Week 15

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While most of the NFL’s studs continued to produce and hopefully got your fantasy team to the next round of playoffs, a couple of unexpected things happened last week. Probably the biggest shock was the Dolphins’ victory in San Diego. But fantasywise, the greatest surprise was probably the resurrection of the Steelers’ running game just when everybody was counting them out – in their matchup against the Chicago Bears’ daunting defense.

The Steelers totaled 190 rushing yards, more than twice the amount the Bears had previously allowed per game. The Steelers truly surprised everyone, and my guess is that not many fantasy owners had Jerome Bettis active last week. And that’s understandable – the Steelers had done nothing to warrant starting Bettis (or Willie Parker, for that matter) against the Bears. So don’t second-guess yourself now … stick with your stars and keep playing the matchups with the rest of your roster.

Before we get to some ideas about whom to start and whom to bench in our weekly column, just a quick reminder that the first three games are on Saturday already, so don’t forget to set your lineup in time.

START

QB:

David Garrard, Jax: While he may not be the greatest passer on earth, Garrard keeps amassing fantasy points, some with his arm, some with his legs. Against the 49ers this week, he is a prime sleeper pick who could outperform almost everybody else. San Fransisco gave up four passing TDs to Seattle last week in three quarters. Look for Garrard to exploit this matchup as well.

Eli Manning, NYG: Manning has had two rough starts in the past two weeks, tossing five interceptions and just one TD. His fortunes may change this Saturday, however, when he faces a weak Kansas City pass defense that allowed Drew Bledsoe to shine last week. The Chiefs are a dismal 30th in the league versus the pass, so give Eli the starting nod this week.

Others to start:
Brett Favre, GB
Ben Roethlisberger, Pit
Drew Bledsoe, Dal
Michael Vick, Atl
Jake Plummer, Den
David Carr, Hou
Tom Brady, NE
Peyton Manning, Ind

No-brainers:
Eli Manning, NYG
Kurt Warner, Ari
Carson Palmer, Cin
Trent Green, KC
Drew Brees, SD
Matt Hasselbeck, Sea

RB:

Chester Taylor, Bal: Jamal Lewis might be back in the lineup, but Taylor still should get the majority of the carries. He rushed for 59 yards last week against a strong Denver run defense; against the weak Packers unit, he should have an easier time.

DeShaun Foster, Car: The Panthers desperately need someone to step up and get them going if they want to build momentum for the playoffs. That player could be Foster, who should have a good day against a Saints defense ranked only 29th in the league against the rush. With the passing game struggling, look for the Panthers to rely heavily on the run, with Foster being the main focus.

Others to start:
LaMont Jordan, Oak
Reuben Droughns, Cle
Ronnie Brown, Mia
Ricky Williams, Mia
Sam Gado, GB
Willie Parker, Pit
Ryan Moats, Phi
Chris Brown, Ten
Warrick Dunn, Atl
Edgerrin James, Ind
Cadillac Williams, TB
Steven Jackson, StL
Domanick Davis, Hou

No-brainers:
Shaun Alexander, Sea
Larry Johnson, KC
LaDainan Tomlinson, SD
Thomas Jones, Chi
Jerome Bettis, Pit
Mike Anderson, Den
Rudi Johnson, Cin
Tiki Barber, NYG
Clinton Portis, Was

WR:

Lee Evans, Buf: Evans flourishes in the second half of the season. The second-year WR has had two nice games in a row, and chances are good that he can continue his hot streak against a weak Broncos secondary. The return of Eric Moulds will only help Evans, as he will see less double-teams.

Reggie Brown, Phi: Brown has been quarterback Mike McMahon’s favorite target lately, and should do well against the weak Rams defense. St. Louis is 28th in the league against the pass, so Brown could have one of his best games as a pro this week.

Others to start:
Brandon Lloyd, SF
Drew Bennett, Ten
Isaac Bruce, StL
Keenan McCardell, SD
Donald Driver, GB
Randy Moss, Oak
Marvin Harrison, Ind
Reggie Wayne, Ind
Hines Ward, Pit
Terry Glenn, Dal
Rod Smith, Den

No-brainers:
Chad Johnson, Cin
Bobby Engram, Sea
Chris Chambers, Mia
Steve Smith, Car
Joey Galloway, TB
Roy Williams, Det
Eddie Kennison, KC
Jimmy Smith, Jax
Plaxico Burress, NYG
Larry Fitzgerald, Ari
Anquan Boldin, Ari
Santana Moss, Was
Torry Holt, StL
Andre Johnson, Hou

TE/K/D:

Bo Scaife, TE, Ten: With Erron Kinney out and Ben Troupe very questionable for this week, Scaife may be the starter for the Titans at the TE position. Even with Troupe playing, Scaife should see enough action to be a solid contributor for your team, as the Titans passing game always like to involve the TEs in the passing game.

Jay Feely, K, NYG: Feely re-established himself with four field goals against the Eagles, and should have another strong week with the Giants playing the Chiefs at home. Only eight tems have allowed more points than Kansas City, so expect Feely to get his share of opportunities.

Baltimore Defense: The Ravens defense has a chance to produce this week against a Packers team that is struggling heavily on offense. If you still have the Ravens defense on your roster despite their disappointing play, this could be the week for you to cash in.

 
BENCH

QB:

Mark Brunell, Was: Brunell’s fantasy production has come back down to earth, and unfortunately for all his owners who are still in the title hunt, that might not change this week. The Cowboys play very solid defense against the opposing pass, and could shut down Washington’s air attack.

Jake Delhomme, Car: Delhomme continues to disappoint against stronger passing defenses, as shown by his weak game against Tampa Bay. The Saints pass defense is better than their reputation, and should limit Delhomme’s fantasy production, especially as the Panthers’ game plan will focus on the running game.

RB:

Willis McGahee, Buf: Despite having rushed for over 1,000 yards, McGahee is a disappointment this season. He hasn’t broken the 100-yard barrier since week 8, and put up a brutal eight-attempt, three-yard stat line against New England last week. Regardless of his status this week, he should be benched against a formidable Broncos run defense.

Michael Bennett, Min: Bennett is the starter in the Vikings backfield right now, and he did quite well last week. This Sunday, finding success will be a lot tougher against a Steelers defense allowing just 88 yards per game on the ground. With all the questions surrounding the Minnesota running game, it’s hard to have faith in Bennett right now.

WR:

Mark Clayton, Bal: Clayton has had his best game as a pro last week, but keep in mind that he is still a rookie, so chances are high he won’t be able to duplicate his performance. Furthermore, Green Bay ranks first in the league against the pass, and while that may be because other teams simply run the ball as often as possible, that doesn’t change the fact that Clayton may not see many looks on Monday night.

Ashley Lelie, Den: While Lelie has not done too badly in the yards compartment (he picked up 60 yards or more in six of his last eight games), he has just one score this season. With Denver will keep pounding the ball on the ground, he may not pick up number two this week, either – and if the ball is put into the air, Rod Smith is still the primary target.

TE/K/D:

Dallas Clark, TE, Ind: With Bryan Fletcher getting more and more game time, Clark’s production has been hurt recently. Combine this with the chance that the Colts’ starters will spend time on the sidelines as well as the success the Chargers have had in stopping opposing tight ends (TEs facing San Diego averaged just 19 yards in the last four games), and there’s probably no reason to start Clark this week.

Todd Peterson, Atl: With the Atlanta offense running well and a domed home stadium to kick in, Peterson quietly became one of the better fantasy kickers. However, owners should consider looking for someone different this week, as Peterson might not see many chances against the Bears defense.

New York Giants Defense: The Giants defense has played very well lately, but they probably won’t provide you with many fantasy points this week against a Chiefs offense that is moving the ball well against virtually everyone.

 
Fantasy Football Cafe’s Start & Sit lists are suggestions intended to give fantasy football players an edge in their weekly matchups. Savvy owners will see these lists not as an absolute ranking, but as an indication of possible outcomes of a given week, and use them together with their own opinions and hunches to field the lineup that will give their team the greatest odds of winning. The Start & Sit lists are compiled by Dan Spazierer (not Madame Zelda). For more insights and additional fine-tuning, visit our Who to Start/Bench forum section.

 

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