Gridiron Meanderings

This is the second-to-last regular season game to be played in many leagues, and for many of you readers it’s do-or-die. A number of you, whether you be Hakeem Nicks or Jahvid Best owners are in dire straights in need of some hope to break through to the post-season. I’m here to help answer those prayers you’re offering to the football gods.

A quick recap of my selections from last week first. Vince Young was on his way to a decent before injuring his thumb and getting into a pissing contest with Jeff Fisher. Willis McGahee was equally disappointing in a game he should have excelled in. Ditto on Louis Murphy. Thankfully Todd Heap and his five-catch, 69-yard performance was right on target. Mike Thomas also came through with his five catches for 39 yards and touchdown. Overall, a let down week compared to my recent picks. Admittedly, it was a week where I was out on a limb more trying to find sneaky picks.

I have a better feeling about my Week 12 selections.

Matt Cassel @ Seattle Seahawks — Cassel has been pretty inconsistent, but he has managed to do well when the matchup is favorable (Broncos, Jaguars, Texans). The Hawks surrender the 9th most quarterback points, which is right in line with the teams Cassel has picked on. He’s the definition of a sneaky play from your bench.

Darren Sproles @ Indianapolis Colts — Tolbert will be a great play against the hapless Colts run defense (8th most running back points), but Sproles is primed to make an impact. Smaller backs like Danny Woodhead, Arian Foster, Maurice Jones-Drew, and LeSean McCoy have all had great games against the Colts. With Sproles role consistently growing each week, expect him to make the most of his touches.

Ronnie Brown @ Oakland Raiders — Mostly forgotten in a forgettable season for Miami, Brown matches up nicely against the Raiders, who allow the 7th most running back points in the league. It’s a game where the Dolphins should be able to keep it close, so the running game should actually be a factor unlike last week. Throw in Brown playing for a contract next year, and you have several reasons to give Brown another chance this week.

Anthony Armstrong vs Minnesota Vikings — The Vikings, who give up the 10th most wide receiver points, will be doubling Santana Moss, daring Donovan McNabb to rely on his young receivers. Armstrong has been seeing consistent targets (5 per game). Armstrong has put up some nice numbers lately, and he’s due to find the end zone.

Emmanuel Sanders vs Buffalo Bills — The Bills, allowing the 11th most wide receiver fantasy points, will have their hands full with Hines Ward and Mike Wallace. Sanders has emerged as the new no. 3 receiver in Pittsburgh, and I see his two touchdown effort last week as a trend, not an aberration. He won’t score twice, but he should be active against a Bills squad that tends to keep every game interesting.