Booms, Busts, Breakouts (Week 12): Manningham Primed For Big Week
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Each week, fantasy football guru Michael Green slaves over statistics and trends to bring you the best fantasy advice this side of Bristol. Read on for the players to start (and players to sit) this week at each key position.
Take it away, Mike...
Booms
Mario Manningham (WR) - Giants v. Jaguars
With New York’s recent outbreak of injuries, its receiving depth has shrunk to Marcel the Shell proportions. But the Manning to Manning(ham) connection is still alive and strong. With Hakeem Nicks and Steve Smith sidelined, expect Manningham to be the benefactor against a Jaguars defense that is more giving than Mother Teresa.
James Jones (WR) - Packers @ Falcons
James Jones has clearly surpassed a decaying Donald Driver as the Packers’ No. 2 option behind Greg Jennings. Jones has seen pay dirt in two consecutive contests and Atlanta has provided shakier defense than Jackie Childs while defending the pass. Expect Jones to continue his success this week.
Rashard Mendenhall (RB) - Steelers @ Bills
Rashard Mendenhall’s silky smooth dance moves will prove to be too much for a Bills rush defense that has two left feet. The Steelers’ Fred Astaire of rushing has not waltzed his way to 100 yards rushing since Week 3. Fortunately for Mendenhall, Buffalo routinely gives up a c-note to Chan Gailey during running drills.
Donovan McNabb (QB) - Redskins v. Vikings
Donovan McNabb and his $78 million contract will keep T.O.’s Twitter page idle this week with a popcorn worthy performance. Washington’s signal caller will go against a reeling Minnesota defense that gave up four touchdowns to Aaron Rodgers last week.
Busts
Reggie Wayne (WR) - Colts v. Chargers
They should call Reggie Wayne “Fiber One” because he consistently yields solid results. However, the Chargers have routinely held opposing aerial assaults in check this season. It’s difficult to bench Manning’s man on the outside, but his totals will be modest this Sunday.
Mike Thomas (WR) - Jaguars @ Giants
Ever since catching David Garrard’s miracle ricochet pass to beat the Texans, Thomas has become a popular fantasy commodity. But Jacksonville’s pinball wizard will run out of quarters when the Jaguars visit New York. With Mike Sims-Walker hobbled, the Giants will focus significant energy on keeping the miracle man at bay.
LeSean McCoy (RB) - Eagles @ Bears
"Shady" McCoy will enter a rushing black hole this week when the Eagles travel to Chicago. The Bears’ defense has routinely put a chastity belt on opposing rushers, rarely giving up big gains -- even on prom night. McCoy’s biggest contribution will have to be in the passing game if he hopes to rack up any stats of significance in Chicago.
Brandon Jackson (RB) - Packers @ Falcons
Green Bay’s favorite plodder was held to 28 yards on 14 carries against the Minnesota Vikings last week. Atlanta’s rush defense will prove to be just as big a riddle for Jackson to solve. The Falcons have only given up three rushing touchdowns this season, which should put Jackson toward the back of the Pack in fantasy production.
Breakouts
Michael Crabtree (WR) - 49ers @ Cardinals
Monday Night Football would be lucky to give “Skating With the Stars” a run for its money this week. Seeing Troy Smith duel with Derek Anderson is like watching Betty White foxy box Bea Arthur. Still, somebody has to score against Arizona’s putrid pass defense, and Crabtree is a perfect candidate to stretch the field.
Sidney Rice (WR) - Vikings @ Redskins
Brett Favre’s favorite dread-locked target returned to action from hip surgery last week. His three receptions for 57 yards served as evidence that No. 18 is still a deep threat. Expect Rice’s involvement to grow this week against Washington’s 29th-ranked pass defense.
Rusty Smith (QB) - Titans @ Texans
Tennessee’s rookie quarterback has a name better suited for appearing in the credits of a 1960s Spaghetti Western than a professional football game. But with Vince Young and Kerry Collins sidelined, the Florida Atlantic product gets a crack at the NFL’s worst pass defense. When deciding whether or not to deploy Smith in your fantasy lineup, only break the glass in case of an emergency. He is a bottom-of-the-barrel quarterback with potential for serviceable returns this week.
Kevin Boss (TE) - Giants v. Jaguars
Kevin Boss is no Tony Danza, but he will most certainly be worthy of his own hit sitcom this week against the Jaguars. Eli Manning will go to his security blanket often with the injury plague that has befallen New York’s receiving corps. Anybody in search of a solid tight end play this week should promote Boss to their starting lineup.
To reach staff writer Michael Green, click here.
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