Fantasy Fragments: Who To Start for Week 13

No Vince, no it's not.

 Written by: Jon Gale

I am excited to announce that Jon Gale will be joining the BDT writing staff, chipping in with his weekly fantasy thoughts. Like everyone else at BDT, Gale is a good friend of mine. From personal experience, I can attest to Gale's fantasy acumen, and I'd be remiss if I didn't tell you he was in more fantasy leagues than any one man has a right to be in. Safe to say, it's a miracle any of us are married. As always, any reader feedback is welcome.

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Six players screaming “START ME” for Fantasy Football Week 13:

QB:

Vince Young, PHI- Coming off a week where Young hoisted up 48 attempts for a fantasy-friendly 400 passing yards and a score, Philadelphia is set to aerate a Seattle secondary that couldn’t stop Rex Grossman (314 yds for 2 TD, 8.97 YPA). With Vick still struggling to get healthy, look for Young to go to the air early and often en route to another eye-popping performance. Proj. 23-38, 300 total yards, 2 TD’s.

Josh Freeman, TB- I know that Freeman has been incredibly disappointing this year. In fact, many super-sleuths snagged him in the latter rounds of their draft in hopes that he would catapult them to fantasy fame. Undoubtedly, he has disappointed this season; however, this week, Freeman has one tasty matchup against the sieve-like secondary of Carolina. Going up against a defense that allowed 5 passing touchdowns to Matt Stafford, look for Freeman to post top 10 QB numbers this week in hopes of redemption in the hearts of fantasy owners around the globe. Proj. 28-40, 330 total yards, 2 TD’s.

RB:

BenJarvus Green-Ellis, NE- Now that “The Law Firm” seems to be rid of the injury-bug that limited him to 25 carries between weeks 8-10, look for Green-Ellis to get a chunk of additional totes against the lowly ponies from Indianapolis. The Colts, who fired defensive coordinator Larry Coyer on Tuesday, will be behind a new play-caller on the defensive side of the ball, leaving them potentially susceptible for a mass of goal line opportunities. Expect at least a touchdown for BJGE this weekend, and several other opportunities. Proj. 21 carries, 87 yards, 2 TD’s.

Roy Helu, WAS- Seldom would I ever suggest a horse in Shanahan’s stable. However, in lieu of the coach’s normal rotational muddle, Helu saw all but one carry out of Washington running backs and hauled in seven more touches through the air for a total of 30 contacts for 162 total yards. Going up against a NY Jet defense that is no better than average against rushers, look for Helu to top 100 total yards for a second straight week with a possible score. Proj. 19 carries, 6 rec., 146 total yards, 1 TD.

WR:

Nate Burleson, DET- In a game that is sure to surpass 90 total passing attempts, look for Burleson to have an impactful day against the Saints. While both the Saints and Lions are more interested in outscoring teams than defending them, look for #13 to have a Victor Cruz-like evening in New Orleans. With the Saints so-called defense locked in on Mr. Johnson, look for Burleson to get his fair share of targets from Matthew Stafford. Proj. 7 rec., 95 yards, 1TD.

TE:

Brent Celek, PHI- With Vince Young expected to start against a weak Seattle secondary, look for Celek to relive his glory days of 2009, a campaign in which he recorded 8 touchdown receptions. While Young has exhibited a willingness to go deep, Celek offers a delicious check-down option that may be too good to pass up for the former Heisman runner-up. Proj. 6 rec. 80 yards, 1 TD.