Fantasy Fragments: Who To Sit for Week 13

"Of course I'm bad! Have you seen me play?"

 Written by: Jon Gale

Six players TO AVOID for Fantasy Football Week 13:

QB:

Philip Rivers, SD- It’s not often that one would steer clear of a match-up with the Jacksonville Jaguars. However, even with the house cleaning that has recently occurred, one thing has remained surprisingly constant all year: the Jaguars superb pass defense. The Jags pass defense ranks among the top 5 stingiest towards opposing QB’s, allowing just 13 passing touchdowns and a measly 15 points per game in standard leagues. I think it’s safe to say you can chalk up another repulsive outing for the top-tier bust. Proj. 23-42, 270 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT’s.

RB:

Steven Jackson, STL- While the St. Louis workhorse has offered up respectable numbers in a fairly healthy (for once) campaign, he has shown signs of slowing down while averaging only 53 rushing yards over his last two contests. Don’t look for this week to be any different as he matches up with the top-ranked run defense in the league. San Francisco’s stalwart defense has yet to give up a rushing touchdown to opposing backs, and they have only allowed a single touchdown to backs through the air. Look for Jackson’s struggles to continue, as open running lanes will be few and far between for the Rams runner. Proj. 14 carries, 47 yards, 4 rec., 26 yards, 0 TD.

Peyton Hillis, CLE- Many managers are relieved, as the Cleveland bowling ball has returned from a rather lengthy stint on the inactive list. However, don’t look for him to get on track this week, even against a Baltimore defense that could be without LB Ray Lewis. The Ravens D is holding opposing runners to a quaint 82 rushing yards per game, and has only allowed rushers to cross the goal line six times. Hillis will struggle to run over anyone in this contest and may wish he were back on the inactive list by the end of the day. Proj. 17 carries, 61 yards, 3 rec. 23 yards, 0 TD.

WR:

Vincent Jackson, SD- After a huge outing at Chicago in which he recorded 7 catches for 165 yards and a score, Jackson had trouble shaking free against the pesky Denver pass D. This trend looks to continue against a Jacksonville secondary that allows fewer than 15 ppg to rival wideouts. While River’s is bound to target him often, look for the Jaguar defense to poach more thrown balls than Jackson this week. Proj. 2 rec., 38 yards, 0 TD’s.

Andre Johnson, HOU- While it’s relieving that the ultra-talented Johnson is finally healthy; it is absolutely terrifying that the most reasonable quarterback option comes in the form of rookie T.J. Yates. Don’t get me wrong, the kid is tough as nails, but toughness doesn’t deliver a back-shoulder throw. While he may mature in his experience as the Texan play-caller, look for Houston to hit the ground running at the expense of number 80.  Proj. 3 rec., 42 yards, 0 TD’s.

TE:

Vernon Davis, SF- Many owners have been disappointed by Davis’ inconsistent production this year, and rightfully so. However, you can count on one thing this week for Davis; he won’t find the promised land. Going up against a St. Louis defense that has actually performed fairly well, look for Davis to struggle to get his hands on the ball for more than a few yards. The Rams have allowed only ONE touchdown to opposing tight ends, and Davis isn’t expected to do any damage to that stat. Proj. 3 rec. 45 yards, 0 TD’s.