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Start ‘Em/Sit ‘Em: 11 Fantasy Football Players With Sweetheart Matchups In Week 14

by Pat Mayo | 5:02 pm, December 5th, 2012

Each week, Pat Mayo of RotoExperts.com will bring you 11 fantasy football players with favorable matchups. Whether it’s a wide receiver facing a weak-kneed secondary, a running back taking on a dinged-up front seven, or a team defense preparing to eat a cupcake rookie quarterback, these are the guys who are poised for a big fantasy output this Sunday.

This week, he likes Ahmad Bradshaw and Knowshon Moreno going against two generous defenses.

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1.1. Ahmad Bradshaw

With that pesky, touchdown-vulturing Andre Brown off sizing up steel rods for his broken leg, things went exactly to script for Ahmad Bradshaw Monday night. Bradshaw planted his flag in the Giants backfield, dominating the workload and looked terrific in the process. Unfortunately, it’s only matter of time before he succumbs to some sort injury, so take advantage while he’s still on the field. And a matchup with the Saints is the perfect opportunity.

2.2. Knowshon Moreno

Sure, Moreno doesn’t have enough talent to earn All-Pro honors in my pickup league, but skills are irrelevant when Peyton Manning is handing you the ball. Just ask Dominic Rhodes, Donald Brown and Joseph Addai. Hell, even Mike Hart looked competent with Peyton under center. Since returning to the starter’s role, Moreno is averaging 24 touches and just under 100 yards per game. And that was against the Chiefs and Bucs, two respectable run defenses. Taking on the Raiders, he may actually find the end zone.

3.3. Josh Freeman

The only investment worse than Philly’s secondary was my parents’ decision to hand me $1000 – cash - for books my first year at university. And at least I got a free pack of cigarettes, two White Russians and 20 minutes of enjoyment at the Baccarat table out of it. The Eagles won’t experience any delight with Freeman leading his scurvy crew of Buccaneers down the field, plundering scores and downing some locker room grog for a victory celebration.

4.4. Jay Cutler

The Vikings have been steadfast in their inability to contain quarterbacks all season. Despite a fearsome pass rush, which you think would be problematic for the Bears offensive line, Minnesota has been more than generous to Cutler in his career. In his past five turns against the mighty Grimaces, Smokin’ Jay has tossed 13 touchdowns. With ideal conditions inside the Metrodome, Culter should only add to his impressive totals.

5.5. Lance Moore

There’s a shootout warning in effect for Saints/Giants, so unless there’s also a hurricane alert, prepare for Lance Moore to stuff the stat sheet for the second straight week. With the pressure New York is able to generate from its defensive front, Drew Brees is going to be forced to rid himself of the ball quicker than normal - always a plus for Moore. Patrolling the slot, he’ll collect receptions faster than a bum scoops up a mostly-smoked cigarette.

6.6. Greg Jennings

I wanted to see Jennings in action before inserting him in my lineup, and his return went fantastic, considering he missed eight weeks. Sure, four catches for 46 yards is normally a disappointment, but there was a slew of positive takeaways. He played almost every snap, looked sharp on his cuts and received a team-high eight targets from Aaron Rodgers. With Jordy Nelson’s hamstring looking like it will force him into street clothes, Jennings will only see his opportunities balloon.

7.7. Brandon Myers

In the year of the inconsistent tight end, Myers’ invariable performance has earned him ’must start’ status every week. He’s quickly become Carson Palmer’s favorite target – more so in garbage time – snagging at least five passes in seven of his last eight games. He’ll have no issues maintaining his pace against the Broncos either. Denver is the second most generous unit to opposing tight ends in Fantasy points per game, and have allowed a league-high nine scores to the position.

8.8. Owen Daniels

Daniels has been an overlooked comeback story this season. After his breakout 2008 campaign, he had his pick dug into the summit of the position’s elite the following year before a blowing out his knee in Week 8. He hadn’t been the same, until now. Fully established as Houston’s secondary passing option, Daniels will make use of his plentiful targets against the Patriots. New England is going to have to commit its entire linebacking corps to slowing Arian Foster, leaving Daniels ample time to overcome his agoraphobia.

9.9. Matt Bryant

The Panthers are the team you want a kicker against. Carolina has allowed double-digit Fantasy points to the position in all but two games. Plus, Matt Bryant has been excellent recently. Even including a dismal, two-miss effort against the Bucs in Week 12, Bryant is still averaging a shade over 12 Fantasy points in each of his last nine outings.

10.10. Seattle Seahawks Defense

Hmmmmmm… Seattle at home, where its defense is averaging 14 Fantasy points per game against teams that don’t occasionally feature Pat Patriot on their helmets. They’re squaring off with Cardinals, who, with Ryan Lindley at the helm, have the worst offense in NFL history - and that’s not hyperbole. In two and half games, Lindley’s completed more passes to his opponents than Larry Fitzgerald.

11.11. Cleveland Browns Defense

Granted, the Chiefs have improved offensively in the last couple of weeks, but they haven’t faced a unit nearly as stingy as the Browns. Wonder how Cleveland keeps sticking around in games? Defense. One that’s shockingly legitimate. They’ll focus on limiting Jamaal Charles - Kansas City’s one viable offensive weapon - and force Brady Quinn to the air. When that happens, Fantasy goodness ensues.

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