TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

FANTASY FOOTBALL TIP SHEET

ADVERTISEMENT

By LUKE EASTERLING, The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 16, 2007

It's crunch time now. The bye weeks are over and it's time to settle in for the stretch run. Whether you're trying to secure the top spot in your league and a first-round bye, fighting for a playoff spot, or just trying to play spoiler against those playoff-bubble teams, these last few weeks of the fantasy regular season could be the difference between claiming bragging rights or planning for next year's draft a little early.

Exploiting favorable matchups will be a key down the stretch, as will being mindful of the trade deadline in your league (if one exists).You don't want to shake things up too much if your roster is working for you, but you can't be afraid to pull the trigger if the right deal comes your way.

MATCHUPS AND LINEUPS

There are a couple teams that have attractive fantasy matchups this week, making nearly every offensive starter on the squad worth having in your lineup:

Pittsburgh Steelers (at New York Jets): The Steelers' offense has seen customary consistent production from Willie Parker, and Hines Ward has had a couple of big games over the past few weeks. The pleasant surprise has been the play of Ben Roethlisberger and, to a lesser degree, Santonio Holmes. The Steelers go up against a Jets squad that is dead last in the NFL in rushing defense (152.2 ypg) and 24th in passing defense (228 ypg). This matchup makes Roethlisberger, Parker, Ward and Holmes must-starts, while Heath Miller and Nate Washington also merit consideration.

Arizona Cardinals (at Cincinnati): The Bengals' defensive woes have been no secret this season, and the Cardinals' offensive playmakers should be salivating over this matchup. Cincinnati is 27th in the league in rush defense (135 ypg), 28th in pass defense (248.2 ypg), and has given up 20 TD passes (next to last in the league). Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin should have a field day, while Edgerrin James could pile up the yards, especially if the Cards have a late lead. Whoever starts at QB for Arizona (Kurt Warner or Tim Rattay) might also be a smart play, especially in deeper leagues.

INJURY REPORT

Injuries at running back are the talk of the fantasy town this week. Adrian Peterson suffered a torn ligament in his knee and will miss at least one week, but likely more. Larry Johnson's mid-foot sprain kept him out of last week's loss to Denver, and will keep him on the sideline again this week when the Chiefs face the Colts. The swelling in Johnson's foot has subsided, according to the team, but it remains unclear how much time LJ will miss. Marshawn Lynch likely will miss this week's game and possibly more with a severely sprained ankle.

Plaxico Burress continues to be hampered by an ankle injury, and while it has affected his performance lately, don't expect him to sit out any games because of it. Laveranues Coles (concussion) is not on the Jets' injury report and will be in the starting lineup this week. Andre Johnson practiced Thursday and will start this week, while Deion Branch is also expected to return to the starting lineup after missing time with a foot injury.

Steve McNair will miss 2-3 weeks with a shoulder injury, while David Garrard will start this week, barring a setback with his ankle injury. Kurt Warner practiced Thursday and should be the starter this week, barring any setbacks with his injured elbow.

Dallas Clark, who missed last week's loss to the Chargers with a concussion, will likely start this week. Todd Heap did not practice Thursday due to a hamstring injury and is unlikely to play this week.

WAIVER WIRE WONDERS

Raiders RB Justin Fargas: Fargas has stolen the starting job from LaMont Jordan in Oakland, and has become the only dependable fantasy starter on the Raiders' squad. In his last three games, Fargas has rushed for 246 yards, and is averaging 5 yards per carry for the season. Fargas faces a tough matchup this week against the Vikings, but in Week 13 (the last week before playoffs start in most fantasy leagues) he faces Denver, which is next to last in the NFL in rush defense (151 ypg). He's likely gone in every league with more than 10 teams, but if you're in a 10-teamer and Fargas is still available, snatch him up.

Bills RBs Anthony Thomas/Dwayne Wright: With Coach Dick Jauron saying that Lynch's sprained ankle might be more than just a one-week injury, Thomas and Wright have seen a rise in their fantasy value, especially in deeper leagues. The two will probably split the workload, limiting each other's overall value, and the Bills do face a tough matchup against the Patriots this week. However, if Lynch does end up missing more than one week, Thomas and/or Wright could provide some help.

Keyword: Fantasy Guys to get Sunday morning fantasy football updates on injuries and matchups.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT