Ever since the Arizona Cardinals drafted running back Chris Beanie Wells fantasy football players have waited for him to break out. In all this time, we’ve all known that sooner or later this stud was going to take over the starting job from Tim Hightower but no one could say exactly when.

Now, it appears that Wells is ready to help fantasy owners as a top end No.2 fantasy running back after his strong performance against the 49ers. In that contest Hightower fumbled early and head coach Ken Whisenhunt gave Wells the feature role for the rest of the game.

Wells responded with 103 total yards and a critical touchdown run that put the Cardinals back in the game. Not only did Wells produce solid stats, but he showed the burst of speed that has been missing from the Cardinals’ backfield, since I don’t know when.

A Chance To Shine

Assuming the Cardinals continue to feed the ball to Wells (get him ready for the post season), he will have an amazing opportunity to help produce strong numbers for fantasy football owners in the next two weeks.

This week Wells gets to play the Lions and next week he will face off against the Rams in Arizona.

The two main things I want to see from Wells (other than holding onto the football) is for one he will need at least 18 carries to be a strong producer in each game. Secondly, he needs to find the end zone like he was able to do last week.

I believe Wells can and will accomplish these objectives because he is playing at a high level coming out of the 49er game and the Cardinals need this runner to be a factor in the playoffs.

Beyond being a factor, it would also help this team for their opponents to have something extra to fear from this offense than just their great passing game. If Wells has a strong ending to the season than playoff opponents will be forced to game plan and respect what this team can do on the ground.

That respect can only help insure the Cardinals’ success when the games start counting in the playoffs.

Chris Beanie Wells Fantasy Football Ranking

Beanie Wells is a must start fantasy football option in the next two weeks. This kid is at least a great flex play option if not a solid No.2 running back. Wells is playing his best football (Hightower his worst) coming into these next two all important games for fantasy owners.

Many fantasy football leagues end their playoffs in week 16 so this gives you two great games at the very end of your fantasy run.

Start Wells and you should enjoy some solid fantasy production from this future fantasy football stud.

NFL Fantasy Football Player Rankings writer Sean E. Douglas: fantasy-info.com

The start of this season was a rough one for Rams’ receiver Donnie Avery. In the preseason Avery injured his knee and this help contribute to his slow start.

After the first eight weeks of the season Avery had only 22 receptions for 286 yards and two touchdowns. Since the Rams’ bye in week nine Avery has turned his production around with 12 catches for 180 yards and three touchdowns in his past three games.

Part of the turnaround for Avery has been his new attitude and approach to the game of football since embarrassing his team in week five against the Vikings. That week Avery scored a touchdown late in the game and started dancing around.

Seeing that the team was losing by four touchdowns at the time it didn’t seem to be the greatest time to celebrate and Avery took heat from local and national media.

Since that time Avery has dedicated himself to turn his game around and the performance from a fantasy stand point is starting to look good.

Can Avery Be Trusted?

This week Avery makes for a good third receiver option as he plays on the road against the Bears. After that game Avery and the Rams will travel to Tennessee and face the Titans, now healthy secondary.

I wouldn’t recommend using Avery next week against the Titans as he will be blanketed by corner back Cortland Finnegan all game long.

After that game Avery finishes up with three games that fantasy owners can take advantage of. In the final three weeks of the NFL season, Avery will face the Texans, Cardinals and 49ers.

Look for Kyle Boller to go Avery’s way often from this point on as he is the one solid target this team has in the passing game.

Heading into 2010

Next year Avery will be in his third year as a receiver and I believe he will be a good bet for consistent production. This season the Rams new offensive line has had a full year to work together and by next year they should be ready to provide good protection in the passing game.

I wouldn’t be surprised if the Rams draft a quarterback like Colt McCoy or Jimmy Clausen, so Avery may have a rookie under center next year.

At this time, I would say one of those rookie’s can’t do much worse than Boller or Marc Bulger have done this season.

With a new dedication to the game, Avery should be a nice late round pick in 2010.

NFL Fantasy Football Player Rankings writer Sean E. Douglas: fantasy-info.com

What a game it was to see the Saints’ stomp all over the Patriots in all phases of the game. Drew Brees headlined a monumental victory that has now officially landed New Orleans on the map of true elite football teams.

As for Tom Brady and the Patriots, I haven’t given up hope for them to make a playoff run but the defense needs to step it up.

Below we have a short right up on the top ten teams on our power rankings for this season. These teams are important to know as they are playing well and should continue to help fantasy teams.

Furthermore, pay attention to the worst teams on the list as they are the teams you want to have your players going against down the stretch.

1. Saints (11-0)

After a huge decisive win against the New England Patriots the Saints are now a top our NFL Power Rankings once again. Drew Brees probably won the MVP award after he blasted the Patriots’ defense for five touchdowns and 371 yards passing on only 23 pass attempts!

This was an amazing performance and is one of those games that will be looked back on for a long time when people mention Brees and the Saints from this era. Look for New Orleans to roll over the Redskins next week and move to twelve and zero.

2. Colts (11-0)

The Colts haven’t won games in a pretty fashion the last month or so but they have won all their games. The Saints were this way until they stomped on the Patriots in a big time national televised game.

This up coming week the Colts will host the Titans in a big time clash of two strong teams. Look for the Colts to find a way to pull out another close victory.

3. Vikings (10-1)

It’s almost hard to remember the Steelers actually beating this team because the Vikings have played so well since that game. I actually had to look back at the schedule just to remember who actually beat this great team from Minnesota.

The Steelers had a few lucky turnovers and won the game in the fourth quarter, and I would suspect that is the only way a team can beat this squad. The Vikings are firing on all cylinders and are taking no prisoner’s.

Expect them to beat the Cardinals in Arizona this weekend by a decent margin.

4. Chargers (8-3)

This is a team I truly thought would never reach the top five teams in the NFL power rankings after the first month of play. Since losing to the Broncos in week six the Chargers haven’t lost a game and are winning in convincing fashion.

I fully expect them to smash the Browns next week in Cleveland. Get your fantasy football players in for that game.

5. Bengals (8-3)

After a quick dip to the Raiders two weeks ago the Bengals polished off the Browns at home. With Cedric Benson out the team turned to Bernard Scott and Larry Johnson to put the game away.

Both running backs had strong games and Johnson ran for over 100 yards. This week Benson is back and Scott has turf toe, so expect the Bengals to run Johnson and Benson together. There is no reason they shouldn’t beat the Lions this weekend.

6. Cowboys (8-3)

The Cowboys need to beat the Giants this weekend if they are going to win their division. Dallas has already lost to the Giants this year, and if they lose this game, they will only be one win better than the Giants.

That means if the Giants should mount a comeback and have the same record as Dallas than they will win the division. Look for the Cowboys to run the football and control the clock on the road.

7. Patriots (7-4)

Watching the Patriots get rolled over by the Saints only goes to show you that this team does not have the defense to be a Super Bowl team right now. I will never put it past this organization to put a run together in the playoffs but right now they are not a top five team in the NFL power rankings.

8. Cardinals (7-4)

The Cardinals lost a heart breaker to the Titans without Kurt Warner on the field. This weekend they may be without Warner again as they take on the Vikings at home. If the Cardinals lose this week and the 49ers win, than next week will be a huge game between the two in San Francisco.

It’s still a long shot for the 49ers to win the division, but if they do beat the Cardinals next week they will have the season sweep against them. If both teams comedown to a tie in record at the end than the 49ers would win the division in that scenario.

9. Eagles (7-4)

The Eagles pulled out a win against the lonely Redskins, but they had to do it in comeback fashion. In that game DeSean Jackson suffered a concussion and may miss this weeks tilt against the Falcons in Atlanta.

Even if Jackson is out I expect the Eagles to win the game with Matt Ryan and Michael Turner likely out.

10. Broncos (7-4)

The Broncos were able to stop their four game skid on Thanksgiving against Giants and won in convincing fashion. It looks like quarterback Kyle Orton is back and healthy as he had no problems finding his receivers all game long.

Expect the Broncos to make quick work of the Chiefs this weekend in Kansas City.

• 11. Packers (7-4)
• 12. Ravens (6-5)
• 13. Steelers (6-5)
• 14. Titans (5-6)
• 15. Giants (6-5)
• 16. Jaguars (6-5)
• 17. Falcons (6-5)
• 18. Texans (5-6)
• 19. 49ers (5-6)
• 20. Dolphins (5-6)
• 21. Jets (5-6)
• 22. Seahawks (5-6)
• 23. Panthers (4-7)
• 24. Bears (4-7)
• 25. Bills (4-7)
• 26. Chiefs (3-8)
• 27. Redskins (3-8)
• 28. Raiders (2-9)
• 29. Lions (2-9)
• 30. Buccaneers (1-10)
• 31. Browns (1-10)
• 32. Rams (1-10)

NFL Fantasy Football Player Rankings writer Sean E. Douglas: fantasy-info.com

It looks like the Tennessee Titans are alive and well for the 2009 season after all. With Vince Young leading the team to its fifth straight win this week they still have a chance for the playoffs.

Next week the Titans play against the Colts and that game should be another close game for the Titans that comes down to the end of the game.

Below I have some observations from the 12th week of the regular season and how I see those points of interest playing out from a fantasy perspective.

2009 NFL Regular Season Week Twelve

• Packers vs Lions
• Cowboys vs Raiders
• Broncos vs Giants
• Colts vs Texans
• Seahawks vs Rams
• 49ers vs Jaguars
• Titans vs Cardinals
• Ravens vs Steelers
• Saints vs Patriots

Regular Season First Eleven Weeks

• Week One
• Week Two
• Week Three
• Week Four
• Week Five
• Week Six
• Week Seven
• Week Eight
• Week Nine
• Week Ten
• Week Eleven
  

Fantasy Football Regular Season Week Twelve Notes:

Brandon Jacobs: A Huge Disappointment

Hopefully, this season doesn’t mark the end of a short stay in the top twenty fantasy football running backs for Brandon Jacobs. This season only marks the third year that Jacobs has been the starting tailback for the Giants and fantasy owners have been very disappointed in this big backs performance.

Coming into this season Jacobs was a clear top twelve fantasy running back after he had a big year in 2008.

Sure, Jacobs missed three games last year and has always been a little injury prone, but you could count on him to have some big rushing days and always score touchdowns. Those expectations were backed by his four games with over 100 yards and 15 touchdowns from a year ago.

This year through week twelve of the fantasy football season Jacobs has zero 100 yard games and only three touchdown scores.

Because of his lack of production the Giants were rolled over by the Broncos and have lost five of their last six games.

If Jacobs can’t turn his season around, I fully expect the Giants to miss the playoffs this season.

From a fantasy perspective, I wouldn’t recommend starting this runner until he starts showing signs of playing the way his is capable.

For the third game in a row, Seahawks second year running back Justin Forsett has had a solid fantasy football week. In this game he shredded the Rams defense for big plays and touchdowns in a win for Seattle.

Taking Over

Forsett has had a tough go to get into the starting lineup in the NFL as even the Seahawks released him after the preseason last year. After a short stay with the Colts, Forsett came back to the Seahawks and handled special team’s duties at the end of the year.

This season Forsett has played strong all year but until three weeks ago he was mostly used as a special teamer and a third down back.

Upon Julius Jones’s injury against the Cardinals, Forsett has played very well for three straight weeks now.

Every week Forsett has had at least one touchdown and in two of those games he has over 120 yards rushing. As long as Jones is out because of health reasons, Forsett will make for a solid fantasy play.

NFL Fantasy Football Player Rankings writer Sean E. Douglas: fantasy-info.com

For the third game in a row, Seahawks second year running back Justin Forsett has had a solid fantasy football week. In this game he shredded the Rams defense for big plays and touchdowns in a win for Seattle.

Taking Over

Forsett has had a tough go to get into the starting lineup in the NFL as even the Seahawks released him after the preseason last year. After a short stay with the Colts, Forsett came back to the Seahawks and handled special team’s duties at the end of the year.

This season Forsett has played strong all year but until three weeks ago he was mostly used as a special teamer and a third down back.

Upon Julius Jones’s injury against the Cardinals, Forsett has played very well for three straight weeks now.

Every week Forsett has had at least one touchdown and in two of those games he has over 120 yards rushing. As long as Jones is out because of health reasons, Forsett will make for a solid fantasy play.

Rams Suck

Kyle Boller proved why he doesn’t belong in the NFL once again this week as he made poor decisions throughout the game. The Seahawks aren’t a juggernaut defense but you wouldn’t of known that by the way they played against the Rams.

It’s time to say that the Rams are very likely to grab a quarterback early in the 2010 NFL draft.

NFL Fantasy Football Player Rankings writer Sean E. Douglas: fantasy-info.com

Last week was definitely a weird one in the world of fantasy football. Players like Bernard Scott and Jason Snelling came out of the wood work and helped fantasy owners win crucial games down the stretch of the season.

We even saw a flash from the past as players like Ricky Williams and Chris Chambers help lead their teams to victory.

Below we have a short right up on the top ten teams on our power rankings for this season. These teams are important to know as they are playing well and should continue to help fantasy teams.

Furthermore, pay attention to the worst teams on the list as they are the teams you want to have your players going against down the stretch.

1. Colts (10-0)

The Colts made it out of Baltimore with another victory but just barely as they won the game 17 to 15. This up coming week the Colts will travel to Houston to take on the Texans. The last time these two teams played in Indianapolis the Colts won a close game.

Look for the Texans to give the Colts everything they can handle, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they win.

2. Saints (10-0)

The Saints beat the Buccaneers for their tenth win of the season. Next week they will play the Patriots on Monday night, and I believe they will lose that game.

Fortunately the Saints will get back key players on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. Drew Brees should have a huge fantasy football scoring day against the Patriots as the game will be a scoring extravaganza.

3. Vikings (9-1)

If it wasn’t for the Saints and Colts being undefeated the Vikings would be on the top of our list of the power rankings. This team is strong in just about every category and this team should have home field advantage in the NFC when the regular season is over.

With Brett Favre playing on top of his game and Adrian Peterson in the backfield the Vikings should roll to the super bowl.

4. Patriots (7-3)

The Patriots bounced back strong after losing to the Colts at the last minute. This week they should put up a big scoring game against the New Orleans Saints on Monday night.

Look for Brady, Moss and Welker to have big days as the Patriots need to put up a lot of points to win in New Orleans.

5. Chargers (7-3)

Since losing to the Broncos in week six the Chargers have won their last five games. Just when you thought this team was down for the count with a bad offensive line, a defense that couldn’t stop the run and LT not playing up to his standards, they turn it all around.

Expect the Chargers to win the AFC West and probably finish in the AFC with the third or fourth best record.

6. Bengals (7-3)

After two big division wins the Bengals dropped a disappointing game to the Raiders in Oakland. This week they will come back home and play their final game in their division for the regular season against the Browns.

Look for Bernard Scott to continue as the starting tail back if Cedric Benson is out for this week. Carson Palmer and Chad Ochocinco should have strong games.

7. Cardinals (7-3)

The Cardinals are moving past the Cowboys in our NFL power rankings more because Dallas has played that bad than the Cardinals have played that good. Last week the Cardinals held on to beat the Rams without Kurt Warner, but it wasn’t pretty.

It looks like Warner will be a go this week against the Titans and that is good because they wouldn’t win this game without him.

8. Cowboys (7-3)

This season has been a major up and down year for the Cowboys’ passing game. All of a sudden, defense are putting their top corner on Miles Austin, and he is having problems beating coverage.

If the Cowboys’ struggle on Thanksgiving against the Raiders I wouldn’t be surprised.

9. Steelers (6-4)

The Steelers lost a gimmy game against the Chiefs and one has to think it’s because they failed to dominate in the running game. Rashard Mendenhall is a capable running back but if the Steelers don’t start showing a need to run the ball they will lose more games like this past week to the Chiefs.

Sooner or later the Steelers will have to run the ball to either keep Ben Roethlisberger healthy or because Roethlisberger is knock out and injured.

10. Eagles (6-4)

The Eagles make it back to the top ten teams on our NFL power rankings because the Broncos are backsliding into outer space.

This past week the Eagles won a hard hitting road game and proved they could run the football when they needed to. Running the ball is very important for all teams in the NFL and now that the Eagles have shown success under pressure it should help open up the deep ball again.

• 11. Packers (6-4)
• 12. Broncos (6-4)
• 13. Giants (6-4)
• 14. Jaguars (6-4)
• 15. Titans (4-6) Still a very good team when healthy
• 16. Ravens (5-5)
• 17. Falcons (5-5)
• 18. Texans (5-5) Need a new kicker
• 19. Dolphins (5-5)
• 20. 49ers (4-6)
• 21. Panthers (4-6)
• 22. Seahawks (4-6)
• 23. Jets (4-6)
• 24. Bears (4-6)
• 25. Chiefs (3-7)
• 26. Bills (3-7)
• 27. Redskins (3-7)
• 28. Raiders (2-8)
• 29. Lions (2-8)
• 30. Rams (1-9)
• 31. Buccaneers (1-9)
• 32. Browns (1-9)

NFL Fantasy Football Player Rankings writer Sean E. Douglas: fantasy-info.com

Week 12 in the NFL is all about the Monday night contest between the Saints and Patriots. No doubt we should see a shootout that should rival the Patriots vs Colts’ game we saw a few week’s ago.

This week we have our weekly section on wounded warriors, as well as our top rankings for top position players. We have the top 16 ranked QB, TE, K and D/ST ranked. We also have the top 30 RB’s and top 35 WR’s as well.

Wounded Warriors

Quarterbacks

Lions- Matthew Stafford- Unfortunately, Matthew Stafford injured his collar bone in the Lions come from behind victory against the Browns. Even more disappointing for Stafford is that he was just starting to find his grove with over 400 yards passing and five touchdowns in that game.

It looks like Stafford will miss this week’s early contest on Thanksgiving, but he will hopefully be back for week 13.

Broncos- Kyle Orton- The Broncos starting quarterback Kyle Orton didn’t start the game against the Chargers, but it did finish it. On Monday Orton practiced with the team and should play on Thanksgiving against the Giants.

Steelers- Ben Roethlisberger- The Steelers star quarterback suffered a concussion in over time against the Chiefs. So far, signs look good for Ben Roethlisberger’s odds of playing this week at Baltimore.

If he is unable to go than Dennis Dixon will get the start because Charlie Batch is out for the next six weeks.

Cardinals- Kurt Warner- The Cardinals lost Kurt Warner to a mild concussion against the Rams in the first half. It looks like Warner should play against the Titans, but if he is unable to go than Matt Leinart would start.

Rams- Marc Bulger- Just as the Rams were starting to play some solid football, they lose their starting quarterback for three to six weeks with a fractured tibia. This will probably end Marc Bulger’s season as the team will look to Kyle Boller the rest of the way.

Running Backs

Falcons- Michael Turner- The Falcons are still playing mind games about Michael Turner’s status. At this time, I would say he won’t be a go, unless he can practice in full at some point this week. The likely hood of him playing or practicing this week is not strong.

Look for Turner to probably not play as Jason Snelling will have a great start this week against the Buccaneers.

Bengals- Cedric Benson- It’s unknown if Cedric Benson will play this week against division rival Cleveland Browns. Just like Michael Turner’s situation, I believe we will need to see Benson practice in order for him to play.

If Benson doesn’t play this week than Bernard Scott should have another productive day against the Browns.

Seahawks- Julius Jones- The news on Monday from Seattle is that Julius Jones is supposed to come back to practice this week. Being able to practice and handling contact are two separate things for Jones in his situation.

Against the Cardinals, he injured his ribs and had been bleeding in his lung.

Look for Jones to practice but don’t be surprised if he doesn’t play this weekend. If he does suit up this week I would be very surprised if he starts over Justin Forsett.

Bills- Marshawn Lynch- The Bills lost their starting running back in the middle of last week’s game against the Jaguars. For now, the Bills are saying that Marshawn Lynch is day to day with a shoulder injury.

I wouldn’t be surprised if Lynch plays this week against the Dolphins but check his status before their early game on Sunday.

Wide Receivers

Lions- Calvin Johnson- This is probably the most unfortunate injury of the week as Calvin Johnson was just getting his grove back. In Johnson’s great performance against the Browns, he injured his hand and knee again.

Right now, it is believed that he is very doubtful to play in the Lions early Thursday game on Thanksgiving. Hopefully, the Lions and fantasy football owners will get Johnson back for week 13.

Quarterbacks

• Tom Brady @ Saints
• Drew Brees vs Patriots
• Aaron Rodgers @ Lions
• Peyton Manning @ Texans
• Matt Schaub vs Colts
• Philip Rivers vs Chiefs
• Donovan McNabb vs Redskins
• Brett Favre vs Bears
• Eli Manning @ Broncos
• Kurt Warner @ Titans (Assuming He Plays)
• Ben Roethlisberger @ Ravens (Assuming He Plays)
• Matt Ryan vs Buccaneers
• Carson Palmer vs Browns
• Matt Hasselbeck @ Rams
• Tony Romo vs Raiders
• Vince Young vs Cardinals

Running Backs

• Adrian Peterson vs Bears
• Chris Johnson vs Cardinals
• Maurice Jones-Drew @ 49ers
• Steven Jackson vs Seahawks
• Frank Gore vs Jaguars
• DeAngelo Williams @ Jets
• Ray Rice vs Steelers
• Ricky Williams @ Bills
• Thomas Jones vs Panthers
• Ryan Grant @ Lions
• Jason Snelling vs Buccaneers (Don’t Use if Turner Plays)
• LeSean McCoy vs Redskins
• LaDainian Tomlinson vs Chiefs
• Justin Forsett @ Rams (Should Start Even if Jones Plays)
• Marion Barber vs Raiders
• Pierre Thomas vs Patriots
• Joseph Addai @ Texans
• Steve Slaton vs Colts (He’s Back)
• Bernard Scott vs Browns (Don’t Start if Benson Plays)
• Knowshon Moreno vs Giants
• Kevin Smith vs Packers
• Rashard Mendenhall @ Ravens
• Brandon Jacobs @ Broncos
• Jonathan Stewart @ Jets
• Matt Forte @ Vikings
• Laurence Maroney @ Saints
• Beanie Wells @ Titans
• Marshawn Lynch vs Dolphins (Banged Up)
• Jamaal Charles @ Chargers
• Carnell Williams @ Falcons

Wide Receivers

• Randy Moss @ Saints
• Andre Johnson vs Colts
• Reggie Wayne @ Texans
• Vincent Jackson vs Chiefs
• Larry Fitzgerald @ Titans
• DeSean Jackson vs Redskins
• Mike Sims-Walker @ 49ers
• Sidney Rice vs Bears
• Chad Ochocinco vs Browns
• Wes Welker @ Saints
• Marcus Colston vs Patriots
• Roddy White vs Buccaneers
• Donald Driver @ Lions
• Anquan Boldin @ Titans
• Steve Smith (NY) @ Broncos
• Hines Ward @ Ravens
• Greg Jennings @ Lions
• Santonio Holmes @ Ravens
• Chris Chambers @ Chargers
• Miles Austin vs Raiders (What Have You Done Lately?)
• T.J. Houshmandzadeh @ Rams
• Mario Manningham @ Broncos
• Terrell Owens vs Dolphins (Turning Things Around)
• Brandon Marshall vs Giants
• Devin Hester @ Vikings
• Percy Harvin vs Bears
• Steve Smith (Car) @ Jets
• Jerricho Cotchery vs Panthers
• Lee Evans vs Dolphins
• Donnie Avery vs Seahawks
• Kenny Britt vs Cardinals
• Derrick Mason vs Steelers
• Mohamed Massaquoi @ Bengals
• Roy Williams vs Raiders
• Robert Meachum vs Patriots (All He Does is Catch Touchdowns)

Tight Ends

• Dallas Clark @ Texans
• Vernon Davis vs Jaguars
• Antonio Gates vs Chiefs
• Tony Gonzalez vs Buccaneers
• Brent Celek vs Redskins
• Visanthe Shaincoe vs Bears
• Jason Witten vs Raiders
• Greg Olsen @ Vikings
• Heath Miller @ Ravens
• Dustin Keller vs Panthers
• Jermichael Finley @ Lions
• John Carlson @ Rams
• Jeremy Shockey vs Patriots
• Todd Heap vs Steelers
• James Casey vs Colts
• Kevin Boss @ Broncos

Kickers

• Dave Akers vs Redskins
• Stephen Gostkowski @ Saints
• Nate Kaeding vs Chiefs
• Mason Crosby @ Lions
• Rob Bironas vs Cardinals
• Robbie Gould @ Vikings
• Shayne Graham vs Browns
• Kris Brown vs Colts
• Billy Cundiff vs Steelers
• Nick Folk vs Raiders
• Josh Brown vs Seahawks
• Josh Scobee @ 49ers
• Joe Nedney vs Jaguars
• Ryan Succop @ Chargers
• John Kasey @ Jets
• Niel Rackers @ Titans

Defense/ ST

• Eagles vs Redskins
• Cowboys vs Raiders
• Packers @ Lions
• Vikings vs Bears
• Ravens vs Steelers
• Chargers vs Chiefs
• Steelers @ Ravens (No.3 defense if Roethlisberger is Out)
• Bengals @ Browns
• Jets vs Panthers
• Jaguars @ 49ers
• Falcons vs Buccaneers
• Seahawks @ Rams
• 49ers vs Jaguars
• Giants @ Broncos
• Broncos vs Giants
• Patriots @ Saints

NFL Fantasy Football Player Rankings writer Sean E. Douglas: fantasy-info.com

It’s been a disappointing season for Anquan Boldin’s fantasy football owners. Boldin had a strong season a year ago and was one of the top ten fantasy receivers heading towards this season.

Coming into last week’s game against the Seahawks, Boldin only produced 35 receptions for 404 yards and one touchdown on the season. These are not the numbers you want to see from a player that fantasy owners drafted somewhere around the third or fourth round of most fantasy drafts.

While these numbers are disappointing I do believe Boldin may be ready to produce on a consistent basis for fantasy owners.

Getting Healthy

Boldin made it known in the press that he was very unhappy about being benched two weeks ago, but truthfully it was probably the best move for his future play. The Cardinals went on to crush the Bears without him and the time off allowed Boldin to recover from his high ankle sprain from a few weeks before.

Last week against the Seahawks, Boldin was back in the lineup and had eight receptions for 105 yards. Those totals were both a season high’s for the pro bowl receiver and this production shows that he is ready to bounce back.

Now that Boldin is relatively healthy again I expect him to continue his success this weekend against the St. Louis Rams. Not only do I expect him to have strong reception and yardage totals, but he should find the end zone at least once.

Getting Boldin back and playing like himself should only help the Cardinals’ chances of winning their division out right by mid December.

As it stands right now the 49ers are the only team that has a realistic chance of beating the Cardinals for the division title. This is mainly because the 49ers beat the Cardinals in Arizona.

If the 49ers can beat them again in San Francisco than it could make things interesting down the stretch.

Fantasy Football Outlook for Boldin

Look for Boldin to be a solid every week starter for the rest of the fantasy football season. Now that he is healthy it should be expected that Boldin will give you solid fantasy numbers from here.

That being said I’m not sure you will see him amass the type of numbers, he was putting up a season ago when he was healthy. The Cardinals are starting to run the football better than ever before with the emergence of Chris “Beanie” Wells.

Because of this and the continued progress of third receiver Steve Breaston, Boldin is not going to get as many big days as before.

Even still I do like him and especially after this week against the Rams. Mainly, because the team will play three defenses in a row that are stout against the running game. When the Cardinals can’t use their running backs to close out games than they will lean on their receivers more often.

Start Boldin on your fantasy football squads and expect production.

NFL Fantasy Football Player Rankings writer Sean E. Douglas: fantasy-info.com

The time has come for the Seattle Seahawks to start their best running back. Finally, Justin Forsett will be given an opportunity to produce as the starter and help fantasy football squads.

This opportunity has come about because of an unfortunate injury to Julius Jones last week against the Cardinals. In that game Jones injured his rib and went to the hospital with bleeding in his lung.

Forsett took over as the starter and went on to rush the football 17 times for 123 yards rushing and a touchdown. This production was excellent, especially when you consider that Cardinals were the 3rd best team against the run coming into that game.

Beyond Forsett’s solid rushing total’s, he is also very good out of the backfield as he’s totaled five receptions in each of his last two contest’s.

Justin Forsett Equals Steve Slaton?

Forsett’s skill set is very comparable to the way Steve Slaton played a season ago. When Slaton was on top of his game a year ago he was one of the top ten fantasy football running backs in the league.

Forsett may not be that good, but I fully believe he can be a top twenty fantasy back in the future. All he needs is an opportunity to show that he can handle the load and prove he can physically hold up to the challenge.

Fantasy Football Strategy

If Forsett is still a waiver wire option in your fantasy football league than I suggest you nab him up right now. This kid is an instant flex play option for this week, even if the Seahawks are playing the Vikings.

Minnesota’s run defense is still solid this season (9th in the league), but they are having problems dealing with runners that can get out on the edge. This is the reason why Ray Rice was able to gash this defense a few week’s back.

Not only has Rice had success against this defense but Rashard Mendenhall and Kevin Smith have found success as well.

Forsett probably won’t go over 100 yards rushing, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he has over 100 total yards from scrimmage.

Next week Forsett has a great matchup against the Rams and is a no brainier start.

Reports out of Seattle are saying that Jones may be ready for that game but with his lung issue that is wishful thinking right now.

If Forsett has success in the next two week’s, I wouldn’t be surprised if Jones comes back and finds out that he’s lost his starting job. Reason being that Forsett is a better running back than Jones at this point in his career.

NFL Fantasy Football Player Rankings writer Sean E. Douglas: fantasy-info.com

This past week should have been titled, “Black Sunday” because there were a tone of injuries around the league. If you happened to lose a key running back like Ronnie Brown, Michael Turner or Cedric Benson you are no doubt scrambling to the waiver wire.

Below we have the top players you might want to pay attention to, for waiver pickups. Even if you don’t select a waiver (or have already done so) it’s good to keep these names in mind for the future weeks.

Running Backs

Seahawks- Justin Forsett

Justin Forsett finally got his chance to be the starting running back when Julius Jones went down early in the Seahawks contest against the Cardinals. Forsett broke out and rushed for 123 yards and a touchdown.

Not only did Forsett do a good job in the running game, but he flashed his receiving skills with five receptions for 26 yards.

Since Jones broke his ribs it is highly unlikely that he will play this coming weekend against the Vikings. Unfortunately, this matchup isn’t a great one but Forsett is worth holding onto for the future.

Falcons- Jason Snelling

The Falcons will have to lean on running back Jason Snelling this coming weekend against the New York Giants. Michael Turner has a high ankle sprain and should be out for at least one game.

Look for Snelling to get the vast majority of the carries in the backfield and the goal line carries.

Bengals- Bernard Scott

The Bengals and Cedric Benson both say that Benson will be able to play this weekend against the Raiders. Benson suffered a hip injury against the Steelers and it was thought he might miss time because of the injury.

Look for the Bengals to rest Benson, and we will find out more on his true availability on Friday.

If Benson can’t play than expect the Bengals to lean on rookie running back Bernard Scott.

Wide Receivers

Cowboys- Roy Williams

Many fantasy football owners cut bait on Roy Williams weeks ago but in the past few weeks Williams has started to show life. This past week against the Packers, Williams had five receptions for 105 yards and a touchdown.

Now that Miles Austin is starting to see more attention from opposing defenses it is leaving Williams open on single coverage.

If Williams can stay focused and stop blaming others for his faults than maybe he can be a good receiver for your fantasy football team going forward.

Kickers

Titans- Rob Bironas

If someone in your league happened to give up on Rob Bironas early in the season it would be a good idea to get him now. Bironas struggled for production early on because his team had a horrible start.

Now, the Titans have clearly pulled it together and are starting to play good football again. Look for Bironas to have a solid second half of the fantasy season.

NFL Fantasy Football Player Rankings writer Sean E. Douglas: fantasy-info.com