Week 14 Rankings Update

Balance wins fantasy football games at this time of year. Of course, it doesn't hurt to have huge difference makers. In the wild 2010 season, there hasn't been a difference maker than Antonio Gates.

Playing on one foot last week, Gates still hauled in six catches for 73 yards and a score. He didn't look that hurt. On one play, he pivoted to make a much smaller defender miss. On another, he ran a beautiful deep pattern to make a catch on the sideline. This all came on a day when Philip Rivers was strikingly, shockingly inaccurate.

In standard scoring leagues this year, Gates is averaging 5.3 points-per-game more than the second highest per-game tight end (Marcedes Lewis; we're excluding Dallas Clark because of his injury.) That's ridiculous. To put in perspective, Gates is scoring 66% more per-game than the second best tight end.

That percentage difference is roughly like going from Dwayne Bowe to Braylon Edwards at receiver. Or Arian Foster to Matt Forte at running back. Or Michael Vick to Kyle Orton at quarterback. That's how much better Gates is than the competition.

Football Outsiders says Gates doesn't need another catch to have the best tight end season of the last 17 years. No argument here.

Week 14 Quarterbacks

Rank	Player Name	Opponent	Notes
1	Michael Vick	at DAL	Probable(quadriceps)
2	Aaron Rodgers	at DET	-
3	Drew Brees	vs. STL	-
4	Philip Rivers	vs. KC	-
5	Peyton Manning	at TEN	-
6	Tom Brady	at CHI	Probable(foot)
7	Joe Flacco	at HOU	-
8	Kyle Orton	at ARZ	-
9	Jay Cutler	vs. NE	-
10	Ben Roethlisberger	vs. CIN	-
11	Matt Schaub	vs. BAL	Probable(knee)
12	Eli Manning	at MIN	-
13	Matt Ryan	at CAR	-
14	Jon Kitna	vs. PHI	-
15	Ryan Fitzpatrick	vs. CLE	-
16	Josh Freeman	at WAS	-
17	David Garrard	vs. OAK	-
18	Carson Palmer	at PIT	-
19	Jason Campbell	at JAC	-
20	Sam Bradford	at NO	-
21	Brett Favre	vs. NYG	Questionable(shoulder)
22	Donovan McNabb	vs. TB	Probable(hamstring)
23	Mark Sanchez	vs. MIA	-
24	Alex Smith	vs. SEA	-
25	Brodie Croyle	at SD	-
26	Chad Henne	at NYJ	-
27	Matt Hasselbeck	at SF	Probable(left wrist)
28	Jake Delhomme	at BUF	-
29	Drew Stanton	vs. GB	-
30	Kerry Collins	vs. IND	-
31	John Skelton	vs. DEN	-
32	Jimmy Clausen	vs. ATL	-

QB Notes: As I mentioned above, Rivers was oddly off-target last week. We're so used to seeing him play lights out that you wonder if something is wrong when he just starts missing open throws. It wasn't just timing issues with receivers that have been out too long or Oakland's pass rush getting to him. I'll chalk it up to a fluke; the Chiefs secondary has talent but can still be thrown on. … Jason Campbell is impossible to predict week-to-week, but he'd be an interesting desperation play down the stretch if he kept making like Cam Newton like he did last week. Few quarterbacks have a better play-action fake.

Carson Palmer quietly played one of his best games of the year against the Saints. Maybe it was a fluke, but he's finally getting those timing patterns down with Chad Ochocinco again. It's amazing how poorly it seems Palmer has played, yet he's on pace for over 4,000 yards and 27 scores. With his fantasy playoff schedule, however, you are unlikely to use him except perhaps next week against the Browns. … The vertical plays are back for the Saints offense. Even against an underrated Rams defense, Brees is a top-three play. … Bill Belichick says Jay Cutler is playing as well as any quarterback the Patriots have played all year. New England's defense is doing a better job disguising coverages, but is still a plus opponent for Cutler. He's trustworthy because the Patriots don't rush the passer well.

Matt Ryan owners have to worry about the Falcons sitting on an early lead in Carolina. Dangerous week to use him. The Panthers pass defense isn't that bad. … Ben Roethlisberger is getting the Bengals secondary at the right time. They aren't playing well. … Keep the faith in Kyle Orton, at least against Arizona. … The Texans have the type of offense that can give Baltimore's secondary trouble. I wouldn't sit Schaub unless you have another top-ten option. … The possible return of Steve Smith would make a big difference for Eli Manning. … Matt Cassel is ranked just in case he starts.

Don't think about sitting Peyton Manning. He's leading the league in passing yards and attempts. Don't get to cute. … The Browns defense has steadily improved, especially in the secondary. That's why Ryan Fitzpatrick is a so-so play. … Josh Freeman's slump and possible bad weather in Washington make him tough to use. … It is sad to watch Donovan McNabb these days. He's almost unrecognizable. … Chad Henne's lack of development shows up in the two minute drill more than anywhere else.

Editor's Note: You can get our Season Pass package at a discount rate for the fantasy playoffs. Tons of extra stat tools, projections, columns, and early rankings.

Balance wins fantasy football games at this time of year. Of course, it doesn't hurt to have huge difference makers. In the wild 2010 season, there hasn't been a difference maker than Antonio Gates.

Playing on one foot last week, Gates still hauled in six catches for 73 yards and a score. He didn't look that hurt. On one play, he pivoted to make a much smaller defender miss. On another, he ran a beautiful deep pattern to make a catch on the sideline. This all came on a day when Philip Rivers was strikingly, shockingly inaccurate.

In standard scoring leagues this year, Gates is averaging 5.3 points-per-game more than the second highest per-game tight end (Marcedes Lewis; we're excluding Dallas Clark because of his injury.) That's ridiculous. To put in perspective, Gates is scoring 66% more per-game than the second best tight end.

That percentage difference is roughly like going from Dwayne Bowe to Braylon Edwards at receiver. Or Arian Foster to Matt Forte at running back. Or Michael Vick to Kyle Orton at quarterback. That's how much better Gates is than the competition.

Football Outsiders says Gates doesn't need another catch to have the best tight end season of the last 17 years. No argument here.

Week 14 Quarterbacks

Rank	Player Name	Opponent	Notes
1	Michael Vick	at DAL	Probable(quadriceps)
2	Aaron Rodgers	at DET	-
3	Drew Brees	vs. STL	-
4	Philip Rivers	vs. KC	-
5	Peyton Manning	at TEN	-
6	Tom Brady	at CHI	Probable(foot)
7	Joe Flacco	at HOU	-
8	Kyle Orton	at ARZ	-
9	Jay Cutler	vs. NE	-
10	Ben Roethlisberger	vs. CIN	-
11	Matt Schaub	vs. BAL	Probable(knee)
12	Eli Manning	at MIN	-
13	Matt Ryan	at CAR	-
14	Jon Kitna	vs. PHI	-
15	Ryan Fitzpatrick	vs. CLE	-
16	Josh Freeman	at WAS	-
17	David Garrard	vs. OAK	-
18	Carson Palmer	at PIT	-
19	Jason Campbell	at JAC	-
20	Sam Bradford	at NO	-
21	Brett Favre	vs. NYG	Questionable(shoulder)
22	Donovan McNabb	vs. TB	Probable(hamstring)
23	Mark Sanchez	vs. MIA	-
24	Alex Smith	vs. SEA	-
25	Brodie Croyle	at SD	-
26	Chad Henne	at NYJ	-
27	Matt Hasselbeck	at SF	Probable(left wrist)
28	Jake Delhomme	at BUF	-
29	Drew Stanton	vs. GB	-
30	Kerry Collins	vs. IND	-
31	John Skelton	vs. DEN	-
32	Jimmy Clausen	vs. ATL	-

QB Notes: As I mentioned above, Rivers was oddly off-target last week. We're so used to seeing him play lights out that you wonder if something is wrong when he just starts missing open throws. It wasn't just timing issues with receivers that have been out too long or Oakland's pass rush getting to him. I'll chalk it up to a fluke; the Chiefs secondary has talent but can still be thrown on. … Jason Campbell is impossible to predict week-to-week, but he'd be an interesting desperation play down the stretch if he kept making like Cam Newton like he did last week. Few quarterbacks have a better play-action fake.

Carson Palmer quietly played one of his best games of the year against the Saints. Maybe it was a fluke, but he's finally getting those timing patterns down with Chad Ochocinco again. It's amazing how poorly it seems Palmer has played, yet he's on pace for over 4,000 yards and 27 scores. With his fantasy playoff schedule, however, you are unlikely to use him except perhaps next week against the Browns. … The vertical plays are back for the Saints offense. Even against an underrated Rams defense, Brees is a top-three play. … Bill Belichick says Jay Cutler is playing as well as any quarterback the Patriots have played all year. New England's defense is doing a better job disguising coverages, but is still a plus opponent for Cutler. He's trustworthy because the Patriots don't rush the passer well.

Matt Ryan owners have to worry about the Falcons sitting on an early lead in Carolina. Dangerous week to use him. The Panthers pass defense isn't that bad. … Ben Roethlisberger is getting the Bengals secondary at the right time. They aren't playing well. … Keep the faith in Kyle Orton, at least against Arizona. … The Texans have the type of offense that can give Baltimore's secondary trouble. I wouldn't sit Schaub unless you have another top-ten option. … The possible return of Steve Smith would make a big difference for Eli Manning. … Matt Cassel is ranked just in case he starts.

Don't think about sitting Peyton Manning. He's leading the league in passing yards and attempts. Don't get to cute. … The Browns defense has steadily improved, especially in the secondary. That's why Ryan Fitzpatrick is a so-so play. … Josh Freeman's slump and possible bad weather in Washington make him tough to use. … It is sad to watch Donovan McNabb these days. He's almost unrecognizable. … Chad Henne's lack of development shows up in the two minute drill more than anywhere else.

Editor's Note: You can get our Season Pass package at a discount rate for the fantasy playoffs. Tons of extra stat tools, projections, columns, and early rankings.


Week 14 Running Backs

Rank	Player Name	Opponent	Notes
1	Peyton Hillis	at BUF	-
2	Maurice Jones-Drew	vs. OAK	-
3	Arian Foster	vs. BAL	-
4	Adrian Peterson	vs. NYG	Probable(ankle)
5	Michael Turner	at CAR	-
6	Chris Johnson	vs. IND	-
7	Knowshon Moreno	at ARZ	-
8	Ray Rice	at HOU	-
9	Jamaal Charles	at SD	-
10	LeSean McCoy	at DAL	-
11	Rashard Mendenhall	vs. CIN	-
12	Steven Jackson	at NO	-
13	Matt Forte	vs. NE	-
14	Darren McFadden	at JAC	-
15	Jonathan Stewart	vs. ATL	-
16	Mike Tolbert	vs. KC	-
17	Fred Jackson	vs. CLE	-
18	Ahmad Bradshaw	at MIN	Probable(wrist)
19	LeGarrette Blount	at WAS	-
20	Felix Jones	vs. PHI	-
21	Brandon Jacobs	at MIN	-
22	Chris Ivory	vs. STL	-
23	BenJarvus Green-Ellis	at CHI	-
24	Tashard Choice	vs. PHI	-
25	James Starks	at DET	-
26	Brian Westbrook	vs. SEA	Probable(not injury related)
27	Shonn Greene	vs. MIA	-
28	Cedric Benson	at PIT	-
29	Marshawn Lynch	at SF	-
30	Michael Bush	at JAC	-
31	Danny Woodhead	at CHI	-
32	Thomas Jones	at SD	-
33	Brandon Jackson	at DET	-
34	LaDainian Tomlinson	vs. MIA	-
35	Tim Hightower	vs. DEN	-
36	Ronnie Brown	at NYJ	-
37	Donald Brown	at TEN	Questionable(ankle)
38	Beanie Wells	vs. DEN	-
39	Anthony Dixon	vs. SEA	-
40	Mike Goodson	vs. ATL	-
41	Jahvid Best	vs. GB	Probable(toe)
42	Javarris James	at TEN	-
43	Reggie Bush	vs. STL	-
44	Ricky Williams	at NYJ	-
45	Ryan Mathews	vs. KC	-
46	Pierre Thomas	vs. STL	Probable(ankle)
47	Maurice Morris	vs. GB	-
48	Willis McGahee	at HOU	-
49	Justin Forsett	at SF	-
50	James Davis	vs. TB	-
51	Keiland Williams	vs. TB	-
52	Toby Gerhart	vs. NYG	Probable(hamstring)
53	Rashad Jennings	vs. OAK	-
54	Cadillac Williams	at WAS	-
55	Bernard Scott	at PIT	-
56	C.J. Spiller	vs. CLE	-
57	Chester Taylor	vs. NE	-
58	Jerome Harrison	at DAL	-
59	Derrick Ward	vs. BAL	-
60	Darren Sproles	vs. KC	Questionable(concussion)

RB Notes: MJD gets an honorary No. 2 spot this week for his insane level of play. The Jaguars know who they are and will probably try to run 45 times against Oakland, even if it's not working early. … If Chris Johnson doesn't go off this week, then you know the Titans offensive line is really lackluster. Johnson deserves some blame for his struggles as well. It was really surprising to see a Jaguars linebacker tackle him in the open field. Expect a nice game for CJ1200K. … Knowshon Moreno isn't impossible to sit, but he's pretty damn close – ranked 7th. … Jamaal Charles' lack of scores can be frustrating. A Tony Moeki illegal formation cost him six points last week. Still, we're at the point where we should probably stop complaining about Thomas Jones. Jones' presence has helped keep Charles this fresh and ready to close the season strong. It's hard to complain about 125 yards-per-game. (I'd stay away from Jones in this matchup though.)

A game on turf against a big-bodied defensive line sets up better for Ahmad Bradshaw than Brandon Jacobs. Bradshaw remains a solid RB2. … Chris Ivory has earned Sean Payton's trust and fantasy owners too. Dude's feet are insanely quick for such a powerful runner. He's not a factor on passing downs, but there is a huge drop-off in RB expectations after the top 20. Ivory deserves to be ranked right after that. … It's worth remembering James Starks got a lot of carries in garbage time. Luckily, there should be plenty of garbage time in this game. You could do worse than Brandon Jackson as a flex as well. … Cedric Benson looks worse by the week. He's doing a lot of dancing. Bernard Scott may start to get more work because he's playing well. … Seattle's rush defense is bad enough for Brian Westbrook to get a look as a deeper flex option.

It was insane to watch Mike Tolbert get a career high in catches with one hand. It says a lot Ryan Mathews didn't get off the bench even with Darren Sproles hurt. Even if Mathews plays this week, Tolbert remains a solid RB2. … Michael Bush was really impressive last week with his yards after contact. He got the ball more consistently than Darren McFadden on the goal line. McFadden seemed to get the message from the coaching staff and finished his runs better against San Diego. He's moved up the rankings despite Jacksonville's better rush defense of late. … Tashard Choice is a reasonable option because Philly's rush defense struggles. … Don't fall for one week of Marshawn Lynch. He has two games in Seattle over 50 yards. … The Jets back are practically hands off at this point, especially against Miami. … Donald Brown should start Thursday night, but you'd have to be very desperate to play him.

Week 14 Wide Receivers

Rank	Player Name	Opponent	Notes
1	Greg Jennings	at DET	-
2	Andre Johnson	vs. BAL	Probable(ankle)
3	Reggie Wayne	at TEN	Questionable(knee)
4	DeSean Jackson	at DAL	-
5	Roddy White	at CAR	Probable(knee)
6	Brandon Lloyd	at ARZ	-
7	Jeremy Maclin	at DAL	-
8	Anquan Boldin	at HOU	-
9	Calvin Johnson	vs. GB	Probable(groin)
10	Marques Colston	vs. STL	-
11	Dwayne Bowe	at SD	-
12	Larry Fitzgerald	vs. DEN	Probable(-)
13	Miles Austin	vs. PHI	-
14	Mike Wallace	vs. CIN	-
15	Mike Williams	at WAS	Probable(knee)
16	Sidney Rice	vs. NYG	Probable(hip)
17	Santonio Holmes	vs. MIA	Probable(back)
18	Terrell Owens	at PIT	Probable(knee)
19	Steve Johnson	vs. CLE	-
20	Wes Welker	at CHI	-
21	Brandon Marshall	at NYJ	Questionable(hamstring)
22	Chad Ochocinco	at PIT	-
23	Malcom Floyd	vs. KC	-
24	Michael Crabtree	vs. SEA	-
25	Johnny Knox	vs. NE	-
26	Mario Manningham	at MIN	-
27	Pierre Garcon	at TEN	-
28	Steve Smith	at MIN	Questionable(pectorals)
29	Hakeem Nicks	at MIN	Questionable(leg)
30	Santana Moss	vs. TB	Questionable(hamstring)
31	Hines Ward	vs. CIN	-
32	James Jones	at DET	-
33	Robert Meachem	vs. STL	-
34	Earl Bennett	vs. NE	-
35	Ben Obomanu	at SF	Questionable(hand)
36	Derrick Mason	at HOU	-
37	Donald Driver	at DET	Probable(hand)
38	Steve Breaston	vs. DEN	Probable(knee)
39	Braylon Edwards	vs. MIA	-
40	Deion Branch	at CHI	-
41	Steve Smith	vs. ATL	-
42	Jacoby Ford	at JAC	-
43	Mike Thomas	vs. OAK	-
44	Roy Williams	vs. PHI	-
45	Blair White	at TEN	-
46	Davone Bess	at NYJ	-
47	Lee Evans	vs. CLE	-
48	Randy Moss	vs. IND	-
49	Danario Alexander	at NO	-
50	Nate Burleson	vs. GB	Probable(hamstring)
51	Louis Murphy	at JAC	-
52	Seyi Ajirotutu	vs. KC	-
53	Eddie Royal	at ARZ	-
54	Kenny Britt	vs. IND	-
55	Lance Moore	vs. STL	-
56	Danny Amendola	at NO	-
57	Nate Washington	vs. IND	-
58	Jabar Gaffney	at ARZ	-
59	Anthony Armstrong	vs. TB	-
60	Brandon Gibson	at NO	-
61	Jerricho Cotchery	vs. MIA	-
62	Dexter McCluster	at SD	-
63	Jason Avant	at DAL	-
64	Mohamed Massaquoi	at BUF	-
65	Devery Henderson	vs. STL	-
66	Derek Hagan	at MIN	-
67	Laurent Robinson	at NO	-

WR Notes: Brodie Croyle doesn't kill Dwayne Bowe. Croyle has a strong arm and is a very talented backup. The Chiefs may roll with a conversative offense and it's a tough matchup, though. Quentin Jammer is having a great season but Louis Murphy beat him deep last week. (Jason Campbell made a poor throw.) Bowe is a decent bet for a big play. He's done too much to bench him now. … Robert Meachem is a better play now than just about any point all season. … Chad Ochocinco really seemed to get his groove back in last week's game. He ran a number of great routes and made some terrific grabs. It's a tough matchup this week ,but we still have him as a low level WR2/3.

For now, Hakeem Nicks isn't ranked. We'll add him if he's out there but he'll be in the WR3 level around Steve Smith if he goes. … Malcom Floyd looked healthy last week and Vincent Jackson is fully expected to miss this week's game, so it's safe to go back to Floyd. … Maybe I'm stubborn, but I'm just not sitting a guy as talented as Brandon Marshall in the fantasy playoffs unless I really have to. I know the factors going against him. (In his favor: No Brian Hartline.) … Alex Smith's re-emergence doesn't really have a huge effect on Michael Crabtree. Perhaps a small bump because the team will throw more.

I'm not sure if Mike Sims-Walker playing helps or hurts Mike Thomas at this point. Both guys are risky WR3s against Oakland assuming MSW is out there. … Deion Branch gets one-on-one matchups and he's scored plenty of late, but I still don't trust him. The explosion just isn't there. I'd rather play Earl Bennett in that game considering the matchup. The change to the dink-and-dunk approach in Chicago has helped Bennett immensely. … Ben Obomanu is ranked as if Big Mike Williams isn't playing. We'll adjust later in the week if necessary. … Sidney Rice over Percy Harvin is an easy call. Bump Rice up a little more if Harvin is out this week. … Wes Welker has shown he's matchup proof. … Santana Moss is struggling, but the Bucs secondary could be pretty ugly without Aqib Talib holding it together.


Week 14 Tight Ends

Rank	Player Name	Opponent	Notes
1	Jacob Tamme	at TEN	Questionable(knee)
2	Vernon Davis	vs. SEA	-
3	Antonio Gates	vs. KC	Questionable(foot)
4	Chris Cooley	vs. TB	-
5	Jason Witten	vs. PHI	-
6	Dustin Keller	vs. MIA	-
7	Tony Gonzalez	at CAR	Probable(ankle)
8	Ben Watson	at BUF	-
9	Brent Celek	at DAL	-
10	Brandon Pettigrew	vs. GB	-
11	Kellen Winslow	at WAS	Probable(knee)
12	Marcedes Lewis	vs. OAK	-
13	Ed Dickson	at HOU	-
14	Zach Miller	at JAC	Probable(foot)
15	Owen Daniels	vs. BAL	Probable(hamstring)
16	Jeremy Shockey	vs. STL	-
17	Visanthe Shiancoe	vs. NYG	-
18	Jermaine Gresham	at PIT	Questionable(personal)
19	Tony Moeaki	at SD	-
20	Kevin Boss	at MIN	-
21	Jimmy Graham	vs. STL	-
22	Aaron Hernandez	at CHI	-
23	Greg Olsen	vs. NE	-
24	Rob Gronkowski	at CHI	-
25	Bo Scaife	vs. IND	Sidelined(head)
26	Anthony Fasano	at NYJ	-

Week 14 Team Defense

Rank	Player Name	Opponent	Notes
1	Packers Def/Spec Team	at DET	-
2	Falcons Def/Spec Team	at CAR	-
3	Steelers Def/Spec Team	vs. CIN	-
4	Giants Def/Spec Team	at MIN	-
5	Saints Def/Spec Team	vs. STL	-
6	Jets Def/Spec Team	vs. MIA	-
7	Eagles Def/Spec Team	at DAL	-
8	Chargers Def/Spec Team	vs. KC	-
9	Vikings Def/Spec Team	vs. NYG	-
10	Fortyniners Def/Spec Team	vs. SEA	-
11	Ravens Def/Spec Team	at HOU	-
12	Patriots Def/Spec Team	at CHI	-
13	Dolphins Def/Spec Team	at NYJ	-
14	Broncos Def/Spec Team	at ARZ	-
15	Jaguars Def/Spec Team	vs. OAK	-
16	Titans Def/Spec Team	vs. IND	-
17	Bears Def/Spec Team	vs. NE	-
18	Browns Def/Spec Team	at BUF	-
19	Raiders Def/Spec Team	at JAC	-
20	Buccaneers Def/Spec Team	at WAS	-
21	Colts Def/Spec Team	at TEN	-
22	Seahawks Def/Spec Team	at SF	-
23	Rams Def/Spec Team	at NO	-
24	Chiefs Def/Spec Team	at SD	-
25	Bengals Def/Spec Team	at PIT	-
26	Cowboys Def/Spec Team	vs. PHI	-
27	Bills Def/Spec Team	vs. CLE	-
28	Redskins Def/Spec Team	vs. TB	-
29	Panthers Def/Spec Team	vs. ATL	-
30	Texans Def/Spec Team	vs. BAL	-
31	Cardinals Def/Spec Team	vs. DEN	-
32	Lions Def/Spec Team	vs. GB	-

Week 14 Kickers

Rank	Player Name	Opponent	Notes
1	David Akers	at DAL	-
2	Garrett Hartley	vs. STL	-
3	Adam Vinatieri	at TEN	-
4	Nate Kaeding	vs. KC	-
5	Mason Crosby	at DET	-
6	Matt Prater	at ARZ	-
7	Neil Rackers	vs. BAL	-
8	Ryan Longwell	vs. NYG	-
9	Josh Scobee	vs. OAK	-
10	Josh Brown	at NO	-
11	Matt Bryant	at CAR	-
12	Robbie Gould	vs. NE	-
13	Rob Bironas	vs. IND	-
14	Billy Cundiff	at HOU	-
15	Olindo Mare	at SF	-
16	Lawrence Tynes	at MIN	-
17	Sebastian Janikowski	at JAC	-
18	Shayne Graham	at CHI	-
19	Shaun Suisham	vs. CIN	-
20	Ryan Succop	at SD	-
21	Dan Carpenter	at NYJ	-
22	Rian Lindell	vs. CLE	-
23	Phil Dawson	at BUF	-
24	David Buehler	vs. PHI	-
25	Jeff Reed	vs. SEA	-
26	Connor Barth	at WAS	-
27	Graham Gano	vs. TB	-
28	Dave Rayner	vs. GB	-
29	Nick Folk	vs. MIA	-
30	Jay Feely	vs. DEN	-
31	Clint Stitser	at PIT	-
32	John Kasay	vs. ATL	-