NFL Football Column: Fantasy Impact
More NFL columns
NFL Week 14 
Joseph DeanSenior Writer, Fantrax
Circumstances did not allow for my commentary last week, and that seems to have done the trick nicely. A 12-4 mark against the spread has us back over .500 for the season. With that, I will be sure to at least keep the commentary to a minimum the rest of the way.
Hey. Whatever works.
Last week: Straight up: 10-6; ATS: 12-4
Hey. Whatever works.
Last week: Straight up: 10-6; ATS: 12-4
2012 Season: Straight up: 123-68-1; ATS: 97-95
Line: Broncos -10
Denver is struggling a bit with the lack of a run game, but that won't stop Peyton Manning, Eric Decker and Demaryius Thomas from feasting on this Raider defense, ranked dead last in the league in points allowed. Expect to see a limited workload for Darren McFadden, but it won't matter. Denver will cruise to it's eighth straight win.
Denver is struggling a bit with the lack of a run game, but that won't stop Peyton Manning, Eric Decker and Demaryius Thomas from feasting on this Raider defense, ranked dead last in the league in points allowed. Expect to see a limited workload for Darren McFadden, but it won't matter. Denver will cruise to it's eighth straight win.
My Pick:
Win: Broncos
ATS: Broncos -10
Line: Redskins -1
Robert Griffin III and the Redskins scored a huge win Monday night, and now face a Ravens team that is quite frankly out of sorts offensively. Joe Flacco is just not making the throws, and Ray Rice is being under-utilized. Expect a big game from RGIII and close to 100 for Alfred Morris on the ground.
Robert Griffin III and the Redskins scored a huge win Monday night, and now face a Ravens team that is quite frankly out of sorts offensively. Joe Flacco is just not making the throws, and Ray Rice is being under-utilized. Expect a big game from RGIII and close to 100 for Alfred Morris on the ground.
My Pick:
Win: Redskins
ATS: Redskins -1
Line: Bucs -7
Bryce Brown has certainly filled in well for LeSean McCoy, but Philly now faces one of the top run defenses in the league. Don't let the Eagles' performance at Dallas fool you. Dallas is really no better than Philly right now. Doug Martin should run wild here, opening up the passing game once again for Josh Freeman.
Bryce Brown has certainly filled in well for LeSean McCoy, but Philly now faces one of the top run defenses in the league. Don't let the Eagles' performance at Dallas fool you. Dallas is really no better than Philly right now. Doug Martin should run wild here, opening up the passing game once again for Josh Freeman.
My Pick:
Win: Bucs
ATS: Bucs -7
Line: Steelers -6.5
I've always been a Charlie Batch fan, and it was good to see him excel last week. Ben Roethlisberger could be back for this one. Whichever QB the Steelers use is better than Philip Rivers. San Diego is going nowhere now or in the future with Rivers as their signal caller.
My Pick:
I've always been a Charlie Batch fan, and it was good to see him excel last week. Ben Roethlisberger could be back for this one. Whichever QB the Steelers use is better than Philip Rivers. San Diego is going nowhere now or in the future with Rivers as their signal caller.
My Pick:
Win: Steelers
ATS: Steelers -6.5
Line: Bears -3
This is an opportunity for the Bears' defense to reassert itself. They could start by slowing down Adrian Peterson, who looks like he's running with rookie legs again. Offensively, Jay Cutler should continue to feed Brandon Marshall in this one. Chicago is not at all happy about that home loss to Seattle, and should take out some frustration on Minny.
This is an opportunity for the Bears' defense to reassert itself. They could start by slowing down Adrian Peterson, who looks like he's running with rookie legs again. Offensively, Jay Cutler should continue to feed Brandon Marshall in this one. Chicago is not at all happy about that home loss to Seattle, and should take out some frustration on Minny.
My Pick:
Win: Bears
ATS: Bears -3
Line: Jets -2.5
The Jets finally found their QB in Greg McElroy. Now, in their infinite wisdom, they plan to start Mark Sanchez this week. Too bad the Jets are too stubborn to get away from Sanchize on a permanent basis. He is one of the worst QBs ever to play in the NFL. No, Greg McElroy would not save the season, as he has not had the reps needed to really excel. He would, however, at least give Jets' fans some hope for the future. I do like how the Jets are running the ball, and Shonn Greene and Bilal Powell should enjoy nice days here, despite the sorry excuse for a QB. The Jags are just running out the season.
The Jets finally found their QB in Greg McElroy. Now, in their infinite wisdom, they plan to start Mark Sanchez this week. Too bad the Jets are too stubborn to get away from Sanchize on a permanent basis. He is one of the worst QBs ever to play in the NFL. No, Greg McElroy would not save the season, as he has not had the reps needed to really excel. He would, however, at least give Jets' fans some hope for the future. I do like how the Jets are running the ball, and Shonn Greene and Bilal Powell should enjoy nice days here, despite the sorry excuse for a QB. The Jags are just running out the season.
My Pick:
Win: Jets
ATS: Jets -2.5
Line: Colts -5
Andrew Luck is on fire. The Colts are on fire. Now they return home after that heart-stopping win in Detroit to face what should be an outmatched opponent. Tennessee has a way of playing well against teams who have been playing well. Luck will get his, but Chris Johnson will eclipse 100 easily here and keep the Titans in it.
My Pick:
Andrew Luck is on fire. The Colts are on fire. Now they return home after that heart-stopping win in Detroit to face what should be an outmatched opponent. Tennessee has a way of playing well against teams who have been playing well. Luck will get his, but Chris Johnson will eclipse 100 easily here and keep the Titans in it.
My Pick:
Win: Colts
ATS: Titans +5
Line: Browns -6.5
We called the KC win last week, and we called the road win for Cleveland. Now that those obstacles are out of the way for both teams, it comes down to which team is better. Jamaal Charles will run well here, and Brady Quinn has actually looked decent. Still, the rookie trio of Brandon Weeden, Josh Gordon and Trent Richardson should prove too much for the Chiefs to handle. Romeo Crennel and Quinn would love nothing more than to have a happy return to Cleveland, but will fall just short.
We called the KC win last week, and we called the road win for Cleveland. Now that those obstacles are out of the way for both teams, it comes down to which team is better. Jamaal Charles will run well here, and Brady Quinn has actually looked decent. Still, the rookie trio of Brandon Weeden, Josh Gordon and Trent Richardson should prove too much for the Chiefs to handle. Romeo Crennel and Quinn would love nothing more than to have a happy return to Cleveland, but will fall just short.
My Pick:
Win: Browns
ATS: Chiefs +6.5
Line: Benglas -3
The Cowboys play better on the road, but still have major issues. Truth being this is just not a very good football team. The lack of a run game just puts too much pressure on Tony Romo. Dez Bryant has finally emerged to be the player he was hyped to be, but that's about the only bright spot. Cincy is surging toward a playoff berth, and Andy Dalton should continue to find A.J. Green and Jermaine Gresham to produce the points. BenJarvus Green-Ellis has been on a roll, and he will make a nice impact again in this one.
The Cowboys play better on the road, but still have major issues. Truth being this is just not a very good football team. The lack of a run game just puts too much pressure on Tony Romo. Dez Bryant has finally emerged to be the player he was hyped to be, but that's about the only bright spot. Cincy is surging toward a playoff berth, and Andy Dalton should continue to find A.J. Green and Jermaine Gresham to produce the points. BenJarvus Green-Ellis has been on a roll, and he will make a nice impact again in this one.
My Pick:
Win: Bengals
ATS: Bengals -3
Line: Falcons -3.5
Matt Ryan is not playing good football right now. Perhaps a trip to Charlotte will cure what's ailing him. The Falcons, who sit 2 1/2 games ahead of San Francisco in the conference standings, could potentially clinch a first-round bye and also home-field advantage throughout the playoffs with a win Sunday. Julio Jones should come up big here, with Roddy White making clutch receptions. The Panthers are playing better thanks to Cam Newton finally coming alive, but they need a real run game to press the Falcons.
My Pick:
Matt Ryan is not playing good football right now. Perhaps a trip to Charlotte will cure what's ailing him. The Falcons, who sit 2 1/2 games ahead of San Francisco in the conference standings, could potentially clinch a first-round bye and also home-field advantage throughout the playoffs with a win Sunday. Julio Jones should come up big here, with Roddy White making clutch receptions. The Panthers are playing better thanks to Cam Newton finally coming alive, but they need a real run game to press the Falcons.
My Pick:
Win: Falcons
ATS: Falcons -3.5
Line: Bills -3
The Rams just match up well with San Fran for whatever reason. Still, they are not a team that can go toe-to-toe with this Bills' offense when clicking. Problem is, the Bills could be extremely short-handed as they try to win three in a row at home. Center Eric Wood is out for at least two weeks with a torn MCL, right tackle Chris Hairston (right foot) is not expected to play, and wide receiver Stevie Johnson (left hamstring) and cornerbacks Aaron Williams (right knee) and Leodis McKelvin(back) are all nursing injuries.
Expect a heavy dose of C.J. Spiller here, but with moderate production. For the Rams, Danny Amendola is questionable, but Chris Givens has emerged as a legitimate target for Sam Bradford. Combined with a solid run game, St. Louis has a chance to steal one on the road.
The Rams just match up well with San Fran for whatever reason. Still, they are not a team that can go toe-to-toe with this Bills' offense when clicking. Problem is, the Bills could be extremely short-handed as they try to win three in a row at home. Center Eric Wood is out for at least two weeks with a torn MCL, right tackle Chris Hairston (right foot) is not expected to play, and wide receiver Stevie Johnson (left hamstring) and cornerbacks Aaron Williams (right knee) and Leodis McKelvin(back) are all nursing injuries.
Expect a heavy dose of C.J. Spiller here, but with moderate production. For the Rams, Danny Amendola is questionable, but Chris Givens has emerged as a legitimate target for Sam Bradford. Combined with a solid run game, St. Louis has a chance to steal one on the road.
My Pick:
Win: Rams
ATS: Rams +3
Line: 49ers -10
The Niners are glad to see anyone other than the Rams this week. Miami has come back down to earth in recent weeks, and really have no star power to carry them. Colin Kaepernick should draw another start and play well. Look for 100+ from Frank Gore and the San Fran run game. The stellar 49er defense should shut down what little Miami has to throw at them. Still, the Dolphins are notorious for keeping things close, especially against good teams with great records. As it is, the Dolphins have only lost two games by more than a touchdown this year. This game should be a relatively low-scoring affair, and the Dolphins will find a way to keep it close enough.
The Niners are glad to see anyone other than the Rams this week. Miami has come back down to earth in recent weeks, and really have no star power to carry them. Colin Kaepernick should draw another start and play well. Look for 100+ from Frank Gore and the San Fran run game. The stellar 49er defense should shut down what little Miami has to throw at them. Still, the Dolphins are notorious for keeping things close, especially against good teams with great records. As it is, the Dolphins have only lost two games by more than a touchdown this year. This game should be a relatively low-scoring affair, and the Dolphins will find a way to keep it close enough.
My Pick:
Win: 49ers
ATS: Dolphins +10
Line: Seahawks -10.5
Big road win for the Seahawks last week, and I think that costs them a bit here. Sure, Seattle has been money at home, but 10.5? Yes, Russell Wilson, Marshawn Lynch and company should do enough to secure the win, but the Cardinals will keep it close with some timely big plays, perhaps a special teams TD.
Big road win for the Seahawks last week, and I think that costs them a bit here. Sure, Seattle has been money at home, but 10.5? Yes, Russell Wilson, Marshawn Lynch and company should do enough to secure the win, but the Cardinals will keep it close with some timely big plays, perhaps a special teams TD.
My Pick:
Win: Seahawks
ATS: Cardinals +10.5
Line: Giants -6
The Giants needed that win in Washington Monday night. Now they are almost in desperation mode. If they are to have a chance to defend their Super Bowl title, they can't mess around here. Expect Ahmad Bradshaw to run very well, and Eli Manning to make a big play or two. Drew Brees is struggling right now, and this does not bode well for the Saints' chances in this one. Six points seems to be too high of a spread though.
The Giants needed that win in Washington Monday night. Now they are almost in desperation mode. If they are to have a chance to defend their Super Bowl title, they can't mess around here. Expect Ahmad Bradshaw to run very well, and Eli Manning to make a big play or two. Drew Brees is struggling right now, and this does not bode well for the Saints' chances in this one. Six points seems to be too high of a spread though.
My Pick:
Win: Giants
ATS: Saints +6
ATS: Saints +6
Line: Packers -7
Green Bay took another hit this week when it was annnounced that James Starks wil be out for awhile. Starks was playing well, and now Green Bay must try to get some offensive balance with Alex Green. And, with no Jordy Nelson at WR, the Pack must continue to scratch and claw their way to wins. Aaron Rodgers can only do so much with so little. Calvin Johnson is red hot for the Lions, and I expect Detroit to keep this one within reach.
Green Bay took another hit this week when it was annnounced that James Starks wil be out for awhile. Starks was playing well, and now Green Bay must try to get some offensive balance with Alex Green. And, with no Jordy Nelson at WR, the Pack must continue to scratch and claw their way to wins. Aaron Rodgers can only do so much with so little. Calvin Johnson is red hot for the Lions, and I expect Detroit to keep this one within reach.
My Pick:
Win: Packers
ATS: Lions +7
ATS: Lions +7
Line: Patriots -4
Finally. A good Monday night game. In fact, a potential AFC Championship matchup. The Texans have not played as well on offense lately, and this must change to keep pace with the Pats. Matt Schaub must play turnover-free football, while Arian Foster needs one of his better performances of the year to keep Houston close. Tom Brady should have moderate success against this great Houston defense, enough to secure a tight win at home.
Finally. A good Monday night game. In fact, a potential AFC Championship matchup. The Texans have not played as well on offense lately, and this must change to keep pace with the Pats. Matt Schaub must play turnover-free football, while Arian Foster needs one of his better performances of the year to keep Houston close. Tom Brady should have moderate success against this great Houston defense, enough to secure a tight win at home.
My Pick:
Win: Patriots
ATS: Texans +4
ATS: Texans +4
Have a great Week 14.
Previous Fantasy Impact column Recent NFL columns
Older First
nat123
Dec 7, 2012 7:07:06 AM EST
Should i start Josh Freeman or Tony Romo
NFL Player News
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FEATURED GAMES
 NFL - Commissioner |
-
Register FREE!
-
View All Games
-
Classic Draft Lobby
-
Mock Draft Lobby
-
Create League
- MLB Commissioner (FREE)
- NHL Playoff Commissioner
- NBA Playoff Commissioner
- NFL Commissioner (FREE)
- NCAAF Commissioner (FREE)
- PGA Commissioner (FREE)
- NASCAR Commissioner (FREE)
- NHL Commissioner (FREE)
- NBA Commissioner (FREE)
- Premier League Commissioner (FREE) (Beta)
- Bundesliga Commissioner (FREE) (Beta)
- La Liga Commissioner (FREE) (Beta)
- Serie A Commissioner (FREE) (Beta)
- Ligue 1 Commissioner (FREE) (Beta)
- MLS Commissioner (FREE) (Beta)
-
Join League (FREE!)