Fantasy Sports Shack

Posted December 23, 2009

Last week’s sleepers never awoke from their naps, and it resulted in this writer’s demise in one of his leagues.  Thanks a lot, Arian “fumbles” Foster.  At least I was on the right track with a Browns’ running back, as Jerome Harrison rocked the Kansas City Chiefs’ world to the tune of 286 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns!  Week 16 isn’t as much about finding sleepers as it is about going with what got you here.  However, if you’re in need of a last second fill-in, consider one of these plays:

Mike Bell, RB, New Orleans Saints
Opponent: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Projection: 12 touches, 50 yards, 1 TD

Projecting which of the Saints three backs will be worthy of a fantasy start is not easy, but considering the fact Tampa Bay is one of the league’s worst run defense (158.9 ypg allowed, 15 rushing scores allowed), one of the Saints backs is sure to have a big day.  Considering Bell went for 75 yards and 2 TD in the last meeting with the Bucs, it appears he may be in line for another solid performance.

Jason Snelling, RB, Atlanta Falcons
Opponent: Buffalo Bills
Projection: 11 touches, 44 yards, 1 TD

Michael Turner is going to attempt to play on Sunday, despite re-aggravating his ankle injury in Week 15.  Chances are, he won’t be able to handle the entire worklaod, and since the Bills are the worst run defense in football, Snelling is a good speculative add/potential flex play.  Jerious Norwood hasn’t done enough in 2009 to supplant Snelling should something happen to Turner.

Oakland Raiders Starting Running Back
Opponent: Cleveland Browns
Projection: 15 touches, 60 yards, TD

In the past, I’ve run with the Raiders and been burned every time.  “What have you done for me lately” logic would say Michael Bush is a great play in Week 16, after his 100-yard effort in Week 15.  However, this is the Raiders we’re talking about, so when something ain’t broke, they try to fix it.  Justin Fargas is, probably, the least talented of the backs in Oakland, but when he’s been healthy, he’s been the guy.  Darren McFadden, minus the fumble-itus, probably has the most talent, but he’s not the lead guy.  Whoever Tom Cable names the starter this week, expect a moderately good game for a potential flex play.

Jermichael Finley, TE, Green Bay Packers
Opponent: Seattle Seahawks
Projection: 9 targets, 7 catches, 66 yards, 1 TD

Finley is coming off three consecutive 70-plus-yard games, and the Seahawks’ defense doesn’t exactly strike fear into the hearts of its opponents.  249 ypg, 26 touchdowns.  That’s what the Seahawks have surrendered in 2009.  The Packers average over 260 ypg and have 28 passing scores this year.  Recipe: Success.  Finley, Jennings and Driver are all good plays in this one.

Fred Davis, TE, Washington Redskins
Opponent: Dallas Cowboys
Projection: 6 targets, 4 catches, 42 yards, 1 TD

The guy just catches touchdowns.  At least one in each of his last four games (totaling five), six overall.  Jason Campbell is comfortable throwing him the ball in the red zone, so there’s no reason to expect any less of Davis in Week 16.  10 fantasy points from a tight end is a pretty solid day.  If he’s out there, grab him.

Others of Note (with solid match-ups):

Jerome Harrison, RB, Cleveland Browns (vs. Oakland Raiders)
Beanie Wells, RB, Arizona Cardinals (vs. St. Louis Rams)
Michael Crabtree, WR, San Francisco 49ers (vs. Detroit Lions)