QUARTERBACKS
Stud – Cam Newton (CAR): When it comes to the fantasy playoffs I am a big proponent of riding the hot hand. No quarterback has been hotter of late than the Panthers’ QB.  Over the past five weeks of play Newton has averaged 30.6 fantasy points per game throwing for 10 TD’s and just two interceptions while rushing for 293 yards and three more scores during that span. The matchup versus San Diego isn’t the best on the board, but they have given up an average of two passing scores per game during the same time period.

Dud – Tony Romo (DAL): Like Newton, Romo has been playing great football of late. However, the Cowboy has struggled in games where teams are able to apply pressure. The Bengals brought it last week and it resulted in Romo’s most pedestrian fantasy output since his Week 5 bye. Pittsburgh is banged up in the secondary and got shredded by Phillip Rivers last week, but something tells me Dick LeBeau has got something up his sleeve here. If Dez Bryant isn’t much of a factor, Romo becomes even less appealing.

Sleeper – Colin Kaepernick (SF): The Patriots have emerged as Super Bowl contenders once again and their defense has proven to be one to help fantasy owners. However, they still rank 30th in the league against the pass and are having problems getting pressure on the quarterback. Kaepernick hasn’t put up explosive numbers, but the upside is there. With Tom Brady and the Pats pressing the issue, look for more pass attempts than normal for the 49ers’ signal caller and with the yardage totals we’ve come to expect that could translate him into being a top 10 play in Week 15.

RUNNING BACKS
Stud – Jamal Charles (KC): The Chief has registered 100 or more total yards in each of his past five games and only Adrian Peterson, Arian Foster and Doug Martin have produced more points during that timeframe.  Only the Saints have given up more fantasy points to the position for the season than the Raiders, who’ve allowed five scores and 827 total yards to running backs since Week 10. Charles is an elite RB1 option for the fantasy playoff semifinals.

Dud – Michael Turner (ATL): It’s tough to tell folks to sit a guy that has scored in four straight and five of his last six contests, but even owners in standard formats will be hard-pressed to get much of out the veteran in Week 15. His fantasy value is as much TD-dependent as it has ever been. He’s only broke the 46-yard mark once since Week 9 and his is only averaging 12 carries per game during that span. The Giants’ D has locked running back out of the endzone of late ceding only one rushing score over their past four.

Sleeper – Joique Bell (DET): Bell has been rocky steady for PPR owners for some time as a flex option and his value is rising down the stretch. The team has worked him into a virtual split of carries with starter with Mikel Leshoure. While Leshoure is still a better for a score, Bell is seeing work near the goal line as well now and has become a reliable option the passing game for Matthew Stafford with injuries depleting the depth chart. Facing a Cardinals’ defense that has allowed more points to fantasy running backs over the last five weeks than any other team makes him a nice play in Week 15.

WIDE RECEIVERS
Stud – Vincent Jackson (TB): Jackson is enjoying the best season of his career and enters Week 15 just 23 yards shy of setting a new career mark. His 88-yard per game and 20.4 yards per catch output always makes him an appealing option, but touchdowns haven not come as easily. He’s made his way in the end zone just once over his last three games and twice his last five times out. That should change this week though as he faces a New Orleans defense that has allowed 18 touchdowns to wideouts, including one to Jackson himself in Week 7 to go along with his seven catches for 216 yards.

Dud – Larry Fitzgerald (ARZ): It comes as no surprise that Fitz shows up here once again. I been telling people to bench him for weeks, yet he still is finding his way into some owners lineups based on his name. There is no questioning his talent, but if you haven’t noticed he’d be better off with me throwing him the football. The matchup isn’t bad against Detroit, but after being held to just one catch in three of his last four outings with 67 yards over that period and having scored just once in his past seven games Fitzgerald can be nowhere near your starting lineup.

Sleeper – Josh Gordon (CLE): Gordon has turned 20 targets into 14 receptions, 220 yards and a touchdown over the last two weeks against Oakland and Kansas City. Now the rookie gets another favorable matchup as the Redskins pay a visit to the Dawg Pound. The Redskins have played better on defense of late, but they’ve still ceded 15 scores to wide receivers on the season and Gordon is a good bet to push that number up. He’s a low-end WR2 with high upside in this matchup.

TIGHT END
Stud – Martellus Bennett (NYG): Over the last three weeks only two tight ends have produced more fantasy points than Bennett in standard leagues. He has pulled in 13 of his 18 targets for 158 yards and a pair of scores. Over the past five weeks only the Saints have given more fantasy points to the position than the 12.9 fantasy points per game that the Falcons have ceded. In a game that has the makings of a shootout owners should not hesitate to insert Bennett into their lineups.

Dud – Jermichael Finley (GB): Even though he’s improved of late, Finley is a tough player to endorse in Week 15 against the Bears. The Packers’ tight end has only scored in two games all year and has been held to three or fewer catches in eight of his last nine contests. He managed just four catches for 24 yards versus the Bears in Week 2. If you take away his 3-TD game versus Chicago in September of 2011, Finley has only scored once in seven other starts against his NFC North foes.

Sleeper – Dallas Clark (TB): Clark is coming off one of his worst performances of the season last week against the Eagles, but he’s still scored three times over his last five games. He scored and caught five balls for 51 yards in Week 7 versus the Saints and will look to do so again on Sunday. New Orleans has ceded six TD’s to tight ends this year with five of them coming over the last five weeks. Clark has top 10 upside in this matchup.

Fantasy Football fantasy advice, week 15, lineup advice, studs, duds, sleepers

QUARTERBACKS
Stud – Josh Freeman (TB): Since his bye in Week 5 Freeman has thrown for multiple TD passes in seven of eight contests, proving to be one of the most consistent fantasy producers at the position. Now he faces a reeling Eagles’ pass defense that has ceded more fantasy points to QB’s over the last five weeks than any other team. Philly has allowed an average of 251 yards through the air along with 12 TD’s and no interceptions during that span.

Dud – Andy Dalton (CIN): After a three-game tear the Bengals’ signal caller came back to earth a bit in Week 13 versus San Diego. Now he’s set to face a much better Cowboys’ secondary. Dallas has allowed nine passing scores over their last three games, but for the season has fared much better. Dalton still has the potential to post solid numbers in Week 14, but I am opting to look elsewhere.

Sleeper – Matt Schaub (HOU): Schaub has passed for 1,668 yards and 13 touchdowns during Houston's six-game winning streak. He should find some success against a Patriots’ defense that gives up about 280 yards per game through the air. The Texans are going to have to keep pace with Tom Brady and that suggests more attempts than normal for Schaub. More attempts usually leads to bigger numbers.

RUNNING BACKS
Stud – Ahmad Bradshaw (NYG): Playing without Andre Brown (put on IR) for the first time, Bradshaw turned in his third 100-yard rushing effort of the season last week in a loss to the Redskins. The touchdown numbers are down, but with Brown out the goal line carries are to come. Rookie David Wilson was used sparingly last week, leaving the majority of the workload for Bradshaw. That bodes well in Week 14’s tilt with the Saints, who’ve allowed more fantasy points to running backs this season than any other team.

Dud – Ryan Mathews (SD): After watching Mathews finish with a season-low nine carries in last week’s loss to the Bengals, frustrated owners should move on from Mathews. There’s never been a doubt about his talent, but it hasn’t translated into fantasy production in 2012. With a matchup with the top-rated Steelers’ rushing defense on tap it’s just too risky to roll with the Chargers running back now the fantasy playoffs have started.

Sleeper – Vick Ballard (IND): With Donald Brown ruled out for Week 14 due to an ankle injury, Ballard appears to be a viable low-end RB2/flex option versus the Titans. He’ll handle the full workload for Indy and is facing a defensive unit that has ceded 22.4 fantasy points (third most in league) to running backs this year.

WIDE RECEIVERS
Stud – Pierre Garcon (WAS): Garcon may still be battling with pain, but the numbers aren’t reflecting it. Over the past two weeks he’s targeted a team-high 17 times by Robert Griffin III while tallying 12 catches for 192 yards and a pair of touchdowns.  The matchup vs. the Ravens isn’t the best, but Baltimore is giving up 159.2 yards per game over their last five to wide receivers and has allowed three TD’s during that span. Start Garcon with confidence.

Dud – Jeremy Maclin (PHI): Maclin is the last man standing in Philly’s passing attack and while that has led to opportunities, it has also caused him to draw more attention from opposing defenses. His numbers of late have been steady, but not spectacular. This week’s matchup with the Bucs looks promising as they’ve allowed six TD’s to wideouts over the last four. Still, Maclin is more of a high-risk, high-reward play than a lock. If you have better and more reliable options they should be considered.

Sleeper – Chris Givens (STL): With Danny Amendola hobbled, the Rams’ rookie receiver is beginning to shine. Even if Amendola works his way back look for Givens to stay involved. He has caught 16 balls for 207 yards and a touchdown over the last two games and now gets to face a Buffalo defense that has watched wide receivers cross the goal line 15 times this year, including at least one score in three straight to the position. He has top 25 potential in Week 14, with even higher upside.

TIGHT END
Stud – Kyle Rudolph (MIN): Rudolph made his way into the end zone for the third straight week and finished with team-high six catches and 51 yards in the Vikings’ loss at Green Bay. If you throw out his three-week stretch (Week 7-9) in the middle of the season where he disappeared in the team’s offense, Rudolph has registered 43 catches for 395 yards and eight touchdowns over eight games. He should continue to be viewed as low-end TE1 option and will continue to see increased targets with Percy Harvin remains sidelined.

Dud – Vernon Davis (SF): In two games with Colin Kaepernick under center as the 49ers’ starter Davis has totaled just two catches for 15 yards. Twice in the past six games he’s been held without a catch.  Miami has only allowed two scores to tight ends all season and unless he’s gets a TD it’s hard to see Davis proving to be useful.

Sleeper – Marcedes Lewis (JAC): The Jets have only allowed tight ends 98 yards total over the last three weeks and have been one of the stingiest defenses to the position all season. However, Lewis is clearly in sync with the Jaguars’ new QB, Chad Henne. With Cecil Shorts’ status in doubt expect him to get plenty of targets in this game. He’s a low-end option, but one that does have a fair amount of upside.

Fantasy Football fantasy advice, week 14, lineup advice, studs, duds, sleepers

QUARTERBACKS
Stud – Tony Romo (DAL): The Cowboys’ signal caller has eclipsed the 300-yard passing mark four times over his past five games and tossed eight touchdown passes in that span. He clearly is in sync with Dez Bryant and with Demarco Murray targeting a return the entire offense should enjoy a bit of a boost. The Eagles have allowed more fantasy points (28.0) per game to quarterbacks over the past five weeks than any other team in the league. Look for Romo to continue his hot play on Sunday.

Dud – Jay Cutler (CHI): Even with questions swirling in their secondary the Seahawks’ D has enough thump up front to raise concerns with the Bears’ poor passing blocking. Cutler hasn’t hit the 300-yard mark since Week 1 and has had just one multiple TD effort since Week 5. Though he could find some success, there are just too many options with higher upside now that all the byes are over for Cutler to be considered a starting option on any fantasy team.

Sleeper – Chad Henne (JAC): With seven passing touchdowns over his last 10 quarters of play, Henne has breathed some life into the Jacksonville offense. There was some concern earlier in the week when both Cecil Shorts (hamstring) and Justin Blackmon (hamstring) pulled up with injuries, but it appears that both receivers will be ready to go at Buffalo. Assuming weather doesn’t play a large role (high winds/rain in forecast), Henne is a good bet for 250+ yards and multiple scores against a Bills’ defense that has ceded 22.7 fantasy points per game to QB’s.

RUNNING BACKS
Stud – Frank Gore (SF): With Kendall Hunter placed on I.R. earlier this week look for the 49ers to go to Gore early and often on Sunday. With the added wrinkle of Colin Kaepernick for the Rams’ to contend with look for running lanes to open up for the veteran back. Gore has scored 12 touchdowns in 12 career games against the Rams and tallied 115 total yards and a score against them is his Week 10 meeting.

Dud – Darren McFadden (OAK): McFadden made it through limited practices all week and all signs point to a return Sunday against the Browns. Even before the high-ankle sprain that caused him to miss the last three games, McFadden was averaging a career-low 3.3 yards per carry. With Marcel Reece playing well look for the Raiders to ease DMC back into mix, which could lead to modest numbers here.

Sleeper – DeAngelo Williams (CAR): With Jonathan Stewart dealing with a high-ankle sprain, the stars are aligning for DeAngelo Williams to see increased carries at Kansas City on Sunday. There’s no questioning Williams talent, but he’s seldom used enough to be counted on. While Cam Newton and Mike Tolbert will continue to vulture goal line carries, Williams should see enough work elsewhere to be a relevant low-end RB2/flex play against a Chiefs’ defense that gives up 160.1 total yards per game to running backs.

WIDE RECEIVERS
Stud – Hakeem Nicks (NYG): The Giants’ wideout has earned my confidence after pulling in 14 catches for 152 and a touchdown over his past two games. He finally appears to be near 100 percent, or at least as close as he’s going to get to a full bill of health this season. He should be able to produce healthy stats against a Redskins’ secondary that gives up 301 yards per game through the air and allows 28.1 fantasy points per contest to wide receivers.

Dud – Greg Jennings (GB): Jennings is expected to return to action on Sunday for the Packers for the first time since leaving the game early in Week 4 due to groin and abdominal issues. While it’s a good sign he’s back that patient owners may be rewarded with playoff production. Still, it is strongly recommend that owners take a wait-and-see approach with the veteran before plugging him into their lineups.

Sleeper – Pierre Garcon (WAS): Though he’s not fully recovered from a foot injury, Garcon is a solid WR2 option in Week 13 versus the Giants. His 59-yard TD catch vs. the Cowboys on Thanksgiving showed that even at less than 100 percent he’s capable of big plays catching the ball from RGIII. Week 13 will be his third game back in the fold and with few setbacks he’s a top 25 wideout heading into Sunday.

TIGHT END
Stud – Jermaine Gresham (CIN): At a position that lacks consistency, Gresham has proven to be a reliable source of weekly fantasy production in recent weeks. He’s scored twice over the past three games and the Chargers have watched tight ends land in the endzone twice in their past three games. With the Bengals losing Mohammed Sanu (foot) for the season, look for an uptick in targets for Gresham on Sunday.

Dud – Antonio Gates (SD):  After watching Gates only tally four receptions for 40 yards over his past two games, it’s hard endorsing him in Week 13 against a Bengals’ defense that is going to wreak havoc on the Chargers’ banged up offensive line. Rivers is going to need some more blockers and that could limit the use of tight ends in the passing attack. Gates in on the decline and owners shouldn’t let him take their team with them.

Sleeper – Rob Housler (ARZ): Rookie Ryan Lindley is slated to start again this week for the Cardinals. That spells good things for the Cardinals tight end. Housler was Lindley’s safety net last week, registering eight catches on 11 targets. He’s been on our watch list all season and double-digit fantasy points in three of his last four and a matchup versus the Jets, who’ve allowed the sixth most fantasy points per game (9.1) to the position through 11 games this season.

Fantasy Football fantasy advice, week 13, lineup advice, studs, duds, sleepers

QUARTERBACKS
Stud – Andy Dalton (CIN): Dalton has thrown for seven touchdowns in the last two weeks and now he gets a Raiders’ D that has watched quarterbacks throw for three scores in back-to-back weeks and that allows the fifth-most fantasy points to the position on the season. With all the talk surrounding Carson Palmer’s return to Cincinnati look for the Bengals’ new quarterback to steal the show.

Dud – Nick Foles (PHI): Eagles fans were clamoring for Foles to replace a struggling Michael Vick just a couple short weeks ago. Now, they can’t wait to get Vick from a concussion. Foles looked terrible last week as he completed only 21 of his 46 passes for 204 yards, 0 TD’s, and two picks. Despite a decent matchup vs. Carolina, Foles should not be trusted in fantasy lineups.

Sleeper – Jake Locker (TEN): The young Titans’ signal caller has passed for a pair of scores and had at least 35 yards rushing in each of last two full games he’s played and now he gets to face a Jaguars’ D that has allowed the fourth most points to fantasy QB’s over the last five weeks as they’ve yielded 25.8 fantasy points per game during that span.

RUNNING BACKS
Stud – Marshawn Lynch (SEA): Lynch has hit the 100-yard mark on the ground in four straight games and scored a touchdown in each of his last three outings. Look for that run to continue versus a Miami rushing defense that has allowed 100+ total yards to three of the last four running backs they’ve faced.

Dud – Reggie Bush (MIA): Daniel Thomas continues to steal carries away from Bush, who hasn’t broke 60 yards on the ground since Week 4 and has only rushed for two TD’s during that period. Only four teams have allowed fewer fantasy points to running backs this season than the Seahawks, who’ve only ceded 11.8 fantasy points per game to the position.

Sleeper – BenJarvus Green-Ellis (CIN): With TD’s in two of his last three outings the Law Firm is starting to gain trust of fantasy owners again. Now he faces a Raiders’ team that has yielded 5.9 yards per carry to runners over their last three contests and at least one RB score each game in that timeframe.

WIDE RECEIVERS
Stud – Randall Cobb (GB): After making six trips to the endzone over his last five games, Cobb has emerged as an elite fantasy wide receiver option. With the Packers facing off against a Giants’ secondary that has given up seven scores to wide receivers in their last four games the second-year wideout is poised for another big effort.

Dud – Larry Fitzgerald (ARZ): While the matchup against the Rams certainly suggests success, owners may be wise to stay clear of Fitzgerald in Week 12. He’s been held to 52 yards or less and without a score in three of his last four games and now will have Ryan Lindley throwing him the football.

Sleeper – Cecil Shorts (JCK): Few receivers have more productive than the Jags’ wideout in recent weeks. Over the last five weeks he ranks eighth in scoring at the position, including third in yards per catch (19.3), and has four scores of 39 yards or more. Now he faces a Titan’s secondary that cedes 23.3 fantasy points per outing to receivers.

TIGHT END
Stud – Vernon Davis (SF): With Colin Kaepernick under center last week, the 49ers’ tight end once again provide some fantasy relevance catching six balls for 83 yards and scoring his first TD since Week 3. Now he’s set to face a Saints’ defense that has watched a tight end make his way into the end zone three times over the past two weeks.

Dud – Heath Miller (PIT): As long as Ben Roethlisberger is sidelined the entire Steelers’ passing attack takes a huge fantasy hit. The biggest impact could be had on Heath Miller, who enters Week 12 on a three-game scoreless streak.  No team has allowed fewer fantasy points to tight ends this season than the Browns, who give up just 5.2 points per contest to the position.

Sleeper – Dallas Clark (TB): The veteran has heated up of late. He’s been targeted 5.2 times per game over his last five contests, including a season-high 11 targets last week. During that span he scored three times. A matchup against an Atlanta defense that has yielded more fantasy points (15.3 per game) to tight ends over the past three weeks than any other team is promising.

Fantasy Football fantasy advice, week 12, lineup advice, studs, duds, sleepers

QUARTERBACKS
Stud – Carson Palmer (OAK): Few fantasy football quarterbacks are as hot right now as the Raiders’ signal caller. Palmer has totaled 58 fantasy points over his last two contests and is now set to face a Saints’ secondary that has allowed six 300-yard games and six QB’s to throw for multiple touchdowns on the season.

Dud – Phillip Rivers (SD): Rivers shined last week against a weak Bucs’ passing defense, but now is set to face a Broncos’ D that forced him into six turnovers earlier this season. The Charger could throw for a couple of scores and get some garbage time production, but we don’t trust him enough to him in our top 12 players at the position in this week’s rankings.

Sleeper – Andy Dalton (CIN): The second-year passes is coming off a career-high four TD’s last week against the Giants and now has broke 25 fantasy points in five of his last eight games, including three of his last four road tilts. The Chiefs have allowed multiple TD passes in all but two of their contests and will do so once again here.

RUNNING BACKS
Stud – Steven Jackson (STL): Jackson broke the 100-yard mark for the first time and scored only his second TD of the season last week against a typically stingy 49ers’ defense. Now he gets a Jets’ defense that has watched nine RB’s to score and seven runners to reach double digit fantasy points this season.

Dud – Rashad Jennings (JCK):  In his four starts since Maurice Jones-Drew went down Jennings has yet to reach 60 yards rushing and has watched his involvement in the passing game decrease each week. Now he squares off against a Texans’ defense that hasn’t allowed a TD to running back since MJD did it in Week 2.

Sleeper – Marcel Reece (OAK): After being reluctant to recommend Reece a week ago, we feel better about it this time around as it appears that Taiwan Jones isn’t going to be much of factor. With Darren McFadden and Mike Goodson both sidelined at least one more week, Reece should have plenty of chances for success against a Saints defense that has ceded 24.4 fantasy points per game.

WIDE RECEIVERS
Stud – Steve Smith (CAR): It’s hard to put a receiver as a “Stud” when they have yet to find the end zone this season, but this could be the week the veteran finally hits paydirt. Only two teams have allowed more fantasy points to wideouts than Tampa Bay, who has given up nine scores to the position.

Dud – Torrey Smith (BAL): The Ravens’ receiver has scored three times over the past two weeks and appears to be back on track, but now he has to go on the road to face a Steelers’ defense. Neither of those factors spells good news for Smith. Over the past five weeks only Denver has allowed fewer fantasy points to wideouts than the Steelers and Smith has yet to break 52 yards and scored in just one of his four road tilts this year.

Sleeper – Dwayne Bowe (KC): Bowe has baffled owners most of the season and the Chiefs’ offense at times has been anemic, but with 19 targets over the past two weeks he’s getting look and the Bengals have given up 354 yards and three scores to wide receivers over their last three. Garbage time production could pay dividends.

TIGHT END
Stud – Antonio Gates (SD): The Chargers tight end has made his way in to the end zone three times over his last two meeting with the Broncos and has now scored four touchdowns over his last four contests after being held without a touchdown in the season’s first five weeks.

Dud – Vernon Davis (SF): Since he hasn’t scored since Week 3 and has a grand total of 101 receiving yards over his last four games it’s hard to keep Davis in fantasy lineups versus a Bears’ defense that has allowed just one tight end to cross the goal line all season.

Sleeper – Dwayne Allen (IND): Allen has been filling in nicely with Coby Fleener sidelined and now has 12 catches for 162 yards over the last three games. With the Patriots likely putting points on the board, the Colts will have to air it out. New England has given up six TE touchdowns on the season and seven tight ends have either hit 70 yards and/or scored against them on the season.

Fantasy Football fantasy advice, week 11, lineup advice, studs, duds, sleepers

QUARTERBACKS
Stud – Matthew Stafford (DET): Just when it appeared that Stafford had broken out of his rut by ripping off 353 yards and three passing TD’s in Week 8, he went without a scoring pass for the second time this season in Week 9 versus Jacksonville. Much can be attributed to the team building a big early lead though as Stafford still looked good. The Vikings have allowed the ninth most fantasy points to QB’s on the season and have struggling of late. Start him with confidence and expect one of his top performances of the season.

Dud – Michael Vick (PHI):  Vick failed to take advantage of a terrific matchup on Monday Night Football against the Saints and looked terrible in the process. Now he gets to face a Dallas defense that bring a tremendous pass rush and has lockdown corners. With Philly fading quickly, owners can no longer trust Vick is going to make it through a game. Only the 49ers and Steelers have allowed fewer fantasy points to quarterbacks this season than the 15.8 points per game Dallas has surrendered.

Sleeper – Ryan Fitzpatrick (BUF): Over the past four games Fitzpatrick has been held under 200 yards and scoreless three times. Still he has eclipsed 20 fantasy points five times in eight games this year, including the 350-yard, 4-TD effort against New England in Week 4. Though he’s likely to have multiple turnovers owners can count at least 250 yards and a pair of scores as the Bills will be forced to keep pace with the Pats.

RUNNING BACKS
Stud – Stevan Ridley (NE): No team has allowed more rushing touchdowns to running backs this season than the Bills, who have allowed 12 scores on the ground and one through the air to the position this season in just eight games. Ridley rolled to 106 yards and picked up two scores on the ground versus Buffalo in Week 4 and could easily top those numbers this time around.

Dud – Jamaal Charles (KC): After breaking out for 81 touches and 560 total yards and three TD’s in a three-week stretch (Weeks 4-6) early this year, Charles has registered only 37 touches for 123 yards and no scores in the three games since. This week he’s set to face a Steelers’ D that is only giving up less than 79 yards per game to running backs on the ground. Look for better options in Week 10.

Sleeper – Marcel Reece (OAK): With both Darren McFadden and Mike Goodson ruled out for Week 10 with high-ankle sprains, the Raiders will turn to Reece, and converted wide receiver, along with Taiwan Jones to fill the void in the backfield. Reece caught at least four passes in three of four games before last week and came away with eight receptions after the fact. Look for the Raiders to throw it early and often and substitute short passes to him rather than lining up and running the football.  He’s flex worthy in any PPR format.

WIDE RECEIVERS
Stud – Vincent Jackson (TB):  Revenge games always catch my attention and this one should be circled with loud red marker. Jackson has likely had it circled his calendar for months as he faces a San Diego team that he had a bitter breakup with after a tumultuous relationship. The new Bucs’ wideout has scored and/or hit 100-yards in five of his last seven outings and has four TD’s over his last three games. Jackson is averaging a whopping 22.3 yards per catch and should find success against a San Diego secondary that had ceded 11 touchdowns to receivers this season, including seven in the last four weeks.

Dud – Andre Johnson (HOU):  It’s to recommend sitting the veteran after his recent hot stretch, but expectations should be tempered heading into Sunday night’s matchup versus Chicago. Johnson hasn’t scored since Week 1, but he has been targeted 32 times over the last three games while averaging 8 receptions for 93 yards per game in that span. The Bears’ defense has scored more touchdowns of their own then they’ve given up through the air while yielding just 161 yards per game to wideouts.

Sleeper – Kenny Britt (TEN): Jake Locker returns under center for the Titans this week and that could mean good things for Britt. He’s finally nearing 100 percent health and the matchup with the Dolphins is juicy. Miami has given up the fourth-most play of 20-plus yards (35) in the league and those are Britt’s specialty. Last week the Fish saw two receivers break the 100-yard mark on them, look for Britt to do that for the first time this season in this contest.

TIGHT END
Stud – Aaron Hernandez (NE): After a minor setback Hernandez used Week 9’s bye to get closer to 100 percent. He appears to be set to start this weekend against the Bills. While putting him in the lineup seems like a no-brainer, some nervous fantasy owners still seem reluctant. At a position lacking fantasy producers, Hernandez is poised to make a run at the top week of any player at the position against a Buffalo defense that allows nearly 250 passing yards per game and watched two tight ends score against them a week ago.

Dud – Dustin Keller (NYJ): Since Week 7, only six tight ends have put up more fantasy points than Keller. He is clearly at full healthy and remains a valuable dump-off option for Mark Sanchez. Yet this week’s trip to Seattle has me nervous. The Seahawks have stymied some much more potent passing attacks at home already this season and have allowed just two scores to tight ends all season.

Sleeper – Brandon Myers (OAK): With the Raiders’ running attack decimated by injuries, look for Carson Palmer to air it out early and often leaving Brandon Myers in line for plenty of targets. He’s been targeted 10 times or more in two of his last three games and scored his first two TD’s of the year last week. Over the last three games the Ravens have allowed 9.1 fantasy points per game to the position. Double digits are easily within reach on Sunday for the Raiders’ tight end.

Fantasy Football fantasy advice, week 10, lineup advice, studs, duds, sleepers

QUARTERBACKS
Stud – Cam Newton (CAR): It’s been a roller coaster season for the second-year quarterback, but look for Sunday’s matchup against the Redskins to be one of its peaks. Washington allows 316 yards per game through the air and with the added rushing totals that Newton provides he’s a solid bet for a stellar outing.

Dud – Eli Manning (NYG): Owners have watched the Giants’ signal caller be held to under 200 passing yards in two of his last three meetings and Manning has thrown for only two scores in that span. Now he is set to face a defense in the Steelers have allowed the fourth fewest points to fantasy QB’s. Look elsewhere on Sunday.

Sleeper – Jay Cutler (CHI): The Titans give up 24.4 fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks and have allowed six of eight quarterbacks they’ve faced this year have thrown for multiple scores. All signs point to Cutler being a solid QB1 option in Week 9.

RUNNING BACKS
Stud – Trent Richardson (CLE): There was concern surrounding Richardson’s ribs entering last week, but after the rookie busted out with 122 yards and a touchdown on 24 carries he clearly is making progress. This week he faces a Ravens’ defense that he scored 20 points (PPR) against in Week 4 and this unit is shelf of itself heading into Week 9. Baltimore enters the contest ranked 30th in the league against the run.

Dud – Fred Jackson (BUF): Jackson is splitting time with CJ Spiller since his return but both back are getting enough touches to maintain fantasy production. However, the Texans’ defense is only allowing 11.4 points per game in standard formats. Houston has not allow a RB to run for a score all season and is the only team yet to give up a run of 20 yards or over. These trends spell trouble for both Bills’ backs.

Sleeper – Daniel Thomas (MIA): Over the past couple weeks since returning for his concussion, Thomas is becoming more involved in the Dolphins’ offense. Thomas had a 43-to-20 snap advantage over Reggie Bush last week.  Thomas has scored in three of his last four games and the Colts have allowed eight rushing scores to running backs in seven games.

WIDE RECEIVERS
Stud – Marques Colston (NO): With four touchdowns over his past three contests, Colston is licking his chops to face a Philly secondary that has ceded eight touchdowns this year to wideouts. In PPR leagues Colston has hit double digits in four straight games, averaging 105 yards per week in that span. At home on Monday expect a big stat line for him again this time around.

Dud – Sidney Rice (SEA): Rice is starting to look reliable after three straight solid outings. In Weeks 6-8 the Seahawks top option was the 18th most productive fantasy receiver. Part of that has come from signs of growth from rookie quarterback Russell Wilson. This week could see a cool down though as he set to be matched up against the NFL’s top lockdown corner, Antoine Winfield.

Sleeper – Anquan Boldin (BAL): Coming out of the bye week, the Ravens are poised to get the offense on track in their trip to Cleveland. Boldin had season highs with nine receptions and 131 yards vs. the Browns in Week 4 and that was in the pouring rain.  He makes for a nice low-end WR2/flex option for most lineups.

TIGHT END
Stud – Jermaine Gresham (CIN): Four players at the position have reached double digits this season versus the Broncos and six tight ends at made their way into the end zone against them. Gresham has scored and/or had 60 yards in three of his last five and he’s got a good shot to do both vs. Denver.

Dud – Kyle Rudolph (MIN): After a hot start to the season Rudolph has cooled off big time over his past couple of games.  He has been targeted just six times with only two catches for 17 yards over the past two weeks. The Vikings travel to Seattle to face a Seahawks’ defense that has shut down the league’s best passing attacks in their house. Long-term there’s plenty to still like about the Vikings’ TE, but it’s hard to endorse him this week.

Sleeper – Greg Olsen (CAR): Washington watched two tight end touchdowns last week and has given up seven scores to the position on the season. After a hot start, Olsen has disappeared over the last three games but this will be think he shows back up on the fantasy radar.

Fantasy Football fantasy advice, week 9, lineup advice, studs, duds, sleepers

QUARTERBACKS
Stud – Ben Roethlisberger (PIT): After letting us down a bit the past few weeks, look for Roethlisberger to bounce back this week against the Redskins, who’ve allowed the most passing yards and the second most TD passes to be thrown against them. In fact, Washington has allowed 19 or more fantasy points to the position in five of their seven games. Big Ben will become the sixth to hit that mark on Sunday.

Dud – Cam Newton (CAR): Though were not ready to jump ship yet on Newton this is a week that we recommend sitting the disappointing quarterback. The Bears D’ is the second stingiest unit to fantasy quarterbacks and have yet to allow one to throw for multiple scores. In fact Chicago has allowed as many passing touchdowns (5) against them as their defensive unit has scored to this point of the season.

Sleeper – Carson Palmer (OAK): The Raiders’ signal caller has averaged 325 yards through the air over his last two games, but hasn’t thrown for multiple scores since Week 3. Expect that change on Sunday as the Raiders pay a visit to Kansas City to face a Chiefs’ defense that has ceded 13 passing touchdowns through six games and allows over 22 fantasy points per game to quarterbacks.

RUNNING BACKS
Stud – Chris Johnson (TEN): There’s no way Johnson comes close to matching last week’s grand totals he posted against Buffalo, but a matchup with the Colts’ running defense on Sunday should still spell good things for his owners. Indy gives up over 22 points per game to fantasy running backs and has allowed eight rushing touchdowns in six games this season. Look for 100+ total yards and a score here.

Dud – Shonn Greene (NYJ): Despite rushing for 215 yards and four touchdowns over the past two weeks, Greene is about the come back to life. Gone are the matchups against the Colts and Patriots and now the Jets are set to face a Miami defense that is the eighth toughest against fantasy runners. Greene only netted 40 yards on 19 carries against them in Week 3 and hasn’t scored against the Dolphins in five meetings.

Sleeper – Alex Green (GB): Even though he has 42 carries over the past two games, Green has yet to make the most of his opportunity as the Packers’ lead back. However, as long as he continues to get that workload he should find some success against a Jacksonville defense that yields over 129 rushing yards per game and has allowed seven TD’s to running backs already this season.

WIDE RECEIVERS
Stud – Demaryius Thomas (DEN): Thomas has provided consistent production all season having scored and/or reached 100 yards receiving in five of his six games. After seeing a season-low two targets in Week 6’s win over the Chargers, the Broncos will work him back into the game plan in a big way coming out of a bye against a Saints’ secondary that has a whopping 45.9 fantasy points per games to wideouts and 10 TD’s on season.

Dud – Brian Hartline (MIA): Since his breakout 253-yard performance in Week, Hartline has managed a total of four catches for 59 yards and he still has only found the end zone once all season. Don’t let the matchup with the Jets fool you, their secondary have played well of late and will likely continue to yield modest numbers to the Dolphins’ passing attack.

Sleeper – Brandon Gibson (STL): The Rams travel to London this week to battle with the Patriots. We are expecting the Rams to have to keep pace. While rookie Chris Givens is more of the down-the-field threat, Gibson is racking up the targets as the possession receiver. It would not be surprising to get 8-10 targets and turn that into decent production against a New England D that has allowed 174 yards per game and 13 total TD’s to wideouts.

TIGHT END
Stud – Heath Miller (PIT): Miller’s five touchdowns are the tied for the most in the league by a tight end and with the Redskins on tap the chances are he could add to that total.  Washington has allowed the second-most point to fantasy tight ends to this point of the season. While the Steelers’ tight end might be limited with yardage totals he’s a good bet to grab another red-zone score.

Dud – Brandon Pettigrew (DET): Though Pettigrew could see a spike in targets with Nate Burleson out, he’ll be hard-pressed to the find end zone versus the Seahawks, who have allowed the fewest passing touchdowns of any team in the league.  He’s only scored once and failed to hit 40 yards in three of six outings. Look for a better lineup option in Week 8.

Sleeper – Anthony Fasano (MIA): If you’re desperate for a waiver wire pick this week, Fasano could fit the bill. The Jets have already allowed five passing touchdowns to tight ends thus far and Fasano has scored four times in eight career meetings with his division foes.

Fantasy Football fantasy advice, week 8, lineup advice, studs, duds, sleepers

QUARTERBACKS
Stud – Andrew Luck (IND): After failing to throw a TD pass last week against the Jets, the rookie heads home where he has posted back-to-back 300-yard games. The Browns have allowed four of the last five signal callers they’ve faced to eclipse that mark. Expect another monster day for the rookie with over 300 yards and multiple scores through the air.

Dud – Matthew Stafford (DET): No quarterback has thrown for multiple TD’s yet this season against the Bears and Stafford hasn’t fared well against them in his short career with only 4 TD and 6 INT in six career starts while averaging just 232 yards per game in those matchups. Add to it how bad he’s look through six weeks of football and it doesn’t appear this is the week he’ll start to turn things around.

Sleeper – Ryan Fitzpatrick (BUF): Fitzpatrick put up some monster numbers early on in 2012, but he has failed to throw for a TD in two straight weeks against some tough matchups. This week he returns home where he’ll square off against a Titans’ defense that has allowed opponents to complete 71.9 percent of their passes and 13 passing touchdowns through six contests.

RUNNING BACKS
Stud – Doug Martin (TB): The Bucs’ rookie is coming off a career-high 131 total yards against the Chiefs and now gets to face a Saints’ defense that has ceded 197.4 total yards to opposing running backs per week on average while allowing a running back to total 100+ yards in each of their last three games. Look for big things from this Buccaneer on Sunday.

Dud – Steven Jackson (STL): With rookie Daryl Richardson beginning to eat into this carries, the struggling Jackson is barely worth lineup consideration these days for fantasy owners.  Jackson has yet to find the end zone and this week’s opponent, the Packers, have only allowed a RB to cross the goal line three times all season long. Keep the veteran on your bench until further notice.

Sleeper – Felix Jones (DAL): Demarco Murray is going to miss this week and perhaps longer, leaving Jones to shoulder the load in a very favorable matchup at Carolina. Six fantasy running backs have reached double digits already this year against the Panthers and all signs point go Jones being the seventh to accomplish the feat.

WIDE RECEIVERS
Stud – Denarius Moore (OAK): Finally at 100 percent, the Raiders’ second-year wideout turned in his best performance of the season in last week’s loss at Atlanta finishing with five receptions for 104 yards and a touchdown. Now he faces off against a Jaguars’ secondary that allows 172 receiving yards per game to receivers and has seen WR’s score three times against them over the past two games.

Dud – Steve Smith (CAR): The disappointing season for the Panthers’ top wide receiver will likely continue in Week 7 matchup against a vastly improved Dallas secondary. The Cowboys boast the league’s top-rated pass defense and have turned lockdown efforts against fantasy wideouts in all but one game. Smith is still searching for his first TD of the year, but he’ll be hard-pressed to get it here.

Sleeper – Josh Gordon (CLE): The Browns’ rookie has been one of the hottest names over the past couple of weeks in fantasy football, posting 181 receiving yards and three scores over his last two games. This week he gets to face a Colts’ D that has allowed five touchdowns to wide receivers over their last two games. Look for the trend to continue in a game we expect to have some points put on the board.

TIGHT END
Stud – Aaron Hernandez (NE): His questionable status led me to shy away from Hernandez in his return to the lineup in Week 6, but now that he has cleared that hurdle owners should start him with confidence. The Jets’ defense has been decimated by injuries and nearly at 100 percent Hernandez is chomping at the bit to produce.

Dud – Jermichael Finley (GB):  Still hampered by a shoulder injury, Finley is slated to start on Sunday for the Packers but fantasy owners should look elsewhere for production. Finley has only had more than four catches once all season and it was in Week 1, the last time he also scored a touchdown. St. Louis allowed their first TD to a tight end of the year last week and will be looking not to let that happen again.

Sleeper – Scott Chandler (TEN): When in doubt for a bye-week filler at tight end look to see who the Titans play. Tennessee has allowed six touchdowns to tight ends in six games. Chandler has scored three times in two games at home this season. The stars are aligning for a trip to the end zone on Sunday for the Bills’ tight end.

Fantasy Football fantasy advice, week 7, lineup advice, studs, duds, sleepers

QUARTERBACKS
Stud – Michael Vick (PHI): This could be the week Vick owners are waiting for. He’s been a big disappointment this season and has turned the ball over at an alarming rate. This week he faces a Lions team that has yet to record and interception and that has ceded five passing TD’s in four weeks. With the hopes of a shootout Vick is primed to finally get on track.

Dud – Tony Romo (DAL): We should see the Cowboys’ quarterback improve greatly over his last start against Chicago. He had an entire bye week to think about his five-interception performance. Still, it’s going to be hard to get much going against a Ravens’ defense that hasn’t allowed multiple TD passes to an opposing quarterback in 23 straight regular season contests. Romo has only mustered two TD’s total of his last three contests.

Sleeper – Matt Schaub (HOU): After watching Drew Brees and Andrew Luck light up the Packers’ secondary the past two weeks for 808 yards and six passing touchdowns I like Schaub’s chances for a decent game versus Green Bay. He makes for a good bye-week filler, but temper your expectations as he has only had multiple scores twice in five games and has been held under 210 passing yards three times this season.

RUNNING BACKS
Stud – Darren McFadden (OAK): Despite turning in three dud performances in three of his first four games, fantasy owners should confidently start McFadden coming out of his bye against a Falcons’ D that has been more than generous to running backs. Atlanta has ceded 5.4 yards per carry and 142.8 yards per game while allowing the 13th most fantasy points to the position. DMC has top five potential written all over him in Week 6.

Dud – Alfred Morris (WAS): It’s hard to recommend fantasy owners to sit Alfred Morris this week, but don’t be surprised if he leaves you disappointed. The Redskins face off against a Vikings’ rushing defense that ranks as the second stingiest in the league for fantasy runners to go up against while not allowing a rushing touchdown in 2012.

Sleeper – Vick Ballard (IND): The Colts are without Donald Brown for the next 2-3 weeks due to injury, leaving the door wide open for him to make a splash. To this point of the season Ballard is only averaging 2.0 yards per carry, but he’s yet to be given a large workload so expect him to find his groove. It doesn’t hurt that Indy is facing a Jets defense that is allowing 24.6 fantasy points and 144.6 rushing yards per game to opposing running backs.

WIDE RECEIVERS
Stud – Dwayne Bowe (KC): Bowe has found a way to produce most of the season in the Chiefs’ struggling passing attack, posting six or more catches in four straight weeks while ranking third in the NFL in targets. This week he’ll have Brady Quinn throwing him the ball as Matt Cassel is out with a concussion. The Bucs allow the third most points to fantasy wide receivers and that should translate into a third 100-yard day for Bowe.

Dud – Torrey Smith (BAL): After a back-to-back breakout games, Smith was stymied last week in Kansas City as he was held to just 38 yards. Now he has the daunting the task of matching up against the Cowboys’ stingy secondary. With Morris Claiborne and Brandon Flowers focusing on locking him down it is going to be tough for Smith to do what he does best, go long.

Sleeper – Andre Roberts (ARZ): The Cardinals get to face the Bills this week and that is always good news for players on your fantasy team. The Bills have been shredded the past two weeks by the Patriots and Bills and Roberts has been consistently productive most of the year. Buffalo allows two WR touchdowns per game and Roberts is a good bet to grab one here.

TIGHT END
Stud – Kyle Rudolph (MIN): Rudolph has delivered on all the accolades I placed on him at the beginning of the year and look for the trend to continue on Sunday against a Redskins unit that is allowing the second most fantasy points to tight ends. The Vikings’ tight end rarely gets big yardage but he will get chances in the red zone.

Dud – Aaron Hernandez (NE): It’s looking as if there is chance Hernandez returns to the lineup this weekend, but with the late game owners can ill afford to wait for a game-time decision. Even if he does play, getting him back your fantasy lineup is risky.

Sleeper – Brent Celek (PHI): Celek ranks in the top five at the position in targets and faces a Lions’ defense that has allowed three different tight ends to exceed 60 yards in a game this season and is currently ceding the fourth-most fantasy points to the position.

Fantasy Football fantasy advice, week 6, lineup advice, studs, duds, sleepers