Start 'em, Sit 'em: Week 12 Edition (Game Picks Included)

A majority of fantasy football leagues' regular seasons should be winding down at this point, which means the "new" season, also known as the playoffs, are right around the corner. Keeping up with your team's roster and making the right decisions when it comes to starting, and benching, certain players is very crucial from here on out.

Whether you've already locked up a playoff spot or are fighting for a chance to play in the winner's bracket, these are the guys you want to have in your lineup this week. I added some guys who you may want to stay away from, as well.

Quarterbacks

Start:

Ben Roethlisberger, vs. Buffalo

To me, I think this is rather obvious. Roethlisberger has racked up 275-plus yards and three touchdowns through the air in two consecutive games and has thrown just four interceptions in his six starts this season. Buffalo's defense has allowed 20 touchdown passes this season and has allowed the second-least turnovers with 11 (tied with Denver). Huge mismatch in Pittsburgh's favor.

Brett Favre, vs. Washington

Tough to predict what will happen with Favre at this point, but if you don't have an elite quarterback on your roster then Favre may be your best bet. He has a favorable matchup against the 29th-ranked passing defense in Washington, plus Favre's favorite target from 2009, Sidney Rice, seems to be close to getting back on track. Perhaps tomorrow is his breakout game.

Kyle Orton, vs. St. Louis

Orton has shown he belongs on the top 10 fantasy quarterbacks list this season. With at least one touchdown pass in all 10 of Denver's games, Orton has done everything he can for the Broncos, despite their 3-7 record. He hasn't been a winner in reality, but fantasy and reality can very easily have different outcomes when it comes to the National Football League. Orton has protected the ball well with just six interceptions and two fumbles. A matchup with St. Louis should produce solid numbers for Orton, but that doesn't necessarily mean Denver will come out victorious.

Matt Cassel, vs. Seattle

One of the more underrated quarterbacks, fantasy-wise at least, Cassel has a nice looking matchup Sunday against Seattle's 30th-ranked pass defense. Fighting to stay alive in the AFC West race, the only thing going against Cassel in this game is the fact that the Chiefs are 1-4 on the road and the game will be played in Seattle. Seattle has allowed at least 290 passing yards and a combined 10 touchdown passes in their past four games. Cassel is sure to be licking his chops right now.

Sit:

Eli Manning, vs. Jacksonville

This may surprise everyone, other than Eli's skeptics, considering the younger Manning brother has currently scored the sixth-most fantasy points among NFL quarterbacks (according to my league on ESPN.com). But after throwing three picks in last week's loss and losing leading receiver Hakeem Nicks for at least a couple weeks, I think a hot Jags team--on a season-high three game win streak--will be able to contain Eli and keep him from lighting up the scoreboard.

Matt Ryan/Aaron Rodgers, playing each other

Both are elite quarterbacks, but seeing as they are both signal callers for Super Bowl contenders coming out of the NFC, they each have tough defenses and will need to play safe football. Atlanta and Green Bay are both top six scoring defenses (Green Bay is tied with Chicago for least amount of points allowed with 146) and have intercepted 15 passes this season. Theses two elite quarterbacks may be seeing themselves throwing touchdown passes to the defenders, instead of their own receivers.

Running Backs

Start:

Peyton Hillis, vs. Carolina

Hillis has had a huge breakout season thus far, with three 100-yard games and eight touchdowns for the lowly Cleveland Browns. Facing off against Carolina, at home, is already great news for Hillis. What makes it even more of a no-brainer (starting Hillis, that is) is the fact that Jake Delhomme will be making his return to the lineup after rookie Colt McCoy suffered a high ankle sprain. This likely means Hillis will see more carries/touches come his way in order to take pressure off Delhomme.

Michael Turner, vs. Green Bay

It may look like I'm contradicting myself after listing Matt Ryan under the sit category and saying the game will be dominated by the defenses, but Turner has had some solid games and the ground game will be crucial against a defense that revolves around rushing the quarterback and stopping the pass. The only team Turner didn't fare well against in the past three games was Baltimore's smash-mouth defense led by veteran Ray Lewis. Turner will be the key to Atlanta coming out on top in this NFC showdown.

Ahmad Bradshaw, vs. Jacksonville

Jacksonville will be so focused on stopping Eli Manning that they will likely forget all about Bradshaw, who has done a nice job stepping in for the overrated Brandon Jacobs and has had a solid 2010 campaign. This success will continue as long as he works on that fumbling problem. Bradshaw is one of those bruising tailbacks who is bound to break-free nearly every time he touches the ball.

Mike Tolbert, vs. Indianapolis

With rookie Ryan Mathews still ailing, Tolbert has been forced to step up and recorded his second 100-yard game last week against the Broncos with 111 and a touchdown. Tolbert now has eight rushing touchdowns this season as a fill-in and has a favorable matchup against Indy's 29th-best run defense. Tolbert is a must-start if your backfield has been hit with the injury bug.

Sit:

Maurice Jones-Drew, vs. New York Giants

Jones-Drew has turned his disappointing season around the past few weeks, but an unfavorable matchup with the league's fourth-best run defense on the road in New York doesn't look like good for MJD and his Jags, who currently hold the lead in the AFC South. P.S. Their division lead will be short-lived with Peyton and Co.

Fred Jackson, vs. Pittsburgh

Sorry, Buffalo fans! But your current win streak will end tomorrow, at your house, against the phenomenal run defense of Pittsburgh. As will Jackson's two-game 100 yard-plus streak. But hey, it was great while it lasted, right?

Wide Receivers/Tight Ends

Start:

Mike Wallace, vs. Buffalo

Ben's favorite target will sure to get some looks against a defense that has allowed 20 touchdowns through the air this season. Buffalo has picked off just four of their opponents' pass attempts this season and I wouldn't be surprised if Roethlisberger tried to hook up with Wallace on a couple deep passes throughout the game.

Vernon Davis, vs. Arizona

Listed as probable, Davis seems to be gaining his health back. And after an off-game (1 catch for three yards against Tampa before leaving the game) last week Davis seems poised to break out with a solid performance against Arizona's weak pass defense, who has allowed the second-most points in the league this season.

Sit:

Roddy White, vs. Green Bay

I will most likely end up regretting the decision to put White on the sit list, but it's tough when he has such an unfavorable matchup against a defense like Green Bay's. Expect Matt Ryan to be pressured most of the game, meaning his passes may not be quite as on-target as usual. Therefore hurting White's number of targets.

Randy Moss, vs. Houston

Another big, superstar name on my sit list. But, if you are an active NFL fan then you know Moss's, and the Titans', story this season. Moss has been merely a decoy, leaving other Titan receivers with single coverage. With the injury to Vince Young, the rookie Rusty Smith will make his first career start, furthermore hurting Randy's stock. Maybe it's time for him to hang up his cleats? Just a thought.

Defense and STs/Kickers

Start:

Pittsburgh D/ST

Expect a couple of INTs and sacks of Buffalo's immobile Ryan Fitzpatrick as well as a stout run defense against Jackson. Maybe a touchdown or two as well?? We'll see.

Sebastian Janikowski, vs. Miami

The highest-scoring kicker this season may get quite a bit of opportunities tomorrow with a close game likely headed our way. Oakland has relied quite a bit on Janikowski and he has really pulled through. With Bruce Gradkowski returning to the lineup as the starter, we may see quite a few Sebastian field goal attempts.

Sit:

Chicago D/ST

Ok, yes, I understand that Chicago's defense has been the best there is this season, leading the league in several defensive categories. But they have yet to try and stop Vick, who is making a strong case for league MVP this season. In eight of Philly's 10 games the offense has put up 20 or more points. This very well may be the game of the week.

Tennessee D/ST

Houston knows they will be facing a rookie quarterback in Rusty Smith, so on offense I wouldn't be surprised if the Texans came right at Tennessee early and often, putting more pressure on Rusty Smith and his right arm.

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Game Picks:

Thanksgiving picks: Pats over Lions (correct), Saints over Cowboys (correct, barely), Jets over Bengals (correct).

Sunday November, 28, 2010

Giants over Jags

Steelers over Bills

Vikings over Skins

Browns over Panthers

Falcons over Packers

Texans over Titans

Chiefs over Seahawks

Raiders over Dolphins

Eagles over Bears

Rams over Broncos

Ravens over Bucs

Chargers over Colts

Monday November 29, 2010

Niners over Cardinals

Photo Credit

Kyle Orton: AP Photo/Ed Andrieski

Peyton Hillis: AP Photo/Mark Duncan

Fred Jackson: AP Photo/Ed Behrman

Vernon Davis: AP Photo/Paul Sakuma

Steelers' defense (James Farrior and Ryan Clark): AP Photo/Don Wright

Ben Jarvus Green-Ellis: AP Photo/Rick Osentoski

Week Six Fantasy Update: Start 'em Sit 'em

In the world of fantasy football, October means the heart of the season is well underway. Injuries vastly effect how fantasy owners' seasons unfold and since we're a month in to the season I can assure you that the injuries will continue to hit players hard.

Here's a few players you should start and, of course, those select few you should keep on your bench on this beautiful Sunday afternoon.

Start:

Mark Sanchez QB, NYJ (vs. DEN)

Sanchez has shown major improvement and maturity. With Braylon Edwards shining and the return of Santonio Holmes last week, New York's passing game will continue to thrive with Shonn Greene and Ladainian Tomlinson coming out of the backfield.

Drew Brees QB, NO (vs. TB)

Brees hasn't been quite up to par as compared to last year yet he still has the fourth-most passing yards in the league and has a convincing matchup with the Buccaneers today. It's not likely you would ever bench Brees, unless it's his bye week, but I thought I'd add him to the list just in case.

Ben Roethlisberger QB, PIT (vs. CLE)

Yes, I understand it's his first game since December of last season. But, he's been working out during his suspension, throwing 600-700 passes a week and seems to be in great football shape. Not to mention he's matched up with the hapless Cleveland defense. He may not even have to throw 30 passes today.

Brandon Jackson RB, GB (vs. MIA)

Aaron Rodgers looks to be making the start today, but if I was Mike McCarthy I would make sure I'm cautious with him. I don't expect him to throw the ball quite as often as usual, and giving Jackson (who is coming off a 115 yards performance vs. Washington last week) more carries.

Ryan Torain RB, WAS (vs. IND)

With the Colts giving up the third-most rushing yards in the league, I would expect the Skins to take advantage of that and run the ball more. Since taking over for Clinton Portis, Torain has yet to break 100-yards on the ground, but if he was to break 100, it would certainly be this week against Indy's weak run defense.

Hakeem Nicks WR, NYG (vs. DET)

Nicks has proved to be Eli Manning's go-to guy this season (has caught six of New York's eight receiving touchdowns). With Detroit's defense allowing the seventh-most passing yards in the league at this point, I expect Eli to throw the ball early and often, meaning Nicks will get plenty of balls thrown his way today.

Roddy White WR, ATL (vs. PHI)

White has played fantastic all season with three 100-yard games and three touchdown receptions so far. Philadelphia has allowed eight touchdowns through the air this season and Matt Ryan is poised for a big game in Philly. White is a must-start.

Steelers D/ST (vs. CLE)

This one seems a bit obvious to me. Pittsburgh is currently allowing the least amount of points a game and hasn't allowed a 100-yard rusher in 30+ games. With the combination of rookie Colt McCoy making his first career start, you've got an easy 20 points.

Sit:

Brett Favre QB, MIN (vs. DAL)

Favre is expected to make the start, but that doesn't mean you should start him. Favre's elbow is bound to bother him at least a little, plus DeMarcus Ware and Dallas' defense will hit him with every chance they get. I would expect him to be sacked a couple times and maybe even throw a couple of INTs.

Darren McFadden RB, OAK (vs. SF)

McFadden, like Favre, is likely to play (Favre will start, McFadden will likely just see playing time). But, with Michael Bush in the lineup, McFadden isn't likely to see too much of the field this afternoon as he tries to rest his hamstring. McFadden has played very well all season, but I wouldn't risk too much this week and just keep him on your bench.

Calvin Johnson WR, DET (vs. NYG)

Johnson is active for this afternoon's game, but he obviously isn't 100% and lining Shaun Hill up against New York's defense, Johnson may not even get many chances to show he deserves to be in your team's lineup.

Percy Harvin WR, MIN (vs. DAL)

Harvin had a spectacular 97-yard, two touchdown game last week against the Jets, but don't expect the same result this week with Dallas in town. Like I said above, Favre will be thrown around like a rag doll and Randy Moss may get most of the targets anyways.

Week six is just half an hour away. Enjoy the early slate of games and check back for recap and analysis later on.

Photo Credits

Drew Brees: AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin

Brandon Jackson: AP Photo/Evan Vucci

Roddy White: AP Photo/David Richard

Darren McFadden: AP Photo/Ben Margot