Colts @ Patriots - Early fantasy thoughts

[The Lung]

As great as the Pats defense is right now, you just can't sit anybody on the hot Colts offense. Manning threw 4 TDs against the Pats in week 13, but maybe you have to temper your expectations somewhat for next week.

Manning is still a no-brainer start, as is Marvin Harrison, Edgerrin James, and Vanderjagt. I actually like Brandon Stokely a little better than Reggie Wayne as a 2nd or 3rd WR in playoff fantasy football. Pollard got banged up in today's game but there aren't really any better tight end plays left, imo. Fauria/Graham and Lewis/Smith split the opportunities too much for my liking. Does Carolina even have any tight ends? I think the only bad play for Indy is their defense, although they did have 2 sacks, 2 INTs and 2 FFs earlier this season against the Pats.

The Patriot offense will produce some great numbers, but the problem is that it's spread out over so many freaking people. No less than 10 different receivers (including 5 wide receivers) were used against Tennessee, so I can't recommend any one WR or TE in particular. Indy can be run on, but I wouldn't rest my fantasy fortunes on Antowain Smith or Kevin Faulk, although at least Mike Cloud won't vulture the touchdowns if you must start a NE RB. Brady makes a great start, as does kicker Adam Vinatieri. If you can't start the Carolina defense, you've got to play the Pats defense, although Manning rarely gets sacked or throws interceptions - I see Carolina creating a lot more of those. Those starting the Pats defense will have to hope for another frigid, low-scoring affair to get some defensive points.

-Jeff

[Football Newbie]

ive looked forward to this game the most. superb offense and marginal defense vs superb offense and marginal offense. I hope no one gets blown out and ruins my expectations.

[The Lung]

ive looked forward to this game the most. superb offense and marginal defense vs superb offense and marginal offense. I hope no one gets blown out and ruins my expectations.

I think you meant superb offense and marginal defense vs superb defense and marginal offense?

[Football Newbie]

woops yeah. You know what i was saying

[fantasizing]

This is a great matchup. A real test for that Patriot's D to see what they're really made of.

Bottom line is that this is the superbowl right here. AFC championship game. Who ever wins this, wins the superbowl. Easy. I mean disrespect to Philly and Carolina, they don't even stack up close to Indy or NE.