The Fantasy Football Sherpa

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

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

NY Jets at Denver (Thursday night) – John Fox was quoted this week as saying about his quarterback, Tim Tebow, “If we were running any other type of offense with him, we’d be screwed”.  The Detroit Lions might question Tebow’s effectiveness in his current offense, but the fact remains that he’s 3-1 as a starter, and the Jets are banged up on offense.  Still, New York should be able to ride Shonn Greene and their defense to victory; if Mark Sanchez has to throw the ball much more than 30 times, chances are it will be the Jets who are screwed.  Expect Lance Ball to have an effective game for the Broncos, even if Willis McGahee is “healthy” enough to play.  New York 21, Denver 20.

• NY Jets
  • Start:  RB Shonn Greene, WR Santonio Holmes (Probable-foot), TE Dustin Keller, DEF
  • Neutral:  QB Mark Sanchez, RB Joe McKnight (Probable-toe), WR Plaxico Burress (Probable-back)
  • Sit:  RB LaDainian Tomlinson (Out-knee), WR Jeremy Kerley (Out-knee), K Nick Folk
• Denver
  • Start:  RB Lance Ball, DEF
  • Neutral:  QB Tim Tebow, WR Eric Decker, TE Daniel Fells
  • Sit:  RB Willis McGahee (Questionable-hamstring), WRs Demaryius Thomas & Eddie Royal, K Matt Prater

 

Buffalo at Miami (Sunday early) – This has been labeled a “must-win” game for the Bills, but with Ryan Fitzpatrick playing ineffectively the last few weeks, his two top wide receivers in danger of missing the game, and Miami playing much better the last two weeks, the Dolphins will thwart the Bills’ efforts.  Dolphins’ running back Reggie Bush will continue his resurgence, and quarterback Matt Moore will have a field day passing to Brandon Marshall and Davone Bess.  Miami 27, Buffalo 24.

• Buffalo
  • Start:  RB Fred Jackson, TE Scott Chandler
  • Neutral:  QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, WRs David Nelson (Probable-ankle) & Donald Jones, DEF, K Dave Rayner
  • Sit:  RB C.J. Spiller, WR Steve Johnson (Questionable-shoulder), K Rian Lindell (Out-shoulder)
• Miami
  • Start:  QB Matt Moore, RB Reggie Bush, WRs Brandon Marshall & Davone Bess
  • Neutral:  RB Daniel Thomas, TE Anthony Fasano (Questionable-ankle), DEF, K Shayne Graham
  • Sit:  WR Brian Hartline, K Dan Carpenter (Out-groin)

 

Dallas at Washington – Once one of football’s best rivalries the Cowboy-Redskin matches have lost most of their luster in recent seasons.  Dallas is currently on the upswing; Washington is quickly descending to its projected position at the bottom of the NFC East.  Tony Romo will continue his good play, and DeMarco Murray won’t lose too many carries to Felix Jones.  Dallas 27, Washington 17.

• Dallas
  • Start:  QB Tony Romo, RB DeMarco Murray, WRs Dez Bryant & Laurent Robinson, TE Jason Witten, DEF
  • Neutral:  K Dan Bailey
  • Sit:  RB Felix Jones (Questionable-ankle), WR Miles Austin (Out-hamstring)
• Washington
  • Start:  QB Rex Grossman, WR Jabar Gaffney, TE Fred Davis
  • Neutral:  WR Anthony Armstrong, DEF
  • Sit:  RBs Roy Helu, Tashard Choice (Probable-hamstring) & Ryan Torain, WR Terrence Austin, K Graham Gano

 

Oakland at Minnesota – Funny how no one refers to this as a “rematch of Super Bowl XI” - the term “rematch” must have an expiration date, and 35 years later is obviously well beyond it.  You may be tempted to start Michael Bush after last week’s performance, but that wouldn’t be wise - Minnesota’s run defense is still one of the top in the league.  The Vikes’ secondary is another story, however - Carson Palmer should continue his resurgence by having a field day against the Minnesota defensive backfield.  Oakland 31, Minnesota 21.

• Oakland
  • Start:  QB Carson Palmer, WR Denarius Moore, DEF, K Sebastian Janikowski (Probable-hamstring)
  • Neutral:  RB Michael Bush, WRs Darrius Heyward-Bey & Jacoby Ford, TE Kevin Boss (Probable-knee)
  • Sit:  RBs Darren McFadden (Out-foot) & Taiwan Jones, WRs T.J. Houshmandzadeh & Jacoby Ford (Out-foot)
• Minnesota
  • Start:  RB Adrian Peterson, WR Percy Harvin, TE Kyle Rudolph
  • Neutral:  QB Christian Ponder (Probable-hand), WR Michael Jenkins (Probable-knee), TE Visanthe Shiancoe (Questionable-hamstring), K Ryan Longwell
  • Sit:  RB Toby Gerhart, WR Devin Aromashodu, DEF

 

Tampa Bay at Green Bay – Tampa Bay sure won’t get in the way of the Green Bay Undefeated Express train (still plenty of time to hop aboard), and even though Josh Freeman will look slightly better for the Bucs than he has in recent weeks, the lack of healthy running back options will ultimately prove to be their undoing.  Green Bay 41, Tampa Bay 14.

• Tampa Bay
  • Start:  QB Josh Freeman (Probable-thumb), WRs Mike Williams & Preston Parker, TE Kellen Winslow
  • Neutral:  RB LeGarrette Blount
  • Sit:  WR Arrelious Benn, DEF, K Connor Barth
• Green Bay
  • Start:  QB Aaron Rodgers, WRs Greg Jennings & Jordy Nelson, TE Jermichael Finley, DEF, K Mason Crosby
  • Neutral: RB John Starks, WR James Jones
  • Sit: RB Ryan Grant (Probable-knee), WR Donald Driver

 

Carolina at Detroit - Cam Newton is one of the few quarterbacks who can still have significant fantasy value even if he’s not throwing for 250+ yards, and Detroit’s run defense has been less-than-stellar.  On the Detroit side of the ball their running back by committee approach renders all of their current options mediocre at best.  Detroit 24, Carolina 21.

• Carolina
  • Start:  QB Cam Newton, RB DeAngelo Williams, WR Steve Smith, TE Greg Olsen
  • Neutral:  RB Jonathan Stewart, WR Legedu Naanee, DEF
  • Sit:  WR Brandon LaFell, TE Jeremy Shockey (Out-ribs), K Olindo Mare
• Detroit
  • Start:  QB Matthew Stafford (Probable-finger), WR Calvin Johnson, TE Brandon Pettigrew, DEF
  • Neutral:  RBs Maurice Morris & Kevin Smith, WRs Nate Burleson & Titus Young, K Jason Hanson
  • Sit:  RBs Keiland Williams & Jahvid Best (Out-concussion)

 

Jacksonville at Cleveland – Neither of these teams’ offenses will be confused with the Packers’ scoring-machine anytime soon.  In fact, these two teams will combine for fewer points than Green Bay will put up this week.  Running back Chris Ogbannaya was a pleasant surprise for most people last weekend; he and his Jaguar counterpart Maurice Jones-Drew are two of the few players involved in this game with any fantasy value.  Jacksonville 17, Cleveland 13.

• Jacksonville
  • Start:  RB Maurice Jones-Drew, WR Mike Thomas, DEF
  • Neutral:  RB Deji Karim, WR Jason Hill, TE Marcedes Lewis
  • Sit:  QB Blaine Gabbert, WR Brian Robiskie (Questionable-hamstring), K Josh Scobee
• Cleveland
  • Start:  RB Chris Ogbannaya, TE Ben Watson, DEF
  • Neutral:  WRs Josh Cribbs & Greg Little, TE Evan Moore
  • Sit:  QB Colt McCoy, RBs Peyton Hillis (Out-hamstring) & Montario Hardesty (Questionable-calf), WR Mohamed Massaquoi (Probable-concussion), K Phil Dawson

 

Cincinnati at Baltimore – Here’s another game where the two teams will combine for fewer points than Green Bay will score this week.  Andy Dalton has had an impressive rookie season, but he’s not someone you’d want to start against a defense as strong as the Ravens’.  Not much fantasy value for either team in this game, but it’s a good bet that if any player makes a significant fantasy contribution in this week’s game, it will be Ray Rice.  Baltimore 20, Cincinnati 10.

• Cincinnati
  • Start: TE Jermaine Gresham, DEF
  • Neutral:  WR Jerome Simpson
  • Sit:  QB Andy Dalton, RBs Cedric Benson & Bernard Scott, WRs A.J. Green (Doubtful-knee) & Andre Caldwell, K Mike Nugent
• Baltimore
  • Start:  RB Ray Rice, TE Ed Dickson, DEF
  • Neutral:  QB Joe Flacco, WRs Anquan Boldin & Torrey Smith, TE Dennis Pitta
  • Sit:  RB Ricky Williams, WR Lee Evans (Questionable-ankle), K Billy Cundiff

 

Seattle at St. Louis (Sunday late) – Last weekend was the first time since the current NFL division alignment was created that all four NFC West teams were winners.  Sadly, it seems that the schedule-makers were anticipating this amazing feat, and in a cruel twist of fate scheduled two intradivision games for this weekend.  Neither team has much offense going for it, but Sam Bradford will win his personal “battle” with Tarvaris Jackson and lead the Rams to victory.  St. Louis 24, Seattle 21.

• Seattle
  • Start:  RB Marshawn Lynch, WRs Sidney Rice (Probable-concussion) & Doug Baldwin (Probable-concussion), TE Zach Miller
  • Neutral:  QB Tarvaris Jackson (Probable-pectoral), WRs Ben Obomanu & Mike Williams, DEF
    
  • Sit:  RB Justin Forsett, K Steven Hauschka
• St. Louis
  • Start:  QB Sam Bradford (Probable-ankle), RB Steven Jackson, WR Brandon Lloyd, DEF
  • Neutral:  WR Austin Pettis & Brandon Gibson (Probable-groin), TEs Lance Kendricks (Probable-foot) & Michael Hoomanawanui, K Josh Brown
  • Sit:  RB Cadillac Williams (Out-calf), WR Danario Alexander (Doubtful-hamstring)

 

Arizona at San Francisco – The second game in the Sad Sack Division’s slate this weekend faces a team with a pretty good offense (Arizona) vs. a team with a pretty good defense (not-the-Arizona).  The Cardinals have been somewhat more respectable the last few weeks with their “Skelton Crew”, but the 49ers’ defense will prove to be the most valuable fantasy entity in this game.  San Francisco 24, Arizona 20.

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

 

San Diego at Chicago – Philip Rivers has yet another match-up that seems close to ideal on paper, but as we’ve all seen the last few weeks, games are won by real-life players who don’t throw crucial interceptions late in games.  Earl Bennett has emerged as former college teammate Jake Cutler’s favorite target the last few weeks; meanwhile, Johnny Knox continues to be one of the biggest disappointments in fantasy this season.  San Diego 27, Chicago 24.

• San Diego
  • Start:  QB Philip Rivers, WR Vincent Jackson & Vincent Brown, TE Antonio Gates
  • Neutral:  RBs Mike Tolbert & Ryan Mathews, DEF, K Nick Novak
  • Sit:  WR Malcom Floyd (Out-hip)
• Chicago
  • Start:  RB Matt Forte (Probable-shoulder), WR Earl Bennett
    
  • Neutral:  RB Marion Barber, DEF, K Robbie Gould
  • Sit:  QB Jay Cutler, WRs Roy Williams, Devin Hester (Probable-ankle), Johnny Knox; TE Kellen Davis

 

Tennessee at Atlanta – Unfortunately for Chris Johnson owners, one week after a game in which he looked more like his old productive self again, Johnson has a very tough match-up with Atlanta’s run defense.  Atlanta continued its Jekyll & Hyde act against the Saints in an overtime loss, but don’t shy away from Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, and Tony Gonzalez this week.  Atlanta 24, Tennessee 21.

• Tennessee
  • Start:  QB Matt Hasselbeck, WRs Nate Washington & Damian Williams
  • Neutral:  TE Jared Cook, DEF
  • Sit:  RBs Chris Johnson & Javon Ringer, K Rob Bironas
• Atlanta
  • Start:  QB Matt Ryan, RB Michael Turner, WR Roddy White, TE Tony Gonzalez, DEF
  • Neutral: RB Jacquizz Rodgers, WR Harry Douglas (Probable-thigh), K Matt Bryant
  • Sit:  WR Julio Jones (Questionable-hamstring)

 

Philadelphia at New York Giants (Sunday night) – If Atlanta isn’t the Jekylliest & Hydiest team in the NFL, then the Eagles certainly are.  Another fourth-quarter collapse last weekend at home against the Cardinals has the Philly “faithful” calling for Andy Reid’s head coaching head, if not his GM head.  Michael Jackson, LeSean McCoy, and the remorseful DeSean Jackson will all be in fine form Sunday afternoon, and the Eagles will prevail.  Philadelphia 28, New York 21.

• Philadelphia
  • Start:  RB LeSean McCoy, WR DeSean Jackson, TE Brent Celek, DEF
  • Neutral:  QB Vince Young, WR Jason Avant, K Alex Henery
  • Sit:  QBs Michael Vick (Out-ribs) & Mike Kafka, WR Jeremy Maclin (Out-shoulder)
• New York
  • Start:  QB Eli Manning, WR Victor Cruz (Questionable-judgment) & Hakeem Nicks, TE Jake Ballard
  • Neutral:  RB Brandon Jacobs, DEF, WR Mario Manningham (Probable-knee)
  • Sit: RBs Ahmad Bradshaw (Out-foot), D.J. Ware, & Da’Rel Scott; K Lawrence Tynes

Kansas City at New England (Monday night) – This game would have been interesting if both teams had all of their key players, but with the Chiefs’ sideline looking like a triage unit these days, nothing could be further from the truth.  Matt Cassel is the latest key Kansas City offensive player to suffer a season-threatening (if not season-ending) injury, and it’s difficult to imagine Tyler Palko being up to the task of competing mano-a-mano with Tom Brady.  Somewhere Charlie Weiss is laughing.  New England 38, Kansas City 14.

• Kansas City
  • Start:  WR Dwayne Bowe
  • Neutral:  QB Tyler Palko, RB Jackie Battle, WR Steve Breason
  • Sit:  WR Jonathan Baldwin, TE Leonard Pope, DEF, K Ryan Succop
• New England
  • Start:  QB Tom Brady, WRs Deion Branch & Wes Welker (Probable-knee), TEs Rob Gronkowski & Aaron Hernandez, DEF, K Stephen Gostkowski
  • Neutral:  RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis (Questionable-toe)
  • Sit:  RBs Stevan Ridley & Kevin Faulk (Questionable-knee), WR Chad Ochocinco

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

Quarterbacks    

1.      Aaron Rodgers       vs Min

2.      Drew Brees            @ Atl

3.      Michael Vick          vs Ari

4.      Tony Romo            vs Buf

5.      Philip Rivers           vs Oak

6.      Matt Schaub           @ TB

7.      Matt Stafford          @ Chi

8.      Eli Manning            @ SF

9.      Cam Newton          vs Ten

10.  Tim Tebow           @ KC

11.  Matt Ryan              vs NO

12.  Matt Moore           vs Was

13.  Ryan Fitzpatrick     @ Dal

14.  Mark Sanchez        vs NE

15.  Matt Hasselbeck    @ Car

16.  Christian Ponder     @ GB

17.  Josh Freeman         vs Hou

18.  John Beck              @ Mia

19.  Carson Palmer        @ SD

20.  Joe Flacco              @ Sea

21.  Jay Cutler               vs Det

22.  Alex Smith              vs NYG

23.  Tom Brady             @ NYJ

24.  Ben Roethlisberger @ Cin

25.  Matt Cassel            vs Den

26.  Andy Dalton           vs Pit

27.  John Skelton           @ Phi

28.  Colt McCoy              vs StL

29.  Tarvaris Jackson     vs Bal

30.  Curtis Painter          vs Jac

31.  A.J. Feeley             @ Cle

32.  Blake Gabbert        @ Ind

33.  Sam Bradford         @ Cle

34.  Kevin Kolb              @ Phi

 

Running Backs   

1.      Arian Foster           @ TB

2.      LeSean McCoy      vs Ari

3.      DeMarco Murray   vs Buf

4.      Ray Rice                @ Sea

5.      Maurice Jones-Drew @ Ind

6.      DeAngelo Williams vs Ten

7.      Willis McGahee      @ KC

8.      Darren Sproles       @ Atl

9.      Mike Tolbert          vs Oak

10.  Adrian Peterson      @ GB

11.  Michael Turner       vs NO

12.  Fred Jackson          @ Dal

13.  Matt Forte              vs Det

14.  Michael Bush          @ SD

15.  Chris Johnson         @ Car

16.  Reggie Bush           vs Was

17.  Jackie Battle           vs Den

18.  Chris Ogbonnaya    vs StL

19.  Steven Jackson       @ Cle

20.  Pierre Thomas        @ Atl

21.  Ben Tate                @ TB

22.  Ryan Mathews       vs Oak

23.  Brandon Jacobs      @ SF

24.  Knowshon Moreno @ KC

25.  Jonathan Stewart    vs Ten

26.  Daniel Thomas        vs Was

27.  Joe McKnight         vs NE

28.  Roy Helu                @ Mia

29.  Ryan Torain            @ Mia

30.  Marion Barber        vs Det

31.  Stevan Ridley         @ NYJ

32.  Javon Springer        @ Car

33.  Delone Carter         vs Jac

34.  Donald Brown        vs Jac

35.  Kendall Hunter       vs NYG

36.  Frank Gore            vs NYG

37.  Beanie Wells          @ Phi

38.  BenJarvus Green-Ellis @ NYJ

39.  John Starks            vs Min

40.  Ryan Grant           vs Min

41.  Maurice Morris      @ Chi

42.  Keiland Williams     @ Chi

43.  Kevin Smith            @ Chi

44.  Deji Karim            @ Ind

45.  Lance Ball              @ KC

46.  Ricky Williams        @ Sea

47.  D.J. Ware              @ SF

48.  Jacquizz Rodgers    vs NO

49.  Jason Snelling         vs NO

50.  Lex Hilliard           vs Was

51.  C.J. Spiller             @ Dal

52.  Marcel Reese         @ SD

53.  Tim Hightower        @ Mia

54.  Dexter McCluster   vs Den

55.  Kevin Faulk            @ NYJ

56.  Danny Woodhead  @ NYJ

57.  Toby Gerhart          @ GB

58.  Tashard Choice      @ Mia

59.  Rashard Mendenhall @ Cin

60.  LeGarrette Blount   vs Hou

61.  Kregg Lumpkin      vs Hou

62.  Cedric Benson        vs Pit

63.  Bernard Scott         vs Pit

64.  Marshawn Lynch    vs Bal

65.  Mark Ingram          @ Atl

66.  Chris Ivory              @ Atl

67.  Felix Jones               vs Buf

68.  Jahvid Best              @ Chi

69.  Ahmad Bradshaw    @ SF

70.  Shonn Greene         vs NE

71.  LaRod Stephens-Howling   @ Phi

72. Joseph Addai           vs Jac

Wide Receivers

1.      Calvin Johnson       @ Chi

2.      Greg Jennings         vs Min

3.      Vincent Jackson     vs Oak

4.      Dez Bryant             vs Buf

5.      Marques Colston    @ Atl

6.      Anquan Boldin        @ Sea

7.      Victor Cruz            @ SF

8.      Eric Decker            @ KC

9.      Steve Smith            vs Ten

10.  Mike Thomas         @ Ind

11.  DeSean Jackson     vs Ari

12.  Laurent Robinson   vs Buf

13.  Jordy Nelson          vs Min

14.  Jason Hill                @ Ind

15.  Kevin Walter          @ TB

16.  Mario Manningham @ SF

17.  Torrey Smith          @ Sea

18.  Jeremy Maclin        vs Ari

19.  Jacoby Jones          @ TB

20.  Vincent Brown       vs Oak

21.  Brandon Marshall   vs Was

22.  Roddy White          vs NO

23.  Santonio Holmes    vs NE

24.  Steve Johnson        @ Dal

25.  Brandon Lloyd       @ Cle

26.  Julio Jones              vs NO

27.  Dwayne Bowe        vs Den

28.  Percy Harvin          @ GB

29.  Damian Williams     @ Car

30.  Jabar Gaffney         @ Mia

31.  Larry Fitzgerald      @ Phi

32.  Preston Parker       vs Hou

33.  Lance Moore         @ Atl

34.  Eddie Royal            @ KC

35.  Jason Avant            vs Ari

36.  Titus Young            @ Chi

37.  James Jones           vs Min

38.  Nate Burleson        @ Chi

39.  Donald Driver         vs Min

40.  David Nelson         @ Dal

41.  Mike Wallace         @ Cin

42.  Deion Branch         @ NYJ

43.  Steve Breaston       vs Den

44.  Jacoby Ford           @ SD

45.  Davone Bess          vs Was

46.  Michael Jenkins      @ GB

47.  Antonio Brown       @ Cin

48.  Darrius Heyward-Bey @ SD

49.  Terrence Austin      @ Mia

50.  Earl Bennett            vs Det

51.  Jeremy Kerley        vs NE

52.  Denarius Moore     @ SD

53.  Donald Jones          @ Dal

54.  Johnny Knox          vs Det

55.  Austin Pettis           @ Cle

56.  Reggie Wayne        vs Jac

57.  A.J. Greeen            vs Pit

58.  Early Doucet          @ Phi

59.  Josh Cribbs            vs StL

60.  Jerome Simpson     vs Pit

61.  Pierre Garcon         vs Jac

62.  Greg Little              vs StL

63.  Andre Roberts        @ Phi

64.  Michael Crabtree    vs NYG

65.  Wes Welker           @ NYJ

66.  Plaxico Burress       vs NE

67.  Hakeem Nicks       @ SF

68.  Mike Williams        vs Hou

69.  Braylon Edwards    vs NYG

70.  Devin Hester          vs Det

71.  Patrick Crayton      vs Oak

72.  Devery Henderson @ Atl

73.  Robert Meachem    @ Atl

74.  Brandon LaFell       vs Ten

75.  Legedu Naanee      vs Ten

76.  Brian Robiskie        @ Ind

77.  Demaryius Thomas @ KC

78.  Ramses Barden      @ SF

79.  T.J. Houshmandzadeh @ SD

80.  Harry Douglas        vs NO

81.  Naaman Roosevelt @ Dal

82.  Dane Sanzenbacher vs Det

83.  Ted Ginn Jr            vs NYG

84.  Leonard Hankerson @ Mia

85.  Anthony Armstrong @ Mia

86.  Brandon Gibson     @ Cle

87.  Jonathan Baldwin    vs Den

88.  Julian Edelman        @ NYJ

89.  Chad Ochocinco    @ NYJ

90.  Dez Briscoe            vs Hou

91.  Arrelious Benn        vs Hou

92.  Austin Collie           vs Jac

93.  Doug Baldwin         vs Bal

94.  Ben Obomanu        vs Bal

95.  Hines Ward            @ Cin

96.  Sidney Rice                    vs Bal

97.  Andre Johnson              @ TB

98.  Nate Washington           @ Car

99.  Danario Alexander        @ Cle

100.  Emmanuel Sanders       @ Cin

101.    Jerricho Cotchery         @ Cin

102.    Andre Caldwell            vs Pit

103.   Mohamed Massaquoi   vs StL

104.   Mike Williams             vs Bal

105.   Malcom Floyd              vs Oak

106. Miles Austin                  vs Buf

Tight Ends

1.      Jimmy Graham        @ Atl

2.      Jermichael Finley    vs Min

3.      Antonio Gates        vs Oak

4.      Brandon Pettigrew @ Chi

5.      Jason Witten           vs Buf

6.      Brent Celek            vs Ari

7.      Owen Daniels         @ TB

8.      Jake Ballard           @ SF

9.      Greg Olsen            vs Ten

10.  Rob Gronkowski    @ NYJ

11.  Joel Dreessen         @ TB

12.  Fred Davis             @ Mia

13.  Vernon Davis         vs NYG

14.  Aaron Hernandez   @ NYJ

15.  Visanthe Shiancoe  @ GB

16.  Kevin Boss            @ SD

17.  Ben Watson           vs StL

18.  Kellen Winslow      vs Hou

19.  Jacob Tamme         vs Jac

20.  Daniel Fells            @ KC

21.  Marcedes Lewis     @ Ind

22.  Dennis Pitta            @ Sea

23.  Scott Chandler       @ Dal

24.  Ed Dickson            @ Sea

25.  Anthony Fasano     vs Was

26.  Jeremy Shockey     vs Ten

27.  Heath Miller           @ Cin

28.  Evan Moore           vs StL

29.  Tony Gonzalez        vs NO

30.  Jermaine Gresham  vs Pit

31.  Dustin Keller          vs NE

32.  Jared Cook            @ Car

33.  Randy McMichael vs Oak

34.  Kellen Davis           vs Det

35.  Leonard Pope        vs Den

36.  Kyle Rudolph         @ GB

37.  Jeff King                 @ Phi

38.  Zach Miller             vs Bal

39.  Lance Kendricks    @ Cle

40.  Todd Heap             @ Phi

41.  Rob Houssler         @ Phi

Defense & Special Teams

1.      Baltimore Ravens    @ Sea

2.      Jacksonville Jaguars @ Ind

3.      St. Louis Rams       @ Cle

4.      Philadelphia Eagles vs Ari

5.      Pittsburgh Steelers @ Cin

6.      Houston Texans      @ TB

7.      Miami Dolphins      vs Was

8.      Cleveland Browns  vs StL

9.      Denver Broncos     @ KC

10.  Green Bay Packers vs Min

11.  Cincinnati Bengals vs Pit

12.  New York Jets       vs NE

13.  New York Giants   @ SF

14.  Washington Redskins @ Mia

15.  Carolina Panthers   vs Ten

16.  New England Patriots @ NYJ

17.  San Diego Chargers vs Oak

18.  Dallas Cowboys     vs Buf

19.  Detroit Lions          @ Chi

20.  New Orleans Saints @ Atl

21.  Indianapolis Colts   vs Jac

22.  Kansas City Chiefs vs Den

23.  Tennessee Titans    @ Car

24.  Seattle Seahawks   vs Bal

25.  San Francisco 49ers vs NYG

26.  Chicago Bears        vs Det

27.  Buffalo Bills            @ Dal

28.  Oakland Raiders     @ SD

29.  Arizona Cardinals   @ Phi

30.  Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Hou

31.  Atlanta Falcons       vs NO

32. Minnesota Vikings   @ GB

 

Kickers

1.      Neil Rackers          @ TB

2.      Mason Crosby       vs Min

3.      Alex Henery           vs Ari

4.      Dan Bailey  vs Buf

5.      Nick Novak           vs Oak

6.      John Kasay            @ Atl

7.      Lawrence Tynes     @ SF

8.      Matt Prater @ KC

9.      Josh Scobee           @ Ind

10.  Olindo Mare           vs Ten

11.  Billy Cundiff            @ Sea

12.  Matt Bryant            vs NO

13.  Dan Carpenter        vs Was

14.  Rob Bironas           @ Car

15.  Dave Rayner          @ Dal

16.  Robbie Gould         vs Det

17.  David Akers           vs NYG

18.  Nick Folk               vs NE

19.  Jason Hanson         @ Chi

20.  Rian Lindell            @ Dal

21.  Graham Gano         @ Mia

22.  Josh Brown            @ Cle

23.  Ryan Succop          vs Den

24.  Stephen Gostkowski @ NYJ

25.  Ryan Longwell        @ GB

26.  Shaun Suisham       @ Cin

27.  Connor Barth         vs Hou

28.  Jay Feely                @ Phi

29.  Mike Nugent          vs Pit

30.  Adam Vinatieri       vs Jac

31.  Steven Hauschka    vs Bal

32.  Sebastian Janikowski @ SD

33.  Phil Dawson  vs. StL

 

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

Oakland at San Diego (Thursday night) – Can Philip Rivers pull both himself and the Chargers out of a tailspin?  Can Michael Bush build on his momentum from last week?  The answer is “yes” to both of these questions, but without Darren McFadden, the Raiders will still come up short.  San Diego 31, Oakland 24.

• Oakland
  • Start:  RB Michael Bush, TE Kevin Boss
  • Neutral:  QB Carson Palmer (Probable-quad), WRs Darrius Heyward-Bey, Denarius Moore, & Jacoby Ford
  • Sit:  RBs Darren McFadden (Out-foot) & Marcel Reese (Probable-shoulder), WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh, DEF, K Sebastian Janikowski (Questionable-hamstring)
• San Diego
  • Start:  QB Philip Rivers, RB Mike Tolbert, WRs Vincent Jackson & Vincent Brown, TE Antonio Gates, K Nick Novak
  • Neutral:  RB Ryan Mathews (Probable-groin), DEF
  • Sit:  WR Patrick Crayton, TE Randy McMichael, WR Malcom Floyd (Doubtful-hip)

 

New Orleans at Atlanta (Sunday early) – The team that wins this game will be in the driver’s seat in the NFC South.  The Falcons were my preseason pick to win the Super Bowl, but unless they stop with the Jekyll and Hyde routine, that’s not going to happen.  Plenty of fantasy value to go around on both teams in this contest, but New Orleans has just a bit more offensive firepower, even with Julio Jones at full strength.  New Orleans 31, Atlanta 24.

• New Orleans
  • Start:  QB Drew Brees, RB Darren Sproles, WR Marques Colston, TE Jimmy Graham, K John Kasay
  • Neutral:  RB Pierre Thomas, WR Lance Moore, DEF
  • Sit:  RBs Mark Ingram  (Questionable-heel) & Chris Ivory (Questionable-hamstring), WRs Devery Henderson & Robert Meachem
• Atlanta
  • Start:  QB Matt Ryan, RB Michael Turner, WRs Roddy White & Julio Jones
  • Neutral:  TE Tony Gonzalez (Questionable-back), K Matt Bryant
  • Sit:  RBs Jacquizz Rodgers & Jason Snelling, WR Harry Douglas, DEF

 

Houston at Tampa Bay – Both starting quarterbacks in this game have been fantasy disappointments so far this season, but Tampa Bay’s defense will make Matt Schaub look like Aaron Rodgers, at least for one day.  Start virtually any Texan on your fantasy roster, and you should be rewarded handsomely.  Houston 34, Tampa Bay 17.

• Houston
  • Start:  QB Matt Schaub, RB Arian Foster, WRs Jacoby Jones & Kevin Walter (Probable-ankle), TEs Owen Daniels & Joel Dreessen, DEF, K Neil Rackers
  • Neutral:  RB Ben Tate (Probable-ankle)
  • Sit:  WR Andre Johnson (Questionable-hamstring)
• Tampa Bay
  • Start:  QB Josh Freeman (Probable-thumb), WR Preston Parker, TE Kellen Winslow
  • Neutral:  WR Mike Williams (Questionable-thigh)
  • Sit:  RBs LeGarrette Blount & Kregg Lumpkin, WRs Dez Briscoe & Arrelious Benn, DEF, K Connor Barth

 

Arizona at Philadelphia – Just when you thought the Eagles were back on track following their demolition of Dallas, they laid an egg Monday night against Chicago.  The Eagles are already three games behind the Giants; a loss here would be nearly fatal to their slim playoff hopes.  Still, with all their injuries on offense the Cardinals don’t figure to put up much of a fight.  Philadelphia 31, Arizona 17.

• Arizona
  • Start:  WR Larry Fitzgerald
  • Neutral:  QB John Skelton, RB Beanie Wells (Questionable-knee), WRs Early Doucet & Andre Roberts
  • Sit:  QB Kevin Kolb (Questionable-toe), RB LaRod Stephens-Howling (Questionable-shoulder), TEs Todd Heap (Questionable-hamstring), Rob Houssler (Questionable-groin), & Jeff King, DEF, K Jay Feely
• Philadelphia
  • Start:  QB Michael Vick, RB LeSean McCoy (Probable-shoulder), WRs DeSean Jackson & Jeremy Maclin, TE Brent Celek, DEF
  • Neutral:  WR Jason Avant, K Alex Henery
  • Sit:  N/A

 

Washington at Miami – Neither quarterback in this game was expected to start this season, but due to injury (Chad Henne) and poor play (Rex Grossman) both Matt Moore and John Beck are getting their opportunity.  These teams are headed in opposite directions, and Miami will continue its “no suck for Luck” surge by winning its second straight.  Miami 24, Washington 21.

• Washington
  • Start:  QB John Beck, WR Jabar Gaffney, TE Fred Davis (Probable-ankle)
  • Neutral:  RBs Roy Helu & Ryan Torain, WR Terrence Austin, DEF
  • Sit:  RBs Tim Hightower & Tashard Choice (Probable-hamstring), WRs Leonard Hankerson & Anthony Armstrong, K Graham Gano
• Miami
  • Start:  QB Matt Moore, RB Reggie Bush, WR Brandon Marshall, DEF
  • Neutral:  RB Daniel Thomas, WR Davone Bess, TE Anthony Fasano, K Dan Carpenter
  • Sit:  RB Lex Hilliard

 

Tennessee at Carolina – Based on last week’s “outburst” it’s time to give Chris Johnson another start in what appears to be a favorable match-up against a poor Panther rushing defense.  Damian Williams won’t make anyone forget Kenny Britt, or even Nate Washington, but he’s quietly turning into a useful fantasy option.  Look for Carolina running back DeAngelo Williams to put a disappointing season behind him and post a useful fantasy line.  Carolina 27, Tennessee 24.

• Tennessee
  • Start:  QB Matt Hasselbeck (Probable-knee), RB Chris Johnson, WR Damian Williams
  • Neutral:  RB Javon Springer, TE Jared Cook (Questionable-knee), DEF, K Rob Bironas
  • Sit:  WR Nate Washington (Questionable-hip)
• Carolina
  • Start:  QB Cam Newton, RB DeAngelo Williams, WR Steve Smith, TE Greg Olsen
  • Neutral:  RB Jonathan Stewart, TE Jeremy Shockey, DEF, K Olindo Mare
  • Sit:  WRs Brandon LaFell & Legedu Naanee

 

Pittsburgh at Cincinnati – Top to bottom the AFC North boasts the best group of team defenses of any division in football.  While the Bengals may not yet be in the same class with Baltimore and Pittsburgh defensively, they’re good enough to make life very difficult for Ben Roethlisberger and crew this week.  Other than the two defenses look elsewhere if you’re desperately seeking fantasy points this weekend.  Pittsburgh 20, Cincinnati 17.

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

 

St. Louis at Cleveland - Steven Jackson will run wild against the Browns, but he’s going to be one of few offensive weapons for the Rams this week.    Fortunately for St. Louis, Cleveland has been hit hard by the injury bug, and the Rams should have just enough offense to eke out the victory.  St. Louis 21, Cleveland 17.

• St. Louis
  • Start:  RB Steven Jackson (Questionable-foot), WR Brandon Lloyd, DEF
  • Neutral: WR Austin Pettis
  • Sit:  QBs Sam Bradford (Questionable-ankle) & A.J. Feeley, WRs Brandon Gibson, Danario Alexander (Questionable-hamstring), & Greg Salas (IR-leg); TE Lance Kendricks (Questionable-foot), K Josh Brown
• Cleveland
  • Start:  RB Chris Ogbannaya, TE Ben Watson, DEF
  • Neutral:  WRs Josh Cribbs & Greg Little, TE Evan Moore
  • Sit:  QB Colt McCoy, RBs Montario Hardesty (Out-calf) & Peyton Hillis (Out-hamstring), WR Mohamed Massaquoi (Questionable-concussion), K Phil Dawson (Questionable-migraines)

 

Buffalo at Dallas – Buffalo’s season is at a crossroad.  Win this game and they’ll be right in the thick of the AFC’s playoff hunt.  Drop this game and they’ll not only fall out of their three-way tie for first place in their division, but they’ll also likely fall behind a handful of wild card contenders.  Dallas is in a similar position sans the opportunity to win their division.  Ryan Fitzpatrick will bounce back this week, but Tony Romo will be victorious, even with Laurent Robinson starting for the re-injured Miles Austin.  Dallas 30, Buffalo 24.

• Buffalo
  • Start:  QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, RB Fred Jackson, WR Steve Johnson
  • Neutral:  WRs David Nelson & Donald Brown, TE Scott Chandler, K Dave Rayner
  • Sit:  RB C.J. Spiller, WR Naaman Roosevelt, DEF, K Rian Lindell (Questionable-shoulder)
• Dallas
  • Start:  QB Tony Romo (Probable-ribs), RB DeMarco Murray, WRs Dez Bryant & Laurent Robinson, TE Jason Witten, K Dan Bailey
  • Neutral:  DEF
  • Sit:  RB Felix Jones (Questionable-ankle), WR Miles Austin (Doubtful-hamstring)

 

Jacksonville at Indianapolis – The Jaguars’ offense is several rungs south of mediocre, but the Colts will make them look like the 2007 Patriots.  Jacob Tamme, stepping in for the injured Dallas Clark, may be the Colts’ leading receiver in his first start of the season.  That’s not a good sign.  Jacksonville 27, Indianapolis 14.

• Jacksonville
  • Start: RB Maurice Jones-Drew, WRs Mike Thomas & Jason Hill, DEF
  • Neutral:  TE Marcedes Lewis, K Josh Scobee
  • Sit:  QB Blake Gabbert, RB Deji Karim, WR Brian Robiskie
• Indianapolis
  • Start:  TE Jacob Tamme
  • Neutral:  RBs Delone Carter & Donald Brown, WRs Reggie Wayne & Pierre Garcon, DEF
  • Sit:  QB Curtis Painter, RB Joseph Addai (Questionable-hamstring), WR Austin Collie, TE Dallas Clark (Out-leg), K Adam Vinatieri

 

Denver at Kansas City – Denver’s offense under Tim Tebow’s direction is reminiscent of watching Navy and Army run the wishbone: it’s not very interesting to watch, but it often gets the job done.  With the Chiefs sporting a poor run defense both Tebow and backfield mate Willis “One Hand” McGahee are good starts.  Kansas City gets another chance to prove that its four-game winning streak wasn’t a mirage, but they don’t have enough offense to win this contest.  Denver 27, Kansas City 21.

• Denver
  • Start:  QB Tim Tebow, RB Willis McGahee (Probable-hand), WR Eric Decker, DEF
    
  • Neutral:  RB Knowshon Moreno, WR Eddie Royal, TE Daniel Fells, K Matt Prater
    
  • Sit:  RB Lance Ball, WR Demaryius Thomas
• Kansas City
  • Start:  RB Jackie Battle, WR Dwayne Bowe
  • Neutral:  QB Matt Cassel, WR Steve Breaston, DEF
  • Sit:  RB Dexter McCluster, WR Jonathan Baldwin, TE Leonard Pope, K Ryan Succop

 

Baltimore at Seattle (Sunday late) – After watching the conclusion to last Sunday’s Ravens-Steelers slugfest, you may conclude that Baltimore quarterback Joe Flacco has shaken off his season-long slump and is finally back on track.  That would be a mistake.  Baltimore will win this game easily, but Ray Rice will carry the bulk of the load on offense.  Baltimore 27, Seattle 10.

• Baltimore
  • Start:  RB Ray Rice, WRs Anquan Boldin & Torrey Smith, DEF
  • Neutral:  QB Joe Flacco, TEs Ed Dickson & Dennis Pitta, K Billy Cundiff
  • Sit:  RB Ricky Williams
• Seattle
  • Start:  N/A
  • Neutral:  DEF
  • Sit:  QB Tarvaris Jackson, RB Marshawn Lynch, WRs Sidney Rice (Probable-foot), Doug Baldwin, Ben Obomanu, & Mike Williams (Questionable-ankle), TE Zach Miller, K Steven Hauschka

 

Detroit at Chicago – It won’t matter who starts at running back for the Lions - the way for them to beat Chicago is to throw the ball early and often, which should lead to a big day for Matthew Stafford and his receivers.  Earl Bennett had a great game for the Bears in their Monday night victory over the Bears - stash him on your bench if you must, but don’t count on him putting up a similar performance this week.  Detroit 28, Chicago 24.

• Detroit
  • Start:  QB Matt Stafford (Probable-finger), WR Calvin Johnson, TE Brandon Pettigrew (Probable-elbow)
  • Neutral:  WRs Nate Burleson & Titus Young, DEF, K Jason Hanson (Questionable-knee)
  • Sit:  RBs Jahvid Best (Doubtful-concussion), Maurice Morris, Keiland Williams, & Kevin Smith (Doubtful-one leg),
• Chicago
  • Start:  RB Matt Forte
    
  • Neutral:  QB Jay Cutler, RB Marion Barber, WRs Earl Bennett & Devin Hester (Questionable-ankle), DEF, K Robbie Gould
  • Sit:  WRs Johnny Knox & Dane Sanzenbacher, TE Kellen Davis (Questionable-shoulder)

 

New York Giants at San Francisco – In the same vein as the previous game the Giants’ only hope for beating the 49ers is to rely heavily on Eli Manning and their passing game (my, how times have changed).  Whether you think Eli Manning is now an elite quarterback or not, he should definitely have a field day against the 49ers’ secondary.  Assuming that they’re healthy enough to play, Frank Gore and Kendall Hunter should fine plenty of room to run against the Giants’ defense, but quarterback Alex Smith is in for a stiff test against the G-men’s pass rush.  New York 27, San Francisco 24.

• New York
  • Start:  QB Eli Manning, WRs Victor Cruz & Mario Manningham, TE Jake Ballard
  • Neutral:  RB Brandon Jacobs, WR Hakeem Nicks (Questionable-hamstring), DEF, K Lawrence Tynes
  • Sit:  RBs Ahmad Bradshaw (Questionable-foot) & D.J. Ware, WR Ramses Barden
• San Francisco
  • Start:  TE Vernon Davis
  • Neutral: QB Alex Smith, RBs Frank Gore (Questionable-ankle) & Kendall Hunter (Questionable-ankle), WRs Michael Crabtree (Questionable-foot) & Braylon Edwards (Questionable-knee), DEF, K David Akers
  • Sit:  WR Ted Ginn Jr

 

New England at New York Jets (Sunday night) – Between the Jets’ pass defense and the Patriots’ injuries this is a good week to bench Tom Brady if you’ve got another quarterback with a more favorable match-up (e.g. - the Jets’ Mark Sanchez).  BenJarvus Green-Ellis’ rushing made the difference in the Patriots’ victory over the Jets earlier this season, but he’s banged up and shouldn’t be in your starting lineup this weekend.  If Plaxico Burress and Dustin Keller are able to play, they should join Santonio Holmes and Jeremy Kerley in having big days against the Pats’ woeful pass defense.  New York Jets 24, New England 21.

• New England
  • Start:  TEs Rob Gronkowski & Aaron Hernandez
  • Neutral:  QB Tom Brady, RBs BenJarvus Green-Ellis (Questionable-toe) & Stevan Ridley, WR Wes Welker (Questionable-ribs) & Deion Branch, DEF
  • Sit:  RBs Kevin Faulk & Danny Woodhead, WRs Julian Edelman & Chad Ochocinco, K Stephen Gostkowski
• New York
  • Start:  QB Mark Sanchez, WR Santonio Holmes, DEF
  • Neutral:  RB Joe McKnight, WRs Plaxico Burress (Questionable-back) & Jeremy Kerley, TE Dustin Keller (Questionable-concussion), K Nick Folk
  • Sit:  RB Shonn Greene (Questionable-concussion)

Minnesota at Green Bay (Monday night) – Christian Ponder has brought an undeniable spark to the Vikings’ offense since replacing Donovan McNabb, but that’s still nothing compared to the inferno that Aaron Rodgers directs for the Packers.  Unless Minnesota figures out a way to get Adrian Peterson loose in the Green Bay secondary, the Packers should win this game easily.  Green Bay 31, Minnesota 21.

• Minnesota
  • Start:  QB Christian Ponder, RB Adrian Peterson, WR Percy Harvin, TE Visanthe Shiancoe
  • Neutral:  WR Michael Jenkins
  • Sit:  RB Toby Gerhart, TE Kyle Rudolph, DEF, K Ryan Longwell
• Green Bay
  • Start:  QB Aaron Rodgers, WRs Greg Jennings & Jordy Nelson, TE Jermichael Finley, DEF, K Mason Crosby
  • Neutral:  WRs James Jones & Donald Driver
  • Sit:  RBs John Starks & Ryan Grant

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:  all 32 teams are playing this week, and the Thursday night games begin this week (Oakland @ San Diego)

Quarterback

• Injuries/benchings
  • N/A
• Waiver wire targets (rankings based on projected playing time and Week 10 opponents)
  • Christian Ponder (@ GB)
  • Matt Moore (vs Was)
  • John Beck (@ Mia)
  • John Skelton (@ Phi)

Running Back

• Injuries/benchings
  • Shonn Greene (concussion)
  • Ryan Mathews (groin)
  • Kevin Faulk (knee)
• Waiver wire targets
  • Joe McKnight (vs NE)
  • Chris Ivory (@ Atl)
  • Jacquizz Rodgers (vs NO)
  • Roy Helu (@ Mia)
  • Kendall Hunter (vs NYG)
  • Donald Brown (vs Jac)
  • Dexter McCluster (vs Den)
  • D.J. Ware (@ SF)
  • Danny Woodhead (@ NYJ)
  • Bernard Scott (vs Pit)

Wide Receiver

• Injuries/benchings
  • Miles Austin (hamstring)
  • Nate Washington (hip)
  • Malcom Floyd (hip)
  • Emmanuel Sanders (knee)
  • Mohamed Massaquoi (concussion)
  • Devin Hester (ankle)
  • Lavelle Hawkins (thumb)
  • Hines Ward (concussion)
  • Greg Salas (leg)
• Waiver wire targets
  • Jason Hill (@ Ind)
  • Michael Thomas (@ Ind)
  • Laurent Robinson (vs Buf)
  • Eddie Royal (vs KC)
  • Jeremy Kerley (vs NE)
  • Jonathan Baldwin (vs Den)
  • Josh Cribbs (vs StL)
  • Vincent Brown (vs Oak)
  • Donald Jones (@ Dal)
  • Damian Williams (@ Car)
  • Earl Bennett (vs Det)
  • Greg Little (vs StL)
  • Austin Collie (vs Jac)
  • Early Doucet (@ Phi)
  • Roy Williams (vs Det)
  • Terrence Austin (@ Mia)
  • Braylon Edwards (vs NYG)
  • Jerricho Cotchery (@ Cin)
  • Leonard Hankerson (@ Mia)
  • Doug Baldwin (vs Bal)
  • Naaman Roosevelt (@ Dal)
  • Preston Parker (vs Hou)
  • Andre Roberts (@ Phi)
  • Jerome Simpson (vs Pit)
  • Jacoby Ford (@ SD)
  • Ramses Barden (@ SF)
  • Brandon Gibson (@ Cle)
  • Andre Caldwell (vs Pit)
  • Denarius Moore (@ SD)
  • Austin Pettis (@ Cle)
  • T.J. Houshmandzadeh (@ SD)
  • Devin Aromashodu (@ GB)

Tight Ends

• Injuries/benchings
  • Dustin Keller (concussion)
  • Dallas Clark (leg)
  • Jared Cook (leg)
  • Lance Kendricks (foot)
  • Rob Houssler (groin)
• Waiver wire targets
  • Visanthe Shiancoe (@ GB)
  • Jacob Tamme (vs Jac)
  • Marcedes Lewis (@ Ind)
  • Ed Dickson (@ Sea)
  • Scott Chandler (@ Dal)
  • Anthony Fassano (vs Was)
  • Dennis Pitta (@ Sea)

Kickers

• Injuries/benchings
  • Rian Lindell (shoulder)
• Waiver wire targets
  • Lawrence Tynes (@ SF)
  • Shaun Suisham (@ Cin)
  • Ryan Longwell (@ GB)
  • Josh Scobee (@ Ind)
  • David Rayner (@ Dal)

Defenses

• Waiver wire targets
  • Jacksonville (@ Ind)
  • Cleveland (vs StL)
  • Miami (vs Was)
  • Carolina (vs Ten)
  • Seattle (vs Bal)

Good luck with your claims!

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