Week 14 Upgrades/Downgrades

Upgrades

QB Derek Anderson, CLE - He replaced Charlie Frye and looked sharp. Charlie Frye is having an MRI today on his wrist so it’s unknown whether he or Anderson will start at QB in week 14. The next two weeks look tough (at Pittsburgh and at Baltimore) so this upgrade has more to do with Anderson having no value before. He likely now only has value for leagues that start 2 QBs each week.

QB Jay Cutler, DEN - He wasn’t outstanding and possibly cost the Broncos the game (with a bad interception that was returned for a TD). But even in defeat, Mike Shanahan is solidly behind the rookie. We expect he will start the rest of the season. He finished with 143 yards passing and 2 TDs on the night.

QB David Garrard, JAX - Byron Leftwich was placed on IR earlier in the week clearing the way for Garrard the rest of the way. The Jaguars play Tennessee in week 15 so he could have a big role in people’s fantasy playoffs. Against the tough Miami defense, Garrard threw for 229 yards and 2 TDs (with no interceptions). He also ran for 24 yards.

QB Trent Green, KC - It’s official. The rust is clearly off. Trent Green responded with a huge game throwing for 297 yards and 4 TDs (with one interception). He was locked onto Kennison and Gonzalez all day. He faces some tough run defenses next (Baltimore and San Diego) so he may be asked to continue to air it out.

QB Brian Griese, CHI - The Rex Grossman deathwatch is officially on. The coach says Rex is clearly the guy going forward. But when you complete just 6 of 19 passes for 34 yards and 3 interceptions while rushing for -9 yards, your job isn’t safe. Many people believe the Bears have a chance to win the Super Bowl with just average QB play. Right now Rex Grossman isn’t giving them even that. Brian Griese isn’t very exciting, but he also does not make huge numbers of mistakes. If Rex has another horrible outing this week at St. Louis, we think Griese will see the field.

QB Eli Manning, NYG - The Giants lost the game against Dallas, but Eli came out slinging. He appeared to have more confidence and energy during the game than the slouching head-down player we have seen the past 2-3 weeks. He finished with 270 passing yards and 2 TDs (with no interceptions or fumbles).

QB Tim Rattay, TB - He could be taking the field soon. Gradkowski threw 3 picks on Sunday and seems to be regressing at this point. Rattay is likely not much of an upgrade, but in start 2 QB leagues he could have some value.

QB Vince Young, TEN - Some people just have it. What’s it? Well for quarterbacks, it’s a feel for what the defense is throwing at you. I doubt Vince Young is masterful at reading defenses as a rookie, but he still has it. He continues to scramble for tough yards when he needs to and has now toppled two tough teams (Giants and Colts) in successive weeks. Each week he seems to throw a little better too. He finished the day with 163 passing yards, 2 TDs and ran for another 78 yards on 9 scrambles. Those scrambles eventually did in the Colts.

RB Marion Barber III, DAL - This guy is a scoring machine. Over the last three weeks, Barber has scored 6 TDs. Only Tomlinson among RBs is better. Barber still splits time with Julius Jones, but has outplayed him by a wide margin over the last three weeks (37 carries for 194 yards and 4 TDs plus 2 TDs receiving to 44 carries for 143 and no TDs).

RB Tatum Bell, DEN - His toes have healed, and he responded with a huge effort on Sunday night posting 133 yards on just 23 carries. Mike Bell was a non-factor. The pendulum swings back to Tatum Bell as the starter for now.

RB Ladell Betts, WAS - He had a huge game while TJ Duckett was again a non-factor. He posted 155 rushing yards and a score and also added 18 yards on 3 catches. This team has an above average offensive line so Betts could be a workhorse the rest of the way.

RB Reggie Bush, NO - He said he was mad that USC lost to UCLA. We believe him. He has been running harder to the hole the last couple of weeks and the numbers finally caught up with the effort this week. He won’t face this soft of a defense often, but it’s clear that Bush has the breakaway speed and shiftiness to create things in open space. With Horn and Colston dinged up, Bush should continue to be a factor in the passing game. He finished the day with 168 combined yards and 4 TDs.

RB Ron Dayne, HOU - He’s ALIVE… and so goes the revolving door with the Houston RBs. Dayne looked great this week rushing for 95 yards on 18 carries. He likely earned back the starting job with the performance, but he could lose it just as fast. We are not sold on his ability, but a starting RB has some value hence the listing here.

RB Corey Dillon, NE - Maroney left the game and did not return on Sunday. The Patriots are tight-lipped about injuries though so it’s hard to know if anything is there. In Maroney’s absence, Dillon ran hard and ended the day with 3 rushing TDs.

RB Reuben Droughns, CLE - We never understood the Droughns benching for Jason Wright in the first place. With a nice game, Droughns looks like he is again the starter. He finished with 118 combined yards and a TD. Jason Wright had 70 yards on 2 receptions, but managed just 25 yards on 11 carries running the ball.

RB Cedric Houston, NYJ - Similar to the Texans’ situation, the Jets continue to shuffle their RBs. This week Houston got the call and he responded with a big effort. He finished the day with 129 combined yards and 2 TDs (on 25 touches). That’s enough to keep the starting gig (some sharing of carries with Leon Washington) at least another week.

RB Maurice Jones-Drew, JAX - He is quietly having a great rookie season with limited carries in relief of Fred Taylor. He added another 46 rushing yards and a score on just 5 carries yesterday. He is currently the 15th best RB in fantasy points despite just 127 touches this season.

RB Jerious Norwood, ATL - This rookie is blazing fast. We knew that in the preseason. The Falcons finally put that speed to good use as he took one carry to the house. He finished with 107 yards and a TD on just 9 carries. Atlanta’s strength is running the football. It’s nice to see them including Norwood more into the game plan each week.

WR Reche Caldwell, NE - Caldwell is quite obviously the only WR that Tom Brady trusts right now. Against the Lions, Brady threw to a WR 20 times – 14 of those targets went to Reche Caldwell.

WR Marques Colston, NO - Colston has missed the last two weeks while recovering from a high ankle sprain. We expect him to play in week 14.

WR Jerricho Cotchery, NYJ - Cotchery has been an excellent option in the last two weeks while catching 16 balls for 209 yards and a TD on 22 targets. He and Chad Pennington are clicking right now, and the upcoming schedule looks fairly soft was well.

WR Mike Furrey, DET - Furrey has strung together a few nice games lately (22 catches on 35 targets for 257 yards and a TD in his last three). The Vikings secondary has been awful at times this season, so Furrey should have another good outing in week 14.

WR Marvin Harrison, IND - While this season has been a mild disappointment for Harrison owners, he put together his best yardage total of the season against the Titans. We also like that the team has a couple of losses and will not be able to wrap up homefield advantage early this season. Harrison and company will likely need to play all 16 games this season.

WR Torry Holt, STL - Holt has really disappointed since week six, so it was very nice to see him surpass the 100-yard mark and find the endzone against the Cardinals. While we aren’t excited about him facing Chicago and Oakland in his next two weeks, we still like seeing him produce good numbers again.

WR Matt Jones, JAX - Jones now has scored a TD in his last two games. Even better, Jones put up the best yardage total of his career with a 128-yard effort against the Dolphins. Jones appears to be fully healthy and seems to be working well with David Garrard.

WR Eddie Kennison, KC - Kennison’s big game against the Browns (seven catches for 117 yards and a TD) coincided with Trent Green’s best game of the season. It appears that Green is finally at 100%, so we expect more nice numbers from Kennison.

WR Santana Moss, WAS - While he played in week 12, Moss didn’t look to be at 100% until week 13 against the Falcons. He and Jason Campbell connected seven times for 123 yards and a TD. As long as Moss is completely healthy, he is capable of putting up those kinds of numbers against anyone.

WR Nate Washington, PIT - Against the Buccaneers, Washington led the team in targets (with seven), receptions (with three), and receiving yards (with 78). With Cedrick Wilson hobbled by an ankle sprain and Hines Ward likely out again after knee surgery, Nate Washington is expected to get another start Thursday night against the Browns.

TE Tony Gonzalez, KC - Against the Browns, Trent Green looked as good as he as all season. Gonzalez and Eddie Kennison (222 total yards and three TDs) were the obvious beneficiaries of Green’s play. As long as Green can continue to play at that level, we like Gonzalez to excel.

TE Randal Williams, OAK - While we are loath to start an Oakland Raider, Randal Williams could be very good over the next three weeks. First, he is working well with Aaron Brooks – 13 catches for 116 yards in three games together. However, the biggest reason to like Williams is the remaining schedule. Oakland faces three fairly easy TE matchups in the next three weeks.

PK Martin Gramatica, DAL - Kickers are fickle guys, but you have to think Gramatica is full of confidence right now after booting the game-winner against the Giants. A confident Dallas kicker will be an elite fantasy PK.

PK Shaun Suisham, WAS - The Redskins have released Nick Novak and will go with Suisham as their kicker.

TD Chicago Bears, CHI - The Bears allowed more yards than expected against Minnesota, but they continued to create big plays (three sacks, a fumble recovery, and four INTs – one returned for a TD). They also got a huge punt return from Devin Hester. Lately, it seems the Bears have a better chance of scoring when their opponent has the ball than when their offense is on the field.

TD San Diego Chargers, SD - The return of Shawne Merriman obviously makes the Chargers more potent on defense. In his first game back from suspension, Merriman accumulated two sacks, forced two fumbles, and knocked down a pass. He simply electrifies this unit.

TD Baltimore Ravens, BAL - Everyone knows that the Ravens are one of the top fantasy defenses out there, but they should be huge during the fantasy playoffs. Beginning in week 15, they have a ridiculously juicy schedule as they face error-prone offenses each week (Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and Buffalo).

TD Pittsburgh Steelers, PIT - Their stat line this week was nice as they picked off three passes, recovered a fumble, and sacked the QB five times. They could be huge again in week 14 against the Browns.

TD Minnesota Vikings, MIN - The Vikings became the latest team to completely demolish Rex Grossman. On Sunday, Minnesota’s defense picked off three passes and recovered two fumbles while holding the Bears to 107 total yards. With the Lions next up on the schedule, the Vikings could have another huge fantasy week.

Downgrades

QB David Carr, HOU - Seven for 14 for 32 yards – at least he didn’t throw any INTs.

QB Charlie Frye, CLE - Frye was knocked out of his week 13 contest with a wrist injury. The team originally feared the wrist was broken, but X-rays deemed it to be only a sprain. That said, HC Romeo Crennel does not know if Frye will be able to start in week 14 as the team has a short turn around with the Thursday night game against the Steelers.

QB Bruce Gradkowski, TB - There is chatter circulating that the team is ready to make a change at the QB position with Gradkowski being benched in favor of Tim Rattay. Even if he continues as the starter, Gradkowski is a poor fantasy option.

QB Rex Grossman, CHI - Grossman completed nine passes yesterday, but three of them were caught by Vikings (who have allowed some huge games to opposing QBs this season). HC Lovie Smith says Grossman will continue as their starting QB. We believe him for now, but we don’t feel comfortable starting him against anyone.

QB Brad Johnson, MIN - The Bears are a good defense, but throwing three INTs in one quarter (actually in a span of four passes) is so bad. Johnson hasn’t been benched yet, but that’s probably only because backup Brooks Bollinger suffered a non-throwing shoulder injury.

QB Peyton Manning, IND - You have to keep starting him, but Peyton Manning hasn’t scored too well over the last few weeks. Over the last four weeks, he has only one 300-yard game and has thrown only five TDs (along with five INTs).

QB Alex Smith, SF - The Saints have been very soft against the pass this season, but Smith was only able to toss for 171 yards and a single TD to go with a trio of INTs. He hasn’t had a multi-TD game since week six.

RB Kevan Barlow, NYJ - With Cedric Houston rolling along, Kevan Barlow is currently without a role in the offense.

RB Mike Bell, DEN - Tatum Bell looked to be 100% against the Seahawks, so Mike Bell will be only get a few carries down the stretch.

RB T.J. Duckett, WAS - Ladell Betts is looking great and getting the vast majority of carries. Duckett really doesn’t have much of a role in the offense.

RB Samkon Gado, HOU - Gado had a couple of nice games this season, but he has fallen out of favor again. After a three-carry game against the Jets, Gado didn’t see the field in week 13. Meanwhile, Ron Dayne actually put up some good numbers.

RB Frank Gore, SF - Over the first 12 weeks of the season, the Saints had allowed an average of 140 rushing yards, so much was expected from Frank Gore. He put up a very disappointing 40 yards on 13 carries and did not find the endzone. Gore being on the injury report every week makes us a bit nervous as well. The injuries could catch up with him soon.

RB Julius Jones, DAL - While it’s certainly possible for Jones to put up nice numbers, he is clearly the #2 fantasy RB in Dallas right now. Over the last four games, Jones has 59 carries for 188 yards and zero TDs while Barber has totaled 51 carries for 259 yards and seven TDs.

RB Laurence Maroney, NE - Maroney took a helmet-to-helmet hit on the seventh play from scrimmage against the Lions and did not return to the game (or even to the sidelines). HC Bill Belichick is notorious for giving almost no info regarding injuries and described Maroney as “doing all right”. Maroney not coming back to the sidelines (and not being available in the lockerroom after the game) leads us to believe he’s doing a little worse than “all right”.

RB Willis McGahee, BUF - McGahee did find the endzone, but his 26 yards on 16 carries looked really ugly.

RB Chester Taylor, MIN - Taylor suffered bruised ribs against the Bears and couldn’t finish the game. Although it looks like he’ll be able to play this weekend (HC Brad Childress says Taylor is “day-to-day”), this type of injury is rough on RBs because they are hit so often. It might slow Taylor down in week 14.

RB Jason Wright, CLE - Wright likely missed whatever little chance he actually had to supplant Reuben Droughns as the team’s starting RB. Wright will probably still merit a handful of carries, but a healthy Droughns is obviously the better option for the Browns.

WR Devery Henderson, NO - Marques Colston will likely return this weekend, so we expect Henderson to return to his WR3 role. With Reggie Bush getting so many looks in the passing game, WR3 is really the fourth option in the New Orleans’ passing attack.

WR Joe Horn, NO - Horn managed only a single catch for 18 yards against the 49ers before aggravating his groin injury. This injury is making Horn a questionable start for fantasy players.

WR Andre Johnson, HOU - Johnson is currently a victim of terrible QB play as David Carr could manage only 32 yards in the air in week 13.

WR Muhsin Muhammad, CHI - Muhammad is suffering due to absolutely horrid QB play. As long as Rex Grossman continues to struggle, Muhammad is not a viable fantasy option.

WR Troy Williamson, MIN - What a disappointing season for this guy. Though he began the season as a starter, Williamson is now entrenched as the team’s WR5. Against physical teams like the Bears, Minnesota only activated four WRs, so Williamson was left on the sidelines.

WR Cedrick Wilson, PIT - Wilson sprained his ankle on Sunday and might not be able to recover in time to play Thursday. "It's a short week," HC Bill Cowher said of the injury to Wilson. "I'm not real optimistic."

TE Randy McMichael, MIA - McMichael has caught only one TD this season and hasn’t crossed the 40-yard mark since week seven. Even more bad news for McMichael is that his next three opponents (New England, Buffalo, and the Jets) are tough against the TE.

TE Kellen Winslow Jr, CLE - Winslow is capable of putting up a big game against anyone, but he’ll have a tough time doing so for the rest of the season - none of his last four opponents (Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Tampa Bay, and Houston) are weak against opposing TEs.

PK Robbie Gould, CHI - After an ultra-hot start to the season, Gould is only the #26 fantasy PK over his last four games. He is struggling right now because the Chicago offense (AKA Rex Grossman) isn’t able to move the ball with consistency.

PK Sebastian Janikowski, OAK - Janikowski has been absolutely horrible lately. Over the last four games, he has missed five FGs and made four. Against the Texans, Janikowski was short from 53 and wide left from 37 and 29.

PK Nate Kaeding, SD - Kaeding has been perfect on 19 kicks in his last four games. However, he gets the downgrade because the San Diego offense has been too good - the Chargers are not settling for FGs. Of those 19 kicks, 18 have been PATs. Those singles are OK, but the lack of three-pointers has Kaeding ranked as the #28 fantasy PK over the last four weeks.

PK Nick Novak, WAS - Novak has been released by the team. They will go with Shawn Suisham.

TD Denver Broncos, DEN - Denver has been a solid NFL defense this season, but they aren’t creating a ton of sacks and haven’t been creating many turnovers. They also get the downgrade based on their remaining schedule which includes two potent offenses (San Diego and Cincinnati) in the next two weeks.

TD Kansas City Chiefs, KC - The Chiefs defense is similar to the Broncos in that they have been fairly solid on an NFL level but don’t create a lot of fantasy stats. They also face a couple of tough offenses in the next two weeks: Baltimore and San Diego.

TD Jacksonville Jaguars, JAX - The Jacksonville defense has been pretty solid all season, but they will likely struggle to score fantasy points over the rest of the season as they face a tough remaining schedule: Indianapolis, Tennessee, New England, and Kansas City.

TD Green Bay Packers, GB - Over the last four games, the Packers have allowed 124 points and 1492 yards. If your league deducts points for yards and points allowed, then the Green Bay defense can not see your starting line-up.