Fantasy Football Week 15: Playoffs Week 2
By Tim Bearden in News on Dec 18, 2011 4:00PM
Whether your fantasy football league is in its first or second playoff round, a Championship is palpable at this point. All your reading and studying is about to pay off.
So let's let jump right in this week.
Starts:
1. Tim Tebow (QB) - I can't believe it. Tebow couldn't hit the backside of a barn until late in the fourth last week and he still managed to not only perform a comeback miracle, but got the points he needed to help your team. Once you watch him rally your team from a 10-point deficit with only two minutes left in the game, you have no choice but to become a bit of a believer. Since the Patriots have had such a tough time covering the pass this season, he's a green light for today.
2. Ryan Fitzpatrick (QB) - First rule of survival is never taunt a wounded animal, and the Bills definitely fall into that category, having lost their last six games. Miami may be looking better, but the Bills now have something to prove. The Dolphins coaching staff is a bit in flux after firing Tony Sparano last week, a long overdue termination. So Fitzgerald has some value again this week.
3. Reggie Bush (RB) - Miami may be in a state of turmoil, but Bush isn't one for distractions. He's producing well as of late and there's no reason to think that will change this week, despite not having a permanent head coach.
4. Kevin Smith (RB) - Detroit's running back situation, with Jahvid Best on injured reserve, is wide open. Smith seems to be the likely starting option for the Lions, but they do have Maurice Morris and Kelland Williams available. Either way, Oakland's run defense has been iffy this season, ranking 28th in the league for total yards allowed per game. He's as good of an option as any.
5. Andy Dalton (QB) - The Rams may have a good passing defense on paper, but their 2-11 record tells a different story. Dalton should do well against a struggling and frustrated Rams team.
6. Jeremy Maclin (WR) - If the Jets can't get to Michael Vick, he may have a field day with the passing game. Even Darrelle Revis can't cover the entire field. If Revis goes on DeSean Jackson, that will free up Maclin for more targets.
7. Marion Barber (RB) - Despite his late game miscues in Denver, Barber has filled a nice void left by the injured Matt Forte. His fantasy numbers on a per week basis post-Forte injury are as good as Forte's. There's no reason to think he's not going to produce again today against the Seahawks.
8. Donald Driver (WR) - With Greg Jennings sideline with a knee injury, Driver has the potential to get more targets this week. Aaron Rodgers has a lot options, but moves the ball around the field. Driver could get some worthwhile looks today.
9. Jacoby Jones (WR) - He's my sleeper pick today. Carolina's defense has been less than desirable this season and T.J. Yates is probably being coached to move the ball around the field more this week. If Jones is targeted, as he should, he has big upside potential today.
10. Kellen Davis (TE) - The Bears offensive scheme doesn't include the tight end much, but in the middle of a three-game skid, it's time to shake it up a bit. Davis isn't the best tight end in the NFL, but he's got a chance to get some targets today against the Seahawks.
Sits:
1. Alex Smith (QB) - The Steelers pass defense is number one in the league right now in yards per game. San Francisco will probably give Frank Gore a lot of work today as they just look to coast into the playoffs.
2. Cam Newton (QB) - Not the best option this week going against the top rated defense in the league. Paper may be a poor substitute for game play, but the Texans have been able to back it up this season. I'd look elsewhere for your quarterback needs today.
3. Brandon Lloyd (WR) - Here's a case of a good receiver on a bad team. Lady luck may not be on his side today as the Rams take on the Bengals, who kept an explosive Texans offense in check last week, despite losing. Don't pin your championship hopes on him.
4. Marshawn Lynch (RB) - With his recent performance helping to lift the Seahawks, the Bears still have such a big potential to shut down any running game, as we saw against Michael Bush and the Raiders.
5. Percy Harvin (WR) - New Orleans have been disrupting offensive rhythms and as bad as Minnesota is, there's no reason to think they won't do it again today.
6. Mike Tolbert (RB) - The Ravens have the second-ranked rushing defense in the league and Tolbert isn't the most agile back on the field. He may muscle through a few carries, but his overall isn't optimal for playoff time.
7. Rashard Mendenhall (RB) - With the 49ers ranked first among rushing defenses, even a back like Mendenhall may struggle. He's a good back, but the match-up is iffy this close to the championship.
8. Jackie Battle (RB) - Green Bay will do their best to limit Battle this week and will probably accomplish that goal. Against the unbeaten Packers, he's not a first or even second choice.
9. Ahmad Bradshaw (RB) - The Giants aren't working Bradshaw very hard at the moment and Brandon Jacobs is still getting the bulk of the work. It may change against the Redskins, but they're still in the hunt for the playoffs. They may try to keep Bradshaw available for the post-season and not aggravate his injury.
10. Miami Dolphins (D/ST) - It's true that Buffalo is self-destructing late in the season, but if they're as fired up as they should be, they may play havoc with this Dolphin's defense. It's best to go with another defensive strategy this week.
Good luck everyone and hopefully we'll see you next week in the championship round. If not, well there's always next year.