Upon Further Review: Ride the hot hand
With the playoffs set to start in many leagues, Fantasy owners need to focus on peaking performers and upcoming matchups. Off of a big game against the 49ers, Upon Further Review says the Rams' Steven Jackson will provide some nice value in the upcoming weeks.
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Upon Further Review takes a closer look at Sunday's games to give Fantasy owners an edge in making transactions and setting lineups for the upcoming week.
Buffalo Bills at Miami Dolphins
Hopefully you were paying attention last week when Lee Evans was mentioned in this column as one to watch considering the recent hot streak of Bills QB Drew Bledsoe. Bledsoe was at it again down in Miami and Evans was the beneficiary to the tune of 110 yards and two touchdowns. He could be a real productive No. 3 receiver in Week 14 when Buffalo faces the Browns at home.Tennessee Titans at Indianapolis Colts
The Colts trio of receivers, Marvin Harrison, Reggie Wayne and Brandon Stokley are closing in on an amazing record, especially from a Fantasy perspective. This group will surely become the first set of three receivers from the same team to each have at least 10 touchdowns in the same year. Harrison already has 12 and Wayne caught his 10th against the Titans with Stokley adding his ninth. Chris Brown has been slowed by a bad bout of turf toe in recent weeks and had to leave the game at the start of the third quarter. He did manage to pile up 104 rushing yards against the Colts before his exit and vowed to be ready for Week 14 when the Titans face the Chiefs at home on Monday night. Derrick Mason is tied for the NFL lead in receptions, but once again Drew Bennett proved he is the big-play threat for the Titans. Bennett had just three catches in Week 13, but they were all for touchdowns -- not to mention 124 yards. He is an undervalued Fantasy receiver and definitely worth a look against the Chiefs.
New England Patriots at Cleveland Browns
With Lee Suggs (toe) out again in Week 13, William Green carried the load for the Browns, but wasn't able to dent the Patriots defense. Green rushed 12 times for 15 yards and it surely won't get any easier when Cleveland travels to Buffalo in Week 14. In fact, the only Browns player worth Fantasy attention these days is Antonio Bryant. With Andre Davis (toe) now on IR, Bryant has a secure starting job the rest of the season and was the only player to have a good game against the Patriots. With 115 yards and two touchdowns in Week 13, Bryant now has 246 yards and four touchdowns over his past two games.Arizona Cardinals at Detroit Lions
Kevin Jones had been making steady progress for weeks and it culminated with his first big game in Week 14. Jones had 196 yards rushing with a touchdown and also caught four passes for 22 yards. The way he is running right now, Fantasy owners should give him every consideration as a starter.Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears
Despite coach Mike Tice saying he would utilize Michael Bennett more in Week 13, the back didn't receive a single carry against the Bears. Once again, Onterrio Smith dominated the rushing totals for Minnesota and there is no reason to think that will change the rest of this year. Smith is well worth a starting Fantasy role in Week 14 when the Vikings welcome the Seahawks into the Metrodome. Speaking of rushing totals, it was interesting to note that Thomas Jones and Anthony Thomas both received an equal number of carries (15) in Week 13. Considering the Bears were victorious, there is no reason to think coach Lovie Smith won't continue to rotate these backs for the remainder of the season. In light of this, owners should hesitate to activate either back and they are best left on the bench in Week 14 when Chicago travels to Jacksonville.Cincinnati Bengals at Baltimore Ravens
Carson Palmer certainly appears to be finding his groove as the Cincinnati QB. It was one thing to throw for four touchdowns against the Browns in Week 12, but then to turn around and light up the Ravens for 382 yards and three touchdowns a week later is very impressive. Palmer is worth a look as a No. 2 option as owners set their playoff rosters. His main target, Chad Johnson, should be active in all leagues. Chester Taylor had 139 rushing yards and a touchdown against Cincy, also adding 25 receiving yards. With Jamal Lewis (ankle) potentially out again in Week 14, Taylor has some solid value facing the New York Giants at home.San Francisco 49ers at St. Louis Rams
Rams QB Marc Bulger suffered a sprained right (throwing) shoulder against the 49ers and was replaced by Chris Chandler -- remember him? Although the injury doesn't appear to be too serious, it is likely to keep Bulger on the sidelines for at least a week, so owners should make plans to start another quarterback for Week 14. Speaking of St. Louis starters in Week 14, it appears as if coach Mike Martz will go with Steven Jackson against Carolina after his fine performance in Week 13. Jackson got the start for Marshall Faulk (bruised left knee) against San Francisco and rushed for 119 yards on 26 carries. Coincidentally, Jackson suffered a bruised right knee late in the game but told reporters he is fine and will be ready for the Panthers. Jackson is a terrific No. 3 option in all Fantasy leagues as the starter for the Rams.Houston Texans at New York Jets
Although he didn't throw for big numbers, Jets QB Chad Pennington showed little rust after missing the past three games with a shoulder injury. Pennington was 20-of-27 for 155 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. He could be a valuable commodity in the Fantasy playoffs but should be avoided in Week 14 when the Jets travel to Pittsburgh.














