December 1, 2008
From the Sidelines
Giving the Gift of Touchdowns
Week 13 is the last week of the regular season in most fantasy football leagues and some owners clinched playoff spots, while others will be planning for next season.
***Before I continue, I hope that nobody in your league broke Fantasy Football Rule #1 by not changing their line-up. If you had a tough year, at least show other owners respect by not abandoning your club. This hasn't happened in any of my leagues for years because all of the owners take it pretty seriously, but years ago it was an issue.***
Okay, I will step down from the soap-box and get back to Week 13.
Two running backs gave the gift of 4 touchdowns this holiday season and almost assuredly helped their fantasy teams to victories. Brian Westbrook lit up the Cardinals on Thanksgiving for 4 TD's and DeAngelo Williams torched up the Packers at Lambeau Field for 4.
The only way you didn't win if you owned one of these guys is A) the rest of your team was awful or B) the owner you were facing had the other one.
I am kind of curious if anyone had both...
So what does this mean moving forward?
Well, Westbrook remains a stud as he has all year, and Williams has solidified his spot as the number one back in Carolina. He was losing goal-line carries to Jonathan Stewart earlier this season, but it appears he will tote the load for the remainder of the season.
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Turkey Day Explosion
Three teams combined for 129 points on Thanksgiving in games that might not have been competitive, but they certainly provided fantasy points.
Here were some of Thursday's Winners:
In the early game, Chris Johnson and LenDale White each tallied a pair of TD's and over 100 yards rushing in the 47-10 pounding of the win-less Lions. The Tennessee defense also had a great game as expected.
The next game featured the Cowboys and Seahawks, with Dallas dominating 34-9. Tony Romo threw for 331 yards, 3 touchdowns, and an interception with Jason Witten and Terrell Owens each catching a TD.
In the final game, Donovan McNabb and Brian Westbrook stole the show and crushed the Cardinals 48-20. As mentioned earlier, Westbrook crossed the goal-line four times.
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The Ravens New-found Offense
Over the past seven weeks, the Ravens are 6-1 with the following point totals: 27, 29, 37, 41, 10, 36, and 34. (The week when they scored 10 was against the Giants defense.)
Mark Clayton stole the show yesterday with a TD pass and 164 yards receiving with a receiving TD and Joe Flacco had another nice game with 280 yards passing and 2 TD's.
Flacco has improved each week and he has 2 touchdown passes in four of his last five games.
From a fantasy perspective, there aren't too many good options when it comes to Baltimore other than their defense. Flacco is a good leader and perhaps a decent fill-in, but there are no stud receivers and the running back situation changes week to week. Washington, Pittsburgh, and Dallas are next up on the schedule for Baltimore and it will be interesting to see if they can keep racking up the points.
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Cassel Came Crashing Down
Hopefully the Patriots dismal performance against the Steelers will quiet the talk of Tom Brady being expendable. Matt Cassel has done a great job filling in this year and he may start for another club next year, but all the talk of trading Brady was ridiculous.
Brady has been one of the best quarterbacks of this generation and there is no way he is going anywhere. Cassel has earned himself a starting spot somewhere in the NFL, but it will be interesting to see if he decides to stay loyal to the Patriots who gave him his chance.
November 27, 2008
Week 13: Studs and Duds
Happy Thanksgiving to one and all! May your line-up selections be a bountiful feast of yardage, touchdowns, and points!
Studs
Chad Pennington- Pennington had a great week in Week 12 against the Patriots and the Rams defense has been embarrassed all year long. The only thing that has stopped QB's from having monster games against St. Louis is the team getting up by too much. That happened to Brett Favre a few weeks ago.
David Garrard- Garrard has been far from a fantasy stud this year, but he has a tasty match-up against the Texans on Monday Night. On a side note, what were they thinking scheduling this dud of a game for prime-time?
Chris Johnson- Johnson has been slowed over the past few weeks, but look for him to have a big day on a national stage for Thanksgiving. Something tells me this game will be closer than a lot of people think, but it will not be due to the Lions //stout\\ defense.
Jamal Lewis- If Lewis doesn't come through as a stud this week, you won't see him on this list again. He has disappointed owners all season long and has been unable to take advantage of good match-ups. He has another good match-up this weekend against the Colts run defense, and I see him getting at least one score. It's too hard to expect a 100 yard game as he has not broke the century mark once this season.
Terrell Owens- Look for a turkey day explosion from T.O. He loves the limelight and he is matched up against a soft Seahawks secondary. He was the main target of Tony Romo last week and all signs point to a huge day. I am not happy at all about this prediction, as he is on my opponent's team this week. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.
Lee Evans- Bills QB Trent Edwards got back on track last week against Kansas City and look for that trend to continue against the 49ers.
Zach Miller- Miller has been Mr. Consistent when it comes to 40-50 yards, but he along with the rest of the Raiders, has struggled to find the end zone. I like his chances this week against the Chiefs.
Oakland vs. KC- The Raiders defense has really come on as of late and the Chiefs have been awful this season. Add the fact that this game will be played in Oakland and you have a nice defensive play for the week.
Miami vs. STL- I have to advise that ANY defense be played against the Rams these days until they prove otherwise.
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Duds
Matt Cassel- Matt was "King of the Cassel" last week with a huge game against the Dolpins with over 400 yards in a shoot-out. Look for a completely different style of game against the Steelers ferocious defense.
Kyle Orton- Orton hasn't gotten back in the swing of things yet since his injury and I don't see him having a huge game against the Vikings. The Bears haven't played well recently in Minneapolis and I expect Matt Forte to be slowed which will force Orton to try and make plays. A couple of interceptions and 200 yards wouldn't surprise me.
Clinton Portis- Portis is still banged up and he faces a tough Giants defense this week. He is a tough guy to bench, but do so if you have better options.
Kevin Faulk- This has the makings of a slug-fest as the Patriots face the Steelers this weekend. There is no doubt that New England will try to established the run. The key word there is try.
Braylon Edwards- The Colts have done a decent job in slowing down the pass this year and the Browns are a mess. This game does have the possibility of a shoot-out, but I don't trust the Browns or Derek Anderson.
Steve Breaston- The Cardinals will score some points tonight against the Eagles, but Warner will be looking for his top two targets against a tough Eagles pass defense...especially in the red zone.
L.J. Smith- The Eagles organization is in turmoil right now and it is hard to have any confidence in anyone who plays for them. If Donavan McNabb has a bad half, Kevin Kolb could be trotted out there again.
Carolina vs. GB- The Panthers defense has not been impressive lately and they were torched last week by the Falcons. They will probably snag a few interceptions from Aaron Rodgers, but stay away if you are penalized for points given up.
Tampa Bay vs. NO- The Saints were very impressive on Monday night against a weak Packers defense. They will find it tougher to score this week, but they are too potent of an offense to recommend the Bucs defense.
November 26, 2008
Week 12: Studs and Duds Results
In Week 12, I had 9 GOOD CALLS, 4 BORDERLINE CALLS, and 5 BAD CALLS. This brings my season total to 113 GOOD CALLS, 31 BORDERLINE CALLS, and 59 BAD CALLS.
GOOD CALLS
Studs
Warrick Dunn vs. DET- 90 yds, 1 TD
Matt Forte vs. STL- 132 yds, 2 TDs
Greg Jennings vs. N.O.- 101 yds, TD
Buffalo vs. KC- 31 pts, 3 sacks, 3 Fum. Rec, 2 int., TD
Duds
Matt Ryan vs. CAR- 259 yds
Julius Jones vs. WAS- 21 yds
Brian Westbrook vs. BAL- 39 yds
Chad Johnson vs. PIT- DNP
L.J. Smith vs. BAL- 3 yds
BORDERLINE CALLS
Studs
Aaron Rodgers vs. N.O.- 248 yds, 2 TDs, 3 INTs
Jason Campbell vs. SEA- 206 yds, 1 TD
Zack Miller vs. DEN- 41 yds
Duds
New York Giants vs. AZ- 29 pts, int, 1 sack, Fum. Rec
BAD CALLS
Studs
Donnie Avery vs. CHI- 14 yds
Denver vs. OAK- 31 pts
Duds
Brett Favre vs. TEN- 224 yds, 2 TD, int.
Issac Bruce vs. DAL- 125 yds, TD
San Diego vs. IND- 23 pts, int, 2 sacks, Fum. Rec
November 26, 2008
Fantasy football: Week 13 position rankings
In light of the fact that this week's schedule is more accelerated than normal because of Thanksgiving, I will be skipping this week's edition of Tuesday Morning Quarterback in favor of an earlier position rankings list. I know that you are all waiting on pins and needles (wink wink), so without further ado...1. Tony Romo vs. Seattle Seahawks - Mr. Jessica Simpson returns to the top of the rankings this week after a strong performance in week 12. The Seahawks have the second-worst pass defense in the NFL.
2. Peyton Manning at Cleveland Browns - It just feels right putting the usual suspects back near the top. After a rough start to the year, Manning has come on of late and the Browns are 30th in the league in sacks. Give Peyton all day and he will dissect any defense.
3. Phillip Rivers vs. Atlanta Falcons - The Falcons have the 21st-ranked pass defense in the league and Rivers leads the NFL with 23 touchdown passes.
4. Drew Brees at Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Any other quarterback would not make this list facing the Bucs and their terrific defense. Despite Brees' inclusion here, I sense a let down after his superlative Monday night performance in week 12.
5a. Kurt Warner at Philadelphia Eagles - The Eagles are melting faster than the Wicked Witch of the West, but they still have a tough pass defense. Warner makes it because he gets to throw to the best wide receiver duo in the league in Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald.
5b. Brett Favre vs. Denver Broncos - Ageless wonder Brett Favre faces a Broncos' defensive unit that has given up almost 28 total points and 236 passing yards per game... and he is at home... and he is going to play until he is 77 years old.
1. Chris Johnson at Detroit Lions - There are lots of strong candidates for this spot this week, but I could not resist the matchup. The Titans are going to be hungry coming off their first loss of the season and the Lions have relinquished 18 rushing touchdowns and almost 167 rushing yards per game.
2. Marshawn Lynch vs. San Francisco 49ers - I keep telling you that Lynch is going to have a good stretch run to finish the season and, so far, I have been right. The 'Niners rushing defense is decent, but this is a 1:00 pm game on the East coast this coming Sunday.
3. Marion Barber vs. Seattle Seahawks - The Seahawks have relinquished 122 rushing yards per game and now they get the pleasure of facing a resurgent Cowboys squad. This one will not be pretty.
4. Adrian Peterson vs. Chicago Bears - They are fifth in the league in rushing defense, but the Bears have given up ten rushing touchdowns all year. That number will rise by at least one this week.
5. Thomas Jones vs. Denver Broncos - Jones is fourth in the NFL in rushing and is tied for second with 11 touchdowns. The Broncos have given up almost 28 points per game. You do the math.
1. Roddy White at San Diego Chargers - The Chargers' pass defense is awful and White is quietly having a terrific year.
2. Terrell Owens vs. Seattle Seahawks - I am just wondering if you noticed who predicted T.O. to have a big game in week 12 when no one else was? Yeah... I called 100 yards and a touchdown. I was only wrong because I UNDERestimated Owens' yardage total.
3. Anquan Boldin at Philadelphia Eagles - Steve Austin's younger cousin gets to face a rapidly declining Eagles team. Truth be told, I don't care who he is playing -- Boldin is a must-start. Most cyborgs would be.
4. Lee Evans vs. San Francisco 49ers - Evans' season has been solid without being sexy, but now he faces off against the 29th-ranked pass defense. The 'Niners also have a coast-to-coast travel week followed by an early game on Sunday. You know what that means....
5. Andre Johnson vs. Jacksonville Jaguars - The Jags have a decent passing defense, even if they have given up a whopping 18 passing touchdowns this year. Johnson would be higher if the Texans QB was not Sage Rosenfels.
1. Tony Gonzalez at Oakland Raiders - Gonzalez' numbers have looked like those of a wide receiver lately instead of a tight end's. You should not expect it every week, but there is no way you sit Gonzalez if he is on your roster.
2. Antonio Gates vs. Atlanta Falcons - After a strong start to the year, Gates has been disappointing fantasy owners lately. He should get back on track at home against the crummy Falcons pass defense.
3. Kellen Winslow vs. Indianapolis Colts - The Colts 12th-ranked pass defense gets to try its hand against neo-starter QB Derek Anderson, who is now fighting for his future. The Colts are going to win this game, but the Browns will make it interesting.
4. Dallas Clark at Cleveland Browns - He has been catching a lot of balls recently, but few have translated into big plays. The potential is there though.
5. Jason Witten vs. Seattle Seahawks - I am aware that his numbers have been abysmal lately, but I still cannot bring myself to eject him from the list. However, one more bad week and he is gone.
1. Rian Lindell vs. San Francisco 49ers - Last week I said that Lindell would get two to four field goals. He got four and SIX extra points. Hope you started him.
2. Rob Bironas at Detroit Lions - Bironas has fallen off a bit in the last couple of weeks, but the Titans should have no problem scoring against the Pop Warner-caliber Lions.
3. Nick Folk vs. Seattle Seahawks - The Cowboys are out for blood now that they are healthier. Folk is a must-start.
4. John Carney at Washington Redskins - The Redskins defense is just good enough to prevent a lot of touchdowns, but not good enough to keep teams out of field goal range.
5. Ryan Longwell vs. Chicago Bears - The return of the guy with the perfect name for a kicker comes in conjunction with a big divisional showdown indoors at the Metrodome.
1. Baltimore Ravens at Cincinnati Bengals - The Bengals are the second-lowest scoring team in the league (13.5 points per game) and the Ravens have the second-ranked defense. It ain't rocket science.
2. Tennessee Titans at Detroit Lions - This matchup should take little convincing. The Lions are atrocious and the Titans are a fantasy juggernaut.
3. Minnesota Vikings vs. Chicago Bears - The ninth-ranked defense of the Vikings takes on the 20th-ranked offense of the Bears at home.
4. New York Giants at Washington Redskins - Washington Redskins running back Clinton Portis is not 100 percent healthy and QB Jason Campbell is too busy partying. This is another one that could turn ugly.
5. Pittsburgh Steelers at New England Patriots - Though the Pats have shown some mettle this year in the absence of pretty-boy Tom Brady, the Steel Curtain is just too heavy for the likes of Cassell and Company.
November 25, 2008
Fantasy Football: Tuesday Waiver Wire
As Week 13 comes upon us, it is the last week of the regular season in many fantasy football leagues. A well placed free agent addition could help get a needed victory this week, as well as have an impact in the playoffs.
In this my final edition of the Tuesday Waiver Wire for the 2008 season, I'l once again give you my recommendations of who you should consider adding to your rosters this week.
Quarterbacks
David Garrard, Jacksonville Jaguars- Garrard threw for 317 yards last week against Minnesota, along with one touchdown and two interceptions. He's got a favorable matchup coming next Monday against Houston, and then has a favorable looking matchup against Chicago in Week 14. Garrard could be a sneaky plug-in for the next couple weeks, as the Bears have struggled to generate pass rush and defend the pass this season.
Shaun Hill, San Francisco 49ers- Hill threw for 303 yards and two touchdowns last week against Dallas, and has played fairly well recently. After a matchup with Buffalo this week, Hill gets the New York Jets (Week 14), the Miami Dolphins (Week 15) and the St. Louis Rams (Week 16). I don't have numbers in front of me, but the schedule looks favorable for Hill, as all those teams have struggled defending the pass this season.
Running Backs
Leon Washington, New York Jets- Washington continues to produce pretty consistently, as he had 82 rushing yards and two touchdowns last week. He won't see a ton of touches due to the presence of Thomas Jones, but there's no reason that he shouldn't continue ot produce well. The Jets face Denver this week, folllowed by San Francisco in Week 14, both of which are favorable matchups. If Washington is available and you need a RB, get him while you can.
Maurice Morris, Seattle Seahawks- Morris had over 100 rushing yards last week against Washington, and could be a solid addition if he gets a decent amount of playing time. With the presence of Julius Jones and T.J. Duckett, Morris' touches could fluxuate. But if he can be the most productive of the three RBs, it should lead to more playing time for him.
Pierre Thomas, New Orleans Saints- Thomas had over 100 total yards and two rushing touchdowns last Monday against Green Bay. As long as Reggie Bush is out, Thomas stands a good chance to see a lot of playing time. Even after Bush returns to the lineup, which could be as soon as this week, Thomas might continue to get significant playing time in the role Deuce McAllister has had in the past. He is definitely worth adding if you need a RB, but be aware of the potential for inconsistent playing time when Bush returns.
Cadillac Williams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Williams had 16 carries for just 27 yards last week in his return to the lineup against Detroit. Warrick Dunn is likely to remain the primary RB for Tampa Bay, but Williams could still have a role in the offense. Don't expect huge numbers, but Williams could be worth a flier.
Wide Receivers
Lance Moore, New Orleans Saints- Moore had five receptions for 115 yards and two touchdowns last week, and seems to be the most productive WR the Saints have right now. With QB Drew Brees playing as well as he is, that meanst Moore has nice fantasy value going forward. If you can add him to you team, grab him now while you can.
Amani Toomer/Domenik Hixon, New York Giants- Toomer had four catches for 30 yards and a touchdown last week, and Hixon has six receptions for 57 yards as well. If Plaxico Burress continues to be limited by a nagging hamstring injury, Toomer and Hixon both stand to see more playing time and targets.
Ashley Lelie, Oakland Raiders- Lelie had four receptions for 92 yards and a touchdown last week against the Broncos, the team that drafted him in 2002. He is definitely a potential deep threat for QB JaMarcus Russell, and he gets a favorable matchup this week against Kansas City. Don't expect huge numbers every week, but Lelie could be worth a shot if you need WR depth.
Josh Reed, Buffalo Bills- Reed had five catches for 50 yards and a touchdown last week. The Bills' passing game seems to be better with him in the lineup, as QB Trent Edwards struggled when he missed time earlier in the season. WR Lee Evans may continue to be matched up with the opposing team's best CB and perhaps also see double coverage, so Reed could take advantage of favorable matchups.
Tight Ends
Desmond Clark, Chicago Bears- Clark has five receptions for 40 yards last week. Greg Olsen is still around to take playing time away from him, so Clark's targets could stay inconsistent. But if he is more productive than Olsen, Clark could see more playing time.
Billy Miller, New Orleans Saints- Miller had four catches for 36 yards and a touchdown last week, even though Jeremy Shockey played and was fairly productive. His playing time and targets will likely be limited, but if you're desperate for a TE Miller is probably worth a shot.
Zach Miller, Oakland Raiders- Miller had three catches for 41 yards last week, and has been the most consistent and reliable option in the Raiders' passing game (for what that's been worth to this point). If you need a TE, considering Miller isn't a bad thing.
November 24, 2008
Monday Night Football Fantasy Preview: Packers vs. Saints
Week 13 of Monday Night Football brings us a possible offensive showcase in the Superdome, as the New Orleans Saints (5-5) welcomes the Green Bay Packers (5-5) to the Bayou.
Here are some things to watch for tonight as a fantasy football owner.
Reggie Bush
Reports suggest that Bush will miss tonight's game due to his lingering knee injury. He brings a game-breaking element to the Saints' offense and return game when he is healthy.
If Bush is inactive tonight Deuce McAllister would likely start the game, while Pierre Thomas would seem likely to get some carries too. McAllister is dealing with a knee injury himself, so that could mean more playing time for Thomas if he is limited by the injury.
Bush's absence could have an effect on special teams play as well during the game. The Packers aren't likely to be afraid to kick to any of the return men that would replace Bush on punt returns.
The Saints could look to throw the ball downfield more tonight as well without Bush, who is an excellent receiver out of the backfield.
Jeremy Shockey
The high-strung Saints' TE has not produced according to his reputation this season, which is partially due to missing a few games due to hernia surgery and the injury to his groin lingering upon his return. He has not caught a touchdown all season, but is coming off a six catch game last week, which is his second highest catch total of the season.
If Reggie Bush is out tonight, Shockey could become the primary option on short and intermediate routes for QB Drew Brees. The absence of Packers' LB Nick Barnett, who is out for the season, could be a benefit for Shockey as well. Green Bay may have difficulty covering him without Barnett, as their LBs have had to shift to different positions.
Ryan Grant
Grant has run better recently than he did early in the season, perhaps due to his holdout early in training camp due to a contract dispute. He has had at least 75 rushing yards in six straight games, topping 100 rushing yards twice.
Grant is a key factor in tonight's game, because if he can run effectively that would allow Green Bay to control the clock and keep the explosive Saints' offense off the field. If the Packers can't run the ball effectively, a offensive shootout may ensue.
November 24, 2008
From the Sidelines
Mc-Benched
Donavan McNabb was benched yesterday in a surprising move by head coach Andy Reid. The dominant Eagles have turned into a team that lacks identity and confidence, and considering the fact that they play in the NFC East, they have a rough road ahead of them.
The move means that McNabb will surely be playing somewhere else next year (possibly Chicago???) and the Eagles 5-5-1 record may mean the end of the road for Andy Reid in Philadelphia.
So what does this mean for fantasy players?
Well, don't just jump the gun and drop McNabb. Kevin Kolb took McNabb's place and looked awful with only 73 yards passing and two interceptions. A starting quarterback hasn't been named for the Thanksgiving match-up against Arizona.
A possible shoot-out against the Cardinals would normally be very tempting for McNabb owners, but I would stay away at all costs. Even if he starts, it's obvious that he has a short leash.
Don't waste your time picking up Kolb and look elsewhere for a QB for Week 13.
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King of the Cassel
Matt Cassel threw for 415 yards and 3 touchdowns yesterday.
Although he obviously deserves credit for having a great game, it pains me to have to constantly admit how great of a coach Bill Belichick is. I wish I had reasons to bash him because he has always rubbed me the wrong way. His smug attitude and cold personality have made me sour on New England and root against them each week. (*not to mention that I am a Raider's fan and I am still ticked about the "tuck rule" game)
No matter how you personally feel about the man, what he has done with this team is amazing. The are now 7-4 and look like a real contender.
Belichick turned to Cassel to lead the Patriots once Tom Brady went down and although there were speed bumps early, it appears that he has the ability to lead this team to the playoffs.
From a fantasy perspective, the Patriots can be frustrating team to have players from. That being said, Cassel and Moss are strong plays for the rest of the season.
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The Raiders Have an Offense?
The Oakland Raiders surprised everyone yesterday by pounding Denver 31-10. The most surprising thing about the win was the fact that the Raiders offense actually showed up. Justin Fargas and Darren McFadden made a nice running back combo and JaMarcus Russell actually threw a touchdown pass.
The Broncos have struggled defensively all year long, so don't expect the Raiders to put up 31 each week. They do have two more decent match-ups this season, against Kansas City and Houston.
Tight end Zack Miller is clearly the top receiving target in Oakland, but he has struggled to find the end zone. That may change in week 13 against the Chiefs.
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Hot-lanta and the NFC South
The most underrated conference in the NFL is undoubtedly the NFC South. The Falcons put up an impressive performance yesterday at home against the Panthers as they won 45-28.
Home teams have been amazing in this conference with an overall record of 20-2. The Bucs are 5-0 at home (8-3 overall), the Panthers are 6-0 at home (8-3 overall), the Falcons are 5-1 at home (7-4 overall), and the Saints are 4-1 at home (5-5 overall).
November 21, 2008
Fantasy football: Week 12 position rankings
1. Peyton Manning at San Diego Chargers - The Bolts are last in the NFL in passing defense, having relinquished a whopping 17 passing touchdowns and 267 yards per game. Peyton has not been his normal self this year, but this matchup is just too favorable.
2. Tony Romo vs. San Francisco 49ers - The Cowboys know that they are under the gun and Romo pulled the finger splint off this week. I just have a feeling that the 'Boys are gonna charge into the playoffs.
3. Jay Cutler vs. Oakland Raiders - Cutler scorched the Raiders in week one for 300 yards and two touchdown passes, but the Raiders do have the 12th-ranked pass defense in the league.
4. Aaron Rodgers at New Orleans Saints - It has been awhile since Rodgers posted some really big numbers, but the Saints atrocious passing D should provide an opportunity to do so. Look for 300 yards and at least two TDs.
5. Drew Brees vs. Green Bay Packers - Considering the elite quality of the Packers pass defense (third in the NFL), the only reason Brees makes this list is because of his record-breaking pace so far this year. It also does not hurt that Kurt Warner is facing the Giants this week.
1. Adrian Peterson at Jacksonville Jaguars - The leading rusher in the NFL gets to face the league's 20th-ranked rushing defense. However, it just so happens that the only thing the Jags D does well is prevent rushing touchdowns. Not this week though.
2. Marshawn Lynch at Kansas City Chiefs - In ten games the Chiefs have given up over 165 rushing yards per game and 16 rushing touchdowns. I think Lynch is going to finish the season strong and matchups like this help.
3. Matt Forte at St. Louis Rams - There is not a single team in the league this year that has given up more total points or allowed more rushing touchdowns than the Rams. The Bears will get back on track after two tough losses in a row.
4. Marion Barber vs. San Francisco 49ers - The Washington Redskins knew that Marion the Barbarian was coming at them in the fourth quarter last week and they still could not stop him. The only reason I do not have Barber ranked more highly is my belief that the Cowboys passing attack will take charge this week.
5. LaDainian Tomlinson vs. Indianapolis Colts - The Colts have the 25th-ranked rushing defense in the league and he is still a stud when he wants to be. It should not be held against LT that the Steelers put him in check last week.
1. Reggie Wayne at San Diego Chargers - This matchup could not be more favorable as only two teams have given up more passing touchdowns than the Chargers.
2. Terrell Owens vs. San Francisco 49ers - I am going out on a limb with this pick, but I really feel that the Cowboys are going to get back on track this week. At least 100 yards and one touchdown.
3. Greg Jennings at New Orleans Saints - Take a terrible Saints defense and add a dash of Aaron Rodgers and you get a potentially big day for Jennings.
4. Andre Johnson at Cleveland Browns - After a HUGE October, Johnson has fallen off big time in November. The Browns 19th-ranked pass defense is a recipe for a resurgence.
5. Anquan Boldin vs. New York Giants - The Six-Million Dollar Man tries his luck against the league's second-ranked passing defense. This pick makes me nervous, but Boldin is a mutant who has evolved past the rest of us bottom feeders.
1. Antonio Gates vs. Indianapolis Colts - He had a tough game against the Steelers last week, but who doesn't? The Colts have the ninth-ranked passing defense, but they are not the Steelers.
2. Tony Gonzalez vs. Buffalo Bills - After a slow start to the season and a phenomenal four-game stretch from weeks seven to ten, Gonzalez did nothing against the Saints last Sunday. Still, he remains one of the best in the business.
3. Dallas Clark vs. San Diego Chargers - Take everything I have already written about Peyton Manning and Reggie Wayne and apply it to Clark. Thank you.
4. Jason Witten vs. San Francisco 49ers - Witten is still bothered by a rib injury, but he is one of Romo's favorite targets and arguably the best pure TE talent in this bunch.
5. Chris Cooley at Seattle Seahawks - The Redskins passing game has looked anemic lately, probably because Jason Campbell has been drunk, but Cooley remains a must-start.
1. Neil Rackers vs. New York Giants - Weather is obviously not a problem in Arizona and the Cardinals offense will get stopped enough in field goal range to make this a good play.
2. Mason Crosby at New Orleans Saints - The Packers are going to score points in bunches and the game is indoors at the Superdome.
3. Nick Folk vs. San Francisco 49ers - Dallas has not been boarding a lot of points lately, but that is going to change this week.
4. Adam Vinatieri at San Diego Chargers - I like the Colts to score a fair number of points this week and Vinatieri will get some chances. The weather is always lovely in San Diego.
5. Rian Lindell at Kansas City Chiefs - Decided to go with a wild card here. He will get two to four field goals this week.
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Detroit Lions - Times are good for pirates these days (especially those of the Somalian variety) and this matchup is one that will allow for ample pillage and plunder.
2. Tennessee Titans vs. New York Jets - The Titans let me down a little bit last week and now they get to face the 12th-ranked offense in the league. The good news is that they are at home and they have the best fantasy defense in the game.
3. Baltimore Ravens vs. Philadelphia Eagles - The Eagles are reeling lately and word out of Philly is that many on this team are already packing it in. Nevermore.
4. Chicago Bears at St. Louis Rams - They were torched by the Packers last week, but the Bears defense gets to line up against a Steven Jackson-less Rams offense.
5. Dallas Cowboys vs. San Francisco 49ers - The 'Niners have the 21st-ranked offense in the league and they get to face a Cowboys defense that looked reinvigorated last week.
November 20, 2008
Week 12: Studs and Duds
Studs
QB
Aaron Rodgers vs. N.O.- Look for a big night from Rodgers and the Packers on Monday night. This should be a high-scoring affair.
Jason Campbell vs. SEA- Seattle ranks near the bottom of the league in pass defense and Campbell will look to take advantage. Moss, Cooley, and Randle El should be nice plays as well.
RB
Warrick Dunn vs. DET- With Earnest Graham out for the season, Warrick Dunn has an amazing match-up against the Lions. Detroit ranks last against the run.
Matt Forte vs. STL- Forte gained 105 total yards last week against Packers, but did not find the end zone. Look for that to change this week as the Bears will surely rely on the young back all game long.
WR
Donnie Avery vs. CHI- Avery had the most catches of his young career last week and he is matched up against a Bears secondary that has made mediocre quarterbacks look like Pro Bowlers all year long.
Greg Jennings vs. N.O.- I like almost every player on the Packers offense against the Saints on Monday night, but I think Jennings will have the biggest night of all Packer receivers.
TE
Zack Miller vs. DEN- It's no secret that Miller is the main target of the Raiders pathetic offense, but I like his chances to find paydirt this week against Denver. His reception and yardage totals have been adequate, but the Raiders just haven't been able to score touchdowns.
DEF
Denver vs. OAK- Oakland has a lot of trouble scoring touchdowns and I look for head coach Mike Shannahan to play chess while Raiders head coach Tom Cable plays checkers.
Buffalo vs. KC- The Bills are reeling after losing four in a row and a match-up against the Chiefs is just what the doctor ordered.
.
Duds
QB
Brett Favre vs. TEN- The Titans/Jets match-up is one of the premiere games of the week, and I look for the Jets to get behind early and Favre to try and do to much. Whenever that happens, there are usually a lot of interceptions thrown.
Matt Ryan vs. CAR- Carolina has a tough pass defense and the rookie will have a tough time finding receivers. The game is in Atlanta and they have been tough at home, but I like the Panthers chances of posting a good game defensively.
RB
Julius Jones vs. WAS- The Redskins are tough against the run and Jones only has 2 touchdowns on the season. I don't like his chances for 3 this week.
Brian Westbrook vs. BAL- Westbrook has really struggled over the past few weeks and things don't get any easier this week against Baltimore. Reports indicate that he is still banged up, so look elsewhere if you have a better match-up.
WR
Chad Johnson vs. PIT- The Steelers have a very tough defense and Houshmandzadeh is the main target in Cincinnati.
Issac Bruce vs. DAL- The Cowboys are trying to prove they are a top team in the NFC and they can't lose the 49ers this week and still be taken seriously. Look for the Dallas defense to be jacked up and the 49ers offense to struggle, including Bruce.
TE
L.J. Smith vs. BAL- Smith found the end-zone last week but he will find it tough to get open against the Ravens.
DEF
New York Giants vs. AZ- Arizona's offense has been amazing, and although the Giants will probably get a few sacks, it should be a high-scoring affair.
San Diego vs. IND- This Sunday night tilt has all the makings for a high-scoring affair and Peyton Manning has found his groove.
November 20, 2008
Week 11: Studs and Duds Results
Week 11 was my best week yet. I had 13 GOOD CALLS, 2 BORDERLINE CALLS, and 2 BAD CALLS. This brings my season total to 104 GOOD CALLS, 27 BORDERLINE CALLS, and 54 BAD CALLS.
GOOD CALLS
Studs
Shaun Hill vs. STL- 213 yds, 2 TD
Joseph Addai vs. HOU- 105 yds, TD
Vernon Davis vs. STL- 2 yds, TD
Philadelphia vs. CIN- 13 points, 8 sacks, Fum. Rec.
Tampa Bay vs. MIN- 13 points, 5 sacks, 2 Fum. Rec.
Duds
Matt Hasselbeck vs. AZ- 170 yds, TD, 3 int.
Philip Rivers vs. PIT- 159 yds, 2 int.
Kyle Orton vs. GB- 133 yds.
Justin Fargas vs. MIA- 57 yds
Devin Hester vs. GB-.7 yds.
Chad Johnson vs. PHI- 34 yards
Antonio Gates vs. PIT- 10 yards
Chicago vs. GB- 37 points, 0 sacks, 1 int.
BORDERLINE CALLS
Studs
Matt Forte vs. GB- 104 total yards
Duds
Indianapolis vs. HOU- 27 points, 2 sacks, int
BAD CALLS
Studs
Santonio Holmes vs. SD- 63 yards
Duds
Ryan Grant vs. CHI- 145 yds, TD
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