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

This season has been a bumpy ride for Texans star running back Steve Slaton. The season low for fantasy football owners with Slaton had to be when he was benched against the Bills and Ryan Moats had a huge game.

Because of Slaton’s fumbling issue’s head coach Gary Kubiak continued to go with Moats as his starter when the Texans faced off against the Colts a week later.

Bye Week Magic?

After the Texans lost a close game to the Colts they went into their week ten bye with question marks still looming around their running game.

Over this time off Slaton was busy working on his ball handling skills and watching film of Tiki Barber running the football. Barber was a smaller running back like Slaton and in the early part of his starting career, he had trouble holding onto the football.

Barber corrected his fumbling mistakes with a new ball holding technique, and it saved his career as a starting runner.

Not only did Slaton watch film of Barber, but he went back and talked to old college coaches from West Virgina to see if they had any pointers on what he was doing different.

This commitment and attention to detail must have paid off in the eye’s of his head coach because two days before their Monday night game against the Titans, Slaton has officially won his starting job back.

Fantasy Game Plan for Using Steve Slaton

This week is a tough matchup for Slaton and the Texans running game, so I wouldn’t recommend starting Slaton as more than a flex play at best. However, if Slaton shows that he has used his off time well and starts playing the way we all know he can then he could do some damage down the stretch.

After this week Slaton has the Colts, Jaguars, Seahawks, Rams and Dolphins for the rest of the fantasy football season. Those last three opponents listed are all games during the fantasy football playoffs.

Look for Slaton to shine now that he’s back in the saddle again.

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

For all the success, the Cardinals have had on the road this season they have struggled mightily at home. Early in the game the Seahawks took the lead but the Cardinals worked their way back for a home victory.

Chris Beanie Wells Scores Twice

The Cardinals never abandoned the run in this game and this was one of the reason why they won this game. Both Chris Beanie Wells and Tim Hightower continued to split carries this week but Wells was the better runner.

For the game Wells had 16 carries for 85 yards and two touchdown scores. It’s easy to see that Wells is the better runner in this two back set, and eventually he will see close to twenty carries a game.

Another Cardinal player that had a strong game was Anquan Boldin as he had eight catches for 105 yards. This was a nice bounce back game from sitting out a week ago because of his recent ankle injury.

Look for Boldin to have a good second half of the season as he looks healthy for the first time this year.

Both Boldin and Wells should have solid games next week when the Cardinals go to St. Louis to take on the Rams.

Justin Forsett Taking Over

Seattle’s starting tailback Julius Jones left the game early because of a broken rib and Justin Forsett took over. Forsett has played well when given a chance, and today he showed why he’s worth starting in the future.

For the game Forsett had 17 carries for 123 yards and a touchdown score. He also added five catches and twenty six yards in the passing game as well.

Forsett will be a hot waiver wire pickup this week so make sure you target him if you lost a player or two this week.

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

The Vikings put the Lions away early in the fourth quarter as Brett Favre threw for over 340 yards passing. Not only did Favre have a strong game but Sidney Rice and Adrian Peterson had big games.

Rice and Peterson Dominate

It’s time to say that Sidney Rice is the true No. 1 receiver for the Vikings this season. The third year receiver is having a breakout season, and today he caught seven passes for 201 yards. This now gives Rice 786 yards receiving on the season already.

Start Rice every week from here on out and expect him to help you the rest of the way. Rice is a solid No.2 receiver for fantasy football teams going forward.

Running back Adrian Peterson got things going this week as he posted 133 yards rushing and two touchdowns.

Fantasy owners wanted to see Peterson get his production going again as he had a slow couple weeks against the Steelers and Packers.

Look for Peterson to put up a huge second half of the season and lead teams to the fantasy football playoffs.

Stafford and Johnson Look Off

Rookie Quarterback Matthew Stafford had one nice drive for a touchdown pass but that was about it in this one. Most of the game Stafford was harassed by the Vikings and was hit often after his throws.

Calvin Johnson had a better game statistically than last week against the Seahawks but he clearly looks out of rhythm right now.

Next week the Lions will face the Cleveland Browns, and I expect Johnson and Stafford to have much more success in that game.

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

Beyond all the blowout wins this week we actually have a few notable players that broke out in a big way. Players like Michael Crabtree, Shonne Greene, Miles Austin and Cedric Benson all had strong days.

In Crabtree’s case, I was amazed to see a rookie receiver come in and not just catch five passes but play almost every snap. Crabtree’s success is a testament to his conditioning and studying when he was on his own.

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

2009 NFL Regular Season Week Seven

• Texans vs 49ers
• Steelers vs Vikings
• Bengals vs Bears
• Cowboys vs Falcons
• Saints vs Dolphins
• Jets vs Raiders
• Cardinals vs Giants

Regular Season First Six Weeks

• Week One
• Week Two
• Week Three
• Week Four
• Week Five
• Week Six
  

Fantasy Football Regular Season Week Seven Notes:

Shonn Greene a Hot Waiver Pickup

This weekend Jets’ rookie running back Shonn Greene saw his fantasy football value sky rocket with Leon Washington breaking his fibula. Washington went down in the game and is already declared done for the rest of the season.

Greene got the opportunity to back up Thomas Jones in this game and didn’t disappoint as he rumbled for 144 yards on 19 carries. Beyond the very impressive yardage numbers from the rookie, he also found the end zone twice.

This running back is a very hot waiver pickup as he will now be active in the Jets’ offense every week.

Austin Goes Wild

For the game Austin had six receptions for 171 yards receiving and two touchdowns. No doubt, Austin is now the true No. 1 receiver on this team and is a scary fantasy football receiver to face.

Look for the Cowboys to continue to make a drive for a wild card spot as they have a good team. This game was a big one for Dallas as they needed to show they could beat a good opponent.

Next week they play the Seahawks at home and should roll to an easy win.

Running Like a Beast

Benson had his revenge on the Bears as he carried the football and amazing 37 times for 189 yards and a touchdown. This was a complete blowout by the Bengals as they crushed the Bears 45 to 10.

Not only did Benson have a great game but quarterback Carson Palmer also had a solid performance as well. On the day Palmer had five touchdown passes as the Bengals had it going from the first quarter to the fourth quarter.

Now, the Bengals are 5-2 and are still a top the AFC Central. After their bye week in week eight they have to play the Ravens and Steelers again.

We will see if they can produce wins against these competitive teams once again this season.

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

In the Cowboys last contest against the Chiefs, receiver Miles Austin had two touchdowns and 250 yards. This week we needed to see if Austin could have another strong performance to be a true fantasy starter.

Austin Goes Wild

For the game Austin had six receptions for 171 yards receiving and two touchdowns. No doubt, Austin is now the true No. 1 receiver on this team and is a scary fantasy football receiver to face.

Look for the Cowboys to continue to make a drive for a wild card spot as they have a good team. This game was a big one for Dallas as they needed to show they could beat a good opponent.

Next week they play the Seahawks at home and should roll to an easy win.

Michael Turner Continues his Running Slump

The Falcons have struggled to run the football all season and this week was no different. For the game Michael Turner had only 50 yards rushing on 18 carries.

One area Turner has been strong in are his abilities to run the ball into the end zone. For the season, he now has seven touchdowns in six games.

Hopefully, Turner will get his running legs going against the Saints next week.

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