Did you manage to make the playoffs? That is the question for this week, because many leagues are now entering playoff time, so it’s time to turn it up a notch. If you took my advice last week on my picks, chances are you had a monster week.

My running back picks couldn’t have been better. I will admit, I didn’t see a four-touchdown day out of DeAngelo Williams, but I did tell you he was a must start and would keep his end zone streak going. Chris Johnson destroyed the Lions on Thanksgiving, finding the end zone twice. I patted myself on the back after this week. So, now you may be saying, “Bill, I’m in the post-season and I need some help.” Well, my fantasy friends, I will again shine the light that will lead you to the second round of the playoffs. Let’s get started with a position I took the biggest hit on last week.

Quarterbacks

Start ‘Em

• Matt Ryan: Is he the rookie of the year? I have to say yes. He has led a terrible Falcons team back to respectability. Now he faces the New Orleans Saints, who are fighting for their lives from here on out. Last time these two teams met, Ryan threw for 248 yards and two touchdowns. This easily could become another shootout, and Ryan will be leading the charge for his team. The NFC south is a tight division, so all teams must bring their “A” game to the end of the season. I like Ryan, who had a nice bounce-back game last week in San Diego, to come out and put up the same numbers against the Saints as he did in the first meeting.

• Tyler Thigpen: Last week, I told you to stay away from Thigpen for the week. Now, you can start him from here on out. Up until last week, Thigpen had at least one touchdown in five straight games. The streak ended against the Raiders in what was a terrible football game. I like Thigpen to get back on track and finish this season strong. If you’re looking for that playoff quarterback to get you moving, he may be someone to look at. Thigpen takes on Denver, who ranks nearly last in every defensive category available. Thigpen should at least have 200 yards and two touchdowns.

• Other notable starts: Kyle Orton, Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees, Donovan McNabb.

Sit ‘Em

• Shaun Hill: Hill might be someone you are banking on to get it done towards the end of the season. Sure, it seems like a good bet, but not this week. The 49ers have the Jets in town, who are coming off a bad loss to the Broncos. Hill has done a nice job, throwing eight touchdowns in his last five games. However, I think the Jets will come out and win this game, regardless of how bad their secondary is. Expect Brett Favre and the Jets to romp the 49ers and their defense to shut down Hill.

• Other notable sits: Joe Flacco and Jeff Garcia.

Running Backs

Start ‘Em

• Joseph Addai: Talk about your “What happened?” draft pick. Addai has been up and down this year for many fantasy owners. Last week against the Browns, Addai rushed for 57 yards on 15 carries and managed to fumble the rock. In the two previous weeks, he topped 100 yards back to back and looked like the first round draft pick we expected. Against Cincinnati this week, Addai should manage to put up some good numbers. The Bengals are giving up an average of 130 yards per game. Even with Addai splitting time with Rhodes, you can still count on a big game from him. He may not be a fantasy boomer, but he could become a fantasy bloomer from here on out!

• Steven Jackson: Go ahead and reread the name, then let me tell you why Steven Jackson is a good start. Jackson missed three weeks prior to last week’s better-than-normal performance. Jackson was able to get 90 yards on the ground against Miami. Arizona should score some points, which in my eyes would mean the Rams will try to get their best player, Jackson, involved. I expect him to finally hit the end zone for the first time since week six. Call it a hunch, or just a guess, but I like Jackson to excel this week!

• Other notable starts: Peyton Hillis, Micheal Turner, Ronnie Brown.

Sit ‘Em

• Clinton Portis: He’s hurting, he’s not practicing, he hasn’t scored in four straight weeks! Not enough? How about the fact that he takes on the Baltimore Ravens this week. The Ravens are ranked second in overall defense and have the number three rushing defense. Portis is a must start normally, and you may have to start him this week. My opinion, though, is if you have other options on your bench . . . PLAY THEM!

• Other notable sits: Frank Gore and Kevin Smith.

Wide Receivers

Start ‘Em

• Santonio Holmes: Holmes hasn’t lived up to what many people expected this year, but he has shown consistency. He had only four catches in three straight games before last week. He was at least able to find the end zone then, which made up for it. This week with Dallas, I’m looking at a shootout to take place, and Holmes will be a big part of the scoring.

• Chris Chambers: Here is another guy who can be hit or miss. Last week, he caught one, ball and the week before he caught six . . . you try to figure it out! This week, however, I think he’ll find his groove. The Raiders, for as bad as they are, have a decent pass defense. The Chargers, as disappointing a team as they come, need to win out and hope for some other things to occur. Look for Chambers to finally become a big part of the offense this week and have six catches, 80 yards, and a score.

• Other notable starts: Calvin Johnson, Marques Colston, Desean Jackson, sleeper of the week James Hardy.

Sit ‘Em

• Terrell Owens: Here is my thinking on this one. I know this game could turn out to be a shootout, but I think Romo has to find other targets. I like the Steelers to do whatever they can to shut down Owens. He will have a share of opportunities, but I think they’ll keep him under 60 yards receiving on the day. You may be thinking, “Bill, you’re absolutely crazy to think T.O. will be locked down,” but when it happens, just remember who told you.

• Other notable sits: Vincent Jackson and Torry Holt.

Got fantasy questions? Want answers? E-mail them to me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Tune in every Friday afternoon from 3:15-4:30 p.m. on WJJG 1530 AM or online at fwww.wjjgam1530.com for all your fantasy news on Bizzy on Sports with your host, me, Bill Bizeau!

TrackBack URI for this entry

Comments (0)

Subscribe to this comment's feed

Name

Email

Website

Title

Comment

smaller | bigger

Subscribe via email (Registered users only)

I have read and agree to the Terms of Usage.

Write the displayed characters

Add Comment