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Bye Weeks: N/A
Grab a Helmet
Josh
Gordon v. KC: He may have some work to do on the defensive
side of the ball, but Art Briles has proven he knows offense during
his short stint at Baylor University and, more specifically, how
to develop NFL-ready talent on that side of the ball. There’s
Robert Griffin III, of course, the league’s likely rook of the
year. There’s Kendall Wright, one of Griffin’s favorite targets
in Waco, playing a similar role for Jake Locker in Tennessee.
Finally, there’s Josh Gordon, Cleveland’s best receiver just 12
games into his NFL career. I liked Gordon enough to draft him
in our ultra-competitive 12-team league but I foolishly let him
go after opening weekend, reasoning I needed the roster space
for someone who could contribute “immediately.” I must have been
delusional because I selected Aldrick Robinson to take his place,
an even more obscure rookie at the time and someone who didn’t
exactly fit the profile of immediate contributor. Sigh. Anyway,
now that we’ve established my stupidity, allow me a chance for
redemption with a way-too-early breakout candidate for 2013: Terrance
Williams, Briles’ next ready-to-rock fantasy contributor. Heard
it here first, folks.
Rice has 4 TDs in his last 5 games.
Sidney
Rice v. ARZ: I’m still not over that Monday Night Mockery from
earlier this season so I refuse to dignify Rice’s running mate with
even a mention. However, there’s no denying they’ve both been coming
on of late and are now borderline must-starters as we head down
the stretch. Rice, in particular, has been nothing short of dynamite
this past month, racking up four touchdown grabs (and four double-digit
days) in his last five outings. Of course, the guy who deserves
most of the credit is the guy distributing footballs in the Emerald
City, Russell Wilson. Whatever you might think about Pete Carroll
as an NFL shot caller, he certainly made the right call when he
inserted Wilson as the starter from the get-go this season. Expect
the Hawks to avenge an opening week loss to the Cards at Century
Link Field this Sunday and for Wilson and Rice (and maybe that other
guy) to be a big reason why.
Aaron
Hernandez v. HOU: The Pats engaged in some contract brinksmanship
with Wes Welker at the beginning of the 2012 campaign, but soon
relented when Hernandez was injured early, costing the team its
leverage. Simply put, they needed Welker. That need has only intensified
as the season has worn on since Hernandez’s injury was just the
first in a rash of them. Rob Gronkowski was lost several weeks back
(broken arm) and then Julian Edelman, the guy who surprisingly replaced
Welker in the starting lineup early on, was lost for the season
last week. That leaves Welker, Brandon Lloyd, and the recently returned
Hernandez as the only established threats in the passing game (unless
you count Donte’ Stallworth). And if you think this paucity of weapons
will slow down Tom Brady on Monday night, think again. I like Hernandez
to have his best game of the year against Houston, a team that hasn’t
defended tight ends particularly well this year (8.1 points/game).
Grab Some Wood
Malcom
Floyd @ PIT: Earlier this season, I predicted Floyd would
end up in the top 20 at the receiver position by year’s end. He
was cruising along as Philip Rivers’ only decent receiver and
had two 100-yard games to his credit in his first five outings.
Seven games later, much has changed. The Bolts have added just
one more win to their bottom line and, more importantly, a new
favorite target for Rivers in the form of Danario Alexander. Accordingly,
Floyd’s numbers have pretty much leveled off. He’s not worthless
by any stretch. In fact, he’s been remarkably consistent the last
couple months, posting four receptions in five of his last six
games. However, he’s only averaging about 64 yards/game and is
currently on pace to barely eclipse last year’s career best numbers,
despite the absence of Vincent Jackson and the fact he’ll likely
play four more games this year. He is what he is, in other words
(a second fiddle), and that probably isn’t good enough against
the Steel Curtain this coming Sunday.
Dwayne
Bowe @ CLE: The Chiefs powered through some unbelievable adversity
last weekend to secure a long-sought second victory against the
Panthers in front of the home folks at Arrowhead. Quarterback
Brady Quinn was a big reason why as he played error-free football
for the most part, tossing for 201 yards and a couple scores.
I commend the KC players for persevering under really tough circumstances.
Now, for the unfortunate truth about teams that ride emotional
roller coasters to victories: They usually come crashing back
down to earth in the succeeding game, especially if that games
in hostile territory. Simply put, I think the Chiefs are gonna
get drilled by Quinn’s old mates in Cleveland this Sunday and
it probably won’t be that close (lay the points). That means,
unfortunately, that Quinn won’t be nearly as successful in Week
14. If Bowe only managed 64 yards on seven targets in that heroic
win last weekend, what can we reasonably expect from him in the
upcoming dud? Be very leery of your Chiefs this Sunday against
a vastly improved Browns squad.
Stephen
Hill, Jeremy
Kerley @ JAX: New York fans could probably be excused
for wanting to stick forks in their eyes during last Sunday’s
exceedingly difficult to watch 7-6 win over Arizona. It was one
of those games that should have produced two losers or, at the
very least, should have ended in a tie. Alas, the Jets prevailed,
recommitted to Mark Sanchez early this week (at least for the
time being), and now hit the road to face Jacksonville in another
game that could get really ugly really fast. Maybe to spice things
up, they should loan Tim Tebow to his hometown Jags for the afternoon
and let the former Gator square off against the guy who’s
been standing in his way all season? Tell me you wouldn’t
pay to see that! I jest, of course, but I’m dead serious
about this: If you don’t feel like advancing in your fantasy
playoffs, load up on Jets receivers this weekend. Sanchez may
have earned a temporary reprieve but he’s still one of the
worst starting QBs in the league.
Good luck, folks!
Quarterbacks 
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