The Fantasy Football Sherpa

Quarterbacks    

1.      Aaron Rodgers       vs Oak

2.      Drew Brees            @ Ten

3.      Tony Romo            vs NYG

4.      Matthew Stafford   vs Min

5.      Philip Rivers           vs Buf

6.      Joe Flacco  vs Ind

7.      Tom Brady @ Was

8.      Matt Ryan  @ Car

9.      Cam Newton          vs Atl

10.  Tim Tebow vs Chi

11.  Carson Palmer        @ GB

12.  Eli Manning            @ Dal

13.  Rex Grossman        vs NE

14.  Michael Vick          @ Mia

15.  Matt Hasselbeck    vs NO

16.  Kevin Kolb            vs SF

17.  Mark Sanchez        vs KC

18.  Blaine Gabbert       vs TB

19.  Alex Smith  @ Ari

20.  Matt Moore           vs Phi

21.  Caleb Hanie           @ Den

22.  Andy Dalton           vs Hou

23.  Ben Roethlisberger vs Cle

24.  Tarvaris Jackson     vs StL

25.  Christian Ponder     @ Det

26.  Sam Bradford         @ Sea

27.  Vince Young          @ Mia

28.  T.J. Yates   @ Cin

29.  Ryan Fitzpatrick     @ SD

30.  Tyler Palko @ NYJ

31.  Josh Johnson          @ Jac

32.  Dan Orlovsky         @ Bal

33.  Colt McCoy           @ Pit

34.  Josh Freeman         @ Jac

 

Running Backs

1.      DeMarco Murray   vs NYG

2.      Ray Rice    vs Ind

3.      Rashard Mendenhall           vs Cle

4.      Michael Turner       @ Car

5.      Roy Helu    vs NE

6.      LeSean McCoy      @ Mia

7.      Maurice Jones-Drew          vs TB

8.      Frank Gore            @ Ari

9.      Michael Bush          @ GB

10.  Shonn Greene         vs KC

11.  Chris Johnson         vs NO

12.  Reggie Bush           vs Phi

13.  Arian Foster           @ Cin

14.  Toby Gerhart          @ Det

15.  C.J. Spiller @ SD

16.  Dexter McCluster   @ NYJ

17.  Marion Barber        @ Den

18.  Marshawn Lynch    vs StL

19.  LeGarrette Blount   @ Jac

20.  Pierre Thomas        @ Ten

21.  Darren Sproles       @ Ten

22.  Maurice Morris      vs Min

23.  Ryan Mathews       vs Buf

24.  Mike Tolbert          vs Buf

25.  Ricky Williams        vs Ind

26.  BenJarvus Green-Ellis         @ Was

27.  Isaac Redman         vs Cle

28.  Ahmad Bradshaw   @ Dal

29.  Brandon Jacobs      @ Dal

30.  Thomas Jones         @ NYJ

31.  Cedric Benson        vs Hou

32.  Donald Brown        @ Bal

33.  Willis McGahee      vs Chi

34.  Ryan Grant vs Oak

35.  Brandon Saine        vs Oak

36.  Felix Jones vs NYG

37.  Keiland Williams     vs Min

38.  Stevan Ridley         @ Was

39.  Jason Snelling         @ Car

40.  Jacquizz Rodgers    @ Car

41.  Ronnie Brown        @ Mia

42.  DeAngelo Williams vs Atl

43.  Jonathan Stewart    vs Atl

44.  Lance Ball  vs Chi

45.  Kendall Hunter       @ Ari

46.  Marcel Reece         @ GB

47.  D.J. Ware  @ Dal

48.  Da’Rel Scott           @ Dal

49.  LaDainian Tomlinson          vs KC

50.  Javon Ringer           vs NO

51.  Daniel Thomas        vs Phi

52.  Ben Tate    @ Cin

53.  LaRod Stephens-Howling   vs SF

54.  Tashard Choice      @ SD

55.  Johnny White          @ SD

56.  Beanie Wells          vs SF

57.  Jackie Battle           @ NYJ

58.  Bernard Scott         vs Hou

59.  Steven Jackson       @ Sea

60.  Delone Carter         @ Bal

61.  Joseph Addai         @ Bal

62.  Chris Ogbonnaya    @ Pit

63.  Montario Hardesty @ Pit

64.  Danny Woodhead  @ Was

65.  Peyton Hillis           @ Pit

 

Wide Receivers

1.      Greg Jennings         vs Oak

2.      Jordy Nelson          vs Oak

3.      Marques Colston    @ Ten

4.      Dez Bryant vs NYG

5.      Calvin Johnson       vs Min

6.      Nate Burleson        vs Min

7.      Vincent Jackson     vs Buf

8.      Malcom Floyd        vs Buf

9.      Anquan Boldin        vs Ind

10.  Mike Wallace         vs Cle

11.  Deion Branch         @ Was

12.  Wes Welker           @ Was

13.  Roddy White          @ Car

14.  Santana Moss         vs NE

15.  Jabar Gaffney         vs NE

16.  Santonio Holmes    vs KC

17.  DeSean Jackson     @ Mia

18.  Riley Cooper          @ Mia

19.  Mike Thomas         vs TB

20.  Jason Hill    vs TB

21.  Steve Smith            vs Atl

22.  Eric Decker            vs Chi

23.  Demaryius Thomas vs Chi

24.  Michael Crabtree    @ Ari

25.  Darrius Heyward-Bey         @ GB

26.  Hakeem Nicks       @ Dal

27.  Victor Cruz            @ Dal

28.  Chaz Schilens         @ GB

29.  Damian Williams     vs NO

30.  Brandon Marshall   vs Phi

31.  Larry Fitzgerald      vs SF

32.  Steve Johnson        @ SD

33.  Percy Harvin          @ Det

34.  Doug Baldwin         vs StL

35.  Mike Williams        @ Jac

36.  A.J. Green  vs Hou

37.  Brandon Lloyd       @ Sea

38.  Lance Moore         @ Ten

39.  Titus Young            vs Min

40.  Torrey Smith          vs Ind

41.  Antonio Brown       vs Cle

42.  Julio Jones  @ Car

43.  Harry Douglas        @ Car

44.  Anthony Armstrong            vs NE

45.  Plaxico Burress       vs KC

46.  Jason Avant            @ Mia

47.  Legedu Naanee      vs Atl

48.  Brandon LaFell       vs Atl

49.  Jerome Kerley        vs KC

50.  Jeremy Maclin        @ Mia

51.  Mario Manningham @ Dal

52.  Lavelle Hawkins     vs NO

53.  Davone Bess          vs Phi

54.  Jacoby Ford           @ Cin

55.  Devin Aromashodu @ Det

56.  Early Doucet          vs SF

57.  Andre Roberts        vs SF

58.  David Nelson         @ SD

59.  Brad Smith @ SD

60.  Dwayne Bowe        @ NYJ

61.  Steve Breaston       @ NYJ

62.  Johnny Knox          @ Den

63.  Devin Hester          @ Den

64.  Roy Williams          @ Den

65.  Earl Bennett            @ Den

66.  Ben Obomanu        vs StL

67.  Golden Tate           vs StL

68.  Jerome Simpson     vs Hou

69.  Brandon Gibson     @ Sea

70.  Austin Pettis           @ Sea

71.  Reggie Wayne        @ Bal

72.  Greg Little  @ Pit

73.  Josh Cribbs            @ Pit

74.  Miles Austin           vs NYG

75.  Laurent Robinson   vs NYG

76.  Kevin Walter          @ Cin

77.  Donald Driver         vs Oak

78.  James Jones           vs Oak

79.  Devery Henderson  @ Ten

80.  Robert Meachem    @ Ten

81.  Vincent Brown       vs Buf

82.  Lee Evans  vs Ind

83.  Hines Ward            vs Cle

84.  Jerricho Cotchery   vs Cle

85.  Patrick Turner        vs KC

86.  Louis Murphy         @ GB

87.  T.J. Houshmandzadeh         @ GB

88.  Ramses Barden      @ Dal

89.  Terrence Austin      vs NE

90.  Brian Hartline         vs Phi

91.  Greg Camarillo       @ Det

92.  Naaman Roosevelt @ SD

93.  Jonathan Baldwin    @ NYJ

94.  Mike Williams        vs StL

95.  Arrelious Benn        @ Jac

96.  Preston Parker       @ Jac

97.  Dez Briscoe            @ Jac

98.  Andre Caldwell      vs Hou

99.  Andrew Hawkins    vs Hou

100.          Pierre Garcon   @ Bal

101.          Austin Collie     @ Bal

102.          Mohamed Massaquoi   @ Pit

103.          Eddie Royal      vs Chi

104.          Braylon Edwards          @ Ari

105.          Nate Washington          vs NO

 

Tight Ends

1.      Jermichael Finley    vs Oak

2.      Jimmy Graham        @ Ten

3.      Jason Witten           vs NYG

4.      Brandon Pettigrew  vs Min

5.      Antonio Gates        vs Buf

6.      Rob Gronkowski    @ Was

7.      Aaron Hernandez   @ Was

8.      Tony Gonzalez        @ Car

9.      Heath Miller           vs Cle

10.  Dustin Keller          vs KC

11.  Brent Celek            @ Mia

12.  Vernon Davis         @ Ari

13.  Marcedes Lewis     vs TB

14.  Jared Cook            vs NO

15.  Anthony Fasano     vs Phi

16.  Owen Daniels         @ Cin

17.  Visanthe Shiancoe  @ Det

18.  Zach Miller vs StL

19.  Kellen Winslow      @ Jac

20.  Jermaine Gresham  vs Hou

21.  Ben Watson           @ Pit

22.  Ed Dickson            vs Ind

23.  Dennis Pitta            vs Ind

24.  Greg Olsen vs Atl

25.  Brandon Myers      @ GB

26.  Kevin Boss @ GB

27.  Joel Dreessen         @ Cin

28.  Lance Kendricks    @ Sea

29.  Jacob Tamme         @ Bal

30.  John Phillips            vs NYG

31.  Logan Paulsen        vs NE

32.  Jeremy Shockey     vs Atl

33.  Daniel Fells vs Chi

34.  Kyle Rudolph         @ Det

35.  Jeff King     vs SF

36.  Rob Housler           vs SF

37.  Leonard Pope        @ NYJ

38.  Kellen Davis           @ Den

39.  Evan Moore           @ Pit

40.  Todd Heap vs SF

41.  Dallas Clark           @ Bal

 

Defenses

1.      Baltimore Ravens    vs Ind

2.      Jacksonville Jaguars            vs TB

3.      Houston Texans      @ Cin

4.      Seattle Seahawks   vs StL

5.      New York Jets       vs KC

6.      Denver Broncos     vs Chi

7.      St. Louis Rams       @ Sea

8.      New Orleans Saints            @ Ten

9.      Philadelphia Eagles @ Mia

10.  Cincinnati Bengals   vs Hou

11.  Detroit Lions          vs Min

12.  San Francisco 49ers           @ Ari

13.  San Diego Chargers            vs Buf

14.  Pittsburgh Steelers  vs Cle

15.  New England Patriots         @ Was

16.  Kansas City Chiefs @ NYJ

17.  Miami Dolphins      vs Phi

18.  Tampa Bay Buccaneers      @ Jac

19.  Atlanta Falcons       @ Car

20.  Chicago Bears        @ Den

21.  Arizona Cardinals   vs SF

22.  Green Bay Packers vs Oak

23.  Dallas Cowboys     vs NYG

24.  Cleveland Browns  @ Pit

25.  Washington Redskins          vs NE

26.  Carolina Panthers   vs Atl

27.  Indianapolis Colts   @ Bal

28.  Minnesota Vikings  @ Det

29.  Buffalo Bills            @ SD

30.  Tennessee Titans    vs NO

31.  New York Giants   @ Dal

32.  Oakland Raiders     @ GB

 

 Kickers

1.      Mason Crosby       vs Oak

2.      John Kasay            @ Ten

3.      Dan Bailey  vs NYG

4.      Jason Hanson         vs Min

5.      Nick Novak           vs Buf

6.      Shaun Suisham       vs Cle

7.      Stephen Gostkowski           @ Was

8.      Matt Bryant            @ Car

9.      Graham Gano         vs NE

10.  Nick Folk   vs KC

11.  Alex Henery           @ Mia

12.  Josh Scobee           vs TB

13.  Olindo Mare           vs Atl

14.  Matt Prater vs Chi

15.  David Akers           @ Ari

16.  Sebastian Janikowski          @ GB

17.  Lawrence Tynes     @ Dal

18.  Billy Cundiff            vs Ind

19.  Rob Bironas           vs NO

20.  Daniel Carpenter    vs Phi

21.  Neil Rackers          @ Cin

22.  Ryan Longwell        @ Det

23.  Jay Feely    vs SF

24.  Dave Rayner          @ SD

25.  Ryan Succop          @ NYJ

26.  Robbie Gould         @ Den

27.  Steve Hauschka      vs StL

28.  Connor Barth         @ Jac

29.  Mike Nugent          vs Hou

30.  Josh Brown            @ Sea

31.  Adam Vinatieri       @ Bal

32.  Phil Dawson           @ Pit

 

 

Good luck this weekend!The Sherpa

Fantasy Football Sherpa

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“4th & Inches with Jana and The Sherpa“, Wed. nights 9:30-10:30pm Eastern on Blog Talk Radio

Cleveland at Pittsburgh (Thursday night) – One of these teams is headed to the playoffs; the other isn’t.  If you need me to tell you which is which,  chances are you’re not involved in your fantasy league’s playoffs, in which case you probably wouldn’t be reading this.  Fair enough?  Pittsburgh 27, Cleveland 10.

• Cleveland
  • Start:  TE Ben Watson
  • Neutral:  WRs Greg Little & Joshua Cribbs, DEF
  • Sit:  QB Colt McCoy (Probable-knee), RBs Peyton Hillis (Questionable-hip), Montario Hardesty (Probable-calf), & Chris Ogbannaya; WR Mohamed Massaquoi, TE Evan Moore, K Phil Dawson
• Pittsburgh
  • Start:  RB Rashard Mendenhall (Probable-back), WR Mike Wallace, TE Heath Miller (Probable-ankle), DEF
  • Neutral:  Ben Roethlisberger (Probable-thumb), RB Isaac Redman (Probable-ankle), WR Antonio Brown, K Shaun Suisham
  • Sit:  WRs Hines Ward, Emmanuel Sanders (Out-foot), & Jerricho Cotchery (Probable-knee)

 

Indianapolis at Baltimore (Sunday early) – Lost in the attention this week being paid to Indy quarterbacks of the past (Peyton Manning) and future (Andrew Luck) is the fact that the Colts’ quarterback of the present (aka Dan Orlovsky) played a respectable game (at least fantasy-wise) in the team’s closer-than-expected loss to New England last weekend.  However, you must remember this:  a loss is still a loss, a bye is still a bye; and the fundamental things apply as time goes by.  Baltimore 28, Indianapolis 13.

• Indianapolis
  • Start:  N/A
  • Neutral:  RB Donald Brown, WR Reggie Wayne, TE Jacob Tamme, DEF
  • Sit:  Dan Orlovsky, RBs Delone Carter & Joseph Addai, WRs Pierre Garcon & Austin Collie, TE Dallas Clark (Questionable-fibula), K Adam Vinatieri
• Baltimore
  • Start:  QB Joe Flacco, RB Ray Rice, WR Anquan Boldin, DEF
  • Neutral:  RB Ricky Williams, WR Torrey Smith, TE Ed Dickson & Dennis Pitta, K Billy Cundiff (Questionable-calf)
  • Sit:  WR Lee Evans

 

New England at Washington – Anybody expecting this game to be a cakewalk for the Patriots will be pleasantly surprised (unless you’re a Patriots’ fan, of course).  Tom Brady’s season may not be receiving quite the attention that Drew Brees’ and Aaron Rodgers’ are, but if he’s been anchoring your fantasy team, you undoubtedly know how good he’s been.  The Redskins will miss the suspended Fred Davis, but Santana Moss looked good in his return last week and should be in for a huge game against New England’s woeful secondary.  New England 27, Washington 24.

• New England
  • Start:  QB Tom Brady, WRs Wes Welker (Probable-knee) & Deion Branch, TEs Rob Gronkowski & Aaron Hernandez
  • Neutral:  RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis, DEF, K Stephen Gostkowski
  • Sit:  RBs Stevan Ridley, Shane Vereen (Questionable-hamstring) & Danny Woodhead (Questionable-abdomen)
• Washington
  • Start:  QB Rex Grossman (Probable-shoulder), RB Roy Helu, WRs Santana Moss & Jabar Gaffney
  • Neutral:  WR Anthony Armstrong, DEF, K Graham Gano
  • Sit:  WR Terrence Armstrong (Probable-hamstring), TE Logan Paulsen

 

New Orleans at Tennessee – Green Bay may be undefeated, but with the Packers’ pass defense being so lousy, the Saints should be considered the favorites to represent the NFC in Indianapolis in February.  Don’t pin your playoff hopes on any of the Saints’ wide receivers other than Marques Colston - the others are too hit-or-miss.  Chris Johnson’s resurgence will continue this week, but it won’t be enough to prevent the inevitable.  New Orleans 34, Tennessee 21.

• New Orleans
  • Start:  QB Drew Brees, WR Marques Colston, TE Jimmy Graham, DEF, K John Kasasy
  • Neutral:  RB Pierre Thomas, & Darren Sproles; WR Lance Moore
  • Sit:  RB Mark Ingram (Out-toe), WRs Devery Henderson & Robert Meachem
• Tennessee
  • Start:  QB Matt Hasselbeck, RB Chris Johnson, WR Damian Williams, TE Jared Cook
  • Neutral:  WR Lavelle Hawkins
  • Sit:  RB Javon Ringer, WR Nate Washington (Questionable-ankle), DEF, K Rob Bironas

 

Kansas City at New York Jets – The Chiefs, my preseason pick to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl, showed some signs of life in last weekend’s upset in Chicago, but it will take more than a deflected Hail Mary pass caught by Dexter McCluster to beat the Jets.  Jackie Battle has returned to fantasy irrelevance, but Dexter McCluster has shown signs the last few games of becoming fantasy-relevant (or at least Darren Sproles-lite, if that’s possible).  Don’t expect much from Shonn Greene, Mark Sanchez, et. al. - as usual, the Jets will do just enough to eke out the victory.  New York 24, Kansas City 20.

• Kansas City
  • Start:  RB Dexter McCluster
  • Neutral:  RB Thomas Jones, WRs Dwayne Bowe & Steve Breaston, DEF
  • Sit:  QB Tyler Palko & QB Kyle Orton (Doutbful-finger) (whoever starts), RB Jackie Battle, WR Jonathan Baldwin, TE Leonard Pope, K Ryan Succop
• New York
  • Start:  RB Shonn Greene (Probable-rib), WR Santonio Holmes, TE Dustin Keller, DEF
  • Neutral:  QB Mark Sanchez, WRs POlaxico Burress & Jeremy Kerley (Probable-knee), K Nick Folk
  • Sit:  RBs Joe McKnight (Questionable-elbow) & LaDainian Tomlinson (Probable-knee), WR Patrick Turner

 

Philadelphia at Miami - Yes, Philadelphia’s season has been a yo-yo, and Miami has played a lot better its last five games.  Still, the Eagles have the superior talent, and with Michael Vick returning, there’s a greater chance that will be evident on the field too this week, not just on paper.  Matt Moore and Reggie Bush have been quietly effective for the Dolphins lately, but don’t bet on the latter to have a big game against Philadelphia’s secondary.  Philadelphia 24, Miami 21.

• Philadelphia
  • Start:  QB Michael Vick (Probable-ribs), RB LeSean McCoy, WRs DeSean Jackson & Riley Cooper, TE Brent Celek, DEF
  • Neutral:  WRs Jason Avant & Jeremy Maclin (Probable-hamstring), K Alex Henery
  • Sit:  QB Vince Young, RB Ronnie Brown
• Miami
  • Start:  RB Reggie Bush, WR Brandon Marshall, TE Anthony Fasano
  • Neutral:  QB Matt Moore, WR Davone Bess, DEF
  • Sit:  RB Daniel Thomas, WR Brian Hartline, K Dan Carpenter

 

Tampa Bay at Jacksonville – The battle of the misfit Florida teams will feature two running backs who can both carry a team.  Unfortunately, LeGarrette Blount tends to disappear for long stretches when his team gets behind and is forced to rely heavily on the passing game, but that shouldn’t be the case this weekend.  Still, Jacksonville’s defense is much stronger than Tampa’s, and that should be reflected in the final score.  Jacksonville 24, Tampa Bay 17.

• Tampa Bay
  • Start:  RB LeGarrette Blount, WR Mike Williams, TE Kellen Winslow
  • Neutral:  DEF
  • Sit:  QB Josh Freeman (Questionable-shoulder) or QB Josh Johnson (whoever starts), WRs Arrelious Benn, Preston Parker, & Dez Briscoe; K Connor Barth
• Jacksonville
  • Start:  RB Maurice Jones-Drew, WRs Mike Thomas & Jason Hill, TE Marcedes Lewis (Probable-ankle), DEF
  • Neutral:  QB Blaine Gabbert, K Josh Scobee
  • Sit:  RB Deji Karim

 

Atlanta at Carolina – At first glance you’d think Atlanta would be a prohibitive favorite in this game, but with so many Falcon offensive players hurt, Carolina will keep this game close.    Stay away from both of the Carolina running backs if you can help it - they’re too unpredictable, and they’re going against a very good run defense.  Atlanta 27, Carolina 24.

• Atlanta
  • Start:  QB Matt Ryan, RB Michael Turner (Probable-groin), WR Roddy White (Probable-shoulder), TE Tony Gonzalez
  • Neutral:  WRs Julio Jones (Probable-hamstring), & Harry Douglas (Probable-groin), DEF, K Matt Bryant
  • Sit:  RBs Jason Snelling & Jacquizz Rodgers
• Carolina
  • Start:  QB Cam Newton, WR Steve Smith
  • Neutral:  WRs Legedu Naanee & Brandon LaFell, TE Greg Olsen (Probable-knee), DEF, K Olindo Mare
  • Sit:  RBs DeAngelo Williams & Jonathan Stewart, TE Jeremy Shockey

 

Houston at Cincinnati – Even down to their third-string quarterback it will be almost impossible for the Texans to blow the chance to make the playoffs for the first time in their existence.  They may not last long once they get there, but that’s another story for another day.  The Andy Dalton-A.J. Green show should supply its requisite amount of excitement, but the Texans’ defense will be slightly too much for the Bengals to overcome.  Houston 21, Cincinnati 17.

• Houston
  • Start:  RB Arian Foster, TE Owen Daniels, DEF
  • Neutral:  WRs Jacoby Ford & Kevin Walter (Questionable-illness), TE Joel Dreessen (Probable-groin)
  • Sit:  QB T.J. Yates, RB Ben Tate, WR Andre Johnson (Out-hamstring), K Neil Rackers
• Cincinnati
  • Start:  WR A.J. Green, TE Jermaine Gresham, DEF
  • Neutral:  QB Andy Dalton, RB Cedric Benson (Probable-foot), WR Jerome Simpson
  • Sit:  RB Bernard Scott, WRs Andre Caldwell & Andrew Hawkins, K Mike Nugent

 

Minnesota at Detroit – Minnesota is too banged up to have much of a chance to win.  Matthew Stafford (knock on turf) and the Lions are relatively healthy, and they should be able to run or pass to their hearts content against what will be a tired Viking defense.  Detroit 31, Minnesota 21.

• Minnesota
  • Start:  RB Toby Gerhart, WR Percy Harvin (Probable-finger), TE Visanthe Shiancoe (Probable-hand)
  • Neutral: QB Christian Ponder (Questionable-hip), WR Devin Aromashodu
  • Sit:  RB Adrian Peterson (Questionable-ankle), WR Greg Camarillo, TE Kyle Rudolph, DEF, K Ryan Longwell
• Detroit
  • Start:  QB Matthew Stafford, WRs Calvin Johnson & Nate Burleson, TE Brandon Pettigrew, DEF, K Jason Hanson
  • Neutral:  RBs Kevin Smith (Questionable-ankle) & Maurice Morris, WR Titus Young
  • Sit:  RB Keiland Williams

Chicago at Denver (Sunday late) – Chicago’s offense has been decimated by the loss of Jay Cutler and Matt Forte, but Marion Barber has taken advantage of his opportunity to shine.  Tim Tebow’s run of good fortune will continue, regardless of whether injured backfield mate Willis McGahee plays or not.  Denver 24, Chicago 20.

• Chicago
  • Start: RB Marion Barber
    
  • Neutral:  QB Caleb Hanie, WRs Johnny Knox, Devin Hester, Roy Williams, & Earl Bennett; DEF
    
  • Sit:  RB Matt Forte (Out-knee), TE Kellen Davis, K Robbie Gould
• Denver
  • Start:  QB Tim Tebow, WRs Eric Decker & Demaryius Thomas, DEF
  • Neutral:  RB Willis McGahee (Questionable-knee), K Matt Prater
  • Sit:  RB Lance Ball, WR Eddie Royal (Questionable-concussion), TE Daniel Fells

 

San Francisco at Arizona – Don’t worry about the 49ers resting their starters just because they’ve clinched the NFC West; as long as there’s still a chance for them to win homefield advantage (no matter how remote), they’ll continue to play their starters until a game is out of hand.  Aside from the Kevin Kolb-Larry Fitzgerald combo Cardinal fans won’t have much to cheer for this weekend.  San Francisco 24, Arizona 21.

• San Francisco
  • Start:  RB Frank Gore, WR Michael Crabtree, TE Vernon Davis, DEF
  • Neutral:  QB Alex Smith, K David Akers
  • Sit:  RB Kendall Hunter, WR Braylon Edwards (Questionable-knee)
• Arizona
  • Start:  QB Kevin Kolb, WR Larry Fitzgerald
  • Neutral:  WRs Early Doucet & Andre Roberts, DEF
  • Sit:  RBs Beanie Wells (Probable-knee) & LaRod Stephens-Howling, TEs Todd Heap (Questionable-hamstring), Jeff King, & Rob Housler; K Jay Feely

 

Oakland at Green Bay – The Packers’ backfield and secondary are both a mess, but as long as Aaron Rodgers shows up to throw the ball, and Greg Jennings, Jordy Nelson, and Jermichael Finley are there to catch the ball, Green Bay will remain undefeated.  Carson Palmer has done well for the Raiders, but the team needs to hire some additional security to stop people from stepping on their backs’ and receivers’ feet.  Green Bay 37, Oakland 24.

• Oakland
  • Start:  QB Carson Palmer, RB Michael Bush, WR Darrius Heyward-Bey & Chaz Schilens (Probable-foot)
  • Neutral:  TEs Kevin Boss (Probable-hip) & Brandon Myers; K Sebastian Janikowski
  • Sit:  RBs Darren McFadden (Out-foot), Taiwan Jones (Out-hamstring) & Marcel Reece; WRs Louis Murphy, Denarius Moore (Out-foot), Jacoby Ford (Out-foot), & T.J. Houshmandzadeh; DEF
• Green Bay
  • Start: QB Aaron Rodgers, WRs Greg Jennings & Jordy Nelson, TE Jermichael Finley, K Mason Crosby
    
  • Neutral:  DEF
  • Sit:  RBs James Starks (Questionable-knee), Ryan Grant, & Brandon Saine; WRs Donald Driver & James Jones

 

Buffalo at San Diego – San Diego teased its fans by starting off 4-1, but the ensuing swoon has made its customary late-season mad dash to the playoffs necessary.  Fortunately, the other teams in the division have all stumbled too, so the division title is still within reach.  Buffalo’s free-fall continues, and the injuries continue to mount.  San Diego 31, Buffalo 21.

• Buffalo
  • Start:  RB C.J. Spiller, WR Steve Johnson
  • Neutral:  WRs David Nelson & Brad Smith
  • Sit:  QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, RBs Tashard Choice & Johnny White, WR Naaman Roosevelt, TE Scott Chandler (Out-ankle), DEF, K David Rayner or K Rian Lindell (whoever starts)
• San Diego
  • Start:  QB Philip Rivers, WRs Vincent Jackson & Malcom Floyd, TE Antonio Gates, DEF, K Nick Novak
  • Neutral:  RBs Ryan Mathews & Mike Tolbert
  • Sit:  WR Vincent Brown

 

New York Giants at Dallas (Sunday night) – Both teams have been maddeningly inconsistent this season, but with the other teams in the division stumbling or worse, this game could well decide who wins the NFC East.  Still, it’s a bizarre schedule that doesn’t have two division rivals play each other until Week 14 of the season.  Expect Dallas to exploit the Giants’ secondary early and often on their way to a convincing win.  Dallas 34, New York 24.

• New York
  • Start:  QB Eli Manning, WRs Hakeem Nicks & Victor Cruz
  • Neutral:  RBs Ahmad Bradshaw (Probable-foot) & Brandon Jacobs (Probable-hamstring), WR Mario Manningham (Probable-knee), K Lawrence Tynes
  • Sit:  RBs Ahmad Bradshaw, D.J. Ware, & Da’Rel Scott; WR Ramses Barden, DEF
• Dallas
  • Start:  QB Tony Romo, RB DeMarco Murray, WR Dez Bryant, TE Jason Witten, K Dan Bailey
  • Neutral:  WRs Laurent Robinson (Questionable-shoulder) & Miles Austin (Questionable-hamstring), DEF
  • Sit:  RB Felix Jones, TE John Phillips

St. Louis at Seattle (Monday night) – Does anybody really care about this game?  Unless, of course, you live in Seattle, live in St. Louis, or have players from either team on your fantasy squad . . .  Seattle 20, St. Louis 17.

• St. Louis
  • Start:  WR Brandon Lloyd, DEF
  • Neutral:  QB Sam Bradford (Questionable-ankle), WRs Austin Pettis & Brandon Gibson, TE Lance Kendricks
  • Sit:  QB A.J. Feeley (Out-thumb), RB Steven Jackson, K Josh Brown
• Seattle
  • Start:  RB Marshawn Lynch, WR Doug Baldwin, TE Zach Miller, DEF
  • Neutral: QB Tarvaris Jackson (Probable-pectoral), WRs Ben Obomanu & Golden Tate
  • Sit:  WR Mike Williams, K Steven Hauschka

Good luck this weekend!

The Sherpa

Fantasy Football Sherpa

The Sherpa’s Fantasy Football Blog

@fantasy_sherpa on Twitter

Fantasy Football Sherpa’s fan page on Facebook

“4th & Inches with Jana and The Sherpa“, Wed. nights 9:30-10:30pm Eastern on Blog Talk Radio

Which players’ status changed this past week due to injury, benching, etc., and who may be on your league’s waiver wire with the potential to make a difference for your fantasy team?

Note:  this week’s Thursday night game features Cleveland at Pittsburgh.

Quarterback

• Injuries/benchings
  • Josh Freeman (shoulder)
  • Kyle Orton (finger)
• Waiver wire targets (rankings based on projected playing time and Week 14 opponents)
  • Matt Moore (vs Phi)
  • Christian Ponder (@ Det)
  • Josh Johnson (@ Jac)
  • Tyler Yates (@ Cin)
  • Colt McCoy (@ Pit)
  • Dan Orlovsky (@ Bal)

Running Back

• Injuries/benchings
  • Matt Forte (knee)
  • Kevin Smith (ankle)
  • Peyton Hillis (hamstring)
  • James Starks (knee)
  • Joe McKnight (elbow)
  • Shane Vereen (hamstring)
  • LaDainian Tomlinson (knee)
• Waiver wire targets
  • Ricky Williams (vs Ind)
  • Dexter McCluster (@ NYJ)
  • Isaac Redman (vs Cle)
  • Mossis Madu (@ Jac)
  • Brandon Saine (vs Oak)

Wide Receiver

• Injuries/benchings
  • Andre Johnson (hamstring)
  • Nate Washington (ankle)
  • Braylon Edwards (knee)
  • Eddie Royal (toe)
  • Terrence Austin (hamstring)
• Waiver wire targets
  • Chaz Schilens (@ GB)
  • Damian Williams (vs NO)
  • Riley Cooper (@ Mia)
  • Titus Young (vs Min)
  • Harry Douglas (@ Car)
  • Davone Bess (vs Phi)
  • Demaryius Thomas (vs Chi)
  • Brad Smith (@ SD)
  • Andre Roberts (vs SF)
  • Robert Meachem (@ Ten)
  • Austin Pettis (@ Sea)
  • Brandon LaFell (vs Atl)
  • Legedu Naanee (vs Atl)
  • Kevin Walter (@ Cin)
  • Greg Little (@Pit)
  • Devin Aromashodu (@ Det)
  • Golden Tate (vs Sea)

Tight Ends

• Injuries/benchings
  • Fred Davis (season-ending suspension)
  • Scott Chandler (ankle)
• Waiver wire targets
  • Anthony Fasano (vs Phi)
  • Zach Miller (vs StL)
  • Brandon Myers (@ GB)
  • Ben Watson (@ Pit)
  • Jacob Tamme (@ Bal)
  • John Phillips (vs NYG)

Kickers

• Injuries/benchings
  • N/A
• Waiver wire targets
  • Josh Scobee (vs TB)
  • Steve Hauschka (vs StL)
  • Jay Feely (vs SF)

Defenses

• Waiver wire targets
  • Jacksonville (vs TB)
  • Seattle (vs StL)
  • Arizona (vs SF)

Good luck with your claims!

The Sherpa

Fantasy Football Sherpa

The Sherpa’s Fantasy Football Blog

@fantasy_sherpa on Twitter

Fantasy Football Sherpa’s fan page on Facebook

“4th & Inches with Jana and The Sherpa“, Wed. nights 9:30-10:30pm Eastern on Blog Talk Radio

Quarterbacks    

1.      Tom Brady            vs Ind

2.      Aaron Rodgers       @ NYG

3.      Drew Brees            vs Det

4.      Eli Manning            vs GB

5.      Tony Romo            @ Ari

6.      Matthew Stafford   @ NO

7.      Cam Newton          @ TB

8.      Vince Young          @ Sea

9.      Carson Palmer        @ Mia

10.  Ben Roethlisberger vs Cin

11.  Matt Hasselbeck    @ Buf

12.  Tim Tebow             @ Min

13.  Philip Rivers           @ Jac

14.  Kyle Orton              @ Chi

15.  Ryan Fitzpatrick     vs Ten

16.  Mark Sanchez        @ Wash

17.  Andy Dalton           @ Pit

18.  Matt Moore           vs Oak

19.  Dan Orlovsky         @ NE

20.  Christian Ponder     vs Den

21.  Rex Grossman        vs NYJ

22.  John Skelton           vs Dal

23.  Kevin Kolb            vs Dal

24.  Josh Johnson          vs Car

25.  Alex Smith             vs StL

26.  Caleb Hanie           vs KC

27.  Tyler Palko          @ Chi

28.  Joe Flacco              @ Cle

29.  Tarvaris Jackson     vs Phi

30.  Matt Ryan              @ Hou

31.  T.J. Yates               vs Atl

32.  Blaine Gabbert       vs SD

33.  Colt McCoy           vs Bal

34.  Sam Bradford        @ SF

 

Running Backs    

1.      DeMarco Murray   @ Ari

2.      Frank Gore            vs StL

3.      BenJarvus Green-Ellis vs Ind

4.      Matt Forte              vs KC

5.      DeAngelo Williams @ TB

6.      Mark Ingram          vs Det

7.      Darren Sproles       vs Det

8.      Chris Johnson         @ Buf

9.      Ray Rice                @ Cle

10.  Michael Bush          @ Mia

11.  Willis McGahee      @ Min

12.  LeGarrette Blount   vs Car

13.  Donald Brown        @ NE

14.  Reggie Bush           vs Oak

15.  Maurice Jones-Drew vs SD

16.  Roy Helu                vs NYJ

17.  Maurice Morris      @ NO

18.  James Starks          @ NYG

19.  Pierre Thomas        vs Det

20.  Marion Barber        vs KC

21.  Jonathan Stewart    @ TB

22.  Kendall Hunter       vs StL

23.  Ryan Grant @ NYG

24.  Marshawn Lynch    vs Phi

25.  Beanie Wells          vs Dal

26.  Rashard Mendenhall vs Cin

27.  Mike Tolbert          @ Jac

28.  C.J. Spiller             vs Ten

29.  Shonn Greene         @ Wash

30.  Ryan Mathews       @ Jac

31.  Toby Gerhart          vs Den

32.  Dexter McCluster   @ Chi

33.  Javon Ringer           @ Buf

34.  Daniel Thomas        vs Oak

35.  Deji Karim vs SD

36.  LeSean McCoy      @ Sea

37.  Stevan Ridley         vs Ind

38.  Chris Ivory vs Det

39.  Felix Jones @ Ari

40.  Ronnie Brown        @ Sea

41.  Keiland Williams     @ NO

42.  Brandon Jacobs      vs GB

43.  D.J. Ware              vs GB

44.  Da’Rel Scott           vs GB

45.  Isaac Redman         vs Cin

46.  Jackie Battle           @ Chi

47.  Thomas Jones         @ Chi

48.  Marcel Reece         @ Mia

49.  Lance Ball              @ Min

50.  Ricky Williams        @ Cle

51.  Tashard Choice      vs Ten

52.  Johnny White          vs Ten

53.  Joe McKnight         @ Wash

54.  LaDainian Tomlinson @ Wash

55.  LaRod Stephens-Howling vs Dal

56.  Delone Carter         @ NE

57.  Bernard Scott         @ Pit

58.  Jason Snelling         @ Hou

59.  Jacquizz Rodgers    @ Hou

60.  Lex Hilliard vs Oak

61.  Cedric Benson        @ Pit

62.  Ryan Torain            vs NYJ

63.  Evan Royster          vs NYJ

64.  Arian Foster           vs Atl

65.  Ben Tate                vs Atl

66.  Steven Jackson       @ SF

67.  Cadillac Williams    @ SF

68.  Chris Ogbonnaya    vs Bal

69.  Peyton Hillis           vs Bal

70.  Danny Woodhead  vs Ind

71.  Shane Vereen         vs Ind

72.  Kevin Smith            @ NO

73.  Ahmad Bradshaw   vs GB

74.  Joseph Addai         @ NE

75.  Michael Turner       @ Hou

76.  Montario Hardesty vs Bal

Wide Receivers

1.      Wes Welker           vs Ind

2.      Jordy Nelson          @ NYG

3.      Marques Colston    vs Det

4.      Steve Smith            @ TB

5.      Dez Bryant @ Ari

6.      Calvin Johnson       @ NO

7.      Deion Branch         vs Ind

8.      Greg Jennings         @ NYG

9.      Laurent Robinson   @ Ari

10.  DeSean Jackson     @ Sea

11.  Victor Cruz            vs GB

12.  Riley Cooper          @ Sea

13.  Hakeem Nicks       vs GB

14.  Johnny Knox          vs KC

15.  Nate Burleson        @ NO

16.  Jason Avant            @ Sea

17.  Mike Wallace         vs Cin

18.  Vincent Jackson     @ Jac

19.  Steve Johnson        vs Ten

20.  Larry Fitzgerald      vs Dal

21.  Roddy White          @ Hou

22.  Brandon Marshall   vs Oak

23.  Damian Williams     @ Buf

24.  Santonio Holmes    @ Wash

25.  Eric Decker            @ Min

26.  A.J. Green  @ Pit

27.  Dwayne Bowe        @ Chi

28.  Reggie Wayne        @ NE

29.  Doug Baldwin         vs Phi

30.  Nate Washington    @ Buf

31.  Mike Williams        vs Car

32.  Darrius Heyward-Bey         @ Mia

33.  Brandon Lloyd       @ SF

34.  Mike Thomas         vs SD

35.  Michael Crabtree    vs StL

36.  Lance Moore         vs Det

37.  Ramses Barden      vs GB

38.  Legedu Naanee      @ TB

39.  Roy Williams          vs KC

40.  Brandon LaFell       @ TB

41.  Earl Bennett            vs KC

42.  Titus Young            @ NO

43.  Harry Douglas        @ Hou

44.  Pierre Garcon         @ NE

45.  Louis Murphy         @ Mia

46.  Antonio Brown       vs Cin

47.  Greg Camarillo       vs Den

48.  Austin Collie           @ NE

49.  Early Doucet          vs Dal

50.  Plaxico Burress       @ Wash

51.  Malcom Floyd        @ Jac

52.  David Nelson         vs Ten

53.  Steve Breaston       @ Chi

54.  Chaz Schilens         @ Mia

55.  Vincent Brown       @ Jac

56.  Andre Roberts        vs Dal

57.  Preston Parker       vs Car

58.  Davone Bess          vs Oak

59.  Arrelious Benn        vs Car

60.  Ben Obomanu        vs Phi

61.  Lavelle Hawkins     @ Buf

62.  Jabar Gaffney         vs NYJ

63.  Austin Pettis           @ SF

64.  Santana Moss         vs NYJ

65.  Jason Hill    vs SD

66.  Greg Little  vs Bal

67.  Josh Cribbs            vs Bal

68.  Percy Harvin          vs Den

69.  Braylon Edwards    vs StL

70.  Chad Ochocinco    vs Ind

71.  James Jones           @ NYG

72.  Donald Driver         @ NYG

73.  Devery Henderson  vs Det

74.  Robert Meachem    vs Det

75.  Devin Hester          vs KC

76.  Jerricho Cotchery   vs Cin

77.  Hines Ward            vs Cin

78.  Jonathan Baldwin    @ Chi

79.  T.J. Houshmandzadeh         @ Mia

80.  Demaryius Thomas @ Min

81.  Anquan Boldin        @ Cle

82.  Torrey Smith          @ Cle

83.  Lee Evans  @ Cle

84.  Emmanuel Sanders vs Cin

85.  Mike Williams        vs Phi

86.  Brad Smith vs Ten

87.  Patrick Turner        @ Wash

88.  Devin Aromashodu vs Den

89.  Naaman Roosevelt vs Ten

90.  Jeremy Kerley        @ Wash

91.  Dez Briscoe            vs Car

92.  Andre Caldwell      @ Pit

93.  Andrew Hawkins    @ Pit

94.  Brian Hartline         vs Oak

95.  Jerome Simpson     @ Pit

96.  Anthony Armstrong            vs NYJ

97.  Kevin Walter          vs Atl

98.  Jacoby Jones          vs Atl

99.  Jarett Dillard           vs SD

100. Brian Robiskie  vs SD

101.   Terrence Austin            vs NYJ

102.  Donte` Stallworth         vs NYJ

103.  Andre Johnson vs Atl

104.  Mohamed Massaquoi   vs Bal

105.   Julian Edelman  vs Ind

106.  Julio Jones        @ Hou

107.  Eddie Royal      @ Min

108. Mario Manningham       vs GB

 

 Tight Ends

1.      Rob Gronkowski    vs Ind

2.      Jimmy Graham        vs Det

3.      Jermichael Finley    @ NYG

4.      Brandon Pettigrew  @ NO

5.      Aaron Hernandez   vs Ind

6.      Jason Witten           @ Ari

7.      Vernon Davis         vs StL

8.      Greg Olsen @ TB

9.      Jake Ballard           vs GB

10.  Brent Celek            @ Sea

11.  Antonio Gates        @ Jac

12.  Scott Chandler       vs Ten

13.  Dustin Keller          @ Wash

14.  Jermaine Gresham  @ Pit

15.  Tony Gonzalez        @ Hou

16.  Heath Miller           vs Cin

17.  Kellen Winslow      vs Car

18.  Zach Miller vs Phi

19.  Anthony Fasano     vs Oak

20.  Fred Davis vs NYJ

21.  Owen Daniels         vs Atl

22.  Ben Watson           vs Bal

23.  Marcedes Lewis     vs SD

24.  Jacob Tamme         @ NE

25.  Visanthe Shiancoe  vs Den

26.  Kevin Boss @ Mia

27.  Eric Dickson           @ Cle

28.  Jared Cook            @ Buf

29.  Dennis Pitta            @ Cle

30.  Lance Kendricks    @ SF

31.  Joel Dreessen         vs Atl

32.  Jeremy Shockey     @ TB

33.  Delanie Walker       vs StL

34.  Kellen Davis           vs KC

35.  Leonard Pope        @ Chi

36.  Daniel Fells @ Min

37.  Jeff King     vs Dal

38.  Rob Housler           vs Dal

39.  Evan Moore           vs Bal

40.  Kyle Rudolph         vs Den

41.  Todd Heap vs Dal

Defenses

1.      Baltimore Ravens    @ Cle

2.      San Francisco 49ers           vs StL

3.      New York Jets       @ Wash

4.      San Diego Chargers            @ Jac

5.      Atlanta Falcons       @ Hou

6.      New England Patriots         vs Ind

7.      Carolina Panthers   @ TB

8.      Pittsburgh Steelers  vs Cin

9.      Houston Texans      vs Atl

10.  Oakland Raiders     @ Mia

11.  Philadelphia Eagles @ Sea

12.  Tennessee Titans    @ Buf

13.  Washington Redskins          vs NYJ

14.  Denver Broncos     @ Min

15.  Dallas Cowboys     @ Ari

16.  Buffalo Bills            vs Ten

17.  Seattle Seahawks   vs Phi

18.  Cincinnati Bengals   @ Pit

19.  Chicago Bears        vs KC

20.  Miami Dolphins      vs Oak

21.  Minnesota Vikings  vs Den

22.  Cleveland Browns  vs Bal

23.  Jacksonville Jaguars            vs SD

24.  Kansas City Chiefs @ Chi

25.  Green Bay Packers @ NYG

26.  St. Louis Rams       @ SF

27.  New Orleans Saints            vs Det

28.  Detroit Lions          @ NO

29.  Tampa Bay Buccaneers      vs Car

30.  Arizona Cardinals   vs Dal

31.  New York Giants   vs GB

32.  Indianapolis Colts   @ NE

 

Kickers

1.      Stephen Gostkowski           vs Ind

2.      Mason Crosby       @ NYG

3.      John Kasay            vs Det

4.      Olindo Mare           @ TB

5.      Dan Bailey  @ Ari

6.      Alex Henery           @ Sea

7.      David Akers           vs StL

8.      Jason Hanson         @ NO

9.      Robbie Gould         vs KC

10.  Lawrence Tynes     vs GB

11.  Rob Bironas           @ Buf

12.  Shaun Suisham       vs Cin

13.  Ryan Succop          @ Chi

14.  Matt Prater @ Min

15.  Billy Cundiff            @ Cle

16.  Nick Novak           @ Jac

17.  Sebastian Janikowski          @ Mia

18.  Steve Hauschka      vs Phi

19.  Dave Rayner          vs Ten

20.  Nick Folk   @ Wash

21.  Ryan Longwell        vs Den

22.  Jay Feely    vs Dal

23.  Adam Vinatieri       @ NE

24.  Connor Barth         vs Car

25.  Mike Nugent          @ Pit

26.  Matt Bryant            @ Hou

27.  Dan Carpenter        vs Oak

28.  Neil Rackers          vs Atl

29.  Rob Bironas           vs SD

30.  Josh Brown            @ SF

31.  Phil Dawson           vs Bal

32. Graham Gano        vs. NYJ

 

Good luck this weekend!

The Sherpa

Fantasy Football Sherpa

The Sherpa’s Fantasy Football Blog

@fantasy_sherpa on Twitter

Fantasy Football Sherpa’s fan page on Facebook

“4th & Inches with Jana and The Sherpa“, Wed. nights 9:30-10:30pm Eastern on Blog Talk Radio

Philadelphia at Seattle (Thursday night) – Both teams are 4-7 heading into the “Battle of the Birds”.  Even with LeSean McCoy potentially hampered by a toe injury, the emergence of QB Vince Young and wide receiver Riley Cooper as viable threats in the Eagles’ offense should give them a decisive edge in this contest.  Philadelphia 28, Seattle 20.

• Philadelphia
  • Start:  QB Vince Young, WRs DeSean Jackson, Jason Avant, & Riley Cooper; TE Brent Celek, DEF
  • Neutral:  RB LeSean McCoy (Questionable-toe), K Alex Henery
  • Sit:  RB Ronnie Brown, WR Jeremy Maclin (Out-hamstring)
• Seattle
  • Start:  WR Doug Baldwin, TE Zach Miller
  • Neutral:  RB Marshawn Lynch, WR Ben Obomanu, DEF
  • Sit:  QB Tarvaris Jackson (Probable-pectoral), WR Mike Williams, K Steve Hauschka

 

Tennessee at Buffalo (Sunday early) – This game features two teams headed in opposite directions.  Depending on how effective T.J. Yates is at quarterback for Houston, Tennessee still has a shot at winning the AFC South, even though they’re currently two games behind with five to play.  At 5-6 Buffalo is now in third, a game behind the Jets in the AFC East.  Chris Johnson has been better lately, but he’s going to need to string together a series of top-notch performances (starting this weekend) for the Titans to overcome the recent struggles of quarterback Matt Hasselbeck.  Bills’ quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick has also struggled lately after having success earlier in the season.  Tennessee 24, Buffalo 21.

• Tennessee
  • Start:  QB Matt Hasselbeck, RB Chris Johnson, WRs Nate Washington & Damian Williams, DEF
  • Neutral:  RB Javon Ringer, WR Lavelle Hawkins, TE Jared Cook (Probable-concussion), K Rob Bironas
  • Sit:  N/A
• Buffalo
  • Start:  WR Steve Johnson, TE Scott Chandler
  • Neutral:  QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, RB C.J. Spiller, WR David Nelson, DEF
  • Sit:  RBs Tashard Choice & Johnny White, WRs Brad Smith & Naaman Roosevelt (Probable-shoulder), K Dave Rayner

 

Indianapolis at New England – For some inexplicable reason NBC decided several weeks ago that this game was no longer worthy of the Sunday night time slot.  Go figure.  Dan Orlovsky becomes the Colts’ third contestant this season in everybody’s favorite reality show “Who Wants to Be a Quarterback?” (note: Andrew Luck was contacted, but through his representatives, declined to be a contestant this season).  Orlovsky should have some success against the Pats’ pathetic pass defense, but it won’t be nearly enough to prevent an ugly blowout that won’t be nearly as “close” as the final score indicates.  New England 38, Indianapolis 20.

• Indianapolis
  • Start:  RB Donald Brown, WR Reggie Wayne
  • Neutral: QB Dan Orlovsky, WRs Pierre Garcon & Austin Collie, TE Jacob Tamme
  • Sit: RBs Joseph Addai (Questionable-hamstring) & Delone Carter, DEF, K Adam Vinatieri
• New England
  • Start: QB Tom Brady, RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis, WRs Wes Welker & Deion Branch, TEs Rob Gronkowski & Aaron Hernandez, DEF, K Stephen Gostkowski
  • Neutral: N/A
  • Sit: RBs Danny Woodhead (Questionable-abdomen), Stevan Ridley, & Shane Vereen (Questionable-hamstring); WRs Chad Ochocinco (Probable-hamstring) & Julian Edelman (Questionable-back)

 

New York Jets at Washington – So, Redskins’ head coach Mike Shanahan says that it’s finally time to take the training wheels of rookie running back Roy Helu.  You know what that means - Evan Royster, recently promoted from the practice squad, will almost surely start and get 30+ carries this weekend while Helu watches from the comfort of the bench.  Rex Grossman looks to be in for a tough day against Darelle Revis and company (unless Steve Johnson gets cut by Buffalo and signs with Washington before Sunday), but Helu (or whoever gets the majority of the snaps at running back) should be in for a big game.  Mark Sanchez will continue to prove Pete “He Should Have Stayed In School for Another Year” Carroll correct, but he’ll connect with Dustin Keller just often enough to snatch victory out of the jaws of defeat.  New York 21, Washington 17.

• New York
  • Start:  WR Santonio Holmes, TE Dustin Keller, DEF
  • Neutral:  QB Mark Sanchez, RB Shonn Greene (Probable-rib), WR Plaxico Burress
  • Sit:  RBs LaDainian Tomlinson (Probable-knee) & Joe McKnight, WRs Jeremy Kerley (Probable-knee) & Patrick Turner, K Nick Folk
• Washington
  • Start:  RB Roy Helu, TE Fred Davis, DEF
  • Neutral:  QB Rex Grossman (Probable-shoulder), WRs Jabar Gaffney (Probable-foot) & Santana Moss
  • Sit:  RBs Ryan Torain & Evan Royster, WRs Terrence Austin (Probable-hamstring), Anthony Armstrong, & Donte’ Stallworth (Probable-foot)

 

Carolina at Tampa Bay – Cam Newton has cooled off some since his consecutive 400+ passing yard games to start his career, but he could put up astounding numbers yet again this week against one of the league’s worst overall defenses.  Expect DeAngelo Williams to continue his resurgence, and expect Josh Freeman to continue his season-long struggle if he’s even healthy enough to start.  Carolina 31, Tampa Bay 20.

• Carolina
  • Start:  QB Cam Newton, RB DeAngelo Williams, WR Steve Smith, TE Greg Olsen, DEF, K Olindo Mare
  • Neutral:  RB Jonathan Stewart, WRs Legedu Naanee & Brandon LaFell
  • Sit:  TE Jeremy Shockey
• Tampa Bay
  • Start:  RB LeGarrette Blount, WR Mike Williams, TE Kellen Winslow
  • Neutral: QB Josh Johnson, WRs Preston Parker & Arrelious Benn
  • Sit: QB Josh Freeman (Out-shoulder), WR Dez Briscoe, DEF, K Connor Barth

 

Cincinnati at Pittsburgh - If you’re asking yourself, “Hey, didn’t these two teams play each other just a few weeks ago?”, the answer is “yes”.  Not much has changed in the last three weeks, except that both teams lost to Baltimore, giving the Ravens control of the AFC North.  Cincinnati rookies Andy Dalton and A.J. Green are unquestionably the top first-year quarterback-wide receiver tandem in the league, but with Jermain Gresham the only other viable offensive weapon against the Steeler defense, the Bengals will come up just short once again.  Rashard Mendenhall won’t do much against the Bengals’ defense, but Ben Roethlisberger will yet again rely heavily on the pass and lead his team to victory.  Pittsburgh 24, Cincinnati 20.

• Cincinnati
  • Start:  WR A.J. Green, TE Jermaine Gresham
  • Neutral:  QB Andy Dalton, DEF
  • Sit:  RBs Cedric Benson (Probable-foot) & Bernard Scott, WRs Jerome Simpson (Probable-knee), Andre Caldwell, & Andrew Hawkins, K Mike Nugent
• Pittsburgh
  • Start:  QB Ben Roethlisberger (Probable-thumb), WR Mike Wallace, TE Heath Miller, DEF
  • Neutral:  RB Rashard Mendenhall, WR Antonio Brown, K Shaun Suisham
  • Sit:  RB Isaac Redman, WRs Jerricho Cotchery, Hines Ward, & Emmanuel Sanders (Probable-foot)

 

Kansas City at Chicago – The storyline couldn’t be better - Kyle Orton returns to face the team that traded away to get Jay Cutler and gets the Chiefs’ playoff march back on track by leading his new team to an upset victory on the road against his former team.  The only thing wrong with this scenario is that it won’t happen.  Orton may serve another week as Tyler Palko’s clipboard caddy, but even if Orton starts, he’ll be at a major disadvantage because Jackie Battle and the Chiefs’ running game have been missing in action for several weeks now.  Bears’ fans and fantasy owners are concerned about the drop-off in Matt Forte’s production after a great start to the season, but chances are very good that Forte will get back on track against what passes for the Chiefs’ run defense.  Chicago 27, Kansas City 24.

• Kansas City
  • Start:  QB Kyle Orton (if he starts), WR Dwayne Bowe
  • Neutral:  RB Dexter McCluster, WR Steve Breaston, DEF, K Ryan Succop
  • Sit:  QB Tyler Palko (if he starts), RBs Jackie Battle & Thomas Jones, WR Jonathan Baldwin, TE Leonard Pope
• Chicago
  • Start:  RB Matt Forte, WR Johnny Knox
  • Neutral:  RB Marion Barber, WRs Roy Williams & Earl Bennett, DEF, K Robbie Gould
  • Sit:  QB Caleb Hanie, WR Devin Hester, TE Kellen Davis

 

Atlanta at Houston – Houston has a two-game cushion over Tennessee in the AFC South, which is a good thing given that T.J. Yates is now their starting quarterback.  It’s almost as if the football fates are teasing the Texan faithful and conspiring to keep the franchise from making its first playoff appearance yet again.  At least Houston’s NFL-leading defense is still largely intact, so that should keep the game close, but even with Michael Turner hobbled, Atlanta should generate just enough offense to win.  Atlanta 20, Houston 17.

• Atlanta
  • Start:  WR Roddy White, TE Tony Gonzalez, DEF
  • Neutral:  WR Harry Douglas
  • Sit:  QB Matt Ryan, RBs Michael Turner (Questionable-groin), Jason Snelling, & Jacquizz Rodgers; WR Julio Jones (Questionable-hamstring), K Matt Bryant
• Houston
  • Start:  TE Owen Daniels (Probable-knee), DEF
  • Neutral:  TE Joel Dreessen (Probable-neck)
  • Sit:  QB T.J. Yates, RBs Arian Foster & Ben Tate, WRs Andre Johnson (Probable-knee), Kevin Walter, & Jacoby Jones; K Neil Rackers

 

Oakland at Miami – Miami’s bubble burst in its Thanksgiving Day game against the Cowboys as they lost on a last-second field goal (somewhere Leon Lett was smiling).  Still, the Dolphins are much better than their 0-7 record to start the season indicated, and they’ll be competitive in this game too.  The Raiders have suffered some injuries to key players, and there’s still no timetable for Darren McFadden’s return, but the offense has been much improved since the trade for Carson Palmer.  Michael Bush will continue to pick up the slack on the ground for Oakland, and they’ll maintain their lead in the AFC West.  Oakland 24, Miami 20.

• Oakland
  • Start:  QB Carson Palmer, RB Michael Bush, WR Darrius Heyward-Bey, DEF
  • Neutral:  WRs Chaz Schilens & Louis Murphy, TE Kevin Boss, K Sebastian Janikowski (Questionable-hamstring)
  • Sit:  RBs Taiwan Jones (Out-hamstring), Darren McFadden (Out-foot), & Marcel Reece; WRs Denarius Moore (Out-ankle), Jacoby Ford (Out-foot), & T.J. Houshmandzadeh
• Miami
  • Start:  RB Reggie Bush, WR Brandon Marshall, TE Anthony Fasano
  • Neutral:  QB Matt Moore, RB Daniel Thomas, WR Davone Bess, DEF
  • Sit:  RB Lex Hilliard, WR Brian Hartline, K Dan Carpenter (Probable-groin)

 

Denver at Minnesota – Tim Tebow going against a quarterback named Christian - perhaps not the stuff game promos are made of, but interesting nonetheless.  Tim Tebow should have the more useful day fantasy-wise and lead his team to victory.  Willis McGahee should also have a good day against a run defense that isn’t as intimidating as it was earlier in the season, and Eric Decker is worth starting too, even though Tebow may not throw 20 passes the entire game.  With Adrian Peterson declared out for the game, the Vikings will spend most of the game throwing, so expect a big game out of Percy Harvin.  Denver 24, Minnesota 21.

• Denver
  • Start:  QB Tim Tebow, RB Willis McGahee, WR Eric Decker, DEF
  • Neutral:  K Matt Prater
  • Sit: RB Lance Ball, WRs Eddie Royal (Questionable-toe) & Demaryius Thomas, TE Daniel Fells (Probable-hand)
• Minnesota
  • Start:  N/A
  • Neutral:  QB Christian Ponder, RB Toby Gerhart, WRs Percy Harvin (Questionable-illness) & Greg Camarillo, TE Visanthe Shiancoe (Probable-hamstring), DEF
  • Sit:  RB Adrian Peterson (Out-ankle), WR Devin Aromashodu, TE Kyle Rudolph (Questionable-quad), K Ryan Longwell

Baltimore at Cleveland (Sunday late) – At first blush this seems like a game Baltimore should win easily, but keep in mind that all three of their defeats this season have come at the hands of inferior teams when the Ravens have been on the road (Jacksonville, Tennessee, Seattle).  Cleveland would seem to fit that bill as well, but knowing that they’ll win the division if they can stay at least tied with Pittsburgh record-wise (by virtue of their two wins over Pittsburgh), the Ravens won’t stumble this time.  Cleveland may be lucky to score as many points as I’m projecting, so don’t start any of their offensive players this week unless you absolutely have to.  Baltimore 24, Cleveland 10.

• Baltimore
  • Start:  RB Ray Rice, DEF
  • Neutral:  TEs Eric Dickson & Dennis Pitta, K Billy Cundiff
    
  • Sit:  QB Joe Flacco, RB Ricky Williams, WRs Anquan Boldin, Torrey Smith, & Lee Evans
• Cleveland
  • Start: TE Ben Watson
  • Neutral: WRs Josh Cribbs & Greg Little, DEF
  • Sit: QB Colt McCoy (Probable-elbow), RBs Peyton Hillis (Probable-hamstring), Montario Hardesty (Questionable-calf), & Chris Ogbannaya; WR Mohamed Massaquoi, TE Evan Moore, K Phil Dawson

 

St. Louis at San Francisco – Many pundits were picking St. Louis to win the NFC West handily this season.  Of course that hasn’t happened, and Sam Bradford’s health woes have played a major part in that.  Of course, some of Bradford’s health woes may be attributed to his offensive line’s ability to keep him upright and in one piece.  There’s a good chance that with Bradford still ailing the Rams will go back to A.J. Feeley at quarterback this week; either way, San Francisco and its strong defense/just-good-enough offense will win the game handily.  San Francisco 28, St. Louis 14.

• St. Louis
  • Start:  WR Brandon Lloyd
  • Neutral:  WR Austin Pettis, TE Lance Kendricks, DEF
  • Sit:  QB Sam Bradford (Questionable-ankle), RBs Steven Jackson & Cadillac Williams, K Josh Brown
• San Francisco
  • Start: RB Frank Gore (Probable-ankle), TE Vernon Davis, DEF
  • Neutral:  RB Kendall Hunter, WRs Michael Crabtree & Braylon Edwards (Questionable-shoulder), K David Akers
  • Sit:  QB Alex Smith, TE Delanie Walker

 

Green Bay at New York Giants – I picked the Giants to give the Saints a run for their money last Monday night, and that obviously didn’t happen.  So, why am I picking the Giants to keep another game close against a superior opponent?  As good as Green Bay’s offense has been this season, their pass defense leaves a lot to be desired.  Anyone who thinks that Eli Manning has been the cause of the Giants’ recent woes should watch what he does to the Packers’ secondary - 350+ passing yards is not out of the realm of possibility.  Unfortunately, the Giants’ running game is in such disarray that they won’t be able to keep the Packer defense from using extra men in coverage and producing a game-clinching interception.  Green Bay 34, New York 27.

• Green Bay
  • Start:  QB Aaron Rodgers, WRs Greg Jennings & Jordy Nelson, TE Jermichael Finley, K Mason Crosby
  • Neutral:  RBs James Starks (Probable-knee) & Ryan Grant, DEF
  • Sit:  WRs James Jones & Donald Driver
• New York
  • Start:  QB Eli Manning, WRs Hakeem Nicks (Probable-ribs) & Victor Cruz, TE Jake Ballard
  • Neutral:  WR Ramses Barden; K Lawrence Tynes
  • Sit: RBs Ahmad Bradshaw (Questionable-foot), Brandon Jacobs,  D.J. Ware, & Da’Rel Scott; WR Mario Manningham (Doubtful-knee), DEF

 

Dallas at Arizona – While the Giants are struggling against (and ultimately losing to) the Packers, the Cowboys will be 2,500 miles west adding to their NFC East lead.  The calls for Tony Romo’s arm on a platter have ceased, DeMarco Murray has finally given the Cowboys a legitimate ground game, and Laurent Robinson has filled in so well that Dallas has barely missed the still-injured Miles Austin.  To top that all off, the Dallas defense has played well in recent weeks too.  It’s too early to say for sure, but Dallas looks to me like the team with the best shot to prevent Green Bay from getting to the Super Bowl.  Meanwhile, Kevin Kolb may or may not return, and Beanie Wells may or may not play; the Cowboys will still win handily.  Dallas 31, Arizona 21.

• Dallas
  • Start:  QB Tony Romo, RB DeMarco Murray, WRs Dez Bryant & Laurent Robinson, TE Jason Witten , DEF, K Dan Bailey
  • Neutral:  N/A
  • Sit:  RB Felix Jones, WR Miles Austin (Out-hamstring)
• Arizona
  • Start:  WR Larry Fitzgerald
  • Neutral: QB John Skelton or QB Kevin Kolb (Probable-toe) (whoever starts), RB Beanie Wells (Probable-knee), WRs Early Doucet & Andre Roberts
  • Sit:  RB LaRod Stephens-Howling (Probable-shoulder), TEs Jeff King, Todd Heap (Questionable-hamstring) & Rob Housler (Probable-groin); DEF, K Jay Feely

 

Detroit at New Orleans (Sunday night) – At least NBC made a good choice for a replacement game when they moved Indianapolis-New England out of the Sunday prime time slot.  Don’t expect Ndamukong Suh’s two-game suspension to stomp out the Lions’ defensive intensity, but the Saints have just a bit more offensive firepower than the Lions, and that will be the difference in this game.  Don’t expect Kevin Smith to have an impact for Detroit, but expect Mark Ingram to continue his return with another strong performance.  New Orleans 34, Detroit 28.

• Detroit
  • Start:  QB Matthew Stafford, WRs Calvin Johnson (Probable-ankle) & Nate Burleson, TE Brandon Pettigrew
  • Neutral:  RB Maurice Morris, WR Titus Young, K Jason Hanson
  • Sit:  RBs Kevin Smith (Questionable-ankle) & Keiland Williams, DEF
• New Orleans
  • Start:  QB Drew Brees, RBs Darren Sproles & Mark Ingram, WR Marques Colston, TE Jimmy Graham, K John Kasay
  • Neutral:  RB Pierre Thomas, WR Lance Moore, DEF
  • Sit: RB Chris Ivory, WRs Devery Henderson & Robert Meachem

San Diego at Jacksonville (Monday night) – With the Chargers’ season (and Norv Turner’s job) rapidly spinning down the drain, Philip Rivers and company have one last chance to pull out of their five-game tailspin.  It won’t be easy because Jacksonville’s defense is better than most people give them credit for, but Jacksonville’s offense (or more to the point, rookie quarterback Blaine Gabbert) is so overmatched that San Diego will get back on track with a win.  San Diego 24, Jacksonville 17.

• San Diego
  • Start:  QB Philip Rivers, WR Vincent Jackson, TE Antonio Gates, DEF
  • Neutral:  RBs Mike Tolbert & Ryan Mathews, WR Malcolm Floyd (Probable-hip) & Vincent Brown, K Nick Novak
  • Sit:  N/A
• Jacksonville
  • Start:  RB Maurice Jones-Drew, WR Mike Thomas, TE Marcedes Lewis
  • Neutral:  RB Deji Karim, WR Jason Hill, DEF
  • Sit:  QB Blaine Gabbert, WRs Jarett Dillard & Brian Robiskie, K Rob Bironas

Good luck this weekend!

The Sherpa

Fantasy Football Sherpa

The Sherpa’s Fantasy Football Blog

@fantasy_sherpa on Twitter

Fantasy Football Sherpa’s fan page on Facebook

“4th & Inches with Jana and The Sherpa“, Wed. nights 9:30-10:30pm Eastern on Blog Talk Radio

Which players’ status changed this past week due to injury, benching, etc., and who may be on your league’s waiver wire with the potential to make a difference for your fantasy team?

Note:  this week’s Thursday night game features Philadelphia at Seattle.

Quarterback

• Injuries/benchings
  • Matt Leinart (IR-collarbone)
  • Curtis Painter (benched)
• Waiver wire targets (rankings based on projected playing time and Week 13 opponents)
  • Dan Orlovsky (@ NE)
  • Vince Young (@ Sea)
  • Kyle Orton (@ Chi)
  • Sam Bradford (@ SF)
  • Alex Smith (vs StL)
  • Rex Grossman (vs NYJ)
  • Christian Ponder (vs Den)
  • Matt Moore (vs Oak)
  • Caleb Hanie (vs KC)
  • Tyler Yates (vs Atl)

Running Back

• Injuries/benchings
  • LeSean McCoy (toe)
  • Kevin Smith (ankle)
  • James Starks (knee)
  • Taiwan Jones (hamstring)
• Waiver wire targets
  • Toby Gerhart (vs Den)
  • Maurice Morris (@ NO)
  • Marcel Reece (@ Mia)

Wide Receiver

• Injuries/benchings
  • Hakeem Nicks (concussion)
  • Sidney Rice (knee)
  • Mario Manningham (knee)
  • Michael Jenkins (IR-knee)
  • Naaman Roosevelt (shoulder)
• Waiver wire targets
  • Damian Williams (@ Buf)
  • Austin Collie (@ NE)
  • Johnny Knox (vs KC)
  • Doug Baldwin (vs Phi)
  • Vincent Brown (@ Jac)
  • Chaz Schilens (@ Mia)
  • Brandon LaFell (@ TB)
  • Lavelle Hawkins (@ Buf)
  • Andre Roberts (vs Dal)
  • Austin Pettis (@ SF)
  • Darrius Heyward-Bey (@ Mia)
  • Jason Avant (@ Sea)
  • Louis Murphy (@ Mia)
  • Riley Cooper (@ Sea)
  • Santana Moss (vs NYJ)
  • Legedu Naanee (@ TB)
  • Brad Smith (vs Ten)
  • Jarett Dillard (vs SD)
  • Harry Douglas (@ Hou)
  • Greg Little (vs Bal)
  • Devery Henderson (vs Det)
  • Andrew Hawkins (@ Pit)
  • Jordan Norwood (vs Bal)
  • Devin Aromashodu (vs Den)

Tight Ends

• Injuries/benchings
  • N/A
• Waiver wire targets
  • Scott Chandler (vs Ten)
  • Jared Cook (@ Buf)
  • Lance Kendricks (@ SF)

Kickers

• Injuries/benchings
  • N/A
• Waiver wire targets
  • Olindo Mare (@ TB)
  • Rob Bironas (@ Buf)
  • Steve Hauschka (vs Phi)
  • Josh Scobee (vs SD)
  • Ryan Succop (@ Chi)

Defenses

• Waiver wire targets
  • Denver (@ Min)
  • Carolina (@ TB)
  • Seattle (vs Phi)
  • Washington (vs NYJ)
  • Miami (vs Oak)
  • Jacksonville (vs SD)

Good luck with your claims!

The Sherpa

Fantasy Football Sherpa

The Sherpa’s Fantasy Football Blog

@fantasy_sherpa on Twitter

Fantasy Football Sherpa’s fan page on Facebook

“4th & Inches with Jana and The Sherpa“, Wed. nights 9:30-10:30pm Eastern on Blog Talk Radio

Quarterbacks    

1. Drew Brees vs NYG

2. Aaron Rodgers @ Det

3. Tom Brady @ Phi

4. Ben Roethlisberger @ KC

5. Tony Romo vs Mia

6. Matt Ryan vs Min

7. Matt Stafford vs GB

8. Cam Newton @ Ind

9. Carson Palmer vs Chi

10. Matt Hasselbeck vs TB

11. Vince Young vs NE

12. Eli Manning @ NO

13. Christian Ponder @ Atl

14. Philip Rivers vs Den

15. Joe Flacco vs SF

16. Josh Freeman @ Ten

17. Tim Tebow @ SD

18. Michael Vick vs NE

19. Mark Sanchez vs Buf

20. Curtis Painter vs Car

21. Sam Bradford vs Ari

22. Caleb Hanie @ Oak

23. Andy Dalton vs Cle

24. John Skelton @ StL

25. Matt Moore @ Dal

26. Rex Grossman @ Sea

27. Kevin Kolb @ StL

28. Matt Leinart @ Jac

29. Ryan Fitzpatrick @ NYJ

30. Tarvaris Jackson vs Was

31. Alex Smith @ Bal

32. Colt McCoy @ Cin

33. Blaine Gabbert vs Hou

34. Tyler Palko vs Pit

 

Running Backs   

1. Rashard Mendenhall @ KC

2. LeSean McCoy vs NE

3. Steven Jackson vs Ari

4. Michael Bush vs Chi

5. Michael Turner vs Min

6. Darren Sproles vs NYG

7. DeAngelo Williams @ Ind

8. Ryan Grant @ Det

9. Chris Johnson vs TB

10. Arian Foster @ Jac

11. Cedric Benson vs Cle

12. Matt Forte @ Oak

13. Marshawn Lynch vs Was

14. Beanie Wells @ StL

15. Donald Brown vs Car

16. LeGarrette Blount @ Ten

17. Shonn Greene vs Buf

18. Delone Carter vs Car

19. Willis McGahee @ SD

20. DeMarco Murray vs Mia

21. Kevin Smith vs GB

22. Pierre Thomas vs NYG

23. BenJarvus Green-Ellis @ Phi

24. Mark Ingram vs NYG

25. Jonathan Stewart @ Ind

26. Ray Rice vs SF

27. Ryan Mathews vs Den

28. Reggie Bush @ Dal

29. Mike Tolbert vs Den

30. Tashard Choice @ NYJ

31. Ben Tate @ Jac

32. Marion Barber @ Oak

33. Joe McKnight vs Buf

34. Brandon Jacobs @ NO

35. C.J. Spiller @ NYJ

36. Daniel Thomas @ Dal

37. Frank Gore @ Bal

38. Jackie Battle vs Pit

39. Lance Ball @ SD

40. Keiland Williams vs GB

41. Ronnie Brown vs NE

42. Chris Ivory vs NYG

43. Maurice Morris vs GB

44. Marcel Reece vs Chi

45. Javon Ringer vs TB

46. Stevan Ridley @ Phi

47. Shane Vereen @ Phi

48. Danny Woodhead @ Phi

49. Jacquizz Rodgers vs Min

50. Phillip Tanner vs Mia

51. Isaac Redman @ KC

52. Jason Snelling vs Min

53. D.J. Ware @ NO

54. Da`Rel Scott @ NO

55. Ricky Williams vs SF

56. Bernard Scott vs Cle

57. LaRod Stephens-Howling @ StL

58. Johnny White @ NYJ

59. Charles Clay @ Dal

60. Lex Hilliard @ Dal

61. Kendall Hunter @ Bal

62. Roy Helu @ Sea

63. Ryan Torain @ Sea

64. Toby Gerhart @ Atl

65. Chris Ogbannaya @ Cin

66. Maurice Jones-Drew vs Hou

67. Dexter McCluster vs Pit

68. Thomas Jones vs Pit

69. Deji Karim vs Hou

70. Taiwan Jones vs Chi

71. James Starks @ Det

72. Cadillac Williams vs Ari

73. Felix Jones vs Mia

74. Joseph Addai vs Car

75. LaDainian Tomlinson vs Buf

76. Montario Hardesty @ Cin

77. Peyton Hillis @ Cin

 

Wide Receivers

1. Marques Colston vs NYG

2. Calvin Johnson vs GB

3. Mike Wallace @ KC

4. Greg Jennings @ Det

5. Dez Bryant vs Mia

6. Wes Welker @ Phi

7. DeSean Jackson vs NE

8. Steve Smith @ Ind

9. Jordy Nelson @ Det

10. Roddy White vs Min

11. Laurent Robinson vs Mia

12. Brandon Lloyd vs Ari

13. Nate Washington vs TB

14. Nate Burleson vs GB

15. Antonio Brown @ KC

16. Damian Williams vs TB

17. Brandon Marshall @ Dal

18. Larry Fitzgerald @ StL

19. Hakeem Nicks @ NO

20. Andre Johnson @ Jac

21. Victor Cruz @ NO

22. Santonio Holmes vs Buf

23. Anquan Boldin vs SF

24. Vincent Jackson vs Den

25. Sidney Rice vs Was

26. Jerome Simpson vs Cle

27. Torrey Smith vs SF

28. Reggie Wayne vs Car

29. Michael Williams @ Ten

30. Jabar Gaffney @ Sea

31. Josh Cribbs @ Cin

32. Michael Jenkins @ Atl

33. Lance Moore vs NYG

34. Jason Avant vs NE

35. Titus Young vs GB

36. Riley Cooper vs NE

37. Chaz Schilens vs Chi

38. Donald Driver @ Det

39. Brandon LaFell @ Ind

40. Julio Jones vs Min

41. A.J. Green vs Cle

42. Brandon Gibson vs Ari

43. Pierre Garcon vs Car

44. Johnny Knox @ Oak

45. Earl Bennett @ Oak

46. Plaxico Burress vs Buf

47. Roy Williams @ Oak

48. Kevin Walter @ Jac

49. Devin Hester @ Oak

50. Austin Pettis vs Ari

51. Harry Douglas vs Min

52. Vincent Brown vs Den

53. Davone Bess @ Dal

54. Early Doucet @ StL

55. Preston Parker @ Ten

56. Ben Obomanu vs Was

57. Arrelious Benn @ Ten

58. Andre Roberts @ StL

59. David Nelson @ NYJ

60. Mike Williams vs Was

61. Dwayne Bowe vs Pit

62. Mike Thomas vs Hou

63. Steve Breaston vs Pit

64. Santana Moss @ Sea

65. Eric Decker @ SD

66. Michael Crabtree @ Bal

67. Greg Little @ Cin

68. Legedu Naanee @ Ind

69. Denarius Moore vs Chi

70. Deion Branch @ Phi

71. Mario Manningham @ NO

72. Percy Harvin @ Atl

73. Robert Meachem vs NYG

74. Devery Henderson vs NYG

75. Jeremy Maclin vs NE

76. James Jones @ Det

77. T.J. Houshmandzadeh vs Chi

78. Emmanuel Sanders @ KC

79. Hines Ward @ KC

80. Danario Alexander vs Ari

81. Andrew Hawkins vs Cle

82. Austin Collie vs Car

83. Jacoby Jones @ Jac

84. Patrick Turner vs Buf

85. Jeremy Kerley vs Buf

86. Lee Evans vs SF

87. Andre Caldwell vs Cle

88. Steve Johnson @ NYJ

89. Dez Briscoe @ Ten

90. Brian Hartline @ Dal

91. Doug Baldwin vs Was

92. Donte’ Stallworth @ Sea

93. Braylon Edwards @ Bal

94. Eddie Royal @ SD

95. Anthony Armstrong @ Sea

96. Terrence Austin @ Sea

97. Demaryius Thomas @ SD

98. Kyle Williams @ Bal

99. Ted Ginn Jr @ Bal

100. Devin Aromashodu @ Atl

101. Jason Hill vs Hou

102. Brian Robiskie vs Hou

103. Jonathan Baldwin vs Pit

  Tight Ends

1. Jimmy Graham vs NYG

2. Brandon Pettigrew vs GB

3. Jermichael Finley @ Det

4. Rob Gronkowski @ Phi

5. Brent Celek vs NE

6. Greg Olsen @ Ind

7. Jason Witten vs Mia

8. Tony Gonzalez vs Min

9. Heath Miller @ KC

10. Aaron Hernandez @ Phi

11. Jermaine Gresham vs Cle

12. Antonio Gates vs Den

13. Kellen Winslow @ Ten

14. Dustin Keller vs Buf

15. Owen Daniels @ Jac

16. Scott Chandler @ NYJ

17. Zach Miller vs Was

18. Anthony Fasano @ Dal

19. Vernon Davis @ Bal

20. Fred Davis @ Sea

21. Jared Cook vs TB

22. Lance Kendricks vs Ari

23. Jacob Tamme vs Car

24. Ed Dickson vs SF

25. Jake Ballard @ NO

26. Dennis Pitta vs SF

27. Marcedes Lewis vs Hou

28. Ben Watson @ Cin

29. Visanthe Shiancoe @ Atl

30. Jeremy Shockey @ Ind

31. Michael Hoomanawanui vs Ari

32. Kellen Davis @ Oak

33. Joel Dreessen @ Jac

34. Jeff King @ StL

35. Daniel Fells @ SD

36. Evan Moore @ Cin

37. Jake O’Connell vs Pit

38. Leonard Pope vs Pit

39. Rob Housler @ StL

40. Todd Heap @ StL

41. Kyle Rudolph @ Atl

 

Defense & Special Teams

1. Pittsburgh Steelers @ KC

2. Houston Texans @ Jac

3. Cincinnati Bengals vs Cle

4. San Diego Chargers vs Den

5. Baltimore Ravens vs SF

6. Seattle Seahawks vs Was

7. Atlanta Falcons vs Min

8. Dallas Cowboys vs Mia

9. Washington Redskins @ Sea

10. Tennessee Titans vs TB

11. St. Louis Rams vs Ari

12. New York Jets vs Buf

13. San Francisco 49ers @ Bal

14. Denver Broncos @ SD

15. Carolina Panthers @ Ind

16. Cleveland Browns @ Cin

17. Buffalo Bills @ NYJ

18. New Orleans Saints vs NYG

19. Oakland Raiders vs Chi

20. Jacksonville Jaguars vs Hou

21. Minnesota Vikings @ Atl

22. Miami Dolphins @ Dal

23. Kansas City Chiefs vs Pit

24. Arizona Cardinals @ StL

25. Philadelphia Eagles vs NE

26. Chicago Bears @ Oak

27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Ten

28. Detroit Lions vs GB

29. Indianapolis Colts vs Car

30. New England Patriots @ Phi

31. New York Giants @ NO

32. Green Bay Packers @ Det

Kickers

1. John Kasay vs NYG

2. Alex Henery vs NE

3. Jason Hanson vs GB

4. Olindo Mare @ Ind

5. Rob Bironas vs TB

6. Sebastian Janikowski vs Chi

7. Mason Crosby @ Det

8. Stephen Gostkowski @ Phi

9. Josh Brown vs Ari

10. Matt Bryant vs Min

11. Dan Bailey vs Mia

12. Shaun Suisham @ KC

13. Billy Cundiff vs SF

14. Adam Vinatieri vs Car

15. Lawrence Tynes @ NO

16. Mike Nugent vs Cle

17. Nick Folk vs Buf

18. Neil Rackers @ Jac

19. Robbie Gould @ Oak

20. Nick Novak vs Den

21. Jay Feely @ StL

22. Dave Rayner @ NYJ

23. Connor Barth @ Ten

24. Steve Hauschka vs Was

25. Shayne Graham @ Dal

26. Graham Gano @ Sea

27. David Akers @ Bal

28. Ryan Longwell @ Atl

29. Matt Prater @ SD

30. Phil Dawson @ Cin

31. Ryan Succop vs Pit

32. Josh Scobee vs Hou

 

Good luck this weekend!

The Sherpa

Fantasy Football Sherpa

The Sherpa’s Fantasy Football Blog

@fantasy_sherpa on Twitter

Fantasy Football Sherpa’s fan page on Facebook

“4th & Inches with Jana and The Sherpa“, Wed. nights 9:30-10:30pm Eastern on Blog Talk Radio

Green Bay at Detroit (Thursday early) – On the rare occasions when a team is still undefeated after ten games, as the Packers are this season, people start discussing the possibility of an undefeated season culminating in a Super Bowl victory.  Aaron Rodgers and Green Bay will lose their undefeated season in a Thanksgiving Day upset, and if they don’t improve their atrocious pass defense, they won’t repeat as Super Bowl champions either.  Detroit 34, Green Bay 30.

• Green Bay
  • Start:  QB Aaron Rodgers, RB Ryan Grant, WRs Greg Jennings (Probable-knee) & Jordy Nelson, TE Jermichael Finley, K Mason Crosby
  • Neutral:  WR Donald Driver
  • Sit:  RB James Starks (Questionable-knee), WR James Jones, DEF
• Detroit
  • Start:  QB Matthew Stafford (Probable-finger), WRs Calvin Johnson (Probable-ankle) & Nate Burleson, TE Brandon Pettigrew, K Jason Hanson
  • Neutral:  RB Kevin Smith, WR Titus Young
  • Sit:  RBs Maurice Morris (Probable-ankle) & Kevin Williams, DEF

 

Miami at Dallas (Thursday late) – Miami has now won three straight games after starting off the season with seven straight losses, but the Dolphins will come crashing back to earth during this game against the resurgent Cowboys.  Laurent Robinson has stepped in for the injured Miles Austin, and the Cowboys have barely missed a beat.  Dallas 27, Miami 20.

• Miami
  • Start:  WR Brandon Marshall, TE Anthony Fasano
  • Neutral:  QB Matt Moore, RBs Reggie Bush & Daniel Thomas, WR Davone Bess, DEF
  • Sit:  RBs Lex Hilliard & Charles Clay, WR Brian Hartline, Ks Shayne Graham & Dan Carpenter (Out-groin)
• Dallas
  • Start:  QB Tony Romo, WRs Dez Bryant & Laurent Robinson, TE Jason Witten, DEF
  • Neutral:  RB DeMarco Murray, K Dan Bailey
  • Sit:  RBs Felix Jones (Questionable-ankle) & Phillip Tanner

 

San Francisco at Baltimore (Thursday night) – So much has been written about this “Battle of the Harbaughs” that you might think they were both suiting up for their respective teams.  Thankfully, that won’t be the case.  San Francisco’s mediocre offense has been carried by its staunch run defense, but the Ravens have just enough offensive ability to hand the 49ers their second loss of the season.  Baltimore 24, San Francisco 17.

• San Francisco
  • Start:  TE Vernon Davis
  • Neutral:  RB Frank Gore (Probable-knee), WR Michael Crabtree (Probable-foot), DEF
  • Sit:  QB Alex Smith, RB Kendall Hunter, WRs Braylon Edwards (Probable-knee) & Kyle Williams, K David Akers
• Baltimore
  • Start:  QB Joe Flacco, WRs Anquan Boldin & Torrey Smith, DEF
  • Neutral:  RB Ray Rice, TEs Ed Dickson & Dennis Pitta, K Billy Cundiff
  • Sit:  RB Ricky Williams, WR Lee Evans

 

Houston at Jacksonville (Sunday early) – Most eyes will be focused on Matt Leinart and his latest opportunity to resuscitate his career.  He’ll have a much better supporting cash in Houston than he did in Arizona, but with Jacksonville’s anemic offense, he can let his running backs carry most of the load .  Houston 24, Jacksonville 10.

• Houston
  • Start: RB Arian Foster, WR Andre Johnson (Probable-hamstring), TE Owen Daniels (Probable-knee), DEF
  • Neutral:  RB Ben Tate, WR Kevin Walter, K Neil Rackers
  • Sit:  QB Matt Leinart, WR Jacoby Jones, TE Joel Dreessen
• Jacksonville
  • Start:  N/A
  • Neutral:  WR Mike Thomas, TE Marcedes Lewis, DEF
  • Sit:  QB Blaine Gabbert, RBs Maurice Jones-Drew & Deji Karim, WR Jason Hill & Brian Robiskie (Probable-hamstring), K Josh Scobee

 

Carolina at Indianapolis – This is one of the few games on Indy’s schedule that it actually appears to have a chance of winning, but Cam Newton will thwart Colts’ fans’ dreams.  Curtis Painter has proven to be a serviceable quarterback from a fantasy standpoint, but expect Indy to attack the Panthers’ defense via the run.  Carolina 31, Indianapolis 24.

• Carolina
  • Start:  QB Cam Newton, RB DeAngelo Williams, WR Steve Smith, TE Greg Olsen, K Olindo Mare
  • Neutral:  RB Jonathan Stewart, WRs Legedu Naanee (Questionable-ankle) & Brandon LaFell, DEF
  • Sit:  TE Jeremy Shockey
• Indianapolis
  • Start:  RBs Delone Carter & Donald Brown, WR Reggie Wayne
  • Neutral: QB Curtis Painter,  WR Pierre Gracon, TE Jacob Tamme, K Adam Vinatieri
  • Sit: RB Joseph Addai (Questionable-hamstring), WR Austin Collie, DEF

 

Cleveland at Cincinnati - This battle for Ohio bragging rights features two quarterbacks who are both dealing with shoulder injuries.  Luckily for Andy Dalton and the Bengals, the Browns allow a lot of rushing yards, so expect the Bengals (especially Cedric Benson) to attack primarily on the ground.  Cincinnati 24, Cleveland 14.

• Cleveland
  • Start:  WR Josh Cribbs
  • Neutral:  WR Greg Little, TE Ben Watson (Probable-elbow), DEF
  • Sit:  QB Colt McCoy (Probable-shoulder), RBs Chris Ogbannaya, Peyton Hillis (Questionable-hamstring), & Montario Hardesty; TE Evan Moore, K Phil Dawson
• Cincinnati
  • Start:  RB Cedric Benson, WR Jerome Simpson, TE Jermaine Gresham, DEF
  • Neutral:  QB Andy Dalton (Probable-shoulder), WR A.J. Green (Probable-knee), K Mike Nugent
  • Sit:  RB Bernard Scott, WRs Andre Caldwell & Andrew Hawkins

 

Minnesota at Atlanta – Will Adrian Peterson play or won’t he?  His fantasy owners might not like to hear this, but it doesn’t matter:  Peterson shouldn’t be in your starting lineups this week even if he does play.  Atlanta’s run defense would be a tough challenge for a 100% healthy back, much less one (even if his name is Adrian Peterson) who’s much less than 100% healthy.  Expect Matt Ryan to have a field day against the Vikings’ secondary, and don’t get lured into believing that Toby Gerhart will be a valuable fantasy contributor in the event of Peterson’s absence.  Atlanta 27, Minnesota 17.

• Minnesota
  • Start:  QB Christian Ponder (Probable-knee), WR Michael Jenkins
  • Neutral:  WR Percy Harvin (Questionable-ribs), TE Visanthe Shiancoe (Questionable-hamstring), DEF
  • Sit:  RBs Adrian Peterson (Out-ankle) & Toby Gerhart, WRs Devin Aromashodu & Greg Camarillo, TE Kyle Rudolph (Doubtful-quad), K Ryan Longwell
• Atlanta
  • Start:  QB Matt Ryan, RB Michael Turner, WR Roddy White, TE Tony Gonzalez, DEF
  • Neutral:  WRs Julio Jones (Probable-hamstring) & Harry Douglas, K Matt Bryant
  • Sit:  RBs Jason Snelling & Jacquizz Rodgers

 

Buffalo at New York Jets – The streaky Jets have now lost two games in a row again, but their plight seems wonderful compared to that of the Bills, who will be playing for the rest of the season without their star running back, Fred Jackson.  Mark Sanchez continues to prove his former college coach Pete Carroll right week after week (”He’s not ready for the pros”), but he should rack up 300+ yards against a shoddy Bills’ secondary.  Tashard Choice is the better bet to emerge as the Bills’ new starting running back than C.J. Spiller or rookie Johnny White.  New York 24, Buffalo 21.

• Buffalo
  • Start:  TE Scott Chandler
  • Neutral:  RBs C.J. Spiller & Tashard Choice, WR David Nelson, DEF
  • Sit:  QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, RB Johnny White, WRs Steve Johnson (Probable-shoulder) & Naaman Roosevelt (Out-shoulder), Ks Dave Rayner & Rian Lindell (Out-shoulder)
• New York
  • Start:  RB Shonn Greene (Probable-ribs), WR Santonio Holmes, TE Dustin Keller, DEF
  • Neutral:  QB Mark Sanchez (Probable-neck), RB Joe McKnight, WR Plaxico Burress, K Nick Folk
  • Sit:  RB LaDainian Tomlinson (Questionable-knee), WRs Jeremy Kerley (Questionable-knee) & Patrick Turner

 

Tampa Bay at Tennessee – Matt Hasselbeck has been one of the biggest surprises at quarterback this season, while Josh Freeman has been one of the biggest disappointments at quarterback this season.  Even without Chris Johnson looking anything like his 2009 (or even 2010) self, the Titans still have more than enough offensive firepower to pull out the victory in this game.  Tennessee 30, Tampa Bay 20.

• Tampa Bay
  • Start:  QB Josh Freeman, RB LeGarrette Blount, WR Mike Williams, TE Kellen Winslow
  • Neutral:  WRs Preston Parker & Arrelious Benn
  • Sit:  WR Dez Briscoe, DEF, K Connor Barth
• Tennessee
  • Start:  QB Matt Hasselbeck (Probable-elbow), RB Chris Johnson, WRs Nate Washington & Damian Williams, DEF, K Rob Bironas (Probable-back)
  • Neutral:  TE Jared Cook
  • Sit:  RB Javon Ringer, WR Lavelle Hawkins

 

Arizona at St. Louis – Although neither of these teams are likely to be in a position to draft Andrew Luck next season, both still figure to have top five draft picks the way their seasons have gone to date.  Kevin Kolb may or may not throw, and Beanie Wells may or may not run.  Steven Jackson is having a bounce-back year for the Rams, while Brandon Lloyd has been every bit as good as advertised since being acquired earlier this month in a trade with Denver.  St. Louis 27, Arizona 21.

• Arizona
  • Start:  RB Beanie Wells (Probable-knee), WR Larry Fitzgerald
  • Neutral:  QB John Skelton or QB Kevin Kolb (Questionable-toe) (whoever starts), WRs Early Doucet & Arrelious Brown, DEF
  • Sit: RB LaRod Stephens-Howling (Probable-shoulder), TEs Jeff King, Todd Heap (Questionable-hamstring), & Rob Housler (Questionable-groin)
• St. Louis
  • Start:  RB Steven Jackson, WR Brandon Lloyd, DEF
  • Neutral:  QB Sam Bradford, WRs Brandon Gibson & Austin Pettis (Probable-knee), TE Lance Kendricks (Probable-concussion), K Josh Brown
  • Sit:  RB Cadillac Williams (Questionable-calf), WR Danario Alexander (Questionable-hamstring), TE Michael Hoomanawanui

Chicago at Oakland (Sunday late) – Neither team has the quarterback it began the season with at its disposal, but the Raiders with Carson Palmer are in much better shape than the Bears are with Caleb Hanie.  Oakland’s wide receivers are banged up, as is Darren McFadden, but Michael Bush has shown again that he is a more-than-capable sub on the not-rare-enough occasions when McFadden isn’t able to play.  Bears’ fans have been ambivalent (at best) about Cutler ever since he arrived in a trade with Denver; now they’re about to find out just what an integral part of their offense he truly is.  Oakland 30, Chicago 24.

• Chicago
  • Start:  RB Matt Forte
  • Neutral:  QB Caleb Hanie, RB Marion Barber, WRs Earl Bennett, Roy Williams, Devin Hester (Probable-shin), & Johnny Knox; K Robbie Gould
    
  • Sit:  TE Kellen Davis, DEF
• Oakland
  • Start: QB Carson Palmer, RB Michael Bush, TE Kevin Boss, K Sebastian Janikowski
  • Neutral: WRs Denarius Moore (Questionable-foot), Chaz Schilens & Louis Murphy; DEF
  • Sit: RBs Darren McFadden (Out-foot), Marcel Reece & Taiwan Jones (Questionable-hamstring); WRs Jacoby Ford (Out-foot), Darrius Heyward-Bey (Questionable-neck), & T.J. Houshmandzadeh

 

Washington at Seattle – Two teams with decent defenses and lousy offenses collide in this contest.  Marshawn Lynch has run well lately for Seattle, but the team’s lack of a legitimate passing attack will keep this game closer than it should be.  The Redskins will continue their dive to the depths of the NFC East, even with Rex Grossman at the helm.  Guessing who will lead the Redskins in rushing from week to week is frustrating for many fantasy owners, but with little left to play for this seaon, the bet here is that Roy Helu will get the majority of the Skins’ carries going forward.  Seattle 20, Washington 17.

• Washington
  • Start:  WR Jabar Gaffney, TE Fred Davis, DEF
  • Neutral:  QB Rex Grossman, WR Santana Moss (Probable-hand)
  • Sit:  RBs Ryan Torain & Roy Helu, WRs Terrence Austin, Donte’ Stallworth (Questionable-foot), & Anthony Armstrong, K Graham Gano
• Seattle
  • Start: RB Marshawn Lynch, WR Sidney Rice (Probable-knee), TE Zach Miller, DEF
  • Neutral:  WRs Mike Williams & Ben Obomanu (Probable-knee)
  • Sit:  QB Tarvaris Jackson (Probable-pectoral), WR Doug Baldwin, K Steve Hauschka

 

Denver at San Diego – Tebow mania is the craze that’s sweeping NFL Nation, but Tebow will be answer questions of a different sort after San Diego ends his magical carpet ride at the end of this game.  Eddie Royal looked like a great fantasy bet earlier in the season with Kyle Orton throwing to him, but with Tebow now starting, there’s little point in owning any Denver offensive player.  San Diego 24, Denver 17.

• Denver
  • Start:  QB Tim Tebow, RB Willis McGahee (Probable-hand)
  • Neutral:  RB Lance Ball, WR Eric Decker, DEF
  • Sit:  WR Eddie Royal & Demaryius Thomas, TE Daniel Fells (Probable-concussion), K Matt Prater
• San Diego
  • Start:  QB Philip Rivers, WR Vincent Jackson, TE Antonio Gates, DEF
    
  • Neutral:  RBs Ryan Mathews (Probable-knee) & Mike Tolbert, WR Vincent Brown, K Nick Novak
  • Sit:  WR Malcom Floyd (Out-hip)

 

New England at Philadelphia – DeSean Jackson may be a misbehaving idiot, but his talent is undeniable.  With the Patriots’ secondary as bad as it’s been, Jackson and his fellow receivers may have plenty of opportunities to throw footballs at Bill Belichick this week.  Philadelphia 34, New England 28.

• New England
  • Start:  QB Tom Brady, WR Wes Welker (Probable-knee), TEs Rob Gronkowski & Aaron Hernandez
  • Neutral:  RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis, WR Deion Branch (Questionable-hip), K Stephen Gostkowski
  • Sit:  RBs Danny Woodhead, Stevan Ridley, & Shane Vereen; WR Chad Ochocinco (Out-talent hamstring), DEF
• Philadelphia
  • Start:  QB Michael Vick (Questionable-ribs) or QB Vince Young (whoever starts), RB LeSean McCoy, WR DeSean Jackson (Probable-foot), TE Brent Celek, K Alex Henery
  • Neutral: WRs Jason Avant & Riley Cooper; DEF
  • Sit:  RB Ronnie Brown, Jeremy Maclin (Doubtful-shoulder)

 

Pittsburgh at Kansas City (Sunday night) – This may have seemed like an appealing match-up when the 2011 schedule was first released, but that’s certainly not the case now.  Ben Roethlisberger’s thumb should feel a lot better after this game is over; Tyler Palko will gladly hand over the Chiefs’ reins to former Denver quarterback Kyle Orton after this game..  Pittsburgh 27, Kansas City 10.

• Pittsburgh
  • Start:  QB Ben Roethlisberger (Probable-thumb), RB Rashard Mendenhall, WRs Mike Wallace & Antonio Brown, TE Heath Miller, DEF
  • Neutral:  K Shaun Suisham
  • Sit:  RB Isaac Redman, WRs Emmanuel Sanders (Probable-knee) & Hines Ward
• Kansas City
  • Start:  N/A
  • Neutral:  RB Jackie Battle, WRs Dwayne Bowe & Steve Breaston, DEF
  • Sit: QB Tyler Palko or QB Kyle Orton (whoever starts), RBs Thomas Jones & Dexter McCluster, WR Jonathan Baldwin, TEs Leonard Pope & Jake O’Connell, K Ryan Succop

New York Giants at New Orleans (Monday night) – The Saints’ quarterback Drew Brees is on pace to throw for over 5,000 yards, approximately the same yardage the Giants pass defense is giving up every game.  The Giants’ offensive line has been a problem all season, and with the loss of Will Beatty for the season with a detached retina, this game could get ugly quickly for the Giants. New Orleans 34, New York 24.

• New York
  • Start:  QB Eli Manning, WRs Hakeem Nicks & Victor Cruz
  • Neutral:  RB Brandon Jacobs, WR Mario Manningham (Questionable-knee), TE Jake Ballard, K Lawrence Tynes
  • Sit:  RBs D.J. Ware (Probable-concussion), Ahmad Bradshaw (Out-foot), & Da’Rel Scott; DEF
• New Orleans
  • Start:  QB Drew Brees, RB Darren Sproles, WR Marques Colston, TE Jimmy Graham, K John Kasay
  • Neutral:  RBs Pierre Thomas & Mark Ingram, WR Lance Moore, DEF
  • Sit:  RB Chris Ivory, WRs Devery Henderson & Robert Meachem

Good luck this weekend!

The Sherpa

Fantasy Football Sherpa

The Sherpa’s Fantasy Football Blog

@fantasy_sherpa on Twitter

Fantasy Football Sherpa’s fan page on Facebook

“4th & Inches with Jana and The Sherpa“, Wed. nights 9:30-10:30pm Eastern on Blog Talk Radio

Which players’ status changed this past week due to injury, benching, etc., and who may be on your league’s waiver wire with the potential to make a difference for your fantasy team?

Note:  bye weeks are (thankfully) over, but there are 3 Thursday games this week in “honor” of Thanksgiving:  Green Bay at Detroit, Miami at Dallas, and San Francisco at Baltimore.

Quarterback

• Injuries/benchings
  • Jay Cutler (thumb)
  • Matt Hasselbeck (elbow)
  • Colt McCoy (shoulder)
  • Kyle Orton (cut)
• Waiver wire targets (rankings based on projected playing time and Week 12 opponents)
  • Matt Moore (@ Dal)
  • Christian Ponder (@ Atl)
  • John Skelton (@ StL)
  • Sam Bradford (vs Ari)
  • Rex Grossman (@ Sea)
  • Alex Smith (@ Bal)
  • Caleb Hanie (@ Oak)
  • Tarvaris Jackson (vs Was)
  • Colt McCoy (@ Cin)
  • Blaine Gabbert (vs Hou)
  • Tyler Palko (vs Pit)
  • Jake Locker (vs TB)

Running Back

• Injuries/benchings
  • Adrian Peterson (ankle)
  • Fred Jackson (calf)
  • James Starks (knee)
  • Shonn Greene (ribs)
  • Maurice Morris (ankle)
  • D.J. Ware (concussion)
  • Tashard Choice (cut)
• Waiver wire targets
  • Ryan Grant (@ Det)
  • Kevin Smith (vs GB)
  • Donald Brown (vs Car)
  • Joe McKnight (vs Buf)
  • Javon Ringer (vs TB)
  • Bernard Scott (vs Cle)
  • Danny Woodhead (@ Phi)
  • Da’Rel Scott (@ NO)
  • Toby Gerhart (@ Atl)
  • Shane Vereen (@ Phi)
  • Thomas Jones (vs Pit)
  • Dexter McCluster (vs Pit)

Wide Receiver

• Injuries/benchings
  • Calvin Johnson (ankle)
  • Greg Jennings (knee)
  • DeSean Jackson (foot)
  • Darrius Heyward-Bey (neck)
  • Ben Obomanu (knee)
• Waiver wire targets
  • Nate Washington (vs TB)
  • Early Doucet (@ StL)
  • Andre Caldwell (vs Cle)
  • Nate Burleson (vs GB)
  • Greg Little (@ Cin)
  • Donald Driver (@ Det)
  • Michael Jenkins (@ Atl)
  • Austin Pettis (vs Ari)
  • Andre Roberts (@ StL)
  • Damian Williams (vs TB)
  • Andrew Hawkins (vs Cle)
  • Arrelious Benn (@ Ten)
  • Brandon LaFell (@ Ind)
  • Legedu Naanee (@ Ind)
  • Demaryius Thomas (@ SD)
  • Donte’ Stallworth (@ Sea)
  • Lavelle Hawkins (vs TB)
  • Roy Williams (@ Oak)
  • Johnny Knox (@ Oak)
  • Jonathan Baldwin (vs Pit)
  • Kyle Williams (@ Bal)

Tight Ends

• Injuries/benchings
  • Jake Ballard (elbow)
  • Visanthe Shiancoe (hamstring)
  • Daniel Fells (concussion)
  • Kyle Rudolph (quad)
• Waiver wire targets
  • Marcedes Lewis (vs Hou)
  • Scott Chandler (@ NYJ)
  • Kevin Boss (vs Chi)
  • Jacob Tamme (vs Car)
  • Jared Cook (vs TB)
  • Delanie Walker (@ Bal)
  • Leonard Pope (vs Pit)
  • Jake O’Connell (vs Pit)

Kickers

• Injuries/benchings
  • Dan Carpenter (groin)
• Waiver wire targets
  • John Kasay (vs NYG)
  • Shaun Suisham (@ KC)
  • Adam Vinatieri (vs Car)
  • Neil Rackers (@ Jac)

Defenses

• Waiver wire targets
  • Jacksonville (vs Hou)
  • Carolina (@ Ind)
  • Seattle (vs Was)
  • Arizona (@ StL)
  • Cleveland (@ Cin)

Good luck with your claims!

The Sherpa

Fantasy Football Sherpa

The Sherpa’s Fantasy Football Blog

@fantasy_sherpa on Twitter

Fantasy Football Sherpa’s fan page on Facebook

“4th & Inches with Jana and The Sherpa“, Wed. nights 9:30-10:30pm Eastern on Blog Talk Radio

Quarterbacks    

1.      Aaron Rodgers       vs TB

2.      Tom Brady             vs KC

3.      Carson Palmer        @ Min

4.      Tony Romo            @ Was

5.      Philip Rivers           @ Chi

6.      Matthew Stafford   vs Car

7.      Matt Ryan              vs Ten

8.      Matt Moore           vs Buf

9.      Sam Bradford         vs Sea

10.  Eli Manning            vs Phi

11.  Matt Hasselbeck    @ Atl

12.  Cam Newton          @ Det

13.  John Skelton           @ SF

14.  Josh Freeman         @ GB

15.  Rex Grossman        vs Dal

16.  Vince Young          @ NYG

17.  Joe Flacco              vs Cin

18.  Mark Sanchez        @ Den

19.  Alex Smith             vs Ari

20.  Ryan Fitzpatrick     @ Mia

21.  Christian Ponder     vs Oak

22.  Tarvaris Jackson     @ StL

23.  Tyler Palko               @ NE

24.  Tim Tebow               vs NYJ

25.  Jay Cutler               vs SD

26.  Andy Dalton           @ Bal

27.  Colt McCoy           vs Jac

28.  Blaine Gabbert       @ Cle

29.  Mike Kafka            @ NYG

30.  Kevin Kolb            @ SF

 

Running Backs   

1.      Fred Jackson          @ Mia

2.      DeMarco Murray   @ Was

3.      LeSean McCoy      @ NYG

4.      Michael Turner       vs Ten

5.      Matt Forte              vs SD

6.      Steven Jackson       vs Sea

7.      Reggie Bush           vs Buf

8.      Kendall Hunter       vs Ari

9.      Adrian Peterson      vs Oak

10.  Ray Rice                vs Cin

11.  Maurice Jones-Drew @ Cle

12.  DeAngelo Williams @ Det

13.  Marshawn Lynch    @ StL

14.  Shonn Greene         @ Den

15.  Lance Ball              vs NYJ

16.  Chris Ogbonnaya    vs Jac

17.  James Starks            vs TB

18.  Michael Bush          @ Min

19.  Daniel Thomas        vs Buf

20.  Mike Tolbert          @ Chi

21.  Ryan Mathews       @ Chi

22.  Maurice Morris      vs Car

23.  Kevin Smith            vs Car

24.  Marion Barber        vs SD

25.  Jacquizz Rodgers    vs Ten

26.  Brandon Jacobs      vs Phi

27.  Jonathan Stewart    @ Det

28.  Joe McKnight         @ Den

29.  Deji Karim               @ Cle

30.  LeGarrette Blount   @ GB

31.  Jackie Battle           @ NE

32.  BenJarvus Green-Ellis vs KC

33.  Ryan Grant             vs TB

34.  Stevan Ridley         vs KC

35.  Taiwan Jones          @ Min

36.  C.J. Spiller             @ Mia

37.  Keiland Williams     vs Car

38.  Toby Gerhart          vs Oak

39.  Justin Forsett          @ StL

40.  Chris Johnson         @ Atl

41.  Javon Ringer           @ Atl

42.  D.J. Ware              vs Phi

43.  Da’Rel Scott           vs Phi

44.  Ricky Williams        vs Cin

45.  LaRod Stephens-Howling   @ SF

46.  Roy Helu                vs Dal

47.  Ryan Torain            vs Dal

48.  Tashard Choice      vs Dal

49.  Cedric Benson        @ Bal

50.  Bernard Scott         @ Bal

51.  Kevin Faulk            vs KC

52.  Felix Jones             @ Was

53.  Frank Gore            vs Ari

54.  Willis McGahee      vs NYJ

55.  Beanie Wells          @ SF

56.  Montario Hardesty vs Jac

 

Wide Receivers

1.      Greg Jennings         vs TB

2.      Wes Welker           vs KC

3.      Brandon Marshall   vs Buf

4.      Vincent Jackson     @ Chi

5.      Dez Bryant             @ Was

6.      Jordy Nelson          vs TB

7.      Deion Branch         vs KC

8.      DeSean Jackson     @ NYG

9.      Denarius Moore     @ Min

10.  Davone Bess          vs Buf

11.  Laurent Robinson   @ Was

12.  Vincent Brown       @ Chi

13.  Calvin Johnson       vs Car

14.  Hakeem Nicks       vs Phi

15.  Steve Smith            @ Det

16.  Roddy White          vs Ten

17.  Victor Cruz            vs Phi

18.  Larry Fitzgerald      @ SF

19.  Earl Bennett            vs SD

20.  Brandon Lloyd       vs Sea

21.  Percy Harvin          vs Oak

22.  Nate Washington    @ Atl

23.  Santonio Holmes    @ Den

24.  Michael Crabtree    vs Ari

25.  Sidney Rice            @ StL

26.  Damian Williams     @ Atl

27.  Braylon Edwards    vs Ari

28.  Doug Baldwin         @ StL

29.  Jabar Gaffney         vs Dal

30.  Mike Thomas         @ Cle

31.  Mike Williams        @ GB

32.  Dwayne Bowe        @ NE

33.  Preston Parker       @ GB

34.  Jacoby Ford           @ Min

35.  James Jones           vs TB

36.  Darrius Heyward-Bey @ Min

37.  David Nelson         @ Mia

38.  Brandon Gibson     vs Sea

39.  Donald Jones          @ Mia

40.  Jason Avant            @ NYG

41.  Titus Young            vs Car

42.  Austin Pettis           vs Sea

43.  Harry Douglas        vs Ten

44.  Nate Burleson        vs Car

45.  Anquan Boldin        vs Cin

46.  Mario Manningham vs Phi

47.  Eric Decker            vs NYJ

48.  Torrey Smith          vs Cin

49.  Mike Williams        @ StL

50.  Plaxico Burress       @ Den

51.  Legedu Naanee      @ Det

52.  Ben Obomanu        @ StL

53.  Michael Jenkins      vs Oak

54.  Early Doucet          @ SF

55.  Jason Hill                @ Cle

56.  Andre Roberts        @ SF

57.  Jerome Simpson     @ Bal

58.  Steve Breaston       @ NE

59.  Josh Cribbs            vs Jac

60.  Greg Little              vs Jac

61.  Anthony Armstrong vs Dal

62.  Donald Driver         vs TB

63.  Chad Ochocinco    vs KC

64.  T.J. Houshmandzadeh @ Min

65.  Brian Hartline         vs Buf

66.  Roy Williams          vs SD

67.  Johnny Knox          vs SD

68.  Devin Hester          vs SD

69.  Devin Aromashodu vs Oak

70.  Brandon LaFell       @ Det

71.  Demaryius Thomas vs NYJ

72.  Eddie Royal            vs NYJ

73.  Terrence Austin      vs Dal

74.  Arrelious Benn        @ GB

75.  Jonathan Baldwin    @ NE

76.  Mohamed Massaquoi vs Jac

77.  Andre Caldwell      @ Bal

78.  Steve Johnson        @ Mia

79.  Lee Evans              vs Cin

80.  Brian Robiskie        @ Cle

81.  Danario Alexander vs Sea

82.  Julio Jones              vs Ten

83.  A.J. Green              @ Bal 

 

Tight Ends

1.      Jermichael Finley    vs TB

2.      Rob Gronkowski    vs KC

3.      Aaron Hernandez   vs KC

4.      Antonio Gates        @ Chi

5.      Jason Witten           @ Was

6.      Brandon Pettigrew vs Car

7.      Tony Gonzalez        vs Ten

8.      Vernon Davis         vs Ari

9.      Brent Celek            @ NYG

10.  Scott Chandler       @ Mia

11.  Ed Dickson            vs Cin

12.  Dustin Keller          @ Den

13.  Greg Olsen             @ Det

14.  Jake Ballard           vs Phi

15.  Zach Miller             @ StL

16.  Kyle Rudolph         vs Oak

17.  Fred Davis             vs Dal

18.  Kellen Winslow      @ GB

19.  Jermaine Gresham @ Bal

20.  Ben Watson           vs Jac

21.  Kevin Boss             @ Min

22.  Jared Cook            @ Atl

23.  Lance Kendricks    vs Sea

24.  Dennis Pitta            vs Cin

25.  Daniel Fells              vs NYJ

26.  Jeff King                 @ SF

27.  Marcedes Lewis     @ Cle

28.  Evan Moore           vs Jac

29.  Michael Hoomanawanui vs Sea

30.  Anthony Fasano     vs Buf

31.  Visanthe Shiancoe  vs Oak

32.  Kellen Davis           vs SD

33.  Leonard Pope        @ NE

34.  Delanie Walker       vs Ari

 

Defense & Special Teams

1.      Jacksonville Jaguars            @ Cle

2.      New England Patriots         vs KC

3.      Green Bay Packers vs TB

4.      Cleveland Browns  vs Jac

5.      Dallas Cowboys     @ Was

6.      Baltimore Ravens    vs Cin

7.      St. Louis Rams       vs Sea

8.      New York Jets         @ Den

9.      San Francisco 49ers vs Ari

10.  Denver Broncos     vs NYJ

11.  Atlanta Falcons       vs Ten

12.  Oakland Raiders     @ Min

13.  Detroit Lions             vs Car

14.  Cincinnati Bengals   @ Bal

15.  Philadelphia Eagles @ NYG

16.  Seattle Seahawks   @ StL

17.  Arizona Cardinals   @ SF

18.  Buffalo Bills             @ Mia

19.  New York Giants   vs Phi

20.  Chicago Bears        vs SD

21.  San Diego Chargers @ Chi

22.  Miami Dolphins      vs Buf

23.  Tennessee Titans    @ Atl

24.  Washington Redskins vs Dal

25.  Carolina Panthers   @ Det

26.  Minnesota Vikings  vs Oak

27.  Kansas City Chiefs @ NE

28.  Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ GB

Kickers

1.      Mason Crosby       vs TB

2.      Stephen Gostkowski vs KC

3.      Sebastian Janikowski @ Min

4.      Alex Henery           @ NYG

5.      Shayne Graham      vs Buf

6.      Dan Bailey             @ Was

7.      Nick Novak           @ Chi

8.      Dave Rayner          @ Mia

9.      Jason Hanson         vs Car

10.  Josh Brown            vs Sea

11.  David Akers           vs Ari

12.  Robbie Gould         vs SD

13.  Matt Bryant            vs Ten

14.  Ryan Longwell        vs Oak

15.  Nick Folk               @ Den

16.  Olindo Mare           @ Det

17.  Steven Hauschka    @ StL

18.  Rob Bironas           @ Atl

19.  Lawrence Tynes     vs Phi

20.  Matt Prater            vs NYJ

21.  Billy Cundiff            vs Cin

22.  Jay Feely                @ SF

23.  Graham Gano         vs Dal

24.  Josh Scobee           @ Cle

25.  Connor Barth         @ GB

26.  Ryan Succop          @ NE

27.  Phil Dawson           vs Jac

28.  Mike Nugent          @ Bal

 

Good luck this weekend!

The Sherpa

Fantasy Football Sherpa

The Sherpa’s Fantasy Football Blog

@fantasy_sherpa on Twitter

Fantasy Football Sherpa’s fan page on Facebook

“4th & Inches with Jana and The Sherpa“, Wed. nights 9:30-10:30pm Eastern on Blog Talk Radio