Disclaimer ... Before you start reading, understand that we are not in the business of stating the obvious and wasting your time (or ours), so you won't be reading here why you need to start Aaron Rodgers, Arian Foster, Calvin Johnson or any other top-tier players. We're here to help you evaluate players you might be on the fence about.
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|
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| Steven Jackson, STL | at SEA |
| Cedric Benson, CIN | vs. HOU |
| Beanie Wells, ARI | vs. SF |
| BenJarvus Green-Ellis, NE | at WAS |
| Willis McGahee, DEN | vs. CHI |
I'm writing this with a shaky hand. I'm nervous. Mike Shanahan has that kind of effect on me. When it comes to Shanahan and running backs, especially with the Redskins, you never know what direction he might go.
Just when Roy Helu is running well and looking like a standout Fantasy option, Shanahan might wake up Sunday and decide he wants to give Evan Royster additional work, or he likes something Ryan Torain said to him at breakfast. It's always a gamble when it comes to Washington's backfield, or so it seems.
Heading into Week 14, you have to put some faith in Helu based on his production the past two weeks. He has 39 Fantasy points in his past two games against Seattle and the Jets, and those have been tough run defenses this season.
To put his performance in perspective, Helu was just the fourth running back to score against the Seahawks and the second to rush for 100 yards when he faced them in Week 12. And he was the first running back to score against the Jets since Week 7 and only the third to rush for 100 yards on them this year.
This week, Helu faces a Patriots defense that has yet to allow a 100-yard rusher but has given up nine total touchdowns to running backs and allowed nine to reach double digits in Fantasy points, including each of the past two weeks against LeSean McCoy and Donald Brown. We expect Helu, who was started in 54 percent of leagues on CBSSports.com in Week 13, to make that a three-game streak.
Shanahan is relying on Helu with 23 carries in each of the past two games, and if he continues to use him he could be a special Fantasy option to close the season. He also has proven to be a solid receiver with 11 catches for 96 yards against the Seahawks and Jets.
We just hope Shanahan doesn't change his mind and go away from Helu. He's made moves like that in the past, but we're counting on him to stick with Helu -- at least in Week 14.
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| Player | Fantasy Points (projected) | Fantasy Points (actual) | Start percentage | Rank at position |
| BenJarvus Green-Ellis, RB, NE | 14 | 7 | 77 | No. 24 |
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| Player | Fantasy Points (projected) | Fantasy Points (actual) | Start percentage | Rank at position |
| Percy Harvin, WR, MIN | 9 | 28 | 72 | No. 1 |
| Eli Manning, QB, NYG | 21 | 27 | 71 | No. 5 |
| Tim Tebow, QB, DEN | 21 | 21 | 44 | No. 9 |
| Matt Moore, QB, MIA | 18 | 20 | 19 | No. 10 |
| Willis McGahee, RB, DEN | 11 | 15 | 65 | No. 10 |
| Kevin Smith, RB, DET | 9 | 13 | 30 | No. 13 |
| Darren Sproles, RB, NO | 12 | 12 | 75 | No. 16 |
| Fred Davis, TE, WAS | 10 | 9 | 50 | No. 5 |
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| Player | Fantasy Points (projected) | Fantasy Points (actual) | Start percentage | Rank at position |
| Vince Young, QB, PHI | 19 | 9 | 38 | No. 25 |
| DeSean Jackson, WR, PHI | 8 | 3 | 75 | No. 55 |
| Eric Decker, WR, DEN | 10 | 2 | 48 | No. 68 |
| DeAngelo Williams, RB, CAR | 12 | 2 | 57 | No. 46 |
| Brent Celek, TE, PHI | 12 | 2 | 53 | No. 26 |
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| Player | Fantasy Points (projected) | Fantasy Points (actual) | Start percentage | Rank at position |
| Mark Sanchez, QB, NYJ | 17 | 12 | 28 | No. 23 |
| Andy Dalton, QB, CIN | 15 | 11 | 20 | No. 24 |
| Cedric Benson, RB, CIN | 7 | 5 | 51 | No. 28 |
| Joe Flacco, QB, BAL | 16 | 4 | 30 | No. 28 |
| Dwayne Bowe, WR, KC | 6 | 4 | 65 | No. 53 |
| Santana Moss, WR, WAS | 3 | 4 | 12 | No. 54 |
| Anquan Boldin, WR, BAL | 6 | 3 | 71 | No. 67 |
| Owen Daniels, TE, HOU | 5 | 3 | 26 | No. 25 |
| Steven Jackson, RB, STL | 8 | 2 | 74 | No. 57 |
| Greg Olsen, TE, CAR | 7 | 2 | 28 | No. 33 |
| Brandon Pettigrew, TE, DET | 6 | 1 | 39 | No. 41 |
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| Player | Fantasy Points (projected) | Fantasy Points (actual) | Start percentage | Rank at position |
| Christian Ponder, QB, MIN | 15 | 28 | 7 | No. 4 |
| Carson Palmer, QB, OAK | 17 | 20 | 34 | No. 11 |
| Toby Gerhart, RB, MIN | 5 | 13 | 24 | No. 15 |
| Steve Johnson, WR, BUF | 7 | 11 | 63 | No. 18 |
| Santonio Holmes, WR, NYJ | 6 | 11 | 60 | No. 19 |
Quarterback
Start 'Em
|
|
|
| Ryan Fitzpatrick, BUF | at SD |
| Matt Moore, MIA | vs. PHI |
| Christian Ponder, MIN | at DET |
Rex Grossman (vs. NE): I'm going all in on the Redskins
this week with Grossman as a solid starting option in all leagues. This
is just a tremendous matchup for him. The Patriots have allowed at least
17 Fantasy points to all but one quarterback this season (Tyler Palko in
Week 11) with nine quarterbacks getting at least 20 points, and in the
past two weeks Vince Young and Dan Orlovsky each had 24 points against New England. Grossman has
at least 20 Fantasy points in two of his past three games and at least
19 points in three of four home games. It's risky to trust him, but he
should have plenty of pass attempts with the Redskins chasing points all
game. (Started in 5 percent of leagues in Week 13)
Eli Manning (at DAL): Manning continues to have an outstanding
season yet he doesn't appear to get the respect he deserves based on his
start percentage. He has not topped 80 percent this season in
CBSSports.com leagues, but Manning has been on fire of late with at
least 20 Fantasy points in five of his past six games. He has 53 Fantasy
points in his past two games against New Orleans and Green Bay, and he
has a good history against the Cowboys. He has 10 touchdowns and six
interceptions in his past four meetings with Dallas and three 300-yard
passing games over that span. The Cowboys have allowed multiple
touchdowns to six quarterbacks this year, and this game has the
potential to be a shootout with first place in the NFC East on the line. (Started
in 71 percent of leagues in Week 13)
Carson Palmer (at GB): Palmer's Fantasy value will improve if he
gets Denarious Moore (foot) and Jacoby Ford (foot) back this week, but he should be throwing a lot in
this game chasing Aaron Rodgers. Palmer
had 273 passing yards, two touchdowns and one interception in a comeback
effort at Miami last week for 20 Fantasy points, and he could have a
similar performance against the Packers. Green Bay has allowed seven
quarterbacks to throw for at least 300 yards and eight to score multiple
touchdowns. Palmer also has at least 18 Fantasy points in four of five
starts for Oakland. (Started in 34 percent of leagues in Week 13)
Michael Vick (at MIA): If Vick is able to return this week as
expected after being out the past three games with a rib injury then he
should be back in your lineup. He would also benefit if Jeremy Maclin (shoulder/hamstring) is back as well. This is a tough
matchup against the Dolphins, who have allowed just Palmer in Week 13 to
get at least 20 Fantasy points since Week 8, but Vick should cause Miami
fits with his rushing ability. The Eagles also have extra time to
prepare for this game since they played on Thursday in Week 13, and
Philadelphia has a great history under Andy Reid coming off a bye. We
hope Vick is able to play at 100 percent and finish the season playing
on a high note. (Out since Week 10)
Mark Sanchez (vs. KC): Sanchez continues to have inconsistent
performances, but he has done one thing well, which is perform at a high
level at home. He has at least 17 Fantasy points in all six home games
this year with at least 20 points in five of them. The Chiefs have
allowed seven quarterbacks to score multiple touchdowns, including Ryan Fitzpatrick, Donovan McNabb, Curtis Painter and Matt Moore.
Sanchez is capable of exposing this defense, especially since Kansas
City has little pass rush. He should continue to play well at home, and
he is worth using as a starting Fantasy quarterback in this matchup. (Started
in 28 percent of leagues in Week 13)
Sit 'Em
Tim Tebow (vs. CHI): Tebow has been great for Fantasy
owners this season, but we've seen him struggle in tough matchups,
especially at home. He was held to 14 Fantasy points in Week 8 against
Detroit and 16 points in Week 11 against the Jets. This matchup is on
par with those two games because the Bears have been solid against
opposing quarterbacks. Drew Brees, Aaron Rodgers, Cam Newton, Matthew Stafford and Philip Rivers are
the only quarterbacks to get more than 18 Fantasy points against the
Bears, and all five are clearly better passers than Tebow. Newton's
production was enhanced with two rushing touchdowns, which Tebow is
easily capable of doing, but Chicago also held Vick to just nine Fantasy
points. He's more of a No. 2 quarterback this week. (Started in 44
percent of leagues in Week 13)
Matt Hasselbeck (at NO): Hasselbeck started the season playing
at a high level for Fantasy owners with at least 20 Fantasy points in
three of his first four games. But since he lost Kenny Britt (knee) his stats have severely declined, and he has just
one game with at least 20 Fantasy points in his past eight outings. Over
his past three games, Hasselbeck has combined for 16 Fantasy points, and
now he is expected to be without Nate Washington
(ankle). This game should feature plenty of Chris Johnson, but even with the Titans expected to be chasing points
in a comeback effort against the Saints, you can't count on Hasselbeck
for guaranteed production even in two-quarterback formats. (Started
in 14 percent of leagues in Week 13)
Ben Roethlisberger (vs. CLE): Roethlisberger had a solid outing
last week against the Bengals with 19 Fantasy points in limited action
since he was rested late in the game with the Steelers holding a big
lead. He might not need to play a full game again this week with
Cleveland struggling on defense. The one aspect where the Browns have
excelled is in their pass defense. Part of that is because teams run all
over them, which is what should happen this week with Rashard Mendenhall and even Isaac Redman.
But the Browns secondary has also played well, and Hasselbeck is the
only quarterback to throw multiple touchdowns against Cleveland this
year. Roethlisberger has a great history against the Browns, and
Cleveland hasn't exactly faced many premier passers this season, but
Roethlisberger also hasn't reached 20 Fantasy points since Week 8 and
could have another quiet outing this week. (Started in 65 percent of
leagues in Week 13)
Andy Dalton
(vs. HOU): Like the Browns, the Texans also haven't faced many
top-notch quarterbacks this season with Brees the lone passer to get
more than 20 Fantasy points, but they have held Roethlisberger and Matt Ryan to a combined 20 points, which is impressive. Dalton has
struggled of late with five of his past six games having fewer than 18
Fantasy points, including four in a row. He's doing a good job of
connecting with A.J. Green, who remains a must-start Fantasy receiver,
but Dalton now has three games in a row without scoring multiple
touchdowns with four turnovers over that span. Dalton might have hit the
rookie wall, and he's a risky Fantasy option in all leagues. We hope he
can rebound after this matchup with favorable opponents against St.
Louis and Arizona over his next two games. (Started in 20 percent of
leagues in Week 13)
Kevin Kolb
(vs. SF): It's good to have Kolb back as the starter for the
Cardinals after he missed the past four games with a toe injury, but he
had just 17 Fantasy points last week against Dallas, which included a
52-yard touchdown to LaRod Stephens-Howling
in overtime. Kolb missed the first meeting with the 49ers in Week 11,
and he should struggle in the rematch. San Francisco has allowed just
one quarterback to throw multiple touchdowns since Week 6, which was
Manning in Week 10, and Kolb is going to need a tremendous game from Larry Fitzgerald this week to have any sort of chance to have a
productive Fantasy outing. (Started in 4 percent of leagues in Week
13)
Bust alert: Matt Ryan (at CAR): I don't have any fear of the Panthers' defense, and I would not be surprised if Ryan plays well this week. Carolina has given up some big games to opposing quarterbacks this year against Kolb, Rodgers, Brees and Stafford. But the Falcons could use this matchup to fix their suddenly struggling ground game, and Ryan has a bad history against the Panthers, especially on the road. In three career games at Carolina he is averaging just 202 passing yards with two touchdowns and three interceptions. He had 18 Fantasy points against the Panthers at home in Week 6, but in his past three games on grass he has two touchdowns and four interceptions with two lost fumbles. It's risky to bench Ryan in the Fantasy playoffs, but don't be surprised if he struggles this week. (Started in 74 percent of leagues in Week 13)
Running back
Start 'Em
|
|
|
| Maurice Morris, DET | vs. MIN |
| Brandon Saine, GB | vs. OAK |
| Isaac Redman, PIT | vs. CLE |
| Ricky Williams, BAL | vs. IND |
| Marion Barber, CHI | at DEN |
Shonn Greene (vs. KC): Don't be fooled by what Greene did
at Washington in Week 13 when he scored three touchdowns and had 28
Fantasy points. He is unlikely to do that again, even this week in a
favorable matchup against the Chiefs. But Greene still has the chance to
have a productive outing and is worth starting in all formats. The Jets
should continue to rely on him as their workhorse, and he has double
digits in Fantasy points in three of the four games he's had at least 20
carries. The Chiefs have allowed 10 touchdowns to opposing running backs
this year and eight have reached double digits in Fantasy points. (Started
in 55 percent of leagues in Week 13)
Jonathan Stewart (vs. ATL): Stewart is a difficult Fantasy running
back to trust because he continues to share carries with DeAngelo Williams, and he loses out on goal-line opportunities with Cam Newton. But Stewart, despite not having more than 14 carries in
a game this season, has still been successful with at least eight
Fantasy points in seven games, including three in a row. He faces a
tough Falcons run defense in Week 14, but Atlanta has shown some flaws
the past two weeks in allowing touchdowns to Toby Gerhart and Arian Foster.
Stewart also scored against the Falcons in Week 7 and finished with 12
Fantasy points, and he has a good history against Atlanta. In his past
two home games against the Falcons, Stewart has combined for 215 rushing
yards and two touchdowns, and he has three games with double digits in
Fantasy points against Atlanta in his past four meetings. (Started in
48 percent of leagues in Week 13)
Ahmad Bradshaw (at DAL): Bradshaw returned in Week 13 against
Green Bay after sitting out the previous four games with a foot injury.
He's still an injury risk and didn't practice Wednesday, but he should
play against the Cowboys in a favorable matchup. Dallas has allowed
eight total touchdowns to opposing running backs this year and eight
have reached double digits in Fantasy points. The Cowboys have allowed a
running back to reach at least nine Fantasy points in each of their past
seven games. In two games against Dallas last year, Bradshaw had at
least 130 total yards in each matchup. (Started in 16 percent of
leagues in Week 13)
Pierre Thomas
(at TEN): Mark Ingram is likely out
with turf toe, which should open the door for Thomas to get increased
playing time. When Ingram was out in Week 8 and Week 9 with a heel
injury, Thomas had 23 Fantasy points combined against St. Louis and
Tampa Bay. Thomas has a favorable matchup this week against the Titans,
who have allowed nine total touchdowns to opposing running backs and
nine to reach double digits in Fantasy points. In the past three games, Michael Turner, LeGarrette Blount and C.J. Spiller have combined for 286 rushing yards and two touchdowns
and seven catches for 84 yards against Tennessee with each reaching
double digits in Fantasy points. (Started in 25 percent of leagues in
Week 13)
C.J. Spiller (at SD):
Spiller showed in Week 13 against the Titans that he can be a quality
Fantasy option in a favorable matchup, and he has a great situation this
week against the Chargers. Spiller had 15 Fantasy points against
Tennessee, and San Diego has allowed seven total touchdowns to opposing
running backs and eight to reach double digits in Fantasy points. The
Chargers have allowed either a touchdown or 100 total yards to an
opposing running back in eight of their past nine games, which means
Spiller has the chance for another productive outing in this matchup. (Started
in 40 percent of leagues in Week 13)
Sit 'Em
Peyton Hillis (at PIT): Hillis had a quality outing in Week
13 against Baltimore given his opponent and his poor play all year. He
finished with nine Fantasy points, mostly due to one catch for 52 yards.
Still, that should be some encouragement since this was his second-best
performance of the season. But this is another tough week for Hillis,
who is also dealing with a hip injury. The Steelers have only allowed
one running back to score since Week 7, which was Ray Rice in Week 9, and Hillis did not fare well against Pittsburgh
last year. In two meetings, Hillis was held to 18 carries for 54 yards
and seven catches for 52 yards with no touchdowns. He should be held in
check again, and he should not be started in most standard formats. (Started
in 26 percent of leagues in Week 13)
Cedric Benson (vs. HOU): Wade Phillips might have struggled as the
head coach for the Cowboys, but he has done wonders as Houston's
defensive coordinator. The Texans run defense has been a solid unit all
year with just five rushing touchdowns allowed to running backs and only
two 100-yard rushers. They have not allowed a running back to score
since Week 8, including matchups with LeGarrette Blount, Maurice Jones-Drew and Michael Turner, and Benson should struggle this week. He was held to
five Fantasy points against the Steelers in Week 13, and he should
remain in single digits in this matchup. The times to use Benson again
this season as a must-start Fantasy option will be in Week 14 at St.
Louis and Week 15 against Arizona. (Started in 51 percent of leagues
in Week 13)
Donald Brown (at
BAL): Brown has been great for Fantasy owners of late with 26
Fantasy points in his past two games against Carolina and New England,
but he should struggle in this matchup with the Ravens. Baltimore has
looked dominant in run defense the past two games against Frank Gore and Hillis and has done well with Ray Lewis (foot) out. Joseph Addai
also continues to get increased carries, which has cut into the touches
for Brown, and we're not expecting much offense from the Colts against
the Ravens on the road. (Started in 19 percent of leagues in Week 13)
DeAngelo Williams (vs. ATL): This could be a week where Williams
plays well and Stewart doesn't based on how they tend to alternate
production, but Williams frustrated a lot of Fantasy owners last week
with his poor performance at Tampa Bay with just two Fantasy points. He
also struggled against the Falcons in Week 6 with four points, and
Stewart should be more productive in this matchup, especially if Atlanta
builds a lead and the Panthers are forced to throw. Williams can still
be used as a flex option in deeper leagues if needed, but Stewart has
more upside this week in Carolina's backfield since he only has two
games this season where he has scored and won't do much as a receiver
with only 11 catches on the year. (Started in 57 percent of leagues
in Week 13)
Brandon Jacobs (at
DAL): Jacobs remains a candidate to score since the Giants can still
use him in the red zone, but his carries will be limited now that
Bradshaw is back. He had just eight carries against the Packers in Week
13, and Bradshaw will likely get more work as he continues to recover
from his foot injury. Jacobs also has a hamstring problem he's dealing
with, and if this game becomes a shootout, Bradshaw will see increased
playing time based on his receiving skills. We would only consider using
Jacobs as a flex option if he's 100 percent healthy with his injured
hamstring. (Started in 40 percent of leagues in Week 13)
Bust alert: Beanie Wells (vs. SF):
If you want to count on Wells doing well in this matchup with the 49ers
with standout linebacker Patrick Willis
(hamstring) out then go ahead. You're braver than me. I can't count on
Wells in this matchup since the 49ers run defense should still be able
to contain him even without Willis. He was held to eight carries for 33
yards and a fumble against San Francisco in Week 11, and the 49ers
continue to boast impressive stats against the run. After shutting down Steven Jackson last week, San Francisco is now at 34 games in a row
without allowing a 100-yard rusher and 13 games without allowing a
running back to score a rushing touchdown. Wells should only be used as
a flex option in the majority of leagues this week. (Started in 69
percent of leagues in Week 13)
Wide receiver
Start 'Em
|
|
|
| Deion Branch, NE | at WAS |
| Golden Tate, SEA | vs. STL |
| Nate Burleson, DET | vs. MIN |
| Malcom Floyd, SD | vs. BUF |
| Michael Crabtree, SF | at ARI |
Anquan Boldin (vs. IND): Boldin is starting to disappoint
Fantasy owners again with his recent poor play since he hasn't reached
double digits in Fantasy points since Week 8 and has just one touchdown
in his past five outings. Last week, as expected, he was shut down by
Cleveland corner Joe Haden and a
run-heavy game-plan, but he should rebound in this matchup against the
Colts. Indianapolis has allowed 14 touchdowns to opposing receivers and
10 have reached double digits in Fantasy points. In looking at No. 1
receivers against the Colts, Andre Johnson
(15 Fantasy points), Mike Wallace (20
points), Dwayne Bowe (24 points), A.J. Green (11 points), Marques Colston
(21 points), Nate Washington (15 points)
and Wes Welker (11 points) all had
exceptional performances. Boldin has the chance for a breakout game this
week, and he should be started with confidence in all leagues. (Started
in 71 percent of leagues in Week 13)
Percy Harvin (at DET): Harvin is on fire of late with double
digits in Fantasy points in each of his past three games, and he was a
star in Week 13 against Denver with eight catches for 156 yards and two
touchdowns. We've been touting him for the past three games, and he has
now approached must-start status. He has another favorable matchup this
week against the Lions, who have allowed five touchdowns to opposing
receivers since Week 11. Harvin had eight Fantasy points against Detroit
in Week 3, but he has two touchdowns against the Lions in five career
meetings. As long as Peterson remains out, Harvin should continue to be
Minnesota's best weapon on offense. (Started in 72 percent of leagues
in Week 13)
Santana Moss (vs.
NE): Continuing our Redskins love, we're going to start Moss this
week against the Patriots. New England has been among the worst teams
against opposing receivers with 13 touchdowns allowed and 10 have
reached double digits in Fantasy points. Moss hasn't played well in his
two games back after missing four games with a hand injury with just
nine catches for 71 yards, but he does have 19 targets over that span.
If he gets at least nine targets against the Patriots this week he
should have a productive outing, and Grossman might lean on him more
with Fred Davis (suspended) now out. (Started
in 12 percent of leagues in Week 13)
Steve Johnson (at SD): The loss of Fred Jackson (calf) has done wonders for Johnson, who has been
stellar in his past two games against the Jets and Tennessee with 24
Fantasy points. He has 21 targets over that span, and he has a favorable
matchup this week against the Chargers. San Diego has allowed 14
touchdowns to opposing receivers and nine to reach double digits in
Fantasy points. The majority of that production has come of late since
the Chargers have yielded eight touchdowns to opposing receivers in
their past five games. If San Diego's offense remains hot and Buffalo is
chasing points, that should allow Johnson to remain heavily involved in
a comeback effort. (Started in 63 percent of leagues in Week 13)
Damian Williams (at NO): We don't like Hasselbeck much this week,
but he could still throw at least one touchdown this week. The likely
candidate to score would be Williams, especially with Washington likely
out. Williams has three touchdowns in his past five games, and he has 36
targets over that span. The Saints have allowed 11 touchdowns to
opposing receivers and eight have reached double digits in Fantasy
points. Williams could be heavily involved if the Titans, as expected,
are trying to score in a comeback effort. He is a solid No. 3 Fantasy
receiver this week with the chance to be a No. 2 option in deeper
leagues. (Started in 12 percent of leagues in Week 13)
Sit 'Em
Eric Decker (vs. CHI): Decker used to be the lone target
for Tebow in the passing game, but Tebow found out Demaryius Thomas can help out also, which showed with his two touchdowns
at Minnesota in Week 13. Decker is still going to remain Tebow's No. 1
option, but this is a bad week to count on Decker as a starting option
in the majority of leagues. The Bears have only allowed five touchdowns
to opposing receivers (throw out the Hail Mary to Dexter McCluster in Week 13), and Decker has four combined Fantasy
points in the three starts he has made with Tebow where he did not score
a touchdown. In other words, if he doesn't score he's pretty much
useless. (Started in 48 percent of leagues in Week 13)
Pierre Garcon (at BAL): Garcon had another one of his big outings
in Week 13 at New England with nine catches for 150 yards and two
touchdowns. It was his third game with multiple touchdowns for the
season, and he showed an instant rapport with new quarterback Dan Orlovsky with 12 targets. But facing the Patriots secondary is
different than facing the Ravens. Baltimore has allowed just seven
touchdowns to opposing receivers and eight to reach double digits in
Fantasy points. In Garcon's three games prior to facing New England he
averaged three Fantasy points, and he should remain in single digits in
this matchup. (Started in 19 percent of leagues in Week 13)
Dwayne Bowe (at NYJ): Bowe's disappointing season should continue
in Week 14 with a difficult matchup against Darrelle Revis. Bowe has now gone seven games in a row without a
touchdown, and he was held to four catches for 49 yards last week at
Chicago. Bowe continues to remain a focal point of the passing game with
an average of nine targets over his past seven outings, but Tyler Palko has obviously ruined any chance Bowe has to be a top-tier
Fantasy receiver to close the season, especially in a tough matchup
against Revis. (Started in 65 percent of leagues in Week 13)
Johnny Knox (at DEN): Knox remains the top target for Caleb Hanie, and he has played well of late with 12 catches for 295
yards and two touchdowns in his past three games. Even last week when he
had just five Fantasy points, he still was heavily involved with eight
targets. But the Broncos should make this is a difficult game for the
Bears if Von Miller (thumb) returns as
expected. With the pressure Miller and Elvis Dumervil should be able to apply on Hanie, he should struggle
to get the ball down the field to Knox, who will also have to deal with Champ Bailey. Knox should only be used as a No. 3 Fantasy receiver,
and he likely will finish with single digits in Fantasy points in this
matchup. (Started in 22 percent of leagues in Week 13)
DeSean Jackson (at MIA): I learned my lesson with Jackson after
last week's performance at Seattle. He is just too risky to trust since
he has not scored since Week 5 and has four games with five Fantasy
points or less in his past six outings. The Dolphins have allowed just
three receivers to score since Week 8, including Darrius Heyward-Bey and T.J. Houshmandzadeh in garbage time last week.
If Maclin returns then he will steal targets from Jackson, who should be
considered a No. 3 Fantasy receiver at best based on the matchup and his
recent poor play. (Started in 75 percent of leagues in Week 13)
Bust alert: Brandon Lloyd (at SEA): We hope Lloyd can still play at a high level this week against the Seahawks, but it could be a tough game for him if Tom Brandstater starts for the injured Sam Bradford (ankle) and A.J. Feeley (thumb). We saw what happened in Week 13 at San Francisco to Lloyd with Feeley starting since he had just one catch for 34 yards. Now, Lloyd did play well against Seattle in Week 11 with five catches for 67 yards and a touchdown, and the Seahawks have allowed nine touchdowns to opposing receivers on the season and eight to reach double digits in Fantasy points. But there should be plenty of concern with starting Lloyd if Brandstater is the quarterback for the Rams this week. That should bump Lloyd down to just a No. 3 Fantasy option. (Started in 89 percent of leagues in Week 13)
Tight end
Start 'Em
|
|
|
| Anthony Fasano, MIA | vs. PHI |
| Heath Miller, PIT | vs. CLE |
| Kellen Winslow, TB | at JAC |
Dustin Keller (vs. KC): Keller might be the best of the
second-tier tight ends this week based on his matchup with the Chiefs,
who are tied with the Bears for the most touchdowns allowed to tight
ends this season. Scott Chandler, Anthony Fasano and Rob Gronkowski have
scored multiple touchdowns against Kansas City this year, and Keller has
four touchdowns in six home games. It's risky to trust Keller at this
point in the season, but you can consider him a starting option based on
the matchup. (Started in 39 percent of leagues in Week 13)
Brent Celek (at MIA): Vick's return should help Celek since the
two were playing at a high level prior to Vick getting hurt in Week 10.
In the three games prior to his injury, Vick and Celek connected for 18
catches for 196 yards and two touchdowns, and they could pick up where
they left off. Miami has improved in tight end coverage throughout the
season, but the Dolphins have still allowed four touchdowns to opposing
tight ends and six to reach at least six Fantasy points. (Started in
53 percent of leagues in Week 13)
Vernon Davis (at ARI): Davis is slumping again with his
performance the past two games against Baltimore and St. Louis with nine
catches for 70 yards and no touchdowns. He needs a remedy, and the
Cardinals are the perfect solution. Davis had five catches for 67 yards
and a touchdown against Arizona in Week 11, and he has three touchdowns
in his past four games against the Cardinals. This is a good week to
trust Davis again based on the matchup and his history in this NFC West
rivalry. (Started in 79 percent of leagues in Week 13)
Sit 'Em
Owen Daniels (at CIN): Daniels is mired in a terrible slump
since he hasn't scored since Week 4 and has just three games with at
least six Fantasy points in his past seven outings. In his past four
games, Daniels has just 13 catches for 127 yards, and he has two fewer
touchdowns than No. 2 tight end Joel Dreessen.
The Bengals haven't allowed a touchdown to an opposing tight end since
Week 6 and only three tight ends have reached double digits in Fantasy
points against Cincinnati this year. (Started in 26 percent of
leagues in Week 13)
Scott Chandler
(at SD): Chandler was starting look like a productive tight end
prior to his performance against Tennessee in Week 13. He had 11 catches
for 121 yards in his previous two games before getting just two Fantasy
points against the Titans. He hurt his ankle in that outing, which could
be the reason for his minimal stats, but he's too risky to trust against
the Chargers. He's also still dealing with the ankle injury, and San
Diego should be able to keep him out of the end zone for the sixth game
in a row. (Started in 20 percent of leagues in Week 13)
Greg Olsen (vs. ATL): Olsen is dealing with a knee injury, which
could explain his recent struggles, but he has now gone four games in a
row without a touchdown and has a combined eight Fantasy points over
that span. He also has a difficult matchup this week against the
Falcons, and he was held to four Fantasy points against Atlanta in Week
6. Atlanta has allowed just two touchdowns to opposing tight ends, and Jimmy Graham is the lone tight end to reach double digits in Fantasy
points. The Falcons have held Celek, Kellen Winslow, Jermichael Finley, Brandon Pettigrew and Dallas Clark to
six Fantasy points or less in each matchup this season, and they should
be able to contain Olsen based on his recent play. (Started in 28
percent of leagues in Week 13)
Bust alert: Brandon Pettigrew (vs.
MIN): Pettigrew had a tremendous game against the Vikings in Week 3
with 11 catches for 112 yards, but that performance feels like it
happened years ago. Pettigrew has been in a terrible slump of late with
single digits in Fantasy points in his last six games with just one
touchdown over that span. He had two catches for 13 yards at New Orleans
in Week 13 and finished with as many Fantasy points (one) as shoves on
officials, which cost him a personal foul. Until Pettigrew proves he can
be a No. 1 Fantasy tight end on a consistent basis he should not be
started in the majority of standard leagues. (Started in 39 percent
of leagues in Week 13)
Defense/Special teams
Start 'Em
|
|
|
| Broncos | vs. CHI |
| Texans | at CIN |
| Chargers | vs. BUF |
Seahawks (vs. STL): The Rams could be down to a third-string
quarterback in Brandstater with Bradford and Feeley injured, and that
will only make the Seahawks DST more attractive this week. These teams
met in Week 11, and the Seahawks DST finished with 23 Fantasy points in
a standard league thanks to one interception, five sacks and only seven
points allowed. The unit had a surprise performance in Week 13 against
Philadelphia with 20 Fantasy points thanks to four interceptions from Vince Young, and the Seahawks have eight interceptions in their past
four games. This should be a big week for the Seahawks DST, and they
have the chance to be a Top 5 Fantasy option in Week 14. (Started in
13 percent of leagues in Week 13)
Sit 'Em
Eagles (at MIA): The Eagles DST has been terrible the past two weeks in matchups against New England and Seattle with four combined Fantasy points on 63 points allowed, 804 yards, no turnovers and only four sacks. The Dolphins offense has turned the corner of late with at least 31 points scored in three of their past five games, and Matt Moore has nine total touchdowns and just one interception over that span. We know the Eagles will have a new defensive coordinator in 2012 with Juan Castillo not expected to return, and you can't trust Philadelphia's defense in any matchup to close the season. (Started in 62 percent of leagues in Week 13)
Kicker
Start 'Em
|
|
|
| Steven Hauschka, SEA | vs. STL |
| Matt Prater, DEN | vs. CHI |
| Josh Scobee, JAC | vs. TB |
Robbie Gould (at DEN): Kickers tend to perform well in
Denver, and Gould should have a productive outing this week even
following Chicago's poor offensive showing in Week 13. Jason Hanson is the lone kicker who did not have multiple field goals
in Denver, but that's because he kicked six extra points in a 45-10
rout. Sebastian Janikowski, Mike Nugent and Nick Novak each made
at least three field goals in Denver, and the Broncos have also allowed
multiple field goals seven times for the season overall. Gould has seven
games this season with multiple field goals, including four times on the
road. He could be the best weapon for the Bears this week since they
should struggle to score touchdowns. (Started in 74 percent of
leagues in Week 13)
Sit 'Em
Neil Rackers (at CIN): Rackers is coming off a disappointing outing in Week 13 against Atlanta with five Fantasy points, and he could struggle this week against the Bengals. Cincinnati has only allowed one kicker to make multiple field goals against them since Week 8. Most teams score touchdowns against the Bengals since they have allowed 16 extra points in their past five games with three kickers making at least three extra points over that span. Rackers has seven Fantasy points or less in two of his past three games overall and in two of his past four road outings. In his lone trip to Cincinnati in 2007 with the Cardinals, Rackers missed his lone field goal attempt with five extra points. (Started in 61 percent of leagues in Week 13)
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