The playoffs are either upon us or one week away in the majority of fantasy football leagues. With this in mind, Fantasy FanHouse is examining what you can expect from the fantasy relevant players on each team. New York Jets
The opposing defenses: at SF (28th against pass, 16th against run), vs. BUF (14th against pass,17th against run), at SEA (32nd against pass, 22nd against run)
The skinny: Something tells me the Jets investment in improving the offensive line paid off, because Thomas Jones went from two touchdowns all last season to 11 touchdowns in just 13 games this season. The scary part is that the running game just keeps getting better. In his past four games, Jones has six touchdowns and 487 yards rushing.The passing game has been less reliable, but Favre still has six multiple touchdown games. As a Cotchery owner, I'll tell you, it never feels very safe starting him and I would only insert either him or Laveranues Coles in dire situations -- neither are very consistent. Finally, start Dustin Keller at will as he has an unbelievable 27 catches in the past four games.
The must-starts: Thomas Jones
The likely start: Dustin Keller
The spot-start: Brett Favre, Jerricho Cotchery, Leon Washington, Laveranues Coles
The no-starts: Chansi Stuckey
The D/ST: The Jets defense is one of the best in the league against the run (30th) and worst against the pass (4th). After getting torched by the Broncos last week, I'd say you're better off with an all-around solid defense, but you could do worse than starting them against the sputtering Seahawks.
Miami Dolphins
The opposing defenses: at BUF (14th against pass, 17th against run), vs. SF (28th against pass, 16th against run), at KC (25nd against pass, 31st against run)
The skinny: I don't know which is more surprising, the Dolphins 7-5 record or the fact that there is more than one fantasy notable on the team this season. First we'll state the obvious; Ronnie Brown and his 10 touchdowns (11 if you count the one he threw) are a given as a starter. While he averaged only 50 yards on the ground over the past four games, he should do well against all three remaining defenses. The real shock is the passing game. Chad Pennington is spotty, but against bad pass defenses like Kansas City and San Francisco, he is worth consideration. He threw for over 280 yards five times this season and should do so against both of these defenses. More importantly, both Tedd Ginn Jr. and Davone Bess are good starts on these weeks, particularly now that Greg Camarillo is out for the season. As for Ricky Williams, he seems to top out at about 12 carries, so temper expectations. Still, he is not a terrible start against Kansas City in the absence of a full-time back.
The must-start: Ronnie Brown
The likely starts: none
The spot-starts: Chad Pennington, Ricky WIlliams, Davone Bess, Ted Ginn Jr.
The no-starts: Anthony Fasano, Patrick Cobbs
The D/ST: The Dolphins defense is pourous against the pass and only average against the run. Do not start them for any of these matchups.
New England Patriots
The opposing defenses: at SEA (32nd against pass, 22nd against run), at OAK (8th against pass, 29th against run), vs. ARZ (18th against pass, 13th against run)
The skinny: After Matt Cassel's debacle this past weekend, look for a major bounce back this week against the league's worst pass defense. As for the following to weeks, the Cassel decision should fully depend on if you have a go-to starter by the name of Brees, Manning, or Rivers. Otherwise, he is not a bad play even against the 8th-ranked Raiders pass defense or the 18th ranked Cardinals. While it is tough to bench Randy Moss, I would probably shoot to start him in the same above-mentioned as Cassel -- particularly if you can shoot the double-barrelled attack. The committee of Kevin Faulk and Sammy Morris should produce decent yards in tandem, but nothing special individually. If you can avoid starting either of them, do it. Fortunately for the RB-challenged, the games against two terrible run defenses in Seattle and Oakland should ease the pain of having to start either one of this barely serviceable fantasy pair.
The must-start: None
The likely start: Matt Cassel, Randy Moss
The spot-start: Kevin Faulk, Sammy Morris, Wes Welker
The no-starts: BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Ben Watston
The D/ST: This mediocre defense is actually pretty viable start against both the Raiders and the Seahwaks, but that is only because both of those teams have absolutely rancid offenses at 29th and 31st in total yards respectively.
Buffalo Bills
The opposing defenses: vs. MIA (26th against pass, 11th against run), at NYJ (30th against pass, 4th against run), at DEN (27th against pass, 28th against run)
The skinny: The Buffalo Bills have watched their season go down the toilet in the past six games, losing five of six games (three to divisional opponents and two to the lowly Browns and 49ers). From a fantasy perspective, this demise has led to one thing; the return of Marshawn Lynch. Lynch has become the first-round fantasy machine that hoped would surface sooner or later. Lee Evans remains as streaky as ever, but with the exception of his Monday Night Football goose egg against the Browns. Evans and Lynch are the only names you need to know. The rest of the offense is horrible.
The must-start: Marshawn Lynch
The likely start: Lee Evans
The spot-start: Trent Edwards (if healthy)
The no-starts: JP Losman, Fred Jackson, Robert Royal, Josh Reed
The D/ST: Totally average. You could do worse starting them against Miami, but I'm guessing you can find better.
