16.33

If Dan Orlovsky can get time against the Tennessee Titans, the Indianapolis Colts' wideouts could benefit; maybe Cortland Finnegan can contain Reggie Wayne, but the vet, Pierre Garcon and Austin Collie could see bumps if Indy can stifle Tennessee's mediocre pass rush. See Orlovsky's performance versus the New England Patriots (time to throw) compared to that against the Baltimore Ravens (not so much). Then again, New England was playing prevent because they were up big, so.... - Tim Heaney

16.32

It's baffling how the Indianapolis Colts have toyed with Delone Carter, the most physical and hardest-running back they've had in years. They're overrating his fumbling issues, and it seems to be in his head. Donald Brown's newfound ability to bounce to the outside of a clogged interior can only carry him so far. - Tim Heaney

16.32

Brandon Jacobs could give the Washington Redskins problems this Sunday, as he has done in recent years. Their linebackers are on the small side and have trouble with large bruisers; the physical Perry Riley's emergence might not be enough to handle No. 27. - Tim Heaney

16.31

It's time to recognize the growth of New Orleans Saints left tackle Jermon Bushrod, who was thrown into the fire in 2009, won a Super Bowl and is continuing to develop, even while he's being placed on an island often. He'll get Jared Allen this week but might not require as much help as other LTs get. New Orleans will move the pocket often for Drew Brees anyway. - Tim Heaney

16.28

Though it's hard to bench Rob Gronkowski, you should at least lower your expectations for him this week. He might have to stay in to block more often versus the Denver Broncos' emerging pass rush this week. We might see more Aaron Hernandez. Wes Welker probably won't have Champ Bailey following him around, either, even those he's capable of playing the slot. - Tim Heaney

16.28

Though it's hard to bench Rob Gronkowski, you should at least lower your expectations for him this week. He might have to stay in to block more often versus the Denver Broncos' emerging pass rush this week. We might see more Aaron Hernandez. Wes Welker probably won't have Champ Bailey following him around, either, even those he's capable of playing the slot. - Tim Heaney

16.26

Matthew Stafford has been more willing to take what defenses give him lately; hence his increased attention toward Nate Burleson (their leader in receptions since the bye), Titus Young and Brandon Pettigrew and a slight drop-off for Calvin Johnson. The Detroit Lions tried moving Megatron around last week, especially in the slot, but it initially helped Young more. The Oakland Raiders don't have their corners travel, per our Detroit insider, so expect Detroit to try creating mismatches on the inside again. And Detroit knows Oakland is run-first, so they'll probably want to jump out early on offense to force Carson Palmer into heave-ho mode. - Tim Heaney

16.25

If Kevin Smith (ankle) goes in Week 15, expect the Detroit Lions to ride him as much as possible. Keiland Williams was taking RB2 reps in practice, and he and Maurice Morris are merely complementary and spell pieces as long as Smith is active. - Tim Heaney

16.19

Our sources say wideout Earl Bennett is frustrated with his lack of involvement since Caleb Hanie replaced Jay Cutler (thumb), but he isn't vocalizing it publicly. Bennett could be worked in a little more this week, but we have a hard time recommending him in Week 15 playoff matchups. - Cory J. Bonini

16.15

The Bears threw to their running backs nine times last week, which is somewhat uncharacteristic of this offense in 2011. The Denver Broncos' pass rush and cornerbacks forced Chicago to utilize the backs more in Week 14. Marion Barber III made a costly mistake late in the game that could lead to Kahlil Bell seeing more PT this week. - Cory J. Bonini

16.09

Tight end Benjamin Watson (concussion) was placed on Injured Reserve. He says he will return to the team next year, but Watson has had three concussions. That is scary for a father of three young children. Backup Evan Moore will not be using the next three games as an audition for the starting job next season, since he is not a very good blocker and would share time with another tight end if Watson indeed opts to retire. - Cory J. Bonini

15.58

Ahmad Bradshaw (foot) was benched for the first half last week for violating team rules. He is probable for Week 15 but may not see his typical workload; the team wants him to take it easy as he isn't 100 percent yet. Look for a split closer to 50-50 with Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs this week. - Cory J. Bonini

15.41

The Pittsburgh Steelers will try to lean on the run extensively against the San Francisco 49ers on Monday Night Football, whether or not Ben Roethlisberger (ankle) plays. If they don't have success, they'll eventually go away from it; they'd probably move to screens (we'd see a good bit of Isaac Redman) and try to get Heath Miller more involved than he's been lately. The running game will be huge, because if Big Ben plays, he won't have the option to run for his life when protection breaks down. The running game has been improving, but it's not a great situation. Fantasy owners have a tough time viewing Rashard Mendenhall as more than a low-end RB2 or a flex play in this one. - Nicholas Minnix

15.23

If, at the beginning of the year, someone had asked what would happen if the Philadelphia Eagles missed the playoffs, the response would've been that they'd fire Andy Reid. The players seem to think he'll back, however; he has their support. Michael Vick is Reid's and Co.'s project. Juan Castillo at defensive coordinator? Also Reid's decision. He's so overmatched in games. Maybe he was dealt a bad hand, but he made the least of it. He's gone. But that won't be enough to satisfy fans. Will Reid be back? It's truly 50-50. Howie Roseman, the GM, deserves just as much blame as Reid, but he's Joe Banner's protege, so it's doubtful that he'll take the fall. - Nicholas Minnix

15.10

Hakeem Nicks has come to life lately since he is finally healthy and defenses have been forced to pay more attention to Victor Cruz. Nicks, who has 22 receptions in his past three games, could very well keep it up against the Washington Redskins this week. - Cory J. Bonini

14.41

Along with what could be a complete rebuild of the O-line, the St. Louis Rams could be looking at an offense in flux heading into 2012. They hope to retain impending free agent Brandon Lloyd and could eye drafting Oklahoma State wideout Justin Blackmon in the first round to go with emerging slotters Danny Amendola and Greg Salas. Changes in the offense could be even more drastic if Josh McDaniels takes a vacant head coaching position. - Tim Heaney

14.33

Those in dire straits in their fantasy football backfield should consider John Kuhn this week if James Starks (ankle) and Brandon Saine (concussion) can't go. Kuhn will probably be in on all passing situations and could rack up some receptions while splitting touches with Ryan Grant. Lest not we forget Kuhn's abilities around the goal line. - Tim Heaney

14.33

Jermichael Finley should benefit the most with Greg Jennings (knee) likely out for the remainder of the regular season. (Don't expect him back even if the Green Bay Packers are staring at a perfect season in Week 17.) Green Bay will use Finley in similar ways to Jennings' M.O. - stuff across the middle, down the seams while splitting out wide. Randall Cobb's touches should increase, and maybe James Jones will record a few more grabs. Is Jordy Nelson strong enough to fight off double teams? - Tim Heaney