Game Day Wonders: Week 14

Well, well, well, here we go again. The fantasy playoffs are among us. I know not all of you have the loaded, star-studded roster that Tony Kornheiser may have, (rolls eyes), but if you do need help, I will guide you through some intriguing prospects for this week's action. I like consistency and history, not upside in the first round of fantasy playoffs. Stay away from the New York Giants defense, Cedric Houston, and L.J. Smith. Fourteen weeks later, you have not been disappointed, here are your Game Day Wonders!

The Hot List

• Houston, we have a problem. His name is Vince Young. Young will be leading his Tennessee Titans into Houston, his hometown, for a showdown of the ages where Young will make the Texans regret for passing over him in last April's draft. Young has scored 6 total touchdowns in the last three games. In the last two, he has rushed for 69 yards and 78 yards, respectfully. Houston is horrible against the pass and run. They are ranked 25^th in total defense. Houston has allowed 17 passing touchdowns compared to just 9 interceptions. They are also wading towards the bottom of the pool in opposing quarterback's completion percentage. Earlier this year at home, Young had 131 total yards, 2 touchdowns and no turnovers against this Texans' defense. Look for those numbers to double this week as he continues in a good groove. I am projecting Vince Young to have 189 passing yards, 74 rushing yards, and 2 touchdowns, with no turnovers this week when he returns to he place that made him, Houston.
• Guess who is questionable this week, but is a great start if he plays? Willis McGahee. If any running back has owned the New York Jets, it is McGahee. Even though he missed practice Wednesday, as he walked around in a protective boot for precautionary measures, I do expect McGahee to play this weekend. In 5 games versus the Jets, McGahee is averaging 116 rushing yards per outing. Out of those five match-ups, in the last four, McGahee is averaging 134.5 rushing yards per game. I think his ankle injury is just a measure of rest for a bruised running back. He has been dinged up a lot this season and should play this week. A key indicator of his playing status will be if he practices Friday, so stay tuned to ffLiveWireand the Flogfor a McGahee update tomorrow. I am expecting a 126 yard performance to go along with 1 score for the former Hurricane this week.
• His name translates into a no-brainer, but I am going to give a shot of confidence to all of the Steve Smith owners this week. With what looks like a thumb injury for Jake Delhomme, veteran Chris Weinke will get the nod for the Carolina Panthers this week. With Weinke starting, Smith owners are starting to scurry in panic mode. Steve Smith was just a rookie when Chris Weinke was also a rookie, starting behind center in Charlotte. So if you want to do some research, you will not find anything to give you confidence. The only facts for you to ride on are that other great wide receivers have had success with a career second stringer starting at quarterback. Darrell Jackson has put up remarkable numbers with Seneca Wallace. Anquan Boldin still put up great numbers with the quarterback carousel in Arizona. Shoot, Lee Evans put up good numbers with Kelly Holcomb last season. I know you are not considering benching Smith, but are sweating the match-up this week against the Giants. Don't worry. Steve Smith will still catch 8 passes for 133 yards and 1, if not 2 touchdowns. He will give the ridiculously bad Giants' secondary the blues this weekend. Have no fear. Oh yeah, the Giants' defense/special teams is not a slick play this week, stay away from them.

The Cold List

• Are the Philadelphia Eagles starting to get hot? All they needed was a complimenting run defense that can limit opposing running backs from getting a first down on first downs. With that said, stay away from LaDell Betts this week. Sure, DeAngelo Williams totaled 175 yards last week, but 101 yards were receiving on 7 catches on the Eagles. They limited Williams to just 4.3 yards per carry, when they were giving up over five yards per carry the 2 weeks before. Betts is almost averaging 130 yards over the past two weeks, but he will run into a shifty, turned around Eagles defense this week. Pressure from the book ends will force Jason Campbell to beat the Eagles secondary. Betts is good at hitting his stride up the middle, but the move to Gaither proved to be just enough to tow the line in run defense. I am expecting Betts to rush for 68 yards on 21 carries and not score this week.
• Even though he has been a great steal for most people, Kevin Jones if a must bench if you can afford it. Minnesota's run defense is still tops in the league, allowing only 2.8 yards per carry and only 5 touchdowns in 12 games! In his last two meetings with Minnesota, Jones is only averaging 11.5 yards a game! If any one defense has owned Kevin Jones, it is the Vikings. Back-ups like Dominic Rhodes, Mike Bell, and Ron Dayne (eek) are better plays than Jones this week. I am expecting him to get 15 carries, but only 29 yards and no scores.
• Which prominent tight end is only averaging 19 yards a game since week 8? L.J. Smith. Smith's numbers began to decline at the week 8 mark last season as well. Smith has struggled against Washington himself, averaging only 25 yards a game for his career. He has also only scored once in that time. Don't expect much from L.J. Smith this week as he will haul in 3 receptions for 17 yards and no touchdowns. Steer clear, start the likes of Bo Scaife and George Wrightster over him this week.

Silent but Deadly

• With fantasy bust Michael Clayton being placed on injured reserve, keep a watchful eye on rookie Maurice Stovall in Tampa Bay. Ike Hilliard will now be starting opposite of Joey Galloway, but Stovall showed a confident display of dependability in preseason. Stovall is entering this week with only 1 catch of 11 yards on the season (week 13). This Philadelphia native will have the opportunity to put up numbers on a horrible Atlanta defense this weekend. Stovall could leave a stink you may never forget, is he the next fantasy playoff hero, a la Drew Bennett? I don't know, but the apples don't fall far from the tree. His upside projection is at 5 catches, 71 yards, and 1 touchdown.

Are you having a problem deciding how to set your lineup for this week's playoff match-ups? If so, take a deep breath before you have an anxiety attack. Everything is written, I checked the book. Do not put your playoffs in the hands of inconsistency if you do not have too. Go with the more consistent players this week. Let the other bonehead make the mistake.

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[Charles P. Dymeck is a fantasy sports writer for ffLiveWire.com and is also a member of the Fantasy Sports Writers of America. You can contact him at pete_dymeck04@yahoo.com]