he is, start him unless u have a good backup
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Gronkowski is killing me in my main league
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News: According to the Chicago Sun-Times, the general timetable for the sort of MCL injury that Forte is dealing with is two weeks on the low end and four weeks on the high end. (Mon Dec 5)
Spin: The report is speculative in nature, but it does sound like a plausible timetable, given MCL injuries we've seen in the past. In any case, Forte owners should probably prepare for the possibility of him not being available until Week 16 at the earliest.Comment -
ok who all made and missed the playoffsComment -
QUARTERBACKS
Matt Moore, Miami
This is all you need to know about fringe QBs and what they can do for you in a 12-team league. Moore was a top-10 producer despite throwing for just 162 yards. He also tossed a touchdown and ran for another for 20.68 fantasy points against the Raiders. It was his third 18-plus point day in the last five weeks. Now the Dolphins play host to an Eagles team that has allowed at least one touchdown pass in every game (11 total) and an average of 256.8 yards per game since Week 8. Christian Ponder, Minnesota
Thanks to Denver, Ponder was a top-four fantasy QB in Week 13. The rookie threw for 381 yards, three scores and two picks and wound up with a 29.44-point fantasy day. It was Ponder’s third straight week over 14 fantasy points and second in three weeks over 22.5 points. Now he travels to play a Detroit defense coming off back-to-back 300-yard thrashings from Aaron Rodgers and Drew Brees. Since we can’t compare Ponder to the two aforementioned studs, we can take their games out and the Lions are averaging 191.5 yards per game and .9 TDs per game allowed with 15 total interceptions. The Lions offense should have success against the Vikings defense, giving Ponder more chances to play catch up with Percy Harvin and Co.
Dan Orlovsky, Indianapolis
You’re reaching here, but he does have Reggie Wayne, Pierre Garcon, Austin Collie and Jacob Tamme to get the ball to. Orlovsky is coming off a 353-yard game against the Patriots — New England’s ninth game of 300-plus yards allowed — so don’t base a lot of your hopes on last week.
Caleb Hanie, Chicago
A week after limiting Philip Rivers to 188 yards and a score, the Broncos allowed rookie Christian Ponder on an Adrian Peterson-less team to throw for 381 yards, three scores and two INTs. Hanie will be without his stud RB Matt Forte (knee) this week and still has a capable stable of receivers. You’d have to be beyond desperate here to start Hanie, but the Broncos have surrendered five 250-yard plus passers in the last nine games with 13 TDs and seven picks in that time.
Alex Smith, San Francisco
Sure the 49ers have clinched the NFC West title and they could just send Frank Gore and Kendall Hunter out there to try and get this game done in record time. But the matchup is decent for Smith if you needed him. He threw for 267 yards, two scores and one INT in Week 11 and the Cardinals have held just two passers under 200 yards this season (Tarvaris Jackson and Michael Vick).
Kyle Orton, Kansas City
He was looked to early against Chicago in favor of Tyler Palko, but Orton injured his finger and did not return after just one play. So he still has not seen significant game time with his new team and now he travels to play the Jets. It’d be a pretty risky pickup and start.
Rex Grossman, Washington
He threw for 221 yards and one pick in a terrible 5.84-point fantasy effort against the Jets in Week 13. Now he looks to be losing TE Fred Davis and LT Trent Williams to suspension. But Grossman has shown flashes this season — three 20-plus point days — and now he gets a Patriots pass defense that has been friendly to nearly every team they have played.
Josh Johnson, Tampa Bay
If Josh Freeman is out, then Johnson gets the start against cross-state rival Jacksonville. Johnson threw for 229 yards, one score, one pick and 45 yards rushing against a weak Carolina defense. We certainly found out we can’t rely on LeGarrette Blount (11-for-19) last week, and the Jaguars have a solid run defense. Philip Rivers, whose had his struggles, just carved up the beat up Jacksonville pass defense to the tune of 294 yards and three scores.
RUNNING BACKS
Marion Barber, Chicago
Boy this is one that hurts to put on the waiver wire list. The No. 1 reason this stings is I have Matt Forte in two leagues that I was the No. 1 seed in heading into Week 13. Now I’m the No. 1 seed in just one of the leagues and not nearly as confident going into the postseason. But back to what Barber can do for us.
Maurice Morris, Detroit
Kevin Smith injured his ankle again and it opened the door for Morris against the Saints. Now the Lions play host to a Vikings team that allows 4.2 yards per carry and 126.6 rushing yards per game over the last three weeks to running backs. If Smith is back, then the backfield is too diluted to depend on Morris. However, if the ankle continues to be a bother, then Morris is an OK flex.
Ricky Williams, Baltimore
Joe Flacco is struggling and the Ravens are going to run the ball. The Colts come to town with the third-worst defense against fantasy running backs. If you’re looking for the TD vulture that has a chance to be more than just that — like he was for 76 yards and a score against Cleveland — then a start against the Colts might not be a bad play.
Donald Brown, Indianapolis
The 12.8 fantasy points he got against the Patriots was more than I would have expected. Those are 12.8 points I would certainly be happy with from a flex position in this crazy NFL season. But now the Colts travel to play a Baltimore team that is a much, much stiffer defense. This could be a future pickup for Week 15. The Titans looked terrible against the quickness of C.J. Spiller in Week 13 and will now face the multiple backs that the Saints send out in Week 14. If Brown comes out of Baltimore healthy, he MIGHT be a decent flex play against the Titans in two weeks.
C.J. Spiller, Buffalo
He looked good against a Titans defense that allowed gaping holes and were poor tacklers at the second level. Now he gets a Chargers defense that allowed 188 total yards to Maurice Jones-Drew in Week 13, 117 rushing yards to Willis McGahee in Week 12, 85 total yards to Matt Forte in Week 11 and 242 total yards to Michael Bush in Week 10. Spiller had 17 touches in Week 13 against Tennessee (102 total yards) and 22 (70 yards) in Week 12 against the Jets. He’s a decent enough flex in a game that could see a moderate amount of points.
Dexter McCluster, Kansas City
This offense is not consistent enough to make any of their players worthy fantasy plays, save for WR Dwayne Bowe. Maybe. And that is a big maybe. McCluster had 13 total offensive touches in Week 13 against Chicago and got a bulk of his 19.28 fantasy points on a 38-yard Hail Mary at halftime. But if he’s getting the 12 touches per game like he has averaged the last four weeks, he could be a deep flex against a Jets defense that allowed Roy Helu 142 total yards on 27 touches last week and 70 total yards to C.J. Spiller on 22 touches in Week 12.
Toby Gerhart, Minnesota
If Adrian Peterson (ankle) is back from his injury then Gerhart is useless in Week 14 at Detroit. If not, then Gerhart gets a run defense that hasn’t really seen a true run-based offense in quite a while. And if Gerhart is going to catch eight balls for 42 yards like he did against Denver in Week 13, then he would be an OK flex play in PPR leagues. The Lions have allowed 66 catches for 455 yards this season, including 20 for 220 and a score the last three weeks. Gerhart also had his best rushing performance of his career, carrying 21 times for 91 yards against Denver.
Ryan Grant, Green Bay
If James Starks (ankle) continues to be sidelined then Grant is the lead back. But he has rookie Brandon Saine to deal with and the Packers just do not run enough to make one of their backs a safe fantasy start. The one reason he could be safe this week is because the Raiders are very friendly against the pass and the Packers could get up very, very quickly. Your question would then be: is Grant going to help close it out or will Saine get the looks?
WIDE RECEIVERS
Johnny Knox, Chicago
The Bears head to Denver to play a Broncos team that has given up some big days in the back half of the 2011 season. Calvin Johnson went for 125 yards and a score, Jacoby Ford had 105 and a score and Percy Harvin had 156 yards had two scores and the Vikings’ duo of Devin Aromashodu had 90 yards just last week. Knox has been Caleb Hanie’s favorite target in their two weeks together — seeing 18 looks for nine catches, 198 yards and a score.
Nate Burleson, Detroit
He continues to get at least seven targets over the last five weeks; it’s just a matter of what he does with them. He tied his best game of the season with 93 yards in Week 13 after games of 39, 63, 83 and 23 over the previous four weeks. Minnesota’s defensive backfield is beat up, and Burleson is at least targeted. If you are struggling at WR and need a guy you know will be on a team that scores points, will score points this week and has issues at running back, then Burleson is worth a look.
Damian Williams, Tennessee
He was the top target for QB Matt Hasselbeck for the fourth time in five weeks when he had seven targets for four catches and 62 yards against the Bills. Now the Titans and their average defense play host to the high-powered offense of the Saints. Think Williams will have plenty of opportunities this week? I do too.
Brad Smith, Buffalo
He saw a team-high 10 targets against Tennessee in Week 13 and now has 17 in the last two weeks for 11 catches, 149 yards and a score. David Nelson and Scott Chandler are the red zone targets, while Smith and Steve Johnson (21 targets the last two weeks for 13 catches, 127 yards and two scores) are the ones to move the chains. The Bills play the Chargers and their bad run defense this week, but with C.J. Spiller as the lead back the passing options will still be there.
Demaryius Thomas, Denver
Seven targets turned into four catches for 144 yards and two scores. But if you couldn’t start Eric Decker with confidence, how do you start Thomas with any? He is a big target, but as far as his targets they are too inconsistent. His seven is a season high after games of 1, 6, 0, 2 and 3 since his return from a preseason injury.
Golden Tate & Doug Baldwin, Seattle
Both are talented young players for an inconsistent QB. With Sidney Rice on IR, the Seahawks will look to Tate, Baldwin and Ben Obomanu to move the ball through the air. Problem is: You never know which one it is going to be. Second problem, for this week at least: They get a juicy matchup against the Rams at home on Monday night.
Devin Aromashodu, Minnesota
It took 15 targets and just six catches for 90 yards for Aromashodu to get 12 fantasy points against the Broncos. Take what you would like from that. It’s just the second time this season, and the first for QB Christian Ponder, that a receiver has seen double digits in targets. Now the Vikings travel to play the Lions, who have faced the Saints and Packers the last two weeks. Against less powerful teams, the Lions have surrendered 122.5 yards per game to receivers and just six TDs.
TIGHT ENDS
Jermaine Gresham, Cincinnati
Houston is a top three defense against fantasy tight ends and running backs. Cincinnati needs to move the ball somehow, and a TE that has been targeted 22 times over the last three weeks could be that somehow — along with A.J. Green of course. Grehsam has turned those 22 targets into 11 catches for 153 yards and one score.
Ed Dickson, Baltimore
It’s a reach, but if the Ravens want to get Joe Flacco back on track why not give him an easy target to aim for? Dickson had four targets in Week 13, catching three for 47 yards. That comes on the heels of 1-for-15 and 2-for-21 days that followed his 10-for-79 and two-TD game. The Colts have been the sixth-worst team against fantasy TEs over the last five weeks.
Heath Miller, Pittsburgh
Cleveland has Joe Haden on the corner to help shutdown the deep and outside passing game, so Miller could slide in and pickup a few catches to move the chains and a TD for a team that loves throwing in the red zone.Comment -
This is probably the worst week for waiver adds all season. Of course a lot depends on your league and your needs but as far as overall general additions I’d say there are no must pickups like Helu last week. For that fact I’d like to talk a lot about week 17 plays for those of you in leagues that are crazy enough to play all 17 weeks. But really it does add another wrinkle that you need to account for so you might as well account for it. Not every player here is only for week 17 of course but I think we can figure out the difference.
Ben Tate: Tate is most likely gone but there may be a slight chance he was dropped after Schaub went down so grab him now. With Yates looking capable there’s a good chance they’ll be able to continue to sustain drives and they face some pretty easy rush defenses in Carolina and Indianapolis weeks 15 and 16.
Marion Barber: I’m not high on Barber but he will be the #1 guy while Forte is out. He gets @Denver, Seattle, @Green Bay and @Minnesota. Not the best matchups but not unbelievably daunting either. Kahil Bell will be his backup if you need to handcuff Barber in deep leagues.
Damian Williams: He keeps putting together halfway decent games but nothing to make you lose your mind (in a good way). He is doing well enough on average that he needs to be owned if he he happens to still be on the wire.
Ricky Williams: With Indianapolis, @San Diego and Cleveland on the horizon and the Ravens understanding that they can run the ball it might be a good time to add old man Williams to your playoff bound team.
Brad Smith: He’s been getting a ton of work the last two weeks with 17 targets 11 receptions 149 yards and a touchdown. And if you are in a week 17 league they get the Patriots.
Demaryius Thomas: I would say to let DT stay on the wire if it wasn’t for a nice upcoming schedule. I’m sure the Broncos will try to run for the most part when they can but last week against Minnesota the path of least resistance was the pass defense so they did throw more than usual and gave Thomas a huge game. They get New England and Buffalo in weeks 15 and 16 and Tebow will be able to throw more than usual again.
Brandon Saine: You’ll see below why I like some Packers guys for week 17 but Saine could have value before that. James Starks is hurting and Ryan Grant is pretty much washed up so Saine will most likely continue to see some work and in week 17 could see a whole lot of work.
Andre Roberts: Kevin Kolb seems to like Roberts more than Early Doucet and maybe more than Larry Fitzgerald since he seemed to look for Roberts as his first read. He’s worth a look
Stevan Ridley: It looked like Shane Vereen had beat out Ridley but he wasn’t even active last week and Ridley outplayed BenJarvus Green-Ellis in limited action. Of course Law Firm will most likely continue to get goal line carries but like many of the other guys on this list could see a bunch of work in week 17 against the Bills.
Golden Tate: This might be a good time to see what they have in Golden Tate.He has a ton of ability but has yet to show he can do anything with any kind of consistency. I think they will at least give him a chance and you might want to as well.
Matt Flynn: Will the Packers go for an undefeated season against Detroit in week 17 if they are 15-0? I think they will but with Matt Flynn. I cannot stand Mercury Morris and his posturing to not be completely irrelevant and washed up but I still don’t see the Packers risking their starters in a meaningless game.
Randall Cobb: Cobb would be in line for a lot of work week 17 for the reasons stated above and his big play ability is a nice addition to any squad.
Isaac Redman: Week 17 the Steelers face the Browns who have been giving up a ton of yards to running backs. The Steelers may not need to win to help their position.
Kendall Hunter: The Niners face the Rams in week 17 and most likely will have the #2 seed wrapped up. So yeah, just see what I wrote above. My fingers are tired!
Guys you can look at in deeper leagues: T.J. Yates, Christian Ponder, Dan Orlovsky, Marcel Reece, Chaz Schillens, Kyle Williams, Donald Driver, Jacob Tamme, Logan PaulsonComment -
Okay last game before the playoffs. Need your expertise again for the week 14.
QB: VICK (against Dolphins) vs PALMER (against Packers) I am leaning Vick since he has bigger potential, but Palmer will be throwing a lot against weak Packer secondary.
WR: Santana Moss vs Maclin vs Brandon Lloyd vs Malcolm Floyd (Pick one as my other starting receivers are Harvin and VJax)
RB: LeSean McCoy and Helu is my starter. Who should I go with as my RB3, Michael Bush or Steven Jackson? Michael Bush worries me as Oakland will end up throwing a lot. Or should I grab Marion Barber?
DEF: Seattle or Denver? I like Seattle but Denver against Bears without Matt Forte looks tasty.
ThanksComment -
plenty of time to see, but like you said palmer will be throwing alot
I like s jackson this week, i think bush slowing down
I like denver with there qb situation and forte out, see last week
i would go lloyd in a bounceback week. S moss is interesting as fred davis is out for the year and the pats have a weak secondary. On 2nd thought, id go mossComment -
Think Rodgers will play till the end?
My take is he will continue to play until GB loses. I think they may try the perfect season.
What do you think? Otherwise I think I am left with Matt Moore
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yes he plays, id get flynnComment -
Also have Rodgers.
12-1 so far this year, my only loss coming when I had to start Alex Smith.Comment -
12 team ESPN standard
should I play big ben against Cleveland or pickup someone with a favorable matchup? Not a lot out there...alex smith, matt more, rex grossman, bums, etc?
Also, CJ spiller or Jordy Nelson at receiver?
thanks
QB Ben Roethlisberger, Pit QB P
Cle
Thu 8:20 -- -- -- -- 1
RB Ray Rice, Bal RB
Ind
Sun 1:00 -- -- -- -- 1
RB LeSean McCoy, Phi RB
@Mia
Sun 1:00 -- -- -- -- 1
RB/WR Frank Gore, SF RB P
@Ari
Sun 4:05 -- -- -- -- 1
WR C.J. Spiller, Buf RB, WR
@SD
Sun 4:15 -- -- -- -- 1
WR A.J. Green, Cin WR
Hou
Sun 1:00 -- -- -- -- 1
TE Jimmy Graham, NO TE
@Ten
Sun 1:00 -- -- -- -- 1
D/ST Seahawks D/ST D/ST
StL
Mon 8:30 -- -- -- -- 1
K Dan Bailey, Dal K
NYG
Sun 8:20 -- -- -- -- 1
Bench Mike Tolbert, SD RB
Buf
Sun 4:15 -- -- -- -- 1
Bench Lions D/ST D/ST
Min
Sun 1:00 -- -- -- -- 1
Bench Titans D/ST D/ST
NO
Sun 1:00 -- -- -- -- 1
Bench Jordy Nelson, GB WR
Oak
Sun 4:15 -- -- -- -- 1
Bench Kevin Smith, Det RB Q
Min
Sun 1:00 -- -- -- -- 1
Bench Vincent Brown, SD WR
Buf
Sun 4:15 -- -- -- -- 1
Bench Brandon Jacobs, NYG RB
@Dal
Sun 8:20Comment -
desean jackson @ mia, pierre garcon @ bal, or malcolm floyd vs. buffalo?
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Flacco, or Palmer?
Palmer gave me a solid 20 pts last week
Lance Moore, Fitzgerald, Miles Austin, Laurant Robinson, Eric Decker (must pick 2)Comment -
ben and jordy easyComment -
Fitz against SF defense?
Spin: It was another ho-hum performance from Larry, who saw a team-high seven targets on the day even with the return of Kevin Kolb. Fitz has gone over 100 yards just once in the team's last eight games, with John Skelton under center for half of them.
Im goen with.. Carson Palmer, Chris Johnson, Marshawn Lynch, Darren Sproles, Robinson, Victor Cruz (sorry forgot to mention before), Gronkowski, Jets D, Matt Bryant.
Leaving Fitz, Lance moore, Decker, Freeman, Flacco, and Austin on bench
Hope this works out lol
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yes i would still play fitz, sf is easier to pass on then run and last game he did have a td
miles austin is back this week but don't play himComment -
I could use some help from the group. I just barely made it into the playoffs, but my team looks like a hospital ward. Sidney Rice - IR, Fred Jackson - IR, Forte - O, S Chandler - O, Maclin - Q. I finally get Vick back this week, but I'm worried about playing him. My alternative is Tebow. He has done good for me, but I'm projected to be a big underdog this weekend, and Vick has the potential to put up big numbers.
What do you guys think? Take the safe(r) 10-15 points with Tebow, or shoot for 20+ with Vick?Comment -
if vick starts play him.Comment -
Yeah, he's been upgraded to probable. He should start. Thanks for the quick reply.Comment -
if anyone needs a rb, i have a feeling about sanie for the packers.Comment -
I have Brandon Saine, but as my flex I'm liking to start Ricky Williams (also have Rice), but what do you think are the two best wide receivers to play this Sunday out of Laurent Robinson, Nate Washington, Kyle Williams(niners), Chaz Schillens? I'm leaning towards both Nate and Laurent if they're good to go.
Also, Dan Bailey or Rob Bironas? Leaning towards Bironas for some reason. Thanks, and I appreciate your input in my other fantasy thread.Comment -
ugg, i don't like any of those, laurent is questionable but better option of those . Id have to say nate .
bailey and bironas about even, ,but i got bailey in about every league and he kicks well at homeComment -
Who to start?
Any suggestions on who to start:
Anquan Boldin, Demaryius Thomas, or Damian Williams for week 14? Also have Toby Gerhart (rb) in the lineup but could take him out for two of these guys (WR) or ryan grant (rb). Any suggestions?
Thanks!!Comment -
I'd roll with Bolden and Damian.Comment -
I'm in the semi finals. 12 team ppr. My whole team is set except for the flex. I'm looking at Floyd, Torrey Smith, Decker or Tolbert. That's the order I rank them in. I already have Vincent Jackson but still want to start Floyd anyways, thoughts?Comment -
i like floyd too, just don't like decker that much really. Tolbert could get a td.Comment -
I guess my real question is Floyd or SmithComment -
floydComment -
I'm looking for big numbers from Malcom Floyd today.Comment -
Which 3 Wrs do you like:
Welker
Green
Harvin
J.Nelson
Dez BryantComment -
Think Steven Jackson does anything today or should I go with Holmes or maybe Gerhart if Peterson is out? Or maybe Malcom Floyd..Thanks for helpComment -
got serious problems at rb 2, been a injury problem all year for me and now Ingram who i have used the last few weeks is out.. deep ass league so not many options, pretty much either Daniel thomas(looking back i should have cut this clown, just couldnt bring myself to do it), Brandon Saine (picked up this week), or Reese is available...figure Thomas is good for 5 to 7 points but that pretty much it with Bush playing so well, have Saine in right now just hoping he ends up with more of the work than Grant but who knows, Reese could potentially have a decent day with oak lacking wr options but not thrilled with the idea of playing him...suggestions?Comment
