Start’em Sit’em Week 14

For most of the season Newton has been stuck in his Sophomore Slump, but over the past couple of weeks Cam has looked like the guy we knew from last year. Now I know the last two games were against the Eagles and the Chiefs, but he still played well.

This week Newton does face a much tougher foe in the Atlanta Falcons. In week 4 in Atlanta Newton had one of his better games this season (215 passing yards 2TD, 86 rushing yards 1 TD) . So even though the Falcons are 11-1 I still see Newton having a great game against them this week. Cam throws for 270 yards and scores 2 TDs.

RB – DeMarco Murray

Finally, the long awaited return of DeMarco Murray is over. In all fairness he was back last week, but I wanted to see how Murray performed after being out for a while. All I’ll say about that is, -Welcome Back!

For those of you that hung on to Murray, your patience will pay off.  The Bengals are a good team against the run, but against some of the better rushing teams they haven’t fared as well. This week the Cowboys show that they can still run the ball, Murray rushes for over 90 yards and scores 1 TD.

WR – Pierre Garcon

The Redskins have been playing very well over the past couple of weeks.  A lot of that is due to the great play of RG3. I would also add that part of the Redskins offensive improvement is because of the return of Pierre Garcon. Over the past two weeks Garcon has been the main target for RG3. Some of you may feel that because they face the Ravens this week Garcon may not be a good play. The Ravens are not the same D they once were, and injuries have really decimated a once great D. This Sunday Garcon continues to play well, he has 6 to 7 receptions for 80 to 90 yards and scores 1TD.

QB – Josh Freeman

One of the biggest surprises at QB this year has to be Josh Freeman. He has thrown at least 2 TDs, and scored in double digits in 7 out of the last 8 weeks. Now some of those weeks he hasn’t thrown for a ton of yards, but scoring at least 2 TDs a week isn’t too shabby.

The best part is that this week Freeman and the Bucs are playing the woeful Eagles.  This Sunday Freeman continues to play well, he throws for at least 280 yards and scores 2 TDs.

RB – Ahmad Bradshaw

The Giants have to be one of the most frustrating teams for an owner to have any player from. One week they seem unstoppable, the next they lay a “Giant” egg. With the talent they have, especially on offense, you think they would be better than they are.  Well this week with both the Redskins and the Cowboys breathing down their neck for the division title, the Giants come to play against the Saints. Playing the worst D in the league against the run, Bradshaw marches all over the Saints. He rushes for at least 100 yards and scores 1 TD.

WR – Torrey Smith

If there was ever a player who should be the poster child for being “Mr. Inconsistent”, Torrey Smith would be your guy. With such a ringing endorsement I’m sure you’re all dying to start him. Well that’s why this is the “Great Match Up” section. The Redskins have one of the worst secondaries in the NFL. They give up close to 300 yards a game and are tied for the second most TDs allowed.  They also are pretty good against the run which leads to believe the Ravens will have to throw the ball a lot to keep up with the Redskins and RG3. Smith has a solid game, he has 6 to 7 receptions for 90 yards, and 1 TD.

QB – Ben Roethlisberger

In just the nick of time “Big Ben” returns for the Steelers to make a run at the playoffs. Not that Charlie Batch did a bad job last week against the Ravens, but I’m sure Steeler nation is glad to have Roethlisberger back.  What makes “Big Ben” a tempting sleeper is his match up vs. the Chargers. Their last three games on the road, the Chargers have given up over 30 points a game.  With the playoffs on the line, Roethlisberger has a big day, he throws for 290 yards and scores 2 TDs.

RB – Steven Jackson

Steven Jackson is starting to show his age, well at least for a 29 year old running back. There have been some weeks where “Father Time” has found his way into Jackson, and gave him a burst or two to manage a few decent weeks. For those of you who are in need of a decent #2 RB or Flex player Jackson could be a nice play.  Facing the Bills, a team that has given up the most rushing TDs this year, Jackson will deliver once more.  He rushes for close to 100 yards and scores 1 TD.

WR – Josh Gordon

Here’s a guy that is having a decent year on a pretty bad team. This Sunday they face another bad team in the KC Chiefs. The Chiefs have allowed a league high 25 TDs against the pass, and don’t have many interceptions.  With players like Harvin going to IR, Gordon would be a nice replacement for your playoff run. Sunday, Gordon has 5 to 6 receptions for 90 yards, and 1 TD.

QB – Tom Brady

One thing we say especially at playoff time is “Play your Studs”. What I caution you about here is what some of you know: Brady struggles against teams that are physical. If there’s one thing the Texans Defense is, it’s that they are physical.

The Texans are 3rd in the league for sacks, and bat down more balls then Shaq. Now by no means am I saying bench Brady, but I wouldn’t expect a huge game from him on Monday night. It’s unlikely that you are stacked at the fantasy quarterback position, as most teams live and die with Brady in fantasy. Although, a QB like Cam Newton or Josh Freeman could surpass Brady’s Week 14 numbers with the added element of rushing yards.

RB – Bryce Brown

The only real bright spot for the Eagles this season has been the arrival of one Bryce Brown.  His domination over the past two weeks has been very impressive to say the least. For those of you that have Brown on your team, I’m sure it’s because  you really needed an RB, or you hopefully were blocking someone who did.   Whatever the case, Brown will face a very tough test this Sunday vs. the Bucs. That’s right!! I said the Bucs!! They have only allowed a league best 82 yards a game. Just be careful and not be fooled into thinking Brown will have a similar game this week as he has had in the last two.

WR – Any Charger WR/ TE

I’m not sure how the Steelers have managed to still be one of the best D’s in the league this year, especially with all the injuries they have had.  They only allow an average of 166 yards and 1 TD per game passing. Those are some pretty staggering numbers when you consider “Mr. Head And Shoulders” has been out most of the season. Maybe one of the Charger receivers scores a TD, but I wouldn’t count on a whole lot of yards with it.

2012-12-07 23:01:12

Source: http://gridironexperts.com/startem-sitem-week-14-2012