So you’ve done it. If you are still reading at this point in the season, you have made it to your league’s championship or at least you are contending for 3rd place (if your championship isn’t until next week… why?). You’ve worked so hard to get to this point, so you cannot give up now. Below are some key points that may give you the edge this weekend.
WAIVER WIRE PICK-UPS
It is very hard to imagine that you would need a key pickup at this point in the season. However, if you were an owner who was riding the hot hand of RB Justin Fargas or perhaps still keeping the dream alive for TE Jeremy Shockey, you may need a guy to fill in. Here are a few players to take a look.
Dominic Rhodes, RB, OAK - As I alluded to, RB Justin Fargas will spend the remainder of the season on the bench with an MCL sprain. Most would think that Week 1 starter LaMont Jordan would retain his starting role at tailback, but with only 19 carries in the last five games (including being a healthy scratch last week), he has seemingly fallen out of favor in Oak-Town. Rhodes, who had a very successful 2006 campaign, will likely handle the starting role and shoulder most of the load. Rhodes boasted a 5.9 yards per carry average last weekend and hopes to build on that performance.
Darren Sproles, RB, SD - The Chargers have a commanding lead in the AFC West and have no shot at gaining a first round bye. So, conventional wisdom would suggest that they would limit their franchise RB LaDainian Tomlinson in hopes to keep him fresh for the playoffs. Backup stud RB Michael Turner, who is very valuable to this team, would usually step in and pick up the slack, but a shoulder injury has hampered him in recent weeks. In steps Sproles, fresh off of a career high 26 carries for 122 yards and 2 TD’s game against Detroit. Sproles is an explosive back who doubles as a dangerous kick returner and could possibly fill a void in your fantasy lineup.
Tony Scheffler, TE, DEN - Again, if you have somehow made it this far hoping that TE Jeremy Shockey would return to dominance, you need a new player at the position. Look no further than Scheffler. He is likely available in your league and is one of the hottest players out there. Over the last four games, he has notched 17 catches for 130 yards and 2 TD’s. Most importantly, he seems to be becoming a favorite of Jay Cutler as evidenced by his 7 catch / 100 yard / 1 TD performance last week versus Houston.
KEY MATCH-UPS
My advice to anyone at this point would be to ride those horses who got you here. Unless faced with an insurmountable match-up, do not be afraid to lean on your star power. But we all know that there are those positions on a roster that are a toss up each week. In particular, you may want to go with a good match-up for your third wide receiver or for your flex position. In that case, here are some players facing very favorable match-ups.
Jamal Lewis, RB, CLE vs. Cincinnati - Lewis and the 9-5 Browns are playing for their playoff lives as they face their bitter cross-state rivals in Week 16. Lewis, who is on fire, averaging 136 yards per game over the last four weeks, will face one of the league’s most porous run defenses as the Bengals average 120 yards given up per contest on the ground.
Calvin Johnson, WR, DET vs. Kansas City - With WR Roy Williams out for the year, Johnson has been thrown to the fire as the Lions go-to receiver. Over the last two weeks, Johnson has logged 10 catches and 153 yards against two of the better corners in football (Dallas’ Terrance Newman and San Diego’s Antonio Cromartie). This week, he faces a Kansas City secondary that lacks great talent at corner. Johnson will feast on the weaker competition and may have a career day.
Fred Taylor, RB, JAX vs. Oakland - Quietly, Taylor has put in some work this season (averaging 5.1 yards per carry on his way to 1,080 yards thus far). Fresh off of a Pro Bowl snub, Taylor leads the league’s #2 ranked rushing attack into the defensive quagmire in Oakland. The Raiders are ranked 31st in rushing defense and Taylor is one of the hottest backs, averaging 120 yards per game over his last four. This is a recipe for a big day.
IN THE PLAYOFF HUNT
This time of year, you can never underestimate a player with his back against the wall. When a team is in the thick of a playoff race, it seems to bring out the best in their star players, whereas players from Dallas and New England OR Miami and St. Louis do not have as much to play for. So, here are a few guys who look to keep their teams in the thick of the playoff hunt this weekend. All of the players below NEED to win to stay in the playoff picture.
Drew Brees, QB, NO vs. Philadelphia
Vince Young, QB, TEN vs. NY Jets
Braylon Edwards, WR, CLE vs. Cincinnati
Adrian Peterson, RB, MIN vs. Washington
Clinton Portis, RB, WAS vs. Minnesota
WEATHER CONCERNS
Oh the weather outside is frightful. And for those of you who started players in that Pittsburgh-Miami contest a few Mondays back know that the elements can put a huge damper on fantasy production this time of year. It is often overlooked, but be sure to check the weather on gameday. Here are a couple big storms looking to wreak havoc on your players.
Nasty Weather in the Windy City (affecting CHI, GB)
Currently, the forecast is calling for a 70% chance of freezing rain and snow with lows in the high 20’s. This weather could be miserable and could really keep most of the offense on the ground. But, do not forget that both of these teams are used to the harsh winter elements.
Another Mess in Buffalo (affecting BUF, NYG)
We all saw last weekend during the game in Buffalo just how much of an effect the elements could have on a game. In Week 16, there is about a 50% chance of some more snow mixed with rain coming down in Orchard Park. If this is the case, and if some high winds come into play, both teams should rely heavily on the ground game – recall QB Eli Manning battling the winds of the Meadowlands this past Sunday night. |
