Week 16 Fantasy Chatter winner

The winner is Stephen Kashnikow from Fairfax, who emailed in his pick of Chargers QB Philip Rivers. So look for Stephen's thoughts on Week 17 in the next edition of the Fantasy Chatter, which is slated to run in Saturday's Virginian-Pilot.

That will be the last edition of the Fantasy Chatter, so I'd like to thank you all for playing and reading this season. I know the fantasy season is over for most, but if you have any questions this week, I'll be happy to try to answer them between Christmas carols and ham and apple pie. Also, any thoughts on how to improve our fantasy coverage next season would be greatly appreciated. You can post on the blog or email me at michael.connors@pilotonline.com.  

Again, thanks again for reading this season. Hope you all have a happy and healthy holiday season.

ADVISORY: Users are solely responsible for opinions they post here and for following agreed-upon rules of civility. Comments do not reflect the views of The Virginian-Pilot or its Web sites. Comments are automatically checked for inappropriate language, but readers might find some comments offensive or inaccurate. If you believe a comment violates our rules, click the "Report Violation" link below the comment.

Week 16 preview

Since the people still alive in the fantasy playoffs by Week 16 are likely in the championship game, or the semifinals at worst, they probably don't need my help in analyzing every game this week. So what I'll do instead, before heading to Chatanooga, Tenn., to watch the Richmond Spiders win the I-AA national title, is offer up a list of starts and sits. I'll leave off obvious starts like Vikings RB Adrian Peterson and Saints QB Drew Brees.

My column will still appear in Saturday's Virginian-Pilot, and the full injury report should appear in Sunday's Pilot. And I'll still run the Fantasy Chatter contest this week, so get your picks in by 1 p.m. Sunday.

Starts

- Saints RB Pierre Thomas should thrive with RB Reggie Bush done for the season. Thomas faces Detroit, which has the worst run defense in the NFL (168.7 ypg) and has allowed a league-worst 26 rushing TDs.

- Texans RB Steve Slaton has three straight 100-yard games and four in his past five games. He'll get another one against Oakland, which is 31st against the run (167.1).

- 49ers RB DeShaun Foster is a good fill-in if RB Frank Gore sits again with injury. Foster gained 101 total yards (76 rushing) last week against a tough Miami defense. He'd do better against St. Louis, which is 29th against the run (152.1).

- Bills RB Marshawn Lynch is coming off an 127-yard game against the Jets, who own one of the best run defenses in the league. On Sunday, Buffalo faces Denver, which has one of the worst run defenses (140.1).

- Jets QB Brett Favre's suffering through a rough three-game stretch in which he has 1 TD to 4 INTs and no 250-yard games. But he'll iron things out against Seattle, which is last against the pass (260.9). The Seahawks have allowed less than 200 yards passing once all season, in Week 3 against woeful St. Louis.

- Dolphins QB Chad Pennington is a decent option in deep leagues. He has 6 TDs to 1 INT the past four games, and faces Kansas City, which is 30th against the pass (242.0).

- Seahawks QB Seneca Wallace is another decent option in deep leagues. He's thrown for at least 200 yards in each of his two games since taking over for Matt Hasselbeck, and has 3 TDs to 0 INTs in that time. On Sunday, Seattle faces the Jets, who are 29th against the pass (241.7).

- Philadelphia's defense is only ninth-best in the league, allowing 19.5 ppg. But on Sunday the Eagles face Washington, which is averaging 10 ppg the past three games and has seven turnovers in that time.

- San Francisco's defense has allowed 10.3 ppg the past three games, and Sunday gets to face St. Louis, which hasn't scored more than 20 since Week 7. The 49ers had four sacks and forced three turnovers in a 35-16 win over the Rams in Week 11.

- Cleveland's defense forced five turnovers and had three sacks in a 20-12 win over Cincinnati in Week 4. Cincinnati hasn't scored more than 20 points since Week 9.

Sits

- Cowboys RB Marion Barber (toe) is a game-time decision for Saturday night's game against Baltimore. Even if he plays he's a risk. He's coming off an eight-carry, 2-yard game and faces the third-ranked run defense (78.0), which has allowed 3 rushing TDs all season. RB Tashard Choice is another good sit.

- Titans TE Bo Scaife has six total catches for 38 yards the past three games, with 0 TDs. He'll continue to struggle against Pittsburgh, which is first against the pass (163.3).

- Steelers WR Santonio Holmes has TDs in two of his past three games, but won't score against Tennessee, which is fifth against the pass (187.6) and has allowed 9 passing TDs all season.

Injury news

- Cowboys QB Tony Romo (back) says he'll play against Baltimore and has practiced all week. Still, don't expect a huge game. Baltimore is second against the pass (179.5). Don't expect WR Patrick Crayton to catch another TD like last week, either.

- Cardinals WR Anquan Boldin (shoulder) hasn't practiced the past two days, putting his status for Sunday's game at New England in doubt. If Boldin sits, which is a distinct possibility since coach Ken Whisenhunt said he'd be careful since Arizona has already clinched a playoff berth, WR Steve Breaston steps in and becomes a great fantasy start against a lousy pass defense. Cardinals RB J.J. Arrington (knee) also is questionable, but both he and RB Tim Hightower are good sits. New England has allowed 8 rushing TDs all season.

- Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson will start Sunday against Atlanta. He's played well the past two games, but is a risky fantasy play against a team playing for its playoff life.

My next post will be Tuesday, when I announce the Fantasy Chatter winner. Next week will be another abbreviated week, since most fantasy playoffs will be over, but I'll provide some advice for those who go through the bitter end.

ADVISORY: Users are solely responsible for opinions they post here and for following agreed-upon rules of civility. Comments do not reflect the views of The Virginian-Pilot or its Web sites. Comments are automatically checked for inappropriate language, but readers might find some comments offensive or inaccurate. If you believe a comment violates our rules, click the "Report Violation" link below the comment.

Finishing up Week 15

The biggest lesson one of the unfortunate competitors in one of my leagues learned was that it's never over till it's over. She was crowing about her great victory Monday afternoon, only to see the Eagles defense erase her opponents' 15-point deficit that night and beat her by less than a point. Ouch.

As for more valuable lessons:

- The Patriots-Cardinals game Sunday is going to be a shootout. Arizona has allowed 130 points the past four games, while New England has allowed 108 in that span. Start every offensive player you have in that game.

- Green Bay's defense is falling apart at the seams. The Packers have allowed 130 points the past four games, and let a miserable Jaguars offense score 20 on Sunday. Bears QB Kyle Orton is a decent start Monday night.

- Washington's offense is falling apart at the seams, with 30 total points the past three games. And coach Jim Zorn tries to out-think the game way too much, trying fancy plays when the basic stuff would work. First and goal at the 1 against the Bengals you give the ball to RB Clinton Portis. Philadelphia's defense is a good start Sunday, and all Redskins are good sits. With their season on the line, the Eagles won't give Washington a chance.

- Carolina is hot and the Giants are not, but I have a feeling that will change Sunday night. The Panthers have allowed 20 or more points in five of their six road games. So Giants QB Eli Manning, WR Amani Toomer and RB Brandon Jacobs are good starts this week.

- Indianapolis is the hottest team in the league, with 66 points the past two games. Start every Colts player Thursday except RB Joseph Addai. He's expected to return from a shoulder injury, but RB Dominic Rhodes is more valuable right now. 

- Don't be surprised if the Lions beat the Saints on Sunday. Detroit's playing hard to gain that one elusive win, and New Orleans is essentially playing out the string. Lions RB Kevin Smith and WR Calvin Johnson are good starts, and QB Dan Orlovsky is a decent fill-in against a lousy pass defense.

- Saturday night's Baltimore-Dallas game should be much like last weekend's Baltimore-Pittsburgh battle, which means low-scoring and hard-nosed. None of Baltimore's offensive players are good starts in what'll be another 13-9 affair. Cowboys RB Marion Barber isn't a good start either against a tough run defense.

On Thursday, I'll begin previewing Week 16. 

ADVISORY: Users are solely responsible for opinions they post here and for following agreed-upon rules of civility. Comments do not reflect the views of The Virginian-Pilot or its Web sites. Comments are automatically checked for inappropriate language, but readers might find some comments offensive or inaccurate. If you believe a comment violates our rules, click the "Report Violation" link below the comment.

Week 15 Fantasy Chatter winner

The winner is John Stanwix from Richmond, who emailed in his pick of Colts QB Peyton Manning for the second straight week. So look for John's thoughts on Week 16 in the next edition of the Fantasy Chatter, which is slated to run in Saturday's Virginian-Pilot.

Below are the details on how you can get in on the action this week. I'll take picks up till 1 p.m. Sunday, either by comment on any blog during the week or by emailing me at michael.connors@pilotonline.com.

Submit your pick (one per person) for the one player you think will rack up the most fantasy points. If your pick gets the most points (as compiled by Yahoo!) you will get the chance to offer a tip, and bragging rights, in the next week's Fantasy Chatter column in the Pilot. Ties will be broken by whoever sends in the pick first, so get them in early. I will note the winner in a blog Tuesday afternoons. Then all the winner needs to do is email his tip to me, with a name and city, to michael.connors@pilotonline.com.

ADVISORY: Users are solely responsible for opinions they post here and for following agreed-upon rules of civility. Comments do not reflect the views of The Virginian-Pilot or its Web sites. Comments are automatically checked for inappropriate language, but readers might find some comments offensive or inaccurate. If you believe a comment violates our rules, click the "Report Violation" link below the comment.

Finishing up Week 15

I'd be remiss if I didn't open the blog with a little college football: How 'bout those Richmond Spiders! Count on Cardinals RB Tim Hightower, a proud Richmond alum, bringing a little extra energy today (though he still isn't a good fantasy start).

With that out of my system, here are the final four game previews:

Patriots at Raiders, 4:15 p.m. Sunday: For New England, start RB Sammy Morris. He's scored in two straight games, and should be good for 60-80 yards against the NFL's 30th-ranked run defense (158.7). Oakland is ninth against the pass (193.9), making QB Matt Cassel a risky start. He'll start a few days after the death of his father and was away from the team for a day, so the gameplan installed likely didn't rely heavily on him. Still, WR Wes Welker, who has 24 catches for 284 yards the past three games, is a good No. 2 receiver. Oakland doesn't blitz, so Cassel should have no trouble hitting Welker on short routes all game. I'd also start WR Randy Moss, figuring he'll want at least 1 TD against his former team. Oakland's averaging less than 14 ppg, but New England's defense is too suspect to start. The Patriots haven't allowed less than 20 points since Week 10. For Oakland, start TE Zach Miller. He has 13 catches for 143 yards the past two games, and New England's suspect secondary is the reason it is allowing so many points. Still, sit QB JaMarcus Russell. He hasn't thrown for 200-plus yards since Week 8. Also sit RBs Justin Fargas and Darren McFadden. With McFadden healthy they're sharing carries, and New England is a respectable 15th against the run (107.8).

Steelers at Ravens, 4:15 p.m. Sunday: For both teams, start no one except the defenses. Pittsburgh is first against the run (73.0) and first against the pass (168.9). Baltimore is second against the pass (176.4) and third against the run (77.0). Pittsburgh won 23-20 in Week 4, but despite the relatevely high score, no one rushed for more than Le'Ron McClain's 63 yards and only Ravens WR Derrick Mason (eight catches for 137 yards) surpassed 61 receiving yards. And no way Pittsburgh lets Mason go that wild again. This has the makings of a 10-7 game, and I'd sit everyone before guessing which players will score.

Giants at Cowboys, 8:15 p.m. Sunday: For New York, start RB Derrick Ward. Dallas is ninth against the run (94.8) but New York rushed for 200 yards and 2 TDs against the Cowboys in Week 9, and Ward will take most of the carries today with RB Brandon Jacobs out. RB Ahmad Bradshaw will be Ward's backup, but is too risky a fantasy option. QB Eli Manning is a risky start, and I'd sit him if you have decent options. Manning threw for 3 TDs in Week 9, but only 147 yards, and he's surpassed 250 passing yards once since Week 5. Also, he's thrown 1 TD or less in three of the past four games. He seemed to struggle last week with WR Plaxico Burress out, and WR Domenik Hixon, Burress' fill-in, is questionable this week with ankle and foot injuries. Still, Manning should throw for about 200 yards, so WR Amani Toomer, the team's top option with Burress gone, is a good No. 3 fantasy receiver. For Dallas, sit RBs Marion Barber and Tashard Choice. Barber (toe) will be a game-time decision, and its best to sit iffy players in night games. If he plays, he and Choice will probably share carries against the fifth-ranked run defense (89.6). After causing trouble all week, WR Terrell Owens is a good start. Guaranteed QB Tony Romo will be looking his way, if only to avoid his wrath afterward. TE Jason Witten has been at the center of Owens' rants, and also is a good start. Owens is a self-centered baby, but he's right that Witten gets a lot of looks. Witten has 15 catches for 177 yards and 1 TD the past two games. Even if a few of those catches go to Owens today, Witten's still on pace for a good fantasy tight end game. Start Romo, but don't expect a huge game. Usually quarterbacks who are forced to look to a certain receiver struggle. Also sit all other Dallas receivers. Romo won't even give them a glance.

Browns at Eagles, 8:30 p.m. Monday: For Cleveland, start no one. Cleveland has 21 total points the past three games, and its offense is useless under QB Ken Dorsey. TE Kellen Winslow is injured and out, and Philadelphia is fighting for its playoff life. This has the makings of a 31-3 rout. For Philadelphia, start and expect big things from RB Brian Westbrook. He has 6 TDs the past two games, and should be good for about 100 yards and 2 TDs against the 28th-ranked run defense (148.5). QB Donovan McNabb has broken 200 passing yards only twice the past five games, and has thrown more than 1 TD once in that time. Still, I'd start him. Cleveland seems to have quit on this season, so McNabb should have little trouble going for 200 yards and 2 TDs. But I'd sit his receivers since Westbrook is likely to be his top target.

Peyton Manning, Brian Westbrook and Jake Delhomme are gone in the Fantasy Chatter contest. The rules are in my column in Saturday's Virginian-Pilot. I'll take entries till 1 p.m. Sunday.

My next entry will be Tuesday, to announce the Fantasy Chatter winner. Until then, good luck and enjoy the games! 

ADVISORY: Users are solely responsible for opinions they post here and for following agreed-upon rules of civility. Comments do not reflect the views of The Virginian-Pilot or its Web sites. Comments are automatically checked for inappropriate language, but readers might find some comments offensive or inaccurate. If you believe a comment violates our rules, click the "Report Violation" link below the comment.

Week 15 injury report

There are a number of key players not expected to play this weekend, which makes the fantasy playoffs all the more interesting. The only big-name player already ruled out is Giants RB Brandon Jacobs, but 49ers RB Frank Gore, Vikings QB Gus Frerotte, Bills QB Trent Edwards and Lions QB Daunte Culpepper are all expected to sit, while Colts RB Joseph Addai, Cowboys RB Marion Barber and Buccaneers QB Jeff Garcia are game-time decisions. Though the Patriots won't admit it, QB Matt Cassel is practicing and should play after a death in the family.

Even if he plays, I'd sit Barber against a tough Giants run defense. Dallas won't rely heavily on him, and would likely give plenty of carries to RB Tashard Choice. Addai is a good fantasy start if he starts since he's facing Detroit, but it looks like he'll sit, so RB Dominic Rhodes becomes a good fantasy start. Garcia probably will play, and is a decent fill-in fantasy option.

Beyond that, what the injuries mean is that Giants RB Derrick Ward is a good fantasy start. He'll start for Jacobs, and New York is a run-oriented team. Count on 80 yards and 1 TD. Lions QB Dan Orlovsky isn't worth starting, but WR Calvin Johnson remains a viable option. But all the other fill-ins should stay on the fantasy bench. 49ers RB DeShaun Foster will struggle against Miami, Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson struggles against everyone (and lowers the value of his receivers), and Bills QB J.P. Losman lowers the value of everyone around him (including RB Marshawn Lynch).

My Fantasy Chatter column appears in Saturday's Virginian-Pilot, and the full injury report will appear in Sunday's Pilot. Until then, here are four more game previews:

Redskins at Bengals, 1 p.m. Sunday: For Washington, start RB Clinton Portis. Yes, he's been hobbling for weeks and ripped into his head coach a few days ago. But Washington wins when he takes lots of carries. Look for that to happen against the league's 23rd-ranked run defense (125.8 ypg). I'd bet on 100 yards and 1 TD. Cincinnati is 22nd against the pass (222.3) but QB Jason Campbell is too risky a start. Since Week 4, he has 5 TD passes to 6 INTs. Those struggles mean all his receivers need to sit except TE Chris Cooley. Before a hiccup last week against a tough Baltimore defense, Cooley had 18 catches for 172 yards in his past three games. Sit K Shaun Suisham, who has missed a kick in four straight games. Start the Washington defense. Cincinnati has 29 total points the past four games, and has allowed 17 sacks and committed seven turnovers in that time. For that reason, start no Cincinnati players. Plain and simple, this team has quit on this season. The only decent player is WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh, and he has 1 TD since Week 5.

Packers at Jaguars, 1 p.m. Sunday: For Green Bay, start RB Ryan Grant. Jacksonville is 20th against the run (112.8) and is another team that has quit. QB Aaron Rodgers, who has four straight 220-yard games and 9 TDs in that time, is another good start, as is WR Greg Jennings, who has 18 catches for 266 yards and 2 TDs the past three games. WR Donald Driver, who has eight catches for 158 yards and 1 TD the past two games, is a decent flex option in deep leagues. So is TE Donald Lee, who has seven catches for 85 yards and 2 TDs the past two games. For Jacksonville, start only RB Maurice Jones-Drew, but expect a big game from him. Green Bay is 27th against the run (141.6) and Jones-Drew will take almost all the carries with RB Fred Taylor on injured reserve. Jacksonville's pass attack will be without WR Matt Jones and WR Jerry Porter, so Jones-Drew will be QB David Garrard's main weapon as well.

Vikings at Cardinals, 4:05 p.m. Sunday: For Minnesota, start only RB Adrian Peterson, who has 316 rushing yards and 2 TDs the past three games. Arizona has allowed a league-worst 27 passing TDs, but QB Tarvaris Jackson is too risky a play. In essentially 2.5 games this season he's thrown 2 TD passes. That means TE Visanthe Shiancoe and WR Bernard Berrian, who are tied for the team lead with 5 TD catches, are risky starts as well. If I had to start one I'd go with Shiancoe, only because Jackson is slightly comfortable throwing short. His lone TD pass last week went to Shiancoe. For Arizona, start and expect big things from QB Kurt Warner, WR Larry Fitzgerald and WR Anquan Boldin against the 20th-ranked pass defense (217.7). Warner should easily go for 300 yards and 3 TDs, so WR Steve Breaston is a decent option as well. He has 19 catches for 221 yards and 1 TD the past three games. Sit RB Tim Hightower. He hasn't cracked 40 yards since Week 9 and Minnesota is second against the run (73.4). 

Broncos at Panthers, 4:15 p.m. Sunday: For Denver, start QB Jay Cutler, WR Brandon Marshall and TE Tony Scheffler. Carolina is 14th against the pass (208.0) but has allowed 99 points the past three weeks. Cutler, who has 643 passing yards and 4 TDs the past two games, should be good for about 250 yards and 2 TDs. Marshall has 16 catches for 146 yards and 2 TDs the past two games, while Scheffler has 12 catches for 151 yards. WR Eddie Royal, who has 11 catches for 126 yards and 1 TD the past two games, is a good No. 3 receiver. Sit RBs Selvin Young and Tatum Bell. Denver's a pass team, and is likely to split carries. For Carolina, start and expect big things from RBs DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart. Williams has 359 rushing yards and 7 TDs the past three games, while Stewart has 171 yards and 2 TDs the past two games. And Denver is 26th against the run (139.5). Denver is 27th against the pass (231.8), making WR Steve Smith, who has three straight 100-yard games, a good start as a No. 1 receiver. Still, sit QB Jake Delhomme. With the running game running on all cylinders, he hasn't needed to pass lately and has one 200-yard game since Week 8.

On Sunday morning, I'll preview the last four games of the week.    

ADVISORY: Users are solely responsible for opinions they post here and for following agreed-upon rules of civility. Comments do not reflect the views of The Virginian-Pilot or its Web sites. Comments are automatically checked for inappropriate language, but readers might find some comments offensive or inaccurate. If you believe a comment violates our rules, click the "Report Violation" link below the comment.

Previewing Week 15

Saints RB Pierre Thomas continues to shine, scoring 2 TDs in New Orleans' 27-24 loss to Chicago on Thursday night. So while the Saints' playoff hopes are essentially done, fantasy hopes of Thomas owners are on the rise.

A few injury updates: Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson is expected to start over Gus Frerotte (shoulder), which is bad news for owners of Minnesota receivers. ... Patriots QB Matt Cassel is back with the team and expected to start after the death of his father. That keeps WR Wes Welker as a good fantasy start. ... Seahawks QB Matt Hasselbeck (back) is likely to miss Sunday's game at St. Louis, meaning Seneca Wallace should start. He's a decent fill-in against a lousy Rams defense. ... It's looking like 49ers RB Frank Gore (ankle) won't play against Miami. DeShaun Foster would fill in, but isn't a good fantasy option. 

Now for four game previews:

Buccaneers at Falcons, 1 p.m. Sunday: For Tampa Bay, start WR Antonio Bryant. He's coming off a 200-yard, 2 TD game and Atlanta is 23rd in the NFL against the pass (223.0 ypg). QB Jeff Garcia is a decent option, but only as a fill-in. Sit RBs Warrick Dunn and Cadillac Williams. Atlanta is 22nd against the run but Tampa Bay essentially shares carries between Dunn and Williams, and neither has eclipsed 80 yards the past two weeks. For Atlanta, start QB Matt Ryan and WR Roddy White. Though Ryan struggled at Tampa Bay in Week 2, throwing for 158 yards and 0 TDs to 2 INTs, he's matured greatly since then and has eight straight 200-yard games. And in his past four home games, he's averaged 264.5 yards. You can't sit RB Michael Turner, but don't expect a big game. He gained only 42 yards and 0 TDs in Week 2, and though Tampa Bay allowed 4 rushing TDs to Carolina on Monday night, I'm betting that was an aberration. The Bucs had allowed 1 all season before Monday.

49ers at Dolphins, 1 p.m. Sunday: For San Francisco, QB Shaun Hill is a decent start. He has thrown for at least 2 TDs in four of his past five games, and Miami is 21st against the pass (221.2). WR Isaac Bruce, who has 19 catches for 262 yards the past three games, is a good No. 3 receiver. Sit everyone else, though RB Frank Gore is a safe start if he happens to play. For Miami, sit QB Chad Pennington and his receivers. Though San Francisco is 25th against the pass (230.8), Pennington has one multiple-TD game since Week 6. I'd also sit RBs Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams. Brown has 155 total rushing yards and 1 TD the past three games, and Williams has 115 rushing yards and 1 TD (receiving) in that time. Plus, San Francisco is a respectable 14th against the run (104.4). Miami has won three of four, but has failed to crack 17 points three times in that span, so odds are no Dolphins are scoring more than 1 TD. 

Lions at Colts, 1 p.m. Sunday: For Detroit, start only WR Calvin Johnson. It's still uncertain who Detroit's quarterback will be, but Johnson has scored in seven of the past nine games, from a variety of QBs. Indianapolis is 25th against the run (129.8) but sit RB Kevin Smith. Indianapolis should be well ahead, forcing Detroit to pass, and Smith hasn't scored in four games. For Indianapolis, start QB Peyton Manning, WR Reggie Wayne, TE Dallas Clark and RB Dominic Rhodes. Detroit is last against the run (173.5) and Rhodes should take extra carries with RB Joseph Addai ailing and ineffective of late. Detroit is 17th against the pass (213.6) but Manning should be good for 250 yards and 2-3 TDs. This has the makings of a 35-7 romp. Indianapolis' defense is a good start as well. Whoever Detroit starts at QB is likely to throw an INT or two.

Chargers at Chiefs, 1 p.m. Sunday: For San Diego, start QB Philip Rivers, TE Antonio Gates and WR Vincent Jackson. Kansas City is 29th against the pass (235.5) and Rivers threw for 316 yards and 2 TDs (with 2 INTs) against the Chiefs in Week 10. Jackson led the team with five catches for 83 yards in that game, while Gates caught eight passes for 66 yards and 1 TD. And obviously start and expect big things from RB LaDainian Tomlinson. He's scored in two straight games and Kansas City is 31st against the run (161.8). Tomlinson had 78 rushing yards and 39 receiving in Week 10. For Kansas City, QB Tyler Thigpen is a safe start. San Diego is 30th against the pass (248.9) and Thigpen threw for 266 yards and 3 TDs in Week 10. Two of those TDs went to TE Tony Gonzalez, another safe start. WR Dwayne Bowe, coming off a 96-yard game, is a good No. 3 receiver. Sit RB Larry Johnson. San Diego is 13th against the run (102.9) and has allowed 6 rushing TDs all season. And Johnson hasn't cracked 100 yards in four games since returning from suspension.

On Saturday, I'll provide the injury report highlights and preview four more games.

ADVISORY: Users are solely responsible for opinions they post here and for following agreed-upon rules of civility. Comments do not reflect the views of The Virginian-Pilot or its Web sites. Comments are automatically checked for inappropriate language, but readers might find some comments offensive or inaccurate. If you believe a comment violates our rules, click the "Report Violation" link below the comment.

Week 15 preview

There are a few quarterbacks who might not play Sunday. The biggest name is Patriots QB Matt Cassel, who has left the team following the death of his father. Considering that Cassel isn't likely to return until later in the week, if at all, RB Sammy Morris increases in value as New England will be forced to run more. Kevin O'Connell is Cassel's backup, but not worth picking up. Though Oakland's pass defense is bad, O'Connell wouldn't be winging the ball in his first NFL start.

Also in doubt are Lions QB Daunte Culpepper (shoulder) and Bills QB Trent Edwards (groin). Culpepper didn't have fantasy value, but WR Calvin Johnson's value will be determined by who replaces Culpepper. If Dan Orlovsky returns from a wrist injury, Johnson's a fine start. But if Drew Stanton or Drew Henson go, don't count on much from Johnson. If Edwards can't go, don't expect much from any Bills. J.P. Losman hasn't led a TD drive in the six quarters he's filled in for Edwards. 

I'll update the injury news further on Friday, but for now here are four game previews:

Saints at Bears, 8:15 p.m. Thursday: For New Orleans, start QB Drew Brees, WR Marques Colston, WR Lance Moore and WR Jeremy Shockey. Though Brees has been passing a bit less lately, he's still good for 250-plus yards, especially against the league's 28th-ranked pass defense (234.2 ypg). Shockey's a safe bet only in leagues that award for catches, since he has 14 catches for 173 yards but 0 TDs the past three games. RB Reggie Bush is a safe No. 2-3 back, since he's a pass-catching threat with eight catches for 58 yards and 1 TD to go with 80 rushing yards the past two games. RB Pierre Thomas, who has 3 TDs the past two games, has emerged as another safe 2 or 3. Also, K Garrett Hartley hasn't missed a kick since signing five games ago, and is a good fantasy kicker on a team that averages 28 ppg. For Chicago, start and expect big things from RB Matt Forte. He's rushed for 304 yards the past three games, New Orleans is 20th against the run (112.8) and the forecast is for temperatures in the teens, wind and possibly snow, which makes for ideal running weather. For that reason, QB Kyle Orton is a risky start. He's coming off his first 200-yard game since Week 7, but has 4 TDs to 4 INTs the past two games. And though New Orleans is 26th against the pass (231.2), I'm betting Chicago will keep it on the ground on a frigid night.

Bills at Jets, 1 p.m. Sunday: For Buffalo, start no one. RB Marshawn Lynch will take plenty of carries if J.P. Losman starts at quarterback, but Lynch will be the focus of a run defense that is fourth in the league (83.5). Lynch managed only 16 yards and 0 TDs against New York in Week 9. QB Trent Edwards and WR Lee Evans are intriguing options if Losman starts, because New York has allowed 1,285 passing yards the past four games, but if he sits, Losman has proven he can't lead an offense. For New York, start RB Thomas Jones, who has 5 TDs the past four games and has scored in each game. QB Brett Favre and his receivers are risky starts. Favre doesn't have a TD pass the past two games, and Buffalo is 11th against the pass (203.1) compared to 16th against the run (110.2) so Jones will probably take plenty of carries. Favre had only 201 yards and 0 TDs to 1 INT in Week 9. If Losman starts, I'd start the Jets defense. With Losman, Buffalo has six points in six quarters with three turnovers in that time.

Titans at Texans, 1 p.m. Sunday: For Tennessee, start and expect good things from RBs LenDale White and Chris Johnson. Houston is 24th against the run (127.2) and White and Johnson combined for 123 yards and 2 TDs against Houston in Week 3. Sit QB Kerry Collins and all his receivers. Houston is 18th against the pass (214.9) so Tennessee will try to keep it on the ground, where it's most comfortable. Collins enjoyed his first three 200-yard games of the season from 10-12, but since then hasn't eclipsed 160 yards. Even TE Bo Scaife, the team's leading pass-catcher with 50, has only three catches for 27 yards and 0 TDs the past two games. And of course start the Tennessee defense, which has allowed 184 total points, the second-best total in the league (to Pittsburgh's 183). For Houston, sit QB Matt Schaub. He's coming off a 414-yard game at Green Bay, but Tennessee is third against the pass (181.4) and has allowed 8 passing TDs all season while recording 18 INTs. Schaub had 188 yards with 0 TDs to 3 INTs in Week 3. Still, start WR Andre Johnson and TE Owen Daniels. Johnson has 21 catches for 246 yards the past three games, and Daniels, one of Schaub's favorite targets, had six catches for 65 yards in Schaub's return from injury last week. Also start RB Steve Slaton. Since Tennessee's "weakness" is its seventh-ranked run defense (92.4), which has allowed 12 rushing TDs, Slaton should take plenty of carries. He has 250 yards and 2 TDs the past two games and went for 116 yards and 1 TD in Week 3.

Seahawks at Rams, 1 p.m. Sunday: For Seattle, QB Seneca Wallace is a decent option if you need a fill-in. Wallace is coming off a 212-yard, 3 TD game (he also led Seattle with 47 rushing yards) and faces the 24th-ranked pass defense (224.8). TE John Carlson, who has 14 catches for 174 yards and 1 TD the past two games, and WR Deion Branch, who has nine catches for 144 yards and 2 TDs in that time, are decent options as well. Sit all Seattle RBs. Though the Seahawks shredded the Rams for 245 rushing yards and 3 rushing TDs in Week 3, and St. Louis is 29th against the run (154.2), the fact that Wallace led the team in rushing last week shows how much that unit is struggling. Even if RB Maurice Morris breaks through, it'll only be for about 80 yards. For St. Louis, start RB Steven Jackson. He disappointed last week by rushing for only 64 yards, but had a receiving TD and will take plenty of carries against the 21st-ranked run defense (118.6). He should score again against a team that has allowed 166 points in its six road games. Seattle is last against the pass (264.8) but QB Marc Bulger and his receivers still are too risky to start. Bulger managed only 184 yards and 1 TD with 1 INT in Week 3. And since Week 9 he's thrown a grand total of 1 TD to a receiver. 

Friday, I'll preview four more games.

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Recapping Week 14

Good news for Redskins fans! You get to play the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. And of the group of teams that has quit on this season, none has given up more than the Bengals. They've been outscored 96-16 the past three games. That means it's time to put Redskins RB Clinton Portis back in the starting fantasy lineup, along with the Redskins defense. They're still a long way from making the playoffs, but Cincinnati's the perfect opponent for taking out frustration.

Here are a few other observations from Week 14:

- The New Orleans Saints have learned how to run the ball, which has slightly diminished the value of QB Drew Brees and his receivers. Brees has failed to reach 300 passing yards in three of the past four games. He's still a great fantasy start, as are WR Lance Moore and WR Marques Colston, but don't count on them carrying your team if its 20 degrees and windy in Chicago on Thursday night.

- Patriots QB Matt Cassel threw for 286 yards against Seattle on Sunday, and I'll guarantee he goes for 300 this week against Oakland. The Raiders don't blitz and play a lot of man-to-man. Cassel will be able to pick them apart without any pressure, which will lead to another big game from WR Wes Welker.

- Jacksonville is another team that has quit on the season, and the Jaguars will be without WR Matt Jones (suspension) the rest of the way. RB Maurice Jones-Drew is the lone Jaguar worth any fantasy consideration, and Packers QB Aaron Rodgers, WR Greg Jennings and RB Ryan Grant should enjoy big games Sunday.

- Buffalo's offense is a mess without QB Trent Edwards. If QB J.P. Losman starts again Sunday, sit all Bills, including RB Marshawn Lynch. Losman hasn't led a TD drive in the roughly six quarters he's filled in for Edwards.

- The Giants lost Sunday because the Eagles needed the win a lot more, not because of Plaxico Burress distractions. That said, there's reason to be concerned for owners of Giants players. They face Dallas this Sunday night, and the Cowboys desperately need a win as well.

- Eagles RB Brian Westbrook is once again at full strength, and should thrive against a weak Browns run defense on Monday night.

- Colts RB Joseph Addai is no more than a part-time back these days. Still, both he and RB Dominic Rhodes should enjoy good games against the woeful Lions run defense. But I'd start Rhodes before I started Addai.

My next entry will be Thursday, when I start previewing the Week 15 games. Until then, if you have any questions, send them in. And don't forget about the Fantasy Chatter picks-only two weeks left to earn your bragging rights.

ADVISORY: Users are solely responsible for opinions they post here and for following agreed-upon rules of civility. Comments do not reflect the views of The Virginian-Pilot or its Web sites. Comments are automatically checked for inappropriate language, but readers might find some comments offensive or inaccurate. If you believe a comment violates our rules, click the "Report Violation" link below the comment.

Week 14 Fantasy Chatter winner

The winner is John Stanwix from Richmond, who emailed in his pick of Colts QB Peyton Manning. So look for John's thoughts on Week 15 in the next edition of the Fantasy Chatter, which is slated to run in Saturday's Virginian-Pilot.

Below are the details on how you can get in on the action this week. I'll take picks up till 1 p.m. Sunday, either by comment on any blog during the week or by emailing me at michael.connors@pilotonline.com.

Submit your pick (one per person) for the one player you think will rack up the most fantasy points. If your pick gets the most points (as compiled by Yahoo!) you will get the chance to offer a tip, and bragging rights, in the next week's Fantasy Chatter column in the Pilot. Ties will be broken by whoever sends in the pick first, so get them in early. I will note the winner in a blog Tuesday afternoons. Then all the winner needs to do is email his tip to me, with a name and city, to michael.connors@pilotonline.com.

ADVISORY: Users are solely responsible for opinions they post here and for following agreed-upon rules of civility. Comments do not reflect the views of The Virginian-Pilot or its Web sites. Comments are automatically checked for inappropriate language, but readers might find some comments offensive or inaccurate. If you believe a comment violates our rules, click the "Report Violation" link below the comment.