QUARTERBACKS
Obvious acquisitions: Jake Delhomme and Chad Pennington
1. Billy Volek, Titans |
Last Week’s Stats |
21 comp. |
35 att. |
269 yds. |
3 TDs |
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Breakout Performer |
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The 2004 season has really taken its toll on Steve McNair’s body. Just when you think he’s poised to return to his MVP form, another injury puts him on the bench. Fortunately, fantasy owners can find consistent production in the form of McNair’s backup – Billy Volek. Volek has started four games this season and thrown at least two touchdowns and 200 yards in each game. If he starts, he has an excellent chance to continue that pace in next week’s Monday night match-up versus the Chiefs. |
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Available In Small Leagues Only |
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KC |
@OAK |
DEN |
DET |
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2. Kerry Collins, Raiders |
Last Week’s Stats |
27 comp. |
21 att. |
373 yds. |
3 TDs |
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Breakout Performer |
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Collins was listed in this same spot last week and he exceeded all expectations. He’s a great backup for your fantasy squad during the playoffs. Next week he’ll face an average defense in the Atlanta Falcons, but thereafter his schedule looks outstanding. Match-ups against the Titans and Chiefs could easily greet fantasy owners with three touchdown performances. |
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@ATL |
TEN |
@KC |
JAC |
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One Week Wonders: Luke McCown and Chad Hutchinson
RUNNING BACKS
Obvious acquisitions: Steven Jackson
1. Larry Johnson, Chiefs |
Last Week’s Stats |
20 car. |
118 yds. |
3 rec. |
56 yds. |
2 TDs |
Breakout Performer |
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With Priest Holmes potentially sidelined for the duration of the season and the Chiefs out of the playoff hunt, Kansas City’s coaching staff is taking a long hard look at Larry Johnson. If you’ve been pinning your playoff hopes on Derrick Blaylock, Johnson is a solid acquisition. The Chiefs have a reasonably soft schedule in the coming weeks. Don’t be afraid to use Johnson when the match-up is right. |
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@TEN |
DEN |
OAK |
@SD |
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2. Tatum Bell, Broncos |
Last Week’s Stats |
7car. |
31 yds. |
0 rec. |
0 yds. |
1 TD |
Breakout Performer |
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Two straight losses have the Broncos looking for answers. It’s been proven time and time again that head coach Mike Shanahan believes any RB can succeed in his system. Rookie Tatum Bell received seven carries in Sunday’s loss to the Chargers. As the season draws to a close, Bell could continue to see opportunities. If you’re counting on Droughns, consider backing him up with Bell for your playoff run. |
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MIA |
@KC |
@TEN |
IND |
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One Week Wonders: Kevin Faulk
WIDE RECEIVERS
Obvious acquisitions: Drew Bennett and Jerry Rice
1. Antonio Bryant, Browns |
Last Week’s Stats |
7 rec. |
115 yds. |
2 TDs |
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Breakout Performer |
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Bryant is one of three receivers who were listed here last week and deserve another recommendation. He followed up a breakout performance in Week 12 with another great game on Sunday. With Cleveland out of playoff contention and an interim coach manning the ship, Bryant will likely continue to be a major factor as the front office evaluates their needs for 2005. |
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@BUF |
SD |
@MIA |
@HOU |
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2. Lee Evans, Bills |
Last Week’s Stats |
4 rec. |
110 yds. |
2 TDs |
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Breakout Performer |
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Rookie Lee Evans is getting hot at just the right time for fantasy owners who need a #3 WR for their playoffs. Evans has posted excellent fantasy stats in back-to-back games. If he’s been overlooked in your league thus far, don’t miss your chance to pick him up now. The Bills have an incredibly favorable schedule in the next few weeks, so Evans can certainly be used as a spot starter. |
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CLE |
@CIN |
@SF |
PIT |
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3. T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Bengals |
Last Week’s Stats |
10 rec. |
171 yds. |
1 car. |
16 yds. |
1 TD |
Breakout Performer |
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Of the three wideouts who were recommended last week, Houshmandzadeh had the best game. Unfortunately, he has the toughest remaining schedule. Of course, the argument could be made that Houshmandzadeh’s tremendous success in Week 13 came against the Baltimore Ravens. And if he can succeed against the Ravens, he can succeed against anyone. Perhaps, but I’d still give the slight edge to Evans and Bryant, who have much easier schedules. |
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@NE |
BUF |
NYG |
@PHI |
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4. Troy Edwards, Jaguars |
Last Week’s Stats |
5 rec. |
90 yds. |
1 TDs |
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Breakout Performer |
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Throughout the season, Edwards has been on the brink of deserving a roster spot a few times. He always seems to contribute a few catches each week and frequently finishes in the 40-50 yard range. That’s okay for a bench receiver, but Edwards finally busted out with a good fantasy performance. If your backup wideouts have been disappointing, Edwards could be decent from here on out. He has one of the easier remaining schedules in the NFL. |
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CHI |
@GB |
HOU |
@OAK |
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5. Marty Booker, Dolphins |
Last Week’s Stats |
5 rec. |
96 yds. |
0 TDs |
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Breakout Performer |
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Earlier in the year, it was foolish to shop Miami’s offense for free agents. However, the Dolphins have really been clicking lately. They’ve scored 24+ points in the last two weeks. They’re another one of those teams that needs to evaluate its players for next season. In particular, Miami needs to find out what type of player they have in QB A.J. Feely. Expect them to continue to feature a pass-oriented offense. As a result, Marty Booker could see more stats like the ones he posted Sunday. |
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@DEN |
NE |
CLE |
@BAL |
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One Week Wonders: Tai Streets
TIGHT ENDS
Obvious Acquisitions: None
1. Chris Cooley, Redskins |
Last Week’s Stats |
3 rec. |
21 yds. |
1 TD |
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Breakout Performer |
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Cooley hasn’t been flashy, but he’s getting the job done. In the last four weeks, he’s found the endzone three times. At this point, it’s probably not advisable to bench your regular TE if he’s the guy you’ve trusted to get you this far. However, Cooley has the potential to score a couple more touchdowns before the season is over. Games against the 49ers and Cowboys could look particularly enticing. |
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PHI |
@SF |
@DAL |
MIN |
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One Week Wonders: Jay Riemersma
Defense / Special Teams
Obvious Acquisitions: None
1. Green Bay Packers |
Last Week’s Stats |
47 PA |
0 INTs |
1 FR |
4 Sacks |
0 TDs |
Breakout Performer |
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After a bloody Sunday against the Eagles, look for a bounce-back performance from the Packers defense in Week 14. In their last three home games against the Lions, the Green Bay’s defense has been dominant. They’ve held Detroit to less than a touchdown in two of those three match-ups. Even more impressive, they’ve scored two defensive touchdowns, recorded eight sacks, seven INTs and one fumble recovery. Maybe it’s the Lambeau Field mystique. More likely it’s the Lions QB stink.
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DET |
JAC |
@MIN |
@CHI |
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One Week Wonders: St. Louis Rams |