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Eye on the Prize: Week 15 Fantasy Football Kicker Rankings

Matt Snyder — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: NFL Position Rankings, Fantasy Football

Eye on the Prize: Week 15 Fantasy Football Kicker Rankings originally appeared on Fantasy FanHouse on Thu, 11 Dec 2008 11:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Eye on the Prize: Fantasy Football Defense/Special Teams Rankings

Matt Snyder — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: NFL Position Rankings, Fantasy Football

It's playoff time! FanHouse fantasy positional rankings are compiled in order to provide answers to lineup questions. These are assuming most leagues use Fleaflicker's standard scoring structure. If you need clarification, you need more players ranked, or have funky league rules, feel free to shoot us an email question.

For two straight weeks we've given you the Colts as a D/ST to watch, and they have not disappointed. Their monster day in Cleveland, where they carried the team to a victory -- and likely your fantasy team -- was outdone last week at home against the Bengals. Five sacks, three picks, a fumble recovery, and a touchdown were accompanied by only three points allowed.

If it's possible, the Colts' opponent this week is even worse offensively. The Detroit Lions were already really bad, but now it looks like neither Daunte Culpepper nor Dan Orlovsky are going to be healthy enough to play. That means Drew Henson is taking snaps. He's attempted 20 passes in his ~~illustrious~~ career, and only two since 2004.

The collective chops -- as they say -- are being licked by the Colts' fantasy owners. Again.

More notes after the rankings.

1. Colts, vs. DET
2. Eagles, vs. CLE
3. Steelers, at BAL
4. Ravens, vs. PIT
5. Jets, vs. BUF
6. Titans, at HOU
7. Redskins, at CIN
8. Patriots, at OAK
9. Giants, at DAL
10. Dolphins, vs. SF
11. Cardinals, vs. MIN
12. Bucs, at ATL
13. Packers, at JAX
14. Chargers, at KC
15. Falcons, vs. TB
16. Vikings, at ARI
17. Panthers, vs. DEN
18. Cowboys, vs. NYG
19. Bears, vs. NO
20. Niners, at MIA
21. Bills, at NYJ
22. Raiders, vs. NE
23. Bengals, vs. WAS
24. Seahawks, at StL
25. Rams, vs. SEA
26. Texans, vs. TEN
27. Jags, vs. GB
28. Saints, at CHI
29. Chiefs, vs. SD
30. Browns, at PHI
31. Broncos, at CAR
32. Lions, at IND

- The Redskins are a very solid defensive choice against the Bengals. For proof, check out what just happened in Indy.

- Even if it's really cold, I'm expecting the scoreboard operator to be busy in Soldier Field. Neither defense is a great option. Of course, the Saints offense can be turnover-prone at times, and you never know when the Bears take one to the house. Shaky option, but viable if you don't have other options.

- It's funny, the Seahawks and Rams have been laughingstocks in fantasyland this season. Yet here they are, playing each other, and they aren't incredibly embarrassing. You shouldn't be using them, I'm just saying it's funny.

- Hail Mary sleeper? Niners in Miami. They've done quite well in four of the past five weeks, only really being hurt by Tony Romo and the Cowboys. Miami's good, but not because of a high-octane offense.

Eye on the Prize: Fantasy Football Defense/Special Teams Rankings originally appeared on Fantasy FanHouse on Thu, 11 Dec 2008 11:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Eye on the Prize: Week 15 Fantasy Football Tight End Rankings

Sean Lalley — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: NFL Position Rankings, Fantasy Football

Eye on the Prize: Week 15 Fantasy Football Tight End Rankings originally appeared on Fantasy FanHouse on Thu, 11 Dec 2008 10:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Eye on the Prize: Week 15 Fantasy Football Wide Receiver Rankings

Sean Lalley — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: NFL Position Rankings, Fantasy Football

It's playoff time! FanHouse fantasy positional rankings are compiled in order to provide answers to lineup questions. These are assuming most leagues use Fleaflicker's standard scoring structure. If you need clarification, you need more players ranked, or have funky league rules, feel free to shoot us an email question.

Diving right into this week's all-too-important receiver rankings, the clear choice was to keep Larry Fitzgerald on top. Yup, he has a history of sealing fantasy titles in the crucial weeks of the season. And this week he gets to go against a subpar Vikings pass defense that can be exploited.

This is it for Reggie Wayne. His owners (like myself) are at wits end, but we'll all rest easy as he's in line for a huge day against the ~~laughingstock of the NFL~~ Lions. Patience will once again pay off for all those who stuck with the Colts' struggling offense in the early part of the season, as I fully expect Peyton Manning to also reward Wayne's buddies Marvin Harrison and Anthony Gonzalez.

Not much shakeup in the Top 10, but there is one thing to note before you dismiss Terrell Owens this weekend. Since joining the Cowboys, in five games against the Giants he has 430 receiving yards and six TDs. So, you get my drift ... he's a "must" start. Lastly, you'll notice the Jets receivers plummeting in these rankings. Well, there's a reason, and that it is they both have been terrible lately. Seriously, you should find other options.

And now with the rest of the ranks.

1. Larry Fitzgerald, MIN
2. Steve Smith, DEN
3. Reggie Wayne, DET
4. Anquan Boldin, MIN
5. Brandon Marshall, @ CAR
6. Terrell Owens, NYG
7. Greg Jennings, @ JAX
8. Calvin Johnson, @ IND
9. Andre Johnson, TEN
10. Roddy White, TB
11. Dwayne Bowe, SD
12. Lee Evans, @ NYJ
13. Wes Welker, @ OAK
14. Marques Colston, CHI
15. Antonio Bryant, ATL
16. Vincent Jackson, @ KC
17. Lance Moore, CHI
18. Randy Moss, @ OAK
19. T.J. Houshmandzadeh, WSH
20. Bernard Berrian, @ ARZ
21. Deion Branch, @ STL
22. DeSean Jackson, CLE
23. Eddie Royal, @ CAR
24. Santana Moss, @ CIN
25. Devin Hester, NO
26. Kevin Walter, TEN
27. Anthony Gonzalez, DET
28. Marvin Harrison, DET
29. Hines Ward, @ BAL
30. Isaac Bruce, @ MIA
31. Amani Toomer, @ DAL
32. Donald Driver, @ JAX
33. Davone Bess, SF
34. Chad Johnson, WSH
35. Santonio Holmes, @ BAL
36. Derrick Mason, PIT
37. Torry Holt, SEA
38. Justin Gage, @ HOU
39. Kevin Curtis, CLE
40. Braylon Edwards, @ PHI
41. Steve Breaston, MIN
42. Ted Ginn Jr., SF
43. Chris Chambers, @ KC
44. Muhsin Muhammad, DEN
45. Jerricho Cotchery, BUF
46. Laveranues Coles, BUF
47. Domenik Hixon, @ DAL
48. Roy E. Williams, NYG
49. Reggie Williams, GB
50. Jason Hill, @ MIA

Eye on the Prize: Week 15 Fantasy Football Wide Receiver Rankings originally appeared on Fantasy FanHouse on Thu, 11 Dec 2008 10:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Eye on the Prize: Week 15 Fantasy Football Running Back Rankings

Matt Snyder — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: NFL Position Rankings, Fantasy Football

It's playoff time! FanHouse fantasy positional rankings are compiled in order to provide answers to lineup questions. These are assuming most leagues use Fleaflicker's standard scoring structure. If you need clarification, you need more players ranked, or have funky league rules, feel free to shoot us an email question.

I can't say I ever thought we'd see this day.

Look at all the stud running backs, or even the quality running backs who don't split carries. Heading into this season, would anyone have ever thought the top running back in a week of the fantasy football playoffs was DeAngelo Williams? The same Williams who many thought would lose his job completely to Jonathan Stewart by now, or at least be splitting carries with him -- which he still kind of is.

He's just emerged as too much of a stud. The strength of the run defense doesn't matter, DeAngelo shredded the Tampa Bay Bucs, and he made it look easy.

The Denver Broncos have a terrible defense, and the Panthers are especially tough running the ball at home. There is not one player I'd start over Williams this week. Not a single one.

More notes after the rankings.

1. DeAngelo Williams, vs. DEN
2. Adrian Peterson, at ARI
3. Brian Westbrook, vs. CLE
4. Matt Forte, vs. NO
5. Chris Johnson, at HOU
6. LaDanian Tomlinson, at KC
7. Clinton Portis, at CIN
8. Thomas Jones, vs. BUF
9. Maurice Jones-Drew, vs. GB
10. Steven Jackson, vs. SEA
11. Michael Turner, vs. TB
12. Ryan Grant, at JAX
13. Reggie Bush, at CHI
14. Steve Slaton, vs. TEN
15. Marion Barber, vs. NYG
16. Ronnie Brown, vs. SF
17. LenDale White, at HOU
18. Frank Gore, at MIA
19. Marshawn Lynch, at NYJ
20. Sammy Morris, at OAK
21. Maurice Morris, at StL
22. Derrick Ward, at DAL
23. Kevin Smith, at IND
24. Jonathan Stewart, vs. DEN
25. Pierre Thomas, at CHI
26. Dominic Rhodes, vs. DET
27. Warrick Dunn, at ATL
28. Larry Johnson, vs. SD
29. Joseph Addai, vs. DET
30. Jamal Lewis, at PHI
31. Tatum Bell, at CAR
32. LeRon McClain, vs. PIT
33. Willie Parker, at BAL
34. Tim Hightower, vs. MIN
35. Tashard Choice, vs. NYG
36. Chester Taylor, at ARI
37. Ricky Williams, vs. SF
38. Mewelde Moore, at BAL
39. Ahmad Bradshaw, at DAL
40. DeShaun Foster, at MIA

- As you can see by rankings number 22 and 39, I do not believe Brandon Jacobs is going to play this week. I expect Derrick Ward to get most carries, but Ahmad Bradshaw mixed in enough to be a low-end flex option in really deep leagues.

- I believe Frank Gore will be limited, to the point that DeShaun Foster gets enough touches to put up five to eight points or so.

- The Colts are facing the worst run defense in the NFL, but I have lost all faith in Joseph Addai. I can't continue to support him and watch him make me look stupid. Plus, he's hampered and may not even play. Dominic Rhodes is the better play, regardless, but if Addai sits out, I'd elevate Rhodes all the way up to No. 13 on the list.

- Reggie Bush is regaining the spring in his step, and he is exactly the type of guy who gives the Bears defense fits. He's so elusive they'll have trouble getting their mitts on him to gang-tackle, and he's liable to break a long one -- just like in the NFC Championship a few years ago.

- Fred Taylor is not going to be playing., so Maurice Jones-Drew gets a boost. I understand the Jags' offense is pretty stagnant right now, but the Packers defense has been pretty awful of late. I like MJD lots this week.

- Fingers crossed on Clinton Portis ...

[EDIT: When shuffling names and copying-and-pasting them back and forth, I accidentally omitted Marshawn Lynch in the original version. I have now plugged him in -- in bold -- where I would slot him. Thanks to "Erik" for the heads-up.]

Eye on the Prize: Week 15 Fantasy Football Running Back Rankings originally appeared on Fantasy FanHouse on Thu, 11 Dec 2008 09:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Eye on the Prize: Week 15 Fantasy Football Quarterback Rankings

Matt Snyder — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: NFL Position Rankings, Fantasy Football

It's playoff time! FanHouse fantasy positional rankings are compiled in order to provide answers to lineup questions. These are assuming most leagues use Fleaflicker's standard scoring structure. If you need clarification, you need more players ranked, or have funky league rules, feel free to shoot us an email question.

The Minnesota Vikings will still have the Williams boys on Sunday, in all likelihood, so the Cardinals won't be running much against the league's second-best run defense. No matter, Kurt Warner's plenty equipped to throw all over them.

The Vikings have allowed 300-plus yards passing to Peyton Manning and Drew Brees. Kyle Orton had his way with them when they visited Chicago, and the Texans torched them for 363 passing yards.

When Warner and the Cardinals play at home, they have some fun lighting up the scoreboard, and I expect this week to be no different.

More notes after the rankings.

1. Kurt Warner, vs. MIN
2. Peyton Manning, vs. DET
3. Drew Brees, at CHI
4. Philip Rivers, at KC
5. Aaron Rodgers, at JAX
6. Tyler Thigpen, vs. SD
7. Donovan McNabb, vs. CLE
8. Jay Cutler, at CAR
9. Tony Romo, vs. NYG
10. Kyle Orton, vs. NO
11. Matt Cassel, at OAK
12. Matt Ryan, vs. TB
13. Shaun Hill, at MIA
14. Eli Manning, at DAL
15. Matt Schaub, vs. TEN
16. Brett Favre, vs. BUF
17. Seneca Wallace, at StL
18. Chad Pennington, vs. SF
19. Jeff Garcia, at ATL
20. Ben Roethlisberger, at BAL
21. Kerry Collins, at HOU
22. Jason Campbell, at CIN
23. Marc Bulger, vs. SEA
24. Jake Delhomme, vs. DEN
25. Joe Flacco, vs. PIT
26. J.P. Losman, at NYJ
27. David Garrard, vs. GB
28. Gus Frerotte, at ARI Tarvaris Jackson, at ARI
29. JaMarcus Russell, vs. NE
30. Ryan Fitzpatrick, vs. WAS
31. Ken Dorsey, at PHI
32. Lions' starter, who is looking more and more like Drew Henson. Seriously.

- You think the Panthers need to throw the football? They just embarrassed the Bucs' run defense on Monday night. Now they get to face the Broncos' pathetic run defense. Don't bother with Jake Delhomme.

- I realize the Texans won't have it nearly as easy throwing against the Titans as they did against the Packers, but the Packers pass defense had held down opposing passers many times this season. Plus, this game is at home for Houston. I don't think Matt Schaub is a great start by any means, but he's better than many other options.

- Kyle Orton's a very solid start, getting the Saints defense at home. The temperature won't exactly be conducive to passing the football, but the Bears are used to the weather and the Saints are not.

- Tarvaris Jackson is now starting for the Vikes, not Gus Frerotte.

- Deep sleeper? I like Seneca Wallace if you have injury/depth issues. He put up quite spectacular numbers against the Patriots last week, and the Rams are a gigantic step down from the Pats. Keep an eye on the status of Matt Hasselbeck, because you don't want to plug in a backup quarterback as your fantasy starter.

Eye on the Prize: Week 15 Fantasy Football Quarterback Rankings originally appeared on Fantasy FanHouse on Thu, 11 Dec 2008 09:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Eye on the Prize: The Brutus Boys Set You Up and Will Knock You Down

Matt Snyder — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: NFL Position Rankings, Fantasy Football, NFL Injury Report

Et tu, Brute?

It's one of the most famous phrases in the history of literature, and it's appropriate in this fantasy football playoff season.

Much like Brutus was a loyal friend to Caesar, helping him all way the to the top, he conspired to stab his former-friend in the back when it mattered most (kind of, just stick with me).

In fantasy football, you've likely had the pleasure of riding some studs to the playoffs. Some of them are primed to pull a Brutus on you and handcuff your team in the playoffs.

Ladies and Gentlemen, the Brutus Boys:

Brandon Jacobs, Giants - My fantasy football affection for Jacobs hasn't been a secret, but ever since he tweaked his knee he's been unreliable. The Giants could easily hold him out of the rest of the regular season, as they'll easily walk to the top overall playoff seed.

Marion Barber, Cowboys - He hurt his calf favoring his injured toe. All of a sudden Tashard Choice is coveted in fantasy circles. Even if Barber plays, he won't be 100 percent -- which is really bad in light of his punishing run-style -- and faces the stout Giants and Ravens defenses.

Brett Favre, Jets - He exploded against the Cardinals at home, and had five other weeks where he was at least serviceable. You definitely could have made the playoffs with him as your quarterback, as long as you were strong elsewhere. Of course, in the past two weeks, he's sucked against the Broncos and 49ers, neither of whom could be confused with the 2000 Ravens on defense. I'm not even sure the visit to Seattle in Week 16 makes him desirable at this point.

Clinton Portis, Redskins - He was the best player in fantasy football heading into the Redskins' bye week, and since then he's been bad three out of four weeks. He's hurt -- though he claims he's not -- been benched, been ineffective, and now he's feuding with his coach.

Marshawn Lynch, Bills - He's been inconsistent, but the high points have been good enough his owners have let that slide. No more, as the Bills suck now and are using Fred Jackson in the red zone more often. You've gotta play him in Week 16 against the Broncos, but if you are counting on him this week in the Meadowlands against the Jets' stellar run defense, you likely won't be playing in Week 16.

Frank Gore, 49ers - A high ankle sprain on a running back is never good news. Hopefully you can survive without him this week, because if he gets healthy the Rams await in Week 16.

Santana Moss, Redskins - He's blown up twice, and mixed in four other solid games. Other than that, he's been terrible and hasn't helped owners since Week 8. I'm not expecting a change anytime soon.

Lee Evans, Bills - Similar to Moss, Evans appeared to be finally carving out some consistency in Weeks 4-8. Now, the quarterback situation in Buffalo has made Evans his old, unreliable self. You can gamble you'll get that long touchdown, but you could also end up with a three point performance.

Antonio Gates, Chargers - The once-gold-standard fantasy tight end hasn't accrued more than three fantasy points since Week 10. For the record, I do think he breaks through this week against KC, but the Week 16 game in Tampa Bay isn't lovely.

Reggie Wayne, Colts - He's one of those guys you just can't bench, but he's killed owners for three straight weeks against subpar competition. More of the same for the next two weeks. You just have to put him in and hope he plays like himself.

Willie Parker, Steelers - Hey, he got you off to a 1-0 start!

It's one thing if you counted on J.T. O'Sullivan or Peyton Hillis to carry you to championship gold, but it's quite another to have one of your elite players sell you out when you are so close to the crown. It's like a dagger to the lumbar.

Et tu, Brute?

Eye on the Prize: The Brutus Boys Set You Up and Will Knock You Down originally appeared on Fantasy FanHouse on Wed, 10 Dec 2008 11:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mason Crosby Tops List: Week 14 Fantasy Football Kicker Rankings

Matt Snyder — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: NFL Position Rankings, Fantasy Football

Mason Crosby Tops List: Week 14 Fantasy Football Kicker Rankings originally appeared on Fantasy FanHouse on Thu, 04 Dec 2008 11:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Titans Licking Their Chops: Week 14 Fantasy Football D/ST Rankings

Matt Snyder — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: NFL Position Rankings, Fantasy Football

Titans Licking Their Chops: Week 14 Fantasy Football D/ST Rankings originally appeared on Fantasy FanHouse on Thu, 04 Dec 2008 11:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Great Gonzo: Fantasy Football TE Ranks for Week 14

Sean Lalley — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: NFL Position Rankings, Fantasy Football

The Great Gonzo: Fantasy Football TE Ranks for Week 14 originally appeared on Fantasy FanHouse on Thu, 04 Dec 2008 10:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Birds of a Feather Are Flocking Outside: Fantasy Football WR Ranks for Week 14

Sean Lalley — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: NFL Position Rankings, Fantasy Football

FanHouse fantasy positional rankings are compiled weekly by the staff in order to provide answers to possible lineup questions. These are assuming most leagues use Fleaflicker's standard scoring structure. If you need clarification, you need more players ranked, or have funky league rules, feel free to shoot us an email question.

Surprise, surprise. Look what favorite tandem is back on top. Well, let's be honest, the dynamic duo of Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin has been on top all season and haven't disappointed. Moving forward they'll both continue to sit on the throne, as they get to carve up a soft, soft schedule for your playoff journey. Go ahead and take a deep sigh of relief if you own either guy, because you're sitting pretty.

As for the remainder of the top-10 receiver rankings, it's a bit of a slight shakeup this week. You may recall, I've often said you can put the best fantasy receiver names into a hat or shuffle them like a deck of cards to pick the order, but not this week. Creeping his way back into the mix would be Randy Moss. Often given the cold shoulder in this space, Moss is primed to shred the Seabird collapsing defense.

A usual mainstay and fantasy animal, Andre Johnson has been pushed just out of the top 10 for this week only, based on my timid fears of the Green Bay secondary. And yes, I know said secondary has been torched the past few weeks. Ahem.

If you're looking for the clever play of the week, I'm going with Marvin Harrison. Yup, he's done minimal damage this season, but something tells me the Bengals are in for Manning torture 101 this weekend. And despite the fact that you may see Reggie Wayne down a peg in a few "other" sites' ranks ... I'm just not feeling that at all. My prediction is big games all around for Harrison and Wayne just like it's circa 2004 all over again.

And now on with the rest of the ranks...

1. Larry Fitzgerald, STL
2. Anquan Boldin, STL
3. Greg Jennings, HOU
4. Reggie Wayne, CIN
5. Roddy White, @ NO
6. Randy Moss, @ SEA
7. Terrell Owens, @ PIT
8. Calvin Johnson, MIN
9. Brandon Marshall, KC
10. Steve Smith, TB
11. Andre Johnson, @ GB
12. Lee Evans, MIA
13. Lance Moore, ATL
14. Bernard Berrian, @ DET
15. Marques Colston, ATL
16. Eddie Royal, KC
17. Hines Ward, DAL
18. Dwayne Bowe, @ DEN
19. Wes Welker, @ SEA
20. DeSean Jackson, @ NYG
21. Marvin Harrison, CIN
22. Antonio Bryant, @ CAR
23. Jerricho Cotchery, @ SF
24. Mark Clayton, WAS
25. Isaac Bruce, NYJ
26. Santonio Holmes, DAL
27. Donald Driver, HOU
28. Santana Moss, @ BAL
29. T.J Houshmandzadeh, @ IND
30. Steve Breaston, STL
31. Domenik Hixon, PHI
32. Vincent Jackson, OAK
33. Kevin Curtis, NYG
34. Chad Johnson, @ IND
35. Amani Toomer, PHI
36. Davone Bess, @ BUF
37. Torry Holt, @ ARI
38. Derrick Mason, WAS
39. Braylon Edwards, @ TEN
40. Anthony Gonzalez, CIN
41. Matt Jones, @ CHI
42. Roy E. Williams, @ PIT
43. Laveranues Coles, @ SF
44. Ted Ginn Jr., @ BUF
45. Devin Hester, JAC
46. Josh Reed, MIA
47. Mark Bradley, @ DEN
48. Deion Branch, NE
49. Chris Chambers, OAK
50. Harry Douglas, NO

Birds of a Feather Are Flocking Outside: Fantasy Football WR Ranks for Week 14 originally appeared on Fantasy FanHouse on Thu, 04 Dec 2008 10:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sit Clinton Portis? Week 14 Fantasy Football Running Back Rankings

Matt Snyder — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: NFL Position Rankings, Fantasy Football

FanHouse fantasy positional rankings are compiled weekly by the staff in order to provide answers to possible lineup questions. These are assuming most leagues use Fleaflicker's standard scoring structure. If you need clarification, you need more players ranked, or have funky league rules, feel free to shoot us an email question.

I'd strongly consider it.

You are playing for the big money -- your fantasy playoffs -- likely because you rode Clinton Portis as one of the few reliable first-rounders for much of the season. At one point, he was easily the best fantasy football player.

Currently, he's really banged up. There are back and knee woes he's dealing with, and he hasn't even practiced this week. Even if he does play Sunday, he's going into Baltimore to face the league's third-best run defense. If it weren't for Brandon Jacobs busting through their wall, the Ravens would only have allowed one rushing touchdown all season.

As you can see by the ranking (26, which was honestly a huge coincidence), I really don't trust him at all. Just imagine that is you in that picture (above right). You are saying, "hey man, I thank you for getting me here and all, but you are on the bench this week."

More notes after the rankings.

1. Adrian Peterson, at DET
2. Matt Forte, vs. JAX
3. Thomas Jones, at SF
4. Chris Johnson, vs. CLE
5. Steve Slaton, at GB
6. Michael Turner, at NO
7. Joseph Addai, vs. CIN
8. LaDanian Tomlinson, vs. OAK
9. Marshawn Lynch, vs. MIA
10. Brandon Jacobs, vs. PHI
11. Steven Jackson, at ARI
12. Brian Westbrook, at NYG
13. Frank Gore, vs. NYJ
14. DeAngelo Williams, vs. TB
15. Larry Johnson, at DEN
16. Peyton Hillis, vs. KC
17. Maurice Jones-Drew, at CHI
18. Marion Barber, at PIT
19. Ryan Grant, vs. HOU
20. Reggie Bush, vs. ATL
21. LenDale White, vs. CLE
22. Tim Hightower, vs. StL
23. Justin Fargas, at SD
24. Ronnie Brown, at BUF
25. Clinton Portis, at BAL
26. Kevin Smith, vs. MIN
27. Warrick Dunn, at CAR
28. Willie Parker, vs. DAL
29. LeRon McClain, vs. WAS
30. Cedric Benson, at IND
31. Pierre Thomas, vs. ATL
32. Sammy Morris, at SEA
33. Leon Washington, at SF
34. Chester Taylor, at DET
35. Brandon Jackson, vs. HOU
36. Jamal Lewis, at TEN
37. Derrick Ward, vs. PHI
38. Darren McFadden, at SD
39. Ricky Williams, at BUF
40. Dominic Rhodes, vs. CIN

- You know what's funny? You could play in a very competitive league, and still conceivably own our entire top five backs for this heading into your playoffs. If you do, I'm pretty sure you are among the best teams in the league.

- It's not near to the extent as my fear with Portis, but I'm scared of Marion Barber this week as well. He's banged up, and facing the top-ranked run defense in the NFL. Unlike the Ravens, these guys actually did stifle Jacobs. I'm putting Barber a bit higher than Portis because he's healthier. Still, he hasn't practiced ... this isn't good.

- I believe Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas are going to split time as Bush continues to get himself right. Hence, there is no way to accurately predict who will come away with any touchdown opportunities. I like Bush better because of a natural progression of him taking back the job, but I could easily be wrong. Curb expectations for both.

- With Kevin Smith's ranking, I'm assuming the Williams boys for the Vikings are not going to play. If their attempt to appeal or injunct or whatever in the courts works, drastically downgrade Smith. In fact, don't bother playing him in any league. He's a good sleeper if they don't play. Hopefully we hear more details soon.

- Hail Mary sleeper? Sammy Morris. I believe he gets the lion's share of carries, and the Seahawks really suck. Unless the Pats decide to "rub it in" again, he'll get some work late in the game to keep the clock moving.

Sit Clinton Portis? Week 14 Fantasy Football Running Back Rankings originally appeared on Fantasy FanHouse on Thu, 04 Dec 2008 09:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bounce Back For Matt Cassel: Week 14 Fantasy Football QB Rankings

Matt Snyder — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: NFL Position Rankings, Fantasy Football

FanHouse fantasy positional rankings are compiled weekly by the staff in order to provide answers to possible lineup questions. These are assuming most leagues use Fleaflicker's standard scoring structure. If you need clarification, you need more players ranked, or have funky league rules, feel free to shoot us an email question.

A few weeks ago, Matt Cassel was the next big thing and Tom Brady was just a system quarterback. So after two games where Cassel threw for 400-plus yards, we were ready to start anointing him the next Brady.

One week against the Steelers, and it's back to Earth. While I believe the "system quarterback" stuff is complete nonsense, I do believe a quarterback can put up good stats when he's throwing to Wes Welker and Randy Moss. That's not a huge leap, and anyone with common football sense knows that.

Enter the Seattle Seahawks and their atrocious pass defense, which is ranked dead last in the NFL.

There aren't many better plays than Cassel this week, as you can see from the rankings.

More notes after the rankings.

1. Kurt Warner, vs. StL
2. Drew Brees, vs. ATL
3. Peyton Manning, vs. CIN
4. Jay Cutler, vs. KC
5. Aaron Rodgers, vs. HOU
6. Matt Ryan, at NO
7. Matt Cassel, at SEA
8. Brett Favre, at SF
9. Tyler Thigpen, at DEN
10. Ben Roethlisberger, vs. DAL
11. Tony Romo, at PIT
12. Eli Manning, vs. PHI
13. Shaun Hill, vs. NYJ
14. Kyle Orton, vs. JAX
15. Philip Rivers, vs. OAK
16. Donovan McNabb, at NYG
17. Chad Pennington, at BUF
18. Joe Flacco, vs. WAS
19. Jeff Garcia, at CAR
20. Matt Schaub, at GB
21. David Garrard, at CHI
22. Matt Hasselbeck, vs. NE
23. Kerry Collins, vs. CLE
24. Gus Frerotte, at DET
25. Jason Campbell, at BAL
26. Jake Delhomme, vs. TB
27. Marc Bulger, at ARI
28. Daunte Culpepper, vs. MIN
29. JaMarcus Russell, at SD
30. J.P. Losman/Trent Edwards vs. MIA
31. Ryan Fitzpatrick, at IND
32. Ken Dorsey, at TEN

- Kyle Orton hasn't done much since his ankle injury, but this week is when it will happen. Remember, he's still getting healthy. The Bears are returning home after a three-game road trip, and they face the Jags. Why is that good? Jacksonville looked awful in Houston, they are having to travel far north in a short week for their second consecutive run game. Oh, and they are now missing their best player, cornerback Rashean Mathis.

- I'd be very careful with using Philip Rivers. The Raiders pass defense has now stifled Jake Delhomme, Chad Pennington, Jay Cutler and Tyler Thigpen in consecutive weeks.

- I'd also be careful with Donovan McNabb. Remember, before feasting upon Arizona -- who are awful in the East and whose pass defense allows more touchdown passes than anyone in the NFL -- he was terrible against the Bengals and Ravens on the road. Visiting the Giants in the Meadowlands poses a risk.

- I like Matt Schaub, but this isn't the best week for him to return to huge stats. The Packers can be shredded via the run, but they have a solid pass defense. It will be a nice opportunity for Gary Kubiak to ease his signal-caller back into the swing of things while relying heavily upon Steve Slaton.

- Sleeper of the week: Shaun Hill. Kind of a hunch, kind of think they won't be able to run on the Jets.

Bounce Back For Matt Cassel: Week 14 Fantasy Football QB Rankings originally appeared on Fantasy FanHouse on Thu, 04 Dec 2008 09:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Get Those Thanksgiving Guys Active: Week 13 Fantasy Football Kicker Rankings

Matt Snyder — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 13:45:00 EST

Filed under: NFL Position Rankings, Fantasy Football

Get Those Thanksgiving Guys Active: Week 13 Fantasy Football Kicker Rankings originally appeared on Fantasy FanHouse on Wed, 26 Nov 2008 13:45:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Colts Defense? You Better Believe It: Fantasy Football D/ST Rankings for Week 13

Matt Snyder — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: NFL Position Rankings, Fantasy Football

Colts Defense? You Better Believe It: Fantasy Football D/ST Rankings for Week 13 originally appeared on Fantasy FanHouse on Wed, 26 Nov 2008 13:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Usual Suspects: Fantasy Football TE Ranks for Week 13

Sean Lalley — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 12:15:00 EST

Filed under: NFL Position Rankings, Fantasy Football

The Usual Suspects: Fantasy Football TE Ranks for Week 13 originally appeared on Fantasy FanHouse on Wed, 26 Nov 2008 12:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Ultimate Diva Is Back on Top: Fantasy Football WR Ranks for Week 13

Sean Lalley — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: NFL Position Rankings, Fantasy Football

FanHouse fantasy positional rankings are compiled weekly by the staff in order to provide answers to possible lineup questions. These are assuming most leagues use Fleaflicker's standard scoring structure. If you need clarification, you need more players ranked, or have funky league rules, feel free to shoot us an email question.

You could hear the collective angst building against a once-proud fantasy football legend that we know only as T.O. Yup, the whispers were lingering whether Terrell Owens had finally lost a step and was no longer ready to claim his rightful place on the mantle of fantasy worship. Well, T.O answered his critics and the concerns of the many fantasy owners who were banking on him leading their team home.

Yes, Randy Moss also came out of the shadows last week to deliver a rear-back the clock type of performance his owners had also patiently been waiting for. As a fantasy enthusiast, I say welcome back fellas... took you long enough. However, the next question that we beg is if they can sustain the momentum? Was last week just a flash of that good ol' brilliance?

Hmm, good question that I'll go ahead and field with a definitive "these guys are back." And that's why you may have noticed my hunch on T.O's return to prominence last weekend by ranking him in my top three fantasy wideouts. However, this week with America as his stage... I see another monster effort for T.O. Yup, it's just the moments like these where he tends to flourish. So, welcome back T.O... it's been a while, but you're back on top.

And for the record, despite my gushing over T.O... I do NOT own him in any league. You'll find the other obvious names lodged at the top of the list.

Let's hit the rest of the ranks...

1. Terrell Owens, SEA
2. Anquan Boldin, @ PHI
3. Reggie Wayne, @ CLE
4. Greg Jennings, CAR
5. Larry Fitzgerald, @ PHI

6. Steve Smith, @ GB
7. Andre Johnson, JAC
8. Roddy White, @ SD
9. Dwayne Bowe, @ OAK
10. Calvin Johnson, TEN
11. Randy Moss, PIT
12. T.J. Houshmandzadeh, BAL
13. Marques Colston, @ TB
14. Eddie Royal, @ NYJ
15. Wes Welker, PIT
16. Santana Moss, NYG
17. Hines Ward, @ NE
18. Brandon Marshall, @ NYJ
19. Braylon Edwards, IND
20. Antonio Bryant, NO
21. Lance Moore. @ TB
22. Kevin Walter, JAC
23. Laveranues Coles, DEN
24. Donald Driver, CAR
25. Lee Evans, SF
26. Justin Gage, @ DET
27. Marvin Harrison, @ CLE
28. Joey Galloway, NO
29. Vincent Jackson, ATL
30. Plaxico Burress, @ WAS
31. DeSean Jackson, ARI
30. Jerricho Cotchery, @ TEN
31. Torry Holt, MIA
32. Chad Johnson, BAL
33. Chris Chambers, ATL
34. Mark Bradley, SF
35. Santonio Holmes, @ NE
36. Michael Jenkins, @ SD
37. Deion Branch, @ DAL
38. Anthony Gonzalez, @ CLE
39. Mushin Muhammad, @ GB
40. Bernard Berrian, CHI
41. Ted Ginn Jr., @ STL
42. Donnie Avery, MIA
43. Kevin Curtis, ARI
44. Derrick Mason,CIN
45. Steve Breaston, @ PHI
46. Roy E. Williams, SEA
47. Matt Jones, @ HOU
48. Amani Toomer, @ WAS
49. Davone Bess, @ STL
50. Brandon Jones, @ DET

The Ultimate Diva Is Back on Top: Fantasy Football WR Ranks for Week 13 originally appeared on Fantasy FanHouse on Wed, 26 Nov 2008 11:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Don't Be Fooled, AP Owns the Bears: Week 13 Fantasy Football Running Back Rankings

Matt Snyder — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 10:45:00 EST

Filed under: NFL Position Rankings, Fantasy Football

FanHouse fantasy positional rankings are compiled weekly by the staff in order to provide answers to possible lineup questions. These are assuming most leagues use Fleaflicker's standard scoring structure. If you need clarification, you need more players ranked, or have funky league rules, feel free to shoot us an email question.

The Chicago Bears are terrible against the pass, and own the NFL's fifth-best run defense. An amateur would look at these figures and take Adrian Peterson down a few steps due to the matchup. The problem is that Peterson is special. He's only really had one off-game all year -- an aberration against the Saints on Monday Night Football where he was completely bottled up by a terrible defense. Other than that, he's had at least 77 yards on the ground in each game, and averaged at least 4.4 yards per carry.

Oh yeah, and -- as the title laid out -- he does own the Chicago Bears. In three career starts, he's compiled downright stupid numbers against them. I'm talking about 423 yards on 62 carries and seven touchdowns. In three games. So his average game against the Bears is 141 ground yards and a couple of scores. And a yawn.

Um, yeah, he's gonna blow up.

More notes after the rankings.

1. Adrian Peterson, vs. CHI
2. Joseph Addai, at CLE
3. Marion Barber, vs. SEA
4. Thomas Jones, vs. DEN
5. Marshawn Lynch, vs. SF
6. DeAngelo Williams, at GB
7. Chris Johnson, at DET
8. Michael Turner, at SD
9. LaDanian Tomlinson, vs. ATL
10. Frank Gore, at BUF
11. Clinton Portis, vs. NYG
12. Matt Forte, at MIN
13. Maurice Jones-Drew, at HOU
14. Steve Slaton, vs. JAX
15. Warrick Dunn, vs. NO
16. Ronnie Brown, at StL
17. Brandon Jacobs, at WAS
18. Ryan Grant, vs. CAR
19. Larry Johnson, at OAK
20. Justin Fargas, vs. KC
21. Darren McFadden, vs. KC
22. Brian Westbrook, vs. ARI
23. Jamal Lewis, vs. IND
24. LenDale White, at DET
25. Pierre Thomas, at TB
26. Mewelde Moore, at NE
27. Ricky Williams, at StL
28. Leon Washington, vs. DEN
29. Fred Taylor, at HOU
30. Derrick Ward, at WAS
31. Tim Hightower, at PHI
32. LeRon McClain, at CIN
33. J.J. Arrington, at PHI
34. Willie Parker, at NE
35. Willis McGahee, at CIN
36. Kevin Faulk, vs. PIT
37. Antonio Pittman, vs. MIA
38. Peyton Hillis, at NYJ
39. Kevin Smith, vs. TEN
40. Sammy Morris, vs. PIT
Wild Cards: Reggie Bush, Steven Jackson -- these guys are must-starts if they play. At this point in the week, however, we don't have enough information to judge. Just don't forget about them.

- I see three tandem backfields set to torch their opposition. The Titans, Dolphins and Jets have incredibly favorable matchups in terms of real-life potential to win the game and fantasy potential because of terrible run defenses. The Titans (Chris Johnson, LenDale White) and Dolphins (Ronnie Brown, Ricky Williams) will respectively use both backs the entire game to control the clock and garner some nice stats. The Jets will mix in Leon Washington while leaning on Thomas Jones. All six of these guys are quality starts to varying degrees.

- I see another who won't be taking part in a blowout, yet will be running all game in a close one. Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew are going to be the Jags' offense.

- The Packers run defense is terrible, and if the Panthers want to stay in the game, DeAngelo Williams will play a huge role.

- With Matt Forte, I realize the Vikes' run defense is really stout. He's just too big a part of the Bears game plan to completely disappear. He's a must-start every week in nearly every league at this point.

- My deep sleeper -- which I nailed last week thanks to Darren McFadden -- is J.J. Arrington. He won't get goal-line carries, but the Cardinals are looking to him more and more in the offense.

Don't Be Fooled, AP Owns the Bears: Week 13 Fantasy Football Running Back Rankings originally appeared on Fantasy FanHouse on Wed, 26 Nov 2008 10:45:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Trust Donovan McNabb? Week 13 Fantasy Football Quarterback Rankings

Matt Snyder — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: NFL Position Rankings, Fantasy Football

FanHouse fantasy positional rankings are compiled weekly by the staff in order to provide answers to possible lineup questions. These are assuming most leagues use Fleaflicker's standard scoring structure. If you need clarification, you need more players ranked, or have funky league rules, feel free to shoot us an email question.

More Rankings: RB | WR | TE | DEF | K | Injuries

I'll admit it. I'd be pretty scared to start Donovan McNabb this week. He's had three sparkling weeks, a bevy of average or better ones, and one gawdawful week this season. The bad one was in Baltimore, where opposing offensive fantasy stats go to die. Still, he turned the ball over four times the previous week against Cincy, and this whole week he's answering questions about being benched and if his time is up in Philly. Team that with a shortened week, and I'm concerned.

On the other hand, he's going home after a two-game road trip. The Arizona pass defense is average at best -- it's actually worse than the Bengals -- and has allowed the most touchdown passes in the NFL.

I tried to find a "sweet spot" for him in the rankings, but, for the most part, I think you've gotta stick with him in this pivotal fantasy week. I know I said I'd be "scared," but stones are a good thing ... most of the time.

More notes after the rankings.

1. Tony Romo, vs. SEA
2. Drew Brees, at TB
3. Kurt Warner, at PHI
4. Peyton Manning, at CLE
5. Philip Rivers, vs. ATL
6. Ben Roethlisberger, at NE
7. Matt Ryan, at SD
8. Jay Cutler, at NYJ
9. Donovan McNabb, vs. ARI
10. Matt Cassel, vs. PIT
11. Tyler Thigpen, at OAK
12. Aaron Rodgers, vs. CAR
13. Brett Favre, vs. DEN
14. Trent Edwards, vs. SF
15. Jeff Garcia, vs. NO
16. Shaun Hill, at BUF
17. Eli Manning, at WAS
18. Kyle Orton, at MIN
19. Joe Flacco, at CIN
20. Chad Pennington, at StL
21. David Garrard, at HOU
22. Gus Frerotte, vs. CHI
23. Kerry Collins, at DET
24. Matt Hasselbeck, at DAL
25. Sage Rosenfels, vs. JAX
26. Jason Campbell, vs. NYG
27. Jake Delhomme, at GB
28. JaMarcus Russell, vs. KC
29. Derek Anderson, vs. IND
30. Marc Bulger/Trent Green, vs. MIA
31. Ryan Fitzpatrick, vs. BAL
32. Daunte Culpepper, vs. TEN

- The Steelers have the top pass defense in football. Just remember that when looking at Matt Cassel.

- You can focus on Jake Delhomme's points last week if you want, and then tie-in how the Packers' pass defense was embarrassed by the Saints. If you did, however, you'd be ignoring two things: 1. The Panthers had to throw because they were getting killed; and 2. The Saints' passing attack is special. The bottom line is that the Panthers prefer to run the football, and against the Packers' awful defense, they'll be able to do just that. Delhomme is a terrible start this week.

- I don't think Kerry Collins is going to have to pass at all (please don't take that literally, he'll attempt at least one pass). They won't have to. His ranking doesn't reflect my thinking he'll be futile due to anything other than a lack of work.

- Same goes for Chad Pennington. I don't think he'll be needed much. More than Collins, though, and the Dolphins are more creative.

- Ditto for Brett Favre. He'll have a little fun early on, but the Jets are going to embarrass the Broncos with their two-man punch on the ground.

- Jason Campbell made me look bad last week by not doing anything against a pathetic Seattle defense. Well, his payback is coming in the form of the mighty Giants this week. Have fun, Jason.

- The Patriots are giving up passing yardage, and are much better at stopping the run. With Willie Parker questionable, expect Ben Roethlisberger to have a nice week.

- Can you really count on Jay Cutler? He just got shut down by the Raiders at home -- who actually have a very nice pass defense at this point. You probably have to. He's likely your QB1, and the Jets aren't exactly run-friendly. The Broncos will be down big all game, and tossing the ball all over the Meadowlands.

Trust Donovan McNabb? Week 13 Fantasy Football Quarterback Rankings originally appeared on Fantasy FanHouse on Wed, 26 Nov 2008 10:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Broncos' Matt Prater Leads Week 12 Fantasy Kicker Rankings

Matt Snyder — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: NFL Position Rankings, Fantasy Football

Broncos' Matt Prater Leads Week 12 Fantasy Kicker Rankings originally appeared on Fantasy FanHouse on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 11:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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