Friday Edition
December 7th, 2012
FSH Fantasy Five
Week 14 Fantasy Picks (all positions)
The Fantasy Playoffs are underway and this is no time to be second guessing or playing with doubt. This week it’s “Go Big or Go Home” so you better have the right guys in your lineup. Looking over the week 14 matchups, I offer a handful of plays that I favor this Sunday;
Week 14 fantasy help;
Michael Crabtree, WR
The 49ers don’t usually have much for fantasy owners to get excited about on offense, but unlike any other season or earlier in the season with quarterback Colin Kaepernick under center he adds another dimension that can open things up. Since Kaepernick took over the controls of the offense, wide receiver Michael Crabtree has been steadily involved. Last Sunday Crabtree was targeted a season high 11 times; his stat line, 7 receptions for 101 yards. This Sunday the Niners will face the Dolphins 26th ranked defense that allows the 17th most fantasy points to wide receivers. In their last three road games the Dolphins have allowed at least 79 yards to the opposing team’s leading receiver; Crabtree should be a very safe flex option this week.
Brandon Pettigrew, TE
It’s looking to be a chilly night this Sunday in Lambeau, but even low temperatures won’t stop the Lions passing game from heating up. The Lions pass game is in full throttle and over the team’s past four games tight end Brandon Pettigrew has been targeted heavily (39 times). With injuries to their young receivers (Ryan Broyles and Titus Young), fantasy owners can expect to see Pettigrew even more involved. The Packers secondary does a pretty good job against opposing tight ends, but last season at Lambeau Pettigrew caught 7 balls for 116 yards; this week could be another big game.
Alfred Morris, RB
The Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan has found himself another gem in the draft. Many of us knew that RGIII was a great talent with a tremendous upside, but very few knew what the Redskins found when they selected rookie running back Alfred Morris in the 6th round. Morris has been great this season rushing for 1,106 yards with six rushing touchdowns. He has surpassed the century mark five times this season, including his back-to-back efforts in week 12 and 13. With the Ravens 23rd ranked run defense coming to town, Morris could make it three in a row. He’s averaging 22 carries per game in his last three starts and may not need that many to hit the 100-yard mark this Sunday; play him!
Greg Jennings, WR
The Packers wide receiver Greg Jennings is just one game back from injury and although his return was less than spectacular, his four grabs for 46 yards were respectable considering. The more important number to note from last week was his 8 targets. This week the Packers will be without wide out Jordy Nelson facing the Lions 18th ranked pass defense. Fantasy owners can expect at least as many, if not more targets for Jennings this week and facing a secondary that allows the 12th most fantasy points to wide receivers, he’s a lock for a more productive week 14. Jennings should be in your lineup somewhere, low WR2 or flex.
Andrew Luck, QB
Quarterback Andrew Luck has been too consistent this season to be lucky; the kid is just good. This week facing the Titans 25th ranked pass defense, fantasy owners can count on the Colts offense riding Luck’s arm; the Colts offense goes through Luck. Not only does Luck lead the way, but this week he gets a defense that allows the 8th most fantasy points to quarterbacks and has allowed 24 touchdowns. Coming off a big win in week 13, Luck needs to be in lineups this Sunday for another big performance.
By David Ortega
Wednesday Edition
December 5th, 2012
David’s Daily Digest
The Strong Arms of the Fantasy Law
Schaub Could be the Goods in Week 14
Quarterback Matt Schaub has been on and off the fantasy radar much of the season leading the Texans balanced offense. This week Schaub faces the Patriots 29th ranked pass defense on Monday night in what could be a great matchup for fantasy owners. Schaub is very capable of having a big night against the Pats who allow the 11th most fantasy points to quarterbacks and have surrendered 22 touchdowns this season. Unless you have a much better option, this is the week to play Schaub.
Eli Ready to Lead Fantasy Playoff Charge
The Giants quarterback Eli Manning has been relatively quiet the past six weeks, passing for more than 250 yards in just one of his last five starts. This Sunday could be just what the fantasy doctor ordered with the Saints marching in. Eli will face the leagues 30th ranked pass defense that allows the most fantasy points to quarterbacks, including 23 touchdowns. For those owners looking to ride Eli to a fantasy championship, this could be the great start needed with the Falcons and Ravens to follow.
Romo’s Hot Hand Could Carry into Week 14
The Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo has been on a roll the last three weeks surpassing 300-yards passing in each game. It seems Romo has caught fire just in time for the fantasy playoffs and he’s coming off back to back three passing touchdown performances. He’ll have his work cut out this week against the Bengals 11th ranked pass defense that allows the 9th fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks. Romo should be a worthy play in deeper formats this week.
Ryan Could be Risky in Week 14
Matt Ryan has been struggling of late and his slumping could not have come at a worse time. In his last three starts Ryan has only tossed two touchdowns and has seven turnovers. The Falcons are on the road this Sunday facing the Panthers 8th ranked passing defense that does a pretty good job of getting after the quarterback (28 sacks); a tough matchup for Ryan. If you are counting on a big turnaround for Ryan heading into the fantasy postseason, it could be a risky undertaking this week; consider other options if available.
Freeman Has a Top 10 Matchup this week
The Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman has been playing much of the 2012 campaign in the shadows of the fantasy big names, but with 23 passing touchdowns and 3,003 yards passing he’s worth consideration. In deeper formats Freeman is a viable option this week and facing the Eagles 16th ranked pass defense that allows the 2nd most fantasy points to quarterbacks he’s a top 10 play; start him if you got him.
Just a few of my takes for week 14.
By David Ortega
Tuesday Edition
December 4th, 2012
David’s Daily Digest
Alex Green Value on the Rise
The recent rumor circulating concerning the Packers backfield, running back James Starks could be done for the season. Starks suffered a knee injury on Sunday and the word going round is it could shut him down for the remainder of the season. This is all just speculation at this time, but if Starks is done running back Alex Green will lead the parade in the Packers backfield. It’s no secret the Packers throw the ball, so even running a solo show Green is no more than a safe flex.
Luck is a Lock for the Fantasy Post Season
The Colts quarterback Andrew Luck has scored no fewer than 15 fantasy points (standard scoring) in each of his last three starts, including 36 points last Sunday on the road against the Lions. This week Luck is at home (where he’s been consistent) and he is matching up against the Titans 25th ranked pass defense that allows the 8th most fantasy points to quarterbacks. Unless you have better options, Luck should be in your lineup this week.
Tight End Brandon Pettigrew Seeing More Action
The Lions have placed wide receiver Titus Young on injured reserve and with Ryan Broyles also on the IR, tight end Brandon Pettigrew will likely see more action going forward. Currently Pettigrew is second (by far) on the team with 99 targets this season and has been targeted 39 times in his last four games. The Lions face the Packers on Sunday night in what could likely turn out to be a shootout and another busy game for Pettigrew. The Lions tight end is a mid level TE1 this week and should be in your lineup.
Wide Receiver Dez Bryant Rising with the Cream
The Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant has emerged into a bonafide fantasy stud this season. Throughout the course of the season Bryant has had his nice games and solid outings, but in the last three weeks he’s elevated to a new platform among the elite. In his last three starts Bryant has caught 26 passes for 388 yards and five touchdowns; he’s also scored in four straight games. Bryant is a must start and top five WR right in time for the fantasy postseason.
Tight End Brandon Myers is in Play this Week
The Raiders tight end Brandon Myers is coming off a huge game in week 13 versus the Browns; 14 receptions, 130 yards receiving, and a touchdown. Myers has clearly become one of quarterback Carson Palmer’s favorite targets; 51 targets in his last five games. This week Myers will face the Broncos secondary that has proven to be susceptible to opposing tight ends. The Broncos allow the 2nd most fantasy points to tight ends and have surrendered 9 touchdowns. If you’ve been riding the Myers train recently, stay onboard, week 14 should be a good trip.
These are just a few of my takes for week 14.
By David Ortega
Sunday Edition
December 2nd, 2012
The Four Horsemen
My week 13 fantasy picks…
Quarterback (Peyton Manning)
The Sheriff (Peyton Manning) is in town or rather back home this week and he squares off against the leagues number 32nd ranked pass defense. The Buccaneers are stout against the run, but struggle versus the pass this season allowing a league high 315 yards passing per game. Manning should have a field day carving up the Bucs secondary (18 touchdowns allowed this season) for three bills (300 yards) and three dimes (touchdowns). The Bucs defense also allows the 9th most fantasy points to quarterbacks; a good reason to start Manning with great confidence.
Running Back (Michael Bush)
The Bears will have running back Matt Forte (ankle) on the field today, but with a sore wheel I would expect to see a lot of Michael Bush today; especially in short-yardage and goal-line situations. Bush is not going to find too many holes today against the Seahawks 12th ranked run defense (7 rushing touchdowns allowed this season), but his power style between the tackles could find some success around the goal line and earn him a couple of trips to pay-dirt. Bush is nothing more than a flex option, but a favorable play in touchdown heavy leagues.
Wide Receiver (Hakeem Nicks)
The Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks has slowly been healing his way back to health and now (at the right time with fantasy playoffs approaching) he’s getting closer to full health and ready to be a huge fantasy impact player. Nicks led the Giants passing attack last week with 5 catches for 77 yards and a touchdown. This week Nicks will face the Redskins 31st ranked pass defense that allows the 3rd most fantasy points to wide receivers; a great matchup and great opportunity for Nicks to have a big Monday night.
Tight End (Owen Daniels)
The Titans defense is ranked 27th against the pass this season and allow the 4th most fantasy points to tight ends. That’s all the reason to start the Texans tight end Owen Daniels today. Another reason, Daniels (six touchdowns) is one of quarterback Matt Schaubs’ primary weapons in the passing game and will look to improve on his 47 receptions and 555 yards receiving. Daniels is a top 5 start today; get him in your lineup.
By David Ortega
Sunday Edition
December 2nd, 2012
David’s Daily Digest
Bad Weather is Good News for Spiller
The Bills running back CJ Spiller (830 yards rushing in 2012) could be looking at a heavy load today with the weather forecast predicting rain and wind. Spiller has been the most consistent back in the Bills backfield and will take the lead reins today. Facing the Jaguars 29th ranked run defense, Spiller is looking at possibly his best game of the season; a must-start today.
Rodgers Set for a Big Game with a Full Arsenal
The Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (28 touchdowns in 2012) will enjoy the return of wide receiver Greg Jennings today. Although Jennings may be brought along slowly, the Vikings defense will still need to account for him along with Nelson and Cobb. Rodgers will be looking to bounce back after a sub-par game against the Giants last week; in his last two matchups against the Vikings Rodgers has torched them for 585 yards and 7 touchdowns. Today should be just another Sunday slinging the rock for Rodgers.
Thomas Looking for a Breakout Day
The Broncos wide receiver Demaryrius Thomas is having a fine 2012 campaign, but today could be particularly huge for the playmaker. Thomas and Manning have connected six times for scores this season, a number that could grow exponentially when the two square off against the Bucs today. The Buccaneers secondary is ranked last in the league against the pass and have allowed the most fantasy points to wide receivers (including 11 touchdowns); analysis, big game for Thomas.
Clark Looking to take Advantage of Broncos D
The Buccaneers tight end Dallas Clark has become one of quarterback Josh Freeman’s trusted go-to targets and after a slow start this season, Clark’s numbers are starting to rise. Those number should continue to rise even more today facing the Broncos secondary that has struggled against tight ends in recent weeks. The Broncos allow the most fantasy points to tight ends making Clark (31 receptions and 3 touchdowns in 2012) a top 10 fantasy play for week 13.
These are just a few of my takes for week 13.
By David Ortega
