Note: This doesn’t include the SD/TEN game.

Start of the Week:

QB Matt Schaub (HOU) vs. MIA: He has had a great past 2 weeks since his shoulder injury, and with Miami missing its best corner and struggling to defend the pass, he is a great start on Sunday.

Who to Start:

QB Ben Roethlisberger (PIT) vs. BAL: After a 503 yard game last Sunday, he is playing pretty well, and lucky for owners, he is playing the Ravens who have struggled against the pass and are minus Ed Reed as well.

RB Cedric Benson (CIN) vs. KC: He has to be licking his chops this week and so should owners. With the Chiefs coming off a game in which they allowed over 300 yards on the ground, Benson should easily excel.

WR Wes Welker (NE) vs. JAX: Even though the Pats offense has been struggling, and so has Welker, that should change against a Jags pass D that is 27^th in the league.

TE Tony Scheffler (DEN) vs. PHI: The Eagles do not defend the Tight End very well, and with Kyle Orton needing a safety blanket, he will look to his tight end for that.

DEF Arizona vs. STL: With Keith Null starting, I wouldn’t be too afraid of the Rams offense aside from Steven Jackson. Therefore, the Cards D is a great start this week.

Who to Sit:

QB David Garrard (JAX) vs. NE: New England, while struggling on the road, have been great at home, considering they only allow 163 pass yards a game at home this year.

RB Matt Forte (CHI) vs. MIN MON: What a disappointment this year in terms of fantasy. He hasn’t produced much this season, and facing a very good Vikings run D, he will continue to struggle.

WR Calvin Johnson (DET) vs. SF: He has really struggled since Matt Stafford was lost to injury, only averaging 2-3 fantasy points a game, and Drew Stanton is starting.

WR Hakeem Nicks (NYG) vs. CAR: Carolina has been very stout against the pass this year, 4^th in the league against the pass, so Nicks will struggle.

 TE Dustin Keller (NYJ) vs. IND: After a nice start to the season, he has been very quiet of late. This should continue against the Colts, who have allowed the fewest fantasy points to Tight Ends this year.

DEF Baltimore vs. PIT: The Steelers have put up great offensive numbers at home this year, averaging over 25 points and 400 yards a game, and with the Ravens missing Ed Reed, the D should struggle.

Sleepers:

QB Alex Smith (SF) vs. DET: The Lions are one of the worst at defending the pass, so Smith should have success this year.

RB Jason Snelling (ATL) vs. BUF: The Bills are the worst at defending the run, and allow almost 27 fantasy points to running backs this year.

WR Steve Smith (CAR) vs. NYG: This Steve Smith is facing the poor playing Giants pass D, as they have allowed 24 pass TD’s and many big plays this year.

WR Antonio Bryant (TB) vs. NO: The Saints have struggled to defend the pass in the past couple of weeks, so Bryant is a good sleeper.

TE Jermichael Finley (GB) vs. SEA: He has played very well this year, and with him scoring plenty since week 13, he is a good sleeper option.

DEF Dallas vs. WSH: After watching the horrendous performance last week, the Dallas D should be licking its chops after holding the Saints to 17 points.

I thank you personally for reading and I thank Mr. Gags for letting me do this. Good luck in fantasy championship week if you’re playing and I will be writing about other sports soon. Thank you and happy New Year!

NOTE: This will not include IND/JAX Thursday game.

Start of the Week:

QB Matt Schaub (HOU) vs. STL: It is the Rams, and Schaub lit up the Seahawks last week so he is playing very well right now.

Who to Start:

QB Kurt Warner (ARZ) vs. DET: He didn’t do too well last Monday, but now he is facing the Lions who apparently have decided to not tackle. And they are last in the league in pass D, so that helps.

RB Jamaal Charles (KC) vs. CLE: We all know the Browns don’t stop the run, so Charles’s owners should be very happy this week, considering the Chiefs are one of the worst at stopping the run.

WR Calvin Johnson (DET) vs. ARZ: Arizona is struggling to defend the pass, and Johnson is due for a good game eventually. This will be affected by the status of Matt Stafford.

WR Terrell Owens (BUF) vs. NE: New England allows up to 22 fantasy points to wide outs every week, and with a depleted secondary and with Owens having a good month, T.O should put up big numbers.

TE Vernon Davis (SF) vs. PHI; No brainer here, with the Eagles having well documented struggles against the Tight End, and Vernon Davis leading the NFL in receiving TD’s.

DEF Houston vs. STL: Anybody playing the Rams is a good option, especially with Keith Null potentially playing. Outside of Steven Jackson, the Rams have no offense to speak of.

Who to Sit:

QB Ben Roethlisberger (PIT) vs. GB: With the Pack sporting the 3rd ranked pass D in the league, and Big Ben struggling to get pass protection, expect Big Ben to be on his back most of the day.

RB Lesean McCoy vs. SF: With “Shady” losing carries to Leonard Weaver, and the ‘49ers sporting the 5th best run D in the league, “Shady” will struggle this week. Also note that Brian Westbrook may also come back this week.

WR Michael Crabtree (SF) vs. PHI: The Eagles, while not defending the Tight End very well, do defend the wide out well, and with Crabtree likely matched up against Asante Samuel, he won’t have a good game.

WR Devin Hester (CHI) vs. BAL: The Ravens have allowed the 7th fewest fantasy points to wide outs this year, and Hester may be hampered by a nagging injury as well.

TE Zach Miller (OAK) vs. DEN: When Bruce Gradkowski was starting, I may have recommended him, but with CHARLIE FRYE starting, I highly recommend benching him this week.

DEF Cincinnati vs. SD: The Bengals D will be playing with a heavy heart on Sunday, and the Chargers do have one of the league’s best offenses and it is December. R.I.P Chris Henry

Sleepers:

QB Jason Campbell (WSH) vs. NYG MON: With Sherm Lewis, the bingo caller, calling plays, Campbell has really matured. And, facing the Giants, who don’t stop anybody anymore, he will play very well.

RB Julius Jones (SEA) vs. TB: The Bucs are 31st against the run, so Jones should be active in every league.

WR Steve Breaston (ARZ) vs. DET: If Larry Fitzgerald is out on Sunday, Breaston will be the number 2 wide out, and he is playing the Lions after all.

WR Antonio Bryant (TB) vs. SEA: Even though the Bucs are struggling offensively, Bryant is facing a generous Seattle pass D, one of the worst in the league.

TE Dustin Keller (NYJ) vs. ATL: The Falcons don’t stop the Tight End very well, and watch out for the Kellen Clemens factor.

DEF Arizona vs. DET: Whoever is starting at QB, the Cards should force many turnovers and get after the QB, whoever that may be.

Good Luck in Week 15!

NOTE: This guide doesn’t include the Thursday PIT/CLE game.

Start of the Week:

QB Kurt Warner (ARZ) vs. SF MON: Kurt Warner had a great game last week against Minnesota surprisingly and he is hot against San Francisco. In his last 12 starts against the ‘9ers, he has averaged 299 pass yards a game and thrown 24 TD’s passes. If you need a QB, he is a great start.

Who to Start:

QB Joe Flacco (BAL) vs. DET: The Lions aren’t very good against the pass, dead last in the league against the pass in fact, and Joe Flacco should have success against the horrid Lions therefore.

RB Thomas Jones (NYJ) vs. TB: With Kellen Clemens starting on Sunday, Thomas Jones should have more carries, and against the Bucs, who don’t stop the run very well, Jones should have a big game.

WR Marques Colston (NO) vs. ATL: The Falcons pass D has struggled recently, and Marques Colston hasn’t provided dividends the past couple of weeks (I should know). But, this week he should have a great game.

WR Donald Driver (GB) vs. CHI: The Bears have also been struggling to defend the pass, and Driver is benefitted by the great play of Aaron Rodgers as of late. This combo therefore will get Donald Driver catches and TD’s as well.

TE Brent Celek (PHI) vs. NYG: The Giants have struggled to defend the Tight End well, allowing the most fantasy points to Tight Ends this year, and Brent Celek is one of the most targeted Tight Ends is football today.

DEF Tennessee vs. STL: With Kyle Boller starting, don’t expect too many points from the Rams this week, so that must mean the Titans D is very useful to have as your starting D.

Who to Sit:

QB Jay Cutler (CHI) vs. GB: Cutler threw 4 picks in the first game against the Packers this year, and of course, he has struggled in the past couple of games, save against the Rams last week. And, the Pack own one of the top D’s in the league.

RB Kevin Smith (DET) vs. BAL: The Ravens only allow about 90 yards a game on the ground at home this season, so Kevin Smith isn’t a very good option to start this week, even if Daunte Culpepper is starting.

WR Antonio Bryant (TB) vs. NYJ: Bryant will be matched up against Darrelle Revis, who is in my opinion, the best lockdown corner in the league. And, Josh Freeman is still a rookie, so he will struggle a bit.

WR Roy E. Williams (DAL) vs. SD: Don’t let last week fool you, Tony Romo still hates December. With San Diego 9th against the pass this year and Williams hit and miss this year, sit him this week.

TE John Carlson (SEA) vs. HOU: He has been struggling as of late, only averaging 3.1 fantasy points a game since week 3, making him a very risky play when the points are hard to come by.

DEF Denver vs. IND: I don’t think I need an explanation for this one, but Denver’s D has been playing better of late, but they will struggle against the Colts, that being a given.

Sleepers:

QB Chad Henne (MIA) vs. JAX: After his statistical explosion last Sunday, he should be looked to this week against a Jags pass D ranked 23rd in the league, and maybe without its top corner.

RB Ray Rice (BAL) vs. DET: When the Ravens are winning by 30, they will go to Rice more often, and the Lions have given up 12 TD’s to backs this season to boot.

WR Terrell Owens (BUF) vs. KC: Ignore games when he is matched up against Darrelle Revis, and you’ll figure he has had a pretty good last few weeks, and he has had a long week to prepare.

WR Derrick Mason (BAL) vs. DET: The Lions are last in the league in pass D, and Joe Flacco should be looking in Mason’s direction often.

TE Kevin Boss (NYG) vs. PHI: With his increased action in the past few weeks, look for him to have good numbers against an Eagles D that doesn’t defend the Tight End well.

DEF New York Jets vs. TB: Anytime you’re playing a rookie QB, this is a plus, and the Bucs have turned it over 27 times at home this year.

Good Luck in Week 14, and in your fantasy playoffs if they started!

NOTE: This guide doesn’t include Thursday’s NYJ/BUF game.

Start of the Week:

RB Rashard Mendenhall (PIT) vs. OAK: Becoming a bigger fantasy stud every week, he is a great option against the lowly Raiders this Sunday who gives up 161.6 rush yards a game on the road, and only the Lions and Browns give up more fantasy points to running backs.

Who to Start: 
QB Carson Palmer (CIN) vs. DET: It is against the Lions who give up almost 300 yards a game through the air on the road, and despite the fact that the Lions have had 12 days to prepare, it won’t matter to an inconsistent Carson Palmer.

RB Matt Forte (CHI) vs. STL: What? I recommend him to be started? Against the Rams, sure you should start him. The Rams are 28th against the run, and it is the Rams after all.

WR Wes Welker (NE) vs. MIA: He has 37 receptions for 446 yards against his former team in his last 5 games, and did I mention that Miami is missing their starting corner?

WR Vincent Jackson (SD) vs. CLE: I think he has done enough to legitimately be regarded as one of the better fantasy wide outs around, and with Cleveland missing big Shaun Rodgers; he should start despite his terrible past 3 games.

TE Tony Gonzalez (ATL) vs. PHI: He has 2 factors going for him this Sunday against the Eagles. One thing is that the Birds give up plenty of yards to Tight Ends. Also, you have the safety blanket for Chris Redman.

DEF San Diego vs. CLE: The Chargers have been one of the best fantasy D’s in the past couple of weeks, and against Cleveland, it will only continue, with the Browns scoring less than 2 TD’s a game at home.

Who to Sit:

QB Tony Romo (DAL) vs. NYG: It is the month of December, the time of year when the native Dallas Tony Romo begins to get scared. And, against the Giants who allow only 184 pass yards a game at home, the Tony Romo will cower in fear.

RB Kevin Smith (DET) vs. CIN: One of the many Lions to sit this week is Kevin Smith. The Bengals allow 68.7 rush yards a game at Paul Brown Stadium, which doesn’t help.

WR Chris Chambers (KC) vs. DEN: He has been great since being added by the Chiefs, but he could be very limited against Champ Bailey, who is a very good corner, if you remember.

WR Derrick Mason (BAL) vs. GB: Against shut-down corner Charles Woodson, he will likely struggle even if he has no help from the other side of the field missing Al Harris.

TE Fred Davis (WSH) vs. NO: New Orleans has allowed the third fewest fantasy points to tight ends this week, and I don’t think that Jason Campbell will have a good day anyway.

DEF Tennessee vs. IND: Although they have been one of the more reliable fantasy D’s in the past couple of weeks, however against the Colts, who can make even good D’s look bad, I would recommend benching the Titans D.

Sleepers:

QB Matt Schaub (HOU) vs. JAX: He always has huge success against the Jags, and he will be facing a pass D without the Jags best corner.

RB Knowshon Moreno (DEN) vs. KC: The Chiefs are 28th against the run, and Moreno will have success along with the 10 other Denver running backs.

WR Jeremy Maclin vs. ATL: He should see many targets without Desean Jackson in the lineup and should fare well against a bad Atlanta pass D.

WR Sidney Rice (MIN) vs. ARZ: With Sidney Rice faring very well with the suddenly less gunslinger Brett Favre, he will fare well against a ‘Zona pass D that allows the 8th most fantasy points to wide outs this year, he will have a great game.

TE Greg Olsen (CHI) vs. STL: The Rams have struggled against Tight Ends allowing 5 TD’s to TE’s all year.

DEF Chicago vs. STL: They are facing the Kyle Boller lead Rams, enough said.

Good Luck in Week 13! And happy December!

NOTE: These picks do NOT include the Thursday MIA/CAR game.

Start of the Week:

QB Kurt Warner (ARZ) vs. STL:  He has been inconsistent, but is now on the consistent stretch. With him averaging about 278 yards in his last 7 against his former team, while throwing for 7 TD’s, look for his hot streak to continue.

Who to Start:

QB Matt Schaub (HOU) vs. TEN MON: The Titans pass D has been better of late, but even when the Titans were fully healthy, Schaub threw for 457 yards. In a game that could turn into a major shootout, the QB who is playing the team that allows the most fantasy points, Schaub is a great start.

RB Kevin Smith (DET) vs. CLE: In the worst game of the year, maybe the decade, that nobody will watch, Kevin Smith will put on a show. The Browns give up 157 yards a game on the ground on the road, and overall are 30th against the run.

WR Sidney Rice (MIN) vs. SEA: He’s come alive hasn’t he? After a big game last Sunday with 201 yards, he faces the Seahawks, who are pretty banged up in the secondary, and give up the 4th most fantasy points to WR’s. Watch out for Sidney Rice.

WR Lee Evans (BUF) vs. JAX: He’s knocked down a bit due to Ryan Fitzpatrick starting, but the Jags are missing their best corner, and potentially their starting strong safety, which should open things up for Evans.

TE Brent Celek vs. CHI: The Bears continue to struggle defending the Tight End, and Celek has been one of the biggest producing fantasy tight ends this season. He should continue this torrid pace Sunday night.

DEF Cincinnati vs. OAK: If you haven’t seen what the Bengals D can do, you may want to pay attention. With games against Oakland this Sunday, who is starting Bruce Gradkowski, and soon against Detroit and Cleveland, start this great D.

Who to Sit:

QB Matt Ryan (ATL) vs. NYG: He has looked more like a rookie in the past couple of weeks, and he looks to be without Michael Turner, who takes a lot of pressure off the sophomore QB. With him out, and the Giants sporting the league’s 2nd best pass D, it is best to avoid Ryan.

RB Ryan Grant (GB) vs. SF: The ‘9ers are 3rd in the league in rush D, allowing just 88 yards a game. Grant has been inconsistent this season, and the ‘9ers will make him pay for that.

WR Miles Austin (DAL) vs. WSH: He found out what it is like to be the featured target last Sunday. With Washington sporting the league’s best pass D, and the fact he’ll likely be double-covered, he should be on your bench.

WR Brandon Marshall (DEN) vs. SD: I know he is hard to sit, but with Chris Simms potentially starting, Marshall won’t see the ball that often, even though the Chargers pass D has struggled a bit.

TE Zach Miller (OAK) vs. CIN: I’m sorry. He’s a great tight end, but with only 1 good game this season, and the QB carousel spinning at Mach 4 in Oakland, Miller won’t see many targets, therefore not catching many either.

DEF Baltimore vs. IND: Defenses facing the Colts are averaging few fantasy points, and the Ravens D is slowing down and has secondary troubles.

Sleepers:

QB Aaron Rodgers (GB) vs. SF: Even though he’ll likely be on his back, the ‘9ers are still 28th in the league against the pass.

RB Pierre Thomas (NO) vs. TB: The Bucs are 31st against the run, and allow about 195 yards a game on the ground at home.

WR Santana Moss (WSH) vs. DAL: Haven’t heard his name much, but he has 41 yards in his last 4 games against Dallas.

WR Malcolm Floyd (SD) vs. DEN: With Denver’s D struggling, and Floyd seeing more targets, he should be a good sleeper option.

TE John Carlson (SEA) vs. MIN: The Vikings allow 66.2 yards a game against Tight Ends and 11 fantasy points as well.

DEF Detroit vs. CLE: In the Toilet Bowl, where the Browns anemic offense plays any defense, the D (the Lions), should start if you need a one week fix.

Waiver Wire Pick-Up(s):

RB Ricky Williams (MIA): If you haven’t already, get him. With Ronnie Brown done for the year and no Patrick Cobbs, Williams will see all the carries, and relieve some pressure for Chad Henne.

RB Justin Forsett (SEA): With Julius Jones losing favor, and the fact that Forsett is getting goal line carries, he is a great sleeper pick-up. The favorable schedule also helps him out plenty.

Good luck in week 11!

How was your week 9? I’m hoping I start turning around these picks, although I’m doing ok. This is the last week of byes so no more adjusting rosters for that.

NOTE: These picks DO NOT include the Thursday Night Game, CHI/SF.

Byes: Houston, New York Giants

Start of the Week: RB Chris Johnson (TEN) vs. BUF: I know most people would be starting him anyway, yet he is facing the worst rush D in football in Buffalo. Johnson is tearing it up right now, and he has not shown any signs of cooling off.

Who to Start:

QB Brett Favre (MIN) vs. DET: Normally this is the time of the year where he begins to struggle. Against the Lions however, he won’t. The Lions allow 288.2 pass yards a game on the road, so Favre is a must start this week.

RB Ray Rice (BAL) vs. CLE MON: The Browns are 31st against the run, and allow heaps of points to opposing running backs. Even when Rice is not getting many yards, he is scoring TD’s, and this week, he will get plenty of yards, and TD’s against a porous Browns team.

WR Braylon Edwards (NYJ) vs. JAX: The Jags are 26th against the pass and have allowed 15 pass TD’s all year. If Chris Chambers could do well against this Jags D, I’m sure Braylon Edwards could do just as well.

WR Calvin Johnson (DET) vs. MIN: Although he made be a bit gimpy due to his injury, he is facing a Vikings pass D that is 27th, and is missing their best corner. Watch out for the injury though, it may hamper him a bit.

TE Kellen Winslow (TB) vs. MIA: The safety blanket factor helped him last week, and it will again this week, with Miami missing their best corner, and rank 29th against the pass. Josh Freeman looks good, and Winslow should benefit from that.

DEF Denver vs. WSH: The Broncos after struggling for the last 2 weeks won’t against a bad Redskin offense using a gimpy Jason Campbell and doesn’t have Clinton Portis. Oh, and D’s playing the ‘Skins have gotten the most fantasy points.

Who to Sit:

QB Carson Palmer (CIN) vs. PIT: He has been very inconsistent this season, and playing against the Steelers D with Troy Polomalu back in the lineup and that D stifled Kyle Orton on Monday. Palmer isn’t a good option when the Steelers have averaged giving up only 190 yards against the Bengals.

RB Julius Jones (SEA) vs. ARZ: The Cards Rank 3rd against the run this year, which is surprising and Julius Jones struggled mostly last week against the Lions. Against Arizona which allows 90 yards a game on the ground, Jones should be on your bench.

WR Mike Sims-Walker (JAX) vs. NYJ: The Jets rank 2nd in the league against the pass, and Sims-Walker is going against Darrelle Revis, potentially the league’s best man to man cover corner. This is a very tough matchup for a good fantasy player.

WR Dwayne Bowe (KC) vs. OAK: What? When you’re going up against Nnamdi Asomugha, you should be benched. Oakland is 12th against the pass, and Bowe only averages 64 yards a game against the Raiders in his career.

TE Ben Watson (NE) vs. IND: The Colts with their injury-riddled secondary, still only allow about 3.6 points a game to fantasy tight ends. Watson will likely struggle this week, even though he is one of Tom Brady’s favorite targets.

DEF Carolina vs. ATL: The Falcons average about 26 points and 375 yards a game on the road this season and Carolina just lost their Middle Linebacker, Thomas Davis, for the year due to injury. Tough matchup this week, for a good fantasy week replacement for the Giants D if needed.

Sleepers:

QB Mark Sanchez (NYJ) vs. JAX: The Jags rank 26th vs. the pass, and are last in the NFL in sacks. Sanchez has also had a bye to refresh and study, which favors him.

RB Tim Hightower (ARZ) vs. SEA: The Seahawks allow 149 yards a game on the ground on the road this year, and the run has been successful for the Cards this year.

WR Lee Evans (BUF) vs. TEN: Even after some good performances, the Titans are still last in the league in pass D.

WR Derrick Mason (BAL) vs. CLE MON: Mason had a big week against the Browns in week 3, and should have another big game on Monday Night.

TE Jeremy Shockey (NO) vs. STL: The Rams do give up points to the Tight End frequently so, Shockey is a good sleeper this week.

DEF New York Jets vs. JAX: The Jaguars struggle to score on the road, and the Jets D is very well rested from their bye week.

Waiver Wire Pick-Up:

WR Justin Gage (TEN): You may have already dropped him, but pick him up again. He has more targets this year than Nate Washington, and Vince Young has looked to him often. One week, he will break out for a big game, and you should own him for when that happens.

Good luck in Week 10!

QB

Kurt Warner vs. MIN- Minnesota’s pass defense isn’t that great and Warner has plenty of weapons to exploit the Vikings defense.

Aaron Rodgers @ JAC- Jacksonville’s defense isn’t good and Packers should be all over the horrendous Jags.

Tony Romo vs. NYG- Not a great matchup and the Cowboys are in turmoil so don’t expect a lot.

Jay Cutler @ CAR- Broncos could struggle in a tough game on the road against the Panthers who have not lost at home this season.

Philip Rivers @ KC- Great matchup for Rivers and Chargers that need to win this game to stay relevant in the AFC West race with Denver.

BOOM PICK

Peyton Manning vs. DET- Manning should throw all over the Lions and send them to 0-14.

BUST PICK

Joe Flacco vs. PIT- I have a feeling that Flacco will struggle on the road against Pittsburgh and if the Ravens win it will be their defense and running game that do it.

RB

DeAngelo Williams vs. DEN- Williams is on fire and Denver’s defense is horrendous plus he’s at home so a must start.

Michael Turner vs. TB- Turner is on fire and at home and we all saw what Carolina did to Tampa Bay last week.

Thomas Jones vs. BUF- Buffalo is struggling and Jones has picked up his game. Jets will need him to stay atop the AFC East.

Adrian Peterson @ ARI- Peterson will be used a lot in this game with Tarvaris Jackson starting this weekend and I think he delivers and helps Minnesota get a possible upset.

LaDainian Tomlinson @ KC- LT will have a great game against Kansas City who isn’t a great defense.

BOOM PICK

Brian Westbrook vs. CLE- Westbrook is looking like his old self and Cleveland is bad. Plus Philly is in the playoff hunt and on national TV.

BUST PICK

Frank Gore @ MIA- Gore hasn’t been good lately and he’s on the road against a resurgent Miami team who will look to shut him down.

WR

Larry Fitzgerald vs. MIN- Fitzgerald will see a lot of Winfield so I’d say about an average day and probably no scores.

Anquan Boldin vs. MIN- Looking rusty lately so maybe a cheap TD against undersized corner but not a lot of yards.

Steve Smith vs. DEN- If Bailey doesn’t play expect a field day for Smith, but if Bailey does play then Smith will have a frustrating and not great day.

Roddy White vs. TB- White may struggle against Barber but good running game should open up the pass so he could do well.

Calvin Johnson vs. IND- Harder matchup for Johnson against stingy Indy secondary plus Orlovsky is starting so no long passes should be expected.

BOOM PICK

Santana Moss vs. CIN- Moss should break out this week against awful Cincy defense as Redskins look to get back in the playoff hunt.

BUST PICK

Andre Johnson vs. TEN- Had a bad first game against them, I don’t expect a change in this game as Tennessee looks to clinch home field advantage.

TE

Tony Gonzalez vs. SD- Gonzalez is easily Thigpen’s favorite target and should exploit the awful SD pass defense.

Antonio Gates @ KC- Gates should have a great day against a bad KC defense.

Jason Witten vs. NYG- Witten will have either a huge day or an awful day it depends on how Romo chooses to react to the turmoil in the Cowboys organization.

John Carlson vs. STL- Carlson has been active and St. Louis is average against TE. Carlson could find the end zone in this one.

Dallas Clark vs. DET- Clark should have a great day against an awful Detroit defense.

BOOM PICK

Visanthe Shiancoe @ ARI- For some reason it is shocking that he has 5 TDs already and Jackson will check down to him a lot in this game.

BUST PICK

Tony Scheffler @ CAR- Carolina is great against TE so avoid.

]]> http://www.eastside-online.org/sports/fantasysports/fantasy-column-for-week-15/feed/ 0 http://www.eastside-online.org/sports/fantasysports/fantasy-column-13/ http://www.eastside-online.org/sports/fantasysports/fantasy-column-13/#comments Sun, 30 Nov 2008 05:34:33 +0000 Mike http://www.eastside-online.org/?p=1487 Fantasy Column 13

QB

Drew Brees @ TB- Tampa’s defense has been solid all year but Brees may be able to get through them. Plus, he gets Reggie Bush back this week and Deuce McAllister isn’t suspended so should have plenty of weapons in a must-win game.

Aaron Rodgers vs. CAR- Rodgers should do well at home against slipping defense. He has all of his weapons so he should get it done here.

Phillip Rivers vs. ATL- Atlanta’s secondary has played extremely better than what you’d expect them to be on paper, but Rivers has played better. Rivers should have a good game at home in a battle of teacher and apprentice in LT vs. Michael Turner.

Jay Cutler @ NYJ- Cutler has been so-so lately and is not the same QB he was in the beginning of the season and Jets secondary has been solid. He may have trouble getting the ball to Marshall since he will see plenty of CB Revis but Eddie Royal could help him out in this one.

Peyton Manning @ CLE- Cleveland’s secondary is horrendous and Manning has all of his weapons so expect a huge day for Peyton as he will do something his brother couldn’t which is beat Cleveland.

*Matt Cassel vs. PIT- Cassel has thrown for 400 yards the past 2 weeks which is something Brady couldn’t do. Expect that trend to end against a solid Pittsburgh defense. That isn’t to say Cassel won’t do well this week, but don’t expect 400 yards and 5 TDs.

BOOM PICK

Tyler Thigpen @ OAK- Thigpen has thrown for 1 INT in his 3 starts and the 4 games he has played in. Oakland’s secondary is underachieving and Thigpen should exploit them in this one and look to get a huge divisional win.

BUST PICK

Derek Anderson vs. IND- This is a bad matchup for a shaky QB in Anderson against the surprisingly stingy Colts secondary.

RB

LaDainian Tomlinson vs. ATL- LT should have a great week this week. His team needs a win and Atlanta’s front-7 is beatable if LT is on his game. LT is not the same gamebreaker that we all know and love but he will get it done.

Adrian Peterson vs. CHI- Peterson has owned Chicago getting 423 yards and 7 TDs in 3 career games against them. He gets them at home in this matchup in a must-win game which would give the winner sole possession of first place in the NFC North.

Michael Turner @ SD- Turner has been on fire lately so expect much of the same as he tries to outdo his teacher in LT.

Clinton Portis vs. NYG- Portis is coming into this matchup a little banged up so check his status. With that said, the Giants look untouchable right now so Portis will not have his best day in this one.

Matt Forte @ MIN- This will be a tougher matchup for Forte but he did score in the last matchup against Minnesota. Don’t expect the 48-45 score of last game. It would shock me if either team broke 25 in this rematch.

BOOM PICK

Thomas Jones vs. DEN- This is a dream matchup for Jones. Denver’s defense is awful and Jones has played extremely well lately.

BUST PICK

Ryan Grant vs. CAR- Although their defense has slipped, Grant is not the RB he was last year and Carolina still has a great front-7.

WR

Greg Jennings vs. CAR- Tougher matchup for Jennings but could find the end zone at home in a game that Green Bay needs to use everything it has to make sure it can win.

Roddy White @ SD- White is a little banged up but since he should be good to go he has a great matchup in a bottom 5 pass defense in SD.

Andre Johnson vs. JAC- Johnson underperformed in the first matchup this year and he will see a lot of Rashean Mathis so don’t expect much from him.

Reggie Wayne @ CLE- Wayne should have a field day against an awful secondary in Cleveland. Maybe hell top 150 yards and multiple scores.

Randy Moss vs. PIT- Normally this is a tough matchup but it’s Randy Moss. If Cassel makes good throws Randy Moss will haul them in.

BOOM PICK

Eddie Royal @ NYJ- As I said earlier, Royal will help out Cutler in this one since Jets will likely take out Marshall in this one.

BUST PICK

Dwayne Bowe @ OAK- Even though Thigpen should have a good day, Bowe may not be the cause of it. He will likely see a lot of Nnamdi Asomugha which is never good.

TE

Tony Gonzalez @ OAK- I like his chances of scoring in this one as Thigpen always checks down to him and their LBs and Safeties, except Gibril Wilson, have really underperformed.

Antonio Gates vs. ATL- Gates has been slumping the past few weeks but look for a turnaround since Atlanta will focus on LT and the receivers a lot more and have mediocre LBs and Safeties.

Kevin Boss @ WAS- Boss has really picked it up lately since his sluggish start. Without Burress, Eli will look to him a lot more and may get more red zone looks in this one.

Dallas Clark @ CLE- Clark couldn’t find a more favorable matchup anywhere. Expect great numbers for Clark this week.

Tony Scheffler @ NYJ- May struggle this week as he will see a lot of LB Harris and S Rhodes but he may get a cheap TD and get 6 points.

BOOM PICK

Anthony Fasano @ STL- STL is horrific on defense in all areas and Fasano is going to see more action now that Camarillo is out for the season.

BUST PICK

Visanthe Shiancoe vs. CHI- Even though he gets TDs on an unpredictable scale, I will predict against Shaincoe since Chicago’s secondary actually isn’t that bad and it will be more of a ground battle in this game.

QB

Peyton Manning vs. HOU- Manning ended up having a good day against them last time. He has plenty of weapons at home against a pretty decimated secondary. Expect a huge day and the sky’s the limit.

Drew Brees @ KC- This game should have a lot of scoring in it since 2 good offenses are playing 2 pretty bad defenses. Brees might get Reggie Bush back in this one which would help him out a lot. Expect a big day from Brees as well.

Ben Roethlisberger vs. SD- On paper this looks like a great matchup since SD is near the bottom in pass defense but in the last 3 games, Roethlisberger has 1 TD and 8 INTs, that’s right, 8 INTs. Big Ben hasn’t played well and I can’t advocate him until I see a turnaround (or signs of one).

Jay Cutler @ ATL- This should be another offensive game. Although Atlanta has the advantage overall, Cutler will have to throw a lot to keep up since Denver couldn’t defend a high school team right now. One downside is Denver’s lack of running game but Atlanta doesn’t have the personnel to shut down Denver’s pass defense.

Philip Rivers @ PIT- This will be a tough matchup for Rivers. Chambers was non-existent last game and Pittsburgh’s pass defense is a pretty good one. Don’t expect miracles from Rivers on the road.

BOOM PICK

Kurt Warner @ SEA- You have to be excited about this. The statistical #1 QB in fantasy playing a bottom 5 pass defense. He has thrown for 300 yards in 45% of his games over his career and this could just add to his list.

BUST PICK

David Garrard vs. TEN- Garrard has no weapons to throw to and he is playing the #1 defense in the NFL. Plus JAX only scored 10 points in week 1 against Tennessee, good luck topping that.

RB

LaDainian Tomlinson @ PIT- LT should be active in this one. In order for SD to have a shot of winning, LT will have to step up his game. Pittsburgh will try to shut him down but you have to believe in a game where SD needs to win to be in the playoff picture, LT will come through.

Adrian Peterson @ TB- TB’s run defense is pretty stout but remember it is Adrian Peterson. He runs for big yardage against good run defenses like Chicago and Green Bay. Peterson should be fine here and he will need to step up to pick up a crucial win on the road.

Michael Turner vs. DEN- Can Denver stop anyone right now? It doesn’t get easier for them when Michael “The Burner” Turner comes to town. Turner might hit 200 yards in this game.

Matt Forte @ GB- Forte has been a fantasy player’s dream this year. In most drafts he was a late round pick that has been a top 5 or 10 fantasy back. Peterson almost hit 200 yards last week against Green Bay and Forte has to get something in that area. Expect 100 yards or more this week from him.

Frank Gore vs. STL- Gore should have a big day as well at home against St. Louis who hasn’t been a scary defense to anyone.

BOOM PICK

Brian Westbrook vs. CIN- After a strong start, Westbrook has been sluggish this season. He will put that behind him this week against an awful Cincy defense.

BUST PICK

Brandon Jacobs vs. BAL- Baltimore is a tough matchup for Jacobs. Giants will look to use all 3 Rbs in the three headed monster and Jacobs will have a tough time making good carries out of his opportunities.

WR

Anquan Boldin @ SEA- Boldin is scoring TDs like its nothing. Arizona should absolutely obliterate the Seahawks and Boldin will add to his 10 TDs with 2 maybe 3 in this one.

Roddy White vs. DEN- On paper this looks like a bad matchup but Denver’s secondary is banged up and White gets it done against tough secondaries anyway. White should continue to put up numbers.

Calvin Johnson @ CAR- Carolina does not lose at home and the Lions don’t win at all. Johnson will have a tough time on the road against the potent Carolina defense and it doesn’t help that his QB doesn’t really know the offense that well.

Andre Johnson @ IND- Andre Johnson had a huge day the first time he played them hitting 170 yards. Houston is hungry for revenge in this one and Andre knows how close he was to taking down the Colts for the first time in his career. He will drive himself to perform like Superman.

Greg Jennings vs. CHI- Jennings has been sluggish the past 2 weeks. I have a gut feeling that in this divisional rivalry game, where the winner has a chance to have sole possession of first place in the division, Jennings will turn it around and have a big day.

BOOM PICK

Reggie Wayne vs. HOU- Wayne had 97 yards and a TD last time he played Houston and he had a big game last week topping the century mark against Pittsburgh. Expect Wayne to beat this horrible secondary for a bigger day and top the century mark for the second straight week.

Larry Fitzgerald @ SEA-Usually Boldin is the one in the end zone. In this game, there will be enough TDs to go around and Fitz will find the end zone.

BUST PICK

Vincent Jackson @ PIT- If Chambers gets shut down again he will get double attention and a lot of #1 corner Ike Taylor. If Chambers finds holes in the defense, Jackson won’t get catches. This will not be his week.

TE

Antonio Gates @ PIT- This will be a tough matchup for Gates. Don’t expect the world from him but he may find the end zone in a short yardage throw.

Tony Gonzalez vs. NO- Rising star QB Thigpen likes using Tony and New Orleans doesn’t have much of an answer for him anyway. Expect a good day from Gonzalez.

Jason Witten @ WAS- Now that Romo is back, Witten will surprise everyone and have a good day in a game that Dallas must win if Jerry Jones’ prediction (and guarantee) has any chance of coming true.

Dallas Clark vs. HOU- Clark was able to light up Tennessee’s defense for 2 TDs. Houston is like the opposite of Tennessee. Although I’m not predicting 4 TDs, I’m predicting at least one and a lot of yards.

Kellen Winslow @ BUF- This is a tough matchup for Winslow but on the bright side, Quinn loves using him so he will get looks and yards but probably won’t find the end zone.

BOOM PICK

Chris Cooley vs. DAL- Cooley normally delivers verse Dallas and that should hold true this week.

BUST PICK

Todd Heap @ NYG- Even though he had a good game last week, Giants are the best team in the NFC and will shut him down completely.