Fantasy Football Thoughts and Observations With an Eye on the Prize

Like we always do just after Monday Night Football, it's time to recap the week that was in fantasy football. Hey, it's go time folks. That's right, it's playoff time. There's very little time to prepare as the games start coming at you four days a week. You've gotta be on your toes -- there's no more gambling, no more getting cute. You roll the dice with what you've got and hope for the best.

Another week of fantasy football is in the books. And chances are you fit into one of few camps right now -- you're either really depressed and your season is over, or you're ecstatic and live to fight another day. Either way, it's the beginning of the end on a great season of fantasy football. The long journey was well worth the ride, win or lose.

However, let's not close the book just yet. Oh no, this coming weekend marks the championship/money round for many folks. And as you ignore Christmas shopping, work and family to quietly prepare for this all-important week ... be sure to follow the trends of Week 15.
If you managed to survive a mediocre night from Drew Brees against the Bears, you're looking pretty solid. Yes, Brees gets to tee off on the Lions this week. And fear not for the blowout and the Saints simply running the ball. The Lions are going to give everything they have to win their final home game.

I'm smelling a shootout, which is GREAT news for Calvin Johnson and Kevin Smith, as well as all your Saints. What can you say about Megatron other than awesome? As for Kevin Smith, he's quietly getting the job done.

Michael Turner simply will not be stopped. It doesn't matter what the matchup is, he's in punish mode. Say hello to a top-five pick in 2009.

Even without Jeff Garcia, the Antonio Bryant breakthrough season continues. And with San Diego on tap this week, I see no reason to lower the expectations. Who'd have ever thought we could count on Bryant as No. 1 WR caliber?

Just in case you're pondering it as I am, don't think you can start Cadillac Williams next week. Just don't.

Who was that man dressed in the Cedric Benson jersey on Sunday? Was that Corey Dillon circa 2001? Well, let's not get too excited. I don't care if it's only Cleveland on tap, it's still Cedric Benson.

Welcome back to fantasy relevance Santana Moss, who would have ever predicted your disappearing act for the a huge stretch of this season?

Hmm, Clinton Portis has still only scored one TD since I made a shocking suggestion that you trade him. Injuries, team turmoil, what have you ... he's sure not the undisputed No. 1 fantasy RB anymore.

Going out on a limb, I'm starting Chad Johnson this weekend in my championship game. You read that correctly. I have no other choice thanks to Marion Barber. If you caught the game, Barber just did not look right and he's not healthy. Factor in Tashard Choice performing admirably and it makes sense. Of note, I suggested trading Barber at midseason as well. Sorry.

Yes, Andre Johnson. WOW. The man is an animal. He was ripping catches out of the air away from defenders. You simply can't bestow enough praise on 'Dre Day. And there's no need to be scared of the matchup against the Raiders this week. He simply can't and won't be stopped.

As the consensus goes ... you can't blame Chris Johnson, blame Jeff Fisher. The man simply needed the ball more. Regardless, look for Steve Slaton to jockey for 2009 fantasy draft position with the likes of Johnson over the next few weeks.

Maurice Jones-Drew is basically all the Jags have. With that said, if you're still alive that bodes well for championship week, considering the Colts are on tap.

Was that James Jones, the favorite sneaky sleeper in the preseason, finally delivering?

Steven Jackson is doing what he does best. Cleaning up the garbage stats in meaningless games. Ironically, these stats mean so much to so many, which continuously leads many to worship him as a fantasy god. Argh.

Other than John Carlson, I still don't trust anyone on the Seahawks. Nope, not even Maurice Morris, Deion Branch or Seneca Wallace. Sorry.

Chad Pennington won't give you Drew Brees-like numbers, but he will give you efficient and safe fantasy stats. Of note, he's got the Chiefs on tap next ... worth mentioning.

Is Thomas Jones ever gonna slow down? No. He's got the Seahawks this weekend and he's the Jets' only hope. Well, him and Leon Washington.

Marshawn Lynch went into "beast mode" against the Jets on Sunday and now he's got the Broncos on tap for this weekend.

Philip Rivers somehow pulled out an impressive stat line for his owners on Sunday. I'll stress the word somehow. Meanwhile, once again LaDainian Tomlinson dished out another stinker. I'm not thinking positive on LT moving forward. A visit to Tampa Bay will NOT be his cure.

I don't care if he scores ZERO touchdowns, Adrian Peterson is the undisputed No. 1 pick in the 2009 fantasy draft. He's simply the best and he'll get into the end zone. He's stayed healthy this season and he's probably gift-wrapping some titles this weekend.

Maybe we got a little ahead of ourselves on this whole Arizona Cardinals thing? I'd be terrified if I owned Kurt Warner, Larry Fitzgerald or Anquan Boldin heading to New England this weekend. Just saying.

And for the record, no I don't support Tarvaris Jackson getting a starting nod this weekend. I don't care if you're playing for pride in the toilet bowl. Stop.

The Steelers' defense is gonna tee off on Kerry Collins this weekend.

I say it in this space every week. Jay Cutler is way, way too hit-or-miss to trust each week. He's either spectacular or he's a dud. There's no obvious way to play the matchup. You just don't know.

I'd like to thank DeAngelo Williams for being "woozy" Sunday and allowing Jonathan Stewart to pilfer the fourth-quarter carries. I was starting Stewart and my opponent had Williams. Holding a slim lead, Stewart's minimal work and Williams' non-work was enough to get me the win. Moving forward, this is still D-Will's gig and Stewart is gonna find my bench this week.

Matt Cassel delivered another HUGE game. Say hello to the offseason Scott Mitchell. Somebody is gonna ink him big time.

And finally, yes Darren McFadden delivered a big game. Now is the time for the Raiders to hand over the reins. No offense to Justin Fargas, but it's time. The Raiders have nothing to play for and McFadden could have a nice day against the Texans. And yes, that means he could help clinch a few titles.

Signing off for now, but best of luck if you're still alive and have lived to see another Sunday. Hang in there.