Start Sit Week 14

For many of you, this will be the first week of the fantasy playoffs. For others, this will be the last week until they start. I assume that if you are still reading, it means good things, or you are just as much of a fantasy football sicko as I have become. Either way, lets look at the start sit for week 14 together.

Start

Josh Gordon (CLE) takes on the Colts at home this week. Indianapolis will be without Vontae Davis this week, and that should lead to a field day for Gordon against the Colts. It is also likely that in his third week back from suspension, Gordon has worked out some of the bugs in his route running and the offense and should strike gold for you this week. A shootout is definitely possible in this game against the high octane offense of Indy, so expect a lot of scoring. Get Gordon in your lineup.

Delanie Walker (TEN) is very nearly the last man standing in the passing attack of the Titans. Losing Justin Hunter last week, and likely without Kendall Wright as well this week, Walker should see a large uptick in targets and production this week. The match up for Walker is fantastic as well, taking on the Giants who are reeling and have given up 20 touchdowns through the air on the season. In the vast wasteland that has been the tight end position this season, Walker should be a bright spot this week. Start him.

Frank Gore (SF) has a fantastic opportunity to be the hero in a cross bridge rivalry game with the Oakland Raiders and their 27th ranked run defense. Oakland has allowed 130.5 yards per game, and 13 scores on the ground this season. Last week the Rams showed us how it was done, torching the Raiders with their running game. The only possible negative is that the 49ers get up big early and decide to take Gore out and run Carlos Hyde, but by that time Gore may have already put up solid numbers for you. Start him.

Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb (GB) has the fortune of facing off against the worst passing defense in the league this week when he and the Packers in the friendly confines of Lambeau Field. The Falcons by yardage are the worst pass defense, likely because they are easy to punch it in against, but I don't see both Cobb and Nelson having trouble finding the end zone. The Packers have been scoring almost at will, and that is unlikely to stop this week against Atlanta. You better have both these guys playing if you want to win.

Sit

LeSean McCoy (PHI) has a tough match up this week against the Seahawks, and his track record this year against good run defenses is not so good. On the season McCoy only has one performance over 10 fantasy points in a PPR format against a top 15 run defense, and even expanding that to 15 points the number only swells to 2. The Seahawks have been playing their best defensive ball of the season, and have the 5th ranked run defense on the season, allowing only 86.3 yards per game. It is tough medicine, but sitting McCoy will cure what ails ya.

Eric Decker (NYJ) is a victim of multiple circumstances for the Jets. Terrible quarterback play, injuries, and now facing the 6th ranked pass defense of the Vikings on the road. If the Jets employ a similar game plan as last week, Decker is lost. Somehow Decker caught 2 passes of the 13 thrown by Geno Smith. The Vikes only allow 219 yards per game, and I would expect that number to go down this week. I would not even think about starting Decker this week.

Percy Harvin (NYJ) falls under a the same category as his teammate Eric Decker. The only bonus for Harvin over Decker is that he gets some rushing yards, but this offense and team are a complete mess. On the season, split between two teams, and two offenses, Harvin has been a disaster. Having only 1 game over 50 receiving yards on the season, and 188 rushing yards on the season, if you have been playing Harvin and made the playoffs, the rest of your team is amazing. Plug in any random player and carry on. 

Tre Mason (STL) take on a surprisingly stout run defense of Washington this week. Washington is ranked 9th against the run, and allows only 102.8 yards per game on the ground. Points may be hard to come by this week, and the Rams might have a better chance through the air where Washington has given up 26 touchdowns. After a huge game last week, I expect a big letdown this week for Mason. Sit him.

Sammy Watkins (BUF) has fallen off the last 4 games. Reports that he is dealing with groin and hip issues seem to have limited him. It hasn't helped that Watkins has been facing some good corners, and that is going to continue this week when Buffalo takes on Denver on the road. Watkins will be taking on Aqib Talib, and will once again have a tough time. Banged up and facing a defense that allows only 229.7 yards per game through the air, I am sitting Watkins this week.

Ryan Mathews (SD) is facing the 13th ranked run defense in the league this week in the New England Patriots. The ranking is somewhat deceptive as the Pats have allowed only 5 rushing touchdowns on the season. Mathews had missed much of the season, and is fresh, but in the first week of the playoffs, I am not inclined to recommend that you start Mathews this week.

That brings us once again to the end of the start sit article this week. Here is hoping that this article helps you to either your playoffs, or to the next round. Go out there and get 'em. Good luck this week!

Practice Report Round Up Week 8

Week 8 brings us some familiar names on the practice reports, some new additions, and a few guys getting back in action. Here is the list of guys you might care about for your fantasy games this week.

John Brown (ARI) is probable after being limited in practice this week. Brown may make a good fill in for injured wide receivers or bye week fill in. The Cardinals play against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. The Eagles have the 23rd ranked pass defense. This game may see the Cardinals put the ball in the air more as Carson Palmer has not appeared on the practice report himself this week.

Harry Douglas (ATL) is a welcome addition back to a struggling Falcons offense. The bad news is that he can't play offensive line. Douglas is a good third option for the Falcons, but Matt Ryan has had little time to make the read to get to Douglas. Detroit has one of the best defensive units so far this season, so I personally wouldn't be playing Douglas.

Owen Daniels (BAL) is out this week after having some "cleanup" done on his knee. No other viable option exists with the Ravens for fantasy purposes, so go fine yourself a waiver guy like maybe Andrew Quarless from Green Bay or Luke Willson or Cooper Helfet from the Seahawks.

Fred Jackson (BUF) is out for a few weeks. Some estimates are 2-3 weeks, or as many as 6 with a groin injury. In the absence of both Jackson and CJ Spiller there isn't a consensus on whether Anthony Dixon or Bryce Brown are the best play. Take your shot this week, or just don't play any Buffalo running back this week. The Bills play the stingy run defense of the Jets this week, so caution may be the best option.

Philly Brown (CAR) is out this week with a concussion. It is unlikely you were playing Brown, but he does return kicks, so if you were playing him in a league that gives credit for this, you won't have him to score for you this week.

Chris Ogbonnaya (CAR) is questionable this week with a groin injury against the Seattle Seahawks. The Panthers running back situation is its usual mess, with anyone who is anyone banged up. Jonathan Stewart is getting the start this week, but with the 2 starting guards out for the Panthers, I wouldn't feel good about starting any of their backs.

Fozzy Whitaker (CAR) is out this week. Part of the mess of injured Panthers running backs, Whitaker will not be available to you this week.

AJ Green (CIN) is questionable this week. Having already missed time with a toe injury this season, this is not a surprise to any Green owner. He was heard to say last week that he was playing this week, but was only able to do conditioning this week at practice. I wouldn't count on him playing, and even if he does, there is no way to know how effective he would be. I would look for better options this week.

Reggie Bush (DET) is listed as doubtful this week with an ankle injury. With Joique Bell and Theo Riddick both healthy, it doesn't make a whole lot of sense for the Lions to play Bush this week. Riddick might be a good addition if you are weak at running back, as the Lions play against the terrible defense of the Atlanta Falcons this week.

Calvin Johnson (DET) was a limited participant in practice this week. According to multiple reports on Friday night, it is unlikely the Lions will play Johnson this week. If they do, you can be pretty confident that he will be able to contribute, as the Lions have found a way to be competitive so far in his absence. The confounding issue is that this game is an afternoon game in London, and starts at 9:30 am eastern, 6:30 am pacific. If you go to bed with Johnson in your lineup, you better be up to make sure he plays.

Theo Riddick (DET) is listed as probable for the Lions this week. In the absence of Reggie Bush, Riddick will likely get the workload of the second running back for the Lions. In week 6 when bush was inactive, Riddick was a big contributor in the Lions passing game against the Vikings. He had 5 catches for 75 yards and a score, adding slightly to that with 3 rushes for 6 yards. Riddick is a good hail mary at running back against the Falcons. If Detroit can get a big lead, it is likely that Riddick will see much of the work. He will likely make a good one week option for a desperate team.

Eric Ebron (DET) is out this week against the Falcons. Missing his second game in a row for the Lions with a hamstring injury, if you were playing Ebron, time to get another option.

Joseph Fauria (DET) is bad at being a pet owner. Fauria will miss another game with an ankle injury, now famously, sustained trying to stop his dog from peeing in the house. I feel bad for Fauria, but it is one of the better weird injury stories.

Brandon Pettigrew (DET) is listed as doubtful for the Lions this week. The third tight end for the Lions to be unlikely to play this week, Pettigrew has a foot injury. Having almost fallen off the fantasy football map, it is unlikely that you were playing Pettigrew anyways, but if you were, unlikely this week.

James Starks (GB) is probable for Sunday after being limited in practice all week with an ankle injury. It is unclear if Starks will continue to get the workload he was getting in the past few games seeing as he is hurt, but he has been getting a near equal share of the work and did score last week. Keep an eye on the inactives list to be sure, but Lacy seems like the better option this week for the Pack.  This is also the Sunday night game, so it makes it more difficult to wait to see what Starks status will be.

Trent Richardson (IND) did not participate in practice this week and is listed as questionable for Sunday with a hamstring injury. Richardson left last weeks game early and has not been on the field since. This is a late game on Sunday, so I would make other plans if you have Richardson in your starting lineup.

Reggie Wayne (IND) is out for Sunday against the Steelers. After suffering an elbow injury, Wayne is likely to miss a few weeks. A possible replacement in the Colts lineup is either Hakeem Nicks or Donte Moncrief.

Toby Gerhart (JAX) was a full participant in practice Friday. It is unclear what Gerhart's role will be with the Jags on Sunday, but he was unimpressive in his previous appearances for Jacksonville. This one is your judgement call.

Donnie Avery (KC) is out this week for the Chiefs with a groin injury. Not a big fantasy name, you likely don't have Avery as a regular member of your squad, but if you did, take him out.

Shane Vereen (NE) missed Friday practice with an illness. Head coach Bill Belichick is famous for listing guys on the injury report possibly erroneously, but it is possible that Vereen will not play. Keep an eye on the inactives Sunday. Jonas Gray is a good name to keep in mind if Vereen is out.

Jimmy Graham (NO) was limited in practice this week with a shoulder injury. Graham was active last week, but only got 2 targets. Being the night game on Sunday makes him a difficult decision. It is possible that if you wait on him and he is inactive you could gamble on Gavin Escobar or Niles Paul in the Monday night game, but unlikely you have a better option that Graham. Because he played last week, it is likely he would play this week after being able to participate in practice at all.


Pierre Thomas (NO) is out this week for the Saints with rib and shoulder injuries. The logical replacement for Thomas in the Saints offense is Travaris Cadet. Likely available, if you want to play a Saint against the Packers 31st ranked run defense, Cadet will assume the Thomas role.

Khiry Robinson (NO) is out this week with an arm injury. This bolsters the role for Mark Ingram for the Saints. Ingram is a great play this week as the only running back surviving for the Saints that actually runs most of the time.

Eric Decker (NYJ) was limited in practice this week for the Jets. This will likely be the case for most, if not all, of the season. Keep an eye on the inactives for Sunday as Decker has missed time already this year, but if you have been playing him, plan on continuing.

Darren Sproles (PHI) was a full participant in practice for the Eagles. Officially listed as questionable with a knee injury, keep your eye on the inactives and make your educated decision.

Vincent Jackson (TB) is questionable for the Buccaneers after being limited all week in practice. Widely expected to play, you can likely pencil Jackson into your lineup Sunday, but make sure to check inactives Sunday morning.

Shonn Greene (TEN) was a full participant in practice for the Titans. Muddying up the running back situation for Tennessee, Greene will likely be in a backfield with a disappointing Bishop Sankey on Sunday. Currently there is no solid information on who will have what workload, so playing either guy is a gamble. Adding to that the Titans are starting Zach Mettenberger this week for the first time. The Titans may decide that it is time to see what the youth of their team can do together, so tread carefully with Greene.

Robert Griffin III (WAS) was a limited participant in practice this week. Being called a game time decision by head coach Jay Gruden, it is possible Griffin returns to play this week. Being the Monday night game makes it nearly impossible to wait to see, but you may want to stash RG3 if you have faith left in him.

That brings this look at the Friday practice reports to a close. Remember the early Sunday London game, and to keep a close eye on the inactives for your players. Good luck this week!

Practice Report Round Up Week 7

After the Friday practices I have combed through the practice reports for each of the teams that will play Sunday and Monday. The following fantasy relevant players are listed with the likelihood they will play and the impacts that will have.

Carson Palmer (ARI) was a full participant in practice. Palmer said this week that his arm is weaker than it was early in the season. This is not surprising, but he played well last week in a win for the Cardinals. With another week of practice under his belt, it seems likely that Palmer will be just fine this week in a great match up with the Raiders.

Harry Douglas (ATL) is once again out this week for the Falcons. At this time beyond Julio Jones, it is hard to trust any of the other players for the Falcons.

Julio Jones (ATL) was a full participant in practice. The Ravens give up 270 yards per game through the air so Jones could find some success this week.

Kelvin Benjamin (CAR) was a full participant in practice on Friday. The Packers will be without one, if not both of their starting corners against the Panthers this week, so look for Benjamin to have a solid week barring a setback with his concussion.

Jonathan Stewart (CAR) was a full participant all week for the Panthers. Facing off against the bottom ranked run defense of the Packers is a fantastic match up for Stewart. Hopefully he can make it through the game. There is also a chance that Cam Newton takes up some of the rushing, as he began to run again last week against the Bengals.

Darrin Reaves (CAR) was limited on Friday in practice for the Panthers. Head coach Ron Rivera has already said that Jonathan Stewart will start for the Panthers on Sunday, so Reaves is not likely to get too much action if he plays.

AJ Green (CIN) did not practice this week. The Bengals have said that there is not a timetable yet for Green to return to action. Mohammed Sanu is a must add if he is not already owned in your leagues.

DeMarco Murray (DAL) was a full participant after missing practice time earlier in the week with an illness. There should be no issues with him this week in a good match up with the Giants.

Eric Ebron (DET) did not practice Friday for the Lions. It would be surprising if Ebron played this week. The Lions are injury ravaged. Not a lot of players left to pick up to replace Ebron from their roster.

Joseph Fauria (DET) also did not practice for the Lions Friday. The Lions are hurting at the tight end position, along with others.

Calvin Johnson (DET) did not practice this week for the Lions. It would be surprising if he played, but has not been ruled out as of yet. Even if he does play, it would be hard to trust that he wouldn't be in a decoy role still. Keep your eye on the inactives and roll your own dice.

Theo Riddick (DET) also didn't practice for the Lions on Friday. Riddick is the third string running back for the Lions, so his loss is not huge as long as nobody else gets hurt.

Reggie Bush (DET) is the lone bit of good news this week for the Lions offense. He was a full participant on Friday and will play on Sunday. Looking forward to his match up with his old team, the Saints, Bush and the Lions will face off against the 15th ranked run defense. Look for the Lions to run, as their receiving corps are very depleted.

Jarrett Boykin (GB) was a limited participant in practice on Friday. Boykin seems to have lost his role in the Green Bay offense to Davante Adams, so the fantasy impact of his return is negligible.

Sam Shields (GB) is one of the starting corners for the Packers. Usually this column would mainly focus on offensive players, but the loss of shields, who is out this week, is huge for the Packers Defense. Facing off against the Panthers, the Packers secondary is in bad shape this week. Stay away from their defense.

Tramon Williams (GB) is another corner for the Packers. He was not a participant in practice Friday, and leaves the Pack in quite a lurch. Being down two corners and having the leagues worst run defense is a pretty good reason to stay far from their defense this week.

Andre Johnson (HOU) was limited on Friday in practice. Houston plays on Monday night, so keep an eye on his practice report from Saturday, but this is not out of the ordinary for the veteran Johnson. Expect him to play Monday night unless he fails to practice on Saturday.

Toby Gerhart (JAX) is out again this week. Storm Johnson will be the starter, but he was on a carry count last week, and couldn't really get going anyways.

Charles Clay (MIA) was a limited participant in practice Friday for the Dolphins. This is the same as last week, and Clay played. He is banged up, so you might be better to find another option to start in your league.

Brandon Gibson (MIA) was a full participant for the Dolphins on Friday. Gibson is listed as first team, but may be losing some targets to rookie Jarvis Landry who put up a solid performance last week.

Lamar Miller (MIA) was a limited participant in Friday practice. Miller has a knee issue, but is likely to play Sunday. It will be interesting to see what the Dolphins do with the workload with Knowshon Moreno out for the season. Miller could see a big jump in touches and may be a monster for your fantasy roster.

Jimmy Graham (NO) was a surprise participant in practice this week in a limited capacity. Having reports earlier of a 2-3 week injury for Graham, it is not out of the question at this point that he play this week. If he plays his snap count could be limited, and he may only be in for goal line packages, but that might be enough to get you the points you need from your top drafted tight end. The nature of his injury is undisclosed as of now, but if it is an AC joint issue, that could make it difficult for him to reach up. Proceed with caution with Graham this week.

Donald Brown (SD) has not practiced since suffering a concussion. He is unlikely to play this week without practicing.

Eddie Royal (SD) was a full participant this week for the Chargers. In a tough match up against the 7th ranked pass defense of the Chiefs this week, expect to see Royal in the slot.

Luke Willson (SEA) did not practice for the Seahawks on Friday. Willson was playing in place of the injured Zach Miller, and his loss is worse for the passing game than the run game. Cooper Helfet would be the next man up for the Hawks, but he has little experience. It is uncertain what the Seahawks will be doing Sunday after trading away Percy Harvin on Friday. I would steer clear of Willson and Helfet for now.

Vernon Davis (SF) was a full participant for the 49ers on Friday. Davis has less than impressive numbers so far this season, as his injuries have robbed him of playing time. After last week seeing him struggle through the game, it would be hard to trust him this week.

Stevie Johnson(SF) was a full participant in practice after taking a knee to his hip in the 49ers game against the Rams in week 6. He should be good to go on Sunday.

Zac Stacy (STL) was a full participant Friday. With an uncertain role in the offense, and a tough match up against the Seahawks defense on Sunday, Stacy may be a guy you want to put on your bench this week.

Shonn Greene (TEN) is out for Sunday. Bishop Sankey has been less that exciting so far for the Titans, but so was Greene before his injury. This is likely not a big issue for your fantasy roster.

Jake Locker (TEN) is questionable after being a limited participant in practice Friday. Even if he does play, it is hard to trust Locker, who has missed time twice this year with a wrist injury. If he is on your roster, I'd make other plans one way or the other.

That brings our look at the Friday practice reports to a close. Remember to keep your eyes on the Saturday practice reports for Monday teams, and the inactives on Sunday Morning. You Can follow me @FFFTW_ for more updates. Good luck this week!

Bargain Basement Prices

Starting your season at Seattle, against the Jets, and at Detroit is not exactly a soft landing in a new season for any running back. But this is what awaited Eddie Lacy (GB) at the beginning of the season.

Image source totalpackers.com

Leaving the opener early at Seattle with a concussion, Lacy only managed 34 yards on 12 carries. The Jets allowed him 43 yards on 13 carries. Detroit gave up 36 yards on 11 carries. One thing all these opponents have in common, a strong run defense. He has had a total of 6 catches in these games for 38 yards as well, which isn't adding much value to his stock.

This presents fantasy football players with an opportunity: Get Lacy on the relatively cheap. And if this suits you, the time is now. Starting next week the match ups start to look much better for Lacy. He will suit up against Chicago and Minnesota in the next 2 weeks. If you want to acquire him, it has to be before those games. If Eddie Lacy is going to improve, those are his chances.  If he does improve, the price of getting him will go up, if you can get him at all then.

If you happen to find yourself with a surplus of wide receivers it may behoove you to make an attempt to trade one of them for Lacy. I found myself, after another trade, with a plethora of quality talent at the wide receiver position, and a chance to use one of those guys to get a player that was a first round pick in most fantasy drafts. I offered the Lacy owner in my league Alshon Jeffery, the 3rd or 4th best wide receiver on my team, and a deal was made. This deal may be a little risky, but if you have the talent to spare, this is one of the better gambles to make in my estimation.

Image source espn.com

This same strategy can be applied to the other top running backs. Matt Forte (CHI) has had a slow start, and LeSean McCoy (PHI) had a disappointing game last week against Washington. If the owner of these players in your league is frustrated you may be able to get a heck of a value on a player that is primed to go off. And if they don't like what you offer, counter and see if you can come to an agreement. Bargain basement prices on talented players can only be found if you try.