Grant should run all over the Lions.
We had a great showing last week, giving you the right calls more often than not, while posting an 11-4 record for Week 11.
We suggested that you start Eli Manning and Ricky Williams, two plays that paid off big time, while a few of our sit calls, Carson Palmer, Chad Ochocinco, and Jay Cutler also helped your teams if you followed our advice.
Read on for the five guys to start, the five to leave on the bench, and the five to keep an eye on heading into Week 12:
Start
Matt Ryan, QB, Atlanta Falcons
Ryan looked much better than he has over the past few weeks in a tough battle with the New York Giants, and should continue to improve he gets a nice match-up with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this week.
Prediction: 24-34, 296 yds, 3 TD, 1 INT
Justin Forsett, RB, Seattle Seahawks
Forsett ran hard against the Minnesota Vikings’ elite run defense, but finished with just nine yards on nine carries. However, his athleticism and play-making ability allowed him to reel off 80 yards on eight receptions, and he was even able to find a rushing touchdown late in the game. Julius Jones is expected to make his return this week, but even if he does, we expect Forsett to remain a big part of what Seattle’s offense is doing, especially with a soft match-up against the St. Louis Rams.
Prediction: 10 att, 65 yds, 0 TD, 6 rec, 63 yds, 1 TD
Jason Snelling, RB, Atlanta Falcons
After pounding out 80+ total yards and two scores against the New York Giants, it looks like Snelling will get another start with Michael Turner likely sitting out for the second straight week. It’s obvious that Snelling can put up solid production behind Atlanta’s big offensive line, and with a nice match-up with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, you just can’t sit the guy.
Prediction: 17 att, 81 yds, 1 TD, 4 rec, 35 yds, 0 TD
Ryan Grant, RB, Green Bay Packers
Jamal Lewis and Chris Jennings ran all over the Detroit Lions, so what makes anyone think the improving Ryan Grant won’t be able to? Grant has been very impressive in recent weeks, averaging over 101 total yards per game in his last three games. The Lions won’t be able to stop anything the Packers throw at them, so don’t even think about this one: Put him in your line-up.
Prediction: 19 att, 112 yds, 1 TD, 3 rec, 29 yds, 0 TD
John Carlson, TE, Seattle Seahawks
Carlson has been very disappointing lately, catching just one pass in his last two games, while getting blanked against the Minnesota Vikings. We could stay down on him and suggest a sit, but he’s facing the Rams this week, and the last time he faced them in the season opener he went off for 95 yards and two scores. Even if he doesn’t duplicate those numbers, he should put up respectable stats this week.
Prediction: 5 rec, 62 yds, 1 TD
Sit
Tony Romo, QB, Dallas Cowboys
It took Romo almost the entire game last week against the Redskins to throw a touchdown pass, and the past few weeks have shown us that he just isn’t getting it done. Opposing defenses are figuring out how to stop Miles Austin, and it is directly impacting Romo’s production. He shouldn’t fare much better with a tough match-up against the Oakland Raiders stingy pass defense.
Prediction: 23-37, 278 yds, 2 TD, 4 INT
Matt Forte, RB, Chicago Bears
The one (and only) thing to like about Matt Forte in 2009 is that his role in the Bears offense is extremely dependable. He will always get the touches to give him the chance to be a stud back, but with tough opponents and a horrible offensive line, his production will be no better than average. Forte has just one 100+ yard rushing day on the season, but has totaled 100+ yards five times, simply because he remains to active as a receiver. There’s always promise with Forte, but not this week, as he’ll face a staunch Minnesota run defense.
Prediction: 11 att, 35 yds, 0 TD, 6 rec, 44 yds, 0 TD
Tim Hightower/Chris Wells, RB, Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals have really done a great job at committing to the ground game and making their offense a well-balanced machine. However, regardless of the progress of both Hightower and Wells, they go up against a stiff Tennessee Titans run defense this week, and considering they were borderline Flex plays or low-end RB2’s anyways, they don’t make for good starts this week.
Hightower Prediction: 11 att, 33 yds, 1 TD, 3 rec, 19 yds, 0 TD
Wells Prediction: 8 att, 42 yds, 0 TD, 2 rec, 9 yds, 0 TD
Kevin Smith, RB, Detroit Lions
Smith is coming off of a weak rushing effort, but was heavily involved in the passing game in Detroit’s victory over the Cleveland Browns, registering over 100 receiving yards and a score.
However, with the possibility that both Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson could miss the Thanksgiving game, and the fact that the Green Bay Packers have been solid against the run, this doesn’t look to be the best week to use Smith.
Prediction: 15 att, 40 yds, 0 TD, 3 rec, 40 yds, 0 TD
Malcom Floyd, WR, San Diego Chargers
Floyd has been getting an unbelievable amount of hype since entering the starting line-up on a full-time basis, but for no good reason. He hasn’t caught more than three balls in a game all season, and regardless of his size and potential, simply isn’t a big factor in San Diego’s offense.
Prediction: 3 rec, 47 yds, 0 TD
Sleeper
Chad Henne, QB, Miami Dolphins
Henne hasn’t been dazzling since taking over for the injured Chad Pennington, but he definitely has a fine hold on how to manage the Dolphins offense. As long as Ricky Williams and the rest of the Wildcat is working effectively, Henne has a chance on any given day to help you out in a pinch.
Prediction: 14-22, 177 yds, 1 TD, 1 INT
Rock Cartwright, RB, Washington Redskins
With both Clinton Portis and Ladell Betts injured, Cartwright will step into action as the Redskins start this week. After solid production against a steady Cowboys defense (140 total yards), Cartwright makes for a good Flex play in Week 12, despite going up against a stout Eagles run defense.
Prediction: 14 att, 54 yds, 1 TD, 4 rec, 43 yds, 0 TD
Jordy Nelson, WR, Green Bay Packers
Nelson returned from a knee injury against the 49ers to catch four passes for 32 yards, including a touchdown. He and teammate James Jones are risky fantasy plays, considering they share time at the third receiver spot, but both have value, and Nelson is one to keep your eye on.
Prediction: 4 rec, 56 yds, 1 TD
Mohamed Massaqoui, WR, Cleveland Browns
He’s not a suggested start by any means, but as Brady Quinn’s top option and a decent down-field threat, Massaquoi will at the very worst continue to get opportunities to succeed. He’ll have a tough time against a solid Bengals pass defense this week, but he could be a decent Flex play for the stretch run if you’re looking for a receiver with good potential.
Prediction: 4 rec, 75 yds, 0 TD
James Casey, TE, Houston Texans
Casey wasn’t phenomenal in his first real attempt at replacing Owen Daniels (IR), but he did catch two passes for 33 yards, with one being an impressive 32-yarder. As he gets more comfortable within the offense and builds his chemistry with Matt Schaub, it’s only a matter of time until he’s putting up solid numbers. With the Colts pass defense dealing with loads of injuries, Week 12’s match-up could have him finding success sooner, rather than later.
Prediction: 5 rec, 62 yds, 1 TD
