Week 14 Sunday/Monday Start & Sit

Sunday's Games:
Atl @ TB
Start Em Atl
M. Vick, QB
W. Dunn, WR
A. Crumpler, TE

Sit Em Atl
J. Norwood, RB
All ATL WRs

Mike Vick, the embattled Atlanta Quarterback, is still an efficent fantasy quarterback. He can do things that other fantasy quarterbacks can't do. He still doesn't throw touchdowns, but he can run for more yards than any other QB in the league. He scores fantasy points. That's all players care about. Who cares that he can't win games. The other thing he has going for him, is the TB offense is fairly brutal, so that should keep Vick and company on the field fairly often. Dunn makes a sneaky play, as the Tampa defense can be beaten down and run against. Alge Crumpler is a must start in TE mandatory leagues. Norwood could be a very sneaky start if you need a pinch hitter. He gets a few carries a game, and tends to make each one count. He likes to rip long bombs off for TDs. Other than the home run though, he is more likely to strike out, rather than be a safe start. The Atlanta WRs are worthless. Most of Vick's bad passing numbers come from the set of WRs that can't catch a simple pass. Don't count on these guys this week.

Start Em TB
J. Galloway, WR

Sit Em TB
B. Gradkowski, QB
C. Williams, RB
M. Clayton, WR - IR Out for year
I. Hilliard, WR
A. Smith, TE

Joey Galloway is the only guy you can take a shot on this week. He should catch a few lame ducks from Gradkowski to put up a few points for owners against a soft Atlanta secondary. Fantasy owners are always wanting to use their first round pick of Carnell Williams. He could put up good numbers today, however, with the weak passing game in Tampa, I simply don't trust him. Atlanta can load up the front and stuff Williams. Gradkowski isn't very good, and shouldn't be on a roster. Clayton was placed on injured reserve this week, and can be dropped now, even on keeper leagues. He hasn't shown that he is worthy of roster spot going into next year. The other players aren't worthy of playing this week.

Bal @ KC
Start Em Bal
S. McNair, QB
D. Mason, WR
T. Heap, TE
J. Lewis, RB

Sit Em Bal
M. Clayton, WR
M. Anderson, RB

Last week the lowly Cleveland Browns proved that you can pass on the KC Chiefs. I would expect that to be part of the Ravens' game plan this week. Look for McNair, and his favorite toys of Todd Heap, and Derrick Mason to post good numbers this week. Jamal Lewis will get his as they mix in the run. Mark Clayton has been getting mixed in as of late, however he is still too streaky to trust in this critical week of the fantasy season.

Start Em KC
L. Johnson, RB
T. Gonzalez, TE -Prob, Shoulder
T. Green, QB

Sit Em KC
M. Bennett, RB
E. Kennison, WR
S. Parker, WR

Larry Johnson is a legitamate fantasy beast. I have gone on record saying I would start him against the '85 Bears. So of course I would start him against the Ravens at home this week. Last week Johnson may have let a few people down, without scoring a touchdown. Green went off throwing four touchdowns, and none of them to LJ. Speaking of Green's game last week, is that a trend or a mirage? I believe that is an absolute flukey mirage. He hasn't had a game like that since 2004. The KC offense is run first, run second, and run third. Green threw 4 TDs, and incase you didn't notice, they lost. Green makes a good play this week, against a Ravens Defense that can be thrown against, but don't expect those numbers again. Gonzo is always a great play, injured shoulder or not. Bennett has been sneaking in the game more often, stealing a series here, a carry there from Johnson, but not enough yet, to warrant fantasy consideration. Kennison and Parker don't make good plays yet against the Ravens because Gonzo is getting healthy. Also, I just don't flat trust Kennison. If you must play a KC WR, I've been on the Parker bandwagon for 2 weeks, so why don't we make it 3. He is always a very sneaky play.

Ind @ Jax
Start Em Ind
P. Manning, QB
M. Harrison, WR
R. Wayne, WR

Sit Em Ind
J. Addai, RB
D. Rhodes, RB
B. Utecht, TE
D. Clark, TE

This could be a very tough game for Indy. Jacksonville plays very good defense at home. I don't suggest playing your Indy running backs this week, as the Jax, front line is one of the best in football, especially at home. The passing game is the way to go. Manning is a must start every week. Harrison went off last week, as I could have predicted after running him down in an article last week (Marvin, I love you!). Reggie Wayne is in line for the big game this week, as Peyton tends to try and flip flop the WRs with the 'big game' stats. Although, with that stinky 1 catch for 9 yards performance 2 weeks ago, Marv may get 2 in a row. The only gaurantee is you can't bench either of them, because unless you can read tea leaves, you will just never know. You can't start the TEs in this game, because they are either hurt, or they split too much of each other's time, and they are more unreliable than the 'Harrison/Wayne' connection.

Start Em Jax
F. Taylor, RB
M. Jones-Drew, RB

Sit Em Jax
D. Garrad, QB
E. Wilford, WR
M. Jones, WR
R. Williams, WR
G. Wrightster, TE
M. Lewis, TE

If Jacksonville is to win this game, they are going to have to do it on the ground. Indianapolis is one of the worst running defenses in the league. That makes both running backs, Fraud Taylor, and Maurice Jones-Drew, great plays this week. Indy has a great pass defense, with a blitzkrieg pass rush and great corners. Garrad isn't great either, so that combination pretty much negates the entire Jacksonville passing game. The only way you start any of these guys is if you have a gun to your head. If then, you start Wilford. He is Garrad's favorite 'go near' guy.

Min @ Det
Start Em Min
C. Fason, RB
M. Moore, RB

Sit Em Min
B. Johnson, QB
M. Johnson, WR
T. Taylor, WR
T. Williamson, WR
J. Wiggins, TE
C. Taylor, RB - OUT, Ribs

If you were unfortunate enough to suffer through watching the Bears/Vikings game last week, you learned exactly WHY you don't start the Vikings passing game. IT STINKS!!! Even against the Lions this week, you can't start any facet of the Vikings passing attack. Starting with the Quarterback. First off, we don't know who it is. Brad Johnson is rumored to start, however, all of Viking Nation is clamoring for the rookie, Tarvaris Jackson to start. The Receivers are all mediocre at best (although, I'll take them over Atlanta's crew). Jermaine Wiggins has all but vanished. On to the fun part of the Vikings offense. This week, even the running game is in flux. Chester Taylor is doubtful with a rib injury. As I write this, and listen to the Vikings pregame show, Taylor is trying to work out, and start. Should he be unable to go, Ciatrick Fason would get the start, and make an excellent play this week. Mewelde Moore, would also an expanded roll, and could make a play if you are tight at RB. Even if Taylor starts, Fason might make a good play, because it could be only one good shot until Taylor is knocked out of the game.

Start Em Det
R. Williams, WR
M. Furrey, WR

Sit Em Det
J. Kitna, QB
K. Jones, RB
M. Williams, WR

The Detroit Lions... the enigma. This set of picks is based purely on the strength and the pride of the Vikings Defense. The Vikings have the #1 rushing defense in the league and it's not even close. The last time these two met Kevin Jones got 8 yards. Bench him. Bench him and bury him. The flip side to that is that Vikings defense isn't so stout against the pass. This makes Roy Williams and Mike Furrey good plays this week. Matt Leinart made passes to his WRs to carve up this defense, so Kitna and his WRs could be able to. Kitna makes an interesting thought this week. If you are pressed at QB you can start him. He's the only QB in the league this year to throw for 200 yards in each game this year. He'll probably get a TD in the game. The question is, how many picks will he throw? How much of the pass defense turn around last week was weather/Grossman related for the Vikings? If you have a better option at QB, start him. If you are stuck, go ahead and start Kitna with shaky confidence.

NE @ Mia
Start Em NE
T. Brady, QB
R. Caldwell, WR
B. Watson, TE
C. Dillion, RB

Sit Em NE
L. Maroney, RB - Out, Back-Ribs
D. Gabriel, WR
D. Graham, TE
T. Brown, WR

Tom Brady and the New England Patriots should tear up the Dolphins on the road today. Brady makes an excellent play, however, much of his supporting cast does not. Ben Watson and Reche Caldwell are the best plays today, as far as pass catchers go. They are, by far, Brady's favorite receivers. Laurence Maroney is out for the game today. He didn't even make the trip to Miami. Corey Dillion expects to see a slight uptick in his carries, and all the goal line carries. He makes a good play against Miami. The rest of the team doesn't carry any consideration in fantasy leagues.

Start Em Mia
None.

Sit Em Mia
J. Harrington, QB
M. Booker, WR
C. Chambers, WR
S. Morris, RB
W. Welker, WR
R. McMichael, TE

This week I would bench all of my Dolphins. The New England Defense is on a roll as of late, and they could completly shut down the Dolphins this week. There are always questions about the playcalling in Miami, and this has gone into the analysis. If you are stuck for a WR, Marty Booker has been the hottest receiver as of late, and makes the safest play. Last week the Lions scared the Patriots, but Joey Heatherton is no Jon Kitna. The Patriots won't be embarrassed twice. Not against a division opponant, and definately not against a team like Miami. Look for the Patriots to win this one running away.

NYG @ Car
Start Em NYG
J. Shockey, TE
P. Burress, WR
T. Barber, RB

Sit Em NYG
E. Manning, QB
B. Jacobs, RB
T. Carter, WR

The Giants are falling apart at the seams. Everyone is hating on everyone else. The players hate the coach. The quarterback hates the receivers, the Tight End hates everyone. That said, Shockey still makes a decent play, as they still want to win. Burress makes a decent play, as he has personal pride. Tiki Barber makes a play because he gets a decent amount of carries. Other than that I don't trust the Giants about as far as I can throw them. Little Manning isn't consistant enough on the road to warrant consideration. Brandon Jacobs is still too hit and miss, and against the Panther's defense, is more likely to miss. Tim Carter, or the other WR doesn't get enough attention from an inaccurate QB to deserve a fantasy roster spot.

Start Em Car
S. Smith, WR
D. Williams, RB

Sit Em Car
J. Delhomme, QB -Out Thumb
C. Weinke, QB - Questionable, Talent
D. Foster, RB - Probable, Elbow
K. Johnson, WR - Questionable, Catching passes from Weinke
K. Magnum, TE

The craziest team to pick this year has been Carolina. Steve Smith is the only safe start, because he has freaky talent. DeAngelo Williams makes a good start because he has the talent to carve up the Giants defense, and to catch some outlet passes from Weinke as he panics. That said, you bench everyone else for the reasons listed above. Magnum doesn't get enough looks to start even in TE manditory leagues. Weinke hasn't started a game since 2001, and against a defense that made the next chosen one, Tony Romo, look mediocre to bad last week, really doesn't have much of a chance. This is going to be an ugly game. Ugly like the Carolina/St. Louis game a few weeks back.

Oak @ Cin
Start Em Oak
(Stop me if you've heard this one)
NONE!!

Sit Em Oak
All

Ick. oops... I think i threw up a little...

Start Em Cin
R. Johnson, RB
C. Johnson, WR
C. Henry, WR

Sit Em Cin
C. Palmer, QB
TJ Houshmandzadeh, WR -Probable Back

The safest start for Cincy this week is Rudi Johnson. Oakland's defense is beatable on the ground. C. Johnson is about the safest WR in this game. Oakland's pass defense is really strong. Which is why I'm not high on Carson Palmer this week. TJ Whosyourmama is dinged up this week, which makes him a tough start. Chris Henry was NOT the Bengal arrested this week, which is a miracle in and of itself, and with the injury to TJ he makes the safer play of the two, but against the Oakland defense, I'd leave them both on the bench this week.

Phi @ Wash
Start Em Phi
B. Westbrook, RB
J. Garcia, QB
D. Stallworth, WR
LJ Smith, TE

Sit Em Phi
R. Brown, WR
H. Baskett, WR

The Philly offense begins with 'The Rabbit' Brian Westbrook. Look for him to be a focal point of the offense. Jeff Garcia has emerged as a legitimate backup to Donovan McNabb. It was questionable if he would be able to pull it off. Last week, against the Panthers he proved that he would be able to post good fantasy numbers, with 300+ yards, and 3 TDs. He should be able to post good numbers against a soft, but surging Washington defense in a game that Philly absolutely needs if they wish to conitnue their playoff chances. Donte Stallworth makes a good play as he is emerging as a favorite target of Garcia. LJ Smith didn't catch a pass last week vs. the Panthers, however he still makes a good play in TE manditory leagues. Reggie Brown and Hank Baskett aren't worthy of fantasy consideration this week. They still need one more game to prove that they are catching passes from Garcia.

Start Em Was
L. Betts, RB
C. Cooley, TE
S. Moss, WR

Sit Em Was
J. Campbell, QB
A. Randel El, WR
B. Lloyd, WR

The Redskins have enjoyed some offensive success since their change to quarterback Jason Campbell. Ladell Betts has filled in admirably since Clinton Portis was placed on IR. He also signed a 5 year contract extension this week, so he should be eager to prove that he was worthy of the money. Santana Moss is of that 'Steve Smith' mold. Small, quick, and talented. He can make something out of nothing. Chris Cooley is a great TE play this week, as he has emerged as one of Campbell's favorite safety valve receivers. He is also big and burly enough to blow through a tackle or two. Campbell himself doesn't warrant consideration in a run first offense. He has yet to put up the huge numbers that fantasy owners covet when looking for in a starting QB. The backup WRs aren't worthy of roster spots in most leagues.

Ten@ Hou
Start Em Ten
T. Henry, RB
V. Young, QB
B. Scaife, TE
D. Bennett, WR

Sit Em Ten
C. Brown, RB
L. White, RB
B. Wade, WR
B. Jones, WR

Tennesee vs. Houston. About as random as you can get. If you ever wanted to safely start Vince Young, now is the time. Travis Henry SHOULD be safe, but he has a nice track record of disappearing against soft defenses. Scaife makes a good play in TE manditory leagues, and is healthy this week. Bennett is Young's favorite WR, and should get a TD and a few yards. The rest of the bits probably aren't on your roster, and therefore don't warrant consideration.

Start Em Hou
A. Johnson, WR
O. Daniels, TE

Sit Em Hou
D. Carr, QB
W. Lundy, RB
R. Dayne, RB
S. Gado, RB
E. Moulds, WR

Andre Johnson is (shudders) a must start this week against a soft Tennesee defense. However, this is the LAST week I give him that consideration (Eikey's Used Car Lot). Owen Daniels also fits that consideration in TE manditory leagues. You can't start the running backs this week if only because the coach, Gary Kubiak has been shaken out of the Sith Lord's coaching tree. The 3 RBs in Houston will be continually shaken up and mixed in, and none of them will get a bulk of the carries to give fantasy owners a decent chance to win. Sit them all, unless you have to start Lundy. He's probably the #1 in Houston. Carr is Terrible. Don't start him. Mould's is a nice decoy for Johnson.

GB @ SF
Start Em GB
B. Favre, QB
D. Driver, WR
G. Jennings, WR
A. Green, RB

Sit Em GB
N. Herron, RB
D. Martin, TE

This game should be a shoot out. Look for Favre to light up the 49er defense. Ahman Green should get his on the ground. Driver and Jennings make decent plays.

Start Em SF
F. Gore, RB
A. Bryant, WR

Sit Em SF
Everyone Else

Frank Gore is the only true viable option on this team. Green Bay does have a decent front 7, but that said, Gore is the focal point of the offense. Much like the Minnesota Vikings. The way to beat the Packers is in the air, but I don't think Smith and his receivers are consistant enough to warrant any consideration in this game. If you are in dire need for a WR play, Antonio Bryant makes a viable opiton against a soft Packer pass defense. Vernon Davis at TE hasn't done enough to warrant a starting spot yet.

Sea @ Ari
Start Em Sea
S. Alexander, RB
D. Jackson, WR
D. Branch, WR
M. Hasselback, QB

Start your Seahawks. Arizona is brutal. They play better at home, but that won't be enough to stop the juggernaut that can be a healthy Seatle offense. I wouldn't go too deep in the WRs though. Engram Burleson and Hackett probably aren't on rosters, and shouldn't be picked up for this game. Jerramy Stevens is too streaky to be relied on, but if you need him, go for it.


Start Em Ari
A. Boldin, WR
L. Fitzgerald, WR
M. Leinart, QB

Sit Em Ari
E. James, RB
M. Shipp, RB
L. Pope, TE

The big three in Arizona are good plays. Seattle can be thrown on. The Edge had his fantasy value killed last week when Marcell Shipp sniped three TDs from him on the goal line last week. don't start the running backs against the Seahawks this week.

Buf @ NYJ
Start Em Buf
W. McGahee, RB
L. Evans, WR
JP Losman, QB

Sit Em Buf
R. Parrish, WR
A. Thomas, RB

Willis McGahee is the focus of the Bills offense. JP Losman and Lee Evans are about as Streaky as you can get in fantasy football. I'm going way out on a limb here, and guessing that this is a game where they go off, against a softer Jets defense. They have proven they can do it in the past, I'm thinking it is about time they do it again.

Start Em NYJ
C. Pennington, QB
L. Coles, WR
J. Cotcherty, WR
C. Baker, TE
C. Houston, RB
L. Washington, RB

Sit Em NYJ
K. Barlow, RB

Start all your passing game Jets this week. They are on fire, and are going up against a softer Bills defense, at home. This game should be a barn burner, so get out your marshmallows. The running game is a mystery, almost as bad as the Denver and Houston games. Cedric Houston is the Starter. Leon Washington should be the backup, and Kevan Barlow should be the odd man out. However I gaurantee you that that will change based on your need to win your game. Either if you have them on your team, or if you are playing against them. I would do my best to avoid the situation altogether.

Den@ SD
Start Em Den
J. Walker, WR

Sit Em Den
J. Cutler, QB
T. Bell, RB
M. Bell, RB
R. Smith, WR

Start Em SD
L. Tomlinson, RB
A. Gates, TE

Sit Em SD
P. Rivers, QB
K. McCardell, WR
E. Parker, WR
M. Turner, RB

NO @ Dal
Start Em NO
D. Brees, QB
D. Henderson, WR
R. Bush, RB*

Sit Em NO
D. McAlister, RB
M. Colston, WR - Questionable, 'Non high ankle' High Ankle Sprain.
J. Horn, WR - OUT, Hammy-Groin

Start Em Dal
T. Romo, QB
T. Owens, WR
T. Glenn, WR
J. Witten, TE
M. Barber, RB

Sit Em Dal
J. Jones, RB
P. Crayton, WR

Mondays Game:
Chi @ Stl
Start Em Chi
T. Jones, RB
C. Benson, RB

Sit Em Chi
R. Grossman, QB(?)
B. Berrian, WR
M. Muhammad, WR
D. White, TE

Start Em StL
S. Jackson, RB
T. Holt, WR

Sit Em StL
M. Bulger, QB
I. Bruce, WR
K. Curtis, WR
Random TE Guy, TE