Lineup calls: QB | RB | WR | TE | K | D/ST
Fantasy owners are checking the days off of their calendars in this final month of the season.
Sure, they’re monitoring, for better or worse, when relatives will invade their homes. The spring returns to their step shortly thereafter, as they consider that another day has passed and that the fantasy playoffs are that much closer.
The games of Week 14 begin with what has become a confusing matchup between Indianapolis and Tennessee. Will Peyton Manning right the ship? Have the Titans quit?
The storylines are numerous as we head into the homestretch of this 2010 season. Happily, unlike those novels that you downloaded to your ubiquitous e-Reader, you can’t skip to the final page. You have to let the story play out on the field.
Top Defenses/Special Teams
(Other than New York Jets, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, New York Giants and Green Bay)
Atlanta at Carolina
The Panthers have shown signs of life on the ground in the past several weeks, but the passing game remains a mess. As such, I’m anticipating pressure on Jimmy Clausen to force multiple turnovers and for the run defense to make adjustments to prevent a repeat of LeGarrette Blount’s success. The Falcons have generated 25 turnovers and 20 sacks this season.
New Orleans vs. St. Louis
All eyes have been on Drew Brees and the offense, but this defense has been quietly effective despite myriad of injuries. The Saints rank fifth in total defense at 18.9 points allowed per game and have been tremendous in the secondary. Rookie Sam Bradford and the Rams face a difficult road test, and I’m fearful that the Drew Brees-led offense forces him to press.
Cleveland at Buffalo
The Browns rank 12th in total defense this season and have been opportunistic in the secondary (18 interceptions) and stout at the goal line (four touchdowns allowed). Ryan Fitzpatrick has been one of the fun stories of the year, but he’s also thrown 11 interceptions along the way (three games with two interceptions). He’ll take his shots downfield, and I expect the Browns to be up to the task. Say what you will. They play hard for Eric Mangini.
Denver at Arizona
I debated leaving the Broncos in the “sleeper” section of this piece, but the matchup against John Skelton and the dysfunctional Arizona offense is too enticing. Even with all of the injuries in the secondary and the inconsistency of the pass rush, there is an opportunity to generate turnovers and change this game. The effort exhibited in Week 13 against the Chiefs was impressive. Do they play inspired ball for the interim coach, or do they lie down? If nothing else, Champ Bailey will be available to check Larry Fitzgerald.
San Francisco vs. Seattle
The division is not lost just yet. The 49ers rank 11th against the run at 101.4 yards per game and have ceded seven rushing touchdowns. This unit’s ability to slow Marshawn Lynch on the ground will be paramount, as Matt Hasselbeck has been subject to committing turnovers in big spots. San Francisco has clearly not matched the preseason hype in any way. Might they rise to the occasion to start the fourth quarter?
Sleepers
Seattle at San Francisco
The Seahawks are anything but a world-beating unit (21st in total defense), particularly on the road, but pressure up front could rattle reinstalled quarterback Alex Smith and force errant passes. The 49ers rank 30th in total offense this season at 16.9 points per game and have surrendered 30 sacks.
New England at Chicago
The Patriots posted an all-around clinic in the Week 13 clinic against the Jets. The youthful defense is getting better week after week as those young cornerbacks find their way. This makes for an interesting spot in the frigid temperatures along Lake Michigan against Jay Cutler, who has been very efficient and protective of the ball this season (that DeAngelo Hall debacle notwithstanding, of course). If Tom Brady and the New England offense can get on track early, the problems experienced by Mark Sanchez may reoccur.
Flops
Chicago vs. New England
The Bears rank third in total defense right now, but this is a difficult spot. Tom Brady is playing lights-out football, and those who didn’t see the clinic put on against the Jets wouldn’t have believed it. Brady has thrown only four interceptions all season and has logged multiple touchdown passes in five consecutive games. I would not be shocked to see this game be a low-scoring affair or for the score to escalate. It’s a tough read.
Philadelphia at Dallas
The banged-up Philadelphia secondary has been exploited throughout the season, and I’m fearful of the two-pronged Dallas running attack. This one has the makings of a shootout in front of the national audience, and Jon Kitna certainly deploys a talented receiving corps. I’d stay away this week.
Tampa Bay at Washington
The Buccaneers lost cornerback Aqib Talib this past week to a hip injury, thereby leaving a gaping hole in the secondary (the unit has allowed 19 passing touchdowns). I’m not a huge supporter of the Washington offense given the game of musical chairs being played in the backfield, but I cannot deny the talents and advantageous matchups on the table for Santana Moss and Anthony Armstrong.
