Week 15: Box Score Bandit

With the fantasy playoffs underway, many of this season's MVP candidates pushed owners through to the next round. Whether it was Tom Brady, Randy Moss, LaDainian Tomlinson, or Brian Westbrook, Week 14 produced several big games from fantasy's best.

As it has been the case throughout the year, the leaderboard for the running back position was topped by players that were nowhere to be found back in August like Ryan Grant and Selvin Young. But the story of the year continues to be Brady-to-Moss. The duo has been unstoppable, and both are in position to break league records in TD passes (49) and catches (22).

Don't have time to scour the box scores? No need to worry, the Bandit is here every week to break down all of the games for owners - fantasy style. Check out the latest quick hits on the studs, bench plays, sleepers, and injuries from the week that was.

Dallas Mounts Big Comeback Win Over Detroit, 28-27
Fantasy Stud: RB-Marion Barber (DAL) exploded with a huge game, totaling 104 yards, 3 TDs, and 10 receptions.
Bench Play: WR-Terrell Owens (DAL) was surprisingly quiet in this one and it may have knocked his owners out of the playoffs. He had just 3 catches for 21 yards.
Sleeper: WR-Shaun McDonald (DET) is in position to cap off this season on a high note. He hauled in 8 balls for 96 yards.

Chargers Scoot Past Titans, 23-17 OT
Fantasy Stud: RB-LaDainian Tomlinson (SD) has lived up to his #1 pick status as he put up big numbers to start the playoffs, finishing with 173 total yards, 2 TDs, and 5 catches.
Bench Play: QB-Philip Rivers (SD) is a very risky play at this point. He did finish with 228 yards and 2 TDs, but it wasn't pretty.
Sleeper: RB-LenDale White (TEN) is giving owners excellent #2 RB numbers on most weeks. He gained 137 total yards and found the end zone once.

NY Giants Get Giant Win Over Philadelphia, 16-13
Fantasy Stud: WR-Plaxico Burress (NYG) came through with his strongest game in weeks. His 7 catches for 136 yards with 1 TD were exactly what owners were looking for in the playoffs.
Bench Play: QB-Donovan McNabb (PHI) officially sank his owners with his weak performance, throwing for only 179 yards and 1 TD.
Sleeper: WR-Reggie Brown (PHI) has logged a solid season since his terrible start. This week he finished with 7 catches for 71 yards.

Patriots Rough Up Steelers, 34-13
Fantasy Stud: QB-Tom Brady (NE) opened the fantasy playoffs with a bang, throwing for 399 yards and 4 TDs. He now has 45 TDs on the year.
Bench Play: WR-Santonio Holmes (PIT) was a non-factor in his return to the lineup. He had just 1 catch for 13 yards.
Sleeper: WR-Jabar Gaffney (NE) has become a definite fantasy option in this high-octane offense. He caught 7 balls for 122 yards and 1 TD.

Texans Expose Bucs, 28-14
Fantasy Stud: WR-Andre Johnson (HOU) has done nothing but produce elite numbers when healthy. He dominated this game with 9 catches for 82 yards and 1 TD.
Bench Play: The Tampa Bay D/ST didn't help owners that took a shot with them in this favorable match-up. The unit had 2 turnovers and 3 sacks, which was simply not enough in the loss.
Sleeper: QB-Sage Rosenfels (HOU) could be a last-minute pickup for owners fighting in the playoffs. He threw for 209 yards, 3 TDs, and 0 INTs against a solid defense.

Cleveland Fends Off NY Jets, 24-18
Fantasy Stud: RB-Jamal Lewis (CLE) is running as well as he has in years. He rumbled for 137 total yards, scored 2 TDs, and added 3 catches.
Bench Play: TE-Kellen Winslow (CLE) had a quiet outing. His 4 catches for 34 yards may not have been enough for owners in the playoffs.
Sleeper: RB-Thomas Jones (NYJ) has been putting up good #2 RB numbers over the last month. This week he totaled 119 yards.

Bengals Trudge by Rams in Low-Scoring Affair, 19-10
Fantasy Stud: RB-Rudi Johnson (CIN) was able to put together a solid game with 92 rushing yards and 1 TD.
Bench Play: QB-Carson Palmer (CIN) had a very weak game considering the match-up. He had just 189 yards with 0 TDs and 2 INTs.
Sleeper: RB-Steven Jackson (STL) totaled 117 yards and 4 receptions. Owners in keeper leagues should see if he can be traded for before this season ends while his current owner is on the fence with him.