Every year during my hometown's Fourth of July parade, the Pearl Harbor veterans ride proud in Corvettes and Camaros waving to the hundreds of clapping and appreciative citizens of the community.
Since December 7th marked the 68th anniversary of the attack on the U.S. naval base, we want to pause and recognize these and every other outstanding veteran and current reservist, for they are all the reasons why we have so many freedoms today, like playing fantasy football.
Thank you to all who have served and are currently serving.
Getting down to business, this week Rapiddraft.com is giving you Week 13 fantasy leaders and leakers, the usual fantasy heroes and villains with a Popeye twist, fantasy questions answered, a few did you knows, and the fantasy breakdown of the game between the Packers and Bears.
WEEK 13 FANTASY LEADERS
Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo: The Cowboys quarterback was probably one of a few players that actually showed up last week for Dallas. Romo finished with an amazing 41 completions for 392 yards, while finding the end-zone three times. This week he leads his Cowboys back to Dallas to battle a Chargers defense that was gashed by the Browns Brady Quinn, of all quarterbacks, for 271 yards and three touchdowns.
Browns running back Jerome Harrison: Don't bypass Harrison's performance just because he plays for the Browns. Not only did he score two touchdowns, but he received the bulk of the carries for 35 yards, and caught seven passes for 62 yards out of the backfield. This week the Browns host a Steelers defense ranked first in the NFL in rushing yards allowed per game (77.8), so the offense will have to move the ball through the air once again, which could mean Harrison could see a few balls flying his way this week.
Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald: Fitzgerald outdueled Vikings wideout Sidney Rice, and showed his true leadership colors by catching eight passes for 143 yards and scoring a touchdown. This week the Cardinals will head roughly 750 miles northwest for a Monday night showdown against a 49ers defense that Fitzgerald is averaging six receptions and 83 yards per against in 11 career games.
Cowboys tight end Jason Witten: Although Witten didn't score a touchdown he did catch 14 passes for a career high 156 yards, and is finally being utilized on a regular basis. This week Witten will be matched against elite Chargers tight end Antonio Gates and a Chargers defense that is allowing 204.4 yards through the air this season. The key to Witten's success will be if Eric Weddle takes the field or not. Last week Weddle sat out with a knee injury.
WEEK 13 FANTASY LEAKERS
Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel: Cassel continues to prove that he was possibly a product of the Patriots offensive system, as he had yet another terrible showing, and it was at home no less. The Chiefs signal-caller completed just 34.5% of his passes for 84 yards, and tossed two interceptions before being pulled in favor of Brodie Croyle. Chiefs head coach Todd Haley maintains that Cassel will remain the starter this week when his red and white host the Buffalo Bills this week.
Eagles running back Lesean McCoy: The rookie was the biggest fantasy bust at running back last week carrying the ball six times for just two yards, and catching three passes for 24 yards. It remains to be seen if normal Eagles starter Brian Westbrook will be back next week against the Giants in a crucial divisional game that could help determine the outright winner of the NFC East. Either way it doesn't look good for McCoy considering the Cowboys racked up just 45 yards on the ground last week against a revitalized big blue defense.
Jaguars wide receiver Mike Sims-Walker: For a second straight week the Texans secondary held a No.1 receiver under 20 yards receiving. One week after Reggie Wayne recorded three receptions for 19 yards, Walker faired even worse, catching one pass for 12 yards. This week the Jaguars host a Dolphins defense that was able to limit Patriots top target Randy Moss to just two receptions.
Steelers tight end Heath Miller: Miller was shutdown again last week, and this time it was by a stymie Raiders defense. His one reception for 27 yards amidst Big Ben Roethlisberger's return to the lineup was enough to make fantasy owners puke up their December egg nog. This week the Steelers tight end could finally rebound against a Browns defense that allowed Chargers tight end Antonio Gates to catch eight passes for 167 yards last week.
On December 8, 1894 Popeye cartoonist Elzie Crisler Segar was born. Just over 25 years later the cabbage-eating sailor debuted (1919). Today, the strong-armed cartoon is still widely recognized as an industry icon, and on December 19, Popeye will celebrate his 80th anniversary.
In tribute to Popeye's creator this week's fantasy heroes and villains will be depicted through the characters of the great cartoon.
HEROES
Popeye: Saints quarterback Drew Brees -- It's time for Brees to flex his muscles, especially after seeing how poor the Saints defense performed last week. Plus, the Saints opponent this week --- the Atlanta Falcons --- are allowing a 29th best 254.7 passing yards per game, and surrendered 308 to the Saints leader back in Week 8. And then to top it all off, the Saints are starting to see a possible emerging star opposite Marques Colston in Robert Meachem, who made last week's game-changing and saving play. The can of spinach is ready and waiting for No. 9, and it will be popped open once Brees takes the field Sunday.
Olive Oyl: Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles -- With Kolby Smith on Injured Reserve, and the Buffalo Bills last ranked run defense on the other side of the line, Jamaal Charles is as guaranteed of a start this week as Olive Oyl‘s crush on Popeye. Plus, Charles has been coming on strong lately as he has recorded a touchdown in each of the last four games. Start him with confidence this week as a number two or three option at running back.
Poopdeck Pappy: Ravens wide receiver Derrick Mason -- Mason is once again proving that even though he's aging, he's still producing at a highly consistent level. In fact, Mason is on track to produce yet another 1,000 yard season; it would be his eighth of his career. As for this week; Mason and the Ravens will be returning home to take on a Lions defense that has allowed league highs in passing yardage and touchdowns, and with the Ravens desperate for a big win and some confidence Mason should have no problem seeing plenty of passes fly his way.
Did you know?
Popeye was created in the United States, and in the fictional universe he was born in a typhoon off coast in Santa Monica, California.
VILLAINS
Bluto / Brutus: Bears quarterback Jay Cutler -- Cutler has kidnapped the Chicago Bears offense from their winning running mold and has turned them in to a losing passing offense. This week the Bears quarterback will lead his fellow mates in to battle against a Packers defense that has picked off opposing quarterbacks a second best 21 times this season, including the four Cutler threw in their first meeting of the year in Week 1. The kidnapping should continue this week, especially considering the Packers are allowing just 87.2 rushing yards per game, but in the end this Bluto/Brutus will not give fantasy owners any productive ransom.
The Sea Hag: Bengals running back Cedric Benson -- At times Benson's running style is as mean and punishing as the wicked Sea Hag herself, but this week against the Vikings this hag won't be punishing anyone but his own fantasy owners. The Minnesota defense has allowed a league low three touchdowns on the ground, and has not allowed a 100-yard rusher yet this season. If the Bengals are going to move the ball in the Metrodome against the purple and gold it'll have to be via air.
J. Wellington Wimpy: Jets wide receiver Braylon Edwards -- Edwards not only defines the lazy character, but he puts up wimpy fantasy numbers as well. He also likes to drop passes as much as J. Wellington loves to demolish hamburgers, and is definitely a fantasy scam artist. Since arriving in New York Edwards has not lived up to expectations, as he has caught 23 balls and has averaged 45.8 yards per game since putting on a Jets uniform eight games ago. This week Edwards will be hushed by a Tampa Bay defense that is allowing a second worst 160.1 rushing yards per game. Expect the Jets to stay ahead in this game and run, run, run, which should equate to Edwards blocking defenders, not beating them.
Did you know?
Popeye's nephews are named Pip-Eye, Pup-Eye, Poop-Eye, and Peep-Eye.
FANTASY QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Which possible waiver wire quarterback would you recommend fantasy owners pick-up just in case the need is there heading in to the playoffs?
Huber: Alex Smith. The 49ers have finally found a good mix of receivers, and Smith is finally starting to show he's found his touch. Sure, the 49ers have to get through Philadelphia in Week 15, but after that they have the Lions putrid pass defense in Week 16, and if you play all 17 weeks, the 49ers will play a Rams defense that is giving up over 26 points per game.
Schauf: Alex Smith could help out some fantasy owners in the playoffs. The resurrected Niners starter has seven touchdowns to one interception over his past three games, and his team has committed so fully to the spread that Seattle linebacker Aaron Curry publicly wondered why San Francisco didn't run the ball more last week. Smith will be a risky option with upside this week against Arizona, should sit for fantasy owners in Week 15 at Philly and then makes for a strong start in Week 16 against Detroit.
Mazzola: At this point of the season, the pickings will be slim, of course. However, Bruce Gradkowski impressed me this week and he has a Week 16 clash against a feeble Cleveland squad, so he would be my guy.
After seeing him get 11 carries last week should fantasy owners consider playing Shonn Greene this week against Tampa Bay?
Huber: The Jets have found the right formula in Thomas Jones and Mr. Greene, and with New York will up against a defense that is allowing 4.8 yards per carry paired with their struggling passing attack, Greene could be a feasible, yet unreliable play. If you're desperate for a starter this week and have very poor match-ups in Non-PPR leagues don't be afraid to insert Greene in to your lineup as a flex or number three option at running back.
Schauf: It is always risky to start a team's No. 2 running back in fantasy, and even though Greene carried at least 10 times each of the past two weeks, that risk is probably too great for owners in point-per-reception leagues to play him ahead of a receiver in flex positions. However, no team has run the ball more than the Jets this season, and that certainly shouldn't change with either a gimpy Mark Sanchez or an untrusted Kellen Clemens starting at quarterback this week. Tampa Bay has been soft against the run, and Greene could bring sleeper value at the flex spot for non-PPR owners. Anyone who doesn't have stronger, safer options to start at running back probably isn't playing meaningful fantasy games at this point.
Mazzola: Even though Tampa's run defense is horrible, you just can't count on Greene's production. If the game remains close (a definite possibility considering that Tampa has held their own against several teams that were expected to beat them handily this season), then the ball will end up in Thomas Jones' hands, not those of the rookie.
Against the Broncos this week will Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne be able to get out of his mini-slump he's been in the last few weeks, or will he continue to be locked down?
Huber: In his career against the Broncos Wayne has never faired well from a yardage standpoint, but has scored five touchdowns in six games. This week I would look for No. 87 to have around four or five receptions for roughly 50-60 yards, and maybe score a touchdown. Nothing spectacular, but nothing slump-busting either.
Schauf: The simple answer to this is that you shouldn't sit Wayne. He has yet to go scoreless in consecutive games this season, and even his three-game "mini-slump" has included a seven-catch, 89-yard day against Baltimore and a touchdown among just three receptions against Houston. Denver presents a tough matchup for the pass offense, but the Colts have shown that Dallas Clark, Pierre Garcon and Austin Collie are capable of making inattentive opponents pay. Will Wayne have a big game this Sunday? He probably won't. But any week can produce six catches, 70 yards and a touchdown for him.
Mazzola: When you look back at the Broncos' season, you'll notice the following about the defense: While they tend to limit the other team's star receiver in terms of receptions and yardage, they haven't kept them out of the end zone. Therefore, it's a good bet that Wayne will produce average totals, but he may very well save his fantasy day with a score.
Name your best and bust picks for Week 14 (QB, RB, WR, TE).
Huber: QB -- Best: Drew Brees, Bust: Jay Cutler RB -- Best: Chris Johnson, Bust: Kevin Smith WR -- Best: Marques Colston, Bust: Bernard Berrian TE -- Best: Tony Gonzalez, Bust: Fred Davis.
Schauf: QB -- Best: Drew Brees, Bust: Brett Favre RB -- Best: Chris Johnson, Bust: Matt Forte WR -- Best: Andre Johnson, Bust: Pierre Garcon TE -- Best: Heath Miller, Bust: Kellen Winslow
Mazzola: QB -- Best: Drew Brees, Bust: Donovan McNabb RB -- Best: Chris Johnson, Bust: Matt Forte WR -- Best: Larry Fitzgerald, Bust: Brandon Marshall TE -- Best: Antonio Gates, Bust: Tony Gonzalez
GAME 13 FANTASY BREAKDOWN
Green Bay vs. Chicago
Quarterback
Green Bay's Aaron Rodgers -- Rodgers has started 12 games, and has thrown for 3399 yards, 25 touchdowns, and seven interceptions, while rushing for 277 yards and three touchdowns. Rodgers has also scored at least touchdowns in ten games and has been sacked just twice in the last two games before averaging 4.3 per game through the first ten.
Chicago's Jay Cutler -- Cutler has started all 12 games, and has thrown for 2814 yards, 17 touchdowns, and 20 interceptions, but has also rushed for 136 yards and one touchdown on the ground. In his last four games the Bears quarterback has thrown just three touchdowns to eight interceptions, and threw four picks the last time these two teams played.
Fantasy Advantage: Rodgers -- Do I need to explain?
Running back
Green Bay's Ryan Grant -- Grant has played in all 12 games, and has rushed for 931 yards and five touchdowns, and has caught 23 passes for 190 yards. For his career Grant is averaging 73.4 rushing yards per game against the Bears through five appearances.
Chicago's Matt Forte -- Forte has run in all 12 games, but has recorded just 634 yards and has averaged 3.4 yards per carry. He also has recorded 47 receptions for 438 yards through the air, but has scored just four total touchdowns compared to his 12 total last season. In the first meeting in Week 1 Forte averaged 2.2 yards per carry and didn't catch a single pass out of the backfield.
Fantasy Advantage: Forte -- The Packers have a mixed bag of runners, while Forte is a solo act who is multi-dimensional.
Wide Receiver
Green Bay's Donald Driver -- Driver has played in 12 games, and has caught 56 Aaron Rodgers rocket balls for 876 yards, and has scored six times. However, in 18 career games against the Bears No. 80 has scored just two touchdowns.
Green Bay's Greg Jennings -- Jennings has played in 12 games as well, but has caught 53 passes from the strong-armed accurate Rodgers for 799 yards, and has scored just three touchdowns. Unlike Driver's 11% touchdown rate against the division rival though, Jennings has caught four touchdown passes in six games for a 66% touchdown rate against the navy and orange.
Chicago's Devin Hester - Hester has played in 12 games, and has impressively caught 54 passes for 682 yards, while scoring three touchdowns. In his last four games Hester has been stone cold, and has averaged just over three receptions and 33 yards per game while being held out of the endzone.
Chicago's Earl Bennett -- Bennett has played in 12 games, and has caught 45 passes for 599 yards, but has scored just one touchdown. That one touchdown came last week against St Louis, and could spark something bigger moving forward, especially with Hester struggling mightily lately.
Fantasy Advantage: Driver and Jennings -- With as bad as Cutler has been playing lately, and how well Rodgers has played all season this is a no-brainer.
Tight End
Green Bay's Jermichael Finley -- Finley has played in nine games, and has recorded 34 receptions for 418 yards, and has scored three touchdowns. Fantasy owners should keep in mind though that 13 of his 34 receptions, 207 of his 418 yards, and all three of his touchdowns came in two games.
Chicago's Greg Olsen -- Olsen has played in 12 games, and has recorded 49 receptions for 449 yards. He leads the team with six touchdown receptions, and before last week's horrid two reception, one yard performance Olsen had caught at least six passes in the each of three games previous.
Fantasy Advantage: Finley -- How do you go against the guy who's red hot right now?
Did you know?
The Packers and Bears will showdown for the 179th time. No two franchises in the NFL have squared off more times than these two. Both teams are dead even at 18-18 all-time at Soldier Field.
