Being in a competitive 12-team fantasy league is a blast. In one of my leagues, no owner or team is out of playoff contention. Five out of the six games this week have playoff implications. Here is an example of how desperate some owners are to find a slight edge during this stretch run: This week, someone picked up Shaun Alexander of the Redskins. Bad idea. Do not under any circumstances follow that person’s lead. Instead, here are some plays that will help you maximize your roster during Week 12 of the NFL season.
START ‘EM
Jeff Garcia, Buccaneers. Real life often imitates fantasy football. In Garcia’s case, he does not rank very high on the list of NFL quarterbacks, but he should. He has scored big against a couple of the best defenses in the league. This week the Buccaneers play the Lions—a great match up for Garcia. You also should start Garcia, because the game is indoors, and the Bucs are missing starting running back Earnest Graham. Warrick Dunn will start, so Garcia has another weapon in the passing game.
Eli Manning, Giants. If I am a part of the Giants’ organization, the game this Sunday with Arizona scares me. The travel, the crowd noise, and the Cardinals’ offense are against the Giants. Starting running back Brandon Jacobs might not play. The great thing for Eli Manning owners is that this game will be a high-scoring affair. The prediction is another 35-plus point game for the Giants with Eli throwing two touchdowns.
Matt Forte, Bears. Surprisingly as a rookie running back, Forte has been the most consistent offensive player for the Bears. He probably is the team’s MVP for the 2008 season. He can hurt a defense in the passing game as well. The Rams’ defense has been terrible. In the last two games, they have been down by over 30 points at half time. Forte is going to have a monster fantasy game—my only concern is that he might only play three quarters of the game.
LaDainian Tomlinson, Chargers. San Diego has been very good at home this year. The Chargers might go 8-8 and win all their home games and lose all of their road games. LT has not had his normal statistical year, but it was about this time last year that San Diego made a run and that Tomlinson started dominating games. Plus, the Colts’ defense looks to be without the highly regarded run stopping safety Bob Sanders. Start LT and look for over 100 yards in total offense.
Roddy White, Falcons. The Falcons’ best wide receiver is having a great year. He is definitely a Pro Bowl selection and maybe an All Pro if he finishes the season with a flurry. However, fans are complaining about his dropped touchdown pass against Denver. By accepting the blame in interviews after the game, White probably earned more respect with coaches and teammates. Look for him to get a ton of targets this week and to redeem himself with a great performance.
SIT ‘EM
Jason Campbell, Redskins. In the last two games, Campbell has faced tough defenses, but that is not why he is playing poorly. On offense, a few of the key Redskins’ players are injured and not playing that well. Clinton Portis and Santana Moss are hurting, and they were guys making the big plays for Campbell earlier in the season. With a still hostile Seahawks’ home crowd and unpredictable weather against him, sit Campbell this week.
Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars. I know MJD has scored nine touchdowns in the past six games, but this matchup against the Vikings’ defense is going to slow him down. Yards in the running game are going to be hard to come by for the Jaguars. Also, this time of year is usually when Fred Taylor, the Jags’ other running back, starts running well. The Jaguars are basically out of playoff contention, and the Vikings are a desperate team playing with a chance to still win their division.
Ronnie Brown, Dolphins. The best overall fantasy game of the year was Brown’s performance in the first Dolphins versus Patriots game. The birth of the Wildcat formation in NFL circles. Brown ran, passed and handed off in a big win for the Dolphins. New England and Coach Belichick have had three extra days to prepare for the Dolphins. That is a bad situation and matchup for Brown this weekend.
Brian Westbrook, Eagles. The Ravens were embarrassed last week by the Giants’ running attack. Usually, I think that the pride factor for NFL players is overstated, but not in the case of the Ravens. Ray Lewis will be firing guys up in pre-game. Both defenses should dominate the offenses. Plus, Westbrook with his sore ribs is always one big hit away from being out of the game. If you have other viable options at running back this week, consider sitting Westbrook.
Justin Gage, Titans. Quarterback Kerry Collins has found a favorite wide receiver in the Titans’ passing attack. On the waiver wire pickup list of most experts, Gage has been hot for the past two weeks, but this Sunday he runs into a Jets’ defensive secondary that is playing at a high level. Yes, they gave up 400 passing yards to Matt Cassel last week, but Gage is not Randy Moss, or Wes Welker, for that matter. Cornerback Darrelle Revis for the Jets should blanket Gage for most of the day.
Last Week. I finished up the week with six picks correct and four misses. My best predictions last week were to start running backs Joseph Addai and Marshawn Lynch. Addai had one of the best weeks of any NFL running back this season. My worst pick was to sit Kerry Collins. Collins looked great throwing for three touchdowns in the Titans’ second-half comeback versus the Jaguars.
Fantasy Questions? Need line up advice? Leave a comment below or e-mail your questions to me at jck.bender@gmail.com. Good luck this week!
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