QUARTERBACKS
Stud – Joe Flacco (BAL): The Ravens’ signal caller is having a monster season with seven passing TD’s already on the board and averaging 317 yards per game on the air.  He is on pace to set career high in both categories and this week’s matchup at Kansas City should only help Flacco keep the momentum rolling. The Chiefs are have allowed a league-worst 11 touchdown passes to opposing QB’s and are good for a few more this weekend.

Dud – Michael Vick (PHI): Vick and the Eagles’ offense has looked out of sync since the season’s onset and now they get to face a Pittsburgh defense that is fresh off the bye and getting healthy as both Troy Polamalu and James Harrison are expected to back. With two weeks to prepare look for Dick LeBeau to have some good stuff drawn up and that doesn’t bode well for Vick, who has been prone to big mistakes. While the potential for a breakout day is always there for the Philly offense, there are likely safer QB options.

Sleeper – Andy Dalton (CIN):  The Bengals’ passing attack entered the season with questions, but enter Week 5 ranked in the top 10 in yards, completion percentage, touchdowns, and yards per attempt and Dalton has been a big reason for that.  The second-year QB has tossed for eight scores over his last three games for a quarterback rating of 118.7. Miami is stout at stopping the run which will lead to Cincinnati throwing early and often. Expect QB 1 production from Dalton on Sunday.

RUNNING BACKS
Stud – Frank Gore (SF):  After a 112 yards rushing in Week 1, Gore owners have watched his totals drop consecutively in each week. He still has managed to score in three of the team’s first four contests and now gets to face a Buffalo defense that is allowing over 24.5 fantasy points per game to opposing running backs and that allowed New England to march all of over them last week for 247 yards.  While I was hesitant coming into the season on Gore he’s impressed early on and all signs point to him having his best game to date on Sunday.

Dud – BenJarvus Green-Ellis (CIN):  Through four weeks of action the Bengals’ rushing attack has posted some decent numbers, leaving the Law Firm as a decent pick for a RB2. A closer look though reveals that Cincinnati is still only averaging 3.8 yards per carry on the ground as a team. Now they get a Miami rush defense that as mentioned above has been stellar. Not only have the Dolphins ceded the least amount of rushing yards (227), but they also boast the lowest yards per carry average (2.4), and have yet to give up a run over 14 yards yet this season.

Sleeper – Jackie Battle (SD):  Despite the fact I’m not reading too much in to the Chargers putting Jackie Battle over Ryan Mathews on top of the depth chart. Battle drew the start last week and put up solid numbers.  Look for Mathews to have a better day this week, but the Saints’ rushing defense is bad enough and Battle is clearly going to get some touches in the offense that he is not a bad bye-week filler as a low-end RB2 option.

WIDE RECEIVERS
Stud – Julio Jones (ATL):  Jones owners are clamoring for something big from their highly-coveted receiver and this week is likely to be the week second-year wideout delivers. Atlanta is making a trip to Washington to tangle with a Redskins’ secondary that has been very welcoming for opposing receivers.  Washington ranks 31st against the pass, giving up 362.2 yards per week. They've also allowed the most fantasy points to receivers through the first quarter of the season.

Dud – Stevie Johnson (BUF): Somehow Johnson saw his three-game TD streak snapped in last week’s shootout with the Patriots, finishing with just two catches for 23 yards. This time around he’s set to face an even better 49ers’ defense. The 49ers rank third in fantasy points allowed to wide receivers, surrendering just a single touchdown all season. Johnson is a low-end WR3 in this matchup and needs to find more consistency before being considered a weekly lineup option.

Sleeper – Randall Cobb (GB): The Packers are set to face Indianapolis indoors on Sunday and that spells good thing for Green Bay’s passing attack. The Colts’ secondary has struggled at times and with Greg Jennings already ruled out someone is going to have step in the offense. While James Jones is slated to start, look for Cobb to see enough targets to warrant consideration as a flex options, especially in PPR formats or leagues where kick returns count.

TIGHT END
Stud – Owen Daniels (HOU): Daniels has scored in back-to-back games and is averaging seven targets a contest. He’s the No. 2 option in the passing game behind Andre Johnson. The Jets are on tap this week and injuries have the team reeling. Even though they’ve only allowed modest numbers to TE’s through four weeks, expect Daniels to do enough to post double-digits points in this matchup.

Dud – Heath Miller (PIT): Miller has scored four times over three weeks heading into his bye and has some buzz around him. However, the Eagles are a more capable defense that has only allowed one TE to score all season. Without a touchdown, Miller’s numbers lose their luster quickly. Look for him to see a dip in production in Week 5.

Sleeper – Jared Cook (MIN):  Even though he lost his starting quarterback with Jake Locker going down with a shoulder, injury Cook should get enough looks to be productive against a Vikings defense that is yielding 9.5 fantasy points per game to tight ends. Consider Cook a high-end TE2, making him a decent bye-week option.

Fantasy Football fantasy advice, week 5, lineup advice, studs, duds, sleepers

QUARTERBACKS
Stud – Aaron Rodgers (GB):  It seems silly to not include him as an automatic, but some owners are starting to show signs of concern. However, the Saints are just what the doctor ordered. Look for Rodgers to go for over 300 yards and double his current TD total (3) with at least three scoring strikes on Sunday.

Dud – Jay Cutler (CHI): After turning out back-to-back below 200-yard performances it’s hard to get excited about Cutler as he heads to Dallas on Monday to face a Cowboys’ secondary that is allowing 1 TD pass per contest to this point of the season. While I’m holding out hope Cutler gets things going, this isn’t the week I expect it to happen.

Sleeper – Ryan Fitzpatrick (BUF):  The Bills signal caller has been one of fantasy top scoring QB’s through three weeks, averaging over 19 points per contest. He matched that total in each of last year’s two matchups with the Patriots in 2011. It’s hard to put him as a top 10 QB any week, but the signs certainly point to finishing as one here.

RUNNING BACKS
Stud – Marshawn Lynch (SEA):  Though Lynch typically plays better at home than on the road, owners should start him confidently this week as the Seahawks make the trip to St. Louis. The Rams have ceded four touchdowns to running backs through three weeks and Lynch had 80+ total yards and a score in each of two matchups with the Rams a year ago.

Dud – Ahmad Bradshaw (NYG):  The good news for fantasy owners is that Ahmad Bradshaw is expected to return after missing Week 3’s action with a neck injury. The bad news is that in his absence Andre Brown shined and now the team is leaning towards playing the “hot hand” moving forward. Bradshaw is a flex play at best until something resolves itself in this situation.

Sleeper – Ben Tate (HOU): Tate is a great insurance policy for owners of Arian Foster, but also has some weeks where he produces even if with Foster in the lineup. This matchup could be one of them.  He ran for 90+ yards in each game vs. Tennessee last season and scored and Foster played in one of those contests. With the Texans likely to build a nice lead, look for Tate to get garbage time numbers.

WIDE RECEIVERS
Stud – Demaryius Thomas (DEN): The Raiders’ secondary is a mess right now and after watching Pittsburgh throw all over them a week ago I’m excited about all pieces of the Broncos’ passing attack heading into Week 4. No player has me more excited in the matchup than Thomas. The wideout has reached 90 yards and/or the endzone in 7 of his last 10 games and owners should look for him to hit both of those milestones this week.

Dud – Sidney Rice (SEA): It’s simply too hard to endorse a player that has yet to crack 40 yards in receiving in a game yet this year and the Rams’ much improved secondary has been stingy. Rice needs to be benched in all formats until he proves worthy.

Sleeper – Jerome Simpson (MIN): His snaps could be limited in his debut with the Vikings after serving a three-game suspension, but Simpson is a sneaky play as a flex option for owners that are dealing with injuries and/or byes. He comes with a certain amount of risk, but definitely offers some upside.

TIGHT END
Stud – Kyle Rudolph (MIN): There were few players I pimped out in the preseason more than the Vikings’ young tight end and thus far I’ve not been disappointed. Rudolph has three TD’s over the past two games and the Lions have allowed three touchdowns to TE’s during that same span. Expect the trend to continue on Sunday.

Dud – Jason Witten (DAL): The scoreless streak has now reached nine games with Witten and the Bears have yet to allow a score to the position this season. Throw in the fact that Witten has failed to reach 70 yards receiving in his last five outings and it’s time to bench the veteran.

Sleeper – Brandon Myers (OAK): After shaking off his mild concussion symptoms Myers appears to be a sneaky play this week against a Broncos’ defense that has allowed a TE to score in each week of the young season. Myers has 55+ yards in each game this year and seemingly gets more involved each week.

Fantasy Football fantasy advice, week 4, lineup advice, studs, duds, sleepers

QUARTERBACKS
Stud – Matt Ryan (ATL): The Falcons offense has successfully transitioned from a power running attack to a high-powered passing unit. Ryan was efficient in the opener completing 23/31 passes for 299 yards and three touchdowns. He has become a reliable option with two or more passing touchdowns in 4 of last 6 games with no INTs in that span. Expect big things at home on Monday night vs. Denver.

Dud – Michael Vick (PHI): After throwing four picks and being flustered by the lowly Browns, Vick now gets to face a tenacious Ravens’ defense that hasn’t allowed a QB to throw 2+ TDs in 21 straight games. Benching Vick makes sense this week if you have a better option. We ranked him as our No. 13 QB in our initial Week 2 rankings.

Sleeper – Josh Freeman (TB): It’s hard to get excited about a quarterback that since the start of last season has only eclipsed the 300-yard mark twice in 17 games and failed to throw for three scores in a single contest in that span. Still, this Bucs’ offense has more weapons than a year ago and the matchup against a Giants’ secondary that is ravaged by injury has me optimistic about his potential.

RUNNING BACKS
Stud – CJ Spiller (BUF): Spiller was a tough player to gage in terms of his fantasy value coming into the season. Now with Fred Jackson (knee) sidelined for a month plus, his value is soaring. He exploded for nearly 200 yards total offense and a score on 16 touches in Week 1. The Chiefs defense continues to be battling injuries and Spiller should have another stellar effort in Week 2.

Dud – Kevin Smith (DET): The Lions’ running back delivered on my sleeper pick a week ago by scoring a pair of touchdowns in the Lions win over the Rams. However, this week he faces a 49ers’ defense that only allowed three scores by runners last season. Smith could sniff 100 total yards but should be considered nothing more than a flex option in deeper leagues.

Sleeper – Jacquizz Rodgers (ATL): It was a quiet Week 1 statistically for Rodgers, but he displayed his play-making ability with a 77-yard kick return and more importantly he was on the field quite a bit as the Falcons went away from Michael Turner. He could disappoint, but the potential for a monster game is there as the Falcons return home vs. the Broncos.  I fully endorse him a RB3/flex play, especially in PPR formats.

WIDE RECEIVERS
Stud – Andre Johnson (HOU): Johnson looked very much like a stud fantasy WR1 in his opening performance against the Dolphins by breaking the 100-yard mark and finding the end zone. This week’s Jacksonville matchup looks even more appealing. The Texans’ veteran wideout has totaled 168 yards on 11 receptions and a touchdown in his last two meetings against his divisional foes.

Dud – Anquan Boldin (BAL):  Boldin and the Ravens’ passing attack were clicking on all cylinders in their opener, but that was at home against a banged up Cincinnati secondary. This week they’ll head to Philly to tangle with a much nastier group of corners.  You have to go back to last October to find the last time Boldin caught a TD pass on the road. Look for that trend to continue on Sunday.

Sleeper – Stevie Johnson (BUF): With David Nelson out for the year look for even more targets for Johsnon. He has a touchdown in two straight regular season games and four in his last seven. The Bills wideout has scored in each of the last two seasons vs. the Chiefs and should figure to cross the stripe again this week.

TIGHT END
Stud – Aaron Hernandez (ARZ): Hernandez has been the model of consistency, tallying 59 yards and a TD in Week 1.  He now has 50-plus yards and a TD in five of the Patriots' last seven games, including the playoffs. Over the last 27 games, the Carindals have allowed nine touchdowns by tight ends. Expect that number to go up on Sunday.

Dud – Fred Davis (WAS): RGIII only targeted Davis four times against the Saints, leaving the tight end to finish with just two receptions for 38 yards. He has caught just seven passes for 43 yards and has never scored in four games against the Rams leaving me to bench Davis to play someone with more upside.

Sleeper – Greg Olsen (CAR): The Panthers couldn’t get much going in the passing game at Tampa Bay, but it was encouraging that Olsen was targeted seven times during the game. Olsen scored in game with the Saints at home last year and with Jeremy Shockey out of the picture is clearly going to be more involved in the offense this season.

Fantasy Football fantasy advice, week 1, lineup advice, studs, duds, sleepers

QUARTERBACKS
Stud – Cam Newton (CAR): It’s only appropriate after I take the amount of flack I have for placing Newton at No. 2 in our season rankings here at GSI that I stand behind him right out of the gate. In two December bouts with the Bucs as a rookie Newton passed for four scores and ran for four more. Expect at least 300 total yards and three more touchdowns in this trip to Tampa too.

Dud – Carson Palmer (OAK): Palmer led a banged up Raiders’ offense to one touchdown in 17 preseason possessions while throwing four picks and 0 TD passes on 56 attempts. The team is starting to get healthy around him, but I going to give the Raiders’ passing game a week or two to gel before giving them much lineup consideration.

Sleeper – Russell Wilson (SEA): After sparkling in the preseason and beating out big money free agent Matt Flynn for the Seahawks’ starting job, Wilson is a very appealing option in two quarterback leagues or deeper formats in a matchup with the Cardinals in what I expect to be a high-scoring affair.

RUNNING BACKS
Stud – Chris Johnson (TEN) – Count me on the bandwagon for CJ bounce-back performance in 2012. He worked harder this offseason than any other in his career and is out prove his doubters wrong. With Jake Locker under center the Patriots are going to have to protect against him running, opening holes for Johnson. New England allowed RB’s double digit fantasy points in 13 of their 16 contests a year ago.

Dud – Cedric Benson (GB) – The Packers signed free agent Cedric Benson late in training camp and are expected him to start in Week 1 vs. the 49ers. After watching his yards per carry dip for the second straight year last season, the Bengals said no thanks on resigning him. Given the 49ers only allowed three rushing TD’s all of last year and the Packers lack of consistency in running the football he should stay benched here.

Sleeper – Kevin Smith (DET) – With Mikel Leshoure suspended and few healthy options in the running game look for the Lions to lean heavily on Smith out of the backfield in there Week 1 tilt with the Rams. St. Louis was brutal against the run a year ago and though I expect improvement, Smith should still be in line for 80-100 yards or more a score.

WIDE RECEIVERS
Stud – Brandon Marshall (CHI) – Expect big things out of the Bears’ passing attack right out of the gate and with Marshall reuniting with Jay Cutler it could be a trend. The Colts allowed 17 touchdowns and 20.8 fantasy points per weeks to receivers last season and the defense isn’t expected to be that much better this time around.

Dud – Santonio Holmes (NYJ): Despite scoring in each game against Buffalo a year ago, it’s hard for me to get behind Holmes this week even as a WR3 of flex option. He missed most of the preseason with injuries and the Jets’ offense is a mess right now. He’s going to have to earn my confidence before I can endorse him as a weekly lineup option.

Sleeper – Justin Blackmon (JAX): I normally don’t endorse a rookie wideout right out of the gate, but Blackmon looked good in the preseason and so did Blaine Gabbert. With questions surrounding the running game look for the Jaguars to try to air it out a bit against a Vikings secondary that ceded the third most points to fantasy wideouts a year ago.

TIGHT END
Stud – Antonio Gates (SD): After being banged up the past two years, Gates enters 2012 at full strength. With Vincent Jackson out of the picture and Antonio Brown out for the first part of the year, Gates is going to be Phillip Rivers most reliable and trusted target. The veteran caught 10 passes for 160 yards and a touchdown last year in two games against his division foes and has scored 10 times in 18 all-time meetings.

Dud – Jermaine Gresham (CIN): The Bengals tight end is on my list of breakout players for 2012, but after suffering an injury in Week 1 of the preseason he’s a bit rusty. Add to it a matchup with the Ravens’ tenacious defense, a unit he managed nine total fantasy points in two games with last year, and I am finding a better play this time around.

Sleeper – Kyle Rudolph (MIN): Sticking with my preseason guns, I put the Vikings tight end on the list. Look for him to start a monster season by taking advantage of a Jaguars’ defense that allowed the fourth most fantasy points to tight ends in 2011.

Fantasy Football fantasy advice, week 1, studs, duds, sleepers, lineup advice

FANTASY 101
Don’t wait to crown a champion: Each year we get to Week 17 and see many teams resting players and others looking to the future, leaving many owners to scramble to field a lineup. Why play out a long season and let the champion be decided when at times many are playing without a full deck. Play your league title game in Week 16 and eliminate the problem. In many of my leagues we still have scoring titles and weekly high weeks during this week just to keep it interesting.

SETTING YOUR LINEUP
START 'EM
QB Eli Manning (vs. DAL) – Manning hit a skid at the wrong time for fantasy owners after an amazing November run. However, those that survived will reap the rewards when he faces a Cowboys’ D that he has had 300 yards and at least two TD passes in four of his last five meetings with.

RB CJ Spiller (at NE) – Over their past five games the Patriots have been getting eaten alive by running backs and Spiller has been on a tear recently with 47 fantasy points over his past two contests. Look for him to become the sixth straight runner to reach double digit fantasy points vs. New England.

SIT 'EM
RB Chris Johnson (at HOU) – The see-saw season of Chris Johnson is one week from being over. For the owners that endured it they shouldn’t put themselves through another week of misery. Pull the plug early and bench him against a Texans’ defense that has only ceded 18 yards to him on 10 carries in Week 7.

TE Vernon Davis (at STL) – No team has allow fewer fantasy points to tight ends than the Rams and few players at the position have disappointed as much as Davis. Sounds like it’s time to take a seat.

FANTASY INFIRMARY
RB Adrian Peterson (knee) – Peterson underwent surgery on Friday after being placed on injured reserve earlier this week with a torn left ACL and MCL and meniscus damage. The injury could cost him time in the 2012 season.

RB Ryan Mathews (calf) – Has tried to give it a go during practice this week, but was still sore on Friday. Expect him to a full-blown game-time decision for Sunday’s 4:15 tilt vs. OAK.

QB Tony Romo (hand) – Romo has practiced through the injury that forced him from Christmas Eve’s action and will start in the Cowboys’ must-win game against the Giants.

WR Andre Johnson (hamstring) – The Texans’ wideout has missed nine games to injuries this season, but will try to shake off the rust with limited snaps before the playoffs begin.  He’s a high-risk, high-reward fantasy play in Week 17.

WR Lance Moore (hamstring) – Moore will sit out the season finale and could miss playoff games. Expect Robert Meachem to become more involved in his absence.

Other injuries of note: Vincent Jackson (groin), Felix Jones (hamstring), Roy Helu (ankle), Jermichael Finley (knee)

FINAL WEEK HEADACHES
These are situations owners are hoping to avoid in Week 17…

PACKERS – With the #1 seed and home-field advantage locked up in the NFC, fantasy stud Aaron Rodgers and his supporting cast which has proven so useful to fantasy owners this year will likely be watching from the sidelines.

SAINTS – New Orleans needs the Rams to beat the 49ers to give their game any meaning. I’m not counting on it and neither are the Saints. Despite what Sean Payton has said there’s a good chance that come the second half he’s pulling starters.

TEXANS – The Texans have been reeling of late and would like to get some confidence heading into the postseason. Andre Johnson is making a return to the lineup, but how much he will be used is another question and Ben Tate could see a heavier workload to save the wear and tear on Arian Foster.

STEELERS – Pittsburgh still has shot to win the division and earn a first-round bye. However, it is unclear how much a hobbled Ben Roethlisberger might play. If the Ravens get a nice lead on the Bengals, he will likely sit. That makes all of the Steelers’ passing weapons a little less appealing in a surprisingly tough matchup with the Browns’ secondary.

Fantasy Football fantasy advice, week 17, fantasy 101, start em, sit em, lineup advice, injury report

Weekly Average Cheat Sheet (FantasySportsCentral) - Cumulative rankings from some of the top fantasy websites.

Sleepers Of The Week (FFToolbox.com) - If one of your normal starters is injured or facing a tough match-up, here are some players you might consider

Weekly Projections (FOXSports.com) - Weekly stat projections, projected fantasy points and rankings by position.

Start/Bench List (FantasySharks.com) - A few players to start or bench for QB, RB, WR and TE with commentary.

Player History (FFToday.com) - Game-by-game lifetime player fantasy points against the team they are playing.

Game by Game (PigskinAddicition.com) - Projected stats, final scores and summaries of this weekends games.

Fantasy Football fantasy advice, fantasy links, lineup advice

FANTASY 101
The fantasy football season never ends: Keeping up with offseason changes, injury updates, and team depth charts is a grueling task if you wait until the week before the draft. Serious fantasy owners will monitor much of this throughout the offseason, taking notes of potential sleepers, busts and situations to watch as next season approaches.

SETTING YOUR LINEUP
START ‘EM
QB Michael Vick (at DAL) – After two weeks back in the saddle look for Vick to explode this week as he faces the Cowboys, a team that he had his best fantasy day of the season against in Week 8 as he passed for 279 yards and a pair of touchdowns with no picks and added 50 yards rushing. Expect similar numbers this time around as the Eagles play for their post-season livelihood.

RB Reggie Bush (at NE) – Few players have bigger down the stretch than Bush have to be for his owners. He has scored six times in the past seven games and has averaged 19 fantasy points per contest. This week he faces a Patriots’ D that ranks amongst the worst in the league. Expect at least 100 total yards and a score from Bush in Week 16.

SIT ‘EM
RB Brandon Jacobs (at NYJ) – Jacobs his three-game scoring streak snapped last week vs. the Redskins and is now set to face a stiff Jets’ D playing for a wildcard spot. With Ahmad Bradshaw back into the picture, Jacobs is nothing more than a low-end flex matchup this week and one that owners should look to avoid.

WR Brandon Lloyd (vs. PIT) – The quarterback issues have stalled the production of the Rams’ top wideout and that won’t change this week. Add to it a matchup with the Steelers ahead and owners should temper their expectations.

FANTASY INFIRMARY
RB Chris Johnson (ankle) – Johnson has been limited in practice, but all signs point to him playing. It wouldn’t be a surprise is backup Jamie Harper got some action.

RB Roy Helu (toe/knee) – Helu was limited in practice and his production suffered last week as he was not 100 percent. It appears as if he is going to give it a go in Week 16.

RB Felix Jones (hamstring) – Not at 100 percent, Jones appears ready to play through sore hammy. He’s always an injury risk.

WR AJ Green (shoulder) – Owners should start Green with confidence. Barring a setback he’s ready to go against Arizona.

QB Ben Roethlisberger (ankle) – The Steelers should rest him. Whether or not they will is a different story. I'm not expecting much.

Other injuries of note: Willis McGahee (hamstring), Maurice Jones-Drew (ankle), Stevie Johnson (groin)

LESSONS LEARNED
Here’s a look at some valuable lessons can learn from the 2011 fantasy season...

Gettinng an elite QB is a must – You have to get production at the QB position and the top tier guys payoff consider this the average production of the top 3 guys (Rodgers, Brees, Brady) is 410 fantasy points (thru 15 weeks). The average of the next 10 QB’s on the list is 283 points. That’s the difference in nearly 8.5 points per week.

The running back position is a deep as ever – There are so few elite fantasy running backs any more. In non-PPR formats after you take the top five scorers (McCoy, Rice, Foster, MJD, Lynch) off the board the difference in fantasy points in the sixth-best and 20th best scoring fantasy RB is (42 points) less than three points per week.

Rookies can help sooner than you think – While some members of the 2011 rookie class disappointed owners that took a chance on them there were others that made a big splash once given the opportunity including Cam Newton, DeMarco Murray, Roy Helu, AJ Green and Julio Jones. It requires patience, but going with young players with upside can payoff.

Depth is the key to success – There seemingly has never been a year more riddled by injuries than this season. That makes building great depth even more important. Some of that occurs on draft night, but hitting the waiver wire consistently is also important. For further proof look no further than the impact made by Victor Cruz and Laurent Robinson, who both performed as top 10 wideouts during stretches of the season and neither were drafted in many leagues.

Fantasy Football fantasy advice, fantasy 101, start em, sit em, lineup advice, injury report, fantasy lessons learned

Weekly Average Cheat Sheet (FantasySportsCentral) - Cumulative rankings from some of the top fantasy websites.

Sleepers Of The Week (FFToolbox.com) - If one of your normal starters is injured or facing a tough match-up, here are some players you might consider

Weekly Projections (FOXSports.com) - Weekly stat projections, projected fantasy points and rankings by position.

Start/Bench List (FantasySharks.com) - A few players to start or bench for QB, RB, WR and TE with commentary.

Player History (FFToday.com) - Game-by-game lifetime player fantasy points against the team they are playing.

Game by Game (PigskinAddicition.com) - Projected stats, final scores and summaries of this weekends games.

Fantasy Football fantasy advice, fantasy links, lineup advice

FANTASY 101
Now is the time to discuss your league's rules: Every year fantasy leagues experience issues that arise throughout the season that challenges its league rules. Don’t wait until next August to talk about it and figure. Now is the time to address these matters while everything is so fresh in everybody’s minds.

SETTING YOUR LINEUP
START 'EM
QB Tim Tebow (vs NE) – The Patriots ranks as the league’s worst passing defense and have allowed 309 passing yards per game and 20.7 fantasy points to QB’s each time out. Tebow has thrown for over 200 yards in back-to-back weeks and always gets the rushing yards most signal callers don’t. He’s a top 10 option this week at the position.

TE Jermichael Finley (at KC) – If owners were fortunate enough to survive the goose egg Finley gave them last week they shouldn’t hesitate to put him back in their lineups this week as the Chiefs allow the seventh-most Fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends. Look for him to back on track in Week 15.

SIT 'EM
RB Rashard Mendenhall (at SF) – If you take away his two games against the Bengals, Mendenhall has only scored four times all year and this week he faces a 49ers’ defense that hasn’t allowed a rushing touchdown all season and that has ceded the fewest rushing yards on the season. Considering the matchup owners should look elsewhere.

WR Santonio Holmes (at PHI) – Despite Holmes finding the end zone in three straight weeks, owners should temper their expectations on Sunday vs. the Eagles, who have allowed an average of 13.5 fantasy points to wideouts over the past two games. Over his past four games Holmes has caught just 12 balls for 131 yards, hardly WR1 numbers.

FANTASY INFIRMARY
WR Greg Jennings (knee) – A knee sprain is going to cost the Packers top wideout 2-3 weeks, likely bringing an end to his usefulness for owners in redraft formats. His absence suddenly makes receivers James Jones and Donald Driver fantasy considerations.

RB DeMarco Murray (ankle) – The Cowboys placed the rookie sensation on I.R. earlier this week after he suffered a season-ending fracture in his ankle. Look Felix Jones to see a huge workload down the stretch as Dallas’ RB1.

QB Ben Roethlisberger (ankle) – After spending a good portion of this week in walking boot, Big Ben’s status for Monday night’s showdown with the 49ers is very much in question. His absence would mean a huge hit on the fantasy value of other Steelers.

RB Adrian Peterson (ankle) – Peterson remains limited but is making progress. He has a solid chance at returning to action.

WR Sam Bradford (ankle) – It is becoming apparent that his injury is still a factor. With little to gain, look for the Rams to sit him.

Other injuries of note: Matt Hasselbeck (calf), Kevin Smith (ankle), Mark Ingram (toe), James Starks (ankle)

BIG THINGS AHEAD
Here's a look at four players that stock is on the rise as we look towards 2012…

QB – Matthew Stafford (DET) – Stafford certainly put his name on the map as a legitimate starting fantasy QB. However, he’s cooled off during the second half.  The injuries in the backfield have made Detroit one dimensional and that has led to mediocre days and plenty of turnovers.  The fact he stayed healthy though is a great sign moving forward. Consider him a top 5 QB heading into 2011.

RB – Roy Helu (WAS) – After being stuck in Mike Shanahan’s mind games, Helu has been stellar since taking over as the Redskins’ No. 1 running back. He has put together three straight 100-yard games and has 44 receptions out of the backfield. The rookie is a legitimate top 10 fantasy RB, especially in PPR formats moving forward.

WR – Dez Bryant (DAL) – Despite being a model of inconsistency during his first two years as a pro, Bryant is entering that magical third year for a wide receiver in 2012. Look for him to put it altogether next season in a big way.

TE – Jermaine Gresham (CIN) – Gresham has shown flashes of brilliance this season, but has struggled to stay healthy. With so many exciting young offensive weapons emerging for the Bengals look for him to jump up to the elite tier of fantasy tight ends next year.

Fantasy Football fantasy advice, fantasy 101, start em, sit em, lineup advice, injury report, players to watch

Weekly Average Cheat Sheet (FantasySportsCentral.com) - Cumulative position rankings using several popular websites.

Start/Bench List (FantasySharks.com) - A few players to start or bench for QB, RB, WR and TE with commentary.

Player History (FFToday.com) - Game-by-game lifetime player fantasy points against the team they are playing.

Given Up (RotoExperts.com) - Five Most and Least Favorable Matchups for this upcoming week by position.

Sit 'Em (FFToolbox.com) - These usually solid players are not worth starting this week.

Game by Game (PigskinAddicition.com) - Projected stats, final scores and summaries of this weekends games.

Start Em/Sit Em (SI.com) - Matchup-by-matchup Start, Sit and Injury Watch.

Fantasy Football fantasy advice, fantasy links, lineup advice