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Quarterback Add Immediately (Impact potential)
Anderson performed admirably well against the tough Ravens defense on Sunday, but the Browns fell short in the second half losing the game 27-17. Anderson completed 23-of-32 for 223 yards with 2 TDs and 2 INTs. Anderson completed 13 straight passes at one point, but he was sacked five times by the Ravens and picked off twice, going 0-for-11 on third down opportunities. "I saw the field real well and I had a good idea of what they were doing," Anderson said. "I made pretty good decisions for the most part. They just got me a couple of times." In his three games, Anderson completed 62% of his passes for 670 yards, 5 TDs and 4 INTs while chipping in 48 rushing yards. Surprisingly, those numbers rank him among the top 12 fantasy QBs in that short span, despite facing three solid defensive teams in KC, Pittsburgh and Baltimore. Anderson may have done enough to throw his hat into the competition for the 2007 starting job with Charlie Frye. The Browns finish the season against Tampa Bay and Houston, two games in which Anderson could continue to produce solid fantasy numbers providing that HC Romeo Crennel sticks with him if Frye is healthy enough to play.
The Jets jumped out a 23-7 half-time lead in Minnesota on Sunday, putting to bed any hopes the Vikings had of making a push for the playoffs. Brad Johnson was benched for the third time this season as the Vikings. With the Vikings offense struggling, the home crowd began booing every time Brad Johnson and the Vikings began a new drive, chanting “We want Jackson!” They got what they wanted at the end of third quarter as Jackson entered the game, greeted by a standing ovation. Tarvaris Jackson, the team’s 2nd round pick out of Alabama State, fueled the Vikings on a small surge to end the game completing 14-of-23 for 177 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT. He also added 20 yards running. The Vikings close the season against Green Bay and St. Louis. HC Brad Childress could go right back to Johnson since the Vikings are not mathematically eliminated, but it would be futile. The Vikings have little to lose by going with Jackson, so let’s see what Childress says in his Monday presser.
Rattay finally got into the action this week against the Bears supplanting Bruce Gradkowski in the first half, then spurring a comeback that forced OT, only to see the Bears win 34-31. Rattay threw for 268 yards completing 20-of-35 with 3 TDs and 1 INT. "Tim took charge and made great throws, stood in there and took a couple of shots and got us going," Bucs WR Ike Hilliard said. HC Jon Gruden hasn’t announced who the Bucs starting QB will be for Week 16 yet, but judging by Rattay’s efforts against the Bears, he could be in the driver’s seat against Cleveland and Seattle to close the season. Add For Depth (Starter potential)
The Raiders were shut out 20-0 by the Rams this week. It was the third time they’ve been shut out this season and their seventh straight defeat. Aaron Brooks couldn’t ignite a spark in the offense, so HC Art Shell turned to 2nd year QB Andrew Walter, who didn’t fare much better. Walter went 14-of-20 for 131 yards, but he was picked off twice. The Raiders push for the #1 pick in April’s draft culminates with games against KC and then on the road against the NY Jets. Chances are, you won’t want to do anything with Walter or Brooks, but just in case you’re in a mad, crazy league where QBs are nearly extinct, then you might consider whoever starts for them next week. Otherwise, you’re better off waiting for Brady Quinn or Brian Brohm. Add for Insurance (Injury or bye week replacement)
Steve McNair’s day was over right as it was beginning. The Ravens veteran QB threw just four passes before leaving Sunday’s game against Cleveland. McNair had his right hand stepped on, accidentally by Browns LB Andra Davis, opening a cut and forcing him to the sidelines and into the locker room for an X-Ray (which was negative). McNair was unable to grip the football so Boller took over and played the rest of the game. Boller made some big plays, including his longest completion of his career – a 77-yard TD pass to rookie Demetrius Williams. "I just wanted to put it up there nice and high for him, let him run underneath it," Boller said. Boller finished the game 13-of-21 with 238 yards passing, 2 TDs and one interception and a lost fumble. He added 12 yards on the ground. It’s too early to tell whether McNair will be able to play next week. If Boller gets the call, then keep him on speed dial if you’re in need of a QB. The Ravens finish the season at Pittsburgh then at home vs. Buffalo. They’re still competing for a bye in the first round of the playoffs, so nobody will be resting on their laurels in the Ravens locker room.
Schaub saw some brief action against the Cowboys on Saturday night completing 3 passes out of 5 attempts for 33 yards and an interception. Michael Vick injured his groin in the game and reported to the team’s facilities on Sunday for treatment. "We'll have to wait and see," Vick said. "I felt a pain I have never felt before. It was a sharp pain." If Vick is unable to go this week, then Schaub is an intriguing option for fantasy footballers. At home against the Panthers, Schaub could be a decent spot-start for a fantasy owner in need of help at QB. Schaub has a few starts under his belt during his three-year tenure as Vick’s backup. In his rookie season, he played in two games completing 31-of-63 for 321 yards, 1 TD and 3 INTS (with 28 yds rushing). Last year, Schaub started one game against New England. He threw for 298 yards and 3 TDs.
Weinke is far from a prospect, but if Delhomme is unable to go again next week, then he’s a legitimate reach at the very least going against an underwhelming Falcons pass defense that ranks nearly last in the NFL. The Panthers last two games are against Atlanta and New Orleans, so if Weinke is starting for Delhomme, despite the warts, he could still manage some decent fantasy production. This week, he didn’t do squat against the Steelers (18-of-28, 170 yds, 1 INT), but the previous week, Weinke put up ‘decent’ fantasy stats (34-61, 423, 1 TD, 3 INT vs NYG). Keep an eye on
The Bears have clinched home field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs. HC Lovie Smith said, "It's not like we're going to shut down our team. We have things to correct going into the playoffs”. The Bears close the season against the Lions and Packers, two teams with vulnerable pass defenses. Chances are that Grossman will get the work because the Bears need to go into the post-season with Grossman working out the flaws in his game. Keep yours eyes on the situation though, because Griese could still get some work in either of these games. Grossman looks like a good matchup play in both games, unless he doesn’t play each game in its entirety, then be sure to steer clear.
Running Back Add Immediately (Impact potential)
For the umpteenth time this season, the Broncos changed gears mid-game replacing
the erstwhile Tatum “tippy toes” Bell with his stable mate rookie Mike Bell
after Tatum fumbled then ran tentatively. Mike Bell responded well running for
61 yards, including two touchdown plunges from the 1-yard line. It was a typical
game for Tatum Bell and what we fantasy owners have become accustomed to seeing
with the Broncos running game this season. Mike Bell now has 7 TDs on the season
while Tatum Bell owners are left wondering, again, whether he can get it done on
a full-time basis going forward. Mike Bell could see more carries next week, get
the start or fade into the background again. As the Shanny turns, stay tuned.
The Chargers are in cruise control mode with a 12-2 record. They are in the
driver’s seat for home field advantage in the AFC with two games remaining
(@Sea, vs Ari). LaDainian Tomlinson is on pace for 350+ carries, too. With the
season winding down and the team beginning to prepare for a hopeful Super Bowl
run, look for Michael Turner to get more carries in the last two games so they
can save some of LT’s magic for the playoffs. This week, Turner ran seven times
for 58 yards. Both matchups in the next two games are favorable for the Chargers
RBs, so Turner could be a significant sleeper, especially if he logs 10 or more
carries.
Not only is Morency expected to see an increased role in the Packers offense in 2007, but now that he’s been able to stay healthy for a few weeks in a row, he’s being used increasingly more in the Packers offense right now. This week, Morency ran for 54 yards and 2 TDs. Last week, he ran 7 times for 69 yards. In his last three games, Morency has combined for 181 yards from scrimmage. The Packers close the season against Minnesota and at Chicago.
With Jerious Norwood inactive and Warrick Dunn less than 100%, Griffith saw more touches for the second week in a row. He ran just once for 15 yards, but he caught four passes for 34 yards with 2 TDs. In the last two weeks, Griffith has scored three times combining for 65 and 49 yards respectively. The Falcons face the Panthers this week followed by the Eagles to end the season. Griffith’s role largely depends on the availability of Jerious Norwood and Warrick Dunn, so if either back is out going forward, keep Griffith in mind.
Add For Depth (Starter potential)
The Jags high-powered running attack took some hits on Sunday, but they still managed (in a losing cause) to rack up 202 yards rushing against the Titans. Fred Taylor left the game early after tweaking his hamstring. Taylor’s status for week 16 is uncertain. From our FBG blogger: "I felt it about six steps before the end of the run," Taylor said. "I thought it was a cramp initially or something just grabbing, but it didn't let up. Hamstrings are tricky. Sometimes they just spasm, sometimes you can pull them. "Thankfully, I didn't pull it." Taylor said he tried to re-enter the game after warming up on a bike, re-wrapping the leg and stretching it. "It just didn't give," Taylor said.” Jones-Drew was also hobbled by an apparent leg injury following the game. He had a strained calf coming into the game, but he tallied 174 yards of offense, so it didn’t seem to limit him at all. The team took X-Rays as a precaution, but just in case, LaBrandon Toefield is a player who could generate interest for week 16. Toefield gained 25 yards on six carries. He would see a bigger role if Taylor is unable and he would likely be featured in next week’s game against the Patriots if Jones-Drew is out or limited. So monitor this situation and act accordingly.
Laurence Maroney missed this week’s game with torn cartilage in his rib cage. Patrick Pass was also out of action. That allowed Kevin Faulk to get more work and he took advantage scoring two TDs while gaining 68 yards from scrimmage before getting hurt. Faulk injured his leg and was seen limping noticeably in the locker room long after the game was over. He was sporting a long black protective sleeve as he headed off to a nearby room for further examination. With Faulk likely out, Pass unavailable and Maroney’s status very questionable, the team may need to lean on Heath Evans to supplant Corey Dillon and power the Patriots running game. Evans ran 8 times on Sunday for 24 yards and he caught one ball for another 4 yards. The Patriots face the Jaguars and Titans in the last two weeks of the season. Evans is a huge reach in fantasy terms, but he might be able to muster around 30 or 40 yards with a chance to score (best case).
Harris started for the Lions in place of the injured Kevin Jones (out for the season and likely well into next season, too). Harris won’t remind anyone of Jones, but he can catch the ball well and he could be a decent RB3/flex option in PPR leagues if you’re looking to plug a hole for the final two weeks. He gained 18 yards on 9 carries this week while catching five balls for 33 yards. The Lions close the season with the Bears next week and then at Dallas. Both are tough matchups for the Lions running backs, so don’t expect much rushing yards, but a handful of catches and maybe 30 to 50 yards each week might help someone.
The Browns Jason Wright sustained a "pretty severe" knee injury on Sunday according to HC Romeo Crennel. Wright forced himself into the Browns RB rotation with solid play while Rueben Droughns was plagued by nagging injuries and lackluster performances at times. With Wright out of the picture, that gives rookie Jerome Harrison a chance to shine in the last two games. The Browns don’t appear to be aligning themselves with Droughns for next year, despite giving him a new contract recently. Harrison lacks size, but he’s quick and deceptively strong with good hands and the ability to make defenders miss. The Browns end the season against Tampa Bay and Houston, so they could generate some decent production on the ground in those games making Harrison a potential sleeper.
The Bears have clinched home field advantage in the NFC playoffs, so don’t look for Thomas Jones or Cedric Benson to get a ton of carries in the next two weeks. The Bears will probably play both of their primary backs, but expect to see Peterson get more touches in the last two weeks. Peterson ran twice for 13 yards in this week’s 34-31 OT win over Tampa Bay.
Keep an eye on
Alstott’s career is quickly winding down, but he’s still motoring his way into the end zone on occasion. This week, he gained a combined 30 yards and he scored on a 14-yard run in the third quarter to tie the game at 31-31. Alstott has only three TDs on the season and a combined 196 yards, so don’t expect for him to produce anything useful going forward. Then again, Gruden could give him a few courtesy calls in the last two games against Cleveland and Seattle. Both defenses are better than average matchups for the Bucs ground game, but that’s still not saying much.
Pittman has been busier than usual of late. He has caught 11 passes for 113 yards in the last two games, but he still hasn’t carried the ball more than three times in any single game this year. He also hasn’t scored a TD this season. So, if you’re in a super deep PPR league, then Pittman could offer you something. Otherwise, keep on looking.
Wide Receiver
Add Immediately (Impact potential)
Darrell Jackson did not play on Thursday night, opening the door for D.J. Hackett to become a bigger part of the Seahawks passing game. He responded well catching eight balls for 87 yards. With Jackson ailing and Bobby Engram slowly working his way back into the mix again, Hackett has worked his way into a larger role and it’s clear that Matt Hasselbeck is comfortable throwing to him. He was targeted 13 times. In the last four games, Hackett has been targeted 27 times catching 18 balls for 271 yards and 2 TDs. The Seahawks close the season against San Diego and Tampa Bay. There’s a decent chance that Hackett could play a primary role in both games and continue to be a decent reach for fantasy points.
Jurevicius caught a TD this week and finished with 46 yards on 5 catches, but his day ended prematurely upon a bell-ringing hit by the Ravens safety Ed Reed. Jurevicius was knocked out of the game with concussion following a helmet-to-helmet hit. His status for next week is obviously in doubt, but if he’s able to play somehow, he’s someone to keep in mind. In his last three games, with Derek Anderson starting at QB, Jurevicius has been a primary target. He’s been targeted 8, 8 and 9 times producing 6-75-0, 8-111-0 and 5-46-1. If Anderson remains the starter at QB next week, and Jurevicius is able to play, then consider grabbing him and starting him against the Buccaneers and the Texans in week 17. Otherwise, look for Josh Cribbs to get into the lineup and be a player of interest down the stretch. Cribbs, of course, is a converted MAC quarterback who might be best described simply as a “playmaker”. Cribbs can returns kicks, punts, play a little QB if need and obviously run routes and catch the ball. If Jurevicius can’t go, keep Cribbs in mind.
Curry has been the team’s most productive and targeted player in the last two games. That’s not saying much, obviously, but Curry has been targeted 23 times in two games with 17 catches, 186 yards and 1 TD. In a PPR league, that’s actually damn good, especially coming from a Raider. With Randy Moss and Jerry Porter ailing, Curry has become the go-to receiver for the Raiders offense. Look for him to continue in that role in the last two weeks against the Chiefs and Jets. Doug Gabriel, claimed off waivers from the Patriots, returned to the Raiders and he got some game action this week, too. Gabriel will get more PT in the last two games, so he’s a sleeper to keep in mind, but Curry is the guy to grab if you need a quick fix.
Hines Ward returned to the starting lineup on Sunday, but Santonio Holmes remained in the lineup, opposite Ward. Holmes was originally Ward’s replacement while he was out the past couple of weeks, but the Steelers talented rookie has played well in limited duty over the last couple of months and he earned the start. Holmes only produced 3-25-0 against the Panthers on four targets, but the Steelers played with a lead the entire game and they only threw 20 passes for 169 yards. The Steelers face Baltimore and Cincinnati in their last two games. We expect them to throw significantly more in those games. In the last give games, Holmes has been targeted 31 times (this week being the lowest) for 16 receptions and 230 yards and a TD. Holmes doubles as the team’s punt returner, too. He took one back 65 yards for a TD this week.
Add For Depth (Starter potential)
The Bucs offense has been dormant for so long this year that, outside of Joey Galloway, we really haven’t had any reason to mention any of their players in this space. Tim Rattay seemed to spark something on Sunday against the Bears, so perhaps there is a flicker of hope that they could finish the season on an upswing and against the Browns and Seahawks. Hilliard had solid game on Sunday catching a 44-yard pass for a TD, finishing with 3-55-1. Rookie Maurice Stovall emerged with three catches for 42 yards. With Michael Clayton out for the season, Hilliard and Stovall will see increased targets and opportunity in the last two games. So, keep them in mind if you’re in a deeper league and need to take a flyer on a WR.
58 yards on seven targets, while also adding 6 yards on a reverse. Of course, he
broke free on a 71-yard TD catch and run a few weeks ago against the Seahawks,
too. Marshall is a big WR by just about any standard of measurement. He appears
to be a starter-in-waiting when Rod Smith retires. For now, Marshall’s playing
time is limited unless Rod Smith or Javon Walker gets hurt. In the last two
weeks, Marshall has 13 targets, so he’s definitely a player on the rise in terms
of playing time, opportunity and hopefully production.
The Vikings offense took flight, finally, when rookie QB Tarvaris Jackson entered the game in the second half. Jackson threw for 177 yards in just over one quarter of work. Williamson and Taylor both had solid games. Williamson caught six passes for 74 yards while Taylor caught a 30-yard TD in the first quarter from Brad Johnson and finished with 6-81-1. Marcus Robinson was inactive. The Vikings close the season against Green Bay (great matchup) and St. Louis (neutral). If Jackson gets the call, these two could wind up being pleasant surprises. Keep in mind, both players have been dubiously unproductive for large stretches of the season, but Jackson seemed to invigorate the Vikings offense, so we’ll keep an open mind for now. Williamson was targeted 13 times this week; Taylor 7 times. With Jackson behind center, Williamson was targeted 7 times, Taylor 3 times - something to keep in mind for next week if Jackson gets the call.
Reed was out of action for most of week 9 all the way through week 13 due to injury. In weeks 13 through 15, he has re-emerged as a solid option for J.P. Losman. He has been targeted 13 times for 9 catches, 111 yards and 1 TD in those three games. This week, he caught a pass, broke a couple tackles and scored a TD while finishing with 4-50-1 against Miami. Reed doesn’t have much value in most leagues, but he could be worth considering in deeper PPR leagues that allow 3-4 WRs (or flex) options.
Williams had a strong game this week against the Titans catching 4 balls for 88 yards on seven targets. It was his best performance since week 5. Williams began the season performing consistently well in four of the first five games before disappearing for six games in a row – in which he failed to catch more than one ball. Granted, the Jags pass offense has been sporadic with David Garrard at the helm, not to mention a tremendous running attack and tough defense that lessens their need to throw the ball around. Their last two games are against the Patriots and Chiefs. Williams is, at best, a sleeper in those games. He looked good this Sunday, but let’s see if he can do it more than once every blue moon.
Don’t look now, but BMW is actually catching passes in real, live NFL games. Williams caught three balls for 42 yards this week against the Packers. He now has a grand total of 4 catches on the season. In the big picture, this isn’t anything to get excited about, but for Williams, this is definitely progress. At least he’s playing now. The Lions close the season against Chicago and Dallas. Don’t expect much from Williams, but maybe he can finally take the next step and get into the end zone – something he hasn’t done since his first pro game.
Tight End Add Immediately (Impact potential)
Davis continues to produce now that he’s healthy and back in the lineup. He caught a TD this week amongst 3 catches for 15 yards. Next week, Arizona plays the 49ers. Davis produced 5-37-1 against the 49ers in the first game of the season, so there’s a good chance he could be useful next week, too. Davis has played in a total of five games and he has 3 TDs. Not bad for a rookie.
Scheffler continued his ascent this week with a strong effort that produced three catches for 58 yards. In his last two games, Scheffler has been targeted 9 times, catching 6 balls for 124 yards and 2 TDs. He seems to have developed a nice bit of chemistry with fellow rookie QB Jay Cutler. The Broncos close the season against Cincinnati and SF. The Bengals have been extremely kind to opposing TEs this year, so you might want to grab Scheffler and start him next week.
Add For Depth (Starter potential)
Smith has mostly a disappointment in his second pro season. He now has 31 catches for 205 yards and 3 TDs despite missing almost two full games with a sprained ankle. He’s healthy again, so he’s someone to consider if you need a TE. He caught a TD this week and finished with 5-24-1 against the Bears.
Ben Watson was inactive this week, opening the door for rookie Dave Thomas to
see some live action. Daniel Graham continues to serve his team well in a
blocking capacity, while Thomas picked up where Watson left off catching the
rock. Thomas finished with 3 catches for 24 yards against the Texans this week.
If Watson is unable to go next week, Thomas might be a decent pick up and play
option for you.
Royal has only 20 catches for 202 yards this year and he’s never been much of a factor from a fantasy perspective, but he now has caught a TD in three straight games. In a TD-heavy league, Royal should command your attention at the very least, but whether or not he can sustain any true production going forward is a gamble. The Bills play the Titans and Ravens in the last two weeks.
Baker started the season quickly, but disappeared for much of the season only to re-emerge in the past three weeks. In the last three games, Baker has been targeted 14 times catching 10 balls for 100 yards and a TD. The Jets end the season against Miami and Oakland. Baker could be a decent flyer as a sleeper in either game, but chances are, there are better options available.
Kris Mangum didn’t play this week, so Michael Gaines was the tight end for the Panthers against the Steelers. He has 7 catches for 80 yards on 9 targets in the last two games. The Panthers finish the season against Atlanta and New Orleans, so keep an eye on Gaines if you’re in a pinch for a TE. He could be good for 2-to-4 catches in each game as the season comes to an end.
Keep an eye on
The Saints literally have run out of bodies to lineup at the TE position, which explains why Billy Miller’s name surfaced in this column. He caught three balls for 26 yards this week. He’s been targeted 11 times in the last four games for a total of 7 catches, 62 yards and no TDs. He’s on the radar again, but that doesn’t mean he’s worth plucking off the waiver wire unless you’re in the dourest of circumstances.
Kicker Here's a list of the top players that are likely to be available for those of you in smaller leagues. If any of these players remain on waivers, then grab them for your bye week needs or as a new starter if your current kicker is not producing as much as you need.
Defense If you’re looking for a good defensive matchup in the final two weeks of the season, here is a list of the best candidates available. In Week 16, the Chiefs (at Oak) are a good matchup as are the Browns (vs TB), San Francisco (vs Ari) and perhaps Tennessee (at Buf).
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