Week 14 NFL Fantasy Player Breakdowns 

Be sure to check out our Start/Sit column for some solid calls this week, and if you’re searching for a gem to help you out with line-up issues, take a second to look over this week’s Waiver Wire Pick-ups.

 

With your league’s playoffs either looming or already starting, you can’t afford to miss out on any updates or notes that could be of good use.

Read on for player match-ups and some quick notes:

New Orleans Saints @ Atlanta Falcons

QB Drew Brees: Falcons defense isn’t very good, so no worries here. *****
RB Pierre Thomas: Should carve Atlanta’s weak run defense all day. *****
RB Mike Bell: Still has a nice role, but yards per carry stinks. ***
RB Reggie Bush: Small role, so barely a Flex play. **
WR Marques Colston: Always a good start, and nice match-up helps. ****
WR Devery Henderson: Very inconsistent, but loads of potential. ***
WR Robert Meachem: Is red-hot right now, so quality WR3. ****
TE Jeremy Shockey: Has been weak, but Atlanta can’t cover tight ends. ****

QB Matt Ryan: Looks like he has a chance to play, but check status. ***
QB Chris Redman: Solid one week, awful the next. Not a lock to play this week. **
RB Michael Turner: Is trying to get back, and New Orleans run defense is awful. ****
RB Jerious Norwood: Hasn’t done much and is playing hurt. **
RB Jason Snelling: Role could increase if Turner doesn’t return. **
WR Roddy White: Has been very active and Ryan return could boost value. *****
WR Michael Jenkins: Inconsistent, so not a great play. **
TE Tony Gonzalez: Saints aren’t amazing against tight end, so has a shot. ****

Detroit Lions @ Baltimore Ravens

QB Matthew Stafford: Not playing this week.
QB Daunte Culpepper: Ravens pass defense stinks, but he’s still Culpepper. **
RB Kevin Smith: Tough run defense, but he’ll get touches. ***
WR Calvin Johnson: Can still work the deep ball, and that’s all Culpepper is good at. ****
WR Bryant Johnson: Wildly inconsistent, but they should have to pass. **

QB Joe Flacco: Ravens will run all day, but Lions are woeful against pass. ****
RB Ray Rice: Could have career day, and should get a ton of touches. *****
RB Willis McGahee: Role is decent again, so could be a quality Flex this week. ***
WR Derrick Mason: Shouldn’t have any issues getting open this week. ****
WR Mark Clayton: Hit-or-miss, but match-up leaning toward a “hit”. ***
TE Todd Heap: Has been beyond mediocre all season, so don’t bite. **

Green Bay Packers @ Chicago Bears

QB Aaron Rodgers: Bears pass defense is horrible and Rodgers can’t be stopped. *****
RB Ryan Grant: Will have difficulty, but should get solid touches. ***
WR Greg Jennings: Ended the game on a high note last time around; expect the same. ****
WR Donald Driver: Always active, and usually plays well against Chicago. ****
WR James Jones: Has been fairly active, so worth using in deeper leagues. **
TE Jermichael Finley: Extremely active last week, and that shouldn’t change. ****

QB Jay Cutler: Has been sluggish, and Packers defense won’t make it easy. **
RB Matt Forte: Not much room to run in this match-up, so stay away. **
WR Devin Hester: Doesn’t look like he’ll play this week, and has been cold. *
WR Earl Bennett: Could stand to see extra targets, but mostly in garbage time. ***
WR Johnny Knox: Always a threat for the deep ball, but match-up is tough. ***
TE Greg Olsen: Packers stop the tight end well, so not a safe play. **

Seattle Seahawks @ Houston Texans

QB Matt Hasselbeck: Pass protection is inconsistent, and so is he. **
RB Julius Jones: Should keep getting most of the carries, but not a terrific match-up. **
RB Justin Forsett: Role not what it was, but still offers Flex value. ***
WR Nate Burleson: Is still getting it done, but not at the level he should be. ***
WR TJ Housh: Not a bad match-up, but he hasn’t shown us a lot. ***
TE John Carlson: The connection with Hasselbeck just isn’t there. **

QB Matt Schaub: Seattle can’t stop the pass, and he’s due. *****
RB Steve Slaton: He’s on IR, so drop him.
RB Ryan Moats: Is the starter, so should have RB2 value. ****
RB Chris Brown: Still getting goal-line carries, so could be a Flex. ***
WR Andre Johnson: Had 17 targets last week, so do the math. *****
WR Kevin Walter: Targets are solid WR3 projections, but nothing compared to AJ. ***
TE James Casey: Didn’t catch a ball last week and should be off your radar. *

Denver Broncos @ Indianapolis Colts

QB Kyle Orton: Colts not unbeatable through the air, but not an easy match-up. **
RB Knowshon Moreno: Colts can be run on, and he’s looked good. ***
RB Correll Buckhalter: Sharing the load big time, and has been impressive. ***
WR Brandon Marshall: Still their top guy, but that’s not saying much. ***
WR Eddie Royal: More involved recently, but not very reliable. **

QB Peyton Manning: Tough match-up, but he’s risen over all obstacles so far. ****
RB Joseph Addai: It won’t be easy for him this week, but you can’t bet against him. ***
RB Donald Brown: Small role, so not worth a starting spot. *
WR Reggie Wayne: Should bounce back after being contained last week. ****
WR Pierre Garcon: Huge game last week, but faces a tough match-up. ***
WR Austin Collie: Role has been OK, but yardage nothing special. **
TE Dallas Clark: A must-start every week, and he can beat these linebackers. *****

Miami Dolphins @ Jacksonville Jaguars

QB Chad Henne: Jas can definitely be passed on, and he’s getting better. ***
RB Ricky Williams: Is feeling the weight of the extra carries, but looks great. *****
RB Lex Hilliard: Should get a few more carries, but barely a Flex play. **
WR Davone Bess: Stepped up last week, so potential is sky high. ****
WR Brian Hartline: Has made plays and knows how to get open. **
WR Ted Ginn: A complete afterthought, so drop him. *

QB David Garrard: If MSW is out, his value drops way down. ***
RB Maurice Jones-Drew: Should have a huge day against weak run defense. *****
WR Mike Sims-Walker: Is questionable, but match-up bodes well. ****
WR Torry Holt: Hasn’t scored all season and yardage is dipping. **
TE Marcedes Lewis: Barely a TE2. *

Buffalo Bills @ Kansas City Chiefs

QB Ryan Fitzpatrick: Looked awful last week, but could shine in great match-up. ****
RB Fred Jackson: Bills keep switching things up with their backs, and match-up only OK. ***
RB Marshawn Lynch: Is getting touches again, but you can’t trust him. **
WR Terrell Owens: Could have a huge day against slow, smaller corners. ****
WR Lee Evans: Ditto. ***

QB Matt Cassel: Has looked awful and Bills have strong pass defense. *
RB Jamaal Charles: Bills can’t stop run, so he should get a lot of touches. *****
WR Chris Chambers: Should still be active, but not safe with Cassel struggling. ***
WR Lance Long: Gets two catches a game, but that’s about it. *

Cincinnati Bengals @ Minnesota Vikings

QB Carson Palmer: Match-up supposedly is good, but he just hasn’t been on. ***
RB Cedric Benson: Will get the carries, but average was done last week and match-up stinks. ***
RB Larry Johnson: Has a minor role, but match-up should kill any value. *
RB Bernard Scott: Is dealing with an injury and role is almost completely gone. *
WR Chad Ochocinco: Has guaranteed to score this week, and we believe him. *****
WR Laveranues Coles: Has looked better lately, but ceiling always remains low. **

QB Brett Favre: Bengals are solid against pass, but he should bounce back. ***
RB Adrian Peterson: Cincy can be run on, and he’ll be determined to have a big game. ****
RB Chester Taylor: Is active on third downs, so has Flex potential. **
WR Sidney Rice: Is always targeted a ton, so could have a big game. ****
WR Percy Harvin: Dealing with migraines, so questionable this week. ***
WR Bernard Berrian: Still getting solid looks, so not a horrible WR3. **
TE Vianthe Schiancoe: A red-zone beast all season, so a solid TE1. ***

Carolina Panthers @ New England Patriots

QB Matt Moore: Is almost guaranteed to start, and Patriots have been weak against pass. **
RB DeAngelo Williams: Should be back and touching the ball a ton. *****
RB Jonathan Stewart: Role will go back to normal, but still a solid Flex. ***
WR Steve Smith: Moore gives him hope, but Patriots top corner will mask him all day. ***
WR Muhsin Muhammad: Can’t rely on him at all. **

QB Tom Brady: Carolina is very aggressive against pass, so could have tough day. ***
RB Laurence Maroney: Should be active against porous run defense. ****
WR Randy Moss: Won’t be shut-down, just merely contained. ***
WR Wes Welker: You can’t contain this guy. Expect usual ridiculous numbers. *****
WR Sam Aiken: Not a big role at all, but has some good skills. **
TE Benjamin Watson: Hasn’t done anything in weeks, so stay away. *

New York Jets @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers

QB Mark Sanchez: Wants to play, but is reportedly out this week.
QB Kellen Clemens: Great match-up, but Jets will run all day. **
RB Thomas Jones: See above and play him with full confidence. *****
RB Shonn Greene: Should see a lot of touches and fill-in as a solid Flex. ***
WR Jerricho Cotchery: Won’t see a ton of passes, but still a worthy WR3. ***
WR Braylon Edwards: Drops too many passes and just isn’t a great play. **
TE Dustin Keller: Inconsistent, but Clemens will likely dump it off to him enough. ***

QB Josh Freeman: Jets can make young quarterbacks cry, and he looked awful last week. *
RB Carnell Williams: Is getting the bulk of the carries, and Jets can be run on. ***
RB Derrick Ward: Gets enough work to be considered for a Flex play. **
RB Earnest Graham: Had one touch last week, so has zero value.
WR Antonio Bryant: Will be shutdown this week by Darrelle Revis. *
TE Kellen Winslow: Should be extremely active underneath. ****

St. Louis Rams @ Tennessee Titans

QB Kyle Boller: Titans defense is good on both ends, so he won’t do well. *
RB Steven Jackson: Will get the ball a ton as usual, so a good play. ****
WR Donnie Avery: Playing well, but his quarterback stinks, as does the match-up. **
WR Brandon Gibson: Too inconsistent. *
WR Danny Amendola: Helps out as a low-end WR3 in return leagues. **

QB Vince Young: Re-injured his knee in practice, but he won’t miss this match-up. ***
RB Chris Johnson: Seriously? *****
RB Lendale White: Has complained about role, and could see late action in garbage time. **
WR Kenny Britt: If Young is out, he’s a risk, but otherwise has looked great. ****
WR Nate Washington: Could score this week with great match-up. **
TE Bo Scaife: Has looked decent, but don’t expect TE1 numbers. **

Washington Redskins @ Oakland Raiders

QB Jason Campbell: Has been looking good, but Raiders eat up quarterbacks. **
RB Rock Cartwright: No longer the starter, so dump him. *
RB Quinton Ganther: New starter, and Raiders can be run on. ***
RB Clinton Portis: Season is officially over, so get rid of him.
WR Santana Moss: Very tough match-up, so don’t chance it. *
WR Devin Thomas: Very solid last week, and could be active with Moss contained. **
TE Fred Davis: Campbell likes him, so the potential is there. ***

QB Bruce Gradkowski: Redskins haven’t been so hot against pass, and he’s looked good. ***
RB Darren McFadden: Role still minor and match-up stinks. **
RB Michael Bush: Ditto. *
RB Justin Fargas: Ditto. *
WR Louis Murphy: Looked great last week, but can he keep avoiding the drops? **
WR Chaz Schilens: Is a nice, big target, so decent potential. **
WR Darrius Heyward-Bey: Gradkowski gives him a boost, but not by much. *
TE Zach Miller: Could be very active against Redskins linebackers. ***

San Diego Chargers @ Dallas Cowboys

QB Phillip Rivers: Cowboys play solid defense, but he’s on fire. ***
RB LaDanian Tomlinson: Not an easy match-up, but he’s been scoring a lot. ***
RB Darren Sproles: No longer in on short-yardage duties, so value drops. **
WR Vincent Jackson: Always a threat, and this is a big game. ***
WR Malcom Floyd: Despite being a starter, just doesn’t get it done. **
TE Antonio Gates: Has been playing like an elite tight end, so play him. ****

QB Tony Romo: Chargers can be passed on without Eric Weddle, so play him. ****
RB Marion Barber: Not a bad match-up, but where’s the commitment to the run? ***
RB Felix Jones: Gets enough touches to be a spot Flex play. **
RB Tashard Choice: Role isn’t good enough. *
WR Miles Austin: Should be very active in huge game. ****
WR Roy Williams: Too inconsistent to rely on. **
TE Jason Witten: Topped 100 yards in two straight, so why stop now? ****

Philadelphia Eagles @ New York Giants

QB Donovan McNabb: Giants got torched last week, and McNabb’s weapons are healthy. ****
RB LeSean McCoy: Still the starter, and Giants aren’t great against run. ***
RB Leonard Weaver: Has a decent role and Flex value until Westbrook returns. **
WR DeSean Jackson: Should be back and could burn the Giants with ease. ***
WR Jeremy Maclin: Very consistent, so always a solid WR3. ***
WR Jason Avant: Will be the fourth option again, so low ceiling. **
TE Brent Celek: McNabb loves him, and he’s been playing well. ****

QB Eli Manning: Manning has been sketchy and the Eagles are good against pass. ***
RB Brandon Jacobs: Philly stop the run well, too, but at least the touches will be there. ***
RB Ahmad Bradshaw: Role is too small to rely on anymore. **
WR Steve Smith: Always a Solid WR2, but better to use him as a WR3 this week. ***
WR Hakeem Nicks: Role constantly changing, but scored last week. **
WR Mario Manningham: Tough match-up, and pretty inconsistent. **
TE Kevin Boss: If he doesn’t score, his value is near the bottom. **

Arizona Cardinals @ San Francisco 49ers

QB Kurt Warner: 49ers can play tough at times, but he’s looking unstoppable. ****
RB Tim Hightower: Doesn’t get the touches to be a RB1, but can fill-in as a RB2 if needed. ***
RB Chris Wells: Has decent touches, but production just isn’t there right now. **
WR Larry Fitzgerald: You can’t sit him. *****
WR Anquan Boldin: Is really coming around, so a must-start. *****
WR Steve Breaston: Is healthy and shifty as ever, so a solid play. ***

QB Alex Smith: Has looked pretty good, and Cards usually can be passed on. ***
RB Frank Gore: Always does something against them, so play him. ***
WR Michael Crabtree: Should be active, and he can handle Cards physical play. ***
WR Josh Morgan: Unreliable, especially in a potentially tough match-up. **
TE Vernon Davis: Always a good play, and Smith loves him. *****