For many fantasy football leagues, this is the week that decides whether or not you’re in the playoffs. The good news is that a lot of the top tier talent has fantastic matchups. Adrian Peterson, Jamaal Charles, Matt Forte, and Frank Gore were likely all taken in the first or early second round at the beginning of the season and if you were smart/lucky enough to draft them then, they are sure to guide you to victory this week. There are exceptions to that, of course, but you didn’t draft them quite as early.
Knowshon Moreno only gained 79 yards against Kansas City two weeks ago and this week he faces them again, this time nursing a bone bruise somewhere around his ankle. The injury doesn’t sound serious, but the matchup is. If you’re comfortable with 8 points from your RB2/3 then go ahead and start him, but don’t count on a huge week from the Denver feature back.
Le’Veon Bell is in a very similar position to Moreno. In week 7, he had less than 10 fantasy points against Baltimore’s tough run defense. This week he travels to Baltimore to face them again. He’s clearly the workhorse for the Steelers so he’s difficult to sit, but he’s unlikely for a score in a crucial week for fantasy teams.
After an incredible 163 yards on 30 carries in week 11 for two TDs, Bobby Rainey sure did quiet down last week with only 35 yards on 18 carries. You can blame his performance on whatever you want, but the Carolina Panthers have a very good run defense and aren’t going to make things any easier for Rainey this week. Since you likely picked up Rainey less than two weeks ago, my guess is you have other options available to you that are more reliable this week so if you can afford to sit him, do it.
A lot of the top wide receivers are in excellent matchups as well this week. Calvin Johnson, A.J. Green, Brandon Marshall, and Dez Bryant should all be started without any hesitation, but just like the running backs above, not every wide receiver can be as lucky.
Vincent Jackson is in a very difficult position against a Carolina Defense that has been excellent at covering receivers this year. Before you get too upset, Brian Hartline did quite well against them last week so don’t go throwing him on the bench just yet, but after catching just two passes against Detroit, don’t expect Jackson to put up WR1 numbers this week.
The same goes for DeSean Jackson. Jackson is a big play threat no matter who he’s playing so the yardage should still be there for him, but it’s hard to count on a score against a defense that held players as talented as T.Y. Hilton and even Vincent Jackson to less than 4 fantasy points each in standard leagues.
Speaking of T.Y. Hilton, he faces the toughest pass defense of all this week when Tennessee comes to town. You may remember Hilton’s 5 catches for 44 yards against Tennessee two weeks ago and even though some people questioned my call to bench him then, it bears repeating here.
That same Tennessee defense should make things difficult for Andrew Luck this week. Luck has been a bit of a disappointment for fantasy owners for the past few weeks and unfortunately, that streak looks as though it will continue on Sunday. He did manage 232 yards without an interception against the Titans in week 11, but quarterbacks aren’t exactly great fantasy plays if they aren’t throwing touchdowns so if you have other options this week, use them.
As is the case every week, if you have a good feeling about someone, go with your gut. These matchup notes are only a guide and there is not greater glory than playing someone unexpected and watching him rack up the fantasy points while you eat your Thanksgiving turkey.
On that note, here is my special THANKSGIVING DAY SLEEPER: Jacoby Jones. Jones isn’t exactly an unknown guy, but he has been irrelevant most of the year until this past week against the Jets. It’s hard to count on him for another 100+ yard performance, but Jones’ big play ability gives him a ton of upside. I would still play any of the players listed above before Jones, but if you’re in a jam and need a home run hitter, Jones is worth a shot.
Need to pick 3 out of these 4 to play
J Gordon
Garcon
Desean Jackson
Harvin
Which one would you bench?
@Bryan: Not Harvin. Idk how you can start him with any confidence, especially over those WR1’s.
After last week, I’m never sitting Josh Gordon again.
I’d sit Percy.
Agree w/James R
Hi Loudon!
14 team standard league.
This time i can’t pick your sleeper of the week,he has a owner yet.
But i ask you my weekly doubt for my flex and RB2 option Wallace or Ginn for flex?(we count return yds) Trich-Donald Brown-Ellington-Dennis Johnson-Cunningham are my RBs canditate for one place. Murray is untouchable as RB1. I prefer Wallace or Ginn for flex but tell me if u think one of the other RBs could be better.
Happy Thanksgiving from Italy!
@Ciwa:
Last minute doubt:
Heath Miller is my TE but I can pick Pettigrew,Fasano and Rivera.
@Ciwa: @Ciwa:
And Myers
@Ciwa: I would stick with your current TE out of the other available options. As for your original question, I think Donald Brown is your best RB2 option with Wallace at flex.
In a REALLY bad situation with Ridley’s demotion. Also dropped T.rich…
Neeeed to start 1 of :
* B.Tate
* D.Johnson
* Ridley
* Bilal Powell
bah, I know it’s ugly, but I’m hurtin and need help, who do you start here??
@South of All Borders: I think I’d go with Powell. Tate is a close second, but his recent performance has me nervous.
Having wr troubles…with a lot of wrs to consider…
I have:
demaryius thomas @kc
decker @kc
steve johnson atl
burleson gb
floyd @phi
allen @cin
wright @ind
and hartline is on waivers
I was thinking thomas and johnson and putting burleson at the flex, because I doubt ivory is going to outperform any of them…
Also, it might sound like a crazy question, but Payton over McCown right?
Thank you for any help you can give and happy thanksgiving.
@nomaspantalones: since you just questioned starting peyton manning, i vote that noone answers your questions
@tomasz: @nomaspantalones: @tomasz:
I don’t know man, we shall see…also, despite the fact that no one is supposed to answer, it’s ppr for what it’s worth
@Joseph Barra: Start Peyton.
@Chicken Dinner: might be too late now, but allen or floyd (probably floyd) over burleson.
@nomaspantalones: Yeah, still start Peyton over McCown. For your WRs, I like Thomas and Floyd with Allen at flex.
Whoa…Bilal Powell is apparently now available in the league…any of those guys I should drop for him?…and or play him instead?
Thanks again
@nomaspantalones: I’d still start the receivers I mentioned, but if you have that many WRs and Powell is available, drop your least favorite for Powell. He’s definitely worth an add at least.
Need to pick 1 of the following to fill WR3 spot (WR1/2= Antonio Brown / Wes Welker):
Rod Streater @ Dallas
Doug Baldwin v. NO
Nate Washington @ Indy
@Dale Pigeux: Oh yeah, PPR..
@Dale Pigeux: Also have Marvin Jones @SD to consider
@Dale Pigeux: Streater. He seems to be McGloin’s favorite target. At least when Moore is out, which he is.
@Dale Pigeux: Streater. He is far and above the best of your 3 options this week.
I need to pick 2 out of these 3 WR in a PPR league to start:
J. Boykin, D. Bowe, and M. Floyd. Which one should I sit? Thanks ahead of time
@sfgiants25: i think boykin does good in a likely shootout vs banged up detroit secondary…floyd also has good shot vs beat up rams secondary…Bowe prob would be sitting for me
@sfgiants25: I’d sit Boykin personally.
Harry Douglas or Kendall Wright in PPR?
@tomasz: Douglas
What if I have AP and my opponent has Forte and Gore who leads who to victory?!?!
@Dave: I’ll tell you Monday.
@Dave: Unless your opponent also reads Razzball, clearly you’re the one winning this week.
T. Smith, K. Allen, J. Boykin
Pick 2. Standard league.
@SMLV1: Smith and Allen.
I have my fantasy football playoffs starting this week. I need you guys to pick 3 of these receivers.
1. Brandon Marshall
2. Harry Douglas
3. Jarret Boykin
4. Keenan Allen
5. Alshon Jeffrey
6. Nate Burleson.
Any advice for the commish would be appreciated
@Stan F: keenan and the bears
@Oppo Taco: sounds like a good band name. allen and the bears.
@Stan F: I second @Oppo Taco. Marshall, Jeffery, and Allen
Though Le’Veon didn’t have 10pts (std) he did have his highest running yard total on the season. So, there is hope.
Out of these 3 WR’s who should I sit in my PPR league:
J Boykin, Michael Floyd, or D Bowe. I need to sit one of them.
@MontecitoMon: Bowe
@MontecitoMon: I’d sit Boykin, but a case could easily be made for Bowe as well.
Who would you flex this week in a PPR league, I can also move out some of my current players?
Current Starters
RB :
Andre Brown
Danny Woodhead
WR :
Nate Burleson
Andre Johnson
Keenan Allen
Who should I flex??
Fred Jackson
Cecil Shorts
Roddy White
Would you also bench RG3 for R. Wilson this week and maybe through the playoffs? Other QB options are Alex Smith or Weeden if you don’t like Wilson ROS.
@Cooper Clux Clan: I’d flex Fred Jackson and definitely play Wilson over RGIII this week.
I need to start 3 of this WR…..help? André johnson, brandon marshall, ty Hilton , Eric decker, keenen allen
@Joe G: Aj, marshall and Allen.
@Joe G: What @SMLV1 said. Johnson, Marshall, Allen.
Ellington, terrence williams, Charles Clay, or Rod Streater at the flex?
@The Beal Deal: Probably Ellington, but Streater is a close 2nd this week.
hey guys – would you start Flynn over EJ Manuel this week?
Also – please pick 3 WRs:
Decker
Shorts
Harvin
Amendola
Stevie Johnson
And pick 1 RB:
DMC
Mendenhall
Benny Cunningham
Thanks a lot!!
@Sheriff McRawDawg: Flynn over Manuel? Yes. WRs: Decker, Shorts, and Harvin. RB: Mendenhall. If you want a lottery ticket, start McFadden instead, but playing today after only a light practice Wednesday makes me nervous.
@Loudon: thanks!
Hi Louden! I’ve got a really close matchup in my 10 team, standard points, Yahoo league. I’m trying to set my QB, WR and TE line up. Can you help?
QB- Fitzpatrick or Ryan?
2 WRs – Amendola, Boldin, Welker or Wright?
TE – Thomas or Reed?
Thanks in advance!