garbage-time attempt to come back against the Patriots (who were winning 31-3 before pulling the air brakes), but nevertheless Orlovsky passed for 353 yards Sunday. Garbage yards count, too. No, you're not adding the former UConn QB, but seeing Pierre Garcon score twice and account for 150 yards gave me pause. It would obviously be ridiculously tough to use Garcon or Reggie Wayne in a fantasy playoff game. But at least the thought is allowed to enter your mind.


Tim Tebow went 10-of-15 for 202 yards, two TDs and zero picks (he did lose a fumble), which qualifies as an amazing passing day for him. Because he only carried it four times for 13 yards, Tebow didn't have a huge fantasy game, but once again he managed to slot right in there as an above-average fantasy QB; he has now had between 15 and 23 fantasy points in all but one of his eight games this year. (The average fantasy QB nets just over 14 fantasy points per week in a standard ESPN.com scoring format.) You never know when a negative blow-up game is looming for such a pass-challenged QB, but against the Vikings' laughable Cover 2 on Sunday, Tebow looked respectable, and he's obviously going to be worth starting most weeks if you've ridden him this far. Alas, Eric Decker was invisible (two catches, 25 yards) Sunday, and Demaryius Thomas took on a starring role, making play after play, rumbling over people after the catch and notching 144 yards on four catches with two TDs. If anything, this confuses the Broncos WR situation, as we can't definitively claim that Decker will benefit if and when Tebow looks competent as a passer. Best to stay away from these WRs and just stay invested in Timmy T.
 

hacheman@therx.com
Staff member
Joined
Jan 2, 2002
Messages
139,222
Tokens
Four Downs: Forte latest Bear to go down
in.gif


Eric Karabell

With starting quarterback Jay Cutler on the shelf for perhaps the rest of the season, Chicago Bears coach Lovie Smith made it clear how his team would alter the offensive game plan: The Bears would rely more on star running back Matt Forte. Well, that plan won't be in action the next few weeks, at the least, as Forte suffered a Grade 2 MCL sprain in his right knee early in Sunday's loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Forte is expected to miss two to four weeks, a large problem for a sputtering Bears team that managed a pitiful three points at home Sunday, and for fantasy owners starting the playoffs in Week 14.

Forte entered the week leading the NFL in yards from scrimmage and sixth among running backs in standard fantasy scoring. He was active in 99.6 percent of ESPN standard leagues -- second only to Ray Rice -- though it's important to note Forte was hardly thriving; he hadn't reached as many as 13 fantasy points since Week 7. Many a fantasy playoff team will wonder why this injury had to happen now, but in a way, things could be far worse. Now fantasy owners don't have to play the guy "that carried them" to this point, because he had stopped doing so, and focus ahead on Week 14 producers. Forte was struggling, he's been ceding goal-line carries to Marion Barber for months and new quarterback Caleb Hanie was abysmal Sunday, throwing three interceptions and producing a minus-one in fantasy.
<OFFER>Barber is an obvious fantasy addition for Week 14 -- he's owned in 17.1 percent of ESPN standard leagues -- when the Bears travel to play the Denver Broncos, but he's hardly a lock for success. On Sunday, Barber ran for 44 yards on 14 carries; he's not only averaging fewer than 4 yards per rush but he's caught all of three passes all season. He's not Forte, even the struggling version. UCLA product Kahlil Bell ran four times for 34 yards Sunday, looking quicker than Barber on a 26-yard scamper, but with Hanie at quarterback there's little reason for opposing defenses to fear this passing game. Forte fantasy owners should keep the running back in case he recovers quickly, but don't be so quick to plug Barber into lineups. The Bears are a mess. Stay away from the mess.
Second down: While Forte is down and out, New York Jets disappointment Shonn Greene picked a fine time to help his fantasy owners. Active in 52.3 percent of ESPN standard leagues, presumably as a flex choice for most, Greene ran for 88 yards and scored three touchdowns against the Washington Redskins, a 28-point fantasy performance in standard leagues that paced all Week 13 running backs entering the Sunday night game. Greene entered the week nursing a rib injury and 31st in standard scoring among running backs. There's sentiment that Greene ramps up his game late in the season, but the truth is Greene has been a reliable January player for the NFL playoffs, not a December star for fantasy owners. In eight prior December games, Greene had scored one touchdown, and topped 70 rushing yards once. In other words, don't get too excited about Greene's Week 14 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. Greene should be good for seven or eight fantasy points, but he's just nothing special.

Third down: In one of the bigger weeks of the season for running backs, with six players topping 20 fantasy points and seven others reaching 15 points (entering Sunday night), Tampa Bay Buccaneers ace LeGarrette Blount seemed one of the safer bets with the horrific Carolina Panthers run defense pending. Blount rushed for more than 100 yards in Weeks 11 and 12; the Panthers were allowing the most fantasy points to running backs, nearly 25 per game. Well, guess what happened? Blount was the No. 11 running back in terms of being active in ESPN leagues (82.8 percent), and he rushed 11 times for 19 yards. That's one fantasy point in the easiest of matchups when Blount had totaled 27 fantasy points the past two weeks. Epic fail. Certainly the absence of starting quarterback Josh Freeman (shoulder) didn't help, as Josh Johnson (not the Florida Marlins pitcher) struggled, but now fantasy owners will re-examine their love for Blount. He's likely more flex option than sure starter for Week 14, and now the Week 16 rematch at Carolina seems less appealing as well, unless you own Cam Newton and/or Jonathan Stewart, who really enjoyed tearing up the Buccaneers (second most fantasy points allowed to running backs).
Fourth down: Meanwhile, Houston Texans stud wide receiver Andre Johnson continues to tease fantasy owners. He caught four of his nine targets from rookie quarterback T.J. Yates on Sunday, including a 50-yarder, gaining 97 yards. It was a great sign that Johnson was able to produce nine fantasy points with a third-string quarterback (whom you shouldn't be relying on individually). Alas, Johnson left early with a left hamstring injury, describing it as nothing near the right hamstring injury Johnson suffered in Week 4 that caused him to miss six games. We'll find out more about the severity of the injury Monday, though fantasy owners seemed oddly lukewarm in using him anyway; Johnson was active in 54.6 percent of leagues, ranking 23rd. Johnson is good enough that if he is able to play in Week 14, he's a borderline top 10 wide receiver, and certainly worth using in a fantasy playoff matchup.
 

hacheman@therx.com
Staff member
Joined
Jan 2, 2002
Messages
139,222
Tokens
Put your red-hot players under the microscope
By Pete O'Brien, USA TODAY


There are a ton of factors that go into a wide receiver having a good relationship with his quarterback that go beyond the quarterback's accuracy and the receiver getting open and having good hands. Are they consistently on the same page reading the defense? Do the particular routes being run provide a high chance of success? Are defenses more concerned with other players?

Whenever a wideout gets surprisingly hot, one of the first ways to see if the performance is a fluke or a sign of more to come is to check the number of targets he gets and the percentage of those he catches. More often than not, deep threats will have lower catch percentages than slot receivers or running backs, who typically catch shorter passes.
From Nov. 1 through Dec. 4, Percy Harvin of the Minnesota Vikings, Victor Cruz of the New York Giants and Super Bowl hero Jordy Nelson of the Green Bay Packers have been among the top five fantasy receivers. Who would have guessed in August that those players would be among the hottest receivers entering the fantasy playoffs?
While five weeks is a relatively small sample size, fantasy owners can't ignore the production of those players — and they have to make the tough decision about who goes into their starting lineups for the playoffs. It can be hard for an owner to get off the mind-set that Calvin Johnson can single-handedly carry them to victory or embrace the idea of benching a player such as Steve Smith, whose production early in the season was so valuable. But don't worry, your favorite players won't mind if you bench them. So let's have a look at several hot hands:
•Cruz has caught 62 of the 96 passes Eli Manning has hurled at him. That 65% connect rate is in line with Manning's overall 62.4 completion percentage. What's surprising is Cruz is going for a whopping 17.4 yards a catch. But working in his favor is the fact he's not the Giants receiver defenses fear the most. That honor goes to Hakeem Nicks. Also, Manning's knack for extending plays has created wide-open opportunities for big plays, often passes to Cruz. The Dallas Cowboys have the firepower to force the Giants into another shootout this weekend, so Cruz will keep getting plenty of chances.
It's unrealistic, however, to expect a continuation of the 71% connect rate of the last three games that has led to Cruz's 22 catches for 404 yards and three touchdowns.
After the trip to Dallas, the Giants will be back at MetLife Stadium against the Washington Redskins, followed by a game against the New York Jets. (The Giants will be the visiting team in that one.) Both of those games are likely to be low-scoring affairs. Set your expectations for an average of four to five catches a game for about 80-90 yards.
•Nelson's output has been even more surprising. He's pulled in 48 of the 63 passes sent his way. That 76% rate is significantly higher than Aaron Rodgers' overall 70.6 completion percentage and is incredible considering how often Nelson is going deep. He's averaging 18.3 yards a catch. He's tied for third in the NFL with nine touchdown receptions, so nearly one of five catches is a score.
And considering Nelson is 12th in receiving yards (876) but 72nd in targets, it's unlikely he can keep this efficiency up. Obviously, being a 6-3 target with the best quarterback in the game helps, as does having teammates such as Greg Jennings and Jermichael Finley to take the pressure off. With three Lambeau Field home games (against the Oakland Raiders, Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions) and one outdoor road game (Kansas City Chiefs) left on the December schedule, the weather could curtail Nelson's production. And when you're on a team with so many options, you can end up with the four-catch, 26-yard stat line that Nelson provided on Thanksgiving against the Detroit Lions.
Finally, the Packers are hinting that they're interested in going for a perfect season, but coach Mike McCarthy might get more concerned about injuries as the playoffs near and take his foot off the gas.
Keep Nelson in your lineup, but don't expect him to carry your team. Think of him as the great No. 3 receiver he was expected to be when you drafted him.
•As Adrian Peterson, Michael Jenkins and others got hit with the injury bug, the Vikings have leaned more on Harvin to provide a spark. And he's delivered. He has caught 28 passes over the last four games for 376 yards and four touchdowns. He's also added 69 yards on the ground.
Harvin has reeled in 59 of 78 targets (76%) while generating 12 yards a reception. For comparison, that's just above the 74% rate New England Patriots slot receiver Wes Welker has produced with Tom Brady.
While Harvin's eight-catch, 156-yard, two-TD shredding of the Broncos last weekend won't happen on a regular basis, he's clearly going to be first on Christian Ponder's mind the next two weeks (at the Lions and at home against the New Orleans Saints). Both games are in domes against teams that have been generous of late to opponents' passing games. And the 2-10 Vikings are good bets to be in catch-up mode in both games.
•On the flip side, Smith started out the season on fire, with five 100-yard games and four touchdowns in the first eight weeks for the Carolina Panthers. He was the No. 4 fantasy receiver at that point, averaging more than 14 points a game.
He's 42nd among receivers since, averaging less than seven points a game. The Panthers have run more often, and rookie quarterback Cam Newton is getting more comfortable with other receiving options. Smith hasn't reached 70 receiving yards and has scored once since the turn. A tough matchup this weekend against the Atlanta Falcons followed by a brutal one on the road vs. the Houston Texans should signal owners to thank Smith for his efforts and send him to the bench.
•Johnson's owners got too accustomed to his remarkable first half when he scored twice in each of the first four games and then ripped off four 100-plus-yard outings in the second four games while scoring three touchdowns in that span.
The most recent four, however, haven't produced a day of 100 yards or multiple scores. He's caught 22 passes for 288 yards and one touchdown. Fantasy owners might have a hard time realizing that's still pretty good. While quarterback Matthew Stafford has been erratic, the commitment to getting Johnson the ball has not. He is third in the NFL with 117 targets and has six of his team-high eight targets in Sunday night's loss to the Saints.
Keep the faith. "Megatron" still has a devastating performance or two left in him no matter how much defenses focus on him. The first will probably happen this weekend at home against the Vikings and their depleted secondary. Minnesota has allowed more TD passes (24) than any other team in the NFL.
 

hacheman@therx.com
Staff member
Joined
Jan 2, 2002
Messages
139,222
Tokens
No playoffs? Time to start building next year's team

By Pete O'Brien, USA TODAY



One of the great things about keeper leagues is that even if you're out of the running for the title, there is fun to be had shaping your team for next season.

Since many leagues allow non-playoff teams to compete in a "Toilet Bowl" tournament or shoot for the weekly high-score prize, the waiver wire remains open for all.
  • <H3 class=inline-h3>MORE: Rosters, injury updates, depth charts
Most leagues have rules dictating the cost of keepers. Usually it's pegged to the round a player was originally drafted. For instance, if Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten was taken in the fifth round, the owner might have to give up a fourth-rounder in 2012 to keep him.
Many owners can't stand the thought of surrendering high-quality draft picks no matter how good the player, so they often focus on the cheapest players that could be useful. Other owners who saw their season go South early may have traded away their stars for future draft picks.
Regardless, here are a few lottery tickets that remain widely available. Come August, they might be in situations that make them popular sleepers, and you could protect them for dirt cheap. If not, you haven't lost anything.
Green Bay Packers backup quarterback Matt Flynn is set to become an unrestricted free agent. He has spent four seasons as Aaron Rodgers' understudy. Flynn, who is 6-2 and 225 pounds, has been impressive in limited opportunities. He opened eyes in 2010 when, in his only start, he went 24-for-37 for 251 yards with three touchdown passes and one interception in a 31-27 loss to the New England Patriots in Week 15.
With Rodgers and the Packers offense being the new gold standard in the NFL, some team is going to offer Flynn a chance to compete for a starting job in 2012, hoping he can bring some Green Bay magic with him.
•Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Josh Johnson is another soon-to-be unrestricted free agent eager for a chance to start. Subbing for the injured Josh Freeman in Week 13, Johnson connected on 16-of-27 passes for 229 with a TD and a pick while falling to the Carolina Panthers 38-19. The ultra-athletic Johnson also ran for 45 on five carries.
While Johnson won't draw the interest Flynn will, teams taking notice of the success of Cam Newton and Tim Tebow may be more open to giving a shot to signal callers that can make plays with their legs. For his career, Johnson has rushed for 249 yards on 36 attempts for a gaudy 6.9 average a carry.
Fantasy owners are well aware both Newton and Tebow are top 10 among quarterbacks in average fantasy point per start.
Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas' brief career has been plagued by an assortment of injuries. He is rounding into form from a torn Achilles tendon he suffered in February.
Against the Minnesota Vikings, Thomas caught four passes for 144 yards and two touchdowns. But most owners have ignored Thomas, and for good reason. He totaled four catches for 76 yards in his five previous outings while he spent a lot of time on the bench as the No. 3 receiver behind Eric Decker and Eddie Royal. Also, with Tebow averaging 16.4 pass attempts a game since the Broncos incorporated the read option into their offense in Week 9, there simply haven't been enough opportunities for any Denver receiver to be a consistent fantasy start.
But keep in mind Tebow's leash likely will get considerably longer in 2012 once he gets his first full set of offseason practices and can finally go through training camp as the starter. And Thomas, who has missed two training camps, also will benefit from a full offseason.
For those who don't believe a John Fox-coached team will ever throw the ball enough to produce top-flight fantasy receiving options, remember his Carolina Panther teams focused on the run while still producing fantasy starters Steve Smith and Mushin Muhammed.
</H3>
 

hacheman@therx.com
Staff member
Joined
Jan 2, 2002
Messages
139,222
Tokens
Jones-Drew's Journey
This has been Maurice Jones-Drew’s most impressive season. Coming into the year, questions about his balky knee sent his fantasy draft stock plummeting. His prized rookie quarterback has proven to be a frightened check-down captain. And the league-worst receivers pose no threat. Every defense is geared up simply to stop MJD.

Still, after another big game in Monday’s loss to the Chargers, Jones-Drew leads the entire NFL in rushing yards. He’s the No. 4 overall fantasy back in non-PPR formats, behind only LeSean McCoy, Ray Rice and Arian Foster. That ranking could rise with the Bucs’ reeling defense on deck in Week 14.

So how is Jones-Drew pulling this statistical miracle off against all odds? Yes, sheer talent. But also workload. MJD leads the league with 250 carries, or 20.8 per game. By the time this season is over, Jones-Drew will eclipse 330 touches for the third straight season. And, unfortunately, that’s a red flag for an NFL running back.

Betting on Jones-Drew sustaining this kind of production next season without improvement at the quarterback position is a bad bet. The Jags are wearing him out. Along with Frank Gore, Jones-Drew will be a veteran runner on my “do not draft list” for next season.

CHARGERS at JAGUARS RANDOM THOUGHTS
Malcom Floyd finally returned from his hip injury and looked very strong. He played way ahead of Vincent Brown. … Deji Karim was a healthy scratch. … Marcedes Lewis left late with an ankle injury. … Either Blaine Gabbert is scared or the Jaguars don’t think he can play. Regardless, the early signs are very bad here. … I’m not ready to say Philip Rivers is back because he torched the Jags’ banged-up secondary with bombs. But it's worth noting that Rivers always seems to play best late in the year. … Mike Tolbert made three tackles on kick coverage. A wildly talented Ryan Mathews is locked in as the feature back.

Editor’s Note: For early rankings, projections, the Running Back report, the top-200 going forward list and much more, check out the Season Pass!

NEWS OF THE DAY #1
In terms of significant knee injuries, Matt Forte got the best possible news on Monday. An MRI confirmed that he has a Grade 2 sprain of the MCL, but no damage to his ACL. Although a return before Week 17 is unlikely, his season is not done. And Forte isn’t tainted goods over the long term, meaning he can still get paid.

The Bears are not expected to add running back help from outside the organization. That means Marion Barber and Kahlil Bell will carry the load. But before we go thinking Barber is going to get 20 carries a game, check out these quotes from coach Lovie Smith:

"(Marion Barber) is a different running back than Matt Forte," said Smith. "Kahlil (Bell) can probably do more of the things that Matt Forte does."

Look for a 65/35 kind of split here, with Barber handling the short-yardage/early-down work and Bell mixing in on other downs.

NEWS OF THE DAY #2
James Starks sprained his ankle in Week 11. Then he aggravated it four days later against the Lions. And then he aggravated it yet again against the Giants on Sunday. While the sprain isn’t serious, it’s time for Starks to take a seat.

And in the Packers’ pass-first offense, rookie Brandon Saine is the best choice to replace him. Ryan Grant is painfully washed up and was never good in the passing game anyway. Saine saw six targets last week and ended up with 10 touches compared to 14 for Grant. Deep PPR leaguers need to take notice.

INJURY QUICK SLANTS: QUARTERBACKS AND WIDE RECEIVERS
Miles Austin (hamstring) is expected to make his return in Week 14 barring a setback. … Michael Vick (ribs) is fully expected to return this week as well. … Nate Washington (ankle) is tentatively expected to be okay. … The Texans are calling Andre Johnson (hamstring) day to day. A 1-2 game absence remains likely. … Sam Bradford (ankle) and A.J. Feeley (thumb) are both in doubt for Week 14. … Jeremy Maclin (hamstring) expects to play against the Dolphins. … Eddie Royal is dealing with a concussion.

INJURY CHART QUICK SLANTS: RUNNING BACKS AND TIGHT ENDS
Peyton Hillis is day to day with a hip strain. Meanwhile, Montario Hardesty (calf) is ready to go. … Darren McFadden (foot) is not expected back this week. … Scott Chandler (ankle) is in serious doubt for Week 14. … Kevin Smith’s (ankle) status remains unclear, but it’s hard to trust him when clearly at far less than 100 percent. … Ahmad Bradshaw (foot) emerged from his return healthier than he expected. … The Vikings are expressing optimism on Adrian Peterson (ankle), but it’s hard to buy it. There’s no motivation to rush him back.

DEPTH CHART QUICK SLANTS
Tyler Palko is expected to remain the Chiefs starter, regardless of Kyle Orton’s (finger) status. … The Bears still don’t appear likely to bring in Donovan McNabb. They are going down with Caleb Hanie, despite more Brett Favre rumors. … Logan Paulsen is the Redskins’ starting tight end going forward with Fred Davis (suspension) done for the year.

Editor’s Note: Sick of your team? Get a new one and win real cash with SnapDraft!

WAIVERS
DEFENSIVE SPOT STARTS
Adding a different defense/special teams each week based on matchups is a fine strategy. Here are units that might be on waivers to consider this week for streaming purposes:

1. SEAHAWKS vs. Rams - Seattle is on long week, at home and may be facing a third-string quarterback. Steven Jackson won’t be a real option as the Seahawks are giving up just 3.7 yards per carry on the season.

2. BRONCOS vs. Bears - Yeah, Denver got lit up by Percy Harvin and the Vikings in Week 13. But they may get Von Miller (thumb) back and Caleb Hanie has proven to be Tyler Palko-esque. Oh, and Matt Forte is out.

3. PATRIOTS at Redskins - Washington is left with no playmakers after Fred Davis’ suspension. And the last time Trent Williams was out, the offense went in the tank. We know Rex Grossman is good for a few turnovers as well.
 

hacheman@therx.com
Staff member
Joined
Jan 2, 2002
Messages
139,222
Tokens
The Blunt Truth on Tight Ends
The NFL has yet to confirm an SI.com report that TE Fred Davis will miss the final four games of the season for violating the substance abuse policy for a third time over the summer. It’s coming, though. Coach Mike Shanahan expects to receive notice from the league office on Tuesday.

“We’ll find out here shortly what their status is,” Shanahan said via CSN Washington. “I’m just going from past history. Normally if they wait until Wednesday, that player plays through the week. It’s been that way in the past. If somebody is suspended, you would know today or tomorrow.”

“Fred has had an opportunity since Chris has been down to take over the tight end position and has really taken advantage of the opportunity,” Shanahan added. “He has big play ability, he has practiced hard, he has played hard. Now we wait and see what the situation is.”

Davis leads the Redskins with 59 catches and 796 yards in a breakout season, sitting behind only Rob Gronkowski, Jimmy Graham, Tony Gonzalez, and Jason Witten among fantasy tight ends. The impending free agent will be a priority for the Redskins this offseason, but he’s cost himself a chunk of guaranteed money. If he’s caught smoking weed again, the next suspension could be for a full year. Teammates have been critical rather than supportive since hearing the news.

“It’s disappointing because everyone is aware of the rules,” LB Lorenzo Alexander told CSN Washington. “More than just yourself is at stake if you get caught.”

“When we sign on that dotted line to be a part of the NFL, it’s a privilege to be a part of it and we have to act accordingly,” safety Reed Doughty opined. Former Redskins DE Phillip Daniels took to Twitter to speak out: “If true and you get caught 3 times, you have a problem. #CharacterIssues.”

Fantasy owners casting a wide net for a Davis replacement are faced with a blunt truth about the tight-end market: At this point in the season, viable alternatives are scarce. Owen Daniels (QB questions, run-heavy offense), Greg Olsen (banged up, offense leaning on the run), Brandon Pettigrew (hit-or-miss), and Vernon Davis (spotty at best) have fallen from the ranks of the legit TE1 options. Borderline fantasy tight ends such as Jermaine Gresham, Heath Miller and Jake Ballard have seen a drain on their production of late while Scott Chandler is questionable to play with an ankle injury. As unappetizing as these options are, they're still owned in the majority of fantasy leagues because there are no superior tight ends available for free.

To go a step further, note the matchups for Week 14. The most generous tight-end defense in the league, Chicago’s, draws fantasy persona non grata Daniel Fells. The second-most generous tight-end defense in the league, Green Bay’s, faces Kevin Boss, who is splitting snaps and production with some creature named Brandon Myers.

Just how bleak is it at tight end? Over the past five weeks, Anthony Freaking Fasano is No. 7 in fantasy points. Over the past three weeks, Bears TE Kellen Davis (really?) is the No. 12 fantasy tight end. Not so unequivocally, the good news is that Fasano is available in most leagues as a last-ditch option. Jacob Tamme is certainly worth a sniff in PPR formats, though I’d point out that the Colts are facing a Ravens defense this week that has been death to tight ends all season.

On to the players. Here is how I rank the top players at each position as we head into Week 13. Full writeups of each player are below.

Editor’s Note: Join subscriber only chats, get weekly rankings before anyone else, plus exclusive weekly projections, stat tools, dynasty ranks, columns, and much more including the Rotoworld Oracle in our Season Pass.

Tight Ends
Anthony Fasano
Jacob Tamme
Jared Cook
Ed Dickson

Quarterbacks
Christian Ponder
Rex Grossman
Matt Moore
Tarvaris Jackson
Dan Orlovsky
Kevin Kolb

Running Backs
Marion Barber
Brandon Saine
Maurice Morris
Montario Hardesty
Ricky Williams
Dexter McCluster
Isaac Redman
Kendall Hunter

Wide Receivers
Santana Moss
Golden Tate
Malcom Floyd
Jacoby Ford
Demaryius Thomas
Damian Williams
Brad Smith
Chaz Schilens
Defense/Special Teams
Dolphins
Seahawks
Broncos

Tight Ends

Anthony Fasano, Dolphins - I’m having a hard time mustering up excitement for Fasano, but he is fantasy’s No. 7 tight end over the past five weeks. While he was an afterthought with Chad Henne, Fasano has emerged as one of Matt Moore’s favorite targets. This week, he draws an Eagles defense in the middle of the pack in tight-end defense. If you play Fasano, you’re still banking on him to find the end zone.

Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues.

Jacob Tamme, Colts - The good news is that Tamme has reached five catches in both of the games in which Dan Orlovsky has made an appearance. The bad news is two-fold: The Colts square off against a Ravens defense that has allowest the 31st-most fantasy points to opposing tight ends, and Dallas Clark (fibula) began working in individual drills last week. Tamme’s window is closing fast.

Recommendation: Worth a look in PPR formats.

Jared Cook, Titans - Desperation alert: Cook was shut out in Week 13, so there’s going to be plenty of risk associated with running him out there against a Saints defense that allows the eighth-most fantasy points to opposing tight ends. Cook was averaging 40 yards in the previous five games, so it’s not a major stretch to suggest he could break out while trying to keep up with New Orleans’ offense.

Recommendation: Worth a look as a desperation matchup play.

Ed Dickson, Ravens - Dickson’s matchup looks decent on the surface against a Colts defense that allowed three touchdowns to Rob Gronkowski. Unfortunately, Dickson is no Gronk. While Indy allows the 12th-most fantasy points to opposing tight ends, the Ravens figure to continue to ride the hot hand of Ray Rice and Ricky Williams against a 30th-ranked run defense.

Recommendation: Worth a look in deeper leagues.

Watch List: Dallas Clark

Clark (fibula) had graduated from the treadmill to field workouts last week. There’s a chance he could return to practice this week. Keep an eye on the Colts tight ends for plus matchups against the Titans and Jaguars in Weeks 15 and 17.

Cut Bait: Fred Davis?, Scott Chandler

It’s not official yet, but Davis’ suspension is expected to be announced on Tuesday. … Coach Chan Gailey is giving Chandler (ankle) only a “slight chance” to play at San Diego this week.

<!--RW-->Quarterbacks

Christian Ponder, Vikings - The Minnesota media despaired all week that Michael Jenkins’ season-ending knee injury and Percy Harvin’s late-week illness could leave Ponder with a receiving corps with a total of fewer than 15 receptions on the season. Instead, Ponder lit up Denver’s defense for 28 fantasy points, a Vikings rookie record 381 yards, and three TDs. With Harvin heating up, it’s the second time in three games that Ponder has reached 25 fantasy points. This week, he draws a short-handed Lions defense that just surrendered 342 yards and three TDs to Drew Brees.

Recommendation: Worth a look as a matchup play.

Rex Grossman, Redskins - Bad Rex showed up in Week 13 against the league’s premier secondary. The way Grossman’s career has played out, there’s nothing stopping Good Rex from resurfacing against the Patriots’ patchwork defensive backfield. Responsible for the best statistical game of Dan Orlovsky’s ignominious career, New England still allows the most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. Play Grossman if you’re feeling lucky.

Recommenation: Worth a look as a matchup play.

Matt Moore, Dolphins - Moore reached 20 fantasy points against the Raiders thanks to a rushing score, but it was also the sixth time in eight starts that he’s failed to top 210 passing yards. Even if he’s playing at a high level, it’s hard to get excited about Moore as a fantasy option in a conservative offense often playing keep-away to protect a lead. He draws the Eagles in Week 14.

Recommendation: Worth a look in deeper leagues.

Tarvaris Jackson, Seahawks - T-Jack draws a Rams defense that made Alex Smith a top-10 fantasy QB for Week 13 behind 274 yards and two TDs. Just keep in mind that Seattle’s offensive attack figures to be extremely run-heavy behind Marshawn Lynch, arguably the hottest back in the NFL.

Recommendation: Worth a look as a matchup play in deeper leagues.

Dan Orlovsky, Colts - There’s no question that Orlovsky can move the offense better than Curtis Painter. Just be sure to place a giant asterisk next to his 30-of-37 for 353-yard performance in Week 13. The Patriots were playing several defenders out of position throughout, and Orlovsky was still down 31-3 early in the fourth quarter. The bulk of his production came in extremen garbage time. The Colts have a brutal matchp with the Ravens this week. Leave Orlovsky on the bench if you want to stash him in deeper leagues.

Recommendation: Should be owned in two-quarterback leagues.

Kevin Kolb, Cardinals - All starters have to be owned in two-quarterback formats, but even those in deeper one-quarterback formats should hold off on Kolb for now. While Kolb certainly didn’t faceplant in the win over the Cowboys, his schedule is brutal the next two weeks. The Cardinals face the ferocious 49ers defense in Week 14 before drawing a Browns defense in Week 15 that allows the fewest fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks.

Recommendation: Hold off for now.

Watch List: Josh Johnson, Kyle Orton, Matt Flynn

Johnson would be in line for a second start at Jacksonville if Josh Freeman (shoulder) sits out again. … Orton’s Week 14 status is up in the air with dislocated finger. The matchup against the Jets is prohibitive regardless. … Keep tabs on Flynn if you play in a Week 17 championship league.

Hold Off: T.J. Yates

The Texans may actually be better off with Yates than Matt Leinart. The rookie showed pocket poise and a willingness to go vertical in his first start. The coaching staff and teammates clearly have faith in him, but he’s not going to be a fantasy option in a run-heavy offense with Andre Johnson (hamstring) likely to miss Week 14 against the Bengals.

Cut Bait: Vince Young, Caleb Hanie

Michael Vick is expected to play this week. … Even in attractive matchups, Hanie can’t be trusted after managing just three points to go along with three interceptions and seven sacks against the Chiefs.

<!--RW-->Running Backs

Marion Barber, Bears - Even with Matt Forte (MCL sprain) out, it’s conceivable that Barber’s fantasy production could actually come down from where it was a couple of weeks ago. With Forte and Jay Cutler out of the lineup, the Bears will struggle to find goal-line opportunities for MBIII. On the other hand, it’s awfully hard to find available backs who could touch the ball 15+ times in Weeks 14-16. Barber is playing better this year than last, and should be owned in all leagues with Forte out. Leave Kahlil Bell on the waiver wire in all but the deepest leagues.

Recommendation: Should be owned in 12-team leagues.

Brandon Saine, Packers - I’m going to part ways with the estimable Gregg Rosenthal on this one. With James Starks’ (ankle) status in doubt for Week 14, Rosie suggested picking up Ryan Grant as a desperation matchup play against a Raiders defense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing fantasy backs. Grant doesn’t take goal-line carries, doesn’t participate in the passing game, and hasn’t had a 10-yard run or a 30-yard rushing game since Week 3. After the coaching staff and beat writers talked up Saine during the week, the undrafted rookie out-played Grant in the win over the Giants. Saine wasn’t limited to any specific plays after Starks went down, and he should have the distinct advantage of the passing-down role in Aaron Rodgers’ unstoppable attack. At the very least, there’s flex potential here if Starks sits out.

Recommendation: Worth a look as a matchup play.

Maurice Morris, Lions - Coach Jim Schwartz doesn’t believe Kevin Smith’s ankle sprain is “in a worse spot” than it was at this time last week. The Lions are noncommittal on Smith’s Week 14 status early in the week, so Morris’ role versus the Vikings is up in the air. Even in a best-case scenario, he’s purely a flex option. In a worst case scenario, he touches the ball only a few times behind Smith.

Recommendation: Worth a look as an injury replacement.

Montario Hardesty, Browns - Hardesty is the fallback starter for Thursday's game against the Steelers if Peyton Hillis (hip) can't go. Coach Pat Shurmur revealed that he held Hardesty out of last week's game with an eye on the short week. At this point, Hillis is expected to play. If that changes, Hardesty would be a mere flex option against the Steelers' No. 7 run defense which is allowing just 3.16 yards per carry over the past five games.

Recommendation: Worth a look as an injury replacement.

Ricky Williams, Ravens - Coordinator Cam Cameron is finally saddling up Williams and Ray Rice to match a dominant defense of late. Williams is coming off a season-high 16 carries and 76 in a game where the Ravens controlled the ball throughout. There’s a decent chance for more of the same this week against the Colts as well as in Week 16 versus the Browns. You could do worse for a flex play in deeper leagues.

Recommendation: Worth a look as a matchup play in deeper leagues.

Dexter McCluster, Chiefs - McCluster’s 13/107/1 line from Week 13 was artificially inflated by a 38-yard Hail Mary going into halftime, but he still managed a season-high with 61 rushing yards. If you insist on owning a Kansas City running back, McCluster is the clear choice. Just don’t expect much even in PPR leagues against the Jets this week. Scoring opportunities will be few and far between in Tyler Palko’s offense.

Recommendation: Worth a look in PPR formats.

Kendall Hunter, 49ers - Week 17 alert: Although coach Jim Harbaugh says he won’t rest Frank Gore in the coming weeks, that could change by the season finale. With no incentive to risk injury to key players versus the Rams in the final regular-season contest, Hunter could see double-digit touches against a defense allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to opposing backs.

Recommendation: Worth a look in leagues that use Week 17.

Isaac Redman, Steelers - Week 17 alert: It’s quite possible that Pittsburgh will be resting starts for a good portion of the rematch with Cleveland in the season finale. The Browns defense has rolled over for 1,044 rushing yards (5.35 YPC) and seven TDs over the past six games. If Redman sees 12-15 touches in the finale, he’s going to merit top-30 consideration.

Recommendation: Worth a look in leagues that use Week 17.

Watch List: Chris Ogbonnaya, Kahlil Bell, Stevan Ridley, Tashard Choice, Mossis Madu

Obgonnaya and Bell will function as “satellite” backs behind Hardesty and Barber -- if Hillis sits out this week. … Ridley led the Pats in carries last week, but that was a function of Bill Belichick’s mad-scientist experimentation against a winless Colts team. … Choice is the clear No. 2 to C.J. Spiller. … Madu could be usurping Kregg Lumpkin’s passing-down role.

Cut Bait: Joe McKnight, Jackie Battle, Johnny White, Marcel Reece, Kregg Lumpkin

McKnight is nursing an elbow injury while falling back to third on the depth chart. … The plodding Battle is once again taking a backseat to Thomas Jones. … White can’t pass Tashard Choice for the No. 2 gig. … Reece was a one-game wonder. … Lumpkin is losing snaps to Madu.<!--RW-->

Wide Receivers

Santana Moss, Redskins - Washington’s No. 1 receiver is still owned in fewer leagues than Jabar Gaffney. That’s backwards. Moss was targeted 12 times to Gaffney’s goose egg against the Jets. Our initial Week 14 rankings for Season Pass have Moss as a top-25 fantasy option against a Patriots defense that allows the most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers as well as quarterbacks. If he’s still out there, Moss is a must-own this week.

Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues.

Golden Tate, Seahawks - Coach Pete Carroll announced Ben Obomanu as Sidney Rice’s replacement last week, but it was Tate who emerged as the clear No. 1 receiver versus Philly. Showing impressive run-after-catch ability and red-zone chops, Tate played 51 snaps whereas no other Seattle receiver surpassed 30. "This is what we see in practice all the time, we just haven't got him in there as much to give him the focal point opportunities,” said Carroll after the game. “It's great to see Golden; we're just going to keep doing it. He's really special. He makes plays, so we have to keep giving it to him." The next day, Carroll went even further, "I'm always on his butt about something, but that's because he's going to be really good." If Moss is already owned, Tate would be my No. 1 target at receiver this week even in a run-heavy offense.

Recommendation: Worth a look in 12- and 14-team leagues.

Malcom Floyd, Chargers - Floyd proved to be over his troublesome hip injury while reeling in all four targets for 108 yards and a long score against the Jaguars’ injury-depleted secondary. Floyd does boast three 100-yard performances in his last four games, but that string goes all the way back to Week 5. While he’s overly dependent on Philip Rivers’ come-and-go accuracy on deep balls, Floyd does have two home games and a dome game over the next three weeks. Weather hold the Chargers' vertical passing game back the rest of the way.

Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues.

Jacoby Ford, Raiders - To be clear, Denarius Moore would be the recommended pickup in Oakland, but he’s already owned in 80 percent of CBSSports.com leagues. As we’ve stated several times this season, Ford has enough playmaking ability to merit a roster spot in fantasy leagues even if it’s purely as a stash. Ford (foot) is hoping to be cleared for a return to practice this week.

Recommendation: Worth a look as a roster stash.

Demaryius Thomas, Broncos - We’ve been through this one before. Thomas is an ultra-talented but injury-prone playmaker whose production will be hit-or-miss in an offense that typically attempts 15-20 passes per game. Thomas’ upside is certainly worth stashing if he keeps the starting job ahead of Eddie Royal, but he’s far from guaranteed to outproduce Eric Decker going forward.

Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues.

Damian Williams, Titans - With a 36:31 target edge over Nate Washington, Williams has taken over as Matt Hasselbeck’s favorite target over the past five weeks. Although Williams’ 4/62/0 line from Week 13 looks rather pedestrian, the two came close to hooking up for a series of big plays, including a near-touchdown off Williams’ fingertips. Keep expectations low in what is now a run-heavy offense, but Williams is at least worth stashing at the end of the bench.

Recommendation: Worth a look in deeper leagues.

Brad Smith, Bills - I filed Smith’s 4/77/1 line in Week 12 under the “fluke” category, but he’s now topped 70 yards in back-to-back weeks. In two games as the starer opposite Stevie Johnson, Smith has compiled 17 targets, 11 receptions, and 149 yards. There’s no harm in adding him to your roster, but I’d still be hesitant to play him as a WR3 option.

Recommendation: Worth a look in deeper leagues.

Chaz Schilens, Raiders - The oft-injured one was Oakland’s top receiver in Week 13 with Jacoby Ford and Denarius Moore out of the lineup. Schiles caught 6-of-7 targets for 87 yards before departing with a foot injury of his own. Although coach Hue Jackson expects Schilens to play this week, his role is up in the air with Moore and Ford possibly returning.

Recommendation: Worth a look pending injury updates.

Watch List: Brandon LaFell, Devin Aromashodu, Austin Collie, Randall Cobb

LaFell is worth monintoring. At this point, there’s still not enough separation from Legedu Naanee. … Aromashodu drew a whopping 15 targets in the shootout with Denver. I need to see that again. … The majority of Collie’s season-high seven receptions came in fourth-quarter garbage time. … Keep an eye on Cobb if you play in a league that puts stock in Week 17. He could be in line for a heavy workload if the Packers rest their key players.

Hold Off: Robert Meachem, Andre Roberts, Ted Ginn, Kyle Williams, Jacoby Jones, Kevin Walter

The 100-yard games by Meachem and Roberts were one-week aberrations. Roberts only produces against the Cowboys. … The 49ers passing game doesn’t support any receiver beyond Michael Crabtree. … Ditto the Texans. Even with Andre Johnson out, Jones and Walter are best left alone in a run-dominant offense.

Cut Bait: Earl Bennett, Riley Cooper, Jason Avant, Ben Obomanu, Harry Douglas, Jerome Simpson, Vincent Brown

Bennett has one catch for five yards in each of Caleb Hanie’s two starts. … Cooper is headed back to the pine with Jeremy Maclin due to practice on Wednesday. … Avant was a one-week wonder, as predicted. … Obomanu played fewer than 10 snaps last week even with Sidney Rice out. … Douglas’ role is diminished with Julio Jones back. … Simpson can’t be trusted. ... Brown played just five snaps in Monday night's game.

Defense/Special Teams

Dolphins - Miami is just 15th in total defense on the season, but they’ve been dominant over the past five weeks. Oakland’s only two scores last week came in garbage time, and the Dolphins have held three of their past five opponents to single-digit points. They host a rusty, turnover-prone Michael Vick this week.

Recommendation: Should be owned in 12-team leagues.

Seahawks - Seattle hosts a reeling Rams offense that never made it across the 50-yard line against the 49ers in Week 13. The Seahawks held the Rams to just seven points three weeks ago. With Sam Bradford (ankle) in question once again, it could be a repeat performance.

Recommendation: Worth a look as a matchup play.

Broncos - Facing the Bears last week, Kansas City’s defense racked up three interceptions, seven sacks and double-digit fantasy points. Denver’s defense is certainly worth a look against Caleb Hanie if Defensive Rookie of the Year favorite Von Miller (thumb) returns to action.

Recommendation: Worth a look as a matchup play.
 

hacheman@therx.com
Staff member
Joined
Jan 2, 2002
Messages
139,222
Tokens
Free-agent finds: Week 14

Barber, Gerhart, Brown among running backs worth picking up for playoffs


By Christopher Harris
ESPN.com

It's fantasy playoff time.


If your team is alive, it's time not to get clever. Dance with what brung ya. All that. If you're scouring the waiver wire, it better be because one of your regulars got injured, or you're looking for a handcuff. Except in deeper leagues, nutty flyers need not apply.


As they say, you need to shorten up your bench. That's why the list below (and the lists for the rest of the season) will have fewer lottery tickets and more strategy plays. Good luck.


Standard ESPN league finds

Marion Barber, RB, Chicago Bears (owned in 17.3 percent of ESPN.com leagues). Matt Forte's knee issue is the most significant new RB injury; Forte will miss at least two games, and probably more than that. Fantasy owners shouldn't count on him returning in time for their playoff run. Barber is the best candidate to add (though I really wish you'd been handcuffing him to Forte all along). He has five TDs as Chicago's short-yardage rusher since he returned from injury back in Week 4, and whatever ground scores the Bears muster the next few weeks figure to belong to Barber. But Caleb Hanie has been a disaster throwing the ball, and you know defenses will stack the line as a result. Don't expect miracles from Barber, but add him.


Antonio Brown, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers (57.1 percent). Just a quick note to indicate how incredibly stubborn some fantasy leaguers are. How can Brown, who's scored between eight and 12 fantasy points for six consecutive weeks and is a top-30 fantasy WR for the season despite being buried on Pittsburgh's depth chart in September, still be available in nearly half of ESPN.com leagues? Folks, this gent is a fantasy starter, period. Even if your receiving depth chart is set with studs, add Brown as insurance in case someone gets hurt.


Malcom Floyd, WR, San Diego Chargers (57.6 percent). Floyd returned from his hip injury Monday night and produced four catches for 108 yards and a beautiful long TD. Skill-set-wise, Floyd is strikingly similar to the more heralded Vincent Jackson; Floyd's issue is simply durability. You can't count on a healthy Malcom Floyd for the next four weeks, but for as long as he's active, he'll be a No. 3 fantasy WR.


Donald Brown, RB, Indianapolis Colts (25.0 percent). No, I don't like the idea of using an Indy running back any more than you do, but there's been significant backfield carnage around the league over the past month, so Brown should probably find his way onto more fantasy rosters. For the second straight week, Joseph Addai started for the Colts, but Brown finished with more touches and looked like the more effective player. If Indy is paying attention, they'll use Brown more throughout December, though this week's matchup against the Baltimore Ravens doesn't figure to be a great one.


Toby Gerhart, RB, Minnesota Vikings (32.3 percent). Anyone who owns Adrian Peterson should own Gerhart. Period. There's no excuse not to handcuff the best rusher in the NFL. The Vikings have a good O-line and a shaky QB, meaning they're going to utilize their backfield early and often. Gerhart produced 133 total yards on 29 touches from scrimmage in a tough matchup against the Denver Broncos last week; things should get easier for the Vikings' running game versus the Detroit Lions on Sunday. Of course, Peterson might be back from his high ankle sprain, in which case Gerhart would be unusable. But he should be owned in all leagues anyway. The past two weeks have taught us that being the Vikings' starting RB makes you startable in fantasy leagues, which means Gerhart might be the most important lightly-owned handcuff in the NFL.

Maurice Morris, RB, Detroit Lions (51.8 percent). Kevin Smith played Sunday night versus the New Orleans Saints but probably shouldn't have, as he re-injured his ankle and had to leave. Morris produced some numbers in the passing game (mostly underneath stuff as New Orleans sat back, though he did score a TD), but overall this guy is what he is: A pedestrian rushing talent who's mostly a seat-filler for a better player. Still, he could be a starter in Week 14 against the Vikings, though you'd have to be pretty desperate to use him.


Jermaine Gresham, TE, Cincinnati Bengals (24.3 percent). If you've been starting Fred Davis, you're almost certainly out of luck. Davis is reportedly about to be suspended four games for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy, which will knock him out for the rest of the regular season. Those casting around for a tight end could do worse than Gresham, who would've had his third TD in four games last week, but his 5-yard end zone catch was called back by a shaky false-start penalty on a Bengals wideout. Gresham is the second-most-reliable pass-catcher Cincy has after A.J. Green.


Seattle Seahawks Defense (16.0 percent). The last time the Seahawks played the Rams, the game took place in St. Louis and Sam Bradford was playing. Seattle racked up 17 fantasy points, creating three turnovers, five sacks and allowing only seven scoreboard points. This week, the Rams visit the Pacific Northwest, Bradford and his backup A.J. Feeley are both questionable, and Steven Jackson is coming off a day where managed 19 yards on 10 carries. Sold.


Lightly-owned must-handcuff RBs: Kendall Hunter, RB, San Francisco 49ers (24.3 percent); Ricky Williams, RB, Baltimore Ravens (38.7 percent); Isaac Redman, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers (5.3 percent).


Deeper league finds



Kahlil Bell, RB, Chicago Bears (0.2 percent). Marion Barber won't carry Chicago's backfield load alone. Bell will reportedly be involved as a change-of-pace, third-down and receiving back, perhaps earning one-third of the Bears' backfield touches. Barber figures to be the close-in TD maker (as he was even before Forte got hurt), but Bell could be worth a look in deeper PPR leagues for desperate folks who lost Forte and can't get a waiver claim on Barber.


Matt Moore, QB, Miami Dolphins (5.4 percent). You wouldn't exactly say Moore passes the eye test, because he's asked to do almost nothing in the arch-conservative Dolphins attack. But it's unfair to proclaim that results haven't been there lately for Moore: He has at least 18 fantasy points in three of his past five starts (and 13 in one of the others). For those in two-QB leagues, that's not bad. Of course, Moore hasn't even eclipsed 200 yards passing in five of his nine starts this season, and the main reason his fantasy output looked slightly above average in Week 13 was that he ran for a TD. But the Dolphins get the Eagles, Bills, Patriots and Jets to round out the season; only that final game versus New York looks like a negative matchup for a QB.

Demaryius Thomas, WR, Denver Broncos (1.8 percent). Thomas made a couple of huge plays featuring Brandon Marshall-like runs after the catch in Denver's win in Minnesota last week, and wound up with four grabs for 144 yards and two TDs. This breakout performance was likely made possible by Eddie Royal suffering a concussion on a punt return, but one imagines that after seeing Thomas rumble, the Denver brass will think hard about perhaps getting the second-year WR in the starting lineup on a regular basis. Unfortunately, standard-leaguers can't rely on Tim Tebow's arm enough to use Thomas in their playoffs, to say nothing of Eric Decker also being around. But if you're in a deep league, you might use a bench spot to see if Thomas can repeat this week against the Bears.


Damian Williams, WR, Tennessee Titans (10.2 percent). Nate Washington suffered an ankle injury against the Buffalo Bills in Week 13, but even before he left, it seemed clear who the Titans' No. 1 wideout was. Williams led Tennessee in targets (with seven) and caught four for 62 yards. He's not a burner, but he's quick off the line and seems like he's open on every play. Chris Johnson's resurgence is the big story in Tennessee, and I don't trust Matt Hasselbeck enough to roll Williams out there as a fantasy starter unless circumstances are desperate. But I do think the kid has a bright, bright future.


Golden Tate, WR, Seattle Seahawks (0.2 percent). Tate started the first game of his pro career last Thursday against the Philadelphia Eagles because of Sidney Rice's concussion troubles, and he played well: Four catches for 47 yards and a nice TD grab in the end zone on which he tapped his toes with aplomb. Listen, it's Seattle. It's Tarvaris Jackson. But Tate is finally following through on the promise he showed coming into the league in '10. One hopes this is the start of something good.


T.J. Yates, QB, Houston Texans (0.8 percent). Yates' first start wasn't a disaster. He played OK. The Texans took a few deep shots against the Atlanta Falcons, and Yates showed he's definitely got a major league wing. He also had moments of rookie-ness in the pocket and lost a fumble, and didn't even complete half his throws, but there's no question he was given more to do this week than last. Still, losing Andre Johnson to another hamstring injury hurts; anyone who watched the Texans during AJ's prior six-week absence knows that no pass-catcher really stepped up and played well in Johnson's absence. Yates is a two-QB-league option, but only barely.


Logan Paulsen, TE, Washington Redskins (0.1 percent). I mentioned Fred Davis likely missing the rest of the season because of a substance-abuse violation; Paulsen probably inherits the Skins' starting gig at TE as a result. He's 6-foot-5 and 268 pounds, and as such is a glorified offensive lineman, though he did grab a couple of passes in back-to-back games versus the Dallas Cowboys and Seattle Seahawks late last month. I strongly doubt he's about to become a big part of Mike Shanahan's offensive scheme, but I figured I'd at least note his presence.


Lightly-owned deeper-league handcuff RBs: Bernard Scott, RB, Cincinnati Bengals (7.9 percent); Javon Ringer, RB, Tennessee Titans (4.1 percent); Jason Snelling, RB, Atlanta Falcons (1.8 percent); Lance Ball, RB, Denver Broncos (3.9 percent); Jerious Norwood, RB, St. Louis Rams (0.3 percent).
 

hacheman@therx.com
Staff member
Joined
Jan 2, 2002
Messages
139,222
Tokens
Forte out; Hillis, Johnson injured again

If you're fortunate enough to be left standing in your fantasy league after another injury-filled Sunday, you may be limping your way into the playoffs.

Exhibit A: One of my fantasy teams finally had its original ensemble back together … for a week. Then Sunday came, and two of the players who had helped successfully launch my fantasy season were injured again. Running back Peyton Hillis and wide receiver Andre Johnson left their respective games with injuries. While neither was an aggravation of their original ailments, they do seem to be somehow connected, if only by the running theme of steady misfortune. Hillis turned in a decent performance, providing both rushing and receiving yards, but was absent late in the game. Hillis was seen lying on the treatment table, appearing to have his leg worked on by members of the Cleveland Browns' medical staff. On Monday, the Browns indicated Hillis had a "left hip strain" and was considered day-to-day. The diagnosis is vague, making it difficult to interpret just how serious this is, but with Hillis just coming off an extended injury absence, there has to be concern. The Browns play on Thursday night, casting further doubt on Hillis' availability.


As for Johnson, he was due for a big game with newly anointed quarterback T.J. Yates (filling in for the injured Matt Schaub and Matt Leinart, both now on injured reserve) looking to get the ball to the All-Pro receiver. Johnson was actually converging on 100 yards receiving when a familiar -- and scary -- sight unfolded. In the third quarter, Johnson pulled up while running a deep route, then went to the ground in pain. Eventually he hopped off the field, keeping his left foot in the air, and he was tended to on the sideline. As it turns out, the injury was to his other (nonsurgical) leg, which is a relief from the standpoint that there is no setback to the right side. On the other hand, Johnson has joined the ranks of fellow wide receivers Julio Jones and Miles Austin in suffering bilateral hamstring injuries within the same season. The Houston Chronicle reports the Texans believe that this latest injury to Johnson is far less severe than the previous one. Coach Gary Kubiak is calling Johnson day-to-day, but the sense is he will be out for at least Week 14.


Despite the aforementioned injury catastrophes, my team will indeed limp into the playoffs and hope to benefit from waiver-wire pickups suggested by my colleagues at ESPN.com. Hopefully you will do the same.


And then this happened …


• As significant as the injuries to the two above players seemed at the time, at least in my world, there was perhaps no more devastating and surprising blow than the one dealt to the Chicago Bears when running back Matt Forte hurt his knee. Forte was upended by a tackle, which at first glance appeared to deliver the most force to his left knee area. It was Forte's right knee, however, that sustained the injury, a Grade 2 MCL (medial collateral ligament) sprain. The MCL reinforces the inner aspect of the knee joint, and an injury here particularly compromises lateral mobility, making cutting and directional changes difficult.


Not all Grade 2, or moderate, sprains are equal and can represent a range of damage (from roughly 30 percent to 70 percent tearing of the ligament), hence the variability of the timetable. The more damage, the greater instability results at the knee and the longer it takes to heal. Presuming all other structures remain intact (and the confirmation after Forte's MRI was that the ACL was not torn), an isolated tear of the MCL presents a better prognosis than a more complex tear involving other ligaments, the meniscus or the fibrous tissue of the joint capsule itself. Forte could miss as little as two weeks or upward of a month. It's worth noting that Forte suffered a mild MCL sprain in his left knee in 2009 and played through the injury but struggled on the field. The Bears are optimistic that Forte will return before the regular season is over, but his progress over the next week to 10 days will give better clues.


Green Bay Packers running back James Starks was on the injury report heading into Week 13. Starks was injured in Week 11 with sprains to his right knee and ankle. Despite the short week heading into the Thanksgiving Day game, Starks was able to suit up and managed to get through the game, albeit with a sore ankle. After a 10-day respite between games, it appeared Starks was in better shape when the Packers traveled to play the New York Giants. But it was not meant to be. Starks was injured in the second quarter and did not return. After three straight weeks of problems with the ankle, it stands to reason that Starks will have to scale his activity back. Consider him highly questionable for Week 14.


Quick hits

• The Philadelphia Eagles see signs of hope that quarterback Michael Vick will return in Week 14. Vick resumed throwing Monday and told reporters he expects to play Sunday. He has not fully recovered from the two broken ribs he sustained in Week 10, as the bones are still healing, but the key to his return is whether he can be effective enough both throwing the ball and running with it. If Vick can practice every day this week and gradually ramp up his activity, it's conceivable he could rejoin his team this weekend.


• Teammate Jeremy Maclin would like to be on the field with Vick and says he hopes to return to practice this week. Maclin, who is dealing with a shoulder sprain and a strained hamstring, suffered a setback with the hamstring the last time he tried to practice. According to the Eagles' website, Maclin said the hamstring is the limiting factor. "There's ways around the shoulder," Maclin said. "We just have to make sure the hamstring's right." Wednesday will be a big day at the Eagles' practice facility.


• The Minnesota Vikings would like to have Adrian Peterson on the field in Week 14, but we've heard optimism early in the week before, only to find out late in the week it was premature. Peterson did make some progress last week, doing some light jogging and increasing his overall activity. His ankle was not ready for agility and cutting maneuvers, however, and Peterson was not yet able to practice. While coach Leslie Frazier called Peterson "very close" to returning, Peterson's activity this week will go a lot further in convincing us one way or the other.


• The Detroit Lions thought Kevin Smith had made enough progress in 10 days after his ankle injury to return him to the field. Unfortunately, it took only two-plus quarters of football to find out otherwise. Smith aggravated his ankle injury Sunday night when he went down without contact (never a good sign) and was struggling with his mobility prior to that moment. It appears unlikely that he would be ready to test it again by Sunday.


• Things are not looking good for running back Darren McFadden. Despite all the positive-speak initially from coach Hue Jackson, his latest remarks have a different tone, suggesting progress is not being made as expected. McFadden has already missed more than a month because of a midfoot sprain, and his absence is expected to continue.


Steve Corkran of the Contra Costa Times reported that Jackson does not expect McFadden to miss the rest of the season. Well, neither did we. In fact, it had not been a real thought until Jackson introduced it as a possibility. Jackson also noted that there was no timetable for McFadden's return. Those two comments cause concern as to what the real status of McFadden and his foot is going forward. After the initial MRI, Jackson said there was no major structural damage and hinted at a speedy recovery. While the structure of the midfoot is complex, and pain or inflammation in the area, even in the absence of major disruption to the anatomy, can be severely limiting, the slow progress of McFadden after such early optimism is frustrating. At this point it is difficult to have confidence in McFadden's status, especially as long as he is absent from the practice field.
 

hacheman@therx.com
Staff member
Joined
Jan 2, 2002
Messages
139,222
Tokens
2011 ranks: Versatility helps Spiller's value
in.gif


Eric Karabell

Welcome to Week 14, and the final edition of the end-of-season rankings. Just one more set of year-to-end rankings to reveal who you can count on as the playoffs begin in many leagues. Only four more weeks left in the season! Here's hoping your games still matter and the information below can still help you. For those already looking ahead to 2012, stick with us at ESPN Fantasy, because we'll be watching right along with you to see how the players below finish this season, and we're always thinking about next season's rankings as well.


Remember, the Week 14 rankings will be posted Wednesday and updated Friday. Best of luck in your fantasy playoffs and with keeper-league decisions as well! Quick click by position, for easy reference:


Top 40 Quarterbacks

<STYLE type=text/css>.mod-inline td img {margin: 0px;}</STYLE>
<TABLE style="MARGIN: 0px; WIDTH: 100%"><THEAD><TR><TH style="WIDTH: 50px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Rank </CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 200px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom">Player <CENTER></CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 50px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Team </CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 50px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Prev. </CENTER></TH></TR></THEAD><TBODY><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Aaron Rodgers </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>GB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Tom Brady </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NE </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Drew Brees </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NO </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Cam Newton </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Car </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Tony Romo </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Dal </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>5 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Matthew Stafford </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Det </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Eli Manning </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NYG </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>8 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Tim Tebow </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Den </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>10 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>9 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Matt Ryan </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Atl </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>8 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>10 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ben Roethlisberger </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Pit </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>9 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>11 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Philip Rivers </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>11 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>12 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Michael Vick </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Phi </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>12 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>13 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Carson Palmer </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Oak </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>13 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>14 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Mark Sanchez </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NYJ </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>14 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>15 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Alex Smith </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SF </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>15 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>16 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Matt Moore </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Mia </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>19 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>17 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Andy Dalton </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Cin </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>16 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>18 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Joe Flacco </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Bal </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>17 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>19 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Josh Freeman </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>TB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>18 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>20 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ryan Fitzpatrick </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Buf </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>20 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>21 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Matt Hasselbeck </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Ten </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>21 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>22 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Rex Grossman </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Was </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>23 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>23 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Christian Ponder </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Min </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>25 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>24 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Tarvaris Jackson </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Sea </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>26 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>25 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Vince Young </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Phi </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>22 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>26 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Sam Bradford </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>StL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>27 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>27 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Colt McCoy </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Cle </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Kevin Kolb </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Ari </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>32 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>29 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">T.J Yates </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Hou </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>30 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>30 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Blaine Gabbert </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Jac </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>31 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>31 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Kyle Orton </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>KC </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>24 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>32 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Caleb Hanie </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Chi </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>29 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>33 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Dan Orlovsky </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Ind </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>34 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Tyler Palko </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>KC </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>33 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>35 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jake Locker </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Ten </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>34 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>36 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Josh Johnson </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>TB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>37 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">John Skelton </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Ari </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>36 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>38 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Mike Kafka </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Phi </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>39 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Matt Flynn </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>GB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>40 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>40 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Donovan McNabb </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>FA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>



• Rookie star Cam Newton of the Carolina Panthers had fantasy's top performance in Week 13 (37 points), but he remains in fourth place among quarterbacks here. Newton is awesome, as I'm sure we can all agree, and his three rushing touchdowns Sunday put him among the overall leaders. But Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady and Drew Brees, all with 30 or more passing touchdowns, still come first. As of now, there's no indication any of the veteran quarterbacks will be sitting in Week 17, either. But let's just say these four quarterbacks, the top scorers in fantasy, are safely in my overall top 10. There just aren't enough high-end (healthy) running backs at this point.
• There aren't -- and shouldn't be -- many changes in the quarterback rankings in December. Most of you are relying on your top option, not messing with Matt Moore or Christian Ponder. Miami's Moore did jump a bit to No. 16, thanks to a pair of 18-point fantasy games in the past three weeks, and he should continue to enjoy himself the next few weeks against the Eagles, Bills and Patriots. But is he a fantasy starter? Hmm, try to avoid it.
• The only change among the top-10 quarterbacks was Tim Tebow of the Denver Broncos passing Matt Ryan and Ben Roethlisberger. We've discussed Tebow many times in this space and noted how he gets his numbers -- and he somehow always gets his numbers -- but in Week 13 he was a pretty decent passer, getting 16 fantasy points that way, and only one point running. Tebow has scored 15 or more fantasy points in all but one of his eight starts, and in that other game he scored 12. Nothing against Matt Ryan, who scored 11 points in Week 13, but Tebow has become just as productive and safe statistically. And while I loved what Philip Rivers did Monday night, I can't say I expect a repeat in Week 14.
Top 60 Running Backs

<STYLE type=text/css>.mod-inline td img {margin: 0px;}</STYLE>
<TABLE style="MARGIN: 0px; WIDTH: 100%"><THEAD><TR><TH style="WIDTH: 50px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Rank </CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 200px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom">Player <CENTER></CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 50px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Team </CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 50px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Prev. </CENTER></TH></TR></THEAD><TBODY><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Arian Foster </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Hou </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">LeSean McCoy </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Phi </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ray Rice </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Bal </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Maurice Jones-Drew </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Jac </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>5 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Adrian Peterson </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Min </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Chris Johnson </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Ten </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>12 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Michael Turner </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Atl </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>8 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Marshawn Lynch </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Sea </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>10 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>9 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Frank Gore </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SF </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>9 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>10 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">DeMarco Murray </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Dal </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>8 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>11 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Rashard Mendenhall </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Pit </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>13 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>12 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Willis McGahee </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Den </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>15 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>13 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ryan Mathews </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>17 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>14 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Steven Jackson </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>StL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>14 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>15 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Darren Sproles </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NO </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>21 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>16 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Beanie Wells </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Ari </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>18 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>17 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Reggie Bush </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Mia </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>22 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>18 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">LeGarrette Blount </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>TB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>11 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>19 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">BenJarvus Green-Ellis </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NE </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>16 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>20 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Cedric Benson </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Cin </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>20 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>21 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Shonn Greene </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NYJ </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>23 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>22 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Roy Helu </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Was </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>25 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>23 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Michael Bush </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Oak </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>19 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>24 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Darren McFadden </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Oak </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>24 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>25 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jonathan Stewart </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Car </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>30 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>26 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ahmad Bradshaw </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NYG </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>35 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>27 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">C.J. Spiller </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Buf </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>33 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Daniel Thomas </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Mia </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>26 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>29 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Donald Brown </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Ind </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>34 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>30 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Mike Tolbert </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>31 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ben Tate </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Hou </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>32 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>32 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Mark Ingram </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NO </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>49 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>33 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Brandon Jacobs </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NYG </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>37 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>34 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Kevin Smith </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Det </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>29 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>35 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">DeAngelo Williams </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Car </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>31 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>36 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Maurice Morris </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Det </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>38 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>37 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Marion Barber </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Chi </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>43 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>38 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Toby Gerhart </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Min </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>45 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>39 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Kahlil Bell </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Chi </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>40 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Peyton Hillis </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Cle </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>36 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>41 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Pierre Thomas </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NO </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>27 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>42 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Dexter McCluster </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>KC </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>57 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>43 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Kendall Hunter </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SF </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>40 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>44 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">James Starks </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>GB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>41 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>45 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Felix Jones </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Dal </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>42 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>46 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Joseph Addai </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Ind </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>47 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>47 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ryan Grant </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>GB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>48 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>48 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Matt Forte </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Chi </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>49 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">John Kuhn </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>GB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>50 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>50 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Chris Ogbonnaya </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Cle </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>44 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>51 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Isaac Redman </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Pit </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>55 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>52 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">LaDainian Tomlinson </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NYJ </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>46 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>53 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Bernard Scott </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Cin </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>54 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>54 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Stevan Ridley </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NE </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>55 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Brandon Saine </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>GB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>56 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Danny Woodhead </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NE </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>56 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>57 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jacquizz Rodgers </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Atl </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>58 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>58 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Lance Ball </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Den </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>59 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>59 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ricky Williams </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Bal </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>60 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Thomas Jones </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>KC </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>



• The top three running backs remain in the same order as last week, but after that there was considerable movement in the top 10. Welcome back, Tennessee Titans star Chris Johnson! We might never forgive him for the first half of the season, but all seems fixed now. And honestly, whatever you thought of Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch before, he's a different player now. Lynch might end up with career numbers, which speaks to how good he has been in the past five weeks. Through Week 8, Lynch was averaging fewer than six fantasy points per game. Since Week 9, he has averaged 20 points per contest. He's No. 8 in these rankings, and he has Michael Turner in his sights.
• As for the second 10 running backs, is it more surprising that Lynch is a top-10 staple or that Willis McGahee is No. 12? Like Lynch, McGahee started his career in Buffalo, but moved to Baltimore and certainly appeared to be a depth option for the Broncos, not a fantasy starter. McGahee now has seven double-digit fantasy games this season, and he's 10th in the league in rushing yards. I'm also a tad surprised, to say the least, that Reggie Bush is in the top 20, and he's doing it with 100-yard rushing games, but he's doing it! LeGarrette Blount delivered an epic fail against a defense everyone was destroying, and it's tough to trust him from week to week, though he remains in the top 20.
• Some interesting names litter the 21-30 region, including a pair of Oakland Raiders. Michael Bush drops some, in part because he looked awful in Week 13, but also because reports vary on how soon starter Darren McFadden will return. We don't know for sure how carries will be split between these two when McFadden returns, which could be this week. If you get a clear picture that one back will get a good number of the carries, that running back is arguably top 10 for a given week. Just don't be surprised if the carries are shared from here on out.
• Only one Carolina Panther makes the top 30, and it's Jonathan Stewart. He's the one that looked good in Week 13, not DeAngelo Williams. I know Williams scored a pair of touchdowns in Week 12, but again, two fantasy points against the awful Buccaneers run defense? Shonn Greene and Roy Helu each move up a few spots, but don't get complacent. Greene has thrived in January in the past, in the real playoffs, not in December in the fantasy ones. And he won't be facing the Washington Redskins again this season. Helu certainly appears to be the Redskins starter, and he's good, too. But we've seen Redskins coach Mike Shanahan do odd things with his running back depth chart in the past, even when it seems painfully obvious what he should do. C.J. Spiller and Donald Brown also enter the top 30, and they keep trending upward, and let's wait a bit longer on Ahmad Bradshaw to see if he's truly healthy from his broken foot, and how the carries with Brandon Jacobs are divided.
• Of course, not all the news is good for non-startable running backs. Kevin Smith of the Detroit Lions just cannot stay healthy; he does a fantasy owner little good starting games if he can't finish. Maurice Morris moves up two spots, but he's hardly someone to trust. Marion Barber appears the main beneficiary of the unfortunate Matt Forte injury, and he moves up some, but Chicago Bears coach Lovie Smith implied earlier this week that Kahlil Bell might be a better fit for the Forte role. As a result, neither Bear looks like an attractive flex play. Forte drops from No. 6 to 48; he would have dropped out of the rankings completely, but he could return before Christmas, in theory.

Top 60 Wide Receivers

<STYLE type=text/css>.mod-inline td img {margin: 0px;}</STYLE>
<TABLE style="MARGIN: 0px; WIDTH: 100%"><THEAD><TR><TH style="WIDTH: 50px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Rank </CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 200px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom">Player <CENTER></CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 50px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Team </CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 50px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Prev. </CENTER></TH></TR></THEAD><TBODY><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Calvin Johnson </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Det </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Steve Smith </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Car </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Greg Jennings </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>GB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Wes Welker </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NE </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>5 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Mike Wallace </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Pit </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Larry Fitzgerald </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Ari </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">A.J. Green </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Cin </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>8 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Victor Cruz </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NYG </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>8 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>9 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Hakeem Nicks </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NYG </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>11 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>10 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Roddy White </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Atl </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>9 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>11 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jordy Nelson </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>GB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>10 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>12 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Dez Bryant </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Dal </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>15 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>13 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Vincent Jackson </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>14 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>14 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Brandon Lloyd </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>StL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>12 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>15 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Brandon Marshall </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Mia </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>17 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>16 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Percy Harvin </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Min </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>21 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>17 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Marques Colston </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NO </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>16 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>18 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Antonio Brown </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Pit </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>18 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>19 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Anquan Boldin </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Bal </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>20 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>20 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Julio Jones </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Atl </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>22 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>21 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Santonio Holmes </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NYJ </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>25 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>22 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Andre Johnson </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Hou </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>13 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>23 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Miles Austin </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Dal </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>26 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>24 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Laurent Robinson </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Dal </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>19 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>25 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Steve Johnson </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Buf </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>26 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Deion Branch </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NE </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>23 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>27 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Dwayne Bowe </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>KC </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>29 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Michael Crabtree </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SF </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>31 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>29 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">DeSean Jackson </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Phi </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>24 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>30 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Nate Washington </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Ten </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>27 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>31 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jeremy Maclin </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Phi </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>30 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>32 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">C.J. Spiller </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Buf </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>39 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>33 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Plaxico Burress </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NYJ </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>32 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>34 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Eric Decker </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Den </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>33 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>35 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Mike Williams </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>TB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>34 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>36 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Malcom Floyd </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>40 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>37 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Reggie Wayne </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Ind </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>35 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>38 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Pierre Garcon </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Ind </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>42 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>39 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Denarius Moore </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Oak </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>38 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>40 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Robert Meachem </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NO </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>43 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>41 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Santana Moss </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Was </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>50 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>42 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Torrey Smith </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Bal </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>41 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>43 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">James Jones </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>GB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>44 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>44 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Lance Moore </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NO </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>46 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>45 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Mario Manningham </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NYG </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>36 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>46 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Vincent Brown </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>45 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>47 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jerome Simpson </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Cin </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>47 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>48 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Nate Burleson </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Det </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>54 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>49 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Demaryius Thomas </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Den </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>50 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Dexter McCluster </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>KC </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>51 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jacoby Jones </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Hou </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>52 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">David Nelson </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Buf </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>48 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>53 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Greg Little </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Cle </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>49 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>54 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Donald Driver </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>GB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>55 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Andre Roberts </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Ari </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>56 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Damian Williams </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Ten </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>55 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>57 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Devin Aromashodu </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Min </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>58 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jacoby Ford </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Oak </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>57 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>59 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Titus Young </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Det </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>60 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Kyle Williams </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SF </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>



• Those of you who own and/or root for New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks will contend the only reason Victor Cruz has been putting up big numbers is because of the attention Nicks has received from opposing defenses. Certainly that's a factor. Nicks had a nice Week 13 and moves back into the top 10 … but Cruz is the No. 3 wide receiver in standard scoring for the season and didn't exactly struggle Sunday. He has accrued more than 400 receiving yards the past three weeks alone. Both are clear-cut fantasy starters and in the top 10 here.
Minnesota Vikings threat Percy Harvin made a nice jump into the top 20, as rookie quarterback Christian Ponder was able to shred the Broncos defense and help Harvin to 156 receiving yards, two touchdowns and 28 fantasy points. I don't see this as a fluke; Harvin was supposed to be good, and he and Ponder should be a nice duo in 2012. I also moved Atlanta Falcons rookie Julio Jones up a bit, despite what seemed like an ordinary game. Watch the Falcons run and throw all over Carolina in Week 14.
• Leaving the top 20, unfortunately, is a wide receiver many chose in the first round. I don't know if Andre Johnson of the Houston Texans will play in Week 14. He might not play the week after that as well. Let's stop short of comparing him to Kevin Smith, but the fact is Johnson can't stay on the field. Well, fantasy owners need him there. At least Santonio Holmes is playing.
• Some might wonder why C.J. Spiller and Dexter McCluster are ranked so nicely. Well, if they get their numbers in part through conventional running back means, so be it. Plus, positional flexibility doesn't hurt. Spiller is ranked better at running back than wide receiver, in part because there's less depth there. He's in the top 100 regardless. As for the Chiefs, let McCluster have 20 touches in a game, please!
• Other wide receivers that moved up in the rankings heading to Week 14 include Santana Moss, Nate Burleson, Demaryius Thomas, Jacoby Jones and Kyle Williams. Moss hasn't caught many passes in his two weeks back in the lineup, but 19 targets suggests good times are ahead. He doesn't get charged with those Rex Grossman interceptions. The Lions can't run the ball, and Burleson, despite the offensive pass interference penalties, has looked good the past month. Thomas was Tebow's main target Sunday; I would still go with Decker over him, but certainly Thomas matters. Jones matters if/when Andre Johnson sits, I think over Kevin Walter. And I mentioned San Francisco's Williams in last Friday's sneaky blog entry, and guess what, he caught a touchdown pass!
Top 30 Tight Ends

<STYLE type=text/css>.mod-inline td img {margin: 0px;}</STYLE>
<TABLE style="MARGIN: 0px; WIDTH: 100%"><THEAD><TR><TH style="WIDTH: 50px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Rank </CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 200px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom">Player <CENTER></CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 50px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Team </CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 50px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Prev. </CENTER></TH></TR></THEAD><TBODY><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Rob Gronkowski </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NE </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jimmy Graham </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NO </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Antonio Gates </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Aaron Hernandez </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NE </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Tony Gonzalez </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Atl </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jason Witten </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Dal </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>5 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Vernon Davis </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SF </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>8 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>8 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Brandon Pettigrew </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Det </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>9 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>9 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jermichael Finley </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>GB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>12 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>10 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jermaine Gresham </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Cin </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>11 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>11 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jake Ballard </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NYG </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>13 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>12 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Brent Celek </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Phi </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>14 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>13 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Dustin Keller </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NYJ </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>15 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>14 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Kellen Winslow </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>TB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>16 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>15 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Anthony Fasano </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Mia </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>20 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>16 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Heath Miller </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Pit </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>17 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>17 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Scott Chandler </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Buf </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>18 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>18 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Owen Daniels </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Hou </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>19 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>19 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Greg Olsen </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Car </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>10 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>20 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Marcedes Lewis </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Jac </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>21 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>21 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Kellen Davis </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Chi </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>22 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>22 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ed Dickson </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Bal </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>23 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>23 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jared Cook </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Ten </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>24 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>24 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jacob Tamme </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Ind </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>26 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>25 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Kyle Rudolph </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Min </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>26 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Visanthe Shiancoe </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Min </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>27 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jeremy Shockey </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Car </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>29 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Joel Dreessen </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Hou </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>30 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>29 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Logan Paulsen </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Was </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>30 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Fred Davis </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Was </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>



• Fantasy's tight ends didn't put on much of a show in Week 13. In fact, the big news coming from this position is negative: Washington Redskins star Fred Davis, fifth in position scoring for the season, might have to serve his four-game suspension beginning this week. Well, there are only four games left. Davis might be done. Davis drops to No. 30 in the rankings, just in case the suspension is reduced -- even one more game with Davis would be nice -- and Logan Paulsen, the Redskins' likely replacement, enters the rankings.
• Only four tight ends managed double-digit fantasy points in Week 13, and one of them is the Giants' Travis Beckum, who doesn't need to be owned after catching only one pass. The top two tight ends remain fantasy monsters, and let's give Tony Gonzalez credit. He continues to put up good numbers.
• Carolina's Greg Olsen, however, has stopped putting up numbers, with precisely two fantasy points in each of the past four games. Keep an eye on rookie Kyle Rudolph of the Vikings; the first tight end drafted in the 2011 Draft has scored touchdowns in two of the past three weeks. That alone doesn't make him playable in the fantasy playoffs, but in a deep league he might be someone to replace Fred Davis. Jake Ballard and Anthony Fasano are also available in plenty of leagues, and have been productive.

Top 32 Defense/Special Teams

<STYLE type=text/css>.mod-inline td img {margin: 0px;}</STYLE>
<TABLE style="MARGIN: 0px; WIDTH: 100%"><THEAD><TR><TH style="WIDTH: 40px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Rank </CENTER></TH><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom">Player <CENTER></CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 40px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Prev. </CENTER></TH><TH style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff; WIDTH: 5px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER> </CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 40px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Rank </CENTER></TH><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom">Player <CENTER></CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 40px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Prev. </CENTER></TH></TR></THEAD><TBODY><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Baltimore Ravens </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>17 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">New Orleans Saints </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>15 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Pittsburgh Steelers </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>18 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jacksonville Jaguars </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>14 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">San Francisco 49ers </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>19 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Washington Redskins </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>26 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">New York Jets </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>20 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Arizona Cardinals </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>23 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Houston Texans </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>9 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>21 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">San Diego Chargers </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>18 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Chicago Bears </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>22 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">St. Louis Rams </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>27 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Detroit Lions </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>23 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Minnesota Vikings </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>8 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Cincinnati Bengals </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>8 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>24 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Cleveland Browns </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>25 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>9 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Tennessee Titans </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>13 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>25 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Kansas City Chiefs </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>30 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>10 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Dallas Cowboys </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>11 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>26 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">New York Giants </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>16 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>11 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Green Bay Packers </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>27 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">New England Patriots </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>21 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>12 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Seattle Seahawks </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>17 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Oakland Raiders </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>20 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>13 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Denver Broncos </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>24 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>29 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Buffalo Bills </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>22 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>14 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Atlanta Falcons </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>10 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>30 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Carolina Panthers </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>31 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>15 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Philadelphia Eagles </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>12 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>31 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Tampa Bay Buccaneers </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>29 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>16 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Miami Dolphins </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>19 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>32 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Indianapolis Colts </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>32 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>



Top 100 Overall

<STYLE type=text/css>.mod-inline td img {margin: 0px;}</STYLE>
<TABLE style="MARGIN: 0px; WIDTH: 100%"><THEAD><TR><TH style="WIDTH: 50px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Ovr.
Rank </CENTER></TH><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom">Player </TH><TH style="WIDTH: 50px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Team </CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 50px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Pos.
Rank </CENTER></TH><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Next 3
Weeks </CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 50px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Prev. </CENTER></TH></TR></THEAD><TBODY><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Aaron Rodgers </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>GB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>QB1 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>OAK, @KC, CHI </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Arian Foster </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Hou </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB1 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@CIN, CAR, @IND </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">LeSean McCoy </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Phi </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB2 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@MIA, NYJ, @DAL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ray Rice </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Bal </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB3 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>IND, @SD, CLE </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Tom Brady </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NE </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>QB2 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@WAS, @DEN, MIA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>5 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Maurice Jones-Drew </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Jac </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>TB, @ATL, @TEN </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>9 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Drew Brees </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NO </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>QB3 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@TEN, @MIN, ATL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>8 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Cam Newton </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Car </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>QB4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>ATL, @HOU, TB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>10 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>9 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Calvin Johnson </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Det </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR1 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>MIN, @OAK, SD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>8 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>10 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Adrian Peterson </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Min </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@DET, NO, @WAS </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>11 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Chris Johnson </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Ten </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NO, @IND, JAC </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>21 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>12 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Steve Smith </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Car </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR2 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>ATL, @HOU, TB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>12 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>13 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Michael Turner </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Atl </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@CAR, JAC, @NO </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>11 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>14 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Marshawn Lynch </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Sea </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB8 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>STL, @CHI, SF </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>18 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>15 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Tony Romo </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Dal </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>QB5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NYG, @TB, PHI </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>15 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>16 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Frank Gore </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SF </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB9 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@ARI, PIT, @SEA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>17 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>17 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Matthew Stafford </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Det </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>QB6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>MIN, @OAK, SD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>16 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>18 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">DeMarco Murray </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Dal </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB10 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NYG, @TB, PHI </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>14 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>19 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Eli Manning </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NYG </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>QB7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@DAL, WAS, @NYJ </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>22 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>20 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Rashard Mendenhall </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Pit </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB11 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>CLE, @SF, STL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>23 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>21 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Tim Tebow </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Den </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>QB8 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>CHI, NE, @BUF </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>46 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>22 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Greg Jennings </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>GB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR3 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>OAK, @KC, CHI </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>24 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>23 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Willis McGahee </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Den </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB12 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>CHI, NE, @BUF </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>32 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>24 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ryan Mathews </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB13 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>BUF, BAL, @DET </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>41 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>25 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Wes Welker </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NE </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@WAS, @DEN, MIA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>27 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>26 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Rob Gronkowski </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NE </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>TE1 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@WAS, @DEN, MIA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>26 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>27 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Mike Wallace </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Pit </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>CLE, @SF, STL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>20 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Larry Fitzgerald </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Ari </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SF, CLE, @CIN </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>29 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Steven Jackson </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>StL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB14 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@SEA, CIN, @PIT </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>29 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>30 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">A.J. Green </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Cin </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>HOU, @STL, ARI </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>30 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>31 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jimmy Graham </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NO </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>TE2 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@TEN, @MIN, ATL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>31 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>32 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Darren Sproles </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NO </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB15 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@TEN, @MIN, ATL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>48 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>33 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Victor Cruz </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NYG </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR8 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@DAL, WAS, @NYJ </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>33 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>34 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Hakeem Nicks </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NYG </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR9 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@DAL, WAS, @NYJ </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>38 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>35 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Matt Ryan </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Atl </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>QB9 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@CAR, JAC, @NO </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>25 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>36 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Roddy White </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Atl </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR10 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@CAR, JAC, @NO </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>34 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>37 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ben Roethlisberger </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Pit </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>QB10 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>CLE, @SF, STL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>35 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>38 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Beanie Wells </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Ari </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB16 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SF, CLE, @CIN </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>44 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>39 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jordy Nelson </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>GB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR11 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>OAK, @KC, CHI </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>36 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>40 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Dez Bryant </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Dal </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR12 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NYG, @TB, PHI </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>49 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>41 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Vincent Jackson </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR13 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>BUF, BAL, @DET </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>43 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>42 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Antonio Gates </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>TE3 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>BUF, BAL, @DET </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>42 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>43 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Reggie Bush </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Mia </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB17 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>PHI, @BUF, @NE </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>50 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>44 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Brandon Lloyd </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>StL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR14 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@SEA, CIN, @PIT </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>39 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>45 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">LeGarrette Blount </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>TB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB18 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@JAC, DAL, @CAR </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>19 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>46 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">BenJarvus Green-Ellis </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NE </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB19 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@WAS, @DEN, MIA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>37 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>47 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Cedric Benson </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Cin </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB20 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>HOU, @STL, ARI </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>47 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>48 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Aaron Hernandez </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NE </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>TE4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@WAS, @DEN, MIA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>51 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>49 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Shonn Greene </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NYJ </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB21 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>KC, @PHI, NYG </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>54 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>50 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Brandon Marshall </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Mia </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR15 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>PHI, @BUF, @NE </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>53 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>51 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Roy Helu </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Was </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB22 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NE, @NYG, MIN </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>65 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>52 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Percy Harvin </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Min </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR16 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@DET, NO, @WAS </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>60 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>53 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Marques Colston </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NO </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR17 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@TEN, @MIN, ATL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>52 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>54 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Tony Gonzalez </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Atl </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>TE5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@CAR, JAC, @NO </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>61 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>55 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Michael Bush </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Oak </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB23 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@GB, DET, @KC </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>45 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>56 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Antonio Brown </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Pit </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR18 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>CLE, @SF, STL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>55 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>57 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Anquan Boldin </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Bal </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR19 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>IND, @SD, CLE </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>59 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>58 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Philip Rivers </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>QB11 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>BUF, BAL, @DET </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>63 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>59 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Darren McFadden </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Oak </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB24 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@GB, DET, @KC </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>58 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>60 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Julio Jones </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Atl </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR20 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@CAR, JAC, @NO </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>62 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>61 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jason Witten </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Dal </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>TE6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NYG, @TB, PHI </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>56 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>62 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Santonio Holmes </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NYJ </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR21 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>KC, @PHI, NYG </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>67 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>63 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Andre Johnson </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Hou </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR22 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@CIN, CAR, @IND </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>40 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>64 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Miles Austin </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Dal </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR23 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NYG, @TB, PHI </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>69 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>65 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jonathan Stewart </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Car </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB25 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>ATL, @HOU, TB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>80 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>66 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Laurent Robinson </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Dal </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR24 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NYG, @TB, PHI </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>57 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>67 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Steve Johnson </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Buf </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR25 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@SD, MIA, DEN </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>73 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>68 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Michael Vick </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Phi </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>QB12 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@MIA, NYJ, @DAL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>93 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>69 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ahmad Bradshaw </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NYG </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB26 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@DAL, WAS, @NYJ </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>97 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>70 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Vernon Davis </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SF </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>TE7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@ARI, PIT, @SEA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>74 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>71 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Deion Branch </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NE </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR26 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@WAS, @DEN, MIA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>64 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>72 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Brandon Pettigrew </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Det </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>TE8 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>MIN, @OAK, SD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>77 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>73 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Dwayne Bowe </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>KC </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR27 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@NYJ, GB, OAK </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>75 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>74 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">C.J. Spiller </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Buf </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB27 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@SD, MIA, DEN </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>90 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>75 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Michael Crabtree </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SF </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR28 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@ARI, PIT, @SEA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>82 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>76 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">DeSean Jackson </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Phi </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR29 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@MIA, NYJ, @DAL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>66 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>77 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Daniel Thomas </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Mia </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB28 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>PHI, @BUF, @NE </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>68 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>78 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jermichael Finley </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>GB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>TE9 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>OAK, @KC, CHI </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>92 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>79 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Donald Brown </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Ind </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB29 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@BAL, TEN, HOU </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>96 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>80 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Nate Washington </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Ten </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR30 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NO, @IND, JAC </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>71 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>81 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Mike Tolbert </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB30 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>BUF, BAL, @DET </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>76 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>82 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jermaine Gresham </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Cin </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>TE10 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>HOU, @STL, ARI </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>87 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>83 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jeremy Maclin </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Phi </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR31 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@MIA, NYJ, @DAL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>79 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>84 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Plaxico Burress </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NYJ </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR33 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>KC, @PHI, NYG </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>83 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>85 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ben Tate </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Hou </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB31 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@CIN, CAR, @IND </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>88 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>86 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Eric Decker </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Den </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR34 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>CHI, NE, @BUF </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>84 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>87 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jake Ballard </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NYG </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>TE11 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@DAL, WAS, @NYJ </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>99 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>88 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Mark Ingram </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NO </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB32 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@TEN, @MIN, ATL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>89 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Mike Williams </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>TB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR35 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@JAC, DAL, @CAR </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>86 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>90 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Brandon Jacobs </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NYG </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB33 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@DAL, WAS, @NYJ </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>91 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Malcom Floyd </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR36 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>BUF, BAL, @DET </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>92 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Brent Celek </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Phi </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>TE12 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@MIA, NYJ, @DAL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>93 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Reggie Wayne </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Ind </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR37 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@BAL, TEN, HOU </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>89 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>94 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Pierre Garcon </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Ind </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR38 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@BAL, TEN, HOU </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>95 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Kevin Smith </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Det </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB34 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>MIN, @OAK, SD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>78 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>96 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">DeAngelo Williams </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Car </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB35 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>ATL, @HOU, TB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>85 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>97 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Maurice Morris </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Det </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB36 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>MIN, @OAK, SD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>98 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Marion Barber </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Chi </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB37 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@DEN, SEA, @GB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>99 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Toby Gerhart </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Min </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB38 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@DET, NO, @WAS </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>100 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Carson Palmer </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Oak </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>QB13 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@GB, DET, @KC </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>100</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
 

hacheman@therx.com
Staff member
Joined
Jan 2, 2002
Messages
139,222
Tokens
Rest for the Weary?

49ers coach Jim Harbaugh got the ball rolling Monday when he addressed the idea of resting his starters down the stretch. He insisted he will not rest anyone on his 10-2 team even though they have already clinched the NFC West.

The truth is Harbaugh doesn’t really have a choice right now. The Niners are just one game clear of the Saints for a first-round bye in the NFC playoffs. If they lock up that bye at some point in the next two weeks, Harbaugh may change his tune and sit some guys down.

Therefore, if I own Frank Gore, I’m making certain I own Kendall Hunter heading into the fantasy playoffs. Then again, if I own Gore, I’m not feeling too good about myself. He has a total of four catches over the last six weeks, hasn’t scored a touchdown since Week 8 and faces the Steelers and Seahawks in Weeks 15 and 16.

Let’s take a look at some other teams that threaten to end up resting their stars in Weeks 16 and/or 17.

PACKERS: 12-0
The Packers are almost certainly going to be the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs. The question is if they will choose to go for a 16-0 record. Here’s coach Mike McCarthy’s latest comments on the matter:

"I clearly understand the 16-0 gig and the importance of it," McCarthy said after Sunday's win over the Giants. "[But] that's why you have to stay focused on what's at hand, because every week it's going to be a challenge. We're 12-0 and we need to get to 13-0. We have other goals that are in front of us before we can even attain [16-0]. I hope we're in position to talk about it, but right now we really aren't."

To me, that sounds like a guy that wants to go for the perfect season. The Packers play an aggressive brand of football, they have an aggressive quarterback and an aggressive coach. Therefore, I’m only rolling with two handcuffs here: If I own Aaron Rodgers, I own Matt Flynn. And if I own Greg Jennings, I own James Jones.

SAINTS: 9-3
Back in 2009, the Saints locked up the No. 1 seed in the NFC heading into Week 17. Coach Sean Payton decided to completely hold out Drew Brees and rest other select starters.

If the Saints end up clinching the No. 3 seed, look for Payton to follow the same path. However, that’s unlikely to happen before Week 17. There’s no must-have handcuffs here.

PATRIOTS, RAVENS, STEELERS, TEXANS: 9-3
The race for the byes in the AFC is likely going to come down to the final game. It’s a dream scenario for fantasy owners, who don’t have to worry about rest.

Editor's Note: The Rotoworld Player News App is out and it's free. Download it now to have the latest blurbs and analysis in your palm at all times.

NEWS OF THE DAY #1

The NFL officially announced the season-ending suspensions of Fred Davis and Trent Williams Tuesday. According to SI.com, each has failed three tests for marijuana. If they get busted one more time, they will be suspended for one year.

The short-term effects on the Redskins project to be pretty severe. Davis was their best playmaker all year and now blocker Logan Paulsen is the starting tight end. Look for Rex Grossman to rely on Santana Moss and Jabar Gaffney heavily.

The loss of Williams will be felt across the board as well. He was the No. 4 overall pick in the 2010 draft and has proven to be a difference-maker in the running game. When Williams missed Weeks 7 and 8 due to a high-ankle sprain, the Redskins averaged 10.0 points per game against the lowly defenses of the Panthers and Bills.

INJURY QUICK SLANTS: QUARTERBACKS AND RUNNING BACKS
Peyton Hillis (hip) is fully expected to play Thursday night as a weak flex play against the Steelers’ red-hot defense. … We still have no timetable on Darren McFadden (foot), who isn’t expected to return Week 14. … Tony Fiammetta (illness) is due back this week. Good news for DeMarco Murray.

INJURY QUICK SLANTS: RECEIVERS, TIGHT ENDS AND KICKERS
Emmanuel Sanders (knee) is not expected to play Thursday. Antonio Brown will get a couple extra targets. … Miles Austin (hamstring) is expected to be a full go in practice this week. … Malcom Floyd (hip) emerged from his return healthy. He’s on the WR3 radar.

DEPTH CHART QUICK SLANTS
LeGarrette Blount was involved in an assault in the Tampa area back in September. Considering his history, it’s possible the league eventually gets involved. … Santana Moss played 64-of-72 snaps in his second game back from injury. … The Texans signed Jeff Garcia to be their No. 3 quarterback. … The Bears have no interest in Brett Favre. … Joe Webb will start Sunday if Christian Ponder (hip) can’t.
 

hacheman@therx.com
Staff member
Joined
Jan 2, 2002
Messages
139,222
Tokens
Target Watch: Week 14

The numbers by each name are targets for Weeks’ 7 through 13. And the target totals reflect the last 7 weeks as well. I hope you enjoy!

All snap count data comes from our friends over at Pro Football Focus.

Arizona Cardinals

Larry Fitzgerald: 10-5-12-13-9-9-7 (65), Andre Roberts: 5-3-7-7-9-5-6 (42), Early Doucet: 5-6-6-4-10-1-6 (38), Jeff King: 1-3-2-5-0-3-0 (14), Rob Housler: 6-2-dnp-dnp-dnp-dnp-3 (11), LaRod Stephens-Howling: 3-1-1-2-0-1-2 (10), Chester Taylor: dnp-1-1-3-3-2-0 (10), Jim Dray: dnp-0-3-2-0-0-0 (5), Beanie Wells: 0-0-2-0-1-0-1 (4), DeMarco Sampson: 2-dnp-0-0-2-0-0 (4)

Kevin Kolb “led” the Cardinals to a win over the Cowboys but his only touchdown pass was to LaRod Stephens-Howling who did most of the work himself. Andre Roberts made the most out of his 6 targets by catching all 6 for 111 yards which is the polar opposite of Early Doucet who also had 6 targets catching 2 of them for a big fat zero yards. These two are incredibly tough to guess as to when they will have a good game. Doucet has been the only one to have value due to his 4 touchdowns but on the whole their quarterback situation is too shaky to consider either for starts.

After Larry Fitzgerald had his touchdown outburst he’s gone a couple games with 55 yards and no touchdowns. He’s still impossible to sit unless you are insanely stacked at receiver though.


Atlanta Falcons

Roddy White: 10-BYE-9-7-14-13-15 (68), Tony Gonzalez: 8-BYE-6-10-6-9-10 (49), Harry Douglas: 7-BYE-0-14-4-5-5 (35), Julio Jones: dnp-BYE-4-5-dnp-0-11 (20), Jacquizz Rodgers: 4-BYE-1-2-0-2-1 (10), Eric Weems: 0-BYE-0-5-3-0-0 (8), Michael Palmer: 1-BYE-2-0-1-3-1 (8), Michael Turner: 1-BYE-2-2-2-1-0 (8), Jason Snelling: 1-BYE-0-2-2-1-1 (7)

It was a missed target festival at Houston with Matt Ryan throwing 47 times and completing only 20 of those which makes these numbers for last week full of hot air. The Texans pass defense is the real deal.

The good news is Julio Jones is back and caught 4 of 11 targets while Harry Douglas once again took a back seat to the rookie. Roddy White’s day was saved by a wide open touchdown grab but he only caught 4 of 15 targets.

With Michael Turner hurting during the week, I got a lot of questions about who to start if he didn’t play and it was difficult to answer. In this game Jacquizz Rodgers and Jason Snelling both were on the field for 19 plays but that was in part due to Rodgers being used on passing downs. It would most likely be a time share where I’d lean towards Snelling in non-PPR and Rodgers in PPR. Of course I like Rodgers as the home run pick due to his superior big-play ability.


Baltimore Ravens

Anquan Boldin: 12-12-10-9-2-9-4 (58), Ray Rice: 8-9-7-10-10-3-3 (50), Torrey Smith: 5-9-9-8-7-3-4 (45), Ed Dickson: 5-9-5-14-3-2-4 (42), Dennis Pitta: 3-8-8-7-0-2-2 (30), Ricky Williams: 0-2-1-3-2-2-0 (10), Vonta Leach: 1-1-1-1-2-1-3 (10), LaQuan Williams: 2-1-3-1-0-0-dnp (7), Lee Evans: dnp-dnp-dnp-dnp-1-1-3 (5)

After the Seattle debacle where Ray Rice only ran the ball 5 times, Rice has rushed 20, 21, and 29 times in the three weeks following. He had topped 20 carries only twice in the previous nine games. This increase in attempts for Rice seems long overdue. Of course as Rice sees more looks from Flacco, Boldin and company are going to lose looks as was evident last week when Flacco only passed 23 times, completing a measly 10.


Buffalo Bills

Stevie Johnson: BYE-9-6-5-8-13-8 (49), David Nelson: BYE-5-7-5-4-8-8 (37), Scott Chandler: BYE-2-3-3-6-7-4 (25), Brad Smith: BYE-3-0-0-4-7-10 (24), C.J. Spiller: BYE-3-0-0-4-3-6 (16), Donald Jones: BYE-dnp-4-10-1-dnp-dnp (15), Naaman Roosevelt: BYE-1-3-1-2-dnp-2 (9), Johnny White: BYE-dnp-dnp-dnp-4-0-0 (4)

Brad Smith was once again the clear No. 2 wide receiver and actually led in targets with 10 and led in receptions with 7. David Nelson and Stevie Johnson tied with 8 targets a piece. With 46 pass attempts there were plenty of targets to go around. Since Fred Jackson hurt himself the Bills have been passing much more which makes it easier to pick up Smith.

C.J. Spiller had a much better game this week than last with a nice line of 14 attempts for 83 yards and a touchdown. His 6 targets only went for 3 receptions and 19 yards but it was good to see that total inch forward. Of course he got fairly lucky to get that touchdown after fumbling the ball into the end zone and kinda, sorda recovering it in bounds.


Carolina Panthers

Steve Smith: 9-9-BYE-8-10-7-6 (49), Greg Olsen: 3-7-BYE-11-9-3-4 (37), Legedu Naanee: 3-7-BYE-9-5-4-3 (31), Brandon LaFell: 3-2-BYE-2-5-6-4 (22), Jonathan Stewart: 0-3-BYE-7-6-4-2 (22), Jeremy Shockey: 4-3-BYE-1-dnp-3-1 (12), DeAngelo Williams: 0-2-BYE-1-1-0-0 (4)

After starting the season with five 100-plus yard receiving games in the first eight, Steve Smith has cooled off in the last four averaging only 43.5 yards per game. His target numbers remain relatively high but have shown a slight decline in the last two games where the Panthers went to a run heavy attack against weak rush defenses.

Cam Newton is by far the biggest fantasy story in the Carolinas but Jonathan Stewart once again asserted his superior ability over DeAngelo Williams by getting 16 touches, 99 yards and a touchdown to Williams’ 11 touches for 29 yards. Even with Cam Newton getting most of the goal line looks it’s hard not to wonder what kind of year Stewart could have had if the Panthers hadn’t re-signed Williams.


Chicago Bears

Johnny Knox: 6-BYE-1-2-5-10-8 (32), Matt Forte: 4-BYE-5-5-4-10-0 (28), Earl Bennett: dnp-BYE-5-6-9-4-4 (28), Roy Williams: 5-BYE-6-2-8-5-1 (27), Devin Hester: 9-BYE-5-0-0-0-4 (18), Kellen Davis: 2-BYE-3-2-1-2-2 (12), Dane Sanzenbacher: 3-BYE-2-0-1-0-1 (7), Matt Spaeth: 0-BYE-2-1-1-1-0 (5), Tyler Clutts: 2-BYE-1-0-1-0-0 (4), Sam Hurd: 0-BYE-0-1-0-1-2 (4)

Not much can be said for the Bears whose quarterback completed 11 passes out of 24 for 133 yards and 3 interceptions while losing their best player in Matt Forte for 2-4 weeks with four games remaining, just after losing their starting quarterback. Oh and if the season ended right now they’d be in the playoffs. But it doesn’t.

I guess we I can point out that Caleb Hanie targeted Johnny Knox 8 times which once again was a team high and makes you at least maybe want to own Knox.
<!--RW-->Cincinnati Bengals

Jerome Simpson: BYE-2-10-4-13-5-3 (37), Andre Caldwell: BYE-6-9-8-9-3-0 (35), A.J. Green: BYE-10-7-2-dnp-4-11 (34), Jermaine Gresham: BYE-dnp-dnp-5-6-9-7 (27), Andrew Hawkins: BYE-0-0-6-8-3-2 (19), Brian Leonard: BYE-3-2-0-5-0-4 (14), Bernard Scott: BYE-3-1-0-1-2-1 (8), Donald Lee: BYE-3-4-dnp-dnp-dnp-dnp (7), Cedric Benson: BYE-dnp-0-1-1-5-0 (7), Colin Cochart: BYE-dnp-dnp-1-2-0-2 (5)

The Steelers put a pretty good beat down on the Bengals and still A.J. Green came through with a good game. We already knew this but he keeps solidifying his status as an every week start.

Jermaine Gresham had another touchdown called back but he’s still getting plenty of red zone looks. He’s no Robby Grahamkowski but he’ll do in a pinch.


Cleveland Browns

Greg Little: 7-11-8-6-8-13-7 (60), Ben Watson: 4-3-2-5-4-4-8 (30), Chris Ogbonnaya: 5-8-1-2-3-2-6 (27), Josh Cribbs: 6-3-5-5-3-4-0 (26), Jordan Norwood: 0-6-1-3-2-5-5 (22), Mohamed Massaquoi: 2-dnp-1-dnp-2-3-5 (13), Evan Moore: 4-2-2-0-0-1-3 (12), Alex Smith: 2-1-0-2-0-0-0 (5)

I think Colt McCoy could throw the ball 30 times to Greg Little and he’d still have a disappointing fantasy day. With 7 targets he only had 3 receptions and 18 yards which was his lowest total since Week 1. Of course Baltimore’s defense had a lot to do with that but if you want a serviceable game out of Little you have to hope he gets a touchdown and he’s only done that once this season.


Dallas Cowboys

Dez Bryant: 8-5-9-6-8-6-15 (57), Laurent Robinson: 3-8-5-3-11-12-6 (48), Jason Witten: 6-12-7-7-3-5-6 (46), Demarco Murray: 2-3-6-7-7-4-0 (29), Miles Austin: 5-3-3-dnp-dnp-dnp-dnp (11), John Phillips: 0-0-1-0-1-2-5 (9), Kevin Ogletree: 0-0-0-1-2-0-5 (8), Martellus Bennett: 0-1-0-1-3-2-0 (7), Jesse Holley: 0-0-0-1-1-0-2 (4), Felix Jones: dnp-dnp-dnp-dnp-1-1-2 (4)

This was the Dez Bryant targetpalooza as he saw 15 and had a workman-like 8 receptions for 86 yards and a touchdown. That was without Miles Austin and with Laurent Robinson losing some time due to injury, but it’s good to see him be the go to guy and get a season high 8 receptions.

DeMarco Murray was on the field for 39 snaps to Felix Jones’ 28. Murray is still the early down back but Jones will see more receptions going forward.


Denver Broncos

Eric Decker: 3-12-5-3-5-6-4 (38), Eddie Royal: 4-13-5-2-4-2-1 (31), Demaryius Thomas: 10-3-2-0-6-1-7 (29), Matt Willis: 2-3-0-1-0-3-1 (10), Lance Ball: 0-3-0-1-3-0-2 (9), Daniel Fells: 4-1-1-0-1-1-0 (8), Dante Rosario: 1-1-1-1-1-1-0 (6), Jeremiah Johnson: dnp-dnp-dnp-dnp-1-4-0 (5)

Demaryius Thomas had a huge game to go along with his team leading 7 targets. While Eric Decker had been Tim Tebow’s main target, Thomas was the guy against Minnesota’s porous pass defense. The Broncos will most likely play to their opponent’s weakness and it’s good to see Tebow able to take advantage of a bad pass defense.


Detroit Lions

Calvin Johnson: 11-7-BYE-20-8-8-9 (63), Nate Burleson: 3-7-BYE-9-7-7-9 (42), Brandon Pettigrew: 6-4-BYE-9-5-8-4 (36), Maurice Morris: 4-3-BYE-2-1-10-7 (27), Titus Young: 3-5-BYE-10-3-3-2 (26), Tony Scheffler: 3-3-BYE-7-3-2-3 (21), Kevin Smith: dnp-dnp-BYE-2-4-3-8 (17), Will Heller: 2-0-BYE-3-3-0-1 (9), Keiland Williams: 0-1-BYE-0-0-4-1 (6), Rashied Davis: dnp-dnp-BYE-1-2-0-1 (4)

Nate Burleson once again saw a healthy number of targets and if it hadn’t been for three offensive pass interference calls may have topped 100 yards for the first time this season. But as it is he’s still accumulating plenty of targets and receptions for PPR leaguers.

Kevin Smith reinjured his ankle but was on pace for a big game. That’s two weeks in a row his owners have watched him start of strong only to finish the game hurt. Thankfully this time he put together a decent game before he had to leave. With 8 targets and 6 receptions in such a short time on the field he could be a bona fide PPR stud.


Green Bay Packers

Greg Jennings: 10-BYE-8-5-6-5-13 (47), Jermichael Finley: 2-BYE-7-4-3-5-11 (32), Jordy Nelson: 4-BYE-6-5-7-5-4 (31), Donald Driver: 1-BYE-2-4-5-2-4 (18), James Starks: 4-BYE-1-4-6-1-0 (16), James Jones: 4-BYE-1-1-3-4-0 (13), Randall Cobb: 2-BYE-0-3-1-4-2 (12), Brandon Saine: dnp-BYE-dnp-dnp-dnp-1-6 (7), John Kuhn: 1-BYE-1-2-1-1-1 (7), Ryan Grant: 0-BYE-0-1-0-3-1 (5), Tom Crabtree: 0-BYE-0-0-2-0-2 (4), Andrew Quarless: 1-BYE-0-1-0-1-1 (4)

Aaron Rodgers had his worst quarterback rating of the season as he threw for 369 yards and 4 touchdowns . . . slacker.

Jermichael Finley had his biggest target day of the season and put up good numbers even though he couldn’t seem to hang onto the ball.

Donald Driver was the red zone king catching his third and fourth touchdowns of the season.

Brandon Saine stepped in for James Starks and outplayed Ryan Grant on the day. Aaron Rodgers says that Saine has the best hands on the team. I don’t know if that’s hyperbole but it sure isn’t Finley.


Houston Texans

Arian Foster: 5-4-7-4-BYE-9-4 (33), Owen Daniels: 5-6-4-3-BYE-7-5 (30), Kevin Walter: 4-9-1-1-BYE-2-4 (21), Jacoby Jones: 4-5-4-3-BYE-2-2 (20), Andre Johnson: dnp-dnp-dnp-dnp-BYE-3-9 (12), Joel Dreessen: 2-2-2-1-BYE-1-1 (9), Derrick Mason: 1-2-0-2-BYE-1-dnp (6)

T.J. Yates was the epitome of a “game manager” as he hit Andre Johnson to keep the defense honest but mostly handed it off to Arian Foster and Ben Tate 42 times. With some easy rush defenses coming up I don’t see Yates being called on to do much, especially with Andre Johnson hurting again, but if he has to he has shown he can throw it deep.

Joel Dreesen caught his 5th touchdown in the last 8 games but aside from his one big game against Oakland where he had 5 receptions for 112 yards he hasn’t topped 31 yards.
<!--RW-->Indianapolis Colts

Pierre Garcon: 6-15-6-6-BYE-8-12 (53), Reggie Wayne: 4-14-6-6-BYE-7-6 (43), Austin Collie: 5-7-5-5-BYE-7-8 (37), Jacob Tamme: 0-0-7-8-BYE-3-6 (24), Dallas Clark: 0-10-5-dnp-BYE-dnp-dnp (15), Donald Brown: 0-1-3-4-BYE-1-1 (10), Jerome Felton: 1-2-dnp-0-BYE-dnp-1 (4), Joseph Addai: 2-dnp-dnp-dnp-BYE-1-1 (4)

When Dan Orlovsky came in to relieve Curtis Painter a couple weeks ago he targeted Pierre Garcon more than Reggie Wayne and that proved true again this week. There is no doubt that the Patriots pass defense and the fact that those stats are padded in garbage time make assessing the Colts’ offense under Orlovsky difficult at best but if we have to try predicting the future, I’d say Garcon will continue to lead in targets.


Jacksonville Jaguars

Marcedes Lewis: 3-9-BYE-3-11-12-4 (42), Maurice Jones-Drew: 3-4-BYE-3-6-6-8 (30), Mike Thomas: 1-4-BYE-1-11-5-6 (28), Jarett Dillard: dnp-3-BYE-2-3-5-7 (20), Chastin West: dnp-dnp-BYE-5-3-0-0 (8), Deji Karim: 0-1-BYE-3-0-3-dnp (7), Cecil Shorts: 2-dnp-BYE-dnp-dnp-3-1 (6), Zach Potter: 0-0-BYE-2-0-0-3 (5)

Maurice Jones-Drew is a one man team. Really.


Kansas City Chiefs

Dwayne Bowe: 10-11-10-7-9-11-9 (67), Steve Breaston: 9-4-11-6-8-8-7 (53), Jonathan Baldwin: 5-8-5-5-6-2-4 (35), Dexter McCluster: 2-3-4-8-2-2-5 (26), Leonard Pope: 1-1-2-5-4-1-0 (14), LeRon McClain: 2-2-1-2-0-0-1 (8), Jackie Battle: 0-0-2-0-1-1-0 (4)

The Tyler Palko led Chiefs are fairly useless right now in fantasy. The running back situation is split between Thomas Jones and his 3 yards a carry, Jackie Battle and his similar lackluster play and Dexter McCluster who actually had a nice game against the Bears due to a fluky Hail Mary touchdown reception.


Miami Dolphins

Brandon Marshall: 9-6-11-9-3-10-6 (54), Davone Bess: 12-5-3-6-3-4-7 (40), Reggie Bush: 2-5-3-5-5-4-2 (26), Anthony Fasano: 2-1-3-4-2-2-6 (20), Brian Hartline: 2-2-0-3-2-5-2 (16), Charles Clay: 1-1-3-2-4-2-2 (15), Daniel Thomas: 5-dnp-0-0-1-1-0 (7)

Reggie Bush has 5 touchdowns in the last 5 games and continues to put up good numbers even though I told him he needed to stop doing things he hasn’t done before because it makes it hard to predict. Against Oakland he had 22 carries which easily eclipsed his high of 16 just the week before. His workload continues to increase and as long as Matt Moore keeps on holding down the fort he should finish the season strong.


Minnesota Vikings

Percy Harvin: 3-5-BYE-8-8-8-9 (41), Devin Aromashodu: 5-6-BYE-6-4-5-15 (41), Visanthe Shiancoe: 8-4-BYE-4-3-4-7 (30), Michael Jenkins: 8-2-BYE-4-7-4-dnp (25), Kyle Rudolph: 1-5-BYE-3-5-dnp-1 (15), Toby Gerhart: 0-0-BYE-0-1-3-8 (12), Greg Camarillo: 3-0-BYE-3-2-0-0 (8), Adrian Peterson: 1-5-BYE-1-0-dnp-dnp (7), Lorenzo Booker: 2-dnp-BYE-3-0-0-1 (6)

Percy Harvin was the man but also saw 6 less targets than Devin Aromashodu who I can feel pretty good in saying isn’t the man. But I suppose that is beside the point since Harvin finished the game with 175 yards and 2 touchdowns. His 8 target average along with a few rushing attempts make him extremely valuable.

Christian Ponder may be onto something with this throwing to Harvin thing. Adrian Peterson may be out again this week which helps Harvin and Ponder’s possible production.


New England Patriots

Wes Welker: BYE-8-10-8-3-12-11 (52), Rob Gronkowski: BYE-9-15-11-7-4-6 (52), Deion Branch: BYE-7-5-9-3-10-6 (40), Aaron Hernandez: BYE-4-5-5-7-7-9 (37), Danny Woodhead: BYE-0-6-3-4-0-1 (14), Chad Ochocinco: BYE-1-5-2-0-dnp-2 (10), Kevin Faulk: BYE-5-dnp-0-dnp-0-1 (6), BenJarvus Green-Ellis: BYE-0-1-0-2-0-1 (4)

The news out of Foxboro is all Gronk all of the time. In the fantasy world he sits 5th in total fantasy points if you exclude quarterbacks, which I do. Compare that to Jason Witten who led all tight ends last season in fantasy points and finished 35th. It’s a new age, the Age of Gronk.

Welker still leads the world in targets and receptions. As it should be. Stevan Ridley got more work than he has in a while and Shane Vereen didn’t suit up. Ridley may be the Week 17 guy to own.


New Orleans Saints

Jimmy Graham: 7-8-8-12-BYE-8-9 (52), Marques Colston: 7-6-5-9-BYE-6-10 (43), Darren Sproles: 6-7-6-6-BYE-5-1 (31), Lance Moore: 4-9-3-3-BYE-7-3 (29), Pierre Thomas: 6-4-5-5-BYE-3-2 (25), Devery Henderson: 2-4-3-2-BYE-6-0 (17), Robert Meachem: 2-3-1-2-BYE-0-7 (15), Mark Ingram: 1-dnp-dnp-1-BYE-3-1 (6), Jed Collins: 0-3-1-1-BYE-0-0 (5)

Drew Brees is still on pace to beat Dan Marino’s record as he’s averaging 336 yards passing a game. That number is insane but with the huge number of targets he has, Jimmy Graham still remains the only mortal lock week in and week out.

Mark Ingram led in carries with 15 but is still splitting time on the field evenly with Darren Sproles.
<!--RW-->New York Giants

Victor Cruz: BYE-9-11-11-10-12-9 (62), Hakeem Nicks: BYE-10-dnp-4-7-12-12 (45), Jake Ballard: BYE-7-7-4-7-5-6 (36), Mario Manningham: BYE-9-7-10-2-dnp-dnp (28), Danny Ware: BYE-2-2-6-3-9-3 (25), Brandon Jacobs: BYE-2-5-2-4-0-1 (14), Ramses Barden: BYE-dnp-5-0-1-4-3 (13), Ahmad Bradshaw: BYE-5-dnp-dnp-dnp-dnp-5 (10), Bear Pascoe: BYE-1-1-3-0-1-0 (6)

In a shootout with the Packers it was a foregone conclusion that the Giants’ two best receivers would have big games and they did. Victor Cruz topped 100 yards for the third week in a row and Hakeem Nicks found the end zone twice. Mario Manningham’s knee is still hurting and most likely will help Cruz and Nicks continue to garner a large amount of targets and fantasy points.

Ahmad Bradshaw returned from a four week hiatus and didn’t have an outstanding game but had 16 looks to Brandon Jacobs’ nine. Much will depend on how he recovers from this workload as to how valuable he’ll be going forward.


New York Jets

Santonio Holmes: 3-BYE-6-8-9-9-8 (43), Plaxico Burress: 8-BYE-5-8-9-7-6 (43), Dustin Keller: 8-BYE-7-4-8-8-6 (41), Jeremy Kerley: 7-BYE-5-8-dnp-dnp-1 (21), Shonn Greene: 1-BYE-0-4-1-4-4 (14), LaDainian Tomlinson: 4-BYE-3-5-dnp-dnp-1 (13), Joe McKnight: 0-BYE-1-0-7-3-2 (13), Patrick Turner: 0-BYE-0-1-4-4-1 (10)

Shonn Greene was the workhorse this week with 22 carries and 3 touchdowns while Santonio Holmes had a good game but not a great game as is the case most weeks.

After showing some consistency earlier in the season, at least fantasy-wise, Mark Sanchez has been on again off again in his fantasy production with 10, 21, 8, 19, 9, and 18 fantasy points in the last 5 weeks. Be wary.


Oakland Raiders

Darrius Heyward-Bey: 11-BYE-1-0-5-10-8 (35), Denarius Moore: 5-BYE-12-7-2-dnp-dnp (26), Michael Bush: 3-BYE-3-4-2-4-6 (22), Chaz Schilens: dnp-BYE-2-0-2-8-7 (19), Marcel Reece: dnp-BYE-5-1-3-7-1 (17), Kevin Boss: 1-BYE-0-2-6-3-5 (17), Brandon Myers: 1-BYE-1-3-3-1-6 (15), Louis Murphy: 4-BYE-1-1-0-4-5 (15), Jacoby Ford: 5-BYE-6-1-dnp-dnp-dnp (12), T.J. Houshmandzadeh: dnp-BYE-4-1-0-0-3 (8)

Miami put a beatdown on the Raiders last week. The kind of beatdown that is good for garbage time points as long as backups don’t come in.

With Jacoby Ford and Denarius Moore looking like they might return this week it is hard to gain much knowledge from these target numbers. Darrius Heyward-Bey and Chaz Schillens would be worthwhile if Ford and Moore decide to quit football and become Emu farmers.


Philadelphia Eagles

Brent Celek: BYE-9-9-7-6-6-4 (41), DeSean Jackson: BYE-6-8-dnp-8-10-4 (36), Riley Cooper: BYE-0-1-2-12-5-10 (30), LeSean McCoy: BYE-3-5-5-4-7-5 (29), Jason Avant: BYE-5-3-1-2-14-2 (27), Jeremy Maclin: BYE-3-9-5-dnp-dnp-dnp (17), Steve Smith: BYE-dnp-dnp-10-1-0-dnp (11), Clay Harbor: BYE-1-1-1-2-1-2 (8), Chad Hall: BYE-dnp-dnp-dnp-0-5-1 (6)

At this point in the fantasy season it would be hard to throw DeSean Jackson out there unless all your other players also decided they really didn’t like being tackled as well. With Michael Vick coming back and Jeremy Maclin possibly coming back it will be difficult to strongly recommend any one Eagles’ receiver even though one of them will surely have a good game.


Pittsburgh Steelers

Antonio Brown: 9-15-10-6-BYE-6-4 (50), Mike Wallace: 7-7-6-10-BYE-6-5 (41), Heath Miller: 4-9-5-5-BYE-2-3 (28), Emmanuel Sanders: 7-8-dnp-dnp-BYE-4-2 (21), Hines Ward: 4-dnp-1-1-BYE-4-6 (16), Jerricho Cotchery: 1-1-6-4-BYE-1-0 (13), Rashard Mendenhall: 2-4-2-3-BYE-2-0 (13), Isaac Redman: 2-2-1-1-BYE-2-0 (8), Mewelde Moore: 0-2-2-0-BYE-3-1 (8), Weslye Saunders: 1-1-0-2-BYE-1-1 (6), David Johnson: 0-1-2-1-BYE-0-1 (5)

Mike Wallace’s line of 3 receptions for 38 yards and 2 touchdowns wouldn’t have happened last season when he was averaging 20 yards a catch. He had been in a mini-slump but unlike DeSean Jackson who is a one trick pony, Wallace is a more well-rounded player.

Wallace was actually out targeted by Old Man Ward but he is clearly just a quick read guy right now. Antonio Brown helped his fantasy owners even in non-return yardage leagues by returning a punt for a touchdown.

The last two weeks have been fairly slow for Ben Roethlisberger who had his only two games of the season where he finished with under 200 yards passing. It’s hard to believe that will continue a third week in a row, even against a stout Browns’ pass defense.


San Diego Chargers

Antonio Gates: 7-7-11-6-4-10-7 (52), Vincent Jackson: 8-8-12-7-8-3-5 (51), Vincent Brown: 1-dnp-6-9-4-10-2 (32), Mike Tolbert: 1-dnp-9-9-7-4-1 (31), Ryan Mathews: 5-7-dnp-5-2-1-3 (23), Patrick Crayton: 1-4-3-5-0-2-1 (16), Randy McMichael: 3-3-1-1-3-2-3 (16), Malcom Floyd: 4-7-dnp-dnp-dnp-dnp-4 (15), Jacob Hester: 1-0-2-1-2-0-2 (8), Curtis Brinkley: 0-3-0-0-0-1-0 (4)

Did we just witness the resurrection of Philip Rivers or was it a mirage? This was easily his best game of the season. Yes he did have more fantasy points against Green Bay but also threw 3 interceptions to zero in this game, had a 56% completion percentage compared to 78% and of course he actually won this game. His increased efficiency helped all of his receivers produce even on less targets. It was a little like what that Aaron Rodgers fella does.

Malcom Floyd returned from injury to put up a big game on just 4 targets. There was no doubt that Floyd was ahead of Vincent Brown with 43 snaps compared to Brown’s 5. Amazingly Brown still scored a touchdown!
<!--RW-->Seattle Seahawks

Doug Baldwin: 3-8-6-3-5-10-2 (37), Sidney Rice: 5-14-8-4-3-2-dnp (36), Ben Obomanu: 2-4-2-2-4-4-2 (20), Golden Tate: 1-4-1-3-3-3-4 (19), Mike Williams: 4-dnp-3-1-5-3-2 (18), Marshawn Lynch: dnp-0-2-7-2-3-0 (14), Zach Miller: dnp-5-0-4-1-2-2 (14), Anthony McCoy: 4-1-2-2-0-1-0 (10), Michael Robinson: 2-1-0-0-1-1-4 (9)

Marshawn Lynch continues to get the job done over and over again and then again and so on. He scored two touchdowns against the Eagles which makes a touchdown in each of his last 8 starts and he gets St. Louis this week. Maybe he’ll start the 2 touchdowns a start streak.

The receivers on the other hand aren’t quite as consistent. Golden Tate scored a touchdown which is news because he has a ton of talent and pundit’s ears perked up when he scored. What I find interesting are the stats for number of snaps for each receiver. Golden Tate led them all with 51, then Mike Williams 27, Doug Baldwin 12, Deon Butler 10, and Ben Obomanu rounded it out with 8. That is a crazy breakdown with Tate as the only every down guy.


San Francisco 49ers

Michael Crabtree: BYE-9-5-4-10-9-5 (42), Vernon Davis: BYE-3-7-4-10-5-8 (37), Braylon Edwards: BYE-7-3-6-4-3-dnp (23), Delanie Walker: BYE-0-2-7-5-0-2 (16), Ted Ginn: BYE-1-1-4-0-3-4 (13), Kyle Williams: BYE-0-2-1-5-1-2 (11), Kendall Hunter: BYE-0-0-3-1-1-3 (8), Frank Gore: BYE-0-3-1-2-2-0 (8)

Frank Gore doesn’t get targets anymore. It’s just a fact we have to live with in the age of Harbaugh.

The Niners are airing it out a bit more of late seemingly to work on that aspect of their offense as they prepare for a playoff run. If Vernon Davis hadn’t dropped a beautifully thrown ball in the end zone Alex Smith would have had his first 300 yard game of the season and his 2nd 3 touchdown game.

Michael Crabtree continues to show signs that he could eventually live up to his abilities. He’s averaging 90 yards receiving in his last 3 games and if they continue to work on their down field passing he could finish the season strong.


St. Louis Rams

Brandon Lloyd: 12-13-13-9-14-10-2 (73), Brandon Gibson: dnp-6-5-3-7-7-7 (35), Austin Pettis: 0-1-5-4-5-4-7 (26), Steven Jackson: 5-5-2-3-5-3-1 (24), Greg Salas: 2-6-9-dnp-dnp-dnp-dnp (17), Lance Kendricks: 1-3-1-dnp-2-5-1 (13), Danario Alexander: 6-dnp-dnp-dnp-dnp-dnp-2 (8)

The A.J. Feeley led Rams never crossed the 49ers 45-yard line. It’s as if they weren’t even there. It was kind of spooky. Just look at those target numbers for Brandon Lloyd for the last 7 weeks. It’s a sad sight.

They face Seattle, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh and the 49ers again to finish off the season. Don’t put all your fantasy eggs in the Rams’ basket.


Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Mike Williams: 11-BYE-8-5-11-11-9 (55), Kellen Winslow: 12-BYE-6-6-11-7-5 (47), Kregg Lumpkin: 8-BYE-6-7-1-3-0 (25), Arrelious Benn: 1-BYE-2-6-6-5-4 (24), Preston Parker: 6-BYE-4-4-2-3-3 (22), Dezmon Briscoe: 10-BYE-2-2-3-0-2 (19), LeGarrette Blount: dnp-BYE-3-2-1-3-2 (11)

A good way to sum up this game is to take a look at LeGarrette Blount’s line: 11 carries for 19 yards. And then let’s look at how running backs that played the Panthers the three previous weeks fared, shall we? We shall. They averaged 26 carries for 140 yards and 1.4 touchdowns.

The previous rant may have been a by-product of Josh Johnson starting for the Bucs but that doesn’t really account for such a poor rushing game by Blount. Anyway, Mike Williams remains a target hog and put up a decent game even with Johnson at the helm. That’s 3 games in a row over 83 yards receiving for Williams.


Tennessee Titans

Damian Williams: 4-5-7-7-11-4-7 (45), Nate Washington: 3-6-6-4-9-6-6 (40), Lavelle Hawkins: 7-5-6-1-4-7-4 (34), Jared Cook: 2-2-8-3-9-7-1 (32) Chris Johnson: 6-5-6-7-3-2-1 (30), Javon Ringer: 1-6-2-3-6-5-2 (25), Ahmard Hall: 3-2-1-0-0-2-2 (10)

Chris Johnson did all the heavy lifting against the Bills while Matt Hasselbeck could only muster 140 yards passing against a weak Bills secondary.

Damian Williams remains the target leader and the most likely to give you any semblance of consistent production.


Washington Redskins

Fred Davis: 8-9-7-7-6-4-13 (54), Jabar Gaffney: 8-5-5-6-10-7-3 (44), Roy Helu: 2-4-17-3-2-7-6 (41), Santana Moss: 2-dnp-dnp-dnp-dnp-7-12 (21), Terrence Austin: 6-3-5-1-0-1-dnp (16), Donte Stallworth: dnp-2-dnp-dnp-6-2-2 (12), Anthony Armstrong: 4-4-1-0-2-1-0 (12), David Anderson: dnp-dnp-dnp-3-3-dnp-6 (12), Logan Paulsen: 2-0-2-1-2-2-1 (10)

The suspension of Fred Davis takes away a huge part of the Redskins offense which most likely will now be funneled to the two starting receivers Santana Moss and Jabar Gaffney. Gaffney only saw 3 targets to David Anderson’s 6 last week but Gaffney was clearly the No. 2 receiver with 59 snaps to Anderson’s 21. And with New England on the horizon I could see throwing Moss and Gaffney into the mix.

Roy Helu continues to show why Coach Shanahan overthinks himself into losses. Helu had a big game and dominated snaps and touches again. The loss of Trent Williams to suspension hurts him but he should continue to get work and can make things happen.
 

hacheman@therx.com
Staff member
Joined
Jan 2, 2002
Messages
139,222
Tokens
Matchup: Browns @ Steelers
Thursday Night Football

Cleveland @ Pittsburgh

The Steelers' offensive staff owes the Ravens a Christmas card because this might be the easiest game plan they'll put together all season. The Browns will be at less than full strength four days removed from a 290-yard bulldozing by Baltimore's rushing attack, the byproduct of a whopping 55:23 run-to-pass ratio. "We got slaughtered," Browns DT Scott Paxson accepted afterwards. "They kicked our butt up front." Added MLB D'Qwell Jackson, "They embarrassed us." Over its last six games, Cleveland's defense has been steamrolled for 1,044 yards and seven touchdowns on 195 rushing attempts (5.35 YPC) by opposing tailbacks. Rashard Mendenhall has averaged under 15 carries during his last six games, but the timing is right for Pittsburgh to unleash its feature back. NFL teams have made it a habit of attacking the Browns with the run all year. Only the Colts have faced more rushing attempts against. ... Heath Miller has reverted to a block-first role since a temporary midseason hot run. He hasn't scored a touchdown since Week 7 and his yardage totals have dropped in five straight games. Miller isn't a fantasy option versus Cleveland.

Cleveland's No. 1 pass defense ranking is inflated by the fact that the Browns have been thrown on the second fewest times in football. The secondary and pass rush aren't imposing, but it still seems likely that the Steelers will follow the fool-proof, beaten path and run the ball down the Browns' throat. Fantasy owners should view Ben Roethlisberger a low-upside QB1 on Thursday night. In a home game facing Cleveland's 28th-ranked scoring offense, Pittsburgh should grab an early lead and pound the Browns into submission. Expect limited pass attempts. ... With Miller help-blocking Browns LE Jabaal Sheard and Jerricho Cotchery rotating with Hines Ward, there should still be enough completions to keep Mike Wallace and Antonio Brown afloat. Here is Big Ben's target distribution since Brown was promoted to a full-time player in Week 7: Brown 41, Wallace 41, Miller 29, Emmanuel Sanders 21, Ward 15, Cotchery 13, Mendenhall 13. Wallace and Brown have similar fantasy values, but Wallace gets the slight edge because he possesses superior big-play ability. ... If you're curious about receiver-cornerback matchups, Wallace is likely to see more snaps against Browns top CB Joe Haden than Brown. Brown plays the majority of his snaps at split end, aligning to the left side of the offensive formation. Last week, at least, Haden spent most of the game covering the opposing RWR, or flanker. Wallace is the Steelers' flanker.

The Steelers rank first in total defense, second against the pass, and seventh versus the run, so you will struggle to find any fantasy options on Cleveland's side. Possessing the least impressive physical tools among NFL starting quarterbacks, Colt McCoy has been held under 220 yards in 10-of-12 games. According to Pro Football Focus, 224 of McCoy's 274 completions (81.8%) have occurred within nine yards of the line of scrimmage. McCoy is holding the offense hostage, and it won't change until Cleveland takes the position more seriously -- ideally by drafting a franchise quarterback next April. ... High target totals are deceptive for Greg Little because he's just barely averaging over 10 yards per reception and has one touchdown all season. Little is the anti-Jordy Nelson. He's No. 19 in the league in targets but isn't even a top-50 fantasy receiver. He's also likely to see quite a bit of Steelers borderline shutdown corner Ike Taylor's coverage in this game.

Mohamed Massaquoi, Ben Watson, Evan Moore, Jordan Norwood, and Josh Cribbs are never good sleepers because Cleveland's offense can't support one fantasy pass catcher, let alone two. Cribbs played 18 snaps of offense in Week 13 and was not targeted. Moore scored a garbage-time touchdown against the Ravens, "cutting" the deficit to 24-10 in the fourth quarter. ... The Steelers got NT Casey Hampton back from a shoulder injury in Week 8 and have been shutting down ground attacks ever since. Whereas Pittsburgh's defense allowed 780 yards and five TDs on opponents' first 167 carries of the season (4.67 YPC), the numbers have fallen to 383 yards on 121 attempts (3.16 YPC) and one touchdown in five games with a healthy Hampton back in the lineup. The Browns are leaving Peyton Hillis' (hip) availability up to a game-time decision, but it doesn't matter in standard fantasy leagues. Hillis will be a poor option if he's active, and Montario Hardesty wouldn't be worth using in any scenario after playing behind Chris Ogbonnaya last week.

Score Prediction: Steelers 27, Browns 6
 

hacheman@therx.com
Staff member
Joined
Jan 2, 2002
Messages
139,222
Tokens
Beware good fantasy players on bad teams
in.gif


Eric Karabell

Many fantasy owners pay little to no attention to the actual NFL standings, preferring to study only their fantasy ones frontward and backward. I can see the point, but for the rest of this season, I do think as real-life teams fall out of contention, it increases the risk of some of their top players -- and some of the top fantasy options -- not contributing to the same degree. Heck, it might even prevent some of them from playing at all.

Consider the situation with a few NFC North running backs that still, despite their unfortunate injuries, reside in the season top 10 for scoring at their position. Adrian Peterson and Matt Forte have posted tremendous seasons, but neither is likely to suit up in Week 14. What about Week 15? Are you feeling lucky? The truth is Forte, despite a serious knee injury that could very well end his season, still plays for a contending Chicago Bears team that has relied on him for a greater percentage of its offense than any other team has for a running back. The Minnesota Vikings, meanwhile, are 2-10.

My point is while fantasy owners everywhere beg for Peterson's return, and presume Forte is done, the plight of their teams plays a role. If the Bears continue losing, Forte gamely hobbling to the field in Week 16 seems unlikely. If they win Sunday, that could change. Peterson did not practice Wednesday, as he continues to deal with a high ankle sprain, and claims he's at 70 percent. Well, what if he's at only 75 percent Christmas week? It makes little sense for the Vikings to push their franchise player, especially when Toby Gerhart has done admirable work in his stead. <OFFER>Here are some important fantasy combinations I'd be a bit wary of counting on the rest of the season, because let's face it, their teams aren't going to be playing meaningful January games and there's little reward for pushing an injured star (or stars). Not surprisingly, nearly all the top fantasy quarterbacks are on contending teams, but not these fellas:
Michael Vick and LeSean McCoy, Philadelphia Eagles: What this disappointing team certainly doesn't need is to play these guys at less than 100 percent and have one of them suffer a serious injury that affects their 2012 availability. There's just no upside in finishing 6-10 versus 5-11. Vick has missed three full games with broken ribs, and is supposedly returning this week in Miami. Awesome. Fantasy owners should play this top-10 option, but not presume he's available in the final weeks. Yes, the sight of Vince Young throwing interceptions is a frightful one, but the Eagles don't care if the free agent gets hurt. As for McCoy, fantasy's top non-quarterback in fantasy scoring this season continues to shine despite a toe bruise that had him listed as a game-time decision in Week 13. It would stink if McCoy sits a game in the fantasy playoffs, but trust me when I say this: coach Andy Reid doesn't care about your fantasy team. The Eagles really could sit these guys, as well as Jeremy Maclin at any point, making Ronnie Brown, Dion Lewis and Riley Cooper potentially useful around Christmas.

Philip Rivers and Ryan Mathews, San Diego Chargers: The Chargers could still win the AFC West -- technically the Eagles aren't eliminated in the NFC East, either -- but if/when that possibility ends around Week 16, I'm guessing we'll start hearing more about why Rivers has struggled so much this season. It has to be at least partially injury related. Rivers didn't forget how to play quarterback; he threw 17 interceptions in his first 10 games, and his previous career worst was 15 picks over 16 games. I think Rivers has played through injury, but I have doubts he'll be pushed the final week or two in meaningless road tilts, one of them against angry Ndamukong Suh! As for the awesome Mathews, a similar theory applies. Why risk him? He's dealt with knee issues much of the season, after missing a quarter of his rookie campaign. This is why I tell fantasy owners to keep Mike Tolbert owned, just in case the Chargers lose this week. I wouldn't rush out to get Rivers backup Billy Volek, however. There's no sign of Drew Bennett.
Cam Newton and Steve Smith, Carolina Panthers: Remember the throwing shoulder fatigue Newton was diagnosed with a few weeks ago? If that happened in Week 15, you'd know a lot more about it. I don't think top rookie Newton or the very veteran Smith (he's 32) will sit games, but the organization shouldn't risk their health when the Panthers are 5-10 and a Week 17 game in New Orleans is pending. We've seen this happen before, and Newton finishing with the most rushing touchdowns is not critical in the big picture.
Carson Palmer and Darren McFadden, Oakland Raiders: I have doubts McFadden will return this season from his foot injury even if the Raiders have meaningful games the final weeks, which they should. But the Raiders aren't winning in Green Bay this week, and the Denver Broncos should beat the Caleb Hanies at home Sunday. The Raiders are struggling. Palmer is playing well, but if the games don't matter, the Raiders could take a look at Terrelle Pryor. I don't expect that to happen, but Michael Bush starting the rest of the season? That certainly could.
Other players on bad teams: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have lost six consecutive games. This could affect Josh Freeman and LeGarrette Blount, especially the latter if off-field drama complicates things. … We've discussed Adrian Peterson, but let's add that if the ultra-talented Percy Harvin tweaks a knee or even gets another migraine, he could be shut down. … Brandon Lloyd has done nice work for the St. Louis Rams, but they also envision him as part of the future. We've seen Steven Jackson seasons end prematurely, haven't we? Make sure Jackson and Lloyd are playing before relying on them. … And finally, there's Maurice Jones-Drew doing yeoman's work for a 3-9 Jacksonville Jaguars team going nowhere. The NFL's leading rusher was shut down the final two weeks of the 2010 season. Nobody wants that to happen again, and MJD's knee problems are hopefully a thing of the past, but there's precedent here.
 

hacheman@therx.com
Staff member
Joined
Jan 2, 2002
Messages
139,222
Tokens
Flex ranks: Helu jumps into 'safe' territory
in.gif


Eric Karabell

Welcome to Week 14 and the latest flex rankings, as we combine the best of the running backs, wide receivers and tight ends into one neat, tidy package to help prepare you for the first week of the fantasy playoffs. We'll be "flexing" with you the rest of the way, including Week 17, so hopefully you have plenty of healthy options to choose from and you're ready to start selecting!

As always, if you need a bit more specific advice, see if your questions have been answered in recent chat sessions (mine from Wednesday morning and colleague Tristan H. Cockcroft from the afternoon). Remember there's a Thursday game, and best of luck in Week 14 and beyond!

1. Ray Rice, RB, Ravens: Coming off a monster game and looking good against the winless Colts.
2. Arian Foster, RB, Texans: Just as we expected, no problems with T.J. Yates leading the way!
3. Maurice Jones-Drew, RB, Jaguars: Leading the NFL in rushing, quite a feat considering how pitiful the Jags' passing game has been.
4. LeSean McCoy, RB, Eagles: Leading fantasy running backs in scoring, and playing through injury. We must thank him for this.
5. Chris Johnson, RB, Titans: Hopefully those that selected him in the first round are still playoff-bound, because he's finally producing.
6. Marshawn Lynch, RB, Seahawks: Hard to believe he's doing this well, isn't it?
7. Calvin Johnson, WR, Lions
8. Michael Turner, RB, Falcons: A bit banged up, but it's a sweet matchup against Carolina. Of course, we said that last week (versus Houston), didn't we?
9. Frank Gore, RB, 49ers
10. Wes Welker, WR, Patriots: Was seen with a soft cast on his injured wrist but reportedly is expecting to play Sunday.
11. Rob Gronkowski, TE, Patriots: He has 171 standard fantasy points this season. The top wide receiver, Calvin Johnson, has 172. Just sayin'.
12. Ryan Mathews, RB, Chargers
13. Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Steelers: Get him active for a cake matchup against the Browns. Might earn more points on the touchdowns than he does with yards.
14. Steve Smith, WR, Panthers
15. Willis McGahee, RB, Broncos
16. Greg Jennings, WR, Packers
17. Victor Cruz, WR, Giants: You could make an argument for the player below (Nicks) being ranked over him, but I see no reason to stop believing in Cruz.
18. Hakeem Nicks, WR, Giants
19. DeMarco Murray, RB, Cowboys: Big week for him after a surprisingly low number of touches in Week 13.
20. Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Cardinals: Honestly, does it matter who his quarterback is? He still gets his fantasy points.
21. Darren Sproles, RB, Saints: Probably no end in sight to his production.
22. Roy Helu, RB, Redskins: My fingers are crossed that his touches don't suddenly get yanked for someone less deserving.
23. Dez Bryant, WR, Cowboys: Not expecting 20-plus points anytime soon, but he's consistent.
24. Shonn Greene, RB, Jets: Nowhere to go but down after facing the awful Redskins. Let's hope for double-digit fantasy points.
25. Roddy White, WR, Falcons
26. Reggie Bush, RB, Dolphins
27. Michael Bush, RB, Raiders: Darren McFadden is out again, but there are no guarantees Bush sees a ton of touches if the Packers get up early.
28. Jimmy Graham, TE, Saints
29. Vincent Jackson, WR, Chargers: Signs of life from Philip Rivers, but Jackson remains inconsistent.
30. C.J. Spiller, RB/WR, Bills: Nice performance from a guy looking like a safe RB2.
31. A.J. Green, WR, Bengals: Andy Dalton is having some problems, but Green isn't.
32. Mike Wallace, WR, Steelers: Not having the best second half of the season, and the Browns do stop the pass.
33. Brandon Marshall, WR, Dolphins: Licking his chops to face the overrated Eagles, and Matt Moore has been doing a nice job.
34. BenJarvus Green-Ellis, RB, Patriots
35. Jordy Nelson, WR, Packers
36. Steven Jackson, RB, Rams: Tough to expect much from him at this point.
37. Toby Gerhart, RB, Vikings: Easy to rely on him as long as Adrian Peterson is out.
38. Percy Harvin, WR, Vikings
39. Antonio Gates, TE, Chargers
40. LeGarrette Blount, RB, Buccaneers: Probably getting too much blame for his disappointing Week 13, but apparently, at least in his eyes, the change at quarterback played a major role.
41. Anquan Boldin, WR, Ravens
42. Jonathan Stewart, RB, Panthers: If Cam Newton had half the rushing touchdowns he does, would Stewart have the rest?
43. Marques Colston, WR, Saints
44. Ahmad Bradshaw, RB, Giants: Still hedging some because his touches could remain limited.
45. Cedric Benson, RB, Bengals
46. Antonio Brown, WR, Steelers
47. Steve Johnson, WR, Bills: Has definitely looked better in recent weeks.
48. Tony Gonzalez, TE, Falcons
49. Beanie Wells, RB, Cardinals
50. Mark Ingram, RB, Saints: If Sproles wasn't so good, we might see Ingram getting 75-plus rushing yards per week. Yeah, I believe that.
51. Brandon Lloyd, WR, Rams: If you're wondering, this week's quarterback is named Tom Brandstater. No, I'm not kidding.
52. Donald Brown, RB, Colts: Colts seem like they like him again.
53. Laurent Robinson, WR, Cowboys: Don't forget about this guy even though things got a bit more crowded.
54. Marion Barber, RB, Bears: Don't overrate this guy even though things are far less crowded now in the Bears' backfield.
55. Santonio Holmes, WR, Jets
56. Jeremy Maclin, WR, Eagles: Welcome back! Fantasy owners should not presume a big game is pending, though. This team has been awful lately.
57. Jermichael Finley, TE, Packers
58. DeAngelo Williams, RB, Panthers: If only he could act like Chris Johnson and suddenly play well again.
59. Dwayne Bowe, WR, Chiefs: I'm expecting around seven fantasy points.
60. Michael Crabtree, WR, 49ers
61. Jason Witten, TE, Cowboys
62. Maurice Morris, RB, Lions: I doubt Kevin Smith plays, and even if he does, will he play enough to matter? Probably not.
63. Miles Austin, WR, Cowboys: Welcome back, part 2! And again, be careful here in trusting the "name."
64. Brandon Jacobs, RB, Giants
65. Julio Jones, WR, Falcons: Lurking for a big game. The targets should be there.
66. Nate Washington, WR, Titans
67. Mike Williams, WR, Buccaneers: The team really needs him on defense. Or at quarterback.
68. Vernon Davis, TE, 49ers
69. Pierre Thomas, RB, Saints
70. Santana Moss, WR, Redskins: Got a feeling his targets will turn into something decent this week.
71. Mike Tolbert, RB, Chargers
72. Plaxico Burress, WR, Jets
73. Peyton Hillis, RB, Browns: It's Brady Anderson!
74. Aaron Hernandez, TE, Patriots: On about 27 other teams, can you imagine the numbers he'd be putting up?
75. DeSean Jackson, WR, Eagles: Speaking of "other teams," I can imagine him heading to one in 2012.
76. Eric Decker, WR, Broncos
77. Malcom Floyd, WR, Chargers
78. James Starks, RB, Packers: Not sure it matters much if he plays or not. You shouldn't be relying on him.
79. Ryan Grant, RB, Packers: Or on him, for that matter.
80. Ben Tate, RB, Texans
81. Denarius Moore, WR, Raiders: My pick to be a popular target for Carson Palmer in a high-scoring affair.
82. Kevin Smith, RB, Lions: Who did you drop a month ago to acquire Smith? C'mon, be honest.
83. Lance Moore, WR, Saints
84. Daniel Thomas, RB, Dolphins
85. Torrey Smith, WR, Ravens
86. Dexter McCluster, RB/WR, Chiefs: I guess this rank suggests I don't expect another 100 total yards again. Oh, I think he can do it, but will the team let him?
87. Kahlil Bell, RB, Bears: Nice sleeper add for this week because Lovie Smith knows Barber can't handle too many touches.
88. Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Lions
89. Nate Burleson, WR, Lions: If he'd just stop pushing cornerbacks off him and getting penalties, he'd be doing better. But there's little sign of Titus Young.
90. Pierre Garcon, WR, Colts
91. Deion Branch, WR, Patriots
92. Brandon Saine, RB, Packers: I'm not saying you'd be "in-Saine" to use him, but I just don't see how relevant he can be.
93. Reggie Wayne, WR, Colts: One good game. All year. He could use some Luck next season.
94. Felix Jones, RB, Cowboys
95. Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Raiders
96. Kellen Winslow, TE, Buccaneers
97. Damian Williams, WR, Titans
98. Jabar Gaffney, WR, Redskins
99. Jacoby Jones, WR, Texans: Fills in for Andre Johnson and gets my vote over Kevin Walter, but I wouldn't get too excited here.
100. Danny Woodhead, RB, Patriots

Just missed: Ricky Williams, RB, Ravens; Kevin Walter, WR, Texans; Jacquizz Rodgers, RB, Falcons; Johnny Knox, WR, Bears; Joseph Addai, RB, Colts; Kendall Hunter, RB, 49ers; Chris Ogbonnaya, RB, Browns; Brent Celek, TE, Eagles; James Jones, WR, Packers.
 

Forum statistics

Threads
1,120,340
Messages
13,580,509
Members
100,966
Latest member
theredzone1
The RX is the sports betting industry's leading information portal for bonuses, picks, and sportsbook reviews. Find the best deals offered by a sportsbook in your state and browse our free picks section.FacebookTwitterInstagramContact Usforum@therx.com