Our Start Em and Sit Em Advice is a unique mixture of weekly fantasy rankings, bold statements, player projections and player analysis. Most Fantasy Sites just state the obvious when it comes to Start Bench Advice, but not us! Here at Fantasy Football Xtreme, we provide our users with an aggressive, yet calculated, fantasy football Start Bench List. Our Fantasy Advice is like no other — And if you have a specific start/sit dilemma that needs some serious attention and or evaluation, post your Who do I start & Who do I sit questions on our Start Bench Advice Forum.
Also, don’t forget to check out all of our Weekly Projections, Fantasy Articles and Player Spotlights.
In a very tough and highly competitive Udder Chaos IDP Redraft Expert League, Fantasy Football Xtreme (Tavaner) took home the 2012 Championship. Each year we compete against some of the best fantasy sites in the industry and this year was no different.
As always we put our advice to the test against some of the best and led the league in scoring. This league included our host Jim Day from FantasyTaz.com, RC from JunkyardJake.com., Jeff Haseley from FootballGuys.com, Corey Parson from SiriusXM Fantasy Sports Radio, Adam Ronis from RotoExperts.com, and Todd Colburn from FantasyInsights.com just to name a few.
This is a very unique league with different scoring for each position and position limits at each position. You have to start 2 Quarterbacks (roster 3 max), 1 Running Back (roster 3 max), 2 Tight Ends (roster 4 max), 4 Wide Receivers (roster 6 max).
At Fantasy Football Xtreme we always point out that the draft is only one step in building a winning team and this team offers a perfect example of that. Overall I’d have rated the draft a B. Offensively the draft left us with Aaron Rodgers and Michael Vick/Nick Foles at QB; Maurice Jones-Drew/Fred Jackson at RB; Eric Decker, Vincent Jackson, and Kenny Britt at three of the four WR positions and Fred Davis at one TE position.
Drawing from the IDP rankings we built a solid core of linebackers with Patrick Willis, London Fletcher, Sean Weatherspoon, Lavonte David (from the Rookie Draft Kit) as our LB4 and Wesley Woodyard (IDP Sleeper list). All but Weatherspoon (due to injury) finished in the top 16 scoring for the league with Fletcher and David ranked 8th and 9th respectively.
At the Defensive Tackle position we grabbed Gino Atkins and Kyle Williams. Atkins went on to lead the league in scoring at his position. Kyle Williams combined with Atkins to form a starting duo scoring in the top five at the position for the first eleven weeks. These were the only two at their position on the roster for the first eight weeks.
At CornerBack Jason McCourty (13th) and Janoris Jenkins, our CB3 in the 31st round, were plug and play starters from Week 1 and finished 7th and 4th in scoring respectively for their position.
At Defensive End Calais Campbell was the only one who stuck but he was a top five scorer at his position.
This is a blind bid league with $100 available. Jordan Cameron, Brandon Myers, and Alfred Morris, all acquired in the first week of blind bidding were the major acquisitions. They finished 10th, 5th and 9th in scoring for their positions.
Via FCFS waivers, Willis McGahee (Week 4), LaRon Landry (Week 5), Ben Watson (Week 11- from Weeks 11-16 he was TE13 in scoring) were the major contributors.
Finally, the starting lineup was set each week based on the same criteria that Fantasy Football Xtreme’s weekly Start & Bench Advice uses. Win or lose what I share with you is what I follow and it was good enough to lead this league in scoring and bring home a championship!
League Home | Rosters | Draft Results | Playoff Results
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After the Baltimore Ravens week 6 performance vs the Dallas Cowboys, an NFL Staff member writing on this blog stated “New rule: Start your running backs against the Ravens”.
The staffer doesn’t provide much information as to why, but only mentions the following tidbit “More proof that the Ravens rushing defense isn’t what it used to be: DeMarco Murray has 39 yards on four carries and Felix Jones ripped off 21 yards and a TD on his first carry.”
With that said, lets look a little more inside the numbers to see if this is a plausible statement to abide by…
The first two weeks they gave up 100+ rushing yards but managed to curb it in weeks 3+4 (only giving up a combined 128 yards). However, when they did manage to stop the run, they got crushed in the pass game in weeks 3+4 by giving up a combined 633 passing yards. There are not many teams that can win week in and week out giving up 300+ yards a week.
Why the outlook is so bad for the Ravens defense (and why you should start any running back on your team against the Ravens defense): The Ravens have clearly had their defensive struggles but have somehow managed to maintain a record of 5-1, however, Ray Lewis, the Defensive leader of the team not just in terms of experience but also leading the team in tackles this year went down with an torn tricep injury and is done for the season. Also, the Ravens best corner Lardarius Webb is gone for the year with a torn ACL.
For a already struggling defense that now lost arguably their two best players, facing one of the leagues best running backs in Arian Foster and the Texans in week 7, it is simply not possible for the Baltimore Ravens to patch up the defense to stop the run AND stop the pass while trying to replace Lewis and Webb in a single week. The only way they will win vs the Texans or anyone this year is, dare I say, the offensive unit of Flacco, Rice, Bolden, Smith, Pitta putting up consistently good numbers.
Is Baltimore’s new slogan “Offense wins Championships?” It’s something to watch out for in coming weeks.
Related Tags » arian foster • Baltimore Ravens Defense • Lardarius Webb • Passing Yards Allowed • ray lewis • Rushing Yards Allowed
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While you’re waiting, how about check out our Rankings, Full Season Projections, or Week 1 Projections. Did you know we even have a team manager so set your line-up as soon as you’ve drafted.
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Below Bones has provided his Week 17 Start Bench Advice. We realize not every league plays through Week 17… in fact, we advise against it, as too many players it out Week 17 from season to season. For those that play on, here is to you…
1.) Tom Brady. I know that seems like a no-brainer, but with the possibility of playoff players being rested, maybe not so much. I think Brady plays a lot this week. Not only do the Pats need to win to achieve home field advantage throughout the playoffs, it’s just the Belechik way. He always wants to pound the opponent. But additionally, I bet he wants to have Brady surpass Marino’s single season yardage record TOO, just so people HAVE to include Brady’s name with Brees for years to come. Yes, they are that conceited in New England, but what do you care if you are starting Brady and getting 300+ yards and 3 TDs?
2.) Hakeem Nicks. Great players tend to bounce back after a poor performance, and Hakeem is going to desperately want to atone for 1 catch for 20 yards last week. Additionally, he shot off his mouth about getting off of Revis Island, so he HAS to make up for that too. Oh, and there is this small thing of playing a “play-in” game into the playoffs, against an arch rival, on your home turf. Look for Eli to target his #1 receiver more than 7 times this week, and for Nicks to approach 100 yards and get a score or two.
3.) Kahlil Bell. I said it last week and I’ll say it again, the Chicago offense has been geared towards Matt Forte all season, and Bell is “Forte Light.” Anyone who watched him run this past weekend against Green Bay who needs a RB has got to snatch him up. He was patient, hit the right holes, and ran for 121 yards on 23 carries. He also caught 4 balls for 38 yards. He should get those 25+ touches again this week, and this time he holds onto the ball near the end zone and scores a touchdown to boot.
1.) Toby Gerhart: With AP done for the year, he’ll get 20+ touches and approach 100 yards as he did in his previous 3 starts.
2.) Rashard Mendenhall: He’s back, Big Ben may sit again, and he goes against Cleveland’s porous run defense.
3.) Marshawn Lynch: He scored the only rushing TD against the vaunted 49er defense, and now plays Arizona. Touchdown Lynch!
4.) Maurice Jones-Drew: He gets the Colts and he will get to tell us fantasy folks whats what after he secures the rushing title.
5.) Larry Fitzgerald: The Cards won’t be able to run on Seattle, and Skelton is starting, which is good for Fitzy.
6.) CJ Spiller: Smitty calls another one, as he gets better with more touches each week. He’ll catch a number of balls vs. New England.
7.) Ben Tate: Houston is locked into the #3 seed, so why run Arian Foster out there to risk injury? Tate carries the load.
8.) Frank Gore: The 49er’s can lock down a 1st round bye (I can’t believe I can type that!), so Gore will thrash the St. Louis D.
9.) Wes Welker: He will want to wrap up the best receiver stats in the league, and will easily do it against the Bills.
10.) Tim Tebow: He will be focused on the Chiefs and not Christmas this week. Seriously, someone who works as hard as him will make up for last weeks disaster. 40 yards rushing and a TD on the ground is just the beginning…
1.) Aaron Rogers: Welcome to the philosophy opposite of New England’s. The deed is done, the #1 playoff seed is secure, so the regulars will get rested. It isn’t about records and personal glory here, it’s about winning Super Bowls. Rogers will sit and the coaching staff with get the back-up some playing time. If you had Rogers all year he probably got you into the championship game with last weeks performance (I had a 27 point comeback to win mine thankyouverymuch Mr. Rogers!), now you have to find a back-up. I’d take a real quick look to see if Joe Webb is available on the waiver wire.
2.) LeSean McCoy: He either tweaked an ankle or sprained a knee, but regardless, the Eagles are out of the playoff hunt, and McCoy can’t lead the league in rushing, so why risk your number one asset? Sure there is a team record for most yards from scrimmage, but as LeSean said, he can get that next year. Even though Andy Reed says he may play, I wouldn’t trust him to be on the field very long, if at all. I’m guessing not at all.
3.) Tony Romo: Remember in “Bugs Life” when the insect is flying towards the Bug zapper and another one yells out, “Don’t go towards the light”? Well, I ain’t going towards Tony Romo this week. Too much history here. He doesn’t play well in December; he doesn’t play well when everything is on the line; he has a bruised hand (most of his owners are at best in the bronze medal game now after last weeks goose egg); he is on the road; the game is against the Giants, who beat the ‘Boys a few weeks ago IN Dallas; it’s the 5:20 game and everyone will be watching, etc. etc. Count me out.
1.) Arian Foster: Why risk the injury when Houston is already locked into the #3 seed?
2.) Andre Johnson: He’ll only play a little bit to get the rust out.
3.) Darren McFadden: Ditto Andre Johnson…if he plays at all.
4.) Vincent Jackson: He’s beat up and the Chargers have been eliminated from the playoffs.
5.) LeGarrette Blount: Fumbled on the 1st series and got benched the rest of the game. Need I say more?
6.) Cedric Benson: Goes against Baltimore with everything on the line for both teams. I say the Raven D wins this battle.
7.) Mike Williams: Three straight games of 4 catches and 40 yards or less; this won’t win you anything.
8.) Steven Jackson: He’s a workhorse, but the Niner’s have something to play for.
9.) Kevin Smith: I’m guessing getting in the playoffs after all these years is enough for the Lions; they’ll rest him.
10.) Chris Johnson: What have you done for me lately?
None
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(12/21/11) Below is our Week 16 Start Bench Advice for the 2011 fantasy football season. Not sure who to start, and who to sit? This week we will attack the topic a bit differently. Enjoy.
Arian Foster could be the best start of all fantasy backs entering Week 16. He faces the 28th-ranked rushing defense this week in the Colts, a defense that surrenders 138.7 yards and 1.28TDs per game on the ground. Here is the thing, though… if Houston gets up early in this one, which is entirely possible, Ben Tate could have a 80-yard outing with a score… that’s on top of Foster’s 120+ and a score (with 30-40 receiving yards). This might be one of those weeks where you start both backs if you own both, but ONLY if your line-up is lacking to begin with, let’s say at the flex position… Despite the fantastic match-up in this battle, only the two Houston backs are worth starting in Week 16… Andre Johnson is out for Week 16. As for those Colts’ players, Donald Brown is a strong flex-play despite facing a top five Texans’ rushing defense… past Brown, no Colts players are worth starting in this one, unless you play in a 14+ team league and need either Pierre Garcon or Reggie Wayne as your fantasy WR3 or flex-option.
Kansas City played great last week, but their rushing defense ranks 24th in the league this season and surrenders one rushing TD per contest. Michael Bush should rush for well over 80 yards and a score in this one. Expect him to add 3-4 receptions for 30-40 yards as well. Darrius Heyward-Bey is the only other Raiders player worth starting this week; Heyward-Bey is coming off two solid weeks in a row (5/78-0TDs and 8/155-1TD).
Maurice Jones-Drew should be good for 120 total yards and at least one score against the Titans (23rd against the run) in Week 16. I wouldn’t recommend starting any other Jaguars during this championship weekend. Chris Johnson and Damian Williams are the only Titan plays this week. CJ2K could bust, sure, but it’s near impossible to sit him given he can rush for 150+ yards and a score during any given contest. This week, though, I expect CJ2K to rack-up about 110 rushing yards, which is roughly what Jacksonville gives up each week on the ground. Expect CJ to score. Williams should pull in 3-4 balls for 60 yards, so he is flex-worthy this week.
Peyton Hillis, who rushed for 99 yards and a score last week, certainly waited too long to help most fantasy owners. His match-up this week will likely have anyone using him left disappointed. I see Hillis rushing for 60 yards and no scores, at best, in this one. Anything can happen, sure, but Baltimore ranks 2nd against the run this year. Start no Browns players. Ray Rice should be good for 120+ rushing yards and 30-40 receiving yards against that second-to last Browns rushing defense. Cleveland is actually 3rd against the pass, so I don’t recommend playing Joe Flacco, or any BAL receivers this week (except Torrey Smith as a fantasy WR3).. I see BAL getting up early and just running Ray Rice into the ground. It wouldn’t be all that shocking if Rice had a 2TD-performance this week.
C.J. Spiller is arguably a top 5-7RB this week against the 20th-ranked Broncos rushing defense. This game should be a close one for the most part, so Spiller will be heavily involved, just like last week. Spiller should rack-up 100+ total yards and 1TD. Ryan Fitzpatrick isn’t a great start, but he isn’t the worst start either, as he faces the 20th-ranked Broncos passing defense. With Stevie Johnson iffy to play (monitor our news all week on that), David Nelson is a very sneaky, yet desperate, fantasy WR3 play. Tim Tebow should be good for 200 passing yards and 1TD against that Bills passing defense (16th).. Tebow should also rush for 60-70 yards and a score, as the Bills are 29th against the run… Willis McGahee is a bit banged up, but he appears to be ready for Week 16. Keep checking our news all week on his status, but McGahee should be good for 100 rushing yards and a score against that soft rushing defense!
Start LeGarrette Blount against the 25th-ranked rushing defense, and start no other Bucs players (unless you’re in the deepest of leagues and have either Mike Williams or Josh Freeman a starters). Cam Newton should dominate the 26th-ranked Bucs passing defense. I have Newt pegged fro 300 yards, 2TDs, with 40 yards rushing and a score. Steve Smith should have 4-5 receptions for 80-90 yards and a score. I only touch those CAR runners if I’m desperate, because you don’t know when either DeAngelo Williams or Jonathan Stewart will show up in the box score… If I had to pick one in a deeper league, I start DWill and hope for 50 and a score.
It’s tough to predict what kind of production fantasy owners will get out of Adrian Peterson this week, but he should have a strong shot at 80 rushing yards and a score. Check our news to ensure that he has suffered no setbacks with his ankle. Start Percy Harvin as a strong flex-play, or even a low-end fantasy WR2 this week… with AP back, it’s tough to expect more than 60 yards receiving, maybe 15-20 rushing, and just a shot at a touchdown.
Steven Jackson might have just a mediocre outing against the Steelers’ 6th-ranked rushing defense… 60-70 and even a shot at a score would be a nice day against this defense, especially given that the Steelers could be up early in this game, which will force the Rams to pass in the second half. Rashard Mendenhall could have 120 rushing and a score in this game, as he faces the league’s worst rushing defense in the Rams. Ben Roethlisberger is an iffy play given he is banged up and there is talk he could even sit the game out (monitor our news on this one)… Mike Wallace is a must-start no matter what, and could go for 100 and a score during any given week… Antonio Brown is a must-play at WR3 and flex positions, as he too is capable of such an explosion.
Eli Manning will save you one week, then crash and burn your season the next week, that’s the risk when you rely on Eli. This is another reason we (FFX) always have Eli “underrated” in most fantasy owners’ eyes. Don’t count on Eli this week, as that Jets passing defense should go to work on him early and often. It’s tough to bench either Hakeem Nicks or Victor Cruz this week, as it’s tough to imagine most fantasy owners having much stronger alternatives… that said, expecting even 60 and a touch each is not advised. One of the two might score, but could be under 50 yards… that makes both tough to count on… Shonn Greene should be good for 70-80 rushing yards and a touchdown this week.. only Santionio Holmes deserves consideration past Greene this week (as far as Jets players are concerned)… Holmes has had four-straight weeks with a score, and while his yardage totals are consistently lacking, 40-50 yards and that touchdown is quite reasonable against the league’s fourth-to-last passing defense. Despite the match-up, I refuse to trust Mark Sanchez… Plaxico Burress is a very questionable play this week, as he has pulled in just one pass over the last two weeks. Ahmad Bradshaw is no lock to get double-digit carries, but I think he is a relatively safe flex-option this week… I think 60-70 total yards and a strong shot to score is in the cards against the Jets’ 16th-ranked passing defense.
Beanie Wells and every Cardinals player not named Larry Fitzgerald is a risky play this week against a tough Cincy defense. I wouldn’t sit Wells for another risky alternative, but don’t sit someone consistent and safe in favor of Wells this week, that’s all I’m saying. Fitz should be good for 80 and a score, as even if losing, the Cards will be passing, passing, passing. Cedric Benson is a decent RB2 play this week and could have 80 or so rushing yards and a score. A.J. Green is going to be so good, it is hard to even put it into words. He looks like a still-maturing Randy Moss… there is no other way to describe his upside. Start Green if you own him, as he is easily capable of 5-6 catches, 90-100 yards and a touchdown. Dynasty leaguers owners better start targeting this kid before it’s way too late. Once Green develops spacial awareness, and once he puts on a bit of weight, he will be as impossible to guard as Calvin Johnson is.
Ryan Mathews is one of the best running back starts this week.. he faces the 27th-ranked Lions rushing defense, and this game should be close, which means running won’t get thrown out the window in that 4th quarter. Philip Rivers should throw for 250+ and 2-3 scores, and is a strong championship play this week. Vincent Jackson and Antonio Gates should each grab 70+ receiving yards and a score. Calvin Johnson is money for 70-80 yards and a score in this contest, and Matthew Stafford should be good for 250+ and 2-3 scores, just like Rivers. Titus Young has a decent shot at 50-60 yards and a score… Start those Lions RBs at your own risk, I sure don’t recommend any of them during such an important week.
It’s fantasy championship week and this one is like a real life playoff game. Play your studs. Romo has a good game of 250 yards and a score. Which receiver will it be though? All 4, i.e., Jason Witten, Laurent Robinson, Dez Bryant, and Miles Austin are viable plays. Austin clearly re-established himself as the #1 guy last week, so he’ll get the most, say 60 yards and the score. Felix Jones will go off for over 125 all-purpose yards and might just win your league for you. LeSean McCoy will join him for over 125 yards, and with 20 TD’s on the year, could score twice. Maclin had no issues with him hammy last week, so play him and hope for 70 yards. Brent Celek has averaged 5 catches for 70 yards the past 8 weeks, so play him too. The high reward-risk player is DeSean Jackson. I can see him and Vick connect for a 50 yard TD. You drafted him to play him; and you’d hate yourself seeing 12 PPR points sitting on your bench on one play in your championship week. Insert him and hope for the best!
This has all the makings of a low scoring affair. SF proved it’s defense is for real against Pittsburg, and Seattle always plays tough at home. Not many fantasy points here. You do not play either QB, i.e., Alex Smith or Tarvaris Jackson. The only real plays here are Frank Gore, Vernon Davis, and Marshawn Lynch. Gore is banged up, so am not expecting more than 70 yards. But he’ll get the ball at the goal line, and he is a stud, so play him. Vernon Davis is hit and miss each week, but with the Niners receivers expected to have a bad day in Seattle, you play him and hope he gets the targets. I’d say he will, and will rack up over 50 yards. Marshawn Lynch obviously has been hot, so you have to insert him. But against the #1 run defense in the land, don’t expect over 75 yards or a score. Honestly, the only sure bet in this game is David Akers, who will set the single season field goal record in this one.
Yikes! I think GB makes up for it’s flub at KC last week and takes it out on the Bears. Aaron Rodgers goes for over 300 and 2 TDs, Jermicheal Finley catches the ball this week to the tune of 80 yards and a score, and Jordy Nelson gets back on the horse for 60 and a score. Ryan Grant has looked good the past 2 weeks, but Starks is lurking, so I would look for other options. There is no QB or WR to play in Chicago, but a sneaky flex play is going to be Kahlil Bell. He is a mini-Matt Forte, and this offense was built for Forte. Barber will start because he’s the vet, but Bell surprises for 15-18 touches and gets you over 90 yards in this one. Obviously a call for the not faint of heart, but if you need to replace an injured player, Bell could be your ticket. All other position players in this one get 50 or less yards unless they hit that “one big play”, so look elsewhere.
What? Two good Monday night games in a row? And a fantasy bonanza to boot! Drew Brees continues on his march to shatter Marino’s record, and goes for over 300 and 3 TD’s in this one. Colston will get 70 and a score, Sproles will all-purpose you for 80 and a score, and a sneaky flex play is Lance Moore, who seems to get the TDs on minimal touches. Mark him down for another one. Pierre Thomas could be another good flex play, as he got 80 all-purpose yards last week. And of course, you start Jimmy Graham, who should also go off for 70 yards and a score. Matt Ryan will have to keep up with Brees, and lately has been hot, so he’ll get 300 also, with 2 TD passes. Roddy White gets one of them (he has scored in 4 straight games) and 85 yards, Tony Gonzalez will try to show the young pup Graham how it’s really done and will get 60+ on many targets. Micheal Turner is the wild card, but against the Saints D I start him and think he gets 80 on the ground and about 10 more in the air. Julio Jones should get on the act too for over 50 yards, but could get all that in one play, so you have to start him too. Fantasy and real life goodness all around in this one!
A real life blow-out should result in some good fantasy production for both teams. Tom Brady has nine 300 yards games and this should be his 10th, especially against the 24th ranked pass defense. He’ll throw for 3 TDs. Wes Welker and Gronkowski will bounce back from being shut down in Denver; I’d expect each of them to explode for 80+ yards and a score. In week one Welker went off for 8 catches and 160 yards against the Fins! Aaron Hernandez is a guy you have to start, but temper expectations after last weeks career best day. More like 50 yards this week. The NE running back situation is one to avoid, but not so in Miami, where Reggie Bush RUSHED for over 200 yards last week. Another RB who could surprisingly win your league for you. I’m putting him down for 100+ all-purpose yards and a score. Brandon Marshall could torch the Pats secondary, put him down for 80 and a score too. Matt Moore is a high end QB2 this week for those of you in 2 QB leagues.
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(12/13/11) Below is our Week 15 Start Bench Advice for the 2011 fantasy football season. Not sure who to start, and who to sit? This week we will attack the topic a bit differently. Enjoy.
Maurice Jones-Drew has been going nuts lately, but he does face the 5th-best rushing defense in the league in the Falcons. That said, MJD is a beast in the receiving game, and since that could be more than half the battle in this one, MJD is more than capable of totaling 100 ru/rec yards and 1 score. No other Jaguar players are worth starting in this one. Matt Ryan should be good for 300 and 2, with Roddy White and Julio Jones each pulling in one of those scores (and 70-80 receiving yards each). Michael Turner should play in this one, but check the news up until kickoff just to be sure he doesn’t suffer a setback. If he plays, and again we expect him to as of now, Turner should be good for 100 yards and a score against a very mediocre rushing defense.
Felix Jones should have a nice outing now that he is going to get starter carries… 100 and a score is doable for Jones this week against the Bucs. Felix could also grab 3-4 passes for 25 or so yards. Tony Romo should be good for 250+ and 2, while Miles Austin and Dez Bryant each grab a score and about 70 yards. Jason Witten should pull in 4-5 passes for 70 or so himself. Dallas is top 10 against the run, so LeGarrette Blount might not have a monster game in Week 15. I honestly am not a fan of starting any Bucs in Week 15, unless Blount is your flex-play or low-end RB2. Don’t sit Blount for a scrub, that’s not what I’m saying, but Blount shouldn’t be starting in place of any consistent alternative.
Cedric Benson should have a nice outing against the Rams, a rushing defense that ranks dead-last in the league against the run. Ced could easily get 100 yards and a score in this battle, which could provide a dilemma for many owners that own Ced as more of a back-up. A.J. Green, like Julio Jones, is capable of doing nothing one week, but then getting 100 and a score the next. Green is a fine fantasy WR3/flex play, and he is almost too explosive to sit in favor of other iffy plays. Start both Steven Jackson and Brandon Lloyd this week, but that’s it for those Rams players. SJax could rack-up 100 yards rushing, 20-40 receiving and will have a decent shot at a score. Lloyd is a safe bet for 70 or so yards and a shot at a score.
Chris Johnson should have a big Week 15, as he faces the third-to-last rushing defense in the league in the Colts. Damian Williams could be good for 70 or so yards and a receiving touchdown. Past those two, I sit all Titans this week. As for those Colt players, only Pierre Garcon and Reggie Wayne even deserve consideration in Week 15, and that’s if you play in a larger league.
Aaron Rodgers and those Green Bay starters should play most of this game, but if the Pack are up early, don’t be shocked if the starters take an early seat in the 4th quarter. Rodgers should have 300 and at least 2TDs in this one, regardless of an early departure to the bench, and Jordy Nelson will grab one of those, plus rack-up about 90 yards off at least 5-6 catches. James Jones is a nice sleeper candidate now that Greg Jennings is out… Both Nelson and Jones get a huge bump due to Jennings’ absence. I know Ryan Grant went nuts in Week 14, scoring twice and rushing for over 80 yards, but he didn’t look super-quick or explosive, and I’m not so sure he is going to earn more than low-end fantasy RB2/flex-type value moving forward. Start Dwayne Bowe as a fantasy WR3 and hope he catches a long pass…. past that, I wouldn’t start any other Chiefs.
Drew Brees should destroy that Vikings passing defense, which ranks 26th in the league. I know most expect Marques Colston to continue his insane play, but I think fantasy owners should curb expectations a bit. A touchdown is certainly in the cards, but I wouldn’t be shocked if Brees spread the ball around enough to leave Colston with just 50 or so yards. Expect a lot of running in the 4th quarter of this one, but Brees will have done some serious damage by that point. Jimmy Graham will likely have that 80-yard-performance with one score… Adrian Peterson is back, but is it too late for most AP owners? Hopefully not in your case. While it’s tough to expect 100 and a score in his first game back from that high-ankle sprain, I think it’s absolutely possible. If AP suffers no setbacks and is a go for this one, don’t think about it, just play him. There is nothing to think about.
Despite the decent match-up for the Browns, I really don’t like any Cleveland players in this game. I start Beanie Wells and expect 80 and a score, and Larry Fitzgerald should pull in 90 and a touch in this outing. Early Doucet is a serviceable option, but only in the deepest of leagues.
There isn’t a lot to like with the Redskins for a fantasy playoff team, but Roy Helu has certainly emerged as a viable option of late and against the Giants run defense he should prove to be a solid RB start, around 90 yards and a score. Santana Moss and Jabar Gaffney should both also be able to find some success against the Giants, I like both as solid WR3 starts this week. I wonder if those burned by Ahmad Bradshaw in week 14 lived to survive another week… most likely not and it would be a good idea to forget about playing him this week against this Skins. Instead, look to Brandon Jacobs to provide your team with RB2 type numbers, he’s running hard and playing hoping to find a suitor next season. The passing game has been clicking lately for the G-men too, so Eli Manning should easily surpass the 300-yard mark and throw for three scores. Topping the receiving corps is Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz, both of whom should go over 100 yards and with a score.
The Texans defense is for real, so play your Panther players with caution. Cam Newton should still be in your lineup, but be prepared for a sub-250 yard output with a single score. Steve Smith is another to keep in your lineup, but expect pedestrian 5-50 type numbers. Leave the rest of the Panther players on your bench if you can help it. The Texans offense is not what it was, but Arian Foster is still a stud and gets a better match-up this week – expect him to be back in a big way with 120 rushing yards and a score. Owen Daniels is likely to lead the team in targets again if Andre Johnson is shelved for another week, so play him with confidence.
The Seahawks have little going on outside of Marshawn Lynch, and he continues to be a must start for owners – I like him to cross the century mark this week. No one else for the Seahawks is worth a start. The Bears are in nearly as much trouble offensively after losing Jay Cutler and Matt Forte, but Marion Barber isn’t a bad play if you need an RB3 that will give you 70 yards and the potential for a score. Outside of those two players, there isn’t much to see here.
The Lions, like the Dolphins and Packers before them, should have little trouble moving the ball against this defense. Matthew Stafford looks good for just under 300 yards and a pair of scores, Calvin Johnson should get near 100 yards with a score and, if healthy, Kevin Smith should have a nice day on the ground with 75 yards rushing and another 25 receiving. Other the other side, we have the Raiders who were unable to do anything against the Packers last week in spite of the fact that defense is one of the league’s worst. They are at home, which should help, but this offense has not been the same without Darren McFadden, so I hesitate to suggest considering anyone a great start. Michael Bush has the potential for 75+ yards and a score against this defense, but could just as easily underperform if they fall behind too quickly. No one else in this offense is consistent enough to trust, so leave them on your bench.
The Patriots could find themselves in trouble this week on the road against a very confident team, who are playing great defensively. Tom Brady will still throw for 250 yards and a couple of scores, but he’s not a confident fantasy play in my mind. Rob Gronkowski and Wes Welker are the only two guys he really looks to, so both should have their normal 6-8 catches, 90-100 yards and a score, but the rest of this offense should be benched. If you want to take a chance the Pats will actually run the ball, go ahead and Play Benjarvus Green-Ellis as an RB3. For Denver, this could be the week Tim Tebow actually has success throwing the ball and I wouldn’t be a bit surprised if he goes over 300 yards passing against this secondary – it is that bad. One of his two touchdown passes will go to the suddenly hot Demaryius Thomas, who is finally healthy and showing why Brandon Marshall was expendable a few years ago… get him in your lineup. Finally, Willis McGahee is a nice play against the Patriots as an RB1 capable of upwards of 100 yards and a score.
The only Jet you want is Shonne Greene. New York has been winning since handing him the rock more, and that will continue here. Expect another 100 yard game and a score, and maybe another couple of fantasy points on receiving yards. Jets receivers are rendered useless as a result. Sanchez can be a QB2, but he spreads the ball around so much he has reduced stud WR Santonio Holmes to WR3 status. Although the Jets suffered a huge loss with safety Jim Leonhard going down, DeSean Jackson is still going to spend his day on Revis Island. Maclin’s hammy tightened up last Sunday, and Micheal Vick is still sore. There is not a lot of upside in this one, as even the Dolphins defense gave the Eagles fits. Play your starters if you HAVE to, but I’d look for other possibilities here. The Jets defense gives up only 310 yards a game, so you can even play them here.
The Ravens lost their best CB to injury in Lardarius Webb, BUT Ray Lewis comes back and Terrell Suggs (he of 13 sacks) goes against new LT Jared Gaither. I hope you have insurance for Philip Rivers! Still, Vincent Jackson could get behind Webb’s replacement and hit a big one. I wouldn’t bench him. Start Antonio Gates, who has been the #2 TE in the game the past 4 weeks. He’ll get even more looks with the pressure on Rivers, so pen him in for 10 targets, 60+ yards, and a score. Ryan Matthews will come in under 100 yards in this one, and I suspect Micheal Tolbert will vulture a TD against that tough Ravens’ defense. Ray Rice should go off for more than 20 fantasy points again, that is a no-brainer. But Joe Flacco and Anquan Boldin both hold promise in this one.
Frank Gore’s coach admitted he is playing less than 100%, but with the stinker against Arizona threatening home field advantage in the playoffs, Gore should play. But he won’t get much against an improved Steelers’ run defense of late. Put him down for 70 yards. Micheal Crabtree should catch a few balls on slant routes, give him 5 catches and 40 yards. Vernon Davis could reappear in this one, as Alex Smith will have to dump off quickly. He gets 50 yards and the score if the Niners are in the red zone. You HAVE to watch the news this week about Big Ben, but really, does anyone think he won’t play? The guy is a stud and will go off for 250+ yards because the Niners will shut down Mendenhall to the tune of all of 60 yards. Antonio Brown and Mike Wallace are WR1′s with Big Ben starting. Each scores and gets 70+ yards. If Ben sits, you’re sunk. Keep looking to FFX’s News and Spotlights for updates about Big Ben.
A yawner for the NFL fan, but goodness for us fantasy types. Reggie Bush has been the man of late and should go off for 100+ yards from scrimmage and a score. Brandon Marshall will go off, IF Moore is the starter at QB for the Fins. If not, knock him down to WR3 status. Ryan Fitzgerald has been a mess since signing that contract, I wouldn’t even think of him as a QB2 if he weren’t in front of the home folks. Stevie Johnson went for 2-16-0 against the Fins defense 4 weeks ago, and had numbness in his hand on Sunday. You can’t start him with confidence either. CJ Spiller is your one Bills play, but he starts as a flex option only. With injuries to Bills receivers, this may finally be the game CJ gets 20 touches. I’m thinking he eclipses 80 yards between running and dump off passes.
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Looking for defensive rankings against the run and the pass through Week 14?
Looking for always-updated 2011 Weekly Fantasy Football Player Projections?
Our Weekly Projections are constantly updated all week long!!!
- “Fantasy Takes” attached to each player
- Sortable by position
- PPR projections
- Non-PPR projections
- Viewable by match-up
- Viewable by overall points projected
View Weekly Projections | Try our Start/Bench Analyzer!!!
Don’t forget to leave your comments below regarding our 2011 Start ‘Em and Sit ‘Em advice. Also, for year-round fantasy football talk, or for Start and Bench Advice from a large group of people, jump on our Fantasy Football Forums!
Related Tags » 2011 fantasy football • bench em • expert advice • line up help • sit em • Start Bench Advice • start em • Week 15 • week 15 start bench advice • wk 15
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