By Dan Rosenzweig-Ziff
By now, all fantasy leagues’ playoffs are in full swing. Every little decision to pick up, drop, sit or start a player holds more and more weight. Taking the time to look at why one should start or sit the on-the-fence players can make the difference between continuing to the next week and going “home” early.
At this point in the season, most know what they are getting from each of their players. Looking at such factors as the week-to-week matchups can give the playoff fantasy players that extra umph to push them ahead one more week. We have seen some of the most unbelievable games and finishes this NFL season, and with only a few weeks left in the season, it should be a wild finish to close out this season. With that, let’s get into this weeks start ‘ems and sit ‘ems.
START:
Andrew Luck, QB Indianapolis: Luck quieted his critics with a resounding 32-point game last weekend and is poised to show his critics again that he is still a productive quarterback. After completing passes to nine different receivers last week, Luck will probably look continue his production from last game, as he faces a favorable matchup against the Texans, who have the 27th-ranked passing defense. In addition to the mediocre passing defense, the Texans have just fired their head coach, meaning they won’t be as well prepared as they would have been, leading to a great day for Andrew Luck.
Shane Vereen, RB New England: 17. That’s the number that tells the story of Shane Vereen’s game last week and will tell the story for the rest of the season. Brady targeted the running back SEVENTEEN times last week, which led to 153 yards receiving for the game and 22 fantasy points. With Gronkowski now out for the year, look for Vereen to continue being a huge part of the Offensive Gameplan.
Roddy White, RB Atlanta: Roddy White enjoys the luxury of facing the putrid Washington passing defense this week, which allows almost 24 fantasy points a week to opposing receivers. Furthermore, he also enjoys the luxury of being targeted many times from quarterback Matt Ryan. These factors will help continue to get Roddy White back to the Roddy White he use to be.
SIT:
Chris Johnson, RB Tennessee: CJ2K faces a Cardinal Defense which allows the least amount of fantasy points to opposing RBs weekly. Additionally, Johnson’s touches have decreased in each of the past three weeks. Limited touches and a stingy Defense will make having a productive day very difficult for the Titans’ RB.
DeAngelo Williams RB Carolina: Just because Jonathan Stewart isn’t playing this week does not mean that Williams should be starting on your fantasy team. The Jets have allowed the second least amount of fantasy points to RBs week to week and will look to continue their dominance in the front seven. In addition to Tolbert and Newton getting many of the touches inside the red zone, Williams is a bust this week.
Michael Floyd, WR Arizona: Floyd just received 26 yards last week, which is not the amount of production needed to have a starting spot in most fantasy leagues. Furthermore, Floyd faces a stout Tennessee passing defense which allows the least amount of fantasy points to opposing receivers in the NFL. As a result of his lack of production and tough challenge this week, Floyd should find himself on your bench.
UPDATE: 12/15/13 4:20 PM: A previous version of this article was incorrectly entitled “Start ’em Sit ’em Week 12” instead of “Week 15.”
