Saturday, December 23, 2006

The NFL Draft Live Wire 12/23/06


Stop the presses! In one major surprise move, Ohio State Buckeye tailback Antonio Pittman has filed papers to forego his final season of NCAA eligibility and enter the 2007 NFL Draft! Pittman is among some of the elite Buckeye running backs as he ran for more than 1,000 yards in consecutive seasons. Only four other running backs have ever done such a thing, two time Heisman Trophy winner Archie Griffin, Tim Spencer, Keith Byars, and Eddie George. This move certainly shakes up the running back draft board as I will project Pittman to leap Kenny Irons and Tony Hunt and land at #3, behind Adrian Peterson and Marshawn Lynch, two underclassmen that have yet to declare.

In anoth
er satisfying move, we can expect this year's tight end class to be bolstered with the addition of junior Greg Olsen from the University of Miami, Florida. Olsen is expected to declare for the NFL draft and bypass his senior season. Next to junior Zach Miller (Arizona State) and senior Clark Harris (Rutgers), there is not much depth at this position. Olsen is a solid blocked who has disappointed in a porous passing game in Miami. He would fill in nicely for a club that is or will be in need of a contributing, pass catching tight end, like Detroit, Carolina, Cincinnati or Philadelphia.

These two news breaking decisions is all I have to offer for you today. Have a Merry Christmas everyone.

Friday, December 22, 2006

Build or Destroy: FB Brian Leonard

If a team is looking for a hard-nosed athlete, they should look no further than Brian Leonard of Rutgers. Leonard is the offensive version of Paul Posluszny, his build does not fit the mold but somehow through strength and intangibles, he gets the job done. Leonard will be looked at as a fullback, but is more of a 'tweener and will be considered for some spotty halfback roles.

There are a lot of good things you can get from a guy like this. He has already been compared to Reuben Droughns, a fullback turned halfback that has excelled on the next level. Leonard has the type of instincts that most back's would kill for, and his balance makes him hard to bring down. He will be a weapon in any passing game, as he has great hands, can run after the catch effectively, and will be hard to bring down. Leonard plays with extreme unselfishness and could be a secret weapon on whatever team drafts him.

The biggest knock on Leonard is his blocking. He will need to work on that, especially in picking up the blitz. He is nothing like Mike Alstott, even though people have been comparing these two. Leonard isn't very quick, won't turn a corner, and won't break away from defenders.

Brian Leonard is the face of the Rutgers football program and has helped put them back on track. He will definitely go on the first day, so I will grade him as a mid to late second rounder. He could help out a team like the 49ers, Jets, or Cardinals. He could eventually evolve into an h-back like Chris Cooley.

For fantasy purposes, he will get drafted somewhere in your league's dynasty draft, but it will all depend on which NFL teams snatches him on draft day. His fantasy upside is nowhere near his upside on the football field as he won't post great numbers but will have a tremendous impact on the other 10 guys around him.

Build or Destroy: RB Kenny Irons

Kenny Irons started the season as one of the most anticipated senior tailbacks in the nation. Since then, his numbers have trickled to mediocrity as he has looked like just another average tailback in a running back friendly system. He has only 821 rushing yards in 11 games and has reached paydirt just four times. He has scored only one touchdown since October 7th and has topped 100 yards just three times this season. His senior campaign has been marred with some health concerns and hasn't been nearly as impressive as his junior season.

Forgive me if I am not sold, but Kenny Irons reminds me a bit of Kay Jay Harris with a little better field vision. Irons is a solid back with quick moves but is patient-minded. He can break away from defenders at times and is good at changing pace as well as juking linemen out of their shoes. I have seen Irons get every single yard he can on every carry this year as well. Lastly, he is from a school that breeds NFL-quality running backs and does not have too many miles on his tires.

His value has been steadily decreasing with the emergence of Tony Hunt and underclassman Marshawn Lynch. Irons will see his value take a hit at the combine because he does not have great timed speed, according to some accounts. He is also not dependable as a receiving back, something NFL scouts might stray from. He has been hurt a lot in 2006 as well. Personally, I think Irons will need coached up because he doesn't break a lot of tackles but likes to take on the physical contact, something will have to give.

Irons was a South Carolina transfer and hasn't lived up to the hype this season. Some of the more renown running backs have come from Auburn, most notably Bo Jackson, Stephen Davis, and Rudi Johnson, as well as Ronnie Brown and Carnell Williams. With such a history as that, I expect Irons to go much higher than he really should. Right now he is looking at the second round, but in all actuality, I think Irons is a good second day pick. He will not blow the doors off of anything and needs a lot of grooming in order to be a starter in the NFL.

For fantasy purposes, he will be a first round dynasty draft pick, but results may never come to form.

Introducing the Game Day Blunder, Ron Dayne

Let me introduce to you, the Game Day Blunder, Ron Dayne.

Ron Dayne's career is like a horror flick with a bad ending. No matter how appealing the previews look, you know you will be disappointed in the end. His presence leaves a stink that no one will forget, not even the desirous Daunte Culpepper owners of 2006. Before I go into any detail, I first must ask you, are you completely sane enough to put your fantasy football season on the line with Ron Dayne in your starting lineup? If you answered yes, I might just disappoint you in this column.

Dayne is remarkably, I repeat remarkably, averaging 92 yards and 1 touchdown a game over the last three weekends. Ron Dayne has essentially pushed Wali Lundy out of the running back by committee in Houston. In the 9 games he has played in, Dayne is averaging only 51 yards a game. He has also only scored three, count them up, three touchdowns all season, all within the last two weeks.

This is too good to be true!

Ron Dayne, the fantasy championship catalyst extraordinaire!

Let me flush the toilet before I stink the joint up.

Houston faces the worst run defense in the National Football League this week. Ron Dayne will start. Rookie Chris Taylor will back him up. Wali Lundy is expected to be active as well. Now, let's get back to Chris Taylor. Taylor has his own little "from rags to riches" story as well. We have been anticipating a Chris Taylor appearance since a December 1st article claiming that "Chris Taylor is coming." The same Chris Taylor that was cut from the roster September 12th. The Houston front office would like to see what they have in this kid before they head into the off-season and target a premiere running back in the NFL Draft. From getting signed to the practice squad, to getting cut, re-signed, and now looking forward to 6-10 carries against a horrible run defense (if not more), Chris Taylor is the curveball fantasy football geeks don't like to see.

Now, let's jump on to how Chris Taylor/Colts run defense/Rosenfels should be expected to effect Ron Dayne's numbers Sunday. As for Indianapolis, I expect a game plan similar to the one they used against Cincinnati. Jump up early on Houston, force the Texans into a one-stride, pass first offense, and blitz with the defensive ends early and often to put pressure on David Carr or Sage Rosenfels. What this will result in is a limited number of carries for any running back for Houston. You can easily say that head coach Gary Kubiak will stick to his stubborn game plan to see what his running backs can bring to the table, but I think too much pressure will be on him to display Rosenfels' skills. Yes, this is off-topic, but I do think Carr will get benched at some point this Sunday.

Chris Taylor will steal 6-10 carries, Ron Dayne will be strained in a way that Rudi Johnson was strained last week. I am projecting a 15 carry, 63 yard performance for Ron Dayne, but I do not expect him to reach the end zone. In most leagues, that is only 6.3 fantasy points.

You can make a blunder in fantasy football, and still get by, but blunders are inexcusable in fantasy championships. The fact is, that if you made it to your league's Fantasy Super Bowl, your team must be pretty darn good. I know for a fact that no one rode Ron Dayne to this point of the season. I have been lurking on some message boards other than ffLiveWire's, and seen some bold projections from a bandwagon that everyone is jumping on. 160+ rushing yards and multiple touchdowns?! No way Jose. That bandwagon has four flats and is stuck in neutral as far as I am concerned.

The last time Ron Dayne faced the Colts, he carried the rock 11 times and didn't reach 40 yards. He should surpass that mark this week, but not by much, and not enough for you to win your championship. Don't expect more than 6.3 fantasy points in a standard scoring system, like I said previously. 15 carries for 63 yards and no scores or turnovers is in the game plan for Ron Dayne this week.

Wednesday, December 20, 2006

The NFL Draft Live Wire 12/20/06

The NFL Draft Live Wire will keep you updated with all the news and tidbits concerning the 2007 NFL Draft and its prospects. I will do my best to keep all of my readers up to date on underclassmen declarees, all-star game invites, injuries, and whatever else that will have an impact on the draft.

So far, some notable players have accepted invites to play in this year's Senior Bowl. The Senior Bowl is noted as being the top all-star game for prospects to get invited to. Some of the players that have accepted an invitation are Tyler Palko (QB, Pittsburgh), Tony Hunt (RB, Penn State), Clark Harris (TE, Rutgers), Jason Hill (WR, Washington State), Samson Satele (OL, Hawaii), Quentin Moses (DE, Georgia), Patrick Willis (LB, Ole Miss), and Tom Zbikowski (S, Notre Dame). For a complete list of the invites, please visit the official website for the 2007 Senior Bowl.

Junior Clemson cornerback C.J. Gaddis may declare for the NFL Draft. He will make his decision based on Mel Kiper's rankings. Gaddis is a defensive back that came to Clemson to play quarterback. He is very versatile and made a splash with his raw talent. Like I said, he has some raw potential and will need groomed at the defensive back position, but is one of the better prospects at kick returner in this draft. Last year, Devin Hester was selected in the second round to be a kick returner and that selection may have helped change the landscape for athletes like C.J. Gaddis.

Speaking of underclassmen, as well as scouting reports, click here for the exclusive news and reports direct from ffLiveWire.com. That is all you will need if you want to either Build or Destroy! I will keep a current list of underclassmen that have declared as well.

Junior California Golden Bear running back, Marshawn Lynch, is weighing his options for the NFL Draft. He does have until January 15th to declare but some people are speculating that the Holiday Bowl will be his last game under head coach Jeff Tedford. According to Carl Steward from InsideBayArea.com, Lynch has drawn comparisons to of all running backs, LaDainian Tomlinson. I currently have Lynch projected to go in the middle of the first round, if he declares but his stock continues to soar. By December 29th, his stock could be close to Adrian Peterson's, and this is as a top 8 selection.

Cory Boyd, junior tailback from South Carolina, may declare, and mutant, stud receiver Sidney Rice's decision will have a large effect on whether or not Boyd declares or not.

Before I wrap this up for today, keep an eye on Sedale Threatt. Threatt is a quick moving quarterback that resembles Michael Vick. He is a junior quarterback from Lehigh and could come in as a late round pick but see some playing time as a rookie like Michael Robinson.

Game Day Wonders: Championship Week

Well, what a year it was, or wasn't for many of you fantasy geeks out there. With the championship week upon us, I introduce to you the final Game Day Wonders column of the 2006 season. I have provided you with some great insight that has stuck all year long, including the efficiency of the Miami run defense, Willie Parker's road game worries, and the up and down inconsistencies of L.J. Smith and Reggie Brown. Even though I have hit on more plays than I have missed, I did fall flat on my face with some DeShaun Foster projections, and Ladell Betts projections. Regardless, I think you have been very satisfied with this insight and I hate to bring it to an end, but you know what they say, all good things do come to an end. Now, on to the Hot List, Cold List, and my Silent but Deadly call!

The Hot List

  • I have really strayed from pimping any defenses in the Game Day Wonders this year, but this week I would take a look at starting the Green Bay Packers defense and special teams. They take on a Minnesota Vikings offense that will be starting a rookie signal caller, Tarvaris Jackson. Green Bay's pass defense isn't the greatest, but Al Harris is one of the best playmakers on the defensive side of the ball. I also think that Chester Taylor will get loaded upon from the onset and struggle in accumulating meaningful yards. Green Bay is only allowing 4.1 yards per carry, and has given up only 6 long runs of 20 yards or more this season. Statistically-speaking, the Packers defense actually seems like a smarter play than the Jacksonville, Denver, and Minnesota defensive units. If you have a favorable point scoring system for D/ST's, start this Packers unit and ride them out for a championship. I am expecting the Packers to limit Minnesota to 220 total yards, grab 2 interceptions, 0 fumble recoveries, and 5, count them, 5 sacks this week.
  • Some people may have the option of sitting or starting Willis McGahee this week. Well, let me tell you this, he is a must start this week. The Tennessee Titans defense will disappoint this week. Buffalo is 5-2 in their last seven games, quietly putting doubters to sleep, and McGahee is back running on all fours, well, so-to speak. The Titans' defense is allowing 145.3 yards per game to opposing running backs. McGahee has four touchdowns in his last four games and has averaged 102 yards per outing the last two weeks. Pound for pound, McGahee will produce like a higher end tier 2 running back this week, as he rushes for 127 yards, 1touchdown, and snags 4 pigskins for 39 yards.
  • If any week is a good week to start Edgerrin James, it would be this week. San Francisco is ranked 31st in touchdowns allowed to opposing running backs. The 49ers defense has stepped it up recently, and I do think Edgerrin James yardage may be a bit limited, but James should reach the end zone this week. If you are in your championship, and need help at the running back position but don't think you can count on James this week, I hope to steer you in the direction of this former Colt. James has scored in each of his last two games. San Francisco is also ranked 23rd in first downs allowed by running backs. I expect James to get the rock 30 or more times this week, the first time since week 6. Also, a 74 yard performance to go along with one score can be expected this week from a one-time stud. Those days seem to be long gone but some memories may be rejuvenated this Sunday.
The Cold List
  • Fault me if I am wrong on this one, but Eli Manning should not be depended on to win any championships this week. New Orleans is ranked 5th against the pass, and should get up early on the Giants in a week where a Drew Brees-rebound should be more than expected. The Saints are also ranked 3rd in completion percentage. Eli Manning looks like a lost puppy at times, and has had only 3 or 4 good fantasy football weeks all season. Don't depend on him for all the glory! Don't count on anything more than 210 passing yards, 0 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions from Manning this week.
  • The Weapons of Grass Destruction should be grounded this week. Corey Dillon and Laurence Maroney will face a true test of identity when they try to break the concrete front seven of the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jags' are allowing only 3.4 yards per carry to opposing running backs. Of course, Maroney is once again a huge question mark for this week and with the injury report coming out Wednesday. Regardless, do not expect fantasy champion numbers from either back this week. With Kevin Faulk's status to be uncertain, and knowing how the front office in Foxboro deals with injuries, steer clear of any Patriot running back this week.
  • Chris Chambers has disappointed owners week in and week out yet he is such an intriguing play, his upside keeps him in the starting lineup. Aside from his big performance two weeks ago, Chambers has only averaged 33 yards per game in seven of his last 8 outings. If you need someone else to convince you to bench Chambers, it is I. Chambers was a monster down the stretch in 2005, helping to win many fantasy titles, but this year, he is doing nothing but helping you lose them. Yes, sit Chris Chambers. You can breathe easier if you do. Expect nothing more than just 3 receptions for 27 yards. Daunte Culpepper couldn't find him, Joey Harrington couldn't find him, and Cleo Lemon won't find him. Don't inadvertently put your championship hopes in the hands of any Dolphin quarterback!

Silent but Deadly
  • If you are finding yourself in your league championship with what you honestly can say is an average fantasy squad, and have the likes of Arnaz Battle on your roster, there is no way you can bench Battle and his upside this week, especially in a PPR league. Arizona is second in yards per reception allowed this year, giving up nearly 13 yards a catch to opposing wide receivers. We have seen Arnaz Battle grow into a trustworthy relationship with signal caller Alex Smith and I expect Smith to look for Battle early and often. Arizona is also only one of 7 teams to allow ten or more receptions of 40 yards or more. Battle is not known as the ultimate deep threat, like say Bernard Berrian of Chicago, but he does have the ability to grab the long ball. I am expecting a good, productive day for Battle as he posts 5 receptions, 98 yards, 1 touchdown.

Need more Info about anything Fantasy Football related? What about the upcoming NFL Draft? Get over to www.fflivewire.com and you will find everything that you need! Register on the forums and get to know a very knowledgeable and friendly community.

Game Day Wonders: Championship Week

Well, what a year it was, or wasn't for many of you fantasy geeks out there. With the championship week upon us, I introduce to you the final Game Day Wonders column of the 2006 season. I have provided you with some great insight that has stuck all year long, including the efficiency of the Miami run defense, Willie Parker's road game worries, and the up and down inconsistencies of L.J. Smith and Reggie Brown. Even though I have hit on more plays than I have missed, I did fall flat on my face with some DeShaun Foster projections, and Ladell Betts projections. Regardless, I think you have been very satisfied with this insight and I hate to bring it to an end, but you know what they say, all good things do come to an end. Now, on to the Hot List, Cold List, and my Silent but Deadly call!

The Hot List

  • I have really strayed from pimping any defenses in the Game Day Wonders this year, but this week I would take a look at starting the Green Bay Packers defense and special teams. They take on a Minnesota Vikings offense that will be starting a rookie signal caller, Tarvaris Jackson. Green Bay's pass defense isn't the greatest, but Al Harris is one of the best playmakers on the defensive side of the ball. I also think that Chester Taylor will get loaded upon from the onset and struggle in accumulating meaningful yards. Green Bay is only allowing 4.1 yards per carry, and has given up only 6 long runs of 20 yards or more this season. Statistically-speaking, the Packers defense actually seems like a smarter play than the Jacksonville, Denver, and Minnesota defensive units. If you have a favorable point scoring system for D/ST's, start this Packers unit and ride them out for a championship. I am expecting the Packers to limit Minnesota to 220 total yards, grab 2 interceptions, 0 fumble recoveries, and 5, count them, 5 sacks this week.
  • Some people may have the option of sitting or starting Willis McGahee this week. Well, let me tell you this, he is a must start this week. The Tennessee Titans defense will disappoint this week. Buffalo is 5-2 in their last seven games, quietly putting doubters to sleep, and McGahee is back running on all fours, well, so-to speak. The Titans' defense is allowing 145.3 yards per game to opposing running backs. McGahee has four touchdowns in his last four games and has averaged 102 yards per outing the last two weeks. Pound for pound, McGahee will produce like a higher end tier 2 running back this week, as he rushes for 127 yards, 1touchdown, and snags 4 pigskins for 39 yards.
  • If any week is a good week to start Edgerrin James, it would be this week. San Francisco is ranked 31st in touchdowns allowed to opposing running backs. The 49ers defense has stepped it up recently, and I do think Edgerrin James yardage may be a bit limited, but James should reach the end zone this week. If you are in your championship, and need help at the running back position but don't think you can count on James this week, I hope to steer you in the direction of this former Colt. James has scored in each of his last two games. San Francisco is also ranked 23rd in first downs allowed by running backs. I expect James to get the rock 30 or more times this week, the first time since week 6. Also, a 74 yard performance to go along with one score can be expected this week from a one-time stud. Those days seem to be long gone but some memories may be rejuvenated this Sunday.
The Cold List
  • Fault me if I am wrong on this one, but Eli Manning should not be depended on to win any championships this week. New Orleans is ranked 5th against the pass, and should get up early on the Giants in a week where a Drew Brees-rebound should be more than expected. The Saints are also ranked 3rd in completion percentage. Eli Manning looks like a lost puppy at times, and has had only 3 or 4 good fantasy football weeks all season. Don't depend on him for all the glory! Don't count on anything more than 210 passing yards, 0 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions from Manning this week.
  • The Weapons of Grass Destruction should be grounded this week. Corey Dillon and Laurence Maroney will face a true test of identity when they try to break the concrete front seven of the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jags' are allowing only 3.4 yards per carry to opposing running backs. Of course, Maroney is once again a huge question mark for this week and with the injury report coming out Wednesday. Regardless, do not expect fantasy champion numbers from either back this week. With Kevin Faulk's status to be uncertain, and knowing how the front office in Foxboro deals with injuries, steer clear of any Patriot running back this week.
  • Chris Chambers has disappointed owners week in and week out yet he is such an intriguing play, his upside keeps him in the starting lineup. Aside from his big performance two weeks ago, Chambers has only averaged 33 yards per game in seven of his last 8 outings. If you need someone else to convince you to bench Chambers, it is I. Chambers was a monster down the stretch in 2005, helping to win many fantasy titles, but this year, he is doing nothing but helping you lose them. Yes, sit Chris Chambers. You can breathe easier if you do. Expect nothing more than just 3 receptions for 27 yards. Daunte Culpepper couldn't find him, Joey Harrington couldn't find him, and Cleo Lemon won't find him. Don't inadvertently put your championship hopes in the hands of any Dolphin quarterback!

Silent but Deadly
  • If you are finding yourself in your league championship with what you honestly can say is an average fantasy squad, and have the likes of Arnaz Battle on your roster, there is no way you can bench Battle and his upside this week, especially in a PPR league. Arizona is second in yards per reception allowed this year, giving up nearly 13 yards a catch to opposing wide receivers. We have seen Arnaz Battle grow into a trustworthy relationship with signal caller Alex Smith and I expect Smith to look for Battle early and often. Arizona is also only one of 7 teams to allow ten or more receptions of 40 yards or more. Battle is not known as the ultimate deep threat, like say Bernard Berrian of Chicago, but he does have the ability to grab the long ball. I am expecting a good, productive day for Battle as he posts 5 receptions, 98 yards, 1 touchdown.

Need more Info about anything Fantasy Football related? What about the upcoming NFL Draft? Get over to www.fflivewire.com and you will find everything that you need! Register on the forums and get to know a very knowledgeable and friendly community.

Tuesday, December 19, 2006

The Three Wise Men

With Christmas fast approaching and the final games of the fantasy football season to be played on Christmas day, I would like to extend a Happy Holidays to you and yours. What a great day to wrap up the fantasy season on, with the Eagles duking it out with Dallas and the great rivalry game between the Jets and Dolphins. With that said, action will get underway Thursday night. No, this is not the Game Day Wonders, those will be out tomorrow, but these are more of insight into which players you must take stock on and watch the money come rolling in after the final game Monday night.

On Thursday night, speculation will run rampant on whether or not this will be Brett Favre's final home game. I will tell you this right now, he will return in 2007. But, if you are suffering from the quarterback blues, Favre will be a good start to your championship run. Minnesota's passing defense is what will keep the Vikings from the playoffs and Favre will rebound from his three interception performance week 15. The Vikings are ranked 29th in pass defense. Sure they have picked off more passes than touchdowns scored, but the last time these two teams met, Favre picked his way into a 347 yard and 2 score performance in the dome. Keep that in mind. Favre will have something to prove and throw with a chip on his shoulder. With virtually no running back good enough to penetrate that ferocious Minnesota run defense, Favre will throw for 300 or more yards and 3 touchdowns this Thursday. You can take that to the bank.

Tim Rattay has been designated as the week 16 starting quarterback for the Buccaneers, and with that said, expect Joey Galloway to add on to his week 15 performance. Galloway has been pretty quiet since week 11 until last week when he seen a changing of the guard in Tampa Bay. Last week, Galloway put up 107 yards and 1 score on a vulnerable Chicago Bears secondary. Cleveland's pass defense has progressively worsened since November 26th, and with no other viable option after Galloway, I expect Rattay to use him to his full advantage, regardless of double coverage. Don't expect any precipitation in Cleveland either as Galloway explodes for 131 yards and 1 touchdown on 7 receptions.

Do not question whether or not you should start Ladell Betts this week. He will ride you into victory lane like it's fantasy Nascar. The Redskins will play in the dome against the Rams, the same Rams defense that is giving up 5 yards per carry and 148 rushing yards an outing. St. Louis is ranked 31st against the run and Betts has been averaging 136 rushing yards per game over the last four weeks. Betts is the hottest running back out there and is looking like he will come out of nowhere to win some fantasy championships this year. Start Betts with confidence, he will reward you with a 168 yard and 2 score performance this week. We will be talking about Betts all off-season as well.

These players will gift wrap your league title for you, sign it, seal it, and delivery it for you on Christmas Day.

Sunday, December 17, 2006

Sunday Keynotes for Week 15

I'm back. Of course, you should check out the Game Day Wonders for some insight into Hot and Cold players as well as the Silent but Deadly call of the week, but if you are looking for more information on some sleepers for today's action, here you go.

Brandon Jacobs, RB NYG - The Jacobs train will welcome the Philadelphia run defense which has been almost as bad as the Colts' run defense this year. It is no secret that Jacobs has been taking all of Tiki Barber's touchdowns. I am expecting 65 rushing yards and 2, count them, 2 touchdowns from Jacobs today.

Cedric Benson, RB CHI - It looks like we should expect Thomas Jones to start today, but Benson has been very effective and could slide away with some nice yardage and a score. He is a worthy start if you are struggling with your running backs. Expect 71 yards and 1 touchdown.

Tom Brady, QB NE - Tom Brady has been looking like Trent Dilfer in recent outings but I think he will rebound nicely this week. Of course, if you drafted Brady, you probably have no better options but don't sweat this start this week against Houston. Get ready for 300 passing yards and 2 touchdowns.

Greg Jennings, WR GB - Jennings will get the opportunity to exploit the Lions' sorry secondary this week. The Lions have been friendly to opposing #2 wide-outs all year long. Prepare yourself for 8 receptions, 113 yards, and 1 score this week as Jennings rebounds from some tough injury hassles.

Willis McGahee, RB BUF - The Miami run defense is about as fantasy friendly as the Minnesota Vikings run stoppers. McGahee will struggle to find a running lane and be ineffective fantasy-wise. I am expecting 16 carries for 54 yards and 0 touchdowns.

Kellen Winslow, TE CLE - You might not have many options left on the waiver wire, but don't get excited for Winslow's match-up today. His mouth has been outperforming his numbers lately. I am expecting 4 receptions for 22 yards and 0 scores.

Carolina Panthers, Def/ST - With the turnover prone Pittsburgh Steelers coming into Charlotte, the Panthers defense might seem like a confident start. I beg to differ. I am expecting a big, productive day from Ben Roethlisberger and I also think Willie Parker will turn around his road rushing woes this week as well.

If you have any more questions, hop on over to the Help Board at ffLiveWire.com. Good luck this week with your fantasy playoffs.
 
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