Fantasy Football Advice

Free agency keeps on keeping on, with some interesting fantasy relevant moves being made.  Well, interesting to me and other people who sit on twitter waiting for Adam Schefter to tweet something.

Chester Taylor: He is now officially a Monster of the Midway.  His role with the team is still difficult to decipher.  It may end up being difficult to decipher even around week 12.  Forte is seven years younger than him, but this won’t be a case of trying to keep their franchise running back happy.  Jerry Angelo and Lovie Smith want to keep their jobs and they must win this season to do that.  If Chester Taylor is the back to do that, he will get the work.

Matt Forte: Didn’t I just talk about this guy? Well, let’s see his side of the argument.  He was injured last season and had a bad o-line.  If he comes into camp healthy and determined to keep his job, I think he will.  Taylor will play, no doubt, but Forte can hold him off and if he does he will still be worthwhile in a Martz run offense, but not top 20 worthwhile.

Greg Olsen: Still with the Bears? Boring! Ok, Olsen was poised to do big things last year with Cutler coming to town, but ended up blocking more often than not so Cutler could keep his head attached to his body.  Now he has the tight end killer Mike Martz leading the offense and a newly acquired blocking TE in Manumaleuna in his way.  Martz will have to get creative if he wants to use him.

Anquan Boldin: He is now a Raven.  He finally gets his wish! He’s been traded! But to a run first, run second and pass to the RB third, team.  Boldin is good.  If healthy, there really is no way to keep him from getting 80 receptions and a thousand yards even with the Ravens.  But health has been his problem.  He is a tough player and isn’t afraid to get hit, which is good, but not great for the ribs, grill, knees, etc…

Derrick Mason: With Boldin signed, the Ravens are saying Mason isn’t a priority.  It could be a way to sign him for less because I believe they need him, especially with Boldin’s injury history.  If he does stay with the Ravens he would take the #2 spot and not be as valuable in fantasy as he has been.

Brandon Marshall: He has been having fun with Paul Allen’s hover cars and robot maids, but still hasn’t signed with the Seahawks. There are rumors of him going to Cincinnati, but supposedly those are just to jack up the Seahawks’ bid.  With Burleson gone and Carroll coming in with a aerial attack, they really need him.

Thomas Jones: He is meeting with the Chiefs which means they don’t trust Jamaal Charles to be the every down back.  I don’t like this scenario as a Charles dynasty owner, but I’m also not going to chop off the head of my Todd Haley voodoo doll.  I also have a concern about JC’s durability.  Do I want someone taking away his goal line carries? Uh, no.  But I’m only omnipotent a quarter of the time.  I was fairly conservative in my JC projections and he was still 6th overall.  If Jones comes to town he will drop a little, but I still like him in the top 10.

Justin Fargas: Fargas was cut and will also meet with the Chiefs.  This, I like.  If the Chiefs are willing to sign Fargas over Jones it means they have a lot of faith in Charles.  Fargas is a hard runner and could take some goal line work away, but he’s not as skilled as Jones.  Both Fargas and Jones will have trouble having a respectable yards per carry average behind that Chiefs o-line.  Charles works in space and can make his own space, TJ and Huggy Jr. can’t.

Darren McFadden/Michael Bush: With Fargas gone it makes this backfield a little more fantasy friendly.  And I mean little.  I was high on McFadden last season, but he had trouble staying healthy and running between the tackles and holding onto the ball.  That’s not the best sign, but he has a ton of talent. He will get the shot to be the starter, but I could see Bush getting a lot of the between the tackle work.

Kevin Walter: After Boldin signed with the Ravens Walter lost leverage and just went back to his old team.  This hurts Jacoby Jones, but I still believe Jones can beat Walter out and have a good season.

David Carr: He signed with the 49ers. This is somewhat interesting because Shaun Hill isn’t the worst QB of all time.  I believe SF likes what they have seen of Carr before his injury (don’t ask me why) and aren’t 100% sold on Alex Smith.  I still like Smith for next year, but this is just a little disconcerting.

Leon Washington: There are rumors that teams might go after him since he only got a 2nd round tender.  The chances are slim that he’ll go anywhere, but it would be a big blow to the Jets and possibly move Shonn Greene up even more.

Kassim Osgood: His size makes him intriguing since he is going to a team full of small receivers. Oh, that team is Jacksonville.  He is a special teams ace and will still be in Jax.  He will have to battle Mike Thomas for the #2 receiver position and that isn’t like the #2 receiver on the Colts or Saints, this is David Garrard we’re talking about.  He has Charger height which makes him interesting, but in reality he’ll probably be on the sidelines when the Jags have the ball.

Aaron Kampman: He also signed with the Jaguars.  If he is healthy, switching back to the 4-3 and defensive end should help him in IDP leagues.  And the Jags need him.  They had a sorry 14 sacks last season.

1 pm Games

San Francisco @ St. Louis

He should have a field day against the lowly Rams. Look for him to continue his productive season  and help you bring home the hardware.

SF: Gore +4

Steven Jackson has been missing practice again this week. This is not good news considering he was inactive for last Sunday’s game. SJax has a herniated disk and the Rams have nothing to play for. If he’s active on Sunday play him unless you have better options. Neither Darby nor Gado is worth playing if Jackson’s inactive unless you’re in an uber deep league.

STL: Jackson -2

New England @ Houston

This game pits two of the most hated coaches in fantasy football against one another. Bill Belichick pulled Maroney after he fumbled and I think some other coach did that a few times this year as well. One would assume that Sammy Morris will carry the load against the Texans defense but it’s hard to tell since they could possibly rest starters. I definitely wouldn’t start Maroney and you’d have to trick me into playing Morris.

NE: Morris -1, Maroney -3

Arian Foster got a lot of work last Sunday and had a really productive outing. He’s worth a flex play but keep in mind there’s inherit risk involved when it comes to predicting what Gary Kubiak will do.

HOU: Foster -1

Atlanta @ Tampa Bay

Don’t expect Michael Turner to play. Jason Snelling becomes a decent option. He split the work with Jerious Norwood last Sunday against the Bills horrible rush defense. His line was 15 carries for 68 yards which is respectable but given the competition should’ve been better. You have to love the matchup here but I’d be willing to start another running back with a solitary grasp on the touches. Don’t even consider starting Jerious Norwood.

ATL: Snelling +3

Ward left Sunday’s game and he might miss this week’s. Cadillac has been the main man in Tampa all season anyway but if Ward turns out to be inactive he becomes a more enthusiastic start.

TB: Williams +2

New Orleans @ Carolina

Pierre Thomas won’t play on Sunday against Carolina and Drew Brees is now the third string QB which means he won’t play either. I would stay far away from Bush or Bell and maybe play Hamilton if you’re feeling sneaky and are ready for anything.

NO: Bush -5,  Bell -5, Hamilton 0

Friday made it three straight practices that DeAngelo Williams had missed. I will be very surprised if he plays this week. If you own Jonathan Stewart that’s great news for you; he is a very, very solid RB #2, possibly a #1 for a lot of owners.

CAR: Stewart +2

Pittsburgh @ Miami

Rashard Mendenhall’s just your basic stud running back without any competition. Put him in your lineup and enjoy.

PIT: Mendenhall +1

Ricky Williams is questionable but should play with a limited role. Lex Hilliard will see an increase in touches. So Ricky Williams isn’t guaranteed to get enough touches for us to be happy, but he’ll get just enough for Lex Hilliard to be useless. Add to that they’re facing the top ranked Pittsburgh defense and that should be enough.

MIA: Williams -3, Hilliard +2

Jacksonville @ Cleveland

Play Maurice Jones-Drew. I can’t make it any more complicated than that.

JAC: Jones-Drew +3

It’s Razzball’s favorite family darling (well, other than Jamaal Charles). You’ve come this far, haven’t you? May as well roll with this stud. The Jaguars passing defense is atrocious so even if Harrison isn’t very successful on the ground he should be a threat in the passing game.

CLE: Harrison +2

New York Giants @ Minnesota

Brandon Jacobs was placed on IR which makes Ahmad Bradshaw the featured back for the final game of the season. Unfortunately he’s going up against a fairly tough defense. I can see putting him in your lineup, but just keep in mind that there’s not a ton of upside on the yardage.

Giants: Bradshaw -1

The Vikings could still be the #2 seed in the NFC if they win on Sunday. That’s good news for Peterson owners because you know they’ll use him until and unless they build up a huge lead late in the game.

Vikings: Peterson 0

Indianapolis @ Buffalo

The Colts whole team is pretty useless. Joseph Addai will play very little, if at all. One would assume that Donald Brown will get more work than usual but I would stay away from this situation entirely.

Colts: Addai -5

Fred Jackson should be in for a great day. The Colts will likely rest many of their starters on the D line. I would confidently play him as a #2 RB in your lineup. Marshawn Lynch has to stay on the bench.

Bills: Jackson +2

Chicago @ Detroit

Matt Forte may not be that mediocre in this game. In fact he should be downright studly. The Lions defense is completely useless. The Bears offense has been extremely inconsistent (yet explosive, at times). You have to think they’ll put up big digits in this matchup.

Bears: Forte +4

Maurice Morris has reaped rewards for anyone cagey enough to stash him earlier in the year. There are a lot of really nice starts for RB’s in the NFL this week. The big advantage Morris has is that he will get most all the touches in Detroit. On top of that the Bears defense is nothing special.

Lions: Morris +1

4 pm Games

Washington @ San Diego

Quinton Ganther’s touches haven’t gotten cut into since he’s taken over as the feature back. Last Sunday he disappointed after two great games in a row for fantasy owners. The Chargers defense isn’t particularly stout against the run so I don’t see them shutting him down. Ganther should be a solid flex play in most leagues.

Redskins: Ganther +1

LaDanian Tomlinson is a must sit this week. The Chargers don’t really have anything to play for so he might start but don’t expect him to stay in for the whole game. Darren Sproles might see a lot more work but they could diminish his role and rest him as well. It would be wise to avoid this situation entirely in fantasy for week 17.

Chargers: Tomlinson (don’t play him), Sproles -2

Tennessee @ Seattle

The Titans have openly admitted that they’re all about helping Chris Johnson reach his milestones in rushing and all purpose yardage. This will be an interesting side note to pay attention to on Sunday. Expect him to end his season with a monster outing.

Titans: Johnson +4

Here is another situation that I would avoid completely in Fantasy this week. Jones didn’t look like he would go, but he practiced fully and will go and make Forsett useless.  Hopefully something happens in the offseason and he gets the chance to be the #1 option in Seattle as he clearly deserves to be.

Seahawks: Jones -3, Forsett -2

Baltimore @ Oakland

The Ravens are fighting for a spot in the playoffs so expect them to come out firing in this contest. The Raiders defense is nothing special so this should be another week for Ray rice to go off. Willis McGahee has no value at this point.

Ravens: Rice +3

Justin Fargas is doubtful for Sunday’s game. That’s good news for McFadden and Bush owners. Well, maybe they’re not that relevant after all. I can definitely see sneaking McFadden in there in deep PPR leagues and the same for Bush in non-PPR but I wouldn’t be that excited about it.

Raiders: McFadden +1, Bush +1

Philadelphia @ Dallas

Brian Westbrook returned and played well in limited work last Sunday. Considering the magnitude of this game I expect him to have a similar, if not increased, role in the offense. LeSean McCoy will certainly still get 15+ touches but he’s no longer an enthusiastic start for you. I wouldn’t play Westbrook and I would play McCoy if I didn’t have players with more assured roles in their offenses.

Eagles: McCoy -3, Westbrook -2

Speaking of situations I’d rather avoid…. Marion Barber is very tempting because when the Cowboys get around the goal line (which they often do) Barber gets most all the rushing opportunities. Unfortunately Roy Williams complaining has gotten him a lot of looks there also, cutting in to Barber’s TD production. I can see playing Barber this week but I wouldn’t do it unless I had to. Jones and Choice don’t deserve to be in your lineup.

Cowboys: Barber -1

Kansas City @ Denver

After Jamaal Charles gets done saving children from a burning building and curing cancer you should be able to lock him in for 150 total yards and a touchdown with upside. Start him!!!!!

Chiefs: Charles +2

Knowshon Moreno might finally be a stud for fantasy owners (it’s about time). Regardless of his struggles as of late I enthusiastically endorse him for week 17 against the lowly Chiefs defense. Yes, I know they have Mike Vrabel but it’s the 2010 version. You can call me all sorts of bad names if I’m wrong.

Broncos: Moreno +4, Buckhalter +2

Green Bay @ Arizona

Ryan Grant should see a reduced role this week.  Brandon Jackson has a good chance for a lot of work, but a lot depends on if the Cardinals are going all out.  I’d be wary.

Packers: Grant -4, Jackson 0

This game comes down to what happens in the Vikings/Giants game.  If you know the Giants are going to win before the Cardinals game starts then throw Beanie in there, but make sure you have another RB going at 4 pm that you can substitute in.

Cardinals: Wells -1, Hightower -3

8 pm Game

Cincinnati @ NY Jets

It doesn’t look good for the Bengals to go all out this game.  I wouldn’t start any, especially against a good defense with something to play for.

Bengals: Benson -3, Johnson -3

Thomas Jones and Shonn Greene get the best matchup in the world for week 17 but thankfully the Bengals will probably be resting their starters.  Jones is going to see Greene take a chunk out of his carries from here on out, but you still have to start him.

Jets: Jones +1, Green 0

Sunday 1PM

Tampa Bay (30^th) @ New Orleans (24^th)

Derrick Ward was a late addition to the injury report after looking like he would become the main back.  If Ward doesn’t go Cadillac Williams would see the bul of the work and could be a decent flex play in the right scenario.

Buccaneers: Williams +2, Ward +1

I have avoided this trifecta all season. If you own any of these players don’t get too enamored with this matchup. The production is completely impossible to predict. Of course if you own Pierre Thomas last week should’ve left enough of a bad taste in your mouth; he is the only player I’d consider putting in my lineup for the fantasy championship weekend.  Reggie Bush was back at practice and 100% but this is not the type of game he excels in. Mike Bell is a total wildcard but unless he does something in junk time I doubt he’ll be worthwhile.

Saints: Thomas +2, Bush 0, Bell +2

Kansas City (32^nd) @ Cincinnati (2^nd)

Jamaal Charles is matchup proof. He is just as deadly in the passing game which will help boost his production against a stout run defense like the Bengals. I know a lot of people are going to over think this matchup and convince themselves to sit Charles. In my opinion that would be a huge mistake.

Chiefs: Charles -2

Benson has floundered down the stretch but if you made it to the finals this should be a slam dunk. Start him no matter what. I don’t think I’d get cute and play Larry Johnson, even though he might get a lot of garbage touches.

Bengals: Benson +5, Johnson +3

Jacksonville (13^th) @ New England (14^th)

I’m not going to insult your intelligence by trying to convince you to start MJD; You deserve to lose if you don’t.

Jaguars: Jones-Drew 0

I love football because things change so drastically in a short period of time. In the middle of the season Maroney was buried on the depth chart. It wouldn’t have surprised me if he got cut. Next thing you know Patriots running backs start dropping like flies and Maroney’s the de facto starter. Fast forward to the present; Maroney has kept his starting job despite Morris’s return. He should be a solid start for this Sunday’s game. I wouldn’t mess around with Morris or Faulk.

Patriots: Maroney +1, Morris 0, Faulk 0

Carolina (22^nd) @ NY Giants (7^th)

The latest injury news on DeAngelo Williams is still vague. He missed practiced again today and is listed as doubtful. The Panthers might just decide to shut him down for the rest of the season since they’re out of the hunt. If Williams does play I’d start him unless you’ve got really great options to put in front. If Williams doesn’t play I’d start Stewart but otherwise leave him on the bench.

Panthers: Williams (maybe), Stewart (depends on whether or not Williams plays)

I am really impressed with how Ahmad Bradshaw’s played in the last few weeks despite battling multiple injuries all season. Both he and Jacobs are possible flex starts for you this weekend depending on what your roster looks like.

Giants: Jacobs +1, Bradshaw +1

Houston (15^th) @ Miami (20^th)

Gary Kubiak has been babbling like an idiot about how awesome Arian Foster’s been practicing this week. Rumor has it he could get another opportunity to start on Sunday. Fantastic; that will render both he and Ryan Moats completely useless. No matter what news comes out of Houston avoid these running backs like the plague.

Texans: Foster 0, Moats 0

Ricky continues to run as strong as ever. The Dolphins have abandoned much of their wildcat scheme after the injury to Ronnie Brown but Ricky’s gotten even better. You have to put him in your lineup for the championship.

Dolphins: Williams +1

Seattle (16^th) @ Green Bay (1^st)

You can’t play Forsett or Jones. I lost one of my playoff games because I rolled the dice and went with Forsett. My logic was that Jim Mora’s not so stupid that he’ll go an entire season without realizing what the rest of the world already knows; Julius Jones sucks at football and Justin Forsett is good at it. I used to like you Jim Mora but now I hate your face. Way to make yourself look like a moron to the entire fantasy football community.

Seahawks: Forsett -4, Jones -5

The Packers barely ran the football against Pittsburgh but that was because they felt it’d be easier to attack their defense through the air (they were right). Ryan Grant should be a solid start for you this week against the Seahawks. I see him as a quality RB #2/Flex #1 starter.

Packers: Grant +1

Oakland (21^st) @ Cleveland (23^rd)

Justin Fargas missed practice as of Thursday. It’s looking more and more doubtful that he’ll play. If he’s inactive Michael Bush should be a decent start for you against Cleveland. Darren McFadden could sneak in to deeper leagues as a flex option in PPR but don’t get carried away. My rankings assume that Fargas DOES NOT play.

Raiders: Bush +3, McFadden +2

Eric Mangini is such a moron. Remember earlier in the season when he had this whole trickery thing going on where he wouldn’t announce whether Brady Quinn or Derek Anderson was going to be the starter? Yeah buddy, that really struck fear in to the heart of your opponents; they didn’t know which subpar quarterback on your atrocious offense they’d have to prepare for. Now, later in the season, he pulls the same stunts with his running backs. I don’t care about the Cleveland Browns but for Christmas I’d really like them to fire Mangini. Back to actual strategery yes, play Jerome Harrison.

Browns: Harrison +2

Baltimore (12^th) @ Pittsburgh (5^th)

Those of you who gave up the world to get Ray Rice mid-late season have been fairly disappointed. He’s still been productive but the monster outings have vanished down the stretch. Even so it says a lot about a player when you’re not happy with 15 point performances. He is going to be a sick keeper for next season. Willis McGahee’s unplayable therefore he’s not on here.

Ravens: Rice -2

Mike Tomlin keeps pouring on the compliments to Rashard Mendenhall. He hasn’t been remotely challenged by Willie Parker as the #1 in Pittsburgh. This matchup against the Ravens should be fine for Mendenhall. I don’t see them shutting him down.

Steelers: Mendenhall -1

Buffalo (31^st) @ Atlanta (18^th)

Speaking of awesomekeepers for next season….. Fred Jackson should definitely be in your lineup this week. Marshawn Lynch can’t really be trusted to produce but if you’re desperate he has more upside than a lot of other players.

Bills: Jackson +2, Lynch +1

Michael Turner’s almost a lock to be out this weekend and the rumor mill speculates that Snelling will get the bulk of the work. Snelling’s been extremely inconsistent since Norwood’s gotten healthy. The matchup here is extremely difficult, if not impossible to pass up. I think you have to roll the dice and get him in your lineup. Norwood’s too much of a question mark for me to play but if you’re going to do it let it be PPR and a DEEP (14 team or more) league.

Falcons: Snelling +5, Norwood +2

Sunday 4PM

St. Louis (28^th) @ Arizona (29^th)

Once again Steven Jackson is missing practices this week due to the nagging injuries but he says he’ll play and there’s no reason to doubt he will. Arizona’s run defense has been poor, as expected lately after starting the season flukily stout. SJax could put up serious digits in this contest.

Rams: Jackson +2

Speaking of horrible run defenses…. Tim Hightower has been a favorite of mine since last season when he helped me bring home the hardware in one of my leagues. Then this season I grabbed him wherever possible in PPR and it paid off in spades. As of late, however, he’s losing the goal line touches (and more of the work, in general) to Beanie Wells. Despite the excellent matchup I think you have to sit Hightower unless you’re in a deep PPR league because we have no idea what to expect from him. Beanie Wells should make an excellent start for you in this all important contest (and a great keeper next season).

Cardinals: Wells +5, Hightower +1

Detroit (25^th) @ San Francisco (9^th)

Morris has great skills as an all-around back that catches passes in addition to rushing the football. The 49’ers run defense is fairly solid but I’m not scurred of it. Morris will not split many touches with Aaron Brown and Stafford’s been shut down for the season so you know he’ll get opportunities.

Lions: Morris 0

Frank Gore- the man-child. Congratulations on sticking with him through the injuries earlier in the season (or for being cagey and trading for him). The Lions defense is horrible. Enjoy the spoils.

49’ers: Gore +3

Denver (27^th) @ Philadelphia (11^th)

This is going to be a really tough call for a lot of fantasy owners on Sunday. It looks like Correll Buckhalter’s going to play and snake some touches from Moreno. The Broncos offense is not as explosive as it was earlier in the season and the Eagles defense matches up well with them. I’m not saying you should sit Moreno but I would consider whether you have better options. For example I’d play Maurice Morris all day over him.

Broncos: Moreno -2

Here’s another situation I’d look to avoid if possible. Westbrook’s almost certain to play on Sunday. McCoy’s mostly been the man but there’s no way to be sure how things will be divided up in an offensive scheme that’s already pre-occupied with spreading the football around.

Eagles: McCoy -1, Weaver -2, Westbrook -4

NY Jets (6^th) @ Indianapolis (17^th)

All Thomas Jones does for you is put up double digit outings on a weekly basis. How boring. There’s no reason he shouldn’t be a solid #2 RB in your lineup for this game. Shonn Greene belongs on the bench until next season, when hopefully we’ll see him as the feature back.

Jets: Jones +1, Greene 0

The Colts want to go 16-0. Period. But what will they risk for that record? We just don’t know. I’m think they will play most the game, but I’m not in Caldwell’s head either.  Addai could easily get into the endzone since he does that on a regular basis so I’m not going to downgrade him too much based on the risk that he leaves early.

Colts: Addai -2

Sunday 8PM

Dallas (4^th) @ Washington (19^th)

I can’t make you any promises about Marion Barber. He was on my list of players to avoid this season and he’ll be on there again next year before the draft. It probably doesn’t help that I hate the Cowboys with every fiber of my being. He’s basically guaranteed to get any goal line opportunities in this game but I question the odds of him racking up a lot of yardage. He could be a flex play for you, depending. Felix Jones has a role in the offense but it’s not enough to play him.

Cowboys: Barber +1, Jones 0

I have such a man crush on Quinton Ganther that it’s hard for me to be completely neutral. He’s basically the exact same player as Maurice Morris; OK talent, getting ALL the opportunities, plays on a horrible team. I’m down with that and I have a spot for him on my roster this week to prove it.

Redskins: Ganther -1

Monday Night

Minnesota (3^rd) @ Chicago (26^th)

Same thing as every week- if you sit AP you’re a moron. Chester Taylor really shouldn’t be in your lineup unless you’re getting crushed by injuries (i.e. DeAngelo Williams). He could have a decent game but I’d rather roll the dice and go with a player that has more upside.

Vikings: Peterson +2, Taylor +2

It’s no secret that I’m not drinking the Matt Forte Kool-Aid. I wouldn’t play him in this game under any circumstance. If you want to, go ahead. The Bears are a mess…

Bears: Forte -4

This will be the final edition of “Sleeper Math” for this season but it’ll be back next year. For the remainder of the season we’re going to focus on matchups for the playoffs, Keepers, and setting the table for the offseason. Here at Razzball we’ll be active all the year leading up to next year’s draft. Speaking of next year’s draft we’re going to have free draft guides that will blow you away. Why, you ask? I guess you’ll just have to wait until August 2010 to find out! I do want to thank all of our readers because without you there’d be no website. We hope that we’ve been able to help you be more competitive in your league and assure you that next season we’ll be back even stronger!

If you’re reading this chances are you’re in the finals of your league. If you’re in the finals chances are your team is fairly stacked and you don’t need a lot of help. But as I preached last week I think it’s important to finish strong and roster the best team possible because you never know. In addition by snagging players off the wire you’re taking them away from your opponent.

The other group of active owners is people in Keeper leagues. In some leagues you have to declare your Keepers at the end of this season. In others you declare before the draft next year. Either way you should be looking to bolster your roster with as many young studs as possible to give you more options and your opponents fewer.

And while you’re here make sure you enter our contest!

Worth a Waiver Claim

Jerome Harrison – for obvious reasons…

Maurice Morris – He’s getting the bulk of the carries.  Opportunities equal production or something like that.

Darren McFadden – in PPR you should take a look at him. McFadden’s had several productive weeks in row, particularly in the passing game.

Ryan Moats – There’s no telling what crazy man Gary Kubiak has in store for Fantasy owners this week. Arian Foster got benched after fumbling and Ryan Moats got the most carries with 13. Would I play him in Week 16? Probably not but you have to put a claim on him regardless.

Michael Bush – Justin Fargas suffered a knee injury (the extent of which we’re not really sure right now) and Bush took over, gaining 144 yards. It’s unknown at this point whether Fargas will play in week 16 but the Raiders will be facing the Browns; that’s reason enough to put a claim in on him.

Jeremy Maclin – He was dropped in a lot of leagues due to the injury and missing Sunday’s game. Definitely worth adding to your roster in case you need another starter.

Worth Grabbing in Free Agency (after Waivers clears)

Josh Morgan – This early season bust has benefited from the improved San Francisco passing game. He put together seven catches this week (one for a touchdown). You might have more useless junk on your roster than him.

Chris Brown – As I mentioned above we’re not really sure what the end game will be in the backfield in Houston. More than likely you’ll want to avoid the situation at all costs.

Kenneth Darby – The Swine Flu wreaked havoc on the Rams this week, including SJax but he still played. Like all the players in this group you’re not expecting production unless there’s an injury at the top of the depth chart.

Aaron Brown – Maurice Morris played well (as expected) and should be in no danger of losing his job. If there is some sort of an injury, however, the speedy Aaron Brown could step in and be productive.

Tyrell Sutton – DeAngelo Williams left Sunday’s game with an injury. Sutton’s probably completely irrelevant for this year but he’s worth stashing if you have room in leagues where you don’t have to declare Keepers until next season.

You can follow me on twitter: Razzball_Drew

You are probably like me when it comes to fantasy football. I use logic to set my lineups during the week and act totally rational. Then Sunday comes and I’m thrown in to a tailspin of delusional schizophrenia (no offense to our schizophrenic readers) and I pre-emptively hate all my starters because I think they’re all going to tank out on me.

Next are the phone calls to a trusted advisor. You agree with everything s/he says as they logically tell you who to start. You annoy them by playing Devil’s Advocate and undermining all their suggestions. Tired of your antics they hang up the phone and you are left to quadruple and quintuple guess yourself. Then right before game time you become completely delusional and make last second replacements before your lineup locks.

We all go through this same ritual. And as the playoffs begin and finality sets in the pressure only increases and makes the process of choosing starters more torturous. One suggestion I make is that you check out the website on Sunday because we update the latest injury info and team rumors. We are also on the site answering start/sit questions until game time (and throughout for the later games). Maybe we can make your Sunday just a little more sane, logical, and successful!

Thursday 8:20 PM

Indianapolis (14th) @ Jacksonville (4th)

So far so good on the recently clinched Colts.  I really wish they’d unclinch so they’d just play all out with even their near-death players, but sadly we have to worry about who will play.  Donald Brown didn’t practice on Tuesday and I doubt they’ll push him so Addai will be the main guy again.  Mike Hart got 10 carries last week and could be in line for even more this week and even more the next.  The Jags have a tough run defense, but Addai seems to be able to get into the endzone.

Colts: Addai 0, Hart -3

The Colts did shut down Moreno last week and looked very good while doing so.  Of course that doesn’t mean you sit MJD.  He has had a little trouble going off Chris Johnson style lately, but he’s still getting into the endzone which isn’t a bad thing.

Jaguars: Jones-Drew +1

Saturday 8:20

Dallas (8^th) @ New Orleans (22^nd)

If you drafted Marion Barber in fantasy this season, odds are you’re not in the playoffs right now. I have a theory that there’s an NFC East conspiracy against fantasy football. Think about it for a second- Barber, Jacobs, Westbrook, Portis; all studs, all have been enormous busts this year. Anyway, back to this matchup. You are compelled to play Barber because if the Cowboys get near the goal line he’s getting the rock. They are one of the more pass happy teams near the end zone but Barber will get any available opportunities.

Cowboys: Barber 0, Jones 0, Choice 0

Speaking of highly touted running backs in the preseason that have been extremely inconsistent… Pierre Thomas is just like Barber- you can’t get away from having to start him. In PPR leagues Reggie Bush is a stud. He gets his every week in the passing game. I wouldn’t play Mike Bell if I owned him.

Saints: Thomas -2, Bush 0, Bell -2

Sunday 1 PM

Cleveland (18^th) @ Kansas City (32^nd)

Next stop on the running back carousel, Cleveland! So Jamal Lewis goes down and it looks like Jennings might be the guy but Harrison gets first dibs. He rips it up so Mangini decides to get Jennings involved more (someone needs to explain this logic to me) and we think he could be taking over. Then he makes a statement saying Josh Cribbs might become featured in a traditional running back role. Unless the situation in Cleveland becomes more transparent all three of these become must sits.

Browns: Harrison +1, Jennings +1, Cribbs +2

It’s great seeing Jamaal Charles in charge. We thought he’d be a great guy to own but he’s such a stud. Don’t outsmart yourself and justify sitting him in some irrational train of thought.

Chiefs: Charles +3

Houston (20^th) @ St. Louis (31^st)

Time for the Gary Kubiak running back shuffling experience. Foster has been named as the starter. If you were smart/lucky enough to grab him it’s going to be tough to pass on this matchup.

Texans: Foster +5, Moats +3, Brown -1

Ho hum. You can probably scratch Jackson in for 100 total yards and a touchdown. Well, maybe not a touchdown but you should be able to count on the yardage.

Rams: Jackson +1, Darby 0

Atlanta (17^th) @ NY Jets (9^th)

Turner should be able to play on Sunday but I wouldn’t get too excited about it. You have a player coming off injury going up against a stout defense. Yeah… I’ll pass. A lot of people will get seduced by the name and play him out of spite. He could be somewhat productive but I just don’t think it’s worth the risk. Snelling and Norwood are both fairly worthless if Turner plays.

Falcons: Turner -1, Snelling -3, Norwood -3

Thomas Jones should be his usual self. Shonn Greene was supposed to be the clear cut second fiddle but Danny Woodhead is cutting in to his touches. This situation is completely random and Shonn Greene nwo belongs on the “don’t start no matter how good the matchup is” list.

Jets: Jones +2, Greene, Woodhead 0

Miami (21^st) @ Tennessee (5^th)

Apparently the Dolphins would rather put the ball in Chad Henne’s hands rather than give Lex Hilliard significant touches. He is now officially dead to me. Man crushes dissolve into total anonymity in the NFL. Ricky Williams is a clear must start.

Dolphins: Williams -1

The Titans are easy to cover every week: Chris Johnson is the best player in Fantasy football and LenDale White doesn’t deserve the energy it just took me to type his name.

Titans: Johnson +1

San Francisco (12^th) @ Philadelphia (10^th)

As an Eagles fan I would love to pretend that their defense isn’t suspect but it is, particularly against the run. Their MO is to shut teams down or give up yards and points in bunches. Frank Gore continues to be productive and he has the potential to carry your Fantasy team in this all important playoff game.

49’ers: Gore 0

LeSean McCoy has managed to do less with more opportunity than anyone in recent memory. He is this year’s Chris Perry (those who owned this Bengals bust in 2008 know what I’m talking about). OK maybe he hasn’t been that bad but when Leonard Weaver steps in and delivers on a regular basis it’s not a compliment to your ability. Westbrook is supposed to return for this game but even if he does playing him is way too risky. Leonard Weaver isn’t really startable unless Westbrook’s out and you’re in a real deep league but he deserves to be mentioned.

Eagles: McCoy -1, Westbrook -2, Weaver 0

New England (15^th) @ Buffalo (30^th)

It’s astounding the number of trickster coaches there are in the NFL but Belichick deserves credit for making it vogue to be vague and mysterious. Two weeks ago he started taking touches from Maroney and giving them to Sammy Morris coming off the injury. So this past Sunday many of us avoided Maroney in case the trend continued. That didn’t happen and instead Maroney became the feature back. What’s nice this week is you’ve got a cupcake of a matchup so even if he gets less touches than you anticipate it’s a great start. I own him in multiple leagues where I have a playoff game and I’m starting him; so if you play him you won’t be the only one drinking the Kool-Aid. I can see playing Morris in deeper leagues but without getting the goal line work I’d look toward an option with higher upside.

Patriots: Maroney +4, Morris +2

Jackson received 23 carries against the Chiefs while Lynch had 14 and the majority of the short distance/goal line work. Jackson is a solid RB #2 or Flex #1 play this week. I would be more cautious with Lynch but can envision him playing in 12 team with two flex spots.

Bills: Jackson 0, Lynch -1

Arizona (23^rd) @ Detroit (25^th)

The Cardinals really made a mess in the 49’ers game on Monday Night Football. Hightower fumbled early (his bugaboo is ball security) and Whisenhunt started giving Wells even more touches than usual. But, as seemingly the entire Cardinals team did, Wells fumbled later on in the game. I don’t anticipate their roles changing for this week or in the future. Both of them are great starts against the Detroit this weekend. As an aside I traded Tim Hightower for T.J. Houshmandzadeh earlier in the year and thought I was so clever. Now I realize what an idiot I was.

Cardinals: Wells +4, Hightower +1

By now everyone knows that Kevin Smith’s having season ending knee surgery. If you have Maurice Morris in PPR I would start him if there’s room. I like him for double digits plus upside on Sunday.

Lions: Morris +2

Chicago (27^th) @ Baltimore (16^th)

I have been ripping on Lovie for some time about refusing to split up Forte’s touches and give Bell a chance to prove his mettle. What are the chances he smartens up? Not very good. Unfortunately you sort of have to start Forte but I wouldn’t feel great about relying on him to help you bring home the trophy.

Bears: Forte 0, Bell -1

Ray Rice should be an absolute monster this week against the lowly Bears. In fact I’m optimistic on both him and McGahee (I would start him in deeper leagues, non PPR especially). I have nothing too insightful on this situation, it is what it is.

Ravens: Rice +3, McGahee +2

Sunday 4 PM

Oakland (26^th) @ Denver (24^th)

JaMarcus Russell is taking over so the Raiders should once again be relegated to the basement of the NFL in production. Darren McFadden would be a really nice player to snag as a potential keeper for next season but I wouldn’t put him in your lineup this week under any circumstance. Justin Fargas isn’t that useful either.

Raiders: Fargas +1, McFadden 0

Correll Buckhalter is injured once again and it’s not clear whether or not he’ll play this week. Knowshon Moreno would be an even better start in that case but I love him in this contest regardless. 20 points from him wouldn’t surprise me.

Broncos: Moreno +4, Buckhalter -2 (pay attention to injury reports)

Cincinnati (6^th) @ San Diego (11^th)

I told all ya’ll to start Benson last week and I walked the walk myself, keeping him in my lineup last week. I’m glad I did. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned this year is to play your studs. The Bengals are perhaps the best run blocking team in the NFL. Put Benson in your lineup this week. Leave Larry Johnson out.

Bengals: Benson 0, Johnson -1

Don’t even think about playing Sproles this week. LaDanian Tomlinson presents a much tougher dilemma. The matchup is horrible but he’s too productive (as is his offense) to consider sitting him. You have to be pleased with what you’ve gotten out of LT considering what the outlook was earlier in the season.

Chargers: Tomlinson -2, Sproles -5

Tampa Bay (29^th) @ Seattle (13^th)

There was a grand total of 43 rushing yards for Williams and Ward to split between them on Sunday against the Jets. Now I realize that the Seahawks defense is nowhere near as good as New York’s but I wouldn’t even think about playing either of these players. If you’re absolutely stuck play Cadillac Williams but if your team’s that weak odds are you aren’t in the playoffs to begin with.

Buccaneers: Williams -2, Ward -3

Julius Jones was inept again this weekend. Mora split touches almost equally between him and Forsett. This is a great matchup but I’d be hesitant to start either player. If there’s an announcement at some point that Forsett will become the feature back I’d enthusiastically play him. In deep PPR leagues he could sneak in as a flex play without a change in the team depth chart.

Seahawks: Jones 0, Forsett +2

Green Bay (1^st) @ Pittsburgh (7^th)

It’s hard not to play Ryan Grant in this game. The Steelers have been fairly solid against the run despite their defensive decline but you have to play your studs.

Packers: Grant -2

The Steelers are basically out of the playoffs but they will finish strong and give it a shot. Rashard Mendenhall hasn’t been part of the problem. In fact the Steeler’s struggles originate from an over reliance on throwing the football and getting away from their traditional “smash mouth” mentality. If they decide to step up the rushing attack Mendenhall could be big the next two weeks.

Steelers: Mendenhall -3

Sunday 8:20 PM

Minnesota (2^nd) @ Carolina (28^th)

This game has huge potential for Adrian Peterson. Chester Taylor might always gets in the mix but hopefully you’re not pinning your flex start hopes on him at this point.

Vikings: Peterson +4, Taylor +3

DeAngelo Williams is going to have a tough time finding room to run against the Vikings. In addition Delhomme will be out again (although some would argue that helps the passing game) and the Vikings will probably stack up against the run. Stewart has been battling injuries and might be out for this game. Sit him regardless. You have to play Williams, he’s just too much of a stud.

Panthers: Williams -3, Stewart -5

Monday 8:30 PM

NY Giants (3rd) @ Washington (19th)

Ahmad Bradshaw had 18 targets to Jacobs 17.  Jacobs is still getting more carries and Bradshaw got more passing looks because of the shootout-y nature of the Eagles game.  Jacobs is still the guy you need to start, but as usual you aren’t going to feel great about it. Bradshaw is a flex play at best.

Giants: Jacobs 0, Bradshaw -2

Quinton Ganther awarded those who picked him up last week and the Redskins have looked better than earlier in the season.  Maybe it was a good idea to deZornify the offense! Ganther gets a much harder matchup this week, but he will still get goal line carries.

Redskins: Ganther 0