STUDS

Aaron Rodgers (GB) – 383 yards and three scores… oh and he ran one in too!  Rodgers is back in stride in fantasy terms, last week his arm wasn’t needed with Grant running wild.  He is definitely still your guy!

Ben Roethlisberger (PIT) - 503 yards and 3 scores including a game winning last second score to win the game.  If you put all your chips down on Big Ben at QB then you are likely not in need of advice at this point… However if you had an adequate replacement and are wondering about Ben next week I put him behind Alex Smith and Carson Palmer this week so hopefully you don’t need to take the risk.

Matt Moore (CAR) – Where’d this guy come from? Don’t know but I don’t trust him.  If you are in a DEEP QB league then he might be a better option in what is likely to be a passing affair next week.  Even with that said he’s a last resort.

Jerome Harrison (CLE) - If you played Jennings last week I think you’ve learned your lesson.  You can’t count on these one week wonders, and when thats the mistake you made in the Playoffs or Super Bowl, it becomes a VERY long off season.  With that warning in place and at the fore front of your mind… Harrison has a great match-up

Jamaal Charles (KC) – This guy was such a huge Waiver Wire grab…. I am still amazed at how consistent he is making plays.  Keep using him as he remains a top 20 back.

Maurice Jones-Drew (JAC) - It’s always a relief when your Studs do their job, and thats what this guy is!

Maurice Morris (DET) - Morris had a 126 yard game with a score on Sunday when he wasn’t expected to do all that much.  I say pick him up so he can’t be used against you… with that said I don’t trust him this late in the season.

Marion Barber (DAL) - Every aspect of the Cowboys game Saturday was as good as it has looked all season.  With how awful the Skins looked last night I have got to think that Barber should be worth a flex spot next week.

Beanie Wells (ARI) – Hightower is almost an after-thought in Arizona now-a-days.  Beanie had a good day and lived up to the high expectations we all had in this soft match-up.

Vincent Jackson (SD) – This is why you shouldn’t have panicked when he had his drought.  He is one of the best in the league.

Steve Smith (CAR) – Smith is fast proving to doubters that he was not the reason for his recent short comings.  This guy has been rebounding quite well since Moore took over and should have a chance to make some plays next week.

DeSean Jackson (PHI) - DJax is developing into the most explosive player in the league.  This guy defines big-play ability and regardless of match-up he’s going to need to be started.

Jermichael Finley (GB) – Match-up nightmare and fast developing premiere  Tight End in the NFL.

John Carlson (SEA) – Not really a stud, but he exceeded expectations and was the only Seahawk worth a damn this past week.

Todd Heap (BAL) - Can never expect two TD’s but it’s nice to have.  I still like Finley and Davis as pick-ups more though.

Giants (D/ST) – That was some impressive pressure they got on the Skins last night.  They wont do this big again, but that was a domination if i’ve ever seen one.

DUDS

Cedric Benson (CIN) - One of his worst games that he played in all year… the team was down and HAD to throw… this is not anything to worry about with the Chiefs coming to town.

Sidney Rice (MIN) - I’m definitely down on Rice going into a cold weather game, but he is still a fine option for WR 2 and a great flex option.

Greg Olsen (CHI) – I’m sure you are done trusting him as I am. Finley, Davis, Boss, Heap… go find one!

Thomas Jones (NYJ) - Surprisingly bad performance from an incredibly consistent back.  If your still around on in a consolation game then he’s likely still the guy.

Roy Williams (DAL) - The Cowboys continue to demonstrate that Williams is an expendable part of their offense.

Steve Breaston (ARI) – Yea he had a great match-up and should have done better than ONE POINT…. but you know its risky starting a 3rd ranked WR on his team so you can’t be too mad.

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Well, what a week for Fantasy Playoffs to begin!  Lots of Studs this week so lets get right to it! Oh yea, there are plenty of Duds too! =P

Studs

Eli Manning (NYG) - Top Fantasy QB honors in a loss Sunday against the division rival Philadelphia Eagles.  He looked very good with three TD passes and just shy of 400 yards.  He did lose two fumbles, but that is largely a protection issue and with those stats it’s easy to forgive.

Chris Johnson (TEN) – Ok, we expected it, but not quite this big, huge week from CJ this Sunday.  Likely was enough to push you through this round of the playoffs.

Adrian Peterson (MIN) – A lot of readers asked about potentially benching Peterson this week and I did everything in my power to convince you not to do this.  Peterson is set to go off any week regardless of match-up, let alone the fact that despite the impressive numbers the Bengals had defending the run, they really hadn’t faced too many elite backs this season.

Ryan Grant (GB) – Wow! No one saw this big of a game coming from Grant as he totaled 137 yards and two scores.  Grant remains a great RB2 down the stretch, but Rodgers wont see that little production again, which is bound to hurt Grant’s chances of finding the end-zone twice.

Frank Gore (SF) – Despite the offense having become more of a passing oriented attack over the past few weeks, when the 9ers dominated the Cardinals on Monday night they did it on the shoulders of Frank Gore.  It looked like this round one pick was going to cost his owners dearly in the playoffs as he was utilized less and facing a team that destroyed the Minnesota Vikings and Adrian Peterson just last week.  However with San Francisco apparently rededicated to the run, Gore managed 167 yards and a TD.  Keep trusting him, because this offense is learning balance quickly.

Jamaal Charles (KC) – His team had trouble scoring, but not because of him.  Charles broke off a 70+ yard TD run Sunday for the Chiefs only time in the end-zone.  Despite the failures of his team Charles will still help you in the playoffs if the match-up is good.

Quinton Ganther (WAS) – OK, so if you were in a bind this week and you went with Ganther you were rewarded.  His match-up was great, and he got the job done.  However you can’t expect him to be able to score like that on other teams, so do you really want a RB that can only manage 50 yards against Oakland and in a GREAT week for him only sees 3 targets in the passing game?  I wouldn’t and neither should you.  Also if you wanted to start Ganther over a struggling star then it likely came back to bite you anyways, many people asked about him over the likes of Gore and Grant (and a few too many even thought he was a better play than Peterson).

Reggie Bush (NO) – Bush finally made a statement that he is healthy again this week with his 19 point fantasy day Sunday.  He will remain a great flex play through the playoffs, as he is the 4th receiving option in that offense.  For those keeping track Meachem is 5th so yes, he is a better play than Meachem in the flex.

Brandon Marshall (DEN) – Making a strong statement for being a top 3 fantasy football receiver next season with a record breaking performance on Sunday.  Marshall was targeted 28 times and hauled in 21 of them for 200 yards and two scores.  Enough said.

Andre Johnson (HOU) – This performance will take a back seat to Marshall’s but lets be honest this was a ridiculous game as well. 11 catches 193 yards and two scores as well.

DeSean Jackson (PHI) – Jackson has tied an NFL record for most 50+ yard TD plays in a season.  This is one heck of an explosive receiver that was a bargain deal where he was drafted in every league.  Oh, and he is going to remain dynamic the rest of the season.

Derrick Mason (BAL) - You see that play? He has my attention and respect now however, he won’t be upgraded too much as he is limited by the shaky play of Joe Flacco, but he will remain a very good flex or WR3 play.

Hakeem Nicks (NYG) – Nicks wont be a regular in your starting lineup during the playoffs but he had a huge game and might make a flex appearance and definitely in deep formats.

Dallas Clark (IND) – Not much for yardage this week, but three TD grabs is almost unheard of for a TE that isn’t Vernon Davis.

Fred Davis (WAS) – He’s available in too many leagues, Miller just got a concussion (his 2nd this season).

49ers (D/ST) – I still can’t believe they shut down that offense last night.  Warner got ONE point.

Duds

Randy Moss (NE) – negative points (-1) from a guy you start every week regardless of match-up is a tough beat in the playoffs.  If your still in it then your still starting Moss.

Rashard Mendenhall (PIT) – It was the Browns.  Be concerned if your still in the playoffs.

Mike Sims-Walker (JAC) – Hopefully you didn’t play him due to his injury, but I would have played him and would have been burned.

Greg Olsen (CHI) – Two weeks in a row, is Fred Davis available?

Mario Manningham (NYG) – Was on my dump-list, and even in a shootout he can’t perform barely at all.

Steven Jackson (STL) – Bad week I admit, you have better? Doubt it!

Visanthe Shiancoe (MIN) – TE’s are inconsistent, with as many TD passes as he’s got he’s earned a down week.

Donald Driver (GB) – You’ve seen all across the league that as the play of the QB drops so does the production of the WR.  This is just the first week Rodgers has slipped, and he didn’t so much as he wasn’t needed.  Jennings might be an issue, but Driver’s stock doesn’t change.

Kurt Warner (ARI) – Easiest match-up possible on the rebound so if your still around then he’ll still be ok.

Ben Roethlisberger (PIT) - IT WAS THE BROWNS!!! WHATS GOING ON IN PITTSBURGH? Honestly, i don’t know but Santonio Homes is the only one playing well.

Larry Fitzgerald (ARI) – Just hope he’s healthy, ignore the bad week as I’m sure you were planning on.

LeSean McCoy (PHI) - Stick a fork in him, he’s done.  Westbrook might be coming back this week, and you can’t entrust him with your entire season.

Aaron Rodgers (GB) – He just wasn’t needed to make plays.  Grant took the first play for the Packers to the house and they controlled the game through the run ever since.

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Studs

Tony Romo (DAL) – Even though it was December and the Cowboys lost, Romo out preformed all other QBs in Fantasy Football last week!  The Cowboys still need to find answers going down the stretch, but primarily on the defensive side of the ball.  Romo has some pretty average defenses coming up, and with the teams being the Chargers and Saints we can be sure that the Boys’ll be throwing plenty.  The Redskins are the opponent in Week 16 for most super bowl games in Fantasy which is not a great match-up, I’m sure most of you are still having nightmares about the last Cowboys Redskins game!

Kurt Warner (ARI) – If you risked starting Warner last week good for you!  The Cards got a big win over one of the NFC’s top teams, and really made a statement about their chances going into the playoffs.  They did not look like a Super Bowl contender in the early half of the season but all that matters is how you finish.  The next three match ups are against the NFLs 27th, 16th, and 32nd ranked passing defenses in that order.  These teams are (again, in order) the 49ers, the Rams, and the Lions.  The Rams are still a soft match-up for any passing game despite their surprisingly high rank, can’t ask for any better match-ups from your best QB!

Brandon Jacobs (NYG) – If you started Jacobs in week 14 then you are a braver man (or woman) than I.  Even in this big statistical game where he ended up the top Fantasy RB in the league he looked terrible with the ball.  Jacobs’ rushing stats were not enough to break double digits even with his rushing TD, but on one beautifully set-up screen play Jacobs found a whole to go 74 yards for a score (13 fantasy points of his 22 point total).  Jacobs is not the answer to your fantasy team or the New York Giants and should not be counted on as a starter in the playoffs.

Knowshon Moreno (DEN) – Moreno put up the highest fantasy point total of his rookie season this past week against the Chiefs (20 points).  He may not yet be an auto start, but consider that he plays the Chiefs again in Week 17 if that is when your Super Bowl is, as well as the Raiders in Week 15.  Moreno should definitely crack your starting lineup in those games, and probably even in his other match-ups next week vs the Colts and in Week 16 when he faces the Eagles.  Also if you were wondering Buckhalter still made an impact with 113 yards Sunday, but I still can’t see him threatening Moreno’s value as he gets most the carries and the goal line duties.

Robert Meachem (NO) – My apologies to any of you who asked about Meachem over the past week.  It has been easy to excuse his big games as a result of Colston being shut down, but after five of them it just cannot be ignored any more.  It is very difficult to talk about why the 5th weapon in any offense is a reliable fantasy play (Colston, Henderson, Thomas, Bush being who I feel are more valuable players), but numbers do not lie.  Meachem has 7 catches, four TDs and 43 more yards than number one receiver Marques Colston over the last five games.  I talk a lot about the short memory fantasy owners need to have, and Meachem owners should start to get excited.  This can’t mean that Meachem is the new top fantasy receiver in New Orleans, but it sure makes him the number 2 option over Henderson.

Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald (ARI) – In Fantasy Football terms Boldin actually out preformed Fitz on Sunday, but this duo was 1 point apart and both inside the top 5 at WR this week.  Fitz continues to be Warner’s favorite target as he was thrown to 12 times (catching 8 of them) against the Vikings for 143 yards and a score.  Boldin caught one fewer pass on three fewer targets but got two TDs to go along with his 98 yards.  I mentioned the very good match-ups Warner has already so I won’t repeat them, I’ll just say you don’t want to play against either receiver down the stretch!

Pierre Garcon (IND) – A career day for this young Colts receiver on Sunday.  This guy has quite the future ahead of him as long as he is on the field with Manning, but this season he will be near impossible to rely on as a WR1 or WR2 at any point.  For those of you in deeper formats or with flex positions feel free to use Garcon as a WR3 or flex play in the playoffs as his 136 yard performance vastly over shadowed star Reggie Wayne’s 48 yard day!

Jermichael Finley (GB) – Since his injury earlier this season Finley has been a beast.  I have seen numerous games where the Packers motion him around to create the ideal match-up and expose the defense and when executed properly Finley is a monster.  I think Finley will follow a pretty similar career path as Marques Colston down the line (do you remember being able to play Colston as either a WR or a TE? I do!) as long as he stays healthy.  Monday night Finley caught seven passes for 79 yards and two touchdowns proving that he deserves a shot on any Fantasy Football roster in the playoffs.

Duds

Adrian Peterson (MIN) – 5 pts – The whole team struggled, and to get out of this funk, you should see a heavy dose of AP to force teams to focus more on him and leave the passing game open.  Still no worries for AP down the stretch.

Maurice Jones-Drew (JAC) – 7 pts – What can ya say other than a win is a win.  The Jags pulled a close win from the Texans on Sunday and did so with a pretty disappointing performance from both their offensive stars.  MJD is still a top 3 RB.

Frank Gore (SF) – 3 pts – Gore owners have to be worried as they watch Smith develop and the offense migrate towards a pass first philosophy.  If you have another option think about it long and hard because Gore’s production is slipping fast.

LeSean McCoy (PHI) – 2 pts – I have no clue what to make of the RB situation in Philly other than to say that McCoy is the best healthy back there.  You’re not dropping him, and you will likely still be playing him this week, but lets hope he gets the ball next week!

Greg Olsen (CHI) – 0 pts – Two bad teams met Sunday and the Bears won, kind of.  17-9 was the score of this game, and if I was a Bears fan I would be looking for a rock to climb under right about now.  Forte was the only bright spot this week as Olsen was blanked.

Felix Jones and Marion Barber (DAL) – 1 pt each – How bout them Cowboys in December?! We all thought Romo’s name would be on this side of my list this week lets admit it, but both RB’s in Dallas got just one fantasy point this week.  Neither can be trusted through the playoffs, but I would play Jones in a flex spot if the match-up was right.  The Cowboys win when he gets the ball, end of story.

Mike Sims-Walker (JAC) – 1 pt – MSW is still a WR3 or flex play down the stretch but the whole offense is inconsistent, even in a win.

Ray Rice (BAL) – 4 pts – You don’t likely have a better option and I’m not worried about Rice down the stretch either.  Neither team wanted to win much last night judging by the penalties, and with so many long distances to go for a first down Rice just wasn’t able to be a factor in THIS game.

Reggie Wayne (IND) – 4 pts – What can I say, Sunday was the Garcon show… Wayne is still Manning’s go-to-guy so he can be yours as well, still an auto-start.

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STUDS

Drew Brees (NO) went 18/23 with 371 yrds and 5 TDs in what was the biggest chance the Saints had left to be beaten.  No team but Dallas has much chance of beating the Saints this season and Romo in December is a pretty good opponent to have.  If your in the playoffs with Brees your only concern is him sitting out in weeks 16 or 17 if its relevant.

Brett Favre (MIN) – All season I have been warning people of what would happen at the end of the season, and it sure wasn’t this!  We are at the end now and he tallied 392 yards and 3 TDs, I can no longer advise anyone to not trust him till he gives you a reason not to.  You gotta have a short memory in fantasy football so forget last season already!

Justin Forsett (SEA) – This was a big game, and Forsett owners will be using him again, but maybe not this week as apparently the Seahawks don’t want to start him over Jones once he is healthy.  I cannot see the reasoning here as Jones is elusive and explosive and Jones is not so much of either any more. 130 yards and 2 TDs, break out game!

Fred Jackson (BUF) – The Lynch injury was kept really quiet and we knew he would be active but they made Jackson the feature back and Lynch the backup given his shoulder.  The Bills appear to be keeping this dynamic even as Lynch gets back to full strength.  Jackson proved he gets better with more carries and that he can be a very productive part of the offense when given the feature role.  He ran for 73 yards and 2 scores while also catching all five throws that came his way for another 43 yards.

Jamaal Charles (KC) -Despite losing pretty big Charles was still able to rack up 93 yards rushing and a TD. He also added 54 yards on just 3 catches making for pretty impressive output from a RB whose team lost 43-14.  His point totals over the last three weeks have been 18, 17, and 18.

Donald Driver (GB) – Driver beat out Jennings for the majority of the workload on Thanksgiving again this season, he has been a big surprise for the Packers at his age. He pulled down 142 yards and a score.

Miles Austin (DAL) – The return of Austin this week was very good for the Cowboys offense, same with Felix Jones who got him self a decent amount of work this week as well.  Austin had 145 yards and a TD Thursday evening and looks to be critical to their success.  If Romo can produce in December… big if… Austin will benefit greatly.

Percy Harvin (MIN) -146 all purpose yards Sunday as well as a receiving TD make the Vikings slot receiver tied for top fantasy WR in week 12.  a few more weeks with these kinds of numbers will give Harvin rookie of the year honors of Byrd or Britt.  Should the Bills somehow rally Byrd will give him a run for his money.

Terrell Owens (BUF) – Owens got 5 grabs for 96 yards and a TD Sunday in a solid victory for the Bills.  He’s starting to get exciting to watch again, he’s a low WR2 but a definite flex play for as long as Fitzpatrick plays like he has been.

Kenny Britt (TEN) – The Titans are for real and have a shot at making a playoff run.  They are on a tear and momentum is a powerful force.  Britt looked like his late 4th quarter fumble, but when the Titans got the ball back on their own one yard line 2 minutes and 37 seconds on the clock Britt redeemed himself by catching a 4th and 4 conversion from the 7 yard line as well as his last second TD catch to win the game.

Antonio Gates (SD) – Gates finally performed like owners have hoped for all season.  He caught all 7 passes Rivers threw to him getting  118 yards and two scores.  I said it in yesterdays entry, you play your most talented tight end regardless of match-up.  Since you didn’t draft Witten AND Gates then your playing Gates every single week.

New York Jets (D/ST) – Four INTs and a TD this week by Revis and the Jets in a win over the tough running Panthers.  Their fantasy value dropped off since the beginning of the year but they are still usable based on match-up.

DUDS

The Seahawks Passing Game – This is purely from a fantasy football sense, but we all expected at least one TD to go to Housh or Burleson.  Forsett got two and so did the return game putting them so far ahead they were able to just control the clock and get the win.  Good win for the team, but it was done in an unfortunate manner for plenty of fantasy owners.

Beanie Wells and Larry Fitzgerald (ARI) – Was a tough loss for the Cardinals who lost to a last second TD pass on Sunday while using back up QB Matt Leinart.  The offense didn’t have the rhythm it usually does and most all Arizona players suffered stat wise.  This should be fixed my Warner’s return next week.

Chad Ochocinco (CIN) -The Bengals won the game on the ground, and they really had no need to put the ball up in the air Sunday.  None-the-less he hurt some owners this weekend but he should be a viable starting WR in any format down the stretch.

Vincent Jackson (SD) – This makes three dud performances in a row for Jackson and it hurts but before that he’d been money ever week before that so deal with it he’s a stud and you have to start him.  Its not like shutting him down is working for these teams, they are still losing.

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