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Fantasy Football and NFL News, Rumors and Injury UpdatesThanksgiving Day Games Fantasy Analysis - Week 12
By KFFL Staff Green Bay Packers at Detroit LionsDetroit LionsKFFL Contributor: Herija Green Note: All statistics appearing in this article are from Weeks 8-11, unless otherwise noted. Do Not Bench List - All Positions
Quarterbacks
Kitna - The veteran put the ball in the air a ton this past Sunday, completing 28 of his 43 throws for 377 yards and a touchdown. On the downside he threw three more interceptions and has now tossed five in the last two weeks. It doesn't promise to be any easier this week against a Green Bay squad that sacked him nine times in two meetings last season. Kitna can be played as a low-end No. 1 or benched with a weak play this Thursday. Running Backs
Jones - Jones endured his second straight brutal performance in Week 11, carrying the ball 11 times for 25 yards. This coming after he accounted for negative yardage one week earlier against the Cardinals. At least part of the blame for Jones' sub-par play can be attributed to a lingering foot injury, and the short week doesn't figure to do him any favors. Keep Jones active but only as a No. 2 option this week. Wide Receivers
Johnson - The rookie caught a spectacular 35-yard touchdown pass in Week 11, marking the first time he has reached paydirt via the air since Week 2, but finished with just three catches for 45 yards. Johnson has now failed to reach the 50-yard plateau for the past eight weeks, though he has amassed between 37 and 47 in each of his last five games. This week he's a No. 3 or injury replacement with a weak play against Green Bay. McDonald - From a statistical standpoint it was a quality outing for McDonald last Sunday as he paced the team in receptions (seven) and yards (113) against the Giants. However, he made a couple of poor plays late in the game as he was outfought for a ball in the end zone and then had another pass skip off his hands for a game-ending interception. However, since fantasy football is all about the numbers McDonald can be played as a No. 2 or No. 3 receiver with a weak play on Thanksgiving Day. Tight Ends
McHugh - McHugh had an 18-yard grab in Week 11 and has now caught one or zero passes in each of his last four games. He possesses no appreciable fantasy value and should not be owned. Place Kickers
Hanson - After amassing more than 10 points in three straight games, Hanson has now scored just seven points combined over the last two weeks. However, the Lions usually bring their "A" game on Thanksgiving, and Hanson can be played as a low-end No. 1 and a weak play this week. Defensive Teams
Lions - Despite a couple of losses the Lions' defense continues to pressure opposing quarterbacks and force turnovers, which keeps them near the top of fantasy defenses. However, this week they face a Green Bay offense that is rolling with nearly 417 net yards per game (second only to the New England Patriots) over the last month. The Packers are also taking care of the football with two total turnovers in the last month and protecting quarterback Brett Favre with just 0.75 sacks allowed per game in that time. Detroit can still be played as desperation No. 1, but they are better off watching from your bench this week. Green Bay PackersKFFL Contributor: Herija Green Note: All statistics appearing in this article are from Weeks 8-11, unless otherwise noted. Do Not Bench List - All Positions
Running Backs
Grant - The emergence of Grant (ankle) has been a huge positive for both the Green Bay offense and fantasy owners as the Notre Dame product accounted for at least 90 yards of offense for the fourth straight game in Week 11. He has garnered more than 20 carries in three of those four games, but he did sustain an ankle injury late in the team's win over Carolina. It is not believed to be serious but make sure to double check before you insert him into your lineup. If healthy, he can be played as a No. 1 or a No. 2 running back, but he is a weak play against Detroit. Wide Receivers
Driver - The days of Driver being the only reliable option for Favre has become a thing of the past. Driver is now serving as merely another spoke in the wheel, though the veteran did lead the team in receiving yards with 83 last Sunday. He even took a direct snap for a modest five-yard gain. Driver was largely held in check by the Lions last year, but he did secure a touchdown catch in their first meeting. Play Driver as a solid No. 3 this Thursday. Jones - The rookie had a quiet day in Week 11 (three catches, 25 yards) as the Packers worked from in front for most of the game and didn't air the ball out nearly as much as in past weeks. Jones' role has diminished a bit over the past month, but he is still a dangerous weapon in Green Bay's arsenal and can be played as a No. 3 option against Detroit. Tight Ends
Lee - The Panthers had no answer for Lee last Sunday as the emerging tight end caught a season-high five passes for 49 yards and two touchdowns. That marked the second consecutive week Lee has scored, and he now has four touchdowns on the campaign. This week against Detroit, Lee is a strong play as a quality No. 1 tight end. Place Kickers
Crosby - Green Bay's rookie kicker had a tough day in Week 11, missing one field goal attempt and having another blocked as he finished the day by making just one of his three efforts. The seven points he accumulated last Sunday matched his lowest total over the last month and broke a two-game double-digit streak. This Thursday against a Detroit team allowing 10 points per game to kickers over the last month, Crosby could get back on track and is a strong play as a high-end No. 1 option. Defensive Teams
Packers - The Packers allowed nearly 400 yards and 17 points to the Carolina offense in Week 11, but most of that came after Green Bay had jumped out to a 28-3 lead early in the second half. They did almost no blitzing and sacked Panthers quarterback Vinny Testaverde just twice. However, they did force three turnovers and had a fourth negated on an offside penalty. Plus they added a punt return for a touchdown to make their Week 11 showing a pleasing one to fantasy owners. This week they are a strong play as an upper-tier No. 1 defense. New York Jets at Dallas CowboysNew York JetsKFFL Contributor: Tim Piotrowski Note: All statistics appearing in this article are from Weeks 8-11, unless otherwise noted. Quarterbacks
Clemens - Clemens won the first game in his career last week in the upset over the Pittsburgh Steelers. He went 14-for-31 passing for 162 yards, one touchdown and one interception during the game. The second-year quarterback also had a key 15-yard scramble late in the game to set up the game-tying field goal. Owners should put Clemens on the bench this week. He is a weak play against the Cowboys. Running Backs
Jones - Jones did what many other running backs could not do, which is rush for more than 100 yards against the Steelers defense. He rushed for 117 yards on 30 carries in the game. Last week was the third time this season the Virginia alumnus rushed for more than 100 yards in a game. The only downside to Jones is that he has yet to rush for a touchdown this season. Jones is a good No. 2 or a great No. 3 running back option this week. Wide Receivers
Coles - Coles (ankle) made a big play early in last week's game but was injured on the same play. The 5-foot-11 receiver finished the game with one reception for 56 yards but was dragged down by his ankle during the play. He tried to return to the game but left for good a few minutes later. Since the Jets play on Thanksgiving, Coles is not likely to play in the game, but owners should monitor his situation in case he is able to play in the game. Cotchery - Cotchery had a very quiet game last week against the Steelers. He only had one reception for five yards in the game. With Coles unlikely to play Week 12, the fourth-year player will likely become the team's top receiver and may be more of a priority for the opposing defense. Cotchery is a good replacement for an injured receiver but should be put on the bench if owners have better receivers. Smith - Smith had a decent game statistically last week. He had three receptions for 26 yards and also ran the ball once for nine yards. The former college quarterback may have to start against the Dallas Cowboys if Coles is not able to play in the game. Like Cotchery, Smith is also a nice replacement for injured players on a fantasy team but should be on the bench if there are better and healthy receivers available. Tight Ends
Baker - Baker was productive in the upset win over the Steelers last week. He caught four passes for 34 yards and one touchdown in the game. It was the first touchdown for the former third-round draft choice since Week 3. Baker is a potential one-week play for owners this week, so they should think about playing him this week or picking him up if they need a replacement for an injured player. Place Kickers
Nugent - Nugent had an enormous impact in the team's Week 11 game. He made all four of his field goal attempts, including a 28-yarder to tie the game and a 38-yard field goal in overtime to win the game. The third-year player also made his only extra point attempt of the game. Nugent is a nice No. 1 place kicker this week as he is a strong play against Dallas. Defensive Teams
Jets - The Jets defense held the fifth-ranked offense to 16 points, and they also sacked quarterback Ben Roethlisberger seven times in the game. They also had two turnovers when they forced a fumble and intercepted a pass. The Jets have been getting to the quarterback over their last three games, averaging 3.0 sacks per game over the last three games. This week, the Jets defense is an average No. 1 defense. They are a weak play against the high-powered Cowboys offense. Dallas CowboysKFFL Contributor: Ben Rubin Note: All statistics appearing in this article are from Weeks 8-11, unless otherwise noted. Do Not Bench List - All Positions
Running Backs
Barber III - With the Cowboys recording all four touchdowns through the air, their running backs had a pretty quiet game in Week 11. Barber had the better of the two rushing for 43 yards on 15 carries. Barber hasn't had a 100-yard rushing game since Week 3, and part of the reason was because he was getting less and less carries each game. He's been rushing a couple more times per game lately, and with that could come more production. Barber is a decent No. 3 running back but a strong play this week. Jones - It's gotten to the point where Jones' and Barber's stats have become more and more equal. Although it may be hard to decide which, if either of these backs to start, at least one of them would be a good idea this week. The Jets defense has been horrible against the run lately, allowing an average of 159.3 yards to running backs the last four weeks, and this is something Jones could take advantage of if he gets enough carries. He's in the same position as Barber as a decent No. 3 running back but a strong play this week against the Jets' run defense. Wide Receivers
Crayton - Crayton has been very disappointing the past few weeks, catching very few passes for little total yardage. Part of the reason for this is because of the success of Owens and Witten. Though he did have an incredible week back in Week 4 with two touchdowns and 184 yards, he hasn't even had a 75-yard game since. Crayton is an injury replacement or bench option this week. Place Kickers
Folk - Folk hasn't had much to do besides kick extra points the last few games as the Cowboys have found the end zone often, but this week could be different. The Jets are allowing 3.33 field goals per game over the last four weeks, and if the Cowboys can't reach the end zone as much as they have in previous weeks then Folk could have a huge game. He's a decent No. 1 or bench option this week with a strong play. Defensive Teams
Cowboys - The Cowboys have their defense to thank for helping them get to 9-1, and what have been most helpful have been the interceptions. This week they play the Jets whose quarterback, Kellen Clemens, is making only his third career start. Against a quality team like the Cowboys, Clemens may try to force one too many passes, which could cost him. The Cowboys are a great No. 1 defense and a strong play against the Jets. Indianapolis Colts at Atlanta FalconsIndianapolis ColtsKFFL Contributor: Joseph Book Note: All statistics appearing in this article are from Weeks 8-11, unless otherwise noted. Do Not Bench List - All Positions
Wide Receivers
Harrison - Harrison (knee) is not expected to play on Thanksgiving Day against the Falcons. It's a guessing game at this point as to when he'll return, but the prevailing thought is that the Colts will only give him minimal playing time before the NFL playoffs. He isn't a tradable fantasy commodity and will probably offer you no help in the next few weeks. Keep an eye on his status, because the Colts face weak passing defenses in the coming weeks. Tight Ends
Clark - Clark (concussion) played healthy in Week 11, but was ineffective, catching three balls for 15 yards. He wasn't as sharp with routes as in weeks past, and dropped several passes. Quarterback Peyton Manning seemed to lose confidence in Clark in the fourth quarter, looking more often for tight end Ben Utecht. Despite those concerns, Clark is still a No. 1 tight end this weak, albeit on the low-end, with a strong play. Place Kickers
Vinatieri - While several sources are reporting a leg injury has been hampering him, Vinatieri has converted only four of his last nine field goals. Assuming his health isn't an issue, he should be in your lineup this weekend against a Falcons team allowing 8.0 kicking points per game in their last three contests. If you learn more about his injury before Thursday's kickoff, leave Vinatieri on your bench. Defensive Teams
Colts - Head coach Tony Dungy's defensive unit held the Chiefs in check last week, allowing only 234 total yards and forced two turnovers. The Falcons have scored more than 20 points in a game only once all season, and with the Colts secondary much improved of late, they are a solid start this week. Atlanta FalconsKFFL Contributor: Michael Egnak Note: All statistics appearing in this article are from Weeks 8-11, unless otherwise noted. Quarterbacks
Harrington - Maybe starting Leftwich wasn't such a good idea after all. Harrington was forced to replace Leftwich in the third quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 11. Harrington would come on to complete 16 of his 20 passes for 139 yards with one touchdown, leading the team to their only scoring drive of the game and preventing them from getting shutout for the first time since 2005. With the way things transpired during the game, there will likely be those calling for Harrington to start the team's Thanksgiving game against the Indianapolis Colts. Even if he is named the starter for the game, Harrington is a weak play and not worth using. Leftwich - Head coach Bobby Petrino stirred some controversy before the team's Week 11 game when he named Leftwich the starter over Harrington. Chances are he's regretting that decision after Leftwich's performance during the game. Leftwich completed just 15 of 28 passes for 106 yards with two interceptions before getting sent to the pine in the third quarter. If Leftwich is given another start, he would still be a weak play who should be on your fantasy team's bench. Running Backs
Dunn - Dunn fell short of hitting a milestone Week 11 after he was held to just 32 yards rushing on 15 carries in Week 11. He is now 26 yards short of reaching 10,000 career rushing yards. Dunn is a solid No. 1 option against the Colts this week, and he should be started for most fantasy teams. Norwood - Norwood (ankle) was able to return for the team's Week 11 game, but he was used sparingly against the Buccaneers. He was limited to just two carries for four yards and two receptions for 10 yards against Tampa Bay. Expect him to see more playing time as his ankle gets better. For now, view him as a weak play that should remain benched in Week 12 against Indianapolis. Wide Receivers
White - Week 11 turned out to be White's worst so far in 2007. He was held to four receptions for just 28 yards, only the second time this season White failed to reach 30 receiving yards in a game. Not all of it was White's fault as the Falcons played a solid Buccaneers' defense and Leftwich struggled to start the game. However, he is a weak play against the Colts, and he should only be used as an injury replacement this Thursday. Jenkins - Every once in awhile, Jenkins comes around for a game and puts up fairly strong numbers. Week 11 turned out to be one of those weeks, as he caught a career-high nine passes for 73 receiving yards against the Buccaneers. He remains a weak play who should be benched against the Colts. Tight Ends
Crumpler - Crumpler was held to three receptions for 28 yards last week against Tampa Bay. He's been a huge disappointment this year, particularly over the past two months. In his four games since the start of October, Crumpler has a total of eight receptions for 80 yards with just one touchdown. He had 16 receptions for 190 yards with one touchdown in his four September games. Crumpler is a weak play against the Colts. He should be viewed as a low-end No. 1 fantasy tight end option or as an injury replacement. Place Kickers
Andersen - With the offense struggling to move the ball in Week 11, Andersen's only scoring opportunity came on an extra point attempt late in the game. He is a weak play against the Colts and should be benched this week. Defensive Teams
Falcons - The Falcons' defense wasn't exactly lit up by the Buccaneers last week, but they did allow 25 offensive points and 305 net yards to the Bucs' offense. The Falcons managed two fumble recoveries during the game, but they were held to just one sack and no interceptions. The Falcons defense is a strong play in Week 12 against the Colts, but they should be viewed as a very low No. 1 fantasy option. More Articles You Will Like
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