NFL Fantasy Football News 2009-2010

[HacheMan]

The Chris Johnson Rule
While I shamefully watched the NFL Network's version of fast food -- the Red Zone channel (like a Big Mac, it tastes great, but something about it makes you feel dirty) -- I realized a crazy fact: The number 1 player in Fantasy Football, Chris Johnson, has been on this channel inside the 20 yard line less than 5 times.
How could a guy with so few easy scoring chances be the most prolific player in Fantasy (and real) Football?

On the season Johnson has 16 touches inside the 20 yard line; the rest of the Top 10 RBs average more than double at 33. It baffled me that RZ chances were so positively correlated to Fantasy points with the rest of the Top 10, yet seem nearly irrelevant with the Ace of the group. So is Chris Johnson so explosive that he can overcome what the majority of RBs require to make an impact for their fantasy owners (lots of easy scoring chances)? Yes, which brings us to the Chris Johnson Rule.

The Chris Johnson Rule

Through 9 weeks, the dynamic Titans RB has had 40 plays (Rushing and Receiving) for a gain of 10+ yards, which leads the NFL. More impressively, Johnson has broken off plays of 25+ yards an astounding 16 TIMES! Only Adrian Peterson (11) and Michael Turner (10) are even in double digits. To give this more perspective: the Top 9 RBs behind Johnson average out to 6 runs of 25+ yard each. Chris Johnson has been close to 3 times more explosive than the other top RBs. That's amazing.

So the Chris Johnson Rule is: A RB can overcome a lack of easy scoring chances by possessing a truly special ability to break off long runs. Much like RZ stats, this quality can be seen best by looking at statistics. Here's how the Top 10 RBs look.

The Top 10

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<TBODY><TR class=tableizer-firstrow><TH>Player</TH><TH>Team</TH><TH>Total Touches</TH><TH>Fantasy Pts</TH><TH>RZ chances</TH><TH>10+</TH><TH>25+</TH></TR><TR><TD>Chris Johnson</TD><TD>Ten</TD><TD>200</TD><TD>189</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>20% (40)</TD><TD>8% (16)</TD></TR><TR><TD>Maurice Jones-Drew</TD><TD>Jac</TD><TD>201</TD><TD>178</TD><TD>43</TD><TD>17.4% (35)</TD><TD>3.9% (8)</TD></TR><TR><TD>Adrian Peterson</TD><TD>Min</TD><TD>202</TD><TD>169</TD><TD>41</TD><TD>17.8% (36)</TD><TD>5.4% (11)</TD></TR><TR><TD>Ray Rice </TD><TD>Bal</TD><TD>177</TD><TD>153</TD><TD>25</TD><TD>20.3% (36)</TD><TD>4.5% (5)</TD></TR><TR><TD>DeAngelo Williams</TD><TD>Car</TD><TD>189</TD><TD>143</TD><TD>33</TD><TD>20.6% (39) </TD><TD>2.1% (4)</TD></TR><TR><TD>Michael Turner</TD><TD>Atl</TD><TD>170</TD><TD>142</TD><TD>24</TD><TD>17% (29)</TD><TD>5.8% (10)</TD></TR><TR><TD>Thomas Jones</TD><TD>NYJ</TD><TD>176</TD><TD>131</TD><TD>27</TD><TD>11.7% (20)</TD><TD>3.9% (7)</TD></TR><TR><TD>Cedric Benson</TD><TD>Cin</TD><TD>215</TD><TD>128</TD><TD>30</TD><TD>12.6% (27)</TD><TD>2.3% (5)</TD></TR><TR><TD>Ronnie Brown</TD><TD>Mia</TD><TD>161</TD><TD>125</TD><TD>40</TD><TD>13% (21)</TD><TD>1.2% (2)</TD></TR><TR><TD>Joseph Addai</TD><TD>Ind</TD><TD>162</TD><TD>124</TD><TD>36</TD><TD>13.5% (22)</TD><TD>0%</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

These numbers show the explosive potential of these backs. While many have seen a good amount of their runs go for 10+ yards, Chris Johnson's ability to break off the huge run is unique.

Here are some other RBs who may fall into a similar category as Chris Johnson -- although, honestly, he's in a category by himself.

Justin Forsett, Seahawks RB
58 touches/ 20 plays of 10+ (34.5%)/ 2 plays of 25+ (3.4%)

What have the Seahawks been waiting for? Forsett has done nothing but impress since taking the field this preseason. After a huge performance on Sunday, the secret is out: this little guy can play. At just 5'8/194, he better be explosive. Trust me, he is. Of Forsett's 58 touches on the season, an unbelievable 34.5% (would lead NFL, if he had enough touches) of them have gone for 10 yards or more.

While he has yet to break many huge runs (only 2 over 25 yards), his ability to gain big chunks of yardage cannot be ignored. Granted, of all the guys we're looking at today, Forsett has just about the fewest amount of touches (so the percentages are most likely a little inflated), but the numbers speak for themselves.

Even when Julius Jones comes back, Forsett has to remain a huge part of this offense. Tim Hasselbeck has said that his brother (Seahawks QB Matt Hasselbeck) loves Forsett, and expects his role in the offense to continue to grow. This week's matchup is a tough one in Minnesota, so I'd leave him on the bench for this game. But Forsett should be grabbed in every league, as 3 of his next 4 games are against the Rams, Texans, and Buccaneers (with the last two coming in the playoffs). Forsett could end up being an essential part of many fantasy playoff runs.

Pierre Thomas, Saints RB
108 touches/ 21 plays of 10+ (19.4%)/ 6 plays of 25+ (5.5%)

Pierre Thomas has given his owners a tough time this season. After being a very trendy pick in drafts as a poor man's #1 RB, Thomas didn't show up for the first two weeks. However, when healthy, Thomas has been pretty good. This past week was huge disappointment, putting up a dud against the Rams, but there are good things to come.

Even if Thomas loses out on some carries in the Red Zone and at the Goal Line, his explosive ability may serve to mitigate that shortcoming. In a substantial sample size, 19.4% of Thomas' touches have resulted in 10 yards or more, while 5.5% have been over 25 yards. His 10+ yard rate is elite by any standard, while his 5.5% of 25+ yard plays is as close as anyone gets to Chris Johnson's absurd 8%. Thomas' great weakness has been inconsistent week-to-week touches, and while some of this is due to the Saints spreading the ball around, missing the first two games has deflated his ultimate value.

Even if Thomas can only muster 15 touches a game -- and I think he will get more -- his game breaking ability makes him a very good RB2 option.

Ricky Williams, Dolphins RB
123 touches/25 plays of 10+ (20.3%)/ 5 plays of 25+ (4%)

I've been a skeptic of Ricky Williams. Aside from questioning just how successful a pothead could be in a sport based on killer instinct and dedication, I had trouble trusting a RB who went many games with fewer than 10 touches. Now that Ronnie Brown is hurt -- possibly for the season -- Williams gets a huge boost in value. And as if that wasn't enough, he fits some of the Chris Johnson Rule criteria.

20.3% of his touches have gone for 10 yards or more, putting him right alongside Johnson. However, like most, Williams breakaway rate (25+ plays) of 4% is good, but pales in comparison to Johnson's super elite 8%.

Williams is a great RB1 option now, considering he's in line to combine his explosiveness with the Red Zone and Goal Line carries that he missed out on with Ronnie Brown healthy. When I revisit this Top 10 RB list in a few weeks, I expect Williams to be part of the group.

Jamaal Charles, Chiefs RB
68 touches/19 plays of 10+ (27.9%)/ 3 plays of 25+ (4.4%)

Going into Sunday, I wasn't really sure how Todd Haley would use Charles and Kolby Smith, and neither was he. Smith started the game, but Charles simply outperformed him, forcing Haley to give Charles more touches. The shifty back out of Texas certainly made the most of his 22 touches, grossing 117 yards and a score. At 5-11 199, Charles is nearly the exact same size as Chris Johnson, but how does the young Chief stack up?

Out of Charles 68 touches, he's gained 10+ on 19 of them (27.9%), and he's had 3 plays of more than 25 yards (4.4%). Granted these are small samples, but Charles certainly appears to have some of the explosiveness that characterizes a top RB. Even if Kolby Smith ends up stealing some GL carries, Charles' excellent speed should make him a valuable RB going forward, assuming he continues to get around 20 touches a game.

The Chiefs face the staunch Pittsburgh Steelers' Run Defense this week, but play a very run friendly schedule thereafter (SD, BUF, CLE), so don't get discouraged if Charles doesn't follow up this week's performance with another gem.

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Reggie Bush, Saints RB
84 touches/ 20 plays of 10+ (23.8%)/ 2 plays of 25+ (2.4%)

Bush seems to be the forbidden fruit of Fantasy Football: he always looks like a great option, but when you indulge in him, bad things happen. Bush's explosive stats show why he's such a constant tease to Fantasy owners. 23.8% (20 total) of his touches have resulted in more than 10 yards, while 2 have gone for more than 25. While he does have a propensity to get substantial gains, Bush hasn't shown the breakaway ability that we witnessed at USC.

With touchdowns in 4 of his last 5 games, Bush looks like he might be a reliable flex option, even a matchup RB2 play. In the words of Lee Corso, NOT so fast my friend! He's averaging 6.8 touches over those 5 games, and no matter how explosive a RB is, that's not enough opportunity to be trusted. If Bush can get into the 12-15 touch range, he can be a reliable option as a flex play.

Jason Snelling, Falcons RB
51 touches/ 14 plays of 10+ (27.4%)/ 1 play of 25+ (1.9%)

It's hard to know what to make of Snelling. Although he had a great game last week as a replacement for Michael Turner, he may have to overcome the impending return of the dynamic Jerious Norwood. Assuming Turner is out for a good chunk of time, Snelling looks like he would be the short yardage back in the duo. But he might be more.

27.4% of Snelling's plays on the season have gone for 10 yards or more (just one of 25+). While he doesn't fit the profile of a typical explosive back, he may be more than meets the eye. However, color me skeptical. I think Norwood will split time with Snelling and prove to be the more impressive runner.

LeSean McCoy, Eagles RB
109 touches/ 18 plays of 10+ (16.5%)/ 2 plays of 25+ (1.8%)

McCoy is often compared to the man he replaced, Brian Westbrook. But this isn't fair. While very talented, McCoy hasn't shown the ability to be a game breaker thus far. While he has seen an excellent amount (16.5%) of his touches go for 10+ yards, he hasn't been a big threat to break off huge plays (just 2 out of 109 touches have gone for 25+). As long as Westbrook is out, McCoy will have ample opportunity to prove himself. Just expect okay, not great production.

Red Zone Statistics for RBs, WRs, and TEs to date:

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<TABLE class=tableizer-table>
<TBODY><TR class=tableizer-firstrow><TH>Player</TH><TH>Team</TH><TH>RZ Car</TH><TH>Team RZ</TH><TH>RZ%</TH><TH>GL Car</TH><TH>Team GL</TH><TH>GL %</TH><TH>TD</TH><TH>RZ tar</TH><TH>RZ Chances</TH></TR><TR><TD>Maurice Jones-Drew</TD><TD>Jacksonville Jaguars</TD><TD>38</TD><TD>41</TD><TD>92.7%</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>100.0%</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>43</TD></TR><TR><TD>Adrian Peterson</TD><TD>Minnesota Vikings</TD><TD>38</TD><TD>54</TD><TD>70.4%</TD><TD>19</TD><TD>23</TD><TD>82.6%</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>41</TD></TR><TR><TD>Ronnie Brown</TD><TD>Miami Dolphins</TD><TD>39</TD><TD>60</TD><TD>65.0%</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>21</TD><TD>71.4%</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>40</TD></TR><TR><TD>Matt Forte</TD><TD>Chicago Bears</TD><TD>36</TD><TD>43</TD><TD>83.7%</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>90.0%</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>39</TD></TR><TR><TD>Brandon Jacobs</TD><TD>New York Giants</TD><TD>33</TD><TD>53</TD><TD>62.3%</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>72.7%</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>37</TD></TR><TR><TD>Joseph Addai</TD><TD>Indiannapolis Colts</TD><TD>31</TD><TD>45</TD><TD>68.9%</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>57.1%</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>36</TD></TR><TR><TD>DeAngelo Williams</TD><TD>Carolina Panthers</TD><TD>22</TD><TD>51</TD><TD>43.1%</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>21</TD><TD>47.6%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>33</TD></TR><TR><TD>Ladanian Tomlinson</TD><TD>San Diego Chargers</TD><TD>30</TD><TD>36</TD><TD>83.3%</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>23</TD><TD>78.3%</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>31</TD></TR><TR><TD>Cedric Benson</TD><TD>Cincinnati Bengals</TD><TD>28</TD><TD>30</TD><TD>93.3%</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>100.0%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>30</TD></TR><TR><TD>Jonathan Stewart</TD><TD>Carolina Panthers</TD><TD>27</TD><TD>51</TD><TD>52.9%</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>21</TD><TD>47.6%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>28</TD></TR><TR><TD>Ryan Grant</TD><TD>Green Bay Packers</TD><TD>23</TD><TD>29</TD><TD>79.3%</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>78.6%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>27</TD></TR><TR><TD>Thomas Jones</TD><TD>New York Jets</TD><TD>26</TD><TD>43</TD><TD>60.5%</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>88.9%</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>27</TD></TR><TR><TD>Reggie Bush</TD><TD>New Orleans Saints</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>57</TD><TD>28.1%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>20</TD><TD>15.0%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>27</TD></TR><TR><TD>Ray Rice</TD><TD>Baltimore Ravens</TD><TD>19</TD><TD>38</TD><TD>50.0%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>37.5%</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>25</TD></TR><TR><TD>Michael Turner</TD><TD>Atlanta Falcons </TD><TD>23</TD><TD>28</TD><TD>82.1%</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>100.0%</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>24</TD></TR><TR><TD>Knowshon Moreno</TD><TD>Denver Broncos</TD><TD>20</TD><TD>32</TD><TD>62.5%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>42.9%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>23</TD></TR><TR><TD>Steve Slaton</TD><TD>Houston Texans</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>47</TD><TD>38.3%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>23.1%</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>22</TD></TR><TR><TD>Steven Jackson</TD><TD>St. Louis Rams</TD><TD>19</TD><TD>21</TD><TD>90.5%</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>100.0%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>21</TD></TR><TR><TD>Clinton Portis</TD><TD>Washington Redskins</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>26</TD><TD>65.4%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>50.0%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>21</TD></TR><TR><TD>Pierre Thomas</TD><TD>New Orleans Saints</TD><TD>19</TD><TD>57</TD><TD>33.3%</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>20</TD><TD>40.0%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>21</TD></TR><TR><TD>Darren Sproles</TD><TD>San Diego Chargers</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>50</TD><TD>26.0%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>25</TD><TD>16.0%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>21</TD></TR><TR><TD>Ricky Williams</TD><TD>Miami Dolphins</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>60</TD><TD>26.7%</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>21</TD><TD>23.8%</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>20</TD></TR><TR><TD>Marshawn Lynch</TD><TD>Buffalo Bills</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>21</TD><TD>76.2%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>66.7%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>19</TD></TR><TR><TD>Kevin Smith</TD><TD>Detroit Lions</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>25</TD><TD>68.0%</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>50.0%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>19</TD></TR><TR><TD>Laurence Maroney</TD><TD>New England Patriots</TD><TD>19</TD><TD>44</TD><TD>43.2%</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>62.5%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>19</TD></TR><TR><TD>Amhad Bradshaw</TD><TD>New York Giants</TD><TD>19</TD><TD>53</TD><TD>35.8%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>27.3%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>19</TD></TR><TR><TD>Rashard Mendenhall</TD><TD>Pittsburgh Steelers</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>26</TD><TD>65.4%</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>71.4%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>18</TD></TR><TR><TD>Beanie Wells</TD><TD>Arizona Cardinals</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>34</TD><TD>52.9%</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>18.2%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>18</TD></TR><TR><TD>Tim Hightower</TD><TD>Arizona Cardinals</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>34</TD><TD>44.1%</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>81.8%</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>18</TD></TR><TR><TD>Chris Brown</TD><TD>Houston Texans</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>47</TD><TD>34.0%</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>38.5%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>18</TD></TR><TR><TD>Frank Gore</TD><TD>San Francisco 49ers</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>78.6%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>100.0%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>17</TD></TR><TR><TD>Willis McGahee</TD><TD>Baltimore Ravens</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>38</TD><TD>39.5%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>50.0%</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>17</TD></TR><TR><TD>Marion Barber</TD><TD>Dallas Cowboys</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>21</TD><TD>71.4%</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>83.3%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>16</TD></TR><TR><TD>Jamal Lewis</TD><TD>Cleveland Browns</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>25</TD><TD>64.0%</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>77.8%</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>16</TD></TR><TR><TD>Chris Johnson</TD><TD>Tennesee Titans</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>31</TD><TD>45.2%</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>60.0%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>16</TD></TR><TR><TD>Mike Bell</TD><TD>New Orleans Saints</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>57</TD><TD>28.1%</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>20</TD><TD>25.0%</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>16</TD></TR><TR><TD>Kevin Faulk</TD><TD>New England Patriots</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>44</TD><TD>20.5%</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>0.0%</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>15</TD></TR><TR><TD>Fred Jackson</TD><TD>Buffalo Bills</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>29</TD><TD>37.9%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>42.9%</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>14</TD></TR><TR><TD>Donald Brown</TD><TD>Indiannapolis Colts</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>45</TD><TD>31.1%</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>42.9%</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>14</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

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<TBODY><TR class=tableizer-firstrow><TH>Player</TH><TH>Team </TH><TH>RZ Targets</TH><TH>Team RZ</TH><TH>RZ%</TH><TH>TD</TH></TR><TR><TD>Marques Colston</TD><TD>New Orleans Saints</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>60</TD><TD>30.0%</TD><TD>6</TD></TR><TR><TD>Greg Olsen</TD><TD>Chicago Bears</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>50</TD><TD>34.0%</TD><TD>3</TD></TR><TR><TD>Brent Celek</TD><TD>Philadelphia Eagles</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>45</TD><TD>37.8%</TD><TD>4</TD></TR><TR><TD>Larry Fitzgerald</TD><TD>Arizona Cardinals</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>51</TD><TD>31.4%</TD><TD>6</TD></TR><TR><TD>Randy Moss</TD><TD>New England Patriots</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>61</TD><TD>26.2%</TD><TD>3</TD></TR><TR><TD>Reggie Wayne</TD><TD>Indianapolis Colts</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>49</TD><TD>30.6%</TD><TD>8</TD></TR><TR><TD>Steve Smith</TD><TD>New York Giants</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>39</TD><TD>35.9%</TD><TD>5</TD></TR><TR><TD>TJ Houshmandzadeh</TD><TD>Seattle Seahawks</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>52</TD><TD>26.9%</TD><TD>2</TD></TR><TR><TD>Dwayne Bowe</TD><TD>Kansas City Chiefs</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>46</TD><TD>28.3%</TD><TD>3</TD></TR><TR><TD>Bernard Berrian</TD><TD>Minnesota Vikings</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>49</TD><TD>26.5%</TD><TD>2</TD></TR><TR><TD>Andre Johnson</TD><TD>Houston Texans</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>45</TD><TD>26.7%</TD><TD>3</TD></TR><TR><TD>Nate Washington</TD><TD>Tennesee Titans</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>27</TD><TD>44.4%</TD><TD>4</TD></TR><TR><TD>Tony Gonzalez</TD><TD>Atlanta Falcons</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>36</TD><TD>30.6%</TD><TD>2</TD></TR><TR><TD>Chad Ochocinco</TD><TD>Cincinnati Bengals</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>44</TD><TD>25.0%</TD><TD>5</TD></TR><TR><TD>Roy Williams</TD><TD>Dallas Cowboys</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>44</TD><TD>25.0%</TD><TD>3</TD></TR><TR><TD>Owen Daniels</TD><TD>Houston Texans</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>45</TD><TD>24.4%</TD><TD>3</TD></TR><TR><TD>Sidney Rice</TD><TD>Minnesota Vikings</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>49</TD><TD>22.4%</TD><TD>1</TD></TR><TR><TD>Vernon Davis</TD><TD>San Francisco 49ers</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>32</TD><TD>34.4%</TD><TD>6</TD></TR><TR><TD>Steve Smith</TD><TD>Carolina Panthers</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>34</TD><TD>29.4%</TD><TD>3</TD></TR><TR><TD>Austin Collie</TD><TD>Indianapolis Colts</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>49</TD><TD>20.4%</TD><TD>3</TD></TR><TR><TD>Heath Miller</TD><TD>Pittsburgh Steelers</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>39</TD><TD>25.6%</TD><TD>4</TD></TR><TR><TD>Nate Burleson</TD><TD>Seattle Seahawks</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>52</TD><TD>19.2%</TD><TD>2</TD></TR><TR><TD>Roddy White </TD><TD>Atlanta Falcons</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>36</TD><TD>25.0%</TD><TD>1</TD></TR><TR><TD>Jhonny Knox</TD><TD>Chicago Bears</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>50</TD><TD>18.0%</TD><TD>2</TD></TR><TR><TD>Andre Caldwell</TD><TD>Cincinnati Bengals</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>44</TD><TD>20.5%</TD><TD>3</TD></TR><TR><TD>Laveranues Coles</TD><TD>Cincinnati Bengals</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>44</TD><TD>20.5%</TD><TD>2</TD></TR><TR><TD>Greg Jennings</TD><TD>Green Bay Packers</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>44</TD><TD>20.5%</TD><TD>1</TD></TR><TR><TD>Mike Sims-Walker</TD><TD>Jacksonville Jaguars</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>24</TD><TD>37.5%</TD><TD>4</TD></TR><TR><TD>Visante Schiancoe</TD><TD>Minnesota Vikings</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>49</TD><TD>18.4%</TD><TD>6</TD></TR><TR><TD>Wes Welker</TD><TD>New England Patriots</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>61</TD><TD>14.8%</TD><TD>2</TD></TR><TR><TD>Hines Ward</TD><TD>Pittsburgh Steelers</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>39</TD><TD>23.1%</TD><TD>3</TD></TR><TR><TD>Vincent Jackson</TD><TD>San Diego Chargers</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>38</TD><TD>23.7%</TD><TD>4</TD></TR><TR><TD>Steve Breaston</TD><TD>Arizona Cardinals</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>51</TD><TD>15.7%</TD><TD>2</TD></TR><TR><TD>Mark Clayton</TD><TD>Baltimore Ravens</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>27</TD><TD>29.6%</TD><TD>1</TD></TR><TR><TD>Chansi Stuckey</TD><TD>Cleveland Browns</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>21</TD><TD>38.1%</TD><TD>1</TD></TR><TR><TD>Eddie Royal</TD><TD>Denver Broncos</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>32</TD><TD>25.0%</TD><TD>0</TD></TR><TR><TD>Donald Driver</TD><TD>Green Bay Packers</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>44</TD><TD>18.2%</TD><TD>2</TD></TR><TR><TD>Braylon Edwards</TD><TD>New York Jets</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>28</TD><TD>28.6%</TD><TD>2</TD></TR><TR><TD>DeSean Jackson</TD><TD>Philadelphia Eagles</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>45</TD><TD>17.8%</TD><TD>0</TD></TR><TR><TD>Santonio Holmes</TD><TD>Pittsburgh Steelers</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>39</TD><TD>20.5%</TD><TD>0</TD></TR><TR><TD>John Carlson</TD><TD>Seattle Seahawks</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>52</TD><TD>15.4%</TD><TD>2</TD></TR><TR><TD>Anquan Boldin</TD><TD>Arizona Cardinals</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>51</TD><TD>13.7%</TD><TD>1</TD></TR><TR><TD>Lee Evans</TD><TD>Buffalo Bills</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>27</TD><TD>25.9%</TD><TD>2</TD></TR><TR><TD>Desmond Clark</TD><TD>Chicago Bears</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>50</TD><TD>14.0%</TD><TD>0</TD></TR><TR><TD>Devin Hester</TD><TD>Chicago Bears</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>50</TD><TD>14.0%</TD><TD>1</TD></TR><TR><TD>Miles Austin</TD><TD>Dallas Cowboys</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>44</TD><TD>15.9%</TD><TD>2</TD></TR><TR><TD>Donald Lee</TD><TD>Green Bay Packers</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>44</TD><TD>15.9%</TD><TD>0</TD></TR><TR><TD>Pierre Garcon</TD><TD>Indianapolis Colts</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>49</TD><TD>14.3%</TD><TD>0</TD></TR><TR><TD>Anthony Fasano</TD><TD>Miami Dolphins</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>28</TD><TD>25.0%</TD><TD>1</TD></TR><TR><TD>Jeremy Shockey</TD><TD>New Orleans Saints</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>60</TD><TD>11.7%</TD><TD>2</TD></TR><TR><TD>Dustin Keller</TD><TD>New York Jets</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>29</TD><TD>24.1%</TD><TD>2</TD></TR><TR><TD>Jason Avant</TD><TD>Philadelphia Eagles</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>45</TD><TD>15.6%</TD><TD>1</TD></TR><TR><TD>Antonio Gates</TD><TD>San Diego Chargers</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>38</TD><TD>18.4%</TD><TD>1</TD></TR><TR><TD>Josh Morgan</TD><TD>San Francisco 49ers</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>32</TD><TD>21.9%</TD><TD>1</TD></TR><TR><TD>Randy McMichael</TD><TD>St. Louis Rams</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>32</TD><TD>21.9%</TD><TD>0</TD></TR><TR><TD>Kellen Winslow</TD><TD>Tampa Bay Buccaneers</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>37</TD><TD>18.9%</TD><TD>4</TD></TR><TR><TD>Patrick Crayton</TD><TD>Dallas Cowboys</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>44</TD><TD>13.6%</TD><TD>0</TD></TR><TR><TD>Brandon Marshall</TD><TD>Denver Broncos</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>32</TD><TD>18.8%</TD><TD>4</TD></TR><TR><TD>Calvin Johnson</TD><TD>Detroit Lions</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>23</TD><TD>26.1%</TD><TD>1</TD></TR><TR><TD>Dallas Clark</TD><TD>Indianapolis Colts</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>49</TD><TD>12.2%</TD><TD>1</TD></TR><TR><TD>Mario Mannigham</TD><TD>New York Giants</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>39</TD><TD>15.4%</TD><TD>2</TD></TR><TR><TD>Bo Scaife</TD><TD>Tennesee Titans</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>27</TD><TD>22.2%</TD><TD>0</TD></TR><TR><TD>Devin Thomas</TD><TD>Washington Redskins</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>35</TD><TD>17.1%</TD><TD>1</TD></TR><TR><TD>Santana Moss</TD><TD>Washington Redskins</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>35</TD><TD>17.1%</TD><TD>0</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

[HacheMan]

Studs, duds and sleepers: Expect big things from L.T.



Studs
Jay Cutler, QB, Chicago. After a five-interception game, Cutler comes home where he has thrown only two picks vs. seven touchdowns. He faces a depleted Philadelphia secondary that allowed San Diego quarterback Philip Rivers to complete 80% of his passes.
Calvin Johnson, WR, Detroit. Thanks to injuries and his team's poor offense, you have to search for spots to start Johnson. One is at home against Cleveland. Johnson had 84 yards last week, his best showing since Week 4 and before his knee injury.
LaDainian Tomlinson, RB, San Diego. The Broncos have struggled to stop the run, allowing an average of 157.3 yards during their three-game skid. Tomlinson is getting his act together with a season-high 96 rushing yards last week and four TDs in the past three games.
Ricky Williams, RB, Miami. Ronnie Brown is on injured reserve, so Williams should be a regular starter. That begins tonight against the Panthers as Williams comes off a season-high 102 yards last week and meets the league's No. 25 run defense.
Kurt Warner, QB, Arizona. Warner goes on the road this week, back to his original home in St. Louis. Warner has been lights-out on the road with 10 TDs in four games.
Duds
Joe Flacco, QB, Baltimore. The early season pass-happy days are gone for Flacco, with only one TD in the last three games and fewer pass completions in each successive game since hitting a season-high 28 in Week 6. This week, he faces the Colts' league-best scoring defense.
Justin Forsett, RB, Seattle. The fantasy world is abuzz with Forsett after his 123 yards and a TD in relief of Julius Jones. But Minnesota knows he is coming and has allowed a league-best two rushing TDs.
Thomas Jones, RB, New York Jets. The Patriots have plenty to be angry about, including how they lost to Indianapolis and their Week 2 loss to the Jets in which Jones had only 54 rushing yards. And the Jets' offense is playing worse now.
Santana Moss, WR, Washington. The Cowboys are giving up just 38.3 yards to opponents' No. 1 wide receivers over their last four games, and there is little reason to think Moss and Washington's dysfunctional passing game can do much better.
Kevin Walter, WR, Houston. Let's quit considering Walter until he does something meaningful. He has slipped behind Jacoby Jones as the team's second-best scoring threat at wide receiver, and the Texans face an improving Tennessee secondary.
Sleepers
Reggie Bush, RB, New Orleans. The Saints have upped Bush's playing time lately and he responded with a season-high 83 rushing yards and two TDs against St. Louis, giving him five TDs in five games. Tampa Bay's run defense is ranked 31st.
Chris Chambers, WR, Kansas City. Chambers has settled in quickly as a starter after only two weeks with the Chiefs. They will need him to be the No. 1 now that Dwayne Bowe is suspended, and he'll benefit if Steelers safety Troy Polamalu is out.
Lee Evans, WR, Buffalo. One of Buffalo's few bright spots is Evans, who has four TDs in the past four games. The coaching change adds some uncertainty, although Evans stands a good chance to score again if the Jaguars are without injured cornerback Rashean Mathis.
Josh Freeman, QB, Tampa Bay. In two starts, Freeman has helped the Bucs to 61 total points. The Saints, meanwhile, have allowed at least 20 points in each of the last five, allowed the Rams to hit their season-high of 23 and could be down three starters in the secondary.
Nate Washington, WR, Tennessee. He isn't putting up big numbers, but Washington has caught two of Vince Young's three touchdown passes. And the Titans have picked up their offense overall, which means more scoring chances against Houston.

 

[HacheMan]

Down for the count
From an injury standpoint, this fantasy season was gliding along about as smooth as a baby's bottom. The lack of injuries felt weird, like something was missing. But we didn't talk about it, kind of like when a pitcher is throwing a no-hitter. Then, of course, Week 10 hit and the diaper got very dirty.

On Wednesday, we learned about the biggest casualty of the week and possibly the season. Ronnie Brown will miss the entire season with what is believed to be a Lisfranc fracture. That injury could threaten his status for 2010 training camp. Condolences to Ronnie and his owners, but no one is going to feel bad for you. Let's move on.

Ricky Williams is the obvious beneficiary of this. After seeing Ricky a few times this season, it looks like he still has just as much juice as ever. Of course, that was when he was getting 9-12 carries per game, not 19-23. Can he maintain his 5.3 yard per carry average with the increased workload? Certainly not. Will he still be a very viable RB1/excellent RB2 most weeks? Yes.

It's unclear exactly how the Dolphins will replace Brown in the Wildcat. We're expecting to see more of versatile QB Pat White and it's unlikely Chad Henne will suddenly be asked to chuck it around. Read Evan's matchup report on Pancake Blocks for more on this. Lex Hilliard will be Williams' backup, but he has zero carries in his two-year career and isn't likely to be a factor.

The bottom line is that it's Ricky's show now. He's the clear feature back on a running team with an offensive line that run-blocks well. He's under the microscope.

Thinking about how much value Ricky has gained because of Brown's injury got me started. Which backup runners would gain the most from an injury to a teammate?

1. Chester Taylor: Adrian Peterson has improved his pass-catching enough to the point that we don't even remember Taylor is there anymore.
2. Mike Bell: With Pierre Thomas out for the first two games of this season, Bell rushed 45 times for 229 yards and a touchdown.
3. Jonathan Stewart: The Daily Show already has 16 touchdowns in 25 career games. Imagine if DeAngelo Williams wasn't in the mix.
4. Tashard Choice: We saw what he could do with the chance to start at the end of last season and it was impressive.
5. Chris Wells: 29 carries for 157 yards with two touchdowns in the last two weeks playing behind Tim Hightower.

Editor's Note: For rankings, complete projections, and a host of other exclusive material for Week 11, head to Rotoworld's Season Pass. It's now 33 percent off and has the info you need for the fantasy playoffs as well!.

NEWS OF THE DAY #2
Brandon Gibson ran with the first team at Wednesday's practice, as expected. The rookie is an intriguing deep sleeper as he led the team in targets and catches last week and is legitimately talented. The Rams thought enough of him to give up Will Witherspoon earlier in the year. At the very least, dynasty leaguers should be all over this guy.

NEWS OF THE DAY #3
At long last, Tom Cable put everyone associated with the Raiders out of their misery by benching JaMarcus Russell. This is not a one-week thing -- Russell is on the pine for the foreseeable future. It's not a stretch to say he's one of the biggest busts as a No. 1 overall pick in the history of the NFL.

Meanwhile, Bruce Gradkowski is in as the Raiders new starter. It's an upgrade, but don't go run out and pick up Louis Murphy, Chaz Schilens and Darrius Heyward-Bey. Gradkowski isn't anywhere near good enough to make this offense productive.

Editor's Note: For rankings, complete projections, and a host of other exclusive material for Week 11, head to Rotoworld's Season Pass. It's now 33 percent off and has the info you need for the fantasy playoffs as well!.

INJURY QUICK SLANTS
Julius Jones (ribs) has been ruled out for Week 11. It's Justin Forsett time. … Cedric Benson (hip) missed practice Wednesday but there's still a chance he could go against the Raiders. … Ladell Betts (foot) has resumed practicing without limitations. Meanwhile Clinton Portis (concussion) hasn't been officially ruled out for this week but almost certainly won't play. … Jerious Norwood (hip) reportedly looks like a "long shot" to play this week. Upgrade Jason Snelling big time. … Michael Turner (ankle) isn't ruling himself out, but he won't play this week. Consider a Week 12 return a best-case scenario. … Joseph Addai (hand) is not on the Colts' injury report. He's good to go. … Sammy Morris (knee) was limited in practice Wednesday but is expected to return this week. Don't expect much in his first game back. … Brian Westbrook (concussion) got some good news Wednesday as two specialists told him he'll make a full recovery. His status for the rest of the season is still unknown. … Kyle Orton (ankle) did not practice Wednesday, but we're tentatively expecting him to play at less than 100 percent against the Chargers Sunday. … Anthony Fasano (hip) will not play Thursday night. … Jermichael Finley (knee) put in a full practice and is expected to play Sunday.

DEPTH CHART QUICK SLANTS
New Bills coach Perry Fewell confirmed that Ryan Fitzpatrick will start instead of Trent Edwards Sunday. … The Giants continue to say they want to use Danny Ware more, probably as a third-down back. This will hurt Ahmad Bradshaw. … Billy Cundiff is the new Ravens kicker. … Cowboys coach Wade Phillips admitted that Felix Jones is his third-best back in pass protection and that's keeping him off the field.

 

[HacheMan]

Value Meter: Warner and Fitzgerald will stay hot




Here is Matt Pitzer's updated Value Meter for Week 11.
It's no surprise that fantasy owners should expect Arizona stars Kurt Warner and Larry Fitzgerald to do some damage in St. Louis. The pair has hooked up for three touchdown in the last two weeks.
Now that you know what Matt is thinking, draft a team in 15 minutes and play him and others in RapidDraft. You could win $50,000. Click here for the latest player notes and the inactives on game days. Also, if you have any last minute questions, Matt will chat in Fantasy Joe on Sunday 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. ET. Good luck.
Quarterbacks
<TABLE border=1 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=420><TBODY><TR><TD>1.</TD><TD>Drew Brees, N.O.</TD><TD>at T.B.</TD></TR><TR><TD>2.</TD><TD>Matt Schaub, Hou.</TD><TD>vs. Ten</TD></TR><TR><TD>3.</TD><TD>Peyton Manning, Ind.</TD><TD>at Bal.</TD></TR><TR><TD>4.</TD><TD>Tom Brady, N.E.</TD><TD>vs. N.Y.-J</TD></TR><TR><TD>5.</TD><TD>Brett Favre, Min.</TD><TD>vs. Sea.</TD></TR><TR><TD>6.</TD><TD>Kurt Warner, Ari.</TD><TD>at St.L</TD></TR><TR><TD>7.</TD><TD>Ben Roethlisberger, Pit.</TD><TD>at K.C.</TD></TR><TR><TD>8.</TD><TD>Aaron Rodgers, G.B.</TD><TD>vs. S.F.</TD></TR><TR><TD>9.</TD><TD>Donovan McNabb, Phi.</TD><TD>at Chi.</TD></TR><TR><TD>10.</TD><TD>Philip Rivers, S.D.</TD><TD>at Den.</TD></TR><TR><TD>11.</TD><TD>Jay Cutler, Chi.</TD><TD>vs. Phi.</TD></TR><TR><TD>12.</TD><TD>Matt Ryan, Atl.</TD><TD>at N.Y.-G</TD></TR><TR><TD>13.</TD><TD>Carson Palmer, Cin.</TD><TD>at Oak.</TD></TR><TR><TD>14.</TD><TD>Eli Manning, N.Y.-G</TD><TD>vs. Atl.</TD></TR><TR><TD>15.</TD><TD>Tony Romo, Dal.</TD><TD>vs. Was.</TD></TR><TR><TD>16.</TD><TD>David Garrard, Jac.</TD><TD>vs. Buf.</TD></TR><TR><TD>17.</TD><TD>Matt Hasselbeck, Sea.</TD><TD>at Min.</TD></TR><TR><TD>18.</TD><TD>Jake Delhomme, Car.</TD><TD>vs. Mia.</TD></TR><TR><TD>19.</TD><TD>Matthew Stafford, Det.</TD><TD>vs. Cle.</TD></TR><TR><TD>20.</TD><TD>Vince Young, Ten.</TD><TD>at Hou.</TD></TR><TR><TD>21.</TD><TD>Joe Flacco, Bal.</TD><TD>vs. Ind.</TD></TR><TR><TD>22.</TD><TD>Alex Smith, S.F.</TD><TD>vs. Chi.</TD></TR><TR><TD>23.</TD><TD>Josh Freeman, T.B.</TD><TD>vs. N.O.</TD></TR><TR><TD>24.</TD><TD>Chad Henne, Mia.</TD><TD>at Car.</TD></TR><TR><TD>25.</TD><TD>Brady Quinn, Cle.</TD><TD>at Det.</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Running backs
<TABLE border=1 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=420><TBODY><TR><TD>1.</TD><TD>Chris Johnson, Ten.</TD><TD>at Hou.</TD></TR><TR><TD>2.</TD><TD>Adrian Peterson, Min.</TD><TD>vs. Sea.</TD></TR><TR><TD>3.</TD><TD>Maurice Jones-Drew, Jac.</TD><TD>vs. Buf.</TD></TR><TR><TD>4.</TD><TD>Rashard Mendenhall, Pit.</TD><TD>at K.C.</TD></TR><TR><TD>5.</TD><TD>Frank Gore, S.F.</TD><TD>vs. Chi.</TD></TR><TR><TD>6.</TD><TD>*DeAngelo Williams, Car.</TD><TD>vs. Mia.</TD></TR><TR><TD>7.</TD><TD>Steven Jackson, St.L.</TD><TD>vs. Ari.</TD></TR><TR><TD>8.</TD><TD>*Cedric Benson, Cin.</TD><TD>at Oak.</TD></TR><TR><TD>9.</TD><TD>Ricky Williams, Mia.</TD><TD>at Car.</TD></TR><TR><TD>10.</TD><TD>Pierre Thomas, N.O.</TD><TD>at T.B.</TD></TR><TR><TD>11.</TD><TD>Ray Rice, Bal.</TD><TD>vs. Ind.</TD></TR><TR><TD>12.</TD><TD>Joseph Addai, Ind.</TD><TD>at Bal.</TD></TR><TR><TD>13.</TD><TD>Kevin Smith, Det.</TD><TD>vs. Cle.</TD></TR><TR><TD>14.</TD><TD>LaDainian Tomlinson, S.D.</TD><TD>at Den.</TD></TR><TR><TD>15.</TD><TD>LeSean McCoy, Phi.</TD><TD>at Chi.</TD></TR><TR><TD>16.</TD><TD>Brandon Jacobs, N.Y.G</TD><TD>vs. Atl.</TD></TR><TR><TD>17.</TD><TD>Chris Wells, Ari.</TD><TD>at St.L</TD></TR><TR><TD>18.</TD><TD>Thomas Jones, N.Y.-J</TD><TD>at N.E.</TD></TR><TR><TD>19.</TD><TD>Matt Forte, Chi.</TD><TD>vs. Phi.</TD></TR><TR><TD>20.</TD><TD>Marion Barber, Dal.</TD><TD>vs. Was.</TD></TR><TR><TD>21.</TD><TD>Marshawn Lynch, Buf</TD><TD>at Jac.</TD></TR><TR><TD>22.</TD><TD>Ryan Grant, G.B.</TD><TD>vs. S.F.</TD></TR><TR><TD>23.</TD><TD>Ahmad Bradshaw, N.Y.-G</TD><TD>vs. Atl.</TD></TR><TR><TD>24.</TD><TD>Jonathan Stewart, Car.</TD><TD>vs. Mia.</TD></TR><TR><TD>25.</TD><TD>Knowshon Moreno, Den.</TD><TD>vs. S.D.</TD></TR><TR><TD>26.</TD><TD>Jason Snelling, Atl.</TD><TD>At N.Y.-G</TD></TR><TR><TD>27.</TD><TD>Reggie Bush, N.O.</TD><TD>at T.B.</TD></TR><TR><TD>28.</TD><TD>Carnell Williams, T.B.</TD><TD>vs. G.B.</TD></TR><TR><TD>29.</TD><TD>Steve Slaton, Hou.</TD><TD>vs. Ten.</TD></TR><TR><TD>30.</TD><TD>Jamaal Charles, K.C.</TD><TD>vs. Pit.</TD></TR><TR><TD>31.</TD><TD>*Bernard Scott, Cin.</TD><TD>at Oak.</TD></TR><TR><TD>32.</TD><TD>Tim Hightower, Ari.</TD><TD>at St.L</TD></TR><TR><TD>33.</TD><TD>Jamal Lewis, Cle.</TD><TD>at Det.</TD></TR><TR><TD>34.</TD><TD>*Ladell Betts, Was.</TD><TD>at Dal.</TD></TR><TR><TD>35.</TD><TD>Michael Bush, Oak.</TD><TD>vs. Cin.</TD></TR><TR><TD>36.</TD><TD>Laurence Maroney, N.E.</TD><TD>vs. N.Y.-J</TD></TR><TR><TD>37.</TD><TD>Mike Bell, N.O.</TD><TD>at T.B.</TD></TR><TR><TD>38.</TD><TD>Ryan Moats, Hou.</TD><TD>vs. Ten.</TD></TR><TR><TD>39.</TD><TD>Justin Forsett, Sea.</TD><TD>at Min.</TD></TR><TR><TD>40.</TD><TD>*Jerious Norwood, Atl.</TD><TD>At N.Y.-G</TD></TR><TR><TD>41.</TD><TD>Correll Buckhalter, Den.</TD><TD>vs. S.D.</TD></TR><TR><TD>42.</TD><TD>Kolby Smith, K.C.</TD><TD>vs. Pit.</TD></TR><TR><TD>43.</TD><TD>Felix Jones, Dal.</TD><TD>vs. Was.</TD></TR><TR><TD>44.</TD><TD>Chester Taylor, Min.</TD><TD>vs. Sea.</TD></TR><TR><TD>45.</TD><TD>Darren Sproles, S.D.</TD><TD>at Den.</TD></TR><TR><TD>46.</TD><TD>Tashard Choice, Dal.</TD><TD>vs. Was.</TD></TR><TR><TD>47.</TD><TD>Donald Brown, Ind.</TD><TD>at Bal.</TD></TR><TR><TD>48.</TD><TD>Derrick Ward, T.B.</TD><TD>vs. G.B.</TD></TR><TR><TD>49.</TD><TD>Justin Fargas, Oak.</TD><TD>vs. Cin.</TD></TR><TR><TD>50.</TD><TD>*Darren McFadden, Oak.</TD><TD>vs. Cin.</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Wide receivers
<TABLE border=1 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=420><TBODY><TR><TD>1.</TD><TD>Larry Fitzgerald, Ari.</TD><TD>at St.L</TD></TR><TR><TD>2.</TD><TD>Andre Johnson, Hou.</TD><TD>vs. Ten.</TD></TR><TR><TD>3.</TD><TD>Randy Moss, N.E.</TD><TD>vs. N.Y.-J</TD></TR><TR><TD>4.</TD><TD>Reggie Wayne, Ind.</TD><TD>at Bal.</TD></TR><TR><TD>5.</TD><TD>DeSean Jackson, Phi.</TD><TD>at Chi.</TD></TR><TR><TD>6.</TD><TD>Hines Ward, Pit.</TD><TD>at K.C.</TD></TR><TR><TD>7.</TD><TD>Marques Colston, N.O.</TD><TD>at T.B.</TD></TR><TR><TD>8.</TD><TD>Donald Driver, G.B.</TD><TD>vs. S.F.</TD></TR><TR><TD>9.</TD><TD>Roddy White, Atl.</TD><TD>at N.Y.-G</TD></TR><TR><TD>10.</TD><TD>Steve Smith, Car.</TD><TD>vs. Mia.</TD></TR><TR><TD>11.</TD><TD>Steve Smith, N.Y.-G</TD><TD>vs. Atl.</TD></TR><TR><TD>12.</TD><TD>Miles Austin, Dal.</TD><TD>vs. Was.</TD></TR><TR><TD>13.</TD><TD>Vincent Jackson, S.D.</TD><TD>at Den.</TD></TR><TR><TD>14.</TD><TD>Wes Welker, N.E.</TD><TD>vs. N.Y.-J</TD></TR><TR><TD>15.</TD><TD>Chad Ochocinco, Cin.</TD><TD>at Oak.</TD></TR><TR><TD>16.</TD><TD>Sidney Rice, Min.</TD><TD>vs. Sea.</TD></TR><TR><TD>17.</TD><TD>Mike Sims-Walker, Jac.</TD><TD>vs. Buf.</TD></TR><TR><TD>18.</TD><TD>Calvin Johnson, Det.</TD><TD>vs. Cle.</TD></TR><TR><TD>19.</TD><TD>Derrick Mason, Bal.</TD><TD>vs. Ind.</TD></TR><TR><TD>20.</TD><TD>Jerricho Cotchery, N.Y.-J</TD><TD>at N.E.</TD></TR><TR><TD>21.</TD><TD>Santonio Holmes, Pit.</TD><TD>at K.C.</TD></TR><TR><TD>22.</TD><TD>Austin Collie, Ind.</TD><TD>at Bal.</TD></TR><TR><TD>23.</TD><TD>Greg Jennings, G.B.</TD><TD>vs. S.F.</TD></TR><TR><TD>24.</TD><TD>Percy Harvin, Min.</TD><TD>vs. Sea.</TD></TR><TR><TD>25.</TD><TD>Brandon Marshall, Den.</TD><TD>vs. S.D.</TD></TR><TR><TD>26.</TD><TD>T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Sea.</TD><TD>at Min.</TD></TR><TR><TD>27.</TD><TD>Hakeem Nicks, N.Y.-G</TD><TD>vs. Atl.</TD></TR><TR><TD>28.</TD><TD>Braylon Edwards, N.Y.-J</TD><TD>at N.E.</TD></TR><TR><TD>29.</TD><TD>Robert Meachem, N.O.</TD><TD>at T.B.</TD></TR><TR><TD>30.</TD><TD>Lee Evans, Buf.</TD><TD>at Jac.</TD></TR><TR><TD>31.</TD><TD>Steve Breaston, Ari.</TD><TD>at St.L</TD></TR><TR><TD>32.</TD><TD>Roy Williams, Dal.</TD><TD>vs. Was.</TD></TR><TR><TD>33.</TD><TD>Jeremy Maclin, Phi.</TD><TD>at Chi.</TD></TR><TR><TD>34.</TD><TD>Chris Chambers, K.C.</TD><TD>vs. Pit.</TD></TR><TR><TD>35.</TD><TD>Anquan Boldin, Ari.</TD><TD>at St.L</TD></TR><TR><TD>36.</TD><TD>Nate Burleson, Sea.</TD><TD>at Min.</TD></TR><TR><TD>37.</TD><TD>Bernard Berrian, Min.</TD><TD>vs. Sea.</TD></TR><TR><TD>38.</TD><TD>Michael Crabtree, S.F.</TD><TD>vs. Chi.</TD></TR><TR><TD>39.</TD><TD>Devin Hester, Chi.</TD><TD>vs. Phi.</TD></TR><TR><TD>40.</TD><TD>Terrell Owens, Buf.</TD><TD>at Jac.</TD></TR><TR><TD>41.</TD><TD>Donnie Avery, St.L.</TD><TD>vs. Ari.</TD></TR><TR><TD>42.</TD><TD>Santana Moss, Was.</TD><TD>at Dal.</TD></TR><TR><TD>43.</TD><TD>Mario Manningham, N.Y.-G</TD><TD>vs. Atl.</TD></TR><TR><TD>44.</TD><TD>Pierre Garcon, Ind.</TD><TD>at Bal.</TD></TR><TR><TD>45.</TD><TD>Torry Holt, Jac.</TD><TD>vs. Buf.</TD></TR><TR><TD>46.</TD><TD>Nate Washington, Ten.</TD><TD>at Hou.</TD></TR><TR><TD>47.</TD><TD>*Antonio Bryant, T.B.</TD><TD>vs. G.B.</TD></TR><TR><TD>48.</TD><TD>Malcom Floyd, S.D.</TD><TD>at Den.</TD></TR><TR><TD>49.</TD><TD>Jacoby Jones, Hou.</TD><TD>vs. Ten.</TD></TR><TR><TD>50.</TD><TD>Laveranues Coles, Cin.</TD><TD>at Oak.</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Tight ends
<TABLE border=1 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=420><TBODY><TR><TD>1.</TD><TD>Dallas Clark, Ind.</TD><TD>at Bal.</TD></TR><TR><TD>2.</TD><TD>Tony Gonzalez, Atl.</TD><TD>at N.Y.-G</TD></TR><TR><TD>3.</TD><TD>Antonio Gates, S.D.</TD><TD>at Den.</TD></TR><TR><TD>4.</TD><TD>Brent Celek, Phi.</TD><TD>at Chi.</TD></TR><TR><TD>5.</TD><TD>Vernon Davis, S.F.</TD><TD>vs. Chi.</TD></TR><TR><TD>6.</TD><TD>Heath Miller, Pit.</TD><TD>at K.C.</TD></TR><TR><TD>7.</TD><TD>Jeremy Shockey, N.O.</TD><TD>at T.B.</TD></TR><TR><TD>8.</TD><TD>Greg Olsen, Chi.</TD><TD>vs. Phi.</TD></TR><TR><TD>9.</TD><TD>Jason Witten, Dal.</TD><TD>vs. Was.</TD></TR><TR><TD>10.</TD><TD>Visanthe Shiancoe, Min.</TD><TD>vs. Sea.</TD></TR><TR><TD>11.</TD><TD>Kellen Winslow, T.B.</TD><TD>vs. G.B.</TD></TR><TR><TD>12.</TD><TD>John Carlson, Sea.</TD><TD>at Min.</TD></TR><TR><TD>13.</TD><TD>Kevin Boss, N.Y.-G</TD><TD>vs. Atl.</TD></TR><TR><TD>14.</TD><TD>Zach Miller, Oak.</TD><TD>vs. Cin.</TD></TR><TR><TD>15.</TD><TD>Brandon Pettigrew, Det.</TD><TD>vs. Cle.</TD></TR><TR><TD>16.</TD><TD>Fred Davis, Was.</TD><TD>at Dal.</TD></TR><TR><TD>17.</TD><TD>Ben Watson, N.E.</TD><TD>vs. N.Y.-J</TD></TR><TR><TD>18.</TD><TD>Tony Scheffler, Den.</TD><TD>vs. S.D.</TD></TR><TR><TD>19.</TD><TD>Dustin Keller, N.Y.-J</TD><TD>at N.E.</TD></TR><TR><TD>20.</TD><TD>Todd Heap, Bal.</TD><TD>vs. Ind.</TD></TR><TR><TD>21.</TD><TD>Spencer Havner, G.B.</TD><TD>vs. S.F.</TD></TR><TR><TD>22.</TD><TD>Bo Scaife, Ten.</TD><TD>at Hou.</TD></TR><TR><TD>23.</TD><TD>David Thomas, N.O.</TD><TD>at T.B.</TD></TR><TR><TD>24.</TD><TD>Marcedes Lewis, Jac.</TD><TD>vs. Buf.</TD></TR><TR><TD>25.</TD><TD>*Jermichael Finley, G.B.</TD><TD>vs. S.F.</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Kickers
<TABLE border=1 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=420><TBODY><TR><TD>1.</TD><TD>Stephen Gostkowski, N.E.</TD><TD>vs. N.Y.-J</TD></TR><TR><TD>2.</TD><TD>David Akers, Phi.</TD><TD>at Chi.</TD></TR><TR><TD>3.</TD><TD>Lawrence Tynes, N.Y.-G</TD><TD>vs. S.D.</TD></TR><TR><TD>4.</TD><TD>John Carney, N.O.</TD><TD>at T.B.</TD></TR><TR><TD>5.</TD><TD>Ryan Longwell, Min.</TD><TD>vs. Sea.</TD></TR><TR><TD>6.</TD><TD>Nate Kaeding, S.D.</TD><TD>at Den.</TD></TR><TR><TD>7.</TD><TD>Nick Folk, Dal.</TD><TD>vs. Was.</TD></TR><TR><TD>8.</TD><TD>Jeff Reed, Pit.</TD><TD>at K.C.</TD></TR><TR><TD>9.</TD><TD>Mason Crosby, G.B.</TD><TD>vs. S.F.</TD></TR><TR><TD>10.</TD><TD>Kris Brown, Hou.</TD><TD>vs. Ten.</TD></TR><TR><TD>11.</TD><TD>Neil Rackers, Ari.</TD><TD>at St.L</TD></TR><TR><TD>12.</TD><TD>Olindo Mare, Sea.</TD><TD>at Min.</TD></TR><TR><TD>13.</TD><TD>Rob Bironas, Ten.</TD><TD>at Hou.</TD></TR><TR><TD>14.</TD><TD>Robbie Gould, Chi.</TD><TD>vs. Phi.</TD></TR><TR><TD>15.</TD><TD>Matt Prater, Den.</TD><TD>vs. S.D.</TD></TR><TR><TD>16.</TD><TD>Matt Stover, Ind.</TD><TD>at Bal.</TD></TR><TR><TD>17.</TD><TD>Jay Feely, N.Y.-J</TD><TD>at N.E.</TD></TR><TR><TD>18.</TD><TD>Dan Carpenter, Mia.</TD><TD>at Car.</TD></TR><TR><TD>19.</TD><TD>Joe Nedney, S.F.</TD><TD>vs. Chi.</TD></TR><TR><TD>20.</TD><TD>Josh Scobee, Jac.</TD><TD>vs. Buf.</TD></TR><TR><TD>21.</TD><TD>Billy Cundiff, Bal.</TD><TD>vs. Ind.</TD></TR><TR><TD>22.</TD><TD>Jason Elam, Atl.</TD><TD>at N.Y.-G</TD></TR><TR><TD>23.</TD><TD>Shayne Graham, Cin.</TD><TD>at Oak.</TD></TR><TR><TD>24.</TD><TD>Rian Lindell, Buf.</TD><TD>at Jac.</TD></TR><TR><TD>25.</TD><TD>John Kasay, Car.</TD><TD>vs. Mia.</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Defenses
<TABLE border=1 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=420><TBODY><TR><TD>1.</TD><TD>New Orleans</TD><TD>at T.B.</TD></TR><TR><TD>2.</TD><TD>Pittsburgh</TD><TD>at K.C.</TD></TR><TR><TD>3.</TD><TD>Minnesota</TD><TD>vs. Sea.</TD></TR><TR><TD>4.</TD><TD>Dallas</TD><TD>at vs. Was.</TD></TR><TR><TD>5.</TD><TD>New England</TD><TD>vs. N.Y.-J</TD></TR><TR><TD>6.</TD><TD>Arizona</TD><TD>at St.L</TD></TR><TR><TD>7.</TD><TD>Jacksonville</TD><TD>vs. Buf.</TD></TR><TR><TD>8.</TD><TD>Indianapolis</TD><TD>at Bal.</TD></TR><TR><TD>9.</TD><TD>San Diego</TD><TD>at Den.</TD></TR><TR><TD>10.</TD><TD>Cincinnati</TD><TD>vs. Oak.</TD></TR><TR><TD>11.</TD><TD>Green Bay</TD><TD>vs. S.F.</TD></TR><TR><TD>12.</TD><TD>Baltimore</TD><TD>vs. Ind.</TD></TR><TR><TD>13.</TD><TD>Miami</TD><TD>at Car.</TD></TR><TR><TD>14.</TD><TD>Philadelphia</TD><TD>at Chi.</TD></TR><TR><TD>15.</TD><TD>New York Jets</TD><TD>at N.E.</TD></TR><TR><TD>16.</TD><TD>Carolina</TD><TD>vs. Mia.</TD></TR><TR><TD>17.</TD><TD>Denver</TD><TD>vs. S.D.</TD></TR><TR><TD>18.</TD><TD>Atlanta</TD><TD>at N.Y.-G</TD></TR><TR><TD>19.</TD><TD>Chicago</TD><TD>vs. Phi.</TD></TR><TR><TD>20.</TD><TD>New York Giants</TD><TD>vs. Atl.</TD></TR><TR><TD>21.</TD><TD>Cleveland</TD><TD>at Det.</TD></TR><TR><TD>22.</TD><TD>San Francisco</TD><TD>at. G.B.</TD></TR><TR><TD>23.</TD><TD>Oakland</TD><TD>vs. Cin.</TD></TR><TR><TD>24.</TD><TD>Buffalo</TD><TD>at Jac.</TD></TR><TR><TD>25.</TD><TD>Washington</TD><TD>at Dal.</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

[HacheMan]

Matchups: Ride Rocket Rashard
With all the bye weeks behind us, we'll be breaking down 16 games a week from here on out. Let's get to it.

[SIZE=+1]1:00PM ET Games[/SIZE]

Pittsburgh @ Kansas City

Already faced with a severe mismatch against the Steelers, the Chiefs lost all hope of keeping this one close when Dwayne Bowe was suspended for PED use. Chris Chambers takes over as the "No. 1" receiver with Lance Long No. 2, but the entire K.C. passing game should be avoided in fantasy. Steelers coordinator Dick LeBeau, whose defense is tied for fourth in the NFL in sacks, will pour blitzes on Matt Cassel, who's taken the second most sacks in the league. Chambers and Long's production will ultimately benefit from Bowe's month-long absence, but not this week.

Jamaal Charles, coming off a career game (117 yards, TD, 5.7 YPC), appears to have a firm grip on Kansas City's featured back job. Kolby Smith managed 12 yards on nine carries last week, and his role will continue to decline. He doesn't make anyone miss, which is a recipe for no-gains and losses behind a line that can't create lanes. While Charles isn't a fantasy option against Pittsburgh's No. 1 run defense, he has favorable matchups in four straight weeks thereafter (@ SD, vs. DEN, vs. BUF, vs. CLE), giving him difference-making potential down the stretch.

The Steelers will dominate time of possession in this one, making Rashard Mendenhall a legit RB1 play. The Chiefs' No. 27 run defense averages 4.6 YPC against and one rushing TD allowed. Pittsburgh can whip K.C. without a spread offense, reducing "spread back" Mewelde Moore's role, and Willie Parker hardly plays anymore...Santonio Holmes is a strong bet for a big receiving day. The Chiefs' slow-footed secondary is highly susceptible to long passing plays (league-high 12 completions of 40+ yards allowed), and Holmes is Pittsburgh's most dangerous deep weapon.

Weather won't hinder passing, with temps in the high 50s, a 20% chance of rain, and light wind in the Arrowhead forecast. While the Steelers will use a balanced attack because K.C. is so weak against the run, Ben Roethlisberger remains a top-5 QB1. The Chiefs lack the pass rush to make Big Ben uncomfortable, as the Bengals did in Week 10...K.C.'s awful safety play upgrades Heath Miller's matchup. Miller's numbers will decline after a blazing-hot first half with winter taking effect, but he's a fantasy starter this week. He won't have to block much...Hines Ward also struggled vs. Cincinnati, but is likely to rebound at K.C....Mike Wallace remains a week-to-week crapshoot.

Cleveland @ Detroit

A battle of one-win teams won't intrigue anyone aside from diehard Browns and Lions fans, if even them. But Detroit's ability to make big plays in the passing game gives them an edge at domed Ford Field. Only four teams yield more 20+ yard completions than the Browns, and Calvin Johnson confirmed his knee woes are behind him with 84 yards on eight catches last week at Minnesota. He's a WR1 again...Brandon Pettigrew came back to earth with 23 yards against the Vikings after a seven-catch, 70-yard, one-score Week 9. He's way too inconsistent for TE1 consideration.

Matthew Stafford also looked healthy in Week 10, scrambling for 28 yards. The main thing now holding him back is his WR corps after Calvin. Drop machine Bryant Johnson is an awful fantasy bet regardless of matchup...Kevin Smith saw 15 touches to Maurice Morris' seven last week, but MoMo averaged just two yards per touch. While Smith isn't playing well enough to offer upside, he's a workable RB2 against a Browns defense that ranks 30th against the run, is down its top two inside linebackers, and has given up the third-most rushing scores in the NFL. Detroit will move the ball.

Whether it's on ultra-conservative playcaller Brian Daboll or Brady Quinn, the Browns don't take any shots downfield. Down by 16 in the third quarter of Week 10 versus Baltimore, Daboll opted for Joshua Cribbs in the Wildcat over Quinn's arm. This is a formula for Mohamed Massaquoi to routinely stay under 50 yards, even against Detroit's NFL-worst pass defense...Slot man Mike Furrey led Cleveland in receiving in Week 10; no other Brown caught more than one pass. Don't consider Quinn a Week 11 "sleeper," even in two-QB leagues, despite the favorable matchup.

Jerome Harrison has officially fallen behind undrafted rookie Chris Jennings to be No. 2 on the Browns' depth chart. Harrison didn't touch the ball against Baltimore and blew a blitz pickup, while Jennings had seven carries and a catch. Safely drop Harrison in all formats...Jamal Lewis will get any goal-line carries against the Lions, but the Browns aren't likely to get that close. They're dead last in the league in yards per play (3.7), and only the Raiders have generated fewer first downs.

New Orleans @ Tampa Bay

The Saints game planned for Reggie Bush to play a big early role in last Sunday's win at St. Louis, but it's not a sign of things to come. While Bush racked up 98 yards and two TDs in the first half, he ultimately saw just eight touches and was removed from the close game late, playing only five of the team's final 30 snaps. Pierre Thomas took over and is easily the best fantasy bet in this backfield. Expect 18-20 touches from P.T. against a Bucs team the Saints won't take lightly. It's a division game, and Tampa beat Green Bay in Week 9 before losing to Miami by two last week. Now dealing with more knee problems, Bush isn't a fantasy option.

Marques Colston has three grabs for 63 yards in his last two outings combined, and will likely now face off with Bucs shadow CB Aqib Talib. Colston is an every-week play, but threatens to be held under 50 yards again. Talib is a true shutdown force...Still, Tampa's overall numbers against the pass are poor. They've allowed 8.1 yards per throw (second worst in the NFL) and 19 TDs (third most). Keep Colston going, and Drew Brees is an obvious start...Robert Meachem is benefiting from Lance Moore's (high ankle sprain) absence, but won't suddenly be consistent. Leave him and Devery Henderson on benches...The Bucs struggle against tight ends. Use Jeremy Shockey.

Josh Freeman has a bright future and should be strongly considered in two-QB leagues moving forward. Poised, plenty accurate, and possessing a rifle arm, Freeman gets a Saints defense that is minus its top two corners (Jabari Greer - groin, Tracy Porter - knee) and has plummeted to 19th against the pass due to recent struggles. Freeman is also helped by the return of Antonio Bryant, Tampa Bay's lone deep threat...Kellen Winslow has been the main beneficiary of Freeman's insertion. K2 has 11 catches for 159 yards and a touchdown in Freeman's two starts.

The Saints have been gutted by the run since DT Sedrick Ellis' MCL sprain, surrendering nearly 6.0 YPC and four rushing TDs in Ellis' three games out. Carnell Williams' fantasy ceiling is limited by a timeshare with Derrick Ward, but Caddy gets goal-line carries and has 30 touches to Ward's 17 over the last two games. Cadillac is unlikely to top 70 rushing yards, but is a fair bet to score and makes for a fine flex gamble in non-PPR leagues...Bryant's return helps Freeman, but he isn't an option on his own coming off knee woes. He's averaged just a 3-39 line in six 2009 appearances.

<!--RW-->

Atlanta @ NY Giants

The Meadowlands forecast calls for mid-50s temps, only 7MPH winds, and a 20% chance of rain, which won't hinder passing. The Giants' coaching staff, however, made it clear during the Week 10 bye that their second-half focus will be on the ground game. It's what playcaller Kevin Gilbride's unit does best. Brandon Jacobs will resume his role as New York's lead horse, with Danny Ware taking over as the full-time third-down back. Ahmad Bradshaw, dealing with a partially cracked foot, won't play as much. Confidently start Jacobs against the Falcons' No. 26 rush defense.

Eli Manning's pass attempts will drop in the renewed approach, but his matchup is still favorable enough for QB1 use. Returning from an off week to rest his plantar fasciitis, Eli faces the NFL's No. 28 pass defense...Lacking depth and continuity at corner, the Falcons struggle against slot receivers. Steve Smith is the Giants' slot man in three-wide sets and a safe bet to lead New York in receiving...Rotating split ends Hakeem Nicks and Mario Manningham will remain inconsistent on fewer targets in the run-minded attack. This matchup is favorable, but both are boom or bust.

Matt Ryan has thrown 11 picks in his last six games while averaging just 206 passing yards in his last five. The Giants' secondary is generous, but gets back Aaron Ross (hamstring) to replace burnable nickel CB Kevin Dockery. While Ryan is more likely to turn it around than stay in the tank down the stretch, he's a low-end QB1 on Sunday...Since a hot start against No. 1 wideouts, the Giants have become one of the worst teams at defending them. Roddy White proved with 98 yards on seven Week 10 receptions that his knee "injury" isn't an issue. He's a top-15 WR play.

Jason Snelling's upside is limited by mediocre skills and a ridiculously talented Giants front seven that is finally healthy, but don't expect Jerious Norwood to steal many carries. Michael Turner (high ankle sprain) will not play, and Norwood (hip) isn't even healthy enough to fully practice after sitting out for a month. Snelling, who is adept in the passing game, is a safe bet for 16-19 touches and any goal-line chances...Ross' return will help the Giants' defense cover wide receivers, but their safeties remain a serious liability. Tony Gonzalez should be in fantasy lineups.

Buffalo @ Jacksonville

There is no greater Week 11 mismatch than Maurice Jones-Drew against Buffalo's No. 32 run defense. After letting Chris Johnson total 232 yards and two TDs last Sunday, a Bills team that ranks last in virtually every rushing category faces the NFL's touchdown leader...David Garrard had one of his best games ever last week against the Jets' No. 2 pass defense, but he's not a good bet against a top-nine Bills secondary that ranks first in INTs and has allowed the second fewest TD passes in the league. There's also a 50% chance of thunderstorms in Jacksonville.

Mike Sims-Walker beat Lito Sheppard and Dwight Lowery for 40 first-half yards and a score in last week's win before the Jets assigned Darrelle Revis to shadow him for the final two quarters. He had one catch for nine yards after halftime. Still, Jags playcaller Dirk Koetter impressively got MSW in favorable matchups. Koetter's promising system keeps Sims-Walker as an every-week starter, even against a tough Bills secondary...Torry Holt has become the Jags' No. 4 offensive option behind Jones-Drew, Sims-Walker, and slot man Mike Thomas. He's a WR4/5.

Prior to Dick Jauron's firing, the Bills resumed an even timeshare between Marshawn Lynch and Fred Jackson (F-Jax has 20 touches to Lynch's 25 in the last two games). It's fair to speculate that Perry Fewell will shake things up, but there's no telling which way the interim coach will lean until games are played. While Lynch is a flex/RB2 option against the Jags' up-and-down run defense, this is a good "wait and see" week for Buffalo's backfield. Jackson proved he was a legit every-down back early this year, and Fewell may not have as much loyalty to Lynch as Jauron did.

Nothing will save Terrell Owens' season at this point, but Trent Edwards' demotion bodes well for Lee Evans. Evans caught two touchdowns last week, the first from Jackson in the Wildcat and the second from Ryan Fitzpatrick. Evans and Fitz exhibited rapport earlier in the year, and this is a good on-paper matchup. While t-storms could affect passing, the Jags own the 26th-ranked secondary, have allowed the league's fifth most passing TDs, and are without top CB Rashean Mathis (groin)....Dynasty league watch: Bills TE Shawn Nelson. He takes over as a full-time starter with Derek Fine on injured reserve.

Washington @ Dallas

Dallas' Week 10 abandonment of the run resulted in an eight-touch, 37-yard disaster for Marion Barber, and a 17-7 loss. MB3 showed explosion on his first four carries, piling up 27 yards before playcaller Jason Garrett took the ball out of his hands. All this week the Cowboys' coaching staff has vowed to refocus on running. It's a good idea, as Washington is No. 1 against the pass and springing leaks left and right on the front seven. Albert Haynesworth (ankle) was in a protective boot all week, and the Skins have plummeted to 24th against the run. Get Barber in your lineup.

Roy Williams' 180 yards in his last two games and two TDs in his last three are no fluke. Miles Austin commands double teams, and Williams has long had talent to exploit man coverage. Expect him to stay hot against a Skins team playing musical chairs at right corner, which Williams usually lines up across from. Carlos Rogers was benched last week, so Roy may see his fair share of diminutive Justin Tryon and declining Fred Smoot...While Williams is a rock-solid WR2, consider Austin a WR2/3 going forward. This isn't a favorable matchup...The Redskins haven't allowed a tight end to top 62 yards all year. Sit Jason Witten if you have higher-upside options.

Washington's last seven quarters proved that Jim Zorn's offense functions more smoothly with Ladell Betts at lead back, rather than Clinton Portis. Portis (concussion) will sit again, keeping Betts as an RB2/flex. The Cowboys' run defense is stingy (No. 10 overall, four rushing TDs allowed in nine games), but the Redskins can move the ball with their new shortened passing game and Betts available for dump-downs. Betts also got Washington's Week 10 goal-line carry ahead of Rock Cartwright, executing from a yard out for the game-winning touchdown.

The Skins' aforementioned conservative offense continues to kill Santana Moss' numbers. He's topped 47 yards once since Week 4 and hasn't found the end zone in six games. Zorn's new approach may benefit Chris Cooley (ankle) when he returns, but makes Moss barely a WR4...Devin Thomas' snap-to-snap effort is lacking. He showed after-catch ability in Week 10 by making four Broncos miss on a key late-game 27-yard pickup, but isn't on the fantasy radar...The Cowboys aren't any good in tight end defense, but you should still be able to do better than Fred Davis.

Seattle @ Minnesota

Brett Favre's annual late-year letdown hasn't begun. The 40-year-old set a season high with 344 yards against Detroit last week and stays home in the Metrodome to face Seattle's No. 22 pass defense. Favre has always been highly effective indoors, and Seahawks top CB Marcus Trufant is questionable with a concussion. Ride Favre while he's hot...Adrian Peterson is (only?) the No. 3 player in fantasy. "All Day" will try to make a move on Maurice Jones-Drew and Chris Johnson against a Seattle team that surrenders nearly a rushing TD per game and 4.3 YPC on the ground.

NFC receiving yards leader Sidney Rice is locked in as an every-week fantasy starter. He may be the biggest beneficiary of Trufant's potential absence...Bernard Berrian has tumbled to a No. 4/5 option in Minnesota's offense, whether or not his hamstring is still an issue. Seattle doesn't give up many big passing plays (sixth fewest 20+ yard completions allowed), which should keep Berrian on benches in all formats...Visanthe Shiancoe remains one of Favre's favorite red-zone targets, but his production completely depends on TDs. He hasn't seen 50 yards all year...Percy Harvin has also been very inconsistent. He helps the Vikings more than fantasy teams.

Justin Forsett, out-producing the rest of Seattle's backfield all year, finally gets his shot at featured back duties with Julius Jones (rib, lung) out indefinitely. Too bad it's at Minnesota. While Forsett is a viable PPR flex because he'll stay in for passing downs, the Vikings' run defense ranks sixth and has given up just two TDs. Forsett needs Julius to miss Week 12 against St. Louis to be a confident start...Louis Rankin will play a complementary role behind Forsett. He's only a return-yardage option, however, after seeing just six touches to Forsett's 22 after Jones' Week 10 injury.

Since Seattle installed a pass-first attack three weeks ago, Matt Hasselbeck is averaging 48 pass attempts a game. He'll throw early and often against a Vikings team that will "ease in" Antoine Winfield (foot) by using him only in sub-packages, and start beatable Benny Sapp opposite Cedric Griffin...Don't let Nate Burleson's catch-less Week 10 prevent you from using him. He was shut down by Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. The Vikes don't have a corner remotely as talented as DRC...T.J. Houshmandzadeh is out for vengeance against a Vikings team he nearly signed with this offseason...Keep John Carlson benched. He'll help LT Sean Locklear block Jared Allen.

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San Francisco @ Green Bay

The 49ers continue to stifle opposing ground attacks. Yielding a league-low 3.3 YPC, San Francisco ranks No. 3 against the run while getting All-Pro caliber play from NT Aubrayo Franklin. With C Jason Spitz (back) on I.R. and C Scott Wells (concussion) looking doubtful, the Pack may be forced to start undrafted rookie center Evan Dietrich-Smith. He would square off with Franklin, further downgrading Ryan Grant's already unfavorable matchup...Jermichael Finley returns this week, but isn't an option until we see he's 100 percent. His knee injury cost him three games.

Five Jay Cutler picks in Week 10 didn't help the 49ers' pass defense rank. They're 29th and don't match up well with Green Bay. San Francisco's 17 sacks are seventh fewest in the NFL, so Aaron Rodgers should have time to throw, and the Lambeau forecast (10MPH winds, 50+ degree temps, 20% chance of rain) is unlikely to hinder passing. Rodgers is confidently a top-five QB...However, the Packers' short-passing approach continues to benefit Donald Driver, not Greg Jennings. The No. 28 overall fantasy wideout, Jennings is only a WR3. Driver is the No. 13 overall receiver.

The Packers may struggle to cover the 6.5-point spread, but a bettor would be smart to choose Mike McCarthy's team if he can get this game straight up. Green Bay has a top-four run defense, allowing just 3.5 yards a carry with a mere three rushing TDs against all year. Shotgun-spread or not, San Francisco's offense revolves around Frank Gore. The Packers should be able to contain Gore with their stout front seven, use Charles Woodson to slow Michael Crabtree, and call on the NFL's No. 3 defense against tight ends (according to Football Outsiders) to minimize Vernon Davis' impact.

Davis is a must-start because he's the No. 2 fantasy tight end overall, but limit expectations in this matchup....While Crabtree has looked terrific since joining the 49ers' starting lineup after his first-half holdout, the Packers' sure-tackling DBs will hold him in check after the catch, and he still hasn't found the end zone. He's a WR3, but nothing more...Josh Morgan has formally overtaken Isaac Bruce to start at flanker. Morgan's scored once all year, however, and is averaging 34 receiving yards per game. Crabtree is San Francisco's No. 1...While Alex Smith has breathed life into this offense, he's two-QB league material against Green Bay's top-six pass defense.

Indianapolis @ Baltimore

Joe Flacco is in a funk. His feet move slowly in the pocket, he's staring down receivers again, and "Joe Cool" managed just 155 yards and no touchdowns last Monday night at Cleveland. Flacco has just one TD and hasn't topped 200 passing yards in his last three games. We couldn't reasonably expect him to be semi-productive against a Colts secondary that's given up just seven passing scores all season and allows the second fewest yards per attempt (6.2) in the league. Flacco's barely a QB2 until he picks it up in favorable matchups. Clearly, this isn't one.

As usual, Baltimore's game plan will revolve around Ray Rice. Indy's rush defense is mediocre (4.3 YPC allowed, 7 TDs), and Rice is averaging 22 touches per game over the last month and a half. He also has six TDs in his last five games...Bench Todd Heap against a Colts defense that shuts down tight ends...At this point, Derrick Mason is Baltimore's only wideout worth fantasy consideration. While Mason's refined routes will give Indy's rookie CBs fits, both Mark Clayton and Kelley Washington are coming off catch-less games. They need Flacco to bounce back.

60-degree temps, 7MPH winds, and a 10% chance of showers won't slow Peyton Manning, who's averaging 331 yards in his last three games. Nor will a middling Ravens secondary that will be tested without top pass rusher Terrell Suggs...Reggie Wayne will mostly face off with Ravens RCB Domonique Foxworth, who's been picked on all year. Wayne, on pace for 123 catches, is fantasy's No. 1 wideout...The Ravens struggle against slot receivers due to their lack of corner depth. Austin Collie remains a quality WR3, and Dallas Clark leads all TEs in fantasy points.

Few Colts don't have favorable matchups. Baltimore tackles poorly in the back end, and Pierre Garcon has arguably been Indy's top after-catch receiver. Despite being a fourth option in his own offense, Garcon is always worth WR3 consideration...Donald Brown is back from his shoulder injury, but isn't even clearly the Colts' No. 2 back anymore. When Joseph Addai exited for over a quarter last Sunday night, Brown and Chad Simpson shared the backfield evenly. Addai is the Colts' every-down runner until proven otherwise. He's never been an exceptional talent, but the offense moves smoothly when he's in the game and he executes in short yardage.

[SIZE=+1]4:05PM ET Game[/SIZE]

Arizona @ St. Louis

Chris Wells was unleashed last week versus Seattle, capitalizing for 127 yards and two scores on 18 touches compared to Tim Hightower's 15. If Wells didn't secure Arizona's lead back role with that effort, he will Sunday at St. Louis. The Rams are dealing with injuries to five of their top six defensive linemen. Leonard Little (knee), James Hall (back), Clifton Ryan (toe), and Chris Long (knee) are all on the injury report, and key substitute DT/DE C.J. Ah You (knee) was placed on injured reserve Thursday. Hightower will stay active on passing downs, but this is Beanie's time to shine.

St. Louis' secondary showed mettle last week, holding Drew Brees to "just" 223 yards and two TDs with Ronald Bartell blanketing Marques Colston (2-17). Bartell will draw Larry Fitzgerald in this one, not that it's likely to matter. Fitz has averaged seven catches for 86 yards, with nine TDs in ten career games against St. Louis. He won't be stopped...Anquan Boldin is off the injury report and as healthy as ever after an 8-105 Week 10. He's an every-week WR2 and will burn up Quincy Butler...Start Kurt Warner, but you already knew that...Steve Breaston is always a good WR3 when Arizona faces poor secondaries. The Rams rank 25th against the pass.

The Rams simply don't have much of a chance. Cardinals ILB Gerald Hayes, without whom the Cardinals' run defense struggled badly, returns from a back injury. Steven Jackson will get the ball 20+ times as always, but a healthy Hayes hurts his chances at a monster game. The last time Hayes played (Week 8), Arizona was leading the league in run defense. They've since fallen to No. 8...With Keenan Burton (torn patellar tendon) now on I.R, rookie Brandon Gibson becomes an every-down receiver. He'll be highly inconsistent, but is worth owning in all dynasty leagues.

Marc Bulger had a season-best game in Week 10, completing 65% of his passes for 298 yards, two TDs, and one pick. Amazing stat: Bulger hasn't posted back-to-back multiple-TD games since Weeks 12-13 of 2006. He's only a two-QB league option...Donnie Avery proved he's finally over his series of first-half injuries by scoring twice last Sunday versus New Orleans. He'll now be covered by Cardinals LCB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, who is red hot and shut out Nate Burleson in Week 10. Avery is only a matchup play, and this isn't a favorable one.

[SIZE=+1]4:15PM ET Games[/SIZE]

NY Jets @ New England

Randy Moss owners should worry about Darrelle Revis covering their WR1. Revis has held the Mossman to 4-24, 3-26, and 2-22 lines in their last three meetings. But the loss of SS Jim Leonhard, New York's defensive signal caller, threatens to result in secondary miscommunication. Be more confident in Moss than usual...Nos. 2 and 3 CBs Dwight Lowery and Lito Sheppard are proving to be major liabilities, even if the Jets' No. 3 pass defense rank doesn't reflect it yet. With Revis shadowing Moss, Wes Welker and Tom Brady will exploit the Jets' lesser corners.

The Pats will likely "ease" Sammy Morris back into the lineup coming off a month-long knee injury, perhaps even using him as a lead blocker. He's not a major threat to Laurence Maroney's workload. Maroney's production will eventually take a hit, but he's a low-end RB2/flex against the Jets' No. 18 run defense. He's scored in four straight...Thanks mainly to the work of potential Pro Bowl FS Kerry Rhodes, the Jets are tough in tight end defense. Ben Watson has passed Chris Baker on the Pats' depth chart, but is averaging a measly 29 yards per game since Week 1.

Thomas Jones, the No. 7 overall fantasy RB at age 31, has scored a TD and/or topped 100 yards in each of his last six efforts. The every-week starter will match up with an uninspiring Patriots run defense that ranks 17th overall and serves up 4.5 YPC. The statuses of key Pats DLs Ty Warren (ankle) and Jarvis Green (knee) are also uncertain. Both were inactive last week...With Jones red hot, it's not surprising that Shonn Greene hasn't emerged as a major factor. He's lost a fumble and averaged 2.93 YPC in his last two games, which won't earn him more playing time soon.

Mark Sanchez has improved after colliding into the rookie wall during a five-pick Week 6 game versus Buffalo. Since, he's averaging a robust 7.75 YPA with four TDs and two INTs. Sanchez isn't QB1 worthy against the Pats' No. 7 pass defense, but his progress is good news for Jets receivers. The matchup is difficult, but Braylon Edwards and Jerricho Cotchery are both solid, if low-upside WR3s. They'll have more value against worse secondaries...Bench Dustin Keller. The Foxoboro weather (mid-50s, 11MPH winds, 10% chance of rain) won't hurt him, but the Patriots shut down TEs every week.

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San Diego @ Denver

Knowshon Moreno's stock is rising. The rookie resumed starting ahead of Correll Buckhalter in Week 10 and capitalized on Buckhalter's fumble-induced, first-quarter benching. Moreno became the every-down back, generating 104 yards on 20 touches. Buckhalter is now nursing a knee injury, so Moreno is likely to remain featured going forward. Sunday's matchup with San Diego presents a prime opportunity for Moreno to separate even further. The Bolts have the NFL's No. 23 rush defense, and Denver may have to focus on the run with Kyle Orton nursing torn ankle ligaments.

Orton is expected to start, but his injury makes Brandon Marshall a risk. Marshall managed 49 yards in his last bout with San Diego, and Orton was awful after hurting his ankle in the second half of 2008...If Chris Simms starts, all Denver pass catchers should be benched. Simms looked totally inept in relief last Sunday, completing 3-of-13 passes for an embarrassing 13 yards. Even Tony Scheffler, who owned the Chargers for 6-101-1 in their last meeting, wouldn't be usable in this scenario...Antonio Cromartie shut down Eddie Royal (0-0) in that game. Royal isn't a fantasy option.

Denver's run defense has sprung severe leaks and can't be considered a difficult matchup moving forward. Over their last games, every starting running back the Broncos have faced has totaled at least 100 yards. LaDainian Tomlinson, their Week 11 opponent, was among them. LT isn't often recommended as a fantasy play in this space, but he's a fine low- to mid-level RB2 in this matchup...The Broncos have been surprisingly mediocre at defending tight ends this season, despite the marvelous play of FS Brian Dawkins. Antonio Gates can't possibly be benched.

The Broncos' pass defense is legit. Helped by the league's second most sacks, Denver ranks fifth against the pass and gives up just one passing TD a game. Still, Philip Rivers is a must-start. The Mile High weather (mid-50s, 10MPH winds, 10% chance of rain) won't hurt, and San Diego's aggressive offense supports his numbers. Only the Saints average more yards per pass attempt, and just two teams (Saints, Bears) have more 20+ yards completions...Malcom Floyd has flopped with a combined 74 yards in two games since replacing Chris Chambers, but Vincent Jackson has another good matchup. With Champ Bailey on Gates, V-Jax should see a lot of Ty Law.

Cincinnati @ Oakland

The Bengals will smartly hold Cedric Benson out of this easy win after he aggravated his hip strain in Week 10. Bernard Scott will start against an Oakland defense that ranks 29th against the run and has surrendered a league-high 14 rushing TDs. Don't believe a report that Larry Johnson will play a significant role less than a week after signing with Cincinnati, and use Scott as a high-upside flex/RB2 in a favorable matchup. Scott will be replaced on third downs by Brian Leonard, but has enough explosiveness to hit big plays. The Bengals will also dominate in the trenches.

Chad Ochocinco owners shouldn't be concerned that Nnamdi Asomugha will shut down their WR1. Not only has Asomugha struggled (relative for him) this year, he only lines up at RCB. Ocho moves around as often as any wideout in the league. He's a must-start with a favorable forecast at the Coliseum (50-60 degrees, 8MPH winds, 10% chance of rain)...Carson Palmer can also be used confidently. Oakland's pass defense is as mediocre as ever, and only two teams have yielded more 40+ yard completions. The Raiders let up 7.6 yards per pass attempt...Avoid Laveranues Coles and Andre Caldwell. They'll wind up canceling each other out by season's end.

If the Bengals' defense is available in your league, they're a recommended pickup-and-play. The Raiders will start noodle-armed QB Bruce Gradkowski, and he'll likely be on a short leash in favor of an even worse option -- JaMarcus Russell. Gradkowski can't throw the ball downfield, crushing any upside Darrius Heyward-Bey already didn't have...Chaz Schilens has replaced Louis Murphy as Oakland's starting flanker, but Gradkowski's inability to get the ball outside the numbers kills Schilens' fantasy value.

Zach Miller would seemingly be a good fit for Gradkowski's arm, but the duo didn't hook up once after Russell was benched in the third quarter last week. Leave Miller on the waiver wire...The Raiders' ground game should be completely avoided against Cincinnati's No. 2 run defense. Darren McFadden returned from in-season knee surgery in Week 10, but saw just four carries as Oakland's No. 3 back. Michael Bush started and had 119 rushing yards, but won't approach that in this unfavorable matchup. He also lost goal-line carries to Justin Fargas.

 

[HacheMan]

Ricky's Renaissance

Gregg Rosenthal penned an ode to Ricky Williams' career on Profootballtalk.com Wednesday, standing in awe of the former laughing-stock's ability to finish out a disjointed career. As Hunter S. Thompson pointed out in the early '70s, "there's not much room for freaks in the National Football League." Once an NFL pariah who drew unfair comparisons to troubled ex-Cowboys loner, original thinker, dope-freak, and flake Duane Thomas, the re-invented Williams' is now threatening Walter Payton and Ottis Anderson for the best season ever enjoyed by an age-32 running back (though, to be fair, the equally eccentric John Riggins was more brilliant at ages 33 and 34).

The old dog learned a new trick in Thursday's 24-17 win over the Panthers, recording a rushing and receiving touchdown in the same game for the first time in his career. With Ronnie Brown done for the season – and the bulk of the Wildcat plays gone with him – the Dolphins offense now runs through Williams in a more conventional workhorse attack. Miami leaned even more heavily on their veteran playmaker in the red zone, and Williams delivered with a 14-yard catch-and-run score, a diving 1-yard pylon strike, and a final 46-yard tackle-breaking scamper that proved to be the game-clincher.

While second-year power back Lex Hilliard provided a spark in relief and Chad Henne came alive in the second half, it's clear that the Dolphins are now the Ricky Williams Show. Among Football Outsiders' and Profootballfocus.com's leaders as the most effective per-touch backs in the league, Williams is now on pace for 1,422 total yards and 16 touchdowns (along with a gaudy 5.3 yards per carry and 10.6 yards per reception) despite splitting carries for the first nine games.

With a favorable schedule down the stretch, Williams has RB1 value the rest of the way – beginning with a Week-12 matchup against a Bills defense that ranks last in virtually every rushing category. The best bargain in August's fantasy drafts may well end up as the Cinderella story playoff MVP this year.

Editor's Note: Check out our exclusive projections for all the players listed here in Rotoworld's Season Pass package, now just $4.99 for our playoff special. We've also got extra columns, IDP rankings, Top 200 rankings, Evan Silva's running back report, Chris Wesseling's Dynasty advice, advance workload and target data, exclusive chats, schedule analysis, and fantasy points allowed info you can only get with Season Pass.

According to NFL.com's Jason LaCanfora, Cedric Benson (hip) is unlikely to play this week after missing a second straight practice Thursday. LaCanfora's source says Larry Johnson has received plenty of practice reps and could see a "significant role" at Oakland. Skepticism is advised on that front. Coach Marvin Lewis has said repeatedly that LJ is a fourth-stringer, and coordinator Bob Bratkowski plans to get Bernard Scott and Brian Leonard more involved regardless of Benson's condition. Look for Scott and Leonard to slit carries this week, with Scott as a RB2/flex option against a Raiders defense that surrenders the second most fantasy points to points to opposing running backs.

Kyle Orton is making progress with his ankle injury, but he missed practice again Thursday. "We'd love for him to be out there as soon as he can possibly be out there, and very hopeful he's going to play," coach Josh McDaniels said. This situation is headed toward a game-time decision Sunday morning, and the Denver passing attack is in trouble either way.

Meanwhile, the Broncos backfield was thin Thursday, as Correll Buckhalter (knee) and LaMont Jordan (back) both missed practice. Buckhalter was limited Wednesday, so this is a downgrade for him. Knowshon Moreno would have solid RB2 value against an improving Chargers run defense should Buckhalter miss the AFC West tilt.

Editor's Note: Not happy with your fantasy teams? New weekly leagues are drafting every single day at Snapdraft. Draft your team during the week, even Sunday morning, and win cash by Tuesday. It's a great complement to your yearly leagues and rewards the most skilled fantasy players who know matchups and value.

Two-Minute Drill: Vikings signed head coach Brad Childress to a contract extension that will lock him up through the 2013 season. … Browns coach Eric Mangini indicated that RB Chris Jennings will continue to see an increased role "if he continues to progress in practice." … Eagles WR Jeremy Maclin will not return kickoffs against the Bears this week. … "All signs are pointing to" Joe Mays starting at middle linebacker for the Eagles this week, with Chris Gocong moving back to SLB and Will Witherspoon staying at WLB. … Redskins LCB Carlos Rogers is expected to get his starting job back after being benched last week. … Saints CB Malcolm Jenkins is expected to make his first NFL start against the Bucs. … Ravens rookie Paul Kruger will make his first NFL start in place of OLB/DE Terrell Suggs. … Bills owner Ralph Wilson downplayed – but did not deny -- a report that the team is interested in meeting with former Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan.

Red Zone: Ronnie Brown has elected to undergo surgery Friday to repair the Lisfranc fracture in his right foot. … Michael Turner (ankle) missed practice Thursday as expected, and coach Mike Smith said there's no timetable for his return. … Ladell Betts will carry the load once again with Clinton Portis (concussion) ruled out at Dallas. … Brandon Marshall (neck, back) returned to a full practice and will start against the Chargers. … Roddy White (knee) returned to a limited practice Thursday and will start against the Giants. … Pierre Garcon (ankle) returned to a full practice and is poised to play against the Ravens. … Laveranues Coles was added to the injury report as limited with a head injury. … Reggie Bush missed a second straight practice with swelling in his surgically repaired knee. … Jerious Norwood (hip) returned to a limited practice for the first time in five weeks. … Sammy Morris (knee) was limited again, but is expected to return to face the Jets. … Kellen Winslow (knee), Antonio Bryant (knee), and Cadillac Williams (knee) were all upgraded to full participation in Thursday's practice. … Todd Heap (ribs) remained on the sidelines for a second straight practice. … Texans TE James Casey (knee surgery) has resumed practicing in full and is poised to take on a significant role in the passing game down the stretch. … Albert Haynesworth (ankle) is expected to be a game-time decision for Sunday's game against the Cowboys. … Jags CB Rashean Mathis (groin) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Bills. … 49ers LT Joe Staley (knee) is targeting Week 14 for his return while CB Nate Clements (shoulder) plans to return in Week 16.

 

[HacheMan]

Matchups: Ride Rocket Rashard
With all the bye weeks behind us, we'll be breaking down 16 games a week from here on out. Let's get to it.

[SIZE=+1]1:00PM ET Games[/SIZE]

Pittsburgh @ Kansas City

Already faced with a severe mismatch against the Steelers, the Chiefs lost all hope of keeping this one close when Dwayne Bowe was suspended for PED use. Chris Chambers takes over as the "No. 1" receiver with Lance Long No. 2, but the entire K.C. passing game should be avoided in fantasy. Steelers coordinator Dick LeBeau, whose defense is tied for fourth in the NFL in sacks, will pour blitzes on Matt Cassel, who's taken the second most sacks in the league. Chambers and Long's production will ultimately benefit from Bowe's month-long absence, but not this week.

Jamaal Charles, coming off a career game (117 yards, TD, 5.7 YPC), appears to have a firm grip on Kansas City's featured back job. Kolby Smith managed 12 yards on nine carries last week, and his role will continue to decline. He doesn't make anyone miss, which is a recipe for no-gains and losses behind a line that can't create lanes. While Charles isn't a fantasy option against Pittsburgh's No. 1 run defense, he has favorable matchups in four straight weeks thereafter (@ SD, vs. DEN, vs. BUF, vs. CLE), giving him difference-making potential down the stretch.

The Steelers will dominate time of possession in this one, making Rashard Mendenhall a legit RB1 play. The Chiefs' No. 27 run defense averages 4.6 YPC against and one rushing TD allowed. Pittsburgh can whip K.C. without a spread offense, reducing "spread back" Mewelde Moore's role, and Willie Parker hardly plays anymore...Santonio Holmes is a strong bet for a big receiving day. The Chiefs' slow-footed secondary is highly susceptible to long passing plays (league-high 12 completions of 40+ yards allowed), and Holmes is Pittsburgh's most dangerous deep weapon.

Weather won't hinder passing, with temps in the high 50s, a 20% chance of rain, and light wind in the Arrowhead forecast. While the Steelers will use a balanced attack because K.C. is so weak against the run, Ben Roethlisberger remains a top-5 QB1. The Chiefs lack the pass rush to make Big Ben uncomfortable, as the Bengals did in Week 10...K.C.'s awful safety play upgrades Heath Miller's matchup. Miller's numbers will decline after a blazing-hot first half with winter taking effect, but he's a fantasy starter this week. He won't have to block much...Hines Ward also struggled vs. Cincinnati, but is likely to rebound at K.C....Mike Wallace remains a week-to-week crapshoot.

Cleveland @ Detroit

A battle of one-win teams won't intrigue anyone aside from diehard Browns and Lions fans, if even them. But Detroit's ability to make big plays in the passing game gives them an edge at domed Ford Field. Only four teams yield more 20+ yard completions than the Browns, and Calvin Johnson confirmed his knee woes are behind him with 84 yards on eight catches last week at Minnesota. He's a WR1 again...Brandon Pettigrew came back to earth with 23 yards against the Vikings after a seven-catch, 70-yard, one-score Week 9. He's way too inconsistent for TE1 consideration.

Matthew Stafford also looked healthy in Week 10, scrambling for 28 yards. The main thing now holding him back is his WR corps after Calvin. Drop machine Bryant Johnson is an awful fantasy bet regardless of matchup...Kevin Smith saw 15 touches to Maurice Morris' seven last week, but MoMo averaged just two yards per touch. While Smith isn't playing well enough to offer upside, he's a workable RB2 against a Browns defense that ranks 30th against the run, is down its top two inside linebackers, and has given up the third-most rushing scores in the NFL. Detroit will move the ball.

Whether it's on ultra-conservative playcaller Brian Daboll or Brady Quinn, the Browns don't take any shots downfield. Down by 16 in the third quarter of Week 10 versus Baltimore, Daboll opted for Joshua Cribbs in the Wildcat over Quinn's arm. This is a formula for Mohamed Massaquoi to routinely stay under 50 yards, even against Detroit's NFL-worst pass defense...Slot man Mike Furrey led Cleveland in receiving in Week 10; no other Brown caught more than one pass. Don't consider Quinn a Week 11 "sleeper," even in two-QB leagues, despite the favorable matchup.

Jerome Harrison has officially fallen behind undrafted rookie Chris Jennings to be No. 2 on the Browns' depth chart. Harrison didn't touch the ball against Baltimore and blew a blitz pickup, while Jennings had seven carries and a catch. Safely drop Harrison in all formats...Jamal Lewis will get any goal-line carries against the Lions, but the Browns aren't likely to get that close. They're dead last in the league in yards per play (3.7), and only the Raiders have generated fewer first downs.

New Orleans @ Tampa Bay

The Saints game planned for Reggie Bush to play a big early role in last Sunday's win at St. Louis, but it's not a sign of things to come. While Bush racked up 98 yards and two TDs in the first half, he ultimately saw just eight touches and was removed from the close game late, playing only five of the team's final 30 snaps. Pierre Thomas took over and is easily the best fantasy bet in this backfield. Expect 18-20 touches from P.T. against a Bucs team the Saints won't take lightly. It's a division game, and Tampa beat Green Bay in Week 9 before losing to Miami by two last week. Now dealing with more knee problems, Bush isn't a fantasy option.

Marques Colston has three grabs for 63 yards in his last two outings combined, and will likely now face off with Bucs shadow CB Aqib Talib. Colston is an every-week play, but threatens to be held under 50 yards again. Talib is a true shutdown force...Still, Tampa's overall numbers against the pass are poor. They've allowed 8.1 yards per throw (second worst in the NFL) and 19 TDs (third most). Keep Colston going, and Drew Brees is an obvious start...Robert Meachem is benefiting from Lance Moore's (high ankle sprain) absence, but won't suddenly be consistent. Leave him and Devery Henderson on benches...The Bucs struggle against tight ends. Use Jeremy Shockey.

Josh Freeman has a bright future and should be strongly considered in two-QB leagues moving forward. Poised, plenty accurate, and possessing a rifle arm, Freeman gets a Saints defense that is minus its top two corners (Jabari Greer - groin, Tracy Porter - knee) and has plummeted to 19th against the pass due to recent struggles. Freeman is also helped by the return of Antonio Bryant, Tampa Bay's lone deep threat...Kellen Winslow has been the main beneficiary of Freeman's insertion. K2 has 11 catches for 159 yards and a touchdown in Freeman's two starts.

The Saints have been gutted by the run since DT Sedrick Ellis' MCL sprain, surrendering nearly 6.0 YPC and four rushing TDs in Ellis' three games out. Carnell Williams' fantasy ceiling is limited by a timeshare with Derrick Ward, but Caddy gets goal-line carries and has 30 touches to Ward's 17 over the last two games. Cadillac is unlikely to top 70 rushing yards, but is a fair bet to score and makes for a fine flex gamble in non-PPR leagues...Bryant's return helps Freeman, but he isn't an option on his own coming off knee woes. He's averaged just a 3-39 line in six 2009 appearances.

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Atlanta @ NY Giants

The Meadowlands forecast calls for mid-50s temps, only 7MPH winds, and a 20% chance of rain, which won't hinder passing. The Giants' coaching staff, however, made it clear during the Week 10 bye that their second-half focus will be on the ground game. It's what playcaller Kevin Gilbride's unit does best. Brandon Jacobs will resume his role as New York's lead horse, with Danny Ware taking over as the full-time third-down back. Ahmad Bradshaw, dealing with a partially cracked foot, won't play as much. Confidently start Jacobs against the Falcons' No. 26 rush defense.

Eli Manning's pass attempts will drop in the renewed approach, but his matchup is still favorable enough for QB1 use. Returning from an off week to rest his plantar fasciitis, Eli faces the NFL's No. 28 pass defense...Lacking depth and continuity at corner, the Falcons struggle against slot receivers. Steve Smith is the Giants' slot man in three-wide sets and a safe bet to lead New York in receiving...Rotating split ends Hakeem Nicks and Mario Manningham will remain inconsistent on fewer targets in the run-minded attack. This matchup is favorable, but both are boom or bust.

Matt Ryan has thrown 11 picks in his last six games while averaging just 206 passing yards in his last five. The Giants' secondary is generous, but gets back Aaron Ross (hamstring) to replace burnable nickel CB Kevin Dockery. While Ryan is more likely to turn it around than stay in the tank down the stretch, he's a low-end QB1 on Sunday...Since a hot start against No. 1 wideouts, the Giants have become one of the worst teams at defending them. Roddy White proved with 98 yards on seven Week 10 receptions that his knee "injury" isn't an issue. He's a top-15 WR play.

Jason Snelling's upside is limited by mediocre skills and a ridiculously talented Giants front seven that is finally healthy, but don't expect Jerious Norwood to steal many carries. Michael Turner (high ankle sprain) will not play, and Norwood (hip) isn't even healthy enough to fully practice after sitting out for a month. Snelling, who is adept in the passing game, is a safe bet for 16-19 touches and any goal-line chances...Ross' return will help the Giants' defense cover wide receivers, but their safeties remain a serious liability. Tony Gonzalez should be in fantasy lineups.

Buffalo @ Jacksonville

There is no greater Week 11 mismatch than Maurice Jones-Drew against Buffalo's No. 32 run defense. After letting Chris Johnson total 232 yards and two TDs last Sunday, a Bills team that ranks last in virtually every rushing category faces the NFL's touchdown leader...David Garrard had one of his best games ever last week against the Jets' No. 2 pass defense, but he's not a good bet against a top-nine Bills secondary that ranks first in INTs and has allowed the second fewest TD passes in the league. There's also a 50% chance of thunderstorms in Jacksonville.

Mike Sims-Walker beat Lito Sheppard and Dwight Lowery for 40 first-half yards and a score in last week's win before the Jets assigned Darrelle Revis to shadow him for the final two quarters. He had one catch for nine yards after halftime. Still, Jags playcaller Dirk Koetter impressively got MSW in favorable matchups. Koetter's promising system keeps Sims-Walker as an every-week starter, even against a tough Bills secondary...Torry Holt has become the Jags' No. 4 offensive option behind Jones-Drew, Sims-Walker, and slot man Mike Thomas. He's a WR4/5.

Prior to Dick Jauron's firing, the Bills resumed an even timeshare between Marshawn Lynch and Fred Jackson (F-Jax has 20 touches to Lynch's 25 in the last two games). It's fair to speculate that Perry Fewell will shake things up, but there's no telling which way the interim coach will lean until games are played. While Lynch is a flex/RB2 option against the Jags' up-and-down run defense, this is a good "wait and see" week for Buffalo's backfield. Jackson proved he was a legit every-down back early this year, and Fewell may not have as much loyalty to Lynch as Jauron did.

Nothing will save Terrell Owens' season at this point, but Trent Edwards' demotion bodes well for Lee Evans. Evans caught two touchdowns last week, the first from Jackson in the Wildcat and the second from Ryan Fitzpatrick. Evans and Fitz exhibited rapport earlier in the year, and this is a good on-paper matchup. While t-storms could affect passing, the Jags own the 26th-ranked secondary, have allowed the league's fifth most passing TDs, and are without top CB Rashean Mathis (groin)....Dynasty league watch: Bills TE Shawn Nelson. He takes over as a full-time starter with Derek Fine on injured reserve.

Washington @ Dallas

Dallas' Week 10 abandonment of the run resulted in an eight-touch, 37-yard disaster for Marion Barber, and a 17-7 loss. MB3 showed explosion on his first four carries, piling up 27 yards before playcaller Jason Garrett took the ball out of his hands. All this week the Cowboys' coaching staff has vowed to refocus on running. It's a good idea, as Washington is No. 1 against the pass and springing leaks left and right on the front seven. Albert Haynesworth (ankle) was in a protective boot all week, and the Skins have plummeted to 24th against the run. Get Barber in your lineup.

Roy Williams' 180 yards in his last two games and two TDs in his last three are no fluke. Miles Austin commands double teams, and Williams has long had talent to exploit man coverage. Expect him to stay hot against a Skins team playing musical chairs at right corner, which Williams usually lines up across from. Carlos Rogers was benched last week, so Roy may see his fair share of diminutive Justin Tryon and declining Fred Smoot...While Williams is a rock-solid WR2, consider Austin a WR2/3 going forward. This isn't a favorable matchup...The Redskins haven't allowed a tight end to top 62 yards all year. Sit Jason Witten if you have higher-upside options.

Washington's last seven quarters proved that Jim Zorn's offense functions more smoothly with Ladell Betts at lead back, rather than Clinton Portis. Portis (concussion) will sit again, keeping Betts as an RB2/flex. The Cowboys' run defense is stingy (No. 10 overall, four rushing TDs allowed in nine games), but the Redskins can move the ball with their new shortened passing game and Betts available for dump-downs. Betts also got Washington's Week 10 goal-line carry ahead of Rock Cartwright, executing from a yard out for the game-winning touchdown.

The Skins' aforementioned conservative offense continues to kill Santana Moss' numbers. He's topped 47 yards once since Week 4 and hasn't found the end zone in six games. Zorn's new approach may benefit Chris Cooley (ankle) when he returns, but makes Moss barely a WR4...Devin Thomas' snap-to-snap effort is lacking. He showed after-catch ability in Week 10 by making four Broncos miss on a key late-game 27-yard pickup, but isn't on the fantasy radar...The Cowboys aren't any good in tight end defense, but you should still be able to do better than Fred Davis.

Seattle @ Minnesota

Brett Favre's annual late-year letdown hasn't begun. The 40-year-old set a season high with 344 yards against Detroit last week and stays home in the Metrodome to face Seattle's No. 22 pass defense. Favre has always been highly effective indoors, and Seahawks top CB Marcus Trufant is questionable with a concussion. Ride Favre while he's hot...Adrian Peterson is (only?) the No. 3 player in fantasy. "All Day" will try to make a move on Maurice Jones-Drew and Chris Johnson against a Seattle team that surrenders nearly a rushing TD per game and 4.3 YPC on the ground.

NFC receiving yards leader Sidney Rice is locked in as an every-week fantasy starter. He may be the biggest beneficiary of Trufant's potential absence...Bernard Berrian has tumbled to a No. 4/5 option in Minnesota's offense, whether or not his hamstring is still an issue. Seattle doesn't give up many big passing plays (sixth fewest 20+ yard completions allowed), which should keep Berrian on benches in all formats...Visanthe Shiancoe remains one of Favre's favorite red-zone targets, but his production completely depends on TDs. He hasn't seen 50 yards all year...Percy Harvin has also been very inconsistent. He helps the Vikings more than fantasy teams.

Justin Forsett, out-producing the rest of Seattle's backfield all year, finally gets his shot at featured back duties with Julius Jones (rib, lung) out indefinitely. Too bad it's at Minnesota. While Forsett is a viable PPR flex because he'll stay in for passing downs, the Vikings' run defense ranks sixth and has given up just two TDs. Forsett needs Julius to miss Week 12 against St. Louis to be a confident start...Louis Rankin will play a complementary role behind Forsett. He's only a return-yardage option, however, after seeing just six touches to Forsett's 22 after Jones' Week 10 injury.

Since Seattle installed a pass-first attack three weeks ago, Matt Hasselbeck is averaging 48 pass attempts a game. He'll throw early and often against a Vikings team that will "ease in" Antoine Winfield (foot) by using him only in sub-packages, and start beatable Benny Sapp opposite Cedric Griffin...Don't let Nate Burleson's catch-less Week 10 prevent you from using him. He was shut down by Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. The Vikes don't have a corner remotely as talented as DRC...T.J. Houshmandzadeh is out for vengeance against a Vikings team he nearly signed with this offseason...Keep John Carlson benched. He'll help LT Sean Locklear block Jared Allen.

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San Francisco @ Green Bay

The 49ers continue to stifle opposing ground attacks. Yielding a league-low 3.3 YPC, San Francisco ranks No. 3 against the run while getting All-Pro caliber play from NT Aubrayo Franklin. With C Jason Spitz (back) on I.R. and C Scott Wells (concussion) looking doubtful, the Pack may be forced to start undrafted rookie center Evan Dietrich-Smith. He would square off with Franklin, further downgrading Ryan Grant's already unfavorable matchup...Jermichael Finley returns this week, but isn't an option until we see he's 100 percent. His knee injury cost him three games.

Five Jay Cutler picks in Week 10 didn't help the 49ers' pass defense rank. They're 29th and don't match up well with Green Bay. San Francisco's 17 sacks are seventh fewest in the NFL, so Aaron Rodgers should have time to throw, and the Lambeau forecast (10MPH winds, 50+ degree temps, 20% chance of rain) is unlikely to hinder passing. Rodgers is confidently a top-five QB...However, the Packers' short-passing approach continues to benefit Donald Driver, not Greg Jennings. The No. 28 overall fantasy wideout, Jennings is only a WR3. Driver is the No. 13 overall receiver.

The Packers may struggle to cover the 6.5-point spread, but a bettor would be smart to choose Mike McCarthy's team if he can get this game straight up. Green Bay has a top-four run defense, allowing just 3.5 yards a carry with a mere three rushing TDs against all year. Shotgun-spread or not, San Francisco's offense revolves around Frank Gore. The Packers should be able to contain Gore with their stout front seven, use Charles Woodson to slow Michael Crabtree, and call on the NFL's No. 3 defense against tight ends (according to Football Outsiders) to minimize Vernon Davis' impact.

Davis is a must-start because he's the No. 2 fantasy tight end overall, but limit expectations in this matchup....While Crabtree has looked terrific since joining the 49ers' starting lineup after his first-half holdout, the Packers' sure-tackling DBs will hold him in check after the catch, and he still hasn't found the end zone. He's a WR3, but nothing more...Josh Morgan has formally overtaken Isaac Bruce to start at flanker. Morgan's scored once all year, however, and is averaging 34 receiving yards per game. Crabtree is San Francisco's No. 1...While Alex Smith has breathed life into this offense, he's two-QB league material against Green Bay's top-six pass defense.

Indianapolis @ Baltimore

Joe Flacco is in a funk. His feet move slowly in the pocket, he's staring down receivers again, and "Joe Cool" managed just 155 yards and no touchdowns last Monday night at Cleveland. Flacco has just one TD and hasn't topped 200 passing yards in his last three games. We couldn't reasonably expect him to be semi-productive against a Colts secondary that's given up just seven passing scores all season and allows the second fewest yards per attempt (6.2) in the league. Flacco's barely a QB2 until he picks it up in favorable matchups. Clearly, this isn't one.

As usual, Baltimore's game plan will revolve around Ray Rice. Indy's rush defense is mediocre (4.3 YPC allowed, 7 TDs), and Rice is averaging 22 touches per game over the last month and a half. He also has six TDs in his last five games...Bench Todd Heap against a Colts defense that shuts down tight ends...At this point, Derrick Mason is Baltimore's only wideout worth fantasy consideration. While Mason's refined routes will give Indy's rookie CBs fits, both Mark Clayton and Kelley Washington are coming off catch-less games. They need Flacco to bounce back.

60-degree temps, 7MPH winds, and a 10% chance of showers won't slow Peyton Manning, who's averaging 331 yards in his last three games. Nor will a middling Ravens secondary that will be tested without top pass rusher Terrell Suggs...Reggie Wayne will mostly face off with Ravens RCB Domonique Foxworth, who's been picked on all year. Wayne, on pace for 123 catches, is fantasy's No. 1 wideout...The Ravens struggle against slot receivers due to their lack of corner depth. Austin Collie remains a quality WR3, and Dallas Clark leads all TEs in fantasy points.

Few Colts don't have favorable matchups. Baltimore tackles poorly in the back end, and Pierre Garcon has arguably been Indy's top after-catch receiver. Despite being a fourth option in his own offense, Garcon is always worth WR3 consideration...Donald Brown is back from his shoulder injury, but isn't even clearly the Colts' No. 2 back anymore. When Joseph Addai exited for over a quarter last Sunday night, Brown and Chad Simpson shared the backfield evenly. Addai is the Colts' every-down runner until proven otherwise. He's never been an exceptional talent, but the offense moves smoothly when he's in the game and he executes in short yardage.

[SIZE=+1]4:05PM ET Game[/SIZE]

Arizona @ St. Louis

Chris Wells was unleashed last week versus Seattle, capitalizing for 127 yards and two scores on 18 touches compared to Tim Hightower's 15. If Wells didn't secure Arizona's lead back role with that effort, he will Sunday at St. Louis. The Rams are dealing with injuries to five of their top six defensive linemen. Leonard Little (knee), James Hall (back), Clifton Ryan (toe), and Chris Long (knee) are all on the injury report, and key substitute DT/DE C.J. Ah You (knee) was placed on injured reserve Thursday. Hightower will stay active on passing downs, but this is Beanie's time to shine.

St. Louis' secondary showed mettle last week, holding Drew Brees to "just" 223 yards and two TDs with Ronald Bartell blanketing Marques Colston (2-17). Bartell will draw Larry Fitzgerald in this one, not that it's likely to matter. Fitz has averaged seven catches for 86 yards, with nine TDs in ten career games against St. Louis. He won't be stopped...Anquan Boldin is off the injury report and as healthy as ever after an 8-105 Week 10. He's an every-week WR2 and will burn up Quincy Butler...Start Kurt Warner, but you already knew that...Steve Breaston is always a good WR3 when Arizona faces poor secondaries. The Rams rank 25th against the pass.

The Rams simply don't have much of a chance. Cardinals ILB Gerald Hayes, without whom the Cardinals' run defense struggled badly, returns from a back injury. Steven Jackson will get the ball 20+ times as always, but a healthy Hayes hurts his chances at a monster game. The last time Hayes played (Week 8), Arizona was leading the league in run defense. They've since fallen to No. 8...With Keenan Burton (torn patellar tendon) now on I.R, rookie Brandon Gibson becomes an every-down receiver. He'll be highly inconsistent, but is worth owning in all dynasty leagues.

Marc Bulger had a season-best game in Week 10, completing 65% of his passes for 298 yards, two TDs, and one pick. Amazing stat: Bulger hasn't posted back-to-back multiple-TD games since Weeks 12-13 of 2006. He's only a two-QB league option...Donnie Avery proved he's finally over his series of first-half injuries by scoring twice last Sunday versus New Orleans. He'll now be covered by Cardinals LCB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, who is red hot and shut out Nate Burleson in Week 10. Avery is only a matchup play, and this isn't a favorable one.

[SIZE=+1]4:15PM ET Games[/SIZE]

NY Jets @ New England

Randy Moss owners should worry about Darrelle Revis covering their WR1. Revis has held the Mossman to 4-24, 3-26, and 2-22 lines in their last three meetings. But the loss of SS Jim Leonhard, New York's defensive signal caller, threatens to result in secondary miscommunication. Be more confident in Moss than usual...Nos. 2 and 3 CBs Dwight Lowery and Lito Sheppard are proving to be major liabilities, even if the Jets' No. 3 pass defense rank doesn't reflect it yet. With Revis shadowing Moss, Wes Welker and Tom Brady will exploit the Jets' lesser corners.

The Pats will likely "ease" Sammy Morris back into the lineup coming off a month-long knee injury, perhaps even using him as a lead blocker. He's not a major threat to Laurence Maroney's workload. Maroney's production will eventually take a hit, but he's a low-end RB2/flex against the Jets' No. 18 run defense. He's scored in four straight...Thanks mainly to the work of potential Pro Bowl FS Kerry Rhodes, the Jets are tough in tight end defense. Ben Watson has passed Chris Baker on the Pats' depth chart, but is averaging a measly 29 yards per game since Week 1.

Thomas Jones, the No. 7 overall fantasy RB at age 31, has scored a TD and/or topped 100 yards in each of his last six efforts. The every-week starter will match up with an uninspiring Patriots run defense that ranks 17th overall and serves up 4.5 YPC. The statuses of key Pats DLs Ty Warren (ankle) and Jarvis Green (knee) are also uncertain. Both were inactive last week...With Jones red hot, it's not surprising that Shonn Greene hasn't emerged as a major factor. He's lost a fumble and averaged 2.93 YPC in his last two games, which won't earn him more playing time soon.

Mark Sanchez has improved after colliding into the rookie wall during a five-pick Week 6 game versus Buffalo. Since, he's averaging a robust 7.75 YPA with four TDs and two INTs. Sanchez isn't QB1 worthy against the Pats' No. 7 pass defense, but his progress is good news for Jets receivers. The matchup is difficult, but Braylon Edwards and Jerricho Cotchery are both solid, if low-upside WR3s. They'll have more value against worse secondaries...Bench Dustin Keller. The Foxoboro weather (mid-50s, 11MPH winds, 10% chance of rain) won't hurt him, but the Patriots shut down TEs every week.

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San Diego @ Denver

Knowshon Moreno's stock is rising. The rookie resumed starting ahead of Correll Buckhalter in Week 10 and capitalized on Buckhalter's fumble-induced, first-quarter benching. Moreno became the every-down back, generating 104 yards on 20 touches. Buckhalter is now nursing a knee injury, so Moreno is likely to remain featured going forward. Sunday's matchup with San Diego presents a prime opportunity for Moreno to separate even further. The Bolts have the NFL's No. 23 rush defense, and Denver may have to focus on the run with Kyle Orton nursing torn ankle ligaments.

Orton is expected to start, but his injury makes Brandon Marshall a risk. Marshall managed 49 yards in his last bout with San Diego, and Orton was awful after hurting his ankle in the second half of 2008...If Chris Simms starts, all Denver pass catchers should be benched. Simms looked totally inept in relief last Sunday, completing 3-of-13 passes for an embarrassing 13 yards. Even Tony Scheffler, who owned the Chargers for 6-101-1 in their last meeting, wouldn't be usable in this scenario...Antonio Cromartie shut down Eddie Royal (0-0) in that game. Royal isn't a fantasy option.

Denver's run defense has sprung severe leaks and can't be considered a difficult matchup moving forward. Over their last games, every starting running back the Broncos have faced has totaled at least 100 yards. LaDainian Tomlinson, their Week 11 opponent, was among them. LT isn't often recommended as a fantasy play in this space, but he's a fine low- to mid-level RB2 in this matchup...The Broncos have been surprisingly mediocre at defending tight ends this season, despite the marvelous play of FS Brian Dawkins. Antonio Gates can't possibly be benched.

The Broncos' pass defense is legit. Helped by the league's second most sacks, Denver ranks fifth against the pass and gives up just one passing TD a game. Still, Philip Rivers is a must-start. The Mile High weather (mid-50s, 10MPH winds, 10% chance of rain) won't hurt, and San Diego's aggressive offense supports his numbers. Only the Saints average more yards per pass attempt, and just two teams (Saints, Bears) have more 20+ yards completions...Malcom Floyd has flopped with a combined 74 yards in two games since replacing Chris Chambers, but Vincent Jackson has another good matchup. With Champ Bailey on Gates, V-Jax should see a lot of Ty Law.

Cincinnati @ Oakland

The Bengals will smartly hold Cedric Benson out of this easy win after he aggravated his hip strain in Week 10. Bernard Scott will start against an Oakland defense that ranks 29th against the run and has surrendered a league-high 14 rushing TDs. Don't believe a report that Larry Johnson will play a significant role less than a week after signing with Cincinnati, and use Scott as a high-upside flex/RB2 in a favorable matchup. Scott will be replaced on third downs by Brian Leonard, but has enough explosiveness to hit big plays. The Bengals will also dominate in the trenches.

Chad Ochocinco owners shouldn't be concerned that Nnamdi Asomugha will shut down their WR1. Not only has Asomugha struggled (relative for him) this year, he only lines up at RCB. Ocho moves around as often as any wideout in the league. He's a must-start with a favorable forecast at the Coliseum (50-60 degrees, 8MPH winds, 10% chance of rain)...Carson Palmer can also be used confidently. Oakland's pass defense is as mediocre as ever, and only two teams have yielded more 40+ yard completions. The Raiders let up 7.6 yards per pass attempt...Avoid Laveranues Coles and Andre Caldwell. They'll wind up canceling each other out by season's end.

If the Bengals' defense is available in your league, they're a recommended pickup-and-play. The Raiders will start noodle-armed QB Bruce Gradkowski, and he'll likely be on a short leash in favor of an even worse option -- JaMarcus Russell. Gradkowski can't throw the ball downfield, crushing any upside Darrius Heyward-Bey already didn't have...Chaz Schilens has replaced Louis Murphy as Oakland's starting flanker, but Gradkowski's inability to get the ball outside the numbers kills Schilens' fantasy value.

Zach Miller would seemingly be a good fit for Gradkowski's arm, but the duo didn't hook up once after Russell was benched in the third quarter last week. Leave Miller on the waiver wire...The Raiders' ground game should be completely avoided against Cincinnati's No. 2 run defense. Darren McFadden returned from in-season knee surgery in Week 10, but saw just four carries as Oakland's No. 3 back. Michael Bush started and had 119 rushing yards, but won't approach that in this unfavorable matchup. He also lost goal-line carries to Justin Fargas.

[SIZE=+1]Sunday Night Football[/SIZE]

Philadelphia @ Chicago

Donovan McNabb returns to his hometown to face a Bears secondary that comes to play some weeks, and doesn't in others. Kurt Warner lit them up for five passing TDs in Week 9, before they held Alex Smith to zero TDs and under 120 yards last Thursday night. Overall, Chicago ranks No. 8 against the pass, but has surrendered the fifth most passing TDs in the league. While McNabb appears to be boom or bust, he offers upside in fair Soldier Field conditions (mid-50s, 10% chance of rain, sub-10MPH winds)...The Bears held Vernon Davis to 16 yards in Week 10 and have been one of the better teams at defending tight ends all year. Brent Celek is a risky option.

Bears LCB Charles Tillman, who will be assigned mostly to DeSean Jackson, has struggled with speed receivers this season. D-Jax has come into his own, showing the ability to dominate in the short-to-intermediate areas as well as deep. He's an ideal play...Jeremy Maclin will see Zackary Bowman in primary coverage. Maclin approaches WR2 startability in a favorable matchup and pass-heavy offense...LeSean McCoy is an every-down back and every-week starter until Brian Westbrook (concussions) returns, which may not happen this year. Chicago is 21st against the run.

Like the Bears' secondary, it's anyone's guess as to which Jay Cutler will show up. Will it be the Cutler that posted a 7:1 TD to INT ratio with back-to-back-to-back 100+ ratings during Chicago's three-game winning streak earlier this year? Or the Cutler that combined for nine picks against Green Bay and San Francisco? The Eagles are a top-ten team against the pass and rank third in the league in interceptions. Positives for Cutler: 1) He -- and Chicago overall -- plays much better at Soldier than away; 2) Eagles top coverman Sheldon Brown is very iffy with a balky hamstring.

Matt Forte gets another unfavorable matchup against an Eagles club that permits the fifth fewest yards per carry (3.7) in the league. He's a low-end RB2...The Eagles ask their middle linebacker to cover opposing tight ends often. MLB Joe Mays, making his first career start, can lay wood in the run game but will be a coverage liability. Upgrade Greg Olsen's matchup...Earl Bennett looks like a better bet for production this week than Devin Hester, who will be covered mostly by Asante Samuel. Bennett, the Bears' only halfway decent route runner, will draw Brown at less than 100%.

[SIZE=+1]Monday Night Football[/SIZE]

Tennessee @ Houston

The unpredictable happens when two teams with such contrasting styles meet. Tennessee is the No. 2 rushing team in the league, but 26th in passing. Houston is 28th in rushing, but No. 3 in passing. While the Titans have looked better in all phases during their three-game win streak, all three (vs. JAX, @ SF, vs. BUF) came against putrid passing attacks. The Titans do not have enough talent in the secondary to slow Matt Schaub...As usual Andre Johnson will match up with Cortland Finnegan. A.J. has lit him up for 10-149-2 and 11-207-1 lines in their last two matchups.

The Titans rank 16th against the run and surrender 4.4 YPC, but Steve Slaton is a high-risk play even after being appointed Houston's starter in a surprise move Saturday. Ryan Moats will likely continue to be used on early downs, and Chris Brown remains the team's go-to back in short yardage. Wait and see on the Texans' backfield this week. There's not enough upside...James Casey will be inconsistent, but may essentially take over as Houston's No. 3/slot receiver with Jacoby Jones nursing a calf injury. Grab Casey if you want a high-ceiling TE2 for the stretch...There's plenty to like about Kevin Walter in this matchup. He'll square off with Roderick Hood, who coach Jeff Fisher said this week will return to the bench when Nick Harper (arm) is healthy. That couldn't have helped Hood's confidence.

Like the rest of Tennessee's roster, Vince Young has played well in the last three games. The Titans will continue to employ a run-heavy offense, however, and Houston doesn't offer a favorable matchup. The Texans have allowed just ten passing TDs in nine games and limit big plays. V.Y. is a QB2...Justin Gage (back) is out again, so Kenny Britt will play every-down snaps. Britt had only 55 yards in the same scenario last week, but is worth WR3 consideration...Nate Washington is Tennessee's top red-zone option in the passing game (5 TDs), but averages just 26 receiving yards a week.

NFL rushing leader Chris Johnson is on pace for an otherworldly 2,406 total yards and 16 all-purpose touchdowns. The latter number will rise, as Johnson has seen goal-line work ahead of LenDale White for two weeks running. Johnson is barely on pace for 300 carries, so he shouldn't be at risk of breaking down...Still, Johnson owners should grab LenDale as a handcuff for the final seven weeks. White would be an every-down back if C.J. got hurt...No Titans tight end has topped 48 receiving yards all season. Avoid the Bo Scaife-Alge Crumpler-Jared Cook rotation.

 

[HacheMan]

Helpful hints to pick playoff defenses





In his weekly Fantasy Joe submission, David Dorey takes a look at which defenses could give owners the edge in Weeks 14-16.

The idea is that by taking the average number of fantasy points a defense scores and the average number of fantasy points their opponents allow will give a decent approximation of what can be expected in each of those three playoff weeks.

Rams quarterback Marc Bulger fumbles the ball as he is sacked by Saints defensive end Will Smith during their Nov. 15 game in St. Louis. The Saints lead the NFL in forcing turnovers this season.


CAPTION

By L.G. Patterson, AP​

The result shows that the NFL's two best defenses at forcing turnovers, the New Orleans Saints and Philadelphia Eagles, are also the best defenses to have in the fantasy playoffs. They're followed by the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers.
However, it's somewhat of a surprise that the fifth-best defense for the fantasy playoff weeks is the Arizona Cardinals -- partly because they face the Niners, Lions and Rams in Weeks 14-16.

 

[HacheMan]

Slumping Tony Romo makes Dallas Cowboys' offense look meek



Just how dangerous have the Dallas Cowboys become? They are not so dangerous to opponents, but they are crippling to your fantasy team.
The Cowboys went from averaging 30.3 points during a four-game winning streak to struggling to score just one fourth-quarter touchdown in each of the past two weeks. After six TDs in those four games, breakout receiver Miles Austin has only 67 yards over the past two weeks. Running back Marion Barber had 99 yards on Sunday, his first game with more than 53 yards since Week 2, but he has scored once in the past six games.
Next, the Cowboys host the Raiders on Thanksgiving Day. Ordinarily, you would hustle all of your Cowboys into the lineup against Oakland but how good do you feel about that idea now?
Dallas looks like it is ready to get back to being a running team and should be able to do so against the Raiders. Barber will be a good start, with Felix Jones worth the risk in deeper leagues.
Tony Romo, dealing with a back injury, looks out of sync with his receivers right now and the Raiders' pass defense, including cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, has been one of their few bright spots this season. If you have other good options, you ought to sit Romo and Austin until they find their rhythm again.
Here is a look at some of the other key Week 11 storylines:
-- If Matt Leinart has to start for Kurt Warner next week, nothing from Leinart's play on Sunday against the Rams suggests he will be able to pick up Warner's string of good play. Warner led the Cardinals to 321 yards and three TDs before getting hurt late in the first half. Under Leinart, the Cardinals gained 123 total yards and did not score. Being able to throw to Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin should help any quarterback. But Leinart has had so little success throughout his career that he would make all of the Cardinals shaky starts against the Titans in Week 12.
-- We might have gotten a glimpse of the Giants' offensive game plan for the rest of the season on Sunday when QB Eli Manning threw for a career-high 384 yards and three TDs against the Falcons. The Giants' defense continues to struggle, and running back Brandon Jacobs left Sunday's game with an injury. If the Giants are forced into high-scoring games by that lack of defense, Manning could turn into a regular starter because the Giants have no way to score other than on his arm. It happened when the Giants were winning early in the season, and it happened again Sunday. Receivers Mario Manningham, Steve Smith and Hakeem Nicks each had at least 65 yards but none scored.
-- Here we go again with the Pierre Thomas-Mike Bell drama for the Saints. Thomas outgained Bell 92-75 but Bell got two TDs while Thomas was held scoreless, with Reggie Bush sitting out because of a knee injury. Bell had not scored in four games and seemingly had slipped back into a quieter role. But Bell benefited from Bush's absence, while Thomas did not see a significant increase in touches. The lesson: Thomas can not be counted as a sure thing as long as Bell is around.
-- Despite not throwing an interception for the first time since Week 3, things aren't all clear for Falcons QB Matt Ryan. The passing game still isn't clicking as it should. Ryan missed too many open receivers, who also had some costly drops. Cutting down on turnovers is a necessary first step and Ryan's' two fourth-quarter TDs resulted in a decent day. Plus, Ryan gets to play the Buccaneers next week, which seems like a logical time to end Roddy White's three-game scoreless streak.
-- The only thing RB Bernard Scott did to hurt the Bengals in their loss to the Raiders was not being able to return the decisive fourth-quarter kickoff that was fumbled. Otherwise, Scott looked strong with 119 yards on 21 carries (albeit against a poor run defense). If Cedric Benson is out again against the Browns, Scott should get a green light. Larry Johnson had just two touches on Sunday and is not a factor yet.
-- After Ladell Betts' knee injury, the Redskins are down to Rock Cartwright at running back with Clinton Portis still sidelined by his concussion. Every Redskins runner other than Portis has been successful over the past three weeks, including Cartwright with 140 total yards on Sunday. Feel free to play him against the Eagles if you need a back.
-- Seahawks RB Justin Forsett had a terrible day running yet still wound up with a strong day, thanks to 80 yards receiving and a 1-yard fourth-quarter TD plunge. That wasn't a very surprising result, however, and you still should try to sit Forsett against good teams in the future. But Forsett can put up good numbers, as he did in Week 10, against lesser opponents. That includes the Rams in Week 12 as Julius Jones looks unlikely to return. Don't be dissuaded by Forsett's running on Sunday.
-- Have no doubt about how good Ricky Williams could be for the rest of the season. Maybe not three TDs a week good but close to an automatic start, regardless of opponent. The Dolphins will lean on him heavily, beginning this week against the Bills and continuing in favorable matchups later against the Jaguars, Titans and Texans. Williams also is Miami's only legitimate scoring threat given the lack of a regular passing game. -- Matt Pitzer

 

[HacheMan]

Back It Up
Just take a look at the top two quarterbacks this week, and you'll know this was as strange and unorthodox a week as you'll see.

A few usuals were sprinkled in among the "newbies", but it was otherwise a tough week to get a handle on. Happy Thanksgiving everyone, and try not to let the tryptophan get in the way of watching football.

Top 5 Quarterbacks:

1. Matthew Stafford – 422 Pass Yds, 5 TDs, 2 INTs – The Browns can cure even the most serious of rookie woes. It didn't hurt that every single player in this game ran down the field practically untouched. Nonetheless, the former Georgia Bulldog delivered with no time left on the clock to cap a thrilling game – who would've thought?

2. Brady Quinn – 304 Pass Yds, 4 TDs, 0 INTs – After last week's abysmal performance against the Ravens, Quinn rebounded with the best game of his career. Mr. Myoplex matched Stafford pass-for-pass on Sunday, but I'm not jumping back on the bandwagon just yet.

3. Eli Manning – 384 Pass Yds, 3 TDs, 1 INT – It looks like the 'Bye' week did Eli and Big Blue some good. Manning has had an up-and-down fantasy season thus far, but on Sunday he took full advantage of all of the receivers at his disposal. It'll be a short week for Manning and Co., as they take on the Broncos on Turkey Day.

4. Brett Favre – 213 Pass Yds, 4 TDs, 0 INTs – The Minnesota Miracle Man continued his resurgent season, as he connected with all four of his favorite targets. He has been an extremely reliable fantasy option all season long, and like a fine wine he gets better with age.

5. Ben Roethlisberger – 398 Pass Yds, 3 TDs, 2 INTs – Big Ben's statline may look good after the game, but stats lie, because his two interceptions proved to be very costly. To add insult to injury, literally, Ben suffered a "concussion-oriented" injury in overtime, and it remains to be seen if he'll miss any game action because of it.

Top 5 Running Backs:

1. Ricky Williams – 119 Rush Yds, 2 TDs, 2 Rec, 19 Yds, 1 TD – Ricky showed he still has some gas left in the tank, as the Dolphins had no problem giving him the rock early and often. With Ronnie Brown on the shelf for the remainder of the season look for Williams to continue to be a solid option every week.

2. Jason Snelling – 76 Rush Yds, 2 TDs, 3 Rec, 13 Yds – In a week, Snelling went from number three on the depth chart to fantasy hero – not bad for a week's work. He filled in for Michael Turner better than anyone could've expected, and the Falcons showed that they had confidence to give him the ball, especially near the goal line.

3. Kevin Smith – 45 Rush Yds, 4 Rec, 104 Yds, 1 TD – We all knew that Smith was good at catching the ball out of the backfield, but I don't think anyone could've predicted this. What started off as a favorable matchup on the ground quickly turned into an aerial assault with Smith going untouched on a 63-yard pass and later hauling in a 25-yard score in traffic.

4. Ryan Grant – 129 Rush Yds, 1 TD, 2 Rec, 16 Yds – Ride Grant while he's hot, and against Detroit next week he'll be sizzling. But, for now, he has adopted the every other week approach, scoring 20, 5, 15, 7, and 19 in the past five weeks.

5. Mike Bell – 75 Rush Yds, 2 TDs, 1 Rec, 5 Yds – Trying to predict the Saints backfield rotation is as unpredictable as the weather. I know I'm utterly confused, because one week Bell is in the doghouse, and then before you know it, he's getting the goal line carries. Thank you, Sean Payton.

Top 5 Wide Receivers:

1. Terrell Owens – 9 Rec, 197 Yds, 1 TD – Where the heck did this come from? And more importantly, who knew he still had enough burst to rattle off a 98-yard score? T.O. has had as bad a season as anyone could've imagined and, while this game will surely be remembered, it won't make up for the season long disappointment.

2. Calvin Johnson – 7 Rec, 161 Yds, 1 TD – Megatron and Stafford have started to get some chemistry going, and it was only a matter of time. Calvin beat the Browns secondary to go untouched on a 75-yard score, and it looks like he has finally put his injury troubles behind him.

3. Wes Welker – 15 Rec, 192 Yds, 0 TDs, 11 Rush Yds – Who needs touchdowns? Welker was an absolute beast on Sunday, as he got open whenever he wanted against a Jets secondary that had no answers for him. The PPR gem continues churning out incredible game after incredible game, and he's as exciting a player as any to watch.

4. Sidney Rice – 6 Rec, 89 Yds, 2 TDs – The fantasy breakout player of the year didn't skip a beat on Sunday, as he managed to equal his touchdown output for the entire season. Favre loves this guy, and apparently so does Tarvaris Jackson, as Rice is everybody's favorite Viking.

5. Hines Ward – 10 Rec, 128 Yds, 1 TD – Ward has found the fountain of youth and then some this season. He has had some absolutely monster games this season in addition to his four 100-yard performances. For everyone who thought that he was ready to take a back seat to Santonio Holmes, think again.

Top 5 Tight Ends:

1. Kevin Boss – 5 Rec, 76 Yds, 2 TDs – Talk about resurrecting a season. After not scoring a touchdown for the first seven weeks of the season, Boss has now scored four times in his past three games.

2. Vernon Davis – 6 Rec, 108 Yds, 1 TD – After being in the Bottom 5 last week, Vernon got back to being his 2009 version. He has turned some heads this season, and has become a reliable every week option – I never thought I'd say that.

3. Heath Miller – 7 Rec, 95 Yds, 1 TD – Miller scored for the first time since Week 6, and, as a result, he's been a shaky option all season long. If you can deal with the inconsistency then he's your man.

4. Tony Gonzalez – 8 Rec, 82 Yds, 1 TD – Welcome back Tony G! Gonzalez has shown that even he is human this season, as his success has not come as regularly as it has in recent years. He is still a must start, and don't let anyone else tell you otherwise.

5. Visanthe Shiancoe – 8 Rec, 78 Yds, 1 TD – Shiancoe notched his seventh touchdown of the season on Sunday, but like Miller, he has also been extremely inconsistent. However, Favre loves looking his way in the red zone, making him tantalizing to start each week.

Top 5 Defenses/Special Teams:

1. Patriots – 14 PA, 2 Sacks, 4 INTs, 1 FR, 1 TD – Leigh Bodden, Leigh Bodden, and Leigh Bodden. Enough said, because he single-handedly made Mark Sanchez's day a nightmare.

2. Chargers – 3 PA, 3 Sacks, 1 INT, 2 FR – The Chargers D has been playing better as of late, and they better be in your lineups next week at home against the Chiefs.

3. Saints – 7 PA, 3 Sacks, 3 INTs, 1 FR – This unit has been absolutely lights out all season long from a fantasy perspective. I'm usually against going with a set defense every week, but they have earned it.

4. Chiefs – 24 PA, 3 Sacks, 2 INTs, 1 FR, 1 TD – The only thing more shocking than their performance against the Steelers is the fact that this is their second consecutive week in the Top 5.

5. Cowboys – 6 PA, 1 Sack, 1 INT – The defense must've been saying to themselves, "What else do we have to do?" The stats weren't gaudy but the Cowboys got the job done.

Bottom 5 Quarterbacks:

1. Mark Sanchez – 136 Pass Yds, 1 TD, 4 INTs, 1 FL – This season can't end fast enough.
2. Josh Freeman – 126 Pass Yds, 1 TD, 3 INTs, 30 Rush Yds, 1 FL
3. Joe Flacco – 256 Pass Yds, 0 TDs, 1 INT – Now has just one passing score in his past four games.
4. Tony Romo – 158 Pass Yds, 1 TD, 1 INT
5. Philip Rivers – 145 Pass Yds, 1 TD – Rare to see him here.

Bottom 5 Running Backs:

1. Donald Brown – 10 Rush Yds
2. Darren McFadden – 25 Rush Yds, 3 Rec, 10 Yds – What a bust.
3. Cadillac Williams – 32 Rush Yds, 1 Rec, 4 Yds
4. Jonathan Stewart – 43 Rush Yds – Just when you start to get excited, your hope and dreams come crashing down.
5. Ahmad Bradshaw – 34 Rush Yds

Bottom 5 Wide Receivers:

1. Roy Williams – 0 catches – So much for last week being a building block.
2. Braylon Edwards – 1 Rec, 10 Yds
3. Lee Evans – 1 Rec, 15 Yds
4. Devin Hester – 4 Rec, 18 Yds
5. Brandon Marshall – 3 Rec, 26 Yds

Bottom 5 Tight Ends:

1. Tony Scheffler – 1 Rec, 12 Yds
2. Jeremy Shockey – 2 Rec, 17 Yds – Too many Saints, too few footballs.
3. Todd Heap – 2 Rec, 15 Yds
4. Fred Davis – 2 Rec, 24 Yds
5. Kellen Winslow – 5 Rec, 29 Yds

 

[HacheMan]

Upset City
Editor's Note: Beyond the box score is available every Monday morning to our Season Pass subscribers, along with countless other stat tools, columns, and premium information, but here's a peek at the Top 5 games of the week.



[SIZE=+1]#5. Colts 17 Ravens 15[/SIZE]


Beyond the Box Score

* Tom Santi had an up and down game. The numbers were nice, but he also fumbled going into the end zone and had a bad false start. He's not worth an add.

* Ray Lewis was not himself and it showed. He clutched his leg at one point and it looked like that ankle was bothering him. Joseph Addai took full advantage.

* Willis McGahee got two carries at the goal-line and couldn't punch either in. Joe Flacco also tried a sneak that didn't work. It's unclear if this will create an opportunity for Ray Rice to be a short-yardage guy, but it's something to monitor.

* Austin Collie was targeted just once while Pierre Garcon saw eight targets. It's clear which young receiver is the one to own here.

Going Forward

* Joe Flacco doesn't look comfortable throwing to any wideouts except Derrick Mason, who had 16 targets. Flacco needs to be on benches until this offense gets on track.

* Ray Rice is at his best when the Ravens are trying to pull off a comeback. The defense backs off and Rice gets a short pass with a head of steam. He rarely gets tackled by the first guy.

* Perhaps we wrote Joseph Addai off too soon. He's playing too well for Donald Brown to get any significant work.

* Fabian Washington was hurt during Sunday's game, thinning out an already suspect Ravens' secondary. It's a unit that shouldn't be feared.


[SIZE=+1]#4. Raiders 20 Bengals 17[/SIZE]


Beyond the Box Score

* Larry Johnson was not a factor. Brian Leonard started and saw the game's first carry, but Bernard Scott was featured in the backfield.

* Zach Miller was Bruce Gradkowski's go-to guy. Miller's possession skills complement Gradkowski's weak arm. The Raiders tried force feeding Darrius Heyward-Bey, but he continues to drop most of the passes thrown his way.

* The Bengals used a decidedly run-heavy approach, attempting to exploit the Raiders' bottom-feeding rush defense. It worked for most of the day, but Cincinnati couldn't make big plays in the passing game when it mattered most. They have a tendency to play down to their competition.

* Michael Bush started, but saw fewer touches than both Justin Fargas and Darren McFadden.

Going Forward

* L.J. will likely be on the Week 12 inactives list with Cedric Benson (hip) due back. Scott may have earned a slightly bigger role, but he won't be more than a "change of pace"/passing-down back.

* Avoid the Raiders' backfield-by-committee until someone separates from the pack.

* Carson Palmer has one of the most favorable stretch-run schedules for quarterbacks in the league. He's an every-week starter the rest of the way.


[SIZE=+1]#3. Chiefs 27 Steelers 24[/SIZE]


Beyond the Box Score

* The Steelers outgained the Chiefs 515 to 282 in total nets and moved the ball at will all game until Big Ben's concussion. The Steelers' three turnovers and inability to handle a suddenly relevant Chiefs pass rush late in the fourth quarter sealed their fate.

* Though Roethlisberger's two interceptions ultimately cost the Steelers the win, he can be forgiven for both. One was the result of a drop by Heath Miller and the other was a tipped ball when he was hit as he threw. Big Ben's trademark escapability was huge in the red zone, leading to the team's first two touchdowns.

* The Steelers have now gone over 100 straight carries without a rushing touchdown. They're a passing team in the red zone, as the coaches are more comfortable with Big Ben's playmaking ability.

* The Chiefs had just 47 total yards in the first half. Breakdowns by the Steelers secondary late in the fourth quarter and in overtime allowed the Chiefs to get back in the game and ultimately win it.

Going Forward

* Heads should continue to roll on the Steelers' special teams unit. The tackling on Jamaal Charles' opening 97-yard kickoff return was despicable.

*Ben Roethlisberger left the game in overtime with a "concussion oriented" head injury, but the early signs are reportedly encouraging. Expect him to play next week.

* Willie Parker saw more touches (7) than he's had since Week 6, but he was merely being used to spell Rashard Mendenhall. Parker will continue to be used in a change of pace role.

* Outside of Jamaal Charles, no Chiefs runner saw more than one touch. Kolby Smith left early with an ankle injury and never returned. Charles has earned the feature back role in decisive fashion.

* New No. 1 receiver Chris Chambers should have WR3 value for the next three weeks, but he's the only Chiefs receiver worth using.


[SIZE=+1]#2. Giants 34 Falcons 31[/SIZE]


Beyond the Box Score

* Eli Manning had never thrown for 300 yards in a home game before establishing his career high with 384 yards Sunday. It was rocky start as he was booed lustily by the home crowd after his early interception, but he was nearly flawless the rest of the way. Eli showed a nice connection with his three young receivers throughout the game.

* Matt Ryan played scared in the first half, staring down his open receivers but holding onto the ball instead of letting loose. His confidence was clearly off, but he looked like a different quarterback while leading the team to a shocking fourth quarter comeback when the team was down by two touchdowns. He also snapped a streak of six consecutive games with an interception.

* The Giants picked on Falcons corner Chris Houston in the passing game. The Atlanta corners were consistently in position to make plays, but the Giants receivers kept winning at the point of the catch.

* Mario Manningham not only produced big numbers, he also came up with two clutch catches late in the fourth quarter and in overtime to set up key scores.

* Corey Webster had tight coverage on Roddy White, shadowing him for much of the day. Webster was extremely effective in that role early in the season, but he had been slipping of late.

Going Forward

* Ahmad Bradshaw isn't as explosive as he was before suffering the ankle/foot injury, and he's losing value with Danny Ware taking over as the third-down back.

* Brandon Jacobs was sidelined with a knee injury late in the third quarter and never returned to the game. He said afterward that his knee was fine, and he could have gone back in if necessary. Before leaving, he was lowering his shoulders and running through tackles, looking better than he has all season.

* Eli Manning looked almost exclusively to Kevin Boss in the red zone. The Bossman is a bigger part of the passing game than he's been all season and appears to be regaining TE2 value.

* Jason Snelling carried the load for the Falcons as their most effective offensive player for most of the game. He's a must-start against the Bucs next week with Michael Turner likely to miss the game.

* Matt Ryan showed signs of coming out of his six-game slump in the second half. Take a "wait and see" approach with him next week.

* Don't rush out to grab Michael Jenkins because of his six catches for 76 yards. He had a poor game overall and shows no explosion opposite Roddy White.


[SIZE=+1]#1. Lions 38 Browns 37[/SIZE]


Beyond the Box Score

* A horrible on-paper matchup turned out to be one of the year's most entertaining games, and the final sequence was especially amazing. With the Lions down six and eight seconds remaining, Matthew Stafford scrambled around for what seemed like a minute before finally heaving the ball into the end zone. It was intercepted and he was slammed into the turf, making his way to the bench with his left arm dangling at his side.

* Detroit was saved by a pass-interference call that put the ball on the one-yard line with zero seconds left and Daunte Culpepper came in, but when a timeout was called Stafford returned, clearly still hurting, and threw a game-winning one-yard touchdown to Brandon Pettigrew.

* Brady Quinn's numbers were great and it was nice to see him actually throw the ball deep, but it's important to note that both long touchdowns came on plays where the Lions let a receiver go completely uncovered. One was bump-and-run coverage with no safety help and the other involved William James biting on play-action with no one around to play center field. Quinn also tried for a few home-run balls to Mohamed Massaquoi in the second half, but by that time the Lions had shored things up. In other words, he looked very good, but it's still just the Lions.

* This stat should tell you how crazy the first half was: Quinn and Stafford combined to go 22-of-33 for 469 yards and six touchdowns through two quarters. And they should have had seven combined touchdowns, because Chris Jennings dropped a score just before halftime.

* Cleveland faked a field goal with 10 seconds left in the second quarter, converted the first down on a pass from kicker Phil Dawson, and then actually kicked the field goal on the very next play. The only possible explanation was that Eric Mangini hoped to completely catch Detroit off guard for a touchdown, because otherwise it was insane.

Going Forward

* X-rays on Stafford's left shoulder came back negative, but he's slated for an MRI exam and with a short week leading up to Thursday's game he seems unlikely to play. Obviously the Browns' defense isn't much of a test and he made plenty of poor decisions, but Stafford averaged nearly 10 yards per attempt on 43 throws and became the youngest player in NFL history to pass for five touchdowns in a game. Toss in his injury and subsequent last-second heroics and ... well, it was one helluva a game.

* Calvin Johnson spent much of the second half limping around after coming down hard on his leg following a near-catch in the end zone, but still managed to torch the Browns for a 75-yard touchdown that saw him get completely behind the defense as Stafford scrambled and missed a second score when he was tripped up at the one-yard line. He figures to be on the injury report, which is worth watching given the short week.

* Pettigrew made several nice grabs even before hanging onto the game-winner, and the rookie now has 165 yards and two scores in the past three games. Look for him to develop along with Stafford, because he definitely has the skills to make a fantasy impact long term.

 

[HacheMan]

Cartwright the next to carry the rock for Redskins after Betts injury



The Washington Redskins are down to their third option at running back, Rock Cartwright, after Ladell Betts was lost for the season because of a knee injury. The Redskins already have said Clinton Portis will miss the Week 12 game against the Eagles, his third in a row because of a concussion.
Here's why you should care about Cartwright: He already has had success and is worth a start if you are itching for running backs. Cartwright had 140 total yards against the Cowboys, including 73 on seven catches. That is more than Portis had in any of the first eight games. And in Betts' two games as the primary ball carrier, he also did as well or better than Portis did.
All of that seems to indicate Portis was the problem with the Redskins' run game, not anything else. Two different replacements have combined for three good fantasy games in a row, including a couple in what looked like difficult matchups. Forget about the opponent; that is a streak you can jump on if you are thin at the position.
Here are some other waiver wire pickups this week.
--Daunte Culpepper, QB, Lions. Matthew Stafford paid for his gutty comeback at the end of the Lions' win against the Browns with a shoulder injury that will keep him out of his first NFL Thanksgiving Day game. Culpepper steps in against a Packers defense that has a short week to replace DE Aaron Kampman and CB Al Harris. Don't get too wild with Culpepper, especially because Lions WR Calvin Johnson might also be out, but Culpepper can help if you don't have a good quarterback option.
--Fred Jackson, RB, Bills. Marshawn Lynch was hurt again against the Jaguars, which could re-open the door for Jackson. Jackson was better in the first three games as Buffalo's starter than Lynch has been since. Lynch might be able to play this week against Miami, but you should snap up Jackson anyhow. The Bills have little reason to stick with Lynch if he continues to struggle.
--Matt Leinart, QB, Cardinals. Keep an eye on Kurt Warner this week. In the current climate of concern about NFL head injuries, an aging quarterback with multiple reported concussions in his career might get a week off out of an abundance of caution. The problem with Leinart is that he has done next to nothing in his career to think he could match Warner's success if forced to play against the Titans.
--Tom Santi, TE, Colts. On his way to a career-best season, Dallas Clark has run into a ton of extra defensive attention, which has led to two quiet weeks in a row. Santi took advantage of that opportunity for a career-high six catches and 80 yards on Sunday against the Ravens. Santi will not become any kind of regular starting option, but that kind of production is good enough to earn him more playing time.
--Danny Ware, RB, Giants. The Giants are running out of backs, which would force Ware into work. Brandon Jacobs left last week's game because of a knee injury, although he looks like he could be OK this week, and Ahmad Bradshaw, continuing to deal with a foot injury, has not had more than 48 yards in a game since Week 5. Ware has six career carries over two seasons and there is no telling how he would do with more time. -- Matt Pitzer

 

[HacheMan]

Studs, duds and sleepers: Packers' Jennings may feast on Lions



Matt Pitzer's look at the upcoming week's fantasy football landscape:
Studs
Joseph Addai, RB, Colts. Addai is back into this category thanks to five touchdowns in three weeks. He hit 100 total yards in only one of those three Indianapolis' first game against Houston on Nov. 8. There's no reason he won't be a good play in the rematch.
Vincent Jackson, WR, Chargers. Big plays have been missing from San Diego's offense lately. Jackson has not gained more than 23 yards on a play since Week 7 against Kansas City and he will be happy to see the Chiefs again.
Greg Jennings, WR, Packers. A disappointment much of the year, Jennings broke out for a season-high 126 yards and his third touchdown last week. On this short week, he gets to face Detroit's league-worst pass defense which just surrendered 37 points to the Cleveland Browns.
Carson Palmer, QB, Bengals. Think Cincinnati might be fired up after an ugly loss to Oakland? Fortunately for Palmer, he faces Cleveland. He's torched the Browns for a personal-best 22 touchdowns in nine games.
DeAngelo Williams, RB, Panthers. Carolina realizes its error in giving Williams only 13 carries last week when he ran for 122 yards against Miami. Williams is averaging 127 yards a game and 6.2 yards a carry over his past six and faces a Jets Defense on its heels.
Duds
Donnie Avery, WR, Rams. Don't get excited about Avery because the visiting Seattle Seahawks got blown out on the road in Minnesota in Week 11. Avery's burgeoning value is sunk with starting quarterback Marc Bulger injured again.
Braylon Edwards, WR, Jets. Turns out Edwards is only a slightly better fantasy option in New York than he was with Cleveland. He has just one catch in two of the past four games and should not be your starter considering given how many passes quarterback Mark Sanchez is completing to the wrong team.
DeSean Jackson, WR, Eagles. Jackson snapped off a 57-yard touchdown against Washington in Week 7, but in three career games against the Redskins, he has a meager four other catches for 34 total yards. Washington's No. 1 pass defense also shut down the Cowboys.
Ryan Moats, RB, Texans. The jig looks like it's up for Moats as he went from 39 carries and taking most of Steve Slaton's job over the past two games to getting no touches in Monday night's loss to Tennessee.
Tony Romo, QB, Cowboys. A back injury has Romo gimpy, Dallas has scored just one touchdown each of the past two weeks. Oakland has given up just eight passing touchdowns, third-fewest in the league.
Sleepers
Davone Bess, WR, Dolphins. Bess is back to his ways as a high-catch threat with 16 receptions in the past three games and three of his four best yardage games of the year. He's worth taking a look at him in point-per-reception leagues.
Justin Forsett, RB, Seahawks. Julius Jones' return sounds like a long shot, making Forsett a good play. The Rams are 28th against the run and have allowed 14 rushing touchdowns, tied for third worst.
Laurence Maroney, RB, Patriots. He isn't always great, but he has been effective. Maroney has scored five games in a row and, while he might have to deal with the return of Sammy Morris, the Patriots figure to be in a shootout against the Saints.
Robert Meachem, WR, Saints. All he does is catch touchdowns as his three receptions over two weeks have been scores. In a high-scoring game against New England, he will have more chances again.
Vince Young, QB, Titans. You are not going to get great passing numbers, but Young appears to have the running part of his game back after 73 yards on Monday. With most leagues rewarding rushing by quarterbacks more than passing, Young has added value.

 

[HacheMan]

Hold on tightly
When news broke on Saturday that Steve Slaton had regained his starting job, the first instinct was to bump his value significantly. Not so fast.

Slaton didn't even start Monday's game against the Titans -- Chris Brown did. Brown was the primary ball carrier for the vast majority of the game and ended up with 11 carries vs. Slaton's five. Slaton also dropped a critical pass over the middle in the fourth quarter. OK, that's the bad news. Now let's look ahead.

Here are a few reasons to consider a late-season "buy low" on Slaton:

* Every time Slaton touched the ball, he wrapped it up with two hands. It's only one game, but if he keeps running like that the fumble problem will be solved.

* Chris Brown is really unimpressive. He's averaging 3.3 yards per carry this season with a long run of 13 yards. The Texans know that Slaton is their most explosive option. That's why they gave him confidence by giving him the "starter" title.

* The Texans play the Seahawks, Rams and Dolphins in Weeks 14-16. That's a very strong fantasy playoff schedule from a matchup perspective.

Bottom line: Slaton gives this team the best chance to win. It would be a surprise if he doesn't assume the primary back job before the season is over.

VINCE'S COMEBACK
After Vince Young took the final knee out of the victory formation last night, he turned around and stuck his hand in the air, waiting for some love. The referee obliged and gave the jubilant Young a high five. Even the zebras are on board with this comeback story.

Young is 4-0 as a starter this season. During his NFL career, he's 22-11. At Texas, he was 30-2. It's hard to completely put last year's benching and off-the-field problems aside, but you can't deny that Young wins football games.

He's also improving as a NFL quarterback. ESPN had a great close-up of Young's eyes as he dropped back on a first half throw. He was actually scanning the field, going through his progressions. Young didn't think about tucking and running prematurely. When he did run, it was off designed options or after he exhausted his downfield routes.

Titans vs. Texans quick hitters:
LenDale White came in and stole a goal-line carry/touchdown from Chris Johnson. The Titans apparently still see White as the better man for that job. … As ridiculously disgusting as Johnson is, he's not going to get to 2,000 rushing yards. … James Casey showed some nice potential, but won't get enough targets to be a factor this season. … Brian Cushing is an impressive rookie. How good have the Southern Cal linebackers (Cushing, Rey Maualuga, Clay Matthews, Keith Rivers) been lately? … Hate to mention a kicker, but that 53-yard game-winner by Rob Bironas was really something. Right down the middle.

Editor's Note: For early rankings, complete projections, and a host of other exclusive material for Week 12, head to Rotoworld's Season Pass. It's just $4.99 for the rest of the season and includes rankings for the fantasy playoffs.

NEWS OF THE DAY #2
The Lions put everything they had into Sunday's epic comeback win over the Browns. The league's Toilet Bowl was their Super Bowl and they played like there's no tomorrow. Well, there will be a tomorrow and Matthew Stafford likely won't be there for it. The rookie quarterback hurt his non-throwing shoulder on the second-to-last play of the game, but he toughed it out and threw the game-winning score anyway. Daunte Culpepper will start on Thursday and is a downgrade for all the Lions' skill players.

Speaking of Lions' skill players, Calvin Johnson is considered very questionable for Thanksgiving. He is dealing with hand and knee injuries and will likely be called a game-time decision. He's a must-start even if he plays at less than 100 percent with Daunte Culpepper, so watch the practice reports closely this week.

NEWS OF THE DAY #3
Marc Bulger going down for 3-6 weeks with a knee injury may not seem like a big deal, but it buries the burgeoning value Brandon Gibson, Danny Amendola and Donnie Avery were gaining. Kyle Boller will start with Keith Null ready to take over. Those sneaky wide receivers need to go back on the bench.

NEWS OF THE DAY #4
There was a lot of talk coming out of the Niners' loss that they should go to a spread shotgun formation. It even led to an interesting back-and-forth between reporters and coach Mike Singletary at the Monday presser. Here's the transcript.

The gist of the situation is that Alex Smith and Michael Crabtree both appear more effective in the spread-shotgun formation. But Singletary doesn't want to go to it full time. Read more about the situation in Pancake Blocks here.

Editor's Note: For early rankings, complete projections, and a host of other exclusive material for Week 12, head to Rotoworld's Season Pass. It's $4.99 for the rest of the season and includes rankings for the fantasy playoffs.

INJURY QUICK SLANTS
Tony Romo didn't miss a snap against the Redskins Sunday, but was a little high with a lot of his throws. It could have been because of a sore back. He'll almost certainly play on Thanksgiving day with the injury. … The Seahawks expect Julius Jones (ribs) to practice this week, but we're still skeptical about his status for this week. … Ben Roethlisberger (head) is fully expected to play, possibly in part because his backup, Charlie Batch, is out six weeks with a wrist injury. … Ladell Betts (knee) is out for the season, leaving Rock Cartwright as the feature back. … Kyle Orton (ankle) will play Thursday but is likely less than 100 percent. … Marshawn Lynch (shoulder) is day to day and we are tentatively expecting him to play Sunday. … Brandon Jacobs (knee) was not on the Giants' injury list Monday. … Kurt Warner (concussion) is expected to be fine for this week as long as he passes his baseline tests. … Reggie Bush (knee) is expected back in the lineup this week. … Chris Cooley (ankle) is still 10 days away from getting his boot off. A decision about injured reserve will happen then. … Clinton Portis (concussion) is still experiencing vision problems and is already out for Week 12.

DEPTH CHART QUICK SLANTS
Bucs coach Raheem Morris said Monday that Earnest Graham's role as a ball carrier will increase. The Bucs entire backfield is a fantasy wasteland. … Giants coach Tom Coughlin said the team made a concerted effort to use Kevin Boss more in the red zone.

DEFENSE SPOT STARTS
Here are two ideas for owners adding a new defense each week based on matchups:

FALCONS vs. Bucs - Atlanta's weak spot is its secondary, but that won't be exposed by rookie Josh Freeman. Coming off four losses in five games, the Falcons will play desperate.

COWBOYS vs. Raiders - We know that Oakland vastly improved their offense by simply removing JaMarcus Russell from their lineup, but it's not enough.

PACKERS at Lions - This is only a good spot if Matthew Stafford (shoulder) and/or Calvin Johnson (hand, knee) sit out.

POSITIONAL SPOT STARTS
Chris Wesseling will cover this topic from head-to-toe in his Waiver Wired column, but here are three guys that are worth a quick add:

RB Rock Cartwright - How do you go from strict special teamer to starting running back in 11 weeks? Play for the Redskins. Cartwright is in line for 15 touches/week going forward.

TE Jermichael Finley - The Packers raved about how great it was to have Finley back in the lineup after a knee injury. He has upside, unlike a lot of the lower lever tight ends.

RB Earnest Graham - Graham is only worth a look in deep leagues. We know he can run out of one-back sets, but there's not much upside here with Carnell Williams and Derrick Ward still in the mix.

 

[HacheMan]

Welcome to the Rock

The much-maligned Redskins offense has actually shown marked improvement since the Week 8 bye, averaging 341 yards per game versus the 296 they had averaged in the first seven weeks. After a noticeably declining Clinton Portis struggled to find holes or make plays early in the season, Ladell Betts and Rock Cartwright have combined to average 25 carries for 104 yards and four receptions for 37 yards since replacing the starter in Week 9. With Betts (torn ACL, MCL) out for the season, and Portis (concussion) sidelined indefinitely, Cartwright takes over as the feature back in an offense that has been kind to running backs of late. He should top all waiver lists in Week 12.

Since there are no major waiver wire stories beyond Cartwright this week, it's a good time to list a few of the tools that I use in researching this article each week. Feel free to consult all of these sites to add background flavor to your own waiver selections:

At the risk of being labeled a shill, my primary reference is the Rotoworld Season Pass (just $4.99 for the playoff edition!). The game recaps, going beyond the box score, are invaluable for an accurate read on emerging players. It's the recaps that I consult each week as I develop my preliminary waiver list. Just as integral in ordering the players are the Schedule Analysis (especially germane for playoff weeks) and the Fantasy Points Allowed report.

Profootballreference.com's game logs are easy to use and come in handy as a means to track trends for each player.

NFL.com has similar game logs for each player, including further info such as passer rating and turnovers.

FFToday.com has free position-by-position stats, with the option of browsing the past three weeks, the past five weeks, and the entire season. Clicking on a player's name brings up game logs as well as weekly targets.

Rotoworld's news page. This one is fairly obvious. The information is free, and the search function provides an up-to-date account of each player's performance, status, role, and latest news.

On to the lists. Here is how I rank the top players available at each position as we head into Week 12. Full writeups of each player are below.

Running Backs
1. Rock Cartwright
2. Bernard Scott
3. Fred Jackson
4. Darren McFadden
5. Sammy Morris
6. Chris Jennings

Quarterbacks
1. Vince Young
2. Alex Smith
3. Jason Campbell
4. Josh Freeman
5. Ryan Fitzpatrick

Wide Receivers
1. Robert Meachem
2. Chris Chambers
3. Davone Bess
4. Antonio Bryant
5. Donnie Avery
6. Brandon Gibson

Tight Ends
1. Jermichael Finley
2. Zach Miller
3. Kevin Boss

Defenses
1. Chargers
2. Falcons

Editor's Note:</I> Not happy with your fantasy teams? New weekly leagues are drafting every single day at Snapdraft. Draft your team during the week, even Sunday morning, and win cash by Tuesday. It's a great complement to your yearly leagues and rewards the most skilled fantasy players who know matchups and value.

</FONT+1>RUNNING BACKS

Rock Cartwright, Redskins – Ladell Betts (torn MCL, ACL) is out for the season, and Clinton Portis (concussion) has already been ruled out for Week 12. That leaves Cartwright, special teamer Omar Ganther, and newly re-signed Marcus Mason to carry the load against the Eagles and likely at least the following week against the Saints. Cartwright, long a special teams maven, isn't an explosive back, but he has terrific hands and can elude a few tacklers. After Betts went down last week, Cartwright ran 13 times for 57 yards (5.2 YPC) and added seven receptions on eight targets for 73 yards. Expected to remain the feature back for the next two weeks, he's a legit RB2/flex option.

Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues

Bernard Scott - Various NFL insiders were predicting that Larry Johnson would see a significant workload against the Raiders with Cedric Benson out, but it was "Weekend at Bernie's" time in Oakland. Scott averaged 5.7 yards per carry and totaled 151 yards on 24 touches while Johnson touched the ball just twice. Benson is currently considered "day to day," but we won't have a good read on his availability for the Browns game until the practice reports begin to roll in. Scott is still owned in just two-thirds of all fantasy leagues. With Benson now a health risk and the Bengals facing weak opponents the next two games, the playmaking rookie is a must-add in all leagues.

Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues

Fred Jackson, Bills – Marshawn Lynch missed the second half of last week's game after being carted to the locker room with a shoulder injury. The MRI results, though, turned up nothing major and coach Perry Fewell has dubbed him "day to day." Lynch will likely miss practice time this week, and his workload will almost certainly be lightened with a reliable committee partner in Jackson. The Dolphins lost NT Jason Ferguson for the season, so Bills' rushing attack gets an upgrade for the Week 12 matchup. This is a situation to monitor for the rest of the week.

Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues

Darren McFadden, Raiders – Another week removed from meniscus surgery, McFadden's touches increased from four to nine as he's being eased into the backfield mix. Michael Bush has been effective on a per-touch basis the past two weeks, but the Raiders coaches don't appear to trust him with a major role. While McFadden isn't a great bet for immediate production in the fantasy quagmire known as the Raiders backfield, his upside is better than that of many backups. Stash him in case Justin Fargas goes down with an injury.

Recommendation: Should be owned in 12-team leagues

Sammy Morris, Patriots – Morris obviously wasn't healthy enough to contribute last week, and Laurence Maroney continues to hit the hole with authority instead of dancing. Maroney has scored in five straight games since Morris went down, but he's also fumbled in two straight. If he fumbles again, don't be surprised to see Morris working his way back into the backfield picture.

Recommendation: Worth a look in deeper leagues

Chris Jennings, Browns – Coach Eric Mangini indicated last week that Jennings will continue to see an increased role as long as he shows progress. As Stacey Mack and Samkon Gado have proven in the past, it doesn't take an advanced pedigree to make a late-season fantasy impact at running back. Jennings, a former CFL special teamer, doubled his Week 10 touches to 15 against the Lions. While he doesn't have much upside in the Browns offense, Jennings could get a longer look down the stretch with Jamal Lewis threatening to ride off into the sunset after the season.

Recommendation: Worth a look in deeper leagues

Long-Term Fliers

Danny Ware - Brandon Jacobs (knee) is back at practice, and Ahmad Bradshaw (foot/ankle) isn't going away. Neither, however, are great bets to stay healthy, so keep an eye on the new third-down back.

Arian Foster - The Texans backfield is worth monitoring. Chris Brown added nothing Monday night, and Steve Slaton continues to struggle as a runner. Foster was activated off the practice squad last week and could get a late-season look.

Khalil Bell - Let's not go crazy here. Bell could steal a few touches from Matt Forte, but it's going to take a major injury to give him fantasy value. Even then, the Bears would move to an even more pass-heavy attack.

Cut Bait

Ryan Moats - One-week wonder didn't receive a single carry against the Titans Monday night.

Ahmad Bradshaw - Lacking the early-season explosion and now losing snaps to Danny Ware.

Tashard Choice - MBIII owners should keep him as a handcuff, but he's a luxury for everyone else.

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</FONT+1>QUARTERBACKS

Vince Young, Titans – The improvement is real. Young continues to play with a high level of confidence, going through his progressions, taking calculated chances down the field, and running almost at will. While it's true that the Titans' conservative passing attack lowers his fantasy upside, he counteracts that by adding value with his legs. Once again Tennessee's franchise quarterback, VY will have no problem maintaining QB2 value the rest of the way.

Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues

Alex Smith, 49ers – Smith's fantasy value is tricky because it boils down to offensive formation. When he plays under center, Smith is an overly tentative decision-maker who can't deal with defensive pressure. Operating out of the shotgun, however, he has no problem finding playmakers Vernon Davis, Michael Crabtree, and Frank Gore for big plays. It's difficult to trust him on a weekly basis, but he's worth rostering just to see if the Niners coaches relent and allow him to stay in the shotgun. As we pointed out last week, Smith has inviting games against the Jags, Cardinals, and Lions in Weeks 12, 14, and 16.

Recommendation: Should be owned in 12-team leagues

Jason Campbell, Redskins – The Redskins offense has yet to top 20 points in a game all season, but it's not for a lack of moving the ball. Campbell, who hasn't had a completion percentage under 64.9 over his past four games, is averaging a none-too-shabby 232 passing yards over the same span while Ladell Betts and Rock Cartwright have rescued the ground game. I'm not saying Campbell is any kind of fantasy savior, but the Redskins offense isn't as despicable as you think. Campbell's improved play makes him worthy of a roster spot in deeper leagues.

Recommendation: Worth a look in deeper leagues

Josh Freeman, Bucs – The rookie is starting to make the slippery-mitted Daunte Culpepper look like a mistake-free game manager in comparison. Freeman has five touchdowns over the past three weeks, but he's also thrown five picks and lost two fumbles. Though the turnovers make him a risky proposition even in two-quarterback leagues, he does travel to Atlanta to face a secondary that was shredded by Eli Manning for a career-high 384 yards and three touchdowns last week. Throw in 30-40 rushing yards, and Freeman is worth a look in deeper leagues.

Recommendation: Worth a look in two-quarterback leagues

Ryan Fitzpatrick, Bills – This space was going to belong to Culpepper until word surfaced that Calvin Johnson's status for the Thanksgiving day game was in doubt. I'm always leery of recommending Fitzpatrick, but he is coming off a 297-yard performance in Week 11 (with a 53-yard touchdown to Lee Evans nullified by penalty). While starting Fitzpatrick is never for the faint of heart – even in two-quarterback leagues – he draws a Dolphins defense allowing the ninth-most points to opposing signal callers this week. Hold your nose and pencil him in if you're desperate.

Recommendation: Worth a look in two-quarterback leagues

Long-Term Fliers

Matt Leinart / Kevin Kolb / Dennis Dixon / Tarvaris Jackson - Kurt Warner and Ben Roethlisberger owners received a scare this week. With the bye weeks over, the extra roster space can be used on a quarterback handcuff.

Brady Quinn - Skepticism is advised. The Lions pass defense is even worse this season than it was last year in the first ever 0-16 performance. Quinn topped his career touchdown total in one game, which tells you how badly he'd been playing prior to meeting Detroit.

Keith Null - A sixth-round pick by the Rams in April, Null is OC Pat Shurmur's pet project. He's an extreme long-shot for fantasy consideration, but he showed flashes in preseason action and Kyle Boller isn't likely to last long as the interim starter.

Cut Bait

Mark Sanchez - Giving Jay Cutler a run for his money in the interception race.

Marc Bulger - Brittle Bulger is out 3-6 weeks with a fracture in his kneecap.

Jake Delhomme - Bad Jake returned again in Week 11. He can't be trusted by the Panthers, much less fantasy owners.

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</FONT+1>WIDE RECEIVERS

Robert Meachem, Saints – We've recommended adding Meachem the past two weeks, and he's delivered with three scores against the Rams and Saints. While those numbers have been beneficial for fantasy owners, it's worth noting that the three touchdowns have been the only passes he's caught. Obviously, that pattern isn't repeatable the rest of the way. Meachem is well worth a roster spot in the Saints' fast-break offense, but he remains a high-risk/high-reward fantasy play.

Recommendation: Should be owned in 12-team leagues

Chris Chambers, Chiefs – Let's go beyond the Week 11 statline for Chambers. Absent Dwayne Bowe, the Chiefs passing game was bottled up until late in the fourth quarter. Sitting on two catches for 11 yards mid-way through the fourth, Chambers took advantage of a pair of defensive lapses for two more catches for 108 yards the rest of the way. He's well worth owning as the de facto No. 1 in Kansas City, but don't expect a repeat of last week's performance. Chambers has brutal matchups against the Chargers, Broncos, and Bills pass defenses the next three weeks before Bowe returns.

Recommendation: Should be owned in 12-team leagues

Davone Bess, Dolphins – Bess is coming off his best game of the season, hauling in several tough grabs in traffic against the Panthers last week. He's been highly consistent over the past three weeks, leading the Dolphins with an average of nearly six catches for 64 yards. As we pointed out in last week's Waiver Wired, the Week 14 and 15 matchups against the Jags and Titans are particularly inviting. Just don't expect any touchdowns.

Recommendation: Should be owned in PPR leagues

Antonio Bryant, Bucs – Bryant appears to be over his knee problems – for now. Pushing Maurice Stovall back to the bench, Bryant started against the Saints and immediately became Josh Freeman's second favorite target behind Kellen Winslow. Keep expectations low for the Bucs offense, but Bryant may be worth carrying as a matchup play in the fantasy playoffs. In Week 15 he draws a Seahawks defense allowing the third most fantasy points to opposing receivers.

Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues

Donnie Avery, Rams – Just when the Rams offense was beginning to show signs of life, they lose their quarterback – possibly for the rest of the season. Avery is averaging 4-66-1 over the past two weeks, but owners should take a "wait and see" approach with Kyle Boller and/or Keith Null set to lead the offense. Feel free to grab Avery, but keep him on the bench for now.

Recommendation: Worth a look in deeper leagues

Brandon Gibson, Rams – The good news is that Gibson was targeted as many times as Wes Welker (17) last week, and the Rams have a dream schedule the rest of the way. The bad news is that he dropped a couple of balls and had timing issues with Marc Bulger. The worse news is that Bulger is out 3-6 weeks, leaving an underwhelming Kyle Boller to run the offense. With an average of six catches for 77 yards on 13 targets the past two weeks, Gibson is worthy of a roster spot. He just can't be trusted as a weekly option until Boller proves worthy.

Recommendation: Worth a look in deeper leagues

Long-Term Fliers

Kenny Britt - Easily the most talented of the Titans receivers, Britt is emerging as Vince Young's favorite down-field threat.

Mohamed Massaquoi - While he remains an intriguing Dynasty stash, Massaquoi is unlikely to repeat last week's performance. I need to see him do it again before I spend a roster spot on a Browns receiver.

Ted Ginn - Still the only real playmaker among the Dolphins wide receivers, he's slowly making his way back into the passing attack.

Jason Avant - Eagles slot receiver is coming off two of his top three fantasy performances of the season. Make him prove he can do it for three straight weeks.

Cut Bait

Torry Holt - Yet to reach the end zone in 10 games.

Mark Clayton / Kelley Washington - Joe Flacco only has eyes for Derrick Mason and Ray Rice right now.

Muhsin Muhammad - If you picked him up based on his Week 10 performance, he's just wasting roster space.

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</FONT+1>TIGHT ENDS

Jermichael Finley, Packers – Finley proved to be fully healthy in his Week 11 return, leading the team with 10 targets while posting seven catches for 54 yards. A high-upside borderline TE1 going forward, Finley has a dream matchup this week against a Lions defense that allows the fifth most fantasy points to tight ends. For those like me who are still looking for an Owen Daniels replacement, Finley is a must-add this week.

Recommendation: Should be owned in 12-team leagues

Zach Miller, Raiders – What does it say about JaMarcus Russell that Bruce Gradkowski, with a career 59.9 passer rating and 52.9 completion percentage, is a massive upgrade for the entire passing game? The only reliable receiving option this season, Miller responded to the quarterback change with a 5-65-1 performance against the Bengals last week. Miller and the Raiders offense have tough matchups the next two games, so Finley gets the nod on waiver lists this week.

Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues

Kevin Boss, Giants – Emerging as Eli Manning's favorite red-zone target, Boss has scored in each of his past three games for four total touchdowns. He's been targeted at least eight times in two of his past three games, including five red-zone targets against the Falcons in Week 11. His three-game average since Week 8 is 3-54-1, making him a viable option in touchdown-heavy leagues.

Recommendation: Should be owned in touchdown-heavy leagues

Long-Term Fliers

James Casey - Already more involved than Joel Dreessen. Keep an eye on Casey as a roster stash for the fantasy playoffs.

Brandon Pettigrew - He's been consistently targeted over the past three games, but the absences of Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson could sink the offense this week.

David Thomas - We asked last week if he could ascend to the Billy Miller role, and he responded with a 4-66-1 line.

Cut Bait

Tony Scheffler - The Broncos just don't use enough two tight-end sets for Scheffler to be a reliable offensive weapon.

John Carlson - Seahawks relying on their receivers and backs in the passing game, and Carlson has just one reception over the past two weeks.

</FONT+1>DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS

Chargers - San Diego hosts the Chiefs in Week 12 before traveling to Cleveland in Week 13. Matt Cassel is on pace to shatter last year's league-high 47 sacks taken, and the passing attack noticeably missed Dwayne Bowe for the majority of last week's game. The Chargers defense has turned up the defensive pressure on their five-game winning streak. Pick them up for the next two weeks and go from there.

Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues

Falcons - Rookie Josh Freeman and the Bucs struggling offense travel to Atlanta this week. In his three starts Freeman has been a dream matchup for opposing fantasy defenses, fumbling six times, throwing five picks, and being sacked eight times. That's a recipe for a lot of scoring opportunities for the Atlanta defense this week.

Recommendation: Worth picking up as a matchup play

 

[HacheMan]

Battered but not broken

Though Ben Roethlisberger and Kurt Warner were forced out of Sunday's games with what were deemed "concussion-like symptoms," both quarterbacks downplayed the injuries and insisted they would be fine for this week. Early results are encouraging in Pittsburgh and Arizona.

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin indicated that Roethlisberger passed his baseline tests Monday, and he's expected to practice Wednesday. Barring a reappearance of concussion symptoms later this week, Big Ben will start against the Ravens on Sunday Night Football. The Steelers are so confident of his health, in fact, that they've opted against pursuing a veteran free agent. Second-year signal caller Dennis Dixon will take over No. 2 duties while Tomlin holds a roster spot for Charlie Batch (wrist surgery).

After Warner left Sunday's game with a 21-3 lead, reports started rolling in that his second-half absence was merely "precautionary." Though beat writer Kent Somers doesn't expect an official word on Warner's status until Friday or Saturday, coach Ken Whisenhunt is very optimistic that his quarterback will be fine to start against the Titans this week. Somers expects the Cardinals to proceed "deliberately" despite their outward optimism. We'll have an update on Warner's baseline test results Wednesday, but he'll have to get through the rest of the week without showing concussion symptoms. For now, we're penciling him in as the starter Sunday.

Editor's Note: Check out our Season Pass package, now just $4.99 for the playoff special. We've also got extra columns, IDP rankings, Top 200 rankings, Evan Silva's running back report, Chris Wesseling's Dynasty advice, advance workload and target data, exclusive chats, schedule analysis, fantasy points allowed info, and playoff rankings you can only get with Season Pass.

Thanksgiving Day Injury Updates:

Matthew Stafford (separated non-throwing shoulder) and Calvin Johnson (knee, hand) both missed practice Tuesday. Neither player is expected to play on a short week, though Johnson is being given a better chance to suit up in a game-time decision. We'll know more after Wednesday's walk-through. As of right now, Daunte Culpepper looks like the starter with Bryant Johnson as his top receiver. Steer clear in fantasy leagues.

Tony Romo (back) is fully expected to start after returning to a limited practice Tuesday. Jason Witten (limited, sprained foot) also returned to practice, though coach Wade Phillips has dubbed him a game-time decision. The return to practice would seem to be a positive sign, but Phillips said he's "a little bit worried" about Witten being able to play. Considering Witten's history, which includes playing through a painful broken rib, we're optimistic that he'll be in the lineup Thursday afternoon. If not, Martellus Bennett would be a viable fantasy play against the Raiders.

Kyle Orton (ankle) participated in a full practice again Tuesday, putting him in line to start on Thanksgiving. Brian Dawkins (neck) is expected to be a game-time decision. … After participating in a full practice, Brandon Jacobs says his knee feels "really good." He's expected to start against the Broncos. Ahmad Bradshaw, however, is a long-shot to play after adding a seriously sprained left ankle to his right foot/ankle issues. Danny Ware will pick up extra snaps in Bradshaw's stead.

Editor's Note: Not happy with your fantasy teams? New weekly leagues are drafting every single day at Snapdraft. Draft your team during the week, even Sunday morning, and win cash by Tuesday. It's a great complement to your yearly leagues and rewards the most skilled fantasy players who know matchups and value.

Two-Minute Drill: Eagles signed RT Winston Justice to a four-year, $18M extension, putting Shawn Andrews' future with the team in doubt. … The Falcons tried out four free agent kickers Tuesday, though a signing is not considered imminent. … Dolphins surprisingly waived OLB Matt Roth. … Chargers placed RT Jeromey Clary (ankle) on injured reserve and signed veteran free agent Jon Runyan to take his place. … Ravens rookie Lardarius Webb is expected to start at corner now that Fabian Washington (knee) is out for the season. … Seahawks rookie SLB Aaron Curry has been removed from the nickel package. … Bucs signed offensive coordinator Greg Olson to a contract extension. ... Bill Cowher and Marty Schottenheimer both shot down reports of interest in the Bills coaching job, though a source close to the situation insists that Mike Shanahan remains a legit candidate.

Red Zone: Michael Turner (ankle) wouldn't rule himself out for Sunday's game against the Bucs, but Jason Snelling is considered "likely" to get another start. … Chris Cooley indicated Tuesday that he's likely to end up on injured reserve with his ankle injury. … Julius Jones (ribs, lung) will step back into the starting lineup if he's able to play this week. … Ryan Grant (neck) returned to a full practice Tuesday. … LaDainian Tomlinson (hip, ribs) is expected to practice this week and play against the Chiefs Sunday. … Kolby Smith (ankle) returned to Chiefs practice Tuesday. … Justin Gage (back) said he is unsure when he'll be able to get back on the field. … Jags MLB Justin Durant (concussion) will start against the 49ers on Sunday. … Steelers LG Chris Kemoeatu (knee) has been ruled out for Week 12. … Texans FS Eugene Wilson has two broken toes and has been ruled out for this week's game against Indianapolis. … Panthers LT Jordan Gross (broken leg) expects to be cleared for "anything" in three months. … Bucs placed Byron Letwich (elbow) on injured reserve while the Panthers did the same for LB Landon Johnson (knee sprain).

 

[HacheMan]

Week 12 Rankings
It's Thanksgiving week, and we still don't know that much about the Cowboys offense. The rushing attack has gone from powerful to punchless, and back to promising. Miles Austin went from the waiver wire to the top-five to somewhere in between after defenses started to adjust. Jason Witten is still catches passes, but his yards-per-catch average would make Ike Hilliard blush. (Witten is a gametime decision this week, which doesn't help.) The only consistent part of the Cowboys offense is Roy Williams: he always blows.

Orchestrating this crew is Tony Romo, perpetually one quarter away from exploding. He's too dangerous to bench most weeks in fantasy leagues, but maddening to own. He's had more valleys this season than peaks for the first time in his career.

On Thursday, the Cowboys face a Raiders defense that is similarly schizophrenic. No result in this game would be surprising, from 35-6 Cowboys to 14-10 Raiders. I'm starting three Cowboys on my NFFC team because I have no choice. This was not the year to draft three Cowboys.

I feel good about Marion Barber and Austin closing the season strong, but who really knows? Anyone that says they know what will happen next in Dallas is lying, owns the team, or both.

[SIZE=+1]Week 12 Quarterbacks[/SIZE]

<TABLE 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>Peyton Manning</TD><TD>at HOU</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>2</TD><TD>Aaron Rodgers</TD><TD>at DET</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>3</TD><TD>Drew Brees</TD><TD>vs. NE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>4</TD><TD>Tom Brady</TD><TD>at NO</TD><TD>Probable(-)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>5</TD><TD>Philip Rivers</TD><TD>vs. KC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>6</TD><TD>Brett Favre</TD><TD>vs. CHI</TD><TD>Probable(hip)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>7</TD><TD>Matt Schaub</TD><TD>vs. IND</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>8</TD><TD>Kurt Warner</TD><TD>at TEN</TD><TD>Sidelined(head)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>9</TD><TD>Carson Palmer</TD><TD>vs. CLE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>10</TD><TD>Ben Roethlisberger</TD><TD>at BAL</TD><TD>Expected to play </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>11</TD><TD>Matt Hasselbeck</TD><TD>at STL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>12</TD><TD>Matt Ryan</TD><TD>vs. TB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>13</TD><TD>Tony Romo</TD><TD>vs. OAK</TD><TD>Probable(back)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>14</TD><TD>Donovan McNabb</TD><TD>vs. WAS</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>15</TD><TD>Jay Cutler</TD><TD>at MIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>16</TD><TD>Eli Manning</TD><TD>at DEN</TD><TD>Probable(foot)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>17</TD><TD>Matt Cassel</TD><TD>at SD</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>18</TD><TD>Joe Flacco</TD><TD>vs. PIT</TD><TD>Probable(knee)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>19</TD><TD>Vince Young</TD><TD>vs. ARZ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>20</TD><TD>Kyle Orton</TD><TD>vs. NYG</TD><TD>Questionable(ankle)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>21</TD><TD>David Garrard</TD><TD>at SF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>22</TD><TD>Chad Henne</TD><TD>at BUF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>23</TD><TD>Josh Freeman</TD><TD>at ATL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>24</TD><TD>Alex Smith</TD><TD>vs. JAC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>25</TD><TD>Jason Campbell</TD><TD>at PHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>26</TD><TD>Ryan Fitzpatrick</TD><TD>vs. MIA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>27</TD><TD>Jake Delhomme</TD><TD>at NYJ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>28</TD><TD>Brady Quinn</TD><TD>at CIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>29</TD><TD>Matthew Stafford</TD><TD>vs. GB</TD><TD>Gametime decision (shoulder)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>30</TD><TD>Kyle Boller</TD><TD>vs. SEA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>31</TD><TD>Bruce Gradkowski</TD><TD>at DAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>32</TD><TD>Mark Sanchez</TD><TD>vs. CAR</TD><TD>- </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

QB Notes: The rankings are posted even earlier than usual for Thanksgiving week. We'll add notes by Friday. All our Season Pass package content goes up as usual this week. If you don't have a subscription, check out our exclusive playoff fantasy football rankings and a ton more. It's $4.99 for the rest of the season. Happy Turkey Day people!

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[SIZE=+1]Week 12 Running Backs[/SIZE]

<TABLE 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>Chris Johnson</TD><TD>vs. ARZ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>2</TD><TD>Adrian Peterson</TD><TD>vs. CHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>3</TD><TD>Maurice Jones-Drew</TD><TD>at SF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>4</TD><TD>Frank Gore</TD><TD>vs. JAC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>5</TD><TD>Steven Jackson</TD><TD>vs. SEA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>6</TD><TD>Ray Rice</TD><TD>vs. PIT</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>7</TD><TD>Ricky Williams</TD><TD>at BUF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>8</TD><TD>Ryan Grant</TD><TD>at DET</TD><TD>Probable(neck)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>9</TD><TD>Bernard Scott</TD><TD>vs. CLE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>10</TD><TD>Marion Barber</TD><TD>vs. OAK</TD><TD>Probable(thumb)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>11</TD><TD>DeAngelo Williams</TD><TD>at NYJ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>12</TD><TD>Brandon Jacobs</TD><TD>at DEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>13</TD><TD>Thomas Jones</TD><TD>vs. CAR</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>14</TD><TD>Joseph Addai</TD><TD>at HOU</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>15</TD><TD>Jason Snelling</TD><TD>vs. TB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>16</TD><TD>LaDainian Tomlinson</TD><TD>vs. KC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>17</TD><TD>Justin Forsett</TD><TD>at STL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>18</TD><TD>Pierre Thomas</TD><TD>vs. NE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>19</TD><TD>Matt Forte</TD><TD>at MIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>20</TD><TD>Rashard Mendenhall</TD><TD>at BAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>21</TD><TD>LeSean McCoy</TD><TD>vs. WAS</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>22</TD><TD>Knowshon Moreno</TD><TD>vs. NYG</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>23</TD><TD>Jamaal Charles</TD><TD>at SD</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>24</TD><TD>Rock Cartwright</TD><TD>at PHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>25</TD><TD>Steve Slaton</TD><TD>vs. IND</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>26</TD><TD>Kevin Smith</TD><TD>vs. GB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>27</TD><TD>Chris Wells</TD><TD>at TEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>28</TD><TD>Tim Hightower</TD><TD>at TEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>29</TD><TD>Carnell Williams</TD><TD>at ATL</TD><TD>Probable(knee)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>30</TD><TD>Jonathan Stewart</TD><TD>at NYJ</TD><TD>Questionable(heel)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>31</TD><TD>Fred Jackson</TD><TD>vs. MIA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>32</TD><TD>Darren Sproles</TD><TD>vs. KC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>33</TD><TD>Marshawn Lynch</TD><TD>vs. MIA</TD><TD>Questionable(shoulder)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>34</TD><TD>Donald Brown</TD><TD>at HOU</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>35</TD><TD>Laurence Maroney</TD><TD>at NO</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>36</TD><TD>Felix Jones</TD><TD>vs. OAK</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>37</TD><TD>Mike Bell</TD><TD>vs. NE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>38</TD><TD>Ahmad Bradshaw</TD><TD>at DEN</TD><TD>Questionable(foot)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>39</TD><TD>Shonn Greene</TD><TD>vs. CAR</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>40</TD><TD>Jamal Lewis</TD><TD>at CIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>41</TD><TD>Michael Bush</TD><TD>at DAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>42</TD><TD>Chris Brown</TD><TD>vs. IND</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>43</TD><TD>Kolby Smith</TD><TD>at SD</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>44</TD><TD>Correll Buckhalter</TD><TD>vs. NYG</TD><TD>Probable(knee)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>45</TD><TD>Darren McFadden</TD><TD>at DAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>46</TD><TD>Derrick Ward</TD><TD>at ATL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>47</TD><TD>Justin Fargas</TD><TD>at DAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>48</TD><TD>Sammy Morris</TD><TD>at NO</TD><TD>Questionable(knee)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>49</TD><TD>Jerious Norwood</TD><TD>vs. TB</TD><TD>Questionable(hip)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>50</TD><TD>Chester Taylor</TD><TD>vs. CHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>51</TD><TD>Willis McGahee</TD><TD>vs. PIT</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>52</TD><TD>Kevin Faulk</TD><TD>at NO</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>53</TD><TD>Tashard Choice</TD><TD>vs. OAK</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>54</TD><TD>Danny Ware</TD><TD>at DEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>55</TD><TD>Willie Parker</TD><TD>at BAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>56</TD><TD>Ahman Green</TD><TD>at DET</TD><TD>Questionable(groin)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>57</TD><TD>LenDale White</TD><TD>vs. ARZ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>58</TD><TD>Ryan Moats</TD><TD>vs. IND</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>59</TD><TD>Rashad Jennings</TD><TD>at SF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>60</TD><TD>Chris Jennings</TD><TD>at CIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>61</TD><TD>Maurice Morris</TD><TD>vs. GB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Note: Snapdraft leagues are starting every day. If you haven't looked at the game's structure, just do me a favor and check it out. I would have gone insane on Snapdraft stealing people's money if I wasn't an employee of the company.

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[SIZE=+1]Week 12 Wide Receivers[/SIZE]

<TABLE 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>Larry Fitzgerald</TD><TD>at TEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>2</TD><TD>Reggie Wayne</TD><TD>at HOU</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>3</TD><TD>Randy Moss</TD><TD>at NO</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>4</TD><TD>Roddy White</TD><TD>vs. TB</TD><TD>Questionable(knee)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>5</TD><TD>Andre Johnson</TD><TD>vs. IND</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>6</TD><TD>Vincent Jackson</TD><TD>vs. KC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>7</TD><TD>Wes Welker</TD><TD>at NO</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>8</TD><TD>Chad Ochocinco</TD><TD>vs. CLE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>9</TD><TD>Greg Jennings</TD><TD>at DET</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>10</TD><TD>Sidney Rice</TD><TD>vs. CHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>11</TD><TD>Mike Sims-Walker</TD><TD>at SF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>12</TD><TD>Anquan Boldin</TD><TD>at TEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>13</TD><TD>DeSean Jackson</TD><TD>vs. WAS</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>14</TD><TD>Brandon Marshall</TD><TD>vs. NYG</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>15</TD><TD>Calvin Johnson</TD><TD>vs. GB</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>16</TD><TD>Steve Smith</TD><TD>at NYJ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>17</TD><TD>Marques Colston</TD><TD>vs. NE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>18</TD><TD>Donald Driver</TD><TD>at DET</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>19</TD><TD>Santonio Holmes</TD><TD>at BAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>20</TD><TD>Steve Smith</TD><TD>at DEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>21</TD><TD>Hines Ward</TD><TD>at BAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>22</TD><TD>Nate Burleson</TD><TD>at STL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>23</TD><TD>Miles Austin</TD><TD>vs. OAK</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>24</TD><TD>Derrick Mason</TD><TD>vs. PIT</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>25</TD><TD>T.J. Houshmandzadeh</TD><TD>at STL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>26</TD><TD>Jerricho Cotchery</TD><TD>vs. CAR</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>27</TD><TD>Percy Harvin</TD><TD>vs. CHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>28</TD><TD>Devin Hester</TD><TD>at MIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>29</TD><TD>Michael Crabtree</TD><TD>vs. JAC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>30</TD><TD>Steve Breaston</TD><TD>at TEN</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>31</TD><TD>Pierre Garcon</TD><TD>at HOU</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>32</TD><TD>Mario Manningham</TD><TD>at DEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>33</TD><TD>Brandon Gibson</TD><TD>vs. SEA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>34</TD><TD>Chris Chambers</TD><TD>at SD</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>35</TD><TD>Earl Bennett</TD><TD>at MIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>36</TD><TD>Lee Evans</TD><TD>vs. MIA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>37</TD><TD>Hakeem Nicks</TD><TD>at DEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>38</TD><TD>Terrell Owens</TD><TD>vs. MIA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>39</TD><TD>Donnie Avery</TD><TD>vs. SEA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>40</TD><TD>Jeremy Maclin</TD><TD>vs. WAS</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>41</TD><TD>Kevin Walter</TD><TD>vs. IND</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>42</TD><TD>Santana Moss</TD><TD>at PHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>43</TD><TD>Malcom Floyd</TD><TD>vs. KC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>44</TD><TD>Braylon Edwards</TD><TD>vs. CAR</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>45</TD><TD>Laveranues Coles</TD><TD>vs. CLE</TD><TD>Probable(head)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>46</TD><TD>Devery Henderson</TD><TD>vs. NE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>47</TD><TD>Roy Williams</TD><TD>vs. OAK</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>48</TD><TD>Bernard Berrian</TD><TD>vs. CHI</TD><TD>Questionable(hamstring)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>49</TD><TD>Robert Meachem</TD><TD>vs. NE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>50</TD><TD>Nate Washington</TD><TD>vs. ARZ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>51</TD><TD>Antonio Bryant</TD><TD>at ATL</TD><TD>Probable(knee)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>52</TD><TD>Davone Bess</TD><TD>at BUF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>53</TD><TD>Mohamed Massaquoi</TD><TD>at CIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>54</TD><TD>Austin Collie</TD><TD>at HOU</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>55</TD><TD>Andre Caldwell</TD><TD>vs. CLE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>56</TD><TD>James Jones</TD><TD>at DET</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>57</TD><TD>Patrick Crayton</TD><TD>vs. OAK</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>58</TD><TD>Jason Avant</TD><TD>vs. WAS</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>59</TD><TD>Mike Wallace</TD><TD>at BAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>60</TD><TD>Johnny Knox</TD><TD>at MIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>61</TD><TD>Eddie Royal</TD><TD>vs. NYG</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>62</TD><TD>Lance Long</TD><TD>at SD</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>63</TD><TD>Mark Clayton</TD><TD>vs. PIT</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>64</TD><TD>Greg Camarillo</TD><TD>at BUF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

[SIZE=+1]Week 12 Tight Ends[/SIZE]
<TABLE 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>Dallas Clark</TD><TD>at HOU</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>2</TD><TD>Antonio Gates</TD><TD>vs. KC</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>3</TD><TD>Tony Gonzalez</TD><TD>vs. TB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>4</TD><TD>Vernon Davis</TD><TD>vs. JAC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>5</TD><TD>Brent Celek</TD><TD>vs. WAS</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>6</TD><TD>Kellen Winslow</TD><TD>at ATL</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>7</TD><TD>Jason Witten</TD><TD>vs. OAK</TD><TD>Gametime decision (foot)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>8</TD><TD>Greg Olsen</TD><TD>at MIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>9</TD><TD>Heath Miller</TD><TD>at BAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>10</TD><TD>Visanthe Shiancoe</TD><TD>vs. CHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>11</TD><TD>Jermichael Finley</TD><TD>at DET</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>12</TD><TD>Dustin Keller</TD><TD>vs. CAR</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>13</TD><TD>Jeremy Shockey</TD><TD>vs. NE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>14</TD><TD>John Carlson</TD><TD>at STL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>15</TD><TD>Kevin Boss</TD><TD>at DEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>16</TD><TD>Zach Miller</TD><TD>at DAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>17</TD><TD>Brandon Pettigrew</TD><TD>vs. GB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>18</TD><TD>Fred Davis</TD><TD>at PHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>19</TD><TD>James Casey</TD><TD>vs. IND</TD><TD>Probable(knee)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>20</TD><TD>Marcedes Lewis</TD><TD>at SF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>21</TD><TD>Todd Heap</TD><TD>vs. PIT</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>22</TD><TD>Bo Scaife</TD><TD>vs. ARZ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>23</TD><TD>Tony Scheffler</TD><TD>vs. NYG</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>24</TD><TD>Martellus Bennett</TD><TD>vs. OAK</TD><TD>Move up to 11 if Witten is out </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

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[SIZE=+1]Week 12 Team Defense[/SIZE]

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

[SIZE=+1]Week 12 Kickers[/SIZE]

<TABLE 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>Nate Kaeding</TD><TD>vs. KC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>2</TD><TD>Stephen Gostkowski</TD><TD>at NO</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>3</TD><TD>Mason Crosby</TD><TD>at DET</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>4</TD><TD>John Carney</TD><TD>vs. NE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>5</TD><TD>Nick Folk</TD><TD>vs. OAK</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>6</TD><TD>Ryan Longwell</TD><TD>vs. CHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>7</TD><TD>Rob Bironas</TD><TD>vs. ARZ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>8</TD><TD>David Akers</TD><TD>vs. WAS</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>9</TD><TD>Kris Brown</TD><TD>vs. IND</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>10</TD><TD>Olindo Mare</TD><TD>at STL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>11</TD><TD>Billy Cundiff</TD><TD>vs. PIT</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>12</TD><TD>Shayne Graham</TD><TD>vs. CLE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>13</TD><TD>Dan Carpenter</TD><TD>at BUF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>14</TD><TD>Lawrence Tynes</TD><TD>at DEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>15</TD><TD>Ryan Succop</TD><TD>at SD</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>16</TD><TD>Neil Rackers</TD><TD>at TEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>17</TD><TD>Matt Stover</TD><TD>at HOU</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>18</TD><TD>Joe Nedney</TD><TD>vs. JAC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>19</TD><TD>Sebastian Janikowski</TD><TD>at DAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>20</TD><TD>Jason Hanson</TD><TD>vs. GB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>21</TD><TD>Josh Scobee</TD><TD>at SF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>22</TD><TD>Matt Prater</TD><TD>vs. NYG</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>23</TD><TD>Connor Barth</TD><TD>at ATL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>24</TD><TD>Robbie Gould</TD><TD>at MIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>25</TD><TD>Jeff Reed</TD><TD>at BAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>26</TD><TD>John Kasay</TD><TD>at NYJ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>27</TD><TD>Jason Elam</TD><TD>vs. TB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>28</TD><TD>Rian Lindell</TD><TD>vs. MIA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>29</TD><TD>Jay Feely</TD><TD>vs. CAR</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>30</TD><TD>Shaun Suisham</TD><TD>at PHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>31</TD><TD>Phil Dawson</TD><TD>at CIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>32</TD><TD>Josh Brown</TD><TD>vs. SEA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

[HacheMan]

Maroney can be a go-to guy
Thanksgiving is always a weird time. Maybe because it's the only time of the year that we get a couple days off just to recover from our impending poultry hangovers (and spend time with family, but come on, I'm in it for the Turkey). Or, more likely, it could be that this Thursday is the one day per year we are forced to choose between watching an entire Lions game or talking to your Uncle Rick about the Do's and Don'ts of power walking; incidentally, also the only day of the year the Lions are guaranteed to win something (our attention).

Now before your put on the bib, loosen your belt and get ready to dive into dinner, don't forget: Fantasy Football starts on Thursday this week again. So make sure to cover all your bases, and read this week's Red Zone Report so you can enjoy your Turkey-induced football haze all weekend.

Brian Leonard, Bengals RB

Although Bernard Scott had a very nice game filling in for Cedric Benson, something else caught my eye: the pride of Piscataway, Brian Leonard. Since watching him leap over defenders at Rutgers, I've always had a little thing for Leonard. Not only does he have good speed (ran a 4.50 at the combine), but Leonard has great size (6-1 226). This skill combo would seem to make him a good candidate to be the bigger "Goal Line" half of a two-headed running back attack, and Marvin Lewis seems to agree.

Although Scott had 21 carries to Leonard's 13, the split in important situations was far different. Scott only had 3 of the Bengals' 11 carries in the Red Zone, and none on the Goal Line. Leonard, on the other hand, got 7 out of 11 RZ carries and all 3 GL carries.

While both of these backs will return to irrelevancy upon Benson's impending return, this week's matchup against Cleveland makes them more important than ever. I still expect Scott to get more overall touches than Leonard, but (if Benson is out) it will be Leonard dominating the carries in scoring situations; which, against the Browns, there should be a lot of.

If Cedric Benson is out and you are desperate for a RB, Brian Leonard is a great pickup. Not only is Bernard Scott most likely owned in your league, but I wouldn't be shocked to see the Rutgers alum put up the better game if Benson is out. If for some reason Benson is out next week also, the Bengals face Detroit, meaning owners in deeper leagues may be able to get two valuable games out of Brian Leonard down the stretch.

Jermichael Finley, Packers TE

Finley was, by far, my favorite pick in drafts this past August -- along with Brandon Jacobs, grr -- and now it looks like he's finally ready to cash in. Finley looked to be just turning the corner before getting injured in Week 7 against the Browns, totaling 182 yards and a touchdown in his previous two games. His return last week went quite well. He had 7 catches for 54 yards, including a career high 10 targets from Aaron Rodgers. In addition Finley saw 4 RZ targets in his return to lineup (think Mr. Rodgers is happy to have him back in the neighborhood?).

This week Finley faces Detroit, and the super-athletic hybrid tight end should rip them apart. It's always a crapshoot predicting TEs, but with this guy's crazy combo of speed and strength, his owners could be in for a huge day. Go pick him up. Go start him. Enjoy watching him tear it up on Turkey Day.

Laurence Maroney, Patriots RB

It took a few more years than expected, but Maroney is finally turning out to be the player the New England thought they were drafting a few years ago. Since Fred Taylor has gone down, Maroney has become the man for the Patriots. Not only has he played well, but he's gained the full trust of his coaches in scoring situations.

Going into Week 6, Maroney had received just 3 of New England's 24 RZ carries (12.5%), and none of the 3 GL carries. Since then, he's gotten 22 of 27 RZ carries (81%), and all 8 GL carries. I'd never thought I'd say this, but, Maroney is a definite RB2 for the rest of the season. Although his schedule isn't a cake walk, he won't face any particularly tough run defenses, and sees Buffalo (one of the worst run defenses) in the Week 15.

Pierre Thomas, Saints RB

Honestly, it's pretty much impossible to figure out what Sean Payton will do next. While this wasn't quite as egregious to fantasy owners as having 7 different players score touchdowns, giving Pierre Thomas just 1 out of New Orleans' 7 RZ carries makes no sense. When healthy, Thomas -- as I covered last week -- is clearly their most explosive player, and has shown the ability to be an effective short yardage back as well. Unfortunately, Payton doesn't seem to care about keeping his approach consistent.

Despite averaging a shade over 6 carries in his past two games, Payton put the ball in Mike Bell's hands when it mattered most during Week 11. Bell's 6 RZ carries, and 3 on the GL explain why he had 2 touchdowns to Thomas' goose egg. Although Thomas still managed to have a respectable fantasy day (92 rushing yards, 11 receiving), a trip into the end zone would've been much appreciated.

Despite Bell's big game, I can't justify calling this anything more than another annoying tale in the saga of Sean Payton disappointing (who am I kidding -- screwing over) fantasy owners. Pierre Thomas is still, clearly, the most talented player in the Saints backfield, and should produce the most fantasy value from here on out. However, Payton's propensity to share the ball around the Goal Line has to scare Thomas owners, and does depress his value somewhat. Having said that, his prolific running ability should be enough to overcome losing some scoring chances, Thomas is still a very solid RB2 the rest of the way.

Steve Slaton, Texans RB

Has there been anyone more frustrating to own than Steve Slaton? Not only did he lose his job after costing a high draft pick, but then, after being pronounced dead to fantasy owners, he finds a way into the end zone two weeks in a row. Slaton has averaged just over 7 touches over the past three games, so there was no way you could've started him with any confidence these past two weeks. In addition, Chris Brown got 11 carries to Slaton's 5 this past week, further indicating that Coach Gary Kubiak is more undecided on the Texans starting RB than Washington is on universal health care.

Kubiak knows Slaton is undoubtedly the most talented RB on his team, but has some serious trust issues with him stemming from Slaton fumbling 7 times in Houston's first 8 games.

Despite my loathing of Slaton (fantasy speaking of course, he's probably a nice enough guy), I think the smartest move for Houston would be to go back to the dynamic runner as their #1 RB. Unfortunately, this transition won't be as easy for Kubiak, and may not even happen this season. Going forward we know a few things for certain:

1. Steve Slaton is the best player in the Houston backfield.
2. Some combination of Chris Brown and Ryan Moats will see more Red Zone and GL carries than Slaton.

The Texans' next 4 games are run friendly (IND, JAC, SEA, STL), meaning Slaton could conceivably come back into fantasy relevance. I would take the wait and see approach with this week against the Colts (unless you're really desperate), and if he manages to get 12-15 touches he should be a matchup RB2 until Week 16 against Miami.

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Rock Cartwright, Redskins RB

There have been a lot of awesome sports names over the years: Patrick Pass (Patriots FB), God Shammgod (NBA), Fat Lever(NBA), and Pooh Richardson (NBA). Rock Cartwright may be the coolest. There's something about his name that just screams: SHAFT! Great name aside, Cartwright has crept into fantasy relevance as a result of every other RB on the Skins being hurt.

Just about a week before his 30th birthday, Cartwright will get a chance to be the #1 RB for the first time since the end of the 2003 season. While it's hard to figure out just what to expect out of the career kick returner, one thing is in his favor: he has no peers, literally.

Totaling 140 yards from scrimmage (67 rushing, 73 receiving), Cartwright was excellent in Week 11. Unlike most RBs, he won't have to worry about anyone stealing touches in the Red Zone or anywhere else (sorry to all the Quinton Ganther fans reading this). Going forward Cartwright faces a bunch of middle of the pack run defenses, (PHI, NO, NYG, DAL), but he does travel to Oakland in Week 14 to face the hapless Raiders.

If you're living paycheck by paycheck with running backs, it may be worth picking up Cartwright and stashing him for that game (when, assuming they keep Portis out, Rock would be a great RB2). Aside from Week 14, I would call Cartwright a decent flex option as long as Clinton Portis is held out with concussions symptoms.

Justin Forsett, Seahawks RB

Despite getting nothing on the ground against the staunch Vikings run defense, Justin Forsett showed us all how explosiveness has a tendency to make up for many ills. I covered him extensively in last week's article, but I'll just say it again. This guy has a great schedule from here on out (STL, SF, HOU, and TB) and is a sure fire RB2 the rest of the way.

Updated Red Zone Statistics for RBs, WRs, and TEs:

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<TABLE class=tableizer-table>
<TBODY><TR class=tableizer-firstrow><TH>Player</TH><TH>Team</TH><TH>RZ Chances</TH><TH>RZ Carries</TH><TH>Team RZ</TH><TH>RZ%</TH><TH>GL Carries</TH><TH>Team GL</TH><TH>GL %</TH><TH>TD</TH><TH>RZ tar</TH><TH> </TH></TR><TR><TD>Maurice Jones-Drew</TD><TD>Jacksonville Jaguars</TD><TD>53</TD><TD>48</TD><TD>51</TD><TD>94.1%</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>100.0%</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>5</TD><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD>Adrian Peterson</TD><TD>Minnesota Vikings</TD><TD>43</TD><TD>40</TD><TD>57</TD><TD>70.2%</TD><TD>19</TD><TD>24</TD><TD>79.2%</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>3</TD><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD>Matt Forte</TD><TD>Chicago Bears</TD><TD>42</TD><TD>39</TD><TD>46</TD><TD>84.8%</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>90.0%</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>3</TD><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD>Ronnie Brown</TD><TD>Miami Dolphins</TD><TD>40</TD><TD>39</TD><TD>60</TD><TD>65.0%</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>21</TD><TD>71.4%</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>1</TD><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD>Joseph Addai</TD><TD>Indiannapolis Colts</TD><TD>39</TD><TD>34</TD><TD>49</TD><TD>69.4%</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>60.0%</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>5</TD><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD>Brandon Jacobs</TD><TD>New York Giants</TD><TD>39</TD><TD>35</TD><TD>57</TD><TD>61.4%</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>76.9%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>4</TD><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD>Ladanian Tomlinson</TD><TD>San Diego Chargers</TD><TD>36</TD><TD>35</TD><TD>50</TD><TD>70.0%</TD><TD>21</TD><TD>26</TD><TD>80.8%</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>1</TD><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD>DeAngelo Williams</TD><TD>Carolina Panthers</TD><TD>33</TD><TD>22</TD><TD>52</TD><TD>42.3%</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>21</TD><TD>47.6%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>11</TD><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD>Ryan Grant</TD><TD>Green Bay Packers</TD><TD>32</TD><TD>26</TD><TD>33</TD><TD>78.8%</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>80.0%</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>6</TD><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD>Ray Rice</TD><TD>Baltimore Ravens</TD><TD>30</TD><TD>22</TD><TD>44</TD><TD>50.0%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>30.0%</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>8</TD><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD>Cedric Benson</TD><TD>Cincinnati Bengals</TD><TD>30</TD><TD>28</TD><TD>30</TD><TD>93.3%</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>100.0%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>2</TD><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD>Jonathan Stewart</TD><TD>Carolina Panthers</TD><TD>29</TD><TD>28</TD><TD>52</TD><TD>53.8%</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>21</TD><TD>47.6%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>1</TD><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD>Reggie Bush</TD><TD>New Orleans Saints</TD><TD>27</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>64</TD><TD>25.0%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>23</TD><TD>13.0%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>11</TD><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD>Thomas Jones</TD><TD>New York Jets</TD><TD>27</TD><TD>26</TD><TD>43</TD><TD>60.5%</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>88.9%</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>1</TD><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD>Knowshon Moreno</TD><TD>Denver Broncos</TD><TD>25</TD><TD>22</TD><TD>37</TD><TD>59.5%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>50.0%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>3</TD><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD>Steve Slaton</TD><TD>Houston Texans</TD><TD>25</TD><TD>19</TD><TD>51</TD><TD>37.3%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>21.4%</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>6</TD><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD>Ricky Williams</TD><TD>Miami Dolphins</TD><TD>25</TD><TD>19</TD><TD>63</TD><TD>30.2%</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>22</TD><TD>27.3%</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>6</TD><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD>Laurence Maroney</TD><TD>New England Patriots</TD><TD>25</TD><TD>25</TD><TD>51</TD><TD>49.0%</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>72.7%</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>0</TD><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD>Michael Turner</TD><TD>Atlanta Falcons </TD><TD>24</TD><TD>23</TD><TD>28</TD><TD>82.1%</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>100.0%</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>1</TD><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD>Rashard Mendenhall</TD><TD>Pittsburgh Steelers</TD><TD>24</TD><TD>22</TD><TD>32</TD><TD>68.8%</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>71.4%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>2</TD><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD>Darren Sproles</TD><TD>San Diego Chargers</TD><TD>24</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>64</TD><TD>25.0%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>28</TD><TD>14.3%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>8</TD><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD>Steven Jackson</TD><TD>St. Louis Rams</TD><TD>24</TD><TD>21</TD><TD>23</TD><TD>91.3%</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>100.0%</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>3</TD><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD>Pierre Thomas</TD><TD>New Orleans Saints</TD><TD>23</TD><TD>20</TD><TD>64</TD><TD>31.3%</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>23</TD><TD>34.8%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>3</TD><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD>Chris Brown</TD><TD>Houston Texans</TD><TD>22</TD><TD>19</TD><TD>51</TD><TD>37.3%</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>42.9%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>3</TD><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD>Mike Bell</TD><TD>New Orleans Saints</TD><TD>22</TD><TD>22</TD><TD>64</TD><TD>34.4%</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>23</TD><TD>34.8%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>0</TD><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD>Marshawn Lynch</TD><TD>Buffalo Bills</TD><TD>21</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>24</TD><TD>75.0%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>57.1%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>3</TD><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD>Amhad Bradshaw</TD><TD>New York Giants</TD><TD>21</TD><TD>21</TD><TD>57</TD><TD>36.8%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>23.1%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>0</TD><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD>Clinton Portis</TD><TD>Washington Redskins</TD><TD>21</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>26</TD><TD>65.4%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>50.0%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>4</TD><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD>Beanie Wells</TD><TD>Arizona Cardinals</TD><TD>20</TD><TD>20</TD><TD>37</TD><TD>54.1%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>21.4%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>0</TD><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD>Kevin Smith</TD><TD>Detroit Lions</TD><TD>20</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>27</TD><TD>63.0%</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>50.0%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>3</TD><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD>Tim Hightower</TD><TD>Arizona Cardinals</TD><TD>19</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>37</TD><TD>43.2%</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>71.4%</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>3</TD><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD>Willis McGahee</TD><TD>Baltimore Ravens</TD><TD>19</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>44</TD><TD>38.6%</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>60.0%</TD><TD>5</TD><TD>2</TD><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD>Jamal Lewis</TD><TD>Cleveland Browns</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>27</TD><TD>66.7%</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>80.0%</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>0</TD><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD>Frank Gore</TD><TD>San Francisco 49ers</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>78.6%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>100.0%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>7</TD><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD>Chris Johnson</TD><TD>Tennesee Titans</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>30</TD><TD>53.3%</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>60.0%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>2</TD><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD>Marion Barber</TD><TD>Dallas Cowboys</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>22</TD><TD>72.7%</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>83.3%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>1</TD><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD>Kevin Faulk</TD><TD>New England Patriots</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>51</TD><TD>17.6%</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>0.0%</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>8</TD><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD>Fred Jackson</TD><TD>Buffalo Bills</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>32</TD><TD>37.5%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>50.0%</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>3</TD><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD>Donald Brown</TD><TD>Indiannapolis Colts</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>49</TD><TD>30.6%</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>40.0%</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>0</TD><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD>LeSean McCoy</TD><TD>Philadelphia Eagles</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>19</TD><TD>68.4%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>75.0%</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>2</TD><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD>Justin Forsett</TD><TD>Seattle Seahawks</TD><TD>15</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>66.7%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>25.0%</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>3</TD><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD>Brian Leonard</TD><TD>Cincinnati Bengals</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>35</TD><TD>25.7%</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>33.3%</TD><TD>0</TD><TD>5</TD><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD>Chestor Taylor</TD><TD>Minnesota Vikings</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>57</TD><TD>19.3%</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>24</TD><TD>16.7%</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>3</TD><TD></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

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<TABLE class=tableizer-table>
<TBODY><TR class=tableizer-firstrow><TH>Player</TH><TH>Team </TH><TH>RZ Targets</TH><TH>Team RZ</TH><TH>RZ%</TH><TH>TD</TH></TR><TR><TD>Greg Olsen</TD><TD>Chicago Bears</TD><TD>19</TD><TD>56</TD><TD>33.9%</TD><TD>3</TD></TR><TR><TD>Randy Moss</TD><TD>New England Patriots</TD><TD>19</TD><TD>66</TD><TD>28.8%</TD><TD>4</TD></TR><TR><TD>Larry Fitzgerald</TD><TD>Arizona Cardinals</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>55</TD><TD>32.7%</TD><TD>7</TD></TR><TR><TD>Marques Colston</TD><TD>New Orleans Saints</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>65</TD><TD>27.7%</TD><TD>6</TD></TR><TR><TD>Brent Celek</TD><TD>Philadelphia Eagles</TD><TD>18</TD><TD>49</TD><TD>36.7%</TD><TD>4</TD></TR><TR><TD>Reggie Wayne</TD><TD>Indianapolis Colts</TD><TD>17</TD><TD>56</TD><TD>30.4%</TD><TD>8</TD></TR><TR><TD>Tony Gonzalez</TD><TD>Atlanta Falcons</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>45</TD><TD>35.6%</TD><TD>3</TD></TR><TR><TD>Steve Smith</TD><TD>New York Giants</TD><TD>16</TD><TD>47</TD><TD>34.0%</TD><TD>5</TD></TR><TR><TD>Andre Johnson</TD><TD>Houston Texans</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>51</TD><TD>27.5%</TD><TD>4</TD></TR><TR><TD>Bernard Berrian</TD><TD>Minnesota Vikings</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>55</TD><TD>25.5%</TD><TD>3</TD></TR><TR><TD>TJ Houshmandzadeh</TD><TD>Seattle Seahawks</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>53</TD><TD>26.4%</TD><TD>2</TD></TR><TR><TD>Dwayne Bowe</TD><TD>Kansas City Chiefs</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>46</TD><TD>28.3%</TD><TD>3</TD></TR><TR><TD>Sidney Rice</TD><TD>Minnesota Vikings</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>55</TD><TD>23.6%</TD><TD>2</TD></TR><TR><TD>Vernon Davis</TD><TD>San Francisco 49ers</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>37</TD><TD>35.1%</TD><TD>7</TD></TR><TR><TD>Chad Ochocinco</TD><TD>Cincinnati Bengals</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>50</TD><TD>24.0%</TD><TD>5</TD></TR><TR><TD>Heath Miller</TD><TD>Pittsburgh Steelers</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>45</TD><TD>26.7%</TD><TD>4</TD></TR><TR><TD>Nate Washington</TD><TD>Tennesee Titans</TD><TD>12</TD><TD>28</TD><TD>42.9%</TD><TD>4</TD></TR><TR><TD>Steve Smith</TD><TD>Carolina Panthers</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>37</TD><TD>29.7%</TD><TD>3</TD></TR><TR><TD>Andre Caldwell</TD><TD>Cincinnati Bengals</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>50</TD><TD>22.0%</TD><TD>3</TD></TR><TR><TD>Roy Williams</TD><TD>Dallas Cowboys</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>47</TD><TD>23.4%</TD><TD>3</TD></TR><TR><TD>Brandon Marshall</TD><TD>Denver Broncos</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>40</TD><TD>27.5%</TD><TD>4</TD></TR><TR><TD>Owen Daniels</TD><TD>Houston Texans</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>51</TD><TD>21.6%</TD><TD>3</TD></TR><TR><TD>Visante Schiancoe</TD><TD>Minnesota Vikings</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>55</TD><TD>20.0%</TD><TD>7</TD></TR><TR><TD>Hines Ward</TD><TD>Pittsburgh Steelers</TD><TD>11</TD><TD>45</TD><TD>24.4%</TD><TD>3</TD></TR><TR><TD>Roddy White </TD><TD>Atlanta Falcons</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>45</TD><TD>22.2%</TD><TD>1</TD></TR><TR><TD>Laveranues Coles</TD><TD>Cincinnati Bengals</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>50</TD><TD>20.0%</TD><TD>2</TD></TR><TR><TD>Greg Jennings</TD><TD>Green Bay Packers</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>55</TD><TD>18.2%</TD><TD>1</TD></TR><TR><TD>Austin Collie</TD><TD>Indianapolis Colts</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>56</TD><TD>17.9%</TD><TD>3</TD></TR><TR><TD>Mike Sims-Walker</TD><TD>Jacksonville Jaguars</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>27</TD><TD>37.0%</TD><TD>5</TD></TR><TR><TD>DeSean Jackson</TD><TD>Philadelphia Eagles</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>49</TD><TD>20.4%</TD><TD>0</TD></TR><TR><TD>Vincent Jackson</TD><TD>San Diego Chargers</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>42</TD><TD>23.8%</TD><TD>4</TD></TR><TR><TD>Nate Burleson</TD><TD>Seattle Seahawks</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>53</TD><TD>18.9%</TD><TD>2</TD></TR><TR><TD>Mark Clayton</TD><TD>Baltimore Ravens</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>33</TD><TD>27.3%</TD><TD>1</TD></TR><TR><TD>Terrel Owens</TD><TD>Buffalo Bills</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>31</TD><TD>29.0%</TD><TD>0</TD></TR><TR><TD>Jhonny Knox</TD><TD>Chicago Bears</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>56</TD><TD>16.1%</TD><TD>2</TD></TR><TR><TD>Devin Hester</TD><TD>Chicago Bears</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>56</TD><TD>16.1%</TD><TD>1</TD></TR><TR><TD>Miles Austin</TD><TD>Dallas Cowboys</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>47</TD><TD>19.1%</TD><TD>2</TD></TR><TR><TD>Eddie Royal</TD><TD>Denver Broncos</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>40</TD><TD>22.5%</TD><TD>0</TD></TR><TR><TD>Pierre Garcon</TD><TD>Indianapolis Colts</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>56</TD><TD>16.1%</TD><TD>0</TD></TR><TR><TD>Wes Welker</TD><TD>New England Patriots</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>66</TD><TD>13.6%</TD><TD>2</TD></TR><TR><TD>John Carlson</TD><TD>Seattle Seahawks</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>53</TD><TD>17.0%</TD><TD>2</TD></TR><TR><TD>Anquan Boldin</TD><TD>Arizona Cardinals</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>55</TD><TD>14.5%</TD><TD>2</TD></TR><TR><TD>Steve Breaston</TD><TD>Arizona Cardinals</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>55</TD><TD>14.5%</TD><TD>2</TD></TR><TR><TD>Derrick Mason</TD><TD>Baltimore Ravens</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>33</TD><TD>24.2%</TD><TD>3</TD></TR><TR><TD>Chansi Stuckey</TD><TD>Cleveland Browns</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>23</TD><TD>34.8%</TD><TD>1</TD></TR><TR><TD>Donald Driver</TD><TD>Green Bay Packers</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>55</TD><TD>14.5%</TD><TD>2</TD></TR><TR><TD>Braylon Edwards</TD><TD>New York Jets</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>28</TD><TD>28.6%</TD><TD>2</TD></TR><TR><TD>Jason Avant</TD><TD>Philadelphia Eagles</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>49</TD><TD>16.3%</TD><TD>2</TD></TR><TR><TD>Santonio Holmes</TD><TD>Pittsburgh Steelers</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>45</TD><TD>17.8%</TD><TD>0</TD></TR><TR><TD>Josh Morgan</TD><TD>San Francisco 49ers</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>37</TD><TD>21.6%</TD><TD>1</TD></TR><TR><TD>Kellen Winslow</TD><TD>Tampa Bay Buccaneers</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>39</TD><TD>20.5%</TD><TD>4</TD></TR><TR><TD>Lee Evans</TD><TD>Buffalo Bills</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>31</TD><TD>22.6%</TD><TD>2</TD></TR><TR><TD>Desmond Clark</TD><TD>Chicago Bears</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>56</TD><TD>12.5%</TD><TD>0</TD></TR><TR><TD>Patrick Crayton</TD><TD>Dallas Cowboys</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>47</TD><TD>14.9%</TD><TD>0</TD></TR><TR><TD>Calvin Johnson</TD><TD>Detroit Lions</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>23</TD><TD>30.4%</TD><TD>1</TD></TR><TR><TD>Donald Lee</TD><TD>Green Bay Packers</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>55</TD><TD>12.7%</TD><TD>0</TD></TR><TR><TD>Dallas Clark</TD><TD>Indianapolis Colts</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>56</TD><TD>12.5%</TD><TD>2</TD></TR><TR><TD>Anthony Fasano</TD><TD>Miami Dolphins</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>32</TD><TD>21.9%</TD><TD>1</TD></TR><TR><TD>Jeremy Shockey</TD><TD>New Orleans Saints</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>65</TD><TD>10.8%</TD><TD>2</TD></TR><TR><TD>Kevin Boss</TD><TD>New York Giants</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>47</TD><TD>14.9%</TD><TD>3</TD></TR><TR><TD>Mario Mannigham</TD><TD>New York Giants</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>47</TD><TD>14.9%</TD><TD>2</TD></TR><TR><TD>Dustin Keller</TD><TD>New York Jets</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>29</TD><TD>24.1%</TD><TD>2</TD></TR><TR><TD>Antonio Gates</TD><TD>San Diego Chargers</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>42</TD><TD>16.7%</TD><TD>1</TD></TR><TR><TD>Randy McMichael</TD><TD>St. Louis Rams</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>36</TD><TD>19.4%</TD><TD>0</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

[HacheMan]

The turkeys are here
From everyone here at The Dose, a very happy Thanksgiving to you, your family and your fantasy football teams. Enjoy the games and have a great day.

It's around this time every year I start making "never again" and "dead to me" declarations. As in, I'll never take x again and y is dead to me. Sometimes it's warranted and sometimes it's not. For instance, Vernon Davis was on my "never again" list after he burned me for two straight years. Oops. On the flip side, I wrote off LaDainian Tomlinson somewhere in the middle of last season. That's worked out.

A good place to look for these guys is in the busts of the year. This isn't a list of guys that got hurt (Anthony Gonzalez) or that we had some idea were going to be busts (Tomlinson). This is a list of guys that seemed to be primed for big years and flat out busted.

1. Matt Forte: Jay Cutler was supposed to spread things out, the offensive line was vastly improved, he had no competition for carries, the Bears would score more. Um, no. That said, Forte is still third among running backs in receptions and is on pace for almost 1,500 total yards. He's far from dead to me.
2. Steve Slaton: We've talked enough about the fumbles. No one could have predicted it and as long as Slaton makes it through the rest of this year without more issues, I'd welcome him back in the future.
3. Eddie Royal: The dangers of banking on a guy in a new system. He's dead to a lot of people out there and deservedly so. If he bounces back next year, it won't be on my team.
4. Pierre Thomas: We thought he was the feature back, but Sean Payton and Mike Bell had other ideas. Let's wait and see on this one. If he establishes the No. 1 role, he's still a beast.
5. Jason Witten: The No. 16 tight end in fantasy is not being used as the weapon that he is. That's scary enough for me to stay away.

Editor's Note: For rankings, complete projections, and a host of other exclusive material for Week 12, head to Rotoworld's Season Pass. It's now 33 percent off and has the info you need for the fantasy playoffs as well!.

LAST MINUTE INJURY GLANCE: THANKSGIVING GAMES
* For a complete breakdown on how every player will fare Thursday, check out Evan Silva's matchups. They're on Pancake Blocks, click here.

PACKERS at LIONS
- Matthew Stafford (shoulder) will not play. Daunte Culpepper gets the start.
- Calvin Johnson (knee, hand) is officially a game-time decision. He didn't practice at all this week and ESPN's Adam Schefter is guessing that Megatron won't suit up. Leave him on your bench for now.
- Ryan Grant (neck) practiced in full Wednesday and is good to go in a great matchup.

RAIDERS at COWBOYS
- Tony Romo (back) will start and isn't expected to be limited at all.
- Jason Witten (foot) is a game-time decision. At this point, you should probably find a better option as Witten is a low upside guy even if he plays.
- Richard Seymour (back) will start but isn't 100 percent.

GIANTS at BRONCOS
- Ahmad Bradshaw (ankles) will not play. It's unclear how long he'll be out. Danny Ware steps in as the third-down back.
- Kyle Orton (ankle) will start at less than 100 percent.
- Brian Dawkins (neck) will start, hurting Kevin Boss' chances of production.

NEWS OF THE DAY #1
In the second half of the Ravens' brutal loss to the Colts last week, they lined up for a first-and-goal from the 1-yard line. On first down, Joe Flacco attempted a sneak. On second down, Willis McGahee tried to go up the gut and was stuffed. On third down, the Ravens called McGahee's number again and he went backwards.

Maybe we were being a little optimistic, but the thought did run through our head that this could create an opportunity for Ray Rice get some goal-line work. It's still possible, but coach John Harbaugh's thoughts on the play are not promising. Harbaugh put the blame for the failure squarely on the blocking. "There was nowhere for Willis to go," said Harbaugh.

NEWS OF THE DAY #2
Michael Turner (ankle) made a surprising return to Falcons practice Wednesday, even though he was limited. We still think there's a good chance he'll rest another week, especially considering the Falcons are playing the Bucs. But Turner now has a chance of suiting up.

Meanwhile, Jerious Norwood (hip) finally returned to a full practice. Even if Turner sits, he'll play behind Jason Snelling. Wait until Sunday morning to sort this backfield out.

NEWS OF THE DAY #3
Cedric Benson (hip) did not practice Wednesday, but that doesn't mean he won't play Sunday. We're still considering him a full question mark. But even if Benson does play, coach Marvin Lewis said that Bernard Scott has earned a role.

Lewis would be wise to monitor Benson's carries. Before going down in Week 10, he was averaging 24.75 carries/game. He was bound to break down. Scott is a real talent and should be used for about 6-8 carries/game.

Editor's Note: For rankings, complete projections, and a host of other exclusive material for Week 12, head to Rotoworld's Season Pass. It's now 33 percent off and has the info you need for the fantasy playoffs as well!.

INJURY QUICK SLANTS: RUNNING BACKS
Reggie Bush (knee) returned to practice Wednesday. It looks like the Saints just held him out last week as a precaution in a game they knew they could win anyway. … Marshawn Lynch (shoulder) practiced in full and will be fine to split carries with Fred Jackson Sunday. … Steven Jackson missed practice with a surprise back injury, but he should be fine. … Julius Jones (ribs, lung) was held out of practice but coach Jim Mora said again he expects Jones to play this week. Let's see if he puts in a full workout Friday. … Sammy Morris says he'll be a game-time decision this week once again.

INJURY QUICK SLANTS: WIDE RECEIVERS AND TIGHT ENDS
Anthony Gonzalez (knee) still hasn't resumed practicing and he doesn't seem close. … Lance Moore (ankle) returned to Saints practice Wednesday but is still a question mark for Monday night. … Anthony Fasano (hip) resumed practicing in full after missing the last two games.

INJURY QUICK SLANTS: QUARTERBACKS
Kurt Warner (concussion) said again Wednesday that he expects to play this week. … Ben Roethlisberger (concussion-like symptoms) practiced fully and will start Sunday.

DEPTH CHART QUICK SLANTS
Raiders coach Tom Cable refused to name a starting running back for this week. Avoid all three backs, including Darren McFadden. … Neil Rackers tweaked his groin in Wednesday's practice and the Cardinals have already contacted Mike Nugent and Matt Bryant.

 

[HacheMan]

Stayin' Alive

Coming off four straight losses, including an embarrassing undressing by the AFC West rival Chargers last week, the Broncos reversed momentum with a 26-6 drubbing of the Giants Thursday night. The Giants were held to season lows in points and yardage while posting their most feeble rushing attack since 2006. Future Hall of Famer Brian Dawkins and NFL sack leader Elvis Dumervil led a hard-hitting, swarming defense while Knowshon Moreno and Brandon Marshall paced the offense. The Broncos, now 7-4 and in the driver's seat for a Wild Card berth, face the bottom-feeding Chiefs or Raiders in three of their final five games.

Game Notes:

Moreno, who outperformed Correll Buckhalter for the third straight game, would have easily bypassed 100 rushing yards had he not lost 34 yards on two holding penalties. … Brandon Marshall paced the passing attack with two spectacular one-handed grabs for a combined 61 yards. … Kyle Orton played almost flawlessly in leading six scoring drives while showing no ill effects from his ankle injury.

Garbage time attempts helped Eli Manning to 230 yards after sitting on a meager 28 at the half. … Brandon Jacobs, who ran tentatively behind an offensive line that got pushed around by a smallish Denver front seven, was held to just 27 yards on 11 carries. … Change-of-pace back D.J. Ware left with a concussion while Mario Manningham was favoring his left shoulder after the game.

Cowboys 24, Raiders 7

The Raiders stuck to their guns, choosing to defend Miles Austin in man-to-man coverage. The NFL's leader in big plays and yards after the catch torched the Oakland secondary for 130 yards and a score by halftime. … Despite beginning the day as a game-time decision, Jason Witten took advantage of seam patterns and crossing routes to break the century mark for the first time all season. … Felix Jones finally flashed his patented home-run potential, rushing seven times for 68 yards, including a 46-yard score. … Tony Romo got back on track with 309 yards and two touchdowns. … The Cowboys lead the NFC East by a game and a half as they enter a three-week divisional round robin.

Justin Fargas ran as the Raiders feature back while Darren McFadden was often split out wide. … Michael Bush remains in the doghouse after fumbling against the Bengals last week. … Bruce Gradkowski finally moved the offense in the second half, but the timing with wide receivers remains an issue. … Zach Miller posted a second straight quality performance with five catches for 73 yards.

Packers 34, Lions 12

Charles Woodson stole the show for the Packers, outdoing his scintillating Week 11 performance. The Defensive Player of the Year candidate recorded six solo tackles, forced and recovered a fumble, sacked Matthew Stafford once, and intercepted him twice, including a 38-yard pick-six. … Aaron Rodgers underwent precautionary X-rays after the game on his banged up left elbow, but he appears to be just sore from lighting up the Lions for 348 yards and three touchdowns. … The ageless Donald Driver toasted Detroit's league-worst secondary for a 7-142-1 line while Greg Jennings was held to just 53 yards on four catches. … Ryan Grant totaled 103 yards on 23 touches, making a bigger impact in the passing game for once. ... After winning three straight, the Packers now control their own destiny in the Wild Card hunt at 7-4.

A surprise starter after being held out with a separated non-throwing shoulder, Matthew Stafford failed to capture the magic of Week 11. Stafford threw four picks on a series of ill-advised throws and appeared to be laboring through the shoulder injury in the second half. … Calvin Johnson, clearly hobbled by a knee injury, was shut out after an early score. … Kevin Smith managed his usual pedestrian line of 89 total yards on 22 touches. … Brandon Pettigrew left in the first quarter with a knee injury and did not return.

Editor's Note: Check out our Season Pass package, now just $4.99 for the playoff special. We've also got extra columns, IDP rankings, Top 200 rankings, Evan Silva's running back report, Chris Wesseling's Dynasty advice, advance workload and target data, exclusive chats, schedule analysis, fantasy points allowed info, and playoff rankings you can only get with Season Pass.

Two-Minute Drill: Colts extended the contracts of team president Bill Polian and son Chris, now the general manager, "through the 2012 season and beyond." … Coach Jim Zorn confirmed that Rock Cartwright will be the feature back this week, with Quinton Ganther and Marcus Mason also rotating in. … Texans beat writer John McClain speculates that Chris Brown could start against the Colts Sunday. … Beat writer Jerry McDonald confirmed that Michael Bush was "de-emphasized" against the Cowboys because of his fumble in last week's game. … Isaac Bruce will not be active in Week 12. 49ers coach Mike Singletary confirmed that Dre' Bly will start over Tarell Brown at left corner this week. … Panthers LB James Anderson is getting ready to start on the weak side against the Jets this week. … Ramon Foster will make his first NFL start in place of LG Chris Kemoeatu (knee) against the Ravens Sunday. … Steelers tried out veteran free agent QBs Patrick Ramsey and Todd Bouman. … Citing sources, ESPN's Joe Schad reports that Notre Dame QB Jimmy Clausen will enter the 2010 NFL Draft.

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Red Zone: Falcons coach Mike Smith said Thursday that Michael Turner's (ankle) status for Week 12 could "come down to the wire." … Cedric Benson (hip) still has a "slight" chance to play against the Browns, though his chances aren't looking good as a game-time decision. … Steven Jackson (back) missed practice again Thursday, but the Rams are optimistic about his status for Sunday's game against the Seahawks. … Kurt Warner (head) and Ben Roethlisberger (head) both practiced in full Thursday and are fully expected to start Sunday. … Reggie Wayne (knee) returned to a full practice Thursday while Peyton Manning (glute) was limited. Both will play against the Texans Sunday. … Julius Jones (ribs, lung) returned to Seahawks practice Thursday on a limited basis, putting him on track to start this week. … Adrian Peterson (ankle) was limited in practice again Thursday. … Steve Slaton (neck) returned to a limited practice. … With Justin Gage (back) yet to resume running, Kenny Britt will start against the Cardinals. … Mike Sims-Walker (knee) and Maurice Jones-Drew (knee) returned to practice Thursday, as expected. … Vincent Jackson (ribs) returned to Chargers practice Thursday. … Cardinals K Neil Rackers (groin) is expected to kick at Tennessee Sunday. … Antonio Pierce sought a second opinion on the bulging disc in his neck and he does not need surgery, as expected.