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Every week, I make three picks against the spread (ATS) for that week's NFL games. Here are my three guaranteed (well, unless they lose) winners for week 16:

Texans +1.5 (over Dolphins): Good luck Vontae Davis and Sean Smith. They will need all the luck they can get in trying to stop Andre Johnson, who is averaging 194.5 yards per game over the past two weeks. Both teams are 7-7 and need to win this game to keep their playoff hopes alive. The Texans strengths match up well with Miami. When the Dolphins have the ball, they will look to feature Ricky Williams. But the Texans have a solid run defense, which could force the 'Fins to pass the ball more than they would otherwise like.

Packers -14 (over Seahawks): This game is a match made in blowout heaven. On one hand, Aaron Rodgers has thrown for 293.5 yards per game and nine touchdowns in his past four games. On the other hand, the Seahawks have allowed the fourth-most passing yards per game (249.4) in the NFL. Moreover, the Packers have blown out many of their inferior opponents whereas the Seahawks have been beaten badly by the teams that should beat them. After last week's heart-breaking loss to Pittsburgh, look for the Packers to take out their revenge on their next opponent. Sorry Seattle.

Vikings -7 (over Bears): While a first-round bye for the Vikings seemed like a lock three weeks ago, they have lost two of their past three games and now only lead the Eagles, who host the Broncos this week, by one game for the #2 seed. The Bears have played better at home (4-3) than on the road (1-6) mainly because QB Jay Cutler has been horrible on the road. But the first time these two teams played, the Vikings pummeled the Bears by 26 points. Matt Forte will struggle to run the ball (what else is new?) and the Vikings will pressure Jay Cutler into costly mistakes (again, what else is new?).

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 09:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

In their Christmas night win over the Titans, the Chargers clinched a first-round bye and the second seed in the AFC. In the process, they eliminated the Titans, who were one of seven teams tied at 7-7, from playoff contention.

Both LaDainian Tomlinson and Darren Sproles rushed for two touchdowns each.

Although he still hasn't rushed for 100 yards in any game this season, LT now has 11 rushing touchdowns in his past nine games.

Meanwhile, Chris Johnson turned in his tenth straight 100+ yard performance as he rushed for 142 yards and is only 128 yards shy of 2,000. He trails Eric Dickerson's single-season rushing record by 233 yards.

While it seems unlikely that he'll break the record, Johnson's season high is 228 yards (11/1 vs Jacksonville).

Next week, the Titans face the Seahawks, who rank 13th in the NFL in rushing yards per game allowed (106.4 ypg).

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 01:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Merry Christmas to everyone and if you're reading this, there's a good chance you've made it to your fantasy football league's Championship Game. Congratulations and good luck.

Here are some running backs who will likely put fantasy coal into your stockings:

Matt Forte, Bears (vs Vikings): This week concludes a brutal (fantasy) playoff run for Forte, who faced the Packers and Ravens in the two playoff matchups before the Vikings this week. And, in fact, it's been a hugely disappointing season for anyone who drafted Forte as he was arguably the biggest bust of fantasy drafts. In the past five weeks, Forte had one double-digit performance and that was against the Rams. The first time he played the Vikings (week 12), Forte finished with five fantasy points. Don't expect much more in week 16.

Quinton Ganther, Redskins (vs Cowboys): The majority of Ganther's fantasy production over the past two weeks has come from his three rushing touchdowns. But those TDs were scored against teams -- Oakland and NY Giants -- that have allowed the most and third-most rushing TDs, respectively. After last week's pathetic performance collectively as an offense against the Giants, it would be difficult to garner any kind of confidence in Ganther or any Redskins' player. Considering the Cowboys are allowing only 97.7 rushing yards per game (sixth-fewest in NFL), it would be wiser to sit Ganther on your bench.

LeSean McCoy/Brian Westbrook/Leonard Weaver, Eagles (vs Broncos): After missing five weeks, Westbrook will return and play against the Broncos although it's uncertain how many looks he'll eventually get. Nonetheless that will lower McCoy's value as if it weren't low enough due to sharing work with Leonard Weaver, who had a career high in rushing attempts (17) last week. In a pass-first offense like Philly's and with three backs to get touches, none of them should be within 10 feet of your starting lineup this week.

Justin Forsett, Seahawks (vs Packers): After Julius Jones suffered a bruised lung in week 10, Forsett picked up the slack. In weeks 10-12, Forsett averaged nearly 20 fantasy points per game, had two 100-yard rushing games and scored four touchdowns. But since Jones returned in week 13, Jones (42) has received nearly twice as many carries as Forsett (23). That said, it doesn't help that the Seahawks are facing the Packers, who allow the second-fewest rushing yards per game (83.6) in the NFL.

Click here for RB Start'em for Week 16 and/or my Week 16 RB rankings.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

With fantasy football championships hanging in the balance, here are four running backs that should have strong performances in Championship Week:

Beanie Wells, Cardinals (vs Rams): In the past two weeks, Wells has rushed for 189 yards and two touchdowns on 32 carries. In the past six weeks, Wells has scored five of his six rushing touchdowns. This week, the Cardinals face the fantasy-friendly Rams' rush defense, which has allowed the second-most rushing touchdowns in the NFL. The Cardinals will likely establish an early lead against the one-win Rams, which means Wells should get a heavy dose of carries as Tim Hightower has a total of only 14 carries in the past three games.

Jerome Harrison, Browns (vs Raiders): Harrison's record-setting performance last week came out of nowhere. It was widely-expected that Chris Jennings would be the guy to get the majority of work against the Chiefs. Instead it was Harrison, who finished with 32 rush attempts for 286 yards and three scores. This week, the Browns face a defense that is not as good at stopping the run as last week's opponent. While I wouldn't expect Harrison to duplicate last week's performance, no team has allowed more rushing touchdowns than the Raiders.

Jonathan Stewart, Panthers (vs Giants): While it's been a feast-or-famine season for Stewart owners this season, Stewart has produced consistently when running mate DeAngelo Williams has been out of the game. In the past three weeks, Williams missed the Tampa game and left early in the Minnesota game. Stewart finished with 25+ carries and 100+ yards and one touchdown in both of those games. Williams is doubtful for Sunday's game against the Giants. Stewart has eight rushing touchdowns in the past 11 games and the Giants have allowed the third-most rushing touchdowns this season.

Fred Jackson, Bills (vs Falcons): In four of his past six games, Jackson has posted double-digit fantasy performances. During that same span, he was caught 3+ passes and had 20+ receiving yards in each of those six games. In the past three weeks, the Falcons have allowed the 12th-most fantasy points and third-most receiving yards to opposing running backs.

Click here for my week 16 running back rankings.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 06:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

After missing the previous five games, Eagles running back Brian Westbrook will return on Sunday against the Broncos. That said, his playing time will be limited.

"There are certain things we're going to do with him in the run game, the pass game and we'll see how he does," [coach Andy] Reid said, per the Associated Press. "We're not expecting him to play every play, the whole game."

Westbrook, who has only played six games this year, has little to no fantasy value for Sunday. However, his return further reduces the fantasy value of LeSean McCoy, who has been sharing the workload with fullback Leonard Weaver.

Although McCoy had a rushing touchdown last week, Weaver's career-high 17 rushing attempts on Sunday was nearly double McCoy's (9).

If you have any Eagles running back on your roster, none of them are worth starting in week 16.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 06:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger had a career -- and franchise -- day by throwing for 503 passing yards and three touchdowns including the game-winner against the Green Bay Packers.

And it was a touchdown pass with time expiring to rookie Mike Wallace that was eerily similar to the one caught by Santonio Holmes in the Super Bowl last year that tied the game at 36-36. Jeff Reed's extra point won it.

The Packers entered the game on a five-game winning streak while the Steelers entered looking to end their five-game losing streak.

The Steelers are now 7-7 and trail the Ravens and Broncos by one game for a wildcard spot. The following five other AFC teams are 7-7: Miami, NY Jets, Houston, Tennessee and Jacksonville.

In weeks 16 and 17, the Steelers face the Ravens and Dolphins.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

On paper, it appeared to be the least appealing game of the weekend as the teams had combined for a 5-21 record entering the game.

In our weekly podcast (Fantasy Football Weekly) this morning, I named Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles as my running back stud of the week expecting him to have the biggest production of any skill player in this game.

Instead Charles, who had a big week (154 rushing yards and a touchdown) was outdone by two Browns' players including a Browns running back.

And that RB wasn't Chris Jennings, who had 73 rushing yards and a touchdown against Pittsburgh last week.

It was Browns running back Jerome Harrison, who set a franchise rushing record breaking Hall of Fame RB Jim Brown's record by rushing for 286 yards and three touchdowns.

Meanwhile, Josh Cribbs, who entered the game with six career kickoff return touchdowns, returned two kickoffs for scores and now is in sole possession of the NFL record. His kickoff returns today were for 100 yards and 103 yards, respectively.

With the exception of week four when Harrison rushed for 121 yards against the Bengals, Harrison did virtually nothing since. Until today, that is.

So, all the fantasy owners that added Harrison after his week four performance may have dropped him since. There is a good chance he's available in fantasy leagues now although that could quickly change.

If Harrison - not Jennings - is featured in week 16, he could have another big week as the Browns' opponent next week is Oakland, who has given up the most rushing touchdowns in the NFL.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 05:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan and running back Michael Turner will play against the New York Jets today.

Turner, who has battled a high-ankle sprain, has played in only one (partial) game in the past four weeks. In that game against the Bucs, Turner carried the ball 12 times for 33 yards.

Meanwhile, Ryan hasn't played since leaving after one series in week 12 against Tampa.

The Jets' pass defense has allowed the fewest fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks over the past three weeks. In fact, they have only given up a total of 321 passing yards and no passing touchdowns during that span.

Against the run, the Jets have allowed the second-fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs over the past three weeks.

So, if you have Ryan, Turner or the other Falcons' running backs (Jason Snelling and/or Jerious Norwood) on your fantasy roster, I would sit all of them on your bench.

And with shutdown corner Darrelle Revis on Roddy White, I named him my WR Dud of the Week in our weekly fantasy football podcast.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 11:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

With Raiders quarterback Bruce Gradkowski out for the game against Denver, it won't be JaMarcus Russell getting another opportunity to start.

"I think that's the whole point here, his struggles are out there," [Raiders coach Tom] Cable said (via AP). "It's on film and in the game and those sort of things. Everybody is working to try and help him get better all the time. He's certainly giving back to that, as best he can, and at some point you hope to, as I always say, have a breakthrough and move forward."

Instead, it will be Charlie Frye, who has thrown a total of 33 passes over the past three seasons.

According to Cable, the writing isn't necessarily on the wall when it comes to Russell's future even though the team is going with a guy who hasn't thrown an NFL pass all year over the former top overall pick.

"It's too early for all that," Cable said. "Right now we want to find a way to win these last three games. At this point, this is what we feel, that I feel, is the best thing for us."

Perhaps the Raiders are hoping that Russell will mature the way Vince Young did in Tennessee during the time he was benched.

I'm a little surprised that the Raiders finally conceded that starting Russell was a mistake. So, it's not too far-fetched to think that he won't be back in Oakland in 2010.

Russell, the top overall pick in 2007, has completed 48 percent of his passes this year and threw two touchdowns and ten interceptions.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Cowboys All-World linebacker DeMarcus Ware, who left Sunday's game on a stretcher, may play Saturday against the Saints according to coach Wade Phillips, per CBSSports.com.

"He's actually a lot better today," coach Wade Phillips said Monday. "He's really in a day-to-day situation as far as where he's going to be, as far as being able to play. He took quite a hit but has really bounced back strong. That's encouraging for him and us."

However, last night ESPN's Adam Schefter tweeted that Ware "won't play vs N.O."

In either case, this is the Cowboys' most important game of the season.

If they win out (including against the Eagles in week 17), they will win the NFC East. At a minimum, they need to have the same record as the Eagles over the next two games to control their own destiny when they face the Eagles (again).

Meanwhile, the Saints look to extend their winning streak to 14 games and this should be the team's biggest test to go 16-0. After the Cowboys, the Sainst play the Bucs and Panthers.

On the season, Ware has nine sacks and 51 tackles.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 06:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

The Indianapolis Colts have now won 22 consecutive games, which is an NFL record, including their 13th straight to start 2009 by beating the Broncos Brandon Marshall 28-16.

Marshall finished the day with a record of his own hauling in 21 receptions for 200 yards and two touchdowns. The previous mark of 20 receptions was set by Terrell Owens.

In the process of starting 13-0, the Colts have clinched home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs.

Coach Jim Caldwell has stated that the goal is not to finish undefeated, but the Colts final three opponents are the Jaguars, the Jets and Bills. They are likely to be favored in all of their remaining games even if Jim Sorgi is starting at quarterback.

Meanwhile, the Saints have matched the Colts with a 13-0 start and will face the Cowboys, the Buccaneers and the Panthers.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 05:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Each week I pick three NFL games against the spread (ATS). Here are my week 14 picks:

Chargers +3.5 (over Cowboys): With the obvious exception of the two unbeaten teams (Indianapolis and New Orleans), San Diego has the NFL's longest winning streak (7 games) in the NFL. The Chargers' offense is firing on all cylinders and is averaging 28.5 points per game (third-best in the NFL). During their seven-game winning streak, they have scored 30+ points five times and 20+ points in all seven games. And if you have to bet in a December game involving the Cowboys, which side would you want?

Falcons +10 (over Saints): I don't expect the Falcons to beat the Saints. However, as the Patriots did in their perfect regular-season two years ago, they played a lot of close games down the stretch. We are seeing that with the Saints lately. They needed overtime to beat the Redskins last week as four of their past six games have been decided by 10 points or less. Anything can happen in divisional matchups and giving double-digit points on the road is a little rich for my blood.

Eagles -1 (over Giants): The Giants got a much-needed victory over the Cowboys last week. With a 2-5 record in their past seven games, it would be premature to say that the Giants have turned things around. The Giants have allowed over 20 points in seven consecutive games and the Eagles get playmaker DeSean Jackson back this week. This season, the Giants are 1-6 ATS against opponents with a winning record.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 11:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

With your playoff survival on the line, here are three receivers that I would bench for week 14:

Antonio Bryant, Buccaneers (vs Jets): Antonio Bryant has been playing well as he has hauled in eight receptions for 209 yards and a touchdown in his past two games. However, Bryant is no Randy Moss, Andre Johnson or Steve Smith (Panthers). Aside from being better than Bryant, what do those three have in common? Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis shut them down. So, don't expect for Bryant to buck the trend and sit him on your bench.

Devin Hester, Bears (vs Packers): While I would argue that Darrelle Revis is the league's top cornerback, you could argue that it's Oakland's Nnamdi Asomugha or Green Bay's Charles Woodson. This week, the Bears and Hester will face the Packers and Woodson. Hester, who left the week 13 game early with a calf injury, hasn't scored a touchdown since week 7 and he has only one reception in each of his past two games.

T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Seahawks (vs Texans): Houshmandzadeh has been very frustrating to fantasy owners this year. And now that the playoffs are set to begin, can you trust a guy that has posted seven TOTAL fantasy points over the past three weeks? I can't.

For wide receivers to start in week 14, click here.

Check back later for our position-by-position rankings for week 14.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Here are four wide receivers that could have a big week in week 14:

Derrick Mason, Ravens (vs Lions): In need of a bounce-back game, Ravens QB Joe Flacco will get just what the doctor ordered: the Lions' pass defense. And Derrick Mason, his top target, should be thankful. Last week, Mason caught only two passes for 13 yards. In the previous two games, however, Mason caught 16 passes for 204 yards and a touchdown. No team has allowed more passing yards (274.8 ypg) or more passing TDs (28) than the Lions this season.

Pierre Garcon, Colts (vs Broncos): While Reggie Wayne is being covered by Champ Bailey, Garcon could be the receiver getting the most looks on Sunday. In the past four weeks, Garcon has 20 receptions for 357 yards and two TDs. In all four games during that span, Garcon has posted double-digit fantasy points.

Chad Ochocinco, Bengals (vs Vikings): In the past three weeks, the Vikings have allowed the 10th-most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers. And Ochocinco, who had four straight games with 2-6 fantasy points, bounced back last week against Cleveland with nine receptions for 137 yards and one touchdown.

Santonio Holmes, Steelers (vs Browns): Hines Ward's status for Thursday's game is "very questionable," according to coach Mike Tomlin. Assuming Ward doesn't play, Holmes will get more targets and he's been productive with Ward in the lineup. In the past five weeks, Holmes has had 6+ receptions and 74+ yards every week. Last week against Oakland, Holmes had his best game of the year (8-149-1).

For my running backs to start in week 14, click here. Or click here for my running backs to sit in week 14.

Check back later for our position-by-position rankings for week 14.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

With playoffs beginning this week, here are three running backs that I would consider benching for week 14:

LaDainian Tomlinson, Chargers (vs Cowboys): Tomlinson has seen a resurgence recently at least in terms of scoring touchdowns. In the past six weeks, he has rushed for eight touchdowns. This week, however, L.T. faces a Dallas defense that has been stingy against the run as they have allowed only five rushing TDs on the season. With a strong possibility of a scoreless day for L.T., it's not likely that you can rely on him accumulating a lot of rushing yards either.

Kevin Smith, Lions (vs Ravens): Smith had a decent game last week as he finished with a combined 104 rushing/receiving yards and a score. As the Lions face another tough run defense, it would be risky to rely on Smith. Smith has been productive in the passing game, but he has only two games with 20+ rushing attempts. And it's been seven weeks since the last 20-carry game.

Matt Forte, Bears (vs Packers): Forte made the Start'em list last week and he delivered with 91 rushing yards and a score. He has had only three games with more than 66 rushing yards and those three games came against Detroit, Cleveland and St. Louis. (Let's face it, you or I may be able to run for 100 yards against those defenses.) In week 14, Forte begins the murderers row of run defenses in fantasy playoffs against Green Bay, Minnesota and Baltimore.

For running backs to start for week 14, click here.

Check back later for our position-by-position rankings for week 14.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

It's week 14 and it's time for fantasy football playoffs. Here are four running backs that I'd be comfortable starting this week:

Jamaal Charles, Chiefs (vs Bills): Charles has received 14-18 carries in each of the past four weeks and he has scored three rushing touchdowns during that span. On the season, no team has allowed more points to opposing running backs than the Bills. Plus, they have allowed 200+ rushing yards in one-third of their games this season.

Fred Jackson, Bills (vs Chiefs): Jamaal Charles isn't the only RB in this game that has a highly favorable matchup. The Chiefs have allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing running backs and last week they allowed a season-worst 246 rushing yards. In the past five games, they've given up seven rushing TDs. Despite Jackson's weak performance in week 13, Bills coach Perry Fewell will still be the featured back in the offense.

Quinton Ganther, Redskins (vs Raiders): Clinton Portis and Ladell Betts are on IR. And Ganther will get the start in week 14. Ganther, who was born in Oakland, has had 13 carries in the past two games for 78 yards. Considering that the Redskins face the Raiders, who have allowed the most rushing touchdowns in the NFL (18), Ganther should be in for a productive day as a flex play.

Knowshon Moreno, Broncos (vs Colts): Moreno has rushed for 80+ yards in four consecutive weeks and he's scored three rushing touchdowns in the past two weeks. In the past three weeks, the Colts have allowed the seventh-most fantasy points to opposing running backs. Provided the Colts don't jump out to a 14-0 first-quarter lead forcing the Broncos into passing mode, Moreno should have a big day. But, in either case, he should be productive and is a good start as a RB2 or flex play.

Check back later for our position-by-position rankings for week 14.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 09:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Instead of Rock Cartwright, Redskins running back Quinton Ganther will get the start when the Redskins play the Raiders on Sunday, according to the Washington Post.

In the past two games, Ganther had 13 carries for 78 yards, which is an average of 6.0 yards per carry. Meanwhile, Cartwright has rushed for only 77 yards on 28 carries in those two games.

Ganther should be a solid flex play this week as the Raiders have given up the most rushing touchdowns (18) in the NFL this year.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 09:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Redskins running back Clinton Portis is done for the year.

According to the Washington Post, the Redskins placed Portis on injured reserve (IR), which ends his season, and it's possible that he will call it quits completely.

"If it's my time and I look back today, I think I have had a great career," Portis said on ESPN 980 radio (via the Washington Post).

However, Portis' agent Drew Rosenhaus tweeted, "The decision to place Clinton on IR is purely a precaution, and he will be ready for 2010 and beyond. We are very optimistic about his Redskins future."

Portis suffered a concussion in week 8 and hasn't played since. Ladell Betts, who was his back-up, was injured in week 11 and is also on IR.

Rock Cartwright has 41 carries in the past three games for 144 yards and he has caught 13 passes for 130 yards. Meanwhile, Quinton Ganther had eight carries for 46 yards last week.

This week, the Redskins face the Oakland Raiders, who have allowed the third-most fantasy points to opposing running backs this season. No team has allowed more rushing touchdowns than the Raiders have this season.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The Pittsburgh Steelers may be without receiver Hines Ward against the Cleveland Browns on Thursday, according to ESPN's James Walker.

"We'll see where it goes, but it's not favorable for him," (coach Mike) Tomlin said.

The Steelers shouldn't need Ward to beat the Browns, who are arguably the worst team in the league. Then again, Pittsburgh is on a four-game losing streak including yesterday's loss to the Oakland Raiders with Ward.

That said, if Ward doesn't play, it increases the fantasy value of receivers Santonio Holmes and Mike Wallace.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 11:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

- Drew Bress passed for a season-high 419 yards against the Redskins, who entered the game with the second-ranked pass defense (170.4 ypg).
- When Peyton Manning threw his 25th touchdown, he became the first to ever throw 25 touchdowns for 12 consecutive seasons.
- Tennessee's Chris Johnson has now rushed for 100+ yards in seven consecutive games.

- Brandon Jacobs only had 39 rushing yards, but he finished with two touchdowns (one rushing and one receiving).
- Tony Romo threw 55 passes, of which he completed 41, for 392 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 11:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Every week, I pick three NFL games against the spread (ATS) and here are my week 13 picks:

Patriots -4.5 (over Dolphins): The Patriots are coming off a tough loss on a short week. And they are on the road against a division rival. The Saints held Tom Brady and the Patriots to no passing scores. But the Dolphins are coming off a disappointing loss as well against the Bills. Brady should bounce back against the league's 23rd-ranked pass defense. Meanwhile Laurence Maroney has scored a rushing TD (or two) in six consecutive games. The last time the Patriots lost two consecutive games was in November 2006.

Titans +6.5 (over Colts): I'm not necessarily calling for an outright upset here (although I wouldn't be shocked to see it happen). With the exception of a meaningless week 17 game last year, here are the point differentials in games Vince Young has started against the Colts: -1, +3, -2, +6. There's nothing wrong with winning close games, especially when you're 11-0, but the Colts have engineered come-from-behind victories in the fourth quarter in their past five games. With Chris Johnson running all over opponents (six straight games with 125+ yards), the Colts playing close games recently and the historical trend of close games in this series, give me the points.

Vikings -3.0 (over Cardinals): The Vikings are as complete as any team in football. With five weeks to go, they rank fifth in total offense and eighth in total defense. And despite all the will-he-or-won't-he-return drama, Brett Favre is a legitmate MVP contender. He's tied with Peyton Manning for second in TD passes (24) behind Drew Brees (27), but Favre has thrown only three interceptions. I expect Kurt Warner to return this week, but the Cardinals' pass offense is considerably less explosive with Matt Leinart under center.

Click here to see picks from all of our "handicappers."

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 11:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

With the fantasy football playoffs on the horizon, here are my top 5 wide receivers for week 13:

1. Randy Moss, Patriots (at Dolphins): In his first matchup against the Dolphins, who rank in the bottom 10 in passing yards allowed (233 ypg), Moss had six receptions for 147 yards and one TD. On the season, Moss leads the NFL in receiving yards (992) and is only one behind the leaders in TD receptions (eight). After getting their ass whooped on prime-time TV, expect the Patriots, Tom Brady, Moss & Co. to come out swinging.

2. Andre Johnson, Texans (at Jaguars): Johnson is one of the league's most complete receivers and perhaps the most underrated. This week, Johnson gets a favorable matchup against the Jaguars, who have allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to receivers this season. On the season, Johnson ranks fourth in the league in receiving yards (945).

3. Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals (vs Vikings): The Vikings have been without Antoine Winfield, the team's best cornerback, for the past five games. On the season, the Vikings have allowed the 10th-most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers. My expectation is for QB Kurt Warner to return from his concussion as Fitzgerald had his worst game of the season with Matt Leinart as QB last week. Fitzgerald is tied for the league lead in touchdowns (nine) including four TDs in the last three games in which Warner has played.

4. Reggie Wayne, Colts (vs Titans): Wayne is second in receptions (79), second in receiving yards (987) and tied for first in touchdowns (nine) in the league. In addition to their improvements with Vince Young under center, the Titans have improved on the defensive side of the ball as they are healthier now. Only the Lions (27) have allowed more receiving touchdowns than the Titans (25) on the season. During their five-game winning streak, however, the Titans have allowed only the 18th-most fantasy points to opposing receivers.

5. Sidney Rice, Vikings (at Cardinals): In three of his past six games, Rice has 136 receiving yards or more including a game with 201yards. With the exception of his game at Green Bay, Rice has had 89 yards or more in five of his past six. Favre and Rice have built chemistry quickly and they have a favorable matchup against the Cardinals, who have allowed the seventh-most fantasy points to receivers this season.

Click here for top 50 wide receivers for week 13.

More rankings: top 25 QBs | top 40 RBs | top 20 TEs | top 20 kickers | top 20 team defenses

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

With the fantasy football playoffs on the horizon, here are my top 5 running backs for week 13:

1. Thomas Jones, Jets (at Bills): The first time that Jones faced the Bills this season, he rushed for 210 yards and a touchdown. The Bills have allowed the most fantasy points to opposing running backs this season and only the Raiders have allowed more rushing TDs than the Bills (16). Since the Jets want QB Mark Sanchez to air it out less and less (his attempts have gone from 35 to 30 to 21 to 17), Jones better bring his lunch-pail tonight.

2. Chris Johnson, Titans (at Colts): As well as Johnson has played in the past six weeks (125+ rushing yards every week), you can consider Johnson 1(a) -- not #2 -- in this week's rankings. During their five-game winning streak, Johnson has rushed for seven touchdowns. Although the Colts have a middle-of-the-pack run defense on the season, they've given up the 11th-most fantasy points to opposing RBs in the past three weeks.

3. DeAngelo Williams, Panthers (vs Buccaneers): DeAngelo has cooled off a bit with no touchdowns in the past three weeks and only one 100-yard game during that span. The first time that Williams faced the Buccaneers this season, he carried the ball 30 times for 152 yards and two scores. Expect more of the same against the league's third-worst rush defense.

4. Adrian Peterson, Vikings (at Cardinals): The Cardinals were the league's top-ranked run defense earlier in the season, but they have dropped to 14th in the NFL against the run (108.6 ypg allowed). In four of the past five weeks, they have allowed an opposing running back to eclipse the century mark. Surprisingly, Peterson has only three 100-yard games on the season, but he is second in the league with 12 rushing touchdowns.

5. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars (vs Texans): MJD has rushed for more rushing touchdowns (13) than any other running back. (Of course, none of those are as famous as the TD that he didn't score.) That said, Jones-Drew faces a Texans run defense that turned itself around after the first three weeks. In week 3, however, MJD rushed for 119 yards and three touchdowns.

Click here for top 40 running backs for week 13.

More rankings: top 25 QBs | top 50 WRs | top 20 TEs | top 20 kickers | top 20 team defenses

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 05:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (1)

It's time to put up or shut up. If you haven't yet clinched a playoff berth in your fantasy league, it likely comes down to week 13 for you as most fantasy leagues start their playoffs in week 14.

And to paraphrase Bill Parcells, this is why you buy those cheat sheets, do those mock drafts, etc. -- to get into (and win in) the playoffs.

Here are my top 5 quarterbacks for week 13:

1. Peyton Manning, Colts (vs Titans): Manning is the only QB to average over 300 passing yards per game (310.5) and is second in passing touchdowns (24). While the Titans and their defense have been playing better lately, they have allowed the second-most passing touchdowns (25) this season.

2. Brett Favre, Vikings (at Cardinals): In his past four games, Favre has thrown 12 touchdowns and no interceptions. On the season, Arizona allows the fourth-most passing yards (258.3 ypg).

3. Drew Brees, Saints (at Redskins): Brees is coming off a five-TD performance against the Patriots in what was arguably the most important regular-season game in team history. Although this week's opponent (Washington) allows the fewest passing yards in the NFL (170.4 ypg), Brees and the Saints offense are firing on all cylinders right now.

4. Tom Brady, Patriots (at Dolphins): Brady failed to connect on a TD pass last week, but he had 332 passing yards against the Dolphins in their first match-up. With targets like Randy Moss and Wes Welker, it's not likely that Brady goes TD-less in back-to-back games.

5. Philip Rivers, Chargers (at Chiefs): Rivers has posted three consecutive 100+ QB ratings and this week he faces the Browns, who have allowed the ninth-most passing yards (233.4 ypg) this season. In the past four games, Rivers has thrown eight touchdowns and only two interceptions.

Click here for top 25 quarterbacks for week 13.

More rankings: top 40 RBs | top 50 WRs | top 20 TEs | top 20 kickers | top 20 team defenses

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 06:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

If you need a victory in week 13 to send you into your fantasy league's playoffs, here are three running backs that I don't expect to deliver:

Kevin Smith, Lions (vs Bengals): The good news for Kevin Smith fantasy owners is that he's been a factor in the Lions' passing game. Only four RBs have more receiving yards than Smith (367). The bad news is he's a "running" back and he (and the Lions) haven't run the ball effectively this season. Smith is averaging only 54.8 rushing yards per game and has only three rushing touchdowns this season. Meanwhile, the Bengals have allowed the third-fewest rushing yards (784) and is tied for the fewest rushing touchdowns (two) allowed this season. And in the past three weeks, no team has allowed fewer fantasy points to opposing running backs than the Bengals.

Brandon Jacobs, Giants (vs Cowboys): With colder weather and tougher opponents on the horizon, Jacobs was poised to come through for fantasy owners with a bigger workload and, in turn, greater fantasy production. Right? Apparently not. Jacobs still hasn't rushed for 100 yards in any game and he's averaging one touchdown per 58 rushing attempts this year. On the season, the Cowboys have allowed the seventh-fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs and only the Packers and Bengals have allowed fewer rushing touchdowns than the Cowboys have.

Ryan Grant, Packers (vs Ravens): Compared with the other two running backs on this list, Grant is having the best season (890 rushing yards, 5 rushing touchdowns). When facing defenses that rank in the top 10 of fewest fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs, here's Grant's production: CIN (10 points), MIN (10 points), MIN (5 points) and DAL (7 points). In those four games, he's averaged only 51.5 rushing yards per game. This week, Grant faces a Ravens' run defense that currently allows a league low 3.5 yards per carry. Another single-digit fantasy game is the most likely scenario for Grant.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 11:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

For some, this is the do-or-die week in fantasy football as many leagues begin their playoffs in week 14. Fortunately for fantasy owners, there are plenty of favorable matchups for some second-tier running backs.

Here are five running backs that are starts for week 13:

Matt Forte, Bears (vs Rams): Since his bye in week five, this first-round draft pick has exceeded 41 rushing yards only once. However, Forte has been a contributor in the passing game as he ranks second in the NFL in receiving yards (433) among RBs. During typical fantasy football playoff weeks (14 to 16), Forte will face three elite run defenses (ranks): Green Bay (4th), Baltimore (6th) and Minnesota (2nd). In week 13, however, Forte faces St. Louis, who has allowed the most fantasy points to opposing running backs in the past three weeks.

Knowshon Moreno, Broncos (vs Chiefs): Moreno has rushed for 80+ yards in three consecutive weeks. In week 13, Moreno faces Kansas City, which has allowed the third-most fantasy points to opposing running backs over the past five weeks.

Rashard Mendenhall, Steelers (vs Raiders): Mendenhall has rushed for 400 yards against the first three AFC West opponents he's faced. The Raiders, this week's opponents, has allowed a league-high 17 rushing touchdowns in 11 games. And only the Bills and Browns have allowed more fantasy points to opposing running backs this season.

LaDainian Tomlinson, Chargers (vs Browns): While 28 running backs have rushed for more yards than LT, only six have rushed for more touchdowns. Tomlinson has rushed for seven of his eight TDs in the past five weeks. This week should be more of the same as he faces Cleveland, who has allowed the second-most fantasy points to opposing running backs this season.

Laurence Maroney, Patriots (vs Dolphins): Another RB that has had the nose for the endzone has been Maroney. Maroney has rushed for a score in six consecutive games and he has scored all eight of his touchdowns during that six-game span. In the last six games, Maroney is averaging over 14 fantasy points per game. While the Dolphins rank in the top 12 in fewest rushing yards allowed, only six teams have given up more rushing touchdowns than Miami has.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 11:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (1)

I'm not the Seattle Seahawks head football coach, but maybe I should be as their current coach, Jim Mora, has it all wrong.

Mora says he's sticking with running back Julius Jones, who has missed the last two games with a bruised lung, as the team's starter.

"Julius is our starting running back," Mora said, per Danny O'Neill of The Seattle Times. "He's our starting running back. That's what he is."

"Justin's earned the right to carry the ball off of what he did at Arizona and what he did this week," Mora said. "So we're going to make sure he gets touches."

I suppose it doesn't really matter who "starts." When Jones was in Dallas, Marion Barber eventually got more carries than Jones as the "back-up."

If Forsett is getting a bigger workload than Jones despite being the back-up, it doesn't make a difference who starts.

But Forsett has scored four rushing touchdowns in the past three games. That's twice as many as Jones has in nine games.

Forsett has rushed for over 100 yards in two of his past three games. In the one game he did not (vs Minnesota), Forsett had 80 receiving yards.

Maybe Jones shouldn't lose his job due to injury. But he shouldn't keep it, on the other hand, for not being as good as the alternative (Forsett).

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 12:17 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Steelers receiver Hines Ward says he and QB Ben Roethlisberger have "resolved" their controversy, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

Meanwhile, Roethlisberger is expected to start against the Raiders on Sunday.

The Indianapolis Colts have waived DE Josh Thomas and CB Anthony Madison, per the Indianapolis Star.

The Atlanta Falcons have signed quarterback D.J. Shockley to their practice squad, according to the team's website.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have signed punter Sam Paulescu, who will also hold for kicker Connor Barth as well.

Arizona Cardinals rookie LaRod Stephens-Howling was named this week's NFC Special Teams Player of the Week.

The Atlanta Falcons have replaced kicker Jason Elam, who was cut today, with Matt Bryant.

Saints QB Drew Brees is ahead of Vikings QB Brett Favre in Pro Bowl voting.

The Panthers placed Kelvin Smith on IR and signed linebacker Quinton Culberson to its 53-man roster, per the team's website.

The Lions signed Dan Gronkowski from its practice squad to replace Brandon Pettigrew, who was placed on IR.

The Chiefs will retire #58 in honor of linebacker Derrick Thomas.

Tampa Bay will be without wide receiver Michael Clayton for the next 1-2 weeks.

Don't tell Charles Barkley, but Cardinals QB Kurt Warner was voted the best role model by other players in a Sports Illustrated poll.

Rich Cimini of the NY Daily News doesn't expect Charlie Weis to end up as the Jets' offensive coordinator.

Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce expects to be back in 2010.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 11:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

When the Florida Gators play the Alabama Crimson Tide in the SEC Championship Game on Saturday for the right to play in the BCS Championship Game, they will do so without defensive end Carlos Dunlap.

Coach Urban Meyer has suspended Dunlap indefinitely after he was arrested early this morning for DUI.

"Carlos obviously made a very poor decision," Meyer said. "I have not spoke to him or his family yet. He's not going to play. But I want to visit with him and his family first and go from there."

Police spokesman Keith Kameg said that officers "approached the car and found the suspect slumped over in the driver's seat. He appeared to be asleep. The car's windows were cracked so they attempted to wake him up. They talked to him and he would only open his eyes for a few seconds and then fall back asleep."

Dunlap is a potential high first-round pick if declares himself eligible for April's NFL Draft.

Meyer made the right decision to suspend Dunlap. Allowing a college kid that gets busted for DUI to play in a football game a few days later would have sent the wrong message.

Florida and Alabama will play on Saturday, December 5th at 4 p.m. in Atlanta.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 11:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The New York Jets and quarterback Mark Sanchez face the Buffalo Bills in Toronto on Thursday night.

In their first matchup of the season, Sanchez had his worst professional performance in which he threw five interceptions with a quarterback rating of 8.3.

(To put a QB rating of 8.3 in context, the career low for Raiders QB JaMarcus Russell is 17.4.)

On the season, the Bills have 21 interceptions, which is second only to the Saints (22). In addition to the challenge of facing the Bills' ball-hawking secondary, he has an injury to his left knee, which coach Rex Ryan calls "sore."

"I know he's sore, so we'll see how that goes," Ryan said. "It's a short week ... but he finished the game. I thought he was still moving around pretty good, so hopefully he'll be 100% when we play."

Today Sanchez got some sliding lessons from Yankees manager Joe Girardi, per Rich Cimini of the NY Daily News.

From Girardi, he said that he learned "(how to) hook my leg, because I wear that brace on my left leg so you don’t want to hook that leg into the ground because it might get stuck. He showed me how to do it with the opposite leg and hook that leg under. He showed me how to protect the ball while I am sliding and try not to fall on one side or the other on my shoulder, just absorb the blow with my butt and my legs. It was important for me to learn that and I really appreciated it."

So, what's next for Sanchez? Perhaps Ryan will have Kobayashi or Joey Chestnut teach Sanchez how to eat hot dogs.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)