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.

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Fantasy Football 1530 homer, lance mcalister, fantasy playbook, fantasy advice, matt ryan, pierre thomas, cadillac williams, braylon edwards, dustin keller, clinton portis, frank gore, deshaun foster, joseph addai, dominic rhodes, tashard choice, brandon jacobs, derrick ward, tyler thigpen, maurice morris, davone bess, donald lee, week 15