Week 14 Highlights!!

Home or Away, September or December?

When setting your starting lineups for a particular week, it is important to look at who is playing at home and away. There is no coincidence that players that are playing at home usually put up better numbers than those who play away. That is just something to consider when you are trying to decide between two players. Another thing to consider when trying to decide between two players is where there game is playing and what the weather could be like. Wide receivers are not the same players outside in december than they are inside any other game. The weather plays a huge role in productivity of quarter backs and wide receivers so keep that in mind as well.

Is the Importance of a good Defense Overlooked?

You usually don't see the premier defenses drafted until the middle rounds and then the remaining defenses taken in the last few rounds. This week in my ESPN league, it was my defense that solidified my victory. It was a close battle in the first round of the playoffs between myself and Tyler's Poopcicles both us us had subpar weekends. I only had 3 players reach double digits in points and he had a little more, but coming down to the close of the 3:00 games it was a close matchup. Having a defense like the Steelers who rank number 1 in a few of the defensive categories put me over the top when they picked Tony Romo for 6 late in the fourth quarter of the Steelers, Cowboys game. So my question to all 1 of you who read this is should drafting a quality defense be more important that drafting a quality tight-end or even backups running backs and wide receivers? That is just something I've been contemplating lately.

ESPN's Sunday NFL Countdown: Start Em, Sit Em

Start Em
Peyton Hillis, RB Denver: The Broncos have done a fine job adapting their offense to conform to his downhill running style, and the matchup couldn't be more favorable for Hillis. Kansas City ranks 31st against the run and has allowed 20 rushing scores, so we'll go as far as to say he's a must-start, even as your No. 2 back.

Kevin Boss, TE NYG: Who's the boss? Kevin's the boss! Feel free to start him if you don't have one of the truly elite tight ends. Last time versus the Eagles Boss had 12.9 points.

Sit Em
Jake Delhomme, QB Panthers: Delhomme has exceeded our expectations the past two weeks, and perhaps we should jump on board with his success ... and yet the Bucs have the third-best pass defense in the league, and with DeAngelo Williams playing so well, there's just no need to toy with the possibility of a bad interception ruining Jake's day. We're steering clear of him again in Week 14. Last time versus Bucs, Delhomme put up less than 10 points.

Terrell Owens, WR Cowboys: Weather will be a huge factor as they play in Pittsburgh which will make it hard for the Cowboys to get a good pass game going. Not to mention that the Steelers have the best pass defense in the NFL right now. Even though he has been on fire lately, you should take these into account when you are adjusting your last minute lineups.

Last Minute Injury Updates Before Noon!

Willis McGahee, Ravens: Probable to play against the Redskins.
Carson Palmer, Bengals: Out
Kellen Winslow, Browns: Out
Marion Barber, Cowboys: Out
Roy Williams, Cowboys: Probable
Ryan Grant, Packers: Probable
Joseph Addai, Colts: Questionable
Reggie Bush, Saints: Probable
Lav Coles, Jets: Probable
Brian Westbrook, Eagles: Questionable...Most likely will start.
Correll Buckhalter, Eagles: Doubtful
Ben Rothlisberger, Steeers: Probable
Willie Parker, Steelers: Probable
Steven Jackson, Rams: Probable
Clinton Portis, Redskins: Questionable

If somebody wasn't mentioned they are most likely playing or shouldn't affect anybodies fantasy teams as most leagues begin playoffs this week.

Barber Out

According to ESPN.COM, Barber will not play on Sunday.

Barber Questionable for this Week

The Cowboys activated RB Alonzo Coleman from their practice squad. Marion Barber missed his 4th practice in a row with a dislocated right pinkie toe. Cowboys are already very thin at running back since rookie sensation Felix Jones is already out for the season. The only running back behind Barber before this move was another rookie Tashard Choice.