Start 'Em

Demaryius Thomas vs. NE
A few weeks ago, WR Eric Decker appeared to be the Bronco receiver to own, but Demaryius Thomas has put together impressive back-to-back games and, at this point, seems to be the frontrunner for looks from QB Tim Tebow. Although playing in a run-first offense has led to bouts of inconsistency during the season, over his last 2 games, Thomas has grabbed 11 passes for 222 yards and 3 TDs, including 7 receptions for 78 yards and 1 TD against the Bears last week. I really like his chances to stay involved this week versus the Patriots. A likely scenario involves the Broncos trailing in the second half and needing Thomas to make something happen behind the New England secondary; with an average of 18.1 yards per catch this season, this highly plausible. The Pats remain the only team in the NFL that has allowed over 300 passing yards per game (308.7).

Mike Williams (TB) vs. Dal
From Week 11 – 13, Williams had his best 3-game stretch of the season, totaling 18 receptions for 260 yards and 2 TDs, finally living up to some of the hype that preceded his second NFL season after an 11-TD rookie season. Last week in Jacksonville, his 3-catch, 35-yard effort was one his poorer performances, but could also be attributed to dismal QB play from Josh Freeman. Sure, Williams has been unreliable this season, but there is nothing like a visit from the Dallas Cowboys to get things back on track. In the last 4 weeks, WRs Hakeem Nicks, Andre Roberts, Brandon Marshall (TD) & Jabar Gaffney (TD) have all gone over 100 receiving yards against Dallas. On the season, the Cowboys have allowed an average of 243.2 passing yards per game and 18 aerial scores.

Santonio Holmes @ Phi
Gut feeling this week on the under-utilized Holmes, who managed just 2 catches for 12 yards – including a 4-yard TD – to salvage his fantasy line last week. Holmes has gone over 60 receiving yards only twice this season and in just 2 games has had 5 or more receptions. Thankfully, the guy has a nose for the endzone, evidenced by TDs in 3 consecutive games, (4 in his last 6) and 7 TDs for the season. Holmes is too good to be held down again, all due respect to CB Nnamdi Asomugha and the Eagles, but Philly is beatable through the air. In addition to 23 aerial TDs allowed (tie - 4th highest in NFL), the Eagles have allowed 11 passing plays of 40 or more yards (tie - 3rd highest in NFL), and frankly it’s hard to be impressed by shutting down QBs Matt Moore & Tarvaris Jackson in recent weeks. Holmes makes it 4 games in a row with a TD in Philly.

Bench 'Em

Vincent Jackson vs. Bal
Jackson is one of those players that, after a quiet week or 2, occasionally finds his way to fantasy benches, but then promptly burns his owners by exploding when we least expect it. Cases in point: see Week 2: 10, catches, 172 yards and 2 TDs following 2 catches, 31 yards in Week 1; see Week 9: 7 catches, 141 yards and 3 TDs following 4 catches, 64 yards in Weeks 7 & 8 combined; see Week 11: 7 catches, 165 yards and a TD following 1 catch for 22 yards in Week 10. So, while a blow up game is certainly possible, the chances are slimmer against the stout pass defense of the Ravens. If there is a defense that can keep him under control, it is Baltimore. They have allowed an NFL-low 9 aerial scores and an average of just 192.3 passing yards per game.

Against the Steelers, Crabtree is no better than a WR3.

Michael Crabtree vs. Pit
Crabtree has put together an impressive string of games; over his last four he has grabbed 24 passes for 333 yards and 1 TD. He is the top receiving option on the 49ers, but his low TD total (2) somewhat hurts his upside. QB Alex Smith plays well at home, but outside of PPR leagues, it’s still hard to consider Crabtree more than a WR3 versus the Steelers. Pittsburgh has tightened up their pass defense and opponents are averaging just 179.1 passing yards per game against them, the best mark in the NFL. His star is definitely on the rise, but you might want to consider a stronger option if you have been so endowed with one.

DeSean Jackson vs. NYJ
After averaging 18.5 yards per reception in 2009 and 22.5 yards per reception in 2010, big things were expected of Jackson this year, but he and his 16.1 yards per reception have been vastly disappointing. Although he grabbed 4 passes for 59 yards and a TD in Miami last week, it was just his first score since Week 5. He’s only had two 100-yard games and they both came in the first 4 weeks of the season. With a matchup against the Jets and (likely) CB Darrelle Revis, Jackson should not be considered anything more than a flex option this week. New York has held opponents to an average of 200.8 passing yards per game and 12 TDs – the second lowest total in the NFL.

Good Luck to all Fantasy Playoff Teams!

Quarterbacks