Week 14: Start 'Em
If you have line up questions and are wondering who to start this week that most likely means this is week 1 of your playoffs. Congrats to you. Making the fantasy playoffs is never easy to do, but there is still work to be done. If you are in the playoffs, my first piece of advice is for you to start the guys that got you to this point, but it's possible you made it into the playoffs with some injury issues. If that's the case, take a look below and if any of these guys are on your bench you might want to consider putting them in your starting lineup. Good luck this week and throughout the playoffs. May the Force be with you.
QB Carson Palmer, ---
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The Raiders had high hopes when they traded for Carson Palmer and they expected him to help them compete right away. They didn't give up a first (and a possible second first) round pick for nothing. While Palmer's play won't be mistaken for Aaron Rogers or Drew Brees, he has played very well, helping them into a first place tie going into week 14. Palmer isn't an every week fantasy starter, but with all the injured quarterbacks, he makes for a solid start many weeks (especially when he has a good match-up, like he does this week when the Raiders take their shot at defeating the 12-0 Green Bay Packers). The Packers are giving up the 2nd most passing yards per game this season, and that probably won't change this week. Palmer is a very good start in week 14.
RB Marion Barber, ---
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The Bears are in big trouble. First they lost Jay Cutler and now they have lost probably the most valuable player on the team -- running back Matt Forte. Forte looks to be gone for the next 2-6 weeks, and stepping into his shoes will be Marion Barber. If Cutler was still around, the Bears might decide to rely more on the passing game, but with him out (and replacement Caleb Hanie looking lost) the Bears will rely heavily on Barber. While Barber will never be mistaken for Forte, he can put up fantasy points in a number of ways: rushing, goal line carries and he also can catch the ball out of the back field. In week 14 the Bears play the Broncos, who just gave up a big fantasy day to another back up -- Toby Gerhart (91 yards rushing as well as 8 receptions for 42 yards). Don't be surprised if Barber puts up similar numbers. If you have Barber on your bench, start him this week.
RB C.J. Spiller, ---
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Like Moss, it looks like I wrote about Spiller a few weeks too early. With Fred Jackson done for the season, the Bills were going to get a look at what their 2010 first round pick can do as the main man in the running game. He struggled in his first start, but seemed to feel more comfortable in his second start -- he had his best day of his young career. Spiller rushed for 83 yards and 1 touchdown (also had another long touchdown run called back on an iffy holding call) and he had 3 receptions for 19 yards. While he still hasn't proven that he can be an effective inside runner, he has proven that if he is going to get 15+ touches he can be an effective fantasy player. The fact that he is a good receiver out of the backfield increases his chances of putting up points. The Bills play the San Diego Chargers (who are in the bottom 10 of rush defenses) this week. Especially in PPR leagues, Spiller makes for a solid RB2 or flex start.
WR Santana Moss, ---
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A few weeks ago I wrote about Santana Moss and I was probably jumping the gun a little with it being his first week back from injury. Well now that he has 2 games under his belt and has had no setbacks, look for him to finally have a big game this week. Moss is no longer the big play receiver he was earlier in his career, but he has become a very useful fantasy player (especially in PPR leagues). Moss plays against the Patriots in week 14 and the Patriots are easily the worst defense against the pass this season, giving up a whopping 310 yards per game through the air. In this kind of a match-up I think Moss is a must start in PPR leagues, so don't focus on his lack of output the past two weeks and focus on his opponent. Put Moss in your lineup.
WR Damian Williams, ---
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When starter Kenny Britt went down, the Titans were hoping 2nd year receiver Damian Williams would be able to step in and help out in the passing game. After a slow start, Williams has begun to become a factor in the passing game. Despite playing in only 11 games so far this season, Williams has already surpassed his rookie season stats and leads the Titans in touchdown receptions this season. While he is far from a fantasy stud, he is worthy of starting in the right situation and this week seems like that situation. #1 receiver Nate Washington was in and out of last week's game with an ankle injury and no one is sure if he will be able to make it through next week's juicy fantasy match-up with the Saints. The Saints give up the 3rd most passing yards per game (264 yards). If you need a receiver or flex starter this week, Williams is worth a look.
