Week 12: Player Downgrades

QB Donovan McNabb, WAS

The Donnie Mac era could be ending at season's end as the Eagles can save $8 million on their 2009 salary cap by releasing Donovan McNabb in the offseason. In addition, they have Kevin Kolb waiting in the wings and the fan base appears ready for a change. McNabb is a streaky QB and his inaccuracy in Week 11 against the 20th ranked Bengal defense should raise a red flag for fantasy owners (Despite 339 yards passing and a touchdown, McNabb tossed three INT's and had a fumble). The Eagles have difficult matchups against Baltimore, NYG, and Washington on the schedule and if they fall out of contention, McNabb could find himself on the bench in weeks 15/16 if Andy Reid decides to take a look at the future with Kevin Kolb. McNabb still ranks in the top 5 in most fantasy leagues (averaging 270 yds/game with 14 TDs and 8 INT's), but savvy owners should play it safe and make sure they have capable backup when the fantasy playoffs roll around.

RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis, NE

The "Lawfirm" might soon be out of business. With the return of Sammy Morris from a knee injury in week 11, BenJarvus only received two carries for nine yards, a far cry from his 26 carry 100 yard performance in week 10 against Buffalo. The crowded backfield is a fantasy owner's nightmare and matchups against Miami and Pittsburgh over the next two weeks further diminish the value of any of the Patriot RBs. The Patriots are clearly looking to rotate the workload until Morris shows that he is 100% healthy. Going forward, none of the New England RBs figure get to get a bulk of the carries and if forced into a pass happy offense like in week 10, Kevin Faulk and Sammy Morris will benefit at the expense of BenJarvus. Green-Ellis could get the goal-line carries for the remainder of the season but will be far from a reliable fantasy option.

RB Tim Hightower, ARI

The 5th round pick out of Richmond appears to have hit the rookie wall despite only being named the starter in week 9. In his last two games against weak defenses (San Fran and Seattle), he has floundered by gaining only 57 rushing yards and no touchdowns. Arizona is a pass happy team (which may be better suited for the talents of JJ Arrington). The Cardinals face two tough matchups in the Giants and the Eagles over the next two weeks. It's advisable that you leave Hightower on the bench over the next two weeks as the Cardinals' backfield may become the dreaded 3-headed monster for the foreseeable future. Now is the time to trade Hightower if you can get value in return as the schedule doesn't get any easier during the fantasy playoffs with matchups against Minnesota and New England in weeks 15 and 16.

RB Steven Jackson, STL

Rams coach Jim Haslett has already ruled Steven Jackson out vs. the Bears in Week 12. Jackson got a second opinion on his thigh strain and got the same diagnosis. "a strain with a little bit of blood in it and it is going to take some time to heal". He is considered week to week and two MRIs revealed no tear in the thigh. Jackson has now missed three games this season and with the Rams' season all but over before it started, they figure to be very cautious with their franchise running back. Playing behind one of the worst offense lines (that recently lost Orlando Pace for a month), Jackson has only reached the end zone four times (a total fantasy bust for a player that was drafted by many in the top 5). Despite favorable matchups against Arizona and SF over the next 5 weeks, I'd be surprised if Jackson sees the field again this season.

WR Greg Camarillo, MIA

The Dolphins appear to be re-focusing on the Wildcat-based offense centered around Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams. Camarillo had managed four receptions in every game since Week 2 until his week 11 clunker against Oakland. He remains a PPR beast but he has only reached the end zone once (week 5). Camarillo now has two poor weeks in a row after his monster performance in week 9 against Denver (11 receptions for 111 yards). The 26 year old WR out of Stanford may see a continued downturn in his production as QB Chad Pennington is struggling and Ted Ginn is emerging as the #1 option in the passing game. Camarillo is a matchup play going forward but may be starter worthy considering Miami's fairly easy schedule with matchups against SF, St Louis and Kansas City.