Clutch: Quarterbacks, Week 14
We have arrived! It’s fantasy playoffs time, and just like the NFL things are now heating up for owners nationwide. We’re beyond the need for prayers (i.e., sneaky plays), so this week I thought I’d give you my top-five players at each position for the next three weeks in a little series simply titled, “Clutch”.
First up are the quarterbacks. Here are my top-five fantasy football signal callers, in no particular order, for Week 14. Running backs, wide receivers, and tight ends are coming, so keep an eye on your RSS and Twitter feeds!
Joe Flacco @ Houston Texans – Flacco didn’t have a bad night against the Steelers, but he’ll be itching to remove the stink of that terrible 4th down short-armed throw. Now that the Ravens needs to keep pace in a potentially tight AFC Wild Card race, every game should bring out the best in this squad. Lucky for Flacco and the Ravens, they get to take out their frustration (mixed with a little desperation) out on a Texans team that is struggling. They allow the most points in fantasy football to opposing quarterbacks, which makes Flacco a must-start.
Aaron Rodgers @ Detroit Lions – The Packers have rebounded after a little slump mid-season and are looking like a real contender in the NFC. The Lions, sitting at 2-10, are merely playing for pride and simply do not have the offense to compete with the Packers. The Lions gave Rodgers some trouble back in Week 4 (181-3-2), but Rodgers has been on a four game tear, averaging 308 yards and 3 touchdowns in that span. In case you needed more convincing, which I doubt, the Lions are allowing 5th most points to opposing quarterbacks. He’s primed to help move your squad to the next round.
Jay Cutler vs New England Patriots – Lost in the hype around the Patriots is the fact they give up a lot of numbers to opposing offenses. What’s important, and should not be lost on owners who witnessed this past Monday Night Jets fiasco, is that the Pats allow the 8th most fantasy points to quarterbacks. They are tied with the Seattle Seahawks in that category, which is not great company to be in, mind you. The Bears have made some nice adjustments in the second half of the season following their bye, relying on a more balanced attack that lessens Cutlers’ chances to put on a Brett Favre imitation. Over the past five weeks, since the bye, he’s averaged 213 yards, 2 touchdowns, and less than one interception a game: not stellar numbers, but solid nonetheless. He’ll have his chances in this one and should at least post solid numbers. Personally, I think he may have a game closer to his Week 12 jaw-dropper against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Drew Brees @ St. Louis Rams – The Rams will not be as easy as they look on paper, especially for owners who have an image of Rams defenses of recent years in their mind. They are actually a respectable 13th in allowing points to opposing quarterbacks. They do, however, allow the 20th most passing yards per game in the league, which means Brees should have no problem posting nice numbers to offset any mistakes the Rams may force him into. Both teams are in a fight for playoff positioning and need this game, but the Saints need it more to keep pace, so expect the best of Brees to come out.
Josh Freeman @ Washington Redskins – The Bucs lost a heartbreaker to the Falcons last week, which has them even deeper in the NFC wildcard battle. Thankfully, Freeman and the Bucs get the easiest matchup on paper they’ve had all year to rebound on. Statistically, the Skins defense is on-par with the Cardinals, who Freeman posted his season best (278 yards and a touchdown) passing numbers on. In fantasy land, the Redskins are even worse against opposing quarterbacks than the Cardinals, allowing the 7th most points. If any of my picks this week were to be considered “sneaky”, this is it.
