Fantasy Football Week 14: Playoff Time
By Tim Bearden in News on Dec 11, 2011 4:00PM
It's week 14 and in most leagues that means playoff time. That means one person will get the Shiva and another will get the the Sukkah.
Injuries aren't helping your championship hopes, either. Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is in a walking boot after suffering an ankle injury in Thursday’s game against the Browns. He is optimistic he'll play on Dec. 19 against the San Francisco 49ers, but his trainers aren't too sure. An MRI revealed Saturday a high-ankle sprain that is “not good.” Darren McFadden is out again this week with his foot injury. Though there has been no setback reported regarding the injury.
So who do you pin your hopes on in Week 14 to make it to your championship? Let's find out.
Starts:
1. Alex Smith (QB) - The 49ers seemed destined for a deep post-season run and they're not going to let Arizona stand in their way. Smith has been quietly producing for them all season and, against the Cardinals' mediocre defense, he has a chance for a good week.
2. Matt Moore (QB) - The Dolphins back-up has been playing with starting position potential the past few weeks. (With some bumps in the road of course.) Moore, Brandon Marshall and Reggie Bush are easing the pain of a rocky start to Miami's season. Sunday’s match up against a struggling Eagles team is a good one for these guys.
3. Jabar Gaffney (WR) - The Redskins are playing the Patriots this week, a team with a reputation for a less-than-stellar pass defense. Gaffney is as good an option as any to get a few targets this week.
4. Hakeem Nicks (WR) - While Victor Cruz is the talk of the Giants receiving corp, Nicks is another favorite target of Eli Manning. Nicks had one of his best games of the season last week and could surprise us against Dallas’ tough pass defense.
5. Marshawn Lynch (RB) - Lynch and the Seahawks are up against the Rams this week. They’ve shown they can shut down tough opponents, but Lynch is likely to break a few in St. Louis. He’s a good option this week.
6. Willis McGahee (RB) - McGahee looked questionable going into Sunday’s game, but is likely to start against the Bears. The Bears do have a tough blitz and might utilize it a lot to subdue Tim Tebow, which could give Denver's running backs room to run.
7. Tony Gonzalez (TE) - Carolina's defense isn't one of the league's toughest and Matt Ryan is targeting Gonzalez a fair amount. He could see quite a few targets this week, if last week was any kind of indicator.
8. Torrey Smith (WR) - Indianapolis has an awful defense. It’s true Joe Flacco has a few targets to work with, but expect Smith to be in the rotation for some long yardage.
9. LeGarette Blount (RB) - Despite a poor showing last week, Blount should be on top of his game against Jacksonville. The Jaguars are one of the top five passing defenses in the league, so expect Blount to get more work on the ground.
10. Julio Jones (WR) - Jones is officially listed as probable this week and that’s good enough for me. It’s a good match-up this week against Carolina, which means Jones should see a lot of targets.
Sits:
1. Tim Tebow (QB) - Tebow has made more of a name for himself with his feet rather than his arm. Against a blitz-happy Bears defense, this could be bad. It may force him to throw the ball more, but no guarantee how well he’s going to throw it. He isn’t my top choice this week.
2. T.J. Yates (QB) - Yates got his first touchdown as a starter last week against the Falcons, but don’t expect too many of those against Cincinnati. Yates is still a rookie, remember, and he still gets flustered in the pocket. Cincinnati will likely exploit that forcing running back Arian Foster to get more work.
3. Laurent Robinson (WR) - Miles Austin is returning this week against the Giants. With Austin and Bryant both on the field again, Robinson may see limited targets.
4. Dwayne Bowe (WR) - Dwayne Bowe has been a go-to receiver and the Jets know that. Expect him to be stranded on Revis Island this week.
5. Vince Young (QB) - Michael Vick is back behind center this week following a broken rib injury. Barring a setback, Young likely won’t see much playing time.
6. LaDainian Tomlinson (RB) - With Kansas City limiting Matt Forte and Marion Barber last week, one has to wonder how many carries Tomlinson will see still backing up Shonn Greene. A productive fantasy week for Tomlinson doesn’t seem likely.
7. Fred Davis (TE) - He’s gone. A four game suspension after breaking the NFL’s substance abuse policy has put Davis on the sideline for the remainder of the season.
8. Cedric Benson (RB) - The Texans are currently the best defense in the league in yards per game and are fourth among running defenses. Expect Benson’s productivity to be limited.
9. Josh Freeman (QB) - He’s expected to play, but Jacksonville is one of the top rated passing defenses this season. He may keep it on the ground more than the air this week giving Blount more work.
10. Cincinnati Bengals (D/ST) - They may give Yates a tough time this week, but Arian Foster is the variable you have to watch for. He may make this Bengal’s defense look like kittens this week.
Well that’s your week 14, playoff week 1 start/sit list. Come back next week to see who can get you that extra mile.
Also, follow me on Twitter (@tdbearden) for news, updates and roster advice Sunday’s from 10 a.m. - 11:55 a.m. CST. Also follow hashtag #CFF.