Week 12 Matchups
This is a week where nothing stands out as obvious picks but there are a slew of good matchups across the board so it’s a good week to gain more ground with the right decisions.
Quarterbacks:
Peyton Manning vs San Diego: San Diego’s dead last in the entire league this year against the pass, Peyton’s been hot as of late as he and his team gets healthier so this should be a good pick. Another good thing about Peyton this week is his schedule for the next few weeks all the way to the end of the season is VERY favorable so he can be kept for a long time without dropping.
Tony Romo vs San Francisco: His pinky is still affecting his throwing it seems, but with him healthy, the offensive line healthy, and all the weapons he has now with Roy Williams, T.O., Witten, etc, it’s hard not to see him put up huge numbers… unless Barber runs out an entire quarter like last game… He does have favorable matchups 2 weeks in a row though so keep that in mind.
Aaron Rodgers vs New Orleans: This game should be a shootout so either QB is a decent play here, but I think Rodgers is the better play because the Saints defense is light years worse than the Packers against the pass.
Runningbacks:
LaDainian Tomlinson vs Indianapolis: The Colts run defense is already shoddy at best and now with Bob Sanders out (yet again) their run defense becomes putrid. LT is getting better week by week, he should be huge in this game which should be high scoring.
Adrian Peterson vs Jacksonville: Jacksonville’s defense has been terrible this year compared to years past and they are having issues within the locker room with some of their key players even so can’t really go wrong with the best RB in football right now.
In a 2 RB league I’d stick with those 2, safe picks. If you need a 3rd RB or can’t afford both of those guys above there are tons of options and that’s where it gets flexible.
Marion Barber vs San Francisco – could be relied upon once again like last week. Joseph Addai vs San Diego – great matchup w/ favorable upcoming schedule. Marshawn Lynch vs Kansas City – Solid RB vs the 2nd worst run defense in the league. Steve Slaton vs Cleveland – Big play rookie RB against a terrible run defense, weather could be a factor though. Matt Forte vs St. Louis – Another great rookie RB against a terrible run defense. If you take a gamble here it could pay dividends, lots to choose from.
Wide Receivers:
Greg Jennings vs New Orleans: Big play receiver who’s been surprisingly consistent this year. If this game turns into a shootout like it should, he should be in for a big day.
T.O. / Roy Williams vs San Francisco: Either WR could have a big day today, T.O. will cost more, RW might give better value.
Reggie Wayne vs San Diego: I think Peyton will have a huge day, if so, Wayne should have one as well.
Andre Johnson vs Cleveland: Been quiet as of late, should have a good game against Cleveland’s porous defense. Good pick if you can afford him.
Steve Smith vs Atlanta: Atlanta’s pass defense is improved, but still not great, Smith is an elite receiver and could easily have a big game. They’ve relied on their run game the past few weeks with Jake Delhomme playing flat out terrible so it is a risky play.
Eddie Royal vs Oakland: Triple threat player, receiver, returns kicks, returns punts, and shouldn’t be defended by Nnamdi Asomugha who is probably the best cornerback in the league and has been shutting down receivers all year.
Defenses:
Pittsburgh: They already played but I picked em already so.. I’ll go ahead and list them here.
Tampa Bay vs Detroit: Tampa has one of the best defenses in the league going against turnover prone Detroit, should have a good day.
Chicago vs St. Louis: Steven Jackson is out again, the Rams are absolutely awful without him, Chicago has been bad on defense as of late which is uncharacteristic but they should bounce back this week.
