Week 13: Player Downgrades
The Downgrades article is forward looking for the remainder of 2009 and these players should be packaged in trades if you can find an owner willing to take on some risk. The players we detail will have declining value going forward due to injuries, loss of playing time or an offense that is floundering.
As we enter week 13 and the final game before most fantasy playoffs, owners need to look at the week 14-16 games and aggressively pursue players that have favorable match-ups. If your league doesn't have a trade deadline, now is the time to go after Jamal Charles as he has the easiest playoff match-ups of any RB in the league (not to mention he's been on fire since the Chiefs jettisoned Larry Johnson). As for week 14-16 passing match-ups, the Chargers,
As winter approaches, fantasy owners need to look ahead to players that could be limited by snow storms and 50 mph winds during the fantasy playoffs (weeks 14-16). http://www.fftoolbox.com/football/nfl_schedule.cfm
Best of luck to all fantasy owners as most are fighting for those final playoff spots. Be sure to check out the FFToolbox Tuesday night podcast available on Itunes. http://www.blogtalkradio.com/fftoolbox/2009/12/02/weekly-fftoolbox-fantasy-football-show
QB Eli Manning, NYG
QB Matt Ryan, ATL
Matt Ryan suffered ligament damage in his big toe during the week 12 game against Tampa Bay and he has been ruled out for the Week 13 game against Philadelphia. Early indications are that its a turf toe injury, which will hamper Ryan for the remainder of the season and is likely to keep him out multiple weeks. Worst case is that he could need surgery, which would end his season. In his sophomore season, Ryan has tailed off in the second half and he should not be relied upon for the foreseeable future. Depending on the size of your league, shallow leagues should snag Vine Young and deeper leagues may want to roll the dice on Matt Leinart (Arizona), Alex Smith (SF) or Ryan Fitzpatrick (Buffalo).
RB Brandon Jacobs, NYG
Jacobs continues to disappoint as he has yet to top 100 yards and has only three touchdowns through 11 games. In a week 12 loss in Denver, he totaled only 27 yards on 11 carries, but did catch three passes for 30 yards. Danny Ware will remain New York's third-down back and could get an increased workload if Jacob's struggles continue. With a hobbled Eli Manning under center (and facing three strong NFC east defenses over the next three weeks), Jacobs is not likely to help you during your fantasy playoffs.
RB Marshawn Lynch, BUF
Fred Jackson appears to have surpassed Lynch on the depth chart following his impressive performance in the week 12 win against Miami. Jackson got 20 touches, gaining 118 yards and scoring two touchdowns; while Lynch only gained 15 yards on four carries. A consensus top 10 pick only two seasons ago, Lynch has battled a shoulder injury recently and has failed to top 70 yards through 11 games. Lynch is not even usable as a flex play as the Bills figure to stay with the hot hand in Jackson for the remainder of the season.
RB Michael Turner, ATL
The Falcons inconceivably rushed an injured Michael Turner back into action in week 12 against one the league's weakest rush defenses and they could pay dearly for this decision. Turner re-aggravated his high ankle sprain and will likely remain out for multiple weeks (if not the remainder of the season) as the Falcons continue to fight for their playoff lives without Matt Ryan. The powerback ran tentatively and totaled only 33 yards on 12 carries as he is still unable to make cuts. He is listed as questionable-to-doubtful for week 13 and all Turner owners should grab Snelling and Jerious Norwood if available.
| Next Page >> |
