It’s time to hand out our Game Balls for this week brought to you by Apex Awards…

QB Game Ball - Matt Ryan - 23/31 299 yards, 3 TDs, 25 rush yards, 1 Rush TD
Many experts predicted a breakout year for Matty Ice, and if his performance in the opening week is any hint, this could be his breakout year. Ryan did it all, and didn't even throw a pick. He threw, at will, it seemed, for three TDs, two to Julio Jones, and even ran one too. He absolutely abused the Kansas City defense.

QB Honorable mention - Robert Griffin III, 19/26 320 yards, 2 TDs (good for a rookie record, and RG3 just may be the real deal).

RB Game Ball - Steven Ridley, 125 rush yards, 1 TD, 2 catches for 27 yards
Lots of choices in this category as several RBs had stellar performances. But Ridley looks like another weapon for Bill Belichick. The Patriots running back got almost all the carries, and made the most of them. This looks like Ridley's job firmly, and this looks like the normal type of fantasy production for Ridley.

RB Honorable mention - Adrian Peterson, 84 yards and 2 TDs. Most were skeptical of what to expect from AP, but he proved everyone wrong who didn't start him.

WR Game Ball - Brandon Marshall, 9 catches for 119 yards, 1 TD
Reunited and it feels so good. That's how Marshall has to feel about being in a Bears uniform with Jay Cutler. Marshall is a must-start fantasy option from here on out.

WR Honorable mention - Stephen Hill, 5 catches, 89 yards, 2 TDs - If you started this rookie on your team, you should probably buy a lottery ticket, and give me your email as I'll look for your fantasy advice next week.

GAME-USED SOCK AWARD
RB - Chris Johnson - Tennessee - 11 rushes for 4 yards
A lot of people took CJ2K as the fourth RB off the board in their drafts. He was predicted to have a breakout year. And then today he does this - 4 yards. FOUR!! Owners of Johnson (I refuse to call him CJ2K any longer) who have him in PPR leagues at least got some redemption as he did manage 6 catches for 47 yards. But still, for someone taken so high, and with so much expected from him, for him to have had such a pathetic performance against a weak opponent in the Patriots, is well, worthy of a big, stinky game-used sock.

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INSIDE THE NUMBERS
Fantasy owners keep waiting for the aging Tony Gonzalez to start a drastic decline, but the veteran continues to produce. Gonzo caught 80 balls for 875 yards and seven TD’s a year ago, his best season as a Falcon, and remained a top-five fantasy option. The 36-year old has missed just two games 15 NFL seasons and has averaged 83.5 receptions for 921.3 yards and 6.5 TD’s since turning thirty. While the age factor remains a risk, the future Hall of Famer should provide great value for owners that don’t go after the young, big-name tight ends in the early rounds.

SCHEDULE
The Falcons strength of schedule is very favorable as their opponents finished 125-131 a year ago, putting them in a tie with the 49ers for the seventh easiest schedule in the league. Interestingly, the Falcons don’t play consecutive games at home or on the road the entire season. For the second straight year the Falcons were given four national TV appearances, giving owners plenty of chance to watch their players. Going against weak NFC South defenses help the Falcons. They rank as the No. 1 schedule for fantasy QB’s and RB’s and eight for WR’s based off last year’s points allowed.

STUDS
It was back-to-back 100-catch campaigns for Roddy White, who led the NFL in targets for the second time in as many years. The veteran was huge down the stretch of the 2011 season, finishing with 53 receptions for 733 yards and five touchdowns over his final seven games. Julio Jones led all rookies with eight TD catches last season, including six in the final four games. Entering his sophomore campaign, Jones will need to prove he can stay healthy, but there’s no questioning his talent. Both Falcons’ wideouts have top 10 potential. White is safe bet and Jones is a high-end fantasy WR2.

DUD
The decline in age is raising concern around Michael Turner. He carried the rock for over 300 times for the third time in four year and produced double-digit touchdowns for the fourth straight season. However, Turner has now hit the dreadful age of 30 for running backs. The Falcons have already stated they will look to cut down on his carries this year in order to keep him healthy. He should still see enough goal line carries to keep up his scoring pace, but the yardage numbers will drop enough to make him a weak RB1 option for fantasy owners.

SLEEPER
For the fourth straight season Matt Ryan enjoyed statistical growth under center for the Falcons, including posting career-high marks in 2011 for passing yards (4,177) and passing touchdowns (29).  With the friendly schedule and the team transitioning to a more pass-oriented offense, expect even better numbers in 2012 for Ryan. His durability and penchant for not turning the ball over (55 turnovers in 62 career starts) make him a safe QB1 option. He may not approach top 5 numbers this season, but with his 66.34 ADP (10th overall quarterback) Ryan will come at a great price for owners looking to get a player on the upswing.

NEW ADDITION
The team dealt many of their top picks in the 2012 draft last year in a move to nab Julio Jones and made very few significant free agent moves. They did acquire veteran cornerback Asante Samuel from the Eagles in an exchange for a seventh-round draft pick.  At 31, Samuel is on the decline and was limited in a crowded Philadelphia secondary a year ago. His 39 interceptions over the past six years is the best mark in the NFL during that span and playing time won’t be a problem in Atlanta. He should provide nice late IDP value and makes the Falcons DEF/ST immediately better as well.

POSITION BATTLE
With the team planning on decreasing Turner’s touches, the battle for No. 2 on the depth chart at running back becomes one of great fantasy interest.  Jason Snelling will compete with Jacquizz Rodgers for playing time. After averaging 114.5 carries over the previous two seasons, Snelling only had 44 rushes in 2011 though he was still involved as a receiver out of the backfield. Rodgers is younger and more explosive though and is expected to be the favorite to be the change-of-pace back and the top handcuff option as he braces for his second season.

BENCH BUILDER
The Falcons have so many weapons that it is easy to overlook the talent of wide receiver Harry Douglas. He made the most of his opportunities last season, tallying 498 yards and a touchdown on 39 receptions. He could become a factor if Atlanta suffers some injury within its passing attack. Even if everyone remains healthy, Douglas’ explosiveness makes his a worthy option in the team’s passing game. Entering his fifth season, the best may still be ahead for Douglas. He’s worth stashing in deeper PPR formats as a WR5 or WR6.

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QB
Matthew Stafford (ankle) - team has deemed him "day-to-day"
Matt Ryan (ankle) - a good bet to return following Week 8 bye
Sam Bradford (ankle) - team likely to use caution with a 0-6 record

RB
Darren McFadden (foot) - hopes to return following Week 8 bye
Willis McGahee (hand) - likely to miss multiple games following surgery
Beanie Wells (knee) - no timetable set yet for his return
Tim Hightower (knee) - out for season with ACL injury
Mark Ingram (heel) - day-to-day with bruised heal
Mike Tolbert (hamstring, hand) - does not appear to be serious
Earnest Graham (Achilles) - out for season after surgery Monday
Joseph Addai (hamstring) - left game after aggrevating hamstring
Felix Jones (ankle) - likely to be held out of Week 8's action
Marshawn Lynch (back) - status for Sunday's game vs. CIN unclear

WR
Andre Johnson (hamstring) - could possibly return this week
Greg Jennings (hand) - appears to be a bruise and not a fracture
Santana Moss (hand) - out for 5-7 weeks after leaving Sunday's game
Hines Ward (ankle) - status for Week 8 unclear at this point
Danario Alexander (hamstring) - had MRI on Monday, stay tuned
Percy Harvin (ribs) - set for MRI after sitting out second half
Mohamed Massaquoi (concussion) - questionable for Week 8 vs. SF

TE
Ben Watson (concussion) - questionable for Week 8 vs. SF

Fantasy Football, NFL postgame injury report, week 6, matt ryan, matthew stafford

This is the point of the draft where every player has baggage, but also where gems can be found:

RECAPS: Round One | Round Two | Round Three | Round Four | Round Five

ROUND SIX 61. BROERING - TE K. Winslow (TB) 62. SIMON - QB M. Ryan (ATL) 63. DINSMORE - WR A. Bryant (TB) 64. BRYANT - RB C. Wells (ARI) 65. WETZEL - WR E. Royal (DEN) 66. SCHMITT - RB W. Parker (PIT) 67. SIMS - WR B. Edwards (CLE) 68. MURDICO - QB M. Schaub (HOU) 69. ANSELMO - WR A. Gonzalez (IND) 70. CLASGENS - RB K. Moreno (DEN) 71. FISCHER - TE O. Daniels (HOU) 72. HUMBERT - RB D. Ward (TB)

ROUND SEVEN 73. HUMBERT - WR L. Evans (BUF) 74. FISCHER - RB F. Jones (DAL) 75. CLASGENS - WR D. Driver (GB) 76. ANSELMO - WR L. Moore (NO) 77. MURDICO - WR S. Holmes (PIT) 78. SIMS - QB J. Cutler (CHI) 79. SCHMITT - WR L. Coles (CIN) 80. WETZEL - WR H. Ward (PIT) 81. BRYANT - TE C. Cooley (WAS) 82. DINSMORE - TE G. Olsen (CHI) 83. SIMON - WR S. Moss (WAS) 84. BROERING - RB J. Lewis (CLE)

MY PICKS: I added a third running back and a third receiver in Rounds Six and Seven by nabbing Knowshon Moreno and Donald Driver. One of these two guys will be my starting flex option. Moreno has competition in Denver, but I think he's going to have the most immediate impact of the rookie runners. I love him as a RB3, but he may not get going quickly enough to be a lock as a RB2. Driver is not flashy, but he is consistent. With Aaron Rodgers being so highly regarded you have to figure Drive is safe pick here and will provide nice depth.

BEST VALUE PICKS: Matt Ryan (nice pick this late); Anthony Gonzalez (ready to step up w/Harrison gone); Felix Jones (will see increased role in Dallas); Greg Olsen (on the rise).

MOST LIKELY TO DISAPPOINT: Antonio Bryant (QB questions); Willie Parker (declining role); Santana Moss (too inconsistent); Jamal Lewis (tank is empty).

FINAL TAKE: These rounds are the most fun to me. You are still drafting guys that will start regularly in many cases so the margin for error is slim. Typically, I go for younger players with more upside at this point. However, I had to settle for a veteran in Driver after some of the young receivers I was targetting fell off the board.

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Some parting shots from the first weekend of the NFL playoffs:

*I forgot what is was like to watch commericals during NFL games, oh how I already miss the NFL Ticket and the Red Zone Channel

*Matt Ryan had a great season and has single-handedly turned out the fortunes of the Falcons' franchise, but stopping RB Michael Turner is still the key to beating Atlanta. The Cardinals' defense suprisingly held him to 42 yards on 18 carries. For the record Ryan finished the game 26 of 40 for 199 yards and 2 TD's, but he also threw two big picks.

*Larry Fitzgerald is the best receiver in the NFL...period. The TD catch he made was amazing, but it is just one of many he had during the season.

*The Colts can't win playoff games without a running game. Joseph Addai only mustered 44 yards on 16 carries. Running the football is a must in winning come playoff time.

*L.T. is done. I don't see him ever returning to his former self. Do you think the Chargers would like to have Michael Turner back now?

*Darren Sproles is the man - and was a stellar sleeper pick in my playoff fantasy football lineup! He produced the third most total yards in playoff history, including 105 yards rushing on 23 carries and 2 TD's!

*How did Phillip Rivers miss the Pro Bowl?

*The Ravens were my sleeper pick of all of the wildcard teams. Their defense is nearly as good as their 2000 unit that won the Super Bowl. Their running game can wear any team down and rookie quartberback Joe Flacco is much better than Trent Dilfer. Can you say Super Bowl? Let's not get too carried away yet, but it wouldn't suprise if it happened.

*Flacco became the third rookie QB to win their first post-season start. Everybody knows Ben Roethlisberger did it, but I completely forgot about Shaun King (Tampa Bay 2001), where did he go?

*Chad Pennington had a great season and certainly deserved his second Comeback Player of the Year award, but on Sunday he remembered that he indeed was Chad Pennington.

*If the Vikings are serious about winning they cannot go in to next season with Tavaris Jackson and Gus Frerotte as their quarterbacks.

*It's hard to believe that a little more than a month ago the Eagles actually benched Donovan McNabb. Expect both him and head coach Andy Reid to return to Philly in '09.

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Just a few observations from the final Sunday of NFL regular season action:

• DETROIT FIRST EVER TO GO 0-16 - The Lions did it! We finally have an 0-16 team. One year after we witnessed our first 16-0 team ever, we now have an 0-16 team as the Lions lost in Green Bay 31-21. The Lions haven't won since Dec. 23, 2007, actually, when they beat the Kansas City Chiefs. And Green Bay is where this woeful streak began at the end of last season. Since then, the Lions have lost 17 straight and been outscored 551-281.
  
  
• PENNINGTON GETS LAST LAUGH - I am a big Brett Favre fan and I really do think that I saw him play his last game ever today. Still, I was rooting for Pennington to come back to the Meadowlands and claim the division title in front of the fans that were so happy to replace him with the future Hall of Famer to start the season. The bonus came with Miami's win also eliminating the Patriots from the playoffs for the first time since 2002. Tony Romo proves once again that he can't handle the pressure of a big game.
  
  
• COWBOYS SUFFFER WORST LOSS IN FRANCHISE HISTORY - After both the Bucs and Bears blew their chances to put pressure on the Cowboys, the Eagles learned just before the kickoff of their game that a win over Dallas would give them the NFC's final playoff berth. The Eagles embarassed the Dallas Cowboys, who I've said all year long is the league's most overrated team. They proved it on Sunday as they lost 44-6 with their season on the line.
  
  
• BLOWING IT DOWN THE STRETCH - If you look at the four teams that missed out on the playoffs on Sunday that at one point looked like a lock - the Cowboys, Bears, Bucs, and Jets - you see one consistent trend. Disappointing finishes. Over the last five weeks of the season the teams mentioned above went 6-14. Enough said. I don't think Lovie Smith or Jon Gruden are going anywhere, but it wouldn't surprise me to see the ax come down with any of these teams.
  
  
• RESTING STARTERS NOT A BAD IDEA - I am not a big fan of how it robs me of a good week of fantasy football, but you can't argue with coaches that sit their players with the playofs in hand. Mike Tomlin is wishing he would have pulled the plug on Ben Roethlisberger before he got knocked out of the game with a concussion. The look on Tomlin's face when his franchise quarterback was on the turf for nearly ten minutes said it all. Big Ben suffered a concussion and should be alright in two weeks when the Steelers next play.
  
  
• FALCONS, RAVENS RIDE THEIR ROOKIE QB'S - Nothing is more impressive than the 1-15 turnaroud Miami had to win the AFC East. Still, I couldn't end this blog post without mentioning how amazed I am that both Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco led the Falcons and Ravens to wildcard berths respectively. I didn't give either team much of a chance to compete this year, especially with rookie quarterbacks. I don't expect either team to go too deep into the playoffs, but I learned my lesson and won't take them for granted either. Both teams are very much capabale of beating their first round opponents next.

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Here's some notes on the Pro Bowl selections (from Rotoworld.com):

--The Jets led all teams with seven players (Brett Favre, Thomas Jones, Alan Faneca, Nick Mangold, Leon Washington, Kris Jenkins, Darrelle Revis). Favre makes it despite -- brace yourselves now -- leading the league with 17 picks.

--Giants' Kicker John Carney (44) is the oldest Pro Bowler ever.

--After sending eight players last year, only two New England Patriots made it (first-timers Wes Welker and Stephen Gostkowski).

--Tennessee's Chris Johnson was the only rookie selection.

--You may think Joey Porter is a mouthy knucklehead, but he and his AFC-leading 17.5 sacks deserved a spot, while Dolphins teammate…

--...Ronnie Brown simply didn't. 10 TDs (4 in that fluky 'Wildcat-gone-wild!' game) were nice, but he has only three 100-plus-yard games and only one other game topping even 70 yards. Steve Slaton, Marshawn Lynch and even LaDainian Tomlinson deserved it more.

--The Bengals, Jags, Rams and Lions had zero reps. Shocker.

--Notable snubs: Atlanta's John Abraham (3rd in sacks with 15), Philip Rivers (#1 in passer rating/tied for #1 with 28 TDs, and Cutler goes?), Matt Ryan (Eli?), DeAngelo Williams (1,229 yards/14 TDs and they choose Portis?), Calvin Johnson, Brandon Jacobs, Chad Pennington (The Matt Ryan of the AFC…c'mon, Favre?). And Dallas Clark should have edged Antonio Gates.

COMPLETE PRO BOWL ROSTERS

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Andre Johnson, WR, Houston - 11 catches, 207 yards, 1 TD
Johnson has been a top receiver all season and took his game to a higher level against the Titans on Sunday. His big game help the Texans give Tennessee just its second loss of the year. Matt Schaub finished with 284 yards and Steve Slaton had 100 on the ground. The Houston defense stymied the Titans who were held to just four field goals. While the game may not have an affect on the post-season it could go along way to help the confidence of a good, young Texans squad.

Tavaris Jackson, QB, Minnesota - 11/17, 163 yards, 4 TD
Okay, so Adrian Peterson had 165 yards on 28 carries - he's supposed to do that. The real story for the Vikings was Jackson. Not only did he throw four touchdown passes, he did not turn the ball over. Each of his four scores went to different players and none of them were Peterson. If this team makes the post-season it will be because of its running game and solid defense. But today Jackson showed he can manage the game when he needs to.

Phillip Rivers, QB, San Diego - 34/48, 346 yards, 2 TD, 1 Int
The Chargers squeaked out a win in Kansas City and kept their playoff hopes alive thanks to a late charge led by Rivers. Both his touchdown passes came in the fourth quarter and really for most of the game the Chargers did not look good. LaDainian Tomlinson ran for just 39 yards and the defense looked porous once again. But the Chargers can still win their division thanks to the win and a Broncos loss.

Marshawn Lynch, RB, Buffalo - 21 carries, 127 yards
While the Bills woes continue, Lynch continues to put up solid numbers. He was not expected to do much against a tough Jets defense but they weren't exactly on their game on Sunday. Other than Lynch, few players did well in this one. The quarterbacks combined for just 355 yards and five interceptions. Yet there were 58 points scored. Either way Lynch is a stud and should continue to produce for a long time in Buffalo.

Dallas Clark, TE, Indianapolis - 12 catches, 142 yards, 1 TD
The Colts kept on rolling in Detroit thanks to a big day from just about everybody. Peyton Manning finished with 318 yards and the one score to Clark. Reggie Wayne seven passes for 104 yards. And in place of an injured Josepg Addai, Dominic Rhodes ran for 86 yards and two touchdowns. The defense may have been suspect, giving up 21 points to the winless Lions. But still, few teams will want to face the Colts in the post-season.

Michael Turner, RB, Atlanta - 32 carries, 152 yards, 1 TD
Turner and the Falcons took advantage of a Buccaneers defense that suddenly looks like a sieve. (It has a lot of holes and things go through it easily.) Tampa's post-season hopes are beginning to fade as the Atlanta's are getting brighter. Matt Ryan was not as sharp as he has been, finishing with just 206 yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions. But with a running game of Turner and Jerius Norwood who needs to throw the ball?

Matt Cassel, QB, New England - 18/30, 218 yards, 4 TD, 1 Int
The Patriots scored seven touchdowns against the hapless Raiders. And while Cassel deserves plenty of credit, it is important to note that the Pats ran for 277 yards. Sammy Morris had 117, LaMont Jordan 97, Kevin Faulk 45 and Cassel 18. All of those running backs scored and so did Wes Welker and Randy Moss, twice. And while the Raiders mounted a comeback this game looked a lot like the ones the 2007 Patriots played.

Steve Smith, WR, Carolina - 9 catches, 165 yards, 1 TD
The Panthers may be the best team in the NFL. First, there's Smith who continues to put up monster numbers. His game helps Jake Delhomme look good. he finished with 253 yards and the score to Smith. DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart combined for 140 rushing yards and each scored. And the defense held the high-powered Broncos to just 10 points. So they can throw, they can run and they can stop the other team. Yeah, they're good.

Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Pittsburgh - 22/40, 246 yards, 1 TD
Big Ben threw for 85 yards in the Steelers final drive to pick up a big win in Baltimore. He hooked up with Santonio Holmes with just 43 seconds left to give Pittsburgh the win and the AFC North crown. Hines Ward also had a huge day with 107 yards on eight catches. And the defense did their job, holding the Ravens to just three field goals. If the Panthers aren't the best team in football then it's only because the Steelers are.


The Game Used Sock Award
Clinton Portis, RB, Washington - 25 carries, 77 yards
It was not that long ago that Portis was leading the league in rushing and the Redskins were thinking 'playoffs'. Well, a lot has changed in a few weeks. His 77 yards against the Bengals was the most he had in three games and the second highest total for him in six games. And Washington has lost all but one of those. To top it off, Portis has not scored since October 19. Heck, Ryan Fitzpatrick had a rushing touchdown against his team on Sunday! I, for one, am happy to have traded Portis in one of my leagues a few weeks ago. Sure, I missed the playoffs in that league but at least I'm not sharing a dirty sock with Portis today. (I put mine on a month ago.)

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Did you miss this week's Fantasy Playbook as I go on with Lance McAlister on 1530 Homer the Sports Animal? Either way here's my notes from the show...

WHERE WILL THEY FALL? (Draft Outlook) – Some Intriguing Options In ’09?
Matt Ryan (ATL) – The rookie has impressed for sure. He has given owners multiple TD’s in 5 of his last 7, but he’ll need to get more consistent to join the elite. I will have somewhere between No. 8 and No. 12 on the Cheat Sheet which makes him next year’s Jay Cutler and somewhere around a late 4th to 5th round pick.

Pierre Thomas (NO) – The 23-year old has a bright future and has blown up with 6 touchdowns over the past 4 weeks and can take over the job in New Orleans if he finishes strong. The jury is still out, but if I were drafting today I wouldn’t be afraid to pull the trigger on him in Round 3.

Cadillac Williams (TB) – The Bucs’ system can produce fantasy success and his progress back to this point has been amazing. Williams has the potential to be a steal anywhere after the fourth round, particularly if the Bucs do little in the off-season to change the landscape of their backfield.

Braylon Edwards (CLE) – Coming off a season in which he made 17 trips to the end zone, Edwards has easily been one of the biggest busts in fantasy football this year. Still, I like his upside and the idea of Brady Quinn developing more chemistry with him. He could be a steal in the mid-rounds of the draft next year.

Dustin Keller (NYJ) – The rookie has gotten better as the season has progressed. Since week 9 Keller has 31 receptions for 346 yards. With a full season under his belt he could emerge as a top 5 player at the position in ’09, particularly if Brett Favre, who loves throwing to tight ends, returns to the Jets.

INJURIES TO WATCH
Clinton Portis (knee, hip, neck) – Amazingly Portis is not on the Redskins’ injury report and appears ready to run against the Bengals. The ‘Skins offensive line is hurting, but No. 26 is still a No. 1 option in Week 15 at RB.

Frank Gore (ankle) – Gore missed practice for the second straight day on Thursday and is a full-fledged game-time decision for Sunday’s 1:00 start at Miami. If he starts, he’s safe to play. If not, DeShaun Foster will try to shoulder the load for San Fran. I find a better option though if that happens.

Joseph Addai (IND) – the Colts’ running back could play, but with the Lions paying a trip to Indy why risk it? Look for Dominic Rhodes to see the bulk of the workload in this match-up.

Marion Barber (toe, calf) – making progress, but still not 100% and very much a game-time decision for Sunday night’s showdown in the Big D with the Giants. Tashard Choice will get the call again if Barber sits.

Brandon Jacobs (knee) – it’s looking more and more as if the Giants will take caution and sit Jacobs. The official word won’t come to later this weekend, but I am expecting Derrick Ward to get the call on Sunday night.

WEEK 15 VALUE PACK
QB – Tyler Thigpen (vs. SD) – He threw for 266 yards and three touchdowns in Week 10’s match-up with the Chargers and  9 TD passes over his last five games. Another good effort appears to be in order this time around.

RB – Maurice Morris (@StL) – Morris was given the bulk of the carries in Week 14 for the Seahawks and if that happens again in Week 15, the veteran makes for a sneaky flex play against a Rams’ defense that cedes 30.4 fantasy points per game to running backs. Don’t get crazy with him, but if you are in a pinch grab him.

WR – Davone Bess (vs. SF) - Over the past three games, Bess has caught 20 passes for a combined 245 yards, including a 9-catch performance in last week against the Bills. I like his chances as the Dolphins host a San Fran defense that has allowed 24.9 fantasy points per game to wideouts.

TE – Donald Lee (@Jax) – He has caught a touchdown in three of his last four games, including a 20-yard strike in Week 14. If you are looking for a waiver wire pickup to start look no further than the Packers’ tight end.

DEF – Redskins (@ Cin) – It’s not rocket science, but any defense match-up against an injury-plagued Bengals’ offense equals fantasy success. The Redskins should continue that trend in Week 15.

**CATCH THE SHOW ON 1530HOMER.COM - Click on Thursday's 4:00 hour (4:30 weekly)**

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Brian Westbrook, RB, Philadelphia - 33 carries, 131 yards, 1 TD, 6 catches, 72 yards, 1 TD
The Eagles running back has been a big disappointment this season. He's battled injuries and has struggled along with almost all of his teammates. But it looks as if Westbrook is back and, believe it or not, the Eagles are still alive in the NFC. Donovan McNabb still doesn't look great with only 191 passing yards on the day. But the Philly Defense showed up and held the Giants to just one offensive touchdown. The Eagles may need to win out to make the playoffs and with Westbrook playing like he did on Sunday they just might make it.

Matt Schuab, QB, Houston - 28/42, 414 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT
After missing a month with a knee injury Schaub returned to the field big time against the Packers. Kevin Walter got things started for Schaub and the Texans with an early 58 yard touchdown. He finished the day with 146 yards on six catches. Tight End Owen Daniels also caught six balls for 65 yards. Andre Johnson was a bit quiet with just 55 yards from four catches but he did score a late touchdown. At 6 and 7 the Texans are shooting for their first winning season and even if they come up short, they certainly have the nucleus on offense to do hit it next year.

Wes Welker, WR, New England - 12 catches, 134 yards, 2 pt. conversion
The Patriots survived a scare in Seattle thanks in large part to their little receiver. Welker had nearly half of the teams' catches and exactly half of Matt Cassel's passing yards. Cassel completed 26 of 44 passes for 268 yards for those that don't do math. More importantly for the Patriots, he did not throw an interception. While the victory kept New England alive in the playoff race, the team is still looking for a running game and the defense did not look good against a struggling Seattle squad. But winning ugly is still winning.

Roddy White, WR, Atlanta - 10 catches, 164 yards
Not only did White have twice as many catches and yards than any player on either the Falcons or the Saints, Matt Ryan out-threw Drew Brees by 85 yards. So, you'd think the Falcons won, right? Well think again. The Saints picked up a win thanks to the running of Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush. The two combined for 215 total yards and three touchdowns. So the Falcons threw more than the Saints but the Saints won by running the ball? Go figure.

Chris Johnson, RB, Tennessee - 19 carries, 136 yards, 1 TD, 4 catches, 30 yards
Despite a few mistakes by their quarterback, the Titans won their twelfth game of the season on Sunday. Kerry Collins was picked twice by the Browns, but it did not amount to much. The Titans defense held Cleveland to just three field goals while Collins just handed the ball off to his two backs. Along with Johnson, LenDale White had 99 yards on 24 carries and also scored. Want to do some more math? Awesome running game + solid defense = 12-1 record.

Brandon Marshall, WR, Denver - 11 catches, 91 yards, 2 TD
After losing three straight at home, the Broncos took care of business against the Chiefs. Their running game took another hit as Peyton Hillis left the game with an injury. But the 2008 Denver offense is all about throwing the ball. Jay Cutler completed 32 of 40 passes for 286 yards and the two touchdowns to Marshall. Tony Scheffler finished with 61 yards on five catches. Eddie Royal caught six balls for 42 yards.


THE GAME-USED SOCK AWARD
Tony Romo, QB, Dallas - 19/36, 210 yards, 1 TD, 3 INT
It may seem harsh to give a Dirty Sock Award to a guy facing the league's best defense, on the road and in the cold. And Romo's numbers certainly are not the worst by a quarterback on Sunday. But those guys aren't Romo and don't play for "America's Team." And if you watched any of this game you may recall that there were many passes by Romo that weren't close to anyone. Not tips or slips or flubs. Just passes to nowhere. And if you don't believe me, wait until you hear T.O. talk to reporters this week. Anyway, the Cowboys have more than a few things to work on before they are going to the post-season. And now Romo has to work with a stinky sock. (Maybe he can shove it Owens' mouth for a while - or anywhere else for that matter.

Fantasy Football, NFL brian westbrook, donovan mcnabb, matt schaub, kevin walter, owen daniels, andre johnson, wes welker, matt cassel, roddy white, matt ryan, drew brees, chris johnson, kerry collins, lendale white, brandon marshall, jay cutler, tony scheffler, eddie royal, tony romo