I enjoyed “Mad Dog McCleese’s” story of perseverance and triumph. Starting out a season 1-5 and clawing your way back to make the playoffs is the type of season you will always remember as an owner. Hopefully Ron and Dennis can make this a storybook ending, and a season that would go into fantasy lore.

I wish I had a story like that to share. However, my fate was sealed an hour into the draft.

Round 1: Adrian Peterson: 75 rush yards 0 TD / 18 rec yards 0 TD

Round 2: Jordy Nelson: Thank you Jordy Nelson.

Round 3: Zac Stacy: 285 rush yards 0 TD / 135 rec yards 0 TD

Round 4: Cordarrelle Patterson: 350 rec yards 1 TD / 113 rush yards 1 TD

Round 5: Ray Rice: ZEEEEEEEROOOOOOOOOO

Round 6: Steven Ridley: 340 rush yards 2 TD / 20 rec yards 0 TD

Yes. Yes, it does Ron. It actually could be worse. I really contemplated taking Doug Martin in round 2 instead of Nelson. As you have probably guessed by now, the end result isn’t pretty.

3 – 10

In last place by 203 points.

I tried to persevere. I worked the waiver wire, made trades, and studied match-ups with the intensity of a Chinese student prepping for the Gaokao. The fact is, sometimes regardless of the time one puts in or the knowledge one possesses won’t matter. I still believe that fantasy football is a skill game; however, having some good luck never hurts. So hang in there if your year was like mine. We can celebrate our shortcomings with an early pick in August.

Week 13 Recap

Penthouse Picks PPR Edition: standard scoring (receptions)

Marcel Reece – 6.0 (6 receptions)

Jarvis Landry – 6.8 (8 receptions)

Larry Donnell – 5.5 (5 receptions)

Week 14: “In Question”

With some major players listed as questionable or game-time decisions, owners need to be glued to the television or computer to catch any late breaking news. Hopefully, you already have a plan in place, but I will give you some options if you are in a pinch. I think the best advice I can give is better safe than sorry. I don’t want you to lose a playoff match-up by 2.7 points because you rode with someone who was a game-time decision who ended up being inactive.

RUNNING BACKS

Jerick McKinnon (Out), Andre Ellington (Out), DeAngelo Williams (Out), Isaiah Crowell (Questionable), Bobby Rainey (Questionable), Justin Forsett (Questionable), Rashad Jennings (Questionable), Shane Vereen (Questionable)

The biggest name on this list is the piping hot Justin Forsett who has recorded double-digit fantasy points in 8 of his last 9 games. By the way, the one game he didn’t reach double-digit points was a 9.5 effort verse the Falcons back in week 7. Not a bad streak. Forsett returned to practice Friday, and owners should expect him to be available for a match-up against the Dolphins who were just gutted by the Jets ground game for 277 yards. A guy that I am avoiding at all costs this week is Rashad Jennings. Reports indicate that he has made the trip to Nashville, but Jennings himself said that he will not be 100% even if he is active. With Andre Ellington out, the door is open for Stepfan Taylor. I would not be rushing to put Taylor in my line-up, but in his lone game as the featured back he did find the end-zone two times. Hopefully you have a better option, but if you don’t I have a guy for you who is only getting the nod in 29% of leagues.

Plan B: The 29% of fantasy owners who are willing to show faith in

Jonathan Stewart this week will be rewarded. Stewart is heating up reaching double-digit fantasy points in two of his last 3 outings. The volume is going to be there. Since week 7, Stewart has had 10+ touches in all but one game. With DeAngelo Williams ruled out, 10 touches seems like the low side of what Stewart could get verse a Saints defense that is in the holiday spirit handing out fantasy points to running backs in bunches. Over the last four games the Saints have yielded 23, 21, 32, 30 points to opposing running backs. Include yourself in the 29% and enjoy the production.

WIDE RECEIVERS

Kendall Wright (Questionable), DeSean Jackson (Questionable), Larry Fitzgerald (Questionable), Julian Edelman (Questionable), Brandon LaFell (Questionable), Roddy White (Questionable)

Fantasy owners should plan on being without the services of DeSean Jackson and Kendall Wright today. Neither practiced all week and are very unlikely to be active. With Justin Hunter out for the year Nate Washington jumps to the #1 receiver. Larry Fitzgerald has missed the last two games, but things are looking up for him this week. He was able to practice in full both Thursday and Friday. His presence should give the Arizona offense a much-needed boost. Bill Belichick is up to his normal tricks listing guys as questionable who are probably more on the probable side in Julian Edelman and Brandon LaFell. The curious case of Roddy White continued in week 13. This was the second time that reports came out that he was expected to play, only to be ruled out an hour before game-time. The latest report this week is that he was a limited participant in Saturday’s practice and is questionable for MNF in Green Bay. I could actually see Roddy having himself a ball game Monday night if he is active. If I was a White owner I would roster Harry Douglas as my insurance policy. Douglas had a great game last week with Roddy sidelined racking up 116 yards on 9 catches.

Plan B: I normally try to avoid the trendy guy, but I can’t help myself

this week. Stedman Bailey has been Shaun Hill’s most reliable target since his return to the huddle. Bailey has cashed in 15/18 targets and has seen his yardage total rise in each of the last three weeks. His 100 yard game last week was actually a 100 yard quarter. He was on pace for 20 catches and 400 yards but surprisingly couldn’t keep pace. With the beat-down already in full effect the Rams did not need to pass much the rest of the game stunting Bailey’s chances for a truly monster effort. The match-up this week is pretty good as the Redskins have allowed 6 touchdown passes to receivers over their last three games.

As mentioned above Hunter and Wright are going to be out for the

Titans. Someone has to catch the ball right? Hello Nate Washington. Last week, he picked up the slack nicely catching 5 of 9 targets for 61 yards and a touchdown. The Giants have allowed a receiver to catch a touchdown in 5 of their last 6 games. With Washington being the only receiver on the field who has received significant playing time this year I look for him to be the man who gets in the end-zone this week.

TIGHT END

Jordan Cameron (Questionable), Charles Clay (Questionable), Greg Olsen (Questionable), Julius Thomas (Questionable)

Another week and another questionable tag slapped on Julius Thomas. Seeing at headline like this is enough to make me look for other options when it comes to Thomas. Hopefully the other tight end on your roster also plays in the late slate and you can wait until game time to make a decision. Greg Olsen is another one owners need to keep an eye on. He was able to practice to end the week so things look promising for Olsen.

Plan B: Not sure what my infatuation with Washington Redskin tight

ends are as I regrettably recommended Niles Paul just two short weeks ago. This week I see no regrets, as I look for Jordan Reed to continue his hot play. With DeSean Jackson out Reed should pick up some extra targets. McCoy likes throwing him the ball. In his two starts, he targeted Reed 7 and 11 times. Although the Rams have been very tough on tight ends, I still trust Reed to produce numbers that are start worthy. That picture of Jordan Reed reminded me of one of my all-time favorite commercials…

Now for my most crucial piece of advice. Play in multiple leagues. When your struck with bad luck in one there is always hope in others. Fortunately, for me I am lucky enough to be a DeMarco Murray owner and plan on riding him to a championship – – as long as the 40+ touches the Cowboys are putting on him doesn’t break him first.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

(Click the blue link below to listen live or recorded after the show)

Major League Fantasy Sports Radio: Join Ej Garr and Corey D Roberts on Sunday December 8th from 11am-12pm EST for this week’s episode of Major League Fantasy Sports Radio sponsored by the Sports Palooza Radio Network. Call in live to ask line up questions at 646.915.8596 Jeff Nelson. Matt is a writer for Major League Fantasy Sports. His articles publish every Sunday morning called “off the matt”. He focuses on key players that may or may not play and he provides you with alternatives. Our guests this week include Matt Barkman and. Matt is a writer for Major League Fantasy Sports. His articles publish every Sunday morning called. He focuses on key players that may or may not play and he provides you with alternatives. Jeff Nelson is a two-time Major League Fantasy Football champion and he is also the DB coach for White Hall H.S. in PA. Come join us for a spirited debate.

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