Week 14: Game Previews
The fantasy regular season has either already ended for you or is likely winding up this weekend, so it's time to make good decisions if you are in the playoffs or still in the hunt for a spot. (If you have clinched a spot, congratulations.)
Now is the time to rely on the guys who have been most consistent for you and there is no reason to get cutesy with your lineup. You know there are certain players on your team that have been solid performers for you and they need to be in your starting lineup. They have helped you get to this point and if you fall with your best players, those guys who have producing most weeks minus a blip or two, then you shouldn't have any regrets.
Carolina at Jacksonville
The Panthers showed a little bit of offensive life last week, but that was against San Francisco. The Jaguars are obviously several steps ahead of the 49ers when it comes to defense. The Panthers clamped down on Frank Gore; they will have a more difficult time stopping the two-headed attack of Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew: Taylor is still the yardage producer while Jones-Drew is picking up the TDs.
Carolina
Must start: None
Favorable situation: Vinny Testaverde and Steve Smith as a tandem had a decent outing against SF and they seem to have connected - plus, the Jags are ranked 27th in pass defense.
Unfavorable situation: The Carolina RBs are average at best and face the 8th-ranked run defense.
Don't start: Any other player
Jacksonville
Must start: Jones-Drew; Taylor
Favorable situation: David Garrard
Unfavorable situation: Picking the top WR each week for the Jags is a guessing game.
Don't start: Any other player
Dallas at Detroit
This one could get ugly. Jon Kitna apparently made some disparaging comments about the Dallas defense at the end of last season, and some members of the Cowboys' defense have vowed that they will make sure he knows they didn't appreciate the smackdown. Besides, the Lions are sliding into the abyss.
Dallas
Must start: Tony Romo; Terrell Owens; Jason Witten
Favorable situation: Marion Barber; Patrick Crayton
Unfavorable situation: Julius Jones - Barber is still the better of the two RBs.
Don't start: Any other player
Detroit
Must start: None
Favorable situation: Calvin Johnson - with Roy Williams done for the season, his numbers should increase although this week won't be a great one; Mike Furrey and Shaun McDonald for the same reason.
Unfavorable situation: Kitna, and not just because of his big mouth - Dallas has a tough defense.
Don't start: The Lions have abandoned their running game, so keep all RBs benched.
Miami at Buffalo
This one will be played under cold and possibly snowy conditions, which just makes it all the more likely that the Dolphins will head back to sunny Miami with an 0-13 record and a dearth of yardage. If Marshawn Lynch can get out on the field he would be a good start against the league's worst run defense, but Fred Jackson was pretty good in his place last week.
Miami
Must start: None
Favorable situation: None
Unfavorable situation: The Dolphins are done for the year.
Don't start: Any other player
Buffalo
Must start: None
Favorable situation: Whichever RB gets the starting nod.
Unfavorable situation: The Bills are not quite as ineffective as the Dolphins on offense but you shouldn't be counting on any of the other skill players on this team to help you on such a crucial weekend.
Don't start: Any other player
|
