Week 16: Sit 'Em
This weekly column will feature players that are normally solid bets for fantasy production, but not worth starting in a particular week.
Week 15 Recap:
Chris Ivory sat out versus Baltimore with a bum hamstring.
Ryan Mathews rushed for 56 yards against San Francisco and Tolbert got the rushing score.
Brian Westbrook rushed for 22 yards and a score with a few receptions versus San Diego.
Keiland Williams had 17 total yards from scrimmage.
Mike Thomas had 3 receptions for 63 yards, a fumble loss and a punt return touchdown.
Brandon Pettigrew's performance fell even further with 2 receptions for 25 yards.
The San Francisco defense was destroyed by San Diego and Rivers for 34 points.
Week 16 Sit'em:
First of all, Happy Holidays. Week 16... wow! two weeks left. Now is the time to count on your steady producers and finish your season strong. Weed out those inconsistent players and those guys who put up average numbers. Find the solid guys on your roster and get ready to watch with the same level of engagement as a child opening gifts. This week I have two quarterbacks, three running backs and two wide outs to sit on your bench.
Sit -
Eli Manning versus Green Bay.
Joe Flacco on the road against Cleveland.
Fred Jackson versus New England.
Matt Forte will have a tough go against New York.
Brandon Jacobs will not be productive this week against Green Bay.
Santonio Holmes and the New York passing game look better, but beware.
Vincent Jackson back in, Malcolm Floyd out.
QB Joe Flacco, CIN
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Flacco has looked better this season, but his road record is still worrisome. Flacco had a solid outing earlier in the season against Cleveland, but I think this time around and on the road spells a whole different message. Cleveland will give up points, though I think they will come in the form of Ray Rice rushing the ball into the end zone. Flacco will have a touchdown or two, but he is likely to cough up a turnover as well. Look for around 225 yards passing and a few rushing. Baltimore should win this game with their defense and rushing attack and play from the lead.
QB Eli Manning, ---
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Manning has been up and down this season on terms of overall performance. He is generally good for his average of around 2 touchdowns and 1.5 interceptions. After a disappointing loss to Philadelphia this past week, Manning and his teammates will be looking for redemption against a highly ranked Green Bay pass rush and secondary. Manning and his receivers are going to have their jobs cut out for them this week. I like the odds that Green Bay will get to Manning early in the game and disrupt his rhythm. I think this will be an interesting match-up in Week 16. Manning will toss for his average 250 yards throw one, maybe two touchdowns and a pick. Sit him.
RB Matt Forte, ---
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Forte faces a stout New York defense in Week 16. With only five rushing touchdowns on the season and three more through the air, Forte is one of those guys I have questioned starting just about every week of the season. Most often I guessed correctly, but missed on a few opportunities as well. Forte can go off in the rushing game and with receptions or he can be stagnant and waste your time. This week Chicago faces New York's solid defense that will try to force Chicago to run the ball. This means Forte will get work, but how productive he will be is the big question mark. I like Forte for about 60 yards rushing and maybe 25 receiving, but think he will be kept out of the end zone.
RB Fred Jackson, ---
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Personally, I would like to see Fred Jackson getting the number of receptions he received in weeks 9 through 12, but that is me. Jackson owners may have a dilemma this week. Jackson has looked solid of late with the exception of this past week versus Miami. I like Jackson when he is active in both the passing and rushing schemes. This is where I feel he excels -- as a backfield option with dual capacity. Jackson has the ability to cut through a defense and also make them pay with yardage after a short pass. The New England defense has looked stronger as the season progresses and let's not forget that Brady and his offense can hold the field for what may seem like endless drives or just score time and time again at will. Look for Jackson to struggle this week with around 60 rushing yards and maybe 20 receiving yards.
RB Brandon Jacobs, ---
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Brandon Jacobs is not a guy I think you should be starting this late in the season. Yes, he had huge games in weeks 13 and 14, but the truth at the end of the day is that Jacobs and Bradshaw share time in this backfield and Bradshaw is the primary back. Jacobs crushes opponents when given the chance, and in tandem with Bradshaw has blown games wide open; however, this week Bradshaw and Jacobs will be tested by a solid Green Bay defense that will challenge both the rushing and passing game. I think New York is going to need to work hard to pull off this game on the road. I see 60 yards maximum from Jacobs this week without a score.
