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QB Sam Bradford, Rams

Last Week: 377 passing yards, 3 TDs

Bradford has had a rollercoaster-type season thus far in 2012. He has thrown only 11 interceptions all year (and one fumble lost) to go along with his 18 passing touchdowns. However, he has four games in which he didn’t throw a touchdown and only three in which he threw for more
than 300 yards. But whichever quarterback is playing Tampa Bay’s seems to have one of their best games statistically of the year.  Tampa Bay ranks last in pass defense, allowing an average of 310 passing yards per game.

RB Vick Ballard, Colts

Last Week: 105 rushing yards

Ballard has been a pleasant surprise for owners who have been facing injuries at the running back position.  In the past three weeks alone, he’s totaled 271 yards and a touchdown.  With Kansas City’s rush defense ranking 27th in the league, giving up 136 yards per week on the ground, look for Ballard to continue his success this upcoming Sunday.

WR Justin Blackmon, Jaguars

Last Week: 93 yards receiving

Blackmon’s rookie season has produced just three touchdowns up to this point. He’s had his highs (Week 11, 236 receiving yards, 7 catches and one touchdown) and lows, having four games combined for just
23 yards and three catches.  Whenever going up against New England (29th in league in pass defense, 270 ypg allowed), it could be a shootout, meaning more balls are going to be thrown his way, regardless of the score of the game.

TE Tony Scheffler, Lions

Last Week: 36 yards receiving

Although Schefller hasn’t had the numbers to validate any type of start this year, he is in a Lions offense where they love to sling around the ball all game long.  With only one touchdown all year, this is definitely a greedy start, but if you put into account that Pettigrew will be out, it gets more and more intriguing. Especially if you are thin at the tight end position, this could be your guy who is the x-factor for your championship matchup.

Top Defense: Dolphins

Last Week: 3 points allowed, 2 sacks

Miami’s defense has kept them in the playoff hunt all season long. The last time the Bills and Dolphins played was back in Week 11, where Miami allowed 19 points, gathered three sacks, and had a touchdown on defense and one on special teams.  Now in Week 16, the Dolphins will be playing at home in warm weather and should put together a nice week for owners seeking a defense that won’t hurt them this week with negative points.

BENCH

QB Phillip Rivers, Chargers

Last Week: 121 passing yards, 2 turnovers

Rivers is wrapping up back-to-back dreadful seasons, according to his standards. If you take away the past two seasons, people were talking about Rivers possibly being one the best QB’s in the league. Now him and Mark Sanchez are in the same category as being the two who have turned the ball over the most the past two years.  The Jets secondary has always been solid, ranking second in the league by allowing just 191 passing yards per game.  Rex Ryan’s job on the line, and the Jets defense will come out swinging.

RB Mikel Leshoure, Lions

Last Week: 55 yards, TD

Leshoure has had an impressive 2012 campaign, considering all the injuries he had to overcome and is still overcoming.  Whenever this guy is healthy, he does plenty of damage, but what’s good about a running back when he is indeed injured.  The Falcons will be playing for everything this Saturday, trying to wrap up home-field advantage and the No.1 seed in the NFC, while Detroit’s season has been over for a few weeks now.  Resting seems like the best option and even if he is ready to go, he’s had just one 100-yard game all year and that was his first game he started back in Week 3, when he was as healthy as he could possibly be.

Leonard Hankerson: 56 yards, 2 touchdowns

Hankerson is a hit or miss every week.  He either catches 50-yard bombs for touchdowns or doesn’t catch it at all.  Coming off his best game of his short career, Hankerson is a tempting start for owners that are looking for that breakout start of the week.  Keep in mind Robert Griffin III will be playing, not Kirk Cousins (329 yards passing, 2 touchdowns, last week), who loves throwing the deep ball to Hankerson. RG3 is more of a Pierre Garçon and Santa Moss guy, when looking down the field for that big play.

Vernon Davis TE 49ers, last week: one catch

Davis has been almost irrelevant for the 49ers since Colin Kaepernick has taken over as the starting quarterback.  In his past four games, he’s had four catches for 29 yards and no touchdowns.  He’s one of the best, if not the best, tight end in the NFL. But he is being under utilized in the biggest way possible. Until proven, Davis is bench worthy.

Cowboys defense

Last Week: 2 turnovers, 4 sacks, allowed 24 points

The Cowboys have been hot as of late, and the New Orleans Saints will be coming into Dallas with nothing to lose or play for in Week 16.  But whenever you go up against a quarterback with the talent of Drew Brees, it’s never too wise to play that opposing defense, in a pass friendly stadium such as the one in Dallas. Even if the Cowboys do play well, the Saints always seem to pad up the stats towards the end of every game they play.

Fantasy Week 16 Grades/Waiver Adds

Jonathan Dwyer: 22 yards, TD

Dwyer didn’t have the stellar performance we were all hoping for, but he did score a touchdown. In a must win game for the Steelers against the rival Bengals, Dwyer could have a big impact on whether or not they will advance to the playoffs this season.

Arrow: Up

Lions defense: 38 points allowed, Interception, sack

The Lions defense was pretty atrocious to say the very least, but it didn’t totally kill your chances of winning this week with one turnover and a sack. However, they didn’t help you win.

Arrow: Neutral

Danario Alexander: 0 yards

Alexander put up zeros in every category last week.  After looking like he was going to be one of the top wideouts in fantasy for playoffs, he laid a giant goose egg in the most important matchup for fantasy leagues to date this season.  Though you can never make up for a miserable performance like that, you can try and learn from it.

Arrow: Down

QB Josh Freeman, Buccaneers: 279 passing yards, 4 interceptions

Freeman threw four interceptions with no touchdowns and lost a fumble. It was one of the worst games of his career, if not the worst.  Not too much more to say after playing like that with everything at stake.

Arrow: Down

Bench

49ers defense: allowed 34 points allowed, 3 sacks

The San Francisco defense managed to force four turnovers against one of the best, if not the best, offense in the national football league as of late.  It was one of the weirdest games for turnovers since the Jets-Patriots Thanksgiving game. But 34 points is a lot to overcome for any defense in fantasy, no matter how many interceptions or forced fumbles.

Arrow: Up

WR Anquan Boldin, Ravens: 0 yards

Boldin had a whopping zero catches.  With Jim Caldwell taking over for Cam Cameron as the Ravens offensive play caller, things look to have changed a bit in the scheme. It can only go up.

Arrow: Up

Shonn Greene: 68 yards rushing

Greene had a decent day at the office, rushingfor 68 yards in a game where the Jets quarterback threw four interceptions and lost a fumble. Greene has been pretty inconsistent all year and looks to be one of those guys that are either going to win your week or lose it for you on any given Sunday.

Arrow: Neutral

Colin Kaepernick: 4 touchdowns passing

Kaepernick lit up the scoreboard in New England, proving all doubters wrong and continuing to play like one of the best quarterbacks in the league as of now.  He did only manage to throw for 216 yards and have an interception in the end zone, which was almost enough for the Patriots to overcome.  But overall, this was not a good idea to bench one of the most explosive players in the league today.

Arrow: Down

Week 16 Fantasy Deep Sleeper Pick-Ups for Playoffs

Brandon Gibson WR Rams, last week: 76 yards receiving

Gibson has a combined a 176 yards in the past two games. With the probability of him contributing for a third week in a row vs. the last ranked pass defense in the NFL (Tampa Bay), all signs are a “go.”

Montell Owens RB Jaguars, last week: 53 total yards

After having 102 total yards (91 rushing) and touchdown just last week, Owens came back to reality with just 47 yards on the ground and one catch for six yards.  With the New England Patriots coming up next on the schedule, it’s a risk-reward type of start.  If you’re out of options, he’s a viable back to have with some credibility to his name.

Dennis Pitta TE Ravens, last week: 7 catches, 125, 2 TD’s

Pitta has combined for 171 yards and three touchdowns in his past two contests played.  He also has 12 receptions in that span.  He now has seven touchdowns on the year and is coming off his best performance as a Baltimore Raven.

Josh Freeman QB Buccaneers, last week: 189 passing yards, 2 touchdowns

Freeman will be going against a New Orleans Saints defense that ranks 30th in the NFL (284 ypg) against the pass.  In their first meeting, Freeman had his best game of the year, throwing for 420 yards and three touchdowns, back in Week 7.  More of the same should come this Sunday.

Jonathan Dwyer RB, Steelers, last week: 32 yards rushing

Dwyer gets the nod this week for the Pittsburgh Steelers, who have a pivotal matchup vs. Dallas that will affect both teams’ playoff hopes.  Expect plenty of carries for Dwyer because of the simple fact that the Dallas secondary, which ranks eight against the pass, will be trying to shut down the passing game first, as they usually tend to do.

Danario Alexander WR Chargers, last week: 88 yards receiving, 2 touchdowns

Since Week 9, Alexander has combined for 555 yards, 33 receptions and five touchdowns in just six games played in 2012. The Chargers’ new stud wideout will be looking to continue that success in Week 15, when he will be playing a Panthers defense that is pretty solid against pass (13^th) but gives up too many big plays. Alexander should be a part of at least one.

Top defense: Lions, last week: 27 points allowed, turnover, 3 sacks

Detroit’s defense isn’t necessarily the selling point this week, but their opponent is.  With the Arizona Cardinals play against your defense, think of it in most cases as an automatic start at this point in the season.  Arizona has scored a total of six points in their last two games, including last week’s 58-0 loss. Add in some Calvin Johnson and Matthew Stafford, the scoreboard will be lighting up.

Bench

Colin Kaepernick QB 49ers, last week: 185 yards passing

Kaepernick has been stellar in his four starts thus far in the 2012 season.  After taking over for Alex Smith in Week 11, he has six total touchdowns, three of which were rushing. He also notched a 50-yard rushing touchdown last week vs. Miami. Monday Night Football is a totally different story, though, especially when you’re in New England.  Just ask Houston.

Shonn Greene RB Jets, last week: 77 yards rushing, touchdown

Greene’s had an up and down 2012 season to say the least.  With only two games in which he rushed for over 100 yards this year (and only four games in where he scored a touchdown), Greene is due for a down game, despite having over 100 yards two weeks ago and a touchdown this past week.  Even with the 24th ranked rush defense (127 ypg) in the Tennessee Titans, it’s just been going that bad for this Jets offense.

Anquan Boldin WR Ravens, last week: 78 yards receiving, 2 touchdowns

Boldin has three touchdowns in his past two games and just four on the entire season.  You never know what type of performance will come out of this Baltimore Raven offense, considering they just fired their offensive coordinator this late in the season.  It doesn’t help either that the team they will be playing, the Denver Broncos, rank seventh vs. the pass (215 ypg) and sixth against the run (93 ypg).

49ers defense, last week: 13 points allowed, turnover

San Francisco’s defense has been nothing short of stellar all year long, but all that changes this Monday.  Reality sets in whenever you face Tom Brady this late in the year — and in New England.  It could be another rough night for a top defense in back-to-back weeks in Gillette Stadium.  Don’t let it happen to you, play it safe.

Jason Avant WR Eagles, last week: 7 receptions, 133 yards

Avant had arguably his best day as a professional stat-wise last weekend, hauling in seven catches for 133 yards. Avant also had 12 targets, which was second to Jeremy Maclin’s 13.  Look for more of the same production this weekend.

Arrow: Up

Joe Flacco QB Ravens, last week: 3 TD’s, 182 passing yards

Flacco got off to a hot start throwing three touchdowns in the first half vs. Washington’s last-ranked pass defense. However, Flacco wasn’t perfect in the second half, turning the ball over twice with a fumble and an interception.  He didn’t have break the 300-yard marker but the three touchdowns make up for anything and everything.

Arrow: Up

DeMarco Murray RB Cowboys, last week: 75 total yards, TD

Murray carried the ball 21 times Sunday vs. Cincinnati, recording 53 yards on the ground and 22 more in the receiving game.  He’s definitely not back to 100 percent, but who is at this point in the season?  A tough rushing touchdown showed enough to give him another start next week as well.

Arrow: Up

Bills Defense, last week: 15 points allowed, interception, sack

Anytime a defense doesn’t hurt you in fantasy, it’s a positive. Buffalo forced one turnover and had one sack all game.  If there was any week in which this defense would show up, it would of been this one.  But with only 15 points against, you can’t complain too much.

Arrow: Neutral

Tony Moeaki TE Chiefs, last week: 10 yards

Moeaki did not have the type of game which was anticipated after a good start last week (54 yards, TD). There’s not too much else to say when you put up seven points against the Cleveland Browns.

Arrow: Down

Bench

Texans defense, last week: 42 points allowed, sack

Houston had a rough game last night, to put it bluntly.  Brady had four touchdowns and 296 passing, it could have been more as he got pulled for Ryan Mallet in the fourth quarter.  No surprise here, as the Patriots show the rest of the league who the team to beat in the AFC still is and has been for the past decade.

Arrow: Up

Emmanuel Sanders WR Steelers, last week: 36 yards receiving

Sanders’ numbers were below average with just two catches for 36 yards.  This was Sanders’ worst game since Week 10. With Big Ben back in the lineup, it looks to be the Mike Wallace show is in full effect.

Arrow: Up

Ryan Mathews RB Chargers, last week: 65 yards rushing

Mathews had 65 yards on the ground off of 25 carries vs. Pittsburgh’s vaunted defense.  Anytime you bench a player with the talent Mathews has and doesn’t score a touchdown, you can mark it down as a win, especially during playoff time.

Arrow: Up

Ryan Fitzpatrick: 247 passing yards, td, interception

Fitzpatrick was pretty efficient vs. a very talented St. Louis secondary.He did turn the ball over in a crucial situation, but Fitzpatrick didn’t lose a matchup for your team. He didn’t help it out either.

Arrow: Neutral

Waiver Adds

David Wilson RB Giants, last week: 3 total touchdowns, 100 yards rushing

Wilson had 100 yards rushing for the first time in his young and promising career.  On only 13 attempts, Wilson showed why he was picked in the first round in last year’s draft.  He did it in the kicking game as well, taking one back to the house to tie the game and was just one tackle away from having multiple kickoff returns for touchdowns.

Rod Streater WR Raiders, last week: 100 yards receiving

Streater has 196 yards receiving in the past two games and a score.  He will be facing the Kansas Chiefs in Week 15, who just gave up 30 points to the Cleveland Browns.  Streater’s future in the Oakland Raiders offense with Carson Palmer at quarterback seems to be the connection that is best succeeding there right now.

DeAngelo Williams RB Panthers, last week:  112 total yards, TD

Williams finally had the game in which he made a fantasy impact. But unless you were more than desperate at the running back position, you likely didn’t have the chance to start him.  With plenty of frustrated owners out there he is now back on the free agent market. Catching two passes for 56 yards and a touchdown — to go along with season high 17 carries and 56 yards rushing — Williams looks to be resurrected in the Carolina offense.

Joe Flacco QB Ravens, last week: 188 passing yards, TD, 2 turnovers

Flacco has been up and down this year, throwing 350 yards in Week 12 and then having 188 this past week.  He started off the season passing for 299, 232, 382, and 356 yards before dipping to 187, 234,147, and 153 in Weeks 5-8. This week, he’ll be up against the 31st ranked pass defense (299 passing yards per game), and the gunslinger out of Delaware should reach that 300-yard passing mark once again.

DeMarco Murray RB Cowboys, last week: 83 yards rushing, TD

Murray looked healthy last week, carrying the ball 23 times for 83 yards and a rushing touchdown. Facing the Cincinnati Bengals this week (11th rush defense in the league), it’s a good thing the Cowboys tend to only use one primary back.  Murray should be back to normal come Sunday.

Tony Moeaki TE Chiefs, last week: 54 yards, TD

Moeaki once was sought out to be a nice replacement for the greatest tight end of all time in Tony Gonzalez until nagging injuries hurt his production in a major way the past few years. However, you can’t deny his skill set and has proven he can make some ridiculous catches when the ball is thrown his way. With Brady Quinn coming off his best game of his NFL career, Moeaki will benefit. Expect plenty of targets for Moeaki, especially this week against Cleveland.

Jason Avant WR Eagles, last week: 79 yards receiving

Avant will be facing the worst pass defense in the NFL in Week 14, when they play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.  No DeSean Jackson while Maclin has yet to show he can step up in that No.1 wideout slot. Quarterback Nick Foles will need an outlet somewhere in the Eagles offensive passing game, and Avant looks to be the best option at this point.

Best Defense: Bills Defense, last week: 18 points allowed, 2 turnovers,
3 sacks

The Buffalo Bills defense hasn’t been the greatest in the league, but should be more than capable of stopping the St. Louis Rams offense, which ranks 22nd in passing game (212 ypg) and 14th in rushing (115 ypg). From Weeks 11-13 the Bills have caused seven turnovers and have 10 sacks in the past three games.  With the Dolphins and Seahawks due up next on the schedule after the Rams, the Bills could be a nice defense to pick up for a late fantasy playoff run.

Bench

Ryan Fitzpatrick QB Bills, last week: 112 yards passing, 3 touchdowns, interception

Fitzpatrick has now gone 168,180 and 112 over his past three starts. The Rams defense ranks 12th in passing defense (226 ypg) and 13th in rushing defene (114 ypg).  The St. Louis Secondary may be the most underrated in the league with new additions such as Janorice Jenkins and Cortland Finnegan. Watch out in the next few years for the Rams to make some noise in the rising NFC west.

Ryan Mathews RB Chargers, last week: 26 yards rushing

Mathews could arguably be the biggest bust in fantasy football, besides Darren McFadden.  He hasn’t been totally irrelevant for the season, but he hasn’t been anything near good.  He failed to rush for over 100 yards all year as well and faces one of the best rush defenses in the league (ranks 5th, 93 ypg) in the Pittsburgh Steelers and one of the toughest places to get a win in the entire league.

Texans defense, last week: 10 points allowed, 6 turnovers, 6 sacks

The Texans defense have been pretty unstoppable this season, with the exception of two or three games. But when you go to New England, you’re more than likely going to be involved in a shootout of some sort.
With Tom Brady at home, the Patriots have scored 18,31,29,37 and 59 points in Gillette Stadium, and that’s reason enough to bench Houston’s defense — even if they are the best defense in the league.

Emmanuel Sanders WR Steelers, last week: 60 yards passing

Sanders had a nice run while it lasted with Charlie Batch at the quarterback position in the past two contests.  The young wideout’s numbers in the past three games were as follows: 3 catches for 82 yards in week 11 vs. Baltimore; 5 catches for 75 yards in week 12 vs. Browns; and in the past week 5 catches for 60 yards vs. Baltimore, respectively.  He is also dealing with a shoulder injury and is currently questionable for game-time. Play it safe and watch the 60-minute man (Mike Wallace) get back in Pittsburgh’s starting lineup and do what he does best: outrun everyone on the field.

TE Jacob Tamme, Broncos

Last Week: 89 yards

Tamme had his best game of the season last week with nine receptions for 89 yards.  Meanwhile, the Oakland Raiders rank 25th against the pass, allowing more than 250 yards per game.  Coming off arguably one of the most productive games of his career, look for Tamme to come up big again and possibly find the end zone for third third time this season.

WR Denarius Moore, Raiders

Last Week: 31 yards

Moore caught two passes for 31 yards in last Sunday’s 20-17 loss to the Cleveland Browns.  The hot start for Moore passed quickly, and in his last three games combined, he has four receptions for 60 yards and a touchdown. Compare that to Weeks 6-10, when Moore had four touchdowns, 22 catches and 389 yards.  Case and point: he’s due.

Steve Johnson WR Bills

Last Week: 2 catches, 18 yards, TD

Johnson caught his fifth touchdown of the year against New England on Sunday, but shortly after was taken out of the game with a hamstring injury.  At the very least he got you a touchdown before exiting the game and will more than likely play this week vs. St. Louis Rams.

Arrow: Up

Aaron Hernandez TE Patriots

Last Week: 97 yards

Hernadez caught eight passes for 97 yards (both season highs) in Sunday’s 23-16 win over Miami.  Now a primetime matchup against the Houston Texans (19th ranked pass defense) is up next on Sunday night. With Rob Gronkowski still sidelined, Hernandez’s production will continue to be high, especially when they start to enter that red zone.

Arrow: Up

Jets Defense

Last Week: 6 points allowed, interception, 2 sacks

The Jets defense gave up the least amount of points to an opponent all week, holding Arizona to an impressive six points.  Although the defense didn’t score any touchdowns or have multiple turnovers, it did manage to have two sacks and held the Cardinals to just two field goals all game. That should be enough for any starting defense, any week.

Arrow: Up

Andy Dalton QB Bengals

Last Week: 211 passing yards, 2 total touchdowns

Dalton scored two touchdowns vs. San Diego — one came on the ground and the other on a 19-yard strike to tight end Jermaine Gresham.  The red rifle did have two turnovers for the first time in a month but countered with more than 215 total yards.

Arrow: Up

Knowshon Moreno RB Broncos

Last Week: 83 total yards

Moreno had a productive week at running back, matching his number of carries from last week with 20. He had 69 rushing yards and, 14 more receiving on four catches.  Although he failed to find the end zone for the second straight week, this week’s matchup in Oakland looks more than appealing.

Arrow: Up

Bench

Jeremy Maclin Eagles WR

Last Week: 38 yards

Maclin’s three receptions for 38 yards made for one of his worst outings of the season. With DeSean Jackson recently sent to the injured reserve list, he failed to take over as some anticipated.  Facing the worst pass defense in Tampa Bay in Week 14 might lead to better results.

Arrow: Up

Titans Defense: 24 points allowed, no turnovers, no sacks

Tennessee’s defense wasn’t completely miserable, allowing 24 points to an explosive Houston Texans team, who previously scored 38 points in their week 4 meeting.  But having no sacks and no turnovers any week is never good in both fantasy and for real.

Arrow: Up

BenJarvus Green-Ellis RB Bengals

Last Week: 118 yards rushing

Green-Ellis marked his third straight 100-yard game against San Diego on Sunday.  He continues to be a great addition to the Cincinnati organization and to all fantasy owners who were willing to take a chance on him.

Arrow: Down

Jay Cutler QB Bears

Last Week: 233 passing yards, 2 touchdowns

Cutler produced his third best game of the year, passing for 233 yards and two touchdowns in the Bears’ 17-14 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. He also had 27 yards rushing off of four rushes.  Due up next for the Bears is the second matchup with Minnesota Vikings, whom they just played in Week 12.

Arrow: Down

Waiver Adds

Donnie Avery WR Colts

Last Week: 91 yards, 2 touchdowns

Avery had five receptions in Sunday’s thrilling 34-33 last-second win.  He also caught the game winner from Andrew Luck with no time remaining, totaling his number of touchdowns to two on the day.  Avery now has three touchdowns on the year and two 100-yard games.  He has a promising future in this explosive Indianapolis Colts offense.

James Starks RB Packers

Last Week: 66 yards, TD

Starks finally broke the curse of Green Bay running backs not scoring touchdowns, as he had 66 yards rushing off of 16 carries and got his first touchdown on the year.  Green Bay looks to be back on track after getting embarrassed last week on Sunday Night Football.  Facing a shaky Lions defense in Week 14, Starks seems to be a hot commodity in the deeper leagues.

Jason Avant WR Eagles

Last Week: 79 yards

Avant and Foles look to be clicking, combining for four catches and 79 yards in Sunday’s loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Avant did have his best game of the year and always competes at a high level when he is playing.   Foles keeps getting better with more experience, and with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’worst secondary in the league, Avant should have a productive day at the office.

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Knowshown Moreno RB Broncos, last week: 85 rushing yards

Moreno looked like a former first round pick last week at Arrow Stadium, running the ball 20 times for 85 yards while adding four receptions for 26 yards. Although the Broncos face the best rush defense in the league this week, Tampa Bay also ranks 32nd in the league defending the pass, which will make for an interesting matchup with Peyton Manning at quarterback.  The Broncos offense should be able to get the play-action going early and open up plenty of opportunities for Moreno and the entire Denver offense.

Andy Dalton QB Bengals, last week: 210 passing yards, 3 TDs

Dalton has nine touchdowns in his past three games played.  Through that three-game span, the red rifle hasn’t turned the ball over once and has yet to throw an interception in over a month (since Week 9 vs Denver).  With the San Diego Chargers pass defense ranking 20th in the NFL  (243 yards up per game) and his new favorite red zone target, Mohamed Sanu  4 Td’s in last 3 games), the Bengals should have no trouble putting up points against an average Chargers defense.

Aaron Hernandez TE Patriots, last week: 36 receiving yards

Though Hernandez has had a disappointing year due to lingering injuries, this week against the Dolphins could be one where the starting tight end could have his breakout performance of the year. The last game he played in Miami last season was a memorable one, catching seven passes for 103 yards and a touchdown.  Tom Brady had 517 passing yards and four touchdowns.  No Rob Gronkowski this week only betters a good situation to begin with at the tight end position for Hernandez owners.

Steve Johnson WR Bills, last week: 106 yards receiving

Johnson hasn’t had the season most owners anticipated when originally drafting him.  Without a touchdown in four straight games, he should get right back on track vs. the Jaguars’ 28th ranked pass defense, allowing 274 yards a game through the air.  After Johnson had opened the season with a touchdown reception in each of his first three games, he’s had only one since and a single 100-yard game all year.  Look for Johnson to find the end zone for the fifth time on the year and possibly have his best game thus far.

Top Defense: Jets, Last week:  49 points allowed, TD

The Jets defensive performance last week was possibly the worst in the Rex Ryan era. The game was anything but ordinary as the Patriots scored three touchdowns in under 60 seconds, two of which came from special teams touchdowns.  However, look for them to bounce back strong when facing the Arizona Cardinals, who rank 30th in rushing and 24th in passing.

Bench

Jay Cutler QB Bears, last week:  188 passing yards, TD

Cutler has been getting all types of respect lately around the league after what we saw vs. San Francisco. Alhough his numbers have been anything but stellar for fantasy, he has led his team to a position where they can win the division.  The Seattle Seahawks secondary ranks third in the league, while the Bears are 32nd in passing offense, good for dead last.  Even with a few Seattle corners suspended, Cutler will see better days.

Titans defense, last week: 24 points allowed, turnover, 7 sacks

The Tennessee Titans rank 27^th in both pass and rush defense. The Houston Texans, meanwhile, rank fifth in rushing and 10th in passing.  All signs point to the bench for this struggling defense, which has allowed opponents score as high as 38 two times, 41, and even a 51-spot put up by the Chicago Bears back in Week 9.

BenJarvus Green-Ellis RB Bengals, last week: 129 rushing yards, TD

Green Ellis has had back to back 100-yard rushing games for the first time in his career, gaining 101 and a score vs. Chiefs and last week 129 and a touchdown vs. Raiders.  In the past 4 weeks, Green-Ellis has 3 touchdowns and 336 rushing yards.  With the Chargers ranking 6th in rush defense, allowing 87 yards per game, Green-Ellis’ streak could very well come to a close this weekend in San Diego.

Jeremy Maclin WR Eagles, last week: 55 yards receiving

After the news that DeSean Jackson was done for the year, Jeremy Maclin immediately become a sought after wide receiver.  But if you’re looking for production or consistency right away, look elsewhere.  He has only one 100-yard game all year and zero catches in Week 11.  Maclin has had a lot of hype since coming into the league and has had great games in the past, but with Nick Foles learning and getting the experience he needs in order to succeed in the league, the Eagles passing game is anything but attractive these days.  Going up against the Cowboys ninth-ranked pass defense and stud corners shouldn’t help matters as well.

RB Jacquizz Rodgers, Falcons

Last Week: 79 total yards, TD

Rodgers continues to show that he is steadily moving into the starting running back role for the Atlanta Falcons.  With a season-high 10 carries in Week 12, Rodgers managed 4.9 yards per carry average, along with two catches for 30 yards as well.  Michael Turner may be the one who gets those goal line touches every now and then with his seven total touchdowns on the year (six rushing, one receiving), but Rodgers (two total touchdowns in 2012) looks to be that big play type of back and the x-factor for the Falcons running game. Whether it’s catching a screen pass for a long gain or breaking off a big run, his development as an overall back looks to be promising and will only help with experience for the second-year player out of Oregon State.

RB Chris Ivory, Saints

Last Week: 34 rush yards

Ivory is an explosive player who is either going to score on a 56-yard touchdown run (like he did in week 10 against the Falcons) for your team, or have 16 carries for 71 yards (which was produced in his past two contests he has played in).  The Atlanta Falcons rush defense ranks 22nd in the league, giving up an average of 123 rushing yards.  With the Saints’ three-headed running attack that is Mark Ingram, Pierre Thomas and now Chris Ivory, it is always in question who will be the break out back of the game.  Evidence based upon the teams’ last meeting just a few weeks ago, history would say go with Ivory (seven carries for 72 yards and a touchdown).  Ivory it is.