Week 14: Deep League Start 'em
Ladies and gentlemen, playoff fantasy football is finally upon us. This is the most important week to date for your title hopes and not having your optimal lineup in could lead to the consolation bracket. Along with most of you, I have taken extra time this week preparing for my many head-to-head battles. Here are eight players to consider for your lineup this week.
QB Kyle Orton, ---
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The last time Kyle Orton came to Lucas Oil Stadium, he spoiled the Indianapolis Colts' first game in their new stadium, winning 29-13 on Sunday Night Football. As we approach Week 14, Kyle Orton returns to Lucas Oil Stadium looking to spoil the Colts' perfect 12-0 season. In his win with the Bears, Orton completed 13-of-21 passes for 150 yards, zero touchdowns and zero interceptions. He also rushed once for 10 yards. While these statistics may not jump out at you, Orton has proven he knows how to handle the pressure of playing on the road while leading an efficient offense to a win. With Chicago, Orton's top receivers were Brandon Lloyd, Devin Hester and Marty Booker. Add a more pass friendly offensive scheme, a better trio of wide receivers, and the 26 starts he has made since the last time he faced the Colts and I would be willing to bet he has a solid game. Orton is projected to throw for 220 yards and one touchdown; expect those numbers to be just a little higher. If the Broncos can pull off the upset, Orton should figure to be in the 300-yard range. Expect 250+ passing yards and a pair of touchdown tosses either way.
RB Justin Forsett, ---
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Maybe one of the most puzzling players this year, Justin Forsett has been very productive down the stretch, scoring 4 touchdowns in the past 3 games. The only question now is, can he take us home? Though a lot of managers probably picked up Forsett weeks ago, they may have given up on him since Julius Jones returned from his chest injury. If you are fortunate enough to be in this situation, Forsett may have another quality start in him when they travel to Houston. The Texans were able to keep MJD in check, but he was still able to gain 76 yards on 24 carries. With Forsett being the primary pass-catching running back and splitting carries with Jones, the perennial running back should end-up in the 70-80 yard range and should catch his usual 4-5 passes.
RB Felix Jones, ---
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The running back carousel in Dallas has been beaten up this year. Marion Barber, Tashard Choice, as well as Felix Jones have all suffered injuries to some extent. Now that Jones has seemed to recover from his early season issues, he is starting to look like his old-self again. Week 12 versus the Oakland Raiders, Jones rushed 7 times for 68 yards and a touchdown; In addition, he caught 2 passes for 1 yard. This week the San Diego Chargers come calling and Jones will have to be at his best if the Cowboys are going to win. Jones is only projected around 55 yards, but if Marion Barber is not effective Jones will get the call. Jones also has 507 yards kick returning and is a threat to take one to the house. I have a good feeling Jones will be a pleasant surprise this week.
WR Danny Amendola, ---
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I recommended using Danny Amendola earlier in the season. While that recommendation was a few weeks premature, Amendola has actually been very solid this season. In the 10 games he has played this year, Amendola has accumulated 1059 kick return yards and 200 punt return yards. In addition, Amendola has stepped up into the receiver role and has caught 27 passes for 244 yards. Toward the end of the season, some rookies finally start coming into their own and Amendola will have his chance this weekend when the Rams travel to Tennessee to play the Titans. Chris Johnson should not have a problem running the ball and if he has a huge game, Amendola could get six or seven kick returns. If return yards matter in your league, Amendola matters to your fantasy team. Expect 200 all-purpose yards and sooner rather than later Amendola will score his first NFL touchdown.
WR Mike Thomas, ---
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Much like Amendola, Mike Thomas is a quick rookie receiver/kick returner who is looking to put it all together down the stretch. From a receiving perspective, Thomas has been solid for a rookie -- hauling in 32 passes for 306 yards and accumulating a total of 517 yards returning kicks and punts. The Jacksonville Jaguars host the Miami Dolphins week 14 and with QB David Garrard spreading the ball around to all his receivers, Thomas should get a handful of receptions and continue his kick and punt returning duties. Expect 3 catches and 175 all-purpose yards. Not bad for a no. 3 wideout in a yardage-based league.
