Week 14 Fantasy Advice

Did you have a good Week 13? Now it’s definitely playoff time in some leagues, and for others it will be your last chance to get in. You have to make this week count, and I hope some of the matchups will help you out. Extra guys this week because it’s playoff time.


Who to Start:

QB Joe Flacco (BAL) vs. HOU MON: He had a pretty good game against a much better Steeler D on Sunday Night. On Monday he’ll play the well-rested, yet still pretty terrible Houston pass D which is still dead last in the league.

QB Josh Freeman (TB) vs. WSH: He has not played well against the better teams on Tampa’s schedule, but the Redskins aren’t one of those teams. Statistically, they are very poor on pass D, and that should allow Freeman to tear them up.

RB Knowshon Moreno (DEN) vs. ARZ: Arizona’s run D is horrible, and with former RB coach Eric Studesville now at the helm, expect to see more rushes for Moreno, and he should benefit from those.

RB Felix Jones (DAL) vs. PHI: Even though Tashard Choice saw a good chunk of the action last Sunday, still expect Felix Jones to perform well. The Eagles allow about 17 fantasy points a game to opposing running backs.

WR Michael Crabtree (SF) vs. SEA: Despite the QB situation in San Fran being in flux, Crabtree has caught a TD in 5 of his last 8 games. Look for that success to continue against Seattle, whose pass D has been struggling of late.

WR DeSean Jackson (PHI) vs. DAL: Despite maybe being disgruntled, he should play well against a bad Dallas secondary who despite having 4 INT’s of Peyton Manning gave up tons of yards as well.

TE Zach Miller (OAK) vs. JAX: The Jaguars struggle to defend the Tight End, and with the Raiders pass protection being as bad as it is, Jason Campbell will need a safety blanket. Here he is.

TE Brandon Pettigrew (DET) vs. GB: The safety blanket factor could also be in play here with Drew Stanton to Pettigrew, and that should add to his value considering how much trouble the Pack have had stopping Tight End’s this year.

DEF Atlanta vs. CAR: The Panthers offense is abysmal, and the Falcons should take full advantage of that. Poor Jimmy Clausen.

DEF New York Giants vs. MIN: Whoever is starting at QB for the Vikes will be under siege against a suddenly resurgent Giants D. Since that 1st half against the Jags, they have allowed 10 points, and forced 8 turnovers since then.



Who to Sit:

QB Sam Bradford (STL) vs. NO: The should-be offensive rookie of the year could have some troubles against a Saints defense who despite last week still allow very few fantasy points to opposing QB’s.

QB Carson Palmer (CIN) vs. PIT: Shouldn’t this be a given? Oh well, the Bungals (intentional), have lost 9 in a row and have looked horrible doing so, and the Steelers should take full advantage of a hapless offense.

RB Marshawn Lynch (SEA) vs. SF: Despite his big stat line against Carolina, he should be avoided this week against a ‘9ers D that has allowed a total of 5 rushing TD’s all season.

RB Ronnie Brown (MIA) vs. NYJ: Despite the running game being Miami’s best option to generate offense, the Jets D has to take its frustrations out somewhere, and unfortunately, it will be on Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams.

WR Steve Smith (CAR) vs. ATL: I know Atlanta’s pass D is shaky, but he had 3 catches against the Seahawks. No offense, but that should be a red flag barrage for all his owners,

WR Deion Branch (NE) vs. CHI: He has found the going easy with the Pats, but off a 6 day break solely and with the Bears D being 3rd in the NFL, I would avoid Branch this week.

TE Owen Daniels (HOU) vs. BAL MON: Such a shame for a great potential Tight End with all of his injuries this season, and facing the Ravens D doesn’t help too much either.

TE Dustin Keller (NYJ) vs. MIA: He’s seen fewer targets since the offense was opened up with Santonio Holmes now in the mix, and I can’t see him doing well on Sunday with all of those factors against him.

DEF Chicago vs. NE: This is more of a risk pick then it is a flat out sit, but with the Pats riding high ever since the bad loss against the Browns, the Bears D may be under siege at Soldier Field.

DEF Dallas vs. PHI: Also a potential given, but considering the points this unit put up last week, you may consider starting them. It’s Mike Vick, on a 10 day break though.

3 Super Sleepers for Week 14:

QB Jon Kitna (DAL) vs. PHI: Again, this is for players who don’t have good options before they look at the waiver wire. With Asante Samuel not at 100% and Kitna on fire, look for him to maybe light up this Eagles D.

RB James Starks (GB) vs. DET: My new trademark for this column is now, “who?” And again, this is true. He is the new “feature” back” in Green Bay, and he should have success against the Lions D who time and again have trouble stopping the run.

WR Jacoby Ford (OAK) vs. JAX: Here’s your true sleeper this week. Ford has been a playmaking machine, catching the ball and returning kicks. Against a Jags secondary who doesn’t defend the pass very well, and is missing their starting strong safety, look for Ford to shine.

Good Luck in Week 14 and in the Playoffs!