Mulligan’s Fantasy Football Forecast, Week 13
Fantasy playoffs are right around the corner and the next week or two, depending on your league’s format, could determine whether or not you’re still paying close attention to football games as the NFL season winds down. For many owners, the entire fantasy season could come down to these next few games, so it’s more important than ever to pay attention to your players closely and analyze match ups from every angle.
Good Matchups
DeAngelo Williams/Jonathan Stewart vs. Buccaneers defense: Williams did sprain an ankle last week against the Jets but is reportedly likely to play this week against the Buccaneers, a team he gashed for 152 yards rushing and two touchdowns in Week 6. Even if Williams plays, there will still be plenty of leftovers for Jonathan Stewart to feast on. Stewart had his best rushing game of the season against Tampa Bay, racking up 110 yards and a score in that Week 6 match up. Expect the Buccaneers 30th ranked run defense to be overwhelmed this week.
Carson Palmer vs. Lions defense: Palmer has had a rough stretch over his last three games, throwing for just one touchdown and a total of 495 yards against the Steelers, Raiders and Browns. What better way to get back on track as a QB than to go up against the Lions and their NFL-worst pass defense?
Not so good matchups
Tim Hightower/Beanie Wells vs. Vikings defense: Minnesota owns the number two run defense in the NFL, allowing just 81 yards per game on the ground to opponents. They have yet to allow a 100 yard runner this season. None of this is good news for Tim Hightower or Beanie Wells, who will host the Vikings this week in Arizona. Hightower could still possibly be useful in the passing game for those of you in PPR leagues.
Terrell Owens vs. Jets defense: T.O. has really stepped up his game in the last three weeks, grabbing a total of 17 passes for 378 yards and two scores. But let’s be real, he’s done it against less than stellar defenses (Tennessee, Jacksonville, Miami). This week he lines up against the best in the biz, Darrelle Revis. Sit him and don’t think twice about it.
Waiver wire pickups
Vince Young, QB, Titans: VY has been on fire since taking over as the starting QB in Tennessee and last week put together a monster game against the Arizona Cardinals, throwing for 387 yards and a touchdown, leading the Titans to another victory. If he’s available in your league you must grab him as Young has great match ups against the Colts, Dolphins and Rams coming up in his next three games.
Kyle Mulligan is a contributing sports writer for the Observer. He welcomes your feedback and can be reached at kjmulli@gmail.com.