The This and That of Fantasy Football

Week 15

Jamel White is now the starting RB in Cleveland after James Jackson tore a ligament in his knee and was placed on injured reserve. White came on in relief in the Monday night loss to the Rams and came through in big way. White rushed 16 times for 101 yards and a score and caught four passes for 39 yards. Marcel Shipp was one of my starting RBs on one of my teams. Shipp has not bothered to score all season. I picked up White to start in Shipp’s place for my playoff game in one of my leagues. White is playing Denver, who boast speedy LBs who prove detrimental to the running game, but White’s pass catching ability will help him with his stats and should get another TD. I’m not saying start White in a playoff game if you have solid backs, but if you have a guys who hasn’t scored a TD like Shipp, why not? Ok you’re probably wondering how a team that was starting Shipp is in the playoffs. I’d have to thank Culpepper and Owens for that along with Isaac Bruce scoring three weeks in a row to help me sneak in.

Another RB who may be available in your league is Thomas Jones. Jon Gruden announced this week that Jones would start for the rest of the season. Last week against the Saints, Jones rushed for 89 yards on 20 carries. In Week 11, Jones racked up 134 yards rushing on the Packers. This week Jones faces a reeling Texans’ team that has allowed 13 rushing TDs this season.

A brash talking, but quiet of late (probably because of ineffectiveness) Troy Hambrick faces a Washington team that he rushed for 100 yards and two scores against in Week 9. Washington allows 132.4 yards rushing a game. Another RB with a great matchup is Jamal Lewis facing an Oakland team that allows 149.4 rushing yards a game.

Mailbag

Which two WRs do you like this week – Mason, Boldin, Wayne, Price or Booker? At TE Kleinsasser or Crumpler?

Thanks,
Dave

Thanks for reading Dave. It’s playoff time, so I think you have to start your most consistent players in Mason and Boldin. I know Mason has a tough matchup against the Bills, who have allowed only 10.4 points a game the last five games. But, Mason has scored in two straight and it’s not like the Titans will be able to run on the Bills with a likeable but worn out Eddie George. Mason is consistent as his 76 catches for 1,032 and six scores attest to. Also, I know Steve McNair has a painful cracked bone spur in his ankle, but I would be shocked not to see him on the field when his team needs him. I think Boldin is your other most consistent WR with 79 grabs for 1,155 yards and seven TDs. The Cardinals will play from behind as usual, and last week new starting QB Josh McCown connected with Boldin nine times for 123 yards and a score in a 50-14 loss. Do the safe thing, and don’t worry if the other guys do better. You only need to outscore your opponent, and you don’t want to regret benching 1,000 yard WRs if they have a good game. As far as your TE, I would start Kleinsasser, who always seems to have good games against the Bears. He scored twice against the Bears earlier in the season.

Week 15 Picks

Last week: 11-5

Season: 129-79

Titans over Bills

Last week, Bledsoe threw for 72 yards. I would bet McNair plays.

Vikings over Bears

Welcome to the NFL Rex Grossman.

Colts over Falcons

Vick is scary, but Atlanta D can’t stop the Colts.

Rams over Seahawks

Seahawks woeful on the road. In earlier meeting, Rams up 13 and blew it.

Jets over Steelers

Jets couldn’t throw on the Bills last week, but they can on the Steelers.

Chiefs over Lions

Come on.

Bucs over Texans

Texans beat up.

Bengals over 49ers

49ers blow on the road.
Ravens over Raiders

What’s that sound? It’s Jamal Lewis running over the Raiders.

Broncos over Browns

Portis on a roll.

Patriots over Jaguars

Welcome to the cold Jaguars.

Cowboys over Washington

Dallas D beats up Hasselbeck.

Panthers over Cardinals

Panthers stop slide against an accommodating defense.

Packers over Chargers

Pack will rely more on Ahman Green, and Favre shouldn’t have to make crazy throws against a bad D.

Saints over Giants

Giants’ bad, and now they start Jesse Palmer at QB.

Eagles over Dolphins

It’s December, so give me the Eagles.