The Fantasy Football Sherpa

Hi everyone,

With the fantasy football league playoffs now in full swing you’re either in the mix and looking for every advantage possible, or you’re on the outside looking in (I trust if you’re a regular reader of this blog, then it’s the former).  It seems that this week’s games fall into one of two categories: (1) games between two lousy teams, or (2) games with playoff implications.  Here are my recommendations for Week 15 - all games are Sunday during the day unless otherwise noted:

San Francisco at San Diego (Thursday night) - Both teams need a win to stay in the playoff chase, but San Diego’s the more talented of the two teams, especially on defense.  San Diego 31 San Francisco 17.

• San Francisco 
  • Yes (Should definitely be in your starting lineup):  TE Vernon Davis 
  • No (Should definitely NOT be in your starting lineup):  QB Alex Smith, RBs Anthony Dixon & Brian Westbrook, WR Josh Morgan,  K Jeff Reed 
  • Maybe So (Okay to start if you don’t have a better option):  WR Michael Crabtree 
• San Diego 
  • Yes:  QB Philip Rivers, RB Mike Tolbert, WRs Vincent Jackson & Legedu Naane (Probable-hamstring), DEF
  • No:  RB Ryan Mathews, WRs Patrick Crayton (Out-wrist) & Malcom Floyd (Questionable-hamstring), TE Antonio Gates (Out-foot), K Nate Kaeding 
  • Maybe So:  RB Darren Sproles, WR Seyi Ajirotutu 

Buffalo at Miami (Sunday early) - Neither team will score much, and Miami quarterback Chad Henne is doing everything he can to convince head coach Tony Sparano that he’s not the Dolphins’ quarterback of the future.  When all is said and done, Miami will still find a way to win this game.  Miami 20 Buffalo 14.

• Buffalo 
  • Yes:  WR Steve Johnson, DEF
  • No:  QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, RB C.J. Spiller, WR Lee Evans (IR-ankle), K Rian Lindell 
  • Maybe So:  RB Fred Jackson, WR David Nelson 
• Miami 
  • Yes:  RB Ronnie Brown, WR Brandon Marshall, TE Anthony Fasano, DEF, K Dan Carpenter 
  • No:  QB Chad Henne, WR Brian Hartline (IR-finger) 
  • Maybe So:  RB Ricky Williams, WR Davone Bess 

Detroit at Tampa Bay - Is it wrong to say that the Lions are playing for pride?  Tampa showed signs of life at the end of the 2009 season after a rough start, but you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who picked them as a playoff contender in 2010.  The Bucs will keep hope alive with yet another come-from-behind victory  Tampa Bay 21 Detroit 17.

• Detroit 
  • Yes:  WR Calvin Johnson, TE Brandon Pettigrew, DEF
  • No: QBs Matthew Stafford (Questionable-shoulder) & Shaun Hill (Questionable-finger), TE Tony Scheffler, K Dave Rayner 
  • Maybe So:  QB Drew Stanton, RBs Maurice Morris (Questionable-chest) & Jahvid Best (Questionable-toe), WR Nate Burleson 
• Tampa Bay 
  • Yes:  RB LeGarrette Blount, WR Mike Williams, TE Kellen Winslow (Probable-knee) 
  • No:  K Connor Barth 
  • Maybe So:  QB Josh Freeman, WR Arrelious Benn 

Arizona at Carolina - This game features the two worst passing attacks in football.  Jimmy Clausen has shown little in his rookie season, while fellow first-year quarterback John Skelton played decently in his debut as a starter in last week’s romp over Denver.  Clausen will pull things together (relatively speaking) and lead the Panthers to their second win.  Carolina 24 Arizona 21.

• Arizona 
  • Yes:  RB Tim Hightower, WR Larry Fitzgerald, DEF
  • No:  K Jay Feely (Questionable-groin) 
  • Maybe:  QB John Skelton, RB Beanie Wells,  WR Steve Breaston (Questionable-knee) 
• Carolina
  • Yes:  RB Jonathan Stewart, WR Steve Smith, TE Dante Rosario, DEF
  • No:  RB Mike Goodson, K John Kasay 
  • Maybe So:  QB Jimmy Clausen, WRs David Gettis & Brandon LaFell 

New Orleans at Baltimore - This clash features two likely Super Bowl contenders.  The Saints will eke out the victory on the basis of their stronger passing game.  New Orleans 24 Baltimore 17.

• New Orleans 
  • Yes:  QB Drew Brees, WR Marques Colston, TE Jeremy Shockey (Probable-groin) & Jimmy Graham, DEF
  • No:  RBs Chris Ivory (Questionable-hamstring), Reggie Bush, & Pierre Thomas; K Garrett Hartley 
  • Maybe:  WRs Lance Moore, Devery Henderson, & Robert Meachem 
• Baltimore 
  • Yes:  DEF
  • No:  QB Joe Flacco, RBs Willis McGahee & Le’Ron McClain, WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh, TE Todd Heap (Questionable-thigh), K Billy Cundiff 
  • Maybe So:  RB Ray Rice, WRs Anquan Boldin & Derrick Mason (Questionable-ankle), TE Ed Dickson 

Jacksonville at Indianapolis - It’s hard to believe that Jacksonville would clinch the AFC South title with a victory over the Colts.  That won’t happen, as Peyton Manning will continue his “rebound”.  Indianapolis 31 Jacksonville 24.

• Jacksonville 
  • Yes:  RB Maurice Jones-Drew, TE Marcedes Lewis 
  • No:  QB David Garrard (Questionable-hamstring), WR Mike Thomas, DEF, K Josh Scobee 
  • Maybe:  RB Rashad Jennings, WR Mike Sims-Walker 
• Indianapolis 
  • Yes:  QB Peyton Manning; WRs Reggie Wayne, Pierre Garcon, & Austin Collie (Probable-concussion); TE Jacob Tamme (Probable-knee)
  • No:  RBs Joseph Addai (Questionable-neck), Donald Brown, Javarris James, Mike Hart (Questionable-ankle), Dominic Rhodes, K Adam Vinatieri 
  • Maybe So:  None

Philadelphia at New York Giants - This battle could well decide the NFC East title.  Philadelphia has been the better team lately, but the Giants’ resurgent defense matches up well with the Eagles and will lead New York to victory.  New York 24 Philadelphia 21.

• Philadelphia 
  • Yes:  RB LeSean McCoy, WR DeSean Jackson (Questionable-foot), TE Brent Celek, DEF
  • No:  WR Jason Avant, K David Akers 
  • Maybe:  QB Michael Vick, Jeremy Maclin 
• New York 
  • Yes:  RBs Brandon Jacobs & Ahmad Bradshaw, WR Hakeem Nicks, TE Kevin Boss, DEF
  • No:  WRs Mario Manningham (Questionable-hip) & Steve Smith (IR-knee), K Lawrence Tynes 
  • Maybe So:  QB Eli Manning, WR Derek Hagan 

Cleveland at Cincinnati - The outcome of this interstate rivalry game will depend on the quarterback play of Carson Palmer and (probably) Colt McCoy.  Palmer will be more useful than McCoy fantasy-wise, but McCoy will be the one receiving the congratulatory handshake at midfield when the game is over.  Cleveland 21 Cincinnati 17.

• Cleveland 
  • Yes:  RB Peyton Hillis, TE Ben Watson, DEF
  • No:  QB Colt McCoy (Probable-ankle)/Jake Delhomme (whoever starts); WRs Josh Cribbs (Probable-foot), Mohamed Massaquoi, & Brian Robiskie; K Phil Dawson 
  • Maybe:  None
• Cincinnati 
  • Yes:  TE Jermaine Gresham, DEF 
  • No:  RB Cedric Benson, K Clint Stitser 
  • Maybe So:  QB Carson Palmer; WRs Jordan Shipley, Terrell Owens (Questionable-knee), & Chad Ochocinco (Questionable-ankle) 

Houston @ Tennessee - Before the season started both teams were considered strong contenders for a playoff spot, but both will be sitting at home in mid-January.  Houston will rebound from its devastating loss to Baltimore Monday.  Houston 27 Tennessee 24.

• Houston 
  • Yes:  QB Matt Schaub (Probable-arm), RB Arian Foster (Questionable-hip), WR Andre Johnson, TE Owen Daniels (Probable-hamstring), DEF
  • No: TE Joel Dreessen (Probable-hand) 
  • Maybe:  WRs Kevin Walter (Probable-knee) & Jacoby Jones 
• Tennessee 
  • Yes:  RB Chris Johnson, WRs Kenny Britt & Nate Washington, TE Jared Cook
  • No:  DEF, K Rob Bironas 
  • Maybe So:  QB Kerry Collins, WRs Randy Moss & Justin Gage 

Washington @ Dallas - This game lacks the significance of many historical ‘Skins-’Boys matchups, but it should still be an entertaining game.  Dallas will win the shootout on the strength of their passing attack.  Dallas 34 Washington 27.

• Washington 
  • Yes:  QB Donovan McNabb (Probable-hamstring), WRs Santana Moss & Anthony Armstrong, TE Chris Cooley, K Graham Gano (Probable-ribs) 
  • No:  RB Keiland Williams, DEF
  • Maybe:  RB Ryan Torain (Probable-hamstring) 
• Dallas 
  • Yes:  QB Jon Kitna, RB Felix Jones, WR Miles Austin, TE Jason Witten, K David Buehler 
  • No:  RB Marion Barber (Questionable-calf) 
  • Maybe So:  RB Tashard Choice, WR Roy Williams (Questionable-groin)

Kansas City at St. Louis - The battle for supremacy in the Show Me state won’t be high-scoring, but St. Louis will triumph in this battle of two teams with strong running games.  St. Louis 24 Kansas City 21.

• Kansas City 
  • Yes:  RBs Jamaal Charles & Thomas Jones, TE Tony Moeaki, DEF
  • No:  QB Brodie Croyle/Matt Cassel (Questionable-appendix) (whoever starts), WR Chris Chambers, K Ryan Succop 
  • Maybe:  WR Dwayne Bowe 
• St. Louis 
  • Yes:  RB Steven Jackson, DEF
  • No:  K Josh Brown 
  • Maybe So:  QB Sam Bradford; WRs Danny Amendola, Brandon Gibson, Laurent Robinson, & Danario Alexander 

Atlanta at Seattle (Sunday late) - If Atlanta is truly a Super Bowl contender, then this is the kind of game they should win easily.  They are, and they will.  Atlanta 30 Seattle 21.

• Atlanta 
  • Yes:  QB Matt Ryan, RB Michael Turner, WR Roddy White (Probable-knee), TE Tony Gonzalez, DEF, K Matt Bryant 
  • No:  None
  • Maybe:  WR Michael Jenkins 
• Seattle 
  • Yes:  QB Matt Hasselbeck (Probable-wrist), WRs Ben Obomanu (Probable-hand) & Golden Tate, TE John Carlson
  • No:  RBs Marshawn Lynch & Justin Forsett; WRs Brandon Stokley (Questionable-hamstring), Mike Williams (Questionable-ankle), & Deon Butler (IR-leg) 
  • Maybe So:  None

New York Jets at Pittsburgh - The Jets are reeling, and the Steelers are rolling.  Both trends will continue, although this won’t be the one-sided affair some are expecting.  Pittsburgh 17 New York Jets 14.

• New York Jets 
  • Yes:  WR Santonio Holmes, TE Dustin Keller, DEF
  • No:  QB Mark Sanchez, RBs Shonn Greene & LaDainian Tomlinson, WR Jerricho Cotchery, K Nick Folk 
  • Maybe:  WR Braylon Edwards 
• Pittsburgh 
  • Yes:  WRs Hines Ward & Mike Wallace, TE Heath Miller, DEF 
  • No:  QB Ben Roethlisberger, WR Emmanuel Sanders, K Shaun Suisham 
  • Maybe So:  RB Rashard Mendenhall 

Denver at Oakland - Oakland kissed their playoff hopes goodbye when they lost a 38-31 shootout to Jacksonville last weekend.  Denver kissed their playoff hopes goodbye when they wasted spent a first-round draft pick on Tim Tebow last April.  Tebow may actually start this weekend, but even if he turns out to be the second coming of John Elway, it will be too little, too late to help save the Broncos’ season.  Oakland 27 Denver 17.

• Denver 
  • Yes:  RB Knowshon Moreno, WR Brandon Lloyd (Probable-calf) 
  • No:  QBs Kyle Orton (Questionable-ribs)/Tim Tebow (whoever starts), WR Demaryius Thomas (Questionable-ankle), K Matt Prater (Questionable-groin) 
  • Maybe:  WRs Jabar Gaffney & Eddie Royal 
• Oakland 
  • Yes:  RBs Darren McFadden & Michael Bush, TE Zach Miller (Probable-foot), DEF, K Sebastian Janikowski 
  • No:  None
  • Maybe So:  QB Jason Campbell, WRs Jacoby Ford & Louis Murphy 

Green Bay at New England (Sunday night) - Green Bay will have a hard time compensating for the loss of Aaron Rodgers, and Tom Brady is at the top of his game in spite of his “foot injury”.  It all adds up to another loss for the Pack.  New England 24 Green Bay 21.

• Green Bay 
  • Yes:  TE Anthony Quarless, DEF
  • No:  RBs Brandon Jackson & James Starks, K Mason Crosby 
  • Maybe:  QB Aaron Rodgers (Questionable-concussion)/Matt Flynn (whoever starts), WRs Greg Jennings & Donald Driver 
• New England 
  • Yes:  QB Tom Brady (Questionable-foot), WRs Wes Welker & Deion Branch (Questionable-knee), DEF
  • No:  K Shayne Graham 
  • Maybe So:  RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis, TE Aaron Hernandez & Rob Gronkowski 

Chicago at Minnesota (Monday night) - Having already been with the Saints, Jaguars, and Dolphins this season, new Vikings’ quarterback Patrick Ramsey is now with his fourth team this season alone.  His first two teams are likely bound for the playoffs; his last two are not.  Minnesota will play its second consecutive home game away from the Metrodome and its collapsed roof.  Fittingly, the Vikings will celebrate their 50th season by playing outdoors - those fans who brave the elements and get seats will be glad they did.  Minnesota 20 Chicago 17.

• Chicago 
  • Yes:  TE Greg Olsen, DEF
  • No:  QB Jay Cutler, RB Matt Forte, WRs Earl Bennett & Devin Hester, K Robbie Gould 
  • Maybe:  WR Johnny Knox 
• Minnesota 
  • Yes:  WR Sidney Rice & Greg Camarillo, TE Visanthe Shiancoe, DEF, K Ryan Longwell
  • No:  QBs Joe Webb (Probable-hamstring), Brett Favre (Questionable-shoulder), Patrick Ramsey, & Tarvaris Jackson (IR-toe); RB Toby Gerhart; WR Percy Harvin 
  • Maybe So:  RB Adrian Peterson (Questionable-ankle) 

Good luck in your playoff matchups, and have a great 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

Hi everyone,

The injury fates were relatively kind last weekend, but that’s of little consolation if you started Aaron Rodgers at quarterback for your playoff matchup.  If that’s the case, then for your sake I hope it was a two-quarterback league.

Who are the players who are injured, and who may be on your league’s waiver wire with the potential to make a difference for your fantasy team?

Quarterback

• Injuries/benchings - (those that weren’t on this list last week)
  • Aaron Rodgers (concussion)
  • Kyle Orton (ribs)
  • Tarvaris Jackson (IR-leg)
• Waiver wire targets (rankings based on projected playing time and Week 15 matchups)
  • Jon Kitna (vs Was)
  • Jason Campbell (vs Den)
  • Kerry Collins (vs Hou)
  • Jimmy Clausen (vs Ari)
  • Matt Flynn (at NE) 

Running Back

• Injuries/benchings
  • Chris Ivory (hamstring)
• Waiver wire targets
  • Tashard Choice (vs Was)
  • Maurice Morris (@ TB)
  • Rashad Jennings (@ Ind) 

Wide Receivers

• Injuries/benchings  
  • Roddy White (knee)
  • DeSean Jackson (ankle)
  • Brandon Lloyd (calf)
  • Steve Smith [NYG] (IR-knee)
  • Derrick Mason (ankle)
  • Chad Ochocinco (ankle)
  • Terrell Owens (knee)
  • Mario Manningham (hip)
  • Deon Butler (IR-leg)
  • Lee Evans (IR-ankle)
  • Steve Breaston (knee)
  • Roy Williams (groin)
  • Josh Cribbs (foot)
  • Brian Hartline (IR-finger)
• Waiver wire targets
  • Anthony Armstrong (@ Dal)
  • Davone Bess (vs Buf) 
  • Danny Amendola (vs KC) 
  • Greg Camarillo (vs Chi)
  • Jordan Shipley (vs Cle)
  • Arrelious Benn (vs Det)
  • Ben Obomanu (vs Atl)
  • Nate Washington (vs Hou)
  • Michael Jenkins (@ Sea)
  • Brandon LaFell (vs Ari)
  • Derek Hagan (vs Phi)
  • Louis Murphy (vs Den)
  • Jacoby Ford (vs Den)
  • Golden Tate (vs Atl)

Tight Ends

• Injuries/benchings - None
• Waiver Wire Targets
  • Kevin Boss (vs Phi)
  • Jermaine Gresham (vs Cle)
  • Owen Daniels (@ Ten) 
  • Tony Moeaki (@ StL)

Kicker

• Injuries/benchings
  • Neil Rackers (groin) 
  • Jay Feely (groin)
  • Olindo Mare (hamstring)
• Waiver wire targets
  • David Buehler (vs Was)
  • Ryan Succop (@ StL)
  • Josh Brown (vs KC)
  • Shayne Graham (vs GB)

Defense

• Injuries/benchings - N/A (at least I hope so)
• Waiver wire targets
  • Cincinnati (vs Cle) 
  • Cleveland (@ Cin)
  • Oakland (vs Den)
  • Carolina (vs Ari)

Final Thoughts

• Having the Chicago-Minnesota Monday night game in an outdoor stadium that will force the Vikings to turn away at least 15,000 of their season ticket holders is insane.
• DeSean Jackson needs a new choreographer for his touchdown celebrations.   
• The Jets are free-falling.

Have a great week!

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

Hi everyone,

What did Steve Smith think of Jimmy Clausen’s apology?  Why was DeSean Jackson’s touchdown celebration so lame?  Find out by reading our latest football blog entry on The Huffington Post!  Here’s the link :   http://huff.to/ifZcdt

Enjoy!

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

Hi everyone,

How is Jenn Sterger tormenting Brett Favre?  How is Pete Carroll confusing the Seahawks?  Find out in my latest football blog entry on The Huffington Post!  Here’s the link:  http://huff.to/hWDXLY

Enjoy!

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

Hi everyone,

With many fantasy football leagues’ playoffs beginning this week, it’s vital to check the matchups and injury status of your players before deciding on your lineup.  Remember The Sherpa’s Golden Rule:  the players that got you to the playoffs aren’t necessarily the same ones that will allow you to win in the playoffs - matchups matter!!!  Here are my recommendations for Week 14 - all games are Sunday during the day unless otherwise noted:

Indianapolis at Tennessee (Thursday night) - It’s good to know that LeBron James has Peyton Manning’s back (at least when it comes to criticism from Trent Dilfer), but all the talk about Peyton’s “slump” will disappear after this matchup, provided he has enough healthy bodies to throw to.  Indianapolis 31 Tennessee 21.

• Indianapolis
  • Yes (Should definitely be in your starting lineup):  QB Peyton Manning, WRs Reggie Wayne (Questionable-knee) & Pierre Garcon, TE Jacob Tamme (Questionable-hamstring), DEF
  • No (Should definitely NOT be in your starting lineup):  RBs Joseph Addai (Out-neck), Mike Hart (Out-ankle), Donald Brown (Questionable-ankle), Javarris James, Domenic Rhodes; Austin Collie (Out-concussion); K Adam Vinatieri
  • Maybe So (Okay to start if you don’t have a better option):  WR Blair White
• Tennessee
  • Yes:  RB Chris Johnson, TE Jared Cook
  • No:  QB Kerry Collins, WRs Justin Gage & Nate Washington, TE Bo Scaife, DEF, K Rob Bironas
  • Maybe So:  WRs Kenny Britt & Randy Moss

Cleveland at Buffalo (Sunday early) - The bad news is that these two teams have been perrenial cellar-dwellers for a number of years now.  The good news is that one of them will win on Sunday (unless a Donovan McNabb-imagined scenario comes to pass (i.e. - a tie with no overtime)  Both quarterbacks are “inconsistent” (to put it nicely), but Cleveland will pull this game out on the strength of Peyton Hillis’ legs.  Cleveland 21 Buffalo 17.

• Cleveland
  • Yes:  RB Peyton Hillis, WRs Mohamed Massaquoi & Josh Cribbs (Questionable-foot), TE Ben Watson, DEF
  • No:  QB Jake Delhomme/Colt McCoy (Questionable-ankle) (whoever starts), WR Brian Robiskie, K Phil Dawson
  • Maybe So:  None
• Buffalo
  • Yes:  RB Fred Jackson, Steve Johnson, DEF
  • No:  QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, RB C.J. Spiller, K Rian Lindell
  • Maybe So:  WRs Lee Evans & David Nelson

Green Bay at Detroit - Detroit seems to be in every game they’re in at home, and this week will be no exception.  In the end the Lions’ atrocious defense (especially against the run) will be exposed, and the Packers will escape with the victory.  Green Bay 27 Detroit 21.

• Green Bay
  • Yes:  QB Aaron Rodgers, WRs Greg Jennings & Donald Driver (Probable-hand), DEF, K Mason Crosby
  • No: WR Jordy Nelson
  • Maybe So:  RBs Brandon Jackson & James Stark, WR James Jones, TE Anthony Quarless
• Detroit
  • Yes:  WR Calvin Johnson (Questionable-groin), TE Brandon Pettigrew
  • No:  RBs Jahvid Best (Questionable-toe) & Maurice Morris, DEF, K Dave Rayner
  • Maybe So:  QB Drew Stanton, WR Nate Burleson (Probable-hamstring)

New York Giants at Minnesota - No juicy storylines for this game; Darius Reynaud’s “homecoming” doesn’t count.  Brett Favre’s shoulder is in bad shape, but so is the Giants’ receiving corps.  Regardless of whether Favre starts or not, the Giants have just enough offense and a resurgent defense.  New York 24 Minnesota 17.

• New York
  • Yes:  QB Eli Manning; WRs Steve Smith (Questionable-arm), Hakeem Nicks (Questionable-leg), & Mario Manningham; TE Kevin Boss, DEF
  • No:  QB Jake Delhomme/Colt McCoy (Questionable-ankle) (whoever starts); WRs Josh Cribbs (Questionable-toe), Mohamed Massaquoi, & Brian Robiskie; DEF; K Phil Dawson
  • Maybe:  RBs Ahmad Bradshaw & Brandon Jacobs
• Minnesota
  • Yes:  RB Adrian Peterson (Questionable-ankle), TE Visanthe Shiancoe, DEF
  • No:  QB Brett Favre (Questionable-shoulder)/Tarvaris Jackson (whoever starts), RB Toby Gerhart, WRs Sidney Rice (Questionable-hip) & Percy Harvin (Questionable-migraines)
  • Maybe So:  None

Cincinnati at Pittsburgh - It’s easy to assume that Pittsburgh, fresh off a stirring win over the Ravens Sunday night, will manhandle the Bengals, who will be dealing with the dual challenges of the Steelers’ defense and the foul weather.  That’s not going to happen.  Look for Pittsburgh to have a slight letdown, yet still be able to capture the victory.  At this point the Bengals are playing for “pride” (and a high draft position).  Pittsburgh 24 Cincinnati 21.

• Cincinnati
  • Yes:  WR Jordan Shipley, TE Jermaine Gresham, DEF
  • No:  RB Cedric Benson, K Clint Stitser
  • Maybe:  QB Carson Palmer, WRs Chad Ochocinco & Terrell Owens (Probable-knee)
• Pittsburgh
  • Yes:  QB Ben Roethlisberger, RB Rashard Mendenhall, WRs Hines Ward & Mike Wallace, DEF
  • No:  TE Heath Miller (Questionable-concussion), K Shaun Suisham
  • Maybe So:  WR Emmanuel Sanders

Oakland at Jacksonville - This “Battle of the Zach Millers” lost some of its luster several weeks ago when the Oakland tight end by that name injured his foot - he hasn’t been the same since.  Coincidentally, the Jacksonville tight end with the same name may actually play more than usual Sunday due to starter Marcedes Lewis’ thumb injury.  In other news Oakland will win the game against this unlikeliest of first place teams.  Oakland 27 Jacksonville 24.

• Oakland
  • Yes:  RBs Darren McFadden & Michael Bush; TE Zach Miller (Questionable-foot), DEF, K Sebastian Janikowski
  • No:  None
  • Maybe:  QB Jason Campbell, WRs Jacoby Ford & Louis Murphy
• Jacksonville
  • Yes:  RB Maurice Jones-Drew, TE Marcedes Lewis (Questionable-thumb)
  • No:  QB David Garrard, WRs Mike Sims-Walker (Probable-ankle) & Mike Thomas, DEF, K Josh Scobee
  • Maybe So:  RB Rashad Jennings

Atlanta at Carolina - The Falcons certainly haven’t been as dominant as you would expect a Super Bowl contender to be, and they’ve had several last-play victories.  Still, the Panthers don’t figure to provide more than token opposition, even with Jonathan Stewart now healthy and running well.  Atlanta 24 Carolina 14.

• Atlanta
  • Yes:  RB Michael Turner,  WR Roddy White (Probable-knee), TE Tony Gonzalez (Probable-ankle), DEF
  • No:  WR Michael Jenkins, K Matt Bryant
  • Maybe:  QB Matt Ryan
• Carolina
  • Yes:  RB Jonathan Stewart, TE Dante Rosario, DEF
  • No:  QB Jimmy Clausen, RB Mike Goodson, WR Brandon LaFell, K John Kasay
  • Maybe So:  WR Steve Smith

Tampa Bay at Washington - Tampa Bay is still a playoff contender; Washington already looks like it can’t wait for the season to be over.  The Albert Haynesworth affair is just a smokescreen - the blame for the way the Redskins’ season has gone lies at the feet of head coach Mike Shanahan.  Tampa Bay 28 Washington 17.

• Tampa Bay
  • Yes:  QB Josh Freeman, RB LeGarrette Blount, WR Mike Williams (Probable-knee), TE Kellen Winslow (Probable-knee), DEF
  • No:  K Connor Barth
  • Maybe:  WRs Arrelious Benn & Sammie Stroughter
• Washington
  • Yes:  TE Chris Cooley
  • No:  QB Donovan McNabb (Probable-hamstring), RB Ryan Torain (Questionable-hamstring), DEF, K Graham Gano
  • Maybe So:  RBs James Davis & Keiland Williams, WRs Anthony Armstrong & Santana Moss (Probable-knee)

St. Louis at New Orleans (Sunday late) - The Rams’ resurgence with rookie quarterback Sam Bradford at the helm has been one of the best stories of the NFL season, but with the Saints finally starting to hit on all cylinders, the outcome shouldn’t be a surprise.  St. Louis will keep the game close, but New Orleans will ultimately win.  New Orleans 24 St. Louis 20.

• St. Louis
  • Yes:  WR Danny Amendola, DEF
  • No: QB Sam Bradford; WRs Laurent Robinson, Brandon Gibson, & Danario Alexander; K Josh Brown
  • Maybe:  RB Steven Jackson
• New Orleans
  • Yes:  QB Drew Brees, WR Marques Colston, DEF
  • No:  RBs Reggie Bush & Pierre Thomas (Probable-ankle), K Garrett Hartley
  • Maybe So:  RB Chris Ivory; WRs Lance Moore, Robert Meachem, & Devery Henderson; TEs Jeremy Shockey & Jimmy Graham

Seattle at San Francisco - Alex Smith reclaims his starting spot from Troy Smith, so look for Michael Crabtree to once again be a productive receiver.  Several of Seattle’s offensive weapons are hurt (Mike Williams, John Carlson, Ben Obomanu), and Marshawn Lynch won’t come anywhere close to duplicating his success last week.  San Francisco 27 Seattle 17.

• Seattle
  • Yes:  WR Mike Williams (Questionable-ankle), TE John Carlson (Probable-hip)
  • No:  RB Marshawn Lynch, DEF, K Olindo Mare, WR Ben Obomanu (Questionable-hand)
  • Maybe:  QB Matt Hasselbeck (Probable-wrist); WRs Golden Tate, Deon Butler, & Brandon Stokley
• San Francisco
  • Yes:  QB Alex Smith, WR Michael Crabtree, TE Vernon Davis, DEF, K Jeff Reed
  • No:  RB Brian Westbrook
  • Maybe So:  RB Anthony Dixon, WR Josh Morgan (Questionable-shoulder)

New England at Chicago - Tom Brady and the Patriots looked unstoppable in their Monday night massacre of the Jets.  In spite of their 9-3 record the Bears are still flying largely under the radar screen, but that will change if they manage to win this game.  The Bears will make this a closer game than most think, but the Patriots have too many offensive weapons for the Bears to overcome.  New England 24 Chicago 21.

• New England
  • Yes:  QB Tom Brady, WRs Wes Welker & Deion Butler, DEF
  • No:  RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis, K Shayne Graham
  • Maybe:  RB Danny Woodhead, TEs Aaron Hernandez & Rob Gronkowski
• Chicago
  • Yes:  RB Matt Forte, WR Johnny Knox, TE Greg Olsen, DEF
  • No:  Chester Taylor, K Robbie Gould
  • Maybe So:  QB Jay Cutler, WRs Earl Bennett & Devin Hester

Miami at New York Jets - Rex Ryan may have literally buried a ball from last Monday night’s debacle, but that doesn’t answer the question of how the Jets will respond in the actual game.  The team is too talented to collapse completely, but their injury-depleted secondary will allow Miami to win the game.  Miami 21 New York Jets 17.

• Miami
  • Yes:  QB Chad Henne, WRs Brandon Marshall (Questionable-hamstring) & Davone Bess, TE Anthony Fasano, DEF
  • No:  RBs Ronnie Brown & Ricky Williams, WR Brian Hartline (Questionable-finger), K Dan Carpenter
  • Maybe:  None
• New York
  • Yes:  RBs Shonn Greene & LaDainian Tomlinson, WR Santonio Holmes, TE Dustin Keller, DEF
  • No:  QB Mark Sanchez, WRs Braylon Edwards & Jerricho Cotchery, K Nick Folk
  • Maybe So:  None

Denver at Arizona - People reading tea leaves in the wake of Josh McDaniels’ dismissal are speculating that the Broncos will try to employ an offense that’s more balanced (i.e. - not as many passes).  The results from this week’s game will be inconclusive - the Broncos will be able to move the ball any way they choose against a lousy Cardinals’ defense.  John Skelton gets the start for Arizona, and he’ll be a step up from Derek Anderson, but not enough of one to affect the outcome of this contest.  Denver 31 Arizona 14.

• Denver
  • Yes:  QB Kyle Orton; RB Knowshon Moreno; WRs Brandon Lloyd, Jabar Gaffney, & Eddie Royal; DEF
  • No:  K Matt Prater
  • Maybe:  None
• Arizona
  • Yes:  WR Larry Fitzgerald
  • No:  QBs John Skelton & Derek Anderson (Questionable-concussion), WRs Steve Breaston (Questionable-knee) & Early Doucet, DEF, K Jay Feely
  • Maybe So:  RBs Tim Hightower & Beanie Wells, TE Ben Patrick

Kansas City at San Diego - The Chiefs may have had a shot before quarterback Matt Cassel underwent an emergency appendectomy, but with Brodie Croyle in the saddle, the Chiefs’ offense will become more predictable.  Wide receiver Malcom Floyd appears to be healthy again for the Chargers and should be effective as one of quarterback Philip Rivers’ few healthy targets.  San Diego 24 Kansas City 17.

• Kansas City
  • Yes:  WR Dwayne Bowe, TE Tony Moeaki, DEF
  • No:  QBs Matt Cassel (Doubtful-appendectomy)/Brodie Croyle (whoever starts), K Ryan Succop
  • Maybe:  RBs Jamaal Charles & Thomas Jones, WRs Chris Chambers & Dexter McCluster
• San Diego
  • Yes:  RB Mike Tolbert, WR Malcom Floyd, DEF
  • No:  RB Darren Sproles (Questionable-concussion); WRs Vincent Jackson (Questionable-calf), Legedu Naanee (Questionable-hamstring), & Patrick Crayton (Out-wrist); K Nate Kaeding
  • Maybe So:  QB Philip Rivers, WR Seyi Ajirotutu, TE Antonio Gates (Questionable-foot)

Philadelphia at Dallas (Sunday night) - Some of the luster of this division rivalry has been lost with the Cowboys’ abysmal play this year, but the Eagles will still find it a challenge to put Dallas away.  Philadelphia 27 Dallas 21.

• Philadelphia
  • Yes:  QB Michael Vick (Probable-quad), RB LeSean McCoy, WRs DeSean Jackson & Jeremy Maclin, TE Brent Celek, DEF, K David Akers
  • No:  None
  • Maybe:  WR Jason Avant
• Dallas
  • Yes:  QB Jon Kitna, WR Miles Austin, TE Jason Witten
  • No:  RB Marion Barber (Questionable-calf), WR Dez Bryant (IR-ankle), DEF, K David Buehler
  • Maybe So:  RBs Felix Jones & Tashard Choice, WR Roy Williams, TE Martellus Bennett

Baltimore at Houston (Monday night) - It would be natural to expect the Ravens to suffer a letdown after last week’s agonizing loss to the Steelers, but that won’t happen.  Andre Johnson will gut it out with a high ankle sprain for yet another week, but his superhuman efforts won’t be enough for the Texans to pull the upset.  Baltimore 24 Houston 21.

• Baltimore
  • Yes:  QB Joe Flacco, RB Ray Rice,  WRs Anquan Boldin & Derrick Mason, DEF
  • No:  TE Todd Heap (Doubtful-hamstring), K Billy Cundiff
  • Maybe:  WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh, TE Ed Dickson
• Houston
  • Yes:  RB Arian Foster, WR Andre Johnson (Questionable-ankle), TE Joel Dreessen (Probable-ribs)/Owen Daniels (Probable-hamstring) (whoever starts), DEF
  • No:  QB Matt Schaub (Probable-knee), WRs Kevin Walter & Jacoby Jones, K Neil Rackers
  • Maybe So:  None

Good luck in your matchups, and have a great weekend!

The Sherpa

Fantasy Football Sherpa

The Sherpa’s Fantasy Football Blog

@fantasy_sherpa on Twitter

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

Hi everyone,

Nothing like a spate of injuries the week before most fantasy football leagues’ playoffs start.  Week 12 was particularly unkind to WRs (e.g. - Dez Bryant) and TEs (e.g. - Tony Gonzalez).  By this point in the season chances are your league’s waiver wire is pretty well picked over unless you have some owners in the league that mentally check out as soon as their team’s results head south.  Still, all the injuries create openings and opportunities for some lesser-known players, so scour the lists below, paying particular attention to the matchups since we’re now in the “lose one and you’re done” part of the season.

Who are the players who are injured, and who may be on your league’s waiver wire with the potential to make a difference for your fantasy team?

Quarterback

• Injuries/benchings - (those that weren’t on this list last week)
  • Brett Favre (shoulder)
  • Matt Cassel (appendix)
  • Derek Anderson (concussion)
  • Troy Smith (benched)
  • Max Hall (IR - shoulder)
• Waiver wire targets (rankings based on projected playing time and Week 14 matchups)
  • Jake Delhomme (@ Buf)
  • Jason Campbell (@ Jac)
  • David Garrard (vs Oak)
  • Drew Stanton (vs GB)
  • Alex Smith (vs Sea) 
  • Jason Campbell (@ SD)
  • Jon Kitna (vs Phi)
  • Kerry Collins (vs Ind)
  • Chad Henne (@ NYJ)
  • Matt Hasselbeck (@ SF)
  • Jimmy Clausen (vs Atl)
  • John Skelton (vs Den)
  • Brodie Croyle (@ SD)
  • Tarvaris Jackson (vs NYG) 

Running Back

• Injuries/benchings
  • Mike Goodson (shoulder) 
  • Donald Brown (ankle)
  • Darren Sproles (concussion)
• Waiver wire targets
  • James Starks (@ Det)
  • Chris Ivory (vs StL)
  • Tashard Choice (vs Phi)
  • Maurice Morris (vs GB)
  • James Davis (vs TB)
  • Tim Hightower (vs Den)
  • Marshawn Lynch (@ SF)
  • Anthony Dixon (vs Sea)
  • C.J. Spiller (vs Cle)
  • Keiland Williams (vs TB)
  • Chester Taylor (vs NE)
  • Rashad Jennings (vs Oak)
  • Toby Gerhart (vs NYG)
  • Bernard Scott (@ Pit) 

Wide Receivers

• Injuries/benchings  
  • Andre Johnson (ankle)
  • Reggie Wayne (knee)
  • Percy Harvin (migraine)
  • Brandon Marshall (hamstring)
  • Dez Bryant (IR - ankle)
  • Mike Sims-Walker (ankle)
  • Mike Williams [Sea] (ankle)
  • Brian Hartline (finger)
  • Donald Driver (thigh)
  • Ben Obomanu (hand)
  • Legedu Naanee (hamstring)
  • Patrick Crayton (wrist)
• Waiver wire targets
  • Jordan Shipley (@ Pit)
  • Earl Bennett (vs NE) 
  • Anthony Armstrong (vs TB) 
  • David Nelson (vs Cle)
  • Nate Burleson (vs GB)
  • Brandon LaFell (vs Atl)
  • Greg Camarillo (vs NYG)
  • Blair White (@ Ten)
  • Sammie Stroughter (@ Was)
  • Nate Washington (vs Ind)
  • Kevin Walter (vs Bal)
  • Michael Jenkins (@ Car)
  • T.J. Houshmandzadeh (@ Hou)
  • Emmanuel Sanders (vs Cin)
  • Seyi Ajirotutu (vs KC)
  • Arrelious Benn (@ Was)
  • Brandon Stokley (@ SF)
  • Deon Butler (@ SF)
  • Golden Tate (@ SF)
  • Mohamed Massaquoi (@ Buf)
  • Derrek Hagan (@ Min)
  • Danario Alexander (@ NO)
  • Brandon Gibson (@ NO)
  • Danario Alexander (@ Ari)

Tight Ends

• Injuries/benchings
  • Tony Gonzalez (ankle)
  • Todd Heap (hamstring)
  • Heath Miller (concussion)
  • John Carlson (hip)
• Waiver Wire Targets
  • Ben Watson (@ Buf)
  • Tony Moeaki (@ SD)
  • Jermaine Gresham (@ Pit) 
  • Joel Dreessen (vs Bal) 
  • Jimmy Graham (vs StL)
  • Anthony Fasano (@ NYJ)
  • Jared Cook (vs Ind)
  • Dante Rosario (vs Atl)
  • Ed Dickson (@ Hou)

Kicker

• Injuries/benchings - None
• Waiver wire targets
  • Shayne Graham (@ Chi)
  • Billy Cundiff (@ Hou)
  • Matt Prater (@ Ari)
  • Olindo Mare (@ SF)

Defense

• Injuries/benchings - N/A (at least I hope so)
• Waiver wire targets
  • Atlanta (@ Car)
  • Tampa Bay (@ Was)
  • Denver (@ Ari)
  • Cleveland (@ Buf)

Final Thoughts

• Hopefully, the Redskins will cut ties with Albert Haynesworth once and for all.
• If Brett Favre insists on playing this weekend and playing on one leg, he will hurt his team’s chances dramatically.   
• Rex Ryan shouldn’t turn his back on Bill Belichick any time soon.

Have a great week!

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

Hi everyone,

Why is Derek Jeter indebted to Albert Haynesworth?  Which movie is the San Diego Chargers’ favorite?  Find out by reading our latest football blog entry on The Huffington Post!  Here’s the link :  http://huff.to/f0S1Tt 

Enjoy!

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

Hi everyone,

Why is Greg Olsen confused?  Why is Darren McFadden worried?  Find out in my latest football blog entry on The Huffington Post!  Here’s the link:  http://huff.to/f3skf4

Enjoy!

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

Hi everyone,

What career should Derek Anderson avoid at all costs?  Which NFL player should have received a Thanksgiving turkey pardon from President Obama?  Find out by reading our latest football blog entry on The Huffington Post!  Here’s the link:  http://huff.to/gd3L5Y 

Enjoy!

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

Tags: 4th & Inches with Jana and The Sherpa, Blog Talk Radio, fantasy football sherpa, fantasy_sherpa, Huffington Post, Jana, The Sherpa

Hi everyone,

This is the last week of the fantasy regular season for many of you - every lineup decision is critical if you’re on the playoff bubble.  Which big names are in for a bad week, and which unheralded players can put you over the top this week?  Here are my recommendations for Week 13 - all games are Sunday during the day unless otherwise noted:

Houston at Philadelphia (Thursday night) - Cynics claim Houston wide receiver Andre Johnson wasn’t suspended for his fight last weekend with Tennessee’s Cortland Finnegan because the Texans are featured on this week’s Thursday game.  Regardless, Johnson will play, but Michael Vick will bounce back from a subpar performance against the Bears and lead the Eagles to victory in a high-scoring game.  Philadelphia 34 Houston 24.

• Houston 
  • Yes (Should definitely be in your starting lineup):  QB Matt Schaub (Probable-knee), RB Arian Foster, WR Andre Johnson, TE Joel Dreessen (Probable-knee)
  • No (Should definitely NOT be in your starting lineup):  TE Owen Daniels (Out-hamstring), DEF, K Neil Rackers
  • Maybe So (Okay to start if you don’t have a better option):  WRs Jacoby Jones & Kevin Walter (Questionable-calf)
• Philadelphia 
  • Yes:  QB Michael Vick, RB LeSean McCoy, WRs DeSean Jackson & Jeremy Maclin, TE Brent Celek, DEF, K David Akers
  • No:  None
  • Maybe So:  WR Jason Avant

Jacksonville at Tennessee (Sunday early) - Jacksonville would already be out of the playoff picture if not for a 59-yard field goal and a Hail Mary deflection.  Tennessee’s season is doomed due to Vince Young’s injury.  Still, this will be an interesting game to watch, and the home team will prevail.  Tennessee 27 Jacksonville 24.

• Jacksonville 
  • Yes:  QB David Garrard (Questionable-wrist), RB Maurice Jones-Drew, WRs Mike Sims-Walker & Mike Thomas, TE Marcedes Lewis
  • No:  DEF, K Josh Scobee
  • Maybe So:  None
• Tennessee 
  • Yes:  RB Chris Johnson, DEF, K Rob Bironas
  • No:  None
  • Maybe So:  QB Kerry Collins/Rusty Smith (whoever starts); WRs Randy Moss, Justin Gage, & Nate Washington; TEs Bo Scaife (Questionable-neck) & Jared Cook

Chicago at Detroit - For all the talk about how awful Jay Cutler and the offensive line have looked, the Bears are 8-3 with a chance to snag home field advantage in the NFC playoffs.  For all the talk about Ndamukong Suh and how much offensive firepower they now possess, the Lions will miss the playoffs for the 97th year in a row (or so it seems).  Detroit will continue a season-long pattern of hanging close but falling short in the end.  Chicago 28 Detroit 21.

• Chicago 
  • Yes:  RB Matt Forte, WR Johnny Knox, TE Greg Olsen, DEF
  • No: K Robbie Gould
  • Maybe So:  QB Jay Cutler, WRs Devin Hester & Earl Bennett
• Detroit 
  • Yes:  QB Drew Stanton, WRs Calvin Johnson & Nate Burleson (Questionable-hamstring), TE Brandon Pettigrew, DEF
  • No:  RBs Jahvid Best & Aaron Brown, TE Tony Scheffler (Questionable-ribs), K Dave Rayner/Jason Hanson (Questionable-knee) (whoever starts)
  • Maybe So:  RB Maurice Morris, WR Bryant Johnson

Cleveland at Miami - Peyton Hillis has been among the biggest surprises in fantasy football this season, but he’s about the only thing the Browns’ offense has going for it.  Chad Henne is finally healthy again, and Miami will pull out the victory.  Miami 27 Cleveland 21.

• Cleveland 
  • Yes:  RB Peyton Hillis, TE Ben Watson
  • Maybe So:  QB Jake Delhomme/Colt McCoy (Questionable-ankle) (whoever starts); WRs Josh Cribbs (Questionable-toe), Mohamed Massaquoi, & Brian Robiskie; DEF; K Phil Dawson
  • No:  None
• Miami 
  • Yes:  QB Chad Henne, RB Ronnie Brown, WRs Davone Bess & Brian Hartline, DEF, K Dan Carpenter
  • No:  WR Brandon Marshall (Questionable-hamstring)
  • Maybe So:  RB Ricky Williams, TE Anthony Fasano

Washington at New York Giants - Rarely do I predict a game to be this lopsided.  Then again, rearely does a team match up so poorly as the Redskins do with the Giants.  This could get ugly quickly.  New York 45 Washington 10.

• Washington 
  • Yes:  TE Chris Cooley
  • No:  QB Donovan McNabb, RBs Keiland Williams & Ryan Torain (Questionable-hamstring), WRs Anthony Armstrong & Santana Moss, DEF, K Graham Gano
  • Maybe So:  None
• New York 
  • Yes: QB Eli Manning, RBs Ahmad Bradshaw & Brandon Jacobs, WR Mario Manningham, TE Kevin Boss, DEF, K Lawrence Tynes
  • No:  WRs Hakeem Nicks (Doubtful-leg), Steve Smith (Questionable-arm)
  • Maybe So:  WR Derek Hagan

Denver at Kansas City - Denver has one of the best passing attacks and one of the worst defenses in football.  Kansas City has football’s best rushing game, and a passing game and defense that are just good enough to get the job done.  Kansas City will win this shootout on a late Ryan Succop field goal.  Kansas City 30 Denver 27.

• Denver 
  • Yes:  QB Kyle Orton; WRs Brandon Lloyd, Jabar Gaffney, & Eddie Royal, K Matt Prater
  • No:  RB Knowshon Moreno, DEF, WR Demaryius Thomas (Out-ankle)
  • Maybe:  None
• Kansas City 
  • Yes:  RBs Jamaal Charles & Thomas Jones, WR Dwayne Bowe, TE Tony Moeaki, K Ryan Succup
  • No:  DEF
  • Maybe So:  QB Matt Cassel, WR Chris Chambers

San Francisco at Green Bay  - Back in the mid-1990s 49ers-Packers was one of the league’s marquee matchups.  Sadly, that’s no longer the case.  San Francisco and Brian Westbrook may have given their fans a sense of false hope by demolishing Arizona on Monday night, but Green Bay will take advantage of a jet-lagged team with a short week to prepare.  Green Bay 30 San Francisco 21.

• San Francisco 
  • Yes: WR Michael Crabtree, TE Vernon Davis,
  • No:  RBs Frank Gore (IR-hip), Brian Westbrook, & Anthony Dixon; WR Josh Morgan (Questionable-shoulder), DEF, K Joe Nedney 
  • Maybe So:  QB Troy Smith
• Green Bay 
  • Yes:  QB Aaron Rodgers, WR Greg Jennings (Questionable-foot), TE Anthony Quarless, DEF, K Mason Crosby
  • No:  None
  • Maybe So:  RB Brandon Jackson; WRs Donald Driver, James Jones, & Jordy Nelson

Buffalo at Minnesota  - Adrian Peterson has had a week to let his sprained ankle heal.  Steve Johnson has had a week to let his bruised ego heal.  Unfortunately for Buffalo their ground game won’t generate enough yardage to keep Minnesota’s defense honest, so the Favres will triumph over the Bills and make it two consecutive wins for new Vikes’ coach Leslie Frazier.  Minnesota 24 Buffalo 20.

• Buffalo 
  • Yes: WR Steve Johnson, DEF, K Rian Lindell
  • No: QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, RBs Fred Jackson & C.J. Spiller (Questionable-hamstring), WR Lee Evans
  • Maybe So:  No
• Minnesota 
  • Yes:  RB Adrian Peterson (Questionable-ankle)/Toby Gerhart (whoever starts), WRs Sidney Rice & Percy Harvin, TE Visanthe Shiancoe, DEF, K Ryan Longwell
  • No:  None
  • Maybe So:  QB Brett Favre (Questionable-foot), WR Greg Camarillo

New Orleans at Cincinnati - The fact that rookie Jordan Shipley is now a more reliable fantasy option than former All-Pros Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco tells you all you need to know about how the Bengals’ season has gone.  Newly-crowned Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year Drew Brees will continue Cincinnati’s long journey into darkness.  New Orleans 28 Cincinnati 17.

• New Orleans 
  • Yes:  QB Drew Brees, RB Chris Ivory, WR Marques Colston, TE Jimmy Graham, DEF
  • No: RBs Pierre Thomas (Questionable-ankle) & Reggie Bush, TEs Jeremy Shockey & David Thomas, K Garrett Hartley
  • Maybe So:  WRs Lance Moore, Robert Meachem, & Devery Henderson
• Cincinnati 
  • Yes:  WR Jordan Shipley, TE Jermaine Gresham
  • No:  QB Carson Palmer, DEF, K Clint Stitser
  • Maybe So:  RB Cedric Benson, WRs Terrell Owens & Chad Ochocinco

Oakland at San Diego (Sunday late) - Sure, the Chargers are only 6-5 and still trail the Chiefs by a game in the AFC West.  However, you could make a pretty convincing argument that San Diego is playing as well as anyone in their conference right now.  Unfortunately, that won’t mean anything in January when Norv Turner’s team will inevitably get knocked out of the playoffs two rounds sooner than they should, but for now that doesn’t matter.  San Diego 27 Oakland 14.

• Oakland 
  • Yes:  TE Zach Miller (Questionable-leg)
  • No: QBs Jason Campbell & Bruce Gradkowski (Out-shoulder), RB Michael Bush, DEF, K Sebastien Janikowski
  • Maybe So:  RB Darren McFadden, WRs Louis Murphy & Jacoby Ford
• San Diego 
  • Yes:  QB Philip Rivers, RB Mike Tolbert, WRs Malcom Floyd & Legedu Naanee, TE Antonio Gates, DEF, K Nate Kaeding
  • No:  RB Ryan Mathews (Questionable-ankle), WRs Vincent Jackson (Doubtful-calf) & Patrick Crayton (Doubtful-wrist)
  • Maybe So:  RB Darren Sproles

Carolina at Seattle I feel for you if you have to watch this game, especially if you live in neither Washington state nor North Carolina.  The less said, the better.  Seattle 21 Carolina 17.

• Carolina 
  • Yes: RB Mike Goodson, TE Dante Rosario, DEF
  • No:  K John Kasay
  • Maybe So: QB Jimmy Clausen; WRs Steve Smith, Brandon LaFell, & David Gettis
• Seattle 
  • Yes:  RB Marshawn Lynch, WR Mike Williams (Questionable-foot), TE John Carlson, DEF
  • No:  QB Matt Hasselbeck, K Olindo Mare
  • Maybe So:  RB Justin Forsett, WRs Deon Butler & Ben Obomanu

St. Louis at Arizona - When a team with three wins and a six-game losing streak is just two games out of first place this late in the season, that gives you a pretty good idea of just how awful the division is.  There’s a very good chance the team that wins this division will finish with a sub-.500 record, and there’s also a very good chance that team will be St. Louis.  St. Louis 34 Arizona 14.

• St. Louis 
  • Yes:  QB Sam Bradford, RB Steven Jackson, WR Danny Amendola, DEF, K Josh Brown
  • No: None
  • Maybe So:  WRs Danario Alexander & Laurent Robinson
• Arizona 
  • Yes:  WR Larry Fitzgerald
  • No:  QB Derek Anderson, RBs Beanie Wells & Tim Hightower, WR Early Doucet, DEF, K Jay Feely
  • Maybe So:  WR Steve Breaston

Atlanta at Tampa Bay - The Falcons’ bandwagon is getting crowded again - better hop on if you can still find room.  Tampa is involved in the scrum for the second NFC wild card spot, but a tough loss to Atlanta will make it hard to keep their playoff dreams alive.  Atlanta 24 Tampa Bay 21.

• Atlanta 
  • Yes: RB Michael Turner, WR Roddy White (Questionable-knee), TE Tony Gonzalez, DEF
  • No: K Matt Bryant
  • Maybe So: QB Matt Ryan, WR Michael Jenkins
• Tampa Bay 
  • Yes:  QB Josh Freeman, WR Mike Williams, TE Kellen Winslow, DEF
  • No:  RBs LeGarrette Blount & Cadillac Williams, WR Arrelious Benn, K Connor Barth
  • Maybe So:  None

Dallas at Indianapolis - Both teams come off disappointing efforts in Week 12.  Dallas was a Roy Williams’ fumble away from defeating the defending Super Bowl champions.  Indianapolis gave no indication they were a Super Bowl team last year in the drubbing they suffered at the hands of the Chargers at home.  Indianapolis will not be embarrassed two weeks in a row at home.  Indianapolis 34 Dallas 21.

• Dallas 
  • Yes: TE Jason Witten
  • No: QB Jon Kitna, RBs Felix Jones & Marion Barber (Questionable-calf), WR Roy Williams, DEF, K David Buehler
  • Maybe So: WRs Miles Austin & Dez Bryant
• Indianapolis 
  • Yes:  QB Peyton Manning, WRs Reggie Wayne & Pierre Garcon, TE Jacob Tamme, DEF, K Adam Vinatieri
  • No:  RB Joseph Addai (Questionable-neck), WR Austin Collie (Questionable-concussion)
  • Maybe So:  RB Donald Brown

Pittsburgh at Baltimore (Sunday night) - You can almost count on a close, hard-fought game when these two teams play each other.  Offense will be at a premium for both sides, but the Ravens will get just a bit more than the Steelers to grab the victory.  Baltimore 20 Pittsburgh 17.

• Pittsburgh 
  • Yes: RB Rashard Mendenhall, WRs Hines Ward & Mike Wallace, TE Heath Miller, DEF
  • No:  QB Ben Roethlisberger (Questionable-foot); WR Emmanuel Sanders, K Shaun Suisham 
  • Maybe So: None
• Baltimore 
  • Yes:  WRs Anquan Boldin & Derrick Mason, TE Todd Heap, DEF, K Billy Cundiff
  • No:  RBs Ray Rice & Willis McGahee, WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh
  • Maybe So:  QB Joe Flacco 

New York Jets at New England (Monday night) - Rex Ryan says he came to New York to “kick Bill Belichick’s ass”.  Bill Belichick says nothing in response.  Bill Belichick does nothing in response now that his team has been busted for taping opponents’ practices.  He arrives.  He watches.  He conquers.  He disdains the traditional post-game handshake after yet another home victory.  New England 30 New York 27.

• New York 
  • Yes: QB Mark Sanchez, RBs Shonn Greene & LaDainian Tomlinson, WRs Santonio Holmes & Braylon Edwards, TE Dustin Keller
  • No: WR Jerricho Cotchery (Questionable-groin), DEF, K Nick Folk
  • Maybe So: None
• New England 
  • Yes:  QB Tom Brady (Probable-foot), WRs Wes Welker & Deion Branch, K Shayne Graham
  • No:  RBs BenJarvus Green-Ellis & Danny Woodhead, DEF
  • Maybe So:  TEs Rob Gronkowski & Aaron Hernandez

Good luck to your teams this week, and have a great 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