Fantasy Football Week 16 Start Em, Sit Em Lineup Advice and Projections

December 21, 2009 By 129 Comments

These start ‘em, sit ‘em picks are from 2009!!!!

Click to see our 2010 Week 16 start ‘em, sit ‘em picks.

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While watching the Browns-Chiefs game on Sunday, one thought dominated my mind: WTF?

Who would have thought that in Week 15, when most leagues are in their Final Four, that the best RB you could have had starting would be Jerome Harrison…or that Joshua Cribbs would total 300+ yards and score 2 TDs.

Unbelievable right?

Well, that’s the beauty and the frustration of fantasy football, and last week certainly proved that nothing is a sure thing in this schizophrenic game that we all play and love.

Now we sit here in Week 16, with some leagues in their championship week while others are in their Final Four, and the only real certainty is that someone unexpected will rise up and have a ridiculous Week 16. The only questions are who it will be and whether or not you will have that player on your roster.

Before we look at the Week 16 start em and sit em picks, below is an assessment of how I did last week. I hit .500 on my Brady-Moss start ‘em pick from last week. And I whiffed big time on Knowshon Moreno, which really surprised me. But the sit ‘em picks were pretty solid.

  • Start em hits: WR Randy Moss, NE; TE Fred Davis, WAS
  • Start em misses: QB Tom Brady, NE; RB Knowshon Moreno, DEN; D/ST Denver Broncos
  • Sit em hits: QB Brett Favre, MIN; RB Matt Forte, CHI; WR Roddy White, ATL; TE Greg Olsen, CHI; D/ST Cincinnati Bengals
  • Sit em misses: None

And real quick, before we get into this week’s start em, sit em picks, here is a quick note from our sponsor, Sadler’s Smokehouse.

fantasy football week 15 start em, sit em projections - tom brady, randy moss, brett favre, moreno, benson, roddy whiteCertain content on MSF is sponsored by Sadler’s Smokehouse, a producer of premium pit smoked meats that are best described by Sadler’s slogan: Legendary since 1948.

Sadler’s premium meats are perfect for tailgating on Saturday, for grilling out at home on Sunday, or for when you are hosting a group of friends, or even just the family, on Monday night.

With a variety of delicious choices (beef, pork, ribs, turkey, brisket, and more) and availability at grocery stores throughout the U.S., Sadler’s meats are the tasty, convenient choice when you want to watch the big game and eat well while you’re doing it.

Support MSF by visiting the Sadler’s Smokehouse website: Sadler’s Smokehouse

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Fantasy Football Week 16

Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em Lineup Advice and Projections

Week 16 Start ‘em, Sit ‘em Picks: Quarterbacks

Start ‘em: Alex Smith, San Francisco (vs Detroit)

fantasy football week 16 start em, sit em projections - alex smith, donovan mcnabb, cedric benson, jermichael finley, josh morgan, roddy white, matt forteOn this very website, our friends from Nova Fantasy Sports recommended that you not place any trust in Alex Smith for the rest of the season. God love ‘em – and clearly we do, because we syndicate Nova’s content on our site – but I wholeheartedly disagree. If you have Alex Smith on your roster, and no clear-cut stud (i.e. Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees, etc.) above him, starting Smith could very well propel you to a championship.

Why? Consider the following:

  • Detroit has given up 31 TD passes this season. 31! And they have picked off only nine passes. The Lions are, without question, the easiest team to throw on in the NFL.
  • Brady Quinn has thrown eight TD passes this season. Four of them came against the Lions. His QB rating for the season is 67.2, yet it was 133.1 against the Lions.
  • Alex Smith had thrown at least two TDs in four straight games coming into Week 15. No, he did not fare well agains the Eagles, but he did throw a TD to keep his streak alive, and it’s important to remember how poor the weather conditions were and how many play-makers the Eagles have in their secondary.

This week, with the 49ers returning to the warm and friendly confines of the Bay Area, I look for Alex Smith to return to his 2-TD ways that made him such a solid and underrated option from Week 11-14. Don’t be scared off by last week.

Yes, Detroit’s defense is that bad.

Alex Smith Week 16 fantasy projection: 275 yards passing, 2 TDs, 1 INTs

Other start ‘em QBs for Week 16:

  • Aaron Rodgers is going to have a monster day against Seattle. I think the same is true for Drew Brees against Tampa.
  • Don’t be scared seeing the red hot Titans opposite Philip Rivers. This team still gives up passing yards, and Rivers is too good to sit against anybody.
  • Tom Brady is a definite start this week. Jacksonville is not good against the pass and I think the Patriots’ passing game gets back on track this week.

Sit ‘em: Donovan McNabb, Philadelphia (vs Denver)

fantasy football week 16 start em, sit em projections - alex smith, donovan mcnabb, cedric benson, jermichael finley, josh morgan, roddy white, matt forteI came really close to putting Brett Favre here for the third week in a row, and I even considered Peyton Manning because of his matchup (Jets), but I finally settled on Donovan McNabb for a few reasons:

  1. McNabb has throw only one TD in three of his last four games (with the other game being a two-TD outing). Plus, he has been intercepted four times during that span.
  2. The game is in Philadelphia at the end of December. The threat of awful throwing conditions is omnipresent.
  3. Denver is a desperate team that just lost to the Raiders on a TD pass from JaMarcus Russell. Something tells me their pride will be challenged this week by a head coach to doesn’t mince words or emotions.
  4. Despite their loss to Oakland, Denver gives up the second fewest passing yards per game in the NFL, and has given up only 15 TD passes all year.

Add it all up and this looks like a one TD game for McNabb. That is not terrible, and I don’t think that McNabb will be a total bust, but I know that you’re hoping for more than one TD as you fight for a title. If that’s the case, and you think you’ll need it to win, look elsewhere.

Donovan McNabb Week 16 fantasy projection: 200 yards passing, 1 TD, 1 INT

Other sit ‘em QBs for Week 16:

  • If Peyton Manning is slotted to play the whole game, you have to play him. Just beware. The Jets have given up only 8 TDs all season, and with their attacking style of defense I would not be surprised to see Jim Caldwell want to get Peyton out of there as quickly as possible. I’m not saying don’t play him, but if you have a really good alternative, I’d consider it.
  • Don’t get too excited about Matt Ryan’s return from injury. The Falcons play the Bills this week, a team with the 3rd-rated pass defense in the league, which has surrendered only 11 passing TDs all year.
  • I am not a fan of Eli Manning playing against the Panthers this week. Carolina is very good against the pass, as they showed the Vikings on Sunday night in Week 15.

Week 16 Start ‘em, Sit ‘em Picks: Running Backs

Start ‘em: Cedric Benson, Cincinnati (vs Kansas City)

You probably thought I was going to go with Jerome Harrison here, and I almost did, but because Benson has gotten more consistent touches this season, and is facing the team that nearly allowed Harrison to pop for 300 yards, I decided to go Benson’s way.

You have likely become very frustrated by Cedric Benson lately, as he has not scored a TD since Week 9. He also seen his yard per carry average drop since midseason, both of which are reasons I have cited him as a sit candidate in many recent weeks.

With the Chiefs on the schedule, however, I think Benson deserves to be removed from your bench and dusted off for a start.

Kansas City gives up a TD per game and 4.8 yards per carry. And if you watched the Browns-Chiefs game, you know that this is a tired-looking defense that appears to be doing nothing more than playing out the string. With the Chiefs’ Week 16 game in Cincinnati virtually meaningless, I look for the Bengals to run roughshod over them and as they try to get Benson on track for the playoffs.

Cedric Benson Week 16 fantasy projection: 25 carries, 125 yards, 1 TD, 2 rec, 10 yards

Other start ‘em RBs for Week 16:

  • I am always scared whenever Jerome Harrison has a game because, counter-intuitively, he doesn’t seem to get touches the next week. I think his ridiculous Week 15 performance dictates that he will get plenty of touches in Week 16, and he has a very tasty matchup against Oakland. I’ve always loved Harrison and considered him a sleeper, as consistent readers of this site know; if you’ve got him, deploy him with confidence (finally!) this week.
  • Jason Snelling gets to face the league’s worst run defense: the Bills. With Michael Turner out for the season, Snelling is in line for a big day.
  • Beanie Wells needs to be in your lineup. He has scored two straight weeks and has averaged 5.3 and 6.5 yards per carry, respectively. Oh, and the Cardinals are facing a pretty poor Rams run D.

Sit ‘em: Matt Forte, Chicago (vs Minnesota)

Do I sound like a broken record? I have consistently been telling you to sit Matt Forte during the stretch run, and he has consistently been sucking. This week will be no different, as no team in the NFL has given up fewer rushing TDs than Minnesota (four).

I expect the Vikings defense to come out and absolutely destroy the Bears’ running game. Forte has only 754 yards rushing on the season, with a paltry 3.4 yard average. He’ll be lucky to even reach that level against the Williams Wall. He is also not catching as many passes he once did, which renders him even more useless.

You know that I love RBs as flex plays, but I disqualify Forte from even that discussion this week. Sit him. In fact, I can’t even imagine that you’re still interested in fantasy football in Week 16 if Forte is a possible starter for you. But if he is, let me reiterate: sit him.

Matt Forte Week 16 fantasy projection: 13 carries, 40 yards, 4 receptions, 30 yards

Other sit ‘em RBs for Week 16:

  • Green Bay’s defense is doing a great job against the run, meaning that Justin Forsett should probably see your bench this week.
  • Hello? Earth to LeSean McCoy? Are you there? What the hell happened to the guy that we all thought would be a slam-dunk stud if anything happened to Brian Westbrook? I know he scored a TD last week, but if he’s only getting 10-12 touches per game, he simply can’t be counted on to be consistent.
  • Maurice Morris was a nice story in Week 15, but most of his damage came on one run. San Francisco is better against the run than Arizona, so I’d temper my expectations for Morris in Week 16.

Week 16 Start ‘em, Sit ‘em Picks: Wide Receivers


Start ‘em: Josh Morgan, San Francisco (Detroit)

Josh Morgan? I know what you’re thinking. You expect me to start Josh Morgan with my season hanging in the balance?

It’s all relative, but I think Morgan could be an outstanding WR#3 or flex option this week. Here are the numbers:

  • First, scroll up and re-read what I wrote about Alex Smith and how bad the Detroit defense is against the pass.
  • Then, consider that Morgan has caught at least six passes in three of his last four games. In two of those games, he caught a touchdown. And last week, Morgan had his best game of the season: 7 catches, 61 yards, and a TD against the Eagles.
  • He also returns kickoffs, which can give you a few extra points depending on your league.

I really think that the 49ers’ passing game will come alive this week, despite Detroit’s best efforts to contain Michael Crabtree, Vernon Davis, and Frank Gore out of the backfield. With Morgan as the fourth option, he’ll be matched up against someone who is not very good at all. He should be able to take advantage.

Josh Morgan Week 16 fantasy projection: 7 receptions, 60 yards, 1 TD

Other start ‘em WRs for Week 16:

  • Keep running Derrick Mason out there because his consistent production is like gold this time of year. The matchup against Pittsburgh doesn’t hurt either. (Who would have thought we’d be saying that at this point in the year!)
  • Speaking of San Francisco WRs, yes, I do think that Michael Crabtree is startable this week.
  • Hines Ward has returned to his old self again, grabbing 17 balls for 200 yards over the last three weeks. And you know he always has extra hop in his step when the Ravens are coming to town.

Sit ‘em: Roddy White, Atlanta (vs Buffalo)

Roddy White was so good and so consistent there for a while, but he has fallen on hard times recently. Injuries to your QB and tough matchups (the Saints and Jets) will do that to you.

In Week 16, White will have his QB back but he will face another stingy pass defense in the Buffalo Bills, who have given up just 11 TD passes all year long. Tom Brady struggled all day against the Bills and I think Ryan will too, which will hinder his #1 target.

With a championship on the line, there are many better options than White.

Roddy White Week 16 fantasy projection: 4 receptions, 50 yards, 0 TDs

Other sit ‘em WRs for Week 16:

  • Just as I said about Peyton Manning, you should think long and hard about starting Reggie Wayne this week. He dominated a very poor Jacksonville secondary last week, but had actually been struggling for a few weeks prior to that. This week, he’ll be facing Darrelle Revis, who was owned everyone he’s faced this year. It will depend on your matchups, but this is one week where sitting Wayne just might be justified.
  • I know that someone is going to ask me about Roy Williams for Week 16 and the answer is going to be no. He fell to only one catch last week and Washington has given up only 13 TD passes all season (note: stat is prior to Monday night game against the Giants).
  • Considering the issues his offense is having, the issues he’s having with migraines, and his poor one catch performance Sunday night, I’d sit Percy Harvin against the Bears. Can you really trust him right now with your season on the line?

Week 16 Start ‘em, Sit ‘em Picks: Tight Ends

Start ‘em: Jermichael Finley, Green Bay (vs Seattle)

Jermichael Finley may be the best tight end in fantasy football right now. He’s caught 21 passes over the last three weeks for 223 yards and three TDs. That is outstanding production. This week, he and the Packers face a terrible Seattle defense that has nothing to play for. I think Driver, Jennings, and Finley will all have very productive weeks.

Just make sure that you grab Finley if he’s somehow still available in your league, and that you start him. He’s quickly becoming a red zone favorite of a QB who is throwing 2-3 TDs every single week.

Jermichael Finley Week 16 fantasy projection: 6 receptions, 71 yards, 1 TD

Other start ‘em WRs for Week 16:

  • Do not be discouraged by Vernon Davis’ lack of production last week. He’s the #1 TE in fantasy this season for a reason. Start him.
  • Brent Celek should be able to find some opportunities this week against a Denver defense that will make things tough on the Eagles’ WRs. Plus, Celek has at least four catches and at least 64 yards over the last two weeks.
  • Cleveland gives up a lot of catches to tight ends. Zach Miller could be a decent option this week.

Sit ‘em: Visanthe Shiancoe, Minnesota (at Chicago)

Shiancoe does not get enough catches or yards to be a starting tight end if he isn’t catching touchdowns. He has now gone two straight weeks without a TD as the Vikings’ offense has really sputtered. I’d be wary of starting any Vikings pass catchers this week as Brett Favre has not been a good cold weather quarterback for a while now.

Visanthe Shiancoe Week 16 fantasy projection: 2 receptions, 15 yards, 0 TD

Other sit ‘em TEs for Week 16:

  • Mercedes Lewis hauled in four catches for 53 yards against the Colts last week, but I don’t like Jacksonville to be able to do much against the Patriots this week.
  • Fred Davis has been outstanding the second half of this season, but Dallas has terrific LBs that will things tough on him this week.
  • Jeremy Shockey continues to be worthless, so you should continue to sit him.

Week 16 Start ‘em, Sit ‘em Picks: Defense / Special Teams Units

Start ‘em: Green Bay Packers D/ST (vs Seattle)

I know that they let you down in Week 15, but the Packers will dominate the Seahawks this week. Seattle has virtually no play-makers on offense that are doing anything right now, and even Matt Hasselbeck is playing terrible. Take into account the fact that this game is in Green Bay, in the bitter cold, and that the Packers are the only ones with something to play for…and this could be a 20-25 point fantasy day for the Packers D.

Green Bay Packers D/ST Week 16 fantasy projection: 14 pts or less, 3 TOs, 3 sacks

Other start ‘em D/ST units for Week 16:

  • Indianapolis is a solid start against a rookie QB. The same is true for New Orleans.
  • You have to like San Francisco’s defense against the Lions and whoever they run out there at QB. Same is true for Arizona, despite their struggles, who should have a bounce back game at home versus St. Louis.

Sit ‘em: Pittsburgh Steelers D/ST (vs Baltimore)

I know that there are some of you out there who spent an early pick on the Steelers defense. And even though they are struggling, there is still a part of you that is wondering if you should play them this week against the Ravens.

Here is some simple advice: DON’T!

Without Troy Polamalu this defense cannot stop anybody. Baltimore is getting hot offensively at the right time, and there is a very strong likelihood that this game could be a shootout. I’d stay far away.

Baltimore Ravens D/ST Week 16 fantasy projection: 24 pts or more, 1 TO, 2 sacks

Other sit ‘em D/ST units for Week 16:

  • For the same reasons, I’d sit Baltimore. This is not the Steelers and Ravens of last year. These two teams follow the lead of their offenses now.
  • Denver gave up a game-winning TD to JaMarcus Russell. Now they travel to face a Philly team with a lot of weapons. Even though Donovan McNabb is my sit, I’d still try to find another defense to go with.

I know leave you to enjoy tonight’s Monday night game, which I presume is pivotal for many of you. Personally, the fate of four of my teams will be determined tonight. I will move onto the championship game in one of my leagues for sure, but there are three other leagues for which Quinton Ganther will determine my fate.

I need two TDs from you tonight Quinton. Come on! I know you can do it!

This week is obviously going to be a little tricky as I will not be in the office from Wednesday on, but I will still do my best to answer as many of your Week 16 questions as I can. I am hoping that there are a lot of them, because that will mean that many of our usual suspects won in Week 15.

For those of you playing on into Week 16, best of luck. It’s been a long season, and I’ll do my best to help you finish strong.

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* – Alex Smith photo credit: Gary Trott, Getty Images via FanHouse

* – Donovan McNabb photo credit: ReceivingMe.com

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Filed Under: Fantasy Football, Fantasy Sports, NFL Tagged With: alex smith fantasy, alex smith week 16 projection, cedric benson fantasy, cedric benson week 16 projection, donovan mcnabb fantasy, donovan mcnabb week 16 projection, Fantasy Football, fantasy football week 16, fantasy football week 16 start em sit em, Jermichael Finley fantasy, jermichael finley week 16 projection, josh morgan fantasy, josh morgan week 16 projection, matt forte fantasy, matt forte week 16 projection, roddy white fantasy, roddy white week 16 projection, visanthe shiancoe fantasy, visanthe shiancoe week 16 projection, week 16 fantasy projections, week 16 lineup advice, week 16 projections, week 16 start em sit em
About Jerod Morris

A proud graduate of Indiana University, Jerod Morris founded Midwest Sports Fans in August of 2008 and has been its Managing Editor every day since. Follow him on Twitter (@JerodMorris) for MSF updates, sports discussion, and a compelling daily assortment of funny and interesting links.
In addition to his work at MSF, Jerod hosts the fast-growing Indiana basketball postgame show The Assembly Call and provides regular music recommendations at IndieChristmas.com. He also helped develop the Synthesis Managed WordPress Hosting platform on which MSF and all of his other sites are run.

  • Jason

    Hey Jerod,

    First of all, thank you for your advice this season as I am now in the first week of the championship game.

    Now for my questions about my lineup…I'm in a non-ppr league with 2RB/2WR/1 Flex. My RBs consist of Chris Johnson, Benson, Charles, and Turner (who could be done for the year). Johnson and Benson both start this week.

    My WRs are Wayne, Garcon, Sidney Rice, MSW, Miles Austin, and Colston. Which 2 would you start this week?

    For my flex, would you go with Charles, another WR, or do you suggest I drop one of my WR and pick up Jason Snelling (due to Turner probably not playing and facing the Bills) or Jonathan Stewart (if Deangelo Williams is unable to play)? I hate to make a drastic move for the championship game, but most of my WR have unfavorable matchups. Both Snelling and Stewart face defenses who have given up a boatload of tds on the ground, while Charles faces the Bengals. Thoughts?

    Thanks again man and sorry for the novel.

  • http://intensedebate.com/people/JerodMSF JerodMSF

    Congrats Jason and best of luck this week! As I write this I am hoping for another TD from Ganther, which would propel me into the playoffs in one of my leagues.

    RB-CJ
    RB-Benson
    WR-Austin
    WR-Colston
    Flex-Jason Snelling!!! definitely pick him up, and yes I trust him over anyone else on your roster because of the matchup. All RBs do well against the Bills. After him, I'd play Stewart IF DAW is out. If you can't get them, then I'd play Wayne. This is one of those cases where I'd sit Wayne, because you have some other really solid options.

    Kick ass this week. Let me know how you finish up.

  • http://intensedebate.com/people/JerodMSF JerodMSF

    QB Wow…Flacco or Big Ben and they are playing eachother! Flacco has played well two weeks in a row and I think Pitt's D is worse than Baltimore's against the pass. I'd go with Joe, but it's very close.
    RB AP
    Flex Charles
    WR Austin
    WR Jennings
    TE Whoever your TE is
    D Bengals

    I would definitely go with Charles because he is more ingrained in his offense than Forsett and Bush and Charles has had two terrific weeks in a row. Yes, Cincy's D is good, but Charles will get plenty of opportunities to make plays. And don't worry about playing him and the Bengals D. Charles could have 125 yards rushing and a TD (a very good day) and if the Bengals only give up 10 points, you do well on both fronts. Just look at it position-by-position. To me, those are your best bets.

    K

  • Bob

    Do you think Brees will actually play that much in week 16 and if he does, dont you think they'll run the ball more than usual? He was 19 for 29 with 3TD's in week 11 against Tampa, but now wouldn't it be risky to have him get hurt when Tampa's run defense is so weak? If so, would Flacco or Alex Smith be a better start? What are your thoughts??

  • maxdo

    Hi Jerod,

    I have advanced to the 2nd round in the playoffs. And of course, I want to inflict damage to my opponent in week 16.

    Here we go!

    *PPR league

    QB – Schaub or Rivers (do you think Rivers might sit early during this matchup?)
    RB – CJ, Charles, Moreno, J. Harrison
    WR – AJ, Rice, MSW, S. Smith, Garcon
    TE – Gates or Finley

    Thanks in advance!

  • maxdo

    Sorry Jerod, I have revised my request.

    I have advanced to the 2nd round in the playoffs. And of course, I want to inflict damage to my opponent in week 16.

    Here we go!

    *PPR league

    QB – Schaub or Rivers (do you think Rivers might sit early during this matchup?)
    RB – CJ, Charles, Moreno, J. Harrison (pick 2)
    WR – AJ, Rice, MSW, S. Smith, Garcon (pick 2)
    TE – Gates or Finley

    Thanks in advance!

  • http://www.vicariously.tv Nick

    Made it! In the finals after a real barn burner (won by 2 points on Monday night thanks to Brandon Jacobs' barely passable production). Now…

    I've been a happy Vernon Davis owner all season, and picked up Finely off waivers midseason as a backup. Now I'm faced with a scenario in which Finley's production has been ramping up and VD is coming off a dud. Both teams have nice matchups, so here's the other info: I'm starting Rodgers and Greg Jennings, and my opponent is likely to start Alex Smith. Do I want all my eggs in the GB basket or should I try to siphon points off my opponent when Smith completes TDs to VD?

    Also, do I need to be worried about Brandon Jacobs at Carolina? Or LT against Tenn this week? If SJAX is healthy, he makes up the other third of my RB core. I could replace any one of these guys with Mike Sims Walker or Chester Taylor in the flex, though. Thoughts?

    Again, thanks for all the advice this year.

  • Mike

    Hey Jerod,

    First of all, thanks for your columns and great advice this season. Your calls on my post last week were really spot on for Maroney, and especially Fred Davis over Celek turned out to be the difference between making it to the fantasy superbowl by 6 pts as against not making it by a mere 0.6 points!!!

    So, here's what I think my line up is going to be, but would really appreciate your comments and endorsement,
    QB- Brees/ Def – IND (picking up off waiver)/K – Hartley
    2WR – Welker, Colston (bn Harvin)
    2RB – MJD, Jerome Harrison (bn Pierre Thomas); decided to drop Maroney for Finley, more so since the opponent is playing Rodgers & GJennings
    1TE – Finley (bn – Celek, Fred Davis)

    Please let me know your thoughts. Just not too sure about K and WR both NO – can't do anything about Colston but should I be looking to pick a K off the free agents – rackers, tynes, prater are available? Also, for RB Ganther just got available on the waivers … worthy of a pick up and deployment instead of harrison?

    Thanks again & happy holidays!

  • Chester

    Hey Jerod
    Im in the super bowl this week and am in a major pickle. I need your advice big time, as I have several tricky match-ups. If you have a moment, I'd appreciate your thoughts. (non ppr league, 1 QB, 1 RB, 1 flex, 2 WR, 1 TE, 1 D/ST, 1 K)
    QB's: Flacco, Big Ben
    WR's: Austin, MSW, G. Jennings,
    RB's: AP, J. Charles, Forsett, R. Bush
    D/ST: Ravens, Bengals

    I am hesitant about playing the Bengals D because I'd love to roll the dice with J. Charles again. But i don't want to play the Ravens D because I expect big things from Big Ben. How would you play that?

    RB's: AP is an automatic for me, but I don't know if I can rely on Forsett to get touches. Should i go with Charles at flex?

    My head is spinning with the possibilities. Some big cash is on the line. Your advice is much appreciated.

    Thanks – happy holidays

  • http://intensedebate.com/people/JerodMSF JerodMSF

    No, I think Brees is going to play. The Saints are coming off of their first loss of the season and do not want to limp into the playoffs. If they'd played great against Dallas, I could see them starting to ease the foot off the pedal a bit. And maybe they do in Week 17 if they play well this week. I still would want Drew Brees as my quarterback with my season on the line. Flacco and Smith have good matchups, there is no question. But they are also Flacco and Smith…not Brees. Brees brought you this far and he has been one of the three most dominating QBs statistically this decade. You have to start him, especially with the Saints undoubtedly smarting from last week's loss.

    Good question, and it's certainly valid to consider, but don't overthink it. Unless you read something that says New Orleans is going to run more than usual or that Brees won't play much, he's your QB.

  • http://intensedebate.com/people/JerodMSF JerodMSF

    Well then let's help you inflict some damage.

    QB – I'd go with Schaub here, although it's very close. And what tips the scales is that San Diego is essentially playing for nothing. Tennessee certainly is susceptible to the pass, so I think Rivers could have a very strong day, but Schaub will be taking every snap in what should be a close game. And with Vince Young throwing for 3 TDs last week against Miami, you have to like Schaub's chances against the Dolphins' young secondary.

    RB – CJ, Harrison, Charles, Moreno (in order)

    WR – AJ, S. Smith (either one, CAR or NYG), MSW, Rice, Garcon

    TE – Finley (it's close, but again, the threat of Gates not playing tips the scales and Finley has outproduced him the last two weeks.)

    BEst of luck Max! Hopefully we see you here next week prepping for your championship game.

  • http://intensedebate.com/people/JerodMSF JerodMSF

    Didn't see this. My first comment still stands as I listed the RBs and WRs in order. Just take the first two.

  • http://intensedebate.com/people/JerodMSF JerodMSF

    Oh boy…that's a good question. I've never really cared all that much about "siphoning off" points from someone else. If you think Finley will score more than VD (all else being equal), you play him.

    However, the "eggs in one basket" theory is valid. If GB struggles against Seattle somehow (highly doubtful), then you could get screwed at three positions. In the regular season, I might roll the dice on something like this, or if I had a crappy second TE. But since you have the #1 scoring TE in fantasy football this year as the alternative, you play him.

    Starting Davis, as you suggested, hedges your GB bets and will cancel out some of Alex Smith's production (not that important, but still valid). And Davis is good enough to warrant doing so, because his matchup is even better than Finley's.

    It's a tricky call, but go with Davis.

    As for Jacobs, Carolina 24th in the league against the run and gives up almost a TD per game. They are much better against the pass. Jacobs should have a solid day. As for LT, sure, I'd be a bit worried. But I still think he can and will have a day similar to what Ricky Williams had last week: 70-80 yards and a score. Tomlinson is just too good a redzone back and too good of an offense to sit him for the inconsistent MSW or Taylor.

    Best of luck Nick! Bring home the title.

  • http://intensedebate.com/people/JerodMSF JerodMSF

    Happy to hear that Mike. I'm glad there are so many of you coming back this week…that means a lot of people did better than I did in their semi-final matchups. (And Fred Davis, by the way, is proving to be quite the steal. What does Washington do with Chris Cooley now? If I'm the Cleveland Browns, I'm getting on the phone and getting one of those guys. Anyway…)

    Kickers are a damn dime a dozen so it's really hard to offer advice on them. I'd try to grab a guy playing on a good offense in good weather. That said, I'd probably want Rackers. The Cardinals are at home and St. Louis is playing hard enough right now that they could force some field goals. But I wouldn't bet $.05 that Rackers will be better than Hartley…because who the hell knows. Go with your gut on that one and don't look abck.

    I agree with your other choices. After last week, and with Oakland on the schedule, I think you have to play Harrison over PT. And Finley would get the start for me, although your other two TE options are outstanding.

    Ganther is good, but I'd start Harrison over him. Matchup.

    Kick ass this week Mike and then come back and let us know how you do.

  • Scott

    Hey Jerod,

    So I just made it to the finals after starting the season 1-6 and just sneaking into the playoffs. I've had my two best weeks in weeks 1 and 2 of the playoffs and I think if I get the pickup I want on the waiver this week I''m going to have a great shot at winning it all.

    I have two questions. I'm picking up Jerome Harrison and Jason Snelling on the waiver this week and I currently have Benson and Charles on my team already. Out of these four backs whom could all have a GREAT day which three do you think I should start. I was thinking Charles, Harrison, Benson and I only picked up Snelling so my opponent can't have him but now I am seriously considering starting him myself.

    Also out of DeSean Jackson, Steve Smith (NY), Mason, and Ward which two do you think I should give the green light to?
    Jackson and Mason?

    Thanks for the advice as always!

  • Lou D.

    Allright, Jerod, made the championship … (thanks for all your help along the way)!!!

    QB problems – need to start 2:
    Peyton Manning, Matthew Stafford and Josh Freeman (it REALLY stinks that Peyton is not a sure thing anymore).

    WRs – need 3:
    Sidney Rice, Hines Ward, Hakeem Nicks, Kenny Britt.
    Also avail. – Chris Chambers, Antonio Bryant, Dwayne Bowe, Devin Thomas, Danny Amendola,

    RBs – need 3:
    DeAngelo Williams, Ced Benson, Jamaal Charles, Quinton Ganther, Maurice Morris or Tim Hightower
    Also avail – Ryan Moats, Mike Bell, Michael Bush, Derrick Ward

    Thanks for all your help this year. Cross your fingers for me!

  • George

    Jerod,

    I won my playoff round by 1 pt! Starting Fred Davis over Celek was the difference. I also had Ganther in my lineup. Celek's been a stud for me this year but thanks for encouraging us to get and play Fred Davis. He almost had 2 TD's last night was the only bright spot on the skins.

    So I'm in the Championship now which runs for the next two weeks and I want to at least stay close to my opponent this week. He has Aaron Rodgers…yikes! Here are my possibilities in my non-ppr ESPN 12 team league:

    QB Peyton(JETS)(the saga of will he or won't he continues) or Cutler(MINN)…. Yikes!!!
    RB Addai(JETS)/Maronney(JAC)/Ganther(DAL)/JSTEW(@NYG)/Arian Foster(@Mia)/Matt Forte(MINN)
    WR Miles Austin(@WASH)/Ocho Cinco(KC)/Driver(SEA)/Austin Collie(JETS)
    TE Celek(DEN)/Fred Davis(DAL)
    K Akers(DEN)
    Def Broncos(@PHI)/Cards(ST. LOUIS)

    I'm thinking Peyton(not sure though),Maronney,JSTEW,Mr. 85,Miles Austin,Driver/Akers/Cards def. What do you think?
    THANKS!!!!!!!!

  • Mike

    Hey Jerod,
    I'm in the semi finals in my league and up against my rival. It seems like whenever I play him all of his guys have huge games, and I always end up losing by A LOT!! So i want to beat him when it matters. I'm in a PPR league.
    Starters:
    A. Rodgers
    R. Moss
    D. Jackson
    MJD
    L.Maroney
    MSW (flex)
    J.Witten
    D. Carpenter (K)
    Clevland (DEF)
    Bench:
    R.Meachem
    T.O
    K.Boss
    J.Cutler
    V. Young
    J.Harrison
    O.Mare (K)
    PITT (def)
    IND (def)

    I want to start J. Harrison but I'm not sure if I should start him over MSW in the flex spot or over L.Maroney in the RB2 spot. Also I just picked up CLE defense because they play OAK and also J. Cribbs scored 2 TD on returns and I get points for that so thanks for all your advice!

  • Brian

    Forgot to mention, all 3 leagues are no PPR, no flex.

  • Justin

    Hey man, you seem to know what you're talking about. Reached the Superbowl in my league, and I'm up against my rival, who I am 2-0 against in the regular season. He's looking to win poetically by crushing me, who gave him his only 2 losses this year. He can very well do it too, seeing as how he has a crazy good team in Aaron Rogers, Andre Johnson, Ochocinco, L.T., Ray Rice, and N.O. Defense. Any help you can give me would be greatly appreciated! It's a PPR league.

    QB: Peyton Manning, Jason Campbell
    RB: Steven Jackson, Fred Jackson, K.Moreno, Reggie Bush
    WR: Derrick Mason, Wes Welker, Kenny Britt, Hakeem Nicks
    TE: Dallas Clark, Jermichael Finley
    K: Rob Bironas
    Def: Philadelphia

    Gotta play 1 QB, 2 RB, 2 WR, 1 TE, 1 K, and 1 Def.

    (See next comment for the 2nd half, as it was too long to post into one comment)

  • Justin

    The big question for the QB slot is WILL P.MANNING PLAY MUCH this week??? Are they going to try for that 16-0 season or will they rest him to have him fresh for the post-season? This also could be said about TE Dallas Clark, who has been fairly productive for me all season.

    I'm also going back and forth with my RBs. Last week I decided to bench S.Jackson and F.Jackson, and put in K.Moreno and R.Bush, which turned out to be a horrible decision. S.Jackson has been battling the hurt back, but he still keeps playing entire games, and he put up decent numbers this past sunday. I keep putting my faith in R.Bush thinking that he will get more play as P.Thomas gets more rest. Do you think now that the Saints have their first loss, this will be true in Wk.16?

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  • George

    Jerod,

    Would you start J. Finley over Celek and Fred Davis this week? Finley is available on waivers in my league. I have celek and Davis now.

    Thanks!

  • http://intensedebate.com/people/JerodMSF JerodMSF

    Wow…what a comeback! You did what the Tennessee Titans are still trying to do. 1-6 to the playoffs. Hats off to you.

    Out of those three, I would go with the three you named: Benson, Harrison, Charles. I like Snelling, and love his matchup, but have less faith that he'll get the lion's share of the carries, as the other three should.

    At WR, I don't think you can justify sitting Desean Jackson even against Denver, and I'd also play Mason. Carolina is doing a good job against the pass this year and Ward has been the least consistent of the four.

    Best of luck!

  • http://intensedebate.com/people/JerodMSF JerodMSF

    Glad to hear Lou.

    At QB, I think you have to go with Manning and Stafford (if he plays). I'm not a big fan of Freeman in a nasty environment like the Superdome with the Saints coming off of a loss.

    WR: Rice, Ward, and…then it gets tough. Nicks hurt his hammy and Britt has been up and down. Chambers is coming off of a big game but is always inconsistent and not playing the Browns this week. I would probably go with Bowe myself, but it's really a toss up.

    RB: (in order) DAW (if he plays), Benson, Charles, Ganther, Morris, Hightower (I don't like any of the other guys except for Bush, and he has a nice matchup against Cleveland. I would probably drop Britt just so I had him, and if DAW doesn't play, I'd strongly consider playing him over Ganther, who has a tough matchup against Dallas.)

  • http://intensedebate.com/people/JerodMSF JerodMSF

    One point! Nice! Yeah, Fred Davis has been huge for a lot of people.

    QB: Peyton…although Cutler is at least at home, where he plays better.
    RB: (in order) JStew (if DAW doesn't play), Maroney, Addai, Ganther, Forte, Foster
    WR: Austin, Ocho, Driver, Collie (in order)
    TE: I like Celek this week. Dallas' D has been playing very well lately.
    D – Arizona

    Get off to a good start! Keep us posted on how you do.

  • http://intensedebate.com/people/JerodMSF JerodMSF

    I hate guys like that.

    Yes, I'd start Harrison over MSW. Matchup and expected touches tip the scales. Keep Maroney in there.

    I would not play Cleveland's D over Indy. The Colts are facing the Jets and Mark Sanchez. Special teams points are way too inconsistent to count on, even for Cleveland.

    I agree with the rest of your choices. Kick some ass!

  • http://intensedebate.com/people/JerodMSF JerodMSF

    In league 1, I would play Ray Rice over Charles. I know that Charles has been doing well, but Rice gets so many touches and has been more consistent over the course of the year. Even against Pittsburgh I'd start him. Tough to sit Flacco against Pitt, but I would because Detroit is just so bad.

    In league 2, I would start Marion Barber over MSW if that's a flex spot. Otherwise, I'd keep it as you have it with the exception of Sidney Rice, who I'd play over MSW as your 3rd WR. More consistent and the Bears are awful against the pass.

    In league 3, I'd start Harrison over Charles because of the matchup. VY is not a bad choice this week, but you can't sit Peyton if he's expected to play the full game. Track the news coming out of Colts camp. Right now, I'd stick with Peyton.

    Thanks a lot for the kind words Brian. Best of luck this week and let us know how you do.

  • http://intensedebate.com/people/JerodMSF JerodMSF

    Haha, look at that, you answered my flex question before I even asked it!

  • Brian

    After reading some of these comments, let me run something else by you for League 2 regarding choice of RBs. Pick 2 of the following: Ricky Williams, Jerome Harrison, Jason Snelling, Marion Barber. My gut is telling me it should be the order I listed them.

    Also worried now about Gates not playing much. So, would you start Heath Miller in his place?

    Not many options at QB to turn two in place of Rivers. Scared about the playing time there. Best options from the wire would be Orton or VY.

  • http://intensedebate.com/people/JerodMSF JerodMSF

    He does have a good team, but you are more than capable of handing him loss #3 on the season.

    QB Peyton (track the news though as far as what the Colts plan to do)
    RB SJax
    RB Fred Jackson
    WR Mason
    WR Welker
    TE Clark (I love Finley, but not over Clark, who could get more catches with Darrelle Revis blanketing Reggie Wayne)
    K Bironas
    DEF Eagles

  • http://intensedebate.com/people/JerodMSF JerodMSF

    I don't know about Bush. He's been dinged up and I don't think that Sean Payton likes him all that much. I would not want him starting for me.

    As for Manning, I'd play him. I know it's a tough matchup, but it's not like Jason Campbell is going to light up the Cowboys. You have to go with Manning the championship.

    And I like SJax and FJax because they've been more consistent than Moreno and Bush. While the latter two have had flashes of brilliance, you need to make sure that you get production to give yourself a fighting chance.

  • http://intensedebate.com/people/JerodMSF JerodMSF

    I would not trust Kenny Britt to start. He's a 2 or 3 catch guy. And your other options are too good to sit for him.

  • http://intensedebate.com/people/JerodMSF JerodMSF

    I would start Finley over both, but it's extremely close. They are all great options this week. See my comments above in the post.

  • http://intensedebate.com/people/JerodMSF JerodMSF

    I would definitely start Ricky, and I don't know how you sit Jerome Harrison after what he did last week. As for Barber and Snelling, I'd probably go with Barber myself because he's on a better offense, is assured of goalline carries, and because Washington looked terrible the other night. But it's close between the two.

    The problem with Heath Miller is that he had only one catch for two yards against BALT earlier this year. I'd still want Gates starting unless he wasn't going to play at all. I'd start Rivers over either Orton or VY.

  • DRlazor

    Week 16 need help.. QB and WR…

    QB Alex Smith (SF – QB) QBBN Det
    OR
    Joe Flacco (Bal – QB) QBBN @Pit Sun

    2 of the 4 listed below.

    WR Michael Crabtree (SF – WR) WRW/RBN Det
    WR Santonio Holmes (Pit – WR) WRW/RBN Bal
    WR Devery Henderson (NO – WR) WRW/RBN TB
    WR Jerricho Cotchery (NYJ – WR) WRW/RBN @ind

  • Brian

    Will do. League 1 is for 3rd place, unfortunately. Went against Rodgers, Colston, Holmes, S Smith CAR, C Johnson, JonesDrew, Gates, Kaediing, and Arizona last week. What can you do?!

    League 2 is for the championship. League 1 and 2 are money leagues.

    I never have asked about League 3. Its a yahoo public past champion league. I ended up in the championship game of that. I never really get much into public leagues, just use them mainly to practice my drafts. But this one's kind of neat in that I have a shot at winning a champion's league. So I thought I'd throw it out there, see what you thought.

    I'll let you know how they turn out.

  • Brian

    Jerod,

    League 1. Have starting: Alex Smith, R Moss, H Ward, Meachem, Peterson, J Charles, Vernon Davis, Bironas, Saints. On the bench: VY, Flacco, Roy Williams, Kenny Britt, Ray Rice, Jets D. Would you do anything different?

    League 2. Have starting: P Rivers, Andre Johnson, D Mason, Mike Sims-Walker, Ricky Williams, Jerome Harrison, Gates, Gostkowski, Eagles D. On the bench: Sidney Rice, Hakeem Nicks, Josh Cribbs, Michael Turner, Marion Barber, Heath Miller. Would you do anything different?

    League 3: Have starting: Peyton Manning, R Moss, D Jackson, Sims-Walker, Addai, J Charles, J Finley, Tynes, Packers D. On the bench: Favre, just added VY, Jerome Harrison, Forsett, Forte, Fred Davis. Do you think starting VY over Peyton is worth doing – for the reasons you mentioned? Is Jerome Harrison worth starting over either RB? How about my TEs?

    Many thanks for all of your advise this season. You have a great website and great in depth analysis. You do an awesome job. Good luck with you teams, I most assuredly will be back to your website next season.

  • Justin

    In regards to WRs, Wes Welker and D.Mason have been my go-to guys all season. I also feel, though, that K.Britt could have a good game, as the Titans look to stay toe-to-toe with the Chargers' offense. But he is super streaky, and with C.Johnson at the helm, and V.Young being not 100% physically, maybe the Titans' aerial game will be non-existant. I have no idea, is what it comes down to.

    Anyways, thanks in advance for your help. Just gotta win ONE MORE MATCHUP! Good luck to everyone else on this site! Win big and win hard!

    -Justin

  • http://intensedebate.com/people/mrdoctor mrdoctor

    Hello Good Sir!

    This week is the Championship for mine we are battling for 1st place.
    8 team league. 17 man roster

    Okay please your thoughts here are MUCH appreciated:
    I can have
    1 QB RIvers
    3 WR Moss, Mason
    2 RB Benson
    1 TE
    1 WR/RB/TE
    1def Giants
    1 kick Giants

    WR:s
    Randy Moss
    Wes Welker
    Derick Mason
    Sidney Rice
    Mario Manningham
    Chad Ochocinco

    RB:
    Cedric Benson
    Maurice Jones Drew
    Fred Jackson
    Larry Johnson
    Willis McGahee
    Jonathan Stewart

    TE:
    Brent Celek
    Antonio Gates

    Giants Def.. Giants kicker

  • Cameron

    Hello Jerod,

    Awesome stuff last week man, I dominated my opponent just like you said would happen. Now it's time for the big championship game, and I'm actually more confident this week than last.

    My Team –
    C. Palmer QB
    L. Maroney RB
    A. Peterson RB
    M. Austin WR
    A. Boldin WR
    B. Marshall WR
    T. Gonzalez TE
    N. Kaeding K
    Saints DST
    Bench – Mendenhall, Barber, Ward, Packers DST, Bengals DST

    I have 3 questions this week.

    First, I have one open spot at RB, was hoping to replace Maroney with someone that will produce big this week. I have Mendenhall on the bench, as well as Barber – and can pick up Harrison off the waiver wire if needed.

    Next, I'm in a pretty good spot as far as DST matchups go. Having 3 of the top DST's, all with great matchups this week – in the championship round is a wonderful problem to have. Yet, still a problem. I'm leaning towards your recommendation on starting the Packers, like you said they will be playing at home and they absolutely have to win this game. I also think the Saints may have a big game, trying to redeem themselves after losing to Dallas. Which do you think will have the bigger game, and is the safer start?

    My third question is, about TE. My opponent has Vernon Davis, and I will be needing a huge game at the TE slot to play catch up. Tony Gonzalez is by far one of the most consistent TE's in the game. But he doesn't have the huge point potential of Vernon Davis. I have the option to pick up Jermichael Finley which definitely has a huge point potential, which one would you play?

    As for all my other slots, I'm pretty confident they will show up this week and show me the championship I deserve. =)

    Here is my opponents team –

    P. Manning QB
    J. Charles RB
    M. Jones-Drew RB
    P. Harvin WR
    S. Holmes WR
    D. Jackson WR
    V. Davis TE
    M. Prater K
    Jets DST

    He definitely has some big game potential with this line up. Jamaal Charles has been absolutely insane as of the last 3 games, and MJD is always a threat. I hope you're right when you say they will rest Peyton once they get ahead, that would really help me out. I feel that he only has the chance to out do me in the RB, QB, and TE spots. With the right choices and everyone producing this week, I should be able to squeeze out a win.

    Thanks for all your help this season, it's much appreciated.
    -Cameron

  • http://intensedebate.com/people/JerodMSF JerodMSF

    It's very close between Smith and Flacco. I go with Smith because Detroit is so bad, and SF-DET doesn't have the physical, grind-it-out history of PIT-BAL.

    WR – Crabtree and Holmes (Henderson and Cotchery have just been too inconsistent)

  • http://intensedebate.com/people/JerodMSF JerodMSF

    Out of the four RBs you mentioned, I would want Harrison starting because of his matchup (Oakland). After him, I'd rank Maroney 2nd, then Barber.

    That's a tough one. on the D's. I'd rather have the Saints starting because they are going up against a rookie QB in a hostile home environment. That's usually a safe recipe for solid stats from a D.

    I would start Finley over Gonzalez this week. Buffalo is so bad against the run and so solid against the pass that I think Atlanta will try to dominate this one on the ground. And you can't argue with Finley's consistent production over the last three weeks. I think he has the bigger upside…but it's not a landslide by any means. Tony Gonzalez is Tony Gonzalez so you couldn't really go wrong either way.

    I like his roster other than Manning, Charles, and Harvin this week and you match up very favorably if Carson Palmer plays well. I think he's your key this week, and he could have a solid day against KC's porous D.

  • Marc

    Hey Jerod-

    Posted some questions last week for the first time ever. Of course, I was stubborn and skeptical and only took SOME of your advice. I benched Greg Jennings (against your advice) and paid the price. Fortunately, I squeeked out a win- and it's on to the championship. I will never doubt you again-oh mighty fantasy Guru!

    Couple of quick questions

    Flex play in a PPR – Forte, Roddy White, or Josh Freeman?

    Also have a championship in my other league. It is VERY much a touchdown league. No points for receptions, very tough on qbs (1 pt for every 50 yds passing) and no yardage bonuses to be found. Not much fun, but I'll take their money. Please help with lineup

    QB- Romo or Favre?
    RB's- I'm all set with Gore and Wells
    WR- Sidney Rice or Mike Wallace?
    TE- Witten or Schiancoe?
    DEF- Phila or Balt?

    Thanks again
    Marc

  • Dustin R.

    Hey Jerod-

    My first time on here. Looks like you sure know what the hell you're talking about. My team is listed below. Sounds like Brees is the man to play. My main questions are, which three of my five receivers should I play? Should I play Ricky Williams or Jamal Charles? Should I play D. Clark over J. Finley? Real worried about the Colts main 3 not playing much.

    It's awesome you take the time to help us out as you do. Much appreciated.

    In the Championship Game of my ten person league. QB / 2 RB's / 3 WR's / TE / K / D
    QB – Bress (bench Alex Smith)
    RB – C. Johnson / R. Williams (starters)
    RB Bench – Jamal Charles
    WR – V. Jackson / Miles Austin / M. Crabtree (starters)
    WR Bench – D. Bowe / MSW
    TE – D. Clark (starter)
    TE Bench – J. Finley
    Def – N. O. (starter)
    Def Bench – ARZ

    Take care and thanks again.
    Dustin

  • Alex

    Hey Jerod,

    Love your articles and your picks rock! Same as the other guys, I'm making a run for the championship.

    I need your advice:
    (please rank)

    QB: Young, Palmer, E. Manning
    WR: Wayne, Ward, Boldin, Mike Wallace
    RB: Harrison, Peterson, Moreno, Hightower

    Thanks!

    Alex

  • George

    Thanks Jerod. I'll def keep u posted!…btw…Jerome Harrison is available on waivers in my league. Would you start him over Maroney or Addai?(assuming DAW doesn't play and JSTEW is my RB1)

  • George

    I just noticed Michael Bush and Maurice Morris are available on waivers alos along w/ J Harrison. Would you start any of them as a flex or RB 2 over Maroney, Driver or Addai this week?

    Thanks!

  • http://intensedebate.com/people/JerodMSF JerodMSF

    QB Rivers
    WR Moss, Mason, and Ochocino if it's a non-PPR league. If it's PPR then you have to get Welker in there and I'd probably bench Ochocino. I really like the Patriots WRs this week at home against Jville. The truth is that it's hard to sit Rice and Ochocino in any week, but I really like Mason against Pittsburgh's terribly struggling secondary.
    RB Benson and MJD with Stewart a close third if DAW doesn't play. But you have to start Benson and MJD here, Cedric for his matchup and MJD for his overall production throughout the year.
    TE I like Celek here, especially with some of the whispers that Gates might not play the whole game with SD having sewn up the #2 seed. Celek is a good enough option to start.

    Good luck!

  • John B

    Hey Jerod

    It's Super Bowl time in our league and I really need your help setting my lineup. PPR League

    QB: P. Manning, E. Manning, Henne (Need 2)
    RB: CJ, Charles, J Stewart, Moreno (Need 2)
    WR: Wayne, VJax, SSmith (NYG), Holmes, TO (Need 3)
    Flex RB/WR: Any of the above (Need 1)

    Thanks so much.

  • John

    Hi jerod:
    Thanks for all your help.
    I would expect that my championship matchup will be tough. I am projected out to have 130 pts (STD Format). The other team is projecting 150 pts (his RBs are (Rice, R. Williams & MJD) with P. Thomas & M. Barber. I think I will need to take some risk to have a chance.
    RB1 (C. Johnson) RB2 & 3 ??? (Charles "projected low this week "6 pts"), Harrison "17 pts""he did so good last week the coach will likely sit him", Ganther '13", LT "11", Steward "21" if williams does not play". Also wire: players Morris, Wells . F. Jackson

    WR is Mason, MSW, (crabtree, smith -NY, white, wayne"6") except for wayne all are projecting between 12-1`3 pts.
    wire help: Morgan, Murphy, Edwards *** Is it time to drop wayne's roster spot now or wait to week 17.
    Thanks Jerod , Happy Holidays
    John

  • John

    One more question:
    One of the losing teams decided to drop some players to the wire. Is it fair to pick them up.
    Andre Johnson, Frank Gore. If I don't my competitor will likely do it.

    Dazed and
    Confused

  • George

    I'm still monitoring the Peyton situation BUT who would you start out of Jay Cutler, Matt Moore, Josh Freeman or Stafford?

  • mike

    p.tomas or j.addai…need one
    49 DT ot cin DT need one

  • Tim

    Hey Jerod,

    Thanks for your great analysis. I'm in the championship week. I definitely need some help on picking WRs and TEs.

    WR: Reggie Wayne, Steve Smith (NYG), Dwayne Bowe, Antonio Bryant, Josh Morgan (need 3)
    TE: Jermichael Finley, Heath Miller, Fred Davis (need 1)

    I' leaning to start Steve Smith, Dwayne Bowe, Josh Morgan, and Finley. Do you agree? I'm still trying to pick up Josh Morgan in the waiver, if I can't get him, what's your advise then? Thanks!

  • Dan

    Jerod,

    Merry Christmas, Festivus, Hannukah, or whatever else it might be you celebrate.

    I made it to the championship (in our 10-team league, it spans the last 2 games). Specific lineup questions:

    Jerome Harrison or Jamaal Charles?

    Josh Morgan or Roddy White or MSW?

    Many thanks for your help that's brought me this far!

  • Slick

    Week 16 WR Josh Cribbs, Crabtree, Brandon Marshall or Hienz Ward?

  • http://intensedebate.com/people/JerodMSF JerodMSF

    As to the first question, I do not particularly like any of the options. I would go with Forte for the following reasons: a) Josh Freeman, I believe, will get owned in the Superdome by a now hungry and pissed off Saints D. With his 5 INT game fresh in my mind, I can't recommend him; b) Roddy White and the Falcons have to face a Bills defense that is very good against the pass.

    So…I think you have to go with a starting RB who will get touches and also gets some receptions out of the backfield. The lesser of three evils I say.

    QB – definitely Romo. No question about it.

    WR – I like Sidney Rice. Wallace is too hit or miss and you're in the championship game…can't afford a miss.

    TE – Witten. He is much more consistent getting targets.

    DEF – Philly for sure, as Denver's offense is struggling.

    Best of luck!

  • http://intensedebate.com/people/JerodMSF JerodMSF

    Wow, that's a tough question George. I really like Bush and Harrison this week, but I would not start them over Addai. The Colts are really going to struggle throwing the ball and I think it's a good week for Addai, who has scored the most TDs on that team. So no, I'd still with Addai.

  • http://intensedebate.com/people/JerodMSF JerodMSF

    Answered this one above.

  • http://intensedebate.com/people/JerodMSF JerodMSF

    Thanks Dustin…I try. I'm not sure anyone ever really KNOWS what they are talking about when it comes to fantasy, but you can certainly try to understand trends, matchups, and history and then have a sound strategy and principles. So far, it's worked out well and hopefully I can help you out some too.

    Here is how I rank you WRs: VJax, Austin, Crabtree, MSW, Bowe (so your picks were right on)

    RB: I'd start Ricky over Jamal Charles. Ricky has been more consistent throughout the season and faces an easier D to run in Houston than Charles faces against Cincy.

    I would start Clark over Finley. He is just more proven and should get more targets with Darrelle Revis blanketing Reggie Wayne. It's a tough call, but I'd go with the history of proven production here.

    I agree with NO's D. But either one is a good choice.

    Best of luck this week Dustin! Bring home the gold.

  • http://intensedebate.com/people/JerodMSF JerodMSF

    Thanks Alex!

    QB: Manning worries me because they are facing a very good Panthers' D, but you can't argue with 6 TD passes and no picks the last two weeks against Philly and Washington (two pretty good pass D's in their own right). I go Manning, Palmer, VY.

    WR: Boldin, Ward, Wayne, Wallace (the threat of Revis and being removed from the game early knocks Wayne down a peg for me)

    RB: Peterson, Harrison, Moreno, Hightower

    Best of luck this week!

  • http://intensedebate.com/people/JerodMSF JerodMSF

    Hey John…let's get you ready to win a title.

    QB: You have to go with the Mannings here. Like Henne for the future, but the consistent production is not there.

    RB: CJ and Stewart (assuming DAW doesn't play). Charles would be the next one.

    WR: Wayne, VJax, and Steve Smith with Holmes a close second. But he doesn't score enough TDs for me to put him in there over Wayne, despite the matchup versus Revis and the Jets.

    As for your flex, I'd go with Charles. Tougher matchup this week, but he's been very productive this month.

  • http://intensedebate.com/people/JerodMSF JerodMSF

    I'd start crying ;-)

    Just kidding…not a huge fan of any of those guys, but I'd go with Cutler. He has the most experience and plays better at home.

    It looks to me like Manning will be playing as long as the game with the Jets is in contention. And if it's not, that means Indy blew them out and Manning had a good game. So I'd feel comfortable playing him, based on what I've heard.

  • http://intensedebate.com/people/JerodMSF JerodMSF

    At RB, I would go with Harrison and Stewart. With DAW looking like a scratch, Stewart will get the bulk of the carries and usually produces very well when given the opportunity. In Cleveland, with Quinn out, the Browns will have to rely even more on the run game and Oakland is too inviting of a D to pass up. Harrison always scares me, but you have to play him this week.

    I do like LT and Beanie Wells this week, but not over the other guys if you really think you need the highest potential reward for the risk.

    I would rank your WRs as follows: Mason, Smith, Wayne, Crabtree, MSW (never does well on the road), then White. Certainly don't drop Wayne. I've read nothing that says he is not going to play. He just has a rough matchup with the Jets.

  • http://intensedebate.com/people/JerodMSF JerodMSF

    YES!!! All is fair and love, war, and fantasy football. If you feel bad about it, don't start them. But at least you don't give your opponent the chance to do it to you.

  • http://intensedebate.com/people/JerodMSF JerodMSF

    I'd go Addai for the consistency.

    D, go with 49ers. They are facing Detroit.

  • http://intensedebate.com/people/JerodMSF JerodMSF

    WRs: Wayne, Smith, Morgan
    TE: Finley

    I would go with Wayne over Bowe because he is…well…Reggie Wayne. I know his matchup is tough, don't you simply can't bench your superstars in championship week. Regardless of the matchup, Wayne can and usually does play well.

  • http://intensedebate.com/people/JerodMSF JerodMSF

    Dan, thanks. I celebrate fantasy championship week…that's it. ;-)

    I'd go with Harrison. Better matchup. At WR, I would go with Morgan. He's getting more targets lately, has a great matchup, and I simply have no faith in Roddy White against Buffalo and MSW on the road against the Pats. It's a tough one, but Morgan is the call.

  • http://intensedebate.com/people/JerodMSF JerodMSF

    I'm not sure you can sit Brandon Marshall. He is always a threat for 15-20 receptions and the most likely of the four to score a TD.

  • Dan

    Hi Jerod,

    Thanks for all of the help. Which two players do you like best for WR/FLEX? Dwayne Bowe, Devery Henderson, Josh Morgan, Steve Smith (NYG), Pierre Garcon or Ryan Moats? I'm in a 12-team, PPR league. Also, which def do you like Benglas or Cardinals?

    Thank you,
    Dan

  • Aaron

    Hey Jerod,
    I need a little help. I have (RB, RB, RB/WR) (WR, WR, WR) so 3 RBs and 3 WRs or 2 and 4.
    RB I have: Steven Jackson, Jason Snelling, Joseph Addai, Laurence Maroney, and LaDainian Tomlinson.
    WRs: Austin Collie, Reggie Wayne, Wes Welker, Greg Jennings and Hines Ward

    I think im using Jackson and Snelling for sure, and Jennings and welker. So can you help. I am stuck on what to do. thanks!

  • Lane B.

    Hey Jerod,

    I need your help. I am in yahoo fantasy football and I use the standard rules.
    QB: Brees or Orton (Obviously Brees despite his poor week 15 performance)
    RB: C. Johnson, Maroney, or Moreno (Need 2)
    WR: Boldin, Britt, Bryant, Housh, or Collie (Need 3)
    TE: Clark or Shockey (Clark scored 21+ points last 2 games and Shockey is hurt)
    K: Crosby or Hartley (Need 1)

    Thanks
    DEF: Arizona or Denver (I'm thinking Arizona)

  • Bill

    Would you start Jerome Harrison or Ryan Grant? Thanks

  • http://intensedebate.com/people/JerodMSF JerodMSF

    If you want a bigger risk factor with a higher potential reward, go with Harrison. Oakland has a very poor defense and if Harrison gets 15-20 touches minimum he will have a solid day. The question mark is TDs, because the Browns' offense has not scored many (at least not before last weekend…but again, that was against a bad defense).

    With Ryan Grant, you know what you're going to get: 20-25 carries, 85-100 yards, a touchdown every other game or so. He is very steady. If you think 8-10 guaranteed points is all you'll need to win, go with Grant and reap the rewards of his consistent production. If you need the home run, go with Harrison…because he showed last week what he is capable of going up against a poor defense.

  • http://intensedebate.com/people/JerodMSF JerodMSF

    QB: Brees
    RB: Chris Johnson, Maroney (more consistent TD production)
    WR: Boldin, Housmanzadeh (most consistent catches) and Collie (TDs in three straight weeks, and the Colts will have to throw to slot guys more)
    TE: Clark
    K: Hartley
    DEF: Definitely Arizona against St. Louis

    Best of luck Lane!

  • http://intensedebate.com/people/JerodMSF JerodMSF

    I like Josh Morgan a lot, but I would go with Steve Smith. He is the most consistent receiver in terms of catches out of the ones you named.

    Defensively, I'd go with the Cardinals, who are playing St. Louis and whatever no-name QB they run out there.

  • http://intensedebate.com/people/JerodMSF JerodMSF

    RB Addai
    RB SJax
    RB/WR Maroney (I like LT, but he and Maroney are very similar with Maroney getting the edge because of his YPC and matchup; I do also really like Snelling because Buffalo's run defense is really bad, but I simply don't trust him enough over the other guys to play in this important of a game. If you really feel strongly about it him, put him in there. There is not much separating him from the other guys except more of a consistent track record.)
    WR Wayne
    WR Welker
    WR Jennings (he and Ward are very close; I go with Jennings because Green Bay is going up against the Seattle defense that gives up lots of big plays. And Reggie Wayne scares me, but enough to sit him.)

  • Johnny

    Thanks Jerod for the help this whole season and for helping so many other people. I'll need your advice again…
    QB – McNabb or Eli (I know you don't like either…but I guess the better of two bads)
    W/R – 1 Choice: Driver, Hightower, Pierre Thomas, Mason
    Starters are: Ward and Colston for WR and MJD and S. Jackson for RB

    Thank you Jerod

  • http://intensedebate.com/people/JerodMSF JerodMSF

    Absolutely Johnny. It has been my pleasure.

    QB: Manning. Slightly better matchup and his 6 TDs, 0 INTs against two good defenses the last two weeks speaks very loudly to me.
    W/R: I like Pierre Thomas; look at his reception totals and they are very comparable to Driver and Mason over the last three weeks. Add in the 6-10 carries he'll get and the matchup, and I think he provides the best opportunity for a solid day. (Mason would be the guy I'd take if you need to go high risk/high reward here…Pittsburgh's pass D is not very good….In fact, I would personally start Mason over Ward. It's a close call, but I think Mason has the better matchup.)

  • Aaron

    Even with Revis covering Wayne? I'm just hoping for the most points cuz this is for the championship. I haven't lost in the playoffs. I'm projected for 125 with the setup you told me and he is projected for 166. Snelling is projected for 21pts and Maroney is for 11. Wayne is only projected for 5, but if he gets 1 td then im good. i know projections are just guesses. Thanks for your help!

  • Aaron

    Oh and one more thing, Todd Heap or Kevin Boss for my TE?

  • http://intensedebate.com/people/JerodMSF JerodMSF

    I would definitely go with Boss. Not a big fan of Heap, even though he caught two TDs last week. Boss has been more consistent.

  • http://intensedebate.com/people/JerodMSF JerodMSF

    Your question has been by far the hardest so far. All of your options are excellent choices. I think it really comes down to principles. All things being relatively equal, I will always go with the "stars". I like the comfort of having guys who are consistent producers year-in, year-out, when my season is on the line. I know that Wayne's matchup is tough, but we've seen he and the Colts beat tough matchups before.

    Here is how I would answer the question for yourself, because honestly, it is close to splitting hairs: who are YOU the most confident in. I gave you what I would do, but it's just one opinion. This is the championship so I think your best bet is to go with your gut. Your options are all good enough that a case could be made for any combination. The only case that matters though is the one you make to yourself. So take the input I gave you and then sit back and determine, in your gut, who you think the best guys to play are.

    I know that's not the most specific answer, but I'd still go with what I said before. Now it's your turn to make the tough call and win the championship. And I hope you do! Keep up posted.

  • Scott

    I have to decided on 5. AP MIN, Charles KC, P. Thomas NO, Bodlin ARZ, B. Marshall DEN, S. Smith CAR
    I am really jumping between sitting either P. Thomas or S. Smith.

  • Sheena

    at the superbowl in both my leagues! i have Peyton Manning in both leagues and the burning question for me is if i should start him in one, both, or neither. i would greatly appreciate your insight!

    league 1: Peyton Manning or Ben Roethlisberger
    league 2: Peyton Manning or Eli Manning

    Thanks!

  • Sheena

    and also… who would you put in:
    RB: MJD, Maroney, Fred Jackson
    WR: Boldin, Austin, Garcon, Collie, Cotchery, Hines, Roy E. Williams
    (2 RB, 2 WR, and a flex)
    TE: Clark or Finley (based on your previous posts im assuming you would stick with D. Clark)

    Thanks again!

  • http://intensedebate.com/people/JerodMSF JerodMSF

    I have been reccommending Peyton in certain situations, but not over Eli and Big Ben, both of whom are hot and have better matchups.

    Sent from my iPhone

  • http://intensedebate.com/people/JerodMSF JerodMSF

    That is a tough one. I would start Thomas because he will get 12-15 touches. Smith is working with a still-inexperienced QB and playing a Giants D that has a lot to prove and play for.

    Sent from my iPhone

  • Sheena

    thank you so much. i was pretty sure about Ben, but weary about Eli, especially with him being on many "sit 'em" lists, including yours. then again, Peyton is also on that list, and so it makes sense to go for the better matchup.

    i wish i found your blog earlier in the season, i look forward to seeing what you have to say next
    season!

  • Johnny

    Thanks Jerod! Wow, Mason over Ward…I guess, go big or go home haha…I'll take that advice and put in Thomas and Mason and hopefully that will take me to my first finals ever!

  • Johnny

    Alright! The starting team is: Eli, Mason, Colston, MJD, S. Jackson, Antonio Gates, Thomas, Tynes and Minn. Bench players are: McNabb, Ward, Driver, Hightower and Henderson with NYJ. Oh boy! This will be fun! Thank you again Jerod!

  • Lane B.

    thank you so much for all your help, i really appreciate it.

  • http://intensedebate.com/people/JerodMSF JerodMSF

    MJD and MaroneyBoldin, Austin, and Ward (flex)Clark at TE, but Finley is nipping at his heelsSent from my iPhone

  • http://intensedebate.com/people/Roachcsu Roachcsu

    hey jerod happy holidays too you and your family !
    dunno if you remember me i was the guy 2 weeks ago that had to play his wife to maintain my position going into playoffs and you suggested i let her win to make life easier on me ( hahahaha i know you were joking) and i smoked her by 60 points thanks to celek and deshawn jackson!! well karma is a funny thing i now have to play her in the first round 4 of us left we are now both 9-6!! i have some difficult decisions to make this week and i need your help ! here go's
    i have brees @ qb
    wr—- colston, deshawn jackson,chad ocho, percy harvin, miles auston ( morgan is avail) i need 3
    rb—- thomas jones, s jackson,jamal charles, jerome harrison, deo williams (hes hurt of course) i need 2
    te—- brent celek , fred davis ( need 1)
    def spec— minn ( with cincy arizona and nyj avail)

    any help would be appreciated man thank you and again have a nice holiday!

  • http://intensedebate.com/people/nyjy26fred Thomas

    Hey Jerod,
    I need your opinion on my lineup.
    QB: Aaron Rodgers or Tony Romo. (I'm obviously going with Rodgers)
    RB: Jason Snelling, Jerome Harrison, Ray Rice, Quinton Ganther, or Ahmad Bradshaw. (I'm going to start Snelling and Rice for sure, but i'm still on the line about Harrison or Bradshaw; could you help me with that)
    TE: Benjamin Watson, Todd Heap, or Jermichael Finely (I have Rodgers and your post above has solidified my choice of playing Finely)
    D/ST: Steelers of 49ers (I'm thinking 49ers because of the favorable matchup against the Lions)
    K: Shayne Graham (Bengals) or Kris Brown (Houston)
    Thanks

  • http://intensedebate.com/people/JerodMSF JerodMSF

    Solid start with Gates! Hopefully the rest of your guys do just as well.

  • http://intensedebate.com/people/JerodMSF JerodMSF

    Yes, of course I remember you. And, of course, winning is always better than letting anyone win…even if your wife…and worth whatever issues it might cause.

    Onto your questions for this week..

    WR: Colston, DJax, Austin (I think Cincinnati focuses on their ground game this week, limiting Ocho's opportunities somewhat…it's tough to sit him, but you have four great choices; have to split hairs somewhere.)

    RB: The bold move here is Charles and Harrison; the "smart" and safe move is Jones and Jackson. I'm going to split the difference and say go with SJax's consistent production and Charles' hot run of explosiveness. Tough sit Jones or Harrison, and I could make arguments for both, but I think SJax and Charles balance out proven ability, potential, and matchups the best out of any other combo.

    TE: Celek

    DEF: Arizona against St. Louis is a great matchup because the Rams have no QB.

    Best of luck! Get another W!

  • http://intensedebate.com/people/JerodMSF JerodMSF

    QB: Rodgers
    RB: Rice, Snelling, and Harrison – I like Harrison's potential a lot after last week with him scheduled to be the feature back against Oakland.
    TE: Finley, for sure
    D: 49ers, for the reason you cited
    K: Graham, because Cincy should (SHOULD) score more points against KC than HOU does against MIA. But who knows…they're kickers.

    Best of luck Thomas!

  • http://intensedebate.com/people/salesman2 salesman2

    Hey Jared man I love your fantasy advice and this week im in a real bind. Im in the championship game and my league is a ppr league with 8 points per rushing/receiving touchdown and 1 point per 10 yards of rushing/receiving. With a 5 point bonus for a 100 yard rushing/receiving day, a 10 point bonus for a 200 yard RECEIVING day, and a 15 point bonus for a 200 yard RUSHING day.
    I have a ton of running backs on my roster and I need to know who to start. I have 2 RB spots open and one RB/WR slot but I wanna start a running back in there cus Roddy White is my only reciever option.
    My running backs are Beanie Wells, Jamaal Charles, Jerome Harrison, Jason Snelling, Fred Jackson, and Laurence Maroney.
    Which three should I start?
    Do you agree with starting three running backs or should I put Roddy in the Flex Spot?

  • steel curtain

    Hey jerod, due to injuries this season and playing in an extremely tough league, I am stretched on players so i have no other option than to play what i already have. Maybe you can help, mike wallace or jason avant, i want to start wallace, steelers def. or houston def. i want to start steelers def. I am extremely blinded by my love for the steelers so i always want to start all of my players, im already starting mendenhall, Big ben, and heath miller. Hope you can help. I dont think this will be at all the same outcome as was the last matchup against the ravens with dixon starting, dixon never once looked wallaces or millers direction, so with Big Ben in play and the playoffs on the line, For some reason I think the steelers will stomp on ravens, i know its a huge stretch to say that, especially without troy polamalu in, but like i said im blinded by my love for the team!

  • http://intensedebate.com/people/JerodMSF JerodMSF

    Thanks…glad to be of service.

    First off, yes, I would start three running backs without question. Figuring out who to start is a little more difficult.

    My #1 choice would be Beanie Wells. He has TDs in two straight games and the Cardinals are playing the Rams. I really like his combo of recent production, fresh late-season legs, and matchup.

    My #2 choice is Jamaal Charles because of the PPR aspect and the bonuses for big days. His matchup isn't great, but he production over the past few weeks speaks for itself.

    And my #3 choice would be Jerome Harrison. I like him a lot because of the matchup with Oakland and the fact that his performance last week HAS to guarantee him touches this week. I would not fault you for playing either Jackson or Maroney here, but my choice would be Harrison.

    I can see why you're torn. It's a hard choice. Just make sure that you know why you're choosing who you choose and you won't have to sit with any regrets on Sunday if it doesn't work out exactly as you'd planned.

  • http://intensedebate.com/people/JerodMSF JerodMSF

    I would go with Wallace and the Houston D.

    Wallace is more explosive than Avant and Baltimore is susceptible to the deep ball, which makes Wallace even more valuable.

    As long as Polamalu is out, I can't recommend the Steelers' D. They simply have not been able to stop anyone.

  • mikey

    hey, jarod,
    i'm kind of twisted up on my RB situation this week. i've dropped a lot of dead weight in favor of a slew of sleeper RBs, mostly to keep them away from my opponent, but also because i've become a believer in your 3 RB logic. so, i'm in the championship and facing a pretty evenly matched team. here's how i'm looking at the moment…snelling and charles make me a little nervous this week (with cassel, i'm afraid the chiefs won't have the ball long enough for charles to get into it) and snelling…i feel fairly good, but i'd feel better if norwood was further out of the picture.

    anyway, what do you think???

    thanks again for all the help!!!

    rb1: AP
    rb2: charles
    flex: snelling
    wr1: m. austin
    wr2: djax

    bench:
    harvin @CHI (i like the matchup, but i can just see him getting popped and taken out of the game with his neck thing)
    s. smith(NYG) @CAR
    crabtree @DET
    forsett @GB
    ganther @DAL
    morris @SF (hate the matchup, but you never know…maybe a stronger play next week)
    m .bush @CLE (i REALLY like bush, but i'm afraid of the play since you can never tell where the carries are going with these guys)

  • Steve

    Hello, Jerod
    Championship week, thanks for your help.
    QB….. P. Manning, Flacco, A. Smith
    RB…..Rice,J. harrison,Grant, (2)
    WR…..MSW,Marshall,Rice,S.Smith(NYG),Crabtree(3)
    TE…..Witten,J.Finley
    D…….Cincy,SF,Balt.

  • Scott

    Hey jerod,

    I just had a quick question right before the games. Should I start NO's Defense or SF's? NO hasn't produced for me lately and I've seen SF dominate in games and I feel like this can very well be one of them. I'm pretty set everywhere else I was just wondering if you could give me your opinion on this position and maybe why. Personally I was leaning toward SF…..

    By the way I hope your holidays went well and as always, thank you for the advice

  • maxdo

    Happy Holidays Jerod!

    I need some last minute advice for my FLEX position in a PPR league.

    RB – Harrison, Snelling, M. Bush

    or

    WR – S. Smith (NYG), MSW, Meachem

    Thanks again for all of the advice!

  • http://intensedebate.com/people/JerodMSF JerodMSF

    I agree that you have your three best three RBs in there, and it is the way I would go…UNLESS you are in a PPR league. If you are, then I would play Steve Smith over Snelling. I know that Snelling plays for a run-first team and Buffalo sucks against the run, but he's also not proven and hasn't had a monster day or series of them, like Charles, to give you confidence. Smith is a very solid and consistent WR, and that is the type of WR I look for the play a flex position if I'm not totally sold on my RBs.

    So…non-PPR: Snelling at flex; PPR: Smith at flex.

    Best of luck!

  • http://intensedebate.com/people/JerodMSF JerodMSF

    QB: Flacco (love the matchup and he's more proven than Smith)
    RB: Rice and Grant (it's the championship, you can't start Harrison over those two)
    WR: Marshall, Rice, Smith
    TE: Finley (Witten just isn't getting the red zone targets)
    D: SF versus Detroit…matchup is too pretty.

  • http://intensedebate.com/people/JerodMSF JerodMSF

    I like SF's because they are playing a really bad Detroit offense.

    Best of luck this weekend!

  • http://intensedebate.com/people/JerodMSF JerodMSF

    Haha…funny you ask this, as it's similar to a question I just answered. Since it's a PPR league, I go with Steve Smith. He is the most consistent and "guaranteed" of all the guys you've listed. I REALLY like Harrison, and if you need a high risk/high reward play, then he's the guy, but if you just want 7-10 for sure points from the position, go with Smith.

    I'd have to know the rest of your roster and opponent to give you a 100% answer. Let me know if you have a follow-up question.

  • mike

    hi…IN MY CHAMPSHIP WEEK which 2 out of the 4 would u play
    Jones-Drew, Maurice….Thomas, Pierre……Harrison, Jerome…..Addai, Joseph

  • Jason

    If for some reason Turner does actually play, would you still go with Snelling or rather with Stewart as DAW is doubtful and Sutton is out? I know Snelling has the better matchup, but even he put up 20 fantasy points against NYG earlier this year. Just trying to do some last minute thinking before the championship game…thanks man!!

  • http://intensedebate.com/people/JerodMSF JerodMSF

    QB: Manning
    WR: DJax and (eenine, meeny, miney, mo…) Boldin – and I choose Boldin because he's been getting more catches per game over the last four weeks, but it's very close between he and Ocho
    RB: TJ and JStew (edge over Addai because of the threat that Addai might not play the whole game)
    Flex: Addai…I'm not that scared of the bench threat; he still has 12 TDs this season
    TE: Vernon Davis

    Best of luck Matt!!!

  • http://intensedebate.com/people/JerodMSF JerodMSF

    I would play MJD and Jerome Harrison personally. If you're scared of Harrison, I'd go with Addai.

  • http://intensedebate.com/people/JerodMSF JerodMSF

    I would definitely go with Stewart. And I'd pick him over Snelling, even if Turner doesn't play. I really like Stewart if he's getting the bulk of the work.

  • J Ryan

    Hey Jerod-

    Help me out man! In the champ game in my league…waddaya think?

    As far as my league goes I have to choose 2 RB's and 2 WR's and I have a flex RB/WR

    I have the best overall matchups this week, better than any week this year, and crazy thing is, it's making my decisions even more difficult.

    QB- Aaron Rodgers
    RB- Ryan Grant, Cedric Benson, Pierre Thomas, Jerome Harrison (NEED 2)
    WR- Andre Johnson, Roddy White, Mike Sims-Walker
    Flex – one of my above RB's or WR's
    TE-Antonio Gates
    DST- Saints or Ravens

  • http://intensedebate.com/people/JerodMSF JerodMSF

    RB Grant
    RB Benson
    WR AJ
    WR Roddy White (slight edge because MSW has really struggled on the road.)
    RB/WR Harrison
    D Saints

    Best of luck J Ryan! Get a win!

  • maxdo

    You rock dude!

  • maxdo

    Below is the rest of my roster.

    WR – Andre Johnson & S. Rice
    RB – C. Johnson & Charles
    TE – Gates(started him) & Finley

  • J Ryan

    Thanks man! I gotta admit though, I am still nervous about that Harrison guy over Pierre Thomas. Mangenius might not play him as much and just decide to play Jennings more. Of course, the Saints backfield is unpredictable. The answer to this question might help me……will the Saints sit starters since they are in the playoffs?? Thanks for your timely advice! U da man!

  • Matt

    Hey Jerod,

    In the Superbowl and looking for some of your thoughts.
    QB: P. Manning or D. Garrard
    WR: DeSean Jackson, A. Boldin, C. Ochocinco (need 2)
    RB: Thomas Jones, J Addai, J Stewart (need 2)
    WR/RB: 1 of the two above
    TE: V. Davis, B. Celek
    K: I'm starting Hartley
    Def: I'm starting Green Bay

    Thanks for your help.
    Have a great holiday season.
    Matt

  • http://intensedebate.com/people/JerodMSF JerodMSF

    You have a good enough roster that I'd go with Smith. You have a risky play in Charles already (though matchup vs Cincy). I'd go with the more proven, consistent commodity of Steve Smith.

  • http://intensedebate.com/people/JerodMSF JerodMSF

    J Ryan, I don't believe that the Saints will sit their starters unless they blow TB out. And if they blow them out, chances are the starters produced well. NO is coming off a tough loss to Dallas and they want to be rolling once the playoffs hit. I think they play their players as long as the game is in doubt.

  • Warren

    Jarod

    I am playing for the championship and I am 4 point away from a win. I have Rice starting tomorrow night. I have Harvin on the bench. Who would you start if you only need 4 point to win the championship

  • Warren

    Jerod

    Sorry for spelling your name wrong

  • Brian

    Jerod,

    League 1. Won third place.

    League 2. Down 15 points with Sidney Rice going tonight uncontested. He needs a huge night! Hopefully Harvin doesn't play and Favre doesn't have one of his typical terrible cold, windy weather games.

    League 3. Won the championship by 0.18 of a point! Unbelievable.

  • http://intensedebate.com/people/JerodMSF JerodMSF

    Congrats on the close win in the championship! Hopefully some of the advice you got here helped out, rather than you winning in spite of it!

    I like Sidney Rice tonight. He'll be the #1 target in the passing game and the Bears' secondary is terrible.

  • http://intensedebate.com/people/JerodMSF JerodMSF

    I would start Rice. He has been much more consistently recently than Harvin. And I'm not that excited about starting anyone who had to visit the Mayo Clinic this week because of migraines. Go with Rice, who is probably better even without Harvin's injury concerns. Chicago's secondary is terrible.