I picked up Marty Booker this week. Should I start him since they are playing Jacksonville in Miami, and JAX not being a very good road team?

11/29/2006 9:00:03 AM

deangelo vs wsh
or
t. jones vs min
or
mcgahee vs sd

11/29/2006 11:18:27 AM

Thomas Jones.

Deangelo is spliting carries this week, The Chargers Defense is back at full force and they will likely jump tp an early lead, forcing the Bills to pass more.

I know the Vikes have a solid run defense, but Grossman will have a good game here, which will open up the running game.

this game is at Soldier field, and in December, a running game wins ball games in Chicago.

At least 80 yards rushing, 3 receptions for 14 yards, and 1 TD.

I like Thomas Jones out of those three this week.

- The Guru

11/29/2006 11:25:28 AM

thanks , sort of what i was thinkin. but with buffalo playing at home, anthony thomas banged up, and losman never throwin more than 15times a game... i was kind of thinkin mcgahee.

11/29/2006 11:28:00 AM

Pick 3:

Reggie Wayne vs. Tenn.
Chad Johnson vs. Balt
Laveranues Coles vs. GB
Andre Johnson vs. Oak
Larry Fitzgerald vs. StL

20yds/point
6pts/TD

11/30/2006 12:51:12 AM

coles fitz wayne

11/30/2006 12:52:51 AM

RB, pick 2:

Steven Jackson
Cadillac Williams
Sammy Morris

WR, pick 2:

Roy Williams
Joey Galloway
Jerricho Cotchery
Reggie Brown
Patrick Crayton

And also pick one from either WR or RB for a flex option. Points similar to most leagues. RB more likely to get SOME points, but WR more potential for huge points.

11/30/2006 9:57:55 AM

Jackson and Morris

R. Williams, Galloway, Cotchery

Flex: C. Williams.

11/30/2006 10:00:52 AM

alright, I need big help this week, I've slipped from 1st down to 5th after 3 straight losses, and this week I play the 3rd place team

PICK 3 WR
Javon Walker vs. Seattle
Andre Johnson vs. Oakland
Torry Holt vs. Arizona
Devery Henderson vs. SF (my QB is Drew Brees, btw)

PICK 2 RB
Larry Johnson vs. Cleveland <---obviously going with him
Warrick Dunn vs. Washington
Ladell Betts vs. Atlanta

I've stuck with Walker, A. Johnson and Holt all year at WR, but they've been underperforming the past couple of weeks, while Henderson is on fire. Also, Colston and Horn are questionable this week so Devery will be getting lots of looks and they play against the 49ers

[Edited on November 30, 2006 at 10:09 AM. Reason : asdf]

11/30/2006 10:07:18 AM

^Henderson would be a great choice as long as Colston's isn't back. I think he's suppose to be back either this week or the next, so check on that. If Colstons is out, I hate saying this because I love me some T. Holt but he's been playing so bad lately, but I'd put him in over Holt.

Though Carr might struggle against that Oak. defense.

11/30/2006 10:09:42 AM

Hmmm, tough w/ receivers.

Holt, Henderson, and probably Walker (Oakland = Best Passing D)

Grandmama and Dunn

11/30/2006 10:11:15 AM

^^^^ you picked too many...so Cotchery or Cadillac?

11/30/2006 10:14:07 AM

Cotchery, go with him.

11/30/2006 10:16:21 AM

pick 2 of 4

d. henderson
m. booker
tj houshmanzadeh
p. burress

currently it's henderson and burress because housh is going against baltimore

11/30/2006 10:20:21 AM

Stay with the 2 you got. Henderson and Burress.

[Edited on November 30, 2006 at 10:23 AM. Reason : ok]

11/30/2006 10:21:56 AM

Remember, there is an NFL game tonight. Ravens vs. Bengals. Just letting everyone know because everyone and anyone that has players on these teams, and thinking on playing them on Sunday, we'll wrong. It's tonight.

11/30/2006 12:34:23 PM

THE GURU'S WHO TO START/WHO TO BENCH - WEEK 13

QUARTERBACKS

Chad Pennington, Jets - START at Packers
Ol' Noodle Arm crawled out of the fantasy ditch last Sunday and showed us a little something, passing for 286 yards and a touchdown against the mighty Houston Texans. He actually faces an equally putrid opponent this week, albeit in less hospitable territory. The Packers rank 29th in passing yards allowed (233 per game) and are tied for last in passing touchdowns allowed (21). We're also entering a good time of year for Pennington. Heading into this season, he owned more passing yards and passing touchdowns in December than any other month. After a confidence booster against the Texans, Chad should post even better numbers against the Packers.

Rex Grossman, Bears - START vs. Vikings
The Vikings defense was strong against the pass through their first six games of the season, but then Tom Brady and the Patriots walked into the Metrodome and dropped 372 yards and four passing scores on the Purple. Since that time, the Vikings also allowed 347 yards and two scores to Brett Favre and 405 yards to Matt Leinart. Grossman had a bit of a rough time when he faces the Vikings in week three (although he finished with 278 yards and one score), but he'll take on a seemingly lesser opponent this Sunday. And it's on his turf. Rex has thrown 12 touchdowns versus only three interceptions through five home games, and fantasy owners should take a chance with the inconsistent kid this week.

Eli Manning, Giants - BENCH vs. Cowboys
Yes, we know you've heard all about Manning's struggles, and we're sure you've seen how bad his fantasy lines have been over the past five games. Eli has a chance to totally redeem himself with a win and an excellent showing against the Cowboys on Sunday night, but it's not going to happen. Manning has finished with only 189, 152, 215, and 144 yards in his four meetings with the Cowboys, and in the latest three battles, he completed 12-of-26, 12-of-31, and 14-of-31 passes. Yes, Eli tossed two touchdowns in the week seven matchup, but the yardage and completion numbers suggest that Bill Parcells and his crew have a pretty good idea how to make Peyton's brother uncomfortable – maybe even more uncomfortable than the Giants locker room seems right now.

Matt Leinart, Cardinals - BENCH at Rams
Bench/Start is full of promising young quarterbacks this week, huh? Remember the 405 yards against the Vikings we mentioned earlier for Leinart? Fantasy owners shouldn't make the mistake of chasing last week's boxscore. We're still looking at a rookie who has only three touchdowns versus seven interceptions over the last five games, and the Rams aren't as bad against the pass as generally thought. They've held seven of their 11 opponents to one or zero touchdowns and five straight quarterbacks to under 210 yards. Also, despite what last week's numbers might suggest, Leinart hasn't been as comfortable on the road. He has completed only 50.4 percent of his passes away from home and posted two touchdowns versus six picks. And we have one more reason for thinking the southpaw might not put up big numbers…


RUNNING BACKS

Edgerrin James, Cardinals - START at Rams
…yes, we're actually telling people to use Edge this Sunday. Or at least this particular writer is advocating the former fantasy stud. The Cardinals clearly had no intention of using James against the Vikings elite run defense, but Dennis Green is smart enough to shift his gameplan. The Rams rank last in the NFL in rushing yards allowed (155 per game), and they've given up 12 running back scores this season. Recent success stories against that defense include Frank Gore (134 yards, one score), DeAngelo Williams (114 yards), Maurice Morris (124 yards), Larry Johnson (172 yards, one score), LaDainian Tomlinson (183 yards, three scores), and Noah Herron (106 yards, one score). James has improved to 4.4 yards-per-carry since the Cardinals bye week, and if guys like Herron and Morris can run on the Rams, Edge should thrive as well.

Travis Henry, Titans - START vs. Colts
The Rams recent struggles against the run pushed them down the list past (you guessed it) the Colts rush defense. Tony Dungy's crew is all the way up to 31st. Congrats. The Colts have allowed multiple rushing touchdowns in three of the past five games (Broncos, Patriots, Cowboys), and in the other two contests, Anthony Thomas (109) and Brian Westbrook (124) each surpassed triple digits. Henry also racked up a noteworthy total (123 yards) when he last faced the Colts, and we see little reason why he won't post another 120 rushing yards in this contest. Heck, barring an early blowout by the Colts, we also see little reason why Travis won't also make a trip to the end zone.

Ladell Betts, Redskins - START vs. Falcons
Falcons run-stuffer Grady Jackson began showing up on the injury report with a knee ailment on October 18, a few days after Tiki Barber thrashed their tough run defense for 185 yards. Since that showing, the Falcons have been notably more vulnerable to ground attacks. Rudi Johnson scored, Kevin Jones ran for 110 and a pair of touchdowns, Reuben Droughns found the end zone once, Jamal Lewis tripled his pleasure, and Deuce McAllister danced twice. By our count, that's nine rushing touchdowns over the last five games. Betts is coming off a solid 104-yard outing against a quality Panthers crew, and he proved to the Redskins staff that he deserves another 20 carries this week. Judging by the Falcons recent ineptitude, 20 totes will be plenty to post numbers worthy of a fantasy start.

Thomas Jones, Bears - BENCH vs. Vikings
Lovie Smith won't be as intimidated by the Vikings rush defense as Dennis Green was last Sunday, but that doesn't mean Jones will be useful. He ran the ball 18 times for 54 yards in the previous meeting, and the Vikings defense hasn't exactly softened since that time. In fact, they haven't allowed an opposing running back to top 55 yards or run for a touchdown since week four. Readers shouldn't need any more statistical evidence than that to be scared about using Thomas.

Julius Jones, Cowboys - BENCH at Giants
Commercials suggest that benching Thomas' little brother will lead to a lot of pain for fantasy owners. Personally (since I own Julius in one league), I hope there is some truth in advertising. Realistically, I know better. Julius has scored only once over the last eight games (that job belongs to Marion Barber), and he's managed to reach 100 total yards just once in the past six contests. It doesn't help that Jones hasn't averaged at least 4.0 yards-per-carry in a single game since week six. He has had a little bit of success against the Giants in the past, but his current production suggests it's safe to sit him.

Cadillac Williams, Buccaneers - BENCH at Steelers
Carnell is coming off two of his sharper outings of the season (122 yards, 78 yards), and fantasy owners may (1) be back on his bandwagon and (2) notice that the Steelers are without Troy Polamalu this week. We still think you should bench Williams. His other meetings with well-respected run defenses have generally not gone well this season (the 78 yards against the Cowboys on Thanksgiving was the exception), and the Buccaneers lost yet another starting offensive lineman (guard Dan Buenning) in week 12. The Steelers haven't allowed an opposing running back to rush for at least 75 yards since week two, and Cadillac isn't going to break that streak, even with Polamalu on the sidelines.

11/30/2006 1:01:20 PM

WIDE RECEIVERS

Deion Branch, Seahawks - START at Broncos
Fantasy owners don't typically opt to play borderline starters against the tough Broncos defense, but go ahead and give Branch a try this week. First, Branch averages nearly 73 yards per road game (versus 41 at home) and has notched three of his four touchdowns away from Seattle. Second, the Broncos are typically more vulnerable to secondary or tertiary receivers (see Reggie Wayne, Joe Jurevicius, Vincent Jackson, Samie Parker). Third, and last, Branch and the Broncos have crossed paths many times in the past, and the receiver has tamed the defense to the tune of 347 yards and one touchdown over the last three regular season meetings.

Reche Caldwell, Patriots - START vs. Lions
While the above, former Patriot has a tough matchup, this current Patriot isn't saddled with such a difficult foe. The Lions are fairly average against the pass (19th in yards allowed), but they've served up 19 aerial scores. Oh, and they are an NFC North team. Tom Brady has passed for 885 yards and nine touchdowns against the other three NFC North clubs, and this Sunday he'll feast on the Kitties. Caldwell and Ben Watson have been the two most consistent pass-catchers in this offense, and Reche has also done well against the Lions' divisional foes, posting 211 yards and two scores.

Muhsin Muhammad, Bears - START vs. Vikings
Caldwell isn't the only receiver who enjoys playing against the NFC North. Muhammad opened the season against the Packers, Lions, and Vikings, and he posted 19 receptions and 279 yards. Those totals included a nine-catch, 118-yard day against the Purple. We like Mushy's chances of repeating those numbers because the Vikings have been awful against wide receivers. Thanks to last week's huge outings by Larry Fitzgerald (172 yards) and Anquan Boldin (140), the Vikings rank last in the NFL in wide receiver yards allowed. Muhammad is also a decent bet for a touchdown, as he's scored in three of the last four home tilts.

Marty Booker, Dolphins - BENCH vs. Jaguars
Ah, we go from a current Bear to a former Bear. Aren't these segues beautiful? We stick by our claim that Booker was a good guy for fantasy owners to pick up this week, but we don't advocate a swift move from the waiver wire to the starting lineup. The Jaguars are one of the toughest teams to predict from week-to-week, but more often than not, their defense makes life miserable for opposing offenses. Jack Del Rio's club has allowed only one receiver to surpass 65 yards and only three wideouts to score over the last six games. Also, they don't play in the NFC North. Remember how receivers tend to pick on those particular teams? Well, Booker piled up 323 yards and four scores against the NFC North, but he owns 214 yards and no scores in six games against AFC foes.

Marcus Robinson, Vikings - BENCH at Bears
We might as well keep the Bears theme going, huh? Robinson and Booker were teammates from 1999-2002, and Marcus will return to Chicago to face his former club. Fantasy owners may have noticed that Robinson tends to be Brad Johnson's go-to guy (at least in the red zone) when the receiver is healthy, and Marcus is easily the team leader with four receiving touchdowns. The problem is that "healthy" clause. Robinson has rarely been fit this season, and he's added an ankle injury to his resume this week. We believe he'll be able to tuck in his skirt and take on the Bears this Sunday (as opposed to the past two meetings between this two teams), but we can't recommend a hampered wideout against an elite defense.

Braylon Edwards, Browns - BENCH vs. Chiefs
Sadly, we couldn't find a cheesy way to connect Robinson to Edwards. Want to know what else is sad? The numbers that opposing receivers have posted against the Chiefs this season. Herman Edwards defense has allowed only two wide receivers to surpass 80 yards, and those two outings (Bryant Johnson, 82 yards; Ronald Curry, 85 yards) weren't exactly from likely sources. In general, the Chiefs have also allowed only 17, 13, 13, and 10 points the last four weeks. Meanwhile, the Browns players don't appear to be getting along particularly well, especially Edwards and his quarterback. Braylon is undoubtedly talented, but he is also way too unpredictable to count on in a key fantasy week.

11/30/2006 1:01:44 PM

ok who to start

pick 2 wr
Burress vs Dallas*
Coles vs. Green Bay*
Galloway vs. Pittsburgh
Moss vs. Atlanta
Stallworth vs...cant remember

*denotes current starter

pick 2 RB
R Johnson vs Baltimore
Jones-Drew vs. Miami*
Addai vs. Tenn*
Warrick Dunn vs. Washington
Jamal Lewis vs. Cincy

and for QB either Peyton(of course starter) or Vince Young

Jax or SDiego

11/30/2006 1:02:24 PM

both WR and RB look good.

Manning, of course.

and SD defense. Playing a mistake prone Bills offense and Merriman is back to wreak havoc.

11/30/2006 1:06:57 PM

panthro! whats your expert advice on this one?

PICK 3 WR
Javon Walker vs. Seattle
Andre Johnson vs. Oakland
Torry Holt vs. Arizona
Devery Henderson vs. SF (my QB is Drew Brees, btw)

PICK 2 RB
Larry Johnson vs. Cleveland <---obviously going with him
Warrick Dunn vs. Washington
Ladell Betts vs. Atlanta

11/30/2006 1:55:24 PM

Deion Branch

or

Deangelo Williams

in my W/R spot?. I'm leaning toward DeA, but you seem big on Branch this week.

11/30/2006 2:15:19 PM

Reggie Bush or Marion Barber?

11/30/2006 2:17:56 PM

Is it worth picking up Utecht since Clark is out?

Suggestions?

11/30/2006 2:21:32 PM

^^^Deion Branch

^^Marion Barber

^Yes, but don't expect to score much. Reggie Wayne will score TDs this week.

I got a ? for you all now, Romo or P.Riv?

[Edited on November 30, 2006 at 3:36 PM. Reason : don't ignore me, I helped you all]

11/30/2006 3:35:17 PM

PRiv...

I'm not sold on Romo being a consistent QB as of yet, whereas PRiv is one of the hottest qb's in the league right now.

I have a feeling the g-men are going to clamp down on big d this week.

11/30/2006 4:00:50 PM

priv i think NYG shuts down the cowgirls

11/30/2006 4:04:41 PM

^great minds think alike

11/30/2006 4:05:33 PM

If you go with Rivers over Romo right now I think that's flawed logic. I love Rivers and hate the Cowboys, but Romo has been on fire lately. In his last four games he is averaging 281 yards a game and has 9 touchdowns. Rivers on the other hand has 226 yards a game and only 5 TDs.

Stick with Romo. There's no chance that Barber or Jones are ever going to throw his TDs.

11/30/2006 4:07:54 PM

ok lets see

a decent Buffalo secondary

A good NYG secondary with good pass rush and the conference lead on the line.
The one thing that has helped Romo is having easy opposition in the pass game, I dont think he will do so well against them as you think.

I think that Buffalo will play the run against SD and make Priv throw as most coaches dont think he is as great as we all know, therefore take PRiv to throw 2 tds and have LT score 2.

Romo with 1 TD and 2 picks

NYG is 14 against the pass 9 against the run
BUF is 11 against the pass 31 against the run

[Edited on November 30, 2006 at 4:13 PM. Reason : f]

11/30/2006 4:10:47 PM

Quote :

"NYG is 14 against the pass 9 against the run BUF is 11 against the pass 31 against the run"

^So you're saying Romo then? If the Giants are worse in pass defense, then I should pick Romo then right?

11/30/2006 4:23:08 PM

normally u would think that, but they havent played any teams that got pass happy on them, the reason they are so good against the pass is no one passes on them, they just run all day long.

I think That SD will switch it up though, u know Rivers is gonna have a decent day...hes consistent.

as for the Giants they have alot of their key starters back on D and should be alot better.

11/30/2006 4:25:22 PM

Ok, cool. Rivers it is. Plus, he has jungle karma on his side.

11/30/2006 4:29:56 PM

dont go solely off my opinion though, research it some more and figure everything out...look into it a little and let someone else off here make a claim and determine what to do...

i would guess u use yahoo?

11/30/2006 4:31:19 PM

I'll look into it.

11/30/2006 4:36:09 PM

Yes, I play only on Yahoo. I have 4 teams, and I have one with Romo starting and one with Rivers starting. This was for one team that I have both of them. I tend to play QBs with WRs of the same team, therefore, double pts on TDs.

Oh yeah, I know this is crazy. Sit Marvin Harrison? I won't, but I want an opinion.

11/30/2006 4:43:51 PM

Hell No.

Manning takes pride in getting everyone invloved, and will appease Marvin this week with 115yds and 2 TDs. He has had some bad matchups lately (he always gets the teams best corner ie:Champ Bailey) and Wayne has been on a crazy hot streak.

Harrison will blow up this week, I promise you.

You have The Guru's seal of approval.



[Edited on November 30, 2006 at 4:48 PM. Reason : asdf]

11/30/2006 4:47:15 PM

^OK, I'm going to take your word for it. If he gets like 0-3 pts., it's on like neckbone.

11/30/2006 4:48:33 PM

lol, got cha.

just remember, Harrison has taken a seat to Reggie Wayne in the last three weeks, but he has scored in four of his last five against the Titans and it feels like he's due for a huge game.

[Edited on November 30, 2006 at 4:50 PM. Reason : asdf]

11/30/2006 4:49:20 PM

RB: Alexander, Westbrook, J. Lewis, J. Jones.
WR: Fitzgerald, Wayne, A. Johnson.

I have to pick 2 each and a flex. I bet more people wish they had this problem.

11/30/2006 5:41:44 PM

Alexander, Westbrook, J. Lewis, J. Jones
Fitzgerald, Wayne, A. Johnson

11/30/2006 6:47:50 PM

Pick Two:


T. Barber
M. Jones-Drew
W. McGahee

11/30/2006 7:00:37 PM

Barber and Jones-Drew

11/30/2006 8:32:54 PM

^^I say Barber and McGahee

12/1/2006 8:47:11 AM

Favre vs Jets or
Pennington vs Green Bay??

12/1/2006 9:18:32 AM

Pennington.

No doubt.

12/1/2006 9:47:21 AM

Pick 2:

Ahman Green
Marion Barber
Ladell Betts

12/1/2006 10:08:34 AM

Ahman Green
Marion Barber

12/1/2006 10:10:28 AM

I say Green and Barber.

12/1/2006 10:11:27 AM

o rly?

12/1/2006 10:12:15 AM