NFL Fantasy Football News 2009-2010

HacheMan · Dec 15, 2009

Just in time
Chris "Beanie" Wells is a better back than Tim Hightower. Everyone should be able to see that by now. It appears that Ken Whisenhunt and the rest of the Cardinals coaches are finally seeing it too. Hey, better late than never.

It took a slur for the Chiefs to realize that Jamaal Charles is better than Larry Johnson. It took a concussion for the Browns to finally move on from the sluggish Jamal Lewis. It took bleeding in Julius Jones' lungs for the Seahawks to give Justin Forsett a chance. Quinton Ganther and Ladell Betts have proven that Clinton Portis was more of a problem than a solution in the Redskins offense. Former Bills coach Dick Jauron stubbornly stuck with Marshawn Lynch even though Fred Jackson was producing more. The list goes on and on.

The point is that NFL teams are often stubborn with the incumbent running back. Wells has had fumbling issues and some problems picking up the blitz. But Hightower's thumb problems and extreme penchant for fumbling has opened the door. In the last two weeks, Wells has 28 carries vs. eight for Hightower.

Wells lost a late fumble Monday night, but Whisenhunt appeared to let him off the hook in his post-game presser when he admitted a direct helmet-to-ball shot caused the fumble. Look for Beanie to be "the man" for the rest of this season and beyond.

Of course, everyone is well aware of the Cardinals fantasy playoff schedule by now. They get Detroit in Week 15 and St. Louis in Week 16. Wells is going to factor in a lot of leagues.

Cardinals vs. 49ers quick hitters:
Larry Fitzgerald owners were on the ledge when he left with a knee injury. Disaster was averted when he returned. … The 49ers stopped their obsession with the spread and remembered they have one of the best backs in the league. Frank Gore needs 20 touches a game no matter what the base offense is. … Cards' LT Mike Gandy's pelvis problems are a major concern. He protects Kurt Warner's blind side. … Michael Crabtree is going to be a major player in this league. It's still mind boggling that the Raiders took Darrius Heyward-Bey over this guy.

Editor's Note: For early rankings, complete projections, and a host of other exclusive material for Week 15, head to Rotoworld's Season Pass. It's just $4.99 for the rest of the season and includes rankings for the fantasy playoffs.

NEWS OF THE DAY #2
Hakeem Nicks started over Mario Manningham on Sunday night for the first time. The news was met with little fanfare and with good reason. Both receivers were on the field for the majority of the game as the Giants went three wide plenty. Nicks ended up with seven targets vs. Manningham's four.

But it is a significant sign that the Giants view Nicks as the better option across from Steve Smith. The rookie is a serious threat after the catch and as he gets more comfortable, those ugly drops will disappear. Look for Nicks to keep the starting job for the rest of this year and into next year. He's a solid keeper prospect.

NEWS OF THE DAY #3
Texans coach Gary Kubiak confirmed that he's moving rookie Arian Foster to the top of the running back pecking order for the final three games. The Texans want to see if Foster can be that early down back they need ahead of Steve Slaton.

"We're fixing to pick it up big-time for [Foster]," Kubiak said.

This makes sense as Chris Brown is sluggish and not an effective NFL running back. Ryan Moats has some scatback skills but isn't an every down option. Foster figures to get 14-17 touches against the Rams in Week 15, making him a fantasy option. And he's clearly in the mix as a dynasty prospect.

NEWS OF THE DAY #4
Jeremy Maclin's feet problems popped out of nowhere about a week ago. All of a sudden he was out of practice, in a boot and in doubt for Sunday night. It ended with the rookie being carted off the field in near tears.

Maclin apparently tore a strand of his plantar fascia against the Giants. That sounds bad, but the powers that be don't seem too concerned. Coach Andy Reid even said Maclin has a shot to play in Week 16. That seems optimistic considering how these kind of injuries tend to linger.

Reggie Brown will likely start on the outside for the rest of the regular season, with Jason Avant picking up targets. Kevin Curtis (knee) has a shot to get back for this week, but it's hard to see him being very effective after not playing since Week 2. Look for Donovan McNabb to rely heavily on Brent Celek and DeSean Jackson.

Editor's Note: For early rankings, complete projections, and a host of other exclusive material for Week 15, head to Rotoworld's Season Pass. It's $4.99 for the rest of the season and includes rankings for the fantasy playoffs.

INJURY QUICK SLANTS
Kevin Smith (knee) is out for the season. Maurice Morris takes over as the starter, but isn't much of a fantasy option. … Zach Miller (concussion) is in danger of missing Week 15. … Mike Sims-Walker (knee) would not have practiced if the Jaguars had one Monday. … Mark Sanchez (knee) will return to practice this week but it's unclear if he'll be healthy enough to start Sunday. … Vince Young (hamstring) is considered day to day. … The Eagles reportedly expect to get Brian Westbrook (concussion) back this week, but we're still skeptical. … Martellus Bennett (concussion) has been ruled out for Week 15. … Jonathan Stewart suffered a toe injury Sunday, but we don't know if it's a re-injury situation yet. … The Panthers left open the possibility that Jake Delhomme (finger) could return this week. … Correll Buckhalter (ankle) is in danger of missing this week. … Nate Burleson (ankle) is still awaiting results of an MRI.

DEPTH CHART QUICK SLANTS
Colts coach Jim Caldwell said he will not begin resting his key players until Week 16 at the earliest. … The Raiders will decide between JaMarcus Russell and Charlie Frye on Wednesday. Bruce Gradkowski (knee) is done for the year. … The Rams aren't sure yet who they'll start at quarterback if Kyle Boller (thigh) is healthy. … Browns coach Eric Mangini revealed that he's considering making Joshua Cribbs a full-time tailback. … Ryan Fitzpatrick is expected to remain the Bills' starting quarterback. … Nick Folk is on very thin ice as the Cowboys' kicker. … Knowshon Moreno got a vote of confidence in terms of short yardage from coach Josh McDaniels. There were some calls for Peyton Hillis to get a look in those spots. … Dwayne Bowe is eligible to come off suspension Tuesday. We're tentatively expecting him to resume his starting role immediately.

DEFENSE SPOT STARTS
Here are three ideas for owners adding a new defense each week based on matchups:

CARDINALS at Lions - Arizona's schedule during the fantasy playoffs has been well documented. Detroit this week and St. Louis in Week 16.

SEAHAWKS vs. Bucs - Josh Freeman has thrown 13 interceptions in his six starts. Seahawks CB Marcus Trufant's name is getting dragged through the mud and he should be extra motivated this week.

BRONCOS vs. Raiders - Hide the women and children. JaMarcus Russell may be back under center.

POSITIONAL SPOT STARTS
Chris Wesseling will cover this topic from head-to-toe in his Waiver Wired column, but here are three guys that are worth a quick add:

RB Quinton Ganther - It's pretty surprising he's only owned in 36 percent of Yahoo! leagues. There wasn't a committee like Jim Zorn hinted at and this looks like Ganther's job.

RB Chad Simpson - He's likely looking at significant action in Weeks 16 and 17 when Joseph Addai rests. Donald Brown's ribs may be broken.

RB Arian Foster - Foster led the Texans running backs in both carries and catches on Sunday. He has real talent and will be the man down the stretch.

HacheMan · Dec 15, 2009

Stretch-run Saviors?

The majority of fantasy leagues are down to their final two weeks, with championships decided by the whims of a funny-bouncing pigskin. Our philosophy at Rotoworld has always been to stick with the big guns that got you there instead of over-analyzing and turning to the flavor of the week. Nonetheless, necessity is the mother of the late-season waiver pickup. As someone who was riding Percy Harvin as my WR3 with Jeremy Maclin as WR4 insurance, I have my eyes squarely on the wire this week. Here's hoping that Antonio Bryant turns in a stretch-run savior performance for the second straight year.

Note: Brian Westbrook (concussion) and Dwayne Bowe (suspension) are both due back this week. Owned in 80 percent of all CBSSports.com leagues, both players should be picked up if they were dropped in your league. Westbrook is a longshot for startable value in a three-pronged attack, but stranger things have happened in Weeks 16 and 17. Bowe has a legit shot at WR3 value in the final two weeks.

On to the lists. Here is how I rank the top players available at each position as we head into Week 15. 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, Rotoworld Oracle and much more including playoff rankings and schedules in our Season Pass. Our playoff edition is now just $4.99!

Running Backs
1. Arian Foster
2. Quinton Ganther
3. Chris Jennings
4. Darren McFadden
5. Leonard Weaver
6. Maurice Morris

Quarterbacks
1. Jason Campbell
2. Chad Henne
3. Josh Freeman
4. Brady Quinn
5. Kerry Collins

Wide Receivers
1. Antonio Bryant
2. Kenny Britt
3. Jason Avant
4. Josh Cribbs
5. Johnny Knox
6. Greg Camarillo

Tight Ends
1. Fred Davis
2. Evan Moore
3. Bo Scaife

Defenses
1. Cardinals
2. Texans
3. Seahawks

</FONT+1>RUNNING BACKS

Arian Foster, Texans – Foster was considered a second-round talent after his junior season at Tennessee, but his Murphy's Law senior year kept him from getting drafted. One of our favorite deep Dynasty league sleepers this summer, Foster is a bigger back with outstanding pass-catching skills. His slashing running style is perfectly suited to the Texans' one-cut-and-go scheme. A favorite of coach Gary Kubiak since training camp, Foster is expected to be showcased as the feature back the rest of the way. In fact, Kubiak said the team is "fixing to pick it up big-time" for Foster with Ryan Moats fumbling and Chris Brown ineffective. A threat to catch 4-6 passes this week, Foster is playable as a low-end RB2 in a Grade-A matchup against the Rams.

Recommendation: Should be owned in 12-team leagues

Quinton Ganther, Redskins – Coach Jim Zorn anointed Ganther the starter late last week, and he responded with 93 combined yards and two scores while Rock Cartwright saw just one touch. A high-effort runner with all the requisite running back skills, Ganther lacks NFL starter-level talent and breakaway speed. That's enough to thrive against the lackluster Raiders, but Ganther has a tougher row to hoe against the Giants and Cowboys the next two weeks. While the Giants' pass defense is falling apart, the run defense remains stout. Ganther is just a RB2/flex option going forward.

Recommendation: Should be owned in 12-team leagues

Chris Jennings, Browns – Everybody's favorite waiver darling last week, Jerome Harrison, was planted firmly on the bench for the majority of the Browns' upset victory over the Steelers. Jennings showed superior strength and explosiveness while Harrison failed to break arm tackles early in the game. Even in a juicy matchup against the Chiefs this week, though, I can't shake the nagging feeling that the Browns will keep both backs involved while riding the hot hand. It's hard to trust any Cleveland running back at this point, so keep expectations low the rest of the way.

Recommendation: Should be owned in 12-team leagues

Darren McFadden, Raiders – The Raiders finally seem to be resigned to the fact that last year's No. 4 overall draft pick lacks vision and can't thrive in high-traffic areas. Splitting McFadden out wide to take advantage of his playmaking ability in space, the Raiders were rewarded with 105 yards on 11 touches against the Redskins in Week 14. Unfortunately, the loss of Bruce Gradkowski caps his value. JaMarcus Russell lacks touch even on short throws. Monitor his role against the Broncos this week while keeping an eye on that Week 16 matchup against the Browns.

Recommendation: Should be owned in 12-team leagues

Leonard Weaver, Eagles – Weaver is gaining more responsibilities in the Eagles' offensive game plan, but his upside is limited with the pending return of Brian Westbrook this week. Although NBC analyst Cris Collinsworth speculated that Weaver could take over as the main back, it's hard to imagine him pushing both Westbrook and LeSean McCoy to the side over the final three weeks. Expect him to continue to receive 8-10 touches per week with goal-line duties also a possibility.

Recommendation: Worth a look in deeper leagues

Maurice Morris, Lions – With Kevin Smith (torn ACL?) out for the season, Morris takes over as the feature back in the Detroit backfield. It's not an attractive fantasy scenario, however. Morris is averaging just 3.7 yards per carry on the season, and his Week 15 and 16 matchups against the Cardinals and 49ers are far from ideal. I wouldn't feel comfortable using the Lions running back even as a flex play the next two weeks.

Recommendation: Worth a look in deeper leagues

Long-Term Fliers

Kenneth Darby - This is not an attractive "handcuff" situation for Steven Jackson owners. Even if the Rams decide to shut down S-Jax in the final two weeks, Darby would likely split touches with Samkon Gado.

Mike Hart - If last week was any indication, Hart will take over in the backfield when Joseph Addai is rested in Weeks 16 and 17.

Cut Bait

Chris Brown - The nominal starter carried the ball just three times while Arian Foster and Ryan Moats combined for over 20 touches.

Michael Bush - Oakland's most effective rusher didn't get a single carry in Week 14.



</FONT+1>WIDE RECEIVERS

Antonio Bryant, Bucs – Pay no attention to the scant two catches for 22 yards against the Jets. We knew Bryant wouldn't produce with Defensive Player of the Year candidate Darrelle Revis shadowing him all over the field. Before last week's game, however, Bryant looked as explosive as he had all season in taking advantage of Josh Freeman's down-field aggressiveness. With favorable matchups against the Seahawks, Saints, and Falcons the next three weeks, Bryant is a viable WR3 with WR1 upside the rest of the way. Last year's fantasy playoff MVP is still available in just under half of all leagues.

Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues

Kenny Britt, Titans – Still owned in just half of CBSSports.com leagues, the Titans' top receiver ranks No. 7 in fantasy production over the past three weeks and No. 14 the past five weeks. The team's best downfield playmaker, Britt has been targeted 22 times over the past three games. No matter who is under center for the Titans this week, Britt is a viable WR3 against the Dolphins rookie corners.

Recommendation: Should be owned in 12-team leagues

Jason Avant, Eagles – Avant's role has decreased after a three-game hot streak in Weeks 10-12, but Jeremy Maclin's torn plantar fascia will thrust him back into the spotlight. Reggie Brown's role is also due to increase, though Avant played a lot of snaps out wide against the Giants last week. The more consistent fantasy producer all season, Avant is a better play than Brown against the 49ers this week.

Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues

Josh Cribbs, Browns – Though coach Eric Mangini is considering converting Cribbs into a full-time tailback, most of his action this week will continue to come out of the Wildcat formation. Cribbs is a risky fantasy play because he hasn't topped 10 offensive touches in a game all season. On a positive note, however, he's coming off a dominant performance against the Steelers and faces a poor tackling Chiefs defense in Week 15. Pick him up if only to see if his role grows. There's another favorable matchup on the horizon with the Raiders coming to town in Week 16.

Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues

Johnny Knox, Bears – With Devin Hester out of the lineup, Knox caught more than four passes for the first time since Week 4. Hester is not expected to be ready for Wednesday's practice, which means Knox and Devin Aromashodu could be in line for increased roles for the second straight week. The explosive rookie would be a high-risk/high-reward fantasy play against the Ravens in Week 15.

Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues

Greg Camarillo, Dolphins – Noticeably slowed early in the season, Camarillo is now a full 12 months removed from last season's ACL and meniscus surgery. Chad Henne is clearly growing more comfortable with Camarillo of late, targeting him 17 times in the past two weeks after ignoring him in Weeks 10-12. Coming off a 7-catch, 110-yard performance, Camarillo is worth a pickup in PPR leagues.

Recommendation: Worth a look in PPR leagues

Long-Term Fliers

Reggie Brown, Eagles – With Jeremy Maclin out, Brown is worth a look for desperate owners this week.

Devin Aromashodu, Bears – Though I prefer Knox, Aromashodu should continue to see an increased role if Devin Hester can't play this week.

Mike Wallace - Keep an eye on Hines Ward's hamstring.

Cut Bait

Lee Evans - With three out of the last four games under 40 yards, he can no longer be trusted.

Mario Manningham - Coming off a 2-catch, 16-yard performance after losing his starting job to Hakeem Nicks.

Louis Murphy / Chaz Schilens - None of the Raiders receivers have value with Bruce Gradkowski injured.

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</FONT+1>QUARTERBACKS

Jason Campbell, Redskins – Despite the obvious hot streak, Campbell remains unowned in half of all fantasy leagues. Perhaps salvaging his future in the nation's capitol, Campbell is the No. 2 fantasy quarterback over the past three weeks and No. 7 over the past five weeks. The Giants pass defense has been crumbling of late, and they now give up the ninth most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. Campbell is a borderline QB1 for this week's home matchup against the Jints.

Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues

Chad Henne, Dolphins – The Dolphins are finally opening up the passing game with an increasingly accurate Henne showing promise over the past two weeks. They've moved away from the Wildcat-heavy scheme and are now operating in a pro-style, West Coast offense that suits Henne's strengths. He's a quality QB2 this week against a Titans defense that allows the third most points to opposing signal callers.

Recommendation: Worth a look as a matchup play

Josh Freeman, Bucaneers – Freeman is coming off a pair of brutal performances against two of the elite pass defenses in the league (Panthers, Jets), but the matchup is right this week. The rookie has scored at least 17 fantasy points in four of his six starts, and he should do so again this week against a Seattle defense surrendering the fourth most points to opposing quarterbacks.

Recommendation: Worth a look as a matchup play

Brady Quinn, Browns – Quinn's mandate of late is not to turn the ball over. He's gone four straight games without an interception, and the Browns offense is showing a sliver of promise for the first time all season. Against a Chiefs defense that allows the sixth most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks, Quinn is a legit play in two-quarterback leagues this week.

Recommendation: Worth a look in two-quarterback leagues

Kerry Collins, Titans – Owners in two-quarterback leagues should keep an eye on Vince Young's hamstring this week. The Titans are calling him day-to-day, and coach Jeff Fisher said his tests came back "good." Young could be heading toward a second straight game-time decision, so Collins is a practical "handcuff" against the generous Dolphins pass defense in deeper leagues.

Recommendation: Worth a look in two-quarterback leagues

Long-Term Fliers

Chris Redman - Redman showed well in Week 14, but he has red-light matchups against the Jets and Bills the next two weeks.

Matthew Stafford - Stafford should return this week, and he has decent matchups against the Cardinals, 49ers, and Bears over the final three games.

Cut Bait

Matt Ryan - Falcons are out of the playoff race, so there's no reason to rush Ryan back.

Ryan Fitzpatrick - Hasn't topped 100 yards in two straight weeks.

Bruce Gradkowski - Likely out for the season with a partially torn MCL.



</FONT+1>TIGHT ENDS

Fred Davis, Redskins – Jason Campbell's favorite red-zone target has four touchdowns in the last three weeks with the Redskins scoring 30 points in back-to-back weeks for the first time since 2006. With the streaking 'Skins taking on a Giants team that allows the most fantasy points to opposing tight ends, Week 15 is shaping up as a dream matchup. Davis is easily a Top-10 option this week.

Recommendation: Should be owned in 12-team leagues

Evan Moore, Browns – After picking up Moore in both of my Dynasty leagues last week, I liked what I saw in Thursday's win over the Steelers. Moore made an athletic grab of a ball thrown behind him for a 24-yard gain and would have added a potential 40-yard score had Brady Quinn not misfired deep down the middle. Quinn likes throwing to his backs and tight ends, so Moore should have TE2 value the next three weeks. He has a nice matchup at Kansas City week.

Recommendation: Worth a look in deeper leagues and Dynasty leagues

Bo Scaife, Titans – Underwhelming all season, but he has at least four catches for 40 yards in each of his past three games. The Titans allow the 10th most fantasy points to opposing tight ends, so Scaife has a favorable matchup this week.

Recommendation: Worth a look in deeper leagues

Long-Term Fliers

Gijon Robinson, Colts – For those who play in Week 17, Robinson could get major playing time in place of Dallas Clark.

Cut Bait

Anthony Fasano - Weeks 12 and 13 were a mirage afterall.

</FONT+1>DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS

Cardinals - Put Monday night out of your mind. The Cardinals defense has been solid all year, and they have the Lions and Rams in Weeks 15 and 16. Arizona's defense should be owned in all leagues for the fantasy playoffs.

Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues

Texans - The talented young trio of Mario Williams, DeMeco Ryans, and Brian Cushing dominated Seattle in Week 14. This week they travel to St. Louis to take on either Kyle Boller or Keith Null. It's a win-win situation.

Recommendation: Worth picking up as a matchup play

Seahawks - Home defenses are always better bets for fantasy production, and turnover machine Josh Freeman is coming to Qwest Field.

Recommendation: Worth picking up as a matchup play

HacheMan · Dec 16, 2009

Slouching toward Oakland

The UFL might just make it after all. As the USFL and XFL have proven, renegade leagues don't stand a chance going toe-to-toe with the NFL. As a minor league system feeding the majors, though, the UFL is off to a promising start. Since the season's end in late November, 15 players have been signed by NFL teams while 16 more have been invited for tryouts. Until Tuesday, the biggest splashes were made by kickers Graham Gano and Matt Bryant. With the Raiders signing Las Vegas Locomotives star J.P. Losman, however, the UFL now has a high-profile graduate.

Even after Bruce Gradkowski suffered MCL tears to both knees, coach Tom Cable refused to come to grips with the fact that his de facto starting quarterback was likely done for the season. Understandably loathe to revisit an uninspiring, delusional, and lazy JaMarcus Russell, Cable is waffling between the $61-million bust and roster fodder Charlie Frye for Sunday's starting assignment.

It will be interesting to see how Cable breaks down the practice reps this week. Starting Losman less than a week after signing him is an unappetizing option, though it wouldn't be a surprise to see him with a two-game audition beginning in Week 16. With Gradkowski and Frye signed to one-year contracts and Russell heading down the Ryan Leaf / Akili Smith career path, Losman is an insurance policy of sorts for the Raiders. Considering Al Davis' 1970s style deep-ball offense, Losman fits the bill as a strong-armed passer willing to chuck the ball down the field.

Though he flamed out with a 10-23 record and 33-34 TD-to-INT ratio in five seasons with Buffalo, Losman has reportedly improved his technique and throwing style under the tutelage of former Giants coach Jim Fassel in Las Vegas. He completed 62.6 percent of his throws for 1,193 yards, nine touchdowns and two interceptions in seven UFL games. What do the Raiders have to lose in giving him a shot? At the very least, Losman gives the team an alternative to Cable throwing up in his mouth while flip-flopping between Russell and Frye the rest of the way.

Editor's Note: Check out our Season Pass package, now just $4.99 for the playoff special. We've also got extra columns, IDP rankings, Top 200 rankings, Evan Silva's running back report, Chris Wesseling's Dynasty advice, advance workload and target data, exclusive chats, schedule analysis, fantasy points allowed info, and playoff rankings you can only get with Season Pass.

The Cardinals – and fantasy owners -- averted disaster when Larry Fitzgerald's MRI revealed only a bone bruise and a right knee sprain. Fitzgerald has tweeted that he is fine and he expects to practice Wednesday, though he'll almost certainly be limited. ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that Fitz is walking without a limp and could play Sunday. Pencil him into starting lineups for a dream matchup against the Lions, but be sure to check back later this week or an update on his status.

The vibe out of Nashville regarding Vince Young's hamstring is optimistic. Young said he could have come back into last week's game if it had been a playoff-type situation, and coach Jeff Fisher said he's encouraged after labeling VY day-to-day. He'll likely miss practice time this week, however, and we could be looking at a second straight game-time decision. Play it safe and keep him benched unless your other options are limited to the likes Carson Palmer, Jay Cutler, and Alex Smith.

Two-Minute Drill: The Rams released RG Richie Incognito, after the noted hot-head got into a heated argument with his head coach Sunday. … Nick Folk will compete with kickoff specialist David Buehler for field goal duties this week, though it's Folk's job to lose. … Coach Todd Haley would not confirm that Dwayne Bowe will return to the starting lineup this week. … Coach Gary Kubiak confirmed that Ryan Moats was benched in Week 14 for a second half fumble in addition to ongoing pass protection issues. … Jason Avant is projected to be the Eagles' starting wideout opposite DeSean Jackson with Jeremy Maclin (foot) out for Week 15. … Santonio Holmes is expected to replace Stefan Logan as Pittsburgh's primary punt returner for the rest of the season. … 49ers GM Scot McCloughan indicated that Alex Smith's performance over the final three games will be a determining factor in bringing him back as the starter in 2010. … Browns coach Eric Mangini declined to commit to Brady Quinn as his quarterback of the future. … Panthers GM Marty Hurney and coach John Fox are expected to keep their jobs in 2010. … After dining with owner Randy Lerner and meeting coaches, Mike Holmgren left Browns headquarters Tuesday without a contract in place. … The NFL exonerated the Redskins of the tampering charge involved in the offseason signing of Albert Haynesworth.

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Red Zone: Sporting a walking boot after being diagnosed with a high ankle sprain, Nate Burleson admitted that his season could be over. … Percy Harvin (migraines) is expected to return to practice in some capacity Wednesday. … Jags WR Mike Sims-Walker (calf) and RB Maurice Jones-Drew (knee) practiced in full Tuesday, as did all of the Colts key offensive players. … Saints RB Mike Bell (knee) is expected to return to game action this week. … Kellen Clemens and Mark Sanchez (knee) will split first-team quarterback reps in Jets practice this week. … Jake Delhomme (finger) is not expected to return this week, which means Matt Moore will start against the Vikings. … Neil Rackers' groin injury is a "growing concern" for the Cardinals. … Cowboys FS Ken Hamlin (ankle) is expected to return to game action Saturday against the Saints. … Steelers SS Troy Polamalu (knee) and RG Chris Kemoeatu (wrist, knee) have been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Packers. … It's "all but certain" that Marc Bulger (fractured shinbone) is done for the year. … Ronnie Brown (Lisfranc surgery, injured reserve) says there's "no question" he'll be ready for 2010, with participation in OTAs a possibility. … Panthers placed RT Jeff Otah (knee) on injured reserve, ending his season. … Clinton Portis now insists that the concussion which ended his season will not end his career.

HacheMan · Dec 16, 2009

Gettin' Down with the Wildcat
If you're reading this, you're most likely in the Fantasy Playoffs. I have one piece of advice for you:

Enjoy it. This is what you play all year for, and why you've been checking practice reports since mini-camps started.

At this point all you want is to know who can help you over these next two weeks, so I'll skip my usual long-winded beginning and use my word count on getting you fantasy info to help your chances to win.

CHAMPIONSHIP!

Stock Rising

Joshua Cribbs, Browns WR

The popularization of the Wildcat formation (non-QBs taking snaps) has given many players who didn't fit traditional offenses chances to play. And while there are many "Wildcat Specialists" (Michael Vick, Jets' Brad Smith, Dolphins' Pat White etc…) none of them have been able to turn that into a more consistent offensive role. With talk that Browns stud return man Josh Cribbs may get an opportunity to be an "every-down running back", this could all be changing.

After his 8-carry 87-yard performance last week, Cribbs is emerging as a viable running threat, and perhaps a significant fantasy player. On an offense devoid of playmakers, Cribbs provides a unique explosive athletic ability that clearly has the Browns coaching staff intrigued. What should intrigue you, however, is Cribbs' positional eligibility: he's a WR. Being able to start him at WR makes Cribbs considerably more valuable.

Let's look at the low-end RB2 and WR3 to show this. Ideally, these are the lowest quality players that are still start-able. Last week, the 20-24th (lowest RB2 for 10 team-12 team leagues) ranked RBs scored 10-11 fantasy points. The 30-36th ranked WRs scored 5-6 points. As an RB in Week 14, Cribbs' 9.6 points would've placed him right around 30, while at WR he produced the 19th most points.

So despite his production coming as at running back out of the Wildcat, fantasy owners can plug him into a position that makes him much more valuable. Playing KC, then OAK (2 of the worst run defenses) Cribbs is a great pickup in any league, mainly because very few of us have surefire options at WR3. And who doesn't love the idea of such a dynamic player going for you in the playoffs? I wouldn't have a problem starting him as a flex or WR3 this week (instead of the Devery Hendersons of the world).

Brandon Gibson, Rams WR

I know this is the Red Zone Report, but this recommendation will have nothing to do with that. Over the past 5 games, only 7 WRs have been thrown the ball more than Gibson (49): Brandon Marshall, Wes Welker, Roddy White, Calvin Johnson, Santonio Holmes, and Sidney Rice. All of these guys are solid if not great WR options, and owned in virtually all leagues.

Gibson, however, is owned in JUST 1% of Yahoo leagues (and less than 1% in ESPN). While the production hasn't been there quite yet, any WR getting this type of opportunity must be owned. Facing the Texans' 20th ranked passing defense on Sunday, Gibson is a great WR3 option.

Arian Foster, Texans RB</B

No RB situation has had more turnover than Gar y Kubiak's Houston Texans. 2008 fantasy stud Steve Slaton began the year as the surefire #1 RB, but slowly started to lose valuable RZ and GL carries to Chris Brown (not to mention quite a few fumbles). Then came Ryan Moats' wild game, in which he appeared to be the Texans' new starting RB. Now, with Slaton out for the year and Moats and Brown playing like the mundane RBs they are, an undrafted free agent will get a chance to grab the job: Arian Foster.

Foster wasn't always destined to be an undrafted free agent. After a great junior season at Tennessee, Foster was widely considered a 1st or 2nd round talent. A senior year mired with fumbling problems, however, caused his draft stock to plummet. Now, with the Texans giving him a chance to play against the Rams' 32nd ranked run defense, Foster has a shot at redemption.

Against the Rams, Foster is a decent RB2 option, and if he performs well could be one again next week. For anyone struggling at RB, this could be a godsend. Owned in just 9% of Yahoo leagues (1% ESPN), Foster should be grabbed in every league, even if only to prevent your opponents from getting him.

Bo Scaife, Titans TE

In addition to being an important Red Zone target for the Titans (covered that last week), Scaife's 34 targets over his last 5 games are good for 7th best among TEs. Owned in just 9% of Yahoo leagues, Scaife is likely just waiting there for you to pick him up and start him. For the next two weeks he's definitely a lower end TE1 option.

Fred Davis, Redskins TE

I'm not going to continue to lobby for Fred Davis, but the guy got another 2 RZ targets in Week 14 (he capitalized on both), and over the past 3 games has been a top 3 TE (Antonio Gates with 50 points, Vernon Davis with 39, Fred Davis with 38). Still owned in just 25% of Yahoo leagues, and a baffling 7% in ESPN, Davis is a rock-solid TE1 the rest of the way.

Chris Jennings, Browns RB

Over the years we've learned many strange facts about Eric Mangini:

1. He enjoys being secretive about which awful Quarterback he will start any given week.
2. Don't steal a $3 bottle of water on Mangini's watch -- he takes beverage thievery quite seriously (think $1701 worth of seriousness). We can only imagine how much he hates water fountains (unlimited water for free? Ridiculous).
3. He has a remarkable resemblance to Batman Villain "The Penguin."

And we have another one to add to the list: Mangini, like Bill Belichick, has serious commitment issues. With running backs, that is. A week after Jerome Harrison delivered an explosive 2-touchdown performance, his touches were reduced from 17 to 9. Instead, Mangini entrusted rookie Chris Jennings with the majority of carries. Coming into this past game, Jennings had 25 career carries; he rushed the ball 20 times on Sunday. So, we've established that Mangini's decisions don't make much sense, but with the Browns facing KC and OAK in their next two, their running game is extremely relevant.

While Harrison had a big game with 17 touches two weeks ago, it is worth noting that since Jamal Lewis went down Jennings was the first RB to get more than 10 carries. There have been reports that Jennings' bum shoulder was the reason he only got 5 carries when Harrison had his big game, and that Jennings is the Browns' actual #1 RB. I've learned better than to put my faith in what "News" comes out of Browns practices, but there is another factor at work here:

Last week Jennings got 4 of the 5 Red Zone carries for the Browns (and a RZ target), and converted one of them for a TD. While it is, admittedly, a risky game to start who appears to be the Browns RB each week, it looks like Jennings will play a major role against KC and OAK. Although he's not an exceptionally explosive runner, if Jennings is able to get 15-20 carries and dominate the Browns' RZ and GL work, he could put up a quality fantasy day. He's a decent flex play this week, but even if you're not going to start him, Pick Him Up. If he's able to build on last week he could be a RB2 next week against OAK (I think I could be an alright flex play against the Raiders).

LaRod Stephens-Howling, Cardinals RB

This is strictly for those in the REALLY deep leagues. After Tim Hightower lost a fumble on the Arizona 8 yard line with 4:39 left in 3rd quarter, he was taken out of Monday night's game. While Beanie Wells dominated the running game from that point on, return specialist LaRod Stephens-Howling was the other RB used to mix it up the rest of the way. Although he had 1 carry and 3 catches in that span, he came close to scoring on one of his receptions. Usually, all of this wouldn't mean much, but with the Cardinals facing Detroit and St. Louis in their next two, Stephens-Howling becomes surprisingly relevant.

If you're in a league that starts 3 RBs or is just really, really deep (say 15 teams), you could do a lot worse than Stephens-Howling with your last starting spot. If it turns out that the Cards continue to use Stephens-Howling over Hightower after this week, the small -- but dynamic -- RB could become valuable in regular leagues. Stephens-Howling's talent combined with great matchups could provide huge results. Also, he's owned in just 2% of Yahoo leagues. For those in 12 team leagues, he's worth a pickup. Just use the wait and see approach for next week.



Everything that glitters isn't gold

Laurence Maroney, Patriots RB

Facing the 31st ranked Buffalo's run defense this week, Maroney seems like a no brainer start. But lately the Bill Belichick of old has begun to reappear. For a while it looked like Maroney was the clear cut #1, but after losing fumbles in 3 straight games (Weeks 10,11,12), the Patriots have gone to a more diverse running game over the past two weeks.

While it appeared this past week (with his 22 carries) that Maroney had rebounded, he was given roughly the same disappointing portion of the Patriots carries as in Week 13 (when he had 13 for 41 yards). This past week he got 22 of New England's 40 carries, and 13 of their 25 two weeks ago. Getting 54% of your teams carries isn't good enough, and is a real hit to Maroney's value.

In addition, Maroney's dominance of the Patriots' carries in scoring situations has ended. After getting nearly every RZ and GL carry since Sammy Morris got hurt, the past two weeks have seen Maroney receive slightly less than 50% in the RZ and on the GL. This has cost him a TD in each of the past two games (Kevin Faulk got both).

Although this is all bad news for Maroney, he's still facing Buffalo which makes him a good RB2 option. As far as the other guys in the backfield go, Morris is the most effective runner, but Kevin Faulk has converted 2 GL carries for TDs in two straight weeks; still I'd opt for Morris as a decent Flex play.

Quinton Ganther, Redskins RB

Yes, Ganther had an awesome Week 14 in fantasy. But let's face it: any RB facing the Raiders has a real chance to produce significant value. The good news is that Ganther seems to be the Redskins #1 RB in the Red Zone too, getting 4 out of 5 RZ carries, and all 3 on the Goal Line (converting for 2 TDs).

The bad news is that he managed just 3.6 yards per carry against one of the easiest teams to run on in football. More bad news: He's facing the Giants and Cowboys over the next two weeks, two competent run defenses (ranked 17th and 13th). So despite his great debut as starting RB for the Skins, I'd say Ganther should be relegated to being no more than a solid Flex option.

Updated Red Zone Statistics for RBs, WRs, and TEs:

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<TBODY><TR class=tableizer-firstrow><TH>Player</TH><TH>Team</TH><TH>RZ Car</TH><TH>Team RZ</TH><TH>RZ%</TH><TH>GL Car</TH><TH>Team GL</TH><TH>GL %</TH><TH>TD</TH><TH>RZ tar</TH><TH>RZ Chances</TH></TR><TR><TD>Cedric Benson</TD><TD>Cincinnati Bengals</TD><TD>41</TD><TD>43</TD><TD>95.3%</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>100.0%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>43</TD></TR><TR><TD>Maurice Jones-Drew</TD><TD>Jacksonville Jaguars</TD><TD>58</TD><TD>61</TD><TD>95.1%</TD><TD>22</TD><TD>22</TD><TD>100.0%</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>65</TD></TR><TR><TD>Steven Jackson</TD><TD>St. Louis Rams</TD><TD>28</TD><TD>30</TD><TD>93.3%</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>100.0%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>32</TD></TR><TR><TD>Frank Gore</TD><TD>San Francisco 49ers</TD><TD>19</TD><TD>22</TD><TD>86.4%</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>100.0%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>28</TD></TR><TR><TD>Michael Turner</TD><TD>Atlanta Falcons </TD><TD>24</TD><TD>29</TD><TD>82.8%</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>100.0%</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>25</TD></TR><TR><TD>Matt Forte</TD><TD>Chicago Bears</TD><TD>45</TD><TD>57</TD><TD>78.9%</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>93.3%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>48</TD></TR><TR><TD>Adrian Peterson</TD><TD>Minnesota Vikings</TD><TD>59</TD><TD>81</TD><TD>72.8%</TD><TD>27</TD><TD>32</TD><TD>84.4%</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>62</TD></TR><TR><TD>Rashard Mendenhall</TD><TD>Pittsburgh Steelers</TD><TD>26</TD><TD>36</TD><TD>72.2%</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>77.8%</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>28</TD></TR><TR><TD>Ryan Grant</TD><TD>Green Bay Packers</TD><TD>33</TD><TD>46</TD><TD>71.7%</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>81.3%</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>40</TD></TR><TR><TD>Ladanian Tomlinson</TD><TD>San Diego Chargers</TD><TD>48</TD><TD>69</TD><TD>69.6%</TD><TD>27</TD><TD>32</TD><TD>84.4%</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>49</TD></TR><TR><TD>LeSean McCoy</TD><TD>Philadelphia Eagles</TD><TD>20</TD><TD>29</TD><TD>69.0%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>33.3%</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>24</TD></TR><TR><TD>Marion Barber</TD><TD>Dallas Cowboys</TD><TD>26</TD><TD>39</TD><TD>66.7%</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>87.5%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>28</TD></TR><TR><TD>Kevin Smith</TD><TD>Detroit Lions</TD><TD>20</TD><TD>30</TD><TD>66.7%</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>57.1%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>25</TD></TR><TR><TD>Julius Jones</TD><TD>Seattle Seahawks</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>66.7%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>100.0%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>14</TD></TR><TR><TD>Knowshon Moreno</TD><TD>Denver Broncos</TD><TD>41</TD><TD>62</TD><TD>66.1%</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>58.3%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>46</TD></TR><TR><TD>Thomas Jones</TD><TD>New York Jets</TD><TD>33</TD><TD>52</TD><TD>63.5%</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>90.0%</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>34</TD></TR><TR><TD>Joseph Addai</TD><TD>Indiannapolis Colts</TD><TD>45</TD><TD>72</TD><TD>62.5%</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>22</TD><TD>63.6%</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>53</TD></TR><TR><TD>Brandon Jacobs</TD><TD>New York Giants</TD><TD>41</TD><TD>66</TD><TD>62.1%</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>76.5%</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>45</TD></TR><TR><TD>Chris Johnson</TD><TD>Tennesee Titans</TD><TD>28</TD><TD>48</TD><TD>58.3%</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>64.7%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>33</TD></TR><TR><TD>Jonathan Stewart</TD><TD>Carolina Panthers</TD><TD>36</TD><TD>63</TD><TD>57.1%</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>23</TD><TD>52.2%</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>37</TD></TR><TR><TD>Beanie Wells</TD><TD>Arizona Cardinals</TD><TD>25</TD><TD>45</TD><TD>55.6%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>23.5%</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>25</TD></TR><TR><TD>Marshawn Lynch</TD><TD>Buffalo Bills</TD><TD>20</TD><TD>36</TD><TD>55.6%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>50.0%</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>24</TD></TR><TR><TD>Cadillac Williams</TD><TD>Tampa Bay Buccaneers</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>22</TD><TD>54.5%</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>50.0%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>15</TD></TR><TR><TD>Justin Fargas</TD><TD>Oakland Raiders</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>24</TD><TD>54.2%</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>54.5%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>14</TD></TR><TR><TD>Ray Rice</TD><TD>Baltimore Ravens</TD><TD>35</TD><TD>66</TD><TD>53.0%</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>33.3%</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>44</TD></TR><TR><TD>Laurence Maroney</TD><TD>New England Patriots</TD><TD>37</TD><TD>71</TD><TD>52.1%</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>66.7%</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>37</TD></TR><TR><TD>Fred Jackson</TD><TD>Buffalo Bills</TD><TD>22</TD><TD>44</TD><TD>50.0%</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>55.6%</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>26</TD></TR><TR><TD>DeAngelo Williams</TD><TD>Carolina Panthers</TD><TD>24</TD><TD>55</TD><TD>43.6%</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>21</TD><TD>47.6%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>35</TD></TR><TR><TD>Jamal Charles</TD><TD>Kansas City Chiefs</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>30</TD><TD>43.3%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>42.9%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>17</TD></TR><TR><TD>Tim Hightower</TD><TD>Arizona Cardinals</TD><TD>19</TD><TD>45</TD><TD>42.2%</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>70.6%</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>22</TD></TR><TR><TD>Chris Brown</TD><TD>Houston Texans</TD><TD>26</TD><TD>65</TD><TD>40.0%</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>43.8%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>31</TD></TR><TR><TD>Brian Westbrook</TD><TD>Philadelphia Eagles</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>40.0%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>50.0%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6</TD></TR><TR><TD>Ricky Williams</TD><TD>Miami Dolphins</TD><TD>32</TD><TD>82</TD><TD>39.0%</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>27</TD><TD>40.7%</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>39</TD></TR><TR><TD>Willie Parker</TD><TD>Pittsburgh Steelers</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>24</TD><TD>37.5%</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>66.7%</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>10</TD></TR><TR><TD>Pierre Thomas</TD><TD>New Orleans Saints</TD><TD>28</TD><TD>77</TD><TD>36.4%</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>25</TD><TD>32.0%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>36</TD></TR><TR><TD>Amhad Bradshaw</TD><TD>New York Giants</TD><TD>24</TD><TD>66</TD><TD>36.4%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>23.5%</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>24</TD></TR><TR><TD>Jason Snelling</TD><TD>Atlanta Falcons </TD><TD>16</TD><TD>44</TD><TD>36.4%</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>35.3%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>16</TD></TR><TR><TD>Derrick Ward</TD><TD>Tampa Bay Buccaneers</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>22</TD><TD>36.4%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>40.0%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>9</TD></TR><TR><TD>Tashard Choice</TD><TD>Dallas Cowboys</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>34</TD><TD>35.3%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>33.3%</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>14</TD></TR><TR><TD>Willis McGahee</TD><TD>Baltimore Ravens</TD><TD>23</TD><TD>66</TD><TD>34.8%</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>55.6%</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>27</TD></TR><TR><TD>Mike Bell</TD><TD>New Orleans Saints</TD><TD>26</TD><TD>77</TD><TD>33.8%</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>25</TD><TD>40.0%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>26</TD></TR><TR><TD>Lendale White</TD><TD>Tennesee Titans</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>48</TD><TD>31.3%</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>29.4%</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>15</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

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<TBODY><TR class=tableizer-firstrow><TH>Player</TH><TH>Team </TH><TH>RZ Targets</TH><TH>Team RZ</TH><TH>RZ%</TH><TH>TD</TH></TR><TR><TD>Brandon Marshall</TD><TD>Denver Broncos</TD><TD>31</TD><TD>68</TD><TD>45.6%</TD><TD>7</TD></TR><TR><TD>Brent Celek</TD><TD>Philadelphia Eagles</TD><TD>25</TD><TD>73</TD><TD>34.2%</TD><TD>6</TD></TR><TR><TD>Marques Colston</TD><TD>New Orleans Saints</TD><TD>24</TD><TD>89</TD><TD>27.0%</TD><TD>8</TD></TR><TR><TD>Andre Johnson</TD><TD>Houston Texans</TD><TD>23</TD><TD>70</TD><TD>32.9%</TD><TD>6</TD></TR><TR><TD>Steve Smith</TD><TD>New York Giants</TD><TD>22</TD><TD>61</TD><TD>36.1%</TD><TD>5</TD></TR><TR><TD>Randy Moss</TD><TD>New England Patriots</TD><TD>22</TD><TD>75</TD><TD>29.3%</TD><TD>4</TD></TR><TR><TD>TJ Houshmandzadeh</TD><TD>Seattle Seahawks</TD><TD>21</TD><TD>69</TD><TD>30.4%</TD><TD>2</TD></TR><TR><TD>Larry Fitzgerald</TD><TD>Arizona Cardinals</TD><TD>20</TD><TD>63</TD><TD>31.7%</TD><TD>7</TD></TR><TR><TD>Tony Gonzalez</TD><TD>Atlanta Falcons</TD><TD>20</TD><TD>63</TD><TD>31.7%</TD><TD>3</TD></TR><TR><TD>Reggie Wayne</TD><TD>Indianapolis Colts</TD><TD>20</TD><TD>81</TD><TD>24.7%</TD><TD>9</TD></TR><TR><TD>Greg Olsen</TD><TD>Chicago Bears</TD><TD>19</TD><TD>67</TD><TD>28.4%</TD><TD>4</TD></TR><TR><TD>Sidney Rice</TD><TD>Minnesota Vikings</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>74</TD><TD>24.3%</TD><TD>3</TD></TR><TR><TD>Vernon Davis</TD><TD>San Francisco 49ers</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>54</TD><TD>31.5%</TD><TD>9</TD></TR><TR><TD>Roddy White </TD><TD>Atlanta Falcons</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>63</TD><TD>27.0%</TD><TD>3</TD></TR><TR><TD>Chad Ochocinco</TD><TD>Cincinnati Bengals</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>63</TD><TD>27.0%</TD><TD>6</TD></TR><TR><TD>Miles Austin</TD><TD>Dallas Cowboys</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>66</TD><TD>25.8%</TD><TD>5</TD></TR><TR><TD>Roy Williams</TD><TD>Dallas Cowboys</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>66</TD><TD>24.2%</TD><TD>4</TD></TR><TR><TD>Bernard Berrian</TD><TD>Minnesota Vikings</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>74</TD><TD>21.6%</TD><TD>3</TD></TR><TR><TD>Visante Schiancoe</TD><TD>Minnesota Vikings</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>74</TD><TD>21.6%</TD><TD>9</TD></TR><TR><TD>Steve Smith</TD><TD>Carolina Panthers</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>43</TD><TD>34.9%</TD><TD>3</TD></TR><TR><TD>Nate Washington</TD><TD>Tennesee Titans</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>48</TD><TD>31.3%</TD><TD>4</TD></TR><TR><TD>Santana Moss</TD><TD>Washington Redskins</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>60</TD><TD>25.0%</TD><TD>1</TD></TR><TR><TD>Austin Collie</TD><TD>Indianapolis Colts</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>81</TD><TD>18.5%</TD><TD>4</TD></TR><TR><TD>Pierre Garcon</TD><TD>Indianapolis Colts</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>81</TD><TD>18.5%</TD><TD>1</TD></TR><TR><TD>Hines Ward</TD><TD>Pittsburgh Steelers</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>50</TD><TD>28.0%</TD><TD>4</TD></TR><TR><TD>Josh Morgan</TD><TD>San Francisco 49ers</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>54</TD><TD>25.9%</TD><TD>2</TD></TR><TR><TD>Jhonny Knox</TD><TD>Chicago Bears</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>67</TD><TD>20.9%</TD><TD>3</TD></TR><TR><TD>Jason Avant</TD><TD>Philadelphia Eagles</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>73</TD><TD>19.2%</TD><TD>2</TD></TR><TR><TD>Wes Welker</TD><TD>New England Patriots</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>75</TD><TD>18.7%</TD><TD>2</TD></TR><TR><TD>Donald Driver</TD><TD>Green Bay Packers</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>80</TD><TD>17.5%</TD><TD>4</TD></TR><TR><TD>Mike Sims-Walker</TD><TD>Jacksonville Jaguars</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>43</TD><TD>30.2%</TD><TD>5</TD></TR><TR><TD>Dwayne Bowe</TD><TD>Kansas City Chiefs</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>46</TD><TD>28.3%</TD><TD>3</TD></TR><TR><TD>Bo Scaife</TD><TD>Tennesee Titans</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>48</TD><TD>27.1%</TD><TD>1</TD></TR><TR><TD>Heath Miller</TD><TD>Pittsburgh Steelers</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>50</TD><TD>26.0%</TD><TD>4</TD></TR><TR><TD>Vincent Jackson</TD><TD>San Diego Chargers</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>52</TD><TD>25.0%</TD><TD>4</TD></TR><TR><TD>Andre Caldwell</TD><TD>Cincinnati Bengals</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>63</TD><TD>20.6%</TD><TD>3</TD></TR><TR><TD>Greg Jennings</TD><TD>Green Bay Packers</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>80</TD><TD>15.0%</TD><TD>1</TD></TR><TR><TD>Dallas Clark</TD><TD>Indianapolis Colts</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>81</TD><TD>14.8%</TD><TD>6</TD></TR><TR><TD>Braylon Edwards</TD><TD>New York Jets</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>37</TD><TD>29.7%</TD><TD>3</TD></TR><TR><TD>Antonio Gates</TD><TD>San Diego Chargers</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>52</TD><TD>21.2%</TD><TD>4</TD></TR><TR><TD>Devin Hester</TD><TD>Chicago Bears</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>67</TD><TD>16.4%</TD><TD>1</TD></TR><TR><TD>John Carlson</TD><TD>Seattle Seahawks</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>69</TD><TD>15.9%</TD><TD>3</TD></TR><TR><TD>Owen Daniels</TD><TD>Houston Texans</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>70</TD><TD>15.7%</TD><TD>3</TD></TR><TR><TD>DeSean Jackson</TD><TD>Philadelphia Eagles</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>73</TD><TD>15.1%</TD><TD>0</TD></TR><TR><TD>Calvin Johnson</TD><TD>Detroit Lions</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>32</TD><TD>31.3%</TD><TD>2</TD></TR><TR><TD>Chansi Stuckey</TD><TD>Cleveland Browns</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>33</TD><TD>30.3%</TD><TD>1</TD></TR><TR><TD>Terrel Owens</TD><TD>Buffalo Bills</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>38</TD><TD>26.3%</TD><TD>0</TD></TR><TR><TD>Derrick Mason</TD><TD>Baltimore Ravens</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>42</TD><TD>23.8%</TD><TD>3</TD></TR><TR><TD>Mario Mannigham</TD><TD>New York Giants</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>61</TD><TD>16.4%</TD><TD>2</TD></TR><TR><TD>Anquan Boldin</TD><TD>Arizona Cardinals</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>63</TD><TD>15.9%</TD><TD>3</TD></TR><TR><TD>Laveranues Coles</TD><TD>Cincinnati Bengals</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>63</TD><TD>15.9%</TD><TD>2</TD></TR><TR><TD>Nate Burleson</TD><TD>Seattle Seahawks</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>69</TD><TD>14.5%</TD><TD>2</TD></TR><TR><TD>Lee Evans</TD><TD>Buffalo Bills</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>38</TD><TD>23.7%</TD><TD>2</TD></TR><TR><TD>Mark Clayton</TD><TD>Baltimore Ravens</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>42</TD><TD>21.4%</TD><TD>1</TD></TR><TR><TD>Anthony Fasano</TD><TD>Miami Dolphins</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>44</TD><TD>20.5%</TD><TD>1</TD></TR><TR><TD>Santonio Holmes</TD><TD>Pittsburgh Steelers</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>50</TD><TD>18.0%</TD><TD>0</TD></TR><TR><TD>Devin Thomas</TD><TD>Washington Redskins</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>60</TD><TD>15.0%</TD><TD>2</TD></TR><TR><TD>Kevin Boss</TD><TD>New York Giants</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>61</TD><TD>14.8%</TD><TD>4</TD></TR><TR><TD>Steve Breaston</TD><TD>Arizona Cardinals</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>63</TD><TD>14.3%</TD><TD>2</TD></TR><TR><TD>Patrick Crayton</TD><TD>Dallas Cowboys</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>66</TD><TD>13.6%</TD><TD>1</TD></TR><TR><TD>Eddie Royal</TD><TD>Denver Broncos</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>68</TD><TD>13.2%</TD><TD>0</TD></TR><TR><TD>Kevin Walter</TD><TD>Houston Texans</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>70</TD><TD>12.9%</TD><TD>1</TD></TR><TR><TD>Jeremy Maclin</TD><TD>Philadelphia Eagles</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>73</TD><TD>12.3%</TD><TD>1</TD></TR><TR><TD>Donald Lee</TD><TD>Green Bay Packers</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>80</TD><TD>11.3%</TD><TD>1</TD></TR><TR><TD>Dustin Keller</TD><TD>New York Jets</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>38</TD><TD>21.1%</TD><TD>2</TD></TR><TR><TD>Jerricho Cotchery</TD><TD>New York Jets</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>38</TD><TD>21.1%</TD><TD>2</TD></TR><TR><TD>Torry Holt</TD><TD>Jacksonville Jaguars</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>43</TD><TD>18.6%</TD><TD>0</TD></TR><TR><TD>Randy McMichael</TD><TD>St. Louis Rams</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>47</TD><TD>17.0%</TD><TD>1</TD></TR><TR><TD>Kellen Winslow</TD><TD>Tampa Bay Buccaneers</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>47</TD><TD>17.0%</TD><TD>4</TD></TR><TR><TD>Antonio Bryant</TD><TD>Tampa Bay Buccaneers</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>47</TD><TD>17.0%</TD><TD>1</TD></TR><TR><TD>Fred Davis</TD><TD>Washington Redskins</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>60</TD><TD>13.3%</TD><TD>4</TD></TR><TR><TD>Chris Chambers</TD><TD>Kansas City Chiefs</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>62</TD><TD>12.9%</TD><TD>2</TD></TR><TR><TD>Bobby Wade</TD><TD>Kansas City Chiefs</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>64</TD><TD>12.5%</TD><TD>2</TD></TR><TR><TD>Tony Sheffler</TD><TD>Denver Broncos</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>68</TD><TD>11.8%</TD><TD>2</TD></TR><TR><TD>Jeremy Shockey</TD><TD>New Orleans Saints</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>89</TD><TD>9.0%</TD><TD>2</TD></TR><TR><TD>Donnie Avery</TD><TD>St. Louis Rams</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>47</TD><TD>14.9%</TD><TD>2</TD></TR><TR><TD>Brian Fenneran</TD><TD>Atlanta Falcons</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>63</TD><TD>11.1%</TD><TD>0</TD></TR><TR><TD>Desmond Clark</TD><TD>Chicago Bears</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>67</TD><TD>10.4%</TD><TD>0</TD></TR><TR><TD>Percy Harvin</TD><TD>Minnesota Vikings</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>74</TD><TD>9.5%</TD><TD>3</TD></TR><TR><TD>Jermichael Finley</TD><TD>Green Bay Packers</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>80</TD><TD>8.8%</TD><TD>2</TD></TR><TR><TD>Robert Meachem</TD><TD>New Orleans Saints</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>89</TD><TD>7.9%</TD><TD>2</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

HacheMan · Dec 16, 2009

Week 15 Rankings
Who do you trust?

The fantasy playoffs force you to ask that question more often.

At quarterback, a steady group of starters emerged over the course of the season. The same is mostly true at tight end, although players like Fred Davis and Jermichael Finley should be in lot of lineups this week.

The question is a lot harder to answer at running back and wide receiver, as usual. I trust Pierre Thomas will find a way to score points, no matter how many of his backups are healthy. I don't trust Keith Null and a pair of new starting guards in St. Louis to allow Steven Jackson to be the steady force he's been all year.

I do trust that Darrelle Revis is the best cover cornerback in football – sorry, Mr. Woodson – which limits my trust in Roddy White this week against the Falcons. I trust consistent rookies like Hakeem Nicks, Pierre Garcon, and Kenny Britt than many disappointing veterans like Braylon Edwards, Terrell Owens, and Roy Williams.

It seems like a strange year when Cedric Benson and Jamaal Charles are a lot more trustworthy than Matt Forte, Marion Barber, and LaDainian Tomlinson, but every year is a strange year.

Good job navigating the ups and downs to get this far. Now on to why we're all here …

[SIZE=+1]Week 15 Quarterbacks[/SIZE]

<TABLE width="100%"><TBODY><TR class=TableTopRed><TD>Rank</TD><TD>Player Name</TD><TD>Opponent</TD><TD>Notes</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>1</TD><TD>Matt Schaub</TD><TD>at STL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>2</TD><TD>Peyton Manning</TD><TD>at JAC</TD><TD>Probable(abdomen)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>3</TD><TD>Drew Brees</TD><TD>vs. DAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>4</TD><TD>Kurt Warner</TD><TD>at DET</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>5</TD><TD>Aaron Rodgers</TD><TD>at PIT</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>6</TD><TD>Tom Brady</TD><TD>at BUF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>7</TD><TD>Donovan McNabb</TD><TD>vs. SF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>8</TD><TD>Tony Romo</TD><TD>at NO</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>9</TD><TD>Philip Rivers</TD><TD>vs. CIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>10</TD><TD>Brett Favre</TD><TD>at CAR</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>11</TD><TD>Ben Roethlisberger</TD><TD>vs. GB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>12</TD><TD>Eli Manning</TD><TD>at WAS</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>13</TD><TD>Jason Campbell</TD><TD>vs. NYG</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>14</TD><TD>Matt Hasselbeck</TD><TD>vs. TB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>15</TD><TD>Vince Young</TD><TD>vs. MIA</TD><TD>Questionable(hamstring)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>16</TD><TD>Chad Henne</TD><TD>at TEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>17</TD><TD>Joe Flacco</TD><TD>vs. CHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>18</TD><TD>Jay Cutler</TD><TD>at BAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>19</TD><TD>Alex Smith</TD><TD>at PHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>20</TD><TD>Carson Palmer</TD><TD>at SD</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>21</TD><TD>Kyle Orton</TD><TD>vs. OAK</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>22</TD><TD>Brady Quinn</TD><TD>at KC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>23</TD><TD>David Garrard</TD><TD>vs. IND</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>24</TD><TD>Matt Cassel</TD><TD>vs. CLE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>25</TD><TD>Mark Sanchez</TD><TD>vs. ATL</TD><TD>Probable(knee)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>26</TD><TD>Chris Redman</TD><TD>at NYJ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>27</TD><TD>Daunte Culpepper</TD><TD>vs. ARZ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>28</TD><TD>Matt Moore</TD><TD>vs. MIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>29</TD><TD>Josh Freeman</TD><TD>at SEA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>30</TD><TD>Ryan Fitzpatrick</TD><TD>vs. NE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>31</TD><TD>Keith Null</TD><TD>vs. HOU</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>32</TD><TD>Charlie Frye</TD><TD>at DEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Note:Player notes will be posted later in the week. Adam Levitan's picks for the best Snapdraft plays of the week are right here.


[SIZE=+1]Week 15 Running Backs[/SIZE]

<TABLE width="100%"><TBODY><TR class=TableTopRed><TD>Rank</TD><TD>Player Name</TD><TD>Opponent</TD><TD>Notes</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>1</TD><TD>Chris Johnson</TD><TD>vs. MIA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>2</TD><TD>Adrian Peterson</TD><TD>at CAR</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>3</TD><TD>Ray Rice</TD><TD>vs. CHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>4</TD><TD>Maurice Jones-Drew</TD><TD>vs. IND</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>5</TD><TD>Thomas Jones</TD><TD>vs. ATL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>6</TD><TD>Frank Gore</TD><TD>at PHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>7</TD><TD>Cedric Benson</TD><TD>at SD</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>8</TD><TD>DeAngelo Williams</TD><TD>vs. MIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>9</TD><TD>Joseph Addai</TD><TD>at JAC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>10</TD><TD>Ricky Williams</TD><TD>at TEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>11</TD><TD>Pierre Thomas</TD><TD>vs. DAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>12</TD><TD>Knowshon Moreno</TD><TD>vs. OAK</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>13</TD><TD>Jamaal Charles</TD><TD>vs. CLE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>14</TD><TD>Chris Wells</TD><TD>at DET</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>15</TD><TD>Steven Jackson</TD><TD>vs. HOU</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>16</TD><TD>Rashard Mendenhall</TD><TD>vs. GB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>17</TD><TD>Fred Jackson</TD><TD>vs. NE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>18</TD><TD>Ryan Grant</TD><TD>at PIT</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>19</TD><TD>Laurence Maroney</TD><TD>at BUF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>20</TD><TD>Brandon Jacobs</TD><TD>at WAS</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>21</TD><TD>Matt Forte</TD><TD>at BAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>22</TD><TD>Marion Barber</TD><TD>at NO</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>23</TD><TD>LaDainian Tomlinson</TD><TD>vs. CIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>24</TD><TD>Justin Forsett</TD><TD>vs. TB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>25</TD><TD>Tim Hightower</TD><TD>at DET</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>26</TD><TD>Quinton Ganther</TD><TD>vs. NYG</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>27</TD><TD>Chris Jennings</TD><TD>at KC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>28</TD><TD>Jason Snelling</TD><TD>at NYJ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>29</TD><TD>Marshawn Lynch</TD><TD>vs. NE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>30</TD><TD>Ahmad Bradshaw</TD><TD>at WAS</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>31</TD><TD>Reggie Bush</TD><TD>vs. DAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>32</TD><TD>Arian Foster</TD><TD>at STL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>33</TD><TD>Felix Jones</TD><TD>at NO</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>34</TD><TD>Jonathan Stewart</TD><TD>vs. MIN</TD><TD>Probable(heel)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>35</TD><TD>Carnell Williams</TD><TD>at SEA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>36</TD><TD>LeSean McCoy</TD><TD>vs. SF</TD><TD>Ranked as if Westbrook is in </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>37</TD><TD>Julius Jones</TD><TD>vs. TB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>38</TD><TD>Brian Westbrook</TD><TD>vs. SF</TD><TD>Questionable(concussion)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>39</TD><TD>Ryan Moats</TD><TD>at STL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>40</TD><TD>Darren Sproles</TD><TD>vs. CIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>41</TD><TD>Mike Bell</TD><TD>vs. DAL</TD><TD>Questionable(knee)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>42</TD><TD>Willis McGahee</TD><TD>vs. CHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>43</TD><TD>Darren McFadden</TD><TD>at DEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>44</TD><TD>Sammy Morris</TD><TD>at BUF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>45</TD><TD>Shonn Greene</TD><TD>vs. ATL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>46</TD><TD>Jerious Norwood</TD><TD>at NYJ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>47</TD><TD>Jerome Harrison</TD><TD>at KC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>48</TD><TD>Justin Fargas</TD><TD>at DEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>49</TD><TD>Chester Taylor</TD><TD>at CAR</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>50</TD><TD>Kevin Faulk</TD><TD>at BUF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>51</TD><TD>Derrick Ward</TD><TD>at SEA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>52</TD><TD>Larry Johnson</TD><TD>at SD</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>53</TD><TD>LenDale White</TD><TD>vs. MIA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>54</TD><TD>Rock Cartwright</TD><TD>vs. NYG</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>55</TD><TD>Willie Parker</TD><TD>vs. GB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>56</TD><TD>Chris Brown</TD><TD>at STL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>


[SIZE=+1]Week 15 Wide Receivers[/SIZE]

<TABLE width="100%"><TBODY><TR class=TableTopRed><TD>Rank</TD><TD>Player Name</TD><TD>Opponent</TD><TD>Notes</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>1</TD><TD>Andre Johnson</TD><TD>at STL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>2</TD><TD>Larry Fitzgerald</TD><TD>at DET</TD><TD>Questionable(knee)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>3</TD><TD>Reggie Wayne</TD><TD>at JAC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>4</TD><TD>Wes Welker</TD><TD>at BUF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>5</TD><TD>Anquan Boldin</TD><TD>at DET</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>6</TD><TD>Randy Moss</TD><TD>at BUF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>7</TD><TD>Brandon Marshall</TD><TD>vs. OAK</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>8</TD><TD>Marques Colston</TD><TD>vs. DAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>9</TD><TD>Miles Austin</TD><TD>at NO</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>10</TD><TD>Sidney Rice</TD><TD>at CAR</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>11</TD><TD>Vincent Jackson</TD><TD>vs. CIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>12</TD><TD>DeSean Jackson</TD><TD>vs. SF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>13</TD><TD>Calvin Johnson</TD><TD>vs. ARZ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>14</TD><TD>Chad Ochocinco</TD><TD>at SD</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>15</TD><TD>Derrick Mason</TD><TD>vs. CHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>16</TD><TD>Greg Jennings</TD><TD>at PIT</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>17</TD><TD>Steve Smith</TD><TD>at WAS</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>18</TD><TD>Roddy White</TD><TD>at NYJ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>19</TD><TD>Santonio Holmes</TD><TD>vs. GB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>20</TD><TD>Steve Smith</TD><TD>vs. MIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>21</TD><TD>T.J. Houshmandzadeh</TD><TD>vs. TB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>22</TD><TD>Donald Driver</TD><TD>at PIT</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>23</TD><TD>Hines Ward</TD><TD>vs. GB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>24</TD><TD>Pierre Garcon</TD><TD>at JAC</TD><TD>Probable(knee)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>25</TD><TD>Michael Crabtree</TD><TD>at PHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>26</TD><TD>Robert Meachem</TD><TD>vs. DAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>27</TD><TD>Antonio Bryant</TD><TD>at SEA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>28</TD><TD>Hakeem Nicks</TD><TD>at WAS</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>29</TD><TD>Percy Harvin</TD><TD>at CAR</TD><TD>Sidelined(head)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>30</TD><TD>Dwayne Bowe</TD><TD>vs. CLE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>31</TD><TD>Kenny Britt</TD><TD>vs. MIA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>32</TD><TD>Mike Sims-Walker</TD><TD>vs. IND</TD><TD>Probable(calf)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>33</TD><TD>Jerricho Cotchery</TD><TD>vs. ATL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>34</TD><TD>Steve Breaston</TD><TD>at DET</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>35</TD><TD>Chris Chambers</TD><TD>vs. CLE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>36</TD><TD>Braylon Edwards</TD><TD>vs. ATL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>37</TD><TD>Santana Moss</TD><TD>vs. NYG</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>38</TD><TD>Devin Hester</TD><TD>at BAL</TD><TD>Sidelined(calf)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>39</TD><TD>Devery Henderson</TD><TD>vs. DAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>40</TD><TD>Kevin Walter</TD><TD>at STL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>41</TD><TD>Terrell Owens</TD><TD>vs. NE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>42</TD><TD>Johnny Knox</TD><TD>at BAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>43</TD><TD>Mario Manningham</TD><TD>at WAS</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>44</TD><TD>Roy Williams</TD><TD>at NO</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>45</TD><TD>Davone Bess</TD><TD>at TEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>46</TD><TD>Devin Thomas</TD><TD>vs. NYG</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>47</TD><TD>Lee Evans</TD><TD>vs. NE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>48</TD><TD>Austin Collie</TD><TD>at JAC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>49</TD><TD>Torry Holt</TD><TD>vs. IND</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>50</TD><TD>Mohamed Massaquoi</TD><TD>at KC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>51</TD><TD>Bernard Berrian</TD><TD>at CAR</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>52</TD><TD>Nate Washington</TD><TD>vs. MIA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>53</TD><TD>Malcom Floyd</TD><TD>vs. CIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>54</TD><TD>Brandon Gibson</TD><TD>vs. HOU</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>55</TD><TD>Mike Wallace</TD><TD>vs. GB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>56</TD><TD>Earl Bennett</TD><TD>at BAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>57</TD><TD>Donnie Avery</TD><TD>vs. HOU</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>58</TD><TD>Andre Caldwell</TD><TD>at SD</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>59</TD><TD>Jason Avant</TD><TD>vs. SF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>60</TD><TD>Laveranues Coles</TD><TD>at SD</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>61</TD><TD>James Jones</TD><TD>at PIT</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>62</TD><TD>Eddie Royal</TD><TD>vs. OAK</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>63</TD><TD>Josh Morgan</TD><TD>at PHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>64</TD><TD>Patrick Crayton</TD><TD>at NO</TD><TD>- </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

[SIZE=+1]Week 15 Tight Ends[/SIZE]

<TABLE width="100%"><TBODY><TR class=TableTopRed><TD>Rank</TD><TD>Player Name</TD><TD>Opponent</TD><TD>Notes</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>1</TD><TD>Dallas Clark</TD><TD>at JAC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>2</TD><TD>Antonio Gates</TD><TD>vs. CIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>3</TD><TD>Vernon Davis</TD><TD>at PHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>4</TD><TD>Jason Witten</TD><TD>at NO</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>5</TD><TD>Brent Celek</TD><TD>vs. SF</TD><TD>Probable(back)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>6</TD><TD>Tony Gonzalez</TD><TD>at NYJ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>7</TD><TD>Jermichael Finley</TD><TD>at PIT</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>8</TD><TD>Fred Davis</TD><TD>vs. NYG</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>9</TD><TD>Greg Olsen</TD><TD>at BAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>10</TD><TD>Kellen Winslow</TD><TD>at SEA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>11</TD><TD>Visanthe Shiancoe</TD><TD>at CAR</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>12</TD><TD>Jeremy Shockey</TD><TD>vs. DAL</TD><TD>Probable(toe)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>13</TD><TD>Heath Miller</TD><TD>vs. GB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>14</TD><TD>Dustin Keller</TD><TD>vs. ATL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>15</TD><TD>John Carlson</TD><TD>vs. TB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>16</TD><TD>Kevin Boss</TD><TD>at WAS</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>17</TD><TD>Bo Scaife</TD><TD>vs. MIA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>18</TD><TD>Marcedes Lewis</TD><TD>vs. IND</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>19</TD><TD>Anthony Fasano</TD><TD>at TEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>20</TD><TD>Todd Heap</TD><TD>vs. CHI</TD><TD>Questionable(ankle)</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

[SIZE=+1]Week 15 Kickers[/SIZE]

<TABLE width="100%"><TBODY><TR class=TableTopRed><TD>Rank</TD><TD>Player Name</TD><TD>Opponent</TD><TD>Notes</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>1</TD><TD>Stephen Gostkowski</TD><TD>at BUF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>2</TD><TD>Nate Kaeding</TD><TD>vs. CIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>3</TD><TD>David Akers</TD><TD>vs. SF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>4</TD><TD>Garrett Hartley</TD><TD>vs. DAL</TD><TD>Probable(hip)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>5</TD><TD>Rob Bironas</TD><TD>vs. MIA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>6</TD><TD>Kris Brown</TD><TD>at STL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>7</TD><TD>Ryan Longwell</TD><TD>at CAR</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>8</TD><TD>Neil Rackers</TD><TD>at DET</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>9</TD><TD>Nick Folk</TD><TD>at NO</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>10</TD><TD>Lawrence Tynes</TD><TD>at WAS</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>11</TD><TD>Dan Carpenter</TD><TD>at TEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>12</TD><TD>Shayne Graham</TD><TD>at SD</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>13</TD><TD>Jay Feely</TD><TD>vs. ATL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>14</TD><TD>Olindo Mare</TD><TD>vs. TB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>15</TD><TD>Mason Crosby</TD><TD>at PIT</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>16</TD><TD>Matt Prater</TD><TD>vs. OAK</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>17</TD><TD>Josh Scobee</TD><TD>vs. IND</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>18</TD><TD>Matt Stover</TD><TD>at JAC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>19</TD><TD>Joe Nedney</TD><TD>at PHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>20</TD><TD>Robbie Gould</TD><TD>at BAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>21</TD><TD>Matt Bryant</TD><TD>at NYJ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>22</TD><TD>Billy Cundiff</TD><TD>vs. CHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>23</TD><TD>Sebastian Janikowski</TD><TD>at DEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>24</TD><TD>Ryan Succop</TD><TD>vs. CLE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>25</TD><TD>Jeff Reed</TD><TD>vs. GB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>26</TD><TD>Connor Barth</TD><TD>at SEA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>27</TD><TD>Phil Dawson</TD><TD>at KC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>28</TD><TD>John Kasay</TD><TD>vs. MIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>29</TD><TD>Rian Lindell</TD><TD>vs. NE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>30</TD><TD>Josh Brown</TD><TD>vs. HOU</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>31</TD><TD>Graham Gano</TD><TD>vs. NYG</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>32</TD><TD>Jason Hanson</TD><TD>vs. ARZ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

[SIZE=+1]Week 15 Team Defense[/SIZE]

<TABLE width="100%"><TBODY><TR class=TableTopRed><TD>Rank</TD><TD>Player Name</TD><TD>Opponent</TD><TD>Notes</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>1</TD><TD>Vikings Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at CAR</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>2</TD><TD>Jets Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. ATL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>3</TD><TD>Cardinals Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at DET</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>4</TD><TD>Texans Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at STL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>5</TD><TD>Broncos Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. OAK</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>6</TD><TD>Packers Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at PIT</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>7</TD><TD>Saints Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. DAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>8</TD><TD>Eagles Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. SF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>9</TD><TD>Ravens Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. CHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>10</TD><TD>Patriots Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at BUF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>11</TD><TD>Colts Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at JAC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>12</TD><TD>Chargers Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. CIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>13</TD><TD>Fortyniners Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at PHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>14</TD><TD>Steelers Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. GB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>15</TD><TD>Titans Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. MIA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>16</TD><TD>Giants Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at WAS</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>17</TD><TD>Dolphins Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at TEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>18</TD><TD>Redskins Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. NYG</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>19</TD><TD>Seahawks Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. TB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>20</TD><TD>Browns Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at KC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>21</TD><TD>Bengals Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at SD</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>22</TD><TD>Bears Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at BAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>23</TD><TD>Cowboys Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at NO</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>24</TD><TD>Raiders Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at DEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>25</TD><TD>Falcons Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at NYJ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>26</TD><TD>Jaguars Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. IND</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>27</TD><TD>Buccaneers Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at SEA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>28</TD><TD>Panthers Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. MIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>29</TD><TD>Chiefs Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. CLE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>30</TD><TD>Bills Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. NE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>31</TD><TD>Rams Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. HOU</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>32</TD><TD>Lions Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. ARZ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

HacheMan · Dec 17, 2009

Studs, duds and sleepers: Lions may be fodder for Boldin

Matt Pitzer's look at the upcoming week's fantasy football landscape:
Studs
Anquan Boldin, WR, Arizona Cardinals: Pro Bowl wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald is a question mark because of his injured knee, but Boldin is a sure thing. An indoor game against the Detroit Lions' league-worst pass defense should help the Cardinals get back on track.
Jamaal Charles, RB, Kansas City Chiefs: He continues to be a steady threat, with an average of 90.6 rushing yards and one score over the last five games. The Cleveland Browns are due for a letdown after upsetting the Pittsburgh Steelers, so their No. 29 run defense should come back to earth.
Pierre Garcon, WR, Indianapolis Colts: As long as Peyton Manning plays, Garcon can thrive while Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark take it easy. With two 100-yard games in his last four, Garcon has outperformed Wayne anyhow.
Matt Hasselbeck, QB, Seattle Seahawks: Always difficult to peg, Hasselbeck is a good play this week. He has thrown at least two TD passes in three of his five home games, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' 24 passing TDs allowed are tied for third-most in the league.
Knowshon Moreno, RB, Denver Broncos: Denver thumped the Oakland Raiders for 215 rushing yards in the teams' first meeting. Oakland is last in the league with 20 rushing TDs allowed. With Correll Buckhalter nursing a bad ankle, Moreno can expect almost all of the carries.
Duds
Steven Jackson, RB, St. Louis Rams: The Houston Texans' defense shouldn't be much of a challenge, but Jackson had his worst game of the season against the Tennessee Titans as quarterback Keith Null made his first start. Null may play again, and the team just lost its two starting guards.
Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers: He might run more because his teammates are struggling, but he's not running well. He has one 100-yard game and two TDs over the last five games, and the Green Packers are about to overtake Pittsburgh's No. 1 run defense.
Chad Ochocinco, WR, Cincinnati Bengals: He has TDs in each of the last two weeks, but there's not much reason to start him against the San Diego Chargers. Cincinnati's passing game is barely moving, and with the Chargers' run defense showing holes, Cedric Benson will carry most of the Bengals' load.
Alex Smith, QB, San Francisco 49ers: Smith has become a popular pick after at least two TD passes in four consecutive games and five out of six, but the young 49ers face a difficult test. They go on the road in a hostile environment on a short week in a postseason atmosphere, and Smith's numbers likely will take a hit.
Roddy White, WR, Atlanta Falcons: At quarterback, he will have either inconsistent Chris Redman or Matt Ryan playing on a bum toe. Plus, he has to face New York Jets star cornerback Darrelle Revis and deal with the Meadowlands' tricky December weather.
Sleepers
Devin Aromashodu, WR, Chicago Bears: He had a career-best eight catches for 76 yards and his first TD last Sunday with Devin Hester out because of a calf injury. Hester is questionable again, but Aromashodu has a tougher assignment at the Baltimore Ravens.
Jason Campbell, QB, Washington Redskins: It's too late to save the season and perhaps his career in Washington, but Campbell has turned into a good fantasy quarterback. He has eight total TDs over the last three games and faces a New York Giants Defense allowing 31.5 points over its last four.
Josh Cribbs, WR-RB, Cleveland Browns: In their latest attempt to get Cribbs the ball in a variety of ways, the Browns are using Cribbs more at running back; he led the team with 87 rushing yards against the Steelers. Without a consistent running back, Cribbs remains the team's only true offensive threat.
Arian Foster, RB, Houston Texans: He had a team-high 13 carries last week and also contributed 54 receiving yards, leading the Texans to get him more involved in the game plan. Chris Brown and Ryan Moats also will play, making Foster a risk despite a matchup against the Rams.
Michael Vick, QB, Philadelphia Eagles: If you are desperate for a quarterback, Vick has three TDs over the last two weeks. He has 11 combined rushes and pass attempts in those two games but many are in scoring position.

HacheMan · Dec 17, 2009

Throwing Bowes
Forgive us if we were a little skeptical about the shape Dwayne Bowe would be in after four weeks away from the Chiefs. After all, Bowe wasn't exactly meshing with Todd Haley's conditioning-oriented approach during the summer.

Bowe reportedly showed up at offseason workouts out of shape. Haley made some comments that Bowe needed to lose "20-25 pounds." Haley listed him as a third-string receiver for most of training camp and criticized his blocking.

So four weeks away from Haley's watchful eye didn't seem like a good idea. But Bowe said he had been working out at former Chief Will Shields' gym during his four-game suspension. And Haley is apparently on board.

Bowe was immediately inserted into the first-team offense at Wednesday's practice and is reportedly in tip-top shape. He gets a nice "welcome back" present -- a matchup with the Browns. There's no reason to think Bowe won't get right back into the mix with a solid game and he's an upside play this week.

Editor's Note: For all you SnapDraft players out there, we're now highlighting some value picks on Pancake Blocks weekly. Click here for more info on competing against some Rotoworld staffers..

NEWS OF THE DAY #2
Correll Buckhalter (ankle) is expected to sit out Sunday's game against the Raiders. That's not huge news within itself, but it sets up a dream situation for Knowshon Moreno. Fullback Spencer Larsen could also miss the game, meaning Peyton Hillis will be lead blocking instead of carrying in short yardage.

Moreno is looking at every-down plus goal-line work in a plus matchup. The rookie is an elite play.

NEWS OF THE DAY #3
Percy Harvin missed another practice on Wednesday and the Vikings admitted they are "concerned" about his migraines. He's been struggling with this episode of the issue for over a week now and his status for Sunday's game against the Panthers is in serious doubt.

This is dragging up thoughts of Scottie Pippen, except Harvin's case sounds even worse. It's a long-term concern.

Editor's Note: For rankings, complete projections, and a host of other exclusive material for Week 15, head to Rotoworld's Season Pass. It's now $4.99 and has the info you need for the fantasy playoffs as well!.

INJURY QUICK SLANTS: QUARTERBACKS
Tom Brady (finger, shoulder, ribs) missed practice Wednesday, but will play Sunday. … Matt Ryan (turf toe) could only take part in the walkthrough Wednesday and looks doubtful at this point. … Kyle Boller (thigh, illness) didn't practice Wednesday and the Rams haven't named a starter for Sunday. … Vince Young (hamstring) missed practice, but is tentatively expected to start. … Matthew Stafford (shoulder) sat out practice Wednesday and is rumored to be doubtful for Sunday. Daunte Culpepper would start again. … Jake Delhomme (finger) is almost certainly out.

INJURY QUICK SLANTS: RUNNING BACKS
Michael Turner (ankle) was held out of practice and is looking at another game-time decision at best. … Mike Bell (knee) is practicing in full. It's a little blow to Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush's value. … Brian Westbrook (concussion) worked with the scout team Wednesday and is not expected to suit up Sunday. … Steven Jackson (back) may not practice again this season but he's not going to miss any games. … Kevin Smith (knee) is considered "very unlikely" to be ready for Week 1 of 2010.

INJURY QUICK SLANTS: WIDE RECEIVERS AND TIGHT ENDS
Larry Fitzgerald (MCL sprain) practiced on a limited basis Wednesday. He looks like a go. … Kevin Curtis (knee) is taking a few reps with the first team. He's on track to be the No. 4 receiver Sunday. … Hines Ward (hamstring) missed practice Wednesday and is a weak fantasy option even if he plays. … Zach Miller (concussion) is likely out for this week. … Mike Sims-Walker (calf, knee) will play against the Colts Thursday. … Jeremy Shockey (toe) missed practice and was clearly limited last week. … Nate Burleson (high ankle sprain) is out for Week 15 and could be out for the season. Deion Branch will fill in. … Brent Celek (back) missed practice but will start Sunday. … Devin Hester (calf) missed practice and should be benched in fantasy even if he plays.

DEPTH CHART QUICK SLANTS
Rashard Mendenhall has taken over third-down back duties from Mewelde Moore. … Charlie Frye was named the Raiders starter over JaMarcus Russell. Insert joke here. … The Cardinals signed Mike Nugent just in case Neil Rackers (groin) can't kick Sunday. … The Jets wouldn't name a starting quarterback but Mark Sanchez (knee) appears on track to start. … Garrett Hartley (hip) could easily be sat in favor of John Carney. Be careful here. … Kenny Britt will reportedly not lose snaps to Justin Gage under any circumstance. … Pierre Garcon is not expected to be among the Colts that will rest in Weeks 16 and 17. … Nick Folk appears to have his job for one more week.

HacheMan · Dec 18, 2009

Lil' Nate & the Church Lady
Could It Be…Satan?

Many of you may be too young to remember Dana Carvey's run as the Church Lady from Church Chat on Saturday Night Live back in the day, but Mike D'Antoni is doing his best to keep the memory alive by bringing Satan into the conversation when discussing his decision not to play Nate Robinson over the last seven games. "I'd play Satan himself if I could win," D'Antoni said Thursday. That one will surely send Nate's agent into action and the chances of him being moved improve with every day that passes. I reluctantly let go of Nate in a league with no bench, but ideally he should be kept stashed away until his plane ticket out of New York arrives. As for Nate changing his ways in hopes of getting back on D'Antoni's good side? It's probably not going to happen, as he goofed around before last night's loss, firing up left-handed threes and throwing balls at some of the staff. You know it's not your year when Satan has a better chance at success than you do.

They Shot How Many Threes?

As if the Satan comment wasn't enough to put the Knicks in the spotlight, they shot a ridiculous 47 3-pointers last night, two shy of an NBA record, and a record 29 in the first half. The problem is they hit just 16 of them, but the good times don't stop there, as Frank Isola's latest work for the Daily News reads more like a comedy script than a game recap.

Danilo Gallinari shot 16 threes alone, hitting six of them to finish with 18 points, and fired one of his misses over the backboard. He says he was fouled, but either way, Tyrus Thomas went ballistic on Gallo after that one, taunting him from the bench with a broken arm.

Chicago's own Eddy Curry entered the game when the Knicks had a commanding 17-point lead, which was cut to four by the time he left three and a half minutes later. "We obviously weren't clicking when I went in the game," said Curry. Um, Eddy…I think you mean 'We were obviously clicking until I went into the game.' Curry was fired up to play in his hometown, but it obviously didn't work out.

And back to Nate for the big close. Asked if watching from the bench was tough (despite the fact that Larry Hughes was out, and Chris Duhon and Toney Douglas were struggling late), Robinson said, "No, it's all the same." Well, isn't that special.

Knicks – Bulls Notes

Larry Hughes will be out again tonight when the Knicks look for redemption when they host the Clippers. Duhon was solid fantasy-wise again, hitting five 3-pointers, handing out seven assists and scoring 18 points.

The Bulls finally got a good game out of John Salmons, who actually made some shots to finish with 20 points, seven rebounds and four assists. He scored seven points in the final 50 seconds to help the Bulls secure the win. This doesn't mean his terrible slump is over, but it's a start, as well as a sign that you should just keep him on your bench until he figures things out. Taj Gibson's strong play continued with another 12 & 10 double-double, but Tyrus Thomas, who began non-contact workouts, doesn't sound too far from a return to action. Luol Deng was great with 24 points, 13 boards and five assists, Derrick Rose shook off his rib injury for 18 points and six dimes, while Brad Miller failed to show up, missing all five of his shots and failing to score.

Bay Watch

Jerryd Bayless went off Thursday night for the Blazers, who handed the Suns their 17th straight loss in games televised by TNT. That record is pretty hard to believe, but Bayless was just too much last night down the stretch. He took over for inept point guards Andre Miller (4 points, 5 assists) and Steve Blake (12 points, 2 assists, 4 threes) to hit 9-of-15 shots and two 3-pointers for a career-high 29 points to go along with four assists. It's not much of a secret this season that coach Nate McMillan loves Bayless and would like to get him more opportunities, but there are simply too many point guards in Portland. Again, why did they even bother signing Andre Miller? I'm sure Miller and McMillan ask themselves that question every day. In any case, with news that Jameer Nelson could play Monday, I dropped Jason Williams for Bayless last night. I wouldn't drop someone you plan on using on a regular basis, but dropping J-Will for a flier on Bayless makes sense.

Martell Webster was solid with 15 points, two 3-pointers, seven rebounds, two steals and a block, and is averaging 13 points and five boards over his last four games. I've yet to pick him up anywhere, but he's simply a guy worth keeping an eye on.

Channing Frye was back on track for the Suns, draining five triples for 17 points, six boards and a block, while Grant Hill blew up for 20 points and three steals on 9-of-17 shooting. Don't get too excited though, as most of his shots came because Jason Richardson was out with a hand injury. Richardson is hoping for Saturday, but will likely be a game-day decision. Amare Stoudemire's early slump seems to be behind him, as he had 27 points, 11 boards and a block, and is averaging 23 points and 10 boards over his last five.

Heat Blister Magic

The Heat crushed the Magic last night from the start led by Dwyane Wade's 25 points. Wade shut it down for the fourth quarter after aggravating a wrist injury, but I don't think it's serious, and the Heat were up 89-60 after three. Quentin Richardson returned from a hamstring injury to score 11 points and hit three 3-pointers. He's a very intriguing player, but I'm a little leery of him as he's crushed me every time I've picked him up in the last two years. Dorell Wright remains a guy to watch in deep leagues, as he's been playing well and had 11 points, eight boards and a 3-pointer, while Carlos Arroyo added five points, four boards and seven assists. Arroyo is the starter until further notice, but you have to think a guy like Andre Miller or Ramon Sessions could end up in Miami at some point. Maybe they're showcasing Arroyo or just trying to light a fire under Mario Chalmers, but I am not sure Arroyo's going to score enough to be worth owning. That said, I am keeping a close eye on him right now.

Dwight Howard had 17 points, 14 boards and two blocks for the Magic, who simply didn't show up last night.

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Friday Night Lights

New Jersey @ Toronto – Devin Harris and Courtney Lee will try to break out of their shooting funks in this one. No word yet on the availability of Chris Douglas-Roberts, so consider him a game-time decision with an ankle injury.

Philly @ Boston – Willie Green could start over Jrue Holiday tonight as the Sixers look to go big against the Celtics, while Allen Iverson has been ruled out with a knee injury. Hopefully Iverson's back for the next one and ready to go, but we just don't know. Lou Williams (broken jaw) could actually return 'this weekend,' but I doubt that means he'll play tonight. It does sound like Saturday vs. the Clips is a possibility though, so we'll see. Marreese Speights injured his knee again in practice and is now quite iffy for tonight's game. If he's out, Elton Brand and Samuel Dalembert should be back in good graces, at least for a night.

Utah @ Atlanta – Not much going on here, other than the Hawks getting an up-close look at Deron Williams, whom they passed on a few years back.

Milwaukee @ Cleveland – Let's see how Ersan Ilyasova responds after Wednesday's monster line.

Denver @ New Orleans – Chauncey Billups isn't likely to play due to a groin injury, and could miss a couple more games. Ty Lawson and Anthony Carter will share point guard duties, while J.R. Smith should get more touches. Chris Andersen's been hot, Nene's been slumping, and David West is heating up for the Hornets.

Clippers @ New York – Eric Gordon, Baron Davis, Chris Kaman, Marcus Camby and Rasual Butler were all solid on Wednesday, and should have plenty of opportunities for success again tonight. Chris Duhon is having a great week for the Knicks, so let's see if he can keep it going for those of you brave enough to have started him this week. Hughes isn't expected to play again tonight.

Memphis @ Indiana – Jeff Foster's back is still a problem, which should mean extra minutes for Tyler Hansbrough, while we're still waiting for Roy Hibbert to start playing well again. He's been picking up fouls early and often, which has been his downfall. Mike Dunleavy has been hot, but could see his minutes cut in the next three games. My guess is that if those all go well and he doesn't suffer any setbacks, the Pacers will turn him loose. T.J. Ford has also been playing well and will probably be fired up to go against Jamaal Tinsley. Rudy Gay is expected to play despite a sprained ankle, but I'm still thinking he's a bit of a game-time decision. Mike Conley's played much better of late, but could be outshined by Tinsley, who I'm guessing would love to go off against his former team tonight.

Detroit @ Oklahoma City – Ben Gordon and Richard Hamilton, who both missed their last one, are questionable tonight with ankle injuries, while Rodney Stuckey should play despite a variety of nagging injuries. Kevin Durant will be looking to bounce back from Wednesday's 12-point game.

Sacramento @ Minnesota – Ryan Gomes isn't likely to play tonight due to a high ankle sprain, while next week is also in doubt for Gomes. The Kings are hoping for more big things out of Tyreke Evans, Jason Thompson and Andres Nocioni, while Beno Udrih should have a decent line off the bench. The main event though will be to see how much Spencer Hawes plays tonight, after getting just eight second-half minutes on Wednesday. Thompson started at center in the last one, and could do so again tonight.

Houston @ Dallas – Erick Dampier could have a big night against the center-less Rockets, while we should get another eight minutes from Tracy McGrady.

Washington @ Golden State – The Wiz have lost six straight games by four or less points and will have to put their track shoes on for this one. I'm sure Don Nelson will mess with the lineup again tonight as Vladimir Radmanovic has just about shot his way out of the starting unit. Andris Biedrins, Mikki Moore and Ronny Turiaf are all out, so Vlad-Rad started at center in the last one, which was an 0-for-8 disaster. One would think that Anthony Randolph would be turned loose tonight, but I think there's a better chance that Anthony Morrow will break out of his slump, instead.

HacheMan · Dec 18, 2009

Comeback Colts Reach Crossroad

In a wild game that featured 10 lead changes, 714 yards, and 43 first downs, the Colts escaped a frisky Jaguars team with a 35-31 win en route to becoming just the third team in NFL history to reach the 14-0 mark. Behind Peyton Manning's four touchdown passes, Indy extended its NFL-record winning streak to 23 games while setting a new record by coming from behind in the fourth quarter to win seven times in one season. Perhaps no stat better explains their comeback proclivities better than this: the Colts are just the sixth team since the 1970 merger to win seven games by four points or less.

Now for the question on every fantasy owner's mind: How long will the Colts fantasy stars play in Week 16? President Bill Polian has brainwashed the entire organization with his scrooge-like "momentum is overrated / there's no such thing as rust" philosophy. Coach Jim Caldwell has been along for the ride the whole time, accepting that "going undefeated was always a secondary goal."

Owner Jim Irsay reportedly had second thoughts about Polian's passive policy, but that could be traced back to Commissioner Roger Goodell's not so subtle admonition that the league wasn't interested in sitting through a cheap charade on NFL Network's nationally televised broadcast Thursday night. That may or may not have led to Caldwell's abrupt about-face when he declared Monday that this week's game would be approached with the same philosophy as games 1-13.

Now that the Colts have escaped the wrath of Goodell, it's time for Polian and Caldwell to follow through on their plan to wind down the season gradually. The players will politick to play a full game, but it's not in the cards for the final two weeks. History warns us to expect Manning, Joseph Addai, Reggie Wayne, and Dallas Clark to be limited to one half or less this week and just one series in Week 17. The prudent fantasy owner will have to decide if a quarter and a half's worth of those players may trump a full game of lesser alternatives.

There's certainly an argument to be made that the exhibition nature of the Colts' final two weeks cheapens the NFL's product and must be addressed in the near future. After all, fans are already fed up with the fraud known as the four-game exhibition season. The Colts, however, firmly believe they've earned the right to rest. To paraphrase Tony Dungy, if the rest of the league doesn't want to see the Colts shut it down early, they should have knocked them off at some point along the way. "We've got our way of doing things,'' explained Polian.

Editor's Note: Check out our Season Pass package, now just $4.99 for the playoff special. We've also got extra columns, IDP rankings, Top 200 rankings, Evan Silva's running back report, Chris Wesseling's Dynasty advice, advance workload and target data, exclusive chats, schedule analysis, fantasy points allowed info, and playoff rankings you can only get with Season Pass.

Charlotte police confirmed that Bengals WR Chris Henry passed away Thursday morning. Henry had been battling for his life since falling out of the back of a pickup truck following a domestic dispute with his fiancee Wednesday. Henry often credited his fiancée with helping turn his life around after a string of early-career arrests and suspensions that threatened his NFL future. Often considered a poor man's Randy Moss, Henry was an explosive deep threat and red-zone weapon in his star-crossed five-year career. The 26-year-old is survived by his fiancee Loleini Tonga and three children they were raising.

Following GM Vinny Cerrato's sudden resignation Thursday morning, the Redskins hired former Bucs and Raiders executive Bruce Allen as their executive vice president and general manager. Though rumors of an Allen/John Gruden reunion ran wild Thursday afternoon, the Denver Post reports that ex-Broncos boss Mike Shanahan has been in discussions with the Redskins about the head coaching job for 2010. The sides are reportedly still working out the specifics and an agreement has yet to be reached, but there is obvious mutual interest. Shanahan is tight with Allen, telling the Bills last month that the two were a package deal. If a deal is reached, Shanahan would likely clean house on offense while maintaining a voice in personnel matters.

Two-Minute Drill: The Rams canceled Thursday's practice due to confirmed cases of swine flu. … Coach Jim Schwartz confirmed that Kevin Smith has "at least" a torn ACL in his left knee. … Coach Todd Haley confirmed that Dwayne Bowe "did a good job while he was away keeping himself in condition" and immediately installed the receiver in the first-team offense. … Matt Moore is expected to start for the third straight game this Sunday against the Vikings. … Jets FS Kerry Rhodes indicated that he has regained his spot in the team's base defense. … 49ers offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye now says his ideal offense would tilt toward the pass instead of the run. … Vikings DT Pat Williams promised that he would "go into the sunset smiling" if his team wins the Super Bowl this season. … Ex-Falcons RB Warrick Dunn is buying into the franchise's ownership as a minority partner, signaling the end of his playing career. … The Browns confirmed that they met with Mike Holmgren over the last three days, but the "Big Show" left on Wednesday without a contract.

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Red Zone: Falcons Michael Turner (ankle) and Matt Ryan (toe) returned to an "extremely limited" practice and both are considered game-time decisions. … Vince Young (hamstring) returned to practice Thursday and is expected to start Sunday's game against Miami. … All signs point toward Mark Sanchez (knee) starting this week after he was upgraded to full participation in Thursday's practice. … Tom Brady (finger, shoulder, ribs) returned to limited practice Thursday. … Matthew Stafford (shoulder) has been ruled out for the Cardinals game Sunday. … Knowshon Moreno (ankle) was upgraded to full participation while Correll Buckhalter (ankle) missed practice again. … Brian Westbrook (concussion) was limited again in Thursday's practice, and the Eagles have admitted that he won't play in Week 15. … Percy Harvin (migraines) was held out of practice again Thursday and appears to be a longshot for Week 15. … Larry Fitzgerald (knee) was limited again in Thursday's practice, but he was able to do more than he did Wednesday.… Sidney Rice, Mario Manningham and Terrell Owens were held out of Thursday's practice with undisclosed illnesses. … Calvin Johnson (knee) missed Lions practice on Thursday, though he's still considered likely to play. … Hines Ward (hamstring) has resumed practicing in full for the Steelers. … Devin Hester (calf) was held out of practice again Thursday, as expected. … Brent Celek (back, hand) returned to a limited practice Thursday. … Raiders TE Zach Miller (concussion) was held out of practice again Thursday and will have to pass Friday's neurological tests to play this week. … Saints K Garrett Hartley (hip) returned to a limited practice. … Cardinals K Neil Rackers confirmed that he has a tear in his groin and will likely need a week or two to heal. … DeMarcus Ware (neck) will be a game-time decision Saturday night.

HacheMan · Dec 18, 2009

The 10 (fantasy) plays of Christmas

By David Dorey, TheHuddle.com
Just in time for the holidays, several NFL players are in line for a surprisingly good game this weekend and one that could help out a fantasy team feverishly looking for a replacement. The old axiom of "always start your studs" is never more true than deep in December, but unfortunately not all teams in the playoffs are stocked with studs. Let's take a quick look at the ten plays sure to pleasantly surprise team owners.
Knowshon Moreno, Broncos– The rookie running back not only gets to play against the visiting Raiders, but he'll continue his 20+ carry load thanks to Correll Buckhalter's high ankle sprain. Back in Week 3, Moreno and Buckhalter combined for 198 rushing yards in Oakland. This time Moreno gets a much bigger share than the 90 yards and a score he contributed last time.
Arian Foster, Texans– This undrafted rookie never had a carry until last week when he rushed for 34 yards on 13 carries and added four receptions for 54 yards against the Seahawks. He played well enough for the talent-starved Texans that coach Gary Kubiak announced that Foster would get his shot for the remaining three weeks since Ryan Moats and Chris Brown have not stacked up. The final two weeks against the Dolphins and Patriots won't be a treat, but Sunday against the Rams will make Foster look better than he is.
Beanie Wells, Cardinals – Tim Hightower lost a fumble last week in San Francisco and Wells carried the load for almost the entire game. He ended with 79 yards on 15 carries and scored a touchdown. This week Wells travels to Detroit to face one of the weakest defenses in the league. He's finally stepping up and taking over right when fantasy teams need him most.
Maurice Morris, Lions – The loss of Kevin Smith to a torn ACL leaves a void in the Lions backfield that Morris will fill. Rookie Aaron Brown will contribute some relief work but the bulk of the workload will go to Morris, a veteran who can also serve as a receiver. Hosting the Cardinals this week will make his first start easier than the final two.

Dustin Keller, Jets– While Mark Sanchez was sidelined due to injury for the last two weeks, Keller only had one catch per game. But Sanchez is slated to return this week and Keller averaged 60 yards each week for the previous month with Sanchez as the starter. Now the Falcons show up with the No. 30 defense against tight ends.
Antonio Bryant, Buccaneers– After being hampered by a balky knee for most of the season, Bryant has finally completely healed. He has been very productive for two weeks in a row and now travels to Seattle where the No. 31 defense against wide receivers awaits. The Buccaneers have no chance to establish the run there and will be throwing even more than usual. Bryant and Kellen Winslow are the two who stand to reap the benefits.
Mohamed Massaquoi, Browns– Already the favorite of Brady Quinn, Massaquoi has had two games with more than 100 receiving yards and now heads to play in Kansas City. The Chiefs sport a secondary that has allowed 10 touchdowns to visiting wide receivers this year and has given up at least 125 yards to four opposing wideouts at Arrowhead Stadium.
Deion Branch, Seahawks – Branch will take over for Nate Burleson, who will miss Sunday's game against the Buccaneers. Tampa Bay already gives up about one touchdown to an opposing wide receiver at home and Burleson had been averaging about 60 yards per game from the split end position. This should be Branch's best game of the year.
Devin Thomas, Redskins– Two weeks ago, the second-year player had a breakout game with he caught seven passes for 100 yards and two scores against the visiting Saints. This week he welcomes the Giants to town since they have given up six touchdowns to wide receivers in just their last three road games. Thomas has emerged and the Giants will give him another opportunity to shine.
Joshua Cribbs, Browns — He's made almost no mark as a receiver and been a devastating return man on special teams. This week, the plan is to use him more as a running back, which makes sense since he has been highly effective in the Wildcat formation. Cribbs just ran for 87 yards on eight carries against the Steelers and now faces the much weaker Chiefs. All going to plan, he'll produce running back numbers and yet can be a fantasy starter at wide receiver.
There's nothing like a nice surprise — and these players should all show up with better than expected statistics from this week. They may not be as good as a new BB gun, but they'll get the job done for this one week.

HacheMan · Dec 18, 2009

By David Dorey, TheHuddle.com
Just in time for the holidays, several NFL players are in line for a surprisingly good game this weekend and one that could help out a fantasy team feverishly looking for a replacement. The old axiom of "always start your studs" is never more true than deep in December, but unfortunately not all teams in the playoffs are stocked with studs. Let's take a quick look at the ten plays sure to pleasantly surprise team owners.
Knowshon Moreno, Broncos– The rookie running back not only gets to play against the visiting Raiders, but he'll continue his 20+ carry load thanks to Correll Buckhalter's high ankle sprain. Back in Week 3, Moreno and Buckhalter combined for 198 rushing yards in Oakland. This time Moreno gets a much bigger share than the 90 yards and a score he contributed last time.
Arian Foster, Texans– This undrafted rookie never had a carry until last week when he rushed for 34 yards on 13 carries and added four receptions for 54 yards against the Seahawks. He played well enough for the talent-starved Texans that coach Gary Kubiak announced that Foster would get his shot for the remaining three weeks since Ryan Moats and Chris Brown have not stacked up. The final two weeks against the Dolphins and Patriots won't be a treat, but Sunday against the Rams will make Foster look better than he is.
Beanie Wells, Cardinals – Tim Hightower lost a fumble last week in San Francisco and Wells carried the load for almost the entire game. He ended with 79 yards on 15 carries and scored a touchdown. This week Wells travels to Detroit to face one of the weakest defenses in the league. He's finally stepping up and taking over right when fantasy teams need him most.
Maurice Morris, Lions – The loss of Kevin Smith to a torn ACL leaves a void in the Lions backfield that Morris will fill. Rookie Aaron Brown will contribute some relief work but the bulk of the workload will go to Morris, a veteran who can also serve as a receiver. Hosting the Cardinals this week will make his first start easier than the final two.

Dustin Keller, Jets– While Mark Sanchez was sidelined due to injury for the last two weeks, Keller only had one catch per game. But Sanchez is slated to return this week and Keller averaged 60 yards each week for the previous month with Sanchez as the starter. Now the Falcons show up with the No. 30 defense against tight ends.
Antonio Bryant, Buccaneers– After being hampered by a balky knee for most of the season, Bryant has finally completely healed. He has been very productive for two weeks in a row and now travels to Seattle where the No. 31 defense against wide receivers awaits. The Buccaneers have no chance to establish the run there and will be throwing even more than usual. Bryant and Kellen Winslow are the two who stand to reap the benefits.
Mohamed Massaquoi, Browns– Already the favorite of Brady Quinn, Massaquoi has had two games with more than 100 receiving yards and now heads to play in Kansas City. The Chiefs sport a secondary that has allowed 10 touchdowns to visiting wide receivers this year and has given up at least 125 yards to four opposing wideouts at Arrowhead Stadium.
Deion Branch, Seahawks – Branch will take over for Nate Burleson, who will miss Sunday's game against the Buccaneers. Tampa Bay already gives up about one touchdown to an opposing wide receiver at home and Burleson had been averaging about 60 yards per game from the split end position. This should be Branch's best game of the year.
Devin Thomas, Redskins– Two weeks ago, the second-year player had a breakout game with he caught seven passes for 100 yards and two scores against the visiting Saints. This week he welcomes the Giants to town since they have given up six touchdowns to wide receivers in just their last three road games. Thomas has emerged and the Giants will give him another opportunity to shine.
Joshua Cribbs, Browns — He's made almost no mark as a receiver and been a devastating return man on special teams. This week, the plan is to use him more as a running back, which makes sense since he has been highly effective in the Wildcat formation. Cribbs just ran for 87 yards on eight carries against the Steelers and now faces the much weaker Chiefs. All going to plan, he'll produce running back numbers and yet can be a fantasy starter at wide receiver.
There's nothing like a nice surprise — and these players should all show up with better than expected statistics from this week. They may not be as good as a new BB gun, but they'll get the job done for this one week.

HacheMan · Dec 18, 2009

Matchups: Trust the Texans D

[SIZE=+1]Saturday Night Football[/SIZE]

The losses of top CBs Jabari Greer (groin), Tracy Porter (knee) and Randall Gay (hamstring) are catching up to New Orleans. Gashed by Chris Redman and Jason Campbell for 676 yards, four touchdowns, and a 70% completion rate in Weeks 13-14, the Saints now welcome red-hot Tony Romo to the Superdome. Romo has a 7:0 TD to INT ratio, 317 yards-per-game average, and 8.33 YPA in his last three outings. This is a terrific matchup indoors...Romo is also clicking with Miles Austin again. Dallas' go-to wideout has scored in three straight while averaging eight grabs for 107 yards a game since Week 11. You won't find a better receiver play this week.

Roy Williams has benefited from Dallas' opened-up attack and is worth a WR3 gamble in what figures to be a high-scoring affair...New Orleans is one of the NFL's tougher teams on tight ends, although few players in this game are worth sitting. Jason Witten should run plenty of pass routes as playcaller Jason Garrett looks to prey on New Orleans' banged-up secondary...Marion Barber hasn't scored since Week 8 and was disturbingly unable to punch it in on four straight second-quarter tries inside the Chargers' three-yard line last week. He'd still be hard to bench against a Saints defense that's given up 15 rushing scores through 13 games and allows 4.4 YPC.

The Cowboys' inability to generate pass rush cost them Week 14. Sacked just once, Philip Rivers was able to connect deep with Vincent Jackson, who entered the game coming off one of the biggest four-week droughts of his career. V-Jax had 120 yards on seven grabs. Potentially without OLB DeMarcus Ware (neck), it's hard to imagine Dallas slowing Drew Brees. Expect another big game for Brees and No. 1 WR Marques Colston...Robert Meachem went scoreless for the first time since Week 8 last Sunday, but was promisingly involved in more short-to-intermediate stuff than usual. He is becoming a complete receiver and is likely to pick it back up against Dallas.

Devery Henderson has fallen into the old situational role that Meachem once occupied, making him too unreliable for the fantasy playoffs...Jeremy Shockey's ankle injury has become a concern. He was in and out of the lineup last week at Atlanta and is a mere TE2 with zero games over 47 yards and no touchdowns in his last six efforts...The guess here is that Sean Payton hasn't let Pierre Thomas top 15 carries since Week 4 because he wants Thomas 100% for the playoffs. P.T. wore down late last season. This doesn't make Reggie Bush or Mike Bell good plays, particularly against a No. 8 overall Dallas run defense that's allowed just six rushing TDs all season.

[SIZE=+1]1:00PM ET Games[/SIZE]

Chicago @ Baltimore

Updated forecast for CHI @ BAL as of Friday morning: 34 degrees, 17MPH winds, 70% chance of "light" snow

Week 14 proved that Devin Hester is not a difference maker. With Hester inactive due to a calf strain, Johnny Knox and career practice squad receiver Devin Aromashodu combined for 159 yards and two touchdowns on 13 receptions. Hester is very questionable again this week, but his absence wouldn't hurt Jay Cutler's matchup. Cutler's pass attempts are likely to be high because Chicago won't be able to run on Baltimore's No. 6 rush defense. The Ravens' secondary has also struggled for most of the season and the M&T Bank Stadium forecast (35 degrees, 20% chance of rain, 10MPH winds) won't hinder passing. Consider Cutler a low-end QB1 and elite QB2 start.

Knox and Aromashodu remain WR3 dice rolls. Both are very raw, and Earl Bennett could just as easily lead the Bears in receiving this week....Greg Olsen has four catches for 15 yards in his last two games combined after looking like an every-week fantasy starter in Weeks 6-12. He's a very risky play against a Ravens defense that covers tight ends well...Matt Forte's string of unfavorable late-season matchups continues on Sunday. Baltimore permits the lowest YPC average in the league and has given up just seven rushing TDs all year. He's only an RB3 in non-PPR leagues.

A run-first attack (40 rushes, 23 passes) in Week 14 against Detroit indicates that the Ravens' coaching staff is more concerned with Joe Flacco's ankle and knee ailments than they've let on. Expect a similar approach Sunday versus a Chicago club that plays the pass well (No. 8 overall), but can't stop the run (No. 25). Flacco won't be helped by injuries to Mark Clayton (hamstring, knee) and Kelley Washington (ankle)...Age-defying No. 1 wideout Derrick Mason, coming off a 94-yard, one-touchdown game, is still a premier WR3 play. He's certain to lead the Ravens in targets.

Willis McGahee's 78 yards and two TDs against the Lions came virtually all in garbage time. He is the slight favorite for goal-line work, but Ray Rice remains Baltimore's every-down back. Rice was pulled from the blowout with a "chest" issue a few plays into the third quarter, but isn't on this week's injury report. He'll likely gash a Bears defense that allowed Ryan Grant to pile up 144 yards and two touchdowns on 22 touches in Week 14...Todd Heap isn't over his chronic ankle problems and had to be assisted off the field at one point last week. He's off the fantasy radar.

Miami @ Tennessee

Despite a favorable forecast for passing at LP Field (40 degrees, 7MPH winds, 20% chance of rain), this is a running game-friendly matchup. Both teams rank in the top four in rush attempts. The Dolphins do play the run well, but Chris Johnson can't be stopped. He needs 159.7 yards per game in the last three weeks to catch Eric Dickerson for the all-time rushing record, and 137.3 total yards per game to catch Marshall Faulk for the all-purpose yardage mark. The latter record obviously will be easier for C.J. to attain. With the Titans' playoff hopes also still alive, they'll make sure to get the ball in the hands of their best playmaker against the visiting Fins.

Vince Young has a gimpy knee and hamstring. He's slated to start, but is too unreliable for use in standard leagues, even against Miami's No. 22 pass defense...Kenny Britt has at least 75 yards and/or a TD in each of his last four games. Despite Young's injuries, Tennessee's No. 1 receiver is a quality WR3 in a matchup with a Fins secondary that gives up loads of big plays...Keep away from Nate Washington and Justin Gage. Washington has a case of the drops and may lose snaps with Gage (back) getting close to 100 percent...Bo Scaife has emerged from the Titans' three-pack of tight ends, but his mediocre talent and a rotation at the position kill any upside.

Ricky Williams' ability to hold up to 20-touch weekly workloads at age 32 is highly impressive. He had 30 touches last week and has nine TDs in his last eight games. The Titans aren't as good against the run as their No. 7 overall rank indicates on paper, leaking out 4.2 YPC and 11 rushing scores through 13 games. Ricky is a must-start, as usual...Ted Ginn Jr. officially lost his starting split end job to rookie Brian Hartline last week, although Hartline didn't capitalize with just 34 yards. The Dolphins' receiver rotation continues to crush any hint of fantasy accountability.

Davone Bess' first-half ankle tweak in Week 14 forced Greg Camarillo into the primary receiver role at Jacksonville. The 110-yard game was by far Camarillo's best of the year, however. Bess is 100% this week and could just as easily take the position back. Neither is usable in the fantasy playoffs...Chad Henne was better against the Jags than the stats (220 yards, no touchdowns) indicated, completing a club-record 17 straight passes at one point and exhibiting terrific accuracy, especially on intermediate throws. It's just too bad Miami lacks the pass-catching playmakers for Henne to ever have a high fantasy ceiling. He's only a QB2 despite the favorable matchup.

Arizona @ Detroit

Cardinals LT Mike Gandy was a major liability in his return from a pelvis injury last Monday night. The good news: only three teams have fewer sacks than the Lions, whose No. 32 pass defense has no chance of slowing down Kurt Warner or exploiting Gandy the same way San Francisco did. Safely expect Warner to rediscover top-ten QB1 form indoors at Ford Field...Larry Fitzgerald will (knee) be listed as questionable on Friday's injury report. He's very likely to start, but check back Sunday morning to be sure. Rotoworld will have all the inactives posted around 12PM ET.

Chris Wells is locked in as Arizona's featured runner with 29 touches and a TD compared to Tim Hightower's 11 touches, no scores, and two lost fumbles in the last two games. Confidently use Wells against a Lions team that served up an earth-shattering 308 yards and five touchdowns to Ravens ball carriers last week. Running with power, explosion, and decisiveness, Wells will be a top-25 pick in 2010 fantasy drafts...Anquan Boldin is averaging a 7-80 line with three TDs in his last five games. He'll face off with struggling Lions LCB Will James and is a borderline WR1....Sit Steve Breaston unless Fitzgerald is a surprise scratch. Breaston hasn't topped 26 yards in a month.

Kevin Smith's ACL tear leaves Detroit with a running back corps that has no shot at fantasy postseason success. 30-year-old Maurice Morris, averaging 3.7 yards per carry, takes over as the starter. He'll lose passing-game looks to speedy Jerious Norwood clone Aaron Brown, and perhaps some short-yardage work to versatile fullback Jerome Felton. The Lions also have poor matchups with Arizona (held Adrian Peterson to 19 yards on 13 carries in Week 13) and San Francisco (3.7 YPC allowed, No. 5 overall). Even the desperate should look elsewhere.

Calvin Johnson was held out of practice Thursday and appears to have suffered a setback in his recovery from a troublesome knee injury. The Cardinals are sure to press Calvin at the line with top CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and keep FS Antrel Rolle over the top, especially since Detroit will pose no threat on the ground. With Daunte Culpepper starting again (the duo hooked up just four times for 37 yards last week), owners can consider benching Johnson if they have strong, safer options...You already know to avoid Bryant Johnson, Dennis Northcutt, and TE Will Heller.



Houston @ St. Louis

The Texans are the recommended "deep" fantasy defense play of the week. Forced to cancel practice Thursday, the Rams admitted that several of their players have been diagnosed with H1N1. Top QB Kyle Boller and C Jason Brown are among them. St. Louis will be without its entire interior offensive line after placing LG Jacob Bell on injured reserve Tuesday and waiving RG Richie Incognito. RT Jason Smith (concussions) also still isn't ready to play. It looks like D-II rookie Keith Null, coming off a five-interception performance, will make his second straight start.

Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson are marquee plays indoors at The Ed against St. Louis' weak pass defense...Kevin Walter, though, had 17 yards on two catches last week versus a Seattle secondary that's even weaker than the Rams'. Leave him benched...The biggest story in Houston is at tailback. While Chris Brown is supposed to start, Ryan Moats is expected to be weeded out of the rotation after losing a Week 14 fumble and struggling in blitz pickup. The path is clear for rookie Arian Foster to see 14-18 touches in a high-scoring offense against the Rams' No. 27 run defense. Consider him a strong RB2 in PPR formats and viable FLEX play in standard settings.

It's hard to disagree with Gregg Rosenthal's assertion that Steven Jackson is a far riskier play than usual. With a herniated disc in his back and the aforementioned absence of four starters on the Rams' offensive line, S-Jax qualifies as a mid-level RB2 at best. We've often touched on Houston's turnaround on run defense in this space since SS Bernard Pollard's promotion to starter. Jackson is also coming off his worst game of the season (53 yards and no TDs on 21 touches).

With Null preparing to start and Texans DTs Amobi Okoye and Shaun Cody likely to wreak havoc on St. Louis up the gut, no member of the Rams' receiver corps is usable. Houston has also shown the ability to take opposing wideouts out of games, holding T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Nate Burleson, Mike Sims-Walker, and Torry Holt all to 52 yards or fewer and scoreless in the last two weeks. Safely bench Donnie Avery, Brandon Gibson, and of course, Randy McMichael.

Cleveland @ Kansas City

The Browns' defense has improved with Ahtyba Rubin at nose tackle. A true two-gap lineman, the 330-pound Rubin holds the point of attack better than Shaun Rogers did. Since Rubin took over, Cleveland has permitted an average of just 3.25 YPC to "grinders" LaDainian Tomlinson and Rashard Mendenhall. But Jamaal Charles is a different animal. One of the AFC's fastest backs, he will get to the outside against the Browns and exploit their lack of perimeter speed. With six all-purpose TDs and a 114-yard average in his last five games, you can't sit Charles against the Browns.

Rust isn't a big concern as Dwayne Bowe returns from his four-game suspension because he was immediately placed on the first-team offense Wednesday and had all week to get back in synch with Matt Cassel. He's a WR2/3 against the Browns' No. 25 pass defense...Cassel is also worth a long look in two-QB leagues, despite a four-pick outing in Week 14. He'll be much better off with Bowe in the lineup. The forecast for Browns Stadium (41 degrees, 11MPH winds, 20% chance of rain) also isn't a concern...Chris Chambers will remain a starter, but is no longer a fantasy option with Bowe back. Bowe is very likely to resume leading the Chiefs in targets.

Kansas City's No. 28 run defense provides a plus matchup for any ground game, but it would be complete guesswork to project which Browns RB (Jerome Harrison or Chris Jennings) will be featured on Sunday. Harrison received 17 touches and scored twice in Week 13, while Jennings touched the ball just seven times. Last Thursday night, Harrison started but Jennings led the way with 21 touches and a score. The Browns appear to be riding whichever runner has the "hot hand" early in games, making both far too risky to rely on in the fantasy postseason.

Not helping matters for Jennings and Harrison is the possibility of Cleveland using Joshua Cribbs at tailback, which coach Eric Mangini alluded to doing on Wednesday. Cribbs ran for 87 yards out of the Wildcat in Week 14. He's not a safe fantasy bet either, but may heavily cut into Jennings and Harrison's snaps...After posting a 7:0 TD to INT ratio in Weeks 11-13, Brady Quinn returned to fantasy irrelevancy last week, completing just 6-of-19 passes for a pathetic 90 yards and no scores against a Pittsburgh secondary that has struggled. He brought Mohamed Massaquoi down with him, completing just one pass to Cleveland's top receiver for 37 yards.

San Francisco @ Philadelphia

Updated forecast for SF @ PHI as of Friday morning: 35 degrees, 70% chance of snow, 17MPH winds

Both of these teams are coming off impressive offensive outings (they totaled 69 points in Week 14), but this one threatens to be fairly low scoring. Not because of the forecast at Lincoln Financial (37 degrees, 30% chance of rain, 11MPH winds), but more because both sides play solid defense. Since a slow start, the 49ers' secondary has stiffened with the pass rush hot. San Francisco has allowed just two passing TDs in the last three weeks, holding both Kurt Warner and Matt Hasselbeck under 200 yards. Donovan McNabb and DeSean Jackson are every-week starters, but it's hard to get excited about guys like Jason Avant and Reggie Brown despite Jeremy Maclin's (foot) absence.

Owners considering any member of Philly's muddled backfield are saved by a terribly difficult matchup against the Niners' top-five run defense. Wildcat formations featuring Michael Vick in the open field and red zone crush LeSean McCoy's upside, as if McCoy's declining workload and production (average of 11.5 touches for 40 total yards in the last two games) didn't already. Leonard Weaver also threatens to emerge as the lead back. Avoid the situation...Brian Westbrook (concussions) still hasn't been medically cleared. We probably won't see him before the real-life playoffs.

Frank Gore reconfirmed his ability to perform in tough matchups last Monday night, dropping 177 yards and a touchdown on the same Arizona defense that held Adrian Peterson to 19 yards on 13 carries the week before. The Eagles surrender just 3.8 YPC and rank 10th overall in run defense, but a more balanced approach from 49ers playcaller Jimmy Raye and Gore's elite talent keep him in the RB1 range...Philadelphia has struggled against tight ends all year and let Kevin Boss post his second-best game of 2009 in Week 14 (7-71-1). Likely All-Pro Vernon Davis is a money play.

Michael Crabtree is an every-week WR3 coming off a 5-67-1 line against Arizona. The rookie has a massive catch radius and runs extremely well after the reception. Eagles CB Asante Samuel is not much of a tackler, and will struggle to bring down Crabtree when the two catch each other one-on-one...After back-to-back six-catch efforts, Josh Morgan resumed blocking in Week 14. He's a poor bet for more than five targets on Sunday...The Eagles allow just 6.6 yards per pass attempt, and Alex Smith has mostly struggled against strong secondaries this season. He's only a QB2 option.

Atlanta @ NY Jets

Michael Turner (ankle) and Matt Ryan (toe) finally got some practice reps Thursday, slightly helping their still-long odds of facing the Jets. Turner obviously won't be 100% if he plays and has a tough matchup with a New York run defense that surrenders just 3.9 YPC...Should Turner miss his fourth game out of the last five, Jerious Norwood will start and share the backfield with Jason Snelling. It's worth noting that despite Norwood being on the field for the first snap last week, Snelling received the first four touches. Snelling would clearly be the superior fantasy play, though still a weak one.

Chris Redman exploited a decimated Saints secondary in Week 14 for 303 yards and a TD, but has tougher sledding against the Jets' No. 1 pass defense. Darrelle Revis is certain to shadow Roddy White, while Jets RCB Lito Sheppard is finally healthy and has strung together three solid efforts. Redman would be a poor two-QB league play...White is obviously a major risk, and should be sat if you've got strong, safer options. Revis, who held a streaking Antonio Bryant to 22 yards on two grabs last week, is the finest corner in the league...Tony Gonzalez is probably the best bet for yardage on Atlanta's side. If the Jets have a weakness in the secondary, it's covering tight ends.

Mark Sanchez (knee) is due back, but has some potentially nasty Meadowlands weather to deal with. While 35-36 degree temps won't inhibit passing, 19-20MPH winds and a 90% chance of snow aren't a great combination with Sanchez's mediocre arm. Wideouts Braylon Edwards and Jerricho Cotchery are weak plays despite a favorable on-paper matchup against Atlanta's No. 30 pass defense...We'd love to recommend Dustin Keller because he's so talented and theoretically the Jets' go-to guy underneath, but he is bench material with two catches for eight yards total in his last two outings.

The Jets were taking a run-first approach before Sanchez's Week 13 PCL sprain and will continue to heavily feature Thomas Jones, who's been perhaps the most consistent player in fantasy football all year. In his age-31 season, Jones has at least 100 total yards and/or a score in ten consecutive games. There aren't many safer options in the league as Jones squares off with Atlanta's No. 23 run defense...Shonn Greene's first year can be chalked up as a disappointment. He's flashed in spots, but lost his third fumble in seven games last Sunday. The rookie is no threat to Jones' workload.



New England @ Buffalo

Much has been made of Randy Moss' slow Week 14. The facts of the matter are he had a safety over the top, only saw four targets (which won't happen again), and still blocked well in the run game. Carolina also has the league's No. 6 pass defense and has taken opposing No. 1 receivers out of games all year. Moss racked up 12 catches for 141 yards on Buffalo earlier this season. Look for Tom Brady to get Moss going early with some quick-strike slants and curls, setting up an eventual bomb...Wes Welker is an even better fantasy bet, leading the NFL in receptions. Moss gets more red-zone looks, but Welker is averaging over 10.3 catches for 113 yards per game since Week 4.

Brady is allegedly playing through cracked ribs, but the weather at Ralph Wilson Stadium (29 degrees, 13MPH winds, 20% chance of rain) is of little concern and he's practicing more than last week, indicating Brady is getting closer to 100%. Despite a difficult matchup (Buffalo is top five in pass defense), the No. 5 overall fantasy QB would be difficult to sit...Sammy Morris was benched for fumbling in Week 14, allowing Laurence Maroney to continue dominating carries. There's no reason to think that will change Sunday. Maroney will likely start hot against the Bills' dead-last run defense and remain New England's featured back. Running with purpose, he is a high-end RB2.

After letting Drew Brees and Chad Henne combine for a ridiculous 706 yards and seven TDs in Weeks 12-13, the Patriots' typically tough pass defense received an injection of confidence from a Week 14 matchup with the Matt Moore-led Panthers passing "attack." Moore managed just 197 yards and one score on 30 attempts. The Pats' secondary is very talented and should not have trouble keeping noodle-armed Ryan Fitzpatrick in check. Fitzpatrick is coming off back-to-back sub-100 yard passing games, which is near-unprecented...Lee Evans' year-long struggles figure to continue against a New England defense that's had his number since entering the league.

Terrell Owens missed Thursday's practice with an illness and is averaging 2.5 catches for 23 yards in his last two games. Bill Belichick's praise of T.O. during the week also indicates that the Pats plan to double team him. Someone has to catch the passes, but Owens carries lots of risk...Fred Jackson started in Week 14 and retook his featured role from Marshawn Lynch. Lynch played well off the bench, but Jackson was the go-to guy, generating 122 yards on 23 touches. F-Jax also tore up New England's below-average run defense for 140 total yards and a touchdown earlier this year.

[SIZE=+1]4:05PM ET Games[/SIZE]

Oakland @ Denver

In terms of fantasy viability, Oakland's skill players can safely be written off the rest of the way with temporary sparkplug Bruce Gradkowski (torn MCLs) almost certainly done for the year. New starter Charlie Frye has appeared in three games since 2006, averaging a dreadful 3.55 YPA with an even worse 48% completion rate. He was also terrible in 19 early-career starts for the Browns. Confidently bench Chaz Schilens, rookie Louis Murphy, Johnnie Lee Higgins, and injured first-year bust Darrius Heyward-Bey, hopefully none of whom you were planning to start in the first place.

Zach Miller is out with a concussion, further decreasing Frye's chances of success...Justin Fargas remained Oakland's starting tailback in Week 14, getting nine carries to Darren McFadden's eight. McFadden showed burst when the Raiders got him out in space, busting one reception for 48 yards and another for 26. Still, McFadden is totally ineffective when asked to run between the tackles and isn't close to overtaking this backfield. Stay away from Fargas, McFadden, and definitely Michael Bush (zero touches last week) against a Broncos defense surrendering under 4.0 YPC.

The Raiders' stubborn use of Nnamdi Asomugha at RCB only (he doesn't shadow opposing No. 1 wideouts) gives Brandon Marshall a shot at a third straight monster game. Near-incomprehensibly, Marshall has 29 catches for 294 yards and three touchdowns in the last two weeks. He already rang up 5-67-1 on Oakland in Week 3...Eddie Royal has not found the end zone once this year, and has topped 32 yards twice. Some would call Matt Forte, Willie Parker, Steve Slaton, McFadden, or T.J. Houshmandzadeh the biggest bust in fantasy this season. But there's no doubt: Royal is it.

The Mile High forecast (45 degrees, 7MPH winds, 0% chance of rain) is favorable for passing, but Knowshon Moreno is the premier fantasy play on either side in this one. Correll Buckhalter (high ankle sprain) is out, pushing Moreno into an every-down role against a Raiders defense that ranks 30th against the run and has served up an NFL-high 20 rushing touchdowns...After averaging just 25 pass attempts per outing in Weeks 10-13, the Broncos let loose of the reigns on Kyle Orton last Sunday. He went on to throw for 277 yards and two touchdowns on 41 tries against a stout Colts secondary. Orton is a respectable two-QB league play against Oakland's No. 17 pass defense.

Cincinnati @ San Diego

The Bengals' biggest defensive weakness is in the front seven with NT Domata Peko (knee) still out, as Kevin Smith and Adrian Peterson demonstrated by totaling 241 yards and three TDs against Cincy in the last two weeks. The Chargers, unfortunately, don't have the ground game to expose it. While LaDainian Tomlinson is always a fair bet to score because he dominates goal-line work, the Bolts' 3.2 YPC average ranks dead last in the league. Fifth in passing offense, San Diego will continue to rely heavily on Philip Rivers, Antonio Gates, and Vincent Jackson to hold off their main competition for the AFC's No. 2 seed. Get the aforementioned three in lineups against the Bengals.

Excluding dome games, you won't find a better Week 15 forecast than Qualcomm Stadium's, where 70-degree temps, 5MPH winds, and a 10% chance of rain are expected. This keeps V-Jax as an elite fantasy play coming off a 120-yard game. He'll square off with LCB Johnathan Joseph, the more burnable of Cincinnati's two corners. Malcom Floyd will mostly draw RCB Leon Hall, who held Bernard Berrian to 43 yards last week...The Bengals are good at checking tight ends, but Gates is unstoppable. He recorded a 4-44-1 line against Dallas in Week 14 despite constant double teams.

A week after managing just 3.1 YPC against Detroit, Cedric Benson confirmed that he still has his late-season legs with 96 yards on 16 carries (6.0 average) against the Vikings' No. 4 rush defense. A run-first game plan from Bengals playcaller Bob Bratkowski is quite possible due to Carson Palmer's recent struggles, so CedBen is a must-start against San Diego's nose tackle-less No. 21 rush defense...Larry Johnson and rookie Bernard Scott aren't threats to Benson's workload. L.J. didn't enter until the third quarter for the second straight game in Week 14 and had four touches. Scott is expected to return from his turf toe Sunday, but will probably focus on kickoff returns.

Palmer denies that his elbow is giving him trouble, but the box score and his on-field play indicate otherwise. Completing 57.7% of his passes with a 5.4 YPA (his career marks are 63.3 and 7.2) in the last three games, Palmer has thrown for just three scores in his last five. Despite favorable weather, he's merely a QB2 against a top-ten Bolts pass defense that gets back FS Eric Weddle (knee)...Also avoid Andre Caldwell and Laveranues Coles...Chad Ochocinco, on the other hand, will be playing motivated for recently deceased teammate Chris Henry in a matchup with Chargers RCB Antonio Cromartie. Cromartie was torched by Miles Austin and Roy Williams in Week 14.

[SIZE=+1]4:15PM ET Game[/SIZE]

Green Bay @ Pittsburgh

As if Rashard Mendenhall's matchup could get worse against Green Bay's No. 2 run defense, the Steelers ruled out brawling 344-pound LG Chris Kemoeatu, and C Justin Hartwig barely practiced this week after having his knee drained. Taking over as an every-down back (he's replaced Mewelde Moore in passing situations) is promising, but Mendenhall is best left benched...Hines Ward is another weak fantasy bet. He's said to be battling a slightly torn hamstring, and it sure looked like it as he struggled badly to get open against Cleveland's No. 25-ranked secondary last Thursday night.

Managing just 201 yards and no touchdowns on 32 attempts at the Browns, Ben Roethlisberger took eight sacks and looked shell shocked two weeks removed from sitting out with a concussion. He's not much of a fantasy play against Green Bay's No. 3 pass defense...The Packers cover tight ends well, cementing Heath Miller as a TE2. Throw out a 7-95-1 game against an awful Chiefs secondary in Week 11 and Miller is averaging under four catches for 29 yards with no touchdowns in his last six games...Santonio Holmes and LaMarr Woodley were seemingly the only Steelers that came to play last Thursday night. Holmes should see less of All-Pro CB Charles Woodson than Ward and is a terrific WR2.

Especially if they continue to fail to get pressure, the Steelers don't match up well with Green Bay's top-nine passing attack. The No. 2 overall fantasy QB, Aaron Rodgers should be able to light up struggling CBs Ike Taylor and William Gay. Gay has been a particularly big bust after looking like a future star while performing admirably in place of injured Bryant McFadden in 2009. Gay will see Greg Jennings in primary coverage, while Taylor tries to stay with Donald Driver...Since sitting out Weeks 7-9 with a knee injury, Jermichael Finley has averaged nearly six catches for 60 yards per game and has three touchdowns in the last four weeks. Pittsburgh doesn't defend tight ends well.

The Steelers rank No. 1 in run defense, but are beginning to fall back to the pack. They served up a whopping 171 yards to a Browns backfield in Week 14 that consists of former University of Arizona backup Chris Jennings, Jerome Harrison, and career special teamer Joshua Cribbs. Ryan Grant returns from his best game of the year (144 yards, two TDs on 22 touches) and can be considered a rock-solid RB2. The Steelers have size but lack quickness up front, creating something of a mismatch against a Packers offensive line is highly athletic and uses lots of zone blocking.



Tampa Bay @ Seattle

Updated forecast for TB @ SEA as of Friday morning: 48 degrees, 80% chance of rain, 8MPH winds
Among NFL tight ends, only Dallas Clark, Tony Gonzalez, and Vernon Davis have more targets than Kellen Winslow. However, K2 hasn't found the end zone and is averaging five catches for 52 yards a game since Antonio Bryant overcame recurring knee woes and rejoined the lineup in Week 11. Winslow is a fantasy starter, but Bryant's presence curtails his upside...After being held to 22 yards by Darrelle Revis and a stingy Jets zone in Week 14, Bryant is a good bet to rebound as he faces struggling Seahawks LCB Marcus Trufant. Seattle also ranks a lowly 29th against the pass.

Josh Freeman's TD to INT ratio is 0:8 in the last two games and 3:11 in the last month. Opponents have probably figured out Freeman's weaknesses through film study. Avoid the raw rookie even in this favorable matchup...Carnell Williams isn't in danger of losing his lead back job to Derrick Ward or Earnest Graham, but eeked out a paltry 14 yards on 11 carries last week against the Jets, who the Seahawks are tied with at No. 12 in run defense. Cadillac's 175 touches through 13 weeks are easily his most since 2006, so he's probably wearing down. He isn't remotely a fantasy option.

The host Seahawks have a decisive edge (for once) because Tampa's pass rush is so weak (25 sacks through 13 games) and run defense so poor (last in the NFC). With Matt Hasselbeck off the injury report, Jim Mora's staff clearly isn't concerned with his once-problematic right shoulder. The absence of Nate Burleson (high ankle sprain) won't doom Hasselbeck because he's experienced throwing to fill-in Deion Branch, and Burleson wasn't a difference maker. Hasselbeck is a fine two-QB league play against a Bucs defense yielding the third most passing scores in the league.

Branch, making his first start of '09, is not a good fantasy play. He's been a bust throughout his four seasons as a Seahawk and has lost explosiveness at age 30, averaging a career-low 3.7 YPC...T.J. Houshmandzadeh will see plenty of Bucs top CB Aqib Talib and offers little fantasy intrigue...John Carlson may be Seattle's best pass-catching bet against a Tampa Bay defense that can't stop tight ends...Julius Jones retained his starting job in Week 14, but was out-produced by and saw slightly fewer touches than Justin Forsett. This is an even committee and Jones is the better early-down option, but Forsett is the superior fantasy commodity.

[SIZE=+1]Sunday Night Football[/SIZE]

Minnesota @ Carolina

Facing a tough road test against Carolina's No. 6 pass defense, Brett Favre takes another hit with slot man Percy Harvin (migraines) doubtful to play. Harvin is also an elite returner, so his absence damages Minnesota's likelihood of getting good field position to rack up easy points. Favre is a low-end QB1 despite fine conditions (42 degrees, 8MPH winds, 10% chance of rain) in the Bank of America Stadium forecast...Most likely to benefit from no Harvin: Visanthe Shiancoe. The high-scoring tight end has only 33 yards in his last two games, but will see more underneath targets.

While Bernard Berrian hasn't been much of a fantasy option all year, NFC receiving yards leader Sidney Rice needs to be in lineups every week...Adrian Peterson bounced back big time from a disturbing 19-yard Week 13 by throttling Cincinnati's typically robust run defense for 137 total yards and two TDs last Sunday. The No. 4 overall fantasy player (and No. 3 fantasy back) gets a much easier matchup this week against a Carolina run defense that ranks 26th. The Panthers also allow the third highest yards-per-carry average in the league, behind only the Bills and Buccaneers.

The Panthers' chances of moving the ball Sunday were pretty remote when the week began. They got even worse when mauling 6'6/330-pound RT Jeff Otah (knee, shoulder) was placed on season-ending injured reserve Tuesday. Now down both its starting tackles (LT Jordan Gross is also on I.R.), Carolina's "Double Trouble" backfield seems destined to struggle against Minnesota's No. 4 run defense. DeAngelo Williams is a mere RB2, while Jonathan Stewart isn't even FLEX worthy.

Vikings LCB Antoine Winfield proved he's recovered from his cracked foot in Week 14 by racking up nine tackles and forcing a fumble while helping Minnesota hold Carson Palmer to his fewest yards (94) since Week 1 of 2008. Look for the Vikings to stick Winfield on Panthers top WR Steve Smith for most of Sunday's game. Matt Moore will likely throw at least 30 passes because picking up first downs on the ground will be so difficult, so Smith should be in most fantasy lineups. But Smith is unlikely to rack up yards after the catch. Winfield and RCB Cedric Griffin are very sure tacklers.

[SIZE=+1]Monday Night Football[/SIZE]

NY Giants @ Washington

The forecast for FedEx Field (38 degrees, 7MPH winds, 20% chance of rain) won't hurt passing, and Hakeem Nicks is the premier receiver play in this one. Possessing serious big-play ability and an every-down job after overtaking Mario Manningham, Nicks will mostly face off with Skins RCB DeAngelo Hall, who's missed the last three games with a knee injury. Eli Manning is coming off his best game of the year (391 yards, three TDs, no picks against Philly's tough secondary), making Nicks a confident WR2/3 play...New single-season franchise record holder for receptions Steve Smith is a strong PPR start, as usual. He's averaging 6.5 catches for 81 yards a game.

Eli doesn't offer big upside against Washington's No. 4 pass defense, but finally seems to be over the hump in his recovery from plantar fasciitis. He's a low-end QB1...Manningham now plays only in three-wide sets. The demotion makes his numbers unpredictable...The Skins cover tight ends well, keeping Kevin Boss as a TE2 despite improved production in the last month...New York's running game has clicked in the last two weeks, posting 235 yards, three TDs, and a 4.4 YPC average. Using Ahmad Bradshaw as a FLEX would be too bold considering his inconsistent workloads, but Brandon Jacobs is a strong RB2 against Washington's No. 22 run defense.

With eight all-purpose TDs in the last three weeks and a 274 yards-per-game average, Jason Campbell certainly has the matchup to stay hot as he wraps up his contract year. The Giants' secondary has been awful lately, and isn't helped by a front seven that doesn't bring pressure. Campbell has teased with short-lived hot streaks throughout his career, but is an elite two-QB league play and worth a look in standard leagues if you're searching for options...Devin Thomas regressed to the mean with just 34 total yards in Week 14 after a career game (100 yards, two touchdowns on seven catches) the Sunday before. He's definitely not a reliable WR3.

As Brad Morgan noted in his Red Zone Report, Fred Davis is Campbell's go-to target in scoring position. New York has also struggled against tight ends since losing SS Kenny Phillips to a year-ending knee injury. Davis never comes off the field and is becoming a reliable option...Santana Moss has one TD and averaged a modest 4-40 line in his last five games. He's barely better than Thomas...Quinton Ganther's 93-yard, two-score Week 14 is more likely to be the best game of his career than a sign of things to come. Lacking talent, he's bench material against the Giants.

HacheMan · Dec 20, 2009

Coaches Corner: Giants may end Redskins' offensive run

The Bruno Boys' Coaches Corner provides an in-depth look at a key coaching matchup for the coming week:
Tom Coughlin (New York Giants) vs. Jim Zorn (Washington Redskins)

Both of these coaches had better be ready for some Monday Night Football! After all, their jobs for 2010 may very well depend on the outcome.

While Coughlin does have some wiggle room thanks to the Super Bowl he won in 2007, we know full well that the Big Apple likes winners. After starting the season 5-0, Coughlin's Giants have been anything but, losing six of their last eight contests.
As for Zorn, his dismissal following this 2009 season seemed all but a certainty just a few weeks ago; however, the Redskins have shown some life their past three games, notching 24+ points in each of them, though they did only come away with just one win. Still, there may be some
hope left for Zorn to reclaim his position in 2010, but he'll need a big win over a division rival this week to have any shot.

Unfortunately for Zorn, he is 0-3 against Coughlin in their meetings. Part of Washington's struggles have had to do with Jason Campbell being unable to get the team's passing game going. In the three times Zorn and Coughlin have squared off, Campbell has averaged just 192 yards per contest, with two touchdowns and two interceptions. Fantasy owners thinking about riding Campbell's hot streak may want to think again.
Continuing that theme, owners may want to lower their expectations for the Skins' new starting back, Quinton Ganther. Ganther amassed an impressive 21 fantasy points last week in his debut as the team's starter, but he'll likely have a tougher go of things this time around. Remember, stud RB Clinton Portis averaged just 3.4 yards per carry in the Skins' last three clashes with the Giants.
On the Giants side of the ball, quarterback Eli Manning hasn't fared much better than Campbell, posting 259 yards per game to go with two TDs and two picks. As such, he'll serve you better on your bench in Week 15.
Meanwhile, Brandon Jacobs, who finally showed some of that strength and determination that made him such a great runner in previous years when he went for 60 yards and a score on 15 carries last week, makes for a low-end RB2 option. The reason? He's averaged 4.0 yards per carry against Washington over the last two years.

HacheMan · Dec 20, 2009

Sack attack: Steelers may make life miserable for Rodgers

Each week, the Bruno Boys take a look at the top teams in sacks and their opponents' ability to protect their quarterback.
They use this data to determine a QB Heat Index, which predicts whether a QB will be "Feelin' Heat" (seeing great pressure), "Lukewarm" (dealing with a moderate amount of pressure) or "Cool & Collected" (facing minimal pressure) for this week's game. Remember, the more time a quarterback has, the better his chance of putting up fantasy points.
<TABLE border=1 align=center><TBODY><TR><TD>DEFENSE</TD><TD>SACK
TOTALS</TD><TD>OFFENSE (QB)</TD><TD>SACKS
ALLOWED</TD><TD>QB HEAT INDEX</TD></TR><TR><TD>Vikings</TD><TD>41</TD><TD>Panthers (M.Moore)</TD><TD>28</TD><TD>Lukewarm</TD></TR><TR><TD>Steelers</TD><TD>39</TD><TD>Packers (A.Rodgers)</TD><TD>48</TD><TD>Feelin' Heat</TD></TR><TR><TD>Dolphins</TD><TD>38</TD><TD>Titans (V.Young/K.Collins)</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>Cool & Collected</TD></TR><TR><TD>Cardinals</TD><TD>36</TD><TD>Lions (D.Culpepper)</TD><TD>37</TD><TD>Feelin' Heat</TD></TR><TR><TD>Eagles</TD><TD>36</TD><TD>49ers (A.Smith)</TD><TD>33</TD><TD>Lukewarm</TD></TR><TR><TD>Redskins</TD><TD>36</TD><TD>Giants (E.Manning)</TD><TD>23</TD><TD>Cool & Collected</TD></TR><TR><TD>Broncos</TD><TD>34</TD><TD>Raiders (C.Frye)</TD><TD>41</TD><TD>Feelin' Heat</TD></TR><TR><TD>49ers</TD><TD>34</TD><TD>Eagles (D.McNabb)</TD><TD>30</TD><TD>Lukewarm</TD></TR><TR><TD>Browns</TD><TD>32</TD><TD>Chiefs (M.Cassel)</TD><TD>43</TD><TD>Feelin' Heat</TD></TR><TR><TD>Bengals</TD><TD>31</TD><TD>Chargers (P.Rivers)</TD><TD>22</TD><TD>Cool & Collected</TD></TR><TR><TD>Chargers</TD><TD>31</TD><TD>Bengals (C.Palmer)</TD><TD>23</TD><TD>Cool & Collected</TD></TR><TR><TD>Cowboys</TD><TD>30</TD><TD>Saints (D.Brees)</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>Cool & Collected</TD></TR><TR><TD>Colts</TD><TD>30</TD><TD>Jaguars (D.Garrard)</TD><TD>37</TD><TD>Feelin' Heat</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

HacheMan · Dec 21, 2009

Don't fall in love with Harrison

The biggest mistake you could make in the wake of Cleveland running back Jerome Harrison's epic 286-yard, three-touchdown performance against the Kansas City Chiefs is assuming Harrison is a great start in Week 16.
Sure, the Browns host Oakland, which came into Sunday with the 30th-ranked run defense. But with the way the Browns have flip-flopped running backs over the past month, Harrison could disappear again.
In Week 14 against Pittsburgh, Harrison had 9 yards on seven carries while Chris Jennings carried the load with 20 carries for 73 yards and a touchdown.
That is why Harrison was started in precious few leagues Sunday. And if he stumbles next week, Jennings could get the opportunity for the big game.
-- Randy Moss and Tom Brady didn't quiet all their critics in a victory over the Buffalo Bills. But Moss was Brady's favorite target and, with 70 yards and a TD, had his best game in five weeks.
Expect the New England Patriots to open up the offense next week against the Jacksonville Jaguars, who were burnt for more than 300 passing yards and four TDs by Peyton Manning's Indianapolis Colts last Thursday.
-- Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco's four-TD game was his first with more than one score since Week 6 and he could be big next week against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Flacco had just one TD in his first game against Pittsburgh despite 289 passing yards. And the Steelers have struggled to stop big plays without safety Troy Polamalu. -- Matt Pitzer

HacheMan · Dec 21, 2009

Record Setting Day
"It's the most wonderful time of the year."

That claim might be truer for some, especially if you were fortunate enough to make into in the Finals. The weather might have been a factor on Sunday, but that didn't stop some players from exploding for some record setting days. Happy Holidays everyone, and good luck in the championship round!

Top 5 Quarterbacks:

1. Aaron Rodgers – 383 Pass Yds, 3 TDs, 0 INTs, 22 Rush Yds, 1 TD, 1 two-pt conversion – If your team was able to survive Rodgers' stinker last week, then you were rewarded in a big way this week and then some. A-Rod has been automatic all season long, and Sunday was an early Christmas gift to owners who have been riding him all year.

2. Ben Roethlisberger – 503 Pass Yds, 3 TDs, 0 INTs – You might want to sit down for this one. Yes, it's actually possible to throw for 500-yards in a game, as Big Ben proved that against a usually solid Packers' secondary. With just three seconds left in the game, Roethlisberger did his best Superbowl impersonation, except this time it was Mike Wallace who managed to get both feet inbounds for the game winner.

3. Peyton Manning – 308 Pass Yds, 4 TDs, 1 INT – The Colts now stand as the lone undefeated team, and that's due in large part to #18. Peyton has now thrown for four scores in back-to-back weeks, but it remains to be seen if he'll play enough in Week 16 to be a hero once again.

4. Joe Flacco – 234 Pass Yds, 4 TDs, 0 INTs – Nice of you to finally stop by Mr. Flacco. After starting the season scorching hot, Flacco has failed to deliver in the second half of the season. Sunday was his first multi-score game since Week 6, largely due to the emergence of Ray Rice, but also because of Flacco's inconsistencies.

5. Matt Moore – 299 Pass Yds, 3 TDs, 0 INTs – Where did this come from? Moore made the Vikings look like a team that was nothing more than average, as he shredded them up-and-down the field, in particular in the fourth quarter. Moore might be hitting his stride at the right time, because he goes up against a sub par Giants' secondary next week.

Top 5 Running Backs:

1. Jerome Harrison – 286 Rush Yds, 3 TDs, 2 Rec, 12 Yds – Holy terrible Run D Batman! At this point, the Cleveland running back situation is just comical, because I'm convinced that Eric Mangini looks for ways to tick off fantasy owners. Just when you thought Chris Jennings was emerging, think again! Eric Mangini, you are the Grinch that stole any hope of owners having faith in anything that you say. By the way, great game Jerome Harrison.

2. Maurice Jones-Drew – 110 Rush Yds, 1 TD, 5 Rec, 30 Yds, 1 TD – MoJo mania was back in full swing this week, as he had his first 100-yard game since Week 10. MJD is the engine that makes the Jaguars' offense go, so you better believe he'll be leaned on heavily next week in New England, especially with the weather being unpredictable this time of year. Another two scores wouldn't hurt, but I'm not about to get greedy.

3. Jonathan Stewart – 109 Rush Yds, 1 TD, 2 Rec, 14 Yds, 1 TD – DeAngelo Williams left the game after getting injured, but J-Stew did his best stunt double act, as he managed to go over the 100-yard mark against a very stout Vikings' run defense. Stewart is a must-start if Williams has to miss any more time.

4. Jamaal Charles – 154 Rush Yds, 1 TD, 2 Rec, 16 Yds – Imagine if this guy was on a good team? Charles has a similar running style to Chris Johnson, and he has made the most of his cakewalk fantasy playoff schedule thus far. Look for things to be a little tougher next week against the Bengals, but can you really bench this guy the way he has been playing?

5. Maurice Morris – 126 Rush Yds, 1 TD, 5 Rec, 35 Yds – Morris made the most of his late-season opportunity with Kevin Smith out, and he might warrant a start next week if you're desperate. He has no competition for carries, and if you're tired of seeing your back on the wrong end of a committee, Morris is your man.

Top 5 Wide Receivers:

1. Vincent Jackson – 5 Rec, 108 Yds, 2 TDs – V-Jax has picked a good time to get back on track, as he has gone over the 100-yard mark in two straight. At times he looks like a man amongst boys, as he has the ability to take over a game like he did this week – but you didn't need me to tell you that.

2. Steve Smith – 9 Rec, 157 Yds, 1 TD – Don't look now but with Matt Moore under center, Smith has scored in two straight weeks. He should have no problem giving the Giants fits all game long next week, so feel confident inserting him into your lineup.

3. DeSean Jackson – 6 Rec, 140 Yds, 1 TD, 9 Rush Yds – D-Jax has quickly emerged as arguably the most explosive player in the league, in just his second season. If McNabb has time to find him down the field, it's game over, because there isn't anyone on the field that can keep up with him step-for-step.

4. Reggie Wayne – 5 Rec, 132 Yds, 1 TD – It has been a struggle for Wayne over the past month, but he didn't have any problems on Thursday against the Jags. Similar to Manning, it remains to be seen whether or not he can be counted on next week, due to the lack of playing time he's sure to receive.

5. Andre Johnson – 9 Rec, 196 Yds, 0 TDs – This year's number one fantasy wideout just keeps on delivering. AJ came out for an encore this week, as he followed up last week's 193-yard performance pa-retty nicely I'd say. He has become the epitome of a must start receiver, because he can be relied on no matter what.

Top 5 Tight Ends:

1. Dallas Clark – 7 Rec, 95 Yds, 2 TDs – As Peyton Manning goes, so does Dallas Clark. They both might as well be joined at the hip, because they know exactly what the other is doing on every single play. The timing and rhythm that Manning and Clark have is unstoppable and unfair, and it has really shown in the past two weeks.

2. Todd Heap – 5 Rec, 56 Yds, 2 TDs – Typical Todd Heap – delivers a huge game when most likely no owners had him in their lineups. Heap has the potential to be dominant, but for whatever reason he has taken a backseat in the Ravens' offense. That is not an ideal situation whatsoever from a fantasy perspective, hence why Heap has been riding the bench for most owners.

3. John Carlson – 7 Rec, 86 Yds, 1 TD – Carlson has been a major disappointment this season, but he has somehow managed to score in two consecutive games. I'm sure owners who drafted him will have a few choice words about his '09 season, but cross your fingers and hope for a bounceback in 2010.

4. Jermichael Finley – 9 Rec, 74 Yds, 1 TD – This guy has quickly turned some heads, and you better believe that he'll be one of the top tight ends off the board come next season. He plays on an explosive offense and has developed a nice chemistry with Aaron Rodgers and, in reality, that's all that matters.

5. Heath Miller – 7 Rec, 118 Yds, 0 TDs – Miller added to his solid '09 campaign, but this time he did it without scoring a touchdown. We're not accustomed to seeing 100-yard games from him, but whatever gets the job done is all that matters.

Top 5 Defenses/Special Teams:

1. Ravens – 7 PA, 2 Sacks, 4 INTs, 2 FR – The Jay Cutler Turnover Express strikes again, and this week the Ravens were the main beneficiaries.

2. Eagles – 13 PA, 3 Sacks, 3 INTs, 1 FR – The Eagles defense has been absolutely lights out from a fantasy perspective in the past three weeks, totaling 15-plus points in every game. They'll be tough to bench next week versus the Broncos, but check to see if better matchups present themselves.

3. Buccaneers – 7 PA, 1 Sack, 4 INTs, 1 FR – This was a nice showing, but they better be on your bench next week against an angry Saints team that had trouble moving the ball against the Cowboys.

4. Falcons – 7 PA, 2 Sacks, 3 INTs – Ride this unit while they're hot, and that means start them with confidence next week against the Bills.

5. Patriots – 10 PA, 6 Sacks, 1 INT – They have a tough matchup against the Jaguars this week, but, if you played the matchup this week, you were rewarded nicely.

Bottom 5 Quarterbacks:

1. Brady Quinn – 66 Pass Yds, 0 TDs, 2 INTs, 39 Rush Yds
2. Alex Smith – 177 Pass Yds, 1 TD, 3 INTs
3. Tom Brady – 115 Pass Yds, 1 TD, 1 INT – Two stinkers in a row when it really matters.
4. Matt Hasselbeck – 256 Pass Yds, 1 TD, 4 INTs, 1 FL
5. Jay Cutler – 94 Pass Yds, 0 TDs, 3 INTs, 23 Rush Yds – Absolutely awful

Bottom 5 Running Backs:

1. Marshawn Lynch – 25 Rush Yds, 0 TDs
2. Matt Forte – 69 Rush Yds, 0 TDs, 1 FL
3. Thomas Jones – 52 Rush Yds, 0 TDs – Never really got anything going.
4. Arian Foster – 7 Rush Yds, 1 Rec, 13 Yds, 1 FL – One and done. If you rolled the dice on this one then I extend my condolences.
5. Michael Turner – 7 Rush Yds – Shouldn't have bothered suiting up.

Bottom 5 Wide Receivers:

1. Percy Harvin – 1 Rec, 10 Yds, 0 TDs
2. Roy Williams – 1 Rec, 14 Yds, 0 TDs – Just when you start getting excited…
3. Michael Crabtree – 4 Rec, 26 Yds, 0 TDs
4. Terrell Owens – 2 Rec, 20 Yds, 0 TDs – Has come back down to earth.
5. Calvin Johnson – 3 Rec, 35 Yds, 0 TDs

Bottom 5 Tight Ends:

1. Visanthe Shiancoe – 3 Rec, 24 Yds, 0 TDs
2. Alge Crumpler – 0 Receptions
3. Dustin Keller – 3 Rec, 33 Yds, 0 TDs
4. Vernon Davis – 3 Rec, 43 Yds, 0 TDs
5. Jason Witten – 5 Rec, 44 Yds, 0 TDs

HacheMan · Dec 22, 2009

A lot to ponder for championship week

By Matt Pitzer, USA TODAY
Looking for a good matchup under your tree? If you're lucky, and if you've been good about managing your players and checking the schedule twice, this is the week to unwrap a championship.
Welcome to the Week 16 Super Bowl, the week when all fantasy titles should be determined. Some of you will play into Week 17, but if you're already driving yourself nuts deciding what to do with your guys this week, think how bad it will be on the final weekend.
With everything on the line, let's look at some of the crucial calls.
•The Indianapolis Colts. At least the New Orleans Saints made things easy by losing. Now they will stick with their starters against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Meanwhile, the Colts appear willing to play their starters one more week despite having the AFC's top seed locked up (although history might call). Maybe a banged-up player such as Pierre Garcon gets the day off, which could help Austin Collie. Absent any pronouncements, go with Peyton Manning, Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark.
•Jerome Harrison/Chris Jennings. If you can figure out which of the Cleveland Browns backs will be the big player this week, start him. Here are Harrison's past four games: 8 total yards; 97 total yards, two touchdowns; 19 total yards; 286 rushing yards, three touchdowns. Jennings chimed in with 71 rushing yards and a TD two weeks ago when Harrison flopped. The Browns have a great matchup vs. the Oakland Raiders, who have one of the worst run defenses in the league. But with the Browns wiling to switch runners, you could risk a zero no matter which back you pick.
•Tom Brady, Randy Moss. Brady was not overwhelming in last week's win vs. the Buffalo Bills, completing 11 passes for 115 yards. Many of his attempts went to Moss, who got back in the end zone. But the Patriots offense is not humming, inviting the question of whether you should start them in your championship. Despite all of those struggles, if the weather is clear in New England, you should stick with those big guns. After Manning carved up the Jacksonville Jaguars for four touchdowns and more than 300 yards on the road last week, the Patriots should do the same.

•Jason Snelling. With Michael Turner battling ankle injuries, Snelling is the likely starter for the Atlanta Falcons vs. the Buffalo Bills' porous run defense. Snelling hasn't done much since scoring twice vs. the New York Giants in Week 11, but try to erase those recent memories. He might emerge as a difference-maker because this matchup is attractive enough for him to be a solid No. 2 back or flex starter.
•Joe Flacco. Another four-touchdown game might be a bit extreme, assuming the Pittsburgh Steelers do not turn the ball over as the Chicago Bears did last week. But Flacco threw for 289 yards vs. Pittsburgh this season, and last week's game was his first with more than one TD since Week 6. He should be in the mix if you do not have an obvious starter.
•Michael Crabtree. The much-vaunted 49ers' passing game hit a wall last week in Philadelphia with Crabtree (26 yards) having the worst game of his shortened rookie season. But don't worry about Crabtree or quarterback Alex Smith as they return home to face the Detroit Lions and their league-worst pass defense. Look for a touchdown from Crabtree and possibly his first 100-yard game.
•Ryan Grant. Grant suffered his worst total yardage game (37) of the season against Pittsburgh. If you survived that, you might be in luck. The Green Bay Packers get the reeling Seattle Seahawks at home. If bad weather is a factor, Grant will be in for a workout.

HacheMan · Dec 22, 2009

Flair for the Dramatic

[SIZE=+1]#5. Browns 41 Chiefs 34[/SIZE]

Beyond the Box Score

* The Browns opted to ride the "hot hand" in the backfield early. Jerome Harrison had it and capitalized. He went on to rack up a career-high 36 touches and 298 total yards with three touchdowns, a week after Chris Jennings was Cleveland's primary back (20 touches, 73 yards, TD). Jennings only had 18 yards on seven touches in this one.

* Coming off a four-interception clunker, Matt Cassel avoided turnovers and benefited from the return of Dwayne Bowe. Bowe was out-produced by Chris Chambers in the box score, but finished with 10 targets compared to Chambers' five. Having Bowe on the field makes all the Chiefs' skill players better.

* Brady Quinn was completely ineffective, to put it mildly. The Browns came out with a balanced game plan, but ultimately went run heavy with Harrison as the offensive focal point. Quinn was all over the place. His passes were virtually all over- or under-thrown.

* Jamaal Charles is suddenly one of the better running backs in the league. He has seven all-purpose touchdowns in his last six games, is highly effective in the passing game, and is a true homerun threat on any given touch.

Going Forward

* Quinn's inconsistency makes all Browns pass receivers hands-off in terms of fantasy use the rest of the way.

* Charles goes against a Bengals run defense in Week 16 that is showing holes. A week after they were gashed for 140 total yards and two touchdowns by Adrian Peterson, the Bengals let LaDainian Tomlinson and Darren Sproles combine for 150 total yards on Sunday.

* We wouldn't call Harrison a safe play in Week 16 against Oakland because Eric Mangini's employment of players is so unpredictable. But, geez, there's something wrong if Harrison isn't the lead back. His 286 rushing yards on Sunday were the third most in league history.

* Bowe, returning a four-week suspension Sunday, remains the Chiefs' best bet for receptions, targets, and receiving yardage. He'll be a stronger fantasy play than Chambers in Week 16.

[SIZE=+1]#4. Chargers 27 Bengals 24[/SIZE]

Beyond the Box Score

* Malcom Floyd actually led the Chargers in targets with nine. He's constantly looking to go over the top but is unable to make tough catches in traffic.

* Larry Johnson actually looked like the Bengals' best back Sunday. He only got four carries though, which has something to do with it. Since the Bengals are now fighting for their playoff lives, don't look for CedBen to be rested. He'll be the horse.

* The Bengals wore a No. 15 tribute to Chris Henry. There was a moment of silence during which Chad Ochocinco shed tearms. And when Chad scored on a first-half bomb, he knelt and looked to the sky.

Going Forward

* Carson Palmer went over 300 yards for the first time since December 30, 2007. And in typical fashion, he didn't do it with big plays. Don't look for Palmer to start airing it out all of a sudden. This game was more of a fluke than the norm.

* Even more surprising than Palmer's game was LaDainian Tomlinson's contributions in the passing game. He had just 12 catches all year coming in and had four on Sunday. It's not a role that he excels at anymore and that won't continue.

* Don't pick up J.P. Foschi. He's more of a blocker than a pass-catcher and it was a desperation type game. This could very well be the best game of his career.

* Jerome Simpson was active for the first time, but didn't get on the field. Quan Cosby was the fourth receiver. The Bengals are going to need someone to step up as a deep threat opposite Ochocinco, but they don't have faith in Simpson.

[SIZE=+1]#3. Raiders 20 Broncos 19[/SIZE]

Beyond the Box Score

* Moreno came out hot, gashing the Raiders defense for 40 yards on the first drive. The Raiders moved an extra man into the box and keyed on the run thereafter, closing Moreno's holes. Kyle Orton failed to make the Raiders pay with a passing attack limited to Brandon Marshall.

* The Raiders rushed for 241 yards, which is the most the Broncos have allowed all season. Bush and Darren McFadden ripped off big gains throughout the second half, and the Broncos couldn't stop them even with the Raiders unable to pass.

* Cable and the Raiders trainers allowed Charlie Frye to stay on the ground for a couple of minutes after he suffered a concussion. It appeared that they were hoping Frey could stay in, so they wouldn't have to turn to JaMarcus Russell. As soon as Russell came, the life went immediately out of the offense. With no pocket presence whatsoever, Russell was a disaster until he forced from the game for one play after a big hit. Once he came back in, though, he gained confidence from a completion and led the Raiders to the game-winning score.

* The game featured a 5-10 minute delay while security tried to find a fan who was shooting a laser pointer at the field.

Going Forward

* Despite the game-winning score, coach Tom Cable has zero faith in JaMarcus Russell. He announced that Charlie Frye (concussion) will start if healthy in Week 16.

* Cable also disclosed that Justin Fargas "tweaked" his knee early in the game, and Michael Bush capitalized with 144 yards on 19 touches. Nothing is written in stone in this backfield, but Bush likely earned a greater role at Cleveland next week.

* When he was in there, Frye wasn't any better than Russell. Keep all members of the Raiders passing game benched.

* There's still no member of the Broncos offense worth a fantasy play outside of Brandon Marshall.

* Knowshon Moreno's work in the passing game makes him a viable RB2 at Philly next week if Correll Buckhalter (ankle) misses a second straight game.

[SIZE=+1]#2. Titans 27 Dolphins 24[/SIZE]

Beyond the Box Score

* Vince Young's first pass was batted into the air and knocked around by two different defenders before Miami CB Vontae Davis hauled it in for an interception. Young pulled it together soon after, though, finishing with three touchdown passes for the first time in his young career.

* The Titans have now one five straight home games and seven of their last eight contests. It might be a longshot, but they're still alive in the AFC Wild Card hunt.

* Chad Henne threw two terrible interceptions, including one in overtime that gave the Titans great field position. He's streaky with his decision-making and took a few too many chances this week.

* Chris Johnson has now gained 100 rushing yards in nine straight games. It's an amazing feat and one that could eventually prove to be record-setting. He is now 375 yards shy of Eric Dickerson's single-season rushing yards record: 2,105.

* Pat White didn't see a great amount of playing time but he did hand off a two-point conversion that sent the game to overtime. Ricky Williams carried the ball.

* Rob Bironas hit the game-winning field goal in OT.

Going Forward

* Justin Gage grabbed two touchdowns, one of which came on a beautiful 21-yard deep corner route in the second quarter. Gage had just one touchdown on the year heading into Sunday's action but he clearly has a presence about him in the red zone. He could emerge as a promising fantasy receiver in the near future.

* Ricky Williams topped 1,000 yards for the season, which is nice, but he also lost two fumbles during Sunday's loss. Ricky fumbled three times last week against Jacksonville and something may have to be done if he can't hang onto the ball early on in Week 16.

[SIZE=+1]#1. Steelers 37 Packers 36[/SIZE]

Beyond the Box Score

* Down 36-30 in the fourth quarter, Ben Roethlisberger found Steelers rookie Mike Wallace in the end zone as time expired. Jeff Reed then hit the extra point to give the Steelers their first win since Week 9. It was one of the wildest games of the year, full of superb fantasy scores and plenty of drama.

* Roethlisberger threw for a franchise-high 503 yards, hitting big pass play after big pass play. No NFL quarterback has topped 500 yards since Drew Brees in 2006 and only 10 QBs have done it since 1950.

* Big Ben has now accumulated 3,849 yards passing, which is a new personal single-season high.

* Roethlisberger, Y.A. Tittle and Warren Moon are the only NFL quarterbacks to throw for at least 500 yards and three touchdowns without an interception. That's some impressive company.

* Aaron Rodgers finished with 383 yards and three passing touchdowns of his own. He also scrambled for a score and threw impressively accurate passes on the run.

* The Packers' defense racked up five sacks and has quickly become a force to be reckoned with in the NFC.

Going Forward

* Jermichael Finley lined up out wide and skied over Steelers DB Ryan Clark for an 11-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter. It was an impressively athletic play from a tight end and further proof that Finley is among the elite players at his position.

HacheMan · Dec 22, 2009

Depth in the class
It's a shame that Hakeem Nicks injured his hamstring Monday night. He missed out on most of the Giants' party.

Nicks was just starting to come on as the starter ahead of Mario Manningham. He had two catches for 66 yards before leaving Monday, flashing those elite after-the-catch skills that every NFL receiver should have.

Nicks is just one of the rookie wide receivers that has impressed. It's safe to say that this year's class is deeper than last year's, which featured Eddie Royal, DeSean Jackson, Davone Bess and Donnie Avery. Here's a look at the top-6 rookie receivers in terms of long-term fantasy potential:

1. Michael Crabtree - Even though Alex Smith took a step back in Week 15, he's shown that he can be the team's future at quarterback. That's big for Crabtree, who has all the tools an NFL receiver needs. The Niners are shifting their offense toward the skills of Smith of Crabtree and we should see more of that going forward.

2. Percy Harvin - Migraine issues aside, Harvin has been really impressive out of the slot this season. He's not just a gadget guy. He goes over the middle with no fear and runs crisp routes.

3. Hakeem Nicks - He has a chance to form a real bond with Eli Manning over the next few years as this offense leans toward the pass. We already know about the way he eludes tacklers and runs after the catch.

4. Kenny Britt - He got his opportunity when Justin Gage went down with a back injury and proved he can play at this level right now. The size (6'3/218) and physicality can't be denied.

5. Jeremy Maclin - As long as you're a starting receiver in Philadelphia, you'll have a chance to make big plays. Even when Donovan McNabb moves on, Kevin Kolb has proven he can go long effectively as well. Maclin and DeSean Jackson figure to be a starting duo for a long time to come.

6. Mike Wallace - He's not just a deep threat. Wallace can run intermediate routes as well in an offense that throws it much better than they run it.

Giants vs. Redskins quick hitters:
Football is the only sport where you can square up for a fight, throw some punches and not even get ejected. Brandon Jacobs and Albert Haynesworth in the ring could revive the heavyweight division of boxing. … How has London Fletcher never made a Pro Bowl? … The fake field goal/swinging gate or whatever the Redskins want to call it was one of the most embarrassing plays in the history of football. … After watching Monday's game, perhaps Bruce Allen will do the smart thing and use every single one of his draft picks on offensive linemen. … The Giants front seven remains legit. They can mask a lot of the problems back in the secondary. … If you were counting on Quinton Ganther, it should be abundantly clear that you need to look elsewhere. He's not talented enough to do real damage at this level.

Editor's Note: For early rankings, complete projections, and a host of other exclusive material for Week 16, head to Rotoworld's Season Pass. It's just $4.99 for the rest of the season and includes rankings for the fantasy playoffs.

NEWS OF THE DAY #2
This injury flew way under the radar Sunday: Julius Jones played through a rib injury in the loss to the Bucs. It's a small nick in a vacuum, but it could loom large in the bigger picture.

Jones missed a couple games just a month ago with rib and lung injuries. The Seahawks' season is completely over. We know Justin Forsett can play, as evidenced by his breakout games against the Cardinals in Week 10 and the Rams in Week 12. Will the Seahawks use Jones' injury as an excuse to sit him down? It's a possibility. Monitor Jones' practice regimen closely this week.

NEWS OF THE DAY #3
How much will the Colts' starters play Sunday? It's the question everyone wants to know. Coach Jim Caldwell was very vague about the situation Monday, saying that if a player is excluded from the game, it will be a health issue.

"I wouldn't know exactly what it's going to be, if a guy is going to play a few series or the entire game," he said. "I couldn't tell you. We'll look at every situation the same."

One Colt that has a known injury is Pierre Garcon (hand). Other than that, it's speculation at this point. The Colts brass has said they don't care about being undefeated. We also need to realize that the Jets' defense is among the best in the league. All Colts are looking like risky starts this week.

NEWS OF THE DAY #4
The Falcons did not provide a real update on Michael Turner's ankle Monday. Here's a free piece of advice for them: Shut Turner down.

It's getting ridiculous already. He's nowhere near 100 percent and the Falcons are out of the playoffs. Although high ankle sprains do not become chronic problems, Turner is testing the limits of that assertion.

Editor's Note: For early rankings, complete projections, and a host of other exclusive material for Week 16, head to Rotoworld's Season Pass. It's $4.99 for the rest of the season and includes rankings for the fantasy playoffs.

INJURY QUICK SLANTS
Nate Burleson (ankle) is doubtful for Week 16. … Zach Miller (concussion) expects to be cleared for Week 16. … Sammie Stroughter (foot) was placed on injured reserve, ending his season. … Reggie Bush has a mild hamstring pull. His status for Week 16 is unknown. … Martellus Bennett (concussion) has been cleared to resume practicing. … Brian Westbrook (concussion) is expected to be cleared to return to game action Tuesday and coach Andy Reid sounded optimistic about his chances of playing this week. He'll be eased in very slowly. … Jeremy Maclin (foot) is expected to return to practice this week, but his status for Week 16 is unknown. … Joe Nedney is dealing with a hamstring strain.

DEPTH CHART QUICK SLANTS
Brad Childress tried to remove Brett Favre from the game while leading 7-6 Sunday night, but Favre refused. … Nick Folk is out and Shaun Suisham is in as the Cowboys' kicker. … Mike Holmgren officially took over as the Browns' club president. … Brian Brohm could end up starting for the Bills this week with Ryan Fitzpatrick and Trent Edwards both nursing ankle injuries. … Matthew Stafford (shoulder) is not expected to be in the mix to start Week 16. It will be either Daunte Culpepper or Drew Stanton. … Mason Crosby got another vote of confidence Monday despite another missed chippie. … Terrell Owens hinted that he won't be back with the Bills next season via his Twitter page.

DEFENSE SPOT STARTS
Here are three ideas for owners adding a new defense each week based on matchups:

49ERS vs. Lions - Even though they're out of the playoffs, Mike Singletary won't let this team quit. It's hard to see Drew Stanton duplicating his second-half performance from last week on the road. And if Daunte Culpepper gets the nod, we know he'll duplicate what he's been doing all season.

FALCONS vs. Bills - This is only a play if Brian Brohm ends up getting the nod. Even though the Falcons' secondary is miserable, Brohm wouldn't be able to expose them.

CARDINALS vs. Rams - Keith Null isn't exactly set up for success with this offense. He has three fumbles and six interceptions in two starts.

POSITIONAL SPOT STARTS
Chris Wesseling will cover this topic from head-to-toe in his Waiver Wired column, but here are three guys that are worth a quick add:

RB Jerome Harrison - There's one sure way to make sure Eric Mangini plays you: Break a record held by Jim Brown. Harrison has to have a lock on the feature back job now -- we think.

WR Demetrius Williams - I "tweeted" before Sunday's game that it was going to be interesting to see what Williams could do with Mark Clayton and Kelley Washington both out. At the very least, Williams is back on the radar as a dynasty prospect. He can stretch the field.

TE David Thomas - He actually looked quicker and faster than Jeremy Shockey has all season. With Shockey (toe) possibly resting for the last couple weeks, Thomas is worth a look

HacheMan · Dec 22, 2009

Prospects Gone Wild
The folks at footballoutsiders.com had to be smiling from ear to ear by the time Sunday evening rolled around. Each year in their offseason edition of Pro Football Prospectus (now Pro Football Almanac), they analyze and put forth the NFL's Top 25 prospects. Unlike in baseball, their list does not involve rookies. Instead it's a list of underappreciated young players that have flashed ability in small doses, or talented backups just an injury away from a starting job.

The 2009 edition of the Top 25 list reads like an all-star team of waiver pickups. No. 1 prospect Miles Austin, easily the top wide receiver waiver addition this season, continued his Pro Bowl caliber season, exploding on the previously undefeated Saints Saturday night for a 7-139-1 line. Michael Bush (No. 20), Oakland's most effective runner in spotty playing time this year, came off the bench with 144 yards and a touchdown on 19 touches to lead the Raiders to an upset victory in Denver.

Jamaal Charles (No. 13), the top running back pickup this season and possible fantasy playoff MVP, squared off against Jerome Harrison (No. 6) in a scoring bonanza at Arrowhead Stadium. Charles, the No. 2 fantasy back since taking over as the starter in Week 10, totaled a career-high 170 yards and one touchdown on 27 touches while Harrison shattered the immortal Jim Brown's team record with 286 yards and three touchdowns on 34 carries.

It just so happens that the top waiver wire options for Week 16 are two prospects squaring off against each other in Cleveland this Sunday. Harrison, owned in just 49 percent of all CBSSports.com leagues, faces a Raiders defense surrendering the fifth most points to opposing backs while Bush takes on a Browns defense fairing even worse. As long as Tom Cable and Eric Mangini cooperate, this should be another fantasy feast.

Other members of the Pro Football Almanac Top 25 list that were featured on Waiver Wired this season:

No. 3: Jerious Norwood
No. 9: Tashard Choice
No. 14: Josh Morgan
No. 18: Pierre Garcon

Honorable Mention: Ahmad Bradshaw, Justin Forsett

On to the waiver lists. Here is how I rank the top players available at each position as we head into championship week. 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, Rotoworld Oracle and much more including playoff rankings and schedules in our Season Pass. Our playoff edition is just $4.99!

Running Backs
1. Jerome Harrison
2. Michael Bush
3. Maurice Morris
4. Darren McFadden
5. Leonard Weaver
6. Ryan Moats

Quarterbacks
1. Chad Henne
2. Matt Moore
3. Josh Freeman
4. Drew Stanton

Wide Receivers
1. Josh Morgan
2. Mike Wallace
3. Deon Butler
4. Demetrius Williams
5. Greg Camarillo
6. Malcom Floyd

Tight Ends
1. Bo Scaife
2. David Thomas
3. Todd Heap

Defenses
1. 49ers
2. Cardinals
3. Falcons

</FONT+1>RUNNING BACKS

Jerome Harrison, Browns – Harrison wasn't just the No. 6 prospect in the 2009 Pro Football Prospectus. He was also the No. 6 prospect in the 2008 version and honorable mention in the 2007 version. The Pac-10's leading rusher during Reggie Bush's final season at USC, Harrison has been wasting away on the Browns' bench the past two seasons only to go crazy at Kansas City in Week 15. Let's get one thing straight, however: the Chiefs are an awful defense, and they're getting worse. For the season, they surrender the 2nd most points to opposing backs. Over the past three weeks, they've allowed an average of 245 rushing yards and 2 rushing touchdowns per game. Harrison was set up for a fluke performance in Arrowhead last week, and to his credit he came through with the third-best afternoon in NFL history. Even Eric Mangini can't bench Harrison after that record-breaking performance. Right?

Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues

Michael Bush, Raiders – Bush has been Oakland's most effective runner since late last season when he dropped 183 yards and two touchdowns on the Bucs defense. He's now responsible for the only two 100-yard performances in the Oakland backfield this season, and he's up to a gaudy 5.0 yards per carry. Someone needs to alert coach Tom Cable. Just days after Cable said there was "no room" in the backfield for him, Bush came off the bench for 144 yards on 19 touches to lead the Raiders to a shocking upset victory in Denver. Cable wouldn't commit to a starter for this week's game, though it's tough to imagine him going back to the more pedestrian Justin Fargas with two games left. I like Bush as a high-risk, high-reward play in a favorable matchup against the Browns this week.

Recommendation: Should be owned in 12-team leagues

Maurice Morris, Lions – Coordinator Scott Linehan followed through on his promise to use Morris in a feature back role similar to the way Kevin Smith was used. Morris responded with 161 yards and a touchdown on 22 touches against the Cardinals. While Morris owners won't be able to count on a 64-yard touchdown scamper this week against the 49ers' fifth-ranked run defense, his pass-catching ability makes him a viable RB2/flex option. Just don't expect a repeat of last week's numbers.

Recommendation: Should be owned in 12-team leagues

Darren McFadden, Raiders – Totaling 179 yards in Weeks 14 and 15, McFadden is coming off his two best games of the season. Unfortunately for him, his 6.2 yards per carry performance against the Broncos coincided with Michael Bush's breakout game. Bush and McFadden have earned the top two spots in the backfield for this week's game at Cleveland, but McFadden is going to have to make an impact as a receiver. He's only an option as a high-risk flex play.

Recommendation: Worth a look in deeper leagues

Leonard Weaver, Eagles – Steadily gaining more responsibilities in the Eagles' offensive game plan, Weaver carried the ball 17 times after Philly jumped out to an early lead last week. Coach Andy Reid expects Brian Westbrook (concussion) to be fully cleared for this week's game, so Weaver could be back to 8-10 touches against the Broncos. I wouldn't feel comfortable using him as anything more than a desperation flex play.

Recommendation: Worth a look in deeper leagues

Ryan Moats, Texans – Tread lightly in the Texans backfield. Arian Foster appeared poised for a big game during the game's first possession last week, seeing most of the touches before fumbling. Coach Gary Kubiak sent Foster to the doghouse thereafter, replacing him with the equally fumble-prone Moats. While Moats is the best bet for touches this week, he could be pulled at a moment's notice. The Dolphins' run defense is above average, so the Houston backs aren't worth the headache this week.

Recommendation: Worth a look in deeper leagues

Long-Term Fliers

Mike Hart - Hart is playing ahead of Chad Simpson and figures to see the majority of the backfield touches if Joseph Addai is rested in Week 17.

Donald Brown - Brown (chest) hasn't played since Week 11, so his best-case scenario is a Week 17 return as the Colts kick his tires to see if he can be a contributor during the playoffs.

Keeper League Specials

LenDale White - If a new CBA is reached, White is set to hit free agency. He'd work out nicely as the early-down back in a place like San Diego.

Larry Johnson - LJ signed just a one-year deal with Cincy last month. His 4.7 yards per carry with the Bengals suggests he may have something left in the tank afterall.

Cut Bait

Justin Fargas - Watched Bush and McFadden blow up for over 210 yards while he sat on the sidelines with a tweaked knee.

Chris Jennings - Harrison's record-breaking day should keep Jennings on the bench the rest of the way.

Sammy Morris - Laurence Maroney has a firm grip on the starting job.



</FONT+1>WIDE RECEIVERS

Josh Morgan, 49ers – Let's face it: the wide receiver options are pedestrian at best this week. Morgan isn't going to blow up for 100+ yards, but fantasy owners may be surprised to learn that he's cleared six catches in three of the past four weeks with a touchdown in two of his past three games. Morgan ranks as the No. 28 fantasy receiver in the spread offense over the past three weeks, and the matchup couldn't be better with the Lions' league-worst secondary coming to town in Week 16.

Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues

Mike Wallace, Steelers – We've pointed out multiple times this season that Wallace is more than just a deep threat, and he proved it last week with a tight sideline catch in the end zone to win an instant classic in Pittsburgh. For fantasy purposes, though, Wallace remains dependent on the long touchdown. The Ravens lost their fastest corner, Lardarius Webb, to an ACL injury, so the matchup is right for Wallace to do some damage in Week 16. Hines Ward reportedly had a setback with his hamstring injury, so Wallace could be in line for more action than expected.

Recommendation: Worth a look in deeper leagues

Deon Butler, Seahawks – As expected, Butler and Deion Branch split production with Nate Burleson out last week. While the rookie continues to show potential, Branch only proved that he's washed up. Branch was targeted on three of Matt Hasselbeck's four picks and generally let 10 targets go to waste. Though Butler was held to just three catches for 30 yards on six targets against the Bucs, the speedy playmaker has earned a longer look the final two weeks.

Recommendation: Worth a look in deeper leagues

Demetrius Williams, Ravens – The good news is that Williams has emerged as a much-needed deep threat for Joe Flacco, culminating in a 4-71-1 performance against the Bears. The bad news is that Mark Clayton and Kelley Washington both expect to return for the Steelers game this week. Williams can't be trusted in Week 16, but he could be an option next week at Oakland if he can keep Clayton at bay.

Recommendation: Worth a look in deeper leagues

Greg Camarillo, Dolphins – The No. 35 fantasy wide receiver over the past three weeks, Camarillo hasn't reached the end zone all season, so he's only an option in PPR leagues. Bypassing Davone Bess as Chad Henne's go-to option, Camarillo has been targeted at least seven times in each of the past three games, averaging five catches for 72 yards. He's a viable WR3 in PPR leagues this week.

Recommendation: Worth a look in PPR leagues

Malcom Floyd, Chargers – Floyd surprisingly led the Chargers with nine targets last week, with Philip Rivers looking for him on deep balls. San Diego's No. 2 receiver hasn't been below three catches in the past six games, so owners don't have to worry about a goose egg. The flip side is that he hasn't cleared 85 yards or found the end zone over the same period. Floyd is only an option for desperate owners in deep leagues.

Recommendation: Worth a look in deeper leagues

Keeper League Specials:

James Jones / Jordy Nelson, Packers – Donald Driver's future is up in the air with a $3 million roster bonus in March on top of a $4 million salary for 2010.

Early Doucet, Cardinals – If Anquan Boldin is traded this offseason, Doucet moves into the Steve Breaston role.

Laurent Robinson, Rams – One of my favorite early-season waiver targets will be healthy and likely starting in 2010.

Chaz Schilens, Raiders - Schilens is plenty talented. If the Raiders land a legit NFL quarterback this offseason, he could break out next year.

Brandon Tate, Patriots – The Patriots are in desperate need of a No. 3 receiver. If Tate is fully healthy in 2010, he could fill the void while maintaining value in return yardage leagues.

Cut Bait

Steve Breaston - Hasn't been a fantasy factor since Boldin returned to full health over a month ago.

Devin Aromashodu - Targeted 10 times but caught just two passes in Chicago's woebegone passing attack.

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</FONT+1>QUARTERBACKS

Chad Henne, Dolphins – Henne is still growing as an NFL quarterback, but he's showing enough each week to continue to impress onlookers. Now the focal point of the Dolphins offense, Henne is the No. 10 fantasy quarterback over the past three weeks with 335+ yards in Weeks 13 and 15. With the Texans shutting down opposing running games this season, Henne will have to carry the offense again this week. He's a high-end QB2 in two-quarterback leagues.

Recommendation: Worth a look in two-quarterback leagues

Matt Moore, Panthers – Coming off a career game with 299 yards and three touchdowns against the Vikings, Moore is putting himself in the picture for next year's starting job in Carolina. Jake Delhomme is an albatross going into the offseason, and the Panthers' No. 1 draft pick now belongs to the Niners. For this week, Moore draws a Giants pass defense that had been reeling before dismantling the Redskins Monday night. Moore is only an option in two-quarterback leagues.

Recommendation: Worth a look in two-quarterback leagues

Josh Freeman, Bucaneers – We suggested Freeman as a matchup play likely to surpass 17 fantasy points at Seattle last week, and he obliged with 18.4 points. The No. 21 fantasy quarterback over the past five weeks, Freeman can't be trusted in standard league championships even in a favorable matchup at New Orleans Sunday. He remains an option in two-quarterback leagues, however.

Recommendation: Worth a look in two-quarterback leagues

Drew Stanton, Lions – Daunte Culpepper couldn't lead the offense to a score in his last two starts, so the Lions have nothing to lose in turning to their former second-rounder while Matthew Stafford remains out. Stanton is a subpar passer at the NFL level, but he did add a second-half spark with his legs last week. The 49ers allow the 18th most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks, making Stanton only a desperation option in two-quarterback leagues.

Recommendation: Worth a look in two-quarterback leagues

Long-Term Fliers

Brian Brohm - The former Packers draft bust may get a shot at Atlanta this week, but redrafters should stay far away. Deep Dynasty leaguers can pick him up as a stash-and-pray.

Curtis Painter - Painter isn't for the faint of heart. The rookie will likely play all but one series in Week 17, but there's no telling what kind of production you'll get out of him at Buffalo that week.

Keeper League Specials

Kevin Kolb - Michael Vick is the Philly quarterback most likely to be moved, but stranger things have happened. Kolb flashed in spot starts this season and should be owned in all Dynasty leagues.

Chad Pennington - His arm may be shot and he may opt for retirement, but the free agent-to-be is worth a roster spot in deep Dynasty leagues.

Cut Bait

Jay Cutler - Can't be trusted to make it through the game without getting pulled.

Brady Quinn - Can't be trusted to break 100 yards even in a favorable matchup. Now done for the season.

Ryan Fitzpatrick - Can't be trusted to break 100 yards or make it through the game without getting pulled.



</FONT+1>TIGHT ENDS

Bo Scaife, Titans – While he's no threat for a monster game, Scaife has been incredibly consistent since Vince Young took over for Kerry Collins. Scaife has at least four catches for 38+ yards in each of the past five weeks as the No. 12 fantasy option over that period. The Chargers, who surrendered an anomalous seven catches for 82 yards against John Paul Foschi last week, come to Tennessee in Week 16. The matchup is right.

Recommendation: Worth a look in deeper leagues

David Thomas, Saints – Check Jeremy Shockey's injury report later this week. Highlighted by last week's eight catches for 77 yards, Thomas has outproduced the veteran over the past six weeks. He's only a fantasy option, though, if Shockey is clearly hobbled this week. Dynasty leaguers take note: the speedy Thomas has higher upside than Shockey going forward.

Recommendation: Worth a look in deeper leagues and Dynasty leagues

Todd Heap, Ravens – As Jermichael Finley showed last week, the Steelers can be exploited by tight ends. Heap will be a risky fantasy play, but it's worth noting that he's the No. 7 fantasy option over the past three weeks with five receptions and 50+ yards in Week 13 and Week 15. Use him only in desperation.

Recommendation: Worth a look in deeper leagues

Keeper League Specials

Tony Scheffler, Broncos – Wasted in Josh McDaniels' offense, Scheffler is set to exit as a free agent this offseason.

Jared Cook, Titans – Scaife is due to hit free agency this offseason, possibly opening up the starting job for the freakishly athletic Cook.

Gary Barnidge, Panthers – I'm still trying to figure out his lack of playing time. A speedy tight end with soft hands, Barnidge has been the Panthers' second-best option in the receiving game all season. He must be a rotten blocker.

</FONT+1>DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS

49ers - An always attractive matchup against the Lions could be even juicier if Drew Stanton makes his first NFL start. Stanton's scrambling ability gives Detroit a shot in the arm after two weeks of a feckless Daunte Culpepper, but he's nowhere close to NFL caliber as a passer.

Recommendation: Worth picking up as a matchup play

Cardinals - Home teams are always better bets for fantasy points, and the Cardinals return to University of Phoenix Stadium to host Keith Null and the Rams.

Recommendation: Worth picking up as a matchup play

Falcons - As of press time, it appears that Brian Brohm has a chance to start for the Bills this week. If he's anything like the Brohm that showed up in preseason action for the Packers the past two seasons, even the spineless Falcons defense is an elite fantasy play.

Recommendation: Worth picking up as a matchup play