Welcome to week 13. If you are still in the hunt this is probably a pretty big game, but don’t over think this shizz. It is what it is. You can only put your best players out there and then just let go. It’s all very Zen.
I’m looking forward to the fine-filled Ravens/Steelers game. One of the few events that I don’t need a fantasy stake to be completely into. I’m also looking forward to seeing my man Jamaal Charles against the Broncos. Those Chiefs/Broncos games are usually on the crazy side of sane. Of course the Jets/Patriots game on Monday Night has a lot of buildup and should be a good one as well. I’d say all three of those are pick ems and should be fun to watch! Good luck to everyone this week. Throw your questions at me in the comments and I’ll get my Louisville Slugger out and go after them like they’re home intruders.
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Here is an extremely informative diagram of several NFL player’s brains that has come to my attention. Eli Manning’s is spot on.
Evan Silva with his always informative breakdown of each game is behind these here words.
Here are some of the key injuries for this week —
Early Games
Drew Stanton: He is your new Detroit Lions quarterback which is the opposite of good news for the Lions. Stanton did ok against the Giants earlier in the season, but just ok and his track record is just plain bad. Last season in 3 ish games he had zero touchdowns and 6 interceptions. It’s still hard to sit Calvin Johnson since Stanton’s only chance is to throw it up to the stud.
Adrian Peterson: He is listed as questionable but Frazier says he is probable. Since this is an early game we’ll know if there is surprise changes. Toby Gerhart may see a little more work, but I wouldn’t count on enough touches to be safe to start.
Percy Harvin: His migraines have kept him out of practice this week, but he has yet to miss a game because of migraines. I’m a little worried about his lack of practice, but he has a good matchup so I’d still start him as long as he’s playing.
C.J. Spiller: He is back, but Fred Jackson is the guy. If you are in a return yardage league he may be useful.
Brandon Marshall: His return isn’t all that helpful unless you are in a two QB league and need to start Henne. Otherwise Marshall’s presence just makes Bess and Hartline riskier.
Mike Sims-Walker: He is out which makes Mike Thomas a decent flex play. He should get around 10 targets.
Brian Westbrook: He practiced fully on Friday. It’s looking like Westy and Dixon will be splitting carries depending on the situation. Westy should be the guy in PPR and Dixon in non-PPR.
Pierre Thomas: There is a very slim chance he will go this week, but I wouldn’t bet on it. Chris Ivory should have some value against a poor Bengals team.
Late Games
Ben Roethlisberger: It’s looking like his foot won’t be a huge factor, but it should be a Vick sponsored kind of fight that may be much more interesting in real football terms than fake football terms.
Antonio Gates: For some reason the Chargers site is listing him as out, but there have been no reports of that. We should at least know if that is just an error before the early games. He came out of last week’s game better than he has in past games and looked good while he was out there. I would have a late game backup just in case, but I have a feeling he will go. Bajema could be a last minute guy who should be available, not that I like him much, just better than nothing.
Zach Miller: He should try to go once again, but I wouldn’t use him until he does instead of just tries.
Mike Tolbert: He has a bum finger which could hurt him in the passing game, but he should still be the main back and will also be the goal line back even with Ryan Mathews back.
Malcom Floyd: He should go, but is very risky. I could see starting him if your choices are poor, but I would rather keep him on the bench until we see he is really back.
Mike Williams (SEA): He should play which will hurt Obomanu, but he also isn’t 100%. This makes both a little less valuable this week. Since Obo is healthy I would lean his way if given the choice.
Yes, this is where I learned that Tom Brady has a bald spot. Carl is full of useful information.