In fantasy leagues across the country members everywhere begin to rejoice over two of the most exciting words in a sports fan’s language: PLAYOFF TIME. Well, I guess “time” isn’t that exciting of a word, but “playoff” in any context gets the juices going. In fantasy football can cause a lot of pain, so before you’re arrested for hunting down Rex Grossman, be kind and put him on your bench. Before I say who’s a good option, here is one word of advice. If you’re stuck between two even players, go with the one who plays Sunday or Monday night. You’ll always feel more confident with that ace in the hole. Plus, it’ll give you a good reason to watch that awful Bears vs. Rams game.
Fred Taylor- What a peculiar thing it is to actually have a healthy Fred Taylor in week 14 of the NFL season. The emergence of Maurice Jones-Drew has kept Taylor in the best shape of his career due to a reduced workload. Taking the risk on Taylor will play dividends in the first round of the playoffs because the Jags take on the Indy’s worst rush defense in the NFL. Expect close to 100 yards and a score. START.
Cedric Houston- Last week was a tremendous performance for Houston as he scored twice in his first career start at RB. As long as he continues to get the same amount of carries, he’s another terrific play this week against Buffalo. The Bills, who already had a thin rush defense, just lost one of their top defenders Angelo Crowell. The Jets should look to pound the rock, and Houston should have a very solid day. I’m not calling to bench a proven guy and start Houston this week, but if you don’t have many good options, Houston is your man. START.
Antonio Bryant- After a hot start Antonio Bryant had cooled off this fantasy season. Last week was his best performance since week two as he had 79 yards receiving and a TD. Bryant is a streaky WR, so typically once he plays well, that rolls on for a few weeks. The 49ers go up against a weak Packers defense which means that it is likely that Bryant will have another good day. START.
Jeff Garcia- It was pretty clear on Monday night that Jeff Garcia is still capable of running an offense. For the first time since his days in San Francisco, he is actually surrounded by explosive weapons. Philadelphia heads to Washington next week which has the least number of defensive interceptions in all of football. Garcia should be able to feel comfortable enough to have another good day. START.
Michael Vick- The greatest enigma in all of sports is trying to get his team in position to get into the playoffs and make some noise. Vick had a decent game last week as he led Atlanta to a huge win. This week he takes on Tampa Bay. In the past Tampa had been Vick’s kryptonite, but in their first meeting this season Vick ran for over 120 yards and had 2 TDs. It’s another must win game for the Falcons, and Vick should be able to lead them to victory. START.
Kevin Jones- In recent weeks the best way to determine which RB to sit is to find out whoever Minnesota is playing, make sure their opponent’s RB isn’t named Tomlinson, and then bench the guy. In particular, the way that Kevin Jones runs the ball is not the way that you would beat this Minnesota run defense. It should be a long day of struggles for Jones. SIT.
Chris Chambers- Last year around this time, the Patriots went into Miami and we’re stunned as the Dolphins pulled out the victory. With virtually no running game, don’t expect this to happen again. The Patriots are one of the smartest teams in football, and they will have Joey Harrington confused all day. They should be able to lock down on Chris Chambers, which would take away virtually any threat of the deep pass. The whole Miami offense should struggle on Sunday. SIT.
Joseph Addai- As we have seen so far this season, the Jaguars typically play up or down to their level of competition. With a must win game against the Colts at home coming up, the Jaguars should play one of their better games of the year. So far at home this season, Jacksonville has completely shut down the running game. It figures to be a long afternoon for Joseph Addai and the running game. SIT.
Marc Bulger- A QB with virtually no offensive line facing the Bears is not a recipe for success. Therefore, Bulger is a horrendous option this week. There’s a good chance that he will have virtually no time all game, which means the deep ball could be basically eliminated. If he doesn’t wind up injured, he’ll spend most of the day just dumping it off to Steven Jackson. SIT.
Trent Green- The Chiefs QB showed he was finally healthy last Sunday as he threw for 4 TDs. Against Baltimore this week, he may wish he was still on the sidelines. The Ravens do a tremendous job forcing turnovers, so although Green is very careful with ball he should be closer to a 1 TD and 2 INT day than to another 4 TD performance. This figures to be one of those games that the Chiefs can only win if Larry Johnson busts out for a huge day. SIT.
-David Cassilo
Contact at asuhouse@aol.com
Fred Taylor- What a peculiar thing it is to actually have a healthy Fred Taylor in week 14 of the NFL season. The emergence of Maurice Jones-Drew has kept Taylor in the best shape of his career due to a reduced workload. Taking the risk on Taylor will play dividends in the first round of the playoffs because the Jags take on the Indy’s worst rush defense in the NFL. Expect close to 100 yards and a score. START.
Cedric Houston- Last week was a tremendous performance for Houston as he scored twice in his first career start at RB. As long as he continues to get the same amount of carries, he’s another terrific play this week against Buffalo. The Bills, who already had a thin rush defense, just lost one of their top defenders Angelo Crowell. The Jets should look to pound the rock, and Houston should have a very solid day. I’m not calling to bench a proven guy and start Houston this week, but if you don’t have many good options, Houston is your man. START.
Antonio Bryant- After a hot start Antonio Bryant had cooled off this fantasy season. Last week was his best performance since week two as he had 79 yards receiving and a TD. Bryant is a streaky WR, so typically once he plays well, that rolls on for a few weeks. The 49ers go up against a weak Packers defense which means that it is likely that Bryant will have another good day. START.Jeff Garcia- It was pretty clear on Monday night that Jeff Garcia is still capable of running an offense. For the first time since his days in San Francisco, he is actually surrounded by explosive weapons. Philadelphia heads to Washington next week which has the least number of defensive interceptions in all of football. Garcia should be able to feel comfortable enough to have another good day. START.
Michael Vick- The greatest enigma in all of sports is trying to get his team in position to get into the playoffs and make some noise. Vick had a decent game last week as he led Atlanta to a huge win. This week he takes on Tampa Bay. In the past Tampa had been Vick’s kryptonite, but in their first meeting this season Vick ran for over 120 yards and had 2 TDs. It’s another must win game for the Falcons, and Vick should be able to lead them to victory. START.
Kevin Jones- In recent weeks the best way to determine which RB to sit is to find out whoever Minnesota is playing, make sure their opponent’s RB isn’t named Tomlinson, and then bench the guy. In particular, the way that Kevin Jones runs the ball is not the way that you would beat this Minnesota run defense. It should be a long day of struggles for Jones. SIT.
Chris Chambers- Last year around this time, the Patriots went into Miami and we’re stunned as the Dolphins pulled out the victory. With virtually no running game, don’t expect this to happen again. The Patriots are one of the smartest teams in football, and they will have Joey Harrington confused all day. They should be able to lock down on Chris Chambers, which would take away virtually any threat of the deep pass. The whole Miami offense should struggle on Sunday. SIT.
Joseph Addai- As we have seen so far this season, the Jaguars typically play up or down to their level of competition. With a must win game against the Colts at home coming up, the Jaguars should play one of their better games of the year. So far at home this season, Jacksonville has completely shut down the running game. It figures to be a long afternoon for Joseph Addai and the running game. SIT.
Marc Bulger- A QB with virtually no offensive line facing the Bears is not a recipe for success. Therefore, Bulger is a horrendous option this week. There’s a good chance that he will have virtually no time all game, which means the deep ball could be basically eliminated. If he doesn’t wind up injured, he’ll spend most of the day just dumping it off to Steven Jackson. SIT.
Trent Green- The Chiefs QB showed he was finally healthy last Sunday as he threw for 4 TDs. Against Baltimore this week, he may wish he was still on the sidelines. The Ravens do a tremendous job forcing turnovers, so although Green is very careful with ball he should be closer to a 1 TD and 2 INT day than to another 4 TD performance. This figures to be one of those games that the Chiefs can only win if Larry Johnson busts out for a huge day. SIT.
-David Cassilo
Contact at asuhouse@aol.com
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