OK everyone, this is the moment we have all been waiting for. Now that Week 15 has finally arrived, all fantasy leagues have officially reached the playoffs. It’s time to put up or shut up. The good news is that if you’re reading this article, you’re fantasy team is still alive, since I highly doubt there are many people out there who read my crap for pure grammatical pleasure.
However, we do have a small item of business that needs to be addressed before we get to your Thursday edition of Start em vs. Sit em. The New Orleans Saints (+3) travel to Soldier Field tonight to take on the Chicago Bears. I need your predictions. I’m currently riding a four game hot streak (Houston over Jacksonville, San Diego over Oakland, Pittsburgh over Dallas, and Carolina over Tampa Bay) and am looking to ride the momentum into Sunday’s action.
My Pick: Da Bears. New Orleans is 1-5 on the road this season (their lone win was a close one at Kansas City) and the weather in the Windy City is calling for cold. A solid Bears’ running game will help to move the chains, control the clock, and keep Drew Brees and co. on the sidelines freezing their butts off.
START EM
Steven Jackson RB St. Louis Rams: Back in August, did you ever think that we would reach a point in the season where starting S-Jax was an issue? Unfortunately for owners, that has now become a reality as Jackson has made his way onto the list of top busts for 2008. The good news is that you can get him back into your lineups this weekend as the St. Louis Rams play host to division rival Seattle on Sunday at the Edward Jones Dome. Seattle brings with them the 21st ranked rushing defense, allowing 25.8 points and 118.6 yards per game on the ground. In addition, the Seahawks have lost 6 straight games and are 1-5 on the road in 2008. Since returning from injury in Week 13, S-Jax has touched the ball 45 times for 177 yards and 1 TD over his last two games. St. Louis should be able to avoid their trademark first half blowout in this one, meaning they won’t be forced to abandon the running game in the 4th quarter.
SIT EM
Pittsburgh Running Backs: This is an easy one so I’ll keep it short. Do NOT start Willie Parker or Mewelde Moore this weekend. The Steelers are only averaging 99.5 yards per game on the ground AS A TEAM over their past seven games. Keep in mind, that seven-game stretch saw them play Cincinnati and San Diego, not exactly the “who’s who” of NFL run defenses. In addition, Pittsburgh travels to Baltimore this weekend to face a Ravens’ defense that has not allowed a 100+ yard rusher since 2006! The weather forecast is calling for cold (shocker) and the Steelers’ offensive line is going to struggle against the Baltimore front seven. Case closed.
Morning Joe,
Your advice has been great so far! Who you like in the following matchups?:
Bowe vs SD
or
L. Moore vs Chicago
Addai vs Detroit
Rhodes vs Detroit
Cutler vs Carolina
Thigpen vs SD
As always thank you for your help!
SoCo: I like that he's at home and has been Pennington's favorite target for the 3 weeks he's been in the starting lineup. It's a very close matchup and I really dont see there being a big difference on game day. Branch looked great last week, no question about it. But in my eyes, it takes more than one game for me to trust him.
Big James: I'm glad the advice has been working for ya. thanks for reading! I'd probably lean towards Bowe since he's at home against a weak passing defense. I love the way Moore has been playing, as well as his matchup, but the weather in Chicago tonight scares me. I think he provides you with a bigger upside, but comes with a slightly greater risk.
In addition, I'd probably start Rhodes this Sunday, although i'd wait until then to make the decision. also, it would be tough for me to sit Cutler right now, especially after what i saw Jeff Garcia do to the panthers secodary.
Joe,
I have a bit of a running back dilema this week. I have Michael Turner starting but my second back is Marion Barber who may be a game time decision in the Sunday night game. I have Sammy Morris, Justin Fargas, and Ricky Williams on my bench right now and Maurice Morrice and Tatum Bell are on the waiver wire. If it does not sound promising for Barber, who would you choose as your second back for this week. I am leaning toward Sammy Morris. Also, what are your thoughts between Cutler and Romo this week? Thanks for the help.
Would you start S-jax over Ryan Grant (vs. Jags)?
Hey, Joe.
I'm a different Jason, but I too have fantasy questions!
Defense:
Chicago (vs NO)
Arizona (vs MIN)
WR, need three from:
Marshall
Berrian
Branch
Chambers
Chad Johnson
Let me add that my QB is Rivers (unless you think I should play Garrard... I thought not), so I'm hesitant to put so much stock into two players, even if they're going against a bad KC team. Branch scares me too, because it's Seneca freakin' Wallace throwing.. but it's also against the Rams.
Defensively.. ugh.. I made the right call with Arizona last week, but this week is even more difficult. Both have tough matchups, although both are at home.
Thanks in advance!
Looking to run the tables here, so a little more advice please. :-) Last week my starting lineup was only 1 point off of my optimal lineup, so that was awesome! 10-team PPR league.
I've got Marshall, Roddy, and Welker starting at WR, with Royal and Breaston watching from the sidelines.
My RB situation is not a clear, though. I have Turner, Forte, Slaton, and Portis vying for three spots. And I just picked up Rhodes b/c it looks like he'll likely start and I didn't want anyone else to grab him (the best offense is a great defense!!). So who are my best options? I'm not sure if Portis is going to get an overcompensated load b/c of last week. He's got a great matchup with Cincy. Forte is a no brainer. Slaton produced last time against Minny. And TB got run all over last week and Turner could do it this week since they're home in the dome. He wasn't as good last time, but Ryan was unsure and he's much better now and that takes the pressure off the RB. And who knows what will happen with Rhodes.
Who do you like here? I don't want to overthink this and lose in the first round of the playoffs.
Joe,
Nice work, that is the kind of mojo I want with my boy Sjax. He's due for a big game because he really hasn't had any Sjax days since he laid the wood to Dallas - which was awesome for a number of reasons. I go Bears tonight too. The Saints rarely win if they don't run the ball and they aren't running the ball vs. the Bears in Chicago. I just hope Shockey and Colston can do enough damange to put me over the top this week.
Joe,
Berrian with Jackson as his QB, Breaston at home, or do I pick up Bess vs SF?
Thanks,
John
Do you think Nmandi Ashosdigassdkn will shut down R. Moss in his reunion with the Raiders? Also, if M. Cassell plays, do you think he his fathers death will effect him positively or negitively? I need to pick two guys out of R. Moss, M. Colston, and D. Bowe. I want to start Moss and Bowe, but do I bench Moss due to his CB matchup and possibly sulking QB?
Jason: agreed. I would also go with Sammy Morris. He has a nice matchup with the Raiders. I also like Cutler over
Stoch: tough call. I would go with SJax, but I think you should be fine with either option
Jason: I'd go with Arizona's defense since Tarvaris Jackson is starting. I'd also start Marshall, Branch and Berrian. i dont like TJ at QB for Minny, but chambers and ocho have done NOTHING in recent weeks.
Trevor: id leave slaton on the bench. he's been great in recent weeks, but your other three options have great matchups.
Joe,
Below is my line up for this week. I’m not sure on whom I should start as my third WR. This seems to be my question every week. I was leaning towards Branch since Holmes has a tough match up. Who do you like and would you make any other changes? Thanks, Anthony
Philip Rivers @KAN Starter
Matt Schaub TEN
Tyler Thigpen SDG
M Jones-Drew GNB Starter
De Williams DEN Starter
Joseph Addai DET
Owen Daniels TEN Starter
Greg Jennings @JAX Starter
Eddie Royal @CAR Starter
S Holmes @BAL
Deion Branch @STL
Steve Breaston MIN
Roy Williams NYG
Hey Joe,
I'm in a bind. I need a flex play for this week and I can pick from the following: L. Moore, D. Ward, and H. Ward or I was looking at picking up D. Bess, D. Branch, or M. Morris. I'm leaning towards D. Ward or Bess depending on the the Jacobs situation.
Also two more things:
Falcons or Cardinals D
Crosby, Elam, or Kris Brown
Good Luck and Thanks
Thanks, Joe! Your advice has been gold for me so far this year. I was leaning Arizona already, just because I don't trust Chicago to stop New Orleans. Arizona, meanwhile, can stuff the box similar to how they played the Giants and force TJax to beat them in the air.
Joey: glad to see you're on board with the Bears pick. Good luck tonight!
John: I'd start Breaston, but if you arent comfortable with him in the lineup vs. minny, pick up Bess
Michael C: As long as Cassel plays, I like Moss. I cant speak to how cassel will perform in light of this tragedy, but we saw Brett Favre explode the day after his father died against none other than.....the Oakland Raiders.
Anthony: I would lean towards Branch or Breaston. Holmes has a very difficult matchup and Big Ben is going to be facing serious pressure all day. If you feel like gambling, go with Branch. Breaston offers a little more security, but is capable of nothing if Warner goes to Boldin and Fitz all day.
Wizz: i like Ward this weekend. I think that even if Jacobs plays, Ward will still see some good action. If you don't like him, pick up Maurice Morris.
I like the Cardinals and Elam.
Thanks Joe! I'm embarrased to ask this but do you have any nice sleeper kickers? Playoff matchup could come down to a battle of kickers! I have my eye on Prater, Kasey and Adam Vinetari. Any thoughts?
Thanks, Joe
Joe,
In the semi-finals this week, I have Colston and Shockey, as I mentioned before, and he has Brown and L Moore tonight. Who do you think has the better night? I am looking for the Bears to stuff the run and I will have 2 receivers to his one when they do.
Joe, who do you start between Kevin Smith and Tashard Choice this week?
Big James: as far as sleeper kickers are concerned, id say the best thing to look for is a dome kicker on a team that can score. weather is huge this time of year. That being said, Vinatieri is a decent option, although he's not as good from deep anymore. Kasay has been very good this season.
Wizz: no problem buddy. Good luck
Joey: i'd give you a slight edge, but its going to be close. shockey HAS to step up.
Nick: interesting problem. if choice gets the bulk of the carries, he's your guy due to his success at pitt. if barber plays, go with smith
Hey Joe thanks for all the great tips this year!
I know i am going to start
S.Jackson
who do you think i should start as RB2
S.slaton
T.Jones
LenDale White
Thanks Again
My RB situation is in big trouble. I'm the #1 seed in my league, but now am forced to get creative at RB this week...
I have Barber and Addai.
Addai will be glued to my bench as I doubt he plays. Such a shame against the Lions too. The Colts weak schedule is why I traded for him, what a bum!
Barber, I'll leave in there for now. I have Choice as a backup, so if Barber doesn't play, I'll just plug Choice in and feel ok about it. I just hope Barber doesn't play, then goes out early. That would suck.
So for my other RB spot, it's either going to have to be Larry Johnson or Derrick Ward. What to do? If Jacobs becomes a true game time decision, I need to make a decision before the 1pm game anyhow. It's a PPR league, so should I just go with Ward because he's still likely to get 15 or so touches, whehter Jacobs plays or not? I think that's my best bet at this point.
Why do these injury issues have to creep up now!!!
Joe
I want to win the playoffs.
2 rbs 2 wrs 1 wr/rb 2 qbs
Qbs
Ryan
Rothlis
E manning
Wrs
Berrian
Breaston
Fitzgerald
Moore
Hester
Rbs
Petersen
M Moore
T choice
C taylor
I thought about using both minn rbs
Please advise
AL: you got it buddy, thanks for reading. I'd lean towards Thomas Jones vs. Buffalo. Slaton has been a beast, but Tennessee is going to be tough for him on Sunday. Regarding Lendale, he doesnt get the yardage, so Jones is your safest play for good points. Good luck!
Jason: no need to worry, you have good backup options. We will know by Sunday morning at the latest what Jacobs status is. If he doesnt play, start Ward. If he does play, LJ is your guy.
Hellshire: QBs: simple, sit Big Ben vs. baltimore. WRs: Fitz and Moore, although Breaston is also a good play. Im weary on Berrian since Tarvaris is starting. RBs: Peterson and Choice ONLY IF BARBER IS OUT. then id start taylor. you'll probably want to go with Breaston as your flex, since your RB options are tough starts
Hey Joe,
with my first playoff game in my first FF season ever coming up, I feel I could use as much input as possible:
- QBs: Rodgers @ JAX or Warner vs MIN?
- RBs: Would you agree to start Matt Forte (vs NO) and Chris Johnson (@ HOU) and bench Slaton and Hightower?
- Giants or Vikings DST?
Thanks once again for all your tips!
Even if Jacobs does play, isn't Ward over Johnson still a good option??? LJ gets maybe 15 carries a game for KC and pretty much no receptions. Ward should get 12-15 carries this week since Jacobs won't be 100% as it is. Plus, he gets the receptions which are big for my league. I think both guys are decent options, but unless Jacobs sits out, I have no idea who to go with. Gut pick coming SUnday morning then!! LJ does have a better chance of scoring though.
Dallas Clark or John Carlson too???
Noel, this is your first fantasy football season and you ended up getting mid round stud RB's like that??? Nice job
ryan grant or tashard choice if barber is out?
Jason, yeah, somehow everything just fell into place for me ...
Joe,
Back to the Reggie Bush/Pierre Thomas choice... does PT's stat line against the Bears last year do anything to sway your choice?
20 carries - 105 yds
12 receptions - 121 yds
1 TD
or are you still set on Reggie?
Hey Joe, I am getting anxious. Who would you start this evening: moore or COLSTON?
I believe the Saints will win tonight. Pierre has given the offense a better running game. I thought he was capable of 15+ touches all year. They probably would not be in a must win tonight if they figured that out earlier. And they are due in Chicago. Thanks as always
Noel: I'd start Warner at home vs. Minny. he's been too good this year to bench. I agree with your RB selections, they give you the best matchups. In addition, start the Giants D. Arizona scores points no matter who they play.
Good luck!!
Jason: I'd start Clark at Tight end. Ward is a good option either way. The problem is touches. If jacobs starts and gets his usual share, LJ is your better option. If Jacobs is limited, go with Ward
TV: id go with Grant. His matchup is better.
Jake: Start Pierre Thomas and stop leaving me voicemails with this question. I'm calling the LVIP to tell them you spend too much time sweating Thomas and Bush!
michael: id start moore. he' been more conistent over the season than colston has.
good luck tonight
Joe,
should i start Hester over Bradley since Bradley is 50-50?
since RB's get 1 pt for reception in our league, who should I start:
Need 1 - D Ward, T Bell, J Stewart
charlie: I like Stewart, Ward, then Bell.
Hester is the safer play since Bradley is 50/50. gotta get him in the lineup and play it safe
Hey Joe,
Behind AP, I have Jacobs but he's questionable. Warrick Dunn is on my bench. Should I start him or pick up Derrick Ward or Pierre Thomas off waivers if Jacobs can't go? Points for 100+ rushing and TD's only.
Thanks for the input.
pick 2 for this week
p thomas
d rhodes
L white
I have LT and Turner, Need to pick between Rhodes, Morris and Neon Leon. Who do you like?
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Dec 11, 2008
09:10 AM
Hey Joe,
I asked you yesterday, but it's still killing me. All the major network sports sites have D. Branch (@STL) rated higher than D. Bess (home vs. SF). They were both the #1 target last week and both face weak secondaries. In your opinion, what else puts Bess in your starting line-up.
Thanks!