Week 13: Automatic/Don’t Do It
by Vidur Malik
Quarterbacks
Peyton Manning – After his uncharacteristically bad performance against the San Diego Chargers last week, look for Manning to redeem himself against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday. The Cowboys rank 25th in passing defense, and 30th in points allowed. Also, Manning isn’t going to have two bad games in a row.
David Garrard – Look for Garrard to have a good game against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday. He struggled against the New York Giants last week, but should put up good numbers against the Titans’ defense, which gives up almost 250 passing yards per game.
Don’t Do It: Carson Palmer – Palmer and the Bengals play the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, a team that has a stingy defense that is ranked third in pass defense, seventh in yards allowed and sixth in points allowed. Also, Palmer has thrown at least two interceptions in his last three games.
Running Backs
Fred Jackson – Jackson has been performing well the whole year, and he should have another big day against the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings are ranked fifth in rushing defense, but Jackson is great a great receiver as well. He had 104 receiving yards against the Pittsburgh Steelers last week, so he is a threat in both the ground and passing game.
Steven Jackson – Jackson and the St. Louis Rams take on the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, who rank 31st in rushing defense. Jackson hasn’t had great games recently, so he’s due for a strong performance. Look for that to happen this Sunday.
Don’t Do It: BenJarvus Green-Ellis – Green-Ellis hasn’t been putting up pro-bowl numbers, but he’s had three touchdowns in the past two games. Look for his yardage and touchdown total to fall this weekend when the New England Patriots take on the New York Jets on Sunday, who rank fourth in the NFL in rushing defense.
Receivers
Dustin Keller – The last time the Jets played the Patriots, Keller had his best game of the year, with seven catches for 115 yards and a touchdown. Keller should have a similar performance when the two teams play again. He hasn’t caught a touchdown since week four, but that should change this weekend.
Lance Moore – Throughout the season, Moore has been one of the New Orleans Saints’ leading receivers. He leads the team in touchdown catches, and should be worth a starting spot this weekend when he and the Saints play the Bengals, who have a below-average defense.
Don’t Do It: Roddy White – The last time the Atlanta Falcons played the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, we told you not to start White, and he only had four catches for 49 yards that game. The Falcons play the Buccaneers again this week, so don’t expect White to have a good game. He’s been averaging less than 10 yards per catch his last two games, so even if he does catch a lot of passes, they may not be for very many yards.
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