This is the time of year when fantasy owners are either elated or exacerbated. The first week of the fantasy playoffs had lots of ups and downs. Hopefully you’re on the up side, and not the down side, like I am. My fantasy seasons came to a tragic end in all my leagues, so put me down on the exacerbated side of the ledger. Here are the Week 14 Game Ball awards:

QB
Cam Newton, CAR (287 PaYd, 2 PaTD, 116 RuYd, RuTD) – I’ve been a proponent of Cam all year. He’s had his ups and downs, but he’s still a viable fantasy football quarterback. In fact, Cam is now tracking to put up similar numbers to his breakout rookie performance. For all those who wrote him off, well, you weren’t paying attention, and to all those owners who stayed patient, well, congrats. Your patience is paying off.

Eli Manning, NYG (259 PaYd, 4 PaTD) – Manning has been very frustrating this year, and is a two-time Game-Used Sock winner here in this column space. So, during the fantasy playoffs, he stepped it up for his owners. Hopefully they started him to reap the benefits of his 4-TD game.

RB
Adrian Peterson, MIN (154 RuYd, 2 RuTD) – He occupied this space last week, and he’s back for an encore. What more needs to be said about the best running back in the NFL (which is not even up for debate). Peterson is a fantasy stud. Wish I had taken the chance on him, as I’d probably still be playing now if I had.

Marshawn Lynch, SEA (128 RuYd, 3 RuTD) – Lynch proclaims himself to be a beast, and his 3-TD game against the hapless Arizona Cardinals showed why he is a fantasy beast.

WR
Brandon Marshall, CHI (10 catches, 160 ReYd, ReTD) – Marshall is consistently good week to week in fantasy football. He’s an elite WR and one of the best fantasy options in all formats.

Danario Alexander, SD (7 catches, 88 ReYd 2 ReTD) – DX is one of the best waiver wire grabs of the year for owners.  Performances like this, against an allegedly tough Pittsburgh defense, make his owners smile from ear to ear. Alexander has escalated himself from the waiver wire to must-start status.

TE
Greg Olsen, CAR (4 catches, 55 ReYd, ReTD) – Olsen has always had potential, but has only started becoming viable during the last 5 weeks. Keep him in your lineup for the rest of the fantasy playoffs.

Martellus Bennett, NYG (5 catches, 32 ReYd, ReTD) –The Giants tight end has had an up and down year, but right now he’s up. He’s had back-to-back weeks with TDs, and is averaging 6 targets per week since Oct. 21.

GAME-USED SOCK AWARD
Bryce Brown, PHI, 12 total yards – From rags to riches to rags again. What a couple of weeks Brown has had. His two previous weeks filling in for Lesean McCoy have been nothing short of spectacular. He gave his owners no choice but to start him this week, likely benching other players who’d normally be started. So, that makes his AWFUL performance this week that much more disheartening. He gets the Game-Used Sock Award for knocking many fantasy owners out of the playoffs with one of the worst performances in fantasy playoff history. Just unacceptable. Enjoy the stinky socks Bryce, it’s a much deserved award for you.

Follow Jimmy Dinsmore, The Fantasy Geek, on Twitter @fantasy_geek.

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Here's the GSI Cheat Sheet for Week 14 (last update 12/8)...

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*All rankings are based off year-to-year leagues, PPR formats with yardage and TD's.

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Fantasy Football 2012 fantasy rankings, fantasy advice, gsi cheat sheet, fantasy projections, week 14

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WEEK 14 GAME CARD (Print & Play)

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Here’s a quick look at some injuries that could impact your fantasy lineup this week…

QB
Ben Roethlisberger (rib, shoulder) – probable to return vs. SD after 3-game absence
Michael Vick (concussion) – still has not been cleared; Nick Foles to start rest of 2012

RB
LeSean McCoy (concussion) – not making much progress could be shut down for year
Michael Turner (elbow) – listed as questionable, should play – GTD vs. CAR (1PM)
Maurice-Jones Drew (foot) – still not ready; team still has not set a timetable for return
Beanie Wells (knee) – been limited all week, could sit; GTD vs. SEA (4PM)
Michael Bush (ribs) – returned to practice on Friday in limited reps; GTD vs. MIN (1PM)
Jonathan Stewart (ankle) – will miss second straight game; DeAngelo Williams to start
Rashad Jennings (concussion) – ruled out for Week 14; Montell Owens to start vs. NYJ
Donald Brown (ankle) – will not play this week; Vick Ballard to carry full load vs. TEN
James Starks (knee) – out for multiple weeks, maybe season; Alex Green gets boost
Cedric Peerman (ankle) – doubtful vs. DAL; Brian Leonard could see more time

WR
Percy Harvin (ankle) – placed on season-ending IR; Jarius Wright to continue to start
Jordy Nelson (hamstring) – been ruled out for Week 14, likely longer if GB plays it safe
Hakeem Nicks (knee) – did return to practice Friday, still considered GTD vs. NO (4PM)
Stevie Johnson (hamstring) – better in practice Friday, but will likely be GTD vs. STL (1PM)
Wes Welker (ankle) – no worries about practice limitations; extremely solid play this week
Cecil Shorts (concussion) - did not practice all week; already ruled out for Week 14
Brandon Lloyd (knee) – expected to go vs. HOU on MNF despite questionable tag
Sidney Rice (head) – deemed probable vs. ARZ despite being limited throughout the week
Danny Amendola (foot) – officially questionable, injury risk if active GTD vs. BUF (1PM)
Andre Roberts (ankle) – missed Week 13; returned to practice Friday; GTD vs. SEA (4PM)
Brandon LaFell (toe) – unlikely to play in Week 14 due to chipped bone; GTD vs. ATL (1PM)
Ryan Broyles (knee) – placed on season-ending I.R. with torn ACL in his right knee
Titus Young (knee) – put on I.R. with surgery “unless he doesn’t show up” per head coach
Mario Manningham (shoulder) – out for Week 14; not fantasy value even when healthy
Julian Edelman (foot) – broken foot forces him to I.R; NE resigned Donte Stallworth

TE
Rob Gronkowski (forearm, hip) – surgery last week should keep him out a few more weeks
Aaron Hernandez (ankle) – playing at high-level despite not at 100 percent; must start TE
Jermaine Gresham (hamstring) – Upgraded to probable on Friday after return to practice
Dustin Keller (ankle) – Missed third straight practice Friday; listed as doubtful vs. JAC (1PM)
Ed Dickson (knee) – Ruled out for Week 14 which will translate into more Dennis Pitta targets

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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

FANTASY 101
--DECEMBER DILLEMAS: The calendar has turned December at that presents a whole new set of challenges for fantasy owners. First and foremost Mother Nature now becomes a much larger factor. It is important for owners to be aware of extreme weather conditions that could hamper the production of their players. Secondly, keep your eyes on teams clinching playoff positions. Two teams, the Falcons and Texans, enter Week 14 with a shot to wrap up home-field advantage through the playoffs. That could lead to studs sitting as the season winds down. In addition, with just a few weeks left owners must weigh whether or not it’s worth holding onto big name players facing multiple-week injuries against picking up healthy players for added depth.

PLAYOFF PICKUPS
(Here are some players that could be nice waiver wire pickups for your post-season run)

--QB Russell Wilson (SEA): [Playoffs: ARZ, @Buf, SF] – The Seahawks’ rookie has thrown for multiple TD passes in six of his last seven contests. He’s added 170 yards on the ground over his last four to boot. The schedule isn’t as friendly as some other options, but the way Wilson is playing he’s a great pickup for a QB2 and could be worth a look for teams hurting at quarterback as a starter.

--RB Joique Bell (DET): [Playoffs: @GB, @Ari, ATL] – Bell may be behind Mikel Leshoure on the Lions’ depth chart, but he’s still getting enough touches a game to offer up some fantasy production. He’s averaging 5.7 ypc compared to Leshoure’s 3.8 ypc rate. With the receiving corps spread thin with injuries expect Bell to become even more involved in passing situations. His 30 receptions rank him 10th amongst all running backs.

--WR Chris Givens (STL): [Playoffs: @Buf, MIN, @TB] – Even if Danny Amendola returns, Givens has shown enough not only to warrant a pickup, but should receive strong lineup consideration as WR3/flex based off his upside. Over the last two weeks the rookie has been targeted 20 times and came away with 16 catches for 207 yards and a touchdown. The favorable schedule is the icing on the cake.

--TE Martellus Bennett (NYG): [Playoffs: NO, @Atl, @Bal] – In his two games since the bye in Week 11 Bennett has shown some good signs of life with 126 yards and TD on eight catches. The return of Hakeem Nicks to the lineup has helped opening things up over the middle a bit for him and with the Saints, Falcons and Ravens on tap look for the surge to continue.

FANTASY INFIRMARY
--Darren McFadden (ankle): After missing four straight games with an ankle injury, McFadden will make his return on Thursday night vs. the Broncos. There are too many risks for owners to expect a huge game between his month-long absence, the 3.2 yard per carry, the crowded backfield and the terrible matchups he’s a huge roll of the dice in Week 14.

--Percy Harvin (ankle): The Vikings placed Harvin on season-ending I.R. this week due to Grade 3 ankle sprain that involved a complete ligament tear. Redraft league owners can drop him and move on, but dynasty league owners should stash him away as he should return as a top 10 wideout in 2013.

--Ryan Broyles (knee): Broyles will miss the rest of the season after suffering a torn ACL in his right knee. He suffered the same injury to his left knee during his senior year of college. The youngster was clearly a player on the rise. With major knee injuries on both legs now his long-term value is also in jeopardy of being impacted. Mike Thomas takes over opposite of Calvin Johnson in the Lions’ starting lineup.

--LeSean McCoy (concussion): LeSean McCoy continues to make progress with his concussion symptoms. The Eagles’ running back is now in Stage 3 of the league’s recovery process. With the team out of the mix they could very easily continue to roll with Bryce Brown. Even if McCoy makes it back on to the field this season, expect him to share the workload with the red-hot rookie. Brown has compiled 372 yards and four touchdowns on 51 carries over the past two weeks.

--Cecil Shorts (concussion): Still has yet to make it back on practice field, making his Week 14 status vs. Jets very much up in the air. He did score in his fourth straight game before sustaining the injury in Week 13.

Injuries to Watch: Ben Roehtlisberger (shoulder/ribs), Hakeem Nicks (knee), Danny Amendola (heel), Sidney Rice (concussion), Brandon LaFell (turf toe).

GETTING DEFENSIVE
(Defense isn’t as important in fantasy as it is real football, but these units have a difference for their owners)

--Patriots DEF: The only DEF/ST unit that has outscored New England this year is the Bears and no team has put more fantasy points on the board over the past five weeks than New England (13.5 ppg). The Texans and 49ers aren’t the best scenarios to face in Weeks 14 and 15, but the Week 16 matchup with the Jaguars should have owners licking their chops.

--Broncos DEF: With a NFL leading 38 sacks, the Broncos’ defense wreaks havoc on opposing quarterbacks. Big time playmakers Von Miller and Elvis Dumervil headline a talented group. With seven interceptions a pair of touchdowns and a safety over their last five contests, the Broncos are putting big fantasy numbers on the board entering the season’s most critical stretch.

--Bengals DEF: The team’s recent four-game winning streak has coincided with the play of great play on defense. Though they haven’t scored a defensive TD in over the past five weeks, the Bengals still find themselves as a top 12 fantasy unit based off the 15 sacks and 11 turnovers they’ve come away with. With a friendly schedule ahead look for them to remain steady.

Fantasy Football fantasy advice, week 14, fantasy 101, waiver wire, fantasy playoffs, injury report

Here's a look at some great fantasy reads from around the web for Week 14:

Weekly Average Cheatsheet (FantasySportsCentral.com) - average weekly cheatsheet with many sites included.

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

Fantasy Football Player Rankings - (CBSSports.com) The guys from CBS offer up their position-by-position ranks.

2012 Strength of Schedule (FFToolbox.com) - Ranking each player's schedule broken down by week.

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

Fantasy Football Sleepers (KFFL.com) - They break down the fantasy football sleepers of the week

NFL Skinny (Yahoo.com) - The Skinny will provide an early look at the matchups for the coming week.

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Here's a look at what at stake for the upcoming NFL playoffs in Week 14...

AFC

CLINCHED:
New England – AFC East
Denver – AFC West
Houston – playoff spot

HOUSTON TEXANS

Houston clinches AFC South division with:
1) HOU win + IND loss or tie OR
2) HOU tie + IND loss

Houston clinches a first-round bye with:
1) HOU win + IND loss or tie + BAL loss or tie OR
2) HOU win + IND loss or tie + DEN loss or tie

Houston clinches home-field advantage throughout AFC playoffs with:
1)HOU win + IND loss or tie + BAL loss + DEN loss

BALTIMORE RAVENS

Baltimore clinches AFC North division with:
1) BAL win + PIT loss + CIN loss

Baltimore clinches a playoff spot with:
1) BAL win + PIT loss or tie OR
2) BAL win + CIN loss or tie OR
3) BAL tie + PIT loss + CIN loss

NFC

CLINCHED:
Atlanta – NFC South

ATLANTA FALCONS

Atlanta clinches a first-round bye with:
1) ATL win + CHI loss or tie + GB loss or tie OR
2) ATL win + SF loss OR
3) ATL tie + CHI loss + GB loss

Atlanta clinches home-field advantage throughout NFC playoffs with:
1) ATL win + CHI loss or tie + GB loss or tie + SF loss

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

San Francisco clinches a playoff spot with:
1) SF win + DAL loss + MIN loss + TB loss + WAS loss + STL loss or tie OR
2) SF win + DAL loss + MIN loss + TB loss + WAS loss + SEA loss or tie

NFL 2012 nfl playoff scenarios, week 14

The following rankings are based off yardage+TD formats...

*Last updated on Dec 16

+ = player listed as questionable or worse on INJURY REPORT

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 COMPLETE RANKINGS

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