For some of you, that means you have a team (or hopefully teams) on bye this week. If so, major kudos to you.

For others of you, Week 14 means that it’s the first week of the playoffs. If so, good luck, and hopefully the advice in this post will help you move on.

For others, Week 14 is the last week of your regular season. Maybe you’ve clinched a playoff spot or maybe you’re still scratching and clawing for one. Regardless, hopefully we can do you and your lineup some good with our picks in this week’s start em, sit em.

And for some of you this may be your first week without fantasy football – if your playoffs start this week and you did not make it; but if that’s the case, why would you be reading this?

Alas, if you’re here, you are looking for help in Week 14. And you’re in luck, because that is exactly what you’re about to get.

My apologies to those who came looking for Jon. I’m taking the start/sit reins today. I will do my very best to get you set up for success in this most pivotal of weeks.

Also, no looking back to Week 13, but not because it was a bad week. Frankly, I don’t know. I don’t even remember Jon’s picks. I assume some worked and some didn’t, like any week. But with the stakes now raised, there is no time for the rearview mirror. We look forward.

Here are your Week 14 start/sit picks:

Fantasy Football Week 14 Start em, Sit em QBs

Start Em QB: Matthew Stafford, DET (vs MIN)

Put this one in the no-brainer category.

Frankly, I feel a little bad making it the start em pick at QB, because it’s the equivalent of taking candy from a baby.  Nonetheless, it’s here, because if you own Matthew Stafford you absolutely must have him in your lineup this week.

And it all boils down to matchup.

If you watched the Broncos-Vikings game last week, you saw Broncos wide receivers running around wide open all day, providing easy pitch and catch opportunities for the not-so-renowned-as-a-thrower Tim Tebow. If Tebow, Demaryius Thomas, and Eric Decker could do that against Minnesota, what do you think Stafford, Megatron, Burleson, Titus Young, and Brandon Pettigrew will do?

Chances are they’ll pick up a few dumb penalties…and a lot of passing/receiving yards and touchdowns. Don’t be shocked if Stafford, at home in a must win game for the Lions, ends up as the top scoring player in fantasy football this week, even though I’m going to be a little conservative with my projection.

Matthew Stafford fantasy football Week 14 projection: 345 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT

Other start em QBs for Week 14:

• Rex Grossman faces a New England defense that made Dan Orlovsky startable last week. I would not start Grossman in a standard league, but he’s a solid two-QB league option this week; or a desperation fill-in with upside if your QB slot got hit by the injury bug.
• Philip Rivers looked like the old Philip Rivers Monday night, against a pretty good defense too. With his weapons healthy, and Buffalo on the schedule, Rivers is safe to deploy this week.
• Every week I scan for who is facing the Colts. This week it’s Joe Flacco. Play Joe Flacco. Even though the Ravens will likely run, run, run against Indianapolis, Flacco will throw enough to be useful. At the very least, he’s safe.

Sit Em QB: Michael Vick, PHI (at MIA)

Don’t do it. Don’t even think about it.

I know that Michael Vick owners are salivating at the thought of Vick returning this week and leading them to fantasy glory down the stretch, but in a one-QB league I wouldn’t even think about starting Vick unless I didn’t have another top 20 option. There are two good reasons:

1. Can you really trust Vick to stay healthy? No, you can’t. Really, you can’t trust him to stay healthy any week, but I’m especially leery about starting him without seeing him play a game since the rib injury.
2. Have you seen what the Dolphins are doing lately? They’ve won four out of five games, giving up a total of four touchdowns in that span.

With so many elite QBs outperforming Vick this season, and many marginal ones with good matchups, why would you risk your one QB spot on Vick?

Don’t do it.

Michael Vick fantasy football Week 14 projection: 200 passing yards, 55 rushing yards, 1 total TD, 1 turnover

Other sit em QBs for Week 14:

• Those of you who relied on Andy Dalton early in the season need to look elsewhere. He’s starting to hit a rookie wall…and this week that wall is Houston and its ball control offense and stingy D.
• I’m not necessarily telling you to sit Tim Tebow, because he always finds a way to put up at least serviceable fantasy numbers. That said, don’t expect a reprise of last week when he faces the Bears.
• Josh Freeman has been a major disappointment this year. I know that Philip Rivers torched Jacksonville Monday night, but the JAX defense has been pretty stingy overall this year. There is more reason to trust Jacksonville’s D than to trust Freeman.

Fantasy Football Week 14 Start em, Sit em RBs

Start Em RB: Ryan Mathews, SD (vs BUF)

As with the Stafford selection, I feel like I may be insulting your intelligence a bit with this pick; however, because Mathews has been so up and down, and because people always ask about him in the comment sections and live chats, I feel compelled to make my Week 14 love for him official.

First, consider that Mathews is red hot. He has two straight 100-yard games, and on Monday night he torched Jacksonville for 112 yards on a mere 13 carries. He also got into the end zone, which he doesn’t always do.

Second, consider his Week 14 opponent, the Bills, who are very generous to opposing running backs. And with Philip Rivers and the Chargers’ passing game getting going, there will be plenty of space for Mathews to roam; and we know how much he loves space.

Ryan Mathews fantasy football Week 14 projection: 115 yards rushing, 1 TD, 15 yards receiving

For the record, Mathews is clearly the #1 option in San Diego now over Mike Tolbert, though Tolbert still has some value as a flex option because he he’ll catch a few passes and get some goalline carries. But there is no debate right now between the two. Mathews is the guy.

Other start em RBs for Week 14:

• These should go without saying, but just to be sure: Ray Rice (v IND); Rashard Mendenhall v (CLE); Maurice Jones-Drew (v TB); Michael Turner (at CAR) – they are all top 10 options because of their proven ability and matchup.
• Adrian Peterson is supposed to play this week, at least that’s what I’m hearing. DO NOT ASK ME IF YOU SHOULD START HIM. Yes, you should. If he plays, he starts, even if the opponent is San Francisco (it’s not, it’s Detroit). End of discussion.
• Reggie Bush has to keep starting; and frankly, you should feel good about it at this point. With the Dolphins set to face the porous Eagles’ run defense, you should actually feel great about it.
• Shonn Greene is getting ready for another December heat up. He scored three TDs last week and faces the Chiefs this week. I like it.
• Looking deeper, C.J. Spiller is a decent option. He had 22 touches two weeks ago and 17 touches last week, and he’s picked up a few chunks under 200 yards with a TD during that span. You saw what MJD did the Chargers in a losing effort last week. Spiller could do about 75% of that…which is still good.

Sit Em RB: LeGarrette Blount, TB (at JAX)

Coming off of two 100-yard games, Blount looked like a surefire, slam dunk start against Carolina in Week 13. The Panthers have been the most generous defense to opposing running backs this year. What did Blount do? He punched 19 yards out of 11 carries. Yuck.

When it gets to playoff time, fantasy football is a lot like real football: you have to go with guys you can trust. It’s great that Blount has the potential for highlight reel leaps and thunderous trucks in any given week. He also can lay super eggs like he did last week. I don’t like kind of variance in my fantasy lineup in must-win scenarios.

Plus, I don’t like Blount’s matchup this week. Forget about what the Chargers did to the Jags last week. Jacksonville was dealing with turmoil galore and just happened to run into a Philip Rivers-led buzzsaw that was finally healthy. San Diego would have put up 20+ on San Francisco Monday night. Make no mistake: Jacksonville has a good defense, and they’ve been pretty stingy to opposing backs all year.

With Tampa Bay being frighteningly inconsistent as a team this year, and Blount dealing with a few unexpected distractions, I’m leaving him on my bench.

LeGarrette Blount fantasy football Week 14 projection: 13 carries, 40 yards, 0 TDs

Other sit em RBs for Week 14:

• Every week you should go down the list of running backs and see who is facing San Francisco. This week it’s Beanie Wells. Sit him. Even with the 49ers likely to be without Patrick Willis, they’ll shut down Arizona’s run game. Furthermore, it’s reasonable to fear Wells getting hurt mid-game. Add it up, and I don’t trust him this week, despite his strong play of late.
• Cedric Benson owners have a tricky decision this week. Benson faces a very good Houston defense, but he has also proven that he can produce against good defenses even when he isn’t racking up yards (see his 41-yard, 2-TD day versus Baltimore). Benson is not an automatic sit because of how big a part of Cincy’s offense he is, but he’s only a borderline top-20 guy because of the matchup, so if you’re loaded at RB he’d be the guy to leave on the bench.
• Did you know the Falcons have the 5th-stingiest fantasy defense against the run? It’s true. That means that there could be fewer points to go around for Cam, DeAngelo, and JStew this week. Since Cam seems to be the one who gets most of the TDs, I’d consider leaving the other two on my bench unless desperate. (Remember: all that production the last two weeks has come against Indy and Tampa.)

Fantasy Football Week 14 Start em, Sit em WRs

Start Em WR: Jabar Gaffney, WAS (v NE)

Yes, I realize that by telling you to start Jabar Gaffney that I am essentially asking you to have faith in Rex Grossman; but I urge you not to look at it that way. Think about it more in terms of me telling you to not trust a Patriots secondary that gives up more average points per game to opposing wide receivers than any other defense in football.

You read that right. In fact, the Patriots give up 2.3 more fantasy points to opposing WRs than even the moribund Vikings do! Here, I’ll prove it.

Plus:

• Gaffney has 12 catches for 187 yards over the last two weeks, including one touchdown.
• Santana Moss has been back for the last two weeks, but he only has nine catches for 71 yards; so clearly he is a) the second option for Grossman and b) helping to draw attention away from Gaffney.
• Fred Davis is suspended, meaning more targets to go around; and surely a few of those targets will go Gaffney’s way.

Gaffney doesn’t score with enough regularity to trust him for TD production, so that makes him barely a top-20 option; but I think you can trust him to give you 6-8 catches and close to 100 yards. If you play three wide receivers, it’s nice to be able to bank on that from one of them.

Jabar Gaffney fantasy football Week 14 projection: 7 catches, 90 yards, .5 TDs (because I think he’ll catch one, but it’s probably more likely that he doesn’t…so don’t expect it.)

Other start em WRs for Week 14:

• I like Torrey Smith this week. He’s struggled the last two weeks, but Baltimore has faced the 49ers and Browns, two teams that have been pretty good against opposing receivers. This week Baltimore faces Indianapolis. Yes, I just chuckled devilishly too.
• Laurent Robinson was finally held out of the end zone last week, but he still amassed 70+ yards on four catches. With Miles Austin slated to return this week, you might be tempted to sit Robinson. I wouldn’t. Tony Romo trusts him, and the Giants are generous to opposing wide receivers. Of the two, give me the guy who has been playing the last two months and caught seven TDs in six games.
• I wouldn’t get down on Steve Smith despite his decreasing production the last month. Atlanta will force Carolina to pass, and the Panthers are without Brent Grimes in the secondary. I expect fireworks from the original Steve Smith.
• When he’s healthy, all Malcom Floyd does is produce. He’s healthy, the matchup is good, and I don’t care if he’s third fiddle in SD’s passing game. Start him.

Sit Em WR: Brandon Lloyd, STL (at SEA)

I’ve been high on Lloyd ever since he came over to St. Louis, and most of the time I’ve been right. Even though the Rams’ offense sucks, Lloyd has been able to carve out a niche as the lone consistent fantasy producer. I’m not sure how he’s done it, but he has.

Last week, however, Lloyd tallied only one catch against the mighty 49ers, and things aren’t looking too good this week. Not only is Sam Bradford dinged up, but his normal backup A.J. Feeley is hurt too. That means that…wait for it…Tim Brandstater could be starting at QB for St. Louis.

Combine the Rams’ woeful offense with this QB uncertainty, and then mix in Seattle’s underrated defense at home, and you have a recipe for a sit ‘em.

Brandon Lloyd fantasy football Week 14 projection: 2 receptions, 40 yards

Other sit em WRs for Week 14:

• Dwayne Bowe is on Revis Island this week, and he still has Tyler Palko tossing him the pigskin. Just didn’t want you to forget.
• I’m not telling you to sit them automatically, because both have been consistently productive this year, but just know that Mike Wallace and Antonio Brown are facing the stingiest pass defense in the league. Granted, the Browns’ pass D numbers are skewed because teams just gash them with the run…but still, 12 weeks is a long time and receivers underperform against Cleveland on a weekly basis. If you have comparable options, go with them this week.
• The Redskins are stingier than you might think against opposing wide receivers. Play Gronk and Wes Welker for sure, but this is a week when Deion Branch doesn’t have a great deal of upside.
• Remember what I said above regarding my dislike for variance? Well, Julio Jones is the poster boy for wide receiver variance this year. Since Carolina is actually decent against the pass, Jones is another guy who is not an automatic sit…but who I’d have a hard time starting in a must-in situation because of how unpredictable he is.

Fantasy Football Week 14 Start em, Sit em TEs

Start Em TE: Kellen Winslow, TB (at JAX)

See, I don’t completely hate the Buccaneers (though I did decide to use a picture of Kellen Winslow in a Browns uniform…just because) nor irrationally love Jacksonville.

Despite their defensive consistency this year (minus Week 13) Jacksonville hasn’t been great against opposing tight ends. They actually give up the third most fantasy points per week to them.

Combine this with my distrust in the Bucs’ running game, and the Bucs’ inconsistency at wide receiver this year, and Kellen Winslow seems like, at worst, a safe and reliable option this week. You could do worse from your tight end in a big spot.

Kellen Winslow fantasy football Week 14 projection: 6 receptions, 60 yards, .5 TDs (again, I’m splitting the difference here; because of the matchup I think he can get one, but he only has two on the year.)

Other start em TEs for Week 14:

• If you’re desperate, consider Kevin Boss. The Packers give up more points to opposing tight ends than anyone, and the Raiders have had constant issues with their wide receivers this year.
• Tony Gonzalez and Vernon Davis are big but inconsistent names who I think you should trust this week because of matchups.

Sit Em TE: Jermaine Gresham, CIN (v HOU)

It’s tough to put Gresham here, because he’s been playing much better lately; and he really should have two more touchdowns if controversial calls had gone his way. Still, the Texans’ defense locks down opposing tight ends like few others, so as tough as Gresham is to sit, it’s even tougher to trust him.

Jermaine Gresham fantasy football Week 14 projection: 4 receptions, 35 yards

Other sit em TEs for Week 14:

• Scott Chandler has actually been decently productive without scoring touchdowns over the last few weeks. However, his production has come against the Jets and Dolphins, two teams that are more generous to opposing tight ends than the Chargers are.
• Aaron Hernandez is far from a must-sit, but he is no longer 1b to Rob Gronkowski’s 1a in New England. Gronk is clearly #1, with Hernandez picking up the scraps as #2. That still usually means 4-5 catches and 45-50 yards per week, but the touchdowns just haven’t been there. Project accordingly.

Fantasy Football Week 14 Start em, Sit em D/STs

Start Em D/ST: Seattle Seahawks (v STL)

The Seahawks have been a better fantasy defense than you might think this year, and they typically play better at home. Mix in a little Tim Brandstater (if Sam Bradford can’t go) and you have all the makings of a safe, potentially explosive fantasy defense for Week 14.

Seattle Seahawks D/ST fantasy football Week 14 projection: 10 or fewer points, several sacks, 2+ turnovers

Other start em D/STs for Week 14:

• The Broncos should get Von Miller back, and they get to face a Bears’ offense that is without Jay Cutler and Matt Forte.
• The New York Jets have fallen quite a way from the must-start-against-anyone status of a couple years back, but I do like them this week against the Kansas City Palkos.

Sit Em D/ST: Dallas Cowboys (v NYG)

The Cowboys have been too up and down for my tastes this year. While Demarcus Ware is always around to get some sacks, and Eli Manning could always revert back to 3-INT Eli, I think this game will be a shootout, and frankly I don’t really want any part of either defense.

Dallas Cowboys D/ST fantasy football Week 14 projection: 24 or more points, two sacks, 1 turnover

Other sit em D/STs for Week 14:

• Detroit’s defense might seem inviting against the 2-10 Vikings, but remember that Suh is out, Peterson is back, and Ponder-to-Harvin has become one of the most dangerous duos in the NFL.
• The Miami Dolphins have been playing pretty good defense lately; yet, even with that, and the fact that I’m telling you to sit Michael Vick this week, the presence of LeSean McCoy and Andy Reid still scares me enough to say that I wouldn’t want the Dolphins’ D starting for me in a must-win situation. The Eagles’ may suck, but they do have explosive capabilities that could, well, explode at any minute.

And that’s it! Another successful start/sit column in the books. Now it’s on to your questions. Have at the comment section, and we’ll be back all week to answer.

Also, since several of you have asked how you can help support MSF for the time we take, quite joyfully, to help you with your fantasy teams each week, I’ll just suggest checking out Daily Joust. You’ve seen me discussing them a lot this season, and they really do have a fun package of weekly fantasy games for you to play, from college to pro. Shoot, Keith Mullett thinks it’s “the best alternative to fantasy sports and gambling ever.“

Click here or on the image below, and if you become a paying member at Daily Joust we’ll end up getting a cut of the money. No pressure, just a suggestion that I’d make regardless of our affiliate status with them, and one that would help us out if you obliged.

Note: I used ESPN’s Points Against tool as a reference while writing this post.

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The playoffs are dead ahead.  Now, more than ever, it is vital that you start the right guys.

We already advised you on the waiver wire. We’ve already outlined who you should start and sit on Thanksgiving. We’ve also told you about a fun Thanksgiving-only fantasy challenge.

Heck, we’ve even outlined the complete history of Thanksgiving Day football for you.

Now it’s time to look at the rest of Week 12.

Quick Piece of Advice

There is no room left for excuses.  At this point in the season, we have ALL dealt with injuries.  We have ALL battled through our bye weeks.  We have ALL left points on the table.

If I could give you one piece of advice before the stretch run, it would be something I have emphasized all year.  Listen to expert advice…but trust your gut first.

Again, none of us have the time to really study fantasy football full time.  It is impossible (well, for those of us who have real jobs) to completely keep track of every single player, every matchup, every injury, and every game.  If you don’t have a good read on a player or a matchup, you should definitely consult “the experts.”

However, so much of fantasy football comes back to gut feelings.

If you have a gut feeling that Danny Woodhead is going to run all over Philadelphia this week, and that gut is based on some stats or game play that you have actually seen, go for it!  Even if the expert disagrees, I would rather go down on my own terms.  Believe me, you will hate yourself if Woodhead goes off and you started Chris Johnson just because that’s what the expert said.

If you are ambivalent and have no opinion, seek counsel…but don’t be afraid to trust your gut on the tough calls.

If you haven’t read Jerod’s post focusing on fantasy players in tomorrow’s Thanksgiving Day games, you must.  Use both articles for a little more detailed information in week 12.

Last Week’s Picks: 17 for 22 (80 %)

• Hits: Tim Tebow, Matt Moore, Matt Stafford, Mark Sanchez, Joe Flacco, Marshawn Lynch, Reggie Bush, Beanie Wells, KC Running Backs, Laurent Robinson, Mike Williams, Eric Decker, Dwayne Bowe, Jermichael Finley, Jax defense, Cle defense, SD defense.
• Misses:  Cam Newton, Kendall Hunter, Michael Bush, Mario Manningham, Greg Olsen

Once again, “Start Em” guys are QBs/TEs outside of the Top 12 and RBs/WRs outside of the Top 25. “Sit Em Guys” include QBs/TEs that are in the Top 12 and RBs/WRs that are in the Top 25.

Fantasy Football Start Em, Sit Em Picks for Week 12: QB

Start Em QB: Josh Freeman

I know everyone is heartbroken that I’m not talking about Tebow this week.  I’m sure you will have a hard time finding a single article on him now…

If you DON’T start Matt Moore (whom I and Jerod both like this week), look closely at Bill Simmons’ ex-boyfriend, Josh Freeman.

He’s had a very “disappointing” season this year…and is still ranked 15th overall among fantasy QB’s.  He has a pretty nice matchup against Tennessee this week, who is in the bottom half of the league in every single passing category defensively.  Also, he and Mike Williams appeared to finally get on the same page last week.

Don’t be surprised to see Josh Freeman have a big week for the Bucs.

Josh Freeman Fantasy Projections for Week 12: 290 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT

Other start ‘em QBs for Week Twelve:

• Matt Moore – Great matchup against a Dallas secondary that is overrated AND banged up.
• Both QB’s in the Detroit/GB game – For obvious reasons.
• Cam Newton – Against the Colts…Yikes.

Sit Em QB: Tim Tebow

I still think he’s a winner, and I think he has a real shot to succeed in the league for a long time.  However, I don’t really like the matchup this week.

As good as Denver’s defense has been, it only takes two shots from Rivers for San Diego to get a lead.  If Denver does indeed have to play from behind, and Tebow is forced to become a drop back, pocket passer, that will be bad news for Denver and Tebow owners.

The good news about Tebow is that I actually think he’s a pretty low risk prospect from week to week.  Provided he doesn’t throw any interceptions (which he’s been great at so far in his career), he is a lock for at least 50 rushing yards and a TD.  You will probably get at least 10-15 points from him every week – including this week.

Unfortunately for him and his owners, I think there are a lot of QB’s with favorable matchups in Week 12, making Tebow a guy you should consider sitting.

Tim Tebow Week 12 Fantasy Projection: 130 passing yards, 1 TD and 1 INT; 60 rushing yards and 1 TD.

Other sit ‘em QBs for Week Twelve:

• Carson Palmer – The Bears’ defense is good…and they will be playing with extra fire this week while trying to lift up their Cutler-less team.
• Ryan Fitzpatrick – He’s slumping…and an angry Jets’ defense is not really your ideal opponent to try and get out of a slump against.

Jerod’s thoughts:

I can’t quibble here. I also like Josh Freeman this week and am starting him over Ryan Fitzpatrick in a league where I have both. (Fitzpatrick, by the way, is pretty close to droppable now. Amazing how quickly things can change huh?)

Another I guy I like, for some unknown reason, is Sam Bradford. I know, I know…I’m being way too stubborn about him this year. But the guy still has talent, he finally has a receiver to make plays for him (Brandon Lloyd), and the Rams face a Cardinals secondary that simply is not very good. If he can’t produce solid numbers this week, I’ll give up on him. But until then…

I do, however, like Carson Palmer. While I agree that the Bears’ D will be fired up, the way you attack them is through the air, and Palmer has one of the highest yard per attempt averages in the league since taking over.

Oh, and anyone who doesn’t play Cam Newton this week is a damn fool.

Fantasy Football Start Em, Sit Em Picks for Week 12: RBs

Start Em RB: DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart

Something must have been in the water this summer for all of the running backs that signed huge contract extensions (minus Adrian Peterson of course…that guy is just a machine).  However, Williams has definitely shown a burst as of late, and an awful Indianapolis defense should be fantastic for him and his owners.

As for Jonathan Stewart, don’t be scared about the fact that he will be splitting carries with Williams.  The Panthers have two very distinct roles for both players.  Stewart has turned into Newton’s go-to threat out of the backfield.  I expect both players to put up double-digit points in Week 12.

Combined Stats for Williams and Stewart in Week 12: 180 rushing yards, 1 TD; 140 receiving yards, 1 TD

Other start ‘em RBs for Week Twelve:

• Roy Helu – I hate Mike Shanahan too…but I think Helu will have a good week against Seattle
• Chris Johnson – I have a weird feeling he’s finally going to have a big play or two this week.

Sit Em RB: Mike Tolbert

The best way to beat Denver’s defense is NOT on the ground.  Just ask Shonn Greene owners.

I think the Chargers will have a lot of success in the air though in week 12, and while Tolbert remains a constant threat to punch one into the end zone, if he doesn’t come through with a TD, you will be looking at a very poor day for the Human Bowling Ball.

Mike Tolbert Week 12 Projection: 30 yards rushing

Other sit ‘em RBs for Week Twelve:

• Brandon Jacobs – He’s washed up.
• Kansas City Running Backs – No passing game whatsoever…and they are playing Pittsburgh.  Ugh.

Jerod’s thoughts:

I think it’s safe to say that all players going up against the Colts are solid plays every week. So I agree on the frustrating DAW and JStew.

I cannot, however, agree on Helu. Not only is the diabolical Mike Shanahan his coach, but Washington faces Seattle in Seattle, and the Seahawks have quietly built one of the league’s best defenses, especially against the run.

Chris Johnson? Good luck with that. He may well go off this week, but he’ll be doing it from my bench; and I won’t feel the least bit regretful about it. He deserves to ride the pine, and until he gives me reason to trust him I am not entrusting one of two valuable starting RB slots on his worthlessness.

Fantasy Football Start em, Sit em Picks for Week 12: WRs

Start Em WR: Mario Manningham

Manningham was nowhere to be found on Sunday night…and the Giants paid for it.

Look for Eli to target the speedster from Michigan much more than twice this week against New Orleans.  Super Mario has been very hit or miss this year, but I think he responds to the goose egg he put up last week by putting up some of his best numbers of the year.

Mario Manningham fantasy football Week 12 projection: 7 receptions, 120 yards, 1 TD

Other start ‘em WRs for Week Twelve:

• Laurent Robinson – It seems like Romo picks a new random dude every year to become his go-to guy halfway through the season. As long as Miles Austin is out, expect Robinson to put up some good numbers. (Yes, I copied this from last week…I still feel the same way.)
• Percy Harvin – The dude is just really good…we forget about him because his QB play the last two years has been atrocious.  However, he’s always a threat on special teams, and he has a pretty favorable matchup against a soft Atlanta secondary in Week 12.
• Pierre Garcon – Carolina is terrible…surely SOMEBODY from Indy has to have a good week…right?  No?  They Don’t?  Let’s just move on…

Sit Em WR: Anquan Boldin

I will allow Jerod to briefly tell us about how awesome San Francisco’s defense is…

Anquan Boldin fantasy football Week 12 projection: 3 catches for 45 yards

Other Sit ‘em WRs for Week Twelve:

• Bears’ Wide Receivers – While Devin Hester should ALWAYS at least be considered, I don’t like anyone else on Chicago this week.  Cutler has been making magic out of nothing for four weeks now…I just don’t think Caleb Hannie will be able to replicate what he has done at all.

Jerod’s thoughts:

You know, after finishing my Thanksgiving start/sit rundown, I thought about going back and adding Anquan Boldin to the sit list. He only has three catches over the last two weeks, and you’re right: San Francisco’s defense is punishing. I do like Torrey Smith, as he’s become the #1 guy in their passing game, but I think it’s perfectly find to sit Boldin, even though I do think he gets 4-5 catches this week. (Because you can’t – can’t – run on the Niners.)

I love all Giants receivers against New Orleans, and you’re right about Harvin. He’s underrated, but Christian Ponder is proving his intelligence by making sure Harvin gets the ball. With AD out this week, look for that to happen ever more.

Fantasy Football Start em, Sit em Picks for Week 12: TEs

Start Em TE: Kellen Winslow

Again, Tennessee is very mediocre against the pass, and Winslow should benefit from their soft secondary.  Look for a healthy Winslow to have at least 6 catches and a TD.

Kellen Winslow fantasy football Week 10 projection: 7 receptions, 80 yards, 1 TD

Sit Em TE: Jermichael Finley

I expect him to drop back into pass protection more this week in order to help out against Suh and co.  Even if he doesn’t, he’s way too inconsistent for my liking.

Be careful with starting Finley against Detroit on Thanksgiving Day

Jermichael Finley fantasy football Week 10 projection: 1 reception, 10 yards, 0 TD

Jerod’s Thoughts:

Can’t quibble here either. I like Winslow this week, and I already made my feelings known about Finley. He always has two-TD potential because he’s loaded with talent, but neither the targets nor the consistency has been there.

Another guy who is sliding down a bit is Fred Davis. He has not been able to maintain his early season production and probably isn’t a must-start anymore. See if Greg Olsen is out there on your waiver wires. I’ve picked him up in a number of leagues over the last couple of weeks, and that Colts matchup sure is inviting.

Fantasy Football Start em, Sit em Picks for Week 12: D/ST

Start Em Defense: Chicago

An angry Bears defense ready to show the world they can survive without Jay Cutler for a few weeks matched up against Carson Palmer.  Just think about it.

Sit Em Defense: Denver

I have been very impressed by them in recent weeks.  However, they also have played against Mark Sanchez, Matt Cassel, and Carson Palmer.  Be wary with them against a division rival that knows them well.

Jerod’s Thoughts:

Chicago’s D is a great choice, and they always provide the special teams upside that is nice. As for Denver, I don’t mind them either. Tim Tebow doesn’t turn the ball over to give opposing offenses short fields or easy scoring chances, and even if Denver does give up some points they get sacks with Von Miller and Elvis Dumervil.

Other defenses to keep your eyes on this week: Atlanta, which faces Christian Ponder, Toby Gerhart, and the Vikings at home; the Jets, which gets to face the now-bumbling Bills at home; and Seattle, which faces Sexy Rexy and this guy…whatever the hell he does on the sidelines.

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The Week 12 Start/Sit picks are in the books. But of course, this is only the beginning. Now the real fun begins in the comment section, so load it up with lineup-specific questions and we’ll get to them throughout the week, culminating with our marathon Sunday morning start/sit live chat (bookmark this link, which will be updated Sunday morning), which will go off at 11:00 ET and run all the way up until kickoff.

And don’t forget about our friends at Daily Joust. They are hosting a Thanksgiving Day Turkey Shootout that uses only players playing on Thanksgiving Day in the player pool, has a $5 entry free, and $300 guaranteed prize pool. Plus, not only is it a Super Joust Qualifier, but you can submit multiple entries.

Good luck in Week 12 everybody! We’ll see you in the comments.

Six team byes have been scaled back down to four this week, so fewer players will be sitting out of your matchups, but it will still likely necessitate at least one or two touch decisions; decisions you shouldn’t take lightly, because while this may be the middle of the season for the players, our playoffs are right around the corner and crunch time is upon us.

Before I get to this week’s stock picks, I invite anyone to comment on this question because the answer eludes me: will Joe Flacco ever become an elite quarterback in the NFL?

His polarizing play has people worried, especially me, so let me know in the comments section.

Now we will let you know what is good in this week’s stock report.

Fantasy Football Week 9 Stock Report: Stocks Up

Matt Cassel

Lol isn’t usually a term acceptable for sports blogging, but that is the only word someone can come up with when trying to describe the Dolphins’ pass defense.  Even losing Jamaal Charles for the season, Cassel’s production hasn’t skyrocketed nor plummeted, and he puts up good enough numbers to fill in for Stafford if you need him.

Philip Rivers

I promise that Rivers will have high stock until, well, who knows.  There is no way that he can continue to play this poorly for the rest of the year.  He threw for over 350 yards last week even though some unlucky interceptions came forth, but one of these days he is going to impress…hopefully.

Beanie Wells

The only thing that seems to be stopping Wells from becoming a top flight fantasy running back are his injuries.  During games that the Cardinals are competitive in, he can score you 14 to 20+ points.  The only problem with playing Wells is that the 1-6 Cardinals are out of games so fast that the running game gets put on the back burner and his abilities can get lost in the fold.

Michael Bush

This is somewhat of an obvious decision with the loss of Darren McFadden for the week, but Bush has always been a decent play.  His size allows him to be a goal line threat any time the Raiders are inside the red zone.  Playing against Tim Tebow should allow for many opportunities in Oakland.

Brandon Jacobs

Who knows why Tom Coughlin doesn’t give his 6-3 250 running back the ball more often, but this week should show some change with Ahmad Bradshaw out.  Jacobs has only carried the ball 10 times in a game once this year, but this is the week his production should benefit and score you around 10 points. He’s a solid fill-in for owners stuck without All Day or MJD this week.

Julio Jones

Has Julio lived up to the hype that was created when the Falcons threw the kitchen sink at the Browns to snag the rookie this past April?  The jury is still out on that one, but this could be the week that we see the young man have a breakout game against a Colts team that is so bad that almost nobody can watch.

Antonio Brown

The proof is in the pudding and this man has been performing week in and week out.  Keep things clear with simple logic this week: the Ravens probably won’t be able to go into Pittsburgh and beat the Steelers on the road, and if Baltimore is going to shut someone down, it seems like Mike Wallace would be that guy.

Kellen Winslow

That first touchdown of the year can be tricky for tight ends but K2 got the job done.  The Bucs are going to have to keep up with the Saints if they want any success this week so plenty of targets could go to the veteran tight end.

Cardinals D/ST

30 point games have been the norm for Arizona, but playing against the Rams could be the perfect remedy.  Don’t think that the Rams can repeat their surprising Week 8 performance this week, so play the Cardinals’ defense with confidence.

Fantasy Football Week 9 Stock Report: Stocks Down

Matt Schaub

This week will tilt in the favor of Arian Foster when going against the Browns weak front seven.  Superstar in the making Joe Haden blanketing Kevin Walter or Jacoby Jones (filling in for a still-sore Andre Johnson) won’t bode well for the passing game, so pedestrian numbers are most likely to come for Schaub.

Joe Flacco

As much as I love FLACCO, his stock has to be down.  Two subpar games against poor defenses makes this game against the Steelers look like the matchup from hell.  Although it doesn’t look as if he is going to throw 3 interceptions with a few fumbles again, this game still just has problems written all over it.

Matt Hasselbeck

Most of his games have been productive this year, but it looks as if he might have hit the permanent wall.  Depending on the state of the Titans after this game, whether they win or lose we could see the end of Hasselbeck’s starting career and the beginning of the Jake Locker era.  The Cincinnati Bengals defense doesn’t play around with opposing quarterbacks so this could get ugly.

LeGarrette Blount

Blount has a low stock this week strictly because of circumstance.  The New Orleans Saints blitz the scoreboard no matter who they play against, so if the Bucs want to win, keeping up is the only option.  Blount doesn’t contribute much in the way of the passing game so don’t be surprised when he posts pedestrian numbers.

Ray Rice

We all know about the Pittsburgh run defense, so this matchup looks fairly predictable.  Actually the whole Ravens offense looks like they are in trouble this week.  Now we may get proven wrong, but until this unit as a whole steps up, the guys on defense are going to be the ones who win this team the majority of its games.

Brandon Marshall

Miami is hard to watch.  Regardless of the fact that Marshall is the best player on the field, he can’t like where this team is going.  Too many losses late can put a team’s focus in the dumps, and as history has shown, when Brandon Marshall doesn’t like the situation chances are he is going to do what it takes to get out of it.

Jordy Nelson

Aside from the big game every other week, Nelson just doesn’t seem to get enough looks on the offense.  2 catches for 104 yards and a touchdown is a productive week yes, but what happens when those 2 catches equal out to just 30 yards?  It’s big risk, big reward for Jordy owners, and this week’s matchup with the Chargers doesn’t grade out well.

San Diego D/ST

This is pretty much a no brainer here.  Look at the obvious reasons.  Aaron Rodgers is on the other side of the field and Phillip Rivers has had many recent struggles that give the opposing team a lot of opportunities to score. Play someone else.

I wish I knew…injuries have just killed me…and I’ve lost each week by an average of 1.2 points. Just heartbreaking.

Some of you are probably in the same boat as me. Even if you aren’t, it’s the time in the fantasy football season when leagues are won and lost. Now is when we have to start making the tough calls.

Image source: AOLNews.com

Maybe you chose to ride Chris Johnson through the first three weeks because you spent so much money on him and “he is just too good to keep failing.” You can’t be stubborn any longer. It’s time to cut your losses and start doing the unthinkable…it’s time to start other guys that are just having better years, or maybe even cut someone you felt good about going in.

Don’t be afraid to admit your mistakes. The worst thing you could ever do is hold onto a guy too long, or keep starting a guy every week, just because you want to prove that you were right at the beginning. You may be 0-3, but all you need to do is get into the playoffs…then, anything can happen.

Let’s quickly recap my picks from last week and then look ahead to Week 4. Once again, “Start Em” guys are QBs/TEs outside of the Top 12 and RBs/WRs outside of the Top 25. “Sit Em Guys” include QBs/TEs that are in the Top 12 and RBs/WRs that are in the Top 25.

Week Three Recap

Overall – 26 for 45 (58%)

Best Player Predictions: 3 for 4
Hits: Tom Brady, Maurice Jones-Drew, Rob Gronkowski
Misses: Brandon Marshall

Start Em Predictions: 2 for 4
Hits: Rex Grossman, Santana Moss,
Misses: Rashard Mendenhall, Brent Celek

Other Guys I Liked Predictions: 10 for 16
Hits: Matt Stafford, Matt Ryan, LeSean McCoy, Fred Jackson, Shonn Greene, Ray Rice, Larry Fitzgerald, Dustin Keller, Tony Gonzalez, Owen Daniels
Misses: Philip Rivers, Cam Newton, Reggie Wayne, AJ Green, Steve Smith, Jermaine Gresham

Worst Player Predictions: 3 for 4
Hits: Matt Cassell, Denarius Moore, Todd Heap
Misses: Colts’ RBs

Sit Em Predictions: 2 for 4
Hits: Jahvid Best, Dallas Clark,
Misses: Ryan Fitzpatrick, Dwayne Bowe

Other Guys I Didn’t Like Predictions: 6 for 13
Hits: Donovan McNabb, Kerry Collins, Julio Jones, Jeremy Maclin, Santonio Holmes, Ben Watson
Misses: Aaron Rodgers, Jay Cutler, Darren McFadden, Packers’ Running Backs, Adrian Peterson, Scott Chandler, Jimmy Graham

Fantasy Football Week 4 Start Em, Sit Em Projections: Quarterbacks

Projected Best Performer: Matt Stafford
Stafford (as long as he stays healthy) will be a Top 5 Fantasy QB at the end of the year, and the Dallas secondary should provide little resistance. Expect a lot of points in this old-school battle of Thanksgiving Day football teams.

Matthew Stafford Fantasy Football Week 4 Projected Stats: 375 yards, 4 TDs

Start Em QB: Ben Roethlisberger
Pittsburgh’s appalling lack of commitment to the running game is one of the biggest surprises of this season. I’m not sure if their philosophy has changed (possible), if they have realized Mendenhall isn’t that good (very possible), if their offensive line has regressed yet again (probably), or if a combination of all three has happened (most likely). Either way, start Big Ben with confidence this week against the Texans.

Ben Roethlisberger Fantasy Football Week 4 Projected Stats: 330 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT

Other Start ‘Em QBs for Week Four:

• Eli Manning – Lots of yards against Arizona’s porous secondary.
• Philip Rivers – Bounce back game after a lackluster game against the Chiefs
• Matt Hasselbeck – Expect him to play very well until the inevitable injury in week 8.
• Jay Cutler – Having a very solid season despite the storyline.

Projected Worst Performer: Kyle Orton
And you thought the Tebow chants were loud in week one? I almost feel bad for Orton at this point. A horrible game against Green Bay will about seal his fate and future with the Broncos.

Kyle Orton Fantasy Football Week 4 Projected Stats: 180 yards, 1 TD, 3 INTs

Sit Em QB: Joe Flacco
Joe Flacco has really come out with a huge season so far, and I actually expect it to continue. He has some very good weapons, and he appears to have made a “leap” of sorts. However, I just hate the matchup this week. The Jets will be angry and ready to prove to the world on Sunday Night Football that what happened in Oakland was a fluke.

Joe Flacco Fantasy Football Week 4 Projected Stats: 225 Yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs

Other Sit ‘Em QBs for Week Four:

• Matt Cassel – Minnesota’s defense is underrated, and I think they will finally finish a game.
• Blaine Gabbert – Obvious reasons.
• Matt Schaub – Troy Polamalu looks really fast again…this is bad news for the rest of the league.
• Chad Henne – After a ho-hum win over Kansas City, San Diego’s entire team will rebound well this week.

Fantasy Football Week 4 Start Em, Sit Em Projections: Running Backs

Projected Best Performer: Adrian Peterson
The best running back in the league is going against the worst team in the league…and his coach will probably ride him hard in order to not blow another huge lead.

Adrian Peterson Fantasy Football Week 4 Projected Stats: 160 yards, 1 TD; 65 receiving yards, 1 TD

Start Em RB: BJGE – The Law Firm
I think the Pats’ passing attack is fantastic, but Coach Belichik also knows that they will eventually need to be able to run the ball once winter sets in. A lot of people will be expecting a lot of fast-paced drives and big plays in Oakland this week, but I think the Pats surprise a lot of people and start grinding it out a little more. Look for the Law Firm to have a big day.

BenJarvus Green-Ellis Fantasy Football Week 4 Projected Stats: 90 yards, 2 TDs; 65 receiving yards

Other Start ‘Em RBs for Week Four:

• Brandon Jacobs – He looked fresh on Sunday, and he’s also becoming more of a threat out of the backfield.
• Fred Jackson – Big day for Jackson against the Bengals.
• Jahvid Best – Massive day for Detroit players…yet again.
• Michael Turner – Playing the Seahawks…enough said.

Projected Worst Performer: Texans’ Running Backs
The Colts had a decent night running the ball because they had no other choice…and Pittsburgh wasn’t really prepared for it. The Texans, on the other hand, will try to establish their passing attack first, and if the Steelers shut it down, Houston will find itself trailing early. Add to that the fact that seemingly all of their running backs have nagging injuries, and I foresee a rough day for Houston RBs…no matter who is lined up in the backfield.

Ben Tate and Arian Foster Fantasy Football Week 4 Projected Stats: 38 yards; 44 receiving yards

Sit Em RB: Ray Rice
I know I have been burned by doubting Ray Rice before, but I really hate their matchup this week against New York. I don’t expect the Ravens to get an early lead like they did against the Steelers, and I’m afraid that Rice will only get something like 11 carries and a few receptions this week. If that happens, Rice owners will be in for a long day.

Ray Rice Fantasy Football Week 4 Projected Stats: 49 yards; 36 receiving yards

Other Sit ‘Em RBs for Week Four:

• Daniel Thomas – I need him to do it again against somebody legit.
• James Starks – I saw Ryan Grant in person this week…and he looks like he’s COMPLETELY back from injury. Look for the Packers to gradually stop splitting the load between the two backs.
• Denver Running Backs – Green Bay might have the best rushing defense in the league.
• Cowboys Running Backs – If Green Bay isn’t first, Detroit is.

Fantasy Football Week 4 Start Em, Sit Em Projections: Wide Receivers

Projected Best Performer: Megatron
After last week’s performance, I’m penciling him into this spot until he blows out his knee in 4 places and even then…I will need to make sure he isn’t in the lineup.

Calvin Johnson Fantasy Football Week 4 Projected Stats: 7 Catches for 145 yards and 2 TDs

Start Em WR: Plaxico Burress
Once again, Sanchez really loves him in the red zone, and I think he will get a lot of chances against Baltimore’s good, but smallish secondary.

Plaxico Burress Fantasy Football Week 4 Projected Stats: 5 Catches for 75 yards and 2 TDs

Other Start ‘Em WRs for Week Four:

• Reggie Wayne – Painter is his guy…and he’s in the starting lineup.
• Roddy White – Finally the performance his owners have been waiting for.
• AJ Green – He’s good! I promise! Buffalo is also a good matchup for him.
• Wes Welker – As long as their TEs are banged up and Chad Ochocinco is an option, expect Welker to have monster days.

Projected Worst Performer: Sidney Rice
One of those games where nothing goes right for Seattle. You know, like all of their other games that don’t come against NFC West opponents.

Sidney Rice Fantasy Football Week 4 Projected Stats: 3 catches for 25 yards

Sit Em WR: Dwayne Bowe
Minnesota’s secondary actually isn’t that bad. If you take out Megatron and one 60 yard reception by Best, Stafford actually had a pretty modest day against them. Well, Dwayne Bowe is not Megatron…and the Chiefs are awful. Bowe will be in for a long day against the Vikings.

Dwayne Bowe Fantasy Football Week 4 Projected Stats: 4 catches for 38 yards.

Other Sit ‘Em WRs for Week Four:

• Chad Ochocinco – I just wanted to give myself an easy point for my record next week.
• Steve Smith 1.0 – Tough day for the Newtons.
• Jeremy Maclin – Just not the same player without Michael Vick, plus he’s injured and may not even play.
• Anquan Boldin – Revis Island.

Fantasy Football Week 4 Start Em, Sit Em Projections: Tight Ends

Projected Best Performer: Rob Gronkowski
See above, Megatron.

Rob Gronkowski Fantasy Football Week 4 Projected Stats: 12 catches for 120 yards and 1 TD.

Start Em TE: Greg Olsen
I witnessed, first hand, the worst safety in the league on Sunday: Craig Steltz for the Bears…and boy did he win that award easily. His biggest problem is covering tight ends, as evidenced by Jermichael Finley’s outstanding day. The Panthers won’t have a great day against the Bears, but expect big things from Olsen.

Greg Olsen Fantasy Football Week 4 Projected Stats: 9 catches for 100 yards a 1 TD.

Other Start ‘Em TEs for Week Four:

• Jermichael Finley – He’s baaaa-aack.
• Jimmy Graham – He’s quickly becoming one of Brees’ favorite targets.
• Tony Gonzalez – Just a touchdown machine at this point. Even though I don’t like to chase touchdowns, Gonzo is almost good for one a game.
• Jermaine Gresham – Buffalo showed us last week that they have a hard time defending the pass, and especially tight ends.

Projected Worst Performer: Owen Daniels
Troy Polamalu is back to roving the middle of the field. This is bad news for Daniels.

Owen Daniels Fantasy Football Week 4 Projected Stats: 3 catches for 15 yards.

Sit Em TE: Vernon Davis
Philly has done a very good job of defending tight ends this year. Besides Tony Gonzalez’s unbelievable catch on Monday Night Football, they have basically shut them down. Look for Davis to have a rough week this week against the Eagles.

Vernon Davis Fantasy Football Week 4 Projected Stats: 5 catches for 45 yards

Other Sit ‘Em TEs for Week Four:

• Heath Miller – Pitt’s WRs will get a lot more action this week.
• Ben Watson – I still don’t trust him.
• Kellen Winslow – Will be forced to help out with pass protection against Freeney and Mathis more than he wants.

Best of luck in Week 4! Pose your Week 4 questions below.

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Don’t miss the rest of our Fantasy Football Week 4 coverage:

• Week 4 Start Em, Sit Em Projections
• Week 4 Waiver Wire Advice
• Week 4 Rankings

The Chiefs team as a whole gets a lot of attention this week due mainly to the injury of Jamaal Charles, which opens up some opportunities for other guys on that squad.

The game itself is changing with the way teams throw the ball.  Yes running backs are still important but QBs and WRs are becoming the high scorers week in and week out.  Don’t be late to the party.

Fantasy Football Week 3 Stock Up

QB Colt McCoy

No, Colt is not the caliber of player as Matt Schaub or Tom Brady, but in terms of fantasy value, the Dolphins defense offers a lot of opportunity for the 2^nd year vet.

Two things jump out at me when you look at him this week.  First, the Browns throw the ball a lot in that West Coast system; and second, Miami’s best corner Vonte Davis is out with a hamstring injury.  Couldn’t get a much more favorable matchup than this.

QB Kevin Kolb

The Cards go up against a defense that is slightly underrated.  Be that as it may, the Seattle offense is so inept that 3 and outs have become the norm and the defense is forced to stay on the field.  The defense is averaging over 35 minutes on the field, which is going to create many opportunities for Kolb this week.

RB Jahvid Best

Forget all the talk about the Detroit defense, this offense is putting up some serious numbers.  It seems as if the NFL these days is a pass-first, run-second league, but running backs are still putting up numbers.  The best thing about Best is his versatility and ability to score points from catching passes out of the backfield as he has been targeted 13 times so far this year.

Chargers RBs

If you are looking for the KC defense to rebound after two straight weeks of getting burned for 40 points, this isn’t the week.  San Diego really knows how to spread the wealth around when it comes to their skill players.  On the year, Mike Tolbert and Ryan Mathews are ranked 8^th and 11^th for fantasy RBs and average 20 plus touches each week.

WR David Nelson

This is going to be the week in which we find out if the Bills and their 4 wide receiver offense are for real.  It might sound crazy but against the Patriots, (who aren’t exactly ball hawking this year so far) another 30-point shootout could be in the works.

WR Nate Burleson

Almost put Santana Moss in this spot, but you already know about him, so enough about Moss and more about the man opposite of “Megatron” in Detroit.  Here is an equation to love: fantasy star Matthew Stafford + Minnesota run defense = Nate Burleson big day.  It is looking like a 10-point day for the former Viking and a lot better option than Roy Williams, but more on that later.

TE Rob Gronkowski

While we were saying avoid him last week, and wrongly so, this week is the exact opposite.  No Aaron Hernandez means no more competition for targets amongst TEs and more love from Tom Brady.  Now who wouldn’t like that?

TE Fred Davis

After a few years of not living up to his potential, Davis looks like he has overtaken Chris Cooley as the number one fantasy option at tight end on the Redskins.  Everyone seems to be expecting the Cowboys defense to have a big game with the rival skins coming to town but as Lee Corso would say, not so fast my friend! Fred Davis is looking to have a big day.

Fantasy Football Week 3 Stagnant Stock

Kansas City Backfield

It isn’t normal to do this, but of all the suggestions this could be the most honest one.  Given the obvious, Jamaal Charles is done for the year and the Chiefs just don’t have the receiving options to sling the ball 45 times a game, so here is the deal: Dexter McCluster is small and can’t carry the ball 20 times a game; neither can Thomas Jones because he is a 33 year old RB in the NFL when the life expectancy is around four years; and the third option is Le’Ron McClain, who had a big year in Baltimore when he was one of the feature backs.  Any of these guys could step up and be leaned upon in KC, so its vital to stay up to date with what is going on with that trio.

Fantasy Football Week 3 Stock Down

QB Sam Bradford

Maybe you have him starting on your team, then again maybe you shouldn’t.  If Steven Jackson plays, the Ravens will have the choice of who they want to limit on Sunday.  With the skill of their run defense, chances are Bradford is going to have the cavalry thrown at him by way of the blitz.

QB Matt Cassel

I don’t know if LOL is appropriate for formal writing, but that is what I must say to the play of the 70% owned Cassel.  The Chiefs have scored 10 points this year and Cassel has put up 3 points himself.  Is it bad that he put up 6 of those points in week 1?

RB Shonn Greene

The experts and football heads all around the world can predict big things for anybody, but until they step up, it is best to leave them alone.  The Raiders’ run defense is not as bad as it seems and with a more formal run game, the Jets don’t have the type of offense that gets guys in space like Buffalo does.

RB Joseph Addai

What is worse than a rookie taking away your carries?  A visit from the run stopping Pittsburgh Steelers.  You tend to feel a little bad for this guy, as his skills were fitting well with Peyton Manning.  Check downs, protection changes, and change of pace run plays really let Addai do his thing.  Now he is being leaned upon as the go-to guy in this offense and he just isn’t cut out for that.

WR Early Doucet

It was easy for fantasy owners to get excited about the 16 point game in week 1 against the Panthers but that is in the past.  Why couldn’t he duplicate that performance against the Redskins?  Why is water wet?  All kidding aside, this NFC west matchup could go any way it wants to.  Just don’t count on a double digit game until Kevin Kolb is truly comfortable with this offense.

WR DeSean Jackson

Fantasy Blasphemy!  I just get the feeling that Tom Coughlin will do everything he can to make his day difficult.

TE Kellen Winslow

He’s projected as questionable for Sunday’s game vs Atlanta.  Tampa Bay hasn’t seen the big numbers expected out of Winslow so far in 2011 but its only week 3.  No need to panic about his production.  Just give it some time before you expect the double digit games.

Bills D/ST

That 13 point outing in week 1 was against the hopeless Chiefs.  Did you see what Jason Campbell did against this defense with a slew of his top receivers out?  Oh yea, and add to the fact that New England will hang 59 points on a team if they feel like it, a negative

If you really want to make a splash in the tight end market, make sure you move early and grab one of the Big Three.  However, if you want to wait and try to maximize your value, there are no less than nine fantastic options that can be gotten for the cheap.

Here are your top twelve Tight Ends for 2011, along with some guys on the fringe that are definitely worth keeping an eye on – especially if you already have good feeling about one of them.

See also: Jon’s Quarterback rankings and his Running Back rankings, and join us at FanDuel for free weekly fantasy football challenges.

Fantasy Football TE Rankings: The Wild Cards

• Brent Celek – expect him to get lots of play early before cooling off late as Vick gets a little more comfortable and his weapons get more explosive.
• Todd Heap – his name makes me keep him on here…but he was washed up three years ago.
• Tony Gonzalez – see Heap, Todd.
• Marcedes Lewis – the Jaguars are a mess this year, but he could be a solid pickup late in the season if they start figuring things out.
• Owen Daniels – this guy is a real threat, especially if Arian Foster will miss an extended amount of time.  Look for opponents to be double-teaming Andre Johnson and leaving the middle of the field wide open.
• Chris Cooley – probably one of the most reliable tight ends you can grab…never flashy, but good for five catches and fifty yards nearly every game.
• Jimmy Graham – he’s a the most oft-cited sleeper this year, and with good reason considering he’s the #1 tight end for the Saints, a team that loves to use their tight end.

Fantasy Football TE Rankings: The Top 12

#12 Tony Moeaki

The great thing about tight ends is that you aren’t necessarily handicapped by having terrible quarterback play.  Whereas AJ Green might only catch 50 passes this year, below-average quarterbacks often target their tight ends more.  They are always open and usually end up being the first safety valve a QB sees.

Moeaki came into the league with a bang last season, and while he hit a little bit of a rookie wall, expect him to make a leap this year.  He was second on the Chiefs in targets AND receptions, and on a team with an explosive running game coupled with pretty decent skill players on the outside, he should get plenty of opportunities in year #2.

#11 Brandon Pettigrew

If the Lions truly break out this season, Pettigrew will be a huge reason for it.  The former high draft pick had a stellar season last year with Joe Shmoe throwing him the ball.  Expect him to catch more than the 71 balls he caught last year easily, and if his TDs go up at all (from four…not too hard), you have yourself a top eight fantasy tight end.

#10 Greg Olsen

He might catch half of all of Cam Newton’s passes this year…especially if Steve Smith continues to be a no-show.  Add to that the fact that Olsen is actually uber-talented, and I think he has a big year in 2011.

#9 Kellen Winslow

He’s a soldier…and he plays with a young QB.  Should be another great year for the ex-Hurricane.

#8 Rob Gronkowski and #7 Aaron Hernandez

I’m not sure this has ever happened before, but the Patriots have two legitimate top eight guys at the tight end position.

With the weapons on the outside aging, the Patriots have reinvented their offense into a staggeringly difficult to defend unit that controls the middle of the field.  Wes Welker, Gronkowski, and Hernandez are constantly stretching defenses horizontally, rather than vertically.

Last season, Gronkowski had more TDs while Hernandez had more catches and yards.  I think Hernandez has a slightly better year because he’s more talented, and Brady may end up looking to him slightly more in the red zone this season.

Either way, if you grab one of these guys, be happy…maybe even hope that his teammate gets hurt, because then you will have a bonafide stalwart at the TE position.

#6 Zach Miller

He’s really good and Tarvaris is really bad.  I think he puts up crazy numbers for a lousy team…you know, kind of like he has been doing for the past five seasons.

#5 Jermichael Finley

He had nearly 700 yards and 5 TDs two years ago…the year before Aaron Rodgers became one of the best QBs in the league.  If he stays healthy, the Packers could put up amazing numbers, with Finley being a key benefactor.

#4 Vernon Davis

Another one of those guys that’s really good and will actually benefit from poor QB play.  Admittedly, there might be a bit of risk in this pick, as we have seen how poor Davis plays when he’s not motivated (before Singletary arrived).  However, if he is motivated, he’s capable of 80 catches and 1000 yards…a simply unbelievable output from a tight end.

#3 Jason Witten

We are into our big three and with good reason.  Witten has broken the 80 catch mark for three consecutive years, and he is not projected to slow down any time soon.  He is durable, having not missed a game since 2004, and incredibly reliable.  Even last year, when he played with a backup QB for ten games, he finished with 94 catches and over 1,000 yards.  Grab Witten and be happy. You will have done well.

#2 Dallas Clark

Look for Clark to come back ready to play after his injury-shortened 2010 campaign.  While he may not catch 100 balls for 1100 yards like he did in 2009, don’t be surprised if he posts some HUGE weeks, especially early on as Manning looks like he may start out slowly.

Really, Witten and Clark are pretty interchangeable, but I give Clark the slight edge because he doesn’t wear receiver gloves.  Seriously, how awesome is that?  In a league full of divas and wimps, Clark remains a man among boys.

#1 Antonio Gates

As good as it gets…as long as he’s healthy.

And after reading this on PFT this morning, I decided the time was right to at least try throwing a bone to embattled Browns coach Eric Mangini.

I figure if I don’t point out the positives now, before the rare glow of the team’s first victory fades into what I assume will be the overall blackness of our experience in Heinz Field this weekend, I might never get around to it. 

Here is a quick excerpt of the PFT post referenced above:

And there’s less of an edge to Mangini, making the overall player experience more enjoyable in a city where agents have privately said they would never send their clients.

It’s unclear why or how it has happened, but maybe Mangini has seen the light.

Now, there aren’t really a whole lot of specifics given here, and trying to ascertain the validity of anything coming out of Berea is quite a chore these days.

But…despite my original misgivings about Mangini’s hire in the first place, and my disappointment at how the first month of this season has gone, there are at least some positive signs for Browns fans to grasp onto.

First, say what you will, but Eric Mangini at least has a clear vision in his own mind for how he wants to build an organization and the types of characters he believes it requires to build a solid locker room. (And as a bonus, it was influenced by Bill Belichick, one of the all-time greats.)

Mangini’s initial and most important steps have revolved around changing the culture of the locker room, which has included the jettisoning of the oft-injured Kellen Winslow and the oft-inept Braylon Edwards. 

Both of these guys are clearly talented, but both are proven front-runners. When things are going well and they’re getting their numbers, all is right with the world. If the team is struggling a bit, or they are not glorifying themselves on Sundays, they aren’t exactly the kind of team-first players you batten the hatches down around during tough times.

We know this season is a lost cause in terms of the playoffs; having Kellen and Braylon around was not going to be a positive. I think it showed great foresight by Mangini and Kokinis to trade Kellen and his wobbly knees and then get rid of Braylon while they could still get some value for him, rather than see one or both walk away in the offseason with nothing coming in return.

What’s funny is that the biggest argument against getting rid of K2 and Braylon was that it would hurt us in the immediate term. Yet, in our first game without both, we won for the first time in forever.

Coincidence? Perhaps. But a mighty encouraging one if you ask me.

I also like the fact that Eric Mangini switched from Brady Quinn to Derek Anderson, even though it was a tacit admission that he made the wrong decision on his QB in the preseason.

The truth is that neither Brady nor Derek is good enough to be a starting QB in the NFL right now. And to use a South Park metaphor, Mangini was essentially choosing between a giant douche and a turd sandwich.

However, right now, the Browns need Anderson’s ability to stretch the field. If Quinn is going to be inaccurate and indecisive on the short and intermediate throws, he provides no value because we know he isn’t stretching the field with any level of competence.

Going to D.A. was the right move to at least give this offense a fighting chance. Mangini didn’t realize it initially, but had the intestinal fortitude to swallow his pride and overturn himself for the good of the team.

I also like what Mangini and Kokinis are doing with the draft. They has already lined up double-digit picks for 2010 and appear poised to follow the Patriots’ draft model. It’s not perfect, but certainly a strategy valuing quantity has its merits in the long-term.

So, despite the putrid 1-4 start to the season, there are a few positives for Browns fans to cling to and a few reasons to not give up yet on the troubled Mangini era in Cleveland. Obviously the only thing that will matter in the long-run is Ws and Ls, but at least we’ve already notched one in the W column.

Think about it: aren’t you a little more encouraged right now than if you were a Bucs fan, a Raiders fan, a Chiefs fan, a Titans fan, a Bills fan, a Rams fan, and maybe even a Redskins fan?

I am. And while it’s not much, it’s something.

It’s going to be a long year. As always, the onus is on us as Browns fans to grasp onto whatever positives we can find.

What do you think? Are you taking any positives from the first five games of the 2009 season?

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* – Eric Mangini photo credit: AP via The Pigskin Press

The Week 17 start em, sit em lineup advice post is up.

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Welcome to the first edition of what will be a weekly post here at MSF throughout the NFL season: start ‘em – sit ‘em lineup advice for your fantasy football rosters.

We all know how important overall position rankings are for valuing players on draft day. Typically there are pretty clear tiers of players at each position. Making sure that you get players in certain tiers at appropriate draft positions is a key to maximizing value.

But — and it’s an important but — as you go through the season, weekly values can fluctuate based on a player’s injury, a teammate’s injury, and the opponent for that week.

For a guy like Drew Brees, or most guys picked in the first two or three rounds, it will rarely matter. You lock these guys into your starting lineups and count on them to anchor your team.

For mid- and late-round guys, however, the players who may fill out your #2 RB / WR positions or your flex spot, keeping an eye on fluctuations in expected value on a week-by-week basis is important.

That’s the goal of this post and will be the goal every week.

Follow the links to StubHub for great deals on all NFL tickets or College Football tickets.

I won’t tell you to start Drew Brees; you know that. And if you don’t know that, there is a good chance that you are wasting your time doing research because your team is doomed with your Kotite-level leadership.

On the other hand, maybe you waited to get a QB and your choices are Joe Flacco and Eli Manning. Neither is a clear-cut weekly starter, but will have particular matchups throughout the year that you will want to leverage or avoid.

Please take note: Just because a guy is a “start ‘em” doesn’t mean he should necessarily start for your team. If I say that David Garrard is worthy of a start, it does not mean he should play over Tom Brady or Philip Rivers. And just because I say that Matt Schaub may struggle, it doesn’t mean you should start Shaun Hill over him. Everything is relative and dependent on your roster.Â

We’re all looking for an edge that can help us on weekly basis. I have eight teams this year and obviously want to win with every one of them every single week. This post is my way of using the research I’ve done to help you out as well.

So without further adieu, let’s get right to it: a start ‘em – sit ‘em highlight at each position other than kicker. And obviously we can’t get to every player in this post, so feel free to ask follow-up questions in the comments. I’ll respond as quickly as I’m able all the way up until Sunday morning.

Week 1 Start ‘Em – Sit ‘Em: Quarterbacks

Start ‘em:Â David Garrard, Jacksonville (@ Indianapolis)

David Garrard was a major disappointment last year. He threw for only 15 TDs against 13 INTs coming off of his breakout 2007 season during which his QB rating was the third best in the NFL (102.2). I think we may have seen Garrard’s ceiling in 2007, but that does not mean he is not a capable starter in certain spots.

This week is a great matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, primarily because the most important component of the Colts’ D, Bob Sanders, will be unavailable.

I am not a big believer in the Jacksonville receivers, although I do think that Torry Holt will have sneaky good rebound season as the #1 option. Still, despite the Jags’ deficiencies on the outside, Garrard completed 64% of his pass attempts in the preseason and has rumbling bowling ball Maurice Jones-Drew ready to catch 5-6 passes out of the backfield.

I think the Colts will score a lot of points on Sunday and I think the Jags, led by Garrard, will score a bunch too. I don’t think Jacksonville goes into Indianapolis and wins the game, but I do think Garrard is capable of 2 TDs (rushing or passing) and 200+ passing yards. Indy’s D just isn’t that good and Garrard should be able to take advantage and get off to a good start in 2009.

Other guys I like: Matt Hasselbeck, Seattle (vs. St. Louis); Joe Flacco, Baltimore (vs Kansas City); Shaun Hill, San Francisco (@ Arizona)

Sit ‘em: Matt Schaub, Houston (vs New York Jets)

I really like Matt Schaub this year, if he stays healthy. (It is required by law that anyone writing about liking Matt Schaub include the health caveat.) However, I’m not a huge fan of his for this week.

Why? I think the New York Jets’ defense has a chance to be among the top handful of defenses in the NFL with Rex Ryan at the helm.

Certainly we know that the Jets’ D will attack Schaub with a variety of blitzes all game long. This will be a good test as to whether Houston’s offensive line will be up to the task of keeping Schaub upright consistently. If they can, Schaub has a strong enough rapport with Andre Johnson and Kevin Walter to make any defense pay. I am honestly a little worried though that Schaub will get banged around by the Jets and that this could turn into a lower scoring game.

I think Schaub will get a TD somewhere along the line to Andre Johnson, but that might be it. If you have an alternative, this might be a good week to do a little wait-and-see with Houston and Schaub.

Other guys I don’t like: Whoever is starting for Kansas City (@ Baltimore); Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh (vs Tennessee)

Week 1 Start ‘Em – Sit ‘Em: Running Backs

Start ‘em:Â Willie Parker, Pittsburgh (vs Tennessee)

I chronicled in my Titans-Steelers preview the success that Willie Parker has had coming off of long layoffs either due to the offseason or injury. Parker did not have a good year overall last season, but did start out strong and also played well for a few games after coming back from a midseason injury.

Tennessee has a very good defense, but the Titans are now without Albert Haynesworth. This is a guy who dominated the middle last year while playing for a new contract and it may take the Titans a little while to shore up their front line without him. The Titans are, however, very good against the pass, forcing two INTs of Ben Roethlisberger in their meeting last year.Â

I think Pittsburgh and coach Mike Tomlin will want to establish their running game early in the 2009 season and will take advantage of Parker’s fresh legs to do so. You may want to think about trading Fast Willie after Week 3 or 4, because he tends to wind down, but this is a week to take advantage of having him on your roster.

Others I like: Julius Jones, Seattle (@ St. Louis Rams); Felix Jones, Dallas (@ Tampa Bay); Beanie Wells, Arizona (@ San Francisco)

Sit ‘em: Chris Johnson and LenDale White, Tennessee (@ Pittsburgh)

I like both of these guys a lot for the season, just not playing at the NFL’s #1 run defense in their home field on the first night of their title defense.

I touched on the Steelers-Titans game yesterday and discussed the game these two teams played in Week 16 last year. Johnson actually scored a TD and the two combined for a 3.8 yard per carry average, which was 0.5 better than Pittsburgh allowed on the season. That game, however, was in Tennessee. Thursday night’s game is at Heinz Field.

Johnson was probably an early round pick for you, and if so, you may have no choice but to start him. For comparison purposes however, I would seriously consider starting a guy like Felix Jones this week because of the matchup. If you can’t stomach sitting such a high draft pick, I understand. But at least take a look at your options.

Chris Johnson and LenDale White will have 15 weeks to offer value against teams other than the Steelers. They might get a TD between them, but who will get it? There won’t be much to go around Thursday night and it will probably be split between them. Stay away if you can.

Others I don’t like: Pierre Thomas, New Orleans (vs Detroit…check his injury status leading up to the game and remember that the Saints have lots of options on offense, so they won’t force it to him if he’s not ready); Steve Slaton, Houston (vs New York Jets); All Cleveland running backs (vs Minnesota)

Week 1 Start ‘Em – Sit ‘Em: Wide Receivers

Start ‘em:Â Braylon Edwards, Cleveland (vs Minnesota)

I know that I am often harsh of Braylon on this site, mainly because he killed the Browns and numerous fantasy teams on so many occasions last year. However, while I don’t think Braylon will equal his sterling 2007 stats, I do expect him to rebound in 2009.

This week’s matchup is a good one for Braylon in particular because the Browns are going to struggle mightily to run the ball against the Vikings’ Williams Wall (both are playing) and will obviously have trouble keeping Adrian Peterson in check. The Vikings just are not a good matchup for Cleveland as a team because they are proficient in the areas where Cleveland is weak: running and stopping the run.

I expect the Vikings to get up early and force the Browns, who will most likely have Brady Quinn at the helm, to throw a lot. Braylon Edwards is clearly the #1 option in the Browns passing game, and may be the 1st and 2nd option until another WR or a TE steps up.

He may not catch a high percentage of the balls thrown his way, but I think Braylon will lead the league in targets on Sunday and might even pick up a TD. Braylon will be up and down this season, but the big play capability is always there. In games where the Browns cannot run it he is going to see passes early and often.

Others I like: Desean Jackson, Philadelphia (@ Carolina); Torry Holt, Jacksonville (@ Indianapolis); Derrick Mason, Baltimore (vs Kansas City); Ted Ginn Jr, Miami (@ Atlanta)

Sit ‘em: Roy Williams, Dallas (@ Tampa Bay)

I guess you could call this a case of wanting to see it before I believe it.

As the season goes along, I do think that Tony Romo and Roy Williams will develop a rapport and that Williams can become a decent #2 WR or flex play, but I see Week 1 being much more about Dallas trying to establish an identity as a running team. Plus, with all of the 2-TE sets we’ve heard talked about for this season, I think Jason Witten and Martellus Bennett get their fair share of balls.

Williams has dealt with some injuries this preseason that have hindered his ability to work with Romo. Add to that his extreme struggles last year once he got to Dallas, and I’m just not buying in until I see it.Â

Williams is the Cowboys’ #1 option outside, so he will get targets and could have a decent to solid day. But if you have guys like Braylon Edwards, Chad Ochocinco, Hines Ward, Santana Moss, or others at or right below their class, I would start them and wait for Romo and Williams to prove that they will be the connection everyone thinks they can be.

Others I don’t like: Dwayne Bowe, Kansas City (@ Baltimore); Lee Evans, Buffalo (@ New England); Bernard Berrian, Minnesota (@ Cleveland)

Week 1 Start ‘Em – Sit ‘Em: Tight Ends

Start ‘em:Â Vernon Davis, San Francisco (@ Arizona)

I am really high on Vernon Davis this year, for a number of reasons:

1. Not unlike myself, he is freakishly athletic.
2. He seems to have bought into what Mike Singletary is selling.
3. The 49ers new offensive coordinator has pledged to get Davis more involved in the offense after Davis never saw eye-to-eye with previous OC Mike Martz, for whom he never became a prominent part of the gameplan.

Additionally, I am not a real big fan of Arizona’s defense.  Remember, the Cardinals did not have that great of a defense in the regular season last year. They are also primed to become the NFL’s annual victim of the Super Bowl loss hangover.

I think the 49ers will run the ball a lot and try to establish a short, ball-control passing game with the underrated Shaun Hill at QB. With Michael Crabtree still being a douchy holdout, and Josh Morgan / Isaac Bruce barely being decent, I think the 49ers have to get the ball into the hands of their most talented, game-breaking receiver. That is Vernon Davis, and I would honestly not be surprised to see him sneak into the top 5 tight ends this year.

Others I like: Kevin Boss, New York Giants (vs Washington); Anthony Fasano, Miami (@ Atlanta); John Carlson, Seattle (vs St. Louis); Jeremy Shockey, New Orelans (vs Detroit)

Sit ‘em: Kellen Winslow, Tampa Bay (vs Dallas)

Call it a hunch, or even call it sour grapes after how Winslow’s tenure in Cleveland ended. Either way, I call it a bad matchup against the Cowboys on Sunday.

Byron Leftwich will be starting at QB, and he scares no one. The Buccaneers brought in Derrick Ward in the offseason, have Cadillac Williams back from injury, and still have incumbent RB Earnest Graham on the roster. I think the Bucs try to run early and often, and when they don’t run I think Leftwich looks to Antonio Bryant much more than he looks to Winslow.

The weakness in the Cowboys’ defense is at the corner spot opposite Terrence Newman and the safeties. If Leftwich is going to have success throwing, I think it will be to the outside. Bradie James leads a decent LB corps that should be able to contain Kellen.

Again, I’d make sure you have a solid replacement before benching Winslow. Just don’t be surprised if he struggles.

Others I don’t like: Zack Miller, Oakland (vs San Diego); Visanthe Shiancoe, Minnesota (@ Cleveland)

Week 1 Start ‘Em – Sit ‘Em: Defenses

Start ‘em:Â New England (vs Buffalo)

Much has been made about the demise of the impending Patriots defense with the losses of stalwarts Richard Seymour, Mike Vrabel, Rodney Harrison, and Tedy Bruschi. Certainly this amount of veteran leadership will be missed, but the Patriots have done a good job of bringing in young guys like Jerod Mayo and Brandon Meriweather whose time to step up is nigh.

In reality though, I don’t consider the Patriots a top 10 D anymore. They are a spot-start this season based on matchups, with a great matchup coming in Week 1.Â

Buffalo is without Marshawn Lynch, T.O. has been dealing with an injured toe all preseason, and the Bills fired their offensive coordinator less than two weeks before the start of the regular season. Add all of that up, plus mix in the brilliance of Bill Belichick, and the Patriots make for a solid start on Sunday.

Others I like: Dallas (@ Tampa Bay); San Diego (@ Oakland); New Orleans (vs Detroit…because playing against rookie QBs making their first start is often a recipe for turnovers and TDs); Houston (vs New York Jets…same reason as New Orleans)

Sit ‘em: Miami Dolphins (@ Atlanta) & Atlanta Falcons (vs Miami)

Yes, I know that the Fins have Jason Taylor back, but I am worried about the Dolphins being able to stop Michael Turner and Matt Ryan at the same time. I think this game turns into a shootout on the fast track of the Georgia Dome and I would want no part of either defense.

For the record, I am also worried about the Bears D playing at Green Bay, which appears to be developing an offensive juggernaut. The only thing that kept me from listing them here is the ubiquitous threat of Devin Hester in the return game. We know that the early weeks in a football season are replete with big plays on special teams. If you aren’t confident in Hester taking one to the house though, I’d sit Chicago too.

Others I don’t like: Tampa Bay (vs Dallas)

So there you have it, the Week 1 Start ‘em – Sit ‘em. Hopefully this has assisted you with some of your lineup decisions, and remember to chime in with a question below if you have a specific decision you need help with.

Best of luck in Week 1 everybody!

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* – David Garrard photo credit: Reuters / Mark Wallheister via the San Francisco Chronicle

* – James Harrison / Chris Johnson photo credit: Getty images via ESPN.com

* – Braylon Edwards v Cincy photo credit: SortsOfSports.com

The former Lake Catholic High School (Mentor, Ohio) star returned to Cleveland in 2006 to play out his career near family and friends following the tragic death of his infant son, Michael Joseph. Jurevicius pointed his finger to the sky whenever he scored a touchdown in honor of his son.

Jurevicius, 34, was one of the most prolific third down receivers in the NFL during the Browns 10-6 season of dreams in 2007, but a knee injury that year led to an infection and seven surgeries later, the wound finally healed. Jurevicius told the media his goal was to retire a Brown. He described ending his career by walking off of the field at Cleveland Browns Stadium, orange helmet in hand, his two young daughters by his side.

That is no longer possible thanks to the Mangini-Kokinis regime of stomping out anything orange and brown that is good.

As late as Dec. 18, Joe Jurevicius said, “I want to play here in Cleveland. If that doesn’t happen, then the show goes on the road. But I’m going to play football next year,” according to Tony Grossi of The Plain Dealer in today’s story about the Browns releasing Joe Jurevicius.

I will be rooting for Joe, a true team leader and class act, on whatever team lands him.

In announcing the fate of Jurevicius, George Kokinis used the usual managerial line that the two sides tried, but could not agree on terms of a new contract. But this was no multi-million dollar San Diego Chargers vs. L.T. deal.

Before Jurevicius’ contract was terminated on Wednesday, he was due to make $2.4 million in the final season of a four-year contract he signed in 2006. The Browns may have tried to bring him back at the NFL minimum salary of $845,000 for veterans of 10 or more years—the same concession made by offensive lineman Ryan Tucker, Grossi reported.

But of course this fact was neither confirmed nor denied by the Browns. If true, that kind of “offer” had to be an insult to a proud man who wanted to go out with style on his own terms.

Kokinis stated, “Joe’s done a lot. I know what he means to this team.”

Apparently not, A-hole.

In a statement issued by agent Mark Humenik, there was more than money involved in the Browns’ decision. Jurevicius’ statement said, “As a Cleveland native and lifelong Browns fan, I always hoped to finish my career in brown and orange with my family and friends in the stands, and was even willing to take a steep pay cut to keep that dream alive, which is why I have such a heavy heart today.”

Jurevicius, a Chardon native, said he will “forever cherish the three seasons that I spent here and will never forget the chills that I got whenever I stepped foot on the field on the shores of Lake Erie.”
He thanked Browns owner Randy Lerner, the coaching staff, the Browns organization and their fans “for the overwhelming support … especially the past 14 months.” Joe Jurevicius caught six touchdown passes during his time with the Browns. He says his knee now feels well enough that he hopes to play somewhere next season.

“I know there is still plenty of good football left in me, so please don’t throw any dog biscuits my way when I return to Cleveland Stadium,” he said.

My guess is, when Jurevicius plays for an opposing team at the stadium, loyal Browns fans will give Joe a standing O – and deservedly so. Jurevicius missed all of last season after a staph infection set in following a routine knee procedure in January. Complications required a total of seven surgical procedures, ravaging the knee. But after the last one, which he had done by the prestigious Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, Ala., Jurevicius was heartened that he would be able to play another season.

The Browns have tried to underplay the team’s staph infection problems. Apparently, the new treatment plan under Mangini consists of ridding the team of staph by getting rid of the infected players. Yeah, that will work. Get rid of the patients and the problem disappears.

Browns tight-end Kellen Winslow was recently dealt to Tampa Bay for a second and fifth draft picks. Winslow was hospitalized in 2008, missing several games, purportedly after his third staph infection.
He was suspended for one game after calling out former General Manager Phil Savage for trying to cover-up the problem by telling Winslow to keep silent about what was reported an “undisclosed illness.”

But it was Jurevicius’ support for the Savage-Romeo Crennel regime in December that may have sealed the wide receiver’s fate under the Mangini regime. Jurevicius blamed the Browns 4-12 season in 2008 to injuries and player immaturity, appealing to Browns owner Randy Lerner to stay the course.

A fan favorite, Joe Jurevicius played in three Super Bowls with three different teams in his career before signing with the Browns in 2006. In that off-season, he joined local products LeCharles Bentley and Bob Hallen, both centers, and punter Dave Zastudil, in using free agency to return home to play.
Three years later, only Zastudil remains. Bentley left Cleveland a bitter man after a staph infection contracted while with the Browns destroyed his football playing days.

More bad news: The Browns intend to pay a $5 million roster bonus owed quarterback Derek Anderson. The bonus is guaranteed so the Browns had no choice. Rumors have swirled around the league that the Browns were trying to trade Anderson, but no one took the bait.

If the 2009 season turns out to be another quarterback competition between Anderson and Brady Quinn, the Browns will have taken a giant step backward, further into NFL mediocrity and deeper into oblivion.

The only upside of this Nomangenius regime’s latest move is Jurevicius winds up on a team that respects his talent.

Go, Joe! Godspeed.

———-

Top picture of Joe Jurevicius photo credit: John Kuntz / The Plain Dealer

Second picture of Joe Jurevicius photo credit: Joshua Gunter / The Plain Dealer

However, the Winslow era has ended today with the announcement of the high-profile player’s trade to Tampa Bay for undisclosed draft picks. I will miss Winslow’s intensity, his passion for the game, his toughness to play through injuries, and his ability to catch passes amidst defenders ready to lay him out. I will also miss his leadership qualities, his calm in the midst of storms, and his tears of joy while describing sweet wins in Cleveland. Number 80, a fan favorite, will be missed.

However, Winslow is probably more than satisfied with the trade. He will not only get to practice and play in the warm climates of Florida, but he won’t have to suffer through the aches and pains of being tackled on the frozen tundra of Cleveland Browns Stadium, or fight off frost bite from the whipping winds coming off of Lake Erie.

In one way, it is not surprising Browns Head Coach Eric Mangini pulled the trigger on the trade. After the Shaun Rogers fiasco, Mangini is probably ridding the team of another outspoken leader. Winslow has proven his fearlessness in taking on a general manager – much less a new head coach. Mangini knows that with Winslow gone, there is one less malcontent in the locker room. The Winslow trade takes Mangini closer to controlling the team, to making the Browns march in lockstep with him. General Manager George Kokinis said in a prepared statement, “…the draft picks we obtained through this deal will give us greater flexibility as we look to infuse more talent and create competition and depth on this football team.”

Before the trade, the Browns were without picks in the third, fifth and seventh rounds, reported Tony Gross of The Plain Dealer. Winslow and the Browns had numerous differences in their five seasons together. In only his second game as a pro, Winslow broke his leg and dislocated an ankle while trying to recover an onside kick. He missed the remainder of his rookie season. The following May, Winslow was practicing tricks on a high-powered motorcycle and suffered severe injuries to his right knee. Later, a staph infection set in after one surgery and resulted in complications that plague him to this day.

Winslow has had a surgical procedure on the knee every year since. Last season, Winslow sparred with Savage over issues related to an “undisclosed illness” that caused Winslow to be hospitalized. Winslow later said he was hospitalized for another staph infection and blasted the club for trying to keep it secret. The Browns initially suspended Winslow for one game, but then rescinded the suspension after lawyers got involved and Winslow’s PR representative disclosed emails from a club employee, reminding Winslow not to talk to the press. Savage was fired after the season. The club employee left recently after receiving a 30-day notice of a layoff.

And now Winslow is gone.

Who will be next?

The Cleveland Browns have traded tight end Kellen Winslow to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for undisclosed draft picks. As of yet, I have not been able to track down what the draft picks were. I’m about to run into meetings at work, so please leave any further information in the comment section if you have it.

Update: Our very own Midnight Writer posted a solid analysis of the Kellen Winslow trade from the perspective of both Kellen and the new guys in charge of the Browns, Eric Mangini and George Kokinis.

Here is the statement about the Browns trading Kellen Winslow from new Browns GM George Kokinis, per ESPN.com:

“We appreciate his passion for the game and wish him success in Tampa Bay,” Browns general manager George Kokinis said in announcing the move. “The draft picks we have obtained through this deal will give us greater flexibility as we look to infuse more talent and create competition and depth on this football team.”

Kellen Winslow play four star-crossed seasons with the Browns. Over those four seasons he only played 44 games because of injuries and last year’s suspension. He totaled 219 catches, 2,459 yards, 11 TDs, and made the Pro Bowl in 2007. Winslow was the Browns’ 1st round pick in the 2004 draft, after trading up one spot with the Lions to get him.

What do you think? Good move for the Browns? On its face, this seems somewhat curious to me. I realize the Kellen has been something of a headcase and created his share of problems while developing a me-first reputation, but he is one of two legit play-makers on a Browns offense (with Braylon Edwards) that lacked play-making ability last season. We’ll see if the Browns have any plans to add receiving help in free agency, or if this move now compels them to go offense with the #5 pick in the 2009 draft.

Either way, the loss of Kellen Winslow (assuming he would be healthy and play well in 2009) leaves a gaping hole that will somehow need to be filled.

Coach Romeo Crennel made the announcement after the Browns morning practice in the team’s Berea facility.

Apparently, Quinn said his finger was still sore after Wednesday’s practice, according to Cleveland.com. The fracture was discovered in an X-ray. Quinn was then examined by a hand specialist who cleared Quinn to play.

Crennel described the injury as a “small fracture” and said Quinn would wear a splint on the finger when he is not practicing or playing.

Comments to this news, also reported on WKNR 850 ranged from “I’d rather see Brady with a fractured finger play, than Derek Anderson” to a “fan” wondering if this fracture could be used as an excuse for Quinn throwing interceptions against the Texans, not being able to throw long, etc. to “I’d rather see (Ken) Dorsey play, than Anderson.”

My take is, I wonder if Quinn will actually be able to play.

The Browns are notorious for underplaying and minimizing injuries. Ryan Tucker’s “knee” for instance, only allowed him to play in the Browns vs. Giants game which turned into Cleveland’s first win of the season – and the Giants’ only loss. Go figure.

Browns General Manager Phil Savage found himself on the hot seat, recently, for trying to keep under wraps the fact that tight end Kellen Winslow’s “undisclosed illness” and a three-day stay at The Cleveland Clinic was actually due to a staph infection. Winslow was suspended one game with pay for blowing the whistle on his actual illness to the media, but this was actually overturned after the Browns backed down.

By the way, Winslow has a “sprained shoulder”, which occurred when Winslow caught a crucial Quinn pass in the second last Browns play in Monday night’s Buffalo game right before Phil Dawson’s 56-yard field goal.

I am sick about this latest injury report – as are all Browns fans – and also wonder how this “small fracture” will affect Quinn in just his third start in the NFL.

Dallas quarterback Tony Romo was out of action (on the football field) for several weeks.

My advice: Wear a splint and bandage on the finger at practice and the game, too.

I once had a tiny fracture in my right pinkie finger that not only hurt like heck, but when I finally did go to the hospital emergency room, I ended up with a splint surrounded by a gigantic wraparound bandage, 10 times the size of my finger. It took six weeks before getting the bandage off – and the finger is still crooked.

Not that it matters to anyone but myself, but fortunately, since I am left-handed, I can still throw a football like before. More information than you wanted?

OK, Midnight Writer will keep the updates to Quinn’s condition.

Go, Browns!

Anyway, after the catch, the Cleveland Browns’ notorious solider Winslow got up wincing in pain with his arm dangling gingerly from an ostensible shoulder injury. The Browns announced today that Kellen Winslow will have an MRI on the shoulder to determine if he suffered any serious damage. There was no further word on how serious the Browns expected the injury to be.

For the season, Kellen has 39 catches for 402 yards and 3 TDs. Like most of the Browns offensive players, his numbers are way off from his spectacular Pro Bowl season in 2007. Additionally, some blogging clowns (like this one) had brought up on numerous occasions that the Browns are 2-0 without Kellen Winslow in the lineup and 2-6 with him in the lineup.

One thing is for sure: if Kellen Winslow does not make that catch last night, the Browns most likely do not win the game. It was a clutch play from a player who has proven to be clutch during his career (his second half brain farts against Denver notwithstanding.)

In other Browns injury news, Best Player Ever Jerome Harrison injured his hamstring according to NFL.com. No word on how serious the injury is, or if it contributed to Harrison getting only 4 touches. Seeing as how the Browns coaches give the ball to Jerome Harrison about as much as Keith Olbermann compliments Republicans, I’m going to say it had nothing to do with it. Either way, Harrison made the most of his touches and averaged over 25 yards per.

Jason Wright hurt his neck, Sean Jones hurt an ankle, Shaun Rogers hurt his shoulder, and Shawn Kemp wonders why none of the Browns players with his name spell it normally.

For continuous live updates of Cleveland Browns news, including injuries, hop on over to the Cleveland Browns news page, bookmark it, and then visit it once every five minutes.

I am still giddy from last night. And yes, it has come to that. A squeaker win against a subpar team in which they choked on a missed field goal has me giddy. I don’t care. My preseason prediction was 9-7 and it’s still possible. Hope lives!

[tags]cleveland browns, kellen winslow, nfl, nfl injuries[/tags]

Rumors within the NFL and sports talk stations and blogs are that Cleveland Browns Head Coach Romeo Crennel will get the axe unless the Browns somehow salvage their 2008 season.

And what is more, Romeo Crennel probably knows it.

The whole Bill-Cowher-for-Browns-Coach buzz has been gaining momentum with each Cleveland loss, botched clock, player discipline problems, (i.e. Kellen Winslow outing Phil Savage in Staphgate, Braylon Edwards’ refusal to speak to the media about uncomfortable, uncool things like dropping the football) — and the latest split in team unity voiced by running back Jamal Lewis after the Browns lost 14-point and 13-point leads against Baltimore and Denver.

“This is a man’s game,” Lewis told reporters following the Denver debacle at Cleveland Browns Stadium. “Some people have to check their egos at the door.”

The insinuation by Jamal Lewis that his teammates were quitting on him — and Romeo Crennel — could have been blamed on Jamal’s frustration and embarrasment after the Thursday night Browns-Bronocs game.

But when Joshua Cribbs chimed in with the same allegations of team members packing it in early, and deep, deep sources close to the locker room report that some of the players openly talk back to Crennel, the story of a divisive locker room and that appearance that Crennel could have lost control of his players could mean that the jobs of the entire Browns coaching staff may be in jeopardy next year.

Enter the movement to bring in Bill Cowher, former coach of the Superbow Pittsburgh Steelers — Cleveland’s longtime rival. Cowher’s mug is smiling now, behind a desk at CBS, making a go at being a broadcaster and commentator, but lacking the presence of pacing the sidelines.

Questions as to why Cowher would want to return to 100-hour work weeks to field a new team — and if so, why the Cleveland Browns — will be addressed in my column later this week.

By the way, rumors really began flying about Cowher coming to Cleveland after anonymous sources began phoning radio talk show hosts claiming Cowher bought a house in Strongsville, an upper middle class suburb southwest of Downtown Cleveland.

But Kenny Roda, sports talk jock for ESPN 850AM, WKNR, tried to shed light on the subject a couple of weeks ago when he claimed Cowher was simly investing in Greater Cleveland property to build a llama or alpaca farm. (Can you picture “the Face” in blue jean overalls chasing down a stubborn llama?)

We shall see.

Regardless, General Manager Phil Savage may have sealed his fate with more than just his poor performance in handling the Kellen Winslow and staph infection fiasco; that would just be the straw that broke the camel’s back.

While Phil Savage earned his salary and more in drafting Joe Thomas and finagling for Brady Quinn, first round draft pick Braylon Edwards’ inconsistent play, giant ego and 12 dropped passes in the past nine games has reduced this player’s value.

Another first reound draft pick, Kamerion Wimbley is not getting to quarterbacks, making him a bust.

But perhaps it was the handling of the quarterbacks in 2007 that may have cost the Browns a playoff berth last year and a winning season this year.

Because Brady Quinn held out for more money (his agent is Tom Condon), he arrived late at the 2007 pre-season training camp and was not allowed to compete for the quarterback job that Charlie Frye ultimately won.

We all know how that turned out. And when Derek Anderson began losing his touch when the games began to count, Brady Quinn still stood on the sidelines with his clipboard, getting only eight snaps in one game the entire season.

It became evident from the first snap against Dallas in the home opener that Anderson did not perform well under pressure. Yet, Quinn was stuck with that stupid clipboard to hold until Anderson fell to his knees, then his ass, in disgust after being intercepted multiple times on the road against the Ravens in a game that now looks like a microcosm of the 2008 Browns season.

(Bookmark our Cleveland Browns news page and check back often to stay up-to-date on the latest Cleveland Browns news from around the web.)

[tags]cleveland browns, bill cowher, brady quinn, phil savage, nfl[/tags]

K2 has returned from his suspension, he has practiced this week, and by all accounts he seems to be toeing the line now that Staphgate has blown over. He is slated to start this week, although the Ravens present a tough matchup.

From a fantasy perspective, I would think you would have to be a little nervous is Kellen Winslow is your only option at tight end. Kellen has not gained more than 80 yards in a game this season, and has only 21 catches and 1 TD. Plus, Derek Anderson has developed a rapport with Steve Heiden in Kellen’s absence, and I would think the team would spread a few of Winslow’s usual targets Heiden’s way. Hopefully Fraschetti will chime in with a more in-depth Kellen Winslow analysis in the comments section.

Plus, one troubling fact remains: The Browns are 2-0 without Kellen Winslow, and 1-4 in games that Kellen Winslow has played. With the Browns sitting at 3-4, and the 4-3 Baltimore Ravens visiting Sunday, the margin for error is razor thin if the Browns was to compete for a playoff spot.

Well, we decided to find out what Browns nation (and any other interested parties) thinks about this issue. Please chime in with answers to the two questions below, and feel free to leave comments if you’d like to explain your votes.

Without any further rambling by yours truly, here are the Kellen Winslow poll questions:

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

Thank you for participating. And be sure to check out the Week 9 Fantasy Football analysis available here at Midwest Sports Fans:

Week 9 Fire and Ice Fantasy Football Forum
Week 9 Fantasy Football Sleeper Focus
Week 9 Wide Receiver Fantasy Analysis

Also, hop on over to the Week 9 NFL Pick Em and join the fun.

[tags]cleveland browns, kellen winslow, poll[/tags]