Stock Market Friday: NFL Week 12
Posted on 27. Nov, 2009 by Brandon LaClair in Columns
Stock up
Carson Palmer: Palmer has had sub-par performances in the past three games averaging only 203 passing yards per game with one touchdown. Those mediocre numbers are bound to change when the Bengals host Cleveland Week 12. In the past five games against Cleveland, Palmer has averaged 274 (YPG) and has thrown 14 touchdowns. Cleveland has been the proverbial punching bag for every offense while giving up 247 passing yards per game and 26.3 (PPG). In addition, the Bengals suffered an embarrassing loss Week 11 to the lowly Oakland Raiders; so needless to say, the Browns will become the victims of the Bengals’ rebound from temporary mediocrity. If you have Palmer on your team, start him.
LaDainian Tomlinson: After a tough start to the 2009 campaign, Tomlinson has answered his critics with a great start to the second half of the year. LT has scored five touchdowns in the past four games and the touchdown barrage is sure to continue as Kansas City and their 27th ranked rush defense (138.6 YPG) comes to town Week 12. Tomlinson still hasn’t reached 100 yards in a game this season and his yards per carry (3.3) hasn’t impressed, but fantasy football and the NFL in general is a show-me-now world, and Tomlinson has been scoring on a consistent basis in recent weeks. At age 30, Tomlinson clearly isn’t the same back he once was, but his resurgence in the second half should assure him as a solid #2 back for your fantasy team in Week 12 and beyond.
Joseph Addai: Indy’s feature back was understandably overlooked and undervalued at fantasy football drafts this year because of an atrocious 2008 season. Addai’s 2009 season has been a vast improvement as he has scored at least one touchdown in nine of ten games this season. Addai hasn’t reached 100 yards as he has averaged only 51 yards per game on 3.6 yards per carry, but as long as touchdowns are being produced then that should place Addai as a strong #2 back in all standard fantasy formats. The Texans oppose the Colts Week 12 and Addai has excelled against Houston scoring eight touchdowns in their last five contests.
Anquan Boldin: After the 1st seven weeks of the season, Boldin’s season looked as though it would be a marginal one at best while averaging only 57 yards receiving yards per game with only one touchdown. The past two games have dispelled that thought as Boldin has surpassed 100 yards in both contests with one touchdown. Arizona goes to Tennessee Week 12 as the Cardinals try to halt the Titans prolific winning streak. Boldin should enjoy his third straight week 100-yard performance as the Titans have the 31st ranked pass defense coupled with the fact that Tennessee has allowed the most fantasy PPG (30.7) to wide receivers over the first 11 weeks of the season. Consider Boldin a high-end #2 receiver for this contest.
Stock down
Jay Cutler: Cutler’s match up on paper looks like a favorable one as Minnesota is ranked 21st against the pass. Consider this: Cutler has been terrible in the last two games while throwing only one touchdown with six interceptions. In those games, he has notoriously overthrown his receivers and has looked completely out-of-sync with the offense as a whole. If Cutler is your starter, it’s understandable that you may be trying to ride Cutler until he pulls out of his slump. Don’t bother, as it may not happen this season. Don’t let your fantasy team suffer, make the change now and bench Cutler until further notice.
Steve Smith: The Carolina speedster is normally a given starter every week having scored four touchdowns in the team’s past four games. Beware: don’t fall victim to the urge to start Smith Week 12. The Jets defense has been solid all year allowing the 4th fewest receiving yards and only seven receiving touchdowns. In addition to the overall stellar defensive effort; outstanding corner Darrelle Revis will be called upon to shadow Smith all day, which in all likelihood will mean that Smith will have a tough day. With the knowledge that many fantasy owners don’t have the depth to keep Smith on the bench, don’t be surprised if Smith is held in check, while the receiver you didn’t start has a more productive day.
LeSean McCoy: Washington is ranked 25th against the run, allowing 128.4 PPG. However, they’ve only allowed four rushing touchdowns all year. Rookieblitz.com is advising you to sit the emerging star because of the #1 pass defense of Washington. Let us explain: If the pass defense is successful in stopping Donovan McNabb (Week 7: 156 pass yards, one touchdown), then the defense will zone in on the explosive rookie and put a temporary hold on the outstanding productivity that McCoy has provided for fantasy owners while getting the majority of the carries. It is our assertion that the following scenario will take place and that will give McCoy headaches all day. If you have depth at the running back position, sit McCoy and wait for a better match up.
Matt Schaub: Schaub and the Houston offense are ranked 3rd in the league in passing while averaging 284.6 YPG. It’s a given to start Schaub every week with the exception of games against Indianapolis. The defense plays Houston tough every time and don’t expect that to change Week 12. Schaub has two touchdowns and four interceptions in the last two games against the Colts.
Related posts:
Subscription Options:
