| FBG Mobile Home |
Hi Folk,
Crazy day in the NFL. We've got the news and notes so let's get to it.
J
Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger (ankle) was limited during practice Saturday, Dec. 17, and is listed as questionable for Week 15.
Footballguys' view: It's a good sign that Roethlisberger has been able to be limited in practice the last two days. He's one of the toughest QBs in the NFL and will do his best to play Monday night against the 49ers.
Arizona Cardinals QB Kevin Kolb (concussion) will not play in Week 15 because he is still not recovered from a concussion he suffered in Week 14. QB John Skelton will start in his place.
Footballguys' view: This means second-year QB John Skelton will start for the Cardinals. This is great news for Larry Fitzgerald and his fantasy owners. Skelton knows to feed the ball to Fitz early and often.
San Francisco 49ers TE Vernon Davis has been the focus of opposing defenses in the red zone. QB Alex Smith hasn't been forcing the ball deep in the red zone, which has resulted in the ball going in the direction of single-covered receivers.
Footballguys' view: Defenses are taking away Davis and that's why we're seeing more passes for guys like Michael Crabtree and Kyle Williams.
New England Patriots RB Shane Vereen (hamstring), OT Sebastian Vollmer (back) and LB Brandon Spikes (knee) have been downgraded to out for Week 15. Vollmer was originally listed as doubtful while the other two were listed as questionable.
Footballguys' view: The lack of offensive line depth could present a problem for the Patriots as they face the fierce Broncos pass rush on Sunday. Rookie Nate Solder will once again be asked to fill in as the team's starting Right Tackle. He'll have to handle rookie sensation Von Miller and keep him away from QB Tom Brady.
New England Patriots WR Deion Branch (groin) has been downgraded to out for Week 15. He was originally listed as questionable for Week 15.
Footballguys' view: Without Branch in the lineup we'll see more from TE Aaron Hernandez. We already expect TE Rob Gronkowski and WR Wes Welker to have big days on Sunday in Denver.
Oakland Raiders head coach Hue Jackson and QB Carson Palmer said they have to win their Week 15 game to stay alive for a playoff spot.
Footballguys' view: This is probably accurate as the Broncos get the Bills and Chiefs in two likely wins to close the regular season.
The San Diego Chargers may place the franchise tag on impending free-agent WR Vincent Jackson this offseason no matter who the general manager is after the season.
Footballguys' view: Jackson hasn't played at a top level consistently enough to demand a long-term deal, although he has stayed out of trouble and still been the team's best receiver. A franchise tag is probably the best way to acknowledge his current value to the team without exposing the team's commitment of future money to too much risk.
Green Bay Packers FB John Kuhn might see increased touches in Week 15 against the Kansas City Chiefs, as he and RB Ryan Grant might be the only healthy backs with RBs James Starks (knee) and Brandon Saine (concussion) hurting and uncertain to play.
Footballguys' view: Kuhn's potential for an increased role along with his goal-line vulture tendency makes him a desperation flex this week.
Green Bay Packers RB Ryan Grant might see a bulk of the work in Week 15 against the Kansas City Chiefs with RBs James Starks (knee) and Brandon Saine (concussion) listed as game-time decisions, and not expected to play.
Footballguys' view: Grant ran really well last week and the Packers should turn to their running game in the second half of what should be an easy win vs. the Chiefs. Grant deserves a look as a flex this week, if not an RB2.
Washington Redskins RB Roy Helu Jr. has posted 334 rushing yards over the past three weeks to lead the NFC. Helu's 73 attempts is also the leading mark during the span. He'll face the New York Giants in Week 15, a rush defense which ranks 22nd in the NFL by allowing 127.9 yards per game.
Footballguys' view: Helu is a very strong RB2 option this week.
New England Patriots SS Patrick Chung (foot) did not travel with the team for their Week 15 game and will not play. He was originally listed as doubtful for the game.
Footballguys' view: The Patriots secondary is extremely weak. It could be a big day for the Broncos passing game. Remember that when considering guys like QB Tim Tebow, WR Eric Decker, and WR Demaryius Thomas.
The New England Patriots have signed LB Jerod Mayo to a five-year contract extension. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Footballguys' view: Mayo has been a little banged up this year, but he is still one of the few young lynchpin-type players on this defense.
That'll do it for today, Folks. Thanks for reading and we'll see you tomorrow with the update.
Peace,
J