Saturday, December 22, 2012

FSH NOTEBOOK: QUICK TAKES


Saturday Edition
December 22nd, 2012  







David’s Daily Digest
MNF (on Saturday) Quick Takes













The Lions have little or no running game to speak of heading into this week 16 matchup with the Falcons expect to see a lot of Matthew Stafford (which has become the norm). Stafford is averaging 50 pass attempts in each of his last four starts and is very likely to exceed that plateau tonight. Despite the Falcons stingy ways versus the pass (just 13 touchdowns allowed this season), it will be tough to keep Stafford and Megatron out of the end zone. Stafford is a reach this week, but is still a better option than Flacco, Dalton, or Freeman.

Megatron remains the one constant in the Lions lineup week in and week out. Last week Johnson pulled down 10 passes for more than 120 yards, but was kept out of the end zone. The Falcons secondary ranks 17th against the pass; expect better numbers today from Megatron and at least one trip to pay dirt.

The Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan leads a group that even at 12-2, they are still fighting for respect from the rest of the league. Ryan is coming off an impressive win and performance against the Giants last week passing for 270 yards and tossing three touchdowns and will likely need a similar performance and win tonight to fight off the critics again. The Lions are no walk in the park, but Ryan has too many weapons to exploit the Lions 11th ranked secondary. Ryan has been on and off at times this season, but under the light and in the dome(s) he’s golden for fantasy owners; start him.

The Falcons running back Michael Turner is coming off a strong 52 yards rushing performance against the Giants last week. The Lions rank 18th against the run and though they allow the 15th fewest fantasy points to running backs, the defense has surrendered 11 rushing touchdowns this season. The Falcons should move the ball well in the air and could set up some easy scores for Turner. He’s not a top-10 start this week, but he’s a worthy fantasy start for championship weekend.

The Falcons and Lions will meet in primetime on this Saturday night and wide receiver Roddy White is a go. White is Mr. Monday night, the last time the Falcons played during the Monday night broadcast was back in week 2, he tallied 8 catches for 102 yards and a score. White has always been big in the Falcons passing attack and tonight should be more of the same. Facing an uninspired and underachieving Lions team and secondary tonight, expect White to play big with much more on the line. He’s a solid start for fantasy owners.

more Starts & Sits…

Jaquizz Rodgers is a risky start, he’s been on and off, but has yet to produce the type of game worthy of starting except in custom and PPR leagues.

Tony Shceffler should be a very good start, but too many drops and inconsistent play make him a shaky start. Nonetheless he does offer a higher ceiling, with limited options he may be worth a flier.

Julio Jones has too much potential and playmaking ability to sit. He’s the very definition of hit and miss, but owners can’t afford to see this freakish talent.

The Lions basically offer a committee rotation at running back with none of the options standing out from the others, avoid this backfield if possible.


By David Ortega



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