Fantasy Football News 2011/2012

HacheMan · Nov 27, 2011

Week 12 Injury Questions

As we move into the final quarter of the season, the injured reserve list becomes more and more of a factor. Injuries that will cost players just 3-5 weeks suddenly make them candidates for injured reserve. And as more injuries pile up, there is less space on the active roster for NFL teams to carry hurt guys.

The Lions were forced to stop waiting for Jahvid Best (concussions), ending his season. Fred Jackson (leg) and Matt Cassel (hand) just don’t have enough time to get healthy.

As we get set for Week 12, we’ll have our eye out for seemingly minor injuries that could result in shutdowns.

Of course, the Rotoworld News Page will be humming all Sunday morning to bring you official word on all your injured players ahead of kickoff. And to make sure you’re prepared, read every word of these rankings from Gregg Rosenthal/Chris Weaseling in combination Evan Silva’s mind-blowing Matchup Column.

If you want to draft a new team just for this week, check out SnapDraft here. And if you don’t have the Rotoworld News App, you are missing an edge.

OK, let’s get to the hurt folks:

1 PM GAMES
BILLS at JETS
* Fred Jackson (leg) is out for the year. C.J. Spiller will be the feature back, with Tashard Choice and Johnny White as the backups.
* Donald Jones (ankle) is out for the year. David Nelson and Stevie Johnson will dominate targets in this tough matchup.
* Shonn Greene (ribs) will start. But LaDainian Tomlinson (knee) is not expected to play. Joe McKnight is a good bet for 8-10 touches.
* Jeremy Kerley (knee) is not expected to play. Patrick Turner will act as the No. 3 receiver.

BROWNS at BENGALS
* Montario Hardesty (calf) is expected to start in this tough matchup. Chris Ogbonnaya will revert to his third-down/change-of-pace role. Meanwhile, Peyton Hillis (hamstring) is a game-time call. It’s best to just avoid this mess against a rugged Bengals’ run defense.
* A.J. Green (knee) is expected to play, but will likely be shadowed by Joe Haden.

TEXANS at JAGUARS
* Andre Johnson (hamstring) finally makes his return. He’ll be catching passes from Matt Leinart, but is still a must-start.

VIKINGS at FALCONS
* Adrian Peterson (ankle) is out. Toby Gerhart will start at running back and Percy Harvin (ribs) is fine and will likely serve as the change-of-pace option.
* Visanthe Shiancoe is tentatively expected to play, but we can do better in fantasy.
* Julio Jones (hamstring) is ready to make his return.

CARDINALS at RAMS
* Kevin Kolb (toe) is tentatively expected to get the nod, but it’s really a game-time call. John Skelton gets the nod if Kolb can’t go.
* Beanie Wells’ knee appears to be improving a little ahead of this tasty matchup.
* Todd Heap (hamstring) appears headed for a game-time call.
* Mark Clayton (knee) is out for the year and Danario Alexander (hamstring) is questionable. Brandon Lloyd, Austin Pettis and Brandon Gibson figure to be the Rams’ top-3 wideouts.

PANTHERS at COLTS
* Joseph Addai (hamstring) is expected to be active, but his role is unclear. We’d expect a three-man committee, including Donald Brown and Delone Carter. Brown may be the best bet for touches, but it’s very dicey.

BUCS at TITANS
* Matt Hasselbeck (elbow) is fine. The Jake Locker era will have to wait.

4PM GAMES
PATRIOTS at EAGLES
* Vince Young will start as a low-end QB1 in this dream matchup. Michael Vick (ribs) isn’t ready yet.
* Jeremy Maclin (shoulder, hamstring) won’t play. Riley Cooper becomes a sneaky WR3 candidate.
* DeSean Jackson (foot) is ready to go despite some early-week swelling.
* Deion Branch (hip) and Chad Ochocinco (hamstring) are both questionable. They were weak options anyway.

BRONCOS at CHARGERS
* Malcom Floyd (hip) remains sidelined. Vincent Brown gets another start.
* Ryan Mathews (knee) is ready to share the load with Mike Tolbert.

REDSKINS at SEAHAWKS
* Santana Moss (hand) is back as the Redskins’ No. 1 wideout. He’s a WR3.
* Donte’ Stallworth (foot) and Niles Paul (toe) are in doubt. Jabar Gaffney is the No. 2 and Anthony Armstrong will get a lot of snaps as the No. 3 wideout.
* Sidney Rice (knee) and Ben Obomanu (knee) are both ready to go.

BEARS at RAIDERS
* The Caleb Hanie era gets underway here thanks to Jay Cutler’s thumb injury.
* Darren McFadden (foot) is still not close to a return. Michael Bush remains a must-start, especially with Taiwan Jones (hamstring) likely out.
* Devin Hester (shin) is ready for his returner role.
* Denarius Moore (foot) appears headed for a game-time call and Jacoby Ford (foot) is out. Darrius Heyward-Bey (concussion) is ready to go and will likely function as the No. 1 wideout.

SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
STEELERS at CHIEFS
* Tyler Palko will start. Kyle Orton should be under center come Week 13.
* Emmanuel Sanders (knee) is ready to return for a bit role behind the red-hot Antonio Brown.
* Ben Roethlisberger (thumb) is a full go.

MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
GIANTS at SAINTS
* Ahmad Bradshaw (foot) is out. Brandon Jacobs gets another shot to show some life.
* Mario Manningham (knee) says he’ll play, but it will likely be a game-time call. Owners need to explore other options.

SURVIVOR PICK OF THE WEEK
It’s rare that a road team can be considered the team most likely to win in a given week. But this week, the Steelers fit the bill thanks to Tyler Palko’s limitations as an NFL quarterback. He was inept against the Patriots’ leaky defense and will get embarrassed by a Steelers’ defense that is coming off a bye.

Of course, the most interesting option for those in deep leagues is the Panthers. Although their defense is inept, their offense figures to ring up a huge number on the Colts. I think it’s a strong play and would use the Panthers if I needed to go bold to win my league.

Other plays I’d consider include the Falcons, who get the Vikings without Adrian Peterson. And the Bengals are in a must-win spot at home against the Browns. Some plays I’d avoid include the Patriots on the road in a short week and the Texans, who will be breaking in Matt Leinart on the road against an underrated Jaguars defense.

MY TOUGHEST DECISION OF THE WEEK
In a 10-team non-PPR league, my WR3 choice came down to Dwayne Bowe vs. Antonio Brown.

Of course, if we just go by name value, Bowe is the easy play. He’s a physical beast and clear No. 1 option in his offense. However, we have to dig deeper here.

Tyler Palko is not an NFL quarterback, as he showed against the league’s worst pass defense last week. Now he’ll have to deal with the Steelers’ aggressive defense and Bowe is expected to be shadowed by shutdown corner Ike Taylor.

Meanwhile, top Chiefs corner Brandon Flowers is expected to do most of his work on Mike Wallace. That will leave Brown, who is locked in as the No. 2 wideout, free to do his thing. Brown is the play here.

HacheMan · Nov 27, 2011

Week 12 Rankings Update
Ravens cornerback Lardarius Webb said a few weeks back that Antonio Brown was already a better receiver than Mike Wallace.

I thought at the time it was a passive aggressive way of trash talking. The more I watch Brown, the less crazy it seems. Brown is one of the breakout stars of 2011. He’s a different player than Wallace – with a lower fantasy ceiling – but not as much lower as you think.

Brown does an incredible job making contested catches. He has one of the best set of hands in the league. He’s versatile enough to run any route, which could make him more consistent than Wallace. Teams are starting to play a safety deep on Wallace every snap, forcing him to catch underneath passes.

Wallace is the top-five WR1 now, but Brown has quickly emerged as a solid WR2. The gap may close in the coming years, with Brown being T.J. Houshmandzadeh to Wallace’s Chad Johnson or Anquan Boldin to Wallace’s Larry Fitzgerald.

Week 11 Quarterbacks
<table style="width: 100%;"><tbody><tr class="TableTopRed"><td>Rank</td><td>Player Name</td><td>Opponent</td><td>Notes</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>1</td><td>Aaron Rodgers</td><td>at DET</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>2</td><td>Cam Newton</td><td>at IND</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>3</td><td>Drew Brees</td><td>vs. NYG</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>4</td><td>Tom Brady</td><td>at PHI</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>5</td><td>Matthew Stafford</td><td>vs. GB</td><td>Probable(finger)</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>6</td><td>Ben Roethlisberger</td><td>at KC</td><td>Probable(thumb)</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>7</td><td>Tony Romo</td><td>vs. MIA</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>8</td><td>Eli Manning</td><td>at NO</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>9</td><td>Vince Young</td><td>vs. NE</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>10</td><td>Philip Rivers</td><td>vs. DEN</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>11</td><td>Tim Tebow</td><td>at SD</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>12</td><td>Matt Ryan</td><td>vs. MIN</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>13</td><td>Carson Palmer</td><td>vs. CHI</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>14</td><td>Matt Moore</td><td>at DAL</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>15</td><td>Josh Freeman</td><td>at TEN</td><td>Probable(thumb)</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>16</td><td>Joe Flacco</td><td>vs. SF</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>17</td><td>Matt Hasselbeck</td><td>vs. TB</td><td>Probable(elbow)</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>18</td><td>Sam Bradford</td><td>vs. ARZ</td><td>Questionable(ankle)</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>19</td><td>Mark Sanchez</td><td>vs. BUF</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>20</td><td>Andy Dalton</td><td>vs. CLE</td><td>Probable(shoulder)</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>21</td><td>Kevin Kolb</td><td>at STL</td><td>Questionable(toe)</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>22</td><td>Christian Ponder</td><td>at ATL</td><td>Questionable(knee)</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>23</td><td>John Skelton</td><td>at STL</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>24</td><td>Ryan Fitzpatrick</td><td>at NYJ</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>25</td><td>Tarvaris Jackson</td><td>vs. WAS</td><td>Probable(pectorals)</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>26</td><td>Alex Smith</td><td>at BAL</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>27</td><td>Caleb Hanie</td><td>at OAK</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>28</td><td>Matt Leinart</td><td>at JAC</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>29</td><td>Rex Grossman</td><td>at SEA</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>30</td><td>Curtis Painter</td><td>vs. CAR</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>31</td><td>Colt McCoy</td><td>at CIN</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>32</td><td>Tyler Palko</td><td>vs. PIT</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>33</td><td>Blaine Gabbert</td><td>vs. HOU</td><td>-</td></tr></tbody></table>

QB Notes: In the interest of getting these rankings up a little earlier before the Thanksgiving games, the notes will be a little light this week. I also haven’t had the usual time to watch as many games as I’d like because of the condensed week. I’m hosting my first Thanksgiving – which feels very grown up – and will get to watch the best slate of turkey day games in memory.

Lions-Packers should be a blast, but don’t be shocked if the game stays in the 20’s. Detroit’s defensive line absolutely manhandled Green Bay up front last year. The Packers didn’t score a touchdown for the final six quarters they played against Detroit. Expect to see a ton of yards, and plenty of turnovers from Matthew Stafford and Aaron Rodgers. … The Ravens did a nice job rolling Joe Flacco out last week. He made some terrific throws. He needs to show more consistency quarter-to-quarter (much less game-to-game) before you consider using him in a tough matchup like the 49ers.

The Steelers have changed so much on offense this year. Quick throws are becoming the norm. They are overcoming their leaky offensive line. The play-calling is so aggressive. Against the Bengals two weeks ago, the Steelers were throwing on second down with an empty backfield with time running out. The old Steelers run the ball three times in that situation and punt. Now they are happy to throw like crazy.

The Dolphins defense is playing well, but not so well that I’d sit Tony Romo in almost any scenario. … The Eagles match up well with the Patriots. They have too much talent out wide for New England’s secondary to handle. Vince Young is a strong option. … The injuries in Oakland are taking a toll. Look for Carson Palmer and the Raiders to play things conservatively.


Week 11 Running Backs

<table style="width: 100%;"><tbody><tr class="TableTopRed"><td>Rank</td><td>Player Name</td><td>Opponent</td><td>Notes</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>1</td><td>LeSean McCoy</td><td>vs. NE</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>2</td><td>Arian Foster</td><td>at JAC</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>3</td><td>Matt Forte</td><td>at OAK</td><td>Probable(shoulder)</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>4</td><td>Rashard Mendenhall</td><td>at KC</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>5</td><td>Frank Gore</td><td>at BAL</td><td>Probable(knee)</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>6</td><td>Michael Turner</td><td>vs. MIN</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>7</td><td>Willis McGahee</td><td>at SD</td><td>Probable(hand)</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>8</td><td>Michael Bush</td><td>vs. CHI</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>9</td><td>DeMarco Murray</td><td>vs. MIA</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>10</td><td>Maurice Jones-Drew</td><td>vs. HOU</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>11</td><td>Steven Jackson</td><td>vs. ARZ</td><td>Probable(foot)</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>12</td><td>Darren Sproles</td><td>vs. NYG</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>13</td><td>Ray Rice</td><td>vs. SF</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>14</td><td>Ryan Mathews</td><td>vs. DEN</td><td>Probable(knee)</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>15</td><td>Beanie Wells</td><td>at STL</td><td>Probable(knee)</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>16</td><td>LeGarrette Blount</td><td>at TEN</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>17</td><td>Jonathan Stewart</td><td>at IND</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>18</td><td>Marshawn Lynch</td><td>vs. WAS</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>19</td><td>Cedric Benson</td><td>vs. CLE</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>20</td><td>Kevin Smith</td><td>vs. GB</td><td>Sidelined(ankle)</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>21</td><td>Shonn Greene</td><td>vs. BUF</td><td>Probable(ribs)</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>22</td><td>Chris Johnson</td><td>vs. TB</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>23</td><td>BenJarvus Green-Ellis</td><td>at PHI</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>24</td><td>Brandon Jacobs</td><td>at NO</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>25</td><td>DeAngelo Williams</td><td>at IND</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>26</td><td>Reggie Bush</td><td>at DAL</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>27</td><td>Ryan Grant</td><td>at DET</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>28</td><td>Toby Gerhart</td><td>at ATL</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>29</td><td>C.J. Spiller</td><td>at NYJ</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>30</td><td>James Starks</td><td>at DET</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>31</td><td>Ben Tate</td><td>at JAC</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>32</td><td>Donald Brown</td><td>vs. CAR</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>33</td><td>Joseph Addai</td><td>vs. CAR</td><td>Questionable(hamstring)</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>34</td><td>Roy Helu</td><td>at SEA</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>35</td><td>Peyton Hillis</td><td>at CIN</td><td>Questionable(hamstring)</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>36</td><td>Pierre Thomas</td><td>vs. NYG</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>37</td><td>Mike Tolbert</td><td>vs. DEN</td><td>Probable(hamstring)</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>38</td><td>Mark Ingram</td><td>vs. NYG</td><td>Probable(heel)</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>39</td><td>Daniel Thomas</td><td>at DAL</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>40</td><td>Marion Barber</td><td>at OAK</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>41</td><td>Joe McKnight</td><td>vs. BUF</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>42</td><td>Jackie Battle</td><td>vs. PIT</td><td>Probable(-)</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>43</td><td>Ryan Torain</td><td>at SEA</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>44</td><td>Montario Hardesty</td><td>at CIN</td><td>Questionable(calf)</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>45</td><td>Felix Jones</td><td>vs. MIA</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>46</td><td>Javon Ringer</td><td>vs. TB</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>47</td><td>Dexter McCluster</td><td>vs. PIT</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>48</td><td>Lance Ball</td><td>at SD</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>49</td><td>Jason Snelling</td><td>vs. MIN</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>50</td><td>Danny Woodhead</td><td>at PHI</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>51</td><td>Chris Ogbonnaya</td><td>at CIN</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>52</td><td>Bernard Scott</td><td>vs. CLE</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>53</td><td>Johnny White</td><td>at NYJ</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>54</td><td>Maurice Morris</td><td>vs. GB</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>55</td><td>Delone Carter</td><td>vs. CAR</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>56</td><td>LaDainian Tomlinson</td><td>vs. BUF</td><td>Questionable (knee)</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>57</td><td>D.J. Ware</td><td>at NO</td><td>Probable(concussion)</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>58</td><td>Ricky Williams</td><td>vs. SF</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>59</td><td>Tashard Choice</td><td>at NYJ</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>60</td><td>Jacquizz Rodgers</td><td>vs. MIN</td><td>-</td></tr></tbody></table>

RB Notes: Rashard Mendenhall has run better than his numbers indicate of late. He could have a strong stretch run with a number of plus matchups, starting this week. … I have no hesitation ranking Willis McGahee in the top ten despite his awful Thursday night showing against the Jets. He’s healthy again and he’s facing one of the softest front sevens in the league.

Darren Sproles remains an every week starter. One poor game against Atlanta doesn’t change that, especially with a shaky Giants linebacker/safety group on the docket. New York’s linebackers can’t cover. … Some extra rest should have done Ryan Mathews some good. The Chargers offensive line injuries will make life difficult though. The Broncos defensive resurgence may largely be based on their pass rush, not ability to stop the run. … Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams should get plenty of carries against the Colts. Look for a run-first approach from Carolina. … The Packers rush defense has been good, not great since September. Kevin Smith is a decent RB2.

At this point, I’m assuming Ahmad Bradshaw won’t play. That makes Brandon Jacobs serviceable enough against New Orleans’ weak front seven. … Bump up Ryan Grant a handful of spots if James Starks is out. … Toby Gerhart isn’t ranked high because it’s a tough matchup and he’s not a special back. … The Bills said everything we need to know about C.J. Spiller with his lack of usage until now. Chan Gailey is great at getting playmakers open in space. Yet Spiller has done very little, touching the ball less than as a rookie. … Montario Hardesty will start for the Browns if healthy, ending the Chris Obygyn era.


Week 11 Wide Receivers

<table style="width: 100%;"><tbody><tr class="TableTopRed"><td>Rank</td><td>Player Name</td><td>Opponent</td><td>Notes</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>1</td><td>Calvin Johnson</td><td>vs. GB</td><td>Probable(ankle)</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>2</td><td>Steve Smith</td><td>at IND</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>3</td><td>Mike Wallace</td><td>at KC</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>4</td><td>Vincent Jackson</td><td>vs. DEN</td><td>Probable(hamstring)</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>5</td><td>Andre Johnson</td><td>at JAC</td><td>Probable(hamstring)</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>6</td><td>Roddy White</td><td>vs. MIN</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>7</td><td>Larry Fitzgerald</td><td>at STL</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>8</td><td>Greg Jennings</td><td>at DET</td><td>Probable(knee)</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>9</td><td>Hakeem Nicks</td><td>at NO</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>10</td><td>Wes Welker</td><td>at PHI</td><td>Questionable(knee)</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>11</td><td>Marques Colston</td><td>vs. NYG</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>12</td><td>Jordy Nelson</td><td>at DET</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>13</td><td>DeSean Jackson</td><td>vs. NE</td><td>Probable(foot)</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>14</td><td>Dez Bryant</td><td>vs. MIA</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>15</td><td>Brandon Lloyd</td><td>vs. ARZ</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>16</td><td>Brandon Marshall</td><td>at DAL</td><td>Probable(quadriceps)</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>17</td><td>Dwayne Bowe</td><td>vs. PIT</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>18</td><td>Percy Harvin</td><td>at ATL</td><td>Questionable(ribs)</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>19</td><td>Antonio Brown</td><td>at KC</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>20</td><td>A.J. Green</td><td>vs. CLE</td><td>Probable(knee)</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>21</td><td>Victor Cruz</td><td>at NO</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>22</td><td>Julio Jones</td><td>vs. MIN</td><td>Questionable(hamstring)</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>23</td><td>Laurent Robinson</td><td>vs. MIA</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>24</td><td>Sidney Rice</td><td>vs. WAS</td><td>Questionable(knee)</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>25</td><td>Anquan Boldin</td><td>vs. SF</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>26</td><td>Santonio Holmes</td><td>vs. BUF</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>27</td><td>Santana Moss</td><td>at SEA</td><td>Probable(hand)</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>28</td><td>Riley Cooper</td><td>vs. NE</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>29</td><td>Brandon LaFell</td><td>at IND</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>30</td><td>Michael Crabtree</td><td>at BAL</td><td>Probable(foot)</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>31</td><td>Mike Williams</td><td>at TEN</td><td>Probable(thigh)</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>32</td><td>Torrey Smith</td><td>vs. SF</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>33</td><td>Stevie Johnson</td><td>at NYJ</td><td>Probable(shoulder)</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>34</td><td>Plaxico Burress</td><td>vs. BUF</td><td>Probable(back)</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>35</td><td>Nate Burleson</td><td>vs. GB</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>36</td><td>Nate Washington</td><td>vs. TB</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>37</td><td>Pierre Garcon</td><td>vs. CAR</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>38</td><td>Reggie Wayne</td><td>vs. CAR</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>39</td><td>Mario Manningham</td><td>at NO</td><td>Questionable(knee)</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>40</td><td>Greg Little</td><td>at CIN</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>41</td><td>Lance Moore</td><td>vs. NYG</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>42</td><td>Eric Decker</td><td>at SD</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>43</td><td>Vincent Brown</td><td>vs. DEN</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>44</td><td>Jabar Gaffney</td><td>at SEA</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>45</td><td>Jerome Simpson</td><td>vs. CLE</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>46</td><td>Deion Branch</td><td>at PHI</td><td>Questionable(hip)</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>47</td><td>Earl Bennett</td><td>at OAK</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>48</td><td>Damian Williams</td><td>vs. TB</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>49</td><td>Darrius Heyward-Bey</td><td>vs. CHI</td><td>Questionable(neck)</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>50</td><td>Doug Baldwin</td><td>vs. WAS</td><td>Probable(concussion)</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>51</td><td>Harry Douglas</td><td>vs. MIN</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>52</td><td>Andre Caldwell</td><td>vs. CLE</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>53</td><td>James Jones</td><td>at DET</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>54</td><td>Steve Breaston</td><td>vs. PIT</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>55</td><td>Johnny Knox</td><td>at OAK</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>56</td><td>David Nelson</td><td>at NYJ</td><td>Probable(illness)</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>57</td><td>Jonathan Baldwin</td><td>vs. PIT</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>58</td><td>Roy Williams</td><td>at OAK</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>59</td><td>Robert Meachem</td><td>vs. NYG</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>60</td><td>Titus Young</td><td>vs. GB</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>61</td><td>Jerricho Cotchery</td><td>at KC</td><td>Probable(knee)</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>62</td><td>Arrelious Benn</td><td>at TEN</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>63</td><td>Donald Driver</td><td>at DET</td><td>Probable(knee)</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>64</td><td>Early Doucet</td><td>at STL</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>65</td><td>Mike Thomas</td><td>vs. HOU</td><td>-</td></tr></tbody></table>

WR Notes Champ Bailey has done a nice job on Vincent Jackson in the past, but V-Jax is too explosive to sit, even if he’s maddeningly inconsistent. … This should be a bounce-back week for Wes Welker. The Eagles struggle to cover slot receivers. … I expect the Lions to do a nice job slowing down the Packers passing attack. Jordy Nelson remains a borderline WR1, but it’s not a James Jones kind of week.

Long-term, Kyle Orton should help Dwayne Bowe out. Orton isn’t afraid to feed one receiver repeatedly. (See Brandon Lloyd in Denver.) … Joe Haden is coming off his worst game of the year. That could be a good sign for A.J. Green – if Green plays. … I love Michael Crabtree in general, but it’s hard to expect Alex Smith to top 200 yards against the Ravens. Crabtree’s ceiling is limited this week.

Make sure Santana Moss is owned in your league. He could be a WR3 or better down the stretch. … Torrey Smith has great overall numbers, but it’s all come in two weeks. This doesn’t figure to be one of his explosion games. … Earl Bennett still figures to be the most valuable Bears receiver with Caleb Hanie, but that’s damning with faint praise. … If Julio Jones is out, move Harry Douglas up in the rankings.



Week 11 Tight Ends

<table style="width: 100%;"><tbody><tr class="TableTopRed"><td>Rank</td><td>Player Name</td><td>Opponent</td><td>Notes</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>1</td><td>Rob Gronkowski</td><td>at PHI</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>2</td><td>Jimmy Graham</td><td>vs. NYG</td><td>Probable (ankle)</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>3</td><td>Jason Witten</td><td>vs. MIA</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>4</td><td>Antonio Gates</td><td>vs. DEN</td><td>Probable (foot)</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>5</td><td>Jermichael Finley</td><td>at DET</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>6</td><td>Fred Davis</td><td>at SEA</td><td>Probable (ankle)</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>7</td><td>Tony Gonzalez</td><td>vs. MIN</td><td>Probable (back)</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>8</td><td>Aaron Hernandez</td><td>at PHI</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>9</td><td>Kellen Winslow</td><td>at TEN</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>10</td><td>Owen Daniels</td><td>at JAC</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>11</td><td>Vernon Davis</td><td>at BAL</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>12</td><td>Brandon Pettigrew</td><td>vs. GB</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>13</td><td>Greg Olsen</td><td>at IND</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>14</td><td>Dustin Keller</td><td>vs. BUF</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>15</td><td>Heath Miller</td><td>at KC</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>16</td><td>Jermaine Gresham</td><td>vs. CLE</td><td>Questionable (hamstring)</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>17</td><td>Brent Celek</td><td>vs. NE</td><td>Probable (hip)</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>18</td><td>Jacob Tamme</td><td>vs. CAR</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>19</td><td>Jake Ballard</td><td>at NO</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>20</td><td>Jared Cook</td><td>vs. TB</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>21</td><td>Ed Dickson</td><td>vs. SF</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>22</td><td>Scott Chandler</td><td>at NYJ</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>23</td><td>Anthony Fasano</td><td>at DAL</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>24</td><td>Tony Scheffler</td><td>vs. GB</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>25</td><td>Ben Watson</td><td>at CIN</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>26</td><td>Marcedes Lewis</td><td>vs. HOU</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>27</td><td>Visanthe Shiancoe</td><td>at ATL</td><td>Questionable (hamstring)</td></tr></tbody></table>

TE Notes: Antonio Gates has looked more like Antonio Gates every week. The risk for injury remains, but owners should feel good about him for their stretch run. … Even before Jason Witten outran DeAngelo Hall to the end zone last week, I thought he looked quicker this year. It seems like Witten is having his healthiest season in years and it shows up in the box score. … Aaron Hernandez is not fully healthy, and is making too many mistakes. He suffers from drops and sometimes doesn’t run the route that Tom Brady expects. He’s still a solid option, but clearly not a top-five type right now.

Week 11 Team Defense

<table style="width: 100%;"><tbody><tr class="TableTopRed"><td>Rank</td><td>Player Name</td><td>Opponent</td><td>Notes</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>1</td><td>Steelers Def/Spec Team</td><td>at KC</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>2</td><td>Texans Def/Spec Team</td><td>at JAC</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>3</td><td>Jets Def/Spec Team</td><td>vs. BUF</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>4</td><td>Bengals Def/Spec Team</td><td>vs. CLE</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>5</td><td>Fortyniners Def/Spec Team</td><td>at BAL</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>6</td><td>Ravens Def/Spec Team</td><td>vs. SF</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>7</td><td>Bears Def/Spec Team</td><td>at OAK</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>8</td><td>Cowboys Def/Spec Team</td><td>vs. MIA</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>9</td><td>Seahawks Def/Spec Team</td><td>vs. WAS</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>10</td><td>Falcons Def/Spec Team</td><td>vs. MIN</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>11</td><td>Packers Def/Spec Team</td><td>at DET</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>12</td><td>Raiders Def/Spec Team</td><td>vs. CHI</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>13</td><td>Chargers Def/Spec Team</td><td>vs. DEN</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>14</td><td>Cardinals Def/Spec Team</td><td>at STL</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>15</td><td>Rams Def/Spec Team</td><td>vs. ARZ</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>16</td><td>Broncos Def/Spec Team</td><td>at SD</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>17</td><td>Redskins Def/Spec Team</td><td>at SEA</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>18</td><td>Titans Def/Spec Team</td><td>vs. TB</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>19</td><td>Patriots Def/Spec Team</td><td>at PHI</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>20</td><td>Jaguars Def/Spec Team</td><td>vs. HOU</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>21</td><td>Panthers Def/Spec Team</td><td>at IND</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>22</td><td>Lions Def/Spec Team</td><td>vs. GB</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>23</td><td>Giants Def/Spec Team</td><td>at NO</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>24</td><td>Dolphins Def/Spec Team</td><td>at DAL</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>25</td><td>Bills Def/Spec Team</td><td>at NYJ</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>26</td><td>Buccaneers Def/Spec Team</td><td>at TEN</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>27</td><td>Browns Def/Spec Team</td><td>at CIN</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>28</td><td>Vikings Def/Spec Team</td><td>at ATL</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>29</td><td>Eagles Def/Spec Team</td><td>vs. NE</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>30</td><td>Saints Def/Spec Team</td><td>vs. NYG</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>31</td><td>Colts Def/Spec Team</td><td>vs. CAR</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>32</td><td>Chiefs Def/Spec Team</td><td>vs. PIT</td><td>-</td></tr></tbody></table>

Week 11 Kickers

<table style="width: 100%;"><tbody><tr class="TableTopRed"><td>Rank</td><td>Player Name</td><td>Opponent</td><td>Notes</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>1</td><td>Mason Crosby</td><td>at DET</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>2</td><td>John Kasay</td><td>vs. NYG</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>3</td><td>Matt Bryant</td><td>vs. MIN</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>4</td><td>Dan Bailey</td><td>vs. MIA</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>5</td><td>David Akers</td><td>at BAL</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>6</td><td>Jason Hanson</td><td>vs. GB</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>7</td><td>Sebastian Janikowski</td><td>vs. CHI</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>8</td><td>Olindo Mare</td><td>at IND</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>9</td><td>Alex Henery</td><td>vs. NE</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>10</td><td>Stephen Gostkowski</td><td>at PHI</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>11</td><td>Nick Novak</td><td>vs. DEN</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>12</td><td>Billy Cundiff</td><td>vs. SF</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>13</td><td>Lawrence Tynes</td><td>at NO</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>14</td><td>Neil Rackers</td><td>at JAC</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>15</td><td>Shaun Suisham</td><td>at KC</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>16</td><td>Steven Hauschka</td><td>vs. WAS</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>17</td><td>Nick Folk</td><td>vs. BUF</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>18</td><td>Rob Bironas</td><td>vs. TB</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>19</td><td>Mike Nugent</td><td>vs. CLE</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>20</td><td>Robbie Gould</td><td>at OAK</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>21</td><td>Matt Prater</td><td>at SD</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>22</td><td>Connor Barth</td><td>at TEN</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>23</td><td>Adam Vinatieri</td><td>vs. CAR</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>24</td><td>Graham Gano</td><td>at SEA</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>25</td><td>Josh Brown</td><td>vs. ARZ</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>26</td><td>Jay Feely</td><td>at STL</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>27</td><td>Phil Dawson</td><td>at CIN</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>28</td><td>Dan Carpenter</td><td>at DAL</td><td>Sidelined (groin)</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>29</td><td>Josh Scobee</td><td>vs. HOU</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>30</td><td>Dave Rayner</td><td>at NYJ</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>31</td><td>Ryan Longwell</td><td>at ATL</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>32</td><td>Ryan Succop</td><td>vs. PIT</td><td>-</td></tr></tbody></table>

HacheMan · Nov 28, 2011

Andre - Leinart = Problem

The good news for the Texans (and for fantasy owners) is that Andre Johnson is back.

The bad news: He suddenly has a third-string QB throwing to him.

With reports surfacing that Matt Leinart is done for the year due to a broken left collarbone, fifth-round rookie T.J. Yates (8-for-15, 70 yds) now stands under center for a dominant rushing offense that has little incentive to throw extensively going forward. Arian Foster (22 rush, 65 yds, TD) has the talent and offensive line to remain an elite RB1, but Johnson (2 rec, 22 yds) will likely struggle to post consistent numbers with Yates guiding this passing “attack” down the stretch.

And for those wondering if the Houston QB situation has any hope for immediate upside, the answer is no: Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk reported on NBC that Brodie Croyle is expected to join Houston as the third-string QB (behind Yates and Kellen Clemens), and there’s no indication that Brett Favre is a potential option for the Texans.

In other injury news…

Sidney Rice left Sunday’s game due to a concussion, finishing with no catches (and one carry for three yards). This marks Sir Sidney’s second concussion in the last three weeks, and leaves Seattle’s No. 1 WR extremely questionable (if not entirely out of the question) for a matchup with the Eagles on Thursday night. Doug Baldwin (5 rec, 60 yds) would theoretically be the top beneficiary, but he hasn’t scored a touchdown since Week 5.

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Montario Hardesty was unable to play due to issues with his lingering calf injury during pre-game warm-ups, leading to a full slate of carries for the formerly reliable RB known as Peyton Hillis (19 rush, 65 yds). With Hillis apparently coming out of Week 12 healthy (and with the Ravens due up next in Week 13), Hardesty is safe to drop unless Hillis is on your roster in a deeper league.

Beanie Wells (27 rush, 228 yds, TD) briefly left with a scary-looking right knee injury, but was able to return. This should theoretically be a concern given Wells’ history with knee problems, but he was able to rip off a 53-yard run after re-entering Sunday’s game. It’s possible that Beanie will miss some practice time this week, but he should be ready to go for his matchup with the Cowboys in Week 13.

Editor’s note: If you want to draft a new fantasy team, check out SnapDraft here.

Other Injury Notes: Troy Polamalu left the Sunday night game due to a head injury … Greg Olsen sustained an ankle injury prior to kickoff, but was able to play through it (3 rec, 24 yds) … Mike Williams (Seattle edition) was slowed by a shoulder injury in the second half on Sunday … Bucs DT Brian Price was carted off with an ankle injury … Falcons CB Brent Grimes left with a non-contact knee injury … The already depleted Vikings’ secondary lost CB Asher Allen to a shoulder injury … Steelers C Maurkice Pouncey missed much of Sunday night’s game due to an illness, but should be fine for Week 13.

HacheMan · Nov 28, 2011

MNF Matchup: Giants @ Saints

Monday Night Football

NY Giants @ New Orleans

Among Week 12's post-Thanksgiving games, Giants-Saints has the highest over/under of the week at 51 points. Superdome is the venue -- always a plus for passing -- and each team entered the week with a top-five passing offense. It's a nice fantasy setup unless you own either team's defense. ... The last time the Saints and Giants met was in October of 2009. Drew Brees carved up the G-Men for 369 yards and four touchdowns on 23-of-30 passing (76.7%). Brees' more than two-year-old stats aren't necessarily indicative of future performance, but New York's overall scheme and defensive philosophy have changed little in the meantime. The Giants still rely heavily on sack production, and few NFL signal callers are tougher to sack than Brees. ... Prior to the Saints' Week 11 bye, Marques Colston burned Atlanta for 113 yards on eight receptions. Colston plays the majority of his snaps in the slot, and Giants No. 1 corner Corey Webster probably won't follow him inside. New York has used Aaron Ross to cover the slot recently, and his coverage has been hit or miss despite a career-high four interceptions. ... Lance Moore is coming off a one-catch, 28-yard game and has played just 42.3% of New Orleans' offensive downs over the last month. One of the few Saints that should be benched in this game, Moore's playing time and targets are too inconsistent and game plan-based for fantasy confidence.

The Giants are getting blown to smithereens by tight ends, and perhaps the scariest part is that they haven't yet faced a player at the position with quite as much talent as Jimmy Graham. In their last three games, the G-Men have allowed 28 receptions for 311 yards and three touchdowns to tight ends. It's a ridiculous, nine-catch, 104-yard weekly average. ... New York still can't get its run defense on track, in Week 11 allowing 113 yards on 23 carries (4.91 YPC) to LeSean McCoy. While New Orleans' backfield has been something of a fantasy headache whenever all members are healthy, Darren Sproles has been the most consistent contributor, particularly in high-scoring affairs like this game projects. When the Saints have scored 30 or more points (five-game sample), Sproles has five touchdowns and is averaging 85 total yards a game. He'll remain the Saints' best fantasy running back until proven otherwise. ... Mark Ingram is officially back healthy, rendering Pierre Thomas a between-the-twenties player only. A changing of the guard is possible after New Orleans' off week, but Ingram and Thomas should be on fantasy benches until we see it. If you're choosing between the two, Ingram is probably a better bet for a rushing touchdown.

The Saints' defensive strength is secondary play, particularly at left cornerback with Jabari Greer. Greer doesn't follow No. 1 wide receivers around the formation, but is playing at at borderline shutdown level staying on the left side. In the Giants' three-wide sets, Mario Manningham lines up across from opposing LCBs, with Victor Cruz in the slot and Hakeem Nicks at split end. Cruz and Nicks have far better fantasy matchups than Manningham this week, squaring off with slot CB Tracy Porter and RCB Patrick Robinson, respectively. ... If the coverage matchups aren't enough to get you to start Cruz and Nicks, the target trends should be. Behind Nicks, here is Eli Manning's target distribution over the last month: Cruz 41, Manningham 28, Jake Ballard 25. There is no question that Cruz has overtaken Manningham as Eli's No. 2 option in the passing game. Start 'em. ... Manningham is listed as questionable on the injury report after missing all practices last week. He'll apparently be a game-time decision, but isn't worth the risk.

Nicks is mired in a midseason slump, but look for him to bust out of it on Monday night. He has an elite matchup in a projected shootout and is coming off a long week to rest his previously balky knee and hamstring. It's an excellent fantasy formula. ... The potentially year-ending injury to Giants LT William Beatty doesn't bode well for oversized TE Jake Ballard. Ballard may become more valuable to the G-Men as an in-line blocker, with Manningham or Ramses Barden taking the targets Ballard leaves behind. ... Ahmad Bradshaw will miss another week with a cracked foot and still has no timetable to return. Brandon Jacobs is coming off an awful game against Philadelphia, but remains the Giants' clear-cut lead back over Da'Rel Scott and D.J. Ware. The Saints have been quietly brutal in run defense all season, allowing a league-high 5.19 yards per carry. Assuming New York stays competitive for at least three quarters, Jacobs should not struggle to flirt with 80-90 rushing yards. He'll also be a good bet to score.

Score Prediction: Saints 30, Giants 27

HacheMan · Nov 28, 2011

Better Late Than Never
Coach Mike Munchak downplayed Chris Johnson's 13-yard washout against the Falcons last week, placing the blame squarely on the offensive line. According to Profootballtalk, Munchak reiterated that sentiment in a pre-game meeting Sunday, calling out several linemen in front of the team. It must have been the kick in the pants sorely needed by the Titans' ground attack. Johnson responded with the third-best rushing performance of his caeer and the most yards he's gained in over three years.

Showing more decisiveness, a stronger burst, and renewed quickness on his jump-cut move, Johnson broke off four second-half runs of 20+ yards, including a season-long 34-yard scamper. Johnson certainly appears to have turned a corner, though it's fair to wonder if he would have taken two or three of those 20-yard runs to the house two years ago. He's now cleared 170 scrimmage yards in two of the past three games (and 100 yards in three of the past four), with the caveat that the Panthers and Bucs are two of the five worst run defenses in the NFL.

The saving grace for fantasy owners who spent the first half of the season scrambling to survive one Johnson flop after another is a schedule that only gets easier through the fantasy playoffs. With a per-carry average now threatening to jump over the 4.0 mark, Johnson draws the Bills (4.5 YPC allowed), Saints (5.2 YPC), and Colts (4.2 YPC, 31st in run defense) in Weeks 13-15. Fantasy playoff championship week features a matchup against a Jaguars defense that has lost four key starters in the past two weeks. From the better late than never department, that first-round draft pick could pay off handsomely after all.

Game Balls

Tom Brady / Wes Welker - Entering Week 12, more than half (53.1 percent) of the passing yards allowed by the Eagles had come after the catch. No team in the league misses more tackles after the catch. It was an ideal matchup for a quarterback who leads the NFL in completion percentage, passing yards, touchdown passes, and yards per attempts on passes thrown within 10 yards of the line of scrimmage. Welker and Deion Branch contributed tackle-breaking gains of 41 and 63 yards respectively while Brady joined Brett Favre as the only QBs in history with eight games of 350+ yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions. After a mid-season mini-slump, Brady has completed 65-of-100 passes for 926 yards, an 8:0 TD-to-INT ratio, and 121.5 rating the past three games against elite corners Darrelle Revis, Brandon Flowers, and Asante Samuel. Brady’s 119 regular-season wins are now tied with Johnny Unitas while his 133 total victories have matched Joe Montana. His Patriots are going to win or share the best reocord in the AFC East for the 11th consecutive season. Explained one Eagles player of the performance, “I just feel like we got outcoached [Sunday] – by Tom Brady. That [expletive]’s good, and he just sat back and picked us apart. It seemed like they had more receivers than we had defenders.”

Beanie Wells - In a week where bad fantasy teams routinely knocked off first-place outfits, Wells was the poster boy. Becoming the second back in six weeks to eclipse 225 yards against the Rams' vulnerable run defense, Beanie bettered his single-game career-high by 90 yards (and breaking LeShon Johnson's franchise record of 214 yards). While it's fair to chalk up the performance as a bit of an outlier for a player with just two career games of 100+ yards entering Week 12, the Cardinals' beat writers noted last week that Wells' knee was finally rounding into pre-injury form. Depite the injury that robbed him of explosiveness for a month, Beanie is 10th in fantasy points with only LeSean McCoy and Adrian Peterson topping his eight rushing touchdowns. Five years after Ken Whisenhunt took over in Arizona, the former ground 'n' pound Steelers play-caller finally has a strong running game.

Matt Ryan / Roddy White - Credit Ryan for turning his and the Falcons’ season around. After a shaky start, he’s had four games with 100+ ratings in his last six, leading to five wins. Ryan's 79.4 completion rate against the Vikes was the second-best of his career and the best ever by a Falcons QB with at least 30 pass attempts. In fact, his 23rd career game with an 80+ Total QBR is second only to Aaron Rodgers' total since entering the league in 2008. Through 12 weeks, Ryan is up to No. 7 in QB fantasy points (though Eli Manning will likely pass him after Monday night’s game). After a similarly slow start, White is up to 11th in wide receiver fantasy points, buoyed by back-to-back games over 120 yards. White tied Andre Rison's team record for most games with at least 10 receptions (7) while moving past Alfred Jenkins for third on the franchise TD list (41).

Percy Harvin - The box score shows that Harvin totaled 210 all-purpose yards at Atlanta, but it still obscures his dominance. This could have easily been a three-touchdown game for the one-man gang in purple. Harvin showed impressive "my ball" mentality with a tough catch in traffic at the 1-yard line, leading to a Toby Gerhart plunge. Two series later, Harvin burned LB Curtis Lofton for a 39-yard bomb in the back of the end zone to bring the Vikings to within a field goal. After the Falcons scored again, Harvin responded with the longest nonscoring kick return (104 yards) in NFL history, stopped just shy of pay dirt by Chris Owens.

Roy Helu - Early in the week coach Mike Shanahan declared that the rookie was not ready for the starting job. Five days later, Helu replaced Ryan Torain in the starting lineup, racking up 30 touches as the every-down back in an upset victory at Seattle. This time around, the performance was enough to convince Shanahan that Helu is ready to take over as the full-time back. “He was ready to play a full game, and protection against a good defensive team," said Shanahan. "He should get the chance to get the load put on him. ... He got his opportunity and he ran extremely hard.” Fantasy owners burned by Shanahan in the past can't be blamed for being twice shy, but Helu has a shot at RB2 value the rest of the way with Rex Grossman playing as well as he has in six years.

Tim Tebow - Tebow is not only the first QB since 1950 with 20+ rushing attempts in a game, he's also the first since 1960 (and perhaps ever) with 18+ pass and rush attempts in a single game. Complementing an improving defense allowing just 15 points per over the past four games, Tebow has hit on a recipe for success: Don’t turn the ball over, control time of possession, hit on a few big pass plays, and keep the game close until Tebow Time late in the fourth quarter. According to ESPN Stats & Info, Tebow’s 17.1 QBR from quarters one thru three this season ranks last in the league. On the flip side, his 81.4 QBR in the fourth quarter is fifth-best among starting QBs. It's also worth noting that Tebow actually showed improvement on downfield passes, hitting 5-of-10 throws of more than 10 yards compared to his NFL-low season average of 26 percent on such throws.

A Leg Up

With top playmakers Darren McFadden, Denarius Moore, and Jacoby Ford out of the lineup, the Raiders won a big game with playoff repercussions behind Sebastian Janikowski’s franchise-record and career-high six field goals. Those opportunities were provided by an offense that converted just 3-of-15 third downs. Sea Bass drilled field goals of 40, 47, 42, 19, 37 and 44 yards to break the team record he shared with Jeff Jaeger. Not to be outdone, Pro Bowl punter Shane Lechler rendered Devin Hester a non-factor with team-record 80-yard punt while landing three of five kicks inside the 20-yard line.

"Our two kickers are fantastic," coach Hue Jackson said. "There's not another punter or kicker in the National Football League I would ever want to have on the football team. I said to the team when this was over, those were the two men who were here the last time this team was 7-4. Those guys have a lot to do with it. They did a tremendous job."

Committee Time

Chargers - Ryan Mathews (23 touches, 142 yards) / Mike Tolbert (14 touches, 63 yards)

Mathews’ 137 rushing yards are a career-high, and his three career 100-yard games have all come against the Broncos. The knee injury that kept him out of practice two days isn't a significant concern, as he regained feature-back duties with Tolbert playing primarily on passing downs.

Browns - Peyton Hillis (21 touches, 61 yards) / Chris Ogbonnaya (4 touches, 20 yards)

Montario Hardesty didn’t play after aggravating his calf injury in warmups. As a result, Hillis saw a bigger workload than expected -- and looked better than the boxscore would suggest. Hardesty hinted Sunday night that he should be good to go for Week 13. If Hillis isn’t a part of the Browns’ future plans, the team will keep Hardesty involved down the stretch. Expect closer to low-end RB2/flex production from Hillis the rest of the way.

Jets - Shonn Greene (16 touches, 90 yards) / Joe McKnight (7 touches, 40 yards)

McKnight’s strong Week 11 effort didn’t earn him more than LaDainian Tomlinson’s third-down role against the Bills. Greene was clear choice on early downs, averaging 6.0 yards per carry against a defense that lost NT Marcel Dareus early in the game. Greene is the one back with fantasy value here, and he’s just a low-end RB2 going forward.

Panthers - DeAngelo Williams (15 carries, 69 yards, 2 TDs) / Jonathan Stewart (13 touches, 82 yards)

For the second straight game, both backs played very well. Williams was actually giving Stewart a breather when he broke off a 25-yard touchdown run in the second quarter. The Panthers went back to Williams from two yards out in the fourth quarter even though Stewart had been the primary red-zone back of late. Williams’ 15 carries are a season-high, and it’s his first two-touchdown game since Week 9 of 2009. Expect both backs to continue to see roughly a dozen touches per game.

Colts - Donald Brown (15 touches, 97 yards) / Joseph Addai (7 rushes, 23 yards)

Addai started the game, but Brown dominated the workload over the final three quarters. Playing as well as he has since entering the league, Brown is simply Indy’s best back right now. The Colts owe it to themselves over the final month to find out if the former first-rounder can be a part of their future. Delone Carter didn’t even see the field.

Patriots - BenJarvus Green-Ellis (14 carries, 44 yards, 2 TDs) / Danny Woodhead (4 carries, 20 yards) / Shane Vereen (7 carries, 18 yards) / Stevan Ridley (4 carries, 4 yards)

Green-Ellis found the end zone for the first time since burning the Jets for a pair of scores back in Week 5. He appears to be the clear lead-dog for the final stretch of games against a soft schedule. The Patriots should be playing from ahead with plenty of chances for short touchdowns. Vereen and Ridley are the garbage-time backs while Woodhead plays ahead of Kevin Faulk on passing downs.

Chiefs - Thomas Jones (14 touches, 44 yards) / Dexter McCluster (11 touches, 39 yards) / Jackie Battle (9 carries, 20 yards)

This backfield is a hot mess. Battle hasn’t topped 10 rushing attempts in nearly a month, as Jones is now splitting early-down carries almost evenly. The Chiefs keep trying to get McCluster out in space, but he’s simply too easy to tackle. In a low-upside three-man rotation, none of the backs is particularly enticing in 12-team leagues.

Injury Ward

Matt Leinart, Texans - Collarbone
Kevin Smith, Lions - Ankle
James Starks, Packers - Ankle, Knee
Montario Hardesty, Browns - Calf
Sidney Rice, Seahawks - Concussion
Mike Williams, Seahawks - Shoulder
Eddie Royal, Broncos - Lower leg
Greg Olsen, Panthers - Ankle
Troy Polamalu, Steelers - Concussion

Check out Matt Stroup’s “Andre - Leinart = Problem” for in-depth analysis of Sunday’s M*A*S*H unit fallout.

Awards Section

Stat of the Week: Howie and Chris Long are now the second father-son combo to each have 10+ sacks in a season, joining Clay Matthews and Clay Matthews Jr.

Runner-Up: Rookie Patrick Peterson has tied the single-season record shared by Jack Christiansen (1951), Rick Upchurch (1976), and Devin Hester (2007) with four punt-return TDs. Peterson is the only player in history to take four punts of at least 80 yards to the house in a single season. Random trivia: Upchurch dated and was briefly engaged to ex-Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice in the 1970s.

Quote of the Week: From retired nose tackle Kris Jenkins in an interview with the New York Times: “The thing about football is you’re directly playing with your life, the quality of it and the longevity of it. The stakes are up there. You ever been in a car crash? Done bumper cars? You know when that hit catches you off guard and jolts you, and you’re like, what the hell? Football is like that. But 10 times worse. It’s hell.”

Runner-Up: Bengals coach Marvin Lewis on No. 4 overall pick A.J. Green: "He's the best first-round draft pick I've ever been around. He continues to amaze me, every day."

Tweet of the Week: From ESPN NFC West blogger Mike Sando: “I believe in Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, Bigfoot, the Tooth Fairy and Ndamukong Suh's postgame explanation.”

Runner-Up: From the Miami Herald’s Armando Salguero: “Stevie Johnson is on Revis Island but he brought supplies, lumber for a house, and a generator.”

Fantasy MVP of Week 12: Tom Brady, Patriots

Fantasy Breakout Player of Week 12: Chris Johnson, Titans

Fantasy Rookie of Week 12: Roy Helu, Redskins

Fantasy Disappointment of Week 12: Julio Jones, Falcons

Fantasy Fraud of Week 12: DeSean Jackson, Eagles

Fantasy Fluke of Week 12: Reggie Wayne, Colts

Fine Fifteen Fantasy Offenses

1. Patriots
2. Packers
3. Cowboys
4. Saints
5. Falcons
6. Eagles
7. Chargers
8. Steelers
9. Lions
10. Giants
11. Raiders
12. Panthers
13. Ravens
14. Bengals
15. Jets

Early Waiver Look

QB: Rex Grossman, Kevin Kolb, T.J. Yates, Luke McCown, Sage Rosenfels?
RB: Roy Helu, Donald Brown, Maurice Morris, Marcel Reece, Shane Vereen
WR: Johnny Knox, Greg Little, Doug Baldwin, Jason Avant, Brad Smith, Emmanuel Sanders, Jordan Norwood, Brandon LaFell
TE: Jermaine Gresham, Scott Chandler, Marcedes Lewis

HacheMan · Nov 29, 2011

Better Late Than Never

Coach Mike Munchak downplayed Chris Johnson's 13-yard washout against the Falcons last week, placing the blame squarely on the offensive line. According to Profootballtalk, Munchak reiterated that sentiment in a pre-game meeting Sunday, calling out several linemen in front of the team. It must have been the kick in the pants sorely needed by the Titans' ground attack. Johnson responded with the third-best rushing performance of his caeer and the most yards he's gained in over three years.

Showing more decisiveness, a stronger burst, and renewed quickness on his jump-cut move, Johnson broke off four second-half runs of 20+ yards, including a season-long 34-yard scamper. Johnson certainly appears to have turned a corner, though it's fair to wonder if he would have taken two or three of those 20-yard runs to the house two years ago. He's now cleared 170 scrimmage yards in two of the past three games (and 100 yards in three of the past four), with the caveat that the Panthers and Bucs are two of the five worst run defenses in the NFL.

The saving grace for fantasy owners who spent the first half of the season scrambling to survive one Johnson flop after another is a schedule that only gets easier through the fantasy playoffs. With a per-carry average now threatening to jump over the 4.0 mark, Johnson draws the Bills (4.5 YPC allowed), Saints (5.2 YPC), and Colts (4.2 YPC, 31st in run defense) in Weeks 13-15. Fantasy playoff championship week features a matchup against a Jaguars defense that has lost four key starters in the past two weeks. From the better late than never department, that first-round draft pick could pay off handsomely after all.

Game Balls

Tom Brady / Wes Welker - Entering Week 12, more than half (53.1 percent) of the passing yards allowed by the Eagles had come after the catch. No team in the league misses more tackles after the catch. It was an ideal matchup for a quarterback who leads the NFL in completion percentage, passing yards, touchdown passes, and yards per attempts on passes thrown within 10 yards of the line of scrimmage. Welker and Deion Branch contributed tackle-breaking gains of 41 and 63 yards respectively while Brady joined Brett Favre as the only QBs in history with eight games of 350+ yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions. After a mid-season mini-slump, Brady has completed 65-of-100 passes for 926 yards, an 8:0 TD-to-INT ratio, and 121.5 rating the past three games against elite corners Darrelle Revis, Brandon Flowers, and Asante Samuel. Brady’s 119 regular-season wins are now tied with Johnny Unitas while his 133 total victories have matched Joe Montana. His Patriots are going to win or share the best reocord in the AFC East for the 11th consecutive season. Explained one Eagles player of the performance, “I just feel like we got outcoached [Sunday] – by Tom Brady. That [expletive]’s good, and he just sat back and picked us apart. It seemed like they had more receivers than we had defenders.”

Beanie Wells - In a week where bad fantasy teams routinely knocked off first-place outfits, Wells was the poster boy. Becoming the second back in six weeks to eclipse 225 yards against the Rams' vulnerable run defense, Beanie bettered his single-game career-high by 90 yards (and breaking LeShon Johnson's franchise record of 214 yards). While it's fair to chalk up the performance as a bit of an outlier for a player with just two career games of 100+ yards entering Week 12, the Cardinals' beat writers noted last week that Wells' knee was finally rounding into pre-injury form. Depite the injury that robbed him of explosiveness for a month, Beanie is 10th in fantasy points with only LeSean McCoy and Adrian Peterson topping his eight rushing touchdowns. Five years after Ken Whisenhunt took over in Arizona, the former ground 'n' pound Steelers play-caller finally has a strong running game.

Matt Ryan / Roddy White - Credit Ryan for turning his and the Falcons’ season around. After a shaky start, he’s had four games with 100+ ratings in his last six, leading to five wins. Ryan's 79.4 completion rate against the Vikes was the second-best of his career and the best ever by a Falcons QB with at least 30 pass attempts. In fact, his 23rd career game with an 80+ Total QBR is second only to Aaron Rodgers' total since entering the league in 2008. Through 12 weeks, Ryan is up to No. 7 in QB fantasy points (though Eli Manning will likely pass him after Monday night’s game). After a similarly slow start, White is up to 11th in wide receiver fantasy points, buoyed by back-to-back games over 120 yards. White tied Andre Rison's team record for most games with at least 10 receptions (7) while moving past Alfred Jenkins for third on the franchise TD list (41).

Percy Harvin - The box score shows that Harvin totaled 210 all-purpose yards at Atlanta, but it still obscures his dominance. This could have easily been a three-touchdown game for the one-man gang in purple. Harvin showed impressive "my ball" mentality with a tough catch in traffic at the 1-yard line, leading to a Toby Gerhart plunge. Two series later, Harvin burned LB Curtis Lofton for a 39-yard bomb in the back of the end zone to bring the Vikings to within a field goal. After the Falcons scored again, Harvin responded with the longest nonscoring kick return (104 yards) in NFL history, stopped just shy of pay dirt by Chris Owens.

Roy Helu - Early in the week coach Mike Shanahan declared that the rookie was not ready for the starting job. Five days later, Helu replaced Ryan Torain in the starting lineup, racking up 30 touches as the every-down back in an upset victory at Seattle. This time around, the performance was enough to convince Shanahan that Helu is ready to take over as the full-time back. “He was ready to play a full game, and protection against a good defensive team," said Shanahan. "He should get the chance to get the load put on him. ... He got his opportunity and he ran extremely hard.” Fantasy owners burned by Shanahan in the past can't be blamed for being twice shy, but Helu has a shot at RB2 value the rest of the way with Rex Grossman playing as well as he has in six years.

Tim Tebow - Tebow is not only the first QB since 1950 with 20+ rushing attempts in a game, he's also the first since 1960 (and perhaps ever) with 18+ pass and rush attempts in a single game. Complementing an improving defense allowing just 15 points per over the past four games, Tebow has hit on a recipe for success: Don’t turn the ball over, control time of possession, hit on a few big pass plays, and keep the game close until Tebow Time late in the fourth quarter. According to ESPN Stats & Info, Tebow’s 17.1 QBR from quarters one thru three this season ranks last in the league. On the flip side, his 81.4 QBR in the fourth quarter is fifth-best among starting QBs. It's also worth noting that Tebow actually showed improvement on downfield passes, hitting 5-of-10 throws of more than 10 yards compared to his NFL-low season average of 26 percent on such throws.

A Leg Up

With top playmakers Darren McFadden, Denarius Moore, and Jacoby Ford out of the lineup, the Raiders won a big game with playoff repercussions behind Sebastian Janikowski’s franchise-record and career-high six field goals. Those opportunities were provided by an offense that converted just 3-of-15 third downs. Sea Bass drilled field goals of 40, 47, 42, 19, 37 and 44 yards to break the team record he shared with Jeff Jaeger. Not to be outdone, Pro Bowl punter Shane Lechler rendered Devin Hester a non-factor with team-record 80-yard punt while landing three of five kicks inside the 20-yard line.

"Our two kickers are fantastic," coach Hue Jackson said. "There's not another punter or kicker in the National Football League I would ever want to have on the football team. I said to the team when this was over, those were the two men who were here the last time this team was 7-4. Those guys have a lot to do with it. They did a tremendous job."

Committee Time

Chargers - Ryan Mathews (23 touches, 142 yards) / Mike Tolbert (14 touches, 63 yards)

Mathews’ 137 rushing yards are a career-high, and his three career 100-yard games have all come against the Broncos. The knee injury that kept him out of practice two days isn't a significant concern, as he regained feature-back duties with Tolbert playing primarily on passing downs.

Browns - Peyton Hillis (21 touches, 61 yards) / Chris Ogbonnaya (4 touches, 20 yards)

Montario Hardesty didn’t play after aggravating his calf injury in warmups. As a result, Hillis saw a bigger workload than expected -- and looked better than the boxscore would suggest. Hardesty hinted Sunday night that he should be good to go for Week 13. If Hillis isn’t a part of the Browns’ future plans, the team will keep Hardesty involved down the stretch. Expect closer to low-end RB2/flex production from Hillis the rest of the way.

Jets - Shonn Greene (16 touches, 90 yards) / Joe McKnight (7 touches, 40 yards)

McKnight’s strong Week 11 effort didn’t earn him more than LaDainian Tomlinson’s third-down role against the Bills. Greene was clear choice on early downs, averaging 6.0 yards per carry against a defense that lost NT Marcel Dareus early in the game. Greene is the one back with fantasy value here, and he’s just a low-end RB2 going forward.

Panthers - DeAngelo Williams (15 carries, 69 yards, 2 TDs) / Jonathan Stewart (13 touches, 82 yards)

For the second straight game, both backs played very well. Williams was actually giving Stewart a breather when he broke off a 25-yard touchdown run in the second quarter. The Panthers went back to Williams from two yards out in the fourth quarter even though Stewart had been the primary red-zone back of late. Williams’ 15 carries are a season-high, and it’s his first two-touchdown game since Week 9 of 2009. Expect both backs to continue to see roughly a dozen touches per game.

Colts - Donald Brown (15 touches, 97 yards) / Joseph Addai (7 rushes, 23 yards)

Addai started the game, but Brown dominated the workload over the final three quarters. Playing as well as he has since entering the league, Brown is simply Indy’s best back right now. The Colts owe it to themselves over the final month to find out if the former first-rounder can be a part of their future. Delone Carter didn’t even see the field.

Patriots - BenJarvus Green-Ellis (14 carries, 44 yards, 2 TDs) / Danny Woodhead (4 carries, 20 yards) / Shane Vereen (7 carries, 18 yards) / Stevan Ridley (4 carries, 4 yards)

Green-Ellis found the end zone for the first time since burning the Jets for a pair of scores back in Week 5. He appears to be the clear lead-dog for the final stretch of games against a soft schedule. The Patriots should be playing from ahead with plenty of chances for short touchdowns. Vereen and Ridley are the garbage-time backs while Woodhead plays ahead of Kevin Faulk on passing downs.

Chiefs - Thomas Jones (14 touches, 44 yards) / Dexter McCluster (11 touches, 39 yards) / Jackie Battle (9 carries, 20 yards)

This backfield is a hot mess. Battle hasn’t topped 10 rushing attempts in nearly a month, as Jones is now splitting early-down carries almost evenly. The Chiefs keep trying to get McCluster out in space, but he’s simply too easy to tackle. In a low-upside three-man rotation, none of the backs is particularly enticing in 12-team leagues.

Injury Ward

Matt Leinart, Texans - Collarbone
Kevin Smith, Lions - Ankle
James Starks, Packers - Ankle, Knee
Montario Hardesty, Browns - Calf
Sidney Rice, Seahawks - Concussion
Mike Williams, Seahawks - Shoulder
Eddie Royal, Broncos - Lower leg
Greg Olsen, Panthers - Ankle
Troy Polamalu, Steelers - Concussion

Check out Matt Stroup’s “Andre - Leinart = Problem” for in-depth analysis of Sunday’s M*A*S*H unit fallout.

Awards Section

Stat of the Week: Howie and Chris Long are now the second father-son combo to each have 10+ sacks in a season, joining Clay Matthews and Clay Matthews Jr.

Runner-Up: Rookie Patrick Peterson has tied the single-season record shared by Jack Christiansen (1951), Rick Upchurch (1976), and Devin Hester (2007) with four punt-return TDs. Peterson is the only player in history to take four punts of at least 80 yards to the house in a single season. Random trivia: Upchurch dated and was briefly engaged to ex-Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice in the 1970s.

Quote of the Week: From retired nose tackle Kris Jenkins in an interview with the New York Times: “The thing about football is you’re directly playing with your life, the quality of it and the longevity of it. The stakes are up there. You ever been in a car crash? Done bumper cars? You know when that hit catches you off guard and jolts you, and you’re like, what the hell? Football is like that. But 10 times worse. It’s hell.”

Runner-Up: Bengals coach Marvin Lewis on No. 4 overall pick A.J. Green: "He's the best first-round draft pick I've ever been around. He continues to amaze me, every day."

Tweet of the Week: From ESPN NFC West blogger Mike Sando: “I believe in Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, Bigfoot, the Tooth Fairy and Ndamukong Suh's postgame explanation.”

Runner-Up: From the Miami Herald’s Armando Salguero: “Stevie Johnson is on Revis Island but he brought supplies, lumber for a house, and a generator.”

Fantasy MVP of Week 12: Tom Brady, Patriots

Fantasy Breakout Player of Week 12: Chris Johnson, Titans

Fantasy Rookie of Week 12: Roy Helu, Redskins

Fantasy Disappointment of Week 12: Julio Jones, Falcons

Fantasy Fraud of Week 12: DeSean Jackson, Eagles

Fantasy Fluke of Week 12: Reggie Wayne, Colts

Fine Fifteen Fantasy Offenses

1. Patriots
2. Packers
3. Cowboys
4. Saints
5. Falcons
6. Eagles
7. Chargers
8. Steelers
9. Lions
10. Giants
11. Raiders
12. Panthers
13. Ravens
14. Bengals
15. Jets

Early Waiver Look

QB: Rex Grossman, Kevin Kolb, T.J. Yates, Luke McCown, Sage Rosenfels?
RB: Roy Helu, Donald Brown, Maurice Morris, Marcel Reece, Shane Vereen
WR: Johnny Knox, Greg Little, Doug Baldwin, Jason Avant, Brad Smith, Emmanuel Sanders, Jordan Norwood, Brandon LaFell
TE: Jermaine Gresham, Scott Chandler, Marcedes Lewis

HacheMan · Nov 29, 2011

Golden Graham

Give me talent. Everything else will fall into place.

When the Saints drafted Jimmy Graham in the third round of the 2010 draft, he was known as an enforcer on the University of Miami’s basketball team. He didn’t play any pigskin in high school and only played football as a senior at Miami. No matter.

Graham is 6’6/250 with a unique ability to cut at full speed. He has monster hands and a toughness that can’t be taught. Yeah, so he needed to learn how to block and how to run routes in the NFL. Big deal. The Saints invested in Graham’s ceiling and it’s paying off in a big way. He racked up two more touchdowns Monday night, bounced back from a vicious, illegal hit from Kenny Phillips and iced the game by recovering an onside kick. Another day at the office.

Fantasy owners can learn something from this strategy. We go after raw, undervalued talent that has the potential to explode. Things tend to turn out golden.

GIANTS at SAINTS RANDOM THOUGHTS
Mario Manningham (knee) was inactive. Ramses Barden functioned as the No. 3 receiver. … Brandon Jacobs was impressive on his touchdown run, but otherwise showed no burst. … The Saints have four running backs that would approach RB1 status if given the backfield to themselves. But as it stands, Chris Ivory is inactive weekly and the other three share the load down the middle. … Drew Brees became the first player to throw for at least four touchdowns, at least 350 yards and run for a touchdown on Monday Night Football. Amazing performance. … Victor Cruz continues to impress. He’s the anti-DeSean Jackson with his willingness to go over the middle. Even when Manningham is healthy, Cruz is a must-start. … Eli Manning is averaging 305.2 passing yards per game. Think about that for a minute. … Hakeem Nicks took some huge hits and kept ticking. Good sign.

Editor’s Note: For early rankings, projections, the Running Back report, the top-200 going forward list and much more, check out the Season Pass!

NEWS OF THE DAY #1
We know Mike Shanahan is about as trustworthy as Drew Rosenhaus when it comes to proclamations. But after Roy Helu busted loose yet again on Sunday, Shanahan would have to be certifiably insane not to hand the rookie the every-down job for the rest of the season. And on Monday, Shanny said he would do just that.

“He’s our starter, for sure,” said Shanahan. “You could see some elusiveness, power, some speed. That's what you look for in a running back."

Helu had 30 touches on Sunday while Evan Royster had one and Ryan Torain saw none. While we can’t expect that kind of weekly workload, Helu’s ability in the passing game will keep him in the RB2 range every week.

INJURY QUICK SLANTS: QUARTERBACKS AND WIDE RECEIVERS
Sidney Rice (concussion) missed Monday’s walkthrough. Note that the Seahawks play on Thursday. … Jeremy Maclin (shoulder, hamstring) and Michael Vick (ribs) didn’t practice Monday either. Look for Riley Cooper and Vince Young again. … Danario Alexander (hamstring) is expected back in Week 13 and will battle Brandon Gibson for snaps. … Malcom Floyd (hip) appears close to a return. … Miles Austin (hamstring) worked off to the side Monday. Laurent Robinson will likely make one more start. … Eddie Royal was spotted with a limp Sunday after playing sparingly in the second half.

INJURY CHART QUICK SLANTS: RUNNING BACKS AND TIGHT ENDS
Adrian Peterson (ankle) is very questionable for Week 13. … Darren McFadden (foot) practiced lightly Monday for the first time since his injury. It’s a small step in the right direction. … Beanie Wells came out of Sunday’s eruption with some swelling, but should be fine for Week 13.

DEPTH CHART QUICK SLANTS
The Chiefs say Tyler Palko is their starter, but we’re still expecting Kyle Orton to get the nod. … The Jaguars are sticking with struggling rookie Blaine Gabbert for now. … T.J. Yates is locked in as the Texans’ starter. Matt Leinart’s season is over. … Frank Gore played on 41-of-54 snaps last Thursday. His nagging injuries aren’t a real concern.

Editor’s Note: Sick of your team? Get a new one and win real cash with SnapDraft!

WAIVERS
DEFENSIVE SPOT STARTS
Adding a different defense/special teams each week based on matchups is a fine strategy. Here are units that might be on waivers to consider this week for streaming purposes:

1. PATRIOTS vs. Colts - This used to be Brady vs. Peyton in an epic showdown. Now Vegas has the Patriots favored by 21 points. Over the last five weeks, Curtis Painter has nine turnovers against one touchdown.

2. BRONCOS at Vikings - Denver has given up 13 points or fewer in three straight games. And if Adrian Peterson (ankle) sits again, plodding Toby Gerhart has no prayer of sustained a running game.

3. COWBOYS at Cardinals - Dallas is on a long week and getting right corner Mike Jenkins (hamstring) back. Even if Kevin Kolb (foot) gets healthy and is ready to play in this one, he figures to be rusty after missing three straight games.

HacheMan · Nov 29, 2011

Heeere's Johnny!
Watch out for tumbleweeds rolling through the waiver wire this week. It's ghost-town bleak out there. Lost in the rubble, though, is a receiver averaging 121 yards the past two weeks with a touchdown in each game.

After languishing behind Roy Williams, Devin Hester, and Earl Bennett all season, Johnny Knox emerged as the Bears' No. 1 receiver in Caleb Hanie's first career start. Since he's worked on the second team going back to training camp, Knox has built up an obvious rapport with the backup QB. A poor man's DeSean Jackson, Knox led the team with 10 targets while playing starter's snaps opposite Williams in Week 12.

Knox remains a WR3 gamble for Week 13 against the Chiefs, but there's potential for a jackpot against the Seahawks, Packers (second-most fantasy points allowed to opposing receivers), and Vikings (fourth-most) in Weeks 15-17.

On to the players. Here is how I rank the top players at each position as we head into Week 13. Full writeups of each player are below.

Editor’s Note: Join subscriber only chats, get weekly rankings before anyone else, plus exclusive weekly projections, stat tools, dynasty ranks, columns, and much more including the Rotoworld Oracle in our Season Pass.

Quarterbacks
Vince Young
Kyle Orton
Rex Grossman
Caleb Hanie
Matt Moore
Kevin Kolb

Running Backs
Donald Brown
Toby Gerhart
Maurice Morris
Kendall Hunter
Montario Hardesty
Marcel Reece
Johnny White
Shane Vereen

*Roy Helu (74 percent) and Peyton Hillis (89 percent) are already owned in the vast majority of CBSSports.com leagues. They would be Nos. 1 and 2 on this list if available.

Wide Receivers
Johnny Knox
Riley Cooper
Greg Little
Doug Baldwin
Malcom Floyd
Damian Williams
Chaz Schilens
Brad Smith

Tight Ends
Scott Chandler
Marcedes Lewis
Lance Kendricks
Kevin Boss

Defense/Special Teams
Falcons
Patriots
Broncos

Quarterbacks

Vince Young, Eagles - Michael Vick has missed two weeks, yet Young is still owned in just a third of CBSSports.com leagues. That’s even more of a head-scratcher after VY threw up a career-high 400 passing yards on top of 40 rushing yards in Week 12. Vick has yet to practice this week with a Thursday game at Seattle, leaving Young as the likely starter for one more week. As he has been the past two games, Young will be a borderline QB1 again in this pass-heavy offense.

Recommendation: Should be owned in 12-team leagues.

Kyle Orton, Chiefs - Tyler Palko is sporting a 0:6 TD-to-INT ratio in back-to-back losses. Coach Todd Haley refuses to anoint Orton the starter, but it’s coming. Once he takes over, Orton will have an above average wide receiver corps with Pro-Bowl caliber Dwayne Bowe flanked by Steve Breaston and Jonathan Baldwin. Even better, there’s a fantasy-friendly schedule from Weeks 15-17 against the Packers, Raiders, and Broncos -- all of whom rank in the top-five in most points allowed to opposing quarterbacks.

Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues.

Rex Grossman, Redskins - The Redskins’ passing offense has been downright frisky the past three weeks since Grossman regained his starting job from John Beck. He’s the No. 10 fantasy QB over that span while averaging close to 20 points per week. While a forbidding matchup against the Jets looms in Week 13, Grossman hits easy street the rest of the way with games against the Patriots, Giants, Vikings, and Eagles.

Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues.

Matt Moore, Dolphins - Auditioning for the 2012 starting job, Moore is 12th in fantasy points over the past five weeks. His true value lies closer to his ranking of No. 18 in fantasy points per game over that stretch. With plus matchups against the Raiders, Eagles, Bills, and Patriots the next four weeks, Moore is a rock-solid QB2 for the fantasy playoffs.

Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues.

Caleb Hanie, Bears - The results weren’t pretty for the Bears, but Hanie racked up 21 fantasy points (25 in leagues that don’t penalize for turnovers) in his first career start. With 50 yards on five rushes, Hanie also proved to be more of a scrambling threat than Jay Cutler while becoming the first QB since Rich Gannon in 1990 to throw for 250 yards and rush for 50 in his first start. Don’t expect more than QB2 value, but keep in mind that Hanie faces the Broncos, Packers, and Vikings -- all among the most generous to fantasy QBs -- in three of the final five games.

Recommendation: Worth a look in deeper leagues.

Kevin Kolb, Cardinals - Coach Ken Whisenhunt is optimistic that Kolb will return to start this week after John Skelton fell on his face in back-to-back starts. The Cardinals don’t have a single matchup against defenses in the top-half of fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks, so keep expectations low for December.

Recommendation: Worth a look in deeper leagues.

Watch List: Jake Locker, Jeff Garcia, Jake Delhomme, Kellen Clemens

Even though he’s struggling of late, Matt Hasselbeck will continue to start as long as the Titans are in the AFC South hunt. … Garcia and Delhomme are trying out for the Texans on Tuesday. Don’t expect even QB2 production if one of the veterans is signed.

Hold Off: Sam Bradford, T.J. Yates, Curtis Painter, Luke McCown

Bradford is averaging less than 220 yards and a touchdown per week. … Yates will spend Sunday’s game handing off to Arian Foster and Ben Tate. … McCown is expected to return to the bench for Week 13.

Cut Bait: Matt Schaub, Matt Leinart, John Skelton, Blaine Gabbert, Tyler Palko, Ricky Stanzi

Running Backs

Donald Brown, Colts - Formerly a first-round bust, Brown earned praise from team president Bill Polian as one of the Colts’ strengths after thoroughly outplaying Joseph Addai in Week 12. Brown is not only averaging a career-best 4.7 yards per carry, he’s also matched his career-high with three touchdowns in the past six games. Averaging 16.7 touches and 77.7 yards over the past three games, Brown has earned weekly flex status at the very least.

Recommendation: Should be owned in 12-team leagues.

Toby Gerhart, Vikings - Gerhart racked up a respectable 12 fantasy points against the Falcons’ stingy run defense, which was about as much as Adrian Peterson could have reasonably expected. The latest report from NFL Network’s Jason LaCanfora is that Peterson is unlikely to return as the starter in Week 13 against the Broncos. Gerhart would maintain low-end RB2 value under that scenario.

Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues.

Maurice Morris, Lions - After initial reports to the contrary, it now appears that Kevin Smith’s ankle sprain was of the mild variety. There’s even a chance that Smith will suit up this week against the Saints, which would leave Morris without even flex value. Pick up Morris if you’re desperate, but don’t expect more than flex value at New Orleans.

Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues.

Kendall Hunter, 49ers - The fourth-round rookie has shown plenty of play-making ability in small doses this year. In a run-heavy offense with an aging starter and a shot to wrap up a first-round bye in the NFL playoffs, Hunter is perhaps the most important handcuff in the league not named Ben Tate.

Recommendation: Should be owned in 12-team leagues.

Montario Hardesty, Browns - Hardesty down-played the pre-game aggravation of his calf injury, suggesting he’ll be available for Week 13. Coach Pat Shurmur has indicated that he doesn’t want Peyton Hillis carrying the load in the backfield going forward. The Browns will reportedly move on from impeding free agent Hillis after the season, so it makes sense to see what they have in Hardesty in the final few weeks.

Recommendation: Worth a look in deeper leagues.

Johnny White, Bills - Still worthless between the tackles, C.J. Spiller managed just 2.9 yards per carry in his first start as Fred Jackson’s replacement. White, a fifth-round rookie out of North Carolina, is a better inside runner than Spiller. Barely averaging 2.0 YPC with three different teams this year, Tashard Choice should be a non-factor down the stretch. White has a chance to siphon early-down work by Weeks 15-17.

Recommendation: Worth a look in deeper leagues.

Marcel Reece, Raiders - The most athletic fullback I’ve seen in the past 20 years, Reece was a jack-of-all-trades against the Bears, leading the team with five catches and 92 yards on seven targets. He’s only an option in PPR formats if Darren McFadden, Denarius Moore, and Jacoby Ford all sit out again in Week 13. Even then, Reece is more of a dice roll than a reliable flex play at Miami.

Recommendation: Worth a look in deeper PPR leagues.

Shane Vereen, Patriots - The second-round rookie has emerged as New England’s garbage man, totaling 15 carries for 57 yards and a touchdown in the fourth quarter of back-to-back blowouts. There should be more where that came from in this week’s matchup against the winless Colts, though Vereen is no more than a desperation fantasy play.

Recommendation: Worth a look in deeper leagues.

Hold Off: Tashard Choice, Evan Royster

Choice is a negative run waiting to happen. … Royster may have passed Ryan Torain on the depth chart, but he’ll need a Roy Helu injury to hit the fantasy radar.

Cut Bait: Jahvid Best, Fred Jackson, Delone Carter, Chris Ogbonnaya, D.J. Ware

Best and Jackson are out for the season. … Carter didn’t even see the field in Joseph Addai’s return. … Ogbonnaya is going to be unceremoniously dumped to No. 3 on the depth chart. … Ware hasn’t produced with Ahmad Bradshaw out.

Wide Receivers

Johnny Knox, Bears - After a quiet start, Knox is averaging a 3.5/121/1 over the past two weeks. According to Pro Football Focus, Knox played 56 of 70 snaps opposite Roy Williams (64) while Earl Bennett played 47 in Week 12. Devin Hester was limited to return duties. Knox’s 10 targets were a season-high while also leading all Bears receivers. He spent time with Caleb Hanie on the second-team offense in training camp and preseason action, and there was an obvious rapport there against the Raiders. Knox is the one Bears receiver I’d want to own going forward.

Recommendation: Should be owned in 12-team leagues.

Riley Cooper, Eagles - While Jason Avant is worth a look in PPR formats, Cooper is the preferred Eagles pickup in standard-scoring leagues. Jeremy Maclin (hamstring, shoulder) was absent from Tuesday’s practice, which bodes poorly for his chances of playing on a short week with a Thursday night game. Averaging 73 yards the past two weeks, Cooper is line for one more start against Seattle this week.

Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues.

Doug Baldwin, Seahawks - Nursing his second concussion in three weeks, Sidney Rice is a long shot to play against the Eagles in Week 13. Since Big Williams hasn’t even been a top-100 fantasy receiver this season, it falls on Baldwin to pick up the slack in the receiving game. The impressive rookie led the team with 10 targets and 60 yards against the Redskins. Fantasy’s No. 39 receiver through 12 weeks, Baldwin should be Tarvaris Jackson’s No. 1 read versus Philly.

Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues.

Greg Little, Browns - We figured it was coming. Little finally found the end zone in Week 12 after entering the game with 42 catches -- tops among rookie receivers. Colt McCoy’s go-to receiver has seen at least eight targets in four of the past five games while topping 50 yards in three straight. He’s a low-upside WR3 in 12- and 14-team leagues going forward.

Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues.

Damian Williams, Titans - Williams’ yardage totals have been all over the map, but he’s emerged as Matt Hasselbeck’s favorite red-zone target with touchdowns in three of the past four games. He’s averaging 7.25 targets over the past month, as well, so there could be staying power here as a WR4/5 option.

Recommendation: Worth a look in deeper leagues.

Malcom Floyd, Chargers - If only he could stay healthy. Floyd cleared 100 yards in two of three games before going down with a hip injury in Week 8. Reportedly looking “limber and fast” in pre-game drills last week, Floyd is expected to resume practicing this week. His return should push Vincent Brown back into the No. 3 role. Floyd has plus matchups on the horizon against a Jaguars team minus its two top corners in Week 13 and the Bills in Week 14.

Recommendation: Worth a look in deeper leagues.

Chaz Schilens, Raiders - In a bit of irony from the football gods, Schilens and Louis Murphy were the two young, athletic Raiders receivers to enter Week 12 fully healthy. Schilens drew eight targets while leading the wideouts in receiving. Should Jacoby Ford (foot) and Denarius Moore (ankle) miss another week, Schilens could be worth a roll of the dice at Miami in deeper leagues.

Recommendation: Worth a look in deeper leagues.

Brad Smith, Bills - Coach Chan Gailey confirmed that Smith will remain the starter opposite Stevie Johnson after a 4/77/1 line in his first substantial action at wide receiver last week. Smith falls into the category of a Joshua Cribbs or Devin Hester, though, and we’ve learned not to trust returner/gadget players on a weekly basis. Week 12 will likely go down as his best game of the season.

Recommendation: Worth a look only in the deepest of leagues.

Watch List: Brandon LaFell, Emmanuel Sanders, Jordan Norwood, Danario Alexander, Jarett Dillard

Keep an eye on LaFell. According to Pro Football Focus, he played 62 snaps last week compared to 34 for a banged-up Legedu Naanee. If that change becomes official, LaFell is worthy of a pick in 14-team leagues. … Sanders has to separate from Hines Ward before he hits the radar again. … Norwood is worth a look in PPR leagues, but I’d make him show it again. … Alexander should regain his starting job from Brandon Gibson now that he’s healthy. … Dillard is quietly keeping up with Mike Thomas and Jason Hill the past three weeks, gaining a modicum of attention in deep Dynasty leagues.

Hold Off: Jason Avant, Harry Douglas, Brian Hartline, Lavelle Hawkins

Avant can be added in PPR formats, but we’ve seen this routine under four different Eagles QBs now. He blows up for one game in comeback mode, then totals 25 yards the next week. … Julio Jones was still on the field on the fourth quarter, a sign that he’ll be active again in Week 13. … Hartline is never a good bet to top 50 yards. … Hawkins is the Titans’ No. 3 receiver.

Cut Bait: Braylon Edwards, Jerome Simpson, Brandon Gibson, Michael Jenkins, Jerricho Cotchery

Edwards is moving in slow motion while playing through a shoulder injury. … Simpson is a tease. … Gibson is about to lose snaps to Danario Alexander. … Already slow, Jenkins is now banged up. … Cotchery tumbled back to fifth on the depth chart last week.

Tight Ends

Scott Chandler, Bills - The first-year starter's role has grown of late with the Bills receivers falling by the wayside. Fantasy's No. 13 tight end on the season, Chandler has seen back-to-back season-highs in targets and receptions while averaging over 60 yards per over the past two weeks. He's always a decent bet to find the end zone, which leaves him as an attractive TE2 versus a Titans defense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing tight ends.

Recommendation: Worth a look as a spot start.

Marcedes Lewis, Jaguars - The Jacksonville QBs must be under orders to find Lewis of late. He’s drawn back-to-back season highs in targets, averaging a whopping 11.5 the past two weeks for 5.5 receptions and 55.5 yards. If the Jags had a competent passer on the roster, I’d feel better about Lewis as a starting option.

Recommendation: Worth a look in deeper leagues.

Lance Kendricks, Rams - Finally over concussion and foot injuries, Kendricks posted his second-highest yardage total of the season in Week 12. It’s not necessarily a sign of things to come, but we know the rookie is more talented than he’s shown through the first three months of the season. He’s worth a look in deep leagues with the Rams wide receiver corps depleted.

Recommendation: Worth a look in deeper leagues.

Kevin Boss, Raiders - The pickings are getting slim at tight end. Boss can’t be counted on just yet, but he has plus matchups against the Dolphins, Packers, and Chiefs in three of the next four weeks. If Carson Palmer starts to look his way, there could be TE2 value for the fantasy playoffs.

Recommendation: Worth a look in deeper leagues.

Defense/Special Teams

Falcons - Over the past three weeks, Atlanta’s matchup has gone from Matt Schaub to Matt Leinart to fifth-round rookie T.J. Yates’ first career start. The Falcons haven’t allowed 100 yards rushing in over a month, and they’ve only given up 20 points once in the past six games. This is a defense on a roll facing an offense that will struggle to the move the ball.

Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues.

Patriots - New England is already favored by 21 points against a Colts team well on its way to a winless season. Coach Jim Caldwell made the QB change to Dan Orlovsky Tuesday, but he's not a significant upgrade on Curtis Painter. Orlovsky has a winless season of his own under his belt with an 0-7 career record and a combined 13 fumbles and interceptions versus eight touchdowns.

Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues.

Broncos - With Von Miller and Elvis Dumervil bringing the heat, Denver’s defense hasn’t allowed more than 13 points for three straight games. Week 13 brings a matchup against a Vikings offense that could be without Adrian Peterson for a second straight game.

Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues.

HacheMan · Nov 29, 2011

Free-agent finds: Week 13

Thin week for must-have pickups, but Helu, Cooper, Morris stepping up

By Christopher Harris
ESPN.com

A week after some of the worst running back carnage among fantasy studs the league has seen in some time, the NFL was relatively calm in Week 12. There probably isn't one player available in a majority of leagues right now that I consider a must-add. But with one week remaining before standard ESPN.com leagues begin their fantasy playoffs, tweaking is encouraged. You never know when one week's waiver trash becomes the following week's roster gold.

Remember, Thursday night features a Philadelphia Eagles versus Seattle Seahawks barnburner (one in which I don't expect to see Michael Vick, Jeremy Maclin or Sidney Rice play, though stay tuned for more news). At the very least, owners of LeSean McCoy and Marshawn Lynch should plan on getting those guys in their lineups early.

There are no byes for the rest of the season, so let's take a look at the best-tasting Brussels sprouts of Week 13:

Standard ESPN League Finds

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<CITE>Geoff Burke/US Presswire</CITE>Roy Helu is the primary Redskins running back again, at least for the time being.

Roy Helu, RB, Washington Redskins (owned in 33.1 percent of ESPN.com leagues). Would I love to endorse Helu with full throat? Of course I would. I was all over the Nebraska rookie before the season, because I believed neither Ryan Torain nor Tim Hightower was a legitimate every-down back. Alas, Mike Shanahan has become a caricature of himself, a guy who seems to lie compulsively in the media about his RBs, just for the sport of it. This time last week, Shanny was telling reporters he didn't yet believe Helu had all the skills necessary to be an every-down back. Then the Skins went to Seattle and Helu got 30 touches from scrimmage, compared to one for Evan Royster and zero for Torain. Based on the last thing we've seen, and the last thing we've heard from Shanahan ("for sure" he is Washington's starter, quoth Shanny), Helu could be a fine No. 2 fantasy back this week. Or else Shanny could decide to bring Earnest Byner out of retirement and give him the rock 42 times Sunday against the New York Jets. I'd add Helu. But if I had a fantasy playoff spot on the line, my tummy would hurt at the thought of starting him.

Maurice Morris, RB, Detroit Lions (32.6 percent). It's unclear whether last week's waiver darling, Kevin Smith, suffered a high-ankle sprain or just a "normal" ankle sprain on Thanksgiving versus the Packers. As of this writing, the Lions have been tight-lipped. However, roster moves may speak louder than words, and the Lions placed Jahvid Best on IR while signing Aaron Brown (0.1 percent) to their depth chart. Reading the tea leaves, I'd say that means they are at least considering the possibility that Smith could be out for Week 13 versus the New Orleans Saints. If that happens, Morris is the starter, and with Keiland Williams (0.4 percent) fading into the background, that would likely mean a full accompaniment of touches for the pedestrian Morris.

Riley Cooper, WR, Philadelphia Eagles (0.5 percent). As I mentioned above, I have serious doubts about Maclin being able to play Thursday night after he suffered a setback to his hamstring injury in practice last week, and I'm guessing Cooper gets another start catching passes from Vince Young. Cooper has 176 yards receiving on eight grabs (and 17 targets) the past two weeks, clearly answering the question of which WR benefits most from Maclin's absence. With DeSean Jackson etching his name above the doorway to Andy Reid's doghouse, it's not inconceivable that Cooper is the Eagles' No. 1 wideout for this meaningless tilt against the Seahawks. He can be added in all leagues, and started in quite a few.

Donald Brown, RB, Indianapolis Colts (11.8 percent). It's important not to get carried away with Brown's performance Sunday, during which he sat for the first quarter and watched Joseph Addai run, only to steal the starting job away with a strong effort in the final three quarters: 15 touches for 97 yards. You see, this fine effort came against the Carolina Panthers, my nominee for the second-worst run defense in the NFL right now (only the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are worse). I think Brown is addable for those who've seen their backfield depth chart exploded by injuries, because he really has played pretty well lately for the moribund Colts (at least 60 yards from scrimmage in three straight, and a TD in three of his past six). But Indy takes a step up in weight class in the next few weeks: Patriots, Ravens, Titans, Texans, Jaguars. I'm skeptical any RB on this roster will have value, and I'm also skeptical we've heard the last of Addai.

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<CITE>Jamie Squire/Getty Images</CITE>Kyle Orton rode the bench against the Steelers but it looks like he'll be seeing game action for the Chiefs sooner rather than later.

Kyle Orton, QB, Kansas City Chiefs (15.8 percent). Tyler Palko has produced seven turnovers the past two weeks, and during an early stretch against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday night seriously looked as though he didn't understand the rules of football, throwing it directly to Steelers defenders again and again. Todd Haley, whose employment status may be hanging by a thread, is saying all the right things early this week about how the starting gig still belongs to Palko, but he can't be that stupid. (Can he?) Orton is a godsend for a team that lost Matt Cassel for the year, and he simply must be under center versus the Chicago Bears on Sunday if Haley is to have any reasonable case for keeping his job. Orton would salvage Dwayne Bowe's fantasy value, and could have a modicum of value in standard-sized two-QB leagues himself. He may be a below-league-average talent, but he's miles and miles better than Palko.

Greg Little, WR, Cleveland Browns (11.1 percent). I did an ESPNEWS segment on Sunday afternoon, and my hosts, Steve Bunin and Max Bretos, threw a bucket of cold water on my fantasy analysis. I was (I'll admit it) raving a little bit about the fact that Little got 13 targets in Sunday's loss to the Bengals, when Steve and Max turned to me and said, almost in unison, "Yeah, but he caught only five of them, and that's supposed to be a good thing?" The thing is: Yes. It is. Little may have suffered four drops in Week 12, bringing his season total to a whopping 12, but the fact that he's pretty much the only game in town for Colt McCoy speaks well of his fantasy potential. I admit that Little is more attractive in PPR leagues than standard ones, and I also admit it would be tough to start him with a fantasy playoff spot on the line. Still, I don't think Week 12 is the last time we're going to see Little find the end zone this year.

Tennessee Titans' Defense (13.7 percent). Last week's call of the Raiders' D was an acceptable one, as it scored seven fantasy points in an upset over the Chicago Bears. I don't feel great about this week's pick of the Titans' D, but they're my favorite among defenses that are available in more than three-quarters of leagues (barely beating out the Broncos' D, which is owned in 4.8 percent of leagues). I'm not picking the Titans because they scored a league-high 19 fantasy points against the Buccaneers last week, though it doesn't hurt. The fact that the Titans keep returning special teams plays for TDs is a nice thing. No, mostly I'm just suspicious of a Buffalo Bills offense that's among the league leaders in fantasy points allowed to opposing defenses in the past five weeks.

Other solid waiver adds, about whom I've written in previous weeks: Andy Dalton, QB, Cincinnati Bengals (28.9 percent); Vince Young, QB, Philadelphia Eagles (6.3 percent); Toby Gerhart, RB, Minnesota Vikings (21.5 percent); Marion Barber, RB, Chicago Bears (13.9 percent); Kendall Hunter, RB, San Francisco 49ers (30.5 percent); Antonio Brown, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers (56.3 percent); Laurent Robinson, WR, Dallas Cowboys (56.2 percent); Jermaine Gresham, TE, Cincinnati Bengals (23.1 percent); Brent Celek, TE, Philadelphia Eagles (24.5 percent); Jake Ballard, TE, New York Giants (31.2 percent).

Deeper League Finds

Doug Baldwin, WR, Seattle Seahawks (12.0 percent). Sidney Rice suffered another concussion in Week 12 and my money says he won't play Thursday on short rest. Mike Williams suffered a shoulder injury and, while that may not keep him out of action in Week 13, it obviously limited his play versus the Redskins on Sunday. That left Baldwin and the ever-disappointing Golden Tate (0.2 percent) as the Seahawks' playmakers, and Baldwin was clearly better: five catches on 10 targets for 60 yards (though Tate scored the TD). In a deeper league, with the Seahawks' receiving corps in pieces, the slot-bound Baldwin looks like a smart add once again.

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<CITE>Matt Stamey/US Presswire</CITE>T.J Yates will become the Texans' third starting QB this season, but at least he'll have a healthy Andre Johnson to throw to.

T.J Yates, QB, Houston Texans (0.0 percent). Matt Leinart will join Matt Schaub on IR, and the rookie Yates suddenly helms a team that still has designs on a division title and a first-round bye. Those who remember Yates from his collegiate days at North Carolina remember that this kid isn't shy about flinging it down the field; I daresay the Texans' offense was more in danger of becoming check-down happy with Leinart at the helm. Then again, aggressiveness doesn't always equal success. (Isn't that right, John Skelton?) Yates will take a few shots, but Gary Kubiak will try to limit his exposure, and go as conservative with his play calling as humanly possible. Against the Atlanta Falcons this week, Arian Foster is going to find some tough sledding, and Yates may have to throw some. But I certainly wouldn't feel great about hitching my fantasy team's wagon to his star just yet.

Jason Avant, WR, Philadelphia Eagles (4.7 percent). DeSean Jackson's fourth-quarter benching against the New England Patriots last week almost certainly won't carry into Thursday night versus Seattle. To at least some degree, Andy Reid is fighting for his job, and he knows that D-Jax is his most talented receiver. That probably means Avant will sink back down into the fantasy morass, because all eight of his catches and all 110 of his yards came in that same fourth quarter, after Jackson's benching. Still, deep-leaguers can dream about the possibility of Jackson piping off or turtling on the field again, and Avant catching garbage-time darts from Vince Young once more.

Emmanuel Sanders, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers (4.2 percent). Before the season began, I pegged Sanders as one of my favorite value plays for the '11 season, because I like his talent and loved his situation. I get full demerits for the pick itself, but full marks for sussing out a good situation. Hines Ward has become an afterthought, which means the No. 2 job in Pittsburgh was going to be a valuable one. I just picked the wrong second-year WR. Antonio Brown took advantage of Sanders' lingering foot troubles and now has a chokehold on a great fantasy job, while Sanders, who's only just returning from minor knee surgery, is left to pick up the scraps. That's probably how the arrangement will remain for the rest of the season. But in my heart I still believe Sanders is talented enough to take advantage should another opportunity present itself.

Brad Smith, WR, Buffalo Bills (0.2 percent). Hey, I told you this was kind of a crummy week for waiver adds. Smith is that guy who's been making about three big plays a season throughout his entire six-year NFL career, which is always just enough for naïve fantasy owners to get suckered in. Why should we consider last week's four-catch, 77-yard, one-TD effort any different? We probably shouldn't. But it should be noted that Smith started as an outside receiver alongside Steve Johnson, and did see an impressive seven targets in the Bills' pass-happy scheme. Johnson is the top target here and David Nelson (23.7 percent) is typically a better threat to score in the red zone, but Smith could finally be in a position where his team has no choice but to keep throwing it to him on a weekly basis.

Marcel Reece, RB, Oakland Raiders (0.8 percent). Reece is a pass-catching fullback, which isn't exactly what you imagine when you think of the term "fantasy gold." The reason I include him here is that the Oakland receiving corps is crushed by injuries now, and Reece actually led the team with five catches for 92 yards Sunday against the Bears. He had receiving gains of 47, 29 and 11 yards. No, it probably won't continue. But deep-league PPR owners can add him as a lottery ticket anyway.

Chaz Schilens, WR, Oakland Raiders (0.2 percent). As I just mentioned, Oakland is hurting in its receiving corps. Denarius Moore missed Week 12 with an injured foot, and Jacoby Ford (36.0 percent) hasn't played since Week 10 because of his sprained foot. That left Darrius Heyward-Bey (26.0 percent), Louis Murphy (0.6 percent) and Schilens as the Raiders' top three WRs, and Schilens played the most consistently of the lot. It sounds like there's a decent chance Ford can return to the lineup in Week 13 versus the Miami Dolphins, which would make him the guy you'd most want to add. But just in case he can't go, Schilens would be my choice in a very deep league.

Brandon Saine, RB, Green Bay Packers (0.0 percent). I really only mention this undrafted rookie out of Ohio State to touch on James Starks, who didn't get a carry after the first play of the third quarter on Thanksgiving. Green Bay has 10 days between games and there are conflicting reports about how badly Starks aggravated his injured knee; if he's able to practice this week, he's the guy you'd prefer to use in fantasy leagues. But Ryan Grant (nine touches from scrimmage Thursday) is in the mix, John Kuhn (2.8 percent) is a short-TD maker, and Saine (three touches) might get looks, too. I don't really believe anyone needs to be adding Saine just yet, but his presence could be the kind of nuisance that keeps you away from the Packers' other RBs.

Other solid waiver adds for deep-leaguers, about whom I've written in previous weeks: Matt Moore, QB, Miami Dolphins (3.7 percent); Christian Ponder, QB, Minnesota Vikings (7.9 percent); Joe McKnight, RB, New York Jets (2.8 percent); Kregg Lumpkin, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0.4 percent); Shane Vereen, RB, New England Patriots (0.2 percent); Early Doucet, WR, Arizona Cardinals (21.5 percent); Damian Williams, WR, Tennessee Titans (6.9 percent); Harry Douglas, WR, Atlanta Falcons (1.4 percent); Jacob Tamme, TE, Indianapolis Colts (0.3 percent).

HacheMan · Nov 29, 2011

2011 ranks: Are Tebow, Cruz 'safe starts'?

Eric Karabell

Welcome to Week 13, and another set of the rest-of-season rankings. Now that you've digested your Thanksgiving turkey and stuffing, we're into December games, and there is just a bit more on the line for fantasy football owners at this time of year. We're here to help! Even if you can no longer make trades, it still never hurts to get another opinion when it comes to evaluating players.

Remember, these are not the Week 13-specific rankings; those will be published Wednesday and updated Friday. Best of luck as you come to the end of your fantasy regular season and prepare for the playoffs! Quick click by position, for easy reference:
Top 40 Quarterbacks | Top 60 Running Backs | Top 60 Wide Receivers
Top 30 Tight Ends | Top 32 Defense/Special Teams | Top 100 Overall

Top 40 Quarterbacks

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<TABLE style="MARGIN: 0px; WIDTH: 100%"><THEAD><TR><TH style="WIDTH: 50px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Rank </CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 200px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom">Player <CENTER></CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 50px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Team </CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 50px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Prev. </CENTER></TH></TR></THEAD><TBODY><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Aaron Rodgers </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>GB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Tom Brady </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NE </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Drew Brees </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NO </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Cam Newton </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Car </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Tony Romo </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Dal </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>5 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Matthew Stafford </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Det </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Eli Manning </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NYG </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>8 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Matt Ryan </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Atl </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>8 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>9 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ben Roethlisberger </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Pit </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>9 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>10 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Tim Tebow </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Den </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>12 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>11 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Philip Rivers </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>10 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>12 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Michael Vick </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Phi </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>11 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>13 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Carson Palmer </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Oak </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>13 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>14 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Mark Sanchez </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NYJ </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>14 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>15 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Alex Smith </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SF </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>15 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>16 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Andy Dalton </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Cin </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>16 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>17 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Joe Flacco </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Bal </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>17 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>18 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Josh Freeman </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>TB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>18 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>19 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Matt Moore </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Mia </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>20 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>20 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ryan Fitzpatrick </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Buf </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>21 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>21 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Matt Hasselbeck </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Ten </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>19 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>22 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Vince Young </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Phi </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>23 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Rex Grossman </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Was </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>26 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>24 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Kyle Orton </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>KC </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>25 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Christian Ponder </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Min </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>23 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>26 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Tarvaris Jackson </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Sea </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>24 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>27 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Sam Bradford </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>StL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>25 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Colt McCoy </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Cle </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>27 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>29 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Caleb Hanie </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Chi </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>32 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>30 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">T.J Yates </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Hou </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>31 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Blaine Gabbert </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Jac </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>29 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>32 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Kevin Kolb </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Ari </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>30 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>33 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Tyler Palko </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>KC </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>31 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>34 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jake Locker </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Ten </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>33 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>35 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Curtis Painter </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Ind </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>34 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>36 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">John Skelton </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Ari </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>35 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>37 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Shaun Hill </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Det </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>36 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>38 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Luke McCown </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Jac </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>39 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Brady Quinn </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Den </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>39 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>40 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Matt Flynn </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>GB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

• The top 10 remains pretty much the same this week at quarterback, as most of the big names played well or there just wasn't a good reason for any of them to leap over others. By this time of the fantasy season, you should know what you have at quarterback anyway. That doesn't mean you cannot win a championship with Andy Dalton or Ryan Fitzpatrick or lesser choices, but the top guys remain the top guys. I can admit to adding Green Bay Packers backup Matt Flynn into the No. 40 spot. Hey, if Aaron Rodgers can do what he's doing, and perhaps finish off the best fantasy quarterback season ever … well, what if he sits in Week 17? The bigger news is in the overall top 100, as Mr. Rodgers joins a new and exclusive neighborhood. Hey, he is the best.
• Perhaps you'll notice a new No. 10 quarterback, and it's only partially an endorsement of perhaps the most debated quarterback ever, that lefty-slingin' Denver Bronco: Welcome Tim Tebow! But don't overrate the message. Who else deserves that spot? Even in a game in which struggling San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers goes interception-free, he still doesn't put up top numbers. Rivers has been a top-10 quarterback in only two of the first 12 weeks this season, so he really doesn't deserve overall top-10 placement. So Tim Tebow, come on down! Look, no matter what you think of Tebow, the bottom line is he has played seven games, and his worst fantasy outing was 12 points. In the past four weeks, he has averaged 17 points. Rivers has been held below 12 fantasy points in three of his past six games. The numbers, they do not lie.
• Michael Vick sat out Week 12 because of broken ribs, and I'd say things aren't looking particularly promising for this Thursday's game in Seattle. Vince Young threw for 400 yards in Week 12 because the New England Patriots had a huge lead and didn't care -- and they really can't stop opposing defenses in the first place -- but still, Young isn't bad. He moves up, but not quite into the top 20, though I suspect he'll be near the top 10 in the Week 13 rankings. Vick should play in Week 14. As for Week 15, who knows? Maybe it's Mike Kafka. What's Randall Cunningham up to these days?
• As for the also-rans section of the quarterback rankings, Kyle Orton is now a member of the Kansas City Chiefs, and he has to be an improvement over Tyler Palko and probably a few quarterbacks owned in your league. But he's no Rex Grossman! And new Houston Texans starter T.J. Yates is firmly in Caleb Hanie and Blaine Gabbert territory. I'm pretty sure never before in history has that previous sentence been said or typed, by the way.
Top 60 Running Backs

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<TABLE style="MARGIN: 0px; WIDTH: 100%"><THEAD><TR><TH style="WIDTH: 50px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Rank </CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 200px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom">Player <CENTER></CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 50px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Team </CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 50px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Prev. </CENTER></TH></TR></THEAD><TBODY><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Arian Foster </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Hou </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">LeSean McCoy </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Phi </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ray Rice </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Bal </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Adrian Peterson </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Min </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Maurice Jones-Drew </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Jac </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>5 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Michael Turner </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Atl </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Matt Forte </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Chi </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>8 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">DeMarco Murray </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Dal </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>9 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>9 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Frank Gore </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SF </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>8 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>10 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Marshawn Lynch </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Sea </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>14 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>11 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">LeGarrette Blount </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>TB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>12 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>12 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Chris Johnson </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Ten </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>15 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>13 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Rashard Mendenhall </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Pit </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>11 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>14 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Steven Jackson </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>StL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>13 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>15 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Willis McGahee </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Den </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>17 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>16 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">BenJarvus Green-Ellis </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NE </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>18 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>17 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ryan Mathews </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>19 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>18 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Beanie Wells </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Ari </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>25 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>19 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Michael Bush </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Oak </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>24 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>20 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Cedric Benson </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Cin </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>23 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>21 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Darren Sproles </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NO </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>21 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>22 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Reggie Bush </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Mia </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>16 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>23 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Shonn Greene </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NYJ </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>22 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>24 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Darren McFadden </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Oak </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>20 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>25 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Roy Helu </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Was </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>49 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>26 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Daniel Thomas </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Mia </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>27 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>27 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Pierre Thomas </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NO </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Mike Tolbert </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>29 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>29 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Kevin Smith </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Det </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>30 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>30 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jonathan Stewart </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Car </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>32 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>31 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">DeAngelo Williams </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Car </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>34 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>32 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ben Tate </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Hou </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>33 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>33 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">C.J. Spiller </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Buf </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>34 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Donald Brown </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Ind </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>43 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>35 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ahmad Bradshaw </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NYG </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>26 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>36 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Peyton Hillis </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Cle </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>55 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>37 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Brandon Jacobs </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NYG </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>42 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>38 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Maurice Morris </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Det </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>44 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>39 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jackie Battle </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>KC </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>37 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>40 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Kendall Hunter </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SF </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>38 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>41 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">James Starks </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>GB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>40 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>42 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Felix Jones </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Dal </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>35 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>43 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Marion Barber </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Chi </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>48 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>44 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Chris Ogbonnaya </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Cle </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>36 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>45 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Toby Gerhart </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Min </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>50 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>46 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">LaDainian Tomlinson </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NYJ </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>39 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>47 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Joseph Addai </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Ind </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>48 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ryan Grant </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>GB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>41 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>49 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Mark Ingram </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NO </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>45 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>50 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">John Kuhn </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>GB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>51 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Joe McKnight </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NYJ </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>46 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>52 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Johnny White </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Buf </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>53 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Delone Carter </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Ind </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>47 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>54 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Bernard Scott </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Cin </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>52 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>55 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Isaac Redman </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Pit </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>53 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>56 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Danny Woodhead </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NE </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>57 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>57 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Dexter McCluster </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>KC </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>58 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>58 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jacquizz Rodgers </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Atl </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>59 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Lance Ball </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Den </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>31 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>60 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Shane Vereen </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NE </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

• While the top quarterbacks generally played like the top quarterbacks in Week 12, things did not go as smoothly for the top running backs. Arian Foster was merely average, posting his worst fantasy game since Week 6, and now his team is on its third quarterback, a rookie from North Carolina. Philly's LeSean McCoy didn't get many chances, though he continues to score a touchdown per game. Ray Rice got quite a few touches, but the numbers weren't there. Adrian Peterson sat. Fred Jackson really sat. Ah, at least we have Beanie Wells, right? Anyway, to sum up, the only member of last week's top 10 to leave is Buffalo's Jackson, and let's just say C.J. Spiller didn't get the same love in these rankings.
• Wells contributed his second monster week of the season, netting 26 fantasy points (he had 31 fantasy points in Week 4) and looks like a solid RB2. Of course, his ongoing knee troubles could change that quickly, especially considering his team isn't playoff-bound. Among the running backs still ahead of Wells here are Marshawn Lynch, Chris Johnson, Willis McGahee and Ryan Mathews. All played well in Week 12. Lynch keeps on scoring, and while there still doesn't seem to be much talk about him -- in other words, he remains generally unpopular or overlooked in fantasy -- he has forced his way into the top 10. Johnson has a favorable schedule the rest of the way and might do the same.
• As for Michael Bush moving into the top 20, consider how we would view the Oakland Raiders RB if Darren McFadden were suddenly shut down for the rest of the season? He just might be a top-10 option. Bush has averaged nearly 20 fantasy points per game over the past month. McFadden is unlikely to suit up in Week 13, but consider Bush a strong fantasy playoffs possibility, for sure.
• Watching Kevin Smith of the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving, I had several thoughts. When he was running well, it sure appeared that his rank of No. 30 from last week wasn't good enough. Then Smith got hurt, the latest in what has defined his career. Sadly, that was it for his Turkey Day game. Keep Smith owned, but if you activate him, you must be mentally prepared for an early exit. Maurice Morris moves up some, considering Smith's health, and we say an official farewell to Jahvid Best for 2011. He's a talented player, but hopefully we can see him post a healthy 2012 campaign.
• The big mover of the week is Washington Redskins rookie Roy Helu. Yes, we should know better than to trust Redskins coach Mike Shanahan, but when Helu gets a decent number of touches, he does good things. If you're a Helu owner, surely you're rooting for more performances like Week 12. Spiller, Peyton Hillis and a pair of Indianapolis Colts also moved up quite a bit. Spiller has opportunity in Buffalo, though he didn't show much in Week 12. Hillis got plenty of touches, and with an easier matchup, he'd be worth flex consideration. Like Hillis, Joseph Addai hadn't been playing much, but he showed up in Week 12. Donald Brown certainly seems more relevant in Indy, and he's coming off his best fantasy game of the season. Delone Carter, meanwhile, did not get a chance in Week 12.
Top 60 Wide Receivers

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<TABLE style="MARGIN: 0px; WIDTH: 100%"><THEAD><TR><TH style="WIDTH: 50px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Rank </CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 200px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom">Player <CENTER></CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 50px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Team </CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 50px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Prev. </CENTER></TH></TR></THEAD><TBODY><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Calvin Johnson </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Det </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Steve Smith </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Car </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Mike Wallace </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Pit </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Greg Jennings </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>GB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>5 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Wes Welker </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NE </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Larry Fitzgerald </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Ari </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">A.J. Green </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Cin </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>8 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>8 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Victor Cruz </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NYG </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>14 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>9 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Roddy White </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Atl </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>11 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>10 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jordy Nelson </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>GB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>11 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Hakeem Nicks </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NYG </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>9 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>12 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Brandon Lloyd </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>StL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>16 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>13 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Andre Johnson </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Hou </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>13 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>14 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Vincent Jackson </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>12 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>15 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Dez Bryant </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Dal </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>10 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>16 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Marques Colston </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NO </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>15 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>17 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Brandon Marshall </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Mia </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>17 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>18 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Antonio Brown </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Pit </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>20 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>19 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Laurent Robinson </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Dal </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>34 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>20 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Anquan Boldin </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Bal </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>18 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>21 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Percy Harvin </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Min </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>24 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>22 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Julio Jones </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Atl </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>21 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>23 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Deion Branch </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NE </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>26 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>24 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">DeSean Jackson </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Phi </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>19 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>25 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Santonio Holmes </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NYJ </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>23 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>26 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Miles Austin </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Dal </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>30 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>27 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Nate Washington </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Ten </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>22 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Steve Johnson </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Buf </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>37 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>29 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Dwayne Bowe </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>KC </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>27 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>30 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jeremy Maclin </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Phi </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>25 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>31 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Michael Crabtree </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SF </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>31 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>32 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Plaxico Burress </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NYJ </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>32 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>33 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Eric Decker </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Den </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>35 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>34 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Mike Williams </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>TB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>50 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>35 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Reggie Wayne </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Ind </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>40 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>36 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Mario Manningham </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NYG </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>37 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Sidney Rice </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Sea </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>29 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>38 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Denarius Moore </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Oak </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>33 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>39 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">C.J. Spiller </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Buf </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>40 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Malcom Floyd </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>36 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>41 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Torrey Smith </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Bal </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>39 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>42 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Pierre Garcon </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Ind </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>38 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>43 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Robert Meachem </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NO </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>41 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>44 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">James Jones </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>GB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>55 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>45 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Vincent Brown </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>42 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>46 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Lance Moore </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NO </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>43 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>47 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jerome Simpson </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Cin </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>47 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>48 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">David Nelson </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Buf </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>48 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>49 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Greg Little </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Cle </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>53 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>50 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Santana Moss </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Was </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>49 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>51 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Earl Bennett </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Chi </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>46 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>52 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Johnny Knox </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Chi </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>53 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Braylon Edwards </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SF </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>44 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>54 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Nate Burleson </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Det </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>51 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>55 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Damian Williams </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Ten </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>56 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Early Doucet </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Ari </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>52 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>57 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jacoby Ford </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Oak </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>45 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>58 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jason Avant </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Phi </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>59 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Josh Cribbs </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Cle </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>54 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>60 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Riley Cooper </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Phi </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>60 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

• There are always plenty of changes at wide receiver. The big surprise in the top 10 is probably Victor Cruz, but facts are facts: Even before he exploded for 27 fantasy points on the New Orleans Saints on Monday night -- hey, blowout-loss performances count as well! -- Cruz was in the top 10 among wide receivers in standard scoring for the season, having averaged 13 fantasy points and more than 100 receiving yards over his previous four games. What has teammate Hakeem Nicks been up to? Nothing close to that. Now Cruz is No. 4 among WRs for the season and in the top 10 among wideouts in our year-to-end ranks.
• Staying in the NFC East, it's also time to reevaluate the top wide receivers on the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles. Miles Austin might return for the Cowboys in Week 13, but we can no longer ignore what Laurent Robinson has been doing. He basically has been twice as productive as Dez Bryant since Week 8 (72 standard points to 35), and he was outperforming Austin as well. Robinson moves way up, having scored seven touchdowns in five weeks. It's conceivable that when Austin returns, Bryant's production takes a hit, not Robinson's, or Austin is worked in slowly. As for the floundering Eagles, DeSean Jackson continues to disappoint. He leaves the top 20, and Jeremy Maclin is likely out for Week 13 again, justifying the ranking of Jason Avant and Riley Cooper. What a mess in Philly.
• Other wide receivers who moved up for this week include Mike Williams of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Steve Johnson of the Buffalo Bills and Johnny Knox of the Hanie-led Bears. Williams, a near-top-10 pick at the position on draft day, has scored touchdowns in consecutive weeks. Johnson made unfortunate celebration news for the Bills, but fantasy owners shouldn't forget his productive game. It had been a while. Knox was having a miserable season statistically until Week 11 but now boasts 242 receiving yards, two touchdowns and 35 fantasy points in two weeks. In the first nine games, Knox had just 34 fantasy points and did not score.
• As for the touted rookie wide receivers, each of whom returned to the lineup from injuries, A.J. Green caught three passes for 110 yards, his seventh double-digit fantasy game of the season. That's a nice game, and keeps Green in the top 10. Atlanta Falcons receiver Julio Jones, however, didn't get a single target in Week 12, though at least he's healthy. Don't make the mistake of presuming Jones will be shut out again in Week 13.
Top 30 Tight Ends

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<TABLE style="MARGIN: 0px; WIDTH: 100%"><THEAD><TR><TH style="WIDTH: 50px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Rank </CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 200px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom">Player <CENTER></CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 50px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Team </CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 50px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Prev. </CENTER></TH></TR></THEAD><TBODY><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Rob Gronkowski </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NE </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jimmy Graham </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NO </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Antonio Gates </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Aaron Hernandez </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NE </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>5 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jason Witten </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Dal </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Tony Gonzalez </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Atl </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Fred Davis </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Was </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>8 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Vernon Davis </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SF </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>8 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>9 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Brandon Pettigrew </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Det </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>9 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>10 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Greg Olsen </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Car </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>10 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>11 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jermaine Gresham </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Cin </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>15 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>12 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jermichael Finley </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>GB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>11 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>13 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jake Ballard </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NYG </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>12 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>14 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Brent Celek </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Phi </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>13 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>15 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Dustin Keller </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NYJ </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>18 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>16 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Kellen Winslow </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>TB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>16 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>17 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Heath Miller </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Pit </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>17 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>18 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Scott Chandler </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Buf </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>22 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>19 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Owen Daniels </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Hou </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>14 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>20 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Anthony Fasano </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Mia </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>19 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>21 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Marcedes Lewis </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Jac </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>23 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>22 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Kellen Davis </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Chi </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>27 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>23 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ed Dickson </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Bal </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>20 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>24 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jared Cook </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Ten </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>21 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>25 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Daniel Fells </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Den </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>24 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>26 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jacob Tamme </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Ind </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>25 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>27 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Kevin Boss </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Oak </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>26 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Visanthe Shiancoe </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Min </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>29 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jeremy Shockey </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Car </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>29 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>30 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Joel Dreessen </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Hou </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

• New York Jets tight end Dustin Keller was the Week 12 star, catching two touchdown passes from Mark Sanchez, adding 61 yards and finishing with 18 fantasy points. Unfortunately, Keller hadn't scored a touchdown since Week 2. He entered Week 12 tied for 12th in tight end scoring for the season, and now he's tied for sixth with disappointing Jermichael Finley, which is proof that a few good weeks can be deceiving. Most Finley owners would say they expected more from the Packers tight end, and he boasts just one game with more than 10 fantasy points, but that's still good for sixth place.
• Speaking of season numbers, Rob Gronkowski and Jimmy Graham are basically lapping the field. They have 147 and 138 standard fantasy points, respectively, and third is future Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez at 100 points. That's a hearty difference. We've been saying all season how deep the tight end position is in fantasy, but Gronkowski and Graham are so good they actually would rank third and fourth among wide receivers in fantasy points as well. That is reflected in the top 100 as well.
• I saw questions last week about Texans tight end Owen Daniels and my seemingly low rank for him, but this week it gets even worse. Folks, Daniels last reached as many as eight fantasy points way back in Week 5. Sure, one could think that a rookie quarterback will look Daniels' way more, but don't bet on it. Daniels remains owned in 94.5 percent of ESPN leagues. I'd prefer the underrated Jermaine Gresham, Fred Davis, Brent Celek and Scott Chandler at this point over Daniels.
Top 32 Defense/Special Teams

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<TABLE style="MARGIN: 0px; WIDTH: 100%"><THEAD><TR><TH style="WIDTH: 40px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Rank </CENTER></TH><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom">Player <CENTER></CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 40px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Prev. </CENTER></TH><TH style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff; WIDTH: 5px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER> </CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 40px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Rank </CENTER></TH><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom">Player <CENTER></CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 40px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Prev. </CENTER></TH></TR></THEAD><TBODY><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Baltimore Ravens </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>17 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Seattle Seahawks </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>17 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Pittsburgh Steelers </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>18 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">San Diego Chargers </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>18 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">New York Jets </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>19 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Miami Dolphins </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>19 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">San Francisco 49ers </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>20 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Oakland Raiders </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>20 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Chicago Bears </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>21 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">New England Patriots </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>21 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Green Bay Packers </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>22 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Buffalo Bills </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>22 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Detroit Lions </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>23 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Arizona Cardinals </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>23 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>8 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Cincinnati Bengals </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>8 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>24 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Denver Broncos </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>24 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>9 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Houston Texans </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>9 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>25 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Cleveland Browns </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>25 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>10 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Atlanta Falcons </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>10 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>26 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Washington Redskins </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>26 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>11 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Dallas Cowboys </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>11 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>27 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">St. Louis Rams </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>27 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>12 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Philadelphia Eagles </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>12 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Minnesota Vikings </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>13 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Tennessee Titans </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>13 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>29 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Tampa Bay Buccaneers </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>29 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>14 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jacksonville Jaguars </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>14 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>30 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Kansas City Chiefs </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>30 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>15 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">New Orleans Saints </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>15 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>31 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Carolina Panthers </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>31 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>16 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">New York Giants </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>16 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle> </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>32 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Indianapolis Colts </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>32 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Top 100 Overall

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<TABLE style="MARGIN: 0px; WIDTH: 100%"><THEAD><TR><TH style="WIDTH: 50px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Ovr.
Rank </CENTER></TH><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom">Player </TH><TH style="WIDTH: 50px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Team </CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 50px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Pos.
Rank </CENTER></TH><TH style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Next 3
Weeks </CENTER></TH><TH style="WIDTH: 50px; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom"><CENTER>Prev. </CENTER></TH></TR></THEAD><TBODY><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Aaron Rodgers </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>GB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>QB1 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@NYG, OAK, @KC </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Arian Foster </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Hou </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB1 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>ATL, @CIN, CAR </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>1 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">LeSean McCoy </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Phi </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB2 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@SEA, @MIA, NYJ </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>2 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ray Rice </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Bal </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB3 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@CLE, IND, @SD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>3 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Tom Brady </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NE </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>QB2 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>IND, @WAS, @DEN </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>9 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Adrian Peterson </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Min </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>DEN, @DET, NO </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>4 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Drew Brees </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NO </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>QB3 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>DET, @TEN, @MIN </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>11 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>8 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Calvin Johnson </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Det </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR1 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@NO, MIN, @OAK </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>5 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>9 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Maurice Jones-Drew </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Jac </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SD, TB, @ATL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>7 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>10 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Cam Newton </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Car </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>QB4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@TB, ATL, @HOU </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>12 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>11 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Michael Turner </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Atl </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@HOU, @CAR, JAC </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>8 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>12 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Steve Smith </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Car </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR2 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@TB, ATL, @HOU </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>10 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>13 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Matt Forte </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Chi </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>KC, @DEN, SEA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>13 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>14 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">DeMarco Murray </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Dal </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB8 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@ARI, NYG, @TB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>15 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>15 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Tony Romo </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Dal </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>QB5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@ARI, NYG, @TB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>18 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>16 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Matthew Stafford </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Det </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>QB6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@NO, MIN, @OAK </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>20 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>17 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Frank Gore </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SF </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB9 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>STL, @ARI, PIT </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>14 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>18 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Marshawn Lynch </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Sea </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB10 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>PHI, STL, @CHI </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>26 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>19 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">LeGarrette Blount </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>TB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB11 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>CAR, @JAC, DAL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>21 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>20 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Mike Wallace </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Pit </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR3 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>CIN, CLE, @SF </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>19 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>21 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Chris Johnson </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Ten </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB12 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@BUF, NO, @IND </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>31 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>22 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Eli Manning </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NYG </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>QB7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>GB, @DAL, WAS </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>30 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>23 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Rashard Mendenhall </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Pit </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB13 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>CIN, CLE, @SF </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>17 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>24 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Greg Jennings </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>GB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@NYG, OAK, @KC </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>24 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>25 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Matt Ryan </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Atl </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>QB8 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@HOU, @CAR, JAC </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>32 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>26 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Rob Gronkowski </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NE </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>TE1 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>IND, @WAS, @DEN </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>36 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>27 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Wes Welker </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NE </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>IND, @WAS, @DEN </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>27 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Larry Fitzgerald </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Ari </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>DAL, SF, CLE </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>25 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>29 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Steven Jackson </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>StL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB14 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@SF, @SEA, CIN </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>22 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>30 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">A.J. Green </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Cin </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@PIT, HOU, @STL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>28 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>31 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jimmy Graham </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NO </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>TE2 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>DET, @TEN, @MIN </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>48 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>32 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Willis McGahee </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Den </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB15 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@MIN, CHI, NE </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>39 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>33 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Victor Cruz </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NYG </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR8 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>GB, @DAL, WAS </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>41 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>34 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Roddy White </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Atl </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR9 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@HOU, @CAR, JAC </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>34 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>35 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ben Roethlisberger </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Pit </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>QB9 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>CIN, CLE, @SF </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>40 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>36 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jordy Nelson </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>GB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR10 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@NYG, OAK, @KC </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>23 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>37 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">BenJarvus Green-Ellis </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NE </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB16 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>IND, @WAS, @DEN </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>42 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>38 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Hakeem Nicks </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NYG </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR11 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>GB, @DAL, WAS </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>29 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>39 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Brandon Lloyd </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>StL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR12 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@SF, @SEA, CIN </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>50 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>40 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Andre Johnson </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Hou </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR13 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>ATL, @CIN, CAR </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>38 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>41 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ryan Mathews </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB17 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@JAC, BUF, BAL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>43 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>42 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Antonio Gates </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>TE3 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@JAC, BUF, BAL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>58 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>43 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Vincent Jackson </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR14 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@JAC, BUF, BAL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>35 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>44 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Beanie Wells </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Ari </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB18 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>DAL, SF, CLE </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>63 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>45 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Michael Bush </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Oak </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB19 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@MIA, @GB, DET </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>56 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>46 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Tim Tebow </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Den </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>QB10 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@MIN, CHI, NE </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>93 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>47 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Cedric Benson </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Cin </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB20 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@PIT, HOU, @STL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>52 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>48 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Darren Sproles </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NO </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB21 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>DET, @TEN, @MIN </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>46 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>49 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Dez Bryant </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Dal </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR15 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@ARI, NYG, @TB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>33 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>50 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Reggie Bush </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Mia </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB22 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>OAK, PHI, @BUF </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>37 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>51 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Aaron Hernandez </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NE </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>TE4 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>IND, @WAS, @DEN </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>65 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>52 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Marques Colston </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NO </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR16 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>DET, @TEN, @MIN </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>47 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>53 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Brandon Marshall </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Mia </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR17 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>OAK, PHI, @BUF </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>51 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>54 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Shonn Greene </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NYJ </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB23 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@WAS, KC, @PHI </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>49 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>55 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Antonio Brown </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Pit </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR18 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>CIN, CLE, @SF </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>57 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>56 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jason Witten </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Dal </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>TE5 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@ARI, NYG, @TB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>54 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>57 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Laurent Robinson </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Dal </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR19 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@ARI, NYG, @TB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>86 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>58 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Darren McFadden </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Oak </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB24 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@MIA, @GB, DET </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>44 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>59 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Anquan Boldin </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Bal </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR20 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@CLE, IND, @SD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>53 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>60 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Percy Harvin </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Min </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR21 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>DEN, @DET, NO </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>64 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>61 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Tony Gonzalez </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Atl </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>TE6 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@HOU, @CAR, JAC </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>68 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>62 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Julio Jones </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Atl </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR22 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@HOU, @CAR, JAC </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>59 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>63 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Philip Rivers </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>QB11 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@JAC, BUF, BAL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>45 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>64 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Deion Branch </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NE </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR23 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>IND, @WAS, @DEN </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>69 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>65 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Roy Helu </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Was </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB25 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NYJ, NE, @NYG </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>66 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">DeSean Jackson </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Phi </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR24 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@SEA, @MIA, NYJ </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>55 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>67 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Santonio Holmes </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NYJ </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR25 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@WAS, KC, @PHI </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>62 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>68 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Daniel Thomas </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Mia </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB26 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>OAK, PHI, @BUF </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>72 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>69 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Miles Austin </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Dal </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR26 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@ARI, NYG, @TB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>79 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>70 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Fred Davis </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Was </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>TE7 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NYJ, NE, @NYG </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>70 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>71 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Nate Washington </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Ten </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR27 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@BUF, NO, @IND </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>60 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>72 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Pierre Thomas </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NO </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB27 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>DET, @TEN, @MIN </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>76 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>73 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Steve Johnson </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Buf </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR28 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>TEN, @SD, MIA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>94 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>74 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Vernon Davis </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SF </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>TE8 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>STL, @ARI, PIT </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>74 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>75 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Dwayne Bowe </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>KC </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR29 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@CHI, @NYJ, GB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>71 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>76 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Mike Tolbert </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SD </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB28 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@JAC, BUF, BAL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>78 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>77 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Brandon Pettigrew </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Det </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>TE9 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@NO, MIN, @OAK </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>77 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>78 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Kevin Smith </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Det </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB29 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@NO, MIN, @OAK </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>79 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jeremy Maclin </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Phi </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR30 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@SEA, @MIA, NYJ </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>66 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>80 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jonathan Stewart </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Car </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB30 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@TB, ATL, @HOU </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>88 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>81 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Greg Olsen </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Car </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>TE10 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@TB, ATL, @HOU </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>81 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>82 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Michael Crabtree </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>SF </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR31 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>STL, @ARI, PIT </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>82 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>83 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Plaxico Burress </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NYJ </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR32 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@WAS, KC, @PHI </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>83 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>84 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Eric Decker </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Den </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR33 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@MIN, CHI, NE </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>89 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>85 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">DeAngelo Williams </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Car </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB31 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@TB, ATL, @HOU </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>96 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>86 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Mike Williams </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>TB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR34 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>CAR, @JAC, DAL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>87 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jermaine Gresham </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Cin </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>TE11 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@PIT, HOU, @STL </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>88 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ben Tate </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Hou </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB32 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>ATL, @CIN, CAR </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>90 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>89 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Reggie Wayne </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Ind </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR35 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@NE, @BAL, TEN </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>90 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">C.J. Spiller </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Buf </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB33 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>TEN, @SD, MIA </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>91 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Mario Manningham </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NYG </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR36 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>GB, @DAL, WAS </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>73 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>92 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jermichael Finley </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>GB </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>TE12 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@NYG, OAK, @KC </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>87 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>93 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Michael Vick </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Phi </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>QB12 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@SEA, @MIA, NYJ </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>61 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>94 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Sidney Rice </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Sea </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR37 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>PHI, STL, @CHI </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>75 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>95 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Denarius Moore </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Oak </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>WR38 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@MIA, @GB, DET </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>84 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>96 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Donald Brown </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Ind </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB34 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@NE, @BAL, TEN </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>97 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Ahmad Bradshaw </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NYG </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB35 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>GB, @DAL, WAS </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>67 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>98 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Peyton Hillis </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Cle </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>RB36 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>BAL, @PIT, @ARI </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NR </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>99 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Jake Ballard </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>NYG </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>TE13 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>GB, @DAL, WAS </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>92 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>100 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle">Carson Palmer </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>Oak </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>QB13 </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>@MIA, @GB, DET </TD><TD style="VERTICAL-ALIGN: middle" align=middle>100</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

HacheMan · Nov 30, 2011

Waiting for the Sun

Darren McFadden isn’t deaf. He can hear the whispers, he can hear people saying he’s soft and a slow healer. But is he?

To help us get a better handle on McFadden’s long recovery, we chatted with Brian Eckenrode, PT, DPT, MS, OCS and sports rehabilitation therapist for GSPP Penn Therapy and Fitness at the Penn Sports Medicine Center in Philadelphia. For more info on GSPP and the Penn Sports Medicine Center, head to Phillyrehab.com.

DARREN MCFADDEN
Injury: Right mid-foot sprain
Status: Sidelined since Week 7

We talked with Eckenrode about McFadden back on Oct. 26, just a few days after the original injury. Bang it here for those thoughts.

It’s been more than five weeks since McFadden went down. Any ideas or guesses as to what is taking so long here?
Well, the severity of the sprain was worse than what they thought originally. Or, he’s just not responding to some of the treatments as quickly as they want him to. At this length of time, it’s probably a moderate to severe type of injury.

Is there such a thing as a “slow healer?”
Typically what we know from science is that there is an ideal length of time for tissue to heal from an injury. For example, a fractured bone takes 6-8 weeks to heal. I know if you talk to Terrell Owens he would say he’s a fast healer. But McFadden is such a high-level athlete that I wouldn’t necessarily jump to the conclusion that he‘s a slow healer. I just think it’s more severe than they originally thought. It’s hard to compare people, it’s kind of like apples and oranges.

When McFadden does get back, how quickly can he regain form?
My guess is that he’s probably lifting weights, he’s probably running in the pool, trying to keep the cardiovascular up. But if he just started walking this week, he’s probably been on crutches for much of the last month. His timing will be a little off, his strength and power is going to be a little off.

ROTOWORLD OPINION: Finally doing some walking at practice, McFadden appears to be targeting Week 14 for his return. But with Michael Bush as their starter, the Raiders have gone 3-1. He’s racked up 593 total yards and is fantasy’s No. 1 running back during that span. In other words, expect a committee kind of attack even when McFadden gets back. Bush has earned 10-12 touches per game.

MICHAEL VICK
Injury: Fractured ribs
Status: Return Week 14?

We’ve seen quarterbacks like Tony Romo play through rib injuries. Why can’t Vick?
He’s in quite a bit of pain. From what I understand the fracture is on his left side which is his throwing side. So any time you get your arm over your head you’re going to feel pain.

Andy Reid said that Vick still can’t torque his body without pain. How bad of a sign is that?
Just to get his arm extended over his head and then get the rotation that has to happen at his trunk, there is some stress that occurs on the ligaments and the bones at the ribs. He can’t throw with the same power, the same velocity.

If you look at the last game he played with the rib injury, he was off target, he just didn’t have the power behind it. He wasn’t his usual self out there.

ROTOWORLD OPINION: With the Eagles at 4-7 and virtually eliminated from the playoffs, there’s no reason to rush Vick back at less than 100 percent. The Eagles made a $100 million investment in him before this season. Owners that handcuffed Vince Young can keep trotting the backup out there as a borderline QB1.

Editor’s Note: For early rankings, projections, the Running Back report, the top-200 going forward list and much more, check out the Season Pass!

NEWS OF THE DAY #1
Coach Andy Reid isn’t going to hold grudges. Even though DeSean Jackson went all alligator-arms on his team last week and ended up benched, he’ll be back in the starting lineup Thursday. Still, he’s a track star trying to play football. I’d consider Jackson a risky WR3.

Meanwhile, the schedule makers aren’t doing the Eagles’ hurt folks any favors. We already discussed Michael Vick’s status above -- he’ll be back Week 14 at the earliest. Jeremy Maclin is still dealing with his hamstring strain and is likely out, giving Riley Cooper another start as a sneaky WR3. And LeSean McCoy has a little toe sprain, but it’s not turf toe. He should be fine.

NEWS OF THE DAY #2
Frank Gore has just 16 catches all season, and it’s not a coincidence. Coach Jim Harbaugh confirmed that his scheme has limited Gore’s chances in the passing game. Simply put, the conservative offense asks running backs to block instead of catch.

Harbaugh obviously isn’t going anywhere, so Gore is stuck in this offense after signing a four-year deal in August. He’ll also be 29 in May and has shown declining breakaway speed. This has the makings of a wall getting hit very soon. And in the short term, Gore faces the elite run defenses of the Steelers and Seahawks in Weeks 15 and 16. Not good.

INJURY QUICK SLANTS
Sidney Rice (concussions) isn’t going to play Thursday. Doug Baldwin is the desperation option. … Matthew Stafford has resumed practicing without gloves. … Kevin Smith (ankle) did not practice Tuesday, putting Maurice Morris in line for the start. … The Falcons did not report any injury to Julio Jones coming out of Sunday’s airball. … Jerry Jones said he expects Miles Austin (hamstring) to return Sunday. We’ll see. … Michael Jenkins (knee) is done for the season. Yawn.

DEPTH CHART QUICK SLANTS
The Texans signed Jake Delhomme as insurance in case T.J. Yates faceplants. … Colts president Bill Polian confirmed that he thinks it’s financially reasonable to have Peyton Manning and Andrew Luck on the same team. … The Jaguars’ interim coach, Mel Tucker, confirmed he’ll keep rolling with Blaine Gabbert. … Dan Orlovsky has replaced Curtis Painter as the Colts’ starter. It can’t get any worse. … The Ravens say Lee Evans will start playing in more two-wide sets. … Brad Smith will remain the starter opposite Stevie Johnson, leaving David Nelson in the slot.

HacheMan · Nov 30, 2011

Target Watch: Week 13

The numbers by each name are targets for Weeks 6 through 12. And the target totals reflect the last seven weeks as well. I hope you enjoy!

All snap count data comes from our friends over at Pro Football Focus.

Arizona Cardinals

Larry Fitzgerald: BYE-10-5-12-13-9-9 (58), Andre Roberts: BYE-5-3-7-7-9-5 (36), Early Doucet: BYE-5-6-6-4-10-1 (32), Jeff King: BYE-1-3-2-5-0-3 (14), Chester Taylor: BYE-dnp-1-1-3-3-2 (10), LaRod Stephens-Howling: BYE-3-1-1-2-0-1 (8), Jim Dray: BYE-dnp-0-3-2-0-0 (5)

This was the Beanie Wells show without a doubt. The Rams held Wells to 10 carries and 20 yards rushing the last time they met which is quite a difference from the 27 carries for 228 yards they allowed to him this time around. Oh that reminds me, start Frank Gore this week.

Larry Fitzgerald had a down game as Beanie led the way but he still got his targets. The poor quarterback play will continue to hurt him but of course you can’t sit him as long as he’s averaging 9 targets a game.

Atlanta Falcons

Roddy White: 5-10-BYE-9-7-14-13 (58), Tony Gonzalez: 3-8-BYE-6-10-6-9 (42), Harry Douglas: 4-7-BYE-0-14-4-5 (34), Michael Turner: 3-1-BYE-2-2-2-1 (11), Jacquizz Rodgers: 1-4-BYE-1-2-0-2 (10), Julio Jones: dnp-dnp-BYE-4-5-dnp-0 (9), Eric Weems: 0-0-BYE-0-5-3-0 (8), Michael Palmer: 1-1-BYE-2-0-1-3 (8), Jason Snelling: 1-1-BYE-0-2-2-1 (7)

Julio Jones played in this game, and was targeted on two plays that were called back on penalties, but unfortunately he put up a big fat turkey egg on the stat sheet. Roddy White on the other hand has come on with Jones hurting. Last week he topped 100 yards only for the second time this season and then he goes and does it again with his biggest fantasy game of the year. If you have White on your team keep that pin stuck in your Julio Jones voodoo doll’s hammy.

Don’t expect Jacquizz Rodgers to come on anytime soon. He was only on the field for 10 snaps against the Vikings. He’ll need an injury to Michael Turner or for the starters to be rested before he can have value this season.

Baltimore Ravens

Anquan Boldin: 9-12-12-10-9-2-9 (63), Ray Rice: 7-8-9-7-10-10-3 (54), Torrey Smith: 5-5-9-9-8-7-3 (46), Ed Dickson: 3-5-9-5-14-3-2 (41), Dennis Pitta: 5-3-8-8-7-0-2 (33), Ricky Williams: 1-0-2-1-3-2-2 (11), Vonta Leach: 2-1-1-1-1-2-1 (9), LaQuan Williams: 1-2-1-3-1-0-0 (8)

The Ravens and 49ers had a defensive battle on Turkey Day which shows in the targets and production. Anquan Boldin continues to be the main guy but could only grab four of his nine targets while Torrey Smith came off his huge game the week before to garner three targets. This offense is erratic at best and Ray Rice remains the only consistent play each week.

Buffalo Bills

Stevie Johnson: 10-BYE-9-6-5-8-13 (51), David Nelson: 6-BYE-5-7-5-4-8 (35), Fred Jackson: 6-BYE-4-7-4-5-dnp (26), Scott Chandler: 1-BYE-2-3-3-6-7 (22), C.J. Spiller: 5-BYE-3-0-0-4-3 (15), Donald Jones: dnp-BYE-dnp-4-10-1-dnp (15), Brad Smith: 0-BYE-3-0-0-4-7 (14)

We’ve heard plenty about Mr. Stevie Johnson’s drops/pantomime but as far as targets go he was the guy, oh, and as far as production goes as well. Our pals at Pro Football Focus give us this interesting tidbit: “Stevie Johnson has 11 of the 24 catches that Darrelle Revis has allowed all season.” That’s an insane number.

After Johnson’s 13 targets David Nelson had eight and once again found himself in the end zone scoring his third touchdown in 4 games. Maybe the most interesting news from this game was Brad Smith’s seven targets that led to four receptions, 77 yards and a touchdown. Smith has plenty of speed and talent so it will be interesting to see if they keep getting him the ball now that it looks like he’ll be starting opposite of Johnson.

C.J. Spiller had trouble against the Jets run defense rushing 19 times for only 55 yards. He caught all three of his targets but only got 15 yards out of them. Tashard Choice and Johnny White were only on the field for three plays combined. It seems like that number should go up for one or the other next game but we’ll have to wait and see.

Carolina Panthers

Steve Smith: 7-9-9-BYE-8-10-7 (50), Greg Olsen: 10-3-7-BYE-11-9-3 (43), Legedu Naanee: 2-3-7-BYE-9-5-4 (30), Jonathan Stewart: 3-0-3-BYE-7-6-4 (23), Brandon LaFell: 1-3-2-BYE-2-5-6 (19), Jeremy Shockey: 7-4-3-BYE-1-dnp-3 (18), DeAngelo Williams: 3-0-2-BYE-1-1-0 (7)

After Steve Smith the Olsen/Shockey and LaFell/Naanee duos continue to cancel each other’s fantasy value. It looked like Legedu Naanee would sit this week but he ended up going and crushing all my hopes and dreams for a LaFell breakout.

DeAngelo Williams found himself in unfamiliar territory with two rushing touchdowns. His second and third touchdowns of the season came as a surprise to most fantasy prognosticators and the chances of him repeating are fairly slim as Jonathan Stewart was on the field for more plays and is getting all of the passing targets.

Chicago Bears

Matt Forte: 7-4-BYE-5-5-4-10 (35), Roy Williams: 4-5-BYE-6-2-8-5 (30), Johnny Knox: 4-6-BYE-1-2-5-10 (28), Earl Bennett: dnp-dnp-BYE-5-6-9-4 (24), Devin Hester: 7-9-BYE-5-0-0-0 (21), Kellen Davis: 3-2-BYE-3-2-1-2 (13)

This was an odd game to say the least. The Bears traveled to California with their young quarterback Caleb Hanie and then had him throw 36 times while Matt Forte ran the ball only 12 times and Marion Barber 10 times (on just 15 snaps). Oh, Hanie threw 3 interceptions of course. But I digress.

The target story in this one was Johnny Knox who had 10, a season high for him. He caught 4 of those for 145 yards and a touchdown. I can’t say that he’ll continue to get those targets since this offense is in flux with the transition to Hanie at QB but it’s a good sign for Knox nonetheless.
Cincinnati Bengals

Jerome Simpson: 9-BYE-2-10-4-13-5 (43), Andre Caldwell: 4-BYE-6-9-8-9-3 (39), A.J. Green: 7-BYE-10-7-2-dnp-4 (30), Jermaine Gresham: 6-BYE-dnp-dnp-5-6-9 (26), Andrew Hawkins: 1-BYE-0-0-6-8-3 (18), Cedric Benson: 1-BYE-dnp-0-1-1-5 (8), Bernard Scott: 1-BYE-3-1-0-1-2 (8)

A.J. Green doesn’t need that many targets to put up good numbers as we saw last week when he only had four, but caught three for 110 yards.

Jermaine Gresham saw nine targets which is his high for the season and caught his second touchdown in three games. He’s healthy and a big part of the offense right now.

Cleveland Browns

Greg Little: 12-7-11-8-6-8-13 (65), Josh Cribbs: 5-6-3-5-5-3-4 (31), Ben Watson: 8-4-3-2-5-4-4 (30), Chris Ogbonnaya: dnp-5-8-1-2-3-2 (21), Jordan Norwood: 0-0-6-1-3-2-5 (17), Mohamed Massaquoi: 7-2-dnp-1-dnp-2-3 (15), Evan Moore: 3-4-2-2-0-0-1 (12)

Greg Little finally caught a touchdown pass. That’s one TD in 86 targets. That’s not very good but he does have 50-plus yards in each of his last three games and 27 targets. As long as he keeps getting so many targets he’s worth owning.

Peyton Hillis had two targets in his return from injury and 19 carries. He ran like a bull in a china shop as usual so he seems to be healthy again at least. Unfortunately he faces Pittsburgh and Baltimore twice before the season ends. Blame the lockout for that one.

Dallas Cowboys

Dez Bryant: 8-8-5-9-6-8-6 (50), Jason Witten: 4-6-12-7-7-3-5 (44), Laurent Robinson: 2-3-8-5-3-11-12 (44), Demarco Murray: 2-2-3-6-7-7-4 (31), Miles Austin: 10-5-3-3-dnp-dnp-dnp (21), Martellus Bennett: 3-0-1-0-1-3-2 (10)

Laurent Robinson has 7 touchdowns in the last five games and a whopping 23 targets in the last two. It will be interesting to see how the return of Miles Austin affects his playing time. On Thanksgiving, Kevin Ogletree was on the field for only 18 plays compared to Dez Bryant’s 53 and Robinson’s 55. Austin should get those 50-plus snaps back when he returns but they sure aren’t going to rush him back now that Robinson has gone all koo koo ka choo.

Denver Broncos

Eric Decker: BYE-3-12-5-3-5-6 (34), Eddie Royal: BYE-4-13-5-2-4-2 (30), Demaryius Thomas: BYE-10-3-2-0-6-1 (22), Matt Willis: BYE-2-3-0-1-0-3 (9), Daniel Fells: BYE-4-1-1-0-1-1 (8), Knowshon Moreno: BYE-2-2-4-0-dnp-dnp (8), Lance Ball: BYE-0-3-0-1-3-0 (7), Dante Rosario: BYE-1-1-1-1-1-1 (6), Jeremiah Johnson: BYE-dnp-dnp-dnp-1-4-5 (5)

In the Broncos’ run first offense Eric Decker still remains fantasy relevant. He has caught four touchdowns in his last five games and as long as he can get his 5 targets it seems his chances of getting in the end zone are higher than most receivers who only get five targets. After Decker you can’t count on any other receiver. Jeremiah Johnson took time off from trapping and hunting grizzlies to get five targets but you never know when he’ll light back out for the Rockies.

Detroit Lions

Calvin Johnson: 9-11-7-BYE-20-8-8 (63), Brandon Pettigrew: 14-6-4-BYE-9-5-8 (46), Nate Burleson: 10-3-7-BYE-9-7-7 (43), Titus Young: 5-3-5-BYE-10-3-3 (29), Maurice Morris: 1-4-3-BYE-2-1-10 (21), Tony Scheffler: dnp-3-3-BYE-7-3-2 (18), Kevin Smith: dnp-dnp-dnp-BYE-2-4-3 (9), Will Heller: 1-2-0-BYE-3-3-0 (9), Keiland Williams: 0-0-1-BYE-0-0-4 (5)

Kevin Smith got hurt early in the game and Mo Maurice went PPR crazy with nine receptions on 10 targets for 81 yards. There was a lot of passing in this one with the Lions trailing but there wasn’t much of a change in the breakdown of targets with Calvin Johnsonn, Brandon Pettigrew and Nate Burleson leading the way. Burleson’s numbers have been fairly steady with 20 receptions in his last three games compared to 21 in his previous 7 games. That’s some PPR chewy goodness.

Green Bay Packers

Greg Jennings: 10-10-BYE-8-5-6-5 (44), Jordy Nelson: 3-4-BYE-6-5-7-5 (30), Jermichael Finley: 4-2-BYE-7-4-3-5 (25), Donald Driver: 5-1-BYE-2-4-5-2 (19), James Starks: 2-4-BYE-1-4-6-1 (18), James Jones: 1-4-BYE-1-1-3-4 (14), Randall Cobb: 0-2-BYE-0-3-1-4 (10), John Kuhn: 0-1-BYE-1-2-1-1 (6), Ryan Grant: 2-0-BYE-0-1-0-3 (6)

After James Jones went 3 games with only 2 receptions on 5 targets, he gets four targets catching three for 94 yards and a touchdown. How do you start a guy with two receptions in three games? I think James Jones may be the only receiver that you can semi-reasonably do that with and then kick yourself when he gets shut out.

Jones’ extra couple targets hurt his fellow receivers. There is very little margin for error here and one pass that goes to Randall Cobb or Donald Driver is actually going to hurt Greg Jennings, Jordy Nelson or Jermichael Finley. So when you yell at your TV because Cobb caught the ball instead of your guy Jennings, well, there is actually some merit to your disappointment that is being diverted into anger.

Houston Texans

Arian Foster: 11-5-4-7-4-BYE-9 (40), Owen Daniels: 3-5-6-4-3-BYE-7 (28), Jacoby Jones: 7-4-5-4-3-BYE-2 (25), Kevin Walter: 8-4-9-1-1-BYE-2 (25), Derrick Mason: 4-1-2-0-2-BYE-1 (10), Joel Dreessen: 2-2-2-2-1-BYE-1 (10)

My totally arbitrary cut off of 5 targets in the last 7 games left our man Andre Johnson out of the above list. I think the Texans must have left him out of their game plan as well because his 3 targets were an abomination!

Matt Leinart and then T.J. Yates weren’t about to air it out and put their defense in a poor position by getting picked off. Their mandate was not to get it on, but to hand it off and throw it short. Running backs and tight ends had 19 targets compared to seven for wide receivers. This will most likely be a trend with their strong running game and defense.
Indianapolis Colts

Pierre Garcon: 11-6-15-6-6-BYE-8 (52), Reggie Wayne: 6-4-14-6-6-BYE-7 (43), Austin Collie: 6-5-7-5-5-BYE-7 (35), Dallas Clark: 7-0-10-5-dnp-BYE-dnp (22), Jacob Tamme: 1-0-0-7-8-BYE-3 (19), Donald Brown: 2-0-1-3-4-BYE-1 (11)

In Week 1 Reggie Wayne had seven receptions for 107 yards and a touchdown which accounted for 16 fantasy points in standard leagues. He then didn’t top 7 fantasy points in the next nine games. So his five reception, 122 yard touchdown game last week came out of nowhere. He now gets a new quarterback in Dan Orlovsky so who knows what will happen. I tend to think things can’t get any worse.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Marcedes Lewis: 8-3-9-BYE-3-11-12 (46), Mike Thomas: 6-1-4-BYE-1-11-5 (28), Jason Hill: 3-8-5-BYE-1-7-4 (28), Maurice Jones-Drew: 3-3-4-BYE-3-6-6 (25), Jarett Dillard: 3-dnp-3-BYE-2-3-5 (16), Deji Karim: 1-0-1-BYE-3-0-3 (8), Chastin West: 0-dnp-dnp-BYE-5-3-0 (8), Cecil Shorts: 0-2-dnp-BYE-dnp-dnp-3 (5)

Marcedes Lewis has 23 targets in the last two games and 11 receptions for 111 yards and no touchdowns (he pulled a Jackie Smith on one pass in the end zone) in those two games. If he can keep up these targets it will be hard for him not to have some value but I don’t have much faith in him or whichever quarterback they roll out there to throw it to him.

Kansas City Chiefs

Dwayne Bowe: BYE-10-11-10-7-9-11 (58), Steve Breaston: BYE-9-4-11-6-8-8 (46), Jonathan Baldwin: BYE-5-8-5-5-6-2 (31), Dexter McCluster: BYE-2-3-4-8-2-2 (21), Leonard Pope: BYE-1-1-2-5-4-1 (14), Jake OConnell: BYE-1-0-3-0-6-dnp (10), LeRon McClain: BYE-2-2-1-2-0-0 (7)

Tyler Palko has been steering the ship the last two weeks and we should see Kyle Orton from here on out which makes it difficult to read too much into the target numbers, but it seems pretty clear that Dwayne Bowe and Steve Breaston are going to continue to see the most time on the field which should translate into targets and with Orton starting those targets will have a better shot at turning into receptions and those oh so coveted fantasy points.

The running back situation is not one to get too involved with.

Miami Dolphins

Brandon Marshall: 13-9-6-11-9-3-10 (61), Davone Bess: 3-12-5-3-6-3-4 (36), Reggie Bush: 2-2-5-3-5-5-4 (26), Brian Hartline: 6-2-2-0-3-2-5 (20), Anthony Fasano: 2-2-1-3-4-2-2 (16), Charles Clay: 2-1-1-3-2-4-2 (15), Daniel Thomas: 1-5-dnp-0-0-1-1 (8)

Matt Moore has been playing well(ish) of late which has helped Brandon Marshall but hasn’t been able to elevate any of the secondary receivers to fantasy startability. Just concentrate your target vibes to Marshall and then go about your business.

Reggie Bush was on the field for 55 snaps compared to Daniel Thomas’ 15. Just three games ago Thomas had 46 to Bush’s 28 and two games ago Thomas had 28 to Bush’s 33. So this has been a major shift. Even though Bush was producing with those fewer snaps we now can feel better about him getting consistent looks.

Minnesota Vikings

Percy Harvin: 9-3-5-BYE-8-8-8 (41), Michael Jenkins: 6-8-2-BYE-4-7-4 (31), Visanthe Shiancoe: 7-8-4-BYE-4-3-4 (30), Devin Aromashodu: 2-5-6-BYE-6-4-5 (28), Kyle Rudolph: 3-1-5-BYE-3-5-dnp (17), Greg Camarillo: 3-3-0-BYE-3-2-0 (11), Adrian Peterson: 1-1-5-BYE-1-0-dnp (8), Toby Gerhart: 2-0-0-BYE-0-1-3 (6)

Percy Harvin served as the backup running back to Toby Gerhart and had five rushing attempts. He also had his best fantasy day of the season even though he barely missed two touchdowns. With Adrian Peterson hurting and now Michael Jenkins out they might finally start using Harvin as God intended.

New England Patriots

Rob Gronkowski: 7-BYE-9-15-11-7-4 (53), Wes Welker: 10-BYE-8-10-8-3-12 (51), Aaron Hernandez: 14-BYE-4-5-5-7-7 (42), Deion Branch: 5-BYE-7-5-9-3-10 (39), Danny Woodhead: 3-BYE-0-6-3-4-0 (16)

Deion Branch is averaging 4 receptions and 59 yards but his inconsistency makes it difficult to use him every week unlike Rob Gronkowski and Wes Welker whose consistency makes fake football players all giddy.

The running back situation is half crazy with the snaps breaking down like so: BenJarvus Green-Ellis 24, Shane Vereen 13, Stevan Ridley 10 and Danny Woodhead 10. Green-Ellis is the goal line back so he has the most value of course but this is a hard situation to decipher.

New Orleans Saints

Jimmy Graham: 11-7-8-8-12-BYE-8 (54), Marques Colston: 11-7-6-5-9-BYE-6 (44), Darren Sproles: 11-6-7-6-6-BYE-5 (41), Lance Moore: 3-4-9-3-3-BYE-7 (29), Pierre Thomas: 1-6-4-5-5-BYE-3 (24), Devery Henderson: 2-2-4-3-2-BYE-6 (19), Robert Meachem: 2-2-3-1-2-BYE-0 (10), Jed Collins: 2-0-3-1-1-BYE-0 (7), Mark Ingram: 1-1-dnp-dnp-1-BYE-3 (6)

Pretty much every offensive player got in on the fun as the Saints scored 49 points on Monday night. Lance Moore led the receivers in targets but was also on the field less than any of them. He also leads all Saints’ wide receivers in red zone targets for the season with 12 compared to Marques Colston’s 10. That alone makes him worth a gamble.

The running backs got plenty of yards but they were spread out evenly between the three. Mark Ingram, Darren Sproles and Pierre Thomas were on the field for 24, 29 and 25 snaps respectively and Ingram led with 13 rushes but the splits in looks were almost exactly even. There’s no clear winner here right now except to say Sproles is the PPR guy and Ingram is once again looking like the non-PPR guy.
New York Giants

Victor Cruz: 4-BYE-9-11-11-10-12 (57), Hakeem Nicks: 7-BYE-10-dnp-4-7-12 (40), Mario Manningham: 8-BYE-9-7-10-2-dnp (36), Jake Ballard: 5-BYE-7-7-4-7-5 (35), Danny Ware: 0-BYE-2-2-6-3-9 (22), Brandon Jacobs: dnp-BYE-2-5-2-4-0 (13), Ramses Barden: dnp-BYE-dnp-5-0-1-4 (10), Bear Pascoe: 2-BYE-1-1-3-0-1 (8)

In garbage time, a futile try to get back into the game time, Eli Manning passed a whole bunch to Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks. Cruz leads all fantasy wide receivers in standard scoring from Week 5 on. That is a little surprising but of course shouldn’t be. But sometimes it’s hard for us fake footballers to switch our thinking. We’ll see something similar when looking at Mike Wallace and Antonio Brown later.

New York Jets

Plaxico Burress: 4-8-BYE-5-8-9-7 (41), Dustin Keller: 5-8-BYE-7-4-8-8 (40), Santonio Holmes: 4-3-BYE-6-8-9-9 (39), Jeremy Kerley: 4-7-BYE-5-8-dnp-dnp (24), LaDainian Tomlinson: 4-4-BYE-3-5-dnp-dnp (16), Joe McKnight: 2-0-BYE-1-0-7-3 (13), Shonn Greene: 2-1-BYE-0-4-1-4 (12), Patrick Turner: 0-0-BYE-0-1-4-4 (9)

I blame Mark Sanchez for all the ills of the world, well, all of the ills of a Santonio Holmes fantasy owner. He’s been getting the targets but Sanchez is erratic and making it hard for him to be productive. Plaxico Burress has more fantasy points than Holmes. That makes me sad.

Oakland Raiders

Darrius Heyward-Bey: 9-11-BYE-1-0-5-10 (36), Denarius Moore: 4-5-BYE-12-7-2-dnp (30), Michael Bush: 1-3-BYE-3-4-2-4 (17), Jacoby Ford: 4-5-BYE-6-1-dnp-dnp (16), Marcel Reece: dnp-dnp-BYE-5-1-3-7 (16), Chaz Schilens: 0-dnp-BYE-2-0-2-8 (12), Kevin Boss: 0-1-BYE-0-2-6-3 (12), Louis Murphy: 1-4-BYE-1-1-0-4 (11), Brandon Myers: 1-1-BYE-1-3-3-1 (10), T.J. Houshmandzadeh: dnp-dnp-BYE-4-1-0-0 (5)

The constant injuries to the wide receivers makes trying to deduce what is going on with them nearly impossible. Maybe the most interesting development was Marcel Reece’s 7 targets. Even if the Raiders start getting healthier it seems that Reece will continue to get work because he’s just too good at football.

With Jacoby Ford and Denarius Moore out Chaz Schillens picked up the target slack. But who gets the targets this Sunday depends on Ford and Moore’s health.

Philadelphia Eagles

Brent Celek: 9-BYE-9-9-7-6-6 (46), DeSean Jackson: 6-BYE-6-8-dnp-8-10 (38), Jason Avant: 4-BYE-5-3-1-2-14 (29), LeSean McCoy: 4-BYE-3-5-5-4-7 (28), Jeremy Maclin: 7-BYE-3-9-5-dnp-dnp (24), Riley Cooper: 0-BYE-0-1-2-12-5 (20), Steve Smith: 1-BYE-dnp-dnp-10-1-0 (12), Clay Harbor: 0-BYE-1-1-1-2-1 (6), Chad Hall: dnp-BYE-dnp-dnp-dnp-0-5 (5)

Even though DeSean Jackson was benched last week he still had 10 targets so it’s impossible to sit him unless we know that Reid is benching him for the whole game and I don’t see that happening. As long as Jeremy Maclin is out Riley Cooper and Jason Avant will have some value. Chad Hall also had 5 targets but only caught one of them.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Antonio Brown: 2-9-15-10-6-BYE-6 (48), Mike Wallace: 6-7-7-6-10-BYE-6 (42), Heath Miller: 6-4-9-5-5-BYE-2 (31), Emmanuel Sanders: 4-7-8-dnp-dnp-BYE-4 (23), Hines Ward: 4-4-dnp-1-1-BYE-4 (14), Rashard Mendenhall: 0-2-4-2-3-BYE-2 (13), Jerricho Cotchery: 0-1-1-6-4-BYE-1 (13), Isaac Redman: 1-2-2-1-1-BYE-2 (9), Mewelde Moore: dnp-0-2-2-0-BYE-3 (7), Weslye Saunders: 0-1-1-0-2-BYE-1 (5)

In the last 5 games Antonio Brown has 30 receptions on 46 targets for 445 yards and 1 touchdown and Mike Wallace has 22 receptions on 36 targets for 327 yards and two touchdowns. Wallace has a ton of ability and more upside but you have to look at Brown on the same level with him right now.

San Diego Chargers

Vincent Jackson: BYE-8-8-12-7-8-3 (46), Antonio Gates: BYE-7-7-11-6-4-10 (45), Vincent Brown: BYE-1-dnp-6-9-4-10 (30), Mike Tolbert: BYE-1-dnp-9-9-7-4 (30), Ryan Mathews: BYE-5-7-dnp-5-2-1 (20), Patrick Crayton: BYE-1-4-3-5-0-2 (15), Randy McMichael: BYE-3-3-1-1-3-2 (13), Malcom Floyd: BYE-4-7-dnp-dnp-dnp-dnp (11), Jacob Hester: BYE-1-0-2-1-2-0 (6)

Philip Rivers isn’t doing his receivers much of a service with his lack of accuracy this season. Vincent Brown had 10 targets but only caught three of them which largely contributed to Rivers’ drop in completion percentage. His completion percentage the three previous years was 65.3, 65.2 and 66.0. So far this season it is 61.1. He has a career high 17 interceptions with five games remaining. This isn’t great news.
Seattle Seahawks

Sidney Rice: BYE-5-14-8-4-3-2 (36), Doug Baldwin: BYE-3-8-6-3-5-10 (35), Ben Obomanu: BYE-2-4-2-2-4-4 (18), Mike Williams: BYE-4-dnp-3-1-5-3 (16), Golden Tate: BYE-1-4-1-3-3-3 (15), Marshawn Lynch: BYE-dnp-0-2-7-2-3 (14), Zach Miller: BYE-dnp-5-0-4-1-2 (12), Anthony McCoy: BYE-4-1-2-2-0-1 (10), Cameron Morrah: BYE-3-5-dnp-dnp-0-dnp (8), Justin Forsett: BYE-1-1-3-0-1-1 (7), Leon Washington: BYE-4-2-0-0-0-0 (6), Michael Robinson: BYE-2-1-0-0-1-1 (5)

Marshawn Lynch is the whole Seahawks’ team right now. He has a touchdown in each of his last seven starts and well, that’s good. And keep starting him over guys with more exciting names and prettier faces.

Doug Baldwin may have some value since he saw an increase in targets with Sidney Rice out with a concussion and considering that will also keep him out of the Thursday night game this week.

San Francisco 49ers

Michael Crabtree: 15-BYE-9-5-4-10-9 (52), Vernon Davis: 2-BYE-3-7-4-10-5 (31), Braylon Edwards: dnp-BYE-7-3-6-4-3 (23), Delanie Walker: 3-BYE-0-2-7-5-0 (17), Ted Ginn: 5-BYE-1-1-4-0-3 (14), Frank Gore: 5-BYE-0-3-1-2-2 (13), Kyle Williams: 1-BYE-0-2-1-5-1 (10), Kendall Hunter: 0-BYE-0-0-1-1-5 (12)

The Ravens shut down the already limited passing game of the 49ers on Thanksgiving night but it was good to see Michael Crabtree once again get a big number of targets. He is Smith’s go to receiver now and with some easier matchups on the horizon he could have a good finish to the season. The rest of the receivers are more sporadic in their targets, and on a run first team it’s not worth the gamble.

St. Louis Rams

Brandon Lloyd: dnp-12-13-13-9-14-10 (71), Brandon Gibson: 10-dnp-6-5-3-7-7 (38), Steven Jackson: 5-5-5-2-3-5-3 (28), Austin Pettis: 0-0-1-5-4-5-4 (19), Lance Kendricks: 6-1-3-1-dnp-2-5 (18), Danario Alexander: 10-6-dnp-dnp-dnp-dnp-dnp (16), Billy Bajema: 0-2-2-1-2-1-0 (8), Michael Hoomanawanui: 0-3-1-0-3-dnp-dnp (7)

In the last 6 games Brandon Lloyd has 71 targets and also has 4 touchdowns in the last 5. He hasn’t topped 100 yards with the Rams yet but he’s still the 6th overall fantasy wide receiver and 3rd in receptions over that span. After him the pickings get much slimmer in Fantasy Rams Land. Steven Jackson gets an extremely tough schedule to finish the fantasy season: @San Francisco, @Seattle, Cinninnati and @Pittsburgh. And there isn’t another receiver that is really edging out the pack with Brandon Gibson as the No. 2 guy by default.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Mike Williams: 13-11-BYE-8-5-11-11 (59), Kellen Winslow: 10-12-BYE-6-6-11-7 (52), Arrelious Benn: 6-1-BYE-2-6-6-5 (26), Kregg Lumpkin: 0-8-BYE-6-7-1-3 (25), Preston Parker: 5-6-BYE-4-4-2-3 (24), Dezmon Briscoe: 2-10-BYE-2-2-3-0 (19), LeGarrette Blount: dnp-dnp-BYE-3-2-1-3 (9)

Mike Williams’ target numbers remained steady all season and they are finally paying off. In his last 2 games he has 13 receptions for 167 yards and 2 touchdowns. If you target them they will score (unless you’re Marcedes Lewis).

LeGarrette Blount actually did something in the passing game! He caught 3 passes for 56 yards which were both highs for his career. We’ll see if he finishes the season with an uptick in receptions. If he does his stock for next year gets a boost. Oh and don’t forget that he still faces the Panthers two times this year!

Tennessee Titans

Damian Williams: BYE-4-5-7-7-11-4 (38), Nate Washington: BYE-3-6-6-4-9-6 (34), Jared Cook: BYE-2-2-8-3-9-7 (31), Lavelle Hawkins: BYE-7-5-6-1-4-7 (30), Chris Johnson: BYE-6-5-6-7-3-2 (29), Javon Ringer: BYE-1-6-2-3-6-5 (23), Ahmard Hall: BYE-3-2-1-0-0-2 (8)

Chris Johnson ran the ball 23 times for 190 yards while Javon Ringer ran it 9 times for 12 yards. It’s amazing that the previous statement is a little shocking.

Damian Williams saw his lowest total of targets in five weeks but also got into the end zone for the third time in four weeks. Lavelle Hawkins is getting work but is too inconsistent to be of any use and Jared Cook once again had a decent target total but didn’t produce much. He hasn’t had a touchdown since Week 7 and has only topped 50 yards once in the last six weeks.

Washington Redskins

Fred Davis: 11-8-9-7-7-6-4 (52), Jabar Gaffney: 10-8-5-5-6-10-7 (51), Roy Helu: 4-2-4-17-3-2-7 (39), Leonard Hankerson: dnp-1-4-5-9-dnp-dnp (19), Terrence Austin: 1-6-3-5-1-0-1 (17), Santana Moss: 6-2-dnp-dnp-dnp-dnp-7 (15), Donte Stallworth: 3-dnp-2-dnp-dnp-6-2 (13), Anthony Armstrong: dnp-4-4-1-0-2-1 (12), Logan Paulsen: 0-2-0-2-1-2-2 (9), Darrel Young: 0-0-1-2-1-2-2 (8), Ryan Torain: 1-0-1-1-1-3-dnp (7)

Santana Moss returned from his hand injury and tied for the weekly lead in targets with Jabar Gaffney. Moss had a very slight lead over Gaffney in targets and receptions before his injury and I expect that to continue now that he is back.

Roy Helu was the real story this week with 30 total touches, 162 total yards and a touchdown. He was also on the field for 67 snaps compared to Evan Royster’s six. I’m never going to tell you that you won’t be fooled by Shanahan but I feel pretty good about Helu getting his shot to be the man the rest of the way.

HacheMan · Nov 30, 2011

Matchup: Eagles @ Seahawks
Thursday Night Football

Philadelphia @ Seattle

Sidney Rice's (concussions) absence Thursday night and for the rest of the year is a big concern for Seattle's offense. In two games without Rice early this season, Tarvaris Jackson completed 41-of-66 passes (62.1%) for 356 yards (5.39 YPA), two touchdowns, and three turnovers. Fielding a checkdown-filled passing attack, the Seahawks generated a combined 17 points in those two affairs. In terms of vertical playmaking ability, the downgrade to Mike Williams and Ben Obomanu will be stark, particularly against an Eagles defense that is capable of taking away perimeter receivers by collapsing the pocket. Only six NFL teams have more sacks. Avoid Jackson in two-QB leagues if possible. Obomanu and BMW are very weak WR3 options. ... Seahawks rookie slot receiver Doug Baldwin is worth a look against Philly, if you're desperate. The Eagles struggle mightily to cover the slot (see Victor Cruz 6-128-1 and 3-110-2, Earl Bennett 5-95-1, and Wes Welker 8-115-2), and Baldwin will be the favorite to lead Seattle in receiving in Thursday's game.

Marshawn Lynch is a mediocre talent, but he's compensating with difference-making volume. He leads the NFL in rushing attempts and touches over the past four weeks, and during that span only Michael Bush has scored more fantasy points among running backs. You can make a case that Lynch is an RB1 until proven otherwise. Just keep in mind that Philadelphia's run defense has stiffened lately. Since Week 9, the Eagles have held opposing tailbacks to 176 yards on 70 carries (2.51 YPC), with BenJarvus Green-Ellis accounting for the only touchdowns against them, both from inside the five-yard line. The usage suggests Lynch is a must-start, but this isn't the mouth-watering matchup it would've been early in the season. Lynch is still averaging under four yards per carry on the year. ... If you're looking to handcuff Lynch for the stretch run, Leon Washington should be your pick over Justin Forsett. Washington has received more change-of-pace carries than Forsett in five consecutive weeks. The Seahawks face St. Louis (No. 32 run defense) in the first round of the fantasy playoffs, but get Chicago (No. 8) and San Francisco (No. 1) after that.

Whereas Lynch gets a harder matchup than trends for most of the year indicate, LeSean McCoy's isn't as difficult as it appears. Opposing tailbacks have touched up Seattle's normally run-tough defense for 338 yards on 73 attempts (4.63 YPC) over the past four games. McCoy's success against even the NFL's stoutest defenses was documented in last week's Matchups column. This is a matchup-proof back. ... Brent Celek is short on fantasy upside because he's short on real-life talent, but he's settled in as a consistent, low-end TE1 with six straight games of at least 50 yards and/or a touchdown. Seattle's defense has been one of the league's most generous to tight ends. Over the last month, the Seahawks have been lit up for 28 catches, 306 yards, and four scores by the position. It's an average line of 7-77-1, giving Celek a plus matchup. ... Vince Young peppered Jason Avant with garbage-time passes in Week 12. Trailing 24-16 at the half (31-16 by the early third quarter), V.Y. racked up 30 second-half throws against New England, intending 13 for his slot receiver. Avant was catch-less in the first two quarters, but finished with a season-best 8-110-1 stat line. The touchdown was Avant's first of the year and second in his last 27 games. I'm far more inclined to believe Avant's stats were a fluke than a sign of things to come.

Young has spread the ball around in his two starts. Here is his target distribution on the season: DeSean Jackson 18, Riley Cooper 17, Avant 16, Celek 12, McCoy 11, Steve Smith 1. ... D-Jax's perfomance-related benching in Week 12 played a big role in Avant's fluky big game because it elevated Avant into the second-half starting lineup. On Tuesday, coach Andy Reid announced that Jackson would resume starting against Seattle. If D-Jax can avoid another in-game benching, I like his chances of a rebound effort versus the Seahawks' big-bodied, stiff-hipped cornerback duo of Brandon Browner (6'4/221) and Richard Sherman (6'3/195). Jackson can run circles around them if his head is on straight. ... The matchup isn't nearly as favorable for Cooper, who goes 6-foot-3, 222 and will face off primarily with Browner. I suspect Cooper will be much less of a factor Thursday night than he has been in Young's previous two starts. ... The Seahawks rank 20th in pass defense and were smoked by Rex Grossman for 314 yards and two touchdowns in Week 12. V.Y. is an excellent two-QB league play and worth a look for standard-league owners treading water at quarterback. Just don't expect another comeback mode-influenced 400-yard effort.

Score Prediction: Eagles 20, Seahawks 13

HacheMan · Nov 30, 2011

Week 13 ranks reax: The 'T.J. Yates effect'

admit to not knowing a ton about Houston Texans quarterback T.J. Yates, a fifth-round draft pick out of the University of North Carolina and now the team's starter for perhaps the rest of the season. Then again, I feel like I don't need to. In a general sense, fantasy football owners should not be interested in signing/activating Yates, but they're likely concerned about his potential negative effect on running back Arian Foster and wide receiver Andre Johnson, two top-10 picks on fantasy draft day now seeing their value muddled a bit.

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<CITE>Matt Stamey/US Presswire</CITE>Rookie T.J. Yates came into the season as Houston's No. 3 quarterback; now he's starting.

The thing about Yates is we just don't know what he'll do as the starter -- neither do the Texans, for that matter -- and presuming he's going to play as poorly as, say, Kansas City Chiefs lefty Tyler Palko, Arizona Cardinals fill-in John Skelton or anyone slingin' it for the Indianapolis Colts seems a bit unfair. What if Yates can play? My argument on a "SportsCenter" segment earlier this week, where I aim to stay positive, was if you're just now worrying about Foster and Johnson, that pretty much insinuates all was going to be well with Matt Leinart in the first place.
As a result, I showed little concern when it came to ranking Foster and Johnson this week, giving Foster my No. 3 running back slot (after only Ray Rice and LeSean McCoy, who are both just as safe and have better matchups), and Johnson seemed to fit nicely in the No. 12 spot at wide receiver. Don't even bother analyzing Johnson's Week 12 statistics, his first game after missing six because of a hamstring injury. Texans coach Gary Kubiak even said it would take Johnson a few weeks to get back to himself again. Perfect, when do the fantasy playoffs start?
Leinart wasn't exactly airing out one long pass after another in the first place, and while the Houston game plan might prevent Yates from doing this, I think he has the arm to at least try it. Leinart completed 10 passes in his brief action Sunday for 57 yards, not exactly a downfield party. Foster struggled to 65 yards on 22 carries, though he did score a touchdown, in the 20-13 win over the tougher-than-you-think-defensively Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jags actually rank sixth in least fantasy quarterback points allowed and ninth versus running backs. This week Houston gets the Atlanta Falcons, who are even tougher against the run (third-least fantasy points to running backs). But I trust Foster can find a way to 100 total yards and a touchdown.
The Cardinals' Larry Fitzgerald ranks tied for eighth in standard wide receiver fantasy points this season, despite Skelton and Kevin Kolb acting as quarterbacks. Other wide receivers that have been able to overcome shoddy quarterback play to provide useful stats include Dwayne Bowe, Brandon Marshall and St. Louis Rams trade acquisition Brandon Lloyd, who gets into double digits weekly despite Sam Bradford struggling. Even Eric Decker of Denver is the No. 12 wide receiver for the season. His former quarterback is elsewhere, and his current one is winning games with his legs, not his arm.
Andre Johnson might not perform at the level of Calvin Johnson, Wes Welker or Steve Smith the rest of the season, but he's worth activating and expecting production from, even with T.J. Yates or -- yikes! -- new backup Jake Delhomme at quarterback. And there's no way I'd sit Foster. Here are a few other thoughts that jumped to mind when ranking players for Week 13:

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<CITE>Kim Klement/US Presswire</CITE>LeGarrette Blount versus the Panthers' defense? Advantage, Blount.

• I feel like we've spent considerable time this season -- more than in previous years -- discussing awful run defenses and how to take advantage of them. For a while there, the whipping boys were the Colts, Philadelphia Eagles and Rams, and make no mistake, those units still stink. But the numbers show a fantasy owner cannot go wrong with a running back against the Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, too. This week those teams face off, but because of the still-annoying timeshare with Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams, neither seems like a safe RB2 choice. I expect one or both to reach double digits in fantasy points, but to match recent performances against the Bucs -- Chris Johnson rambled for 190 yards in Week 12 -- seems unlikely. LeGarrette Blount, meanwhile, made my top 5! If you're thinking ahead, note that Blount gets the Panthers again in Week 16! The Buccaneers try to stop Maurice Jones-Drew and DeMarco Murray in Weeks 13 and 14, respectively. Best of luck with that.
• Speaking of Cowboys, few wide receivers are playing better than journeyman Laurent Robinson. He has seven touchdowns in five weeks, double the fantasy points of Dez Bryant during that span, and the pending return of Miles Austin should make things interesting this week. I ranked Robinson better than Bryant and Austin. My thinking is it should take Austin time to get back to full strength and speed, but also that it's crazy to send Robinson to the bench. This is similar to Victor Cruz of the New York Giants. Play the hot hand -- or in this case, hands. Frankly, I think Bryant is in some danger of getting lost target-wise in future weeks. This week, though, in a tasty matchup in Arizona, I'd trust Robinson the most, and Austin the least. • As for those Thursday night wide receivers -- that's right, get those lineups in by Thursday! -- I think it's safe to assume Sidney Rice and Jeremy Maclin won't be contributors, perhaps for a few more weeks. The Eagles still get shredded through the air, Seattle has allowed 38 fantasy points to wide receivers the past two weeks, and opposing quarterbacks Sam Bradford and Rex Grossman are less than inspiring … but I don't see these 4-7 teams airing things out. I did not rank much-maligned DeSean Jackson in the top 20. That ship has sailed, contract push or not. In deeper leagues, Riley Cooper and Doug Baldwin are reasonable flex choices, but not preferred. Watch McCoy and Marshawn Lynch carry the weight in a boring 13-10 type yawner.

HacheMan · Nov 30, 2011

Carries inside the 10 declining

Current trend could affect fantasy value of running backs if fewer touchdowns available

By Ken Daube
Special to ESPN.com

It should be absolutely no surprise that running backs who get the most carries inside their opponents' 10-yard line are more likely to be better options than those who don't get as many carries in that area. But are you aware of how significant the difference is?
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<CITE>Mitch Stringer/US Presswire</CITE>Ray Rice can do plenty of damage, whether by the goal line or by catching passes out of the backfield.

There are exactly 14 running backs who are averaging more than 1.1 carries per game inside their opponents' 10-yard line: Michael Turner (26 carries for the season), Ray Rice (26), LeSean McCoy (21), Cedric Benson (21), Frank Gore (19), Arian Foster (19), BenJarvus Green-Ellis (19), Michael Bush (17), Rashard Mendenhall (17), Adrian Peterson (17), Maurice Jones-Drew (16), Mike Tolbert (16), Beanie Wells (15) and Fred Jackson (14). It shouldn't surprise you that nine of the top 10 fantasy running backs are on this list. The only top-10 running back not on the list is Matt Forte, who excels in the receiving game. The five running backs not in the top 10 (Benson, Gore, Green-Ellis, Mendenhall and Tolbert) are all productive fantasy backs and still among the top 25.

Now, I'm not shocked if you might feel that this is kind of obvious stuff. Good backs who get goal-line opportunities should be expected to be good fantasy producers. But are you aware that the frequency of these types of rushes has been declining since the beginning of the year?

Over the first eight weeks of the season, there were an average of 4.4 carries per game that came inside an opponent's 10-yard line. This number is in line with the 2006-10 seasons when the average was 4.2 carries per game. Over the past four weeks, that average has dropped to just 3.2 per game. While a difference of 1.2 carries per game may not seem significant, that drop would result in an annualized reduction of 272 rushing attempts in this scoring zone. When you also realize that 27.1 percent of these types of carries have been converted into touchdowns so far this season (compared to 28.3 percent for 2006-10), you realize that this trend would produce 73 to 77 fewer rushing touchdowns from this range over the course of a season.

Now, it is entirely possible that this four-week period is a statistical anomaly. However, if it is the beginning of a trend, this would represent the need for an absolute cosmic shift in the valuations of skill position players within fantasy football. This column will monitor this statistic for the remainder of the season in an attempt to keep everyone ahead of the curve.

On target

Receiving yardage is variable because so much of it is dependent on where the quarterback elects to throw the ball. The variations in the number of times a player is targeted by his quarterback may greatly alter a player's value. It's important to look at the underlying target metric on a weekly basis to determine which stud performances were flukes and which dud performances can be written off to a bad day. With that in mind, the table below not only lists those players who are averaging seven targets a game, but also provides the standard deviation of the game numbers. Players with a low deviation have a similar number of targets each game, where players with larger deviations have larger swings in the number of targets seen on a game to game basis.

The following is a list of players who are averaging seven or more targets per game over the last four weeks. An "N/A" designation in the standard deviation column simply means the player's data set does not have enough points to have a standard deviation determined.
<TABLE><THEAD><TR><TH>Player (Team) </TH><TH>YTD Targets </TH><TH>Avg. Past 4 Wks </TH><TH>Std. Dev. </TH></TR></THEAD><TBODY><TR class=last><TD>Calvin Johnson (Det) </TD><TD>109 </TD><TD>11.7 </TD><TD>6.4 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Brandon Lloyd (Den - StL) </TD><TD>102 </TD><TD>11.5 </TD><TD>2.4 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Victor Cruz (NYG) </TD><TD>86 </TD><TD>11 </TD><TD>0.8 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Roddy White (Atl) </TD><TD>112 </TD><TD>10.8 </TD><TD>3.3 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Larry Fitzgerald (Ari) </TD><TD>101 </TD><TD>10.8 </TD><TD>2.1 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Jimmy Graham (NO) </TD><TD>102 </TD><TD>9.3 </TD><TD>2.3 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Dwayne Bowe (KC) </TD><TD>100 </TD><TD>9.3 </TD><TD>1.7 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Rob Gronkowski (NE) </TD><TD>84 </TD><TD>9.3 </TD><TD>4.8 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Greg Salas (StL) </TD><TD>38 </TD><TD>9 </TD><TD>N/A </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Mike Williams (TB) </TD><TD>98 </TD><TD>8.8 </TD><TD>2.9 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Greg Little (Cle) </TD><TD>86 </TD><TD>8.8 </TD><TD>3 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>DeSean Jackson (Phi) </TD><TD>75 </TD><TD>8.7 </TD><TD>1.2 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Marcedes Lewis (Jac) </TD><TD>62 </TD><TD>8.7 </TD><TD>4.9 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Steve Smith (Car) </TD><TD>98 </TD><TD>8.3 </TD><TD>1.5 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Wes Welker (NE) </TD><TD>116 </TD><TD>8.3 </TD><TD>3.9 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Steve Breaston (KC) </TD><TD>66 </TD><TD>8.3 </TD><TD>2.1 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Brandon Marshall (Mia) </TD><TD>99 </TD><TD>8 </TD><TD>3.6 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Steve Johnson (Buf) </TD><TD>92 </TD><TD>8 </TD><TD>3.6 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Jerome Simpson (Cin) </TD><TD>75 </TD><TD>8 </TD><TD>4.2 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Santonio Holmes (NYJ) </TD><TD>73 </TD><TD>8 </TD><TD>1.4 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Percy Harvin (Min) </TD><TD>67 </TD><TD>8 </TD><TD>0 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Tony Gonzalez (Atl) </TD><TD>83 </TD><TD>7.8 </TD><TD>2.1 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Vincent Jackson (SD) </TD><TD>83 </TD><TD>7.8 </TD><TD>3.8 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Laurent Robinson (Dal) </TD><TD>59 </TD><TD>7.8 </TD><TD>4.4 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Antonio Gates (SD) </TD><TD>59 </TD><TD>7.8 </TD><TD>3.3 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Antonio Brown (Pit) </TD><TD>86 </TD><TD>7.7 </TD><TD>2.9 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Hakeem Nicks (NYG) </TD><TD>85 </TD><TD>7.7 </TD><TD>4 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Greg Olsen (Car) </TD><TD>75 </TD><TD>7.7 </TD><TD>4.2 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Nate Burleson (Det) </TD><TD>67 </TD><TD>7.7 </TD><TD>1.2 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Harry Douglas (Atl) </TD><TD>52 </TD><TD>7.7 </TD><TD>5.5 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Anquan Boldin (Bal) </TD><TD>93 </TD><TD>7.5 </TD><TD>3.7 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Kellen Winslow (TB) </TD><TD>88 </TD><TD>7.5 </TD><TD>2.4 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Ray Rice (Bal) </TD><TD>79 </TD><TD>7.5 </TD><TD>3.3 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Leonard Hankerson (Was) </TD><TD>20 </TD><TD>7.5 </TD><TD>2.1 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Brandon Pettigrew (Det) </TD><TD>82 </TD><TD>7.3 </TD><TD>2.1 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Mike Wallace (Pit) </TD><TD>80 </TD><TD>7.3 </TD><TD>2.3 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Plaxico Burress (NYJ) </TD><TD>74 </TD><TD>7.3 </TD><TD>1.7 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Dez Bryant (Dal) </TD><TD>67 </TD><TD>7.3 </TD><TD>1.5 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Andre Caldwell (Cin) </TD><TD>65 </TD><TD>7.3 </TD><TD>2.9 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Mike Tolbert (SD) </TD><TD>64 </TD><TD>7.3 </TD><TD>2.4 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Damian Williams (Ten) </TD><TD>58 </TD><TD>7.3 </TD><TD>2.9 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Vincent Brown (SD) </TD><TD>33 </TD><TD>7.3 </TD><TD>2.8 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Jabar Gaffney (Was) </TD><TD>76 </TD><TD>7 </TD><TD>2.2 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Michael Crabtree (SF) </TD><TD>74 </TD><TD>7 </TD><TD>2.9 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Jeremy Maclin (Phi) </TD><TD>68 </TD><TD>7 </TD><TD>2.8 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Brent Celek (Phi) </TD><TD>67 </TD><TD>7 </TD><TD>1.4 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Andre Roberts (Ari) </TD><TD>59 </TD><TD>7 </TD><TD>1.6 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Denarius Moore (Oak) </TD><TD>56 </TD><TD>7 </TD><TD>5 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Santana Moss (Was) </TD><TD>50 </TD><TD>7 </TD><TD>N/A </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Roy Helu (Was) </TD><TD>44 </TD><TD>7 </TD><TD>6.4 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Some general observations on Week 12 games:

Jason Avant, Philadelphia Eagles (14 targets, 8 receptions, 110 yards): The boo-birds are out in Philadelphia, but the Eagles faithful should be praising the solid play of Avant. The Eagles play Thursday night, and you can expect Avant to post another solid fantasy game since Jeremy Maclin is likely to remain sidelined.

Steve Johnson, Buffalo Bills (13 targets, 8 receptions, 75 yards): How Johnson could claim on Twitter that he didn't drop the potential game-winning catch is beyond me, but the important fact is that he did some real damage against the talented New York Jets secondary. It looks as if Ryan Fitzpatrick and Johnson are back on the same page, which means Johnson is good to go for the rest of the season.

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<CITE>Daniel Shirey/US Presswire</CITE>Roddy White is now looking like the elite fantasy wide receiver many expected him to be.

Roddy White, Atlanta Falcons (13 targets, 10 receptions, 120 yards): Early this season, specifically through Week 4, White was dropping 13.3 percent of his targets. Since then he has only dropped 4.5 percent of the balls thrown his way. That change, not Julio Jones' absence, is the real reason for White's resurgence to elite status.

Laurent Robinson, Dallas Cowboys (12 targets, 7 receptions, 79 yards): Justifiably, I was called out in the comments section following my last column after Robinson went off for two scores against the Miami Dolphins. Robinson has filled in solidly while Miles Austin has been sidelined and deserves to be credited for it.

Vincent Brown, San Diego Chargers (10 targets, 3 receptions, 50 yards): Every now and then, a player receives an abnormal number of targets and appears on the radar. Forget the blip that is Brown. Between Philip Rivers' off-year and the presence of Vincent Jackson and Antonio Gates, Brown is a ticket to nowhere.

Matt Forte, Chicago Bears (10 targets, 6 receptions, 25 yards): The side effect of Jay Cutler's injury is that defenses will now be able to stack the box in an attempt to contain Matt Forte. While Forte's line of 12 rushes for 59 yards seems OK, he broke one run for 33 yards which means that the other 11 attempts went for just 26 yards (2.4 yards per carry). Since the majority of Forte's passing game impact comes via the screen or underneath routes, the compressed defensive box may also limit him to fewer yards per catch as well.

Arian Foster, Houston Texans (9 targets, 7 receptions, 24 yards): Some might think that the loss of Matt Schaub, and to a lesser extent Matt Leinart, will negatively affect Foster. I don't. In six of his nine games this season, Foster has more yards after the catch than he does receiving yards, which means that his average catch position for all of his catches in those games is behind the line of scrimmage. Those are the easiest throws for quarterbacks to complete and the presence of Andre Johnson should limit the ability of opposing defensive coordinators to employ eight- or nine-man fronts.

Santonio Holmes, New York Jets (9 targets, 2 receptions, 22 yards): Sometimes a touchdown can make you forget that a player just didn't bring it. That's the case with Holmes, who has just four games in which he has posted at least 10 fantasy points. For the 25th-most targeted wide receiver in the league in targets, more should be produced.

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<CITE>Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images</CITE>Percy Harvin is becoming a favorite target of Christian Ponder and converting on the looks as well.

Percy Harvin, Minnesota Vikings (8 targets, 8 receptions, 95 yards): The Christian Ponder era is upon us and it appears that the Vikings coaching staff plans to actually utilize the offensive weapons that are present on the team to make Ponder's transition easier. Harvin is part of that equation and has received eight targets in each of the Vikings' past three games, making him a must-start going forward.

Scott Chandler, Buffalo Bills (7 targets, 6 receptions, 50 yards): It might be tough to accept, but the Ryan Fitzpatrick-to-Chandler connection is clicking over the past two weeks. Those of you with Antonio Gates on your rosters would be well-served to add Chandler for your playoff run, considering that the San Diego Chargers may decide to sit Gates if they fall out further of contention.

Roy Helu, Washington Redskins (7 targets, 7 receptions, 54 yards): Not that you can trust Mike Shanahan, but you have to be impressed with the fact that the Washington Redskins' coaching staff felt confident enough not to just start Helu, but to also keep him in on passing situations. This bodes very well for Helu's long-term value.

Jermichael Finley, Green Bay Packers (5 targets, 2 receptions, 38 yards): It's hard to call someone as talented as Finley a bust, but we are just about there.

Big plays, up close

There were 12 NFL players who totaled three or more rushes of 10 or more yards: Chris Johnson (8), Ryan Mathews (5), Beanie Wells (5), Shonn Greene (4), Cedric Benson (3), LeGarrette Blount (3), Donald Brown (3), Reggie Bush (3), Roy Helu (3), Marshawn Lynch (3), Willis McGahee (3) and Cam Newton (3).

Chris Johnson? That's a lot of production, but it's way too late and it's just one game. If a player is capable of disappearing for that long, let him disappoint someone else.

Donald Brown has a 2-1 Big Play Rush-to-Stuffed Behind the Line of Scrimmage ratio, and a 4.7 yards per carry average. Those are impressive numbers that will earn him a backup spot on another team next season. Whereever he lands, keep him on your radar, as he is not as bad as his reputation might have you believe.

Only four NFL players got three or more rushes inside their opponent's 10-yard line: Cedric Benson (6), Arian Foster (3), LeSean McCoy (3) and Ray Rice (3). Each plays for a team that is consistently finishing high in this metric. Since Foster, McCoy and Rice are also heavily involved in their team's passing attacks, it is no surprise that they represent the elite class of running backs. If the average number of inside-the-10 carries continues to decrease across the league as mentioned before, the value for these three running backs will move from elite to essential to own.

HacheMan · Dec 1, 2011

Twitter Amnesty

By Matthew Berry
ESPN.com

So I get email.

Jay (Los Angeles): Trying to follow you on twitter and it is telling me I am blocked. Should I take this personally?

TMR: Probably, yeah.

Dan (Culver City, Calif.): Berry I am sorry. Super Sorry. I made a stupid tweet almost a year ago now. I can't have a fantasy football season and not follow you on twitter. Please unblock me.

TMR: So I get a decent amount of these type of emails. The reason I do, I am guessing, is that I block people on Twitter. I don't know if you're supposed to admit that, but I always try to be as honest as I can, so yeah. I'm a blocker.

I don't keep track, but if I had to guess, I'd probably say I've blocked about 250-300 people on Twitter in the past 18 months. That's a very small percentage of the followers I have, but still, I block and I do so without hesitation.

We've had some fun talking about it on the podcast but I've never really addressed it in this column. My co-host Nate thinks I am too sensitive and shouldn't block people. I've gotten other emails, tweets and Facebook posts with similar sentiments, saying, hey, you're in the public eye. You should have thicker skin.

Maybe they are right. Maybe I'm the only one. I mean, I know Howard Stern openly discusses blocking people on his SiriusXM radio show, but what about others?

So I thought I'd take a quick poll of some of the folks I follow on Twitter who have large and/or really engaged Twitter followings. I wanted a wide cross-section of different ages, genders and professions. ESPN folks were not included in the survey.

I asked all of them two quick questions. Do you block people on Twitter? Why or why not?

@TuckerMax (followers: 218,295) Hell yes I block people! People are absolutely entitled to be idiots if they want, but I am also entitled to not have to deal with their idiocy. Blocked!

@robertabooey (Gary "BabaBooey" Dell'Abate, 170,540 followers) I block people all the time. Jason Kaplan, who works for me, gave me a great philosophy. I take crap on the air all day long and that's my choice. Twitter is my thing and I don't need to be harassed by people looking for a fight. I tell people up front, if you're going to be a jerk I will block you. I'm up for discussions and disagreements but I don't need to be called names. And blocking jerks is cathartic!

@LoMoMarlins (Marlins OF Logan Morrison, 76,139 followers): I have only blocked one person. It got pretty ugly, but she went crazy. So, I had to do it. Otherwise, I just make fun of them. Someone once told me, the only reason someone makes fun of you is because they are jealous.
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<CITE>Kirby Lee/US Presswire</CITE>Alyssa Milano doesn't mess around with Twitter haters.

@Alyssa_Milano (1,853,919) Yes, I block people but only if they send me lewd, discriminatory or disrespectful tweets.
@TheBigLead (Jason McIntyre of sports blog "TheBigLead") (30,717): Yes I block. If you hate what I write or tweet, why bother follow in the first place? Disagreeing is one thing. But the relentless "you suck, you're an idiot" is a waste of everyone's time. There is one thing in common with the hardcore, daily bile-spewers: the inability to differentiate between "you're" and "your."

@KeithOlbermann (350,525) Of course I block people. I also hit "report as spammer" whenever I can get the button to work. It's just good time management; your attackers are usually anonymous, stupid, possibly users of troll accounts, and have 2 to 20 followers. It's like vaporizing them. As to the very few who actually exist under their own names, I tend to abuse in return, often retweeting them so others can join in on what I like to call "batting practice." It's just too easy - I think I've received two intelligent critical tweets in eighteen months on Twitter.

@Jaimeedmondson (45,006) I refuse to block them. I'm too stubborn to give them the satisfaction of knowing I took the time to do it.

@AmyKNelson (SB Nation's Sr. Correspondent, 46,989 followers): I have no issue blocking people because, quite frankly, I encounter enough stupidity and if I can avoid it, I will. Conversely, if you insult me but bring a rational, decent argument for why (or make me laugh) I can respect that. For instance, one person wrote to me that he disagreed with everyone attacking me because of my gender. His argument? It's not because I'm a woman, it's because I'm just a terrible journalist. That amused me; he made the cut. But if you use lazy stereotypes and cliches about my gender, and spice it up with some sweet profanity? #adios.

@DustinKeller81 (68,650): I do block people on twitter, it's always people that are hating for no good reason…everything they say is negative and they are things they would never say to your face.

@Richarddeitsch (28,910) I don't block people on Twitter. Oh, I have been tempted. And part of me wants to block someone who annoys me (say, Mario Lopez) just for fun. But I respect the conversation on Twitter, even when people are bashing me or bashing something I've written. I haven't had too many people cross the line of decency but when that's happened, I've either ignored them or responded to them directly with humor. I don't broadcast it to the masses. One of the things I really like about Twitter is that it gives readers access to writers. I respect that principle, and can deal with the occasional venom. So no blocking, at least for now.

@MatthewBerryTMR: Agree with the sentiments. To Tucker, Gary and Amy's point, I'm a public person and as such, my picks and analysis are fair game for criticism. No issue with that. But it doesn't mean I have to read it or allow you to try and aim it at me. To Jason's point, if you think my picks are terrible or I'm bad at my job, why do you want to follow me? And why do you get upset when I block you?
I agree with Dustin that the anonymity of the Internet seems to give cowards the courage to say things they would never say to you personally. As much anger as I receive online, when I meet people in public they are 99.9 percent of time unbelievably kind and gracious. Logan's correct in that a lot of it seems to be inspired by jealousy, and as Keith, Gary and Amy mention … I've no issue with people disagreeing in a respectful tone. "Hey Berry, why this guy over that one? I love that one this week." But as Keith and Gary both mention, it's kind of fun to block the jerks.

I get what Logan, Jamie and Richard are saying and I respect them for it. I'm not built like that. I realize it's a bit odd to block since I also print hate mail, but it's different to me for two reasons. One, when I print hate mail, it's to make fun of it. They're not friends. I feel like my Twitter followers are my friends. I only want friends following me. Anyone can read the column.
There are other reasons I block that weren't mentioned. I block when someone makes something up, especially if they try to start something on Twitter. "Hey, 'name of athlete,' you see @MatthewBerryTMR said you sucked?" No one likes a tattletale, especially me. And honestly, if you're consistently badmouthing me -- either to your own Twitter following or, worse, as my readers will gladly let me know, without even using my Twitter handle, which is the online equivalent of talking behind someone's back -- then I really have no use for you, and I don't care whether you're a regular reader or even someone else in the fantasy industry.

There's too much negativity in the world to begin with. I mean, who is sending nasty tweets to Alyssa Milano? I wouldn't call us good friends or anything but I do know her a little and she's very possibly the nicest person on the planet. She's also a terrific tweeter whose message is super positive.

So with this being the start of Jimmy V week, I wanted to try to turn the negativity of Twitter hate into something positive. So Jay in L.A., and Dan in Culver City, and everyone else, haters and fans alike, here's your chance at Twitter amnesty. I will happily unblock you from Twitter. All you have to do is make a donation to the Jimmy V fund. There is no minimum amount. Everyone can afford different things. You want to go to the trouble of donating one cent for something like cancer research, that's on you. But any amount, you're unblocked. Here's what you do.

1. Click here to make a donation.
2. Send a copy of the receipt or confirmation to me at MatthewBerryTMR@gmail.com. Put "TWITTER" in the title.
3. Make sure you include your Twitter handle.

That's it. I'll probably give some Twitter shoutouts to those who do this as well. You've got until the next Love/Hate comes out, sometime next Thursday afternoon. One thing, though: Doing this doesn't grant you immunity. Be a jerk again, you get blocked again.

Oh, and I set up that email address specifically for this project, so if you need to reach me, I'll happily respond on Twitter or Facebook.

The Jimmy V Week for Cancer Research is a good cause and I hope that even if you're not looking for amnesty, or don't even care to follow me on Twitter, you'll consider donating anyway. Simply click on the link above. You can even donate in honor or memory of a loved one.

As we enter Week 13 of the fantasy football season, it's make-or-break time for many. And while it was much more important in the context in which Jimmy V originally gave it, the sentiment rings true for everyone this week as well. "Don't give up. Don't ever give up."

Week 13 Players I Love

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<CITE>Getty Images</CITE>Paulina Gretzky didn't just block people on Twitter. She obliterated her entire following! She's like the Chuck Norris of Twitter-blocking.

Tony Romo, QB, Cowboys: Easter Bunny. Santa. That Kim and Kris were ever truly in love. That Tim Tebow is a calculated media act. That Anne Hathaway is really engaged. That there is a right way to win at fantasy sports. That people actually eat from the free buffets at gentlemen's clubs. That my Redskins will win another game. That Paulina Gretzky won't have her own reality show within six months. The Arizona Cardinals secondary. That Tony Romo isn't worth a top-five ranking this week. Sorry, just listing a bunch of things I don't believe in.

Tim Tebow, QB, Broncos: He's been a starting quarterback for six weeks. He's been in the "love" list for six weeks. In that time, he's averaging 17.2 fantasy points a game. That's seventh-best in the NFL over that time frame, better than guys like Romo, Eli Manning or Ben Roethlisberger. Tristan Cockcroft does a great column every week called Consistency Rankings, and as Tristan (@sultanofstat on Twitter!) notes: Tebow now has nine career NFL starts and he is 8-for-9 in "Start"-worthy (basically, 15 points-plus) performances. His "start-worthy" percentage is 89 percent. In fact, he's been a "Stud" (20-plus points) five times. Also, he's a much better person than me. I bet he never blocks anyone on Twitter.
Vince Young, QB, Eagles: Told you guys that an Andy Reid quarterback would put up big fantasy points! (Bangs head against desk until it bleeds profusely). Anyway, the Seahawks are actually tough to run on, but easy to throw against. Seahawks corners are slow, slow, slow. In fact, they fail to pass the all-telling "Rex test." As in, when Rex Grossman throws for 314 and two scores against you, the sky is the limit for good quarterbacks. Especially with DeSean Jackson and Riley Cooper beating these guys deep. Young's 84 pass attempts in two weeks are skewed a bit by the junk time in the massive blowout loss to the Patriots, but he had 36 passes in a win against the Giants. If you're scrambling a bit this week (see what I did there? Scrambling? Vince? Whatever, it's a Thursday game. You never waste the good jokes on the Thursday game), Young is available in 92 percent of leagues and should be a very solid top-10 play.

Matt Moore, QB, Dolphins: Want me to go Next Level? You sure you can handle it, kemosabe? Well, while you decide -- or better yet, look up the definition of "kemosabe" -- I will tell you that Moore, in the month of November, is top-five in the NFL in 30-yard pass plays and completion percentage. Brian Daboll, the Dolphins' offensive coordinator, is quietly doing a great job of opening up this offense, as Moore's 9.4 air yards per attempt is tied for fourth-highest in the NFL. Always like being at home against a West Coast team traveling east for a 1 p.m. ET game, and the Raiders are giving up the fifth-most fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks. If you need a guy in a deeper league, I kinda like me some Matt Moore this week.

If you're desperate: I know it's on the road against the Steelers, but Andy Dalton still has had double-digit fantasy points in eight straight weeks, including an earlier matchup with the Steelers. Alex Smith is another fairly safe bet for double digits against a Rams secondary that has been decimated by injuries. And finally -- and remember that this is the "desperate" section and that he will have a bunch of turnovers -- but if you play in a deep league that doesn't count turnovers, I could see Rex Grossman needing to throw a lot in this game and putting up decent numbers.

Frank Gore, RB, 49ers: Many people on Facebook and Twitter questioned my Gore at No. 2 rank for this week. I can only assume they didn't see Beanie Wells, aka "Beanie Freaking Wells? Arghhh!," run for over 200 and a score against the Rams, who are 32nd in the NFL against the run. Gore has had extra rest since playing on Thanksgiving and, if he does sit out the fourth with a big lead, it'll be because he's done the kind of damage that has led to him being sixth in rushing yards this season. And oh yeah, only four running backs have more 20-plus-yard runs this year than Gore. And you know what? The Rams are not shy about giving up the big run. Just sayin'.
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<CITE>AP Photo/Chris O'Meara</CITE>Blount!

LeGarrette Blount, RB, Buccaneers: I wish, when he jumped over people, he would scream "Blount!" It's like an old Batman sound effect. "Blam!" "Pow!" "Blount!!" From the obvious analysis department, the Panthers are terrible against the run and the Bucs have finally realized they need to run the ball. Blount was started in only 74 percent of leagues last week. Let's make it 100 percent this week, shall we, kids?

Reggie Bush, RB, Dolphins: Apparently, I'm on the Dolphins this week. Huh. Oakland is 27th against the run and I expect Miami to create situations to get Bush in space, just as they have the past four games, where Reggie has four scores in Weeks 9-11, and 96 total yards in Week 12 at Dallas. Who are much better than Oakland at run defense.

BenJarvus Green-Ellis, RB, Patriots: Speaking of good matchups …

If you're desperate: You always play with fire when you go Redskins running back, but I've long loved Roy Helu's talent and feel the reward outweighs the risk as a flex play this week. You never know what to make of the Panthers' run game, but against the Bucs, there should be enough for both Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams to get some. With the Rams defense not putting up much of a fight these days, Kendall Hunter could get some good junk time run against that 32nd-ranked run defense.

Brandon Marshall, WR, Dolphins: Who knew? Go Fins.

Laurent Robinson, WR, Cowboys: As of this writing, I don't think Miles Austin plays. I didn't rank him in my Wednesday ranks. Obviously, follow that closely. But even if active, I still have Robinson the highest among the Cowboy wideouts. As Paul Carr from ESPN Stats & Information points out, over the past three weeks (with Miles out), Robinson has four of Dallas' six red zone targets. In the entire NFL, in fact, only Roddy White has more targets than Robinson over that time frame. In addition, he has a receiving touchdown in five straight games. Five. Only other guy to do that this year is … Calvin Johnson. If I have him, I'm starting him, period.

Antonio Brown, WR, Steelers: Fun fact about Antonio Brown. He has one drop this year. One. His 98 percent catch percentage is 11th-best in the NFL. If only he were getting the ball a lot … oh wait. He leads the Steelers in targets and he's actually top-10 in the NFL in targets since Week 7. Five straight games now with at least eight fantasy points, including the last time he faced the Bengals. Now that I think about it, that fact was less "fun" and more "informative." Here's a fun one: His father is Arena Football League legend Eddie "Touchdown" Brown. Hmm. That's not fun, that's biographical. Okay, here's a fun one: He is dating former "America's Next Top Model" winner Adrienne Curry. Here's one more fun fact: I completely made that up because I couldn't find any fun facts on Antonio Brown. I'm a fan of Adrienne's, though. She's a fun Twitter follow.

Eric Decker, WR, Broncos: Four scores in five games, Vikes give up the second-most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers. Only flaw in his game is he's yet to "Tebow" after scoring.

Deion Branch, WR, Patriots: Eighth among wide receivers in yards after the catch this year, he's fast and the Colts are, um, not. They allow the fifth-most yards after the catch of any team in the NFL. Always tough to predict what the Patriots will do in their pass game, but given the matchup, Branch makes a solid No. 3 wideout or flex play with upside.

Riley Cooper, WR, Eagles: See Young, Vince. Eight for 146 and a score (on 17 targets) in the two weeks that Vince Young has started and Jeremy Maclin has been out. Same thing is happening this week with another good matchup. Cooper available in 99 percent of leagues.

If you're desperate: With three scores in his last four, Damian Williams continues to find ways to be productive. C.J. Spiller qualifies as a wide receiver in ESPN leagues. Any time a wideout is gonna touch the ball 15 to 20 times, it's a pretty good sign. Titans give up the 11th-most fantasy points to opposing running backs, making Spiller even more valuable at wideout. Jabar Gaffney has at least seven points in three of four games and might get extra love with Santana Moss on Revis Island.
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<CITE>Eric Hartline/US Presswire</CITE>No, that's not an extra from "The Walking Dead." It's fantasy zombie Brent Celek, who was left for dead after Week 5 after three consecutive zeroes brought his season total up to a whopping 5 points.

Brent Celek, TE, Eagles: Fantasy zombie! Averaging over eight points a game in his last six, he has 135 yards in his last two games with VY at the helm (eight receptions on 12 targets) and Seattle allows, well, a lot. It's a fairly liberal city. I hear, one time, they applauded musicians who played wearing flannel! Also, their football team is tied for the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing tight ends.

Fred Davis, TE, Redskins: Fourth in yardage among tight ends, he's the best shot the Redskins have of doing anything considering the corners the Jets have. The Jets give up over 63 yards a game to opposing tight ends, and that sounds about right as a benchmark for Davis, with some upside for a bit more.

Jake Ballard, TE, Giants: Lotta passing gonna be needed from Eli Manning in this one. The Packers allow the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing tight ends, and Ballard is averaging six targets a game since the Giants' bye.

If you're desperate: Scott Chandler has a nice matchup with the Titans and has 121 yards the past two weeks. In return, the Bills are super-friendly to opposing tight ends and Jared Cook continues to be more and more involved in the offense.

Denver Broncos D/ST: Averaging over eight points in their past four road games, they will likely get a rookie quarterback and no Adrian Peterson. Since Ponder took over as quarterback, defenses have averaged over nine points a game against them. Only three teams allow more sacks than Minnesota, and the way Von Miller and Elvis Dumervil are playing, that's not gonna improve any Sunday. The Broncos' D is available in 94 percent of leagues.

New England Patriots D/ST: You better watch out, you better not cry , you better not bench 'em, I'm telling you why … Dan Orlovsky's coming to town!

Jacksonville Jaguars D/ST: It's been a mess in Jacksonville this year, but the defense has been solid. New coach, Monday night home game (they should be fired up) and the best thing to happen to defenses since Rex Grossman, Mr. Philip Rivers, is in town fresh off a 2,000-mile flight. Averaging over 10 points a game since their bye week, the Jags are available in about 80 percent of leagues and are a very solid play this week.

If you're desperate: The Dolphins (shocked? I kind of am) have quietly played very strong defense lately (almost 16 points a game in their last two home games) and Carson Palmer has been known to throw a pick or two in his day.

Week 13 Players I Hate

Scott Van Pelt

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Matthew Berry shares his thoughts on the fantasy values of Vince Young and Philip Rivers, the NFC East, Twitter and more.
More Podcasts »

Philip Rivers, QB, Chargers: He should send a bouquet to Michael Vick for falling on the "disappointing fantasy quarterback" sword, because he's actually been much, much worse than Vick on a per-game basis. Drafted on average 19th overall (end of the second round), Rivers has just one 20 point game this year. Too many turnovers, bad (and conservative) play calling by Norv Turner, but I'll say this for him; He was on the hate list last week and he didn't disappoint me. I mean, last week in overtime, while just trying to get into field goal range, Norv ran three run plays in a row for no yardage (and one big loss) rather than letting Rivers try to improve their field position with a short pass to Antonio Gates or something. Brutal. I feel ya, Chargers fans. Anyway, on a long trip to Jacksonville (fourth against the pass, fifth in scoring defense, sixth in fewest fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks), I'm avoiding if I can.

Carson Palmer, QB, Raiders: Mentioned the Dolphins defense in the love section, and what might appear at first glance as a good matchup, frankly, isn't. Since its bye week (seven games), Miami has allowed just seven touchdown passes and only two quarterbacks to pass for over 250 yards, while generating eight turnovers.
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<CITE>Getty Images</CITE>Some simple fantasy math: Fantasy Stud + 49ers D = Fantasy Dud.

Steven Jackson, RB, Rams: Always start your studs. Against the 49ers' run defense, there is no such thing. Isn't that right, Ray Rice owners?

Ryan Mathews, RB, Chargers: I'm too low on him in my initial ranks and he'll come up a bit in the Friday update, but, I don't know. I thought that, despite the injuries, the Jags' run defense looked pretty good last week against a very good Texans run game. And again, I'm expecting the Jags to come out pumped to play for the new coach -- their defensive coordinator Mel Tucker -- and in front of a national Monday night audience. Mathews hasn't scored since Week 3, so despite how good he looked last week, it's hard to have him inside my top 15.

Toby Gerhart, RB, Vikings: Fair warning. He was on this list last week and scored a touchdown. But otherwise, felt he was fairly unimpressive. Takes one to know one, right kids? Hey-o! As written above, I'm a believer in Denver's defense.

Peyton Hillis, RB, Browns: Nice to see him back. That's, um, pretty much all I got. Averaging just 3.5 yards per carry, you obviously have to hate the matchup and well, I have no problem dumping him, let alone leaving him on your bench this week.

Kevin Smith, RB, Lions: Don't think he plays, and if he does, I don't trust he stays healthy for the whole game.

Percy Harvin, WR, Vikings: Love him as a player and I do think, just like last week, they will do what they can to get him in space and find different ways for him to touch the ball. But with a rookie quarterback (even one like Ponder that I like, skills-wise), I don't see Harvin doing that much damage against Champ Bailey. The Broncos have allowed just one score to an opposing wide receiver in their past four games, including shutting down Vincent Jackson, Santonio Holmes and Dwayne Bowe the past three weeks.

Dwayne Bowe, WR, Chiefs: Speaking of Bowe, I don't care who is throwing him the ball this week. Tyler Palko has yet to throw a touchdown pass this year and I'm not sure Kyle Orton, with less than two weeks with the team, is that much of an improvement. On the road at Chicago, I have Bowe outside my top 20.

Santana Moss, WR, Redskins: Revis. Rex. Bleah.

Anquan Boldin, WR, Ravens: Joe Haden is the real deal for the Browns, and teams just don't need to pass against Cleveland because they are so bad against the run. This game is all Ray Rice, putting Boldin -- of whom I am normally a fan -- outside my top 20.

Tony Gonzalez, TE, Falcons: He's been terrific this year and I still have him inside my top 10. Chances are you don't have a better option, so you're starting him. But he's not a top-five play for me this week the way he normally is, as the Texans give up the third-fewest fantasy points to opposing tight ends, having allowed just two touchdowns all year to them, and none at home.

Vernon Davis, TE, 49ers: Like I said last week when he was on the hate list (and went on to put up, ahem, just 38 yards), Davis needs to score this year to maintain fantasy value. Otherwise, he just blocks too much. In non-TD games this year (eight of them), he had over 50 yards receiving in just one of them. Against the Rams, who have allowed just one touchdown to an opposing tight end all year, I don't see him getting in the end zone.

Green Bay Packers D/ST: Just six points total in their past two games, this game has shootout written all over it.

Detroit Lions D/ST: No Suh, and they are on the road at the red-hot Saints. No thanks

HacheMan · Dec 1, 2011

Week 13 flex ranks: Seeing is believing

Eric Karabell

Time to flex! Welcome to the Week 13 flex rankings, our top 100 list combining the best of the running backs, wide receivers and tight ends. Certainly it's crunch time now, and you no doubt have some tough decisions on your hands. We're here to help. By this point, you should have a good idea who the potentially active players for your teams are, so hopefully this list will offer some direction. Still, these are your teams, so it's your decision!

As always, if you need a bit more specific advice, your questions might have been answered in recent chat sessions (mine from Wednesday afternoon and colleague Tristan H. Cockcroft's from Wednesday morning). Also, remember we have the Answer Guys available to help you out. And finally, remember there's a Thursday game, so get those lineups set. Best of luck in Week 13 and beyond!

1. Ray Rice, RB, Ravens: Perhaps you're disappointed in him, but he is the No. 2 running back -- and top 10 overall -- for the season!
2. LeSean McCoy, RB, Eagles: And here's the top running back. A sore toe has him questionable for Thursday night, so please be sure he plays before leaving him active. I think he'll play, and play well.
3. Arian Foster, RB, Texans: Tough matchup, and he has a rookie quarterback handing off to him, but I'm not too concerned.
4. Maurice Jones-Drew, RB, Jaguars: Pretty impressive what he's done this season despite the team's quarterback problems.
5. LeGarrette Blount, RB, Buccaneers: Seems odd to see him ranked so well, but the Panthers can't stop the run. And Blount can run.
6. DeMarco Murray, RB, Cowboys
7. Frank Gore, RB, 49ers
8. Michael Bush, RB, Raiders: Even the potential return of Darren McFadden, who I have not ranked because I don't think he'll play, shouldn't scare Bush owners.
9. Calvin Johnson, WR, Lions: Kind of average over the past three weeks, but the Saints should give him opportunities.
10. Matt Forte, RB, Bears: Definite concerns about him, even before Jay Cutler got hurt.
11. Marshawn Lynch, RB, Seahawks: Nobody can whine about his production, that's for sure.
12. Wes Welker, WR, Patriots: What, the Patriots get another bye this week? That doesn't seem fair! (They play the Colts.)
13. Chris Johnson, RB, Titans: Never thought his rank would depend so much on the matchup, but apparently that's the case. This one against the Bills is a nice matchup.
14. Steve Smith, WR, Panthers
15. Victor Cruz, WR, Giants: The best wide receiver in New York. No, really.
16. Michael Turner, RB, Falcons
17. Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Cardinals: One can only imagine the potential numbers if he were on the Packers.
18. Rob Gronkowski, TE, Patriots: The Colts have a lot of issues on defense, and pretty much no shot of stopping this guy.
19. Willis McGahee, RB, Broncos: Lost in the Tim Tebow love/hate is how productive McGahee continues to be.
20. Brandon Marshall, WR, Dolphins
21. Beanie Wells, RB, Cardinals: Take your pick on 20 rushing yards or 200. Another 200-yard performance would surprise me more.
22. BenJarvus Green-Ellis, RB, Patriots: Perhaps we'll see some Shane Vereen this week, but long after the Law Firm gets his touchdown or two.
23. Roddy White, WR, Falcons
24. Greg Jennings, WR, Packers
25. Jimmy Graham, TE, Saints: Believe it or not, as productive as he has been, his Week 12 game (20 standard fantasy points) was his high score for the season.
26. Reggie Bush, RB, Dolphins: Oddly enough, his carries have risen by precisely one each of the past four weeks, but his fantasy points have dropped each of those weeks.
27. Ryan Mathews, RB, Chargers
28. Hakeem Nicks, WR, Giants
29. Cedric Benson, RB, Bengals: Didn't fare well in his Week 10 meeting with the Steelers, but I could see 60 yards and a score from him this week.
30. Mike Wallace, WR, Steelers: Been kind of quiet, but his upside remains.
31. Darren Sproles, RB, Saints
32. Jordy Nelson, WR, Packers
33. Andre Johnson, WR, Texans: I honestly think T.J. Yates is going to surprise people, and not in a Tyler Palko-type way that makes Chiefs fans scream. The Texans will be fine.
34. Shonn Greene, RB, Jets
35. Marques Colston, WR, Saints
36. Antonio Gates, TE, Chargers
37. Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Steelers
38. Vincent Jackson, WR, Chargers: Perhaps this will be one of his big weeks. If only Philip Rivers were healthy and throwing the ball well.
39. Laurent Robinson, WR, Cowboys: You don't need to feel guilty about playing this guy. Seven touchdowns in five weeks speak loudly.
40. Jonathan Stewart, RB, Panthers: Wonderful matchup against Tampa Bay, but his problem remains competition for touches.
41. Dwayne Bowe, WR, Chiefs: Hey, Kyle Orton can get the ball downfield, and to his own teammates, too!
42. Roy Helu, RB, Redskins: Well, Mike Shanahan claims he's the starter now. And nobody would ever doubt Mike, right?
43. Brandon Lloyd, WR, Rams: Gets his 10 fantasy points every week, regardless of matchup. There's something to be said for consistency. Some prefer this to the Vincent Jackson way of all or nothing. I certainly understand why.
44. DeAngelo Williams, RB, Panthers
45. A.J. Green, WR, Bengals
46. Percy Harvin, WR, Vikings: Playing well enough for your consideration.
47. Steven Jackson, RB, Rams
48. Dez Bryant, WR, Cowboys: Still producing, but he must be labeled a relative disappointment.
49. DeSean Jackson, WR, Eagles: Of course, if we're talking disappointment, the line starts here. Still think everyone does well in contract years?
50. Tony Gonzalez, TE, Falcons: Pretty darn underrated. He's third in tight end scoring!
51. Toby Gerhart, RB, Vikings: I could see another 60 yards and a score. Or nothing if Adrian Peterson makes a triumphant return.
52. Steve Johnson, WR, Bills: Yep, he had a decent fantasy game, but check out the previous month. Now all is well? I don't buy it.
53. C.J. Spiller, RB/WR, Bills: His fans are a bit more quiet after Week 12. Note the WR eligibility, if that matters to you.
54. Mike Williams, WR, Buccaneers: His detractors are also a bit more quiet of late, now that he's scoring touchdowns.
55. Peyton Hillis, RB, Browns: I see 20 carries and 75 yards in his future. That said, his 2010 campaign sure is looking like one of the greatest one-hit wonder fantasy seasons in recent lore.
56. Anquan Boldin, WR, Ravens
57. Jason Witten, TE, Cowboys
58. Antonio Brown, WR, Steelers
59. Marion Barber, RB, Bears: Perhaps you haven't noticed, and judging by Barber's ownership, you have not, but Barber and Matt Forte have the same 14 fantasy points in the past fortnight. Just sayin'.
60. Deion Branch, WR, Patriots: Ranks fifth or sixth on the Colts' list of defensive priorities Sunday.
61. James Starks, RB, Packers
62. Santonio Holmes, WR, Jets
63. Fred Davis, TE, Redskins
64. Lance Moore, WR, Saints: Jimmy Graham is the only Saints player who has scored more touchdowns.
65. Julio Jones, WR, Falcons: I'm pretty sure he'll be targeted this week -- he had no official targets in Week 12 -- for those of you considering him for a flex spot.
66. Brandon Jacobs, RB, Giants: This rank is predicated on Ahmad Bradshaw sitting again. Jacobs just isn't that good.
67. Maurice Morris, RB, Lions: Should get a decent number of touches if Kevin Smith sits. Ah, Kevin Smith, we hardly knew ya.
68. Nate Washington, WR, Titans
69. Jermichael Finley, TE, Packers: Not as big a season bust as Dallas Clark, but all things considered, he has been more disappointing.
70. Miles Austin, WR, Cowboys: Welcome back! But you shouldn't expect big numbers from him.
71. Mike Tolbert, RB, Chargers
72. Plaxico Burress, WR, Jets
73. Donald Brown, RB, Colts: Probably is not cut out to be a legit 20-carry guy, but he has looked good enough in the past month.
74. Denarius Moore, WR, Raiders: If he suits up, I trust him. If not, don't get too excited about the other Raiders wide receivers.
75. Vernon Davis, TE, 49ers
76. Mark Ingram, RB, Saints: I laughed when I heard Saints coach Sean Payton say the only thing holding Ingram back is the coach. He might be right.
77. Pierre Thomas, RB, Saints
78. Aaron Hernandez, TE, Patriots
79. Eric Decker, WR, Broncos
80. Ben Tate, RB, Texans: Kind of like Michael Bush, but Tate's starter is healthy and playing.
81. Jermaine Gresham, TE, Bengals
82. Mario Manningham, WR, Giants: Nice work this season, Mario! Yes, that's sarcasm.
83. Reggie Wayne, WR, Colts: Next August we'll look back on Wayne's Week 12 performance (18 fantasy points) and wonder how he did it.
84. Nate Burleson, WR, Lions
85. Ryan Grant, RB, Packers: An example of someone who didn't quite make it back from a serious lower-leg injury.
86. Jackie Battle, RB, Chiefs
87. Riley Cooper, WR, Eagles: Home run threat for Thursday night when Vince Young is fed up with DeSean Jackson dropping passes.
88. Michael Crabtree, WR, 49ers
89. Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Lions
90. Felix Jones, RB, Cowboys: Not like he was so dominant pre-Murray, anyway.
91. Daniel Thomas, RB, Dolphins: If he had been playing better before he got hurt, he'd be getting more touches now. Instead, it's Bush's show.
92. Pierre Garcon, WR, Colts
93. Joseph Addai, RB, Colts: Will he ever be the same again? Yeah, I can see it. In fact, I consider him a decent 2012 sleeper.
94. Damian Williams, WR, Titans
95. Danny Woodhead, RB, Patriots
96. Johnny Knox, WR, Bears: Two nice weeks, as he pushes Earl Bennett aside.
97. Dexter McCluster, RB/WR, Chiefs: What reason could there possibly be to not be taking a longer look at him?
98. James Jones, WR, Packers
99. Torrey Smith, WR, Ravens
100. Santana Moss, WR, Redskins

Just missed: Joe McKnight, RB, Jets; Greg Olsen, TE, Panthers; David Nelson, WR, Bills; Ricky Williams, RB, Ravens; Doug Baldwin, WR, Seahawks; Brent Celek, TE, Eagles; Chris Ogbonnaya, RB, Browns; Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Raiders; Greg Little, WR, Browns; Kendall Hunter, RB, 49ers; John Kuhn, RB, Packers; Brandon Saine, RB, Packers.

HacheMan · Dec 1, 2011

Running Back Blues

If there’s never been a better time to be a quarterback trying to break Dan Marino’s single-season yardage record, there’s never been a worse time to be a star running back.

Wednesday, three of the best clogged up the interwebs with more bad news.

First, there was Adam Schefter’s report that Adrian Peterson (ankle) remains a long-shot to suit up this weekend. This really shouldn’t come as a surprise considering high-ankle sprains rarely sideline someone for fewer than two weeks. But if anyone would seem to be a candidate to be the exception to the rule, it’s Peterson, who has been one of sports’ ultimate iron men since turning pro. Alas, Vikings fans and fantasy owners appear destined for another week of the Toby Gerhart experience, which involves a lot of runs for no gain and general dullness.

Then there was Darren McFadden, who after creating mild buzz with a “light” workout on Monday failed to return to practice for the sixth straight Wednesday. While we’ve learned it’s not necessarily fair to call McFadden a “slow healer,” we know one thing: he’s not a fast one. In theory, a Week 14 return would make sense, but so did a Week 12 and Week 13 one. At this point, it might be best just to assume you won’t have McFadden for the fantasy playoffs. If you do, consider it one mighty bonus.

Finally, there was Ahmad Bradshaw, who despite claiming there was a “big shot” he’d return this week, failed to practice and has the Giants pessimistic about his chances of returning against the Packers. The Giants have been in a free-fall during his absence, going 1-3 as Brandon Jacobs has managed a measly 48.5 yards per game and pathetic 3.2 yards per carry. As with McFadden, it’s probably best to assume you’ll be without Bradshaw for Weeks 14-16, and view any contributions you get from New York's would-be lead back as pure gravy.

NEWS OF THE DAY #2
When the Jaguars named Jason Hill one of their starting receivers last summer, expectations were understandably low.

A waivers acquisition in November 2010 after three and a half highly unproductive seasons with the 49ers, Hill “came on” in Jacksonville’s final six games, posting 248 yards receiving. The problem, of course, was that he made just 11 catches. While 22.5 yards per reception is certainly an eye-popping number, it’s more than offset by 1.8, his number of receptions per game.

Things didn’t figure to get any better under the Jaguars’ cocktail of Luke McCown and Blaine Gabbert at quarterback this season, so we here at Rotoworld didn’t even bother to rank Hill in our preseason draft guide.

Fast forward 13 weeks, and it’s safe to say we were justified in that decision. Hill’s 25 catches are tied for 118th in the NFL, putting him behind such luminaries as Greg Salas, Lavelle Hawkins and Preston Parker, while tying him with Arrelious Benn.

Out of the 64 players that entered this week considered “starting” wide receivers, Hill’s 25 catches came in tied for 54th. That lines him up with the likes of Mohamed Massaquoi, Eddie Royal, Roy Williams, Brian Hartline, Devin Hester and Big Mike Williams (Quick aside: is Mike Williams the worst player in the NFL?). Everyone else joining Hill at the bottom of the barrel has missed significant time with injury.

Even on a team starting a blind squirrel at quarterback, that’s simply not good enough. If only it had been surprising. Jacksonville has already shown former coach Jack Del Rio the door. It’s a shame the man who provided him with some truly horrific offensive talent, GM Gene Smith, won’t soon be joining him in the unemployment line.

As for the unemployment line, it’s quite possible that’s where Hill will find himself come cut-down day next season.

NEWS OF THE DAY #3
Todd Haley is known for a lot of things. His ridiculous attire, being a former golfer, yelling at Josh McDaniels and yelling at Anquan Boldin to name a few.

Something he’s not known for is shrewd depth chart decisions. Is he about to make another puzzling call? If he follows through on his Wednesday assertion that Tyler Palko is “the starter” for the Chiefs, the answer will be a resounding yes.

Never mind the absurdity of sticking with a player who’s produced seven turnovers and 12 points in two starts. How about the notion that an offense that’s scored just one touchdown in its past four games could somehow be too difficult for waivers acquisition Kyle Orton to master in less than two weeks? Has Todd Haley reinvented the forward pass and nobody realized it?

For a man who’s likely fighting for his job, starting Palko again could be tantamount to career suicide. Nevertheless, there was Haley on Wednesday, giving Palko 60 percent of the first-team reps in practice.

For the sake of both Chiefs fans and Haley’s job security, hopefully the move was just pointless gamesmanship heading into this weekend’s matchup with the Bears, who would no doubt be thrilled to see the player they desperately wanted to land on waivers standing on the sideline for a 4-7 team.

FUN WITH TYLER PALKO STATISTICS
For every pass Palko has thrown the past two weeks, the Chiefs have scored 0.18 points. For comparison’s sake, for every pass Aaron Rodgers has thrown this season, the Packers have scored 1.1 points.

For every pass Palko has completed, the Chiefs have scored 0.29 points.

For every turnover he’s committed, they’ve scored 1.7 points (with Rodgers, the number is 95.5).

INJURY QUICK SLANTS
Sidney Rice saw his extremely disappointing first season with the Seahawks end Wednesday after he was placed on injured reserve with his second concussion in three weeks and third in 12 months. Look for Doug Baldwin to pick up the slack in Seattle’s woeful passing attack. … Ryan Mathews is absent from the Chargers’ Week 13 injury report. Cross your fingers. … Hakeem Nicks was held out of Giants practice Wednesday with both a ribs injury and concussion, but has apparently already passed his baseline tests. A return to limited practice today is a decent bet. … James Starks (ankle, knee) is practicing in full, and should be ready for Sunday’s game against the Giants after suffering a minor setback last Thursday. … Neither Denarius Moore (ankle) nor Jacoby Ford (foot) participated in Raiders practice Wednesday, but will both be in line to play against the Dolphins if they can get back on the field today. … Julio Jones (hamstring) missed Falcons practice, and remains a bit of a mystery heading into Sunday’s game against the Texans. He needs to practice today. … Michael Turner sat out with a groin injury. It won’t be a concern as long as he returns this afternoon. … Sam Bradford (ankle), Kevin Kolb (toe, foot) and Josh Freeman (shoulder) are all tentatively in line to start in Week 13.

HacheMan · Dec 1, 2011

Week 13 Rankings
Matt Forte’s problems started before Jay Cutler got hurt. Forte was one of the fantasy MVPs of the first half, but he’s headed for a rough stretch run for a number of reasons.

1. Hanie: The Bears offense won’t sustain drives with Hanie at quarterback. Cutler’s backup was ridiculously frantic in the pocket last week, scrambling at the slightest hint of pressure.

Defenses are already starting to adjust how they face Forte. He faced 8 or 9 in the box on almost half his runs last week. The Raiders didn’t respect Hanie. The Bears also got more predictable with playcalling. Seven of Forte’s 12 runs came on first down.

2. Usage: Marion Barber is officially a problem for Forte. Barber played quite a bit in the first half against Oakland and during crunch time. Barber is playing well and the offense has moved the ball with Barber in. That’s only going to lead to more touches for Barber, including on the goal line.

3. Offensive line: The Bears have generally done a decent job run-blocking, but injuries have caught up to them. Forte averaged 155 total yards per game on 23 touches in the first eight games. He’s averaged 78 yards-per-game on 20 touches in the last three games.

I hope I’m wrong – Forte is a fellow Tulane guy after all – but the best of Forte’s season is likely behind him.

Week 13 Quarterbacks

<TABLE style="WIDTH: 100%"><TBODY><TR class=TableTopRed><TD>Rank</TD><TD>Player Name</TD><TD>Opponent</TD><TD>Notes</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>1</TD><TD>Aaron Rodgers</TD><TD>at NYG</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>2</TD><TD>Tom Brady</TD><TD>vs. IND</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>3</TD><TD>Drew Brees</TD><TD>vs. DET</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>4</TD><TD>Cam Newton</TD><TD>at TB</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>5</TD><TD>Tony Romo</TD><TD>at ARZ</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>6</TD><TD>Eli Manning</TD><TD>vs. GB</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>7</TD><TD>Matthew Stafford</TD><TD>at NO</TD><TD>Probable (finger)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>8</TD><TD>Ben Roethlisberger</TD><TD>vs. CIN</TD><TD>Probable (thumb)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>9</TD><TD>Tim Tebow</TD><TD>at MIN</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>10</TD><TD>Vince Young</TD><TD>at SEA</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>11</TD><TD>Matt Ryan</TD><TD>at HOU</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>12</TD><TD>Philip Rivers</TD><TD>at JAC</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>13</TD><TD>Carson Palmer</TD><TD>at MIA</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>14</TD><TD>Matt Moore</TD><TD>vs. OAK</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>15</TD><TD>Josh Freeman</TD><TD>vs. CAR</TD><TD>Questionable (shoulder)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>16</TD><TD>Joe Flacco</TD><TD>at CLE</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>17</TD><TD>Matt Hasselbeck</TD><TD>at BUF</TD><TD>Probable (elbow)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>18</TD><TD>Alex Smith</TD><TD>vs. STL</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>19</TD><TD>Mark Sanchez</TD><TD>at WAS</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>20</TD><TD>Ryan Fitzpatrick</TD><TD>vs. TEN</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>21</TD><TD>Christian Ponder</TD><TD>vs. DEN</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>22</TD><TD>Andy Dalton</TD><TD>at PIT</TD><TD>Probable (shoulder)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>23</TD><TD>Rex Grossman</TD><TD>vs. NYJ</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>24</TD><TD>Kevin Kolb</TD><TD>vs. DAL</TD><TD>Probable (foot)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>25</TD><TD>Caleb Hanie</TD><TD>vs. KC</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>26</TD><TD>Dan Orlovsky</TD><TD>at NE</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>27</TD><TD>Tarvaris Jackson</TD><TD>vs. PHI</TD><TD>Probable (pectoral)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>28</TD><TD>Sam Bradford</TD><TD>at SF</TD><TD>Probable (ankle)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>29</TD><TD>Kyle Orton</TD><TD>at CHI</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>30</TD><TD>Colt McCoy</TD><TD>vs. BAL</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>31</TD><TD>T.J. Yates</TD><TD>vs. ATL</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>32</TD><TD>Blaine Gabbert</TD><TD>vs. SD</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>33</TD><TD>Tyler Palko</TD><TD>at CHI</TD><TD>-</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

QB Notes: All of the receiver injuries in Oakland have become a big problem for Carson Palmer. Chaz Schilens, Darrius Heyward-Bey and Louis Murphy all drop passes and run imprecise routes. Palmer’s exasperation with DHB and Murphy was obvious on a few plays last week. Denarius Moore returning would help, but Palmer is a borderline play in a tough matchup. … It’s hard to watch Josh Freeman right now. His timing is so off. He doesn’t feel pressure. His head just seems scrambled. He has the best matchup possible this week, but even that doesn’t make him a great play.

Tony Romo’s play on Thanksgiving was a great sign. The numbers weren’t huge, but he put together some amazing drives and moments against Miami. He’s looking like the old Romo. A huge finish wouldn’t surprise me at all. … Eli Manning made some incredible throws against the Saints. The collapse of the Giants defense actually may help Manning rack up fantasy points down the stretch as he tries to keep up. … Matthew Stafford could rack up yards in New Orleans trying to catch up to the Saints this week, just like Eli. Stafford’s accuracy isn’t great, but it wasn’t great before the thumb injury. … The Bengals secondary isn’t as strong as the beginning of the season. That’s good news for Ben Roethlisberger. Expect a bounce-back game.

The Panthers had a slightly more conservative gameplan last week because that’s all they needed. Look for a run-heavy approach again, but that’s not a terrible thing for Cam Newton. The Bucs defense is soft and over pursues. Newton should have a big day on the ground. … Tim Tebow made a few more quality throws last week. If that can get more regular, he can be a top-five guy down the stretch. The consistency isn’t there yet. … Yes, we’ve reached the point Philip Rivers can be benched. The offensive line is in tatters and Rivers can’t compensate.

Caleb Hanie looked decent on a few short timing passes last week. He also delivered a beautiful pass to Johnny Knox that traveled 56 yards in the air once the game was decided. It was one of the best throws of the year. Add in Hanie’s rushing ability and he almost looks tempting in fantasy leagues. Almost. The Bears have to see how poor Hanie was staying in the pocket. Conservative gameplans should follow. … Every time I watch the Titans, I’m amazed they are 6-5. Everything is hard for Matt Hasselbeck. He’s done a commendable job, but he isn’t a great option even in an easy matchup.


Week 13 Running Backs

<TABLE style="WIDTH: 100%"><TBODY><TR class=TableTopRed><TD>Rank</TD><TD>Player Name</TD><TD>Opponent</TD><TD>Notes</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>1</TD><TD>Ray Rice</TD><TD>at CLE</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>2</TD><TD>LeSean McCoy</TD><TD>at SEA</TD><TD>Questionable (toe)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>3</TD><TD>Arian Foster</TD><TD>vs. ATL</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>4</TD><TD>Frank Gore</TD><TD>vs. STL</TD><TD>Probable (knee)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>5</TD><TD>Maurice Jones-Drew</TD><TD>vs. SD</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>6</TD><TD>DeMarco Murray</TD><TD>at ARZ</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>7</TD><TD>Willis McGahee</TD><TD>at MIN</TD><TD>Probable (illness)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>8</TD><TD>Chris Johnson</TD><TD>at BUF</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>9</TD><TD>LeGarrette Blount</TD><TD>vs. CAR</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>10</TD><TD>Darren Sproles</TD><TD>vs. DET</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>11</TD><TD>Matt Forte</TD><TD>vs. KC</TD><TD>Probable (shoulder)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>12</TD><TD>Michael Bush</TD><TD>at MIA</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>13</TD><TD>Michael Turner</TD><TD>at HOU</TD><TD>Questionable (groin)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>14</TD><TD>Beanie Wells</TD><TD>vs. DAL</TD><TD>Probable (knee)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>15</TD><TD>Marshawn Lynch</TD><TD>vs. PHI</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>16</TD><TD>Ryan Mathews</TD><TD>at JAC</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>17</TD><TD>BenJarvus Green-Ellis</TD><TD>vs. IND</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>18</TD><TD>Rashard Mendenhall</TD><TD>vs. CIN</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>19</TD><TD>Jonathan Stewart</TD><TD>at TB</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>20</TD><TD>Roy Helu</TD><TD>vs. NYJ</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>21</TD><TD>Cedric Benson</TD><TD>at PIT</TD><TD>Questionable (foot)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>22</TD><TD>Shonn Greene</TD><TD>at WAS</TD><TD>Probable (ribs)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>23</TD><TD>DeAngelo Williams</TD><TD>at TB</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>24</TD><TD>Reggie Bush</TD><TD>vs. OAK</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>25</TD><TD>Kevin Smith</TD><TD>at NO</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>26</TD><TD>Peyton Hillis</TD><TD>vs. BAL</TD><TD>Probable (hamstring)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>27</TD><TD>C.J. Spiller</TD><TD>vs. TEN</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>28</TD><TD>Steven Jackson</TD><TD>at SF</TD><TD>Probable (foot)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>29</TD><TD>James Starks</TD><TD>at NYG</TD><TD>Probable (ankle)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>30</TD><TD>Toby Gerhart</TD><TD>vs. DEN</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>31</TD><TD>Pierre Thomas</TD><TD>vs. DET</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>32</TD><TD>Mark Ingram</TD><TD>vs. DET</TD><TD>Probable (heel)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>33</TD><TD>Mike Tolbert</TD><TD>at JAC</TD><TD>Probable (hamstring)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>34</TD><TD>Joseph Addai</TD><TD>at NE</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>35</TD><TD>Kendall Hunter</TD><TD>vs. STL</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>36</TD><TD>Brandon Jacobs</TD><TD>vs. GB</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>37</TD><TD>Ben Tate</TD><TD>vs. ATL</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>38</TD><TD>Marion Barber</TD><TD>vs. KC</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>39</TD><TD>Daniel Thomas</TD><TD>vs. OAK</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>40</TD><TD>Donald Brown</TD><TD>at NE</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>41</TD><TD>Maurice Morris</TD><TD>at NO</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>42</TD><TD>Felix Jones</TD><TD>at ARZ</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>43</TD><TD>Dexter McCluster</TD><TD>at CHI</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>44</TD><TD>Jackie Battle</TD><TD>at CHI</TD><TD>Probable (-)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>45</TD><TD>Ryan Grant</TD><TD>at NYG</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>46</TD><TD>Danny Woodhead</TD><TD>vs. IND</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>47</TD><TD>LaDainian Tomlinson</TD><TD>at WAS</TD><TD>Questionable (knee)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>48</TD><TD>Ricky Williams</TD><TD>at CLE</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>49</TD><TD>Javon Ringer</TD><TD>at BUF</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>50</TD><TD>Chris Ogbonnaya</TD><TD>vs. BAL</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>51</TD><TD>Joe McKnight</TD><TD>at WAS</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>52</TD><TD>Lance Ball</TD><TD>at MIN</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>53</TD><TD>Jason Snelling</TD><TD>at HOU</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>54</TD><TD>Bernard Scott</TD><TD>at PIT</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>55</TD><TD>Johnny White</TD><TD>vs. TEN</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>56</TD><TD>D.J. Ware</TD><TD>vs. GB</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>57</TD><TD>Jacquizz Rodgers</TD><TD>at HOU</TD><TD>-</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

RB Notes: The last time Chris Johnson topped 100 yards, I watched the game and wasn’t impressed. This time he looked a lot better. There were some big holes, but Johnson also made the first defender miss repeatedly for the first time all year. He was able to run on the Bucs when they knew the run was coming. He (gasp) even fought through some tackles. There was a change of direction and suddenness back in his step. Johnson still seems to be missing some of the long speed he once had, but the matchups are insanely favorable down the stretch. If your team survived his first ten games, you are in good shape now. I’d certainly rather have him than Adrian Peterson or Darren McFadden at the moment. Availability is everything.

LeGarrette Blount made a lot of defenders miss in the same game. The Bucs are starting to use him more as a receiver. They even called a few plays for him in the passing game. Blount’s shiftiness for his size is silly. His matchup this week is ideal. The Panthers rush defense is so bad, it couldn’t contain Donald Brown. … At this point, Marshawn Lynch is about as reliable as any RB2 out there. This is a plus matchup and he should be in almost all lineups. … LeSean McCoy’s injury is a concern. So is the matchup. But it’s not like you are going to sit him if he plays. Don’t get too cute. … Brandon Jacobs has bounced 257 runs to the outside this year. They have gained a total of two yards. (Note: I may have made that stat up. But man it’s painful to watch Jacobs play.) … It’s hard to trust Mark Ingram. He’s smoother than expected in the passing game, but just doesn’t get on the field enough.

The good news: Peyton Hillis is back and he played a lot better than his numbers indicated last week. The bad news: He faces the Ravens and Steelers four more times the rest of the year. Yikes. Hillis broke a number of tackles against Cincinnati and was very effective in short-yardage. He looked more energized than early in the season. Some horribly blocked negative plays late in the game hurt him in the box score. With all that said, it’s hard to imagine him making much noise in these tough matchups. Chris Ogbonnya is taking third down duties and is more explosive than Hillis, which doesn’t help Hillis’ chances. … Michael Bush may be wearing down, but there just weren’t holes against the Bears. Bush isn’t going to create his own yardage, which means he could have another quiet week against Miami.

T.J. Yates is going to be a drag on Arian Foster. Ben Tate is no longer a good flex option, especially against a good rush defense like the Falcons. … The Rams are a perfect bounce-back team for Frank Gore to face. … It was great to see Beanie Wells break out. We wrote a few times he’s run better than the numbers show. He’s still a RB2, despite the tough matchup. … Jonathan Stewart keeps getting the easiest matchups possible. The Bucs defense is a disaster right now. … I’m buying that Roy Helu is The Man in Washington. I’m not buying he’ll run that well against the Jets, but he’ll catch enough passes to make him worthwhile. … Steven Jackson hasn’t scored a touchdown in more than a month. That’s not going to change this week.


Week 13 Wide Receivers

<TABLE style="WIDTH: 100%"><TBODY><TR class=TableTopRed><TD>Rank</TD><TD>Player Name</TD><TD>Opponent</TD><TD>Notes</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>1</TD><TD>Calvin Johnson</TD><TD>at NO</TD><TD>Probable (ankle)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>2</TD><TD>Wes Welker</TD><TD>vs. IND</TD><TD>Questionable (knee)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>3</TD><TD>Steve Smith</TD><TD>at TB</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>4</TD><TD>Mike Wallace</TD><TD>vs. CIN</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>5</TD><TD>Greg Jennings</TD><TD>at NYG</TD><TD>Probable (knee)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>6</TD><TD>Vincent Jackson</TD><TD>at JAC</TD><TD>Probable (hamstring)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>7</TD><TD>Roddy White</TD><TD>at HOU</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>8</TD><TD>Larry Fitzgerald</TD><TD>vs. DAL</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>9</TD><TD>Brandon Marshall</TD><TD>vs. OAK</TD><TD>Probable (quadriceps)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>10</TD><TD>Dez Bryant</TD><TD>at ARZ</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>11</TD><TD>Hakeem Nicks</TD><TD>vs. GB</TD><TD>Probable (concussion)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>12</TD><TD>Victor Cruz</TD><TD>vs. GB</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>13</TD><TD>DeSean Jackson</TD><TD>at SEA</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>14</TD><TD>Marques Colston</TD><TD>vs. DET</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>15</TD><TD>Jordy Nelson</TD><TD>at NYG</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>16</TD><TD>Percy Harvin</TD><TD>vs. DEN</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>17</TD><TD>A.J. Green</TD><TD>at PIT</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>18</TD><TD>Laurent Robinson</TD><TD>at ARZ</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>19</TD><TD>Antonio Brown</TD><TD>vs. CIN</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>20</TD><TD>Mike Williams</TD><TD>vs. CAR</TD><TD>Probable (thigh)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>21</TD><TD>Stevie Johnson</TD><TD>vs. TEN</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>22</TD><TD>Andre Johnson</TD><TD>vs. ATL</TD><TD>Probable (knee)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>23</TD><TD>Michael Crabtree</TD><TD>vs. STL</TD><TD>Probable (foot)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>24</TD><TD>Julio Jones</TD><TD>at HOU</TD><TD>Questionable (hamstring)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>25</TD><TD>Dwayne Bowe</TD><TD>at CHI</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>26</TD><TD>Brandon Lloyd</TD><TD>at SF</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>27</TD><TD>Anquan Boldin</TD><TD>at CLE</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>28</TD><TD>Santonio Holmes</TD><TD>at WAS</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>29</TD><TD>Deion Branch</TD><TD>vs. IND</TD><TD>Questionable (hip)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>30</TD><TD>Reggie Wayne</TD><TD>at NE</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>31</TD><TD>Denarius Moore</TD><TD>at MIA</TD><TD>Questionable (ankle)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>32</TD><TD>Plaxico Burress</TD><TD>at WAS</TD><TD>Probable (back)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>33</TD><TD>Eric Decker</TD><TD>at MIN</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>34</TD><TD>Doug Baldwin</TD><TD>vs. PHI</TD><TD>Probable (concussion)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>35</TD><TD>Mario Manningham</TD><TD>vs. GB</TD><TD>Questionable (knee)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>36</TD><TD>Pierre Garcon</TD><TD>at NE</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>37</TD><TD>Santana Moss</TD><TD>vs. NYJ</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>38</TD><TD>Johnny Knox</TD><TD>vs. KC</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>39</TD><TD>Greg Little</TD><TD>vs. BAL</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>40</TD><TD>Nate Burleson</TD><TD>at NO</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>41</TD><TD>Riley Cooper</TD><TD>at SEA</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>42</TD><TD>Damian Williams</TD><TD>at BUF</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>43</TD><TD>Torrey Smith</TD><TD>at CLE</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>44</TD><TD>Jabar Gaffney</TD><TD>vs. NYJ</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>45</TD><TD>James Jones</TD><TD>at NYG</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>46</TD><TD>Lance Moore</TD><TD>vs. DET</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>47</TD><TD>Malcom Floyd</TD><TD>at JAC</TD><TD>Questionable (hip)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>48</TD><TD>Nate Washington</TD><TD>at BUF</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>49</TD><TD>Darrius Heyward-Bey</TD><TD>at MIA</TD><TD>Questionable (neck)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>50</TD><TD>David Nelson</TD><TD>vs. TEN</TD><TD>Probable (illness)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>51</TD><TD>Earl Bennett</TD><TD>vs. KC</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>52</TD><TD>Harry Douglas</TD><TD>at HOU</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>53</TD><TD>Brandon LaFell</TD><TD>at TB</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>54</TD><TD>Jason Avant</TD><TD>at SEA</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>55</TD><TD>Jerome Simpson</TD><TD>at PIT</TD><TD>Questionable (knee)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>56</TD><TD>Chaz Schilens</TD><TD>at MIA</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>57</TD><TD>Steve Breaston</TD><TD>at CHI</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>58</TD><TD>Danario Alexander</TD><TD>at SF</TD><TD>Questionable (hamstring)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>59</TD><TD>Vincent Brown</TD><TD>at JAC</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>60</TD><TD>Donald Driver</TD><TD>at NYG</TD><TD>Probable (knee)</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

WR Notes: I wrote in the quarterback section how unreliable the Raiders wide receivers are. It’s clear Carson Palmer doesn’t trust Darrius Heyward-Bey. If Denarius Moore returns, expect him to get a lot of targets. Stay away from the Raiders otherwise. I would drop DHB. … Reggie Wayne was touted here last week. He’s not a bad WR3 again because of the matchup again. Dan Orlovsky can’t hurt him. … Plaxico’s third down Inspector Gadget catch against Buffalo was one of the plays of the season. That is all. … Deion Branch is great against zone coverage and terrible against man. That makes this week a nice one to play him.

Matt Moore has been good for Brandon Marshall. He’s willing to just throw the ball up to him, like Jay Cutler did in Denver. Moore has an aggressive style in general, which is good for (fantasy) business. … Andre Johnson is just another receiver now. The Texans won’t be as conservative with T.J. Yates once they have a week to gameplan, but they will still be plenty conservative. It’s a good thing that Brent Grimes will miss this week’s game, but A.J. is just as likely to get 40 yards as he is to break out. The focus for Houston will be on short timing passes.

A quick note on Jason Hill, who was taken too early in fantasy drafts. Guys that flame out on their first team almost never make a huge impact after that. Devin Aromashodu was another guy who tricked fantasy owners last year. There’s usually a good reason why a receiver doesn’t make an impact early in his career. … Damian Williams has some ability after the catch. He just missed making a nice play on a possible score last week as well. At this point, he’s the best option in Tennessee. … Look for a bounce-back game from Mike Wallace against a slow Bengals secondary.

The Rams have scored three offensive touchdowns in the last four weeks. Brandon Lloyd has all three. … Julio Jones’ o-fer last week was apparently not injury related. Matt Ryan will want to get him involved early. … DeSean Jackson wouldn’t have been benched if that game was close last week. It’s not a major concern. … Doug Baldwin has more value with Sidney Rice out for the season. … Johnny Knox could be a factor with Caleb Hanie in the lineup. There are more two wideout sets with Knox and Roy Williams. Knox was clearly the preferred target last week. If nothing else, Hanie can throw it deep.


Week 13 Tight Ends

<TABLE style="WIDTH: 100%"><TBODY><TR class=TableTopRed><TD>Rank</TD><TD>Player Name</TD><TD>Opponent</TD><TD>Notes</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>1</TD><TD>Rob Gronkowski</TD><TD>vs. IND</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>2</TD><TD>Jimmy Graham</TD><TD>vs. DET</TD><TD>Probable (ankle)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>3</TD><TD>Jason Witten</TD><TD>at ARZ</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>4</TD><TD>Antonio Gates</TD><TD>at JAC</TD><TD>Probable (foot)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>5</TD><TD>Jermichael Finley</TD><TD>at NYG</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>6</TD><TD>Vernon Davis</TD><TD>vs. STL</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>7</TD><TD>Kellen Winslow</TD><TD>vs. CAR</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>8</TD><TD>Aaron Hernandez</TD><TD>vs. IND</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>9</TD><TD>Fred Davis</TD><TD>vs. NYJ</TD><TD>Probable (ankle)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>10</TD><TD>Tony Gonzalez</TD><TD>at HOU</TD><TD>Probable (back)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>11</TD><TD>Brandon Pettigrew</TD><TD>at NO</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>12</TD><TD>Dustin Keller</TD><TD>at WAS</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>13</TD><TD>Greg Olsen</TD><TD>at TB</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>14</TD><TD>Brent Celek</TD><TD>at SEA</TD><TD>Probable (hip)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>15</TD><TD>Owen Daniels</TD><TD>vs. ATL</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>16</TD><TD>Jermaine Gresham</TD><TD>at PIT</TD><TD>Questionable (hamstring)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>17</TD><TD>Heath Miller</TD><TD>vs. CIN</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>18</TD><TD>Ed Dickson</TD><TD>at CLE</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>19</TD><TD>Jared Cook</TD><TD>at BUF</TD><TD>Probable (concussion)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>20</TD><TD>Jake Ballard</TD><TD>vs. GB</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>21</TD><TD>Scott Chandler</TD><TD>vs. TEN</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>22</TD><TD>Jacob Tamme</TD><TD>at NE</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>23</TD><TD>Marcedes Lewis</TD><TD>vs. SD</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>24</TD><TD>Tony Scheffler</TD><TD>at NO</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>25</TD><TD>Anthony Fasano</TD><TD>vs. OAK</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>26</TD><TD>Visanthe Shiancoe</TD><TD>vs. DEN</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>27</TD><TD>Ben Watson</TD><TD>vs. BAL</TD><TD>-</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

TE Notes: Jared Cook has been one of the quiet busts of the year. He is a great leaper, but not as explosive as you think and not terribly good catching the ball. … Rex Grossman should help Fred Davis finish the year off well. This is a tough matchup, but Grossman definitely adds a level of aggression to the Redskins offense that wasn’t there with John Beck. … Jermichael Finley has lost some of Aaron Rodgers’ trust. He’s killed too many drives with drops and isn’t always where Rodgers expects.

Vernon Davis gets stuck blocking too much, but that shouldn’t be necessary this week. It’s a week to play him. … Kellen Winslow has morphed into Josh Freeman’s most reliable option. He’s not going to make any big plays, but this is a week to use him. … This isn’t a bad week to play Brandon Pettigrew because he can win against Roman Harper or the Saints linebackers. … I’d bench Owen Daniels if possible until T.J. Yates proves he can be competent. … Aaron Hernandez quietly played very well against the Eagles. Don’t be surprised if he has a big game against the Colts.

Week 13 Team Defense

<TABLE style="WIDTH: 100%"><TBODY><TR class=TableTopRed><TD>Rank</TD><TD>Player Name</TD><TD>Opponent</TD><TD>Notes</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>1</TD><TD>Fortyniners Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. STL</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>2</TD><TD>Ravens Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at CLE</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>3</TD><TD>Bears Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. KC</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>4</TD><TD>Jets Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at WAS</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>5</TD><TD>Cowboys Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at ARZ</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>6</TD><TD>Patriots Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. IND</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>7</TD><TD>Falcons Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at HOU</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>8</TD><TD>Broncos Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at MIN</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>9</TD><TD>Steelers Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. CIN</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>10</TD><TD>Packers Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at NYG</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>11</TD><TD>Dolphins Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. OAK</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>12</TD><TD>Chargers Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at JAC</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>13</TD><TD>Eagles Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at SEA</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>14</TD><TD>Chiefs Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at CHI</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>15</TD><TD>Redskins Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. NYJ</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>16</TD><TD>Raiders Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at MIA</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>17</TD><TD>Seahawks Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. PHI</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>18</TD><TD>Titans Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at BUF</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>19</TD><TD>Texans Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. ATL</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>20</TD><TD>Saints Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. DET</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>21</TD><TD>Jaguars Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. SD</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>22</TD><TD>Rams Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at SF</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>23</TD><TD>Vikings Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. DEN</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>24</TD><TD>Bengals Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at PIT</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>25</TD><TD>Lions Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at NO</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>26</TD><TD>Browns Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. BAL</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>27</TD><TD>Giants Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. GB</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>28</TD><TD>Panthers Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at TB</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>29</TD><TD>Bills Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. TEN</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>30</TD><TD>Buccaneers Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. CAR</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>31</TD><TD>Cardinals Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. DAL</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>32</TD><TD>Colts Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at NE</TD><TD>-</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Week 13 Kickers

<TABLE style="WIDTH: 100%"><TBODY><TR class=TableTopRed><TD>Rank</TD><TD>Player Name</TD><TD>Opponent</TD><TD>Notes</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>1</TD><TD>John Kasay</TD><TD>vs. DET</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>2</TD><TD>Sebastian Janikowski</TD><TD>at MIA</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>3</TD><TD>Dan Bailey</TD><TD>at ARZ</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>4</TD><TD>Stephen Gostkowski</TD><TD>vs. IND</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>5</TD><TD>Mason Crosby</TD><TD>at NYG</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>6</TD><TD>David Akers</TD><TD>vs. STL</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>7</TD><TD>Jason Hanson</TD><TD>at NO</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>8</TD><TD>Matt Bryant</TD><TD>at HOU</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>9</TD><TD>Billy Cundiff</TD><TD>at CLE</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>10</TD><TD>Robbie Gould</TD><TD>vs. KC</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>11</TD><TD>Nick Folk</TD><TD>at WAS</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>12</TD><TD>Olindo Mare</TD><TD>at TB</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>13</TD><TD>Alex Henery</TD><TD>at SEA</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>14</TD><TD>Matt Prater</TD><TD>at MIN</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>15</TD><TD>Rob Bironas</TD><TD>at BUF</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>16</TD><TD>Lawrence Tynes</TD><TD>vs. GB</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>17</TD><TD>Ryan Longwell</TD><TD>vs. DEN</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>18</TD><TD>Shaun Suisham</TD><TD>vs. CIN</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>19</TD><TD>Nick Novak</TD><TD>at JAC</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>20</TD><TD>Steven Hauschka</TD><TD>vs. PHI</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>21</TD><TD>Connor Barth</TD><TD>vs. CAR</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>22</TD><TD>Mike Nugent</TD><TD>at PIT</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>23</TD><TD>Neil Rackers</TD><TD>vs. ATL</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>24</TD><TD>Dave Rayner</TD><TD>vs. TEN</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>25</TD><TD>Jay Feely</TD><TD>vs. DAL</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>26</TD><TD>Graham Gano</TD><TD>vs. NYJ</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>27</TD><TD>Adam Vinatieri</TD><TD>at NE</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>28</TD><TD>Ryan Succop</TD><TD>at CHI</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>29</TD><TD>Josh Scobee</TD><TD>vs. SD</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>30</TD><TD>Phil Dawson</TD><TD>vs. BAL</TD><TD>-</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>31</TD><TD>Josh Brown</TD><TD>at SF</TD><TD>-</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

HacheMan · Dec 3, 2011

Eye on quarterbacks

What can fantasy owners expect from Cam Newton, Philip Rivers, T.J. Yates?

By Christopher Harris
ESPN.com

Five In Depth

1. The sanity of Cam Newton. When ESPN asks me to rank players these days, I'm listing Cam Newton in my top five QBs every single week. Believe me, I'm more surprised than you are. This summer I acknowledged that Newton might be a fantasy factor, but I contended that it would be entirely because of his legs. I listed him 21st among QBs, and worried that Jimmy Clausen might steal time from him as the season progressed. Needless to say, that worry has proven foundation-free. Newton began his NFL passing career with consecutive 400-yard games, leading to paroxysms of debate about whether A) he's a throwing savant who could always read pro defenses as if by breathing, and didn't need any fancy collegiate learnin'; or B) today's NFL is destined to be the pass-heaviest in recorded history.

A side note about item B): For a few months this fall I was a regular on "Numbers Never Lie" on ESPN2, and I recall a protracted debate during which the other panelists fell over themselves to declare that the NFL as we'd previously known it was dead, that running the ball was dead, that pass defenders were hamstrung by the rules, that we would see a quadrillion aerial yards -- I'm paraphrasing -- before the end of the '11 season. I, ever the curmudgeon, declared that after two weeks of play, maybe we were all being a bit premature. Well, here we are, not quite three-quarters of the way into the season. December's cold and winds are coming, which will almost surely calm down the throwing a bit. Here's how the past few years have looked in terms of attempts per team per game:

<TABLE><THEAD><TR><TH>Year </TH><TH>Att/Game, first 11 games </TH><TH>Att/Game, entire season </TH></TR></THEAD><TBODY><TR class=last><TD>2011 </TD><TD>34.2 </TD><TD>? </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>2010 </TD><TD>34.3 </TD><TD>33.7 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>2009 </TD><TD>33.4 </TD><TD>33.3 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>2008 </TD><TD>32.5 </TD><TD>32.3 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>2007 </TD><TD>33.2 </TD><TD>33.3 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD colSpan=3>(source: STATS, LLC)</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Well, just like the rest of the league, Cam's prodigious hurling has calmed down. Since those first two games, Newton has thrown for 300 yards once in nine outings, and hasn't done it since Week 4. In those past nine starts, he's averaging 249 yards passing per game, which in that span ranks him 11th among NFL signal-callers. Certainly, that's way better than I expected back in August. But just as certainly, it's not elite, and in that same span, Newton has nine TD passes and 10 INTs. Yes, that's nine TD passes in nine games. That, ladies and gentlemen, stinks.

But of course, it's Newton's 10 rushing TDs that have overshadowed everything else, and continue to make him a must-start. He's only failed to score a rushing TD in three of 11 games this year, and he averages 42 rush yards per game; tack those yards onto the respectable passing yards, add the rushing scores and you've got a very strong fantasy player. The question of Newton's fantasy value going forward seems likely to be tied to the repeatability of his rushing season. I made quite a bit of prognosticating hay this summer with a piece discussing the likelihood that Michael Vick wouldn't repeat his immense rush-TD season from '10. That proved accurate. I'm going to have to do a similar analysis for behemoth rushing QBs like Newton and Tim Tebow next summer. For now, though, suffice it to say if you have a picture in your mind of Newton as an elite passer, you're incorrect.

2. How not to overreact to Dallas Cowboys receivers. Miles Austin doesn't sound likely to play this week against the Arizona Cardinals. That once again opens a debate about Dez Bryant and Laurent Robinson. The three other ESPN.com rankers placed Robinson ahead of Bryant in their ranks, and two of the rankers had at least five spots in between the two WRs. To that I say: Wow. I know the production has been there for Robinson. He's been fantastic. And I know that it's not news to anyone that part of the reason Robinson gets open is because opposing defenses focus on stopping the scarier, beastlier Bryant. If defenses keep doing that and Tony Romo keeps throwing it accordingly, why won't Robinson keep routinely outperforming Dez?

This logic gets you into trouble. I saw it applied last week to Jordy Nelson and Greg Jennings. I was the only ranker to keep Jennings ahead of Nelson last week, and lo and behold, on Thanksgiving, Jennings had five grabs for 74 yards and a TD, and Nelson had four grabs for 26 yards (to be fair, Jennings had five targets and Nelson had six). I know it's tempting to bend yourself into a pretzel to find logic that puts the guy who's produced better lately higher in your ranks than the marquee guy who hasn't put it all together yet, but in my opinion, talent often wins out. The moment you decide Nelson is the better threat, there's a pretty good chance opposing defenses come to the same conclusion, and stop rigging coverage to stop the No. 1.

Here are the numbers for the Cowboys wide receivers in the three games since Austin has been hurt:

<TABLE><THEAD><TR><TH>Player </TH><TH>Targets </TH><TH>Receptions </TH><TH>Yards </TH><TH>TDs </TH></TR></THEAD><TBODY><TR class=last><TD>Dez Bryant </TD><TD>20 </TD><TD>12 </TD><TD>177 </TD><TD>2 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>Laurent Robinson </TD><TD>27 </TD><TD>14 </TD><TD>188 </TD><TD>5 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Does Robinson come out ahead here? Absolutely. Is the margin massive? I would argue no, especially not if, for example, the Cardinals' defense decides, "Hey, maybe we should give Robinson some extra attention in the red zone, and put Patrick Peterson on Dez" (three of Robinson's five scores the past three weeks have come from inside an opponent's 7-yard line). I've always respected Robinson's talent (he was on my list of 10 Super-Deep Sleepers for '10 when he was with the St. Louis Rams ... oops). But I maintain that Bryant is just a different kind of cat, and if I'm choosing between the two, I'm still taking him.

3. Just how bad is this going to be for Andre Johnson? When Matt Leinart was Matt Schaub's replacement, I still had hope. At least Leinart is a veteran, he'd played with a big-time receiving talent before (Larry Fitzgerald, in Arizona) and he'd been absorbing the Texans' offensive system for a year-plus. I was still willing to consider Andre Johnson an every-week must-start. But now Leinart is out for the season with a broken collarbone, and rookie T.J. Yates will be under center going forward (and the alternatives, Kellen Clemens and Jake Delhomme, don't look any more promising). Can fantasy owners still use AJ?

Of course, any answer is contingent. Last week, Johnson had three targets and two catches for 22 yards; both of his catches came from Yates. Anyone who can proclaim they know exactly what Yates will give the Texans is goofy. This was already the NFL's most run-oriented offense with Schaub under center, so certainly Arian Foster and Ben Tate will be given a chance every week to see if they can simply grind out wins. But against the Atlanta Falcons' stout rush defense this week, that's much easier said than done.

I went back and looked at the Houston Texans-Jacksonville Jaguars game footage from Week 12 and made notes about all 15 of Yates' throws, to try and divine what might happen if he actually has to throw it to win a game:

• His first throw near the end of the first half was a simple dump to Owen Daniels that was complete, but was a wobbler that didn't inspire confidence. His second toss was better, an on-time 10-yard stop to Jacoby Jones with the Jags playing back (there was only about a minute left in the half) for an easy completion. Thereafter he fumbled a snap, picked it up and fired wildly out of bounds, then had a check-down to Daniels (who rumbled for 24 yards), and had an intentional grounding call.

• Yates began the first drive of the second half with two incompletions, both on short passes into traffic that had little chance of being caught. On a play-action third-and-4 later in the third quarter, he felt a defender's hand on him, and flung the ball into the seats, content to punt with a 10-point lead.

• Late in the third quarter he had a defender bearing down on him in his own end zone and successfully flung a short fall-away pass to Daniels, a pass he'd probably be better off not trying again in the future. With two minutes left in the third, he finally hit Andre Johnson in traffic, as Johnson settled in a zone with three defenders around him. It was another play-action play (the Texans ran play-action a ton), and the ball was delivered with accuracy and zip 14 yards down the field. Johnson caught his only other pass on a short out at the end of the third.

• Yates would throw it only three times in the fourth quarter, and all were inconsequential. The first was an ill-advised third-down pass that was knocked down by a Jags defender, and the other two were short screens to Foster.

In other words: We didn't learn much. Yates made one throw that I'd consider "major league," that in-traffic zip to Johnson; he had no other downfield tosses. That's almost certainly because Leinart was supposed to be in there, and Gary Kubiak was simply nursing Yates through the game. I predict we're going to see more challenging throws called for Yates versus the Falcons, but based on last week's workload, the projected results are guesswork. If you have strong alternatives, I don't hate sitting Johnson for a week, especially since he's apparently been limited by a sore knee in practice. Otherwise, you probably have to roll with him as a middling No. 2 WR, and hope for the best.

4. Get down the field, young man. A favored way of evaluating pass-catchers for me this summer was looking at average yards at the catch. How far down the field a given receiver is when he catches the ball translates -- even better than yards per catch or yards per target -- into how explosive a player he's likely to be for fantasy squads. By way of a refresher, here were the '10 leaders (among qualifiers) in this category:

<TABLE><THEAD><TR><TH>Rank </TH><TH>Player </TH><TH>Y@C/R </TH><TH>Rank </TH><TH>Player </TH><TH>Y@C/R </TH></TR></THEAD><TBODY><TR class=last><TD>1 </TD><TD>Malcom Floyd </TD><TD>16.1 </TD><TD>11 </TD><TD>Braylon Edwards </TD><TD>11.4 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>2 </TD><TD>Brandon Lloyd </TD><TD>15.9 </TD><TD>12 </TD><TD>Steve Breaston </TD><TD>11.3 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>3 </TD><TD>Anthony Armstrong </TD><TD>15.8 </TD><TD>13 </TD><TD>Derrick Mason </TD><TD>11 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>4 </TD><TD>Kenny Britt </TD><TD>15.4 </TD><TD>14 </TD><TD>Greg Jennings </TD><TD>10.9 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>5 </TD><TD>DeSean Jackson </TD><TD>14.7 </TD><TD>15 </TD><TD>Dwayne Bowe </TD><TD>10.6 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>6 </TD><TD>Mike Wallace </TD><TD>14.7 </TD><TD>16 </TD><TD>Jabar Gaffney </TD><TD>10.2 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>7 </TD><TD>Johnny Knox </TD><TD>14 </TD><TD>17 </TD><TD>Larry Fitzgerald </TD><TD>10.2 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>8 </TD><TD>Nate Washington </TD><TD>13.4 </TD><TD>18 </TD><TD>Andre Johnson </TD><TD>10.1 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>9 </TD><TD>Lee Evans </TD><TD>12 </TD><TD>19 </TD><TD>Michael Jenkins </TD><TD>10.1 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>10 </TD><TD>Robert Meachem </TD><TD>11.5 </TD><TD>20 </TD><TD>Mario Manningham </TD><TD>10 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD colSpan=6>(source: STATS, LLC)</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Certainly, some of the biggest names in NFL pass-receiving circles appear here, including five of fantasy's top 10 WRs last year (Lloyd, Bowe, Jennings, Wallace and Johnson). So what do the numbers look like so far in '11?

<TABLE><THEAD><TR><TH>Rank </TH><TH>Player </TH><TH>Y@C/R </TH><TH>Rank </TH><TH>Player </TH><TH>Y@C/R </TH></TR></THEAD><TBODY><TR class=last><TD>1 </TD><TD>Johnny Knox </TD><TD>17 </TD><TD>11 </TD><TD>Jabar Gaffney </TD><TD>11.7 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>2 </TD><TD>Vincent Jackson </TD><TD>14.9 </TD><TD>12 </TD><TD>Anquan Boldin </TD><TD>11.4 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>3 </TD><TD>Torrey Smith </TD><TD>14.4 </TD><TD>13 </TD><TD>Antonio Brown </TD><TD>11.4 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>4 </TD><TD>Denarius Moore </TD><TD>13.5 </TD><TD>14 </TD><TD>Darrius Heyward-Bey </TD><TD>11.3 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>5 </TD><TD>Brian Hartline </TD><TD>12.7 </TD><TD>15 </TD><TD>Titus Young </TD><TD>11 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>6 </TD><TD>Jacoby Jones </TD><TD>12.6 </TD><TD>16 </TD><TD>Brandon Lloyd </TD><TD>10.9 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>7 </TD><TD>A.J. Green </TD><TD>12.6 </TD><TD>17 </TD><TD>Victor Cruz </TD><TD>10.9 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>8 </TD><TD>DeSean Jackson </TD><TD>12.2 </TD><TD>18 </TD><TD>Dez Bryant </TD><TD>10.8 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>9 </TD><TD>Steve Smith (CAR) </TD><TD>12.1 </TD><TD>19 </TD><TD>Hakeem Nicks </TD><TD>10.8 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>10 </TD><TD>Larry Fitzgerald </TD><TD>11.9 </TD><TD>20 </TD><TD>Mike Wallace </TD><TD>10.8 </TD></TR><TR class=last><TD colSpan=6>(source: STATS, LLC)</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Six of fantasy's top 10 WRs appear here (Smith, Cruz, Wallace, Fitzgerald, V. Jackson and Green), but let's look at some of the "lesser" names. Knox has erupted in Devin Hester's absence the past two weeks (7 catches, 242 yards and 2 TDs), but the Chicago Bears maintain that when Hester gets completely healthy, for some reason he'll head back into the starting lineup; one can only hope that if Mike Martz moves on next year, the new coordinator will recognize that Knox is very obviously his best aerial playmaker. Hartline gets no credit opposite Brandon Marshall and hasn't had a game with more than four receptions all year, but perhaps deserves a reevaluation at some point after Tony Sparano is gone, and maybe once the Miami Dolphins have a top-notch QB prospect. Boldin is a shock to me; for a guy known for his lack of speed, he's taken advantage of Joe Flacco's big arm (and survived Flacco's maddening inconsistency), though since he averages only 4.2 yards after the catch, his lack of explosiveness does bite him eventually. Titus Young and Victor Cruz are fascinating inclusions here, considering when their respective receiving corps are healthy, they each run mostly out of the slot. And how about Antonio Brown? Don't chalk up Brown's breakout season to mere dinks and dunks. He hasn't made a ton of big plays yet (only two plays of 25-plus yards, compared to 10 for his teammate Wallace), but quickness is part of his game. I won't be at all surprised to see him break some big ones over the season's final five games.

5. Can anyone say what's wrong with Philip Rivers? I thought I'd give Rivers the "T.J. Yates" treatment, too, and dissect every throw from the San Diego Chargers' Week 12 loss to the Denver Broncos. I won't be able to break down every single throw here because of space considerations (Rivers tossed it 36 times), but rest assured I took notes on every pass. Here's how I grouped them:

• I counted two completions (Rivers had 19 on the day) on which the throw was inaccurate, but the pass-catcher made a play. The second of these was a killer to Vincent Jackson; it was a short crossing route where Jackson basically had to stop and reach behind to make the grab. If he catches it in stride, he might take it to the house, and from his expression after the play, you could see he knew it.

• I saw three targets to Antonio Gates that were wildly overthrown. Even a vintage, mid-career Gates wouldn't have caught them.

• I counted two deep throws (one to Jackson, one to Vincent Brown) on which the receiver was one-on-one and Rivers seemed to be attempting a "back-shoulder" throw toward the sideline, but the wideout never stopped running. It may have been more miscommunication than bad accuracy.

• I saw three balls that were inaccurately thrown enough that they probably should've been intercepted, but weren't. Literally all three of these were aimed at the rookie Brown, however, so there's always some question about whether he was in the right place at the right time. But on one of them he made a sparkling "defensive" play to break up the would-be pick.

• Twice Rivers was rushed and attempted to check down but threw inaccurately (once to Brown, once to Mike Tolbert).

• Once he had a pass batted down at the line and twice he was hit as he threw, causing the ball to pop up forward as an incomplete pass.

• Twice he threw the ball away rather than take a sack.

• Rivers took a deep shot to Brown that was a pretty good throw into double coverage and a more polished receiver might've grabbed it; Brown elevated and got one hand on it but couldn't bring it in.

• Patrick Clayton just flat-out dropped an accurate throw.

• Six of the completions I counted were purely of the "check-down" variety, on which Rivers went through his progressions and wound up flinging it to a safety valve for a short gain.

• Now the good throws. He recognized a blown coverage and dumped one off to Randy McMichael, who ran for a long gain. He hit Brown on a zippy out-cut and Jackson on an in-cut with good accuracy. He put a nice throw on Curtis Brinkley in the flat that a better RB might've taken into the end zone. In overtime, he hit his back foot and zinged a pretty nice throw to Brown over the middle. He zipped a short one to Crayton. His best deep pass of the day was courageous, where he stood in and took a hit to let Brown get open, but Brown was wide open. He threw a jump ball to Gates that Gates boxed out and caught (the Chargers should do more of this). Then there were what I thought were Rivers' three best throws, all to Gates, all over the middle, zipping little lasers that skimmed through linebackers and safeties and got on Gates in a hurry (one of which went for a TD).

In all? I saw some hints of the guy we expected to see all season, but overall the accuracy was fairly, and surprisingly, awful. When I watched all these passes back-to-back-to-back, I grew used to Rivers squirming in the pocket and firing wildly when he had to go more than 10 yards down the field, but I also saw a guy who understands where his safety valves are and can create yardage simply by being a smart dude. But it all added up to a meager 188 yards, and he should've been picked off a couple of times. The matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars this week should be a decent one on paper, considering Jacksonville is without its two starting corners. I understand if you don't have an elite option at QB, and want to use Rivers. But from what I saw on this game tape, salvation is not close.

Five In Brief

6. Playing the Indianapolis Colts doesn't overjoy me more than starting a New England Patriots RB scares me. I see that my ranking brethren feel downright giddy at the notion of using BenJarvus Green-Ellis this week, ranking him inside their top 15 RBs. I can't get behind BJGE or any Patriots RB as anything more than a flex, and that's where I have the Law Firm ranked this week. I understand the others' logic: Indy is awful, the Pats should be ahead, and last year they tended to use Green-Ellis as their closer. That's sound. But if I have a playoff spot on the line, I can't stomach the notion of relying on Bill Belichick (or Mike Shanahan) to do the expected with his rushers. Green-Ellis has 10 and 16 fantasy points the past two weeks. And before that, he'd scored 12 fantasy points in his previous four games combined. With a sane usage pattern, I'd be all aboard. But if I'm playing a win-and-get-in game? I'm hesitating.

7. I'd use Willis McGahee before BJGE, but even he's scary. The Minnesota Vikings' front seven is significantly tougher than the one McGahee tore up in Week 12, when the Broncos upset the Chargers. And like the Law Firm, What-You-Talkin'-'Bout-Willis provokes tummy pangs of worry if I'm in a must-win this week. As a flex? Sure, I'm OK. But when you're coming off a game in which the quarterback ran it 22 times (yes, Tebow had 22 rushing attempts versus San Diego last week), and when McGahee hasn't scored a red zone TD since Tebow's ascension to the starting job, well, I'm thinking "flex." I acknowledge that McGahee has shown more life in his legs than he'd done the past two seasons in Baltimore, and has made himself fantasy-relevant. But the Vikes held Michael Turner to six fantasy points (19 carries, 60 yards) on the road last week. And Turner doesn't have to worry about Tebow.

8. DeAngelo Williams returns. My fellow ESPN rankers all have Jonathan Stewart ranked ahead of D-Willy, but that's so Week 8. In the three games since the Carolina Panthers' bye, Williams has had 28 carries on first down, while Stewart has had eight. Meanwhile, Stewart has caught 13 passes, while Williams has caught one. D'oh. Guess what's changed here? While nobody outside Carolina was watching, D-Willy has taken back the early-down work. Heck, in that three-game span, only one Panthers RB has gotten a carry inside an opponent's 10, and it was Williams last week, who converted a 2-yard TD. (Cam Newton, of course, has five carries inside an opponent's 20 in his past three contests, and has scored on three of them. Vulture.) Week 13's matchup against a woeful Buccaneers run defense makes both Williams and Stewart possible flex plays. But if I'm picking one, it's the guy who's getting the early-down work. Stewart might be better in a PPR league, but the numbers say Williams is the better play in standard-scoring leagues.

9. Greg Little is relevant. He had four drops last week and has a whopping 12 overall in his rookie season, but Little is the best pass target Colt McCoy has in Cleveland, and he should probably be owned in more than just 10.5 percent of fantasy leagues. Little was targeted 13 times last week, which was tied for second most in the NFL. He's up to 27 targets in the past three weeks, which is tied for sixth in that span, and look at the names ahead of him on that list: Calvin Johnson, Roddy White, Victor Cruz, Brandon Lloyd and Larry Fitzgerald. Is Little on par athletically with those guys? No, he's a different kind of player, more of a physical, run-after-catch possession receiver than a flyer or leaper. But when a guy is getting that kind of enormous workload as a rookie, it's a sign that A) his team trusts him; and/or B) his team doesn't have a whole lot of other options. And you know what? I'll take either explanation and run to the bank. I'm not saying the guy is a must-start, especially not for fantasy teams that are cruising with impressive WR depth into the playoffs. But I do think he's ownable in all leagues, and is a No. 3 wideout in PPR leagues.

10. Carson Palmer is Carson Palmer. I got questioned quite a bit about why I haven't liked Palmer more over the past couple of weeks, ranking him 14th and now 17th in Weeks 12 and 13. When you watch the game tape, you understand why. I acknowledge that Palmer has a bit more consistent zip on his fastball than I saw in '10, though I also think he's emboldened to take chances he sometimes shouldn't. But his receiving corps is shaky, and his O-line is starting to show holes. With Denarius Moore missing last week with a foot injury and questionable for Week 13, and with Jacoby Ford not likely to return soon, the Raiders are down to a motley crew that consists of Louis Murphy, Chaz Schilens and Darrius Heyward-Bey, which is an athletic trainer's dream but a QB's nightmare. You might be tempted to say that "chemistry" between the QB and WRs is the problem here, and maybe proclaim that if Palmer had more practice reps with these guys, maybe you'd see fewer passes that look so wild and inaccurate. But these backup Raiders receivers just don't run good routes. I went back and watched tape of Moore versus the Chargers a couple of weeks ago, and Palmer hit him in stride time and time again, because even though he's a rookie, Moore goes where he's supposed to go. DHB, for all his freakish upside, just can't get that through his thick skull. Add in eight sacks of Palmer the past two weeks, and I think this is a fantasy situation to avoid. The Dolphins are playing very well on defense, and have allowed below-average fantasy points to QBs in four straight games.

Fantasy Football News 2011/2012

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