We all know someone, or multiple people who have either been stricken or have passed away from this dreaded disease, and to find a cure would be one of the great accomplishments of mankind.  As I have stated before, if you are able to give to the V Foundation, that would be incredibly appreciated, and you can donate here or you can call 1-800-4-JIMMYV. Any amount is appreciated, and no donation is too small. Heck, people have emailed me and said they gave $10. However, we all know that times are tough all over and if you are truly unable, it is more than understood. Even if you are unable to give, please take a look at this schedule and watch as much of the festivities as you are able to help to remember the life of a great man who had the respect of everyone that he met. If nothing else, make sure you catch the reairing of Mr. Valvano’s ESPY speech which got this whole foundation started. In the most memorable part of his speech Jimmy V invited all of us to do three things every day; Think, laugh, and cry. If that speech doesn’t make you do all three things than you need to have your head examined. It is one of the more powerful and entertaining speeches I have ever heard, and it is the reason that I wanted to be involved with this organization, even if it is on a small level. So, join with the V Foundation and ESPN and celebrate the life of Jim Valvano, and if you can, help to beat this horrible disease.

Jimmy V Week Returns Dec. 3-9 Following More Than $700,000 Raised in Inaugural Event

Week-Long Initiative to Raise Awareness for Cancer Research Features Special Content Across Multiple ESPN Platforms Including Simultaneous Launch, Special Vignettes, ESPN.com Chats and Men’s and Women’s Jimmy V Basketball Classics

The second annual Jimmy V Week – a week-long initiative featuring special content across ESPN platforms and programs to drive awareness of and donations to The V Foundation for Cancer Research — will begin Wednesday, Dec. 3 and conclude Tuesday, Dec. 9. The inaugural Jimmy V Week raised more than $700,000 in net proceeds for cancer research.

Jimmy V Week will launch Wednesday, Dec. 3 at 7 p.m. ET with a special Jimmy V Week introduction featuring Jim Valvano’s now-famous ESPYs speech simultaneously aired on numerous ESPN media outlets at 7 p.m. ESPN2 will televise the Jimmy V’s Team: Don’t Give Up… Don’t Ever Give Up!® program featuring coverage of 2008 V Foundation fundraising events leading up to the launch at 6:30 p.m. The week will conclude with the Jimmy V Women’s Basketball Classic (Georgia at Rutgers) on ESPN2 at 7 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 8 and the Men’s Jimmy V Basketball Classic doubleheader on Tuesday, Dec. 9 at 7 p.m. (Davidson vs. West Virginia) and 9 p.m. (Texas vs. Villanova) on ESPN.

“Jimmy V Week is a shining example of sports and teamwork whose results go beyond any game. I’m proud of our employees and fans joining together for this great cause,” said George Bodenheimer, President, ESPN, Inc. and ABC Sports.

As part of a Team ESPN initiative, employees companywide have volunteered for several months to develop Jimmy V Week content and implement the strategy.

To highlight the initiative to drive donations and awareness for cancer research, Jimmy V Week content will be incorporated into studio programs and event telecasts, including SportsCenter, college basketball (men’s and women’s), football, soccer and hockey, NBA, PBA and more. The week will also include content on ESPN.com, ESPN360.com, ESPNEWS, ESPNU, ESPN Classic and ESPN Mobile; special vignettes; and specific Jimmy V Week on-air graphics. Highlights include:
• A special open aired simultaneously across multiple entities;
• Special elements during game and studio programming across multiple ESPN entities;
• Multiple chat sessions on ESPN.com;
• Special guest interviews on ESPNEWS;
• Jim Valvano-themed marathon on ESPN Classic;
• ESPN Radio’s Mike & Mike in the Morning originating from the Medical City Hospital in Dallas;
• Referees donating a portion of their one-day salary to the V Foundation’s Blow the Whistle on Cancer Campaign®.

Simultaneous Launch Across Multiple Entities
A special Jimmy V Week open will be aired across 14 ESPN media outlets and the ABC SuperSign in Times Square Wednesday, Dec. 3, at 7 p.m. with an introduction by Mike Krzyzewski, followed by a complete presentation of Jim Valvano’s speech at the 1993 ESPYs. The approximate 13-minute long open will be offered in high definition and can be seen simultaneously on ESPN, ESPN HD, ESPN2, ESPN2 HD, ESPNEWS, ESPNEWS HD, ESPN Classic, ESPNU, ESPNU HD, ESPN360.com, ESPN Mobile TV, ESPN Deportes (subtitled in Spanish) and ESPN International outlets NASN and ESPN Middle East. The ABC SuperSign version will include English subtitles.

Elements During Event and Studio Programming
Jimmy V Week elements will appear during studio and event programming across ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN Classic, ESPNU and ABC, including 21 men’s and women’s college basketball games, nine college football matchups, two NBA telecasts, three NCAA Women’s soccer contests and two college hockey games.

Content will also be aired during studio programming across ESPN entities all week, including testimonials and features on how cancer has touched the sports world and guest interviews.

Jimmy V Week will conclude Tuesday, Dec. 9, with the Jimmy V Men’s Basketball Classic doubleheader from Madison Square Garden at 7 p.m. (Davidson vs. West Virginia) and 9 p.m. Texas vs. Villanova), a night after the Jimmy V Women’s Basketball Classic from Rutgers University at 7 p.m. (Georgia vs. Rutgers on ESPN2).

Jimmy V’s Team: Don’t Give Up… Don’t Ever Give Up!
Jimmy V’s Team: Don’t Give Up… Don’t Ever Give Up! will feature a compilation of footage from several ESPN supported V Foundation summer fundraising events, including ESPY Celebrity Golf Classic, the Don’t Give Up ESPYs V Foundation Radio Auction, The V Foundation Wine Celebration and The Jimmy V Celebrity Golf Classic which raised millions of dollars for cancer research and created new awareness for The V Foundation through the generous participation of athletes, celebrities, ESPN commentators and private donors.

In addition to the debut airing on ESPN2 (Dec. 3 at 6:30 p.m.) and on ESPN Classic Monday, Dec. 8, at 1:30 p.m., the program will be available on ESPN.com throughout Jimmy V Week.

Special ESPN.com Content, Highlighted by Multiple Chats
ESPN.com will have special Jimmy V Week content highlighted by multiple chat sessions with celebrities and ESPN personalities throughout the week including N.C. State women’s basketball coach Kay Yow who is fighting cancer, Drexel women’s basketball player and 2008 V Foundation Comeback Player of the Year recipient Nicole Hester who returned to the court this year after a battle with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and more (additional people and times TBD).

Additional content includes an article by Dick Vitale on the importance of The V Foundation and his memories of Jim Valvano; Jim Valvano’s 1993 ESPYS speech; feature stories on cancer survivors Paul Azinger, former NBA player Wayman Tisdale and Mark Barr, a swimmer with Cal Poly San Luis Obispo; and links to a calendar of events and to www.jimmyv.org for more information on The V Foundation and how to donate. Details include:

ESPNEWS
Throughout the week, ESPNEWS will offer features on how cancer has touched the sports world and have interviews with guests who have a personal connection to cancer. Guests are to be determined.

ESPN Radio’s Mike & Mike in the Morning
ESPN Radio’s Mike & Mike in the Morning, weekdays from 6 to 10 a.m., will be aired from the atrium of the Medical City Hospital in Dallas Tuesday, Dec. 2. The broadcast is a result of the opportunity for listeners to bid on the show originating from their home during the fourth annual “Don’t Give Up ESPYs V Foundation Auction” held July 6-16.

Never Give Up Marathon on ESPN Classic
ESPN Classic will offer two Never Give Up marathons featuring classic college basketball games with “never give up” themes leading up to the Jimmy V Women’s Basketball Classic December 8 beginning at 1:30 p.m. and the Jimmy V Men’s Basketball Classic December 9 beginning at 1 p.m. The schedule:

Date Time Show
Mon., Dec. 8 1:30 p.m. Jimmy V’s Team: Don’t Give Up… Don’t Ever Give Up!
2 p.m. 1966 Nat Championship: Kentucky vs. Texas Western
3 p.m. 1983 NCAA Tournament - West Regional: Pepperdine vs. NC State
5 p.m. 1985 National Championship: Villanova vs. Georgetown Tue., Dec. 9 1 p.m. 2006 NCAA Regional: George Mason vs. Connecticut
2 p.m. ESPN Classic Remembers: NC State Upsets Houston
2:30 p.m. 1983 National Championship: NC State vs. Houston

Jimmy V Week Message on BottomLine
The following Jimmy V Week message will be included across each of the ESPN networks’ BottomLines for live event programming: Jimmy V Week - Join ESPN and The V Foundation in the fight against cancer. Call (800) 4-JIMMY-V or visit jimmyv.org.

Blow the Whistle on Cancer!®
In coordination with Jimmy V Week, all NFL and NBA game officials are participating in The V Foundation’s Blow the Whistle on Cancer! ® campaign by donating a portion of their salary from the week’s games to The V Foundation. This will be the seventh year of participation for the NFL to Blow the Whistle on Cancer! ® and the NBA’s fourth season – both leagues have had 100% participation from their officials every year of the campaign.

All three game officials from the Jimmy V Women’s Basketball Classic will also participate in Blow the Whistle on Cancer! ® and donate a portion of their game salary to The V Foundation.

The V Foundation
The V Foundation for Cancer Research was founded in 1993 by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano, legendary North Carolina State basketball coach and ESPN commentator. Since 1993, the Foundation has raised more than $80 million to fund cancer research grants nationwide. It awards 100 percent of all direct cash donations and net proceeds of events directly to cancer research and related programs. The Foundation, which has received six consecutive 4-star ratings (highest possible) from Charity Navigator, awards grants through a competitive awards process strictly supervised by a Scientific Review Committee. For more information on The V Foundation or to make a donation, please visit http://www.jimmyv.org

Quarterbacks

Start:  Matt Cassel, New England Patriots at Seattle Seahawks. After two straight 400 yard games Cassel was unable to do anything against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 13.  Of course, most quarterbacks have also struggled against Pitt.  But Cassel has had some big games against some average defenses and the Seahawks are far from average.  The Seahawks are fantasy gold for all quarterbacks as shown by Tony Romo on Thanksgiving and Kurt Warner two weeks before.  Hell, even Jason Campbell threw a touchdown against the Seahawks and he only has four in the last seven weeks.  Cassel should be able to tear up the ‘Hawks and throw for at least 250 yards and two scores.

Start:  Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers vs. Houston Texans. Rodgers has seven touchdowns in the last three games and he goes against a Texans’ secondary that has allowed 18 passing touchdowns this season.  Rodgers is one of my favorite quarterbacks of 2008 for the way that he handled the impossible situation handed him by Brett Favre, and he will have another big game this week against Houston.

Sit:  Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Dallas Cowboys. Where have the Steelers had the most trouble this season?  Against teams that are great at putting pressure on the quarterback.  They lost to the Eagles and Giants who are third in fourth in the NFL at sacking the quaterback.  This week they face Dallas who has the second most sacks in the NFL.  Stud pass rusher DeMarcus Ware should be able to play this week, which spells trouble for Big Ben.  Don’t expect a great statistical game, and the Steelers have been playing so many quality teams that I wouldn’t be surprised if they laid an egg here.

Sit:  Donovan McNabb, Philadelphia Eagles at New York Giants. I know I wrote about McNabb earlier, but I just don’t see him as “back.”  He was a hair away from being benched for the season and most likely run out of town before that game against the Cardinals.  Now we can’t just forget about that game, but there are two things to consider about it.  First, Brian Westbrook owned that game.  He was crushing the Cards and opened everything else up for Donovan and the receivers.  And second, no one has allowed more touchdown passes than Arizona.  Their 26 is far above the next closest, which is San Diego at 21 TD passes.  The Giants are one of the best defenses and should do a good job against Westbrook as they are among the best against the pass as well.  Look for no more than 200 yards and only one TD for McNabb this week.

Running Backs

Start:  Michael Turner, Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints. There haven’t been too many bad games on the game log for Turner this season, and I don’t see a letdown as the Falcons look to keep themselves in the race for the NFC South.  The first time that these two teams faced each other Turner ran for 96 yards and a touchdown.  After scoring seven touchdowns in three games, Turner didn’t have a score last week but don’t expect that trend to continue.  Look for Turner to break the 100 yard plateau and score a minimum of one time.

Start:  Peyton Hillis, Denver Broncos vs. Kansas City Chiefs. The biggest surprise at the running back position this season?  It would be hard to argue against Peyton Hillis.  In college he was the fullback behind Darren McFadden and Felix Jones at Arkansas and now he is outperforming both guys in the pros.  In the last three weeks, Hillis has run for over 250 yards and scored four times.  The putrid Chiefs run defense has been overtaken by the even worse Lions run defense for the worst in the league, but they are still horrible.  Look for Hillis to break 100 yards again and score at least once.

Start:  Kevin Smith, Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings. This is more for news than me actually thinking that Smith will have a good game.  It came down today that the six players in the doping scandal were all suspended.  Among those players are the anchors to the Vikings’ stellar run defense, Pat and Kevin Williams.  Without those two guys in there for the rest of the season, Minnesota should really struggle to stop the run.  All players are looking for an injunction that might keep them playing, but I wouldn’t count on it saving these guys.  For the rest of the year, the Vikings’ run defense takes a huge hit and you can now feel safe starting running backs against them.

Sit:  Frank Gore, San Francisco 49ers vs. New York Jets. The Jets are among the best run defenses in the entire league and I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised to see Gore go for 50 yards rushing or less.  Coming off a loss that should give the Jets a wakeup call, look for them to be even tougher against the run.  They just gave up over 100 yards to Peyton Hillis, so they should have extra focus at stopping the 49ers running game in Week 14.

Sit:  Ronnie Brown, Miami Dolphins at Buffalo Bills. Regardless of the Bills loss at home to the Niners last week, Buffalo is still a team to play for road teams, even if the game is across the border in Canada.  The Bills held Frank Gore in check last week, and you can expect them to do the same to Brown in Week 14.   Brown has had a great season aided by the new Wildcat formation, but this is a really tough divisional game and he does still split some carries with Ricky Williams.  I don’t see Brown scoring this Sunday, and he might not even top 75 yards on the ground.

Wide Receivers

Start:  Reggie Wayne, Indianapolis Colts vs. Cincinnati Bengals. I know, I know Wayne owners, he has been really tough to live with this season.  Wayne was the top receiver off the board in a lot of drafts, and his inconsistency has been maddening.  But it’s the Bengals for crying out loud.  If Peyton and the boys can’t rip up the Bungles, who are they going to beat in the playoffs?  Start Wayne with supreme confidence.

Start:  Dwayne Bowe, Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos. Denver might have held the Jets’ offense in check last week, but that is about the only team that they have been able to do that to all season long.  They are sixth from last in the NFL against the pass, and Tyler Thigpen has emerged as a legitimate quarterback in this league.  He was impressive as a rookie and now he has already surpassed his yardage and touchdowns from last year.  The Broncos really struggle against the pass after all their injuries and Bowe should have at least six catches for 75 yards and a score.

Sit:  Lee Evans, Buffalo Bills vs. Miami Dolphins. Trent Edwards, J.P. Losman, it doesn’t really matter.  The Bills have been in an incontrollable tailspin since they started the season 5-1 and it hit rock bottom losing to the 49ers at home.  Evans hasn’t scored since Week 7, and with the uncertainty at the quarterback position I wouldn’t expect him to hit pay dirt this week either.  This should be a hard played division game where the first team who hits 20 points should win the game.  Evans might top 75 yards, but without a touchdown you should be able to find a better option.

Sit:  Braylon Edwards, Cleveland Browns at Tennessee Titans. First Derek Anderson was wildly inconsistent, then Brady Quinn hurt his finger.  Now Anderson is hurt and will miss the rest of the season.  Who is the next QB in Cleveland?   Sadly, it will be Ken Dorsey behind center for the Browns in Week 14.  Between Edwards’ inability to hold on to the ball and Dorsey’s lack of talent equals a rough end of the season for Braylon.

Tight End

Start:  Dustin Keller, New York Jets vs. San Francisco 49ers. Keller is now officially the favorite target of Brett Favre.  He has six catches in four straight weeks, and he should continue that streak this week against a susceptible Niners defense.  The Jets will have plenty of motivation to bounce back from that tough loss to Denver last week, and you can expect Keller to be a big part of the game plan.  He will continue his streak by having at least six catches for at least 90 yards and almost definitely a touchdown.

Sit:  John Carlson, Seattle Seahawks vs. New England Patriots. Seriously, he is the leading receiver from Seattle this season, and has been even more of a factor when Matt Hasselbeck has been the quarterback.  In Week 13, Carlson even broke the 100 yard threshold.  Even though Hasselbeck is back the ‘Hawks still suck and the pass game is still struggling.  Without any other real option to guard against, look for the Pats to try to take Carlson out of the game and you can expect about three catches for 40 yards from Seattle’s tight end.

As always, your comments and questions (adds/drops, lineup advice, etc.) are welcome at fightingchancefantasy@gmail.com.

Three of the last four games for Philadelphia are against the other teams in their division as they travel to New York and Washington, and have a game against Dallas at home.  In the earlier contests against his divisional rivals, McNabb did not do much to impress.  In those three games, McNabb had just four total touchdowns and averaged throwing for just 227 yards.  He has also struggled on the road, with seven touchdowns and eight interceptions in six games.

Philadelphia’s other game is against the Cleveland Browns who you would think he could be successful against.  However, the Browns’ pass defense has been better than you might think.  They are ranked 20th as far as pass yardage allowed is concerned, but they have only allowed 14 touchdowns through the air in 12 games.  McNabb has also struggled against other AFC opponents, as he threw just two touchdowns against six interceptions in three games.

Unless you really don’t have an acceptable second option, keep Donovan McNabb on your bench down the stretch.  His time in Philadelphia is about over, and his fantasy relevance this season is as well.

Standings through 12 weeks:

Kid: Week 12: 5-8-2; Season: 74-75-7
Cane: Week 12: 6-7-2; Season: 74-75-7
Old Timer: 3-10-2; Season: 65-84-7

NEW YORK JETS -9 vs. Denver Broncos
The Kid says: Broncos.  There has got to be a slip up here somewhere for the Jets, they aren’t going to win their last ten or eleven games.  Depending on the weather in New York today, Jay Cutler could throw the Broncos to victory, or at least to cover the number.
The Cane says: Jets.
The Old Timer says: Jets All Day Long

BUFFALO BILLS -6.5 vs San Francisco 49ers
The Kid says: Bills.  I’m done picking my Niners, they just do nothing but disappoint me.  Did Buffalo get back on track after hanging 54 points on the Chiefs last week?  Not sure, but they are a good home team, it is a long trip East for SF and I think Buff wins by at least a touchdown.
The Cane says: Niners.
The Old Timer says: Bills Can’t Beat Good Or Mediocre Teams, But The Crush The Bums

TAMPA BAY BUCS -3.5 vs. New Orleans Saints
The Kid says: Bucs.  With or without Reggie Bush the Tampa defense should be too much for the Saints to overcome.  I just don’t see Brees throwing for 350 and three scores against the Bucs.  The Saints need this one bad to keep their faint playoff hopes alive, but I would be surprised to see them pull this one off on the road.
The Cane says: Saints.
The Old Timer says: Bucs.  Saints Are 1 Good 1 Bad. They Had There 1 Good Last Time

GREEN BAY PACKERS -3 vs. Carolina Panthers
The Kid says: Packers.  They are a good team at home and I like what Aaron Rodgers is doing this year.  It will be tough to beat a good Carolina team, but I’ll take the Pack
The Cane says: Panthers.
The Old Timer says: Carolina.  Rodgers is really struggling.

New York Giants -3.5 at WASHINGTON REDSKINS
The Kid says: Giants.   This whole thing with Burress smells funny to me.  I don’t know what the team is going to do with this guy but I think they should have seen enough.  They have enough depth at receiver to still win games, and you should see that on display today.  Give me the G-Men.
The Cane says: ‘Skins.
The Old Timer says: Washington.  Always a tight game.

Miami Dolphins -9 at ST. LOUIS RAMS
The Kid says: Dolphins.  All year long we’ve been trying to explain away that the ‘Fins aren’t that good.  Well, it’s Week 13 now and they are still rolling.  I’ll give the nine over the hapless Rams.
The Cane says: Rams.
The Old Timer says: Rams.  Miami is better, but not that much better.

Baltimore Ravens -6.5 at CINCINNATI BENGALS
The Kid says: Ravens.  I’ve been on their bandwagon for a number of weeks now and this one seems like a no brainer even though they are a touchdown favorite on the road.  I think it’s obvious that the Bungles have packed it in for the year, and Marvin Lewis better work on updating that resume for Monster.com.
The Cane says: Bengals.
The Old Timer says: Cincy.

Indianapolis Colts -4.5 at CLEVELAND BROWNS
The Kid says: Colts.  This is one of those games where it almost seems too good to be true, but I’ll definitely give 4.5 with Indy who seems to have finally found somewhat of a roll.
The Cane says: Brownies.
The Old Timer says: Colts.

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS -5.5 vs. Atlanta Falcons
The Kid says: Chargers.  Not sure why I am taking the team who is basically out of the playoff hunt against a team that really needs the win, but this is a gut feeling for me.
The Cane says: Falcons.
The Old Timer says: Chargers.  Tomlinson goes wild.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS -1 vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Kid says: Pats.  Until I see someone take them out, I’ll keep taking the Pats.  Matt Cassel is officially on a roll, and hey kid, how would you like to move to San Francisco next year?
The Cane says: Steel City.
The Old Timer says: New England.  Belicheck outsmarts the Steelers.

OAKLAND RAIDERS -3 vs. Kansas City Chiefs
The Kid says: Chiefs.  I don’t care what the Raiders did to Denver last week, I’ll never give points with them.  The Chiefs still have a pulse, while the Raiders flatlined five years ago and have never recovered.
The Cane says: Raiders.
The Old Timer says: Oakland.  Two turtles racing to the finish line

MINNESOTA VIKINGS -3.5 vs. Chicago Bears
The Kid says: Vikings.  In these tough NFC North battles, I usually take the home team.  Sorry there isn’t more analysis on this one, but that was the sole factor I used to pick this one.
The Cane says: Da Bears.
The Old Timer says: Minny.

HOUSTON TEXANS -3.5 vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Kid says: Jacksonville.   I just don’t see the Texans as a legitimate threat against decent teams.  Now, I’m far from saying that Jacksonville is good, but I think they can do enough to win this one.
The Cane says: Houston.
The Old Timer says: Jags.  Texans Not Good Enough To Be Giving

Start regardless of matchups (including teams on bye): Tennessee Titans, Chicago Bears, Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles, Baltimore Ravens, New York Jets, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Carolina Panthers.

Two Matchups To Target

Miami Dolphins (vs. St. Louis Rams).  The Dolphins defense hasn’t been great at any one area this season.  Their run defense has been pretty good and they get decent pressure on the quarterback with 28 sacks.  They get a decent number of turnovers with 17 in 11 games, but they are far from exceptional.  The reason they are a good play this week is they are going against the lowest scoring team in the NFL in the Rams who score just over 13 points a game.  The Rams have given up 22 giveaways, and have also allowed 37 sacks of the QB this season.  So, the Dolphins defense might not be great, but the Rams offense is so bad that it makes a slightly better than average defense look like a great play for Week 13.

Indianapolis Colts (vs. Cleveland Browns).  The Browns are forced to go back to Derek Anderson at quarterback after the injury to Brady Quinn.  The Colts are nothing special in the facets of the game that effect a fantasy defense scoring points.  They have sacked the quarterback only 16 times through 11 games and have only forced 17 turnovers.  They do give up just over 22 points a game which also puts them about middle of the road in points allowed as a defense,

Two Matchups To Avoid

Denver Broncos (vs. New York Jets).   This one is pretty easy to figure out.  The Jets are the second highest scoring team in the NFL, Brett Favre isn’t making any mistakes anymore, and they just play a ball control offense that doesn’t turn the ball over.  In the last month New York has been excellent at 12 play, eight minute drives that just keep the opposing defenses on the field forever.  Denver just allowed 31 points to Oakland last week, so this one doesn’t look good.  The Broncos are fifth worst in the league allowing nearly 28 points a game and they are a hideous -12 in turnover ratio.  They have sacked the QB only 20 times this year as well, putting them in the bottom half of the league.  Add all of this together and it looks like the Broncos are not a team you want on your fantasy lineup this week.  Of course the way this season is going with all of these factors working against them, the Broncos will probably go out and pitch a shutout.

Atlanta Falcons (vs. San Diego Chargers).  Even though the Chargers are perhaps the biggest disappointment in the NFL this year, they still know how to score points.  San Diego is still in the top ten in scoring at nearly 25 points a game, and the Falcons defense just isn’t that great.  Shockingly, the Bolts aren’t out of their division race yet, so they still have plenty to play for.  If it isn’t John Abraham getting the the quarterback there isn’t much pressure being applied as Abraham has 12 of the team’s 21 sacks.  Atlanta doesn’t force many more turnovers than Denver with just 13 on the year through 11 games, so with few sacks and fewer turnovers Atlanta doesn’t offer much in fantasy this week.

As always, your comments and questions (adds/drops, lineup advice, etc.) are welcome at fightingchancefantasy@gmail.com.  I guarantee a response within 18 hours.

On the side of the Jets, few players in fantasy have had as much of a 180 as Brett Favre. In the first six weeks of the season, Favre was (1) trying to get on the same page and learn a new offense, and (2) was trying to be the old gunslinging Brett Favre going deep down the field and taking stupid chances. In the last three games Favre seems to have bought into the game plan and has five touchdowns to just one interceptions. Not only that but he has completed at least 73 percent of his passes over that time. In just a month he went from too risky to play, to a must start unless you have a elite quarterback option. The biggest surprise in fantasy this season, in my opinion, has been Thomas Jones. Jones already has more touchdowns through Week 13 than he had in the last two season combined. Given the improvement of the offensive line, Jones has become a must start, and has even had great games against quality run defenses. Rookie tight end Dustin Keller has 20 catches over the last three games and has quickly become one of Brett Favre’s favorite targets. Keller has become a quality option at tight end in his rookie season, and if you are just recycling tight ends by matchups, Keller is someone you can count on for a weekly basis. The Jets’ two main receivers Jerricho Cotchery and Laverneous Coles both have very similar statistics, but they both have been inconsistent this season. They will have seven catch, 100 yard games followed by one catch, 11 yard games. It is impossible to guess which one will have a good game, but they are both safe starts.

Denver will really have a hard time running the ball. Not only are they facing a top five defense, but running back Peyton Hillis is about 14th on the depth chart isn’t he? Your only real chance of getting points out of Hillis is to hope that a receiver gets tackled at the one or two on a long reception and Denver tries to punch it in. I don’t see him even breaking the 50 yard plateau. Although Jay Cutler has been struggling some of late, I still have not lost faith in him. As good as the Jets’ run defense is, their passing defense is that bad. They allow nearly 250 yards a game and have allowed 15 passing touchdowns. Look for Cutler to approach 300 yards and two TDs. Who will get those TDs? I can’t help but think that one of them definitely goes to Brandon Marshall. The guy is a physical beast and one of the top five to seven receivers in the NFL. I’d like to see the second go to Eddie Royal. The rookie has had the best impact of any rookie receiver and he has the chance to run past the Jets secondary. Brandon Stokely or Tony Scheffler are other receiving options, but I would want to trust either one of them at this point.

As always your comments and questions (adds/drops, lineup advice, etc.) are welcome at fightingchancefantasy@gmail.com. I guarantee a response within 18 hours.

As always, your comments and questions (adds/drops, lineup advice, etc.) are welcome at fightingchancefantasy@gmail.com. I guarantee a response within 18 hours.

Quarterbacks

Start:  Brett Favre, New York Jets vs. Denver Broncos. The Jets are the second highest scoring team in the NFL, and the way they are playing and lighting up the scoreboard how can you sit any of their players?  He might not be playing the risk taking, long pass game that made him an icon in Green Bay, but this conservative, short pass system that they play in New York has been suiting Favre just fine. He has completed over 70 percent of his passes for three straight weeks and has five TD passes over that span.  The Broncos defense just made the Raiders look good, so Favre should be able to pick them apart.

Start:  Chad Pennington, Miami Dolphins vs. St. Louis Rams. The man that Favre replaced in New York is having a pretty damn impressive season in his new home in Miami.  Pennington is coming off of one of the best games of his career against the Patriots last week, and now he gets a very favorable matchup against the Rams.  He is never among the leaders in yards or touchdowns, but as a play this week as you head into the playoffs you can do far worse.

Sit:  Jake Delhomme, Carolina Panthers vs. Green Bay Packers. His yardage total was far better in Week 12 than it had been the two weeks before that, but Delhomme is just not putting up the touchdown numbers needed to be a solid fantasy quarterback.  In Week 13 he has a matchup against the Packers, who outside of last Monday night has been one of the best pass defenses in the league.  I have found from watching this game that if a team gets embarrassed one week they seem to come back the next week excelling at that facet of the game.  Well, Green Bay got embarrassed on Monday night by Drew Brees and the Saints, lookfor the pass defense to be awesome this week.

Sit:  Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers vs. New England Patriots. This has not been the kind of season that Big Ben envisioned when the season started.  He has been beaten to death and has a myriad of nagging injuries, some more serious than others.  His offensive line has really struggled and Roethlisberger has paid the price.  The Steelers will face that Pats who have gotten torched by the Jets and Dolphins in back to back weeks through the air, but I don’t think that will happen a third time.  Even with giving up over 700 yards in the last two games, the Pats still only average allowing just over 210 yards a game.  Big Ben has one touchdown pass in the last four games and shouldn’t be trusted in Week 13.

Running Backs

Start:  Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans vs. Detroit Lions. It seems that the juggernaut that was the Titans ground game has struggled some over the past couple of weeks.  Johnson hasn’t scored in three weeks and his best game over that span is 64 yards.  However, LenDale White made some pretty stupid comments after last week’s game that has a chance of having an effect on his playing time, plus the Titans get the Lions on Thanksgiving and what better remedy for a struggling offense?  Look for Johnson to go for over 100 yards and score a touchdown.

Start:  Warrick Dunn, Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. New Orleans Saints. Now that he is the every down back in Tampa, Dunn could be a great find for fantasy owners down the stretch.  Dunn has never been a prolific scorer, but should get you a good amount of yards and even catch three or four passes out of the backfield.  The Saints are a better defense than the Lions team that he just ran for 90 yards against.  Dunn should be a good play in Week 13 against New Orleans.

Sit:  Ryan Grant, Green Bay Packers vs. Carolina Panthers. Grant has had an incredibly up and down season.  For the first four or five weeks he couldn’t find a running lane to save his life.  The next four or five he looked like back that we saw at the end of last season.  He did ok on Monday night, but the Packers fell so far behind in the second half that they had to abandon the run.  His opponent is the Carolina Panthers who before last week was one of the best against the run.  Well, that was before MIchael Turner got a hold of them.  Expect the Panthers to go back to their dominating self and keep Grant under wraps.

Sit:  Tim Hightower, Arizona Cardinals vs. Philadelphia Eagles. After an jmpressive first game as a starter, Hightower struggled mightily since.  He may have scored twice against the Giants, but Hightower hasn’t ran for more than 35 yards since that first game as a starter and now J.J. Arrington is really starting to contribute to the offense.  I wouldn’t be surprised if there was a real share in carries between the two in the upcoming weeks.  Put that all together witht eh fact that the Eagles defense is really good against the run, and Tim Hightower isn’t a good play this week.

Wide Receivers

Start:  Randy Moss, New England Patriots vs. Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers defense may be good, but the way the Pats are playing you have to keep Moss in your lineup.  It is obvious that Matt Cassel is now a quarterback that you can count on, and Moss’ numbers should continue to be impressive.  The offense doesn’t include a bunch of long bombs to Moss, but he is dangerous when he gets the ball in his hands in space, and he is fully capable of taking seven yard slant all the way to the house.

Start:  Roddy White, Atlanta Falcons vs.  San Diego Chargers. San Diego is the worst defense against the pass by yardage, and has allowed the second most touchdowns through the air in the league.  Quarterback Matt Ryan has had one of the best seasons for a rookie quarterback in recent memory and his relationship with Roddy White is obviously solid.  White is definitely the number one receiver in Atlanta and should have another great game against the Chargers in Week 13.

Sit:  Braylon Edwards, Cleveland Browns vs. Indianapolis Colts. After a nightmare begin to the season, Edwards had been mostly better over the last six weeks or so.  Considering the year he had in 2007, Edwards has been a major disappointment.  The quarterback during the beginning of the season for Cleveland, Derek Anderson will be back under center this week with the news that Brady Quinn will miss the rest of the season with that broken finger.  Also, no team  has allowed fewer passing touchdowns than the Indianapolis Colts with only four in eleven games.  This is not a good week to have Braylon in your lineup.

Sit:  DeSean Jackson, Philadelphia Eagles vs. Arizona Cardinals. It has been a tough two weeks for Donovan McNabb and the Philly offense.  They both have been stagnant and ineffective.  Until they get Brian Westbrook healthy and consistent play from the quarterback, it doesn’t make sense to start any Eagles’ offensive player.  It is obvious that Westbrook is the straw that stirs the drink in Philly and without him the offense plays like hot garbage (thanks to Scott Van Pelt).  Keep ‘em on the bench.

Tight End

Start:  Jason Witten, Dallas Cowboys vs. Seattle Seahawks. Now that Tony Romo is back, it is looking like the Cowboys will go back to the solid offensive team that they were in the beginning of the season.  If you look at the beginning of the season, Witten was off to an amazing start before Romo’s injury and the many that have plagued him all season long.  Witten had 35 catches over the first five weeks and was on his way to another Pro Bowl season.  Now that the team is back intact and they are relatively healthy, look for Witten to get back on track.  Witten’s owners something to be thankful for on Thursday, because the Cowboys are playing the Seahawks who might be the worst pass defense in the league.

Sit:  Owen Daniels, Houston Texans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars. Since his 11 catch game in Week 9 against Minnesota, Daniels hasn’t had more than three catches or 28 yards.  I don’t think he will be that bad against this week against the Jags, but the Texans offense has been sputtering lately.  Although Sage Rosenfels is a pretty competent backup, the offense just doesn’t run the same without Matt Schaub behind center.

As always, your comments and questions (adds/drops, lineup advice, etc.) are welcome at fightingchancefantasy@gmail.com.  I guarantee a response within 18 hours.

Ok, we are heading into the last six weeks of the season and our competition here is really starting to heat up.  In Week 11 we finally had our first week where all three players were over the .500 mark.  The Kid was the best of the bunch last week with a 9-6 record and took over sole possession of first place (which will most likely only last a week).  The Hurricane and the Old Timer were both 8-7.  The O.T. needs to start making up some ground here as we pass the 2/3 point, but in the email he sent me with his picks he had a good point as to why we are doing so bad.  The 2008 season is one in which the Tennessee Titans are undefeated, the San Diego Chargers went from the AFC Championship to two games under .500, the Dolphins went from 1-15 to 6-4, and the Arizona Cardinals look to win their first divisional title since 1893.  As always these picks are for recreational purposes only, and after the standings are the picks that you can take to the bank (figuratively speaking of course).

The Kid:  69-67-5
The ‘Cane:  68-66-5
The O.T.:  62-74-5

CLEVELAND BROWNS -3 vs. Houston Texans
The Kid says: Texans.  Houston has had some tough games against some good defensive teams.  Cleveland is not a good defensive team.  With the injury to Brady Quinn, don’t expect a ton out of Cleveland this week, and look for Slaton to run wild and Rosenfels to have a quality start.
The Old Timer says: Houston + 3 Against Disappointing Cleveland
The Hurricane says: Houston.  Newbee Quinn starts with an njured finger. Hot and cold Browns too inconsistent to give points.

Buffalo Bills -3 at KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
The Kid says: Chiefs.  Buffalo is in a free fall and the Chiefs have been showing consistent signs of improvement.  In this game I will take the team on the come.
The Old Timer says: K.C. + 3 At Home Is A Good Bet Vs. Buffalo
The Hurricane says: KC.  Bullies are in a downward spiral and KC has played a lot of close games. Thigpen and co. worth taking a shot with at home.

TENNESSEE TITANS -5 vs. New York Jets
The Kid says: Titans.  I’ve picked them for 11 weeks, why stop now?  I’m really hoping the Jets get knocked off since I live in NY and am so sick of hearing about their big win over the Patriots and how they are going to win the division and get home field.  Isn’t this Week 12?  Long way to go Jets’ fans!The Old Timer says: JETS + 5 Against Titans (Upset City?)
The Hurricane says: Tennessee.  Not buying into Gang Green. Tennessee defense with make Favre wish he took that retirement package offered by the Pack.

MIAMI DOLPHINS -1 vs. New England Patriots
The Kid says: Patriots.  I just don’t see the Patriots losing two in a row, losing to two divisional opponents in a row, or losing twice in a season to the Dolphins.  The Wildcat ran wild on the Patriots the first time around, but I just don’t see it happening twice.
The Old Timer says: MIAMI -1 Against The Pats (When Was The Last Time The Fish Were Favored Over N.E.)
The Hurricane says: Pats.  Miami has shown amazing improvement, but Cassel is coming into his own right in front of our eyes and the Pats, although incredibly banged up, are still the Pats.

DALLAS COWBOYS -10 vs. San Francisco 49ers
The Kid says: Niners.  No way they win the game, but since they installed Shaun Hill at quarterback there has at least been some stability.  The Cowboys are still working their way back to where they were, so I think ten is a little too much.
The Old Timer says: 49ers + 10 Dallas Still Doesn’t Have It Right
The Hurricane says: Dallas.  Cowboys offense has to start clicking if they are going to do anything in the playoffs. No better time than against SF.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers -9 at DETROIT LIONS
The Kid says: Lions.  I know the Lions haven’t won a game yet this year, but they have been getting a little closer and the Buccaneers aren’t exactly a prolific offense.  We are most likely looking at 0-11, but I think nine is a little too much.
The Old Timer says: LIONS + 9
The Hurricane says: Detroit.  As horrible as they are, nine points is a lot to give a team at home.

BALTIMORE RAVENS -1 vs. Philadelphia Eagles
The Kid says: Ravens.  With the turmoil going on in Philly right now, I think that they need to have 100% focus to beat the Ravens.  I don’t see them having that focus and I think Baltimore is going to smack McNabb in the mouth.  Brian Westbrook is also not 100% and might not even play.
The Old Timer says: EAGLES + 1
The Hurricane says: Philly.  The Giants exposed some huge problems with the Ravens. The Eagles are a poor man’s Giants and should be able to hang with Baltimore as well.

Chicago Bears -9 at ST. LOUIS RAMS
The Kid says: Rams.  I know the Rams are bad, but who the hell are the Bears to give nine points to anyone?  Even without Stephen Jackson the Rams should be able to put up enough points to keep in closer than nine.
The Old Timer says: ST LOUIS +9
The Hurricane says: Chicago.  Bears D may not be as strong as in the past, but still impressive. With Stephen Jackson, Rams’ offense looks a pretty harmless.

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS -2 vs. Minnesota Vikings
The Kid says: Vikings.  This one was pretty much a coin flip to me.  Both teams have been incredibly inconsistent this season and very tough to call.  It came down to the Vikings having the best player in this game in Adrian Peterson and he should be the difference.
The Old Timer says: JAX - 2
The Hurricane says: Vikings.  Battered Jags are going to have to step up to stop AP. Take Peterson and the points.

ATLANTA FALCONS -1 vs. Carolina Panthers
The Kid says: Panthers.  I don’t see the Falcons being able to move the ball well against the tough Panthers defense and Jake Delhomme has got to be better than he’s been the past couple weeks.  Panthers take control of the division.
The Old Timer says: CAROLINA +1 As Atlanta Comes Back To Earth
The Hurricane says: Carolina.  Falcons have been consistent in beating weaker teams and losing to stronger ones. Carolina is a stronger one.

DENVER BRONCOS -10 vs. Oakland Raiders
The Kid says: Broncos.  The Raiders defense is horrible and Jay Cutler should be able to pick them apart.  The Broncos defense is far from special, but it isn’t like the Raiders can take advantage anyway.  Even without much of a running game the Broncos should win this game going away.
The Old Timer says: DENVER - 10 Over Oakland
The Hurricane says: Denver.  Oakland is horrible. When your team is run by a guy who looks like a homeless octogenarian the future is not bright.

Washington Redskins -3 at SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
The Kid says: ‘Skins.  Washington is desperate and the Seahawks are playing for a draft pick at this point.  I’ll take the team that needs it even if they are on the road.
The Old Timer says: SKINS - 3 Over Stinky Seahawks.  Weren’t They In The Super Bowl A Couple Of Years Ago?
The Hurricane says: Redskins.  A lot of the shine has come off the early over-hyped NFC East teams. Although the Redskins et al are not as dominant as thought, ’skins should still have no problem in this one.

New York Giants -3 at ARIZONA CARDINALS
The Kid says: Giants.  I initially typed in the Cardinals here, but I don’t think the Cardinals will be able to stop the Giants running game.  Both quarterbacks should have good days but I think it is the ground game that will decide this one.  The Giants have the better rushing attack, and their defense on the ground is among the best in football.
The Old Timer says: GIANTS - Over Arizona, 3 Look Out KURT Here Comes A Real Defense
The Hurricane says: Arizona.  Giants make a fool of me every week, but I’m against them again. Jacobs is a big question mark and the Jints are going to need all the offense they can muster against the high-scoring Cards.

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS -3 vs. Indianapolis Colts
The Kid says: Colts.  It is officially over for San Diego after this week while the Colts are just rounding into shape.  Indy needs this one to stay in the wild card race and the Chargers are basically playing spoiler at this point.  Manning should pick this horrible defense apart.
The Old Timer says: INDY + 3 San Diego Too Iffy
The Hurricane says: Colts.  Indy is quietly rounding into post-season form and may be a nice choice to be the AFC representative for the Super Bowl. Don’t fall asleep on them.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS -2 vs. Green Bay Packers
The Kid says: Packers.  The Saints defense has just been exploited too much over the past few weeks for me to pick them.  I think this will be a high scoring affair but the Packers’ pass defense is among the best in the league and I think they will have a better time stopping Brees than New Orleans will of stopping Rodgers.
The Old Timer says: Pack +2
The Hurricane says: Saints.  New Orleans has way too much firepower for the Packers who, although performing well in the first year of the post-Favre era, still have to show more consistency.

As always, your comments and questions (adds/drops, lineup advice, etc.) are welcome at fightingchancefantasy@gmail.com.  I guarantee a response within 18 hours.

Start regardless of matchups (including teams on bye): Tennessee Titans, Chicago Bears, Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles, Baltimore Ravens, New York Jets, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Carolina Panthers.

Three Matchups To Target

Denver Broncos (vs. Oakland Raiders). It seems that there is room for the team playing the Raiders in this column every week.   But when a team doesn’t score 20 points since Week 3, it pretty much makes the defense going against them a good play every week.  Denver’s defense is one of the worst in the league as they give up over 27 points per game.  They have forced the second least number of turnovers in the league, and they have just 20 sacks in 10 games.  All that being said, they are playing the Raiders.  So take these statistical shortcomings for Denver and throw them out, they should make a good play in Week 12.

Washington Redskins (vs. Seattle Seahawks). This time the Redskins actually do have one thing in their favor, they don’t give up a lot of points.  They give up the 7th fewest number of points at just over 18 points a game.  However, the rest of the fantasy point system for defenses make the Redskins look horrible.  The are among the worst at sacking the quarterback with just 15, and have only forced 11 turnovers in 10 games.  Outside of the one game against the Niners, the Seahawks also hadn’t scored moer than 20 points since Week 3.  Matt Hasselbeck is missing practice again this week which means if he plays he might be limited and if he doesn’t, well it’s back to Seneca Wallace again.  Play the Redskins if you need a defense.

Indianapolis Colts (vs. San Diego Chargers). The Chargers looked pretty pathetic against the Steelers defense.  With LaDanian Tomlinson being so inconsistent this year it has been Philip Rivers and the passing game that have been the focal point of the Chargers offense this season.  Well, that just happens to play right into the strength of the Colts defense.  Not only are they ranked among the league leaders in yards against through the air, but Indianapolis has only allowed TWO passing touchdowns all season long.  They have been good with forcing 16 turnovers this year, but have struggled putting pressure on the QB getting only 14 sacks in 10 games.  If they can keep Tomlinson in check, the Colts’ defense should have a good fantasy day.

Three Matchups To Avoid

Miami Dolphins (vs. New England Patriots). Let lay out the one reason that I would stay away from the Miami Dolphins defense this week:   Bill Belicheck is going to be pissed. He’s going to be pissed that he lost last week to the rival Jets, he’s going to be pissed that he lost his grip on first place, and he is still going to be pissed that they Dolphins embarrassed his team 38-13 weeks ago.   After playing last Thursday, one of the great football minds of our time has had ten days to prepare for this game.  Don’t you think that the Pats are going to put up some serious points this week?  Matt Cassel is coming into his own, Randy Moss has been far too quiet this year, and the running game is getting a little healthier with the return of Sammy Morris.  Miami has been a better than average defense this season and hasn’t allowed a team to score 20 points in the last four weeks.  Expect the Patriots to score at least 28 this week.

Atlanta Falcons (vs. Carolina Panthers). In the last two weeks Jake Delhomme has thrown for 72 yards against Oakland and 102 yards against the Lions.  Ugh!  Why in the world would I say to stay away from their opponents, the Falcons this week?  Jake Delhomme is obviously a better quarterback than he has shown over the past couple of weeks.  Not to mention the two headed monster of DeAngelo Williams and Johnathan Stewart really know how to move the ball.  Heck, they still scored 31 points last week with Delhomme throwing for just over 100.  The Falcons defense has been about middle of the road, but I can see more than one Delhomme-Steve Smith connections this week.  Look for Atlanta to give up at least 24 points, and for Jake Delhomme to play a mistake-free, statistically impressive game.

San Diego Chargers (vs. Indianapolis Colts). What is the best part of the Indianapolis offense?  Of course, it is Peyton Manning and the aerial attack.  What is the greatest weakness of the Chargers’ defense?  They rank last in yards through the air and have allowed nearly two passing touchdowns per game.  San Diego also allows nearly 23 points per game on average and are among the league’s worst at forcing turnovers with just 10 takeaways on the year.  What is usually the catalyst to giving up a ton of passing yards?  Failing to get pressure on the quarterback.  Put the Chargers at the bottom of that list too, only sacking the quarterback 22 times in 10 games.  The Colts scored 24 points in Pittsburgh and just hung 33 on the Texans.  I fully expect them to get over 30 again in another poor performance for the Chargers’ defense.

As always your comments and questions (adds/drops, trade advice, lineup questions, etc.) are welcome at fightingchancefantasy@gmail.com. I guarantee a response within 18 hours.