I don’t want to ruin your opinion of me, but even sports reporters/writers celebrate the holidays (when we can). There might not be the weekly pickups, but at least I didn’t leave you hanging with the rankings. Have a happy Thanksgiving everyone, and try to win a fantasy game or two between bites of turkey.

Week 12 Rankings

Quarterbacks

1. Philip Rivers, SD (at Indianapolis)

2. Aaron Rodgers, GB (at Atlanta)

3. Drew Brees, NO (at Dallas)

4. Peyton Manning, IND (vs. San Diego)

5. Tom Brady, NE (at Detroit)

6. Ben Roethlisberger, PIT (at Buffalo)

7. Michael Vick, PHI (at Chicago)

8. Joe Flacco, BAL (vs. Tampa Bay)

9. Eli Manning, NYG (vs. Jacksonville)

10. Matt Ryan, ATL (vs. Green Bay)

11. Kyle Orton, DEN (vs. St. Louis)

12. Shaun Hill, DET (vs. New England)

13. Matt Cassel, KC (at Seattle)

14. Mark Sanchez, NYJ (vs. Cincinnati)

15. Jon Kitna, DAL (vs. New Orleans)

16. Matt Schaub, HOU (vs. Tennessee)

17. Josh Freeman, TB (at Baltimore)

18. Carson Palmer, CIN (at New York Jets)

19. Brett Favre, MIN (at Washington)

20. Jay Cutler, CHI (vs. Philadelphia)

21. Donovan McNabb, WAS (vs. Minnesota)

22. Ryan Fitzpatrick, BUF (vs. Pittsburgh)

23. David Garrard, JAC (at New York Giants)

24. Sam Bradford, STL (at Denver)

25. Troy Smith, SF (at Arizona)

Running backs

1. Chris Johnson, TEN (at Houston)

2. Adrian Peterson, MIN (at Washington)

3. Frank Gore, SF (at Arizona)

4. Arian Foster, HOU (vs. Tennessee)

5. Peyton Hillis, CLE (vs. Carolina)

6. Maurice Jones-Drew, JAC (at New York Giants)

7. Rashard Mendenhall, PIT (at Buffalo)

8. Steven Jackson, STL (at Denver)

9. Ray Rice, BAL (vs. Tampa Bay)

10. Darren McFadden, OAK (vs. Miami)

11. Jamaal Charles, KC (at Seattle)

12. Michael Turner, ATL (vs. Green Bay)

13. LeSean McCoy, PHI (at Chicago)

14. Mike Tolbert, SD (at Indianapolis)

15. Knowshon Moreno, DEN (vs. St. Louis)

16. BenJarvus Green-Ellis, NE (at Detroit)

17. LaDainian Tomlinson, NYJ (vs. Cincinnati)

18. Matt Forte, CHI (vs. Philadelphia)

19. LeGarrette Blount, TB (at Baltimore)

20. Ahmad Bradshaw, NYG (vs. Jacksonville)

21. Fred Jackson, BUF (vs. Pittsburgh)

22. Mike Goodson, CAR (at Cleveland)

23. Keiland Williams, WAS (vs. Minnesota)

24. Cedric Benson, CIN (at New York Jets)

25. Thomas Jones, KC (at Seattle)

26. Brandon Jackson, GB (at Atlanta)

27. Felix Jones, DAL (vs. New Orleans)

28. Danny Woodhead, NE (at Detroit)

29. Brandon Jacobs, NYG (vs. Jacksonville)

30. Ronnie Brown, MIA (at Oakland)

31. Shonn Greene, NYJ (vs. Cincinnati)

32. Maurice Morris, DET (vs. New England0

33. Donald Brown, IND (vs. San Diego)

34. Chris Ivory, NO (at Dallas)

35. Beanie Wells, ARI (vs. San Francisco)

36. Marshawn Lynch, SEA (vs. Kansas City)

37. Darren Sproles, SD (at Indianapolis)

38. Ricky Williams, MIA (at Oakland)

39. Reggie Bush, NO (at Dallas)

40. Tim Hightower, ARI (vs. San Francisco)

41. Marion Barber, DAL (vs. New Orleans)

42. Michael Bush, OAK (vs. Miami)

43. Jahvid Best, DET (vs. New England)

44. Cadillac Williams, TB (at Baltimore)

45. Willis McGahee, BAL (vs. Tampa Bay)

46. Javarris James, IND (vs. San Diego)

47. Ryan Mathews, SD (at Indianapolis)

48. Ryan Torain, WAS (vs. Minnesota)

49. Justin Forsett, SEA (vs. Kansas City)

50. James Davis, WAS (vs. Minnesota)

Wide Receiver

1. Calvin Johnson, DET (vs. New England)

2. Greg Jennings, GB (at Atlanta)

3. Andre Johnson, HOU (vs. Tennessee)

4. Dwayne Bowe, KC (at Seattle)

5. Reggie Wayne, IND (vs. San Diego)

6. Brandon Lloyd, DEN (vs. St. Louis)

7. Roddy White, ATL (vs. Green Bay)

8. Larry Fitzgerald, ARI (vs. San Francisco)

9. Mike Wallace, PIT (at Buffalo)

10. Dez Bryant, DAL (vs. New Orleans)

11. DeSean Jackson, PHI (at Chicago)

12. Marques Colston, NO (at Dallas)

13. Santonio Holmes, NYJ (vs. Cincinnati)

14. Mario Manningham, NYG (vs. Jacksonville)

15. Steve Johnson, BUF (vs. Pittsburgh)

16. Mike Williams, TB (at Baltimore)

17. Vincent Jackson, SD (at Indianapolis)

18. Anquan Boldin, BAL (vs. Tampa Bay)

19. Miles Austin, DAL (vs. New Orleans)

20. Santana Moss, WAS (vs. Minnesota)

21. Terrell Owens, CIN (at New York Jets)

22. Jeremy Maclin, PHI (at Chicago)

23. Michael Crabtree, SF (at Arizona)

24. Sidney Rice, MIN (at Washington)

25. Percy Harvin, MIN (at Washington)

26. Chad Ochocinco, CIN (at New York Jets)

27. Hines Ward, PIT (at Buffalo)

28. Wes Welker, NE (at Detroit)

29. Braylon Edwards, NYJ (vs. Cincinnati)

30. Malom Floyd, SD (at Indianapolis)

31. Mike Thomas, JAC (at New York Giants)

32. Pierre Garcon, IND (vs. San Diego)

33. Nate Burleson, DET (vs. New England)

34. James Jones, GB (at Atlanta)

35. Nate Washington, TEN (at Houston)

36. Randy Moss, TEN (at Houston)

37. Mike Williams, SEA (vs. Kansas City)

38. Steve Breaston, ARI (vs. San Francisco)

39. Johnny Knox, CHI (vs. Philadelphia)

40. Danny Amendola, STL (at Denver)

41. Steve Smith, CAR (at Cleveland)

42. Lance Moore, NO (at Dallas)

43. Lee Evans, BUF (vs. Pittsburgh)

44. Blair White, IND (vs. San Diego)

45. Danny Woodhead, NE (at Detroit)

46. Jabar Gaffney, DEN (vs. St. Louis)

47. Donald Driver, GB (at Atlanta)

48. Deion Branch, NE (at Detroit)

49. Robert Meachem, NO (at Dallas)

50. Brandon Marshall, MIA (at Oakland)

Tight ends

1. Jacob Tamme, IND (vs. San Diego)

2. Vernon Davis, SF (at Arizona)

3. Tony Gonzalez, ATL (vs. Green Bay)

4. Zach Miller, OAK (vs. Miami)

5. Chris Cooley, WAS (vs. Minnesota)

6. Marcedes Lewis, JAC (at New York Giants)

7. Brandon Pettigrew, DET (vs. New England)

8. Joel Dreessen, HOU (vs. Tennessee)

9. Greg Olsen, CHI (vs. Philadelphia)

10. Todd Heap, BAL (vs. Tampa Bay)

11. Dustin Keller, NYJ (vs. Cincinnati)

12. Jason Witten, DAL (vs. New Orleans)

13. Heath Miller, PIT (at Buffalo)

14. Aaron Hernandez, NE (at Detroit)

15. Visanthe Shiancoe, MIN (at Washington)

16. Kevin Boss, NYG (vs. Jacksonville)

17. Benjamin Watson, CLE (vs. Carolina)

18. Kellen Winslow, TB (at Baltimore)

19. Jimmy Graham, NO (at Dallas)

20. Jermaine Gresham, CIN (at New York Jets)

21. Rob Gronkowski, NE (at Detroit)

22. Bo Scaife, TEN (at Houston)

23. Brent Celek, PHI (at Chicago)

24. Randy McMichael, SD (at Indianapolis)

25. Anthony Fasano, MIA (at Oakland)

Defense/Special Teams

1. Pittsburgh Steelers (at Buffalo)

2. Green Bay Packers (at Atlanta)

3. Cleveland Browns (vs. Carolina)

4. New York Jets (vs. Cincinnati)

5. New York Giants (vs. Jacksonville)

6. Baltimore Ravens (vs. Tampa Bay)

7. Tennessee Titans (at Houston)

8. San Francisco 49ers (at Arizona)

9. Philadelphia Eagles (at Chicago)

10. Chicago Bears (vs. Philadelphia)

11. Oakland Raiders (vs. Miami)

12. Kansas City Chiefs (at Seattle)

13. New England Patriots (at Detroit)

14. New Orleans Saints (at Dallas)

15. Minnesota Vikings (at Washington)

16. Dallas Cowboys (vs. New Orleans)

17. Washington Redskins (vs. Minnesota)

18. St. Louis Rams (at Denver)

19. Atlanta Falcons (vs. Green Bay)

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (at Baltimore)

21. Miami Dolphins (at Oakland)

22. Arizona Cardinals (vs. San Francisco)

23. San Diego Chargers (at Indianapolis)

24. Denver Broncos (vs. St. Louis)

25. Seattle Seahawks (vs. Kansas City)

Posted under Uncategorized

Waiver Wire Pickups

QB Troy Smith, San Francisco: He’s the starter the rest of the way, and has a very favorable fantasy playoff schedule. I love his weapons on offense, if he can build more trust, this could be a great sleeper pickup.

QB Shaun Hill, Detroit: He averaged 18 points as the starter earlier in the season, when he was a top-10 fantasy option. He’s got a good matchup this week, and might be worth stashing on your bench.

RB Mike Goodson, Carolina: I hate his upcoming schedule, but he should not be available in 90% of leagues. He’s the only guy getting carries for the Panthers.

RB Keiland Williams, Washington: Two touchdowns and 89 yards look impressive, but that was after the game was well in hand. Like with Goodson, he’s the starter, so you like that about KW, but the best way to get a back might not be on the waiver wire, but instead through a trade.

WR Jabar Gaffney, Denver: I wrote about the Denver passing game a number of times earlier this season. Brandon Lloyd has emerged as the star, but that doesn’t mean he’s the only guy. Gaffney has had at least 50 yards in seven straight games, and doesn’t have to worry about those pesky double-teams.

WR Mike Thomas, Jacksonville: QB David Garrard has hit his stride, and the Jags have a cake fantasy playoff schedule. You might want to jump on this bandwagon early.

TE Brandon Pettigrew, Detroit: When Hill was under center, Pettigrew as first on the teams in receptions and second in targets. The talent is there, and with Jahvid Best struggling, the Lions will be using the air game.

TE Tony Moeaki, Kansas City: Tony is a regular on this blog, but he’s still available in 62% of leagues. So if you haven’t taken my advice yet, who should you? A great fantasy playoff schedule with a number of teams that are just awful at stopping opposing tight ends.

 

Week 11 Rankings

Quarterbacks

1. Philip Rivers, SD (vs. Denver)

2. Drew Brees, NO (vs. Seattle)

3. Peyton Manning, IND (at New England)

4. Aaron Rodgers, GB (at Minnesota)

5. Michael Vick, PHI (vs. New York Giants)

6. Eli Manning, NYG (at Philadelphia)

7. Joe Flacco, BAL (at Carolina)

8. Tom Brady, NE (vs. Indianapolis)

9. Kyle Orton, DEN (at San Diego)

10. Ben Roethlisberger, PIT (vs. Oakland)

11. Matt Ryan, ATL (at St. Louis)

12. Mark Sanchez, NYJ (vs. Houston)

13. Josh Freeman, TB (at San Francisco)

14. Shaun Hill, DET (at Dallas)

15. Carson Palmer, CIN (vs. Buffalo)

16. David Garrard, JAC (vs. Cleveland)

17. Matt Cassel, KC (vs. Arizona)

18. Matt Schaub, HOU (at New York Jets)

19. Jon Kitna, DAL (vs. Detroit)

20. Troy Smith, SF (vs. Tampa Bay)

21. Donovan McNabb, WAS (at Tennessee)

22. Jason Campbell, OAK (at Pittsburgh)

23. Vince Young, TEN (vs. Washington)

24. Ryan Fitzpatrick, BUF (at Cincinnati)

25. Sam Bradford, STL (vs. Atlanta)

Running backs

1. Chris Johnson, TEN (vs. Washington)

2. Frank Gore, SF (vs. Tampa Bay)

3. Peyton Hillis, CLE (at Jacksonville)

4. Adrian Peterson, MIN (vs. Green Bay)

5. Maurice Jones-Drew, JAC (vs. Cleveland)

6. Jamaal Charles, KC (vs. Arizona)

7. Rashard Mendenhall, PIT (vs. Oakland)

8. Arian Foster, HOU (at New York Jets)

9. Ahmad Bradshaw, NYG (at Philadelphia)

10. Ray Rice, BAL (at Carolina)

11. Steven Jackson, STL (vs. Atlanta)

12. Michael Turner, ATL (at St. Louis)

13. Darren McFadden, OAK (at Pittsburgh)

14. Knowshon Moreno, DEN (at San Diego)

15. LeSean McCoy, PHI (vs. New York Giants)

16. LeGarrette Blount, TB (at San Francisco)

17. Cedric Benson, CIN (vs. Buffalo)

18. Fred Jackson, BUF (at Cincinnati)

19. LaDainian Tomlinson, NYJ (vs. Houston)

20. Felix Jones, DAL (vs. Detroit)

21. Thomas Jones, KC (vs. Arizona)

22. BenJarvus Green-Ellis, NE (vs. Indianapolis)

23. Jahvid Best, DET (at Dallas)

24. Marshawn Lynch, SEA (at New Orleans)

25. Mike Tolbert, SD (vs. Denver)

26. Joseph Addai, IND (at New England)

27. Tim Hightower, ARI (at Kansas City)

28. Shonn Greene, NYJ (vs. Houston)

29. Mike Goodson, CAR (vs. Baltimore)

30. Brandon Jackson, GB (at Minnesota)

31. Danny Woodhead, NE (vs. Indianapolis)

32. Reggie Bush, NO (vs. Seattle)

33. Brandon Jacobs, NYG (at Philadelphia)

34. Ryan Mathews, SD (vs. Denver)

35. Michael Bush, OAK (at Pittsburgh)

36. Beanie Wells, ARI (at Kansas City)

37. Justin Forsett, SEA (at New Orleans)

38. Willis McGahee, BAL (at Carolina)

39. Donald Brown, IND (at New England)

40. Cadillac Williams, TB (at San Francisco)

41. Marion Barber, DAL (vs. Detroit)

42. Keiland Williams, WAS (at Tennessee)

43. Darren Sproles, SD (vs. Denver)

44. Chris Ivory, NO (vs. Seattle)

45. Jason Snelling, ATL (at St. Louis)

46. Javarris James, IND (at New England)

47. Bernard Scott, CIN (vs. Buffalo)

48. Julius Jones, NO (vs. Seattle)

49. Jerome Harrison, PHI (vs. New York Giants)

50. Marcel Reese, OAK (at Pittsburgh)

 

Wide receivers

1. Roddy White, ATL (at St. Louis)

2. Calvin Johnson, DET (at Dallas)

3. Hakeem Nicks, NYG (at Philadelphia)

4. Greg Jennings, GB (at Minnesota)

5. Andre Johnson, HOU (at New York Jets)

6. Brandon Lloyd, DEN (at San Diego)

7. Reggie Wayne, IND (at New England)

8. DeSean Jackson, PHI (vs. New York Giants)

9. Terrell Owens, CIN (vs. Buffalo)

10. Larry Fitzgerald, ARI (at Kansas City)

11. Marques Colston, NO (vs. Seattle)

12. Dwayne Bowe, KC (vs. Arizona)

13. Dez Bryant, DAL (vs. Detroit)

14. Mike Wallace, PIT (vs. Oakland)

15. Anquan Boldin, BAL (at Carolina)

16. Jeremy Maclin, PHI (vs. New York Giants)

17. Miles Austin, DAL (vs. Detroit)

18. Malcom Floyd, SD (vs. Denver)

19. Percy Harvin, MIN (vs. Green Bay)

20. Steve Johnson, BUF (at Cincinnati)

21. Mike Williams, TB (at San Francisco)

22. Randy Moss, TEN (vs. Washington)

23. Chad Ochocinco, CIN (vs. Buffalo)

24. Santonio Holmes, NYJ (vs. Houston)

25. Braylon Edwards, NYJ (vs. Houston)

26. Santana Moss, WAS (at Tennessee)

27. Mario Manningham, NYG (at Philadelphia)

28. Wes Welker, NE (vs. Indianapolis)

29. Mike Sims-Walker, JAC (vs. Cleveland)

30. Michael Crabtree, SF (vs. Tampa Bay)

31. Mike Williams, SEA (at New Orleans)

32. Hines Ward, PIT (vs. Oakland)

33. Pierre Garcon, IND (at New England)

34. Danny Amendola, STL (vs. Atlanta)

35. Nate Washington, TEN (vs. Washington)

36. James Jones, GB (at Minnesota)

37. Derrick Mason, BAL (at Carolina)

38. Steve Smith, CAR (vs. Baltimore)

39. Lance Moore, NO (vs. Seattle)

40. Mike Thomas, JAC (vs. Cleveland)

41. Lee Evans, BUF (at Cincinnati)

42. Jabar Gaffney, DEN (at San Diego)

43. Austin Collie, IND (at New England)

44. Danny Woodhead, NE (vs. Indianapolis)

45. Steve Breaston, ARI (at Kansas City)

46. Deion Branch, NE (vs. Indianapolis)

47. Patrick Crayton, SD (vs. Denver)

48. Donald Driver, GB (at Minnesota)

49. Nate Burleson, DET (at Dallas)

50. Robert Meachem, NO (vs. Seattle)

Tight ends

1. Vernon Davis, SF (vs. Tampa Bay)

2. Jacob Tamme, IND (at New England)

3. Dustin Keller, NYJ (vs. Houston)

4. Antonio Gates, SD (vs. Denver)

5. Tony Gonzalez, ATL (at St. Louis)

6. Jason Witten, DAL (vs. Detroit)

7. Marcedes Lewis, JAC (vs. Cleveland)

8. Zach Miller, OAK (at Pittsburgh)

9. Visanthe Shiancoe, MIN (vs. Green Bay)

10. Brandon Pettigrew, DET (at Dallas)

11. Chris Cooley, WAS (at Tennessee)

12. Kellen Winslow, TB (at San Francisco)

13. Todd Heap, BAL (at Carolina)

14. Benjamin Watson, CLE (at Jacksonville)

15. Aaron Hernandez, NE (vs. Indianapolis)

16. Rob Gronkowski, NE (vs. Indianapolis)

17. Jermaine Gresham, CIN (vs. Buffalo)

18. Heath Miller, PIT (vs. Oakland)

19. Kevin Boss, NYG (at Philadelphia)

20. Brent Celek, PHI (vs. New York Giants)

21. Tony Moeaki, KC (vs. Arizona)

22. John Carlson, SEA (at New Orleans)

23. Jeremy Shockey, NO (vs. Seattle)

24. Bo Scaife, TEN (vs. Washington)

25. Joel Dreessen, HOU (at New York Jets)

Defense/Special Teams

1. Tennessee Titans (vs. Washington)

2. Baltimore Ravens (at Carolina)

3. Green Bay Packers (at Minnesota)

4. Pittsburgh Steelers (vs. Oakland)

5. Kansas City Chiefs (vs. Arizona)

6. San Francisco 49ers (vs. Tampa Bay)

7. New York Jets (vs. Houston)

8. New Orleans Saints (vs. Seattle)

9. Philadelphia Eagles (vs. New York Giants)

10. New York Giants (at Philadelphia)

11. Atlanta Falcons (at St. Louis)

12. Dallas Cowboys (vs. Detroit)

13. San Diego Chargers (vs. Denver)

14. St. Louis Rams (vs. Atlanta)

15. Oakland Raiders (at Pittsburgh)

16. Cincinnati Bengals (vs. Buffalo)

17. New England Patriots (vs. Indianapolis)

18. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (at San Francisco)

19. Minnesota Vikings (vs. Green Bay)

20. Cleveland Browns (at Jacksonville)

21. Indianapolis Colts (at New England)

22. Detroit Lions (at Dallas)

23. Arizona Cardinals (at Kansas City)

24. Denver Broncos (at San Diego)

25. Seattle Seahawks (at New Orleans)

Posted under Uncategorized

Five Fun Facts

1. Ryan Fitzpatrick, Josh Freeman, and Michael Vick are in the top 15 in scoring for quarterbacks. That would have surprised a number of fantasy owners. Even more surprising is guys like Matt Schaub, Jay Cutler and Brett Favre are outside the top 15.

2. Peyton Hillis has gone from former fullback and journeyman to must-start fantasy back. He’s fifth in scoring, and looks to be a factor or a long time.

3. Terrell Owens is apparently not washed up, ranking first in fantasy scoring among receivers. Surprisingly, or not surprisingly at all, TO has single-handedly led to the demise of Chad Ochocinco. #85 is the 34^th best wide receiver.

4. Marcedes Lewis and Dustin Keller are tied for second among TE scoring. That’s better than stalwarts Jason Witten, Vernon Davis and Tony Gonzalez.

5. No one makes fun of kickers more than me, but the stats don’t lie. Sebastian Janikowski has more points than Greg Jennings, DeSean Jackson and Reggie Wayne. Dan Carpenter has as many points as Andre Johnson. Both amazing and sad.

Bye Week Pickups

Teams on bye: Green Bay Packers, Oakland Raiders, New Orleans Saints, San Diego Chargers

QB Josh Freeman, Tampa Bay: It might surprise you, but Freeman is a legitimate fantasy quarterback. You wouldn’t know that by the fact that he’s available in 45% of leagues. Still, Freeman has been the model of consistency, putting up 12 or more points in all but one game, scoring just one point less than Tom Brady. Fun fact: his playoff schedule is among the best in the league.

QB David Garrard, Jacksonville: There are games where a guy just gets it; and that was Garrard against Dallas. With a bye week to prepare for Houston, expect DG to be sharp. It certainly doesn’t hurt that Houston gives up the most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. This is the type of move that will give you bragging rights the next day.

QB Donovan McNabb, Washington: Coming off a bye week, being benched, and having to face his old team. Think McNabb will have something to prove Monday night? If you’ve got Brees, Rodgers or Rivers on the bye, this could be your guy.

RB LeGarrette Blount, Tampa Bay: Alright, he didn’t back up his huge performance with another big game. Honestly, that was to be expected. Still, don’t jump off the bandwagon just yet. In fact, this is the time to buy low on a guy who could still win some fantasy leagues. Fun fact: it’s Blount’s third straight week showing up in bye week pickups.

RB Mike Goodson, Carolina: DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart are both down with injuries, leaving Goodson the bulk of the carries. If you’ve got a back on the bye, he’s a decent sleeper option.

RB Javarris James, Indianapolis: Certainly a deep sleeper, but he did have two scores last week. He doesn’t need to do the heavy lifting if he’s the guy getting the ball on the goal line.

WR Blair White, Indianapolis: Again, a deep sleeper. Still, White will be working out of the slot with Austin Collie out, and Peyton does spread the ball around.

WR Nate Washington, Tennessee: One would think that the addition of Randy Moss would mean less catches for the other receivers. But Moss dictates how the defense covers the pass catchers. We saw the boost he’s given to guys like Wes Welker and Percy Harvin, expect Washington to be the next beneficiary.

WR Nate Burleson, Detroit: He’s averaging 6 catches, 70 yards and a touchdown over his last four games. Pretty good production for a guy who’s available in 72-percent of leagues.

TE Joel Dreessen, Houston: Dreessen stepped in for Owen Daniels when he was injured, and responded with 6 catches for nearly 70 yards. Daniels is still banged up, and this week could be a shootout.

TE Anthony Fasano, Miami: The last time Chad Pennington was a starting quarterback, he threw eleven touchdowns to tight ends. Fasano was on the right end of seven of those. Guess who the new starter is in South Beach?

Week 10 Rankings

Quarterbacks

1. Peyton Manning, IND (vs. Cincinnati)

2. Eli Manning, NYG (vs. Dallas)

3. Ben Roethlisberger, PIT (vs. New England)

4. Michael Vick, PHI (at Washington)

5. Matt Ryan, ATL (vs. Baltimore)

6. Kyle Orton, DEN (vs. Kansas City)

7. Matt Schaub, HOU (at Jacksonville)

8. Joe Flacco, BAL (at Atlanta)

9. Tom Brady, NE (at Pittsburgh)

10. Josh Freeman, TB (vs. Carolina)

11. Carson Palmer, CIN (at Indianapolis)

12. Vince Young, TEN (at Miami)

13. David Garrard, JAC (at Houston)

14. Jay Cuter, CHI (vs. Minnesota)

15. Ryan Fitzpatrick, BUF (vs. Detroit)

16. Mark Sanchez, NYJ (at Cleveland)

17. Brett Favre, MIN (at Chicago)

18. Donovan McNabb, WAS (vs. Philadelphia)

19. Sam Bradford, STL (at San Francisco)

20. Matt Cassel, KC (at Denver)

21. Shaun Hill, DET (at Buffalo)

22. Chad Pennington, MIA (vs. Tennessee)

23. Troy Smith, SF (vs. St. Louis)

24. Colt McCoy, CLE (vs. New York Jets)

25. Matt Hasselbeck, SEA (at Arizona)

Running backs

1. Arian Foster, HOU (at Jacksonville)

2. Adrian Peterson, MIN (at Chicago)

3. Chris Johnson, TEN (at Miami)

4. Frank Gore, SF (vs. St. Louis)

5. Ahmad Bradshaw, NYG (vs. Dallas)

6. Maurice Jones-Drew, JAC (vs. Houston)

7. Rashard Mendenhall, PIT (vs. New England)

8. Jamaal Charles, KC (at Denver)

9. Steven Jackson, STL (at San Francisco)

10. Peyton Hillis, CLE (vs. New York Jets)

11. LeSean McCoy, PHI (at Washington)

12. Ray Rice, BAL (at Atlanta)

13. LeGarrette Blount, TB (vs. Carolina)

14. LaDainian Tomlinson, NYJ (at Cleveland)

15. Michael Turner, ATL (vs. Baltimore)

16. Cedric Benson, CIN (at Indianapolis)

17. Jahvid Best, DET (at Buffalo)

18. Knowshon Moreno, DEN (vs. Kansas City)

19. Ryan Torain, WAS (vs. Philadelphia)

20. Thomas Jones, KC (at Denver)

21. Fred Jackson, BUF (vs. Detroit)

22. Matt Forte, CHI (vs. Minnesota)

23. Marshawn Lynch, SEA (at Arizona)

24. Ronnie Brown, MIA (vs. Tennessee)

25. Brandon Jacobs, NYG (vs. Dallas)

26. Mike Goodson, CAR (at Tampa Bay)

27. Donald Brown, IND (vs. Cincinnati)

28. Beanie Wells, ARI (vs. Seattle)

29. Felix Jones, DAL (at New York Giants)

30. Danny Woodhead, NE (at Pittsburgh)

31. BenJarvus Green-Ellis, NE (at Pittsburgh)

32. Chester Taylor, CHI (vs. Minnesota)

33. Tim Hightower, ARI (vs. Seattle)

34. Ricky Williams, MIA (vs. Tennessee)

35. Javarris James, IND (vs. Cincinnati)

36. Willis McGahee, BAL (at Atlanta)

37. CJ Spiller, BUF (vs. Detroit)

38. Marion Barber, DAL (at New York Giants)

39. Cadillac Williams, TB (vs. Carolina)

40. Kevin Smith, DET (at Buffalo)

41. Justin Forsett, SEA (at Arizona)

42. Derrick Ward, HOU (at Jacksonville)

43. Jason Snelling, ATL (vs. Baltimore)

44. Clinton Portis, WAS (vs. Philadelphia)

45. LaRod Stephens-Howling, ARI (vs. Seattle)

46. Javon Ringer, TEN (at Miami)

47. Keiland Williams, WAS (vs. Philadelphia)

48. Tashard Choice, DAL (at New York Giants)

49. Bernard Scott, CIN (at Indianapolis)

50. Mike Bell, CLE (vs. New York Jets)

Wide receivers

1. Hakeem Nicks, NYG (vs. Dallas)

2. Roddy White, ATL (vs. Baltimore)

3. Andrew Johnson, HOU (at Jacksonville)

4. Reggie Wayne, IND (vs. Cincinnati)

5. Calvin Johnson, DET (at Buffalo)

6. Larry Fitzgerald, ARI (vs. Seattle)

7. Terrell Owen, CIN (at Indianapolis)

8. DeSean Jackson, PHI (at Washington)

9. Randy Moss, TEN (at Miami)

10. Brandon Lloyd, DEN (vs. Kansas City)

11. Brandon Marshall, MIA (vs. Tennessee)

12. Hines Ward, PIT (vs. New England)

13. Steve Smith, NYG (vs. Dallas)

14. Mike Williams, TB (vs. Carolina)

15. Anquan Boldin, BAL (at Atlanta)

16. Percy Harvin, MIN (at Chicago)

17. Steve Johnson, BUF (vs. Detroit)

18. Mike Wallace, PIT (vs. New England)

19. Dwayne Bowe, KC (at Denver)

20. Mike Sims-Walker, JAC (vs. Houston)

21. Dez Bryant, DAL (at New York Giants)

22. Jeremy Maclin, PHI (at Washington)

23. Pierre Garcon, IND (vs. Cincinnati)

24. Santonio Holmes, NYJ (at Cleveland)

25. Michael Crabtree, SF (vs. St. Louis)

26. Miles Austin, DAL (at New York Giants)

27. Santana Moss, WAS (vs. Philadelphia)

28. Lee Evans, BUF (vs. Detroit)

29. Braylon Edwards, NYJ (at Cleveland)

30. Mike Williams, SEA (at Arizona)

31. Johnny Knox, CHI (vs. Minnesota)

32. Chad Ochocinco, CIN (at Indianapolis)

33. Derrick Mason, BAL (at Atlanta)

34. Nate Washington, TEN (at Miami)

35. Steve Smith, CAR (at Tampa Bay)

36. Davon Bess, MIA (vs. Tennessee)

37. Nate Burleson, DET (at Buffalo)

38. Wes Welker, NE (at Pittsburgh)

39. Jabar Gaffney, DEN (at Kansas City)

40. Danny Woodhead, NE (at Pittsburgh)

41. Mike Thomas, JAC (vs. Houston)

42. Bernard Berrian, MIN (at Chicago)

43. Danny Amendola, STL (at San Francisco)

44. Steve Breaston, ARI (vs. Seattle)

45. Blair White, IND (vs. Cincinnati)

46. Deion Branch, NE (at Pittsburgh)

47. Kevin Walter, HOU (at Jacksonville)

48. Earl Bennett, CHI (vs. Minnesota)

49. Eddie Royal, DEN (vs. Kansas City)

50. Mario Manningham, NYG (vs. Dallas)

Tight ends

1. Vernon Davis, SF (vs. St. Louis)

2. Jacob Tamme, IND (vs. Cincinnati)

3. Dustin Keller, NYJ (at Cleveland)

4. Jason Witten, DAL (at New York Giants)

5. Aaron Hernandez, NE (at Pittsburgh)

6. Chris Cooley, WAS (vs. Philadelphia)

7. Tony Gonzalez, ATL (vs. Baltimore)

8. Visanthe Shiancoe, MIN (at Chicago)

9. Brandon Pettigrew, DET (at Buffalo)

10. Marcedes Lewis, JAC (vs. Houston)

11. Tony Moeaki, KC (at Denver)

12. Kellen Winslow, TB (vs. Carolina)

13. Greg Olsen, CHI (vs. Minnesota)

14. Todd Heap, BAL (at Atlanta)

15. Joel Dreessen, HOU (at Jacksonville)

16. Heath Miller, PIT (vs. New England)

17. Anthony Fasano, MIA (vs. Tennessee)

18. John Carlson, SEA (at Arizona)

19. Benjamin Watson, CLE (vs. New York Jets)

20. Bo Scaife, TEN (at Miami)

21. Brent Celek, PHI (at Washington)

22. Jermaine Gresham, CIN (at Indianapolis)

23. Kevin Boss, NYG (vs. Dallas)

24. Tony Scheffler, DET (at Buffalo)

25. Owen Daniels, HOU (at Jacksonville)

Defense/Special Teams

1. New York Giants (vs. Dallas)

2. New York Jets (at Cleveland)

3. Pittsburgh Steelers (vs. New England)

4. Tennessee Titans (at Miami)

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (vs. Carolina)

6. Chicago Bears (vs. Minnesota)

7. Philadelphia Eagles (at Washington)

8. San Francisco 49ers (vs. St. Louis)

9. Indianapolis Colts (vs. Cincinnati)

10. Minnesota Vikings (at Chicago)

11. Arizona Cardinals (vs. Seattle)

12. Kanas City Chiefs (at Denver)

13. Baltimore Ravens (at Atlanta)

14. Atlanta Falcons (vs. Baltimore)

15. Washington Redskins (vs. Philadelphia)

16. St. Louis Rams (vs. San Francisco)

17. Seattle Seahawks (at Arizona)

18. Miami Dolphins (vs. Tennessee)

19. Detroit Lions (at Buffalo)

20. Cleveland Browns (vs. New York Jets)

21. Denver Broncos (vs. Kansas City)

22. Cincinnati Bengals (at Indianapolis)

23. Buffalo Bills (vs. Detroit)

24. New England Patriots (at Pittsburgh)

25. Houston Texans (at Jacksonville)

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Nine weeks in, how is your fantasy team doing? No matter what the answer is, I’m here to tell you that the next few weeks are the ones that matter. Injuries have started to mount; you’ve likely had to scour the waiver wire or at least one replacement.

Now comes the fun part – planning ahead for the playoffs. Check the schedules for your fantasy studs for weeks 14-17. If you have some bad matchups, it’s time to make a trade (see LeGarrette Blount below) or find someone on waivers who has better matchups. Countless teams won because they picked up guys like Jonathan Stewart during their playoff run. A little homework now will go a long way in a couple weeks.

Bye Week Pickups

Teams on bye: Denver Broncos, Tennessee Titans, St. Louis Rams San Francisco 49ers, Washington Redskins, Jacksonville Jaguars

QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, Buffalo: I know I’ve been pimping Fitzpatrick for a while now, but apparently the fantasy universe isn’t listening. The Harvard grad has averaged 20 points in three of the last four weeks, better than guys like Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees and Philip Rivers over the same amount of time…

QB Jason Campbell, Oakland: He’s averaging 19 points in his last two games, and the Raiders offense is clicking. There’s a real chance this week’s matchup with Kansas City could be a shootout, which bodes well for Campbell. He’s still available in 93% of leagues.

QB Matthew Stafford, Detroit: Two of my quarterbacks are the same as the week before. No I’m not getting lazy – both these guys should be owned in almost all leagues. Stafford’s first game back from injury included four touchdown passes, and he looked in synch with otherworldly talent Calvin Johnson.

RB LeGarrette Blount, Tampa Bay: Hopefully you were paying attention when I wrote here that Blount was destined for big things. 120 yards and two touchdowns later he’s owned in 73% of fantasy leagues. Hopefully he’s available in yours, because his fantasy football playoff schedule is golden. I would suggest a trade proposal or two.

RB Danny Woodhead, New England: He’s reached double-digit fantasy points in four of the last five games, and he’s got eligibility at either wideout or running back.

RB Mike Tolbert, San Diego: What if I were to tell you there was a running back on the waiver wire who has seven touchdowns, and five in the last five games. And what if I were to tell you that that team’s top three receivers were all hurt. You’d probably be interested, right?

WR Mike Williams, Tampa Bay: I can’t promise this will be the last time that I tell you to pick up Mike Williams, but if you have listened to me the last 200 times, than you’d already be happy. Williams is in the top 20 in scoring, and has more points than Brandon Marshall and Larry Fitzgerald. That’s all I’m saying (until next week).

WR Steve Johnson, Buffalo: Five straight games with a score, and is averaging six catches a game. Johnson is available in 43% of leagues.

WR Steve Breaston, Arizona: It’s been a tough season in the desert with the Cardinals best quarterback dancing on a reality television show. Still, Breaston made the most of his eight catches last week, picking up nearly 150 yards.

WR Seyi Ajirotutu, San Diego: I know there have been a lot of the same names in this week’s column, but here’s one for the true diehard fantasy guys. Ajirotutu is a deep sleeper, but he’s one of the few big play threats left for the Chargers.

TE Jacob Tamme, Indianapolis: Remember, you heard it here first last week, but apparently Peyton Manning really is just that good. Don’t get me wrong, Tamme is no slouch. But you had to get the sense watching that game that Manning is good enough to make a name for a guy most fans have never heard of. Now Tamme’s owned in nearly 40% of leagues and comes in ranked in my top ten. What a week can do.

TE Visanthe Shiancoe, Minnesota: He’s only available in a quarter of leagues, but he’s about to get a huge fantasy boost with Randy Moss traded out of town.

Week 9 Rankings

Quarterbacks

1. Peyton Manning, IND (at Philadelphia)

2. Aaron Rodgers, GB (vs. Dallas)

3. Drew Brees, NO (at Carolina)

4. Tom Brady, NE (at Cleveland)

5. Philip Rivers, SD (at Houston)

6. Eli Manning, NYG (at Seattle)

7. Matt Ryan, ATL (vs. Tampa Bay)

8. Ben Roethlisberger, PIT (at Cincinnati)

9. Michael Vick, PHI (vs. Indianapolis)

10. Joe Flacco, BAL (vs. Miami)

11. Jay Cutler, CHI (at Buffalo)

12. Matt Schaub, HOU (vs. San Diego)

13. Josh Freeman, TB (at Atlanta)

14. Matthew Stafford, DET (vs. New York Jets)

15. Carson Palmer, CIN (vs. Pittsburgh)

16. Ryan Fitzpatrick, BUF (vs. Chicago)

17. Chad Henne, MIA (at Baltimore)

18. Jon Kitna, DAL (at Green Bay)

19. Mark Sanchez, NYJ (at Detroit)

20. Brett Favre, MIN (vs. Arizona)

21. Matt Cassel, KC (at Oakland)

22. Jason Campbell, OAK (vs. Kansas City)

23. Derek Anderson, ARI (at Minnesota)

24. Colt McCoy, CLE (vs. New England)

25. Charlie Whitehurst, SEA (vs. New York Giants)

Running backs

1. Adrian Peterson, MIN (vs. Arizona)

2. Arian Foster, HOU (vs. San Diego)

3. Darren McFadden, OAK (vs. Kansas City)

4. Michael Turner, ATL (vs. Tampa Bay)

5. Jamaal Charles, KC (at Oakland)

6. Rashard Mendenhall, PIT (at Cincinnati)

7. Ahmad Bradshaw, NYG (at Seattle)

8. LeSean McCoy, PHI (vs. Indianapolis)

9. Ray Rice, BAL (vs. Miami)

10. LaDainian Tomlinson, NYJ (at Detroit)

11. Peyton Hillis, CLE (vs. New England)

12. LeGarrette Blount, TB (at Atlanta)

13. BenJarvus Green-Ellis, NE (at Cleveland)

14. Matt Forte, CHI (at Buffalo)

15. Thomas Jones, KC (at Oakland)

16. Ryan Mathews, SD (at Houston)

17. Jahvid Best, DET (vs. New York Jets)

18. Beanie Wells, ARI (at Minnesota)

19. Cedric Benson, CEIN (vs. Pittsburgh)

20. Marshawn Lynch, SEA (vs. New York Giants)

21. Jonathan Stewart, CAR (vs. New Orleans)

22. Brandon Jackson, GB (vs. Dallas)

23. Fred Jackson, BUF (vs. Chicago)

24. Felix Jones, DAL (at Green Bay)

25. Shonn Greene, NYJ (at Detroit)

26. Mike Tolbert, SD (at Houston)

27. Ronnie Brown, MIA (at Baltimore)

28. Michael Bush, OAK (vs. Kansas City)

29. Mike Hart, IND (at Philadelphia)

30. Chris Ivory, NO (at Carolina)

31. Danny Woodhead, NE (at Cleveland)

32. Ricky Williams, MIA (at Baltimore)

33. Brandon Jacobs, NYG (at Seattle)

34. C.J. Spiller, BUF (vs. Chicago)

35. Marion Barber, DAL (at Green Bay)

36. Willis McGahee, BAL (vs. Miami)

37. Darren Sproles, SD (at Houston)

38. Donald Brown, IND (at Philadelphia)

39. Justin Forsett, SEA (vs. New York Giants)

40. Chester Taylor, CHI (at Buffalo)

41. Derrick Ward, HOU (vs. San Diego)

42. Tim Hightower, ARI (at Minnesota)

43. Cadillac Williams, TB (at Atlanta)

44. Jason Snelling, ATL (vs. Tampa Bay)

45. Kevin Smith, DET (vs. New York Jets)

46. John Kuhn, GB (vs. Dallas)

47. Tashard Choice, DAL (at Green Bay)

48. Julius Jones, NO (at Carolina)

49. Bernard Scott, CIN (vs. Pittsburgh)

50. Javarris James, IND (at Philadelphia)

Wide receivers

1. Roddy White, ATL (vs. Tampa Bay)

2. Andre Johnson, HOU (vs. San Diego)

3. Hakeem Nicks, NYG (at Seattle)

4. Greg Jennings, GB (vs. Dallas)

5. Calvin Johnson, DET (vs. New York Jets)

6. Reggie Wayne, IND (at Philadelphia)

7. Brandon Marshall, MIA (at Baltimore)

8. Anquan Boldin, BAL (vs. Miami)

9. Miles Austin, DAL (at Green Bay)

10. Larry Fitzgerald, ARI (at Minnesota)

11. Marques Colston, NO (at Carolina)

12. DeSean Jackson, PHI (vs. Indianapolis)

13. Terrell Owens, CIN (vs. Pittsburgh)

14. Dwayne Bowe, KC (at Oakland)

15. Hines Ward, PIT (at Cincinnati)

16. Pierre Garcon, IND (at Philadelphia)

17. Jeremy Maclin, PHI (vs. Indianapolis)

18. Wes Welker, NE (at Cleveland)

19. Mike Williams, TB (at Atlanta)

20. Percy Harvin, MIN (vs. Arizona)

21. Mike Wallace, PIT (at Cincinnati)

22. Steve Smith, NYG (at Seattle)

23. Lee Evans, BUF (vs. Chicago)

24. Chad Ochocinco, CIN (vs. Pittsburgh)

25. Steve Smith, CAR (vs. New Orleans)

26. Patrick Crayton, SD (at Houston)

27. Steve Smith, BUF (vs. Chicago)

28. Dez Bryant, DAL (at Green Bay)

29. Johnny Knox, CHI (at Buffalo)

30. Deion Branch, NE (at Cleveland)

31. James Jones, GB (vs. Dallas)

32. Santonio Holmes, NYJ (at Detroit)

33. Mike Williams, SEA (vs. New York Giants)

34. Davone Bess, MIA (at Baltimore)

35. Lance Moore, NO (at Carolina)

36. Steve Breaston, ARI (at Minnesota)

37. Braylon Edwards, NYJ (at Detroit)

38. Roy Williams, DAL (at Green Bay)

39. Robert Meachem, NO (at Carolina)

40. Kevin Walter, HOU (vs. San Diego)

41. Mario Manningham, NYG (at Seattle)

42. Danny Woodhead, NE (at Cleveland)

43. Derrick Mason, BAL (vs. Miami)

44. Anthony Gonzalez, IND (at Philadelphia)

45. Mohamed Massaquoi, CLE (vs. New England)

46. Bernard Berrian, MIN (vs. Arizona)

47. Nate Burleson, DET (vs. New York Jets)

48. Darrius Heyward-Bey, OAK (vs. Kansas City)

49. Jordy Nelson, GB (vs. Dallas)

50. Seyi Ajirotutu, SD (at Houston)

Tight ends

1. Antonio Gates, SD (at Houston)

2. Jason Witten, DAL (at Green Bay)

3. Tony Gonzalez, ATL (vs. Tampa Bay)

4. Zach Miller, Oak (vs. Kanas City)

5. Visanthe Shiancoe, MIN (vs. Arizona)

6. Dustin Keller, NJY (at Detroit)

7. Jacob Tamme, IND (at Philadelphia)

8. Greg Olsen, CHI (at Buffalo)

9. Aaron Hernandez, NE (at Cleveland)

10. Benjamin Watson, CLE (vs. New England)

11. Owen Daniels, HOU (vs. San Diego)

12. Brandon Pettigrew, DET (vs. New York Jets)

13. Brent Celek, PHI (vs. Indianapolis)

14. Tony Moeaki, KC (at Oakland)

15. Kellen Winslow, TB (at Atlanta)

16. Heath Miller, PIT (at Cincinnati)

17. Todd Heap, BAL (vs. Miami)

18. John Carlson, SEA (vs. New York Giants)

19. Jermaine Gresham, CIN (vs. Pittsburgh)

20. Jeremy Shockey, NO (at Carolina)

21. Rob Gronkowski, NE (at Cleveland)

22. Kevin Boss, NYG (at Seattle)

23. Anthony Fasano, MIA (at Baltimore)

24. Tony Scheffler, DET (vs. New York Jets)

25. Andrew Quarless, GB (vs. Dallas)

Defense/Special Teams

1. Pittsburgh Steelers (at Cincinnati)

2. New York Jets (at Detroit)

3. New Orleans Saints (at Carolina)

4. New England Patriots (at Cleveland)

5. Green Bay Packers (vs. Dallas)

6. New York Giants (at Seattle)

7. Chicago Bears (at Buffalo)

8. Atlanta Falcons (vs. Tampa Bay)

9. Minnesota Vikings (vs. Arizona)

10. Baltimore Ravens (vs. Miami)

11. Seattle Seahawks (vs. New York Giants)

12. Kansas City Chiefs (at Oakland)

13. Detroit Lions (vs. New York Jets)

14. Indianapolis Colts (at Philadelphia)

15. Philadelphia Eagles (vs. Indianapolis)

16. San Diego Chargers (at Houston)

17. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (at Atlanta)

18. Miami Dolphins (at Baltimore)

19. Oakland Raiders (vs. Kansas City)

20. Cincinnati Bengals (vs. Pittsburgh)

21. Cleveland Browns (vs. New England)

22. Houston Texans (vs. San Diego)

23. Arizona Cardinals (vs. Minnesota)

24. Buffalo Bills (vs. Chicago)

25. Dallas Cowboys (at Green Bay)

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