Go For It or Stay Away Week 16

Here it is, this is Championship Week for the majority of Fantasy Football players. If you are still alive your team is probably pretty set, but I am here for your help anyways. I love this time of the season, because every single decision that you make can potentially make or break you. It is crunch time, time to bring your best. Lets get started.

Go For It

Quarterback

Cam Newton Car- When looking at solid matchups for Cam Newton, I look for weak defenses as a whole. Not just poor pass defenses, but also teams who struggle against the run. Well, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers definitely fit that bill. I look for Cam to go off in this game. He is an absolute must start, Go For It! Honorable Mention- Tim Tebow, Matt Ryan, and Mark Sanchez.

Running Backs

Rashard Mendenhall Pit- If you are a Mendenhall owner and are reading this column, you probably have a pretty strong team. Mendenhall has been so disappointing this season, so I assume if you made the finals in your league, it was not on the back on Rasard Mendenhall. I think this is the week that he receives your forgiveness. I love the matchup this week against the Rams who are the 32nd ranked team against the run in the NFL. Not to mention, with Big Ben banged up I expect to see a heavy dose of the run. Start Mendenhall with confidence.

Willis McGahee Den- Denver plays the Buffalo Bills this week, who have been terrible against the run this year, especially recently. He is a bit banged up but it appears he is going to play. Assuming he plays McGahee is a must start this week. Go For It! Honorable Mention- LeGarrette Blount, Ryan Matthews, and Reggie Bush.

Wide Receivers

Demaryius Thomas Den- Love the matchup for the Broncos all over the field against the Bills. Thomas has been Tim Tebow's number one target the past few weeks. I do think that the Broncos run the ball a lot in this game, but the Bills secondary can certainly be beat deep. That is where Thomas comes in. I like him a lot this week.

Santana Moss Was- I like Moss as a good #2 option this week. Since returning from injury he has obviously returned as Rex Grossman's number one target. He gets the Minnesota Vikings this week, whose secondary is atrocious. Go For It when it comes to Santana Moss this week. Honorable Mention- Brandon Marshall, AJ Green, and Victor Cruz.

Tight End

Jermichael Finley GB- With Jennings out Rodgers looked for Finley much more than he did before. I think they lean on him heavily in this Christmas Day game against the Bears. Remember last time against Chicago? Finley scored 3 times, start him with extreme confindence. Honorable Mention- Aaron Hernandez, Brent Celek, and Dustin Keller.

Stay Away

Quarterback

Eli Manning NYG- Manning has been great this season, but in the championship game of your fantasy league, it is really tough to start a guy against one of the pass defenses in the league, unless he is a top 5 guy (which I do not think Eli is). I just feel there are much better options out there than Eli Manning against Darrell Revis and Co. Stay Away. Dishonorable Mention- Joe Flacco and Ben Roethlisberger.

Running Backs

BenJarvus Green-Ellis NE- The law firm has been very up and down this season. He may score and salvage a decent game, but I am staying away from him in such an important week against a good rush defense in Miami.

Marshawn Lynch Sea- As great as Lych has been, I cannot recommend a running back against the 49ers defense. They have not given up a rushing TD all season! If you have to start Lynch but I would be looking for other options. Dishonorable Mention- Roy Helu, Any GB RB, and Ahmad Bradshaw.

Wide Receivers

Brandon Lloyd Stl- I think that Lloyd will get the attention of the Steelers defense all day. Not to mention the Steelers allow the fewest fantasy points to opposing Wide Receivers in the league. Stay Away.

Hakeem Nicks NYG- Boy, Nicks could have had a great day last week. He had some key drops that killed his team, and ripped the hearts out of his fantasy owners. This week, he will probably be on Revis Island. You may not have better options, but if possible I am staying away from Nicks. Dishonorable Mention- Stevie Johnson, Nate Washington, and Laurent Robinson.

Tight End

Kellen Winslow TB- He is a guy that needs to score a touchdown to be successful, and he has not scored in a while. Freeman just does not seem to look for him as much. I am not a big Winslow fan this week. Stay Away. Dishonorable Mention- Mercedes Lewis and Heath Miller

There you have it guys. I hope this helps you in your goal to take down your league title. If you need any more help do not hesitate to send me a Tweet @FfootballQA. Good luck and Happy Holidays!

Go For It or Stay Away Week 15

I always tend to change my approach at this point of the season in Fantasy Football. During the season, I usually lean towards guys with high “boom or bust” potential. Now, that does not mean I always start guys like that, but if I have two players that you could argue starting, I usually go with the guy that could potentially go off for a huge game as opposed to the guy that is more of a consistent scorer. Now that we are in the playoffs, it is all about consistency for me. At this point, most of us are in a 'win or go home' type of scenario. I think it is very smart to switch up your thinking in the playoffs and lean towards the guys that will give you that consistency. You simply cannot afford to have a goose egg in your lineup this week. Alright, lets get started.

Go For It

Quarterback

Tony Romo Dal- Not only has Romo been very good recently, he has been consistent all season. We all know that he can be erratic as a NFL QB at times, but you can usually count on him for good fantasy production. This week Romo and the Cowboys go on the road to take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs have struggled defending the pass all season, and have lost seven straight games. I look for the Cowboys to throw the ball early and often to try and put this one away right away. Honorable Mention- Tim Tebow, Rex Grossman, and Andy Dalton.

Running Backs

Chris Johnson Ten- Johnson has seemed to take advantage of poor run defenses recently. Scoring huge against Tampa Bay, Carolina, and Buffalo in three of the past five weeks. This week he faces the Indianapolis Colts, who have given up the 3rd most points to opposing Running Backs. Chris Johnson has feasted on weak run defenses and has been average against better ones. Indy is obviously awful against the run, and therefore I am starting Johnson with extreme confidence this week. Go For It!

Roy Helu Was- It has been a very impressive few weeks for Helu. He has rushed for at least 100 yards in three straight games. Not only are the stats there, this rookie running back has passed the eye test. He looks like a very patient runner, and I for one have been very impressed. The best part about Roy Helu is his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. He is definitely an option for Rex Grossman, stabilizing his value if the Redskins get blown out. Honorable Mention- Felix Jones, Cedric Benson, and Reggie Bush.

Wide Receivers

AJ Green Cin- If we lived in a world where there was no Cam Newton, AJ Green would be the runaway NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. Unfortunately, for the WR sensation out of Georgia, Cam does exist and will probably walk away with the award. Green has still had an outstanding season, and has a really solid rapport with fellow rookie Andy Dalton. They face the Rams this week, who can not stop anybody. Green is a must start this week. Go For It!

Percy Harvin Min- Harvin has scored 5 touchdowns in the past 4 games. He has been a real weapon for the Vikings, and Joe Webb looked very good last week taking over for an injured Christian Ponder. If Ponder cannot go this week, I am not worried because Webb showed he is formidable. The Vikings face the powerful Saints this week, so Harvin could be a guy who puts up big garbage time points this week. Honorable Mention- Eric Decker, Dez Bryant, and Damian Williams.
Tight End

Jake Ballard NYG- Ballard has been pretty hit or miss this season, but lets be honest, pretty much any tight end not named Gronkowski, Graham, or Gates is hit or miss. The Giants play the Redskins this week, who allow the second most points to opposing Tight Ends. I think Ballard has a good chance at a red zone score in this one. Honorable Mention- Jermichael Finley and Kellen Winslow Jr.

Stay Away

Quarterback

Phillip Rivers SD- Rivers has been much better as of late, but I am not a believer for this week. This one is pretty simple, he faces the Baltimore Ravens, who have arguably the best defense in the league. Rivers has struggled with turnovers this season and the Ravens have caused a ton. Tough for me to recommend Rivers at all this week. Stay Away. Dishonorable Mention- Alex Smith and Mark Sanchez.

Running Backs

Rashard Mendenhall Pit- Mendenhall has been quite possibly the most disappointing player in fantasy football this year. He has had decent games here and there, but has not been the consistent performer that his owners have come to expect. I have to imagine that you have much better options this week than Mendenhall against the number one run defense in the NFL, the San Francisco 49ers. Stay Away.

Deangelo Williams/ Jonathan Stewart Car- Once again I am going to put these guys up here together. I would like to say, that I would not be surprised if one guy or the other was to go off for a big game. That being said, it is impossible to pick which one will. Against (in my opinion) the best overall defense in the league, the timeshare between the two guys, and Cam Newton stealing major goal line carries, there are many reasons to stay far away from Carolina Running Backs this week. Dishonorable Mention- CJ Spiller, Frank Gore, and Mike Tolbert.

Wide Receivers

Vincent Jackson SD- As I mentioned earlier in this piece, when it comes down to the playoffs I try and pick more consistent guys as opposed to swinging for the fences with more of a risky pick. Well, Jackson has been the definition of a 'swing for the fences' guy this season. You never know what you will get from him, and I for one am not willing to put my playoff hopes in the hands of Vincent Jackson, especially against the tough Ravens defense. Stay Away.

Pierre Garcon Ind- Garcon is another 'hit or miss' kind of guy. He has been very inconsistent, and I think that there are much better options out there. Garcon has put up some pretty solid overall statistics this season, but a lot of those numbers have come from a handful of games. I would just like to see a bit more consistency to be able to trust him at this point in the season against a solid defense like Tennessee. Dishonorable Mention- Santonio Holmes, Anquan Boldin, and Johnny Knox.

Tight End

Greg Olsen Car- The Houston Texans have not given up many points at all to opposing Tight Ends this season. I look at Olsen as a very hit or miss play this week, basically depending on if he scores. He is not worth the risk in my eyes. Stay Away. Dishonorable Mention- Heath Miller and Vernon Davis.

Alright guys, here is the “Go For It or Stay Away” for Week 15. I hope you all enjoyed it and it was helpful to you in your playoff run. I would like to wish you all good luck, and continued success. Go get em! As always, I am always here for your help, do not hesitate to send me a tweet @FfootballQA.

Go For It or Stay Away Week 14

Your league is either in the playoffs are right at the end of the regular season, it is crunch time. Hopefully, your team is still alive and you are in position to make a run at the title. If so, I am here to help you make the right decisions to go after that 1^st place spot in your league. Let's get started

Go For It

Quarterback

Matthew Stafford Det- Stafford has not been very consistent for his fantasy owners this season. He has had his ups and downs but there is no doubt that the leader of this Detroit offense is a very solid fantasy option. I like him a lot this week against the Vikings who have allowed the most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks in the NFL. Go For It! Honorable Mention- Phillip Rivers, Tony Romo, and Matt Ryan.

Running Backs

Rashard Mendenhall Pit- Mendenhall has been very disappointing this season. Most weeks he would be in the Stay Away side of this piece. Tonight, his Steelers face the Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football. The Browns are one of the worst teams against the run this season, and one of the best against the pass. I think that Pittsburgh will look to run early and often in this one. It could be a very nice game for Mendenhall this week.

Ryan Matthews SD- Well, it is December. Therefore, it is time for the Chargers to actually start playing to their abilities. They seem to finish strong every season, and as we saw last week, this season may not be any different. Matthews looked very good last week and against the Bills, who have struggled against the run, I like him in a repeat performance this week. I am starting Matthews with confidence this week. Honorable Mention- Micheal Turner, Reggie Bush, Shonn Greene.

Wide Receivers

Dez Bryant Dal- Miles Austin and Laurent Robinson both practiced today and I expect them both to play on Sunday. That being said, Bryant is the number one guy for Tony Romo. I love him this week in a matchup with the Giants that could turn into a shootout. Go For It!

Santana Moss Was- I think the Redskins passing game will be in for some decent production in garbage time this week against the Patriots. Moss could be a very big beneficiary of that. The Patriots have given up the most fantasy points in the league this season to opposing Wide Receivers. I think Moss is a decent #2 Wide Receiver option and a very good Flex play this week. Honorable Mention- Anquan Boldin, Jordy Nelson, and Damian Williams.

Tight End

Dustin Keller NYJ- Tight End is a very tough position to project. After your top tier guys (Graham, Gronkowski, Gates, Witten, Finley, etc) it is very hard to expect much, and I try not to mention obvious starts like those guys. I have found myself starting Keller in a few leagues this week in his great matchup against the Chiefs. He seems to stumble on some big scoring games, and I think this could be a week for one of those. Honorable Mention- Kellen Winslow, Jared Cook, and Jake Ballard.

Stay Away

Quarterback

Andy Dalton Cin- Dalton is a guy, as I have mention before, that I think has a very bright NFL future. I just do not think he is a great fantasy option. I think he will grow into a pretty good fantasy quarterback, I just do not ever expect Tom Brady like production out of him. Anyways, he faces the Texans this week, who are one of the best defenses in the league. I think Dalton has a decent game, but nothing too great. In the playoffs, you want more. Stay Away. Dishonorable Mention- Ben Roethlisberger and Matt Moore.

Running Backs

Beanie Wells Ari- Wells has been very good this year. He faces San Francisco this week. The 49ers are the best defense in the league against the run. While San Francisco may be without their stud middle linebacker Patrick Willis, I still stay away from Wells if at all possible.

Jonathan Stewart/DeAngelo Williams Car- The Panthers split their carries as much as anybody else in the league, so I decided to group these guys together here. I am not a big fan of either back in this game against the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons have been very solid against the run this season, not to mention Cam Newton stealing all of the goal line scores. Stay away from Carolina running backs if you can. Dishonorable Mention- Peyton Hillis, Micheal Bush, and Cedric Benson.

Wide Receivers

Mike Wallace Pit- I realize that if you have Wallace you are probably starting him, I just do not like the matchup for him. As I mentioned when I talked about Mendenhall, I think we see a heavy dose of the run tonight. Also, Wallace will probably be matched up with Joe Haden. If I have other options, I try staying away from Wallace.

Dwayne Bowe KC- Hard to like anybody on the Kansas City offense these days. Bowe will be on Revis Island this week and has Tyler Palko throwing him the ball. That does not equal up to much fantasy production out of him. Stay Away. Dishonorable Mention- Deion Branch, Pierre Garcon, and Marques Colston.

Tight End

Jermaine Gresham Cin- If you are thinking about starting Gresham this week, there are probably better choices out there. This one has everything to do with the matchup. The Texans have allowed the 3^rd fewest fantasy points to opposing Tight Ends. Stay Away, look elsewhere. Dishonorable Mention- Owen Daniels and Greg Olsen.

There you have it, a handful of guys that you should Go For It and some that you should Stay Away. This is the biggest time of the year for fantasy football. If you are still alive, you have a chance. Any team can win on any given week. Just manage your team to the best of your abilities. If this piece did not answer the questions that you had, do not hesitate to send me a tweet @FfootballQA. Good luck, and go get that championship!

Go For It or Stay Away Week 13

We are down to the wire ladies and gentlemen. Some of you may be starting your playoffs this week, if you are not, you will be very soon. If you are reading this, chances are this week is very important to you. I hope this piece helps you make all the right decisions for the week. I would like to apologize for not getting this done before the Thursday night game. Because of this I have not mentioned any Seahawks or Eagles in this game.

Go For It

Quarterback

Tim Tebow Den- All he does is win games! Even in the world of fantasy football. Tebow has been great to fantasy owners who picked him up when he took over for Kyle Orton in Week 5. He plays the Vikings who have given up the most points to fantasy quarterbacks this season. He is not a normal quarterback so the matchup may not be as great as it seems on paper, but he has been fantastic. I am going for it with Tebow this week and you should too. Honorable Mention- Matthew Stafford, Eli Manning, and Matt Moore.

Running Back

LeGarrette Blount TB- Blount has been playing very well the past two weeks with back-to-back 100 yard games. He seems to be the guy that we got used to seeing last year. This week he faces the Carolina Panthers who are the worst defense against the run in the NFL. Obvious start this week. Go For It!

Chris Johnson Ten- Johnson has looked better recently, and against the Buffalo Bills I expect Tennessee to continue to give him plenty of carries. The Bills have struggled against the run this season , and with the way that Johnson has been going I do not see them as the team that slows him down. Honorable Mention- Benjarvis Green-Ellis, Marion Barber, and Reggie Bush.

Wide Receiver

Victor Cruz NYG- This guy has come out of nowhere this year and has arguably become Eli Manning's favorite target. He gets behind the defense for a long touchdown catch or two nearly every game. Victor Cruz is a must start every week, and an especially great play this week against Green Bay. A game where the Giants could easily be playing from behind.

Jordy Nelson GB- Rough game for Nelson last week, but you have to expect that from time to time with him because Aaron Rodgers like to spread the ball around a lot. That being said, Nelson has been great this season and still led the team in targets last week. He is a guy that I am probably starting every week. He is definitely a start this week against the Giants who have struggled defending the pass this season. Go For It! Honorable Mention- Reggie Wayne, Eric Decker, and Laurent Robinson.

Tight End

Fred Davis Was- Davis has come along very nicely for the Redskins this year. He as taken control of the Tight End position with Chris Cooley out for the season. I like him this week against the Jets, who have been below average against opposing Tight Ends this season. Honorable Mention- Jake Ballard and Kellen Davis.

Stay Away

Quarterback

Matt Ryan Atl- Matty Ice has been playing very well recently. While I do not see a horrible game out of Ryan this week, I feel as if there are much better options out there. He faces a Houston Texan defense that has been near the top of the league in every category this season. I Stay Away from Matt Ryan if at all possible this week. Dishonorable Mention- Joe Flacco, Rex Grossman, and Phillip Rivers.

Running Back

Steven Jackson Stl- 4, 2, 6, 10, 6, 10, 5, 14, 6, 1, and 7. What do these numbers mean you ask? These are the points scored, according to standard scoring, by starting running backs, against the 49ers defense this season. Only three double digit scoring games, one was Lesean McCoy and the 14 points was the game where Roy Helu caught like 18 thousand flat passes. Basically when your running back faces the 49ers you look elsewhere. I am staying away from Steven Jackson this week.

Beanie Wells Ari- Wells was outstanding last Sunday rushing for 228 yards and a score. That was aganist the Rams. This week he faces the Cowboys, they only allow an average of 12.8 fantasy points to opposing running backs. If you do not have any other options you should still start him, but in leagues that I own Wells, I am looking else where. Stay Away. Dishonorable Mention- Peyton Hillis, Micheal Turner, and Ryan Matthews.

Wide Receiver

Vincent Jackson SD- Jackson has been as unpredictable as anybody this season. He has struggled to find any sort of consistency. That being said he has managed to put up a couple of monster games, and he is always capable of that. Still, in an important week I am staying away from Jackson against a tough Jaguars defense and looking for a more consistent option.

Dwayne Bowe KC- Tyler Palko is bad, real bad. Bowe will still get plenty of balls thrown his way so he will probably not be completely useless, but until the Chiefs decide to go with Kyle Orton I am staying away from Bowe unless Palko shows extreme improvement. Dishonorable Mention- Plaxico Burress, AJ Green, and Percy Harvin.

Tight End

Vernon Davis SF- Davis has been average this season. He has not put up the numbers that owners expected when they drafted him at the beginning of the season. While I do not think that he is a terrible player or anything, I do not like the matchup this week against the Rams. St. Louis allows the fewest fantasy points per game to opposing Tight Ends, and I think the 49ers could put this one away early meaning fewer opportunities for Davis late in the game. If I was a Davis owner, I would be looking elsewhere. Dishonorable Mention- Mercedes Lewis and Tony Gonzalez.

Once again I apologize for not getting the Philadelphia vs Seattle game in this piece, but I hope that this helps. You need to make sure you have the best players available in your lineup this late in the season. Most of us cannot afford a loss right now. If you need any more help do not hesitate to send me a Tweet @FfootballQA. Good luck to you all!