Week 14: Busts of the Week

Week 13 Recap:

Matt Cassel threw for only 169 yards, had 2 interceptions and rushed twice for 1 yard with two fumble losses.

Jason Campbell was Washington's leading rusher for 38 yards with Portis injured and threw 230 some yards and a pick.

I was wrong about Jay Cutler. He excelled with 357 yards through the air with 2 touchdowns and 1 interception.

Larry Johnson had nearly 100 yards and a touch down.

Matt Forte rushed for 96 yards and scored on a pass.

The Carolina vs. Green Bay game was not pretty for either defense with 31 and 35 points scored against each respectively. Rodgers lit up the Carolina defense for 298 yards and 3 touchdowns,while on the ground; Jackson, Grant and Rodgers gained nearly 150 yards.

Eddie Royal performed well and I sat him. He had 5 receptions for over 80 yards and a touchdown.

Bernard Berrian had 4 catches for 122 total yards and a score on a 99 yard passing play.

Week 14 Busts:

Ryan Grant suffered a thumb injury that sidelined him last week, but the larger worry with Grant is the increased production and workload of Brandon Jackson. Look for Jackson, not Grant, to have a big week vs. Houston.

Neither Portis nor Betts should be your choice at running back this week vs. Baltimore. Betts is healthy and Portis is banged up from multiple injuries, but Baltimore will shut down this run game (especially with Washington's struggles through the air).

Justin Fargas has shown that he can be productive. His Weeks 12 and 13 performances were positive for fantasy owners looking for options at running back, but this week vs. San Diego is not the time to start him.

Maurice Jones-Drew was limited by a suspect Houston defense in Week 13 and lost carries and a score to Fred Taylor. He would not be on my roster this week vs. Chicago.

Donovan McNabb has been looking good and did have a productive outing vs. New York in Week 10, but the New York defense has been solid lately and will limit the Philadelphia offense.

The Pittsburgh defense is holding offenses to under 170 yards through the air and 75 yards on the ground. Look for Tony Romo to struggle with his productivity this week.

Jamal Lewis and the Cleveland offense in general are in trouble. Their QB situation will place further pressure on the running game to hopefully avoid costly turnovers, but this running game cannot be counted on vs. a Tennessee defense that severely limits the run.

QB Donovan McNabb, PHI

Donovan McNabb has looked better lately and did throw for 3 touchdowns vs. New York in their last meeting, but the New York defense and offense have shown that they are the team to beat in the NFL. I know that many fantasy owners need to start McNabb, but this would be a week I would consider sitting him. I expect the New York defense will step up their game to avoid the high scoring scenario from Week 10. Look for McNabb to be held to about 200 yards and be pressured, which will cause turnovers.

QB Tony Romo, DAL

Tony Romo has shown that he can jump right back into the high powered Dallas offense post injury, but this week he faces Pittsburgh, who are holding opponent offenses to less than 170 yards through the air and 75 yards on the ground. The Dallas offense should be strained to perform well this week and with the running game limited, Romo will be forced to throw often and this could produce a high turnover rate. Look for Romo to throw for 180 yards or so and probably connect on one score.

RB Ladell Betts, WAS

Betts has been used sparingly this season as Portis has performed quite well, but with Portis' nagging and new injuries playing a part in his productivity, Betts could receive an increased workload and even the start vs. Baltimore. However, this is not the week to put Betts in your line-up. Baltimore's defense will shut down the poor performing Washington offense and severely limit the running game.

RB Justin Fargas, OAK

Fargas finally scored a touchdown in Week 13 and looked good in Week 12 as well, but this does not mean you should be starting him. Fargas has shown signs of brilliance and has the ability to break from a long run, but San Diego should be able to limit the Oakland offense in Week 14. Look for Fargas to remain under 50 yards rushing and maybe have a reception or two, but no score.

RB Ryan Grant, GB

Grant has had a few impressive games this season when he is healthy. In Week 13 Grant left the game with a thumb injury. This injury is reported to be not very severe, but Brandon Jackson was productive when he filled in; this week vs. Houston, I would expect to see Jackson utilized more and Grant struggling to keep pace. I would hesitate to start Grant this week mainly due to Jackson's increased production and likely increased workload. Teams can run on Houston, so look for Jackson to have a good game.