Fantasy Football Advice

If you’re observant one thing you’ll notice is that past the “Waivers” section I almost completely ignore receivers. Earlier on in the season you can make the argument for stashing wideouts because legitimate studs emerge from the embers on a regular basis. As the Fantasy season unwinds, however, the game changes.

Heading in to the Playoffs we want big producers- CEO’s, not Middle Management. The reality of the NFL is that as a receiver if you haven’t emerged by now as a focal point of your teams offense the odds are stacked against you doing so down the stretch. There will always be a few standouts worth grabbing but by and large I’m going for backup running backs.

The collective workload of a season takes its toll on all players but probably none more so than running backs. Injuries start to pile up like crazy and non-contending teams, though they won’t admit it, often err on the side of caution and sit their questionable starters in order to avoid long term injuries. Every season we see studs come out of the woodwork this time of year; players we’ve never even heard of. If you’re going to unearth a big time producer in Fantasy from here on out it’s almost certainly going to be a running back.

My first column here at Razzball was entitled “Ditch the Snuggie.” I rant and rave constantly about the idiocy of stashing marginal receivers, backup tight ends, and quarterbacks you’re not going to play. I’m telling you right now you need to take a look at your roster and purge it of these types of players. In a vacuum I know it might seem stupid to drop players that are well known for no-name backup running backs but cagey moves like that win you leagues.

Worth a Waiver Claim

Fred Jackson – As I said last week he shouldn’t be on Waivers but you never know…. Marshawn Lynch is looking more and more irrelevant under Perry Fewell.

Jason Avant – I can’t see DeSean Jackson playing next week. I can’t believe I’m saying this but Jeremy Maclin might be the best Eagles receiver in 2010. Avant has been getting his looks as it is but with Jackson out the targets should increase even more, particularly on the deep balls.

Antonio Bryant – He’s still floating around out there on Waivers in a lot of leagues. At this point you have to grab him He’s still floating around out there on Waivers in a lot of leagues. At this point you have to grab him if you can.

Jerious Norwood – Yes……finally he’s relevant. Looks completely healthy right now, played great on Sunday (including a touchdown), and Michael Turner got hurt. To top it all off Matt Ryan looks like he’ll be out next Sunday which means Chris Redman will be dumping it off a lot- even better for this scatback/PPR monster.

Lex Hilliard – I know he didn’t bust out but I don’t care. In deeper leagues especially you have to jump all over the opportunity to grab him. He will be relevant down the stretch as his touches increase. Plus Ricky Williams isn’t 100% healthy himself.

Chris Brown – I hate to even put him on this list but he’s getting goal line carries on an explosive offense. He could become a viable flex starter if this continues as crazy as that sounds. But knowing Gary Kubiak I have no clue how this might play out; Ryan Moats’ days in Houston may not be numbered…

Worth Grabbing in Free Agency (after Waivers clears)

Sammy Morris – Got a lot of touches against New Orleans. Unfortunately Maroney looks like he’s going to retain the goal line touches going forward but if he coughs the football up you never know… the job was Morris’s earlier in the season.

Willie Parker – He got some touches against the Ravens. I don’t see him being that productive unless Mendenhall goes down but he was a starter before so you can’t totally write him off- especially not now that he’s getting fully healthy.

Maurice Morris – Kevin Smith had a good game but Morris is still worth stashing because he’s talented and Smith’s been injured this season.

Chris Jennings – I still think he’s going to take over for Jamal Lewis by the end of the season.

Darren MacFadden – He is looking pretty healthy coming off injury. Downside is the backfield is crowded in Oakland and there’s not much to go around in the first place. But if anyone’s going to emerge as the feature guy it’s him. He’s just a superior athlete.

Deep Sleepers/Stashes (Drop your Snuggies to pick them up)

Quinton Ganther – Who the…….? He’s the backup to Rock Cartwright. I even considered putting him on my list of Free Agents to snag and I would have if Portis wasn’t coming back potentially down the road.

Kenneth Darby – Steven Jackson was his usual dominant self on Sunday. But with the Rams completely out of contention you have to question whether they’ll roll Jackson out there should he aggravate his back or accrue another injury. In PPR especially this could be a good stash.

Kahlil Bell – Matt Forte’s just not that good. Sorry Bears fans, I know how angry you are after finding out Cutler’s not good either. Don’t be surprised if the Bears start to feed this young stud the rock at some point.

Eldra Buckley – I’m not just putting him in here because he scored a touchdown. The touches haven’t been there for him but if McCoy continues to be the only back his odds of getting fatigued increase exponentially. As an Eagles fan clearly I don’t want him to get injured or anything but you never know….

Tyrell Sutton – Should DeAngelo Williams or Jonathon Stewart get hurt you’re going to love this guy you’ve never heard of- tons of speed/playmaking ability.

Rashad Jennings – Not going to be a factor unless Maurice Jones-Drew gets hurt. If that happens, however, you’ll be glad you own Rashad Jennings.

Ryan Moats – It’s evident now that Slaton’s won his starting job back. Moats has once again become a stash. The good part is he showed that he can be productive when given an opportunity.

Brandon Jackson – Betting against Ryan Grant staying healthy… I’ll let you do the Math.

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I can tell you I usually only watch snippets of most football games, but I watched that whole 99 yard game winning drive by Vince Young and it was neato.  I was impressed by Young’s arm and not just his ability to run.  He’s won 9 straight over the past 5 years or so and he’s making a case to get into fantasy lineups.  He is definitely worth a pickup if you’ve been running schmohawks out there on a consistent basis.  I grabbed him in a league I have Garrard and Alex Smith in.  If I owned Cutler I’d be grabbing whoever has a pulse.

Jay Cutler: So he’s averaging 2 picks a game, he has no offensive line and he’s a bit of a wuss.  He needs a line like Denver’s to give him time and security because when he is pressured he starts dancing and doesn’t set his feet to throw and then the ball goes wherever, usually into a defender’s hands. He gets the lowly Rams next week so it’s hard not to start him, but you don’t have to be happy about it.

Marshawn Lynch: Still stuck in Least Mode he has been passed by Fred Jackson, and got whiplash watching it happen. Marshawn isn’t really worth having on your team unless you want Fred Jackson’s backup; what was that guy’s name again?

Matt Forte: Three touchdowns in 11 games equals .2727272727 . . . touchdowns a game.  That looks like a big number, but really it isn’t.  All you math majors can explain it to the others.  So yeah, Matt Forte is usable in ppr leagues, but otherwise the #4 overall adp was a bit optimistic.

Percy Harvin: It wasn’t hard for Viking receivers to have decent games against the Bears yesterday, but Harvin just keeps putting together solid games. He’s high in the rookie of the year voting for good reason, but I’m putting all my money on Heyward-Bey.  Al Davis has never steered me wrong.

Chris Chambers: I didn’t think he was going to be worthwhile ever again.  He looked slow and barely worth avoiding with your car, but he keeps putting fantasy worthy games out there.  Denver will be tough next week, but if you are hurting in WR depth and he’s still around, scoop him up; hopefully before he becomes road kill.

Matt Leinart: He didn’t look horrible, but he can’t seem to throw the ball deep (sorry Fitz).  If you own Warner you really need to grab him.  Concussions, as we’ve heard a lot recently, are nothing to play with and Warner is old enough to have grand kids, so just play it safe.

Brett Favre: Good Lord Favre!, this guy must have sold his soul to Jerry Jones.  I’ve never seen a better fit than Favre and the Vikings.  It took him about 2 games to get comfortable and start dominating.  If someone pinned me down and grabbed a sweaty jock strap and told me they’d make me eat it if I didn’t tell them who I thought was the best team I’d say the Vikings, and then I’d say all you had to do was ask! Jeez.

Kenny Britt: 7 receptions for 128 yards and a game winning catch move him up your waiver priority.  Young seems to like Britt and he is showing that he’s the best receiver on the team.  Justin Gage might need to file for unemployment.

Jamaal Charles: Right now he is my Most Valuable Free Agent Pick Up (MVFAPU).  The Razzball favorite is leading many teams down the stretch.  He totaled 147 yards and had a TD and had a decent run back or two for you freaks in return yardage leagues. You can thank us by sending all cash donations in care of Doc at Razzball HQ, Razzballia USA.

Justin Forsett: Another great game from Forsett should knock Julius Jones into the background. He’s not on your waiver wire, and if he is, your league depresses me.

Chris Johnson: Picture me doing a fake yawn, yes, another ho hum 186 total yards and a touchdown.  What’s that, his 10th 85 yard run this season? He’s on pace for over 2,000 yards rushing and 15 touchdowns.  That’s slightly above average.

LaDainian Tomlinson: He’s getting pretty lucky with all the goal line looks he’s had.  Can’t really knock him for that, but he hasn’t had a 100 yard game in long while.  He’s worth getting out there for his TD potential, but he can easily have a down game if he doesn’t get across the goal line.

Antonio Bryant: If he can stay healthy he can help you down the stretch. Freeman is locking onto Winslow and Bryant and making both of them viable fantasy players. I may be a little biased since Bryant won me leagues last year, but he can be an elite receiver under the right circumstances.  Since these aren’t the right circumstances, he can be a workable #3.

Larry Johnson: He ran for over 100 yards and Bernard Scott got dinged up, but Cedric Benson should come back next week. He could take over Scott’s spot, but I’m not picking him up unless I’m really hurting at RB.  Remember, they were playing the Browns who lost Shaun Rogers during the game. My arthritic great aunt Melba could rack up 100 yards on them.  No, she’s not a cracker!

Michael Turner: Well, gotta call the Falcons stupid for this one.  There was no reason to rush Turner back with Snelling and Norwood ready to go.  Turner reinjured his ankle, but we don’t have any real news yet.  Snelling should still be the starting back, but Norwood will get a pretty big role as well. Turner will have to show me he’s healthy before I recommend starting him again. There’s an old saying in Tennessee — I know it’s in Texas, probably in Tennessee — that says, fool me once, shame on — shame on you. Fool me — you can’t get fooled again.

Matt Ryan: He hurt his foot. We won’t know how bad for a while, but hopefully you listened to us and traded him for a case of peeps and a half eaten Sanchise Dog.

Desean Jackson: Another concussed Eagle for fantasy players to worry about. There is a good chance he’ll be on the sidelines next week.  The Eagles already got Westbrook knocked out twice and if it happens to DJax they’ll never hear the end of it.  If he does sit Jason Avant will be a nice pickup.

Rock Cartwright: Hmmm, I guess there was a reason he was the third string running back.

Terrell Owens: Well, he may make a believer of me yet.  I hate to say good things about The egO, but he is playing like he has something to prove, which he does.  It’s not like you can pick him up, but these last two games look like a trend.  Get him in your lineups.

There’s still a lot of uncertainty floating around out there in Fantasy Football about who is or isn’t going to play. A lot of studs are going to be game time decisions. So a reminder to all you Razzballers out there- stay tuned to the “Comments” section of this article for our continuing updates on all these situations.

Matchup Savers

Quarterback:

Alex Smith – He gets to face the Jaguars pass defense today. In standard format he’s projected ahead of Carson Palmer and Matt Schaub.

Dennis Dixon – I know nothing about him- I’ll admit that right now. He is surrounded by talent, though, and I’ll take that over a good QB with no help around him any day.

Vince Young – You shouldn’t get too excited about him. I’m already tired of the “all he does is win” lines. Apparently the talking heads didn’t get the memo about how mobile quarterbacks can only succeed long term in Madden dynasties. The Titans are facing the Cardinals this week and you have to envision them being forced to put the ball in the air.

Running Back:

Chester Taylor – Adrian Peterson has been battling slight injuries this week (nothing major) plus the Vikings are going up against the Bears. It’s reasonable to assume Taylor’s workload will increase.

Kevin Faulk – For PPR. I thought about suggesting Sammy Morris for non PPR but I think his projections are way too optimistic. The Patriots ought to be throwing the football often against the Saints and Faulk should be good for his usual 8-10 in PPR.

Chris Jennings – I identified him last week as a potentially productive player and he posted almost 10 points. Don’t be surprised if he usurps Jamal Lewis (possibly this week) and is a solid flex option in deeper leagues from here on out.

Wide Receiver

Donnie Avery – I know it sounds crazy but he’s still available in a lot of leagues. The Rams are playing the Seahawks today so he has a great matchup as well.

Antonio Bryant – He’s still available in a lot of leagues and for good reason. The Bucs offense has fallen apart so there’s not a lot of production to go around in Tampa. Going up against Atlanta is about as good a matchup as you can ask for, though.

Robert Meachem – The “touchdown machine.” It’s hard to count on him getting a ton of catches or yards but in that offense the potential is always there.

Nate Washington – Hopefully the Titans will fall behind the Cardinals and be forced to throw the football a ton. If that happens all the receivers will benefit including Nate.

Tight End

John Carlson – He was horrible last week (as in, no touches). He needs to put up or be banished from all Fantasy rosters stat!

Todd Heap – Same as last week: “He may not be that exciting but he catches passes ever week and sneaks his way in to the double-digit category when he nabs a touchdown. “

D/ST

Atlanta – They are facing the Buccaneers so the chances of turnovers, etc. receive a huge boost.

Seattle – The Rams are the Rams, plus there’s a chance that Steven Jackson won’t play- even if he does he’s dinged up.

Ben Roethlisberger talked to Coach Tomlin and informed him he might want to be able to tell his grand kids about winning Super Bowls instead of drooling on them, so he’s listed as questionable, but I have a feeling he’ll end up playing anyway.  The alternative is Dennis Dixon going up against the Ravens on Sunday Night Football.  Big Ben might sacrifice himself for Dixon.  I’ll be checking his hands for stigmata.

EDIT: Adam Schefter is reporting that Ben is out and Dennis Dixon will get the start. Downgrade your Steeler receivers and keep Mendenhall about where you had him before.  He’ll get a lot of looks, but the Steelers won’t have many chances near the endzone.

Anthony Gonzalez: I picked him back up last week with some sketchy reports that he might return soon, but dropped him again with some actual reports of him not practicing.  I’m just here to remind you to leave him in the free agent pool to prune.

Julius Jones: He is still hurting with a bruised lung.  I’m not a real doctor, I just play one on the internet, but that sounds not too fun to have when slamming against a defensive line.  He has been limited in practice and will be a game time decision.  We’ll have all the gametime decisions up in the comments of Sunday’s post so check them out and if Jones doesn’t go Forsett will be a great play.  Even if he does go Forsett will be worthwhile in ppr leagues.

Sammy Morris: He has been limited in practice and has been put into the Patriots’ Relocation Program and we won’t really know what his role will be going forward. I think Maroney has a pretty firm grip on the job right now.  Knowing Bill Belichick like I do, I have no idea what he’ll do.  Morris can play himself back into a bigger role, but I think Maroney can hold him off.

Brandon Pettigrew: He is done for the season.  And I thought Lord Voldermort would show pity on him and heal his knee once he was reconstituted. Oh well.  He is good and will be worth drafting next year if his knee heals well.

Bernard Berrian: He finally looks like his hamstring might be healed.  He has been on the bottom of the wide receiver barrel in Minnesota this season, but if he’s healthy look for Favre to try to get him going before the playoffs.

Steven Jackson: SJax hasn’t practiced this week due to back spasms and will be a game time decision.  If he doesn’t play there is a good chance the Rams will forfeit the game. Or they may have to start Kenneth “Trent” Darby which might be the same as forfeiting.  If SJax goes you start him.  If he doesn’t and you are in desperate need you can throw Darby into the wishing well and wish that he turns into SJax.

Jerious Norwood: Norwood will probably be eased back into his role and by the time he’s ready to go, Michael Turner should also be ready to go.  If Turner doesn’t go on Sunday I fully expect Snelling to be the main man.

Kurt Warner: He has practiced in full and should go against a still fairly weak Tennessee secondary.  I would get him into your lineup.  Maybe to play it safe you should grab Leinart and have him ready to go if the old man can’t get out of bed.

Cedric Benson: He has been limited all week and will be yet another game time decision.  My game time decisions usually revolve around which pizza place to order from. Gigio’s usually wins.  But I don’t know who wins this one.  I know who Bernard Scott owners are rooting for.

Steve Slaton: For some reason Chris Brown is now splitting time with Steve Slaton.  Kubiak is mad I say, mad!  Slaton is still the better back and is worth a flex option especially in ppr, but his chances of getting shut out are much better with his lack of touches. And I guess Ryan Moats was arrested for trying to save a kitten from a tree.

DeAngelo Hall: Hall is out against the pass happy Eagles which is good news for DMac, DJax, JMac and any other player whose name is shortenable.

Sunday 1 PM games

Tampa Bay (32^nd) @ Atlanta (24^th)

Coach Morris said that Ernest Graham’s role will increase in the offense. This is terrible news for Cadillac and Ward owners. The uncertainty of the touch splitting renders all three of them irrelevant. Even though this is a decent matchup I’d only start Williams and Ward if you absolutely have to (Graham should be on your bench or not owned at all).

Buccaneers: Williams -1, Ward -1, Graham +1

Turner might actually end up playing this week (he’s a game time decision). If he does play he’ll probably get the start and you have to put him in your lineup because of the matchup. Snelling is a little trickier. If Turner’s ruled out Snelling becomes an enthusiastic start. If Turner plays Snelling’s still tempting to start but I wouldn’t do so enthusiastically. Norwood’s supposed to play but he’s nothing more than a stash right now.

Falcons: Turner 0, Snelling +2, Norwood 0

Washington (25^th) @ Philadelphia (10^th)

Rock Cartwright’s actually done a nice job when he’s been in there. The Eagles have a good defense but I’d still start him and feel good about it. There are a few guys behind him right now but they aren’t important enough to talk about until after this game when we have a better idea of how they’re divvying things up.

Redskins: Cartwright 0

McCoy hasn’t had the huge games I expected of him since he’s become the main man in Philadelphia. This is an ideal matchup for him to put up those types of numbers. Westbrook is supposed to be back in a couple weeks but right now all you can do is stash him on your bench and hope for the best.

Eagles: McCoy +3

Carolina (26^th) @ New York Jets (16^th)

DeAngelo Williams’ injury concerns seem to have passed. Consider him stud material regardless of opponent from here on out. Jonathon Stewart is the guy who will really suffer if the Panthers run game gets bogged down. I still really love Tyrell Sutton as a stash in deeper leagues. For this week I give Williams a neutral matchup rating and Stewart just below average.

Panthers: Williams +1, Stewart -1

You have to love this matchup for Thomas Jones. In deeper leagues Shonn Greene could warrant a flex start if you don’t have better options. There have been a lot of rumors that Jones is going to get re-signed for next year. This would ruin Greene’s value as a Keeper which is what we’ve all been looking forward to.

Jets: Jones +4, Greene +2

Seattle (15^th) @ St. Louis (28^th)

It sounds like Julius Jones might actually play this weekend which is disheartening to Justin Forsett stashers such as myself; it sort of ruins the allure of the matchup with the Rams this weekend. If I owned Julius Jones I’m not sure how enthusiastic I’d be about starting him (do it if you need to). Forsett’s a little more alluring start in PPR because you have to envision him getting the passing down looks regardless.

Seahawks: Jones 0, Forsett 0

Ummm…. Does it really matter who they’re facing? If I had something clever or informative to say I would.

Rams: Jackson 0

Miami (12^th) @ Buffalo (31^st)

Ricky Williams is poised for another huge game but there’s nothing surprising about that. This could be the breakout game for Lex Hilliard. If you were cagey enough to pick him up I think you’ll reap the rewards relatively soon. I’d start him over a lot of other spellbacks so don’t be too timid about putting him in your lineup in deeper formats.

Dolphins: Williams +4, Hilliard+3

Marshawn Lynch may not play this Sunday- it’s still up in the air. If that’s the case Fred Jackson instantly becomes starter material. Lynch hasn’t been nearly as productive as expected lately so if he is declared active be cautious about starting him.

Bills: Lynch -2, Jackson 0

Cleveland (29^th) @ Cincinnati (2^nd)

Jamal Lewis may or may not play against Cincinnati. I wouldn’t start him either way. Chris Jennings is a spectacular stash for the last few weeks of the season but leave him on the bench for now.

Browns:  Lewis -3, Jennings -4

Cedric Benson is creating a conundrum for both himself and Bernard Scott. Earlier in the week there were a lot of reports that Benson was going to play after all. As I write this the news has become a lot more pessimistic. Keep an eye on the injury reports. If he’s active you have to play him with this matchup. If he’s inactive and you own Scott then start him. If Benson’s active I wouldn’t play Scott.

Bengals: Benson -1, Scott +1

Indianapolis (13^th) @ Houston (22^nd)

Donald Brown’s shoulder bothered him during the Patriots game. He only carried the ball four times for ten yards. I would leave him on the bench this week in case his workload is limited again. This has to boost Joseph Addai’s projected production- could be a monster week for him. The favorable matchup with Houston helps also.

Colts: Addai +4, Brown -2

Make up your mind Gary Kubiak!!! So let me get this straight- Slaton is fumbling so you put Moats in. Moats dominates and plays well. Then you give him no touches and instead Chris Brown gets all the opportunities ahead of both Slaton and Moats? I don’t feel good about any of these guys this week. Slaton is a flex option but I wouldn’t touch the other two with a ten foot pole.

Texans: Slaton -2, Brown -2, Moats -4

Sunday 4 PM games

Jacksonville (17^th) @ San Francisco (6^th)

Pocket Hercules sat out practice on Wednesday and there was some concern that he might be dinged up. Turns out they were just resting him coming off a heavy 29 carry workload. I still absolutely love Rashad Jennings as a stash in case the collective workload takes a toll on MJD and he gets hurt. This is a tough matchup for the Jaguars on the ground so look for them to throw it more. MJD should still get plenty of receptions but this isn’t as much of a feast for him as other matchups have been lately.

Jaguars: Jones-Drew -2, Jennings -3

Hopefully Frank Gore will stay healthy the rest of the season because if he does your Fantasy team will be tough to beat. This is slightly better than a middle of the road matchup for him. Anyone who posts start/sit questions involving Frank Gore should be kicked in the junk.

49’ers: Gore +1

Kansas City (27^th) @ San Diego (21^st)

It’s time for the Jamaal Charles show again. This is a great matchup for him and I see no reason why he shouldn’t be dropping 15 for you on Sunday. Yahoo has him projected for 10.81 in PPR but I think it should be way higher. Kolby Smith tweaked his ankle against the Steelers but supposedly he looked good this week in practice. He needs to stay on your bench as a stash regardless.

Chiefs: Charles +2, Smith 0

It looked like Sproles’ role would increase as the season progressed. Since LT’s come back, however, he’s had much fewer touches than anticipated. If you’re going to play him this is an ideal game to do it; but he should be no better than a flex player for you and I wouldn’t start him ahead of better options. LT is what he is- awesome to own until/unless he gets injured.

Chargers: Tomlinson +3, Sproles +2

Arizona (8^th) @ Tennessee (9^th)

You have to love Ken Whisenhunt because he doesn’t throw you any curveballs. You know what Wells and Hightower are going to get in terms of opportunities. The only thing that could change is Wells might see an increase in goal line opportunities. He punched one in last week but I still think they’ll feed Hightower the rock in short distance situations. Tennessee’s rush defense is only ranked this high because they are so much fun to pass against (a phenomenon I’ve discussed before). Don’t be scurred to start both Wells and Hightower.

Cardinals: Wells 0, Hightower 0

Chis Johnson does what he does. LenDale White’s not touching the ball enough for me. I’m starting to not even like him that much as a stash even if Johnson gets hurt.

Titans: Johnson -1, White -2

Chicago (23^rd) @ Minnesota (3^rd)

Rushing against stout defenses is not Matt’s *pinkie to mouth* forte (tribute to Grey). Unless he gets in the end zone don’t expect too much from him in this game. It could get ugly quick.

Bears: Forte -4

Adrian Peterson was limited in practice but it doesn’t seem to be anything that’s going to linger- he’s had the same “issue” in previous weeks. Chester Taylor could become a viable option for you if you need a flex player.

Vikings: Peterson +2, Taylor +2

Sunday 8 PM game

Pittsburgh (1^st) @ Baltimore (5^th)

Mendenhall’s a must start week in and week out since he’s basically become a feature back in Pittsburgh. This is a tough matchup for him but the yardage loss should be offset by a touchdown at some point. If you own Willie Parker you should’ve dropped him a long time ago. Time to swallow your pride and start stashing better dudes on your bench.

Steelers: Mendenhall -2

This might finally be the week where Ray Rice looks somewhat human. With Polamalu out the Steelers defense should return to the form they were in earlier in the season (good, but not great). You can’t start Willis McGahee in this game unless you’re super stuck for someone to play in a deep league.

Ravens: Rice -3, McGahee -5

Monday 8:30 PM game

New England (14^th) @ New Orleans (19^th)

This game should be a shootout. Sammy Morris is supposed to play and it’ll be interesting to see how many and what type of touches he takes away from Maroney. Kevin Faulk can still be your fill-in Snuggie in PPR leagues if you need him. Maroney’s clearly a must-start until he stops scoring touchdowns.

Patriots: Maroney +1, Morris 0, Faulk +1

Reggie Bush’s health seemed in question earlier in the week but reports are he’s all set to go for Monday Night. As I mentioned earlier this should be a shootout but the Saints are always projected to score big. Therefore I’m not going to upgrade any of the trio of running backs in New Orleans.

Saints: Thomas 0, Bush 0, Bell 0