Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
Playoffs! Playoffs! Yes, we're talking playoffs. Hopefully you have made the playoffs and are still interested in looking for the best match ups to help you take the title. That is what I'll try to do for you today.
Best Fantasy Match ups of Week 15:
1. Cardinals @ Lions - Last week the Lions let up 47 points to the struggling offense of the Baltimore Ravens. What do you think the Cardinals are going to do after being completely shut down by the 49'ers? Watch out for big points. Larry Fitzgerald may not play, so look for a bigger contribution from Steve Breaston. I wouldn't suggest going for Early Doucette though. That's too much of a stretch in the playoffs. Make sure to start the Cardinals defense though.
2. Cowboys @ Saints - This has the potential of being a shoot out type of game. Personally, I don't think the Cowboys will make it much of a game. They may score 24+ points, but the Saints will score 34 at least in my opinion. Miles Austin is the must start with the way he's play the past 3 weeks (24, 24, 17 points). On the other side, it's the usual, and when I say usual, that now includes Robert Meachem. He only scored 8 points last week, but he did have 5 straight double digit weeks.
3. Texans @ Rams - Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson are sure to give you 15+ points a piece. They are just pure fantasy gold. Arian Foster, one of the biggest pickups of the week, will get the start at running back for the Texans. Look for him to get 10+ points easily as he had 10 points in a limited blow out loss last week. Steven Jackson is banged up so if you have the option, put him on the bench for this week. I also like the Texans defense just for the simple fact the Rams have the 25th ranked offense in the NFL.
Put em' in the Lineup:
QB - Carson Palmer, Chad Henne, Kyle Orton
I really look for the Bengals to go off this week in memory of Chris Henry. The Chargers are 10th in the league in pass defense, but you need to throw out the numbers in emotional games like these. Chad Henne has really made some progress as the season goes on. The Titans are still 31st in pass defense, and Henne has looked more confident and comfortable in the pocket each week. I actually like him better than both Hasselbeck and Roethlisburger this week. I have both Hasselbeck and Big Ben, but I am seriously thinking about starting Orton this week. I love his match up against the Raiders.
RB - Jamaal Charles, Lawrence Maroney, Justin Forsett
Jamaal Charles is a must start every week. I don't even know why I have him here. Remember last week, when I ripped Maroney and praised Sammy Morris. It's time for me to flip flop this week after the Pats came out with a completely different looking offense in the 2nd half last week. Forsett has scored a touchdown in each of the past 4 weeks. Look for him to continue that this weekend against the Bucs
WR - Jericho Cotchery, Eddie Royal, Michael Jenkins
The Atlanta Falcons really struggle against the pass. It looks like Sanchez will be back this weekend which should help Cotchery. I may be wrong about this, but I believe the Raiders just might double Brandon Marshall this week. If that is correct, then look for Royal to get at least 5 catches. That's pretty good if you're in a PPR league. As you'll see below, Jenkins will be the beneficiary of Roddy White being covered by Darelle Revis.
TE - Ben Watson, Tony Gonzalez, Fred Davis
From what I've heard and read, the New England Patriots did not have Bill O'Brien calling offensive plays in the 2nd half of the Carolina game. What I do know is that the offensive play calling was much better, i.e. balanced, and finally used the tight end position. Tony the Tiger will also benefit from Roddy White being covered by Revis. Fred Davis has 3 straight games at least 13 points. Look for much of the same against the Giants.
DEF - Jets, Cardinals, Texans
The Jets should smother the Falcons who still do not have Matt Ryan and Michael Turner. The Cardinals are playing the hapless Lions and I really like the Texans defense against the Rams.
Make em' ride the Bench:
QB - Alex Smith, Vince Young, Jay Cutler
Alex Smith has looked pretty good, but he's going up against the ball hawking Eagles. You just might see Asante Samuel go for a pick 6. Is Vince Young going to play? Even if he does, a pulled hamstring is a very tender injury. I hate Jay Cutler. I also don't trust him.
RB - Rashard Mendenhall, LaDanian Tomlinson, Ryan Grant
Mendenhall is going up against the #2 run defense in the league and Ryan Grant is going up against the #1 team. Guess what, they play each other. LT is here because the Bengals whole team will be flying on Sunday. I totally know this is a gut thing, but teams that have an emotional reason to play their best usually do.
WR - Randy Moss, Nate Burelson, Roddy White
Putting Randy Moss here is really hard for me. After 4 bad weeks, I feel like he's going to bust out, especially after being called out by the Media last week. I also feel like He'll continue to be double covered opening up another huge game for Wes Welker. It looks like Nate Burelson will not play. Even if he does, stay away from him. Roddy White is banged up and will be facing off against Darelle Revis. That is not a good match up.
TE - John Carslon, Dustin Keller
Despite scoring his first TD since week 1 last week, I highly suggest staying away from Carlson and his disappointing sophomore season. Dustin Keller has a combined point total of 2 for the past two weeks combined. Ouch. Whatever happened to this kid?
DEF - Bears, Redskins, Chargers
The Ravens offense finally got going last week against the Lions and take on a fraudulent defense in the Bears. Despite the loss to the Eagles last week, Eli Manning and the Giants offense got their groove back. Even with all the front office changes for the Redskins this week, it's still the same team on the field. I am choosing to sit the Chargers defense because the Bengals this week. Let's see if I am right.
Good luck to everyone still in the playoffs!
