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Dec. 20, 2007 Coach Stapes |
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Start'em or Sit'em
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| Yardage Lock | |
|---|---|
| LenDale White (vs NYJ) |
New York has given up over 140 rushing yards per game at a 4.3 ypc pace. That is awful and fatty will take advantage of it this week as he is our lock to eclipse the 100 yard mark! We are projecting a 130 yard outing for big pappy! |
| Touchdown Lock | |
|---|---|
| Maurice Jones-Drew (vs OAK) |
The Raiders spoiled what was supposed to be Addai's big outing, but fear not, Jones-Drew will find the endzone this time around as the Raiders have allowed an eye popping 21 rushing TD's this season. JD is our TD lock this week despite not being the starter in Jacksonville! |
| Rank | Player | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | LaDainian Tomlinson (vs DEN) |
LT is back to being LT and it couldn't come at a better time. At a point in the season where multiple stars have disappeared, LT has been there tearing up opponents. Facing this Denver rush defense, he should be a superb start and earns our final Start of the Week honors for 2007!!! |
| 2 | Joseph Addai (vs HOU) |
Surely Addai won't burn us two weeks in a row as he faces the 20th ranked rushing defense in the NFL. If you are still alive and have Addai, don't be silly and hesitate to use him! |
| 3 | Earnest Graham (at SF) |
Graham has an even better matchup than Addai as San Fran boasts the 23rd ranked rushing defense. Another TD is on the horizon for Graham! |
| 4 | Brian Westbrook (at NO |
Westbrook's "Kneel heard round the world" was annoying… But he is still a stud and despite NO respectable rushing defense, he will shine again. The only downside is that the Eagles are out of it now, so be wary. |
| 5 | Steven Jackson (vs PIT) |
SJ has been living up to the preseason hype of late since returning from injury. He has a tough matchup with the 3rd ranked Steeler rush D, but is still a solid play and one of the best fantasy players around. |
| 6 | Fred Taylor (vs OAK) |
Taylor has quietly had one of the best season's by any RB complemented by his shredding of the Steelers last week. This time he gets the worst ypc defense in the league. They did shut Addai down last week… It won't happen again! |
| 7 | Willie Parker (at STL) |
Fast Willie has been a yardage machine, too bad he just cannot find the endzone. This guy could have been the fantasy player of the year if he could get into the endzone. |
| 8 | Adrian Peterson (at WAS) |
AP had a good "2nd half" last week. He continues to scare me about putting up a goose egg for you. Regardless of what I think, if he is on your roster, you likely have to go with him. |
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Kolby Smith (at DET) |
Smith has been named the starter as it has been released that Larry Johnson has been ruled out despite earlier reports during the week that he was going to give it a go. Smith moves into the top 10 as the Lions interior is soft at best and the fact that the Lions have given up on 2007. A 100 yard effort is on the horizon! |
| 9 | Jamal Lewis (at CIN) |
Lewis gets a Bengal D that gives up nearly 120 ypg on the ground. He will grind out another solid performance this week. |
| 10 | Brandon Jacobs (at BUF) |
Buffalo allows over 4.2 ypc to runners and the physical Jacobs should average just about that. Look for an 80-90 yard performance out of the big man. |
| 11 | LenDale White (vs NYJ) |
The Jets are allowing 4.3 ypc and over 140 ypg. They even let L. Maroney topple 100 on them last week. Get LD active! |
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Dominick Rhodes (at JAX) |
Rhodes has been named the starter for the Raiders. If he can get a solid 20 carry game, which we believe he will, he becomes a great start against a Jaguar defense with some injuries on the interior. This is an audition for Rhodes, so he will be primed to make a solid effort. I predict 90+ yards for the former Colt and a likely TD! |
| 12 | Ryan Grant (at CHI) |
Grant has been a real diamond this year and has undoubtedly led many teams to their conference finals. There is no reason not to ride him here as the Bears rushing defense is average at best. |
| 13 | Edgerrin James (vs ATL) |
James should have some success against a Falcons team that has folded up shop for 2007. Look for a stellar outing from the Edge this week. |
| 14 | Laurence Maroney (vs ATL) |
Maroney finally toppled 100 yards and added a score last week, now he gets the Dolphins. Could it be two in a row? You bet! Get him in your lineup! |
| 15 | Marion Barber (at CAR) |
Barber has been up and down of late, going from 28 FPTS to 3 FPTS in consecutive weeks. Not exactly what you're looking for in a fantasy back. He should however, have ample opportunity to punch one in this time out as the Cowboys will have the ball quite a bit against a weak Panther defense. |
| 17 | Willis McGahee (at SEA) |
McGahee gets a much tougher defense this week as the Seahawks allow just over 100 yards rushing. |
| 18 | Maurice Jones-Drew (vs OAK) |
Jones-Drew will find the endzone this week against an Oakland team that had their banner outing last week. |
| 19 | Frank Gore (vs TB) |
Gore has played better of late, but with the Bucs keying on him this week due to the lack of offense, he will have a tough go.. |
| 20 | Clinton Portis (at MIN) |
Portis had a terrific game last week, but don't put him in that lineup this time out as he faces the top ranked rushing defense. |
| 21 | Marshawn Lynch (vs NYG) |
The Giants are respectable when defending the run and they are playing for their playoff lives while the Bills are out of it. Lynch is a risky play. |
| 22 | Ron Dayne (at IND) |
Dayne should be good to go and has been solid down the stretch for owners. Don't expect the world of him as young Darrius Walker continues to eat into his carries, but there are worse options out there too. |
| 23 | Travis Henry (at SD) |
Henry is the high horse this time out as the Denver merry-go-round continues. I would touch any of the Denver backs though. |
| 24 | Jerious Norwood (at ARI) |
Norwood continues to get 6-7 yards every time he touches the ball. Just once this season, it would be nice to see him get a 25 carry game. Would he break 250 yards? |
| 25 | Adrian Peterson (CHI) (vs GB) |
Peterson faces a stingy Packer defense this week and the Bears cannot run the football at all. Put him on your bench. |
| 26 | Aaron Stecker (vs PHI) |
Stecker has been terrific since taking over for Bush. Reports have Bush returning this week, but we don't buy it. The Eagles are a tough team against the run. |
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Kenny Watson & DeDe Dorsey (vs CLE) |
This was Rudi Johnson's spot at 16th on the rankings facing the Brownies 28th ranked rushing defense. Now that Rudi is out, Watson and DeDe Dorsey will likely split carries as Marvin Lewis has yet to release who the starter will be. Watson is truly a 3rd down back, so Dorsey could get the interior carries making both RB's a risky play. |
| 27 | Kevin Jones (vs KC) |
The Lions have completely quit. Stay away from their entire team. |
| 28 | Selvin Young (at SD) |
Young and Henry continue to see-saw as to whom will get the lionshare of the carries. If you have to choose one, take Henry. |
| 29 | Shaun Alexander (vs BAL) |
Alexander is a has-been in Seattle. Maybe he has a good year or two left in him, but at this point in 2007, he is worthless. |
| 30 | Chester Taylor (vs WAS) |
Taylor has run well with and without AP. It is ashame to see him brushed aside like this. |
| 31 | Samkon Gado (at NE) |
Gado didn't do much against the Ravens and it doesn't get any easier with the Pats up next. |
| 32 | Thomas Jones (at TEN) |
Jones has been a huge bust this season. He might score negative points against the Titans. His Jet career is over. |
| 33 | DeShaun Foster (vs DAL) |
Foster won't find much room against a Dallas-D that will have no respect for Matt Moore. The Panthers should be giving DeAngelo Williams some more playing time at this point in the season... |
