Watchlist Q & A – Week 14
After all of the weekly games are finished be sure to check our waiver wire column, studs and duds, a who’s hot, and who’s not report plus more in our fantasy football guide.
Well. Week 14 is underway, and I think that what you saw was a sign of thing to come. Unlike some previous weeks, there are only a few huge games this week. The rest of the matchups are kind of ho hum. I will try to break down some of the few interesting stories lines going into the rest of Week 14.
Here, then, is Dave B’s Watchlist Q & A for Week 14!
1. Will the “good teams playing poorly” rebound in Week 14?
Pittsburgh Steelers – Inexplicable, the Steelers have lost 4 straight games, and their Defense seems to be in decline. It’s really hard to figure why the early season Super Bowl favorites have stumbled so badly against some poor teams. Cleveland is up next, so I wouldn’t worry about the losing ways continuing. The weather is supposed to be nasty, bumping the Steelers passing game down a notch, but the running game should do more than enough to end the losing streak.
New England Patriots – Let the bickering commence. Tom Brady has called out his team and why not? They have lost 2 straight games in demoralizing fashion. You can bet that Bill Belched and gang will stop the bleeding this week and beyond. I feel sorry for Carolina, Buffalo, and Jacksonville – the next opponents for the grumpy, hungry Patriots.
New York Giants – Sure the Giants won a huge game last week against the hated Cowboys, but before that game, they had lost 5 of their past 6 games. A true test awaits them this week – they play a Philadelphia team that is on quite a roll right now. Mark my words folks, the Eagles will not give up 420 yards to the Giants like the Cowboys did last week. The passing game won’t get much done and either will the sputtering running game. It’s likely to be another tough week for all you Giants fans.
2. How will the “bad teams playing well” fare this weekend?
Oakland Raiders – Make no mistake about it folks, this is a BAD team. However, in their last 3 games, they have victories over Cincinnati and Pittsburgh. Bruce Gradkowski has injected a new found confidence in the Raiders and appear to have a good chance to continue their winning ways against the Redskins at home.
Jacksonville Jaguars – Somehow, the Jaguars have been winning without the standout performances from Maurice Jones-Drew. They have won 5 of their last 6 games and are firmly in the AFC Wildcard chase. Miami seems ripe for the picking right now, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Jags improve to 8-5 this weekend.
Tennessee Titans – Bad team might be a bit harsh, but their 0-6 start was well earned. Lately, they have been playing good football. Winners of 5 of their last 6 games, the Titans should climb to the 500 level with games against St. Louis and Miami coming up. An 8-8 season is very probable – shocking because of the awful start they had.
3. Will “the unheralded” continue to shine in Week 14?
Alex Smith – San Francisco – Tough test for Smith and his 49ers this week against a Red Hot Arizona team that simply looks unstoppable right now. Smith should have another quality outing as far as Fantasy stats go – the Niners are going to have to throw the ball a lot to keep this game close. Smith’s audition for next year’s starting job in San Francisco continues in positive fashion this Monday as he and the other Offensive stars should all have good games.
Vince Young – Tennessee – Young is another player that is cementing his starting status for next year. He has guided his team back to respectability and although he should have an OK game this week, it’s more likely that the Titans running game will dominate against the Rams. Young will improve upon his impressive winning percentage, but his overall numbers might not be all that great.
Chad Henne – Miami – Another young gun that is making a name for himself in the later part of this season, Henne comes off his best career effort into a showdown with a beatable Jacksonville secondary. The running games seems to have peaked and unless Ricky Williams can dominate, the Fins might be in a bit of trouble.
Josh Freeman – Tampa Bay -Tough test for Freeman and the Bucs this week against a stout NY Jets Defense. Freeman has a few games under his belt and also has a prime weapon, Antonio Bryant back from injury. Add in the talented, yet underachieving running game and Kellen Winslow, and Freeman could make a bit of noise this weekend. Will they win the game – highly unlikely, but the Buccaneers should at least be competitive.
Jamaal Charles – Kansas City – Charles appears to have won himself the starting Running Back job for Kansas City next year. He has scored in 4 straight games against some pretty tough Defenses. Now he gets the honor of facing the league’s worst run Defense – the Buffalo Bills. It should be another great week for Charles owners – he’s going to be huge.
Justin Forsett – Seattle – Forsett has made a significant Fantasy impact so far this year, but then got banged up, opening the door for All-Dud Julius Jones to reemerge as the starting Running Back in Seattle. Forsett should see his share of touches still, but will probably generate most of his yardage in passing downs. In a PPR league, Forsett should still do a bit of damage, but temper your expectations. 
4. How will weather affect the outcome of the Week 14 games?
Its going to be cold everywhere this weekend – snow and frigid temperatures are certain to be a factor. If your studs are playing in a dome (New Orleans, Atlanta, Denver, Indi, Cincinnati, and Minnesota), lucky you. The rule of thumb is that running games flourish in the cold while the passing games suffer a bit. Set your lineups accordingly.
5. Which injuries will affect my Fantasy team in Week 14?
- Tom Brady – New England – Surprise addition to the injury report. Brady
- Mark Sanchez – NY Jets – Ruled OUT for Week 14. Kellen Clemens will start.
- Matt Schaub – Houston – Dislocated shoulder, but will play.
- Joe Flacco – Baltimore – Good to go.
- Matt Ryan – Atlanta – Toe still bothering him – might keep him out this weekend – Check back.
- Jake Delhomme – Carolina – Broken finger will probably keep him out this week again. Matt Moore will start if that’s the case.
- Adrian Peterson -Minnesota – Sore foot – he’ll play though.
- Steven Jackson – St. Louis – Back spasms still – he’s a warrior – he’ll play.
- Michael Turner – Atlanta – Hasn’t practiced this week – could miss this week.
- DeAngelo Williams – Carolina – Back at practice – no issues.
- Ahmad Bradshaw – NY Giants – Should play.
- Mike Bell/Pierre Thomas – New Orleans – Both are banged up but expected to play.
- Steve Slaton – Houston – Placed on Injured Reserve – out for the season.
- DeSean Jackson – Philadelphia – No concussion symptoms – he’ll play barring any setbacks.
- Reggie Wayne – Indianapolis – Foot hasn’t kept him out of practice – good to go.
- Roddy White – Atlanta – Limited again – count on him playing however.
- Devin Hester – Chicago – Hasn’t practiced this week – in danger of missing this week.
- Mike Sims-Walker – Jacksonville – Sat out practice on Thursday, but is expected to suit up.
6. What will be the outcome of the chilly Thursday Night game in Cleveland?
Dud. What is going on with the Pittsburgh Offensive Line? Everyone was a disappointment except for maybe Chris Jennings. Nuff said.
7. Is Braylon Edwards on Dave B’s Fantasy Radar yet?
Absolutely NOT!!!
Lots of information for ya folks, lots to digest. Hope it helps – good luck this week!
