Studs, Duds and Sleepers

Fantasy Football playoffs are in full swing, which means this is no time to fumble your lineup and make a bad start.  Let the Benchwarmers steer you in the right direction with our amateur advice!  Here are your can’t miss studs, your unexpected duds, and the players being overlooked for Week 15.

QUARTERBACKS

Studs

Drew Brees, Yes, Drew Brees has struggled mightily this year, but now is not the time to sit him.  Brees faces a miserable Buccaneers pass defense.  It may not be pretty, but he will put points on the board.

Cam Newton, It’s been a miserable year for Newton and the Panthers, but Newton has been on a fantasy roll.  With his run/pass ability, he will continue his hot streak against a mediocre Chargers defense

Duds

Philip Rivers, Rivers is quite the risk for one simple reason: you never know which one of his alter egos will show up.  I’m putting my money on the disappointing version this week, as he will be hounded by a surprisingly solid Panther’s pass defense.

Matthew Stafford, The Lions go on the road and take on a Cardinals team that was flat out embarrassed last week.  Don’t expect that to happen again.  Arizona has been exceptional against the pass, and they will rebound nicely.

Sleepers

Mark Sanchez, The Jets suck.  It’s no mystery.  Sanchez isn’t exactly all world either.  But the Titans secondary is porous.  Sanchez will be serviceable on Monday night.

Kirk Cousins, Cousins has been sidelined as RGIII has put together an impressive rookie campaign.  RGIII is out this week, and Cousins will get his chance.  What better opportunity that against the Cleveland Browns?

 

RUNNING BACKS

Studs

Jamaal Charles, Charles has been the lone bright spot on a dreadful Chiefs team.  That will continue as Charles faces one of the worst run defenses in the league; the Oakland Raiders

Adrian Peterson, AP has been nothing short of amazing this season, leading the league in rushing, despite returning from knee surgery.  The Rams have greatly improved against the run, but Peterson is an animal.

Doug Martin, He’s the Muscle Hampster, doesn’t that explain it all?  If that’s not enough reason to start the rookie from Tampa, then look at who he will be running against;  the worst ranked defense in the league. The New Orleans Saints

Duds

Frank Gore, Gore has been steady all year, but today doesn’t set up well for his owners.  The Patriots have been on fire of late, and they slowed down the leagues best rushing attack last week.  Expect points in this game, but they will come through the air.

Stevan Ridley, Ridley has been a pleasant surprise all year, putting up numbers in a pass happy Patriots’ offense.  The 49ers are sure to slow that down.  They are ranked #1 in the league in rush defense.

Sleepers

C.J. Spiller, Spiller has been deemed the man in Buffalo, and will have a chance against a stingy Seattle defense.  Spiller is a weapon as both a runner and receiver, and his elite speed makes him a home run threat. 

Ryan Mathews, Mathews has been a bust thus far, but the Panthers have a way of making things right for opposing offenses.  Cautiously expect Mathews to be a serviceable option this week.

 

WIDE RECEIVERS

Studs

Vincent Jackson, Jackson is enjoying the emergence of QB Josh Freeman.  Expect the combination to connect early and often against the laughable Saints’ defense.

Andre Johnson, Johnson and the Texans will have something to prove after last weeks beating, and Johnson will find plenty of holes in the young Colts’ secondary. 

Brandon Marshall, The Packers have struggled defending the pass, and Marshall has been the off-season acquisition of the year.  Combined, it equates to another solid day at the office for the Bears’ wide receiver.

Duds

Roddy White, White is in the lineup, according to NFL Network.  Just because he’s starting doesn’t make him automatic.  White is battling a knee injury, and with other weapons like Julio Jones and Tony Gonzalez, Matt Ryan will look for other options.

Reggie Wayne, Reggie Wayne has been rejuvenated by rookie QB Andrew Luck.  Unfortunately for them both, they will face a surely pissed off Texans defense.  Temper your expectations for Wayne.

Dez Bryant, Not only does Dez Bryant have an injured finger that will require at somepoint, but they are also facing the Pittsburgh Steelers.  Not a recipe for success.  And if you need another reason:  Tony Romo.

Sleepers

Eric Decker, The Ravens’ defense is banged up and has struggled all season.  With Peyton Manning at the helm, Decker will get plenty of looks. 

Lance Moore, Expect a shootout today in New Orleans, which is great for Lance Moore owners.  The Buccaneers struggle against the pass;  Lance Moore will be the benefactor.

Josh Gordon, Clevelands’ rookie receiver has flown under the radar all year.  Don’t overlook him this week as he squares off against one of the leagues worst pass defenses. 

 

TIGHT ENDS

Studs

Jimmy Graham, Freak athlete+elite QB+poor defense= a monster day for Jimmy Graham.  Graham should abuse the Buccaneers, particularly in the red zone. 

Tony Gonzalez, Gonzalez is a future hall of famer, and he has played like it all year.  Look for him to add to that impressive Hall of Fame resume.

Duds

Jermichael Findley, Finley has struggled all year due to the emergence of weapons like Randall Cobb and James Jones, on the outside.  The Bears have struggled at times, but they do a good of job as any team at defending the middle of the field.

Jason Witten, Witten has put together a great season despite early season injuries.  The Steelers, much like the Bears, make life miserable for opposing tight ends.  Don’t expect much from Witten this week.

Sleepers

Brandon Myers, Simply put;  start ANY player that is facing the Kansas City Chiefs.  Myers has been quietly becoming a great option for Carson Palmer in Oakland.  Myers could make some noise today.

Kyle Rudolph, Rudolph’s incredible size and athleticism has made him a great outlet for Christian Ponder.  Expect Rudolph to be a featured weapon against a St. Louis Rams’ pass defense that is in the bottom half of the league.

 

Well that’s a wrap for today’s amateur advice!  Good luck to all of you fantasy footballers out there.  And remember, if you lose, it’s not our fault!