If they accomplish that, while they still have a perfect 16-0 record for which to play, it's likely Indianapolis players will begin to be rested to an extent in Weeks 15-17. Indianapolis at Jacksonville: This is a key game for fantasy owners speculating about the season's final three weeks, as the Colts can clinch home-field advantage throughout the playoffs with a victory. Smith is a must-play in the fantasy postseason. Worried about WR Steve Smith's matchup? Keep in mind he had five receptions for 106 yards and a score in Week 9 against these Bucs, and three scores in five career games against them. Foster's potential as both a runner and receiver makes him a safe choice even against solid defenses, so long as he keeps starting. He has 47 carries for 208 yards and two scores the past two weeks, and it's extremely encouraging that he leads all running backs with six catches of 20-plus yards.

RB DeShaun Foster also faces a tricky matchup against the Buccaneers' eighth-ranked rush defense (93.8 ypg), but he's still a solid flex option for this game. Cadillac has his work cut out for him against a Panthers rush defense that ranks second in the league (85.5 ypg) and hasn't allowed a 100-yard rusher or a rushing TD in its past four games, but he's still useful as a No. Tampa Bay at Carolina: RB Carnell Williams has recaptured the form that made him one of the best fantasy options to begin the season, as he has 61 carries for 296 yards and a touchdown in his last three games, one of which came against the tough Bears rush defense (Week 12). He has four TDs in his last four contests, so keep him in there for these important weeks. In the eight games this season in which both he and QB Ben Roethlisberger have played, Ward has 41 receptions for 575 yards and eight TDs, exceptional fantasy totals. WR Hines Ward is performing too well to reserve, even against the Bears' second-ranked pass defense (169.6 ypg). Parker is now battling some fumbling issues, and with RBs Jerome Bettis and Duce Staley around to steal carries, he's a risky play against the Bears' seventh-ranked rush defense (93.2 ypg). RB Willie Parker is even less attractive than Jones, as he has averaged 49.8 rushing yards per game and 3.9 yards per carry in his last five contests. CAR Week 12, at TB), and on Sunday, Jones faces the fourth-ranked Steelers (89.2 ypg). Two of those came against top-10 rush defenses (Week 11, vs. He has 11 receptions for 228 yards and a score in his last three games, and faces a Rams pass defense that ranks 28th (240.3 ypg) and has allowed 24 TDs, second-most in the league.Ĭhicago at Pittsburgh: RB Thomas Jones has been unspectacular in his last five games, averaging 72.8 rushing yards per contest and 3.6 yards per carry. WR Koren Robinson is a sneaky play as a No. Louis passing game, and is a must-play against the Vikings' 23rd-ranked pass defense (216.2 ypg). Holt is obviously still the most stable receiver in the St.

WR Torry Holt has 16 receptions for 205 yards and a TD in his last two games, and 35 catches for 562 yards and three scores in his last five games in which QB Marc Bulger was absent. He's still worth using based on a probable hefty workload, but don't expect a huge game. He's averaging just 3.2 yards per carry the past four weeks, and it'll be interesting to see whether he can get anything going against a Vikings team that has gone eight straight games without a 100-yard rushing effort allowed.

Louis at Minnesota: RB Steven Jackson has been extremely inconsistent the past five weeks, with two 100-yard rushing efforts but two other games of fewer than 25 yards. Though he has averaged a career-low 3.3 rushing yards per carry this season, he could step up with a respectable effort against the Raiders' 22nd-ranked rush defense (118.8 ypg). RB Curtis Martin has some value as a flex option if healthy. He's averaging just 3.7 receptions and 43.6 receiving yards the past seven weeks, and is a riskier option with Tuiasosopo throwing him the ball. WR Randy Moss is simply not a top fantasy option for your playoff matchups, as he has gone eight games without a 100-yard receiving effort, matching a career worst. Jordan should step up with one of his better efforts against the Jets' 29th-ranked rush defense (137.7 ypg). Though he's averaging 110.0 scrimmage yards with three touchdowns in his last six games, he should be more of the offensive focus now that QB Marques Tuiasosopo is the Raiders' starter. Jets: RB LaMont Jordan returns to the Meadowlands to face his former team, the Jets, for the first time since leaving them this past offseason.

Statbook college