Lineup selections crucial

Whether it’s the playoffs, or if it’s the last week of the regular season, the pressure on who to start, or sit, is at a season high.

So, what are you going to do these next couple of weeks when your decisions will decide how your season ends?

You can’t rely on the NFL Network and Michael Fabiano to help, can you? If so, I’m questioning how your team is even in the playoffs, or has a chance of making it. Most “experts” are afraid to make difficult decisions because they’re afraid to be wrong.

It’s easy to be on TV, or sit behind the computer and “predict” Arian Foster to have a great game. Fabiano has finally come out and said that you can’t rely on Larry Fitzgerald. Doesn’t Fabiano read the Jamestown Sun? I was calling for Fitzgerald to get benched weeks ago.

Now don’t get me wrong, my weekly picks aren’t perfect, but I have made some good calls and some strong sleeper picks. Last week, I told many of you to start Chris Givens and Steven Jackson against the 49ers. Nobody on any fantasy program, or column, was suggesting starting Givens.

I also told you to start Michael Turner (I even told you how he was going to rack up the fantasy points). For those that have Lance Moore and Michael Crabtree, you were told to start them, I hope you listened. I also told Vincent Jackson owners to sit him, once again; I hope you followed my advice.

In some cases I was bang on, and on others I was off. I apologize if I cost you a victory, but I don’t apologize for not being afraid to make difficult picks.

As far as this week goes, wide receivers will have tremendous games. This week’s matchups provide stud wide receivers and average ones to put up big numbers.

Torrey Smith and the Ravens travel to Washington and Smith should be able to burn the Redskins secondary with some big plays. With Terrell Suggs out, it’s safe to start RG3, but stay away from any Redskin receivers.

If Danny Amendola is healthy and starting, look for him to have a big day. If Amendola is not ready to go, I’d pick up Brandon Gibson off waivers and start him if you’re weak at wide receiver.

Eric Decker fans, I apologize for last week’s call. This week, he’ll get the receptions and the yards. He has struggled big time as of late, but Peyton Manning and John Fox are focused on improving as the playoffs approach and they can’t rely on just one receiver. Decker should get more opportunities this week.

A sleeper pick for those that are desperate for some production from the wide receiver position look to go with Jeremy Maclin. Since he’s on the Eagles, it’s not a surprise that he’s had a very disappointing season.

With Nick Foles starting, the Eagles turnovers should be limited and Bryce Brown’s running game should be the focus of the Buccaneers defense. Brown’s first two starts have been amazing and this will definitely allow Maclin to find some room in the secondary.

As far as Bryce Brown goes, his numbers may decline this week as LeSean McCoy is a step closer to returning. Monitor this situation and if McCoy returns look to see what the coaching staff is planning to do with McCoy’s return.

If the Eagles play it safe, which they should as they don’t have a shot of the playoffs, McCoy should sit out another game and in that case go with Bryce as he’s piling up yards and touchdowns with ease.

A running back that should help you advance to next week is Ahmad Bradshaw of the New York Giants. The Giants face the Saints who have given up the second-most points to backs this year. Also, with Andre Brown out, Bradshaw should get all of the goal line carries as well.

For Michael Turner owners, don’t get too excited by last week’s numbers. Jacquizz Rodgers had only three carries less than Turner and although the Panthers run defense isn’t great, the passing game will dominate for the Falcons and the shared workload could mean a decrease in fantasy production by Turner.

If you don’t have reliable backups on your roster, don’t panic and go to the wire, just cross your fingers and hope Turner gets the ball in the red zone.

Shonn Greene is another good start this week as the Jets play the Jacksonville Jaguars. Greene is coming off a 104-yard, one-touchdown performance and should be just as productive this week.

As far as tight ends go, Kyle Rudolph of the Vikings has followed three brutal outings with three solid outings. With Brian Urlacher out, the middle of the field should be a little more accessible and Rudolph should help fantasy owners out this week.

Owen Daniels of the Texans is another tight end in line for a good week. He has had some issues with his back lately, but if he’s healthy, starting and you are frustrated with your starter, go with Owens.

It’s a huge Monday Night matchup between the Texans and the Patriots as they battle for first place in the AFC. In big games Matt Schaub tends to look more for the high percentage pass and that usually means going to Daniels.

Since most leagues don’t allow trades this late in the league, our trade mediators are free and here to assist you with whom to start, or sit.

Email Fantasy Moves trade mediators at moves@fantasymoves.com for any and all fantasy football information. We’ll be publishing the most traded players at each position very soon at www.fantasymoves.com

Jessy Sandhu is the founder of Fantasy Moves; Follow him on Twitter @FantasyMoves.

Tags: sports, nfl, fantasy