Week 14 Bank/Tank

By: Christian Hardy


What do you know, gang. It looks like it's playoffs, which means it's probably the first time that my advice will help you win (or lose) your fantasy matchups. It's what you have played the first 13 weeks of the season for. Of course, if you are in the playoffs, I'm sure you never were actually taking my advice. That would be quite foolish. Furthermore, you need a win this week. Rather than picking bold picks for both my Bank and Tank, I am going to give you my locks (bank) and my guys that I wouldn't put in my lineup (tank).

What it comes down to in these last couple of weeks is the players that you can depend on to score at least eight points, and not screw the pooch. Essentially, it come down to what you and I look for in the draft: consistency. Consistency is what wins fantasy matchups. If your consistent team stays healthy and produces throughout the season, then you are in. Simple, right? Well, not so much.

My point is, consistency is the key to fantasy football. Don't be that guy who sticks DeSean Jackson or Vincent Jackson in your lineup because of his upside when he has not produced for weeks on end. Don't be that guy that says, "He'll do it this week," because if you are saying bogus such as that, then that guy isn't consistent. Consistency is king, especially in playoffs.

My last thing is, go with your gut. I mean, it's always great to get a second opinon on something. That's not uncommon. What I am saying is, don't let someone make the decision for you. You need to have the last say about who you put in your lineup. If you feel confident about a certain player in your lineup, then don't second guess yourself, even if you have second guessed yourself before.

I guess what I am saying here is: Be smart. It's the playoffs, and that means that there are jellybeans on the line for some (most) of us. Put your money on the guys that you can trust, not the guy that has his ups and downs. Enough of moral talk, let's move on to the real action: Bank and Tank for week 14. This entire week I have been saying to myself just how weird that "week 14" sounds. I cannot believe we have just four more weeks of regular season football left. Sad, but exciting at the same time.


Bank
Matthew Stafford vs Minnesota - It doesn't get much better than this. Stafford, who has double digit points in all but one week this year, takes on the worst fantasy pass defense. The Vikings allow 18.8 points per game to opposing quarterback, including 22.5 points allowed per game since the week 9 bye. Get Stafford in your lineup for this week.

Rex Grossman vs New England - The Patriots allow the third most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks by allowing 17.8 points per game. Grossman was shut down by the Jets last week (four points), but in the two games before that, Grossman had 40 points combined. If you are scrambling, Grossman is a decent start against the weak pass defense of the Patriots'.

QB Lock - Tony Romo is a lock this week. Traditionally very good against the Giants, and the Cowboys tend to be pass happy against the Giants. If you own Romo, you are starting him.

Shonn Greene vs Kansas City- I expect the Jets to get up early in this game, ad I think that they are going to put the ball on the ground very often. The Chiefs allow 18.1 points to opposing running backs, but they have only allowed three rushing touchdowns in their last seven games. I think Greene touches the ball a lot and he is guaranteed to get a serviceable amount of points, but the Chiefs haven't been all that vulnerable on the ground. I would expect eight to 15 points from Greene against in the Meadowlands this weekend, solely based on the amount of times he is going to touch the ball.

Reggie Bush vs Philadelphia - I think we all know this by now: The Eagles are real bad, and the Dolphins are on fire. Bush has double digit fantasy points in four of his last five games, and the eagles allow almost twenty points per game to opposing running backs. Not only are they letting up fantasy points, but they have given up four rushing touchdowns in the last two games. Get Bush in your lineup this week. Consistency is key, and Bush has been as consistent as can get.

Roy Helu vs New England - Shanahan had made up his mind (for once) -- Helu is a feature back, and it's going to stay that way (yeah, right). The Patriots have allowed a rushing touchdown in each of their last two games, and if anyone is going to get that touchdown, it's Helu. Helu now has 57 (!!!) touches in his last two games combined, while Ryan Torain and Evan Royster have just one touch combined. I can't believe I am saying this, but Helu (under Mike Shanahan) is a top ten running back this week because of the sheer amount of carries that he has gotten in each of his last two games.

Percy Harvin @ Detroit - With Chris Houston doubtful to play this week with a knee injury, the Lions are going to be as vulnerable as ever through the air. They have given up 27 points (vs Carolina), 33 points (vs Green Bay), and 30 points (vs New Orleans) in their last three games. The pass defense has been lacking, and oh, did I mention that Harvin has been a top receiver down the stretch? Harvin has four receiving touchdowns as well as 59 points in his last three games. If Ponder is active, remember he has that hip injury, then Harvin is a great play this week.

Steve Johnson vs San Diego - I know it is hard to trust the Bills, who have had their ups and downs this year, especially when it comes down to the fantasy playoffs. But Steve Johnson, a guy that I have always liked a lot, has a touchdown in each of his last two games, as well as 13 receptions in those two games combined. The Chargers pass defense, in weeks 7 through 11 (before they took on the Broncos and Jaguars in weeks 12 and 13), was awful. They allowed 28 points per game to opposing wide receiver in that span of games (weeks 7-11) and couldn't stop a nose bleed. Johnson is a nice play here, as I expect him to find his way into the end zone.

Kellen Winslow @ Jacksonville - Winslow consistently puts up serviceable fantasy numbers, and is always a fairly big part of the Bucs' offense. The Jaguars allow the third most fantasy points to opposing tight ends. If you didn't draft one of those stud tight ends, then Winslow might just be your best option this week, although he has not found the end zone since week nine.

Tank
Andy Dalton vs Houston - If you have made it this far, chances are, you aren't starting Dalton. But if you are: Here's your sign. The Texans have not allowed two touchdowns to an opposing quarterback since week 5. Is that enough to keep him on your bench? Should be. More of the Texans pass defense comes up later one.

Mark Sanchez vs Kansas City - Since allowing eight touchdowns in their first two games through the air, their defense has been much improved. The Chiefs' defense kept Ben Roethlisberger in check on national television just two weeks ago, and to a lesser extent, help Caleb Hanie to negative fantasy points. Keep Sanchez on your bench.

Cedric Benson vs Houston - It's real tough for Benson owners right now. First Steelers, and now the Texans -- two of the top rush defenses in in the league. The Texans have not allowed a rushing touchdown to a running back since week 8. You heard me right. Keep Benson on the bench, as I figure you have better options heading into your league's playoffs.

Steven Jackson @ Seattle - Ok, don't go out and literally put Jackson on your bench just because I don't like him this week (read the intro again, if you really were going to do that). Seattle's defense has faltered in the last couple of weeks against the aforementioned Roy Helu and Leseasn McCoy. However, they have still only allowed six rushing touchdowns (to running backs) this year, and only two since week four. With both Bradford and Feeley injured, the focus of the Seahawk's defense is going to be Jackson. With Tom Bradstate under center, and CenturyLink Field is going to be roaring on primetime national television, I don't see Jackson breaking eight points this week. Look elsewhere.

Panthers running backs vs Atlanta - Teams tend not to run that often against Atlanta. From weeks 4-12, no team rushed the ball over 20 times with their running backs against the Falcons. In week four against the Falcons, both running backs did squat, but Stewart managed to save the day with a touchdown. Atlanta has really stepped their run defense up since then, and I don't think either of these two (Williams or Stewart) sniff double digits.

AJ Green @ Houston - This is another guy that you aren't going to literally sit, but I don't expect too much out of him. Jonathan Joseph will be on him, and you might know how much confidence I have in Joseph. In the last seven games, the Texans have allowed just four touchdowns to opposing wide receivers. Green is still a wide receiver number two for this week, but not a number one, like he has been.

Marques Colston vs Tennessee - No, it's not Tennessee's amazing defense, it's Colston. Since week 7 in  which Colston went off for two touchdowns, Coltston has zero touchdowns and only one game in double digits. That's the story of Saints receivers. Stay away from Colston's inconsistency in the fantasy playoffs.

Jermaine Gresham vs Houston - Houston has the third best fantasy defense againt opposing tight ends, and have not allowed a touchdown to a tight end since week seven. While Gresham has put up nice fantasy numbers the past couple of weeks, he should be on your bench this week.

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Thanks for reading everyone. Don't be scared to drop by my Twitter and ask me any questions that you might have. You can also email me for longer questions. Don't forget to check out our other writer on Twitter (sidebar) as well. My twitter has updates on players' injuries, fantasy advice, and much more.

I'll be back next week with Let Them Preach (hopefully), but until then, check out Friday's injury report and the fantasy rankings for all of your fantasy needs. See you soon!

Week 10 Pickups

By: Gabriel Harber

Sunday’s action saw a large number of blowouts and upsets, which is always a good for putting previously un-showcased talent on full display, unlike war which is good for nothing (or so I've been told).  We’ve got a few fresh faces this week mixed in with a healthy reheating of early season leftovers to discuss, so rather than continue my introductory paragraph I’ll move straight to last night’s dinner.

The Pick Ups

John Skelton:  The Cardinals are now undefeated (2-0) under Skelton now, while getting only one win in seven attempts under Kolb.  The more telling fact lies in the statistical disparity with Larry Fitzgerald.  In six career starts with Skelton, Fitz has went 6.3/89.5 with four touchdowns, and in seven starts with Kolb 4.9/86.1 for only two scores.  I see someone hitting the bread line for at least the near future and his name rhymes with job(less).

Tyler Palko:  I may be getting ahead of myself on this one, but that’s okay because I’m still really far out in front of you.  Mat Cassel’s hand required surgery and is out in definitely, so for now, Palko is the starter. Believe it or not, this guy was once playing ahead of Joe Flacco in college. The Chiefs have a pretty solid wide receiving corps too. The Chiefs play the Patriots on Monday Night Football next week, so I’m sure you could do worse than Palko in a two quarterback league.

Carson Palmer:  I won’t waste my time explaining this one. If you’re in a league where no one went for it after last weekend, then he needs to be rostered now.

Kendall Hunter:  Gore has begun slowly wearing down with ankle and knee injuries in consecutive contests, and every time the 49ers have called Hunter’s number this season he’s performed admirably.  This Sunday was no deviation, and if Gore misses any time Hunter immediately catapults into the realm of running back two territory.

Lance Ball:  Did you see the game?  Someone has to run the ball because they’re sure as hell not passing it.  My vote would be Skip Bayless, but since we can’t make that happen I’ll recommend Ball.

Chris Ogbonnaya:  Ploddingly unimpressive, Ogbannaya impressively plodded his way to 10.9 standard points for those of you needing a fill-in.  Unfortunately this seems to be the ceiling in a pathetic Browns offense, but as long as he has no competition for touches it should be attainable each week. (Note: Peyton Hillis has already been ruled out for week 11. Montario Hadesty is unlikely to play.)

Daniel Thomas:  Reggie Bush can’t keep this up forever and the Dolphins know that.  When healthy, Thomas has more than proven to be the more talented pure running back, and now that he’s nearing full health (and right as the Dolphins are hitting their stride I might add) you might just be lucky to find him the on wire, the result of an impatient owner.

Vincent Brown:  The highly touted rookie duplicated the previous week’s effort, adding an exclamation point in the form of a touchdown grab.  With Vincent Jackson clearly having issues with Rivers, Brown’s ceiling is sky-high, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him develop into Rivers favorite target by year’s end.

 Laurent Robinson:  See: Palmer, Carson.

Steve Smith:  It sure must have been nice playing football again.  Keep an eye on Jeremy Maclin’s health (and Desean Jackson’s maturity) because with this season being a lost cause, the Eagles are certainly going to want to know what they have for the future. Smith had 40 snaps to Riley Cooper’s 26 in Sunday’s game. If Maclin misses this week with shoulder/hamstring problems, then Smith is the guy that the Eagles are going to use the most.

Titus Young:  A product of injury and necessity, Young found himself an efficient day with the Lions trailing big and throwing on every down.  While I don’t see that situation repeating itself consistently, it is worth noting that Megatron was shaken up.  Should it turn out to be anything serious, there would suddenly be a lot of targets to go around.

Damian Williams:  He’s been on the radar for the past month now, and it’s officially time for him to be added in most leagues.  He’s scored in three of the last five contests, and with CJ1.5k beginning to hit his stride, the passing game should only open up for Hasselbeck.

Denarius Moore:  The largest beneficiary of Carson Palmer is right here.  Moore has all the talent in the world, as we spoke of earlier in the year, but lacked the consistency to make himself a reliable fantasy option.  Now, he’s found a real connection with Palmer and I’m excited to see what the future holds for this talented young man (and for my waiver claim on him).

Earl Bennett:  I’m not sure what to make of the situation with Bennett.  On one hand, Cutler had a very sub-par night and the Bears passing game looked anemic.  On the other hand, Bennett was able to produce despite all of that, being the only receiving who really carried his weight.  He’s definitely worth a look, just know that donuts are a very real possibility.

Ed Dickson:  A large portion of Dickson’s production was a result of Seattle taking away the deep ball from Flacco, but still, whenever a player posts that sort of night it’s reason to take notice.  I wouldn’t expect him to have another game of that magnitude, but I could see the Ravens making a concerted effort to get him more involved, especially given the sorry state of their offense.

I’ll see you back here next week! Until then, be sure to check me out on Twitter, and feel free to shoot any questions you might have.