The Four Horsemen
Let’em Ride
Let’em Ride
Week 13 marks the final regular season matchup for most head-to-head fantasy leagues and it also means there will be some key matchups that could have huge implications on division races and fantasy post-season chances. These four may not clinch any titles for you this week, but this is definitely a week you’ll want these guys in your lineup (if you have any).
Like “the four winds of the earth” these fantasy studs are going to be riding high in week thirteen taking no prisoners and leaving no defense unturned upside down.
The St. Louis Rams are not enjoying one of their best seasons this year, but it’s been a hue step in the right direction. And as luck would have it improved play especially at the quarterback position has them sitting on top of the NFC West and talking playoffs. This is quite a bit more than the team imagined when it drafted quarterback Sam Bradford out of Oklahoma last spring, but there’s no question his steady has been a big part of why the Rams are sitting where they are. In 11 games Bradford has passed for 2,466 yards and thrown17 touchdowns to just nine interceptions; better than that he has 11 touchdowns and one pick in his last six starts. With a dependable ball carrier (Steven Jackson) lining up in the backfield Bradford has been able to operate with great success this season, despite losing his two best weapons (Avery & Calyton) to injury. This Sunday he gets the Cardinals shaky secondary (ranked 25th against the pass) and an opportunity to bring his club back to .500 and remain atop the West. Bradford struggle some in their first matchup this season way back in week on. This time around the Cards will be seeing a different Bradford; a much more composed and mature quarterback with the savvy to throw the pill. Bradford is coming off his best game as a Ram throwing three touchdowns and passing for more than 300 yards. This Sunday may be an encore performance.
(My Prediction: 22 of 36 passing, 255 yards, two touchdowns)
Running Back:
Since the air started getting colder and the season started getting a little longer, it seems the Chicago Bears are now rolling out an old brand of smashmouth football. In the past two weeks the Bears have remained grounded and just pounded the ball an average of 28 times for 110 yards per game. With the focus shifting of late to the ground game running back Matt Forte has become more instrumental averaging 107 yards on the ground his past two games. With the team traveling to Detriot, Forte returns to the motor city where he is averaging 113 yards per game in his two career appearances at Ford Field. With the Bears leaning more on the ground game, I am expecting another solid game from Forte who also has 34 receptions and seven total touchdowns this season.
(My Prediction: 22 carries, 105 yards rushing, 4 receptions, 20 yards receiving, one touchdown)
Wide Receiver:
The Bronco’s wide receiver Brandon Lloyd has been one of the biggest surprises not only to fantasy owners, but the NFL as well. Lloyd was with the Broncos a year ago, but played in just two games. This season not only does he find himself on the field staring in seven of the team’s 11 games, but he is leading the entire league with over 1,100 yards receiving; quite the turnaround. After 12 weeks into the season his turnaround is not fluke and this week he looks to add to his career numbers; 58 receptions, 1,122 yards, 9 touchdowns (all career highs). This week Lloyd will face a 24th ranked Chiefs pass defense that has been victimized by the big play (40 yards or more) nine times this season; it could be a big day for the Bronco receiver.
(My Prediction: 8 receptions, 155 yards, one touchdown)
Tight End:
When the Colts lost their star tight end Dallas Clark, there were a lot of many worried Peyton Manning fantasy owners. Since Clark went down a new name in Indy has risen; Jacob Tamme. The back up tight end has stepped in and has done an admirable job trying to fill the mighty shoes of the great Dallas Clark. One key factor to Tamme’s immediate success has been the trust of Manning in his new tight end. Since taking over duties at the tight end spot since week 8, Tamme has been targeted 56 times, second only to Reggie Wayne’s 59. Tamme has also made the most of the opportunity catching 38 of those passes thrown to him for 364 yards and three scores. His numbers lead the team in all three categories since week 8. This Sunday Tamme will be lining up against the Cowboys 22nd ranked pass defense that have struggled with opposing tight ends in recent weeks; expect big things from Tamme.
(My Prediction: 9 receptions, 105 yards, one touchdown)
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