Editor's note: Dave Richard breaks down every game from a
Fantasy perspective each week with the help of CBSSports.com NFL Insider
Pat Kirwan, who will provide his unique take to assist owners in their
lineup management.
Arizona Cardinals at Atlanta Falcons -- Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET,
Georgia Dome
|
Arizona Cardinals
|
Pos.
|
Name
|
Rating
|
Comment
|
QB
|
John Skelton
|
|
Only two QBs have thrown multiple scores on Atlanta this year.
Skelton has yet to throw 2 TDs in a game in 2012.
|
RB
|
LaRod Stephens-Howling
|
|
Has some sleeper potential given his play over last three weeks &
Falcons' 123.3 total yards per game allowed to RBs with 3 TDs over
last three games.
|
WR
|
Larry Fitzgerald
|
|
Of the four WRs to get 10+ Fantasy, two have been No. 1 WRs.
Fitzgerald more of a No. 2; he and Skelton have hooked up once for a
TD this year.
|
WR
|
Andre Roberts
|
|
Falcons have allowed 165.5 yards per game to WRs over their last
four. Roberts averaging 6.0 catches & 84.7 yards in three starts
with Skelton.
|
DST
|
Cardinals
|
|
Don't do it. Falcons have averaged 27.4 points & 385.2 yards per
game this season. Last three DSTs have totaled 14 Fantasy points vs.
ATL.
|
Atlanta Falcons
|
Pos.
|
Name
|
Rating
|
Comment
|
QB
|
Matt Ryan
|
|
Cards have allowed 7 pass TDs over their last two games. They might
have re-tooled their defense during the bye but it's still a juicy
matchup for Ryan.
|
RB
|
Michael Turner
|
|
Arizona has allowed 122.3 rush yards per game over their last three
but Turner has 6 or fewer Fantasy points in three of his last four.
Tough to trust.
|
RB
|
Jacquizz Rodgers
|
|
Has 4+ catches in each of last three games, could start taking some
carries from Turner & has had 7+ carries in three blowout Falcons
wins.
|
WR
|
Roddy White
|
|
Averaging a ridiculous 17.0 Fantasy points per home game this season
with at least 11 Fantasy points per. A must vs. Arizona.
|
WR
|
Julio Jones
|
|
A good start if coaches deem him healthy enough to play. Cardinals
have given up six TDs to WRs over their last two games!
|
TE
|
Tony Gonzalez
|
|
Tight ends have only scored three times on the Cardinals this year,
only high-end TE to do it was Rob Gronkowski.
Gonzalez still in play as must-start.
|
DST
|
Falcons
|
|
Eight of nine DSTs vs. ARI have posted 10 or more Fantasy points.
Cards have given up 40 sacks already this year! This is a great
one-week option.
|
Michael Turner is in the later stages of his career, and last
week wasn't good enough for him to even come close to helping the
Falcons win. But the Atlanta pass game sets up the run and as a result
he could have decent numbers. We're not talking big stats here -- 100
yards or 4.0 yards per carry -- because he'll continue to split with Jacquizz Rodgers. But don't expect his carries to completely dry up
unless he really tails off down the stretch like he did last season. --
Pat Kirwan
Cincinnati Bengals at Kansas City Chiefs -- Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET,
Arrowhead Stadium
|
Cincinnati Bengals
|
Pos.
|
Name
|
Rating
|
Comment
|
QB
|
Andy Dalton
|
|
Red Rifle was red hot last week, takes on a Chiefs team that's
allowed 2+ passing scores in 7 of 9 games.
|
RB
|
BenJarvus Green-Ellis
|
|
Tough to trust: Has 70 total yards or less in five straight with one
TD. Chiefs haven't allowed a rush TD in three straight.
|
WR
|
A.J. Green
|
|
Feel good about going Green: Chiefs have allowed 12 TDs to WRs this
year including seven in their last four.
|
WR
|
Mohamed Sanu
|
|
Finished second in targets last week with season-best six. Not worth
starting but might be worth a stash in three-WR leagues.
|
TE
|
Jermaine Gresham
|
|
Stats say Chiefs can cover tight ends: Only two have had 7+ Fantasy
points in their last seven, but Gresham has had 7+ Fantasy points in
3 of last 4.
|
DST
|
Bengals
|
|
They're worth it. Every DST vs. KC has posted at least 11 Fantasy
points, four have found the end zone.
|
Kansas City Chiefs
|
Pos.
|
Name
|
Rating
|
Comment
|
QB
|
Matt Cassel
|
|
Bengals pass D is Jekyll & Hyde. They have allowed 2 TDs to 3 of 4
QBs on the road but Cassel too risky to use.
|
RB
|
Jamaal Charles
|
|
Cincy allowing 136.3 total yards per game to rushers with three TDs
in last four. Looks like Charles will be a regular in the offense.
|
WR
|
Dwayne Bowe
|
|
Cincy has allowed a 90+ yard receiver in three of last four but they
did a nice job against the Giants' receivers last week. Bowe hasn't
scored in five straight.
|
DST
|
Chiefs
|
|
Bengals held the Steelers and Giants to zero sacks in two of their
last three -- but the Broncos got five. Ultimately Chiefs DST can't
be trusted.
|
Andy Dalton really needed that game against the Giants to right
the Bengals ship and restore some personal confidence. A.J. Green is always the main attraction but look for Mohamed Sanu and Andrew Hawkins, who
are showing signs of getting more action. Look for Sanu to get thrown at
close to nine times with about six catches and even a touchdown as he
emerges as the true second threat in the passing game, a spot the
Bengals have been trying to fill for years. -- Pat Kirwan
Cleveland Browns at Dallas Cowboys -- Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, Cowboys
Stadium
|
Cleveland Browns
|
Pos.
|
Name
|
Rating
|
Comment
|
QB
|
Brandon Weeden
|
|
Cowboys have held all but one QB to 1 pass TD or less, only two have
250+ pass yards. Not much hope for Weeden.
|
RB
|
Trent Richardson
|
|
Dallas has allowed 100 total yards to back-to-back RBs. A rested
Richardson should post big stats.
|
WR
|
Josh Gordon
|
|
Only five WRs have scored 10+ Fantasy points vs. DAL this season,
but three in the last two weeks.
|
DST
|
Browns
|
|
Four of the last five DSTs to play DAL have scored under 10 Fantasy
points. Whether Haden plays or not, the Browns are not an option.
|
Dallas Cowboys
|
Pos.
|
Name
|
Rating
|
Comment
|
QB
|
Tony Romo
|
|
Browns have allowed one pass TD over last three (three QB scores
total). Won't be a lay-up for Romo if Joe Haden plays but would be
if Haden is out.
|
RB
|
Felix Jones
|
|
CLE allowing 166.5 total yards per game to RBs over last four. Felix
has shined, topping 10+ Fantasy points in each of last two starts.
|
WR
|
Miles Austin
|
|
Though he has under 80 yards in 6 of 9 games is still a big part of
Dallas offense. Browns allowing 125.3 yards to WRs since Joe Haden's
return from suspension.
|
WR
|
Dez Bryant
|
|
Just three touchdowns allowed to receivers by Browns over their last
four games. Dez has scored in 6 of 10 career November games.
|
TE
|
Jason Witten
|
|
Only three TE s have posted 6+ Fantasy points on the Browns, a total
Witten hasn't hit in 3 of his last 4 despite getting 6+ catches in
each.
|
DST
|
Cowboys
|
|
Browns haven't allowed a DST to post over 11 Fantasy points over
last five games. But the Browns are averaging 11.7 points per game
over last three. Should be good for the 'Boys.
|
The Cowboys would be wise to stick to the formula that had Tony Romo throw the ball less than 30 times and instead run the ball
about the same number of times. Dallas needs to look closely at the
Ravens-Browns game when Baltimore ran the ball 37 times for 137 yards
and two touchdowns. Felix Jones actually
looks like he's in good running shape and seems ready to handle 20
carries. As for the pass, the deep game off play-action is a solid
approach as well with at least 10 targets heading in Jason Witten's direction. Just don't look for Tony Romo to have a 300-yard day against the Browns. -- Pat Kirwan
Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions -- Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, Ford
Field
|
Green Bay Packers
|
Pos.
|
Name
|
Rating
|
Comment
|
QB
|
Aaron Rodgers
|
|
Lions have allowed 2 pass TDs in 6 of last 8 games. Rodgers has 300+
yards in 5 of 7 starts, 2+ TDs in 6 of 7 starts vs. DET.
|
RB
|
James Starks
|
|
Might be the Packers' top RB after leading in carries & rush yardage
in Week 9. Lions allowing 5.8 yards per carry vs. tough competition
over last three games.
|
RB
|
Alex Green
|
|
Probably no better than a low-end flex option as he'll split with
Starks. Averaged 3.2 yards per carry over last five.
|
WR
|
Randall Cobb
|
|
Not only has 5 scores in last three but has delivered 10+ Fantasy
points in three of last four. Too valuable to sit.
|
WR
|
Jordy Nelson
|
|
Had ridiculous three-TD game vs. DET in Week 17 last year but very
little in games prior. Lions have allowed 4 TDs to WRs over last
three.
|
WR
|
James Jones
|
|
Lions have allowed 145.3 yards per game to WRs over their last
three, Jones should get some of that.
|
TE
|
Jermichael Finley
|
|
Has a TD in 2 of last 3 vs. DET and Lions have allowed 2 TDs to TEs
over last three but has just 14 targets over his last four games.
Not sure he can be trusted.
|
DST
|
Packers
|
|
Four of the last five DSTs vs. DET posted 8 Fantasy points or less. Clay Matthews might not play.
|
Detroit Lions
|
Pos.
|
Name
|
Rating
|
Comment
|
QB
|
Matthew Stafford
|
|
Had 520 yards & 5 TDs in last game vs. Green Bay. Probably won't do
that well but Packers have allowed back-to-back 300-yard passers.
|
RB
|
Mikel Leshoure
|
|
Last four starting RBs vs. GB have totaled 100 yards and/or totaled
10+ Fantasy points. Matchup's good but how much work will Leshoure
get?
|
RB
|
Joique Bell
|
|
Has finished each of the Lions' last two games, might finish this
one too if the Lions have to throw to stay in the game.
|
WR
|
Calvin Johnson
|
|
Playing unstoppable again and has scored in six of last seven
against the Packers. No. 1 WRs have 11+ Fantasy points vs. GB in
their last two.
|
WR
|
Titus Young
|
|
Packers allowing 195.8 yards to WRs over their last four. Young has
8+ Fantasy points in three of last four.
|
WR
|
Ryan Broyles
|
|
Still a part-time player for the Lions, hard to count on him after
getting a single target last week but Lions are expected to throw a
lot.
|
TE
|
Brandon Pettigrew
|
|
Packers haven't allowed 10+ Fantasy points to a tight end since Week
1, Pettigrew hasn't had 10 Fantasy points in a game this year.
|
DST
|
Lions
|
|
Packers averaging 31.8 points & 362.8 total yards over last four.
Aside from some sacks, Lions DST should struggle.
|
Both quarterbacks could throw 40 passes in this game and that doesn't
leave a lot of room for running games. That being said, I like Mikel Leshoure to get over 15 carries and close to 80 yards with a
shot at a touchdown. Alex Green still
seems to be the lead back for the Packers at this point but he hasn't
scored a rushing touchdown this season. Aaron Rodgers will not see any reason to rely on a run game in this
contest, rendering Green and James Starks
useless. -- Pat Kirwan
Jacksonville Jaguars at Houston Texans -- Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET,
Reliant Stadium
|
Jacksonville Jaguars
|
Pos.
|
Name
|
Rating
|
Comment
|
QB
|
Blaine Gabbert
|
|
Only 2 QBs have 20+ Fantasy points vs. HOU in 2012. And only two
have 250+ yards passing. Don't like Gabbert's chances.
|
RB
|
Rashad Jennings
|
|
HOU hasn't allowed a rush TD to a RB all year, only have allowed
three 100-total-yard RBs. Jennings has under 55 total yards in two
of three starts.
|
WR
|
Cecil Shorts
|
|
Risky start. Texans allowed 100+ yards to Brandon Marshall last week but just 120 yards total to Bears WRs.
Giving up 105.0 yards to WRs per game over last three.
|
DST
|
Jaguars
|
|
Texans averaging 27.8 points per game, 31.2 points per home game. It
would be ridiculous to use the Jaguars DST.
|
Houston Texans
|
Pos.
|
Name
|
Rating
|
Comment
|
QB
|
Matt Schaub
|
|
Jags have allowed 2 TDs to QBs in each of last three road games, but
Schaub hasn't had to throw much vs. JAC. Last 2 TD game vs. Jags:
November 2010.
|
RB
|
Arian Foster
|
|
Jags have yet to allow a TD or 100-yard game to running back. Just
kidding! Foster has at least 60 total yards & a TD in each of last
four vs. Jags.
|
WR
|
Andre Johnson
|
|
Has TDs in 2 of last 3 vs. Jaguars, elite WRs have done mostly well
against the Jaguars. Tough to sit him.
|
TE
|
Owen Daniels
|
|
Jags have been surprisingly good vs. tight ends, Daniels coming back
from hip/back injury.
|
DST
|
Texans
|
|
Yes please. Each of last seven DSTs to play Jaguars have had 11+
Fantasy points.
|
Cecil Shorts has explosiveness like Victor Cruz of the Giants. He can sell a short route and go deep. In
the last four games he has been targeted 39 times, catching 21 of them
for two touchdowns. And of his 356 yards in those four games, 174 have
come after the catch. Keeping up that production against the Texans is a
tall order and I would think he's more in line for around four
receptions and no touchdowns, but he does appear to be the best receiver
in Jacksonville for now. -- Pat Kirwan
New York Jets at St. Louis Rams -- Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, Edward
Jones Dome
|
New York Jets
|
Pos.
|
Name
|
Rating
|
Comment
|
QB
|
Mark Sanchez
|
|
Rams have allowed 11 total TDs to TE s over last four games but the
Jets' passing game is impossible to trust.
|
RB
|
Shonn Greene
|
|
It's a good matchup: Rams have allowed 264 rushing yards to RBs over
their last two games with starting RBs getting 100+ total yards & a
TD.
|
WR
|
Jeremy Kerley
|
|
Rams have given up six TDs to WRs in last three games. Just not sure
if Kerley can be counted on.
|
TE
|
Dustin Keller
|
|
Rams have been all right vs. tight ends except for Gronk in Week 8.
Keller has 17 catches over last three games.
|
DST
|
Jets
|
|
Three of the last four DSTs vs. STL have posted single-digit Fantasy
points including the 49ers last week.
|
St. Louis Rams
|
Pos.
|
Name
|
Rating
|
Comment
|
QB
|
Sam Bradford
|
|
Jets got beat up for three passing TDs last week (6 in last three
games). With Amendola back, Bradford is a good sleeper this week.
|
RB
|
Steven Jackson
|
|
When's the last time S-Jax was a must-start? He is -- Jets allowing
113.4 rush yards per game over last five with 3 rush TDs. Looks like
Jackson back in primary rusher's role.
|
RB
|
Daryl Richardson
|
|
Might see around 10 touches and be a candidate for 40 total yards.
|
WR
|
Danny Amendola
|
|
The Jets' awesome streak vs. WRs was decimated last week. Amendola's
return delivered 102 yards -- and he left about that many on the
field due to STL penalties, too.
|
DST
|
Rams
|
|
The last three DSTs vs. NYJ have scored 18+ Fantasy points. Rams'
unit has been awful over last three weeks but they're worth a shot
in Week 11.
|
Both the Rams and the Jets run defenses were poor last week, giving up a
combined 357 yards on 77 carries with three touchdowns. I think the
Rams' passing game will do a better job of setting up the run game than
the Jets passing game will do. Consequently, Steven Jackson and Daryl Richardson
should put up bigger numbers than Shonn Greene,
making the Rams' backs the better options. -- Pat Kirwan
Philadelphia Eagles at Washington Redskins -- Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET,
FedExField
|
Philadelphia Eagles
|
Pos.
|
Name
|
Rating
|
Comment
|
QB
|
Nick Foles
|
|
The rookie's in the right place at the right time: Washington has
allowed 21+ Fantasy points to 7 of 9 QBs they've faced.
|
RB
|
LeSean McCoy
|
|
Redskins allowing 125.0 total yards per game to RBs over last four
with four total TDs. Has 15+ Fantasy points in each of last three
vs. WAS.
|
WR
|
Jeremy Maclin
|
|
Maclin has 10+ Fantasy points in each of last three vs. WAS. In nine
games, 13 WRs have had 10+ Fantasy points on the Redskins. Foles
looked for him a bunch last week.
|
WR
|
DeSean Jackson
|
|
WRs have scored at least one TD in 8 of 9 games vs. WAS this
seasonbut QB issue could limit Jackson, plus he's struggled in first
game vs. Skins each of last two years.
|
TE
|
Brent Celek
|
|
Washington has given up seven TDs to TEs & 6+ Fantasy points to 8
TEs in nine games. But Celek had just two targets from Foles last
week, has under 50 yards in four straight.
|
DST
|
Eagles
|
|
Only three DSTs have topped 10 Fantasy points vs. WAS all year --
but they've come over the Redskins' last five games. Eagles a
desperation option.
|
Washington Redskins
|
Pos.
|
Name
|
Rating
|
Comment
|
QB
|
Robert Griffin III
|
|
Six of last seven QBs to play PHI have 2+ TDs against them. Game
sets up nicely for Griffin to get back to his old self.
|
RB
|
Alfred Morris
|
|
Eagles allowing 120.7 rush yards per game to running backs over last
three. Expect a big game from Morris.
|
WR
|
Santana Moss
|
|
Sleeper because of his size/speed combination that no one else in
Washington really has. Might put up some stats.
|
WR
|
Pierre Garcon
|
|
Speed is his best asset and there's no indication he can cut and run
as effectively as he could back in Week 1. Wouldn't trust him unless
totally desperate, even with good matchup.
|
TE
|
Logan Paulsen
|
|
Has played a ton since Fred Davis'
injury but Eagles have allowed just four TEs to land 6+ Fantasy
points all year.
|
DST
|
Redskins
|
|
Very risky pick: Eagles have allowed 20+ Fantasy points to last two
opposing DSTs but Redskins have 12 total Fantasy points over last
three games.
|
True, the Eagles' secondary has been beaten up over the course of the
season, but who do you see Robert Griffin III
leaning on to attack them through the air? Griffin may have to count on
his legs to move this Redskins offense. Josh Morgan was his most targeted receiver in their last game (12)
but he has yet to score a touchdown in his 29 receptions. Santana Moss left the Redskins' game against the Panthers early but in
the two games prior he was targeted 13 times for seven receptions and
three touchdowns. It would be great if Pierre Garcon was close to 100 percent but he shouldn't be counted on
for your Fantasy team. Looks like Griffin's legs, along with Alfred Morris' legs, will have the shoulder the heavy lifting for the
Redskins again. -- Pat Kirwan
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Carolina Panthers -- Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET,
Bank of America Stadium
|
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
|
Pos.
|
Name
|
Rating
|
Comment
|
QB
|
Josh Freeman
|
|
Not a slam dunk. Panthers have allowed last five QBs (including
Peyton) to four total TDs with one pass TD per game. Only Matt Ryan has thrown multiple TDs vs. CAR all year, but
Freeman's on a five-game hot streak.
|
RB
|
Doug Martin
|
|
Had 118 total yards in Week 1 game vs. CAR. Panthers allowing 105.3
total yards per game over last three to RBs, but RBs have scored in
each game.
|
WR
|
Vincent Jackson
|
|
Panthers have allowed just 3 TDs to WRs in last six overall but have
allowed 90+ yards to No. 1 WRs in 3 of last 4.
|
WR
|
Mike Williams
|
|
How bad has it been for non-No. 1 WRs vs. CAR? Brandon Stokley was the first to get over 50 yards this season!
Williams still big red-zone threat.
|
DST
|
Buccaneers
|
|
Panthers have yielded 10+ Fantasy points to 4 of last 5 DSTs they've
faced including 31 points to Denver last week. Bucs DST was awesome
last week.
|
Carolina Panthers
|
Pos.
|
Name
|
Rating
|
Comment
|
QB
|
Cam Newton
|
|
Bucs have allowed 250+ yards to 8 of 9 opposing QBs, 3 of last 4
have thrown 3+ TDs! Cam had 300 pass yards but just one TD at TB in
Week 1. Crushed the Bucs in '11.
|
RB
|
Jonathan Stewart
|
|
Bad news: Bucs have allowed just four RBs to total 90+ yards. Worse
news: Stew doesn't have a 90+ yard game this season and is losing
snaps again.
|
RB
|
DeAngelo Williams
|
|
TB has allowed a TD to RB in 6 of last 8 (five rushing). Williams
leads RBs with three touchdowns on the year.
|
WR
|
Steve Smith
|
|
Had a 100-yard game vs. TB in Week 1, his first against them since
'08. WRs averaging 208.4 yards per game in last 5 against TB with 1+
TD in each.
|
WR
|
Brandon LaFell
|
|
Deep sleeper after knocking some rust off last week vs. tough
Broncos secondary. Bucs DBs aren't as tough. Not a bad desperation
grab.
|
TE
|
Greg Olsen
|
|
Bucs have yielded three TDs to TEs in the last two weeks. Cam found
Olsen last week, can hopefully keep it up.
|
DST
|
Panthers
|
|
Bucs have scored 28+ points in each of last five, totaled 400+ yards
in four of five. Aside from a sack or two, tough to trust Panthers
defense.
|
Ron Rivera is hoping for more wide receiver production to support the
efforts of Steve Smith. Teams are
doubling Smith all the time and Cam Newton
keeps dropping the ball to Greg Olsen.
That will continue against the Bucs' poor pass defense. In the last two
weeks Olsen has been targeted 19 times with 14 receptions, 150 yards,
two touchdowns and nine first downs. It's clear to me Newton has
rediscovered Olsen. I can't see why he doesn't keep up his hot streak
against the Bucs, who struggled to contain tight ends in their last two
games. -- Pat Kirwan
New Orleans Saints at Oakland Raiders -- Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET, O.co
Coliseum
|
New Orleans Saints
|
Pos.
|
Name
|
Rating
|
Comment
|
QB
|
Drew Brees
|
|
Raiders have allowed 5 pass TDs, 294.5 pass yards per game over last
two. Expect Brees to pass with ease.
|
RB
|
Chris Ivory
|
|
Saints say they'll give Ivory a look, I say they have to. He has
three plays of 10+ yards in last two games. Ingram has four in nine
games.
|
RB
|
Darren Sproles
|
|
His return could make things messy for the Saints but he could see
his reps slightly cut because of improved running back corps.
|
RB
|
Mark Ingram
|
|
Still a candidate for 10 carries along with goal-line work, so he
carries some value. More excitement for Ivory than Ingram this week.
|
WR
|
Marques Colston
|
|
Raiders have allowed 750 yards & 7 TDs to WRs over their last five
games. Expect a good game from Colston.
|
WR
|
Lance Moore
|
|
Has 60+ yards in five of last six. Raiders have allowed 60+ yards to
seven WRs in their last five. Lots of upside with Moore.
|
TE
|
Jimmy Graham
|
|
After Dennis Pitta gashed the
Raiders last week, the sky is the limit for Graham, who has at least
1 TD in each of last three.
|
DST
|
Saints
|
|
Don't know if they're worth using. Raiders have totaled 340+ yards,
scored 20+ points in each of last five games.
|
Oakland Raiders
|
Pos.
|
Name
|
Rating
|
Comment
|
QB
|
Carson Palmer
|
|
Five of last six QBs vs. NO have topped 300 yards, all five also had
2+ TDs. Palmer has 2+ total TDs in each of last four with 322.3
yards per game in that span.
|
RB
|
Marcel Reece
|
|
Saints in Top 10 in receiving yards allowed to RBs (47.2 per game) &
have allowed all but one opponent to have at least one 10+ Fantasy
RB. Reece is worthy.
|
RB
|
Taiwan Jones
|
|
You saw what kind of playing time he had last week. Maybe he gets
more vs. Saints, who have allowed 5.5 yards per carry to RBs in
their last three.
|
WR
|
Denarius Moore
|
|
A must. Saints giving up 207.0 yards to WRs over last three. Nine
receivers have 90+ yards against them on the year.
|
WR
|
Rod Streater
|
|
Should help replace DHB along with Derek Hagan. Saints have allowed
12 TDs to WRs in their last six.
|
TE
|
Brandon Myers
|
|
Seems OK after concussion last week. Saints had been strong vs.
tight ends until Tony Gonzalez went off last week.
|
DST
|
Raiders
|
|
Last six DSTs to play the Saints have posted single-digit Fantasy
points. Don't even think about using them.
|
Since Joe Vitt returned to the Saints, the run game has improved. A
number of Saints players told me Vitt wants a balanced offense and
nothing proved it more than when the Saints took the ball with 1:43 left
in the Falcons game deep in their own territory and ran the ball three
times before punting and never letting Brees throw a pass. Chris Ivory deserves the workload but he will split time with Mark Ingram and Pierre Thomas. If Darren Sproles is made active I expect him to come in on third downs.
It all makes for a mess for Fantasy owners because Vitt loves the
running back-by-committee approach, which he used against the Falcons.
It is not a good situation for Fantasy. -- Pat Kirwan
Indianapolis Colts at New England Patriots -- Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET,
Gillette Stadium
|
Indianapolis Colts
|
Pos.
|
Name
|
Rating
|
Comment
|
QB
|
Andrew Luck
|
|
Pats have allowed 2+ pass TDs in five of last seven with five QBs
getting 300+ yards in that span. Can Luck finally get 20+ Fantasy
points on the road?
|
RB
|
Donald Brown
|
|
Bills RBs blew up Pats run defense for 246 total yards & 2 TDs last
week on 33 touches. Brown might not get a big workload, has two
games this year with 10+ Fantasy points.
|
RB
|
Vick Ballard
|
|
Ballard has at least 13 touches in each of three games since Brown's
been back. His only TD came on a catch. Tough to trust.
|
WR
|
Reggie Wayne
|
|
Must start. Has 10+ targets in 7 of 9 games. Four of five WRs with
10+ targets vs. NE have had at least 12 Fantasy points.
|
WR
|
Donnie Avery
|
|
Has 7+ targets in 7 of 9 games. Patriots have allowed 183.0 yards &
5 TDs in last four to WRs.
|
WR
|
T.Y. Hilton
|
|
Let us down last week after playing less than half of the team's
snaps last week but Colts should throw plenty and he has good speed.
|
TE
|
Dwayne Allen
|
|
There's a chance here. Pats have allowed TD and 60+ yards to primary
TEs in 2 of last 3.
|
DST
|
Colts
|
|
No DST has posted more than 10 Fantasy points vs. NE this year, and
that shouldn't change this week.
|
New England Patriots
|
Pos.
|
Name
|
Rating
|
Comment
|
QB
|
Tom Brady
|
|
Colts' pass D stats look good: 7 pass TDs & 245.0 pass yards per
game in last five, but they haven't played a top quarterback in that
span.
|
RB
|
Stevan Ridley
|
|
Expect big numbers. Colts' run defense has allowed just 70.0 rush
yards per game over last three but they've faced weak run offenses
in two of those games.
|
RB
|
Danny Woodhead
|
|
Has 4+ catches in each of last four games. Colts allowing 42.0
receiving yards per game to RBs over last three.
|
WR
|
Wes Welker
|
|
Eight WRs have had 8+ Fantasy points vs. IND in their last six
games. Welker too valuable to sit outright but expectations seem
tempered.
|
WR
|
Brandon Lloyd
|
|
After averaging 9.2 targets per game in Pats' first seven, Lloyd has
5.0 targets per game in Pats' last two.
|
TE
|
Rob Gronkowski
|
|
Colts have allowed just one TD to a TE all year, none to 10 Fantasy
points, but it's not like they've faced tight ends like Gronk.
|
DST
|
Patriots
|
|
None of the last four DSTs to play the Colts have posted 10+ Fantasy
points. Pats' secondary will get tested with Aqib Talib joining them.
|
Even though he didn't throw a touchdown against a weak Jacksonville
defense last week, Andrew Luck is a
solid Fantasy starter against the Patriots. Buyer beware if you think
Luck can actually stay up with the scoring Tom Brady can produce but he will have opportunities to reach 300
yards against a suspect Patriot defense. Remember, New England gets
cornerback Aqib Talib back from
suspension and he will cover Reggie Wayne
all game long. Wayne will still get his normal workload but Luck is
really going to have to lean on his other receivers during this contest.
He's done that before and done well. -- Pat Kirwan
San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos -- Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, Sports
Authority Field at Mile High
|
San Diego Chargers
|
Pos.
|
Name
|
Rating
|
Comment
|
QB
|
Philip Rivers
|
|
Three of the last four QBs vs. DEN have tossed 2 TDs but none have
300+ yards (two over 250 yards). That includes Rivers, who had four
INTs to go with those scores in Week 6.
|
RB
|
Ryan Mathews
|
|
Of the 309 total yards the Broncos have allowed to RBs over their
last three, just 163 have come on the ground. With Mathews' neck
sore and him sharing with Brown, he could be in for another
single-digit Fantasy point week.
|
RB
|
Ronnie Brown
|
|
Good PPR flex or one-week replacement thanks to his receiving role.
|
WR
|
Malcom Floyd
|
|
Floyd has a pretty good history vs. DEN but Broncos have held all
but two WRs to under 80 yards with two TDs allowed in their last six.
|
WR
|
Danario Alexander
|
|
Don't expect another long touchdown but do expect him to stay
involved in Chargers offense -- he missed just seven snaps last week
|
TE
|
Antonio Gates
|
|
Broncos have allowed 10+ Fantasy points to the last four TEs they've
faced. Gates is a must.
|
DST
|
Chargers
|
|
No DST has more than 13 Fantasy points vs. DEN, only three have 10+
points. Can't lean on the Chargers.
|
Denver Broncos
|
Pos.
|
Name
|
Rating
|
Comment
|
QB
|
Peyton Manning
|
|
Chargers have given up 2+ TDs to QBs in five of last seven games.
Peyton has 2+ TDs in all but two games, had 3 TDs vs. SD in Week 6.
|
RB
|
Willis McGahee
|
|
What's good for a slump? A run defense that's allowed 128.3 total
yards to RBs over its last three. That's the Bolts. McGahee had 98
total yards in Week 6 meeting.
|
RB
|
Ronnie Hillman
|
|
Start thinking about the idea of handcuffing Hillman to McGahee (or
to your last bench spot). Speedy runner could see some chances if
McGahee's struggles continue.
|
WR
|
Demaryius Thomas
|
|
The guy has 100+ yards and/or a TD in all but two games this season,
has 6+ catches in each of last three games. Good luck trying to sit
him.
|
WR
|
Eric Decker
|
|
Had six grabs for 98 yards & a TD the last time he faced the
Chargers, his third game with a TD vs. SD in four career tries.
|
DST
|
Broncos
|
|
Chargers have scored 24+ points in 5 of 6 games, though DSTs put up
10+ Fantasy points in 3 of those 5. Broncos should be fine.
|
Willis McGahee hasn't put up big stats lately despite being
given the opportunity, but he is the feature player for Peyton Manning because he's a tough runner and a great pass blocker.
Rookie Ronnie Hillman is a
change-of-pace back that should see five-to-eight carries but McGahee
will still get his 15-to-20 carries for 100 yards and catch a handful of
passes for another 40 yards. As a Bronco under John Fox, McGahee has
played three games against San Diego and has 56 carries for 298 yards
but no touchdowns. I talked to Fox this week and he reminded me once
again how important a balanced offense is for Peyton Manning, and McGahee is a big part of that balance. -- Pat
Kirwan
Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers -- Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET,
Heinz Field
|
Baltimore Ravens
|
Pos.
|
Name
|
Rating
|
Comment
|
QB
|
Joe Flacco
|
|
Steelers pass defense has held each of last five QBs to 1 TD or
less. Perfect for Flacco, who has 2 touchdowns in just 1 of 6 career
games at Pittsburgh.
|
RB
|
Ray Rice
|
|
Last time the Steelers allowed back-to-back 100-yard rushers: 2002.
Rice has one 100-yard rush game in five career visits to the Burgh
but does have five career double-digit Fantasy point games in his
career vs. Steelers (nine matchups).
|
WR
|
Torrey Smith
|
|
No receivers have had 100+ yards vs. PIT since Week 1, only three
have scored on Steelers in last five. Smith scored at Pittsburgh
last year.
|
WR
|
Anquan Boldin
|
|
Has a TD in 2 of last 3 vs. PIT but both came in Baltimore (he last
scored in Pittsburgh in 2003 with Cards). Steelers giving up 109.6
yards per game to WRs over last five.
|
TE
|
Dennis Pitta
|
|
Tight ends have gone scoreless vs. Steelers over their last five.
Only one tight end has double-digit Fantasy points on the season.
|
DST
|
Ravens
|
|
Ravens are catching Steelers at the right time without
Roethlisberger and others. They're worth a start.
|
Pittsburgh Steelers
|
Pos.
|
Name
|
Rating
|
Comment
|
QB
|
Byron Leftwich
|
|
Three of last four QBs vs. BAL have thrown for 250+ yards & 2+ TDs,
but Leftwich hasn't hit those marks since 2009. Expect him to hand
off a bunch.
|
RB
|
Rashard Mendenhall
|
|
Use him while you can. Steelers have said all along he's their
starter. Seven RBs have posted 9+ Fantasy points in the Ravens' last
six.
|
WR
|
Mike Wallace
|
|
Has scored in last two games but has left a lot of stats on the
field thanks to some drops. Did land 10+ Fantasy points in both
games vs. BAL in '11.
|
WR
|
Emmanuel Sanders
|
|
Had seven targets last week including one in the end zone and came
up empty. Tough to trust him again.
|
TE
|
Heath Miller
|
|
Scored on Ravens in 2010 postseason. Before that? 2007. Ravens have
allowed one TD to tight ends all season.
|
DST
|
Steelers
|
|
DSTs have posted 10+ Fantasy points on BAL twice -- when they held
them under 13 points.
|
Joe Flacco is just 2-4 in Pittsburgh but the two wins came in
his last two trips into the Heinz Field. When Flacco beats the Steelers
he throws the ball more than usual even though the final stats don't
always dictate that. Expect 35-to-40 throws in this game but don't
expect three passing touchdowns like he had last week. Flacco only has
11 touchdown passes in 10 games against the Steelers. However, you can
expect three sacks since Dick LeBeau's defense has sacked Flacco 33
times in those 10 games. -- Pat Kirwan
Chicago Bears at San Francisco 49ers -- Monday, 8:30 p.m. ET,
Candlestick Park
|
Chicago Bears
|
Pos.
|
Name
|
Rating
|
Comment
|
QB
|
Jason Campbell
|
|
San Fran allowed first 2 TD passer in six games last week. Campbell
has thrown 2 TDs in five of his last 19 starts.
|
RB
|
Matt Forte
|
|
Don't look now but the Niners have allowed a 100-yard rusher in
three of their last four with 2 TDs. Expect the Bears to lean
heavily on Forte.
|
WR
|
Brandon Marshall
|
|
Niners allowed two TDs to WRs with a 100-yard wideout last week, a
huge shock given how great they've been vs. WRs. Marshall's still a
good start.
|
DST
|
Bears
|
|
Seven of nine DSTs Niners have faced have scored 10 Fantasy points
or less but Bears have scored 11+ Fantasy points per week. Start
them.
|
San Francisco 49ers
|
Pos.
|
Name
|
Rating
|
Comment
|
QB
|
Alex Smith
|
|
No QB has tossed 2 TDs vs. CHI this season. Smith should be in
game-manager mode.
|
RB
|
Frank Gore
|
|
Bears have allowed a touchdown to RBs in back-to-back weeks. Gore
should keep a heavy workload; has averaged 5.3 yards per carry over
last three games.
|
WR
|
Michael Crabtree
|
|
Bears have allowed 11 WRs to 7+ Fantasy points through nine games.
Crabtree's streak could come crashing down.
|
TE
|
Vernon Davis
|
|
Bears among toughest vs. TEs (only two have topped 40 yards). Davis
opined about his situation last week, doesn't seem like he'll get a
lot of targets.
|
DST
|
49ers
|
|
DSTs vs. the Bears have posted 13+ Fantasy points in three of their
last four. The Niners should rebound after crazy tie against the
Rams.
|
Colin Kapernick is not ready to defeat the Bears' defense, especially
with Chicago coming off a loss. He still has to make too many plays with
his feet to be effective and the Bears know how to contain quarterbacks
like him. If Alex Smith plays it will
also be a struggle to put points on the board so the Niners are in a jam
either way. Chicago will be without Jay Cutler
and could find it just as hard to score points. Look for Matt Forte to be a big factor in this game, especially as a
receiver. Forte has not been productive this year as a receiver with
only 22 receptions and zero touchdowns, but he is due for a 10-target,
six-reception game. Jason Campbell is
going to need him against a run defense that will minimize the Bears
rushing game. -- Pat Kirwan
Miami Dolphins at Buffalo Bills -- Thursday, 8:20 p.m. ET, Ralph
Wilson Stadium
|
Miami Dolphins
|
Pos.
|
Name
|
Rating
|
Comment
|
QB
|
Ryan Tannehill
|
|
Bills have allowed 2+ pass TDs in 4 of last 6 but Tannehill had an
even better matchup last week and botched it.
|
RB
|
Reggie Bush
|
|
RBs have scored 8 TDs (7 rush) & averaged 182.7 total yards per game
over last three vs. BUF. Bush crushed the Bills last year, hopefully
will get the opportunity to do it again.
|
RB
|
Daniel Thomas
|
|
Multiple running backs have 10+ Fantasy points in two of the Bills'
last three games. Worth a try as a flex.
|
WR
|
Brian Hartline
|
|
Bills' secondary starting to play well -- after allowing 11 TDs to
WRs in first six games, they've yielded one in last three.
|
TE
|
Anthony Fasano
|
|
Deep sleeper. Bills have allowed three TDs to tight ends over their
last two games.
|
DST
|
Dolphins
|
|
DSTs vs. BUF have scored 11+ Fantasy points in four of Bills' last
six with 14 sacks allowed.
|
Buffalo Bills
|
Pos.
|
Name
|
Rating
|
Comment
|
QB
|
Ryan Fitzpatrick
|
|
Should have some opportunities against a MIA defense that's been
ripped for 555 yards & 4 pass TDs over last two games. Fitzpatrick
threw for 316 yards with two TDs & 3 INTs in last game vs. MIA.
|
RB
|
C.J. Spiller
|
|
Fins allowed their first rush TD in eight games last week but have
allowed 131.3 total yards per game to RBs over their last three.
Expect close to 20 touches for Spiller.
|
WR
|
Steve Johnson
|
|
Has one TD in last four vs. Miami, has 7+ targets in 8 of 9 games,
5+ catches in 4 of last 5. Eight of 12 WRs vs. MIA with 5+ catches
have had 10+ Fantasy points.
|
WR
|
Donald Jones
|
|
Jones has come alive with 9+ targets & 6 catches in two Bills' games
since the bye. Should keep it up, worth using as PPR flex at the
least.
|
TE
|
Scott Chandler
|
|
Miami just allowed first TD to a tight end this season vs. TEN last
week. Chandler has 50+ yards in last two overall.
|
DST
|
Bills
|
|
Bills defense has been miserable over last three but DSTs vs. MIA
have posted 10+ Fantasy points in five of the last seven weeks.
|
Reggie Bush was benched last week for the first time in his
career, but he does things in a football game that Daniel Thomas will never be able to do. Take his touchdown run at
Indianapolis a few weeks back for instance. Reggie is a matchup problem.
Last December, Reggie had 25 carries for 203 yards and a touchdown
against the Bills. Do you really think the Dolphins can't or won't
remember that game? Sure, he has two fumbles in the last two weeks but
he is still a big asset. Maybe he'll get fewer touches than he'd like
and maybe I'd consider staying away from him in Fantasy because Daniel Thomas will get his touches, but Thomas has only one career
game with over 20 touches and shouldn't come close to cracking that mark
this week. -- Pat Kirwan
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