The Fantasy Football Sherpa

It’s semifinal weekend in most fantasy football leagues, so let’s get right to it.  Here are my recommendations for Week 15:

Indianapolis at Jacksonville - While it’s not a pressing story from an NFL standpoint, many fantasy football team owners are obviously concerned about how much Colts’ QB Peyton Manning will play this week, given that his 13-0 team has already clinched home field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs.  I wouldn’t worry about it - if Manning does get pulled early, it’s likely it will happen with his team up by a comfortable margin (e.g. - 28-3 at halftime).  If that’s the case, chances are Manning will have thrown for 200+ yards and at least three touchdowns.  Not necessarily an effort that in and of itself will guarantee you a victory this weekend, but definitely a good starting point.  Bench him at your peril.  Colts to start in this Thursday night matchup include Manning (Probable-glute), TE Dallas Clark, WRs Reggie Wayne (Probable-foot), Austin Collie, & Pierre Garcon (Probable-knee), and the Defense.  Leave RB Joseph Addai on the bench.  RB Donald Brown (Out-shoulder) and WR Anthony Gonzalez (Out-knee) will both miss the game.  For Jacksonville start RB Maurice Jones-Drew (Probable-knee) and TE Marcedes Lewis.  Leave QB David Garrard and WRs Mike Sims-Walker (Probable-calf) & Torry Holt on the bench.

Dallas at New Orleans - In the middle of another potential December collapse you’d think the Cowboys would have weightier matters on their minds, but this week the team unveiled their new theme song.  The Cowboys don’t figure to be stomped by the Saints, but it’s still difficult to imagine them winning this Saturday night special.  Cowboys to start include QB Tony Romo, RB Marion Barber, and TE Jason Witten.  If you’re in a deep league, add RB Felix Jones and WRs Roy Williams & Miles Austin to the list.  Leave RB Tashard Choice on the bench.  Saints to start include QB Drew Brees, TE Jeremy Shockey (Questionable-toe), and WR Marques Colston.  Add RBs Pierre Thomas (Questionable-hip) & Reggie Bush and WRs Robert Meachem & Devery Henderson to the list in deeper leagues.  Leave RB Mike Bell (Probable-wrist/knee), WR Lance Moore (Probable-ankle/hamstring) and K Garrett Hartley (Questionable-hip) to the list in deeper leagues.

Chicago at Baltimore - In a recommendation that doesn’t square with his image as a rough-and-tumble football player, Ravens’ LB Ray Lewis has recommended yoga to injured Bears’ LB Brian Urlacher.  The entire Bears team may as well assume the downward-facing dog pose because they don’t have much chance of beating the playoff-bound Ravens team that will literally be out for bear this weekend.  There aren’t any Bears I’d label must-starts this weekend, but QB Jay Cutler, TE Greg Olsen, and the Defense can be started in deep leagues.  Leave RB Matt Forte and WRs Devin Hester (Questionable-calf), Johnny Knox, Earl Bennett, & Devin Aromashodu on the bench.  The only must-start Ravens are RB Ray Rice and the Defense, but add QB Joe Flacco, TE Todd Heap, and WR Derrick Mason (Questionable-finger) to the list in deep leagues.  Leave RB Willis McGahee and WRs Mark Clayton (Questionable-knee) & Kelley Washington (Questionable-ankle) on the bench.

Green Bay at Pittsburgh - The pressure of their five-game losing streak appears to be getting to the defending Super Bowl champs - this week Pittsburgh S Ryan Clark lashed out at Steeler fans.  The misery figures to continue this weekend as the Steelers host the Packers, who may not get the publicity of the Saints or Vikings, but are capable of knocking off either team in the playoffs.  Packers to start include QB Aaron Rodgers, TE Jermichael Finley, and WRs Donald Driver & Greg Jennings.  Leave RB Ryan Grant on the bench against the still-tough Steelers’ run defense.  The only Steeler who’s a definite start is TE Heath Miller, but QB Ben Roethlisberger and WRs Hines Ward (Questionable-hamstring) & Santonio Holmes can be added to the list in deeper leagues.  Leave RB Rashard Mendenhall and WR Mike Wallace on the bench.

San Francisco at Philadelphia - Current MNF commentator and former Eagles’ QB Ron Jaworski has never been shy about sharing his opinion, and this week he gave a Congressional subcommittee hearing an earful about obesity among American youth.  Jaworski’s testimony is unlikely to have much impact on teenage waistlines, but his former team should be able to fatten up its record in this matchup.  The only 49er who’s a must-start is TE Vernon Davis, but QB Alex Smith, RB Frank Gore (Questionable-toe), and WR Michael Crabtree can also be started in deeper leagues.  Leave WRs Josh Morgan & Isaac Bruce (Questionable-ankle) on the bench.  Eagles to start includ QB Donovan McNabb, TE Brent Celek, WR DeSean Jackson, and the Defense.  Add RB LeSean McCoy and WR Jason Avant to the list in deep leagues.  Leave RB Brian Westbrook (Questionable-concussion) and WRs Jeremy Maclin (Questionable-foot) & Kevin Curtis (Probable-knee) on the bench.

Atlanta at New York Jets - As the Falcons’ once-promising season continues to go to pot, DT Jonathan Babineaux was arrested this week and now faces a felony marijuana possession charge.  The Falcons haven’t been flying high since early in the season, and their downward spiral figures to continue this weekend against a tough Jets’ defense.  The only must-start Falcon is TE Tony Gonzalez, but RBs Jason Snelling & Jerious Norwood can be started in deep leagues.  The Falcons’ QB, whether it’s Matt Ryan (Questionable-toe) or Chris Redman should be on your bench, and so should RB Michael Turner (Questionable-ankle) and WRs Roddy White (Probable-knee) & Michael Jenkins (Probable-ankle).  The only must-start Jets are RB Thomas Jones and TE Dustin Keller.  Add the Jets’ QB to the list in deeper leagues, whether it’s Mark Sanchez (Questionable-knee) or Kellen Clemens.  RB Shonn Greene and WRs Braylon Edwards & Jerricho Cotchery can also be started in deep leagues.

Houston at St. Louis - As if the Rams didn’t have enough problems already, they were forced to cancel practice Thursday due to several confirmed cases of swine flu on the team.  Even if they were 100% healthy the Rams would have little chance of winning this game against Houston’s high-octane passing attack.  Texans to start include QB Matt Schaub (Probable-shoulder), WRs Andre Johnson & Kevin Walter, K Kris Brown, and the Defense.  Add RBs Ryan Moats, Chris Brown, & Arian Foster and WR David Anderson to the list in deep leagues.  RB Steven Jackson is the only must-start for the Rams, but TE Randy McMichael can also be started in deep leagues.  Leave the Rams’ QB on the bench, whether it’s Kyle Boller (Questionable-thigh) or Keith Null.  WRs Donnie Avery & Danny Amendola also belong on the bench.  QB Marc Bulger (Out-knee) may be done for the season.

Cleveland at Kansas City - This week the Browns apparently offered their director of football operations post to Mike Holmgren, further evidence that current Head Coach Eric Mangini is skating on very thin ice.  Hopefully, Mangini knows a good real estate agent.  He may be spared the guillotine this week, as his Browns stand a good chance of earning their second straight win against an equally woeful Kansas City squad.  RB Chris Jennings (Probable-shoulder) is the only must-start Brown, but QB Brady Quinn, WRs Mohamed Massaquoi & Josh Cribbs (Questionable-ankle), and the Defense can also be started in deep leagues.  Leave WR Brian Robiskie (Probable-toe) on the bench.  Chiefs to start include QB Matt Cassel, RB Jamaal Charles, newly-reinstated WR Dwayne Bowe, and the Defense.  Add WRs Chris Chambers & Bobby Wade to the list in deep leagues. 

Miami at Tennessee - Supreme self-confidence is undoubtedly a key ingredient for NFL success, but Titans’ RB Chris Johnson may have taken things a step too far this week in claiming that he could beat Jamaican triple gold medal winner Usain Bolt in a race.  Stay tuned for the newest television reality show So You Think You Can Run.  The Dolphins may be left flat-footed in a race against Johnson, but they should still win this contest.  Dolphins to start include QB Chad Henne, RB Ricky Williams, TE Anthony Fasano, and K Dan Carpenter.  Add WRs Greg Camarillo, Brian Hartline, and Davone Bess (Probable-ankle) to the list in deep leagues.  Titans to start include Johnson, TE Bo Scaife, and WR Kenny Britt.  Add the Titans’ quarterback to the list in deeper leagues, whether it’s Vince Young (Questionable-knee/hamstring) or Kerry Collins.  Leave WR Justin Gage on the bench.

Arizona at Detroit - Theo Spight, who leads the Lions’ fans in the home team’s fight song whenever they score or win a game at home,  hasn’t had much to sing about this season, and that trend should continue this week against Air Whisenhunt.  Cardinals to start include QB Kurt Warner, RB Chris Wells, WRs Larry Fitzgerald (Questionable-knee0 & Anquan Boldin, newly-signed K Mike Nugent, and the Defense.  Add RB Tim Hightower (Probable-thumb) to the list in deep leagues.  K Neil Rackers (Out-groin) will miss the game.  The Lions’ starting running back should be started, whether it’s Maurice Morris (likely) or Aaron Brown (possible), along with WR Calvin Johnson (Questionable-knee).  Add QB Daunte Culpepper and TE Will Heller to the list in deep leagues.  QB Matthew Stafford (Out-shoulder) will miss the game.

New England at Buffalo - The Bills claimed the misnamed G Richie Incognito off waivers this week after the Rams cut him for incurring two personal foul penalties in last week’s blowout loss to the Titans.  At least one of his new teammates was not impressed.  The Patriots won’t be either, and they should cruise to a victory as they seek to maintain their position at the top of the AFC East standings.  Patriots to start include QB Tom Brady (Questionable-shoulder/finger/rib), RB Laurence Maroney, TE Ben Watson (Questionable-knee), WRs Wes Welker & Randy Moss, and K Stephen Gostkowski.  Leave RBs Sammy Morris & Fred Taylor (Questionable-ankle) on the bench.  No Bills’ players are must-starts, but QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, RBs Marshawn Lynch & Fred Jackson, and WRs Terrell Owens & Lee Evans can be started in deep leagues.

Oakland at Denver - How bad have things gotten for Raiders’ QB JaMarcus Russell?  Even with backup QB Bruce Gradkowski (Out-knees) slated to miss the game, the former overall first pick will still find himself on the bench in favor of third-string QB Charlie Frye.  TE Zach Miller (Probable-shoulder) is the only must-start Raider, but RB Justin Fargas can also be started in deep leagues.  Leave Frye, RBs Darren McFadden & Michael Bush, and all of the Oakland WRs on the bench.  Broncos to start include QB Kyle Orton, RB Knowshon Moreno (Questionable-ankle), WR Brandon Marshall, K Matt Prater, and the Defense.  Add RB Correll Buckhalter (Questionable-ankle) and WR Eddie Royal to the list in deep leagues.

Cincinnati at San Diego - The tragic death of Bengals’ WR Chris Henry this week casts a pall on this game; hopefully, Bengals’ WR Chad Ochocinco will refrain from any “tributes” to his fallen teammate and squelch any plans he may have had to instigate a “fight” with Chargers’ LB Shawne Merriman.  RB Cedric Benson is the only must-start Bengal in this game, but QB Carson Palmer and Ochocinco can be started in deep leagues.  Leave WRs Laveranues Coles & Andre Caldwell on the bench.  Chargers to start include QB Philip Rivers, TE Antonio Gates, and WR Vincent Jackson.  Add RBs LaDainian Tomlinson & Darren Sproles to the list in deep leagues.  Leave WR Malcom Floyd on the bench.

Tampa Bay at Seattle - Many teams juggle their offensive lines in an effort to make their offenses “less kind and less gentle”.  However, Seahawks Head Coach Jim Mora may be the first coach to describe the type of players he’s looking for as “dirtbags”.  Dirtbags or not, the Seahawks should win this game against an overmatched Buccaneers team.  Bucs to start include RB Carnell Williams, TE Kellen Winslow (Questionable-knee), and WR Antonio Bryant.  Add QB Josh Freeman and WR Maurice Stovall to the list in deep leagues.  Keep WRs Michael Clayton (Questionable-knee) and Sammie Stroughter (Questionable-back) on the bench.  Seahawks to start include QB Matt Hasselbeck, TE John Carlson, WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh, K Olindo Mare, and the Defense.  Add RBs Justin Forsett & Julius Jones and WR Deon Butler to the list in deep leagues.  WR Nate Burleson (Out-ankle) will miss the game. 

Minnesota at Carolina - Panthers’ CB Chris Gamble and S Chris Harris caused quite a stir earlier this week when they claimed that Patriots’ WR Randy Moss “shut it down” in last week’s game between Carolina and New England.  Based on their comments, you’d think Carolina had actually won the game.  This week the dubious duo will have the chance to shut down QB Brett Favre and company, but that’s not likely to happen either.  Vikings to start include Favre, RB Adrian Peterson, TE Visanthe Shiancoe (Questionable-ribs/foot), and WRs Bernard Berrian (Questionable-hamstring), Sidney Rice, and Percy Harvin (Questionable-migraine).  Add RB Chester Taylor to the list in deep leagues.  Panthers to start include RBs DeAngelo Williams & Jonathan Stewart (Questionable-toe) and WR Steve Smith.  Add TE Dante Rosario to the list in deep leagues.  Leave the Panthers’ quarterback on the bench whether it’s Jake Delhomme (Questionable-finger) or Matt Moore.  WR Muhsin Muhammed (Questionable-knee) should also be left out of your lineup this week.

New York Giants at Washington - Which is more dysfunctional - the U.S. Congress or the Washington Redskins?  After today’s ”resignation” of former GM Vinny Cerrato and subsequent hiring of new GM Bruce Allen, that’s an open question.  Jim Zorn, likely in his final games as the Redskins’ Head Coach, will probably suffer yet another loss this weekend in what has been a forgettable season.  Giants to start include QB Eli Manning, RBs Brandon Jacobs & Ahmad Bradshaw, TE Kevin Boss, and WRs Steve Smith, Hakeem Nicks, & Mario Manningham.  Redskins to start include QB Jason Campbell, RB Quinton Ganther, and TE Fred Davis.

Good luck to your teams this weekend! 

Until next time,

The Sherpa

Fantasy Football Sherpa

The Sherpa’s Fantasy Football Blog

@fantasy_sherpa on Twitter

Fantasy Football Sherpa’s fan page on Facebook

Fortunately, not many stars landed on the injured list this week, but that’s little consolation to those of you who were counting on the injured players in the opening round of your playoffs.  Here’s a list of the players who were hurt during Week 14 action or were surprising scratches:

QB

• Vince Young (inj) 
• Bruce Gradkowski (inj)
• Kyle Boller (inj)

RB  

• Mike Bell (inj)
• Correll Buckhalter (inj?)

WR 

• Larry Fitzgerald (inj?)
• Nate Burleson (inj?)

TE - Zach Miller

K - Neil Rackers (inj?) 

So, who are some players at each position who should be on your radar screen if you need a replacement?  The following list contains players who may not be available in your league, depending on the number of teams in your league and your roster requirements.  Given that there are only three weeks left in the NFL’s regular season, I’ve done away with the Short Term (ST), Long Term (LT), and Speculation (SPEC) indicators for the rest of the season. 

Quarterbacks

Jason Campbell, Alex Smith, Chad Henne, Josh Freeman, Kerry Collins, Chris Redman, Matt Moore, Ryan Fitzpatrick.

Running Backs

Chris Jennings, Tashard Choice, Ryan Moats, Aaron Brown, Maurice Morris, Kevin Faulk, Sammy Morris, Chester Taylor, Quinton Ganther, Jason Snelling, Jerious Norwood, Darren McFadden, Marcus Mason.

Wide Receivers

Kenny Britt, Greg Camarillo, Brian Hartline, Davone Bess, Josh Cribbs, Brian Clark, David Anderson, Brandon Gibson, Maurice Stovall, Andre Caldwell, Danny Amendola, Nate Washington, Deon Branch, Deion Butler, Early Doucet, Josh Morgan, Malcom Floyd, Devin Thomas, Devin Aromashodu, Michael Jenkins, Muhsin Muhammad.

Tight Ends

Bo Scaife, Fred Davis, Benjamin Watson, Will Heller, Marcedes Lewis, Jermichael Finley, Dante Rosario, Shawn Nelson.

Kickers

Matt Stover, Kris Brown, Jay Feely.

Defenses

Seattle, Miami, Houston, Cleveland, Kansas City.

I’ll post my analysis of the Week 15 games Thursday.  If your league requires you to set your lineup before the first game of the week, this week’s Thursday night game features Indianapolis at Jacksonville.

Until then,

The Sherpa

Fantasy Football Sherpa

The Sherpa’s Fantasy Football Blog

@fantasy_sherpa on Twitter

Fantasy Football Sherpa fan page on Facebook

Hi everyone,

Just wanted to let you know that my “sleeper pick” for fantasy football Week 14 has been included in Zack O’Malley Greenburg’s entry in the SportsMoney blog on Forbes.com.  This entry is a regular feature on Thursdays throughout the football season!

Have a great weekend!

The Sherpa

Fantasy Football Sherpa

The Fantasy Football Sherpa’s Blog

@fantasy_sherpa on Twitter

The Fantasy Football Sherpa fan page on Facebook

So here we are - it’s crunchtime.  Either it’s the last week of your league’s regular season or the first week of your playoffs.  Here are my recommendations for Week 14:

Pittsburgh at Cleveland - Last week we learned that Brandon Jacobs hated the Cowboys as a kid.  This week we learned that Browns’ QB Brady Quinn had similar feelings for the Steelers as a kid.  Pyschologists would have a field day.  Steelers to start include QB Ben Roethlisberger, RB Rashard Mendenhall (Probable-ankle), TE Heath Miller, WR Santonio Holmes, K Jeff Reed, and the Defense.  Add WR Hines Ward (Questionable-hamstring) to the list if he’s healthy enough to play; add WR Mike Wallace to the list if Ward is unable to play.  There aren’t any Browns I’d consider “must starts”, but you can start Quinn and WR Mohamed Massaquoi if you’re in a deep league.  Leave RBs Jerome Harrison & Chris Jennings (Probable-shoulder) and WRs Brian Robiskie (Probable-toe) & Josh Cribbs on the bench.  Special kudos to the scheduling wizards who picked the Browns to host a late-season Thursday night game.

Carolina at New England - Say what you will about Patriots’ Head Coach Bill Belichick, but the man definitely doesn’t play favorites.  Unfortunately, WR Randy Moss and several teammates found that out the hard way this week.  The Panthers plan to show up on time Sunday in Foxboro, and assuming they do, RBs DeAngelo Williams (Probable-ankle) & Jonathan Stewart (Questionable-Achilles’) and WR Steve Smith should be started.  Do not start the Panthers’ QB, whether it’s Jake Delhomme (Questionable-finger) or Matt Moore, or WRs Muhsin Muhammad (Questionable-knee) & Dwayne Jarrett (Probable-ankle).  Patriots to start include new father QB Tom Brady (Questionable-shoulder/finger/lack of sleep), TE Ben Watson (Probable-knee), WRs Wes Welker & Moss, and K Stephen Gostkowski.  Add RBs Laurence Maroney & Sammy Morris and the Defense to the list in deeper leagues.  Leave WR Sam Aiken (Questionable-shoulder) out, and don’t assume that RB Fred Taylor (Questionable-ankle) will return this week.

Cincinnati at Minnesota - Vikings’ Head Coach Brad Childress has the opposite problem from his counterpart in New England.  While several Patriots apparently drive too slowly in snowstorms for Bill Belichick’s liking, several Vikings apparently drive too fast under normal conditions for the police’s liking.  Presumably, conditions will be normal inside the Metrodome on Sunday.  Bengals to start include QB Carson Palmer, RB Cedric Benson, WRs Chad Ochocinco, Laveranues Coles, & Andre Caldwell, and K Shayne Graham.  Vikings to start include QB Brett Favre, RB Adrian Peterson (Questionable-foot/ankle/bad judgment), TE Visanthe Shiancoe (Questionable-ribs), WRs Bernard Berrian (Questionable-hamstring/bad judgment), Sidney Rice, & Percy Harvin, and K Ryan Longwell.  Add RB Chester Taylor to the list in deeper leagues.

Seattle at Houston - In a move that will undoubtedly spark massive protests by fashionistas everywhere, the Seahawks have decided to scrap their hideousgreen alternate jerseys after wearing them just once.  In spite of this tragic news Seattle will still play this Sunday and have a number of players who should be started:  TE John Carlson, WRs T.J. Houshmandzadeh & Nate Burleson, and K Olindo Mare.  Add the Seahawks QB to the list, whether it’s Matt Hasselbeck (Questionable-shoulder) or Seneca Wallace.  Add RBs Julius Jones & Justin Forsett to the list in deep leagues.  Texans to start include QB Matt Schaub (Probable-shoulder), WRs Andre Johnson & Kevin Walter, and K Kris Brown.  Add RBs Chris Brown & Ryan Moats and WR Jacoby Jones to the list in deep leagues.  RB Steve Slaton (Out-neck) will miss the rest of the season.

Detroit at Baltimore - Ravens’ LB Terrell Suggs has had a bad last month.  First, a knee injury kept him out of three consecutive games, and now he’s been hit with a huge lawsuit alleging some terrible things.  Fortunately for the Ravens even if the lawsuit causes a distraction, it’s still unlikely to affect their ability to trounce their guests from the Motor City.  The only Lion worth starting this week is WR Calvin Johnson, although QB Daunte Culpepper and TE Will Heller can also be started in deep leagues.  Leave RB Kevin Smith and WR Bryant Johnson on the bench.  Ravens to start include QB Joe Flacco (Probable-knee/hip), RB Ray Rice, TE Todd Heap, WR Derrick Mason, K Billy Cundiff (Questionable-concussion), and the Defense.  Add WRs Mark Clayton (Probable-knee) and Kelley Washington to the list in deeper leagues.  Leave RB Willis McGahee on the bench.

Miami at Jacksonville - How quickly things change.  After the Jaguars started the season 0-2 most stories that were written about them focused either on the team’s lousy attendance or whether they should take Florida supermanQB Tim Tebow in next April’s draft.  Now, after winning seven of their last ten games, the Jaguars are in the driver’s seat for a playoff berth.  The only Dolphin who must be started in this intrastate contest is RB Ricky Williams, but you can also start QB Chad Henne, TE Anthony Fasano, and WRs Greg Camarillo, Brian Hartline, & Davonne Bess if you’re in a deep league.  Leave WR Ted Ginn on the bench.  Jaguars to start include QB David Garrard, RB Maurice Jones-Drew (Questionable-knee), TE Marcedes Lewis, and WRs Mike Sims-Walker (Questionable-calf) & Torry Holt.  If Sims-Walker is unable to play, add WR Mike Thomas to the list.

New York Jets at Tampa Bay - Jets’ Head Coach Rex Ryan doesn’t worry much about stepping on toes (although that must hurt), and this week he’s decided to bench starting QB Mark Sanchez (Out-knee) against the rookie’s wishes.  Jets to start include RB Thomas Jones, TE Dustin Keller, WRs Braylon Edwards & Jerricho Cotchery, K Jay Feely, and the Defense.  Add QB Kellen Clemens and RB Shonn Greene to the list in deep leagues.  Assuming that he’s healthy enough to start, TE Kellen Winslow is the only Buccaneer who should be in your lineup this week, although RB Cadillac Williams can also be started in deep leagues.  Leave QB Josh Freeman, RB Derrick Ward, and WRs Antonio Bryant, Maurice Stovall, & Michael Clayton (Questionable-knee) out of your lineup.

Buffalo at Kansas City - For the most part mercurial Bills’ WR Terrell Owens has been a model citizen this year with his new team.  Now, he’s apparently decided that he wants to be just a model after his football playing days are over.  His teammates will undoubtedly show restraint and refrain from commenting on or razzing him about his new career.  Bills to start this week include RB Marshawn Lynch, WRs Owens & Lee Evans, and K Rian Lindell.  QB Ryan Fitzpatrick and RB Fred Jackson can also be started in deeper leagues.  RB Jamaal Charles is the only Chief worth starting this week.  Leave QB Matt Cassel and WR Chris Chambers out of your lineup.  WR Dwayne Bowe (Out-suspension) will miss his fourth and final game.

Denver at Indianapolis - Two sad notes involving the teams in this game:  long-time Bronco fan Tim McKernan (better known as “Barrel Man”) has passed away, and Colts’ reserve QB Jim Sorgi (who has often started in starting QB Peyton Manning’s place during the fantasy playoff weeks) has been placed on IR.  In spite of these events the show must go on, and there will still be a game played Sunday afternoon.  Broncos to start include RB Knowshon Moreno, WR Brandon Marshall, and the Defense.  Add RB Correll Buckhalter to the list in deep leagues.  Leave QB Kyle Orton (Probable-ankle) and WR Eddie Royal on the bench.  Colts to start include TE Dallas Clark, WR Reggie Wayne, and the Defense.  At the risk of saying something sacrilegious during the holiday season, you should leave QB Peyton Manning (Probable-glute) out of your lineup this week if you have another quarterback on your roster with a better matchup.  Other Colts who should be absent from your lineup include RBs Joseph Addai & Donald Brown (Questionable-chest), and WRs Austin Collie & Pierre Garcon.  Expect WR Anthony Gonzalez (Questionable-knee) to miss yet another game.

St. Louis at Tennessee - It’s been a bad week for football players named O.J.  First, the real killerformer Buffalo Bills’ great was apparently beaten in prison.  Now comes word that Rams’ star S Oshiomogho “O.J.” Atogwe has been placed on IR with a season-ending shoulder injury.  Sadly for St. Louis, Atogwe’s absence won’t affect the outcome of this game.  RB Steven Jackson (Questionable-back) is the only Ram worth starting, and that’s assuming he’s healthy enough to play.  Add QB Kyle Boller and WR Donnie Avery (Questionable-shoulder) to the list in deep leagues.  QB Marc Bulger (Out-knee) will miss at least another week.  Titans to start include QB Vince Young (Probable-knee), RB Chris Johnson, TE Bo Scaife, WR Kenny Britt, K Rob Bironas, and the Defense.  Add WRs Justin Gage and Nate Washington (Questionable-ankle) to the list in deep leagues.

Green Bay at Chicago - Packers’ K Mason Crosby is renowned for his strong leg, but lately he’s been in a slump.  A date with the Bears is just what the doctor ordered for this struggling kicker and his teammates.  Packers to start include Crosby, QB Aaron Rodgers, RB Ryan Grant, WRs Greg Jennings & Donald Driver, and the Defense.  The only Bear worth starting is TE Garrett Olsen.  Leave QB Jay Cutler, RB Matt Forte, and WRs Devin Hester (Questionable-calf), Earl Bennett, & Johnny Knox on the bench against the underrated Packers’ defense.

New Orleans at Atlanta - The Saints have become such rock stars in New Orleans that the team now fears for the safety of its hard-core fans who come out to the airport to greet the team upon their arrival home after an away game.  The Saints will most likely have another large crowd welcoming them back late Sunday from what should be another road victory.  Saints to start include QB Drew Brees, RBs Pierre Thomas & Mike Bell, TE Jeremy Shockey, WR Marques Colston, and K Garrett Hartley.  Add RB Reggie Bush (Questionable-knee), and WRs Robert Meachem & Devery Henderson to the list in deeper leagues.  WR Lance Moore (Questionable-ankle/hamstring) figures to miss another game.  For the Falcons RB Michael Turner (Questionable-ankle) should be started if he’s healthy enough to play; if not, start RB Jerrious Norwood.  TE Tony Gonzalez and WR Roddy White (Questionable-knee) should also be started.  Add the Falcons’ QB to the list in deeper leagues, whether it’s Matt Ryan (Questionable-toe) or Chris Redman.  RB Jason Snelling and WR Michael Jenkins (Questionable-ankle) can also be started in deep leagues.

Washington at Oakland - Another week, another head-scratching event in Raiderland as former Assistant Coach Randy Hanson returned to work in the team’s personnel department.  His impact there will probably be negligible, but it gives those in Raider Nation something to talk about other than the astonishing fact that their team has actually won four games this season.  Redskins to start include QB Jason Campbell, TE Fred Davis, WR Santana Moss, newly-signed K Graham Gano, and the Defense.  Add RB Quinton Ganther and WRs Devin Thomas & Antwaan Randle-El to the list in deep leagues.  The Rock Cartwright Era is apparently over after just one game, so leave him out of your lineup.  The only Raider who should be started is TE Zach Miller, although RBs Darren McFadden, Justin Fargas, & Michael Bush can be started in deep leagues.  Keep QB Bruce Gradkowski and his wide receivers out of your lineup. 

San Diego at Dallas - The big news out of Dallas this week was that QB Tony Romo has volunteered to be the holder again on placekicks.  Just in case you’ve forgotten, here’s what happened the last time Romo tried to do that.  Thanks, but no thanks.  Chargers to start in this game include QB Philip Rivers, TE Antonio Gates, and WR Vincent Jackson.  Add RBs LaDainian Tomlinson & Darren Sproles and WR Malcom Floyd to the list in deep leagues.  Cowboys to start include RB Marion Barber and TE Jason Witten (Probable-foot).  Add Romo, RBs Tashard Choice & Felix Jones, and WRs Roy Williams & Miles Austin to the list in deep leagues.

Philadelphia at New York Giants - As mentioned above, Giants’ RB Brandon Jacobs expressed his lifelong disdain for the Cowboys last week prior to last Sunday’s game.  Fortunately for Jacobs, he was able to back up his talk with a long touchdown reception.  The Giants face another must-win game this week if they want to remain in the NFC playoff hunt, but I don’t think they’ll be able to pull another rabbit out of the hat this week.  Eagles to start include QB Donovan McNabb, TE Brent Celek (Probable-thumb), and WRs DeSean Jackson (Probable-concussion), Jeremy Maclin (Questionable-foot), & Jason Avant (Probable-hamstring).  The only Giants I’d recommend starting against the Eagles’ defense are TE Kevin Boss and WR Steve Smith.  Add QB Eli Manning and Jacobs to the list in deep leagues.  Leave RB Ahmad Bradshaw (Questionable-ankle/foot) and WRs Mario Manningham & Hakeem Nicks on the bench.

Arizona at San Francisco - 49ers’ Head Coach Mike Singletary took the opportunity at his weekly press conference to discuss the “unfavorable calls” that he believes cost his team a victory last week in Seattle.  Singletary probably won’t have to blame his team’s defeat on the referees this week; the Cardinals should win this game handily.  Cardinals to start include QB Kurt Warner, RB Tim Hightower, and WRs Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin, & Steve Breaston.  Add RB Chris Wells to the list in deep leagues.  49ers to start include QB Alex Smith, RB Frank Gore, TE Vernon Davis, & WR Michael Crabtree.  Add WR Josh Morgan to the list in deep leagues.  WR Isaac Bruce (Questionable-ankle) shouldn’t be in your lineup even if he plays.

Good luck to your teams this weekend! 

Until next time,

The Sherpa

Fantasy Football Sherpa

The Sherpa’s Fantasy Football Blog

@fantasy_sherpa on Twitter

Fantasy Football Sherpa’s fan page on Facebook

Week 14 is the first week of fantasy league playoffs for many.  Fortunately, we don’t have many new quarterback injuries to deal with this week, but list of injured running backs and wide receivers keeps growing.  Here’s a list of the players who were hurt during Week 13 action or were surprising scratches:

QB

• Matt Schaub (inj?) 
• Mark Sanchez (inj?)

RB  

• Rashard Mendenhall (inj?)
• Steve Slaton (inj)
• Donald Brown (inj)
• Chris Jennings (inj?)

WR 

• Hines Ward (inj?)
• Jeremy Maclin (inj?)
• Devin Hester (inj?)
• Donnie Avery (inj?)
• Michael Jenkins (inj)
• Antwaan Randle-El (inj)
• Dwayne Jarrett (inj)
• Darrius Heyward-Bey (inj)

TE - none

K - none 

So, who are some players at each position who should be on your radar screen if you need a replacement?  The following list contains players who may not be available in your league, depending on the number of teams in your league and your roster requirements.  LT indicates players who may have fantasy value for the rest of the season, while ST indicates players whose fantasy usefulness is likely to be limited to the amount of time it takes a player ahead of them on the depth chart to recover from an injury/return from a suspension.  SPEC indicates a player whose fantasy worth may not be obvious now, but may be worth speculating on for use later in the season. 

Quarterbacks

Alex Smith (LT), Vince Young (LT), Josh Freeman (LT), Chad Henne (LT), Kyle Boller (ST), Chris Redman (ST), Matt Moore (ST), Jason Campbell (SPEC),  Ryan Fitzpatrick (SPEC), Brady Quinn (SPEC), Bruce Gradkowski (SPEC), and Kellen Clemens (SPEC).

Running Backs

Jerious Norwood (LT), Correll Buckhalter (LT), Sammy Morris (SPEC), Michael Bush (SPEC), Darren McFadden (SPEC), Chester Taylor (SPEC),  Chris Brown (SPEC), Derrick Ward (SPEC), Kevin Faulk (SPEC), Ryan Moats (SPEC), Willie Parker (SPEC), Lex Hilliard (SPEC), Rashad Jennings (SPEC), Jerome Harrison (SPEC), Marcus Mason (SPEC), Maurice Morris (SPEC), Quinton Ganther (SPEC), Kahlil Bell (SPEC), Eldra Buckley (SPEC), and Tyrell Sutton (SPEC).

Wide Receivers

Jason Avant (LT), Malcom Floyd (LT), Kenny Britt (LT), Earl Bennett (SPEC), Sammie Stroughter (SPEC), Andre Caldwell (SPEC), James Jones (SPEC), Mohamed Massaquoi (SPEC), Greg Camarillo (SPEC), Chaz Schilens (SPEC), Brian Hartline (SPEC), Davone Bess (SPEC), Lance Long (SPEC), Josh Morgan (SPEC), Bryant Johnson (SPEC), Nate Washington (SPEC), Early Doucet (SPEC), Maurice Stovall (SPEC), Ted Ginn (SPEC), Brandon Gibson (SPEC), Chansi Stuckey (SPEC), Devin Thomas (SPEC), Mike Thomas (SPEC), Sam Aiken (SPEC), Bobby Wade (SPEC), Muhsin Muhammad (SPEC), Louis Murphy (SPEC), David Anderson (SPEC), Johnnie Lee Higgins (SPEC), Kelley Washington (SPEC), and Brian Robiskie (SPEC).

Tight Ends

Fred Davis (LT), Marcedes Lewis (SPEC), Anthony Fasano (SPEC), Bo Scaife (SPEC), and Dante Rosario (SPEC).

Kickers

Garrett Hartley (LT), Josh Scobee (LT), Jeff Reed (LT), Dan Carpenter (LT), Kris Brown (LT), and Matt Stover (ST).

Defenses

Arizona (ST), Tennessee (ST), Buffalo (ST), and Washington (ST).

I’ll post my analysis of the Week 14 games Thursday.  If your league requires you to set your lineup before the first game of the week, this week’s Thursday night game features Pittsburgh at Cleveland.

Until then,

The Sherpa

Fantasy Football Sherpa

The Sherpa’s Fantasy Football Blog

@fantasy_sherpa on Twitter

Fantasy Football Sherpa fan page on Facebook

Hi everyone,

Just wanted to let you know that my “sleeper pick” for fantasy football Week 13 has been included in Zack O’Malley Greenburg’s entry in the SportsMoney blog on Forbes.com.  This entry is a regular feature on Thursdays throughout the football season!

Have a great weekend!

The Sherpa

Fantasy Football Sherpa

The Fantasy Football Sherpa’s Blog

@fantasy_sherpa on Twitter

The Fantasy Football Sherpa fan page on Facebook

Three lousy games on Thanksgiving Day, and Monday night’s clash of the titans wasn’t as exciting as billed (unless you were rooting for the Who Dats) but several exciting finishes on Sunday helped offset those disappointing contest.  This week offers a number of games that should be close, along with the requisite potential blowouts.  Here are my recommendations for Week 13:

New York Jets at Buffalo - This game is actually being played in Canada:  the NFL seems intent on exporting lousy football to the rest of the world.  Thankfully, this game is being played in English-speaking Ontario rather than French-speaking Quebec because Jets’ QB Mark Sanchez probably doesn’t know the French word for slide.  Jets to start include RB Thomas Jones, TE Dustin Keller, and the Defense.  Add RB Shonn Greene to the list in deeper leagues.  Stay away from Sanchez (Probable-knee) and WRs Braylon Edwards & Jerricho Cotchery.  Start the Bills’ Defense, and add QB Ryan Fitzpatrick and WR Lee Evans to the list in deep leagues.  Avoid RBs Fred Jackson & Marshawn Lynch and WR Terrell Owens.

Oakland at Pittsburgh - If NFL teams had homecoming games and could choose their opponent, the Raiders would be at the top of the guest list (unlike Michaele Salahi).  All should be right again now in Sixsburgh now that the Raiders are in town to end the Steelers’ three-game losing streak and WR Hines Ward has apologized for questioning QB Ben Roethlisberger’s manhood.  TE Zach Miller is the only Raider worth starting; leave QB Bruce Gradkowski, RBs Darren McFadden, Justin Fargas (Probable-neck), & Michael Bush, and WRs Louis Murphy & Chaz Schilens on the bench.  Steelers to start include Roethlisberger (Probable-head), RB Rashard Mendenhall, TE Heath Miller, WRs Ward & Santonio Holmes, K Jeff Reed, and the Defense.  Add WR Mike Wallace to the list in deeper leagues, and substitute QB Dennis Dixon for Roethlisberger if the latter is unable to play.

Houston at Jacksonville - Texans’ Head Coach Gary Kubiak’s Sundays are becoming fairly predictable:  watch his team get out to a big lead, surrender big lead and lose game, spend post-game press conference apologizing to everyone with a pulse.  If he can’t be easier on himself, he should find a reporter who can be.  Texans who will help the team get out to a big lead this week and should be in your lineup include QB Matt Schaub, RB Steve Slaton (Questionable-neck), and WRs Andre Johnson & Kevin Walter.  Add RB Chris Brown and WR Jacoby Jones to the list in deeper leagues.  Jaguars who will help their team overcome the Texans’ big lead and ultimately win the game include QB David Garrard, RB Maurice Jones-Drew (Questionable-knee), TE Marcedes Lewis, and WR Mike Sims-Walker (Questionable-knee).  Add WR Mike Thomas to the list in deeper leagues.  If I’ve missed anyone, I apologize.

Tampa Bay at Carolina - Unfortunately for the Panthers (and their slim playoff chances), WR Steve Smith took the term “football” a little too literaly early in last week’s loss to the Jets.  The Bucs’ defense has been atrocious this season, but at least their offense is becoming more interesting since rookie QB Josh Freeman became a starter.  Bucs to start this week are RB Cadillac Williams and TE Kellen Winslow (Questionable-knee).  Add Freeman and WR Antonio Bryant to the list in deep leagues.  Don’t start WRs Michael Clayton (Questionable-knee) & Maurice Stovall (Questionable-thigh).  The only Panther who should be started for sure this week is Smith.  Add TE Dante Rosario and WR Dwayne Jarrett (Questionable-ankle) to the list in deeper leagues.  Add QB Jake Delhomme (Questionable-finger) and RBs DeAngelo Williams (Questionable-ankle) & Jonathan Stewart (Questionable-Achilles’) to the list if they’re healthy enough to play.  Add QB Matt Moore to the list if Delhomme is unable to play.  Got all that?  Don’t ask me to draw a decision tree.

New Orleans at Washington - It’s a good thing current Redskins’ Head Coach Jim Mora wasn’t the team’s coach back in the late ’80s; he probably would have been satirized on the late Saturday night TV show D.C. Follies.  That show didn’t last for very long, and neither will Zorn.  Saints to start include QB Drew Brees, RBs Pierre Thomas (Questionable-wrist) & Mike Bell (Questionable-neck/knee), TE Jeremy Shockey (Questionable-elbow), WR Marques Colston, & K John Carney.  Add WRs Devery Henderson & Robert Meachem and the Defense to the list in deep leagues.  Leave out RB Reggie Bush (Questionable-knee).  The only Redskins worth starting are RB Rock Cartwright and TE Fred Davis.  Skip QB Jason Campbell and WR Santana Moss.  RB Clinton Portis (O-concussion) will miss at least another game.

Denver at Kansas City - Someone apparently forgot to tell former Texas Longhorn Jamaal Charles that it gets cold in Kansas City in December.  Perhaps he should wear a coat while he’s playing.  The Broncos also play in the cold late in the season, so they should feel right at home, especially with such accommodating hosts.  Broncos to start include QB Kyle Orton, RB Knowshon Moreno, WR Brandon Marshall, and the Defense.  Add RB Correll Buckhalter and WR Eddie Royal (Probable-thigh) to the list in deeper leagues.  Even if he forgets his handwarmers Charles is the only Chief worth starting.  Leave QB Matt Cassel and WR Chris Chambers out in the cold.  WR Dwayne Bowe (Out-suspension) will miss two more games.

Tennessee at Indianapolis - You may recall that Titans’ Head Coach Jeff Fisher was heavily criticized during his team’s bye week for showing up at a charity event wearing Colts’ QB Peyton Manning’s jersey and saying he wanted to feel like a winner.  After Tennessee’s subsequent five-game winning streak, hopefully he does.  RB Chris Johnson is the only Titan who’s a must-start, but add Young, TE Bo Scaife and WR Kenny Britt to the list in deep leagues.  Pass on WR Justin Gage (Questionable-back).  Colts to start include Manning (Probable-glute), RBs Joseph Addai (Probable-knee) & Donald Brown (Questionable-chest), TE Dallas Clark, WRs Reggie Wayne (Probable-oot), Pierre Garcon, & Austin Collie, K Matt Stover, and the Defense.  Don’t start WR Anthony Gonzalez (Questionable-chest) even if he is able to play.  Don’t expect Manning to wear a Vince Young jersey to his post-game press conference. 

Detroit at Cincinnati - Apparently not satisfied with legally changing his last name, Bengals’ WR Chad Ochocinco now wants a cooler nickname.  Perhaps he’ll get one if he offers a $1 bribe to the person in charge of name-changing  in his home state of Florida.  WR Calvin Johnson (Probable-knee) (aka - Megatron, aka - the man Chad Ochocinco wants to be if he never grows up) is the only Lion worth starting.  TE Will Heller is also worth starting in deep leagues.  Leave QB Matthew Stafford (Probable-shoulder) and RB Kevin Smith on the bench.  Bengals worth starting include QB Carson Palmer, RB Cedric Benson (Probable-hip), WRs Ochocinco, Laveranues Coles, & Andre Caldwell, K Shayne Graham, and the Defense.  Add RB Larry Johnson to the list in deep leagues, but keep RB Bernard Scott (Questionable-toe) on the bench.

St. Louis at Chicago - Since nothing else has helped the Rams generate wins this season, perhaps they should turn to Ron Artest for some advice on how to prepare at halftime in Chicago.  RB Steven Jackson (Questionable-neck) is the only Ram who should definitely be started this week, but QB Kyle Boller and WR Donnie Avery can also be started in a deep league.  QB Marc Bulger (Out-knee) will miss at least another week.  Bears to start include QB Jay Cutler, RB Matt Forte, TE Greg Olsen, WRs Devin Hester, Earl Bennett & Johnny Knox, K Robbie Gould, and the Defense.

Philadelphia at Atlanta - The Georgia Dome will play host to a media circus this weekend as The New (if not improved) Michael Vick Experience returns to Atlanta.  QB Donovan McNabb may be only the second most “popular” Eagles QB in town this week, but at least he spend the majority of the game on the field rather than the sideline.  He’s worth starting, along with teammates RB LeSean McCoy, TE Brent Celek, WRs Jeremy Maclin (Probable-foot) & Jason Avant, K David Akers, and the Defense.  Leave WR DeSean Jackson (Questionable-concussion) out of your lineup even if he’s able to play.  RB Brian Westbrook (Out-concussion) will miss another game.  TE Tony Gonzalez is the only Falcon worth starting this weekend.  You can skip the QB Chris Redman experience, RBs Jerious Norwood & Jason Snelling, WRs Roddy White (Questionable-knee) & Michael Jenkins (Questionable-ankle).  QB Matt Ryan (Out-toe) & RB Michael Turner (Out-ankle) will both miss the game.

San Diego at Cleveland - Every NFL running back dreams of ending their career in a blaze of glory, scoring the winning touchdown in the Super Bowl, then walking off the field in a blizzard of confetti, basking in the adulation of the crowd.  That will not be the case for Browns’ RB Jamal Lewis.  Chargers to start against the Browns in their first game of the post-Jamal Lewis era include QB Philip Rivers, RBs LaDainian Tomlinson & Darren Sproles, TE Antonio Gates, WRs Vincent Jackson & Malcom Floyd, K Nate Kaeding, and the Defense.  There are no Browns worth starting - that includes QB Brady Quinn, RBs Jerome Harrison & Chris Jennings, and WR Mohamed Massaquoi.

Minnesota at Arizona - Cardinals’ backup QB Matt Leinart must have experiencing deja vu last weekend.  You’ll recall that in the 2006 national championship game  he guided his USC team to the lead, only to lose to Vince Young’s Texas team in the final seconds.  Fast-forward to last weekend.  Cardinals’ starting QB Kurt Warner is unable to play due to a concussion, so Leinart guided his Arizona team to the lead, only to lose to Vince Young’s Tennessee team in the final seconds.  Speaking of fast-forward, perhaps Vikings’ RB Adrian Peterson ought to press down on the accelerator a little more softly.  Vikings to start include QB Brett Favre, RBs Peterson (Probable-ankle) & Chester Taylor (Questionable-ribs), TE Visanthe Shiancoe (Questionable-ribs), WRs Bernard Berrian (Probable-hamstring), Percy Harvin, & Sidney Rice, and K Ryan Longwell.  If Warner is able to start this week, he belongs in your starting lineup; if not, Leinart does.  Other Cardinals to start include RB Tim Hightower (Questionable-thumb) and WRs Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin, & Steve Breaston.  Leave RB Chris Wells on the bench.

Dallas at New York Giants - Usually when you hear someone in football complaining about not getting enough respect, it’s a player.  Only in Dallas will you hear a head coach say that with respect to his owner.  Hopefully, someone will ask Cowboys’ Head Coach (for how much longer?) Wade about that at his post-game press conference.  Cowboys to start this week include QB Tony Romo, RBs Marion Barber, Felix Jones, & Tashard Choice, TE Jason Witten, WRs Roy Williams & Miles Austin, and K Nick Folk.  Giants to start include QB Eli Manning, RBs Brandon Jacobs & Ahmad Bradshaw (Questionable-ankle/foot), TE Kevin Boss, WR Steve Smith, and K Lawrence Tynes.  Add WRs Hakeem Nicks & Mario Manningham to the list in deeper leagues.

San Francisco at Seattle - Seahawks’ President & GM Tim Ruskell was fired today, possibly paving the way for former Head Coach & GM Mike Holmgren to pull a Grover Cleveland.  49ers to start in this NFC West matchup include RB Frank Gore, TE Vernon Davis, and WR Michael Crabtree.  Add QB Alex Smith and the Defense to the list in deep leagues.  Seahawks worth starting include QB Matt Hasselbeck, RB Justin Forsett, and TE John Carlson.  Add WRs T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Nate Burleson, & Deion Branch to the list in deep leagues.  Keep RB Julius Jones (Probable-chest) out of your lineup even if he plays.

New England at Miami - Every time the Dolphins play the Patriots it must burn them up to be reminded that they once gave WR Wes Welker up for two second round draft picks.  Don’t expect Welker to act nonchalant if he makes a big catch against his former team.  Patriots to start include QB Tom Brady, RB Laurence Maroney, TE Ben Watson, and WRs Welker & Randy Moss.  Leave RB Sammy Morris (Questionable-knee) on the bench even if he plays, and expect RB Fred Taylor (Questionable-ankle) to remain out of action.  Dolphins to start against a suddenly mortal-looking Patriots’ defense include QB Chad Henne, RB Ricky Williams, TE Anthony Fasano, and K Dan Carpenter.  If you use a roster spot for any part of the Dolphins’ 4-headed wide receiver monster (aka Greg Camarillo, Davone Bess, Brian Hartline, and Ted Ginn), feel free to start them as well in deeper leagues.

Baltimore at Green Bay - Reviews for ESPN Monday Night Football analyst John Gruden are decidely mixed.  Some appreciate the insider’s knowledge and perspective that he brings to the broadcast.  Some love him merely for the fact that he replaced Tony Kornheiser.  Yet some find his eternally optimistic nature and his relentless praise for the players even more annoying than a Jimmy Football commercial.  Whatever your opinion of his broadcasting talents (or lack thereof), he’ll have a good game to call this week as two teams still in the playoff hunt square off.  The only Ravens who should definitely be started are RB Ray Rice and WR Derrick Mason, but if you play in a deeper league, you can also start QB Joe Flacco, TE Todd Heap, and WR Mark Clayton.  Packers to start include QB Aaron Rodgers, TE Jermichael Finley, and WRs Donald Driver & Greg Jennings.  Add WR James Jones to the list in deeper leagues.  Don’t expect much from RB Ryan Grant, and leave him out of your lineup.  Enjoy the game, whatever you think of Johnny Football.

Good luck to your teams this weekend! 

Until next time,

The Sherpa

Fantasy Football Sherpa

The Sherpa’s Fantasy Football Blog

@fantasy_sherpa on Twitter

Fantasy Football Sherpa’s fan page on Facebook

It’s hard to believe, but according to the calendar it’s already December.  That means the holiday season and the fantasy football playoffs are upon us - for many of you this is the final week of your regular season.  Quarterbacks continued to drop like flies this past weekend, and some high-profile running backs were hurt too.  Here’s a list of the players who were hurt during Week 12 action or were surprising scratches:

QB

• Ben Roethlisberger (inj)
• Kurt Warner (inj)
• Matt Ryan (inj)
• Eli Manning (inj?)
• Mark Sanchez (inj?)
• Jake Delhomme (inj)

RB  

• Michael Turner (inj?) 
• DeAngelo Williams (inj)
• Steven Jackson (inj?)
• Reggie Bush (inj?) 
• Tim Hightower (inj?)
• Justin Fargas (inj?)
• Le’Ron McClain (inj?)

WR 

• DeSean Jackson (inj)
• Michael Clayton (inj)
• Eddie Royal (inj?)
• Muhsin Muhammad (inj?)
• Isaac Bruce (inj)

TE

• Brandon Pettigrew (inj, IR)
• Brent Celek (inj?)

K - none 

So, who are some players at each position who should be on your radar screen if you need a replacement?  The following list contains players who may not be available in your league, depending on the number of teams in your league and your roster requirements.  LT indicates players who may have fantasy value for the rest of the season, while ST indicates players whose fantasy usefulness is likely to be limited to the amount of time it takes a player ahead of them on the depth chart to recover from an injury/return from a suspension.  SPEC indicates a player whose fantasy worth may not be obvious now, but may be worth speculating on for use later in the season. 

Quarterbacks

Alex Smith (LT), Vince Young (LT), Josh Freeman (LT), Chad Henne (LT), Kyle Boller (ST), Chris Redman (ST), Matt Moore (ST), Matt Leinart (SPEC), Jason Campbell (SPEC),  Ryan Fitzpatrick (SPEC), Brady Quinn (SPEC), Dennis Dixon (SPEC), and Kellen Clemens (SPEC).

Running Backs

Jerious Norwood (LT), Michael Bush (LT), Darren McFadden (SPEC), Chester Taylor (SPEC),  Chris Brown (SPEC), Derrick Ward (SPEC), Kevin Faulk (SPEC), Chris Jennings (SPEC), Lex Hilliard (SPEC), Sammy Morris (SPEC), Rashad Jennings (SPEC), Jerome Harrison (SPEC), Marcus Mason (SPEC), Maurice Morris (SPEC), Quinton Ganther (SPEC), and Kahlil Bell (SPEC).

Wide Receivers

Donnie Avery (LT), Jason Avant (LT), Malcom Floyd (LT), Kenny Britt (LT), Michael Jenkins (LT), Earl Bennett (SPEC), Sammie Stroughter (SPEC), Andre Caldwell (SPEC), James Jones (SPEC), Mohamed Massaquoi (SPEC), Robert Meachem (SPEC), Jacoby Jones (SPEC), Greg Camarillo (SPEC), Chaz Schilens (SPEC), Johnny Knox (SPEC), Anthony Gonzalez (inj, SPEC), Brian Hartline (SPEC), Davone Bess (SPEC), Lance Long (SPEC), Josh Morgan (SPEC), Bryant Johnson (SPEC), Nate Washington (SPEC), Early Doucet (SPEC), Dwayne Jarrett (SPEC), Maurice Stovall (SPEC), Jason Hill (SPEC), Ted Ginn (SPEC), Brandon Gibson (SPEC), Chansi Stuckey (SPEC), Deion Branch (SPEC), Devin Thomas (SPEC), Mike Thomas (SPEC), Sam Aiken (SPEC), and Danny Amendola (SPEC).

Tight Ends

Fred Davis (ST), Marcedes Lewis (SPEC), Anthony Fasano (SPEC), Bo Scaife (SPEC), and Dante Rosario (SPEC).

Kickers

Jason Elam (LT), Josh Scobee (LT), Jeff Reed (LT), Dan Carpenter (LT), Kris Brown (LT), and Matt Stover (ST).

Defenses

Carolina (ST), Seattle (ST), and Buffalo (ST).

I’ll post my analysis of the Week 13 games Thursday.  If your league requires you to set your lineup before the first game of the week, this week’s Thursday night game features the New York Jets at Buffalo (in Toronto).

Until then,

The Sherpa

Fantasy Football Sherpa

The Sherpa’s Fantasy Football Blog

@fantasy_sherpa on Twitter

Fantasy Football Sherpa fan page on Facebook

Hi everyone,

Just wanted to let you know that my “sleeper pick” for fantasy football Week 12 has been included in Zack O’Malley Greenburg’s entry in the SportsMoney blog on Forbes.com.  This entry is a regular feature on Thursdays throughout the football season!

Have a great weekend!

The Sherpa

Fantasy Football Sherpa

The Fantasy Football Sherpa’s Blog

@fantasy_sherpa on Twitter

The Fantasy Football Sherpa fan page on Facebook

Once again Thanksgiving is upon us.  Two things come to mind when I think of this special holiday:  football and John Madden talking about turducken.  There used to be just two turkey day games to keep track of - one in Detroit, and one in Dallas.  However, believing that you can never have too much of a good thing, the NFL added a third game in 2006.  Many households aren’t able to watch the NFL Network, where the third game is telecast, but given the quality of the announcers in the past, that may actually be a good thing.  Here are my recommendations for Week 12:

Green Bay at Detroit - The Packers and the Lions have participated in many memorable Thanksgiving Day games, but with the current disparity in talent levels between the two teams, this game doesn’t figure to join that list.  Lions’ QB Matthew Stafford (Doubtful-shoulder, knee) won’t win many games this season, but he won the admiration of his teammates and many people who aren’t Lions fans with his gutsy performance at the end of last week’s victory over the Browns.  Unfortunately, the left shoulder injury he suffered on the next-to-last play of the game will probably keep him on the sidelines for this game.  Packers to start include QB Aaron Rodgers, RB Ryan Grant (Probable-neck), TE Jermichael Finley, WRs Donald Driver & Greg Jennings, K Mason Crosby, and the Defense.  The only Lions worth starting are TE Brandon Pettigrew and (if he’s able to play) WR Calvin Johnson (Questionable-hand, knee).  RB Kevin Smith (Probable-hip) can be started in deeper leagues, but don’t start the Lions’ quarterback, regardless of whether it’s stafford or Daunte Culpepper.

Oakland at Dallas - Oakland’s internal squabbles this season have been well-documented, but not to be outdone, the Cowboys also head into this Thanksgiving showdown with a sideshow of their own.  You can rest assured that CBS will have a “Campo Cam” set up this week just in case there’s a rematch.  TE Zach Miller is the only Raider worth starting this week, although RBs Michael Bush & Justin Fargas can be started if you’re in a deep league.  QB Bruce Gradkowski and the Raiders’ wide receivers shouldn’t be anywhere near your lineup.  Cowboys to start, in what figures to be a cakewalk for the home team, include QB Tony Romo (Probable-back), RB Marion Barber (Probable-thumb), TE Jason Witten (Questionable-foot), WRs Miles Austin & Roy Williams, K Nick Folk, and the Defense.  Add RBs Tashard Choice & Felix Jones and WR Patrick Crayton to the list if you’re in a deep league.  If Witten is unable to play, add TE Martellus Bennett to the list.  Basically, anyone in a Cowboys uniform who plays a skill position should be in your lineup this week to take advantage of this favorable matchup.

New York Giants at Denver - Will the real Brandon Marshall please stand up?  During training camp he was suspended for insubordination.  Now he’s being hailed as a fiery team leader for getting in teammate Knowshon Moreno’s face last week during a blowout loss to the Chargers after the rookie fumbled a ball on the Chargers’ one-yard-line.  Hopefully, Broncos’ Head Coach Josh McDaniels has learned to keep his pregame thoughts about his opponents to himself.  Both teams have been in a tailspin lately, but the Giants were able to pull out of theirs, however briefly, last week.  Giants worth starting this week are TE Kevin Boss, WR Steve Smith, and the Defense.  QB Eli Manning (Probable-foot), RB Brandon Jacobs (Probable-knee), and WRs Hakeem Nicks & Mario Manningham can be started in deep leagues.  RB Ahmad Bradshaw (Out-ankle, foot), who’s been hurt all season, will finally miss a game.  RB Knowshon Moreno is the only Bronco who should definitely be started this week.  If you’re in a deep league, WRs Brandon Marshall & Eddie Royal and the Broncos’ Defense can also be started.  The Broncos’ quarterback, whether it’s Kyle Orton (Probable-ankle) or Chris Simms, and RB Correll Buckhalter should not be in your lineup.

Pittsburgh at Baltimore - Fortunately for the Steelers, it looks like they won’t have to rely on third-string QB Dennis Dixon for this week’s game with their division rivals.  If you haven’t heard Dixon’s name in awhile, here’s a quick refresher course.  Backup QB Charlie Batch broke his wrist and is unavailable, but starting QB Ben Roethlisberger (Probable-concussion) is apparently going to play and should be in fantasy lineups if he does.  Other Steelers to start are TE Heath Miller and WRs Hines Ward & Santonio Holmes.  Add WR Mike Wallace to the list if you’re in a deep league.  Do not start Dixon on the off chance he starts.  Ditto for RBs Rashard Mendenhall & Willie Parker, who will find it tough going against the Ravens’ run defense.  The only Ravens I’d start are TE Todd Heap (Questionable-Chest) and WR Derrick Mason.  If you’re in a deep league, add QB Joe Flacco, RB Ray Rice, and WR Mark Clayton to the list.  If RB Willis McGahee is on your bench, keep him there.

Jacksonville at San Francisco - It’s hard to believe it’s already been a decade since WRs Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce teamed up with QB Kurt Warner as part of The Greatest Show on Turf.  Remarkably, all three are still in the league, and although the two pass-catchers are now in supporting roles, they’ll be reunited when their teams face off this weekend.  Jaguars to start include QB David Garrard, RB Maurice Jones-Drew (Questionable-knee), TE Marcedes Lewis, and WR Mike Sims-Walker.  WRs Holt & Mike Thomas can also be started in deep leagues.  49ers to start include QB Alex Smith, RB Frank Gore, TE Vernon Davis, WR Michael Crabtree, & K Joe Nedney.  Keep WRs Bruce (Questionable-ankle) & Josh Morgan out of your lineup. 

Kansas City at San Diego - Newly-signed Chargers’ OT Jon Runyan is a man who apparently believes strongly in advance planning.  He’s already announced plans to retire at the end of this season so that he can run for Congress next year in New Jersey.  There’s been a lot of talk lately about the long-term impact of concussions on football players, particularly linemen.  Runyan suffered a concussion himself in 2007; hopefully the aftereffects of that injury won’t interfere in any way with his campaign for his next job.  The only Chief worth starting this week is RB Jamaal Charles, although QB Matt Cassel and WRs Chris Chambers & Mark Bradley can be started in deeper leagues.  Chargers to start include QB Philip Rivers, RBs LaDainian Tomlinson (back out of the Sherpa doghouse) & Darren Sproles, TE Antonio Gates, WR Vincent Jackson, K Nate Kaeding, and the Defense.  Add WR Malcom Floyd to the list if you’re in a deep league.

Indianapolis at Houston - If you think that NFL kickers have an easy job, consider the plight of Texans’ K Kris Brown.  Three weeks ago Kris missed a potential game-tying field goal at the end of the Texans’ loss to the Colts, and last week he missed another potential game-tying field goal at the end of the Texans’ loss to the Titans.  In a scheduling quirk the Texans play the Colts again for the second time in three games - can “Kris Miss” pull off the hat trick?  For his sake let’s hope not.  Colts to start include QB Peyton Manning, RB Joseph Addai (Probable-knee), TE Dallas Clark, WR Reggie Wayne, and K Matt Stover.  Add RB Donald Brown and WRs Pierre Garcon & Austin Collie to the list if you play in a deep league.  The only must-start Texans are QB Matt Schaub and WR Andre Johnson, but RB Steve Slaton (Questionable-neck) and WR Kevin Walter can also be started in deeper leagues.  Leave WR Jacoby Jones (Probable-calf) on the bench.

Washington at Philadelphia - It’s obvious that not every NFL player can start every game, but Redskins’ RB Rock Cartwright may be on the verge of setting a record this weekend when he starts against the Eagles - it will be his first start in six seasons.  Coincidentally, his last start was also against the Eagles (Andy Reid/Donovan McNabb), so the Birds may need to blow the dust off some old game films (or videos).  How did Cartwright do in that game?  Glad you asked.  Just remember that past performance is not a guarantee of future success (or lack thereof).  The only Redskin worth starting this week is TE Fred Davis, although QB Jason Campbell, WR Santana Moss, and the Defense can be started in deep leagues.  The part of you that roots for the underdog wants to see Cartwright succeed, but don’t bet your fantasy team’s fortunes on it - leave him out of your lineup.  RB Ladell Betts (knee) is out for the season after his injury last week.  TE Chris Cooley (ankle) and RB Clinton Portis (concussion) will also miss this contest.  The Eagles to start are RB LeSean McCoy, TE Brent Celek, and the Defense, but feel free to start QB Donovan McNabb and WRs DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, & Jason Avant in deeper leagues.  RB Brian Westbrook (Out-concussion) will miss at least another week.

Carolina at New York Jets - Jets’ Head Coach Rex Ryan, who earlier this season was badmouthing everyone from the Patriots to Channing Crowder, seemed a little hypocritical this week when he accused the Patriots of “disrespect” because they threw a deep pass late in their blowout victory over the Jets last week.  That shouldn’t be a problem this week: since the Panthers have no passing attack to speak of, in the unlikely event they’re blowing out the Jets late in the game, they’ll continue to do what they do best - run.  Panthers to start include RBs DeAngelo Williams & Jonathan Stewart (Probable-Achilles’) and WR Steve Smith.  Those in deep leagues can also start the Panthers’ Defense.  Do not start QB Jake Delhomme (note to self:  copy previous sentence and paste in next week’s recommendations).  Jets to start include RB Thomas Jones, TE Dustin Keller, and the Defense.  RB Shonn Greene can be started in deep leagues, but stay away from QB Mark Sanchez and WRs Braylon Edwards & Jerricho Cotchery.

Chicago at Minnesota - Here in Sherpaville we like to look for dissension among the football fan masses and use it as a leading indicator of developing stories.  Our crack research team has discovered that there’s no JakeCutlerSucks.com website yet, but there is a “Jake Cutler Sucks” discussion forum (where, ironically, no inappropriate comments are tolerated).  Bears’ QB Jake Cutler will definitely need to avoid his trademark red-zone interceptions this week if his team is to have a chance of beating the Minnesota FavresVikings.  The only Bears to start this week are Cutler (surprised?) and TE Garrett Olsen.  RB Matt Forte and WR Devin Hester can also be started in deep leagues, but leave WRs Earl Bennett & Johnny Knox on your bench.  Vikings to start include QB Brett Favre, RB Adrian Peterson (Probable-ankle), TE Visanthe Shiancoe, WRs Bernard Berrian (Probable-hamstring), Sidney Rice, & Percy Harvin (Probable-hip), K Ryan Longwell, and the Defense.  RB Chester Taylor can be started in deep leagues.

Seattle at St. Louis - From our Useless Statistics department comes this numerical nugget:  last week marked the first time all season that the 3-7 Seahawks didn’t win when QB Matt Hasselbeck threw for more yards (231) than the opposing quarterback (213).  Of course, the opposing quarterback last week was Brett Favre, he was out of the game before the third quarter ended, and the Vikings won 35-9.  So much for statistics.  Seahawks to start in this clash of NFC West bottom-dwellers include Hasselbeck, RB Justin Forsett, TE John Carlson, WRs T.J. Houshmandzadeh & Nate Burleson, K Olindo Mare, and the Defense.  Add WR Deion Branch to the list if you’re in a deep league and desperate for a Flex starter.  Avoid RB Julius Jones (Questionable-chest) even if he plays.  As is the case many weeks the only Ram who should be started is RB Stephen Jackson (Probable-back).  Add TE Randy McMichael to the list in deeper leagues.  Avoid fill-in QB Kyle Boller and WRs Donnie Avery & Brandon Gibson.  QB Marc Bulger (Out-groin/head/knee) will miss the first of what will most likely be several games.  Bulger and Boller may differ by two letters, but the Rams’ results are likely to be the same with either of them at the helm.

Arizona at Tennessee - Titans’ owner Bud Adams keeps apologizing for flipping Bills’ fans the bird, and his team keeps winning (although they had a little help last Monday night from Texans’ kicker Kris Brown).  It’s not obvious which streak will end first, but my bet would be on the latter.  Cardinals to start in this contest are QB Kurt Warner (Probable-concussion), RBs Tim Hightower & Chris Wells, WRs Larry Fitzgerald & Anquan Bolden, K Neil Rackers, and the Defense.  Add WR Steve Breaston (Probable-knee) to the list in deeper leagues, and add QB Matt Leinart to the list if Warner’s concussion prevents him from playing.  The only Titan I’d start is RB Chris Johnson, but RB LenDale White can also be started in deep leagues.  Leave QB Vince Young and all Titan receivers out of your lineup.

Cleveland at Cincinnati - It’s been almost 20 years since former Bengals’ Head Coach Sam Wyche took this intense rivalry and kicked it up a notch.  This week it was Browns’ Head Coach Eric Mangini’s turn to get himself in trouble, although his wrath was aimed at the Detroit Lions rather than the Bengals.  In spite of last week’s offensive explosion against the Lions, there are no Browns worth starting this week.  That includes QB Brady Quinn, RB Jamal Lewis, and WRs Josh Cribbs, Mohamed Massaquoi, & Chansi Stuckey (Probable-calf).  Bengals to start include QB Carson Palmer, RB Bernard Scott, WR Chad Ochocinco, K Shayne Graham, and the Defense.  Add WRs Laveranues Coles (Questionable-chest) & Andre Caldwell to the list in deep leagues.  Leave RBs Cedric Benson (Questionable-hip) & Larry Johnson (Questionable-judgment) out of your lineup.

Miami at Buffalo - For all the haters out there, admit it - Bills’ WR Terrell Owens still has something left in the tank.  Discussion involving Buffalo football have recently focused on who will be the next head coach to get the pleasure of coaching T.O.  Bruce Cowher has publicly taken himself out of the running, but Mike Holmgren, Mike Shanahan, and Eric ManginiMarty Schottenheimer are all names that have been bandied about.  In the meantime the Bills will focus on containing the Dolphins’ explosive running game.  RB Ricky Williams (Probable-chest) is Miami’s only must-start this week, but add unproven backup RB Lex Hilliard to the list in deep leagues.  Don’t bother this week with QB Chad Henne or any of his receivers.  Owens and fellow WR Lee Evans are the only Bills who should be started this week, but add RBs Marshawn Lynch (Probable-shoulder) and Fred Jackson to the list in deep leagues.  It’s fun to root for QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, but you still shouldn’t have him in your lineup.

Tampa Bay at Atlanta - I’m not suggesting that Buccaneers’ rookie Head Coach Raheem Morris is a control freak, but already this season he’s fired his Offensive Coordinator, changed starting quarterbacks twice, and now taken over as Defensive Coordinator.  If I were Bucs’ owner Malcolm Glazer, I’d be locking my office door when I left for the night.  The Buccaneers to start this week are RB Cadillac Williams and TE Kellen Winslow.  Add QB Josh Freeman and WRs Maurice Stovall & Sammie Stroughter to the list in deeper leagues.  I’d advise against starting WR Antonio Bryant.  Falcons to start include QB Matt Ryan, RB Jason Snelling, TE Tony Gonzalez, WR Roddy White (Probable-knee), and K Jason Elam.  Add WR Michael Jenkins and the Defense to the list in deeper leagues.  Leave RBs Michael Turner (Questionable-ankle) & Jerious Norwood (Questionable-hip) on your bench.

New England at New Orleans - Fantasy owners who spent an early draft pick this year on Saints’ RB Pierre Thomas are hoping that going forward PT will get more PT, and Mike Bell will get less.  Of course, as fantasy “experts” are so fond of saying, Saints’ Head Coach Sean Payton doesn’t give a —- about your fantasy team.  Neither does Patriots’ Head Coach Bill Belichick, who may activate RB Sammy Morris (Questionable-knee) this week just to make his backfield more aggravatinginteresting for those who have RB Laurence Maroney on their fantasy squads.  Patriots to start in this Monday night showdown include QB Tom Brady, WRs Wes Welker & Randy Moss, & K Stephen Gostkowski.  Add TE Ben Watson to the list in a deep league.  If Morris is able to play, add him to the list.  If not, add Maroney to the list.  Saints to start include QB Drew Brees, RBs Pierre Thomas & Mike Bell, TE Jeremy Shockey, WR Marques Colston, and K John Carney.  Add WRs Robert Meachem & Devery Henderson to the list in deep leagues, and add RB Reggie Bush (Questionable-knee) to the list if he plays.  Leave WR Lance Moore (ankle) out of your lineup even if he returns this week.

Good luck to your teams this weekend, and Happy Thanksgiving! 

Until next time,

The Sherpa

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