Thursday, November 27, 2008

FANTASY FOOTBALL-WEEK 13 THANKSGIVING DAY PRE-GAME PLANNER...PLUS

It's Thanksgiving day and that means turkey and nearly 12 hours of football from noon to about midnight.
Tennessee at Detroit is an interesting matchup. The Titans should be ready to take no prisoners in this one after last week's first loss of the season to the Jets. But this game represents the Super Bowl for the hapless Lions who have already been eliminated from the playoffs.
If you're looking for a one-week quarterback, running back and receiver replacement, take a shot with the Lions' Daunte Culpepper, Kevin Smith, Calvin Johnson. The Lions likely won't win, but they should overachieve and put up some decent fantasy stats.
As far as the Titans, many experts are telling you to expect huge stats from Chris Johnson and adequate stats with LenDale White. I would reverse that sentiment. Any time an offensive star spouts off and complains before a game publicly that he needs to get more involved in the offense, that player is usually fed the ball a bit more to keep him happy. I see White getting 100-plus yards and at least two TDs today.
In the Dallas-Seattle game at 4:15, start all Cowboys with confidence and start Seahawks players only if you're desperate.
In the Arizona at Philadelphia game at 8:15 p.m., start Eagles players with confidence, including QB Donovan McNabb and receivers Kevin Curtis and DeSean Jackson. Brian Westbrook is expected to start. While most "experts" are saying don't expect much from Westbrook, he's basically all the Eagles have at back with Correll Buckhalter out and Lorenzo Booker tabbed as the backup. The Eagles need to win and will use Westbrook often, on the ground and in the passing game.
REGGIE BUSH WATCH: New Orleans injured back Bush had a limited practice on Wednesday and proclaimed himself ready to return from his knee injury this coming Sunday. But even if he plays he will face a stiff Tampa Bay defense.

Happy Thanksgiving and good luck if you have anyone active today!

Sunday, November 23, 2008

FANTASY FOOTBALL WEEK 12: SUNDAY PRE-GAME PLANNER

Word just came that Philadelphia back Brian Westbrook will be active today and he will play.
However, be wary of the fact he is still not 100 percent and coach Andy Reid plans to use backup Correll Buckhalter more than usual to lessen Westbrook's load.
I have Westbrook in three leagues and I am desperate enough to use him in two leagues. However, in one league I have Denver back Peyton Hillis and I will use him in place of Westbrook. Hillis has a good matchup today and should provide some very nice fantasy results.
On the Reggie Bush front, apparently the Saints coaching staff is still confident enough to say he will be a gametime decision on Monday against Green Bay. The Saints need him and will sit him only if his knee is swelled up.
Giants back Brandon Jacobs and Washington back Clinton Portis are a go today and should see fulltime action.
If you have receiver Donnie Avery don't hesitate to use him today. The St. Louis press has said St. Louis QB Marc Bulger will be on a short leash today so watch him to target his sure-handed deep threat early and often to try and keep his job. I wouldn't be surprised to see Tory Holt have his best game of the season as well.
In Baltimore, rookie QB Joe Flacco has become more comfortable using his tight end Todd Heap and word is he should be targeted with several short passes today. Heap has been inconsistent most of the season but he has woken up the past two weeks.
Also on the tight end front, don't hesitate to use Saints tight end Jeremy Shockey on Monday. Last week he led the Saints with six receptions and appears to be back in form and ready to perform the way most fantasy experts thought at the beginning of the season. Shockey is 100 percent healthy and according to the Saints' Web site he has looked great in practice.

Good luck today!