The second year of the Flutie Foundation Fantasy Football League is underway! While we compete for the belt TrophySmack generously donated as pictured above, we are all raising money for the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism through Facebook fundraisers.
You can learn more about the fundraiser by watching this video from The Adam Jones Show on November 16.
At this point in the season, from a fantasy point of view, things are getting harder to decide. So it’s about time I give you some advice to help sort out your starters from your bench players. First off, here are my rankings at the 4 major positions for this week. I have included ratings that I have found by combining the what the player’s rank would be if your draft was today, and some match-up analysis ratings.
week10ratings
Okay, so I’m going to go through each match-up, and for each match-up I will have a must-start or must-sit and the rating for that player. The ratings are from 0 to 60, 60 is absolutely insane, and 0 is terrible. Most players are somewhere in between. Anyone who I say has a must-start match-up should be started under all means. A must-sit should not be started under any conditions.
@ 
Must-Start
The Titans defense doesn’t have much against the Packers. Their number 1 corner is Perrish Cox, and I think especially if the Titans offense presents a bit of a surprising challenge like they have several times this season, the Packers will rely on throwing to Nelson and Randall Cobb. Nelson always gets a lot of points, but there would be a significant increase this week for Cobb, especially with the backfield lacking depth.
@ 
Must-Start
DeVontae Booker, RB, DEN (40.5, RB13)C.J. Anderson is likely out for the season, and despite being the underdog in this match-up, the Saints pass rush is pathetically bad, and it will cost them. The Broncos will take advantage of this, and it will be easier to get big time yardage from running the ball, possibly even more TDs. This will be good for Booker, as he should get most of this backfield work. So he should get you at least 10 points. Trust me on this.
Must-Start
Quincy Enunwa, WR, NYJ (34.5, WR26)With Eric Decker on IR, Enunwa has gotten a lot more work. The Rams secondary isn’t great, so I would start both Enunwa and Brandon Marshall. Trumaine Johnson is really the only reliable corner for the Rams, and he’ll be covering Marshall, making things even easier for Enunwa. The Jets are in favor here, but they will have to pass. Things will be tough because both teams have their weaknesses. Enunwa will be a key factor in whether the Jets win or lose.
@ 
Must-Start
Carson Wentz, QB, PHI (36, QB12)I know Wentz has struggled lately, but I just have a feeling that the Eagles will take advantage of the Falcons’ weaknesses at home, look like themselves from earlier this season, and take the win. Wentz should have it relatively easy as the Falcons do lack depth on defense, and there will be match-ups that other Eagles players take advantage of. Jordan Matthews will take advantage of the fact that the Falcons only have one strong corner. Zach Ertz will also take advantage of the defensive depth problems that could help Wentz. So, this is definitely a good match-up for Eagles offensive players. It’s all in the hands of Carson Wentz how well they do.
@ 
Jameis Winston, QB, TB (42.5, QB8)This is like the ultimate must-start here. The offense should improve with Doug Martin back, and the Bears defense may not be able to handle the offense. Their pass rush is pathetic and the secondary is lacking depth and superstars. After what he did last week, Mike Evans should be a major target too, and this is a great match-up for him too, because it could be a close game that’s decided by big plays if the Bucs defense lets their guard down too. Either way, Winston should get involved in the action.
@ 
Must-Sit
This is really a tough match-up for Cousins. He will be under a lot of pressure against a defense that has scored multiple TDs this season, and is one of the fantasy leaders defensively. With that, it’s got to be hard for opposing QBs. This entire offense will have a challenge, and it’s not any easier without Matt Jones at his best and DeSean Jackson or Josh Doctson even playing. It’ll be hard or the Redskins to even win, even with a strong secondary of their own.
@ 
Must-Start
Spencer Ware, RB, KC (40, RB14)Ware should come back strong this week, especially after what he’s done so far this year, most of it with Jamaal Charles active. Charcandrick West may still get some backfield work, but he was semi-bust material last week, and Ware’s been awesome all year. Ware might have earned the job for even when Charles is active. I know the Panthers pass rush is a lot tougher than the secondary, but the Chiefs are lacking receiver depth with Jeremy Maclin out, so the Chiefs may have to run the ball. Just the fact that he’s getting a heavier workload could be to his advantage.
@ 
Must-Sit
Allen Robinson, WR, JAXI actually just traded for Robinson, because somebody wanted to sell him high, and I needed an extra receiver. I have three other good receivers to start though, OBJ, Brandon Marshall and Jarvis Landry. Now that I did my research, I realized I need to take my own advice. This Texans defense is very good, Robinson hasn’t lived up to his expectations, and is only at about the level of Allen Hurns this year, and the Jags have had a tough time against tough defenses. The Texans have one of those defenses.
@ 
Must-Start
Antonio Gates, TE, SD (43, TE5)There aren’t many must start tight ends, but Gates is in a pretty good match-up for this week. Gates should take advantage of a Dolphins defense that has it’s problems. Hunter Henry is questionable, and Gates is back to full health. I think the Chargers will win this game because they will tsake advantage of favorable positional match-ups, and Gates is favored in his match-up.
@ 
Must-Sit
Hyde is already questionable, and may be limited if he’s active. The Cardinals defense is also very tough, so Hyde will have additional problems that the entire offense will face. Even with the Cardinals slumping, this is a tough, unfavorable match-up. Hyde is a bust for this week, whether he plays or not.
@
Jesse James, TE, PIT (27, TE20)
Jason Witten, TE, PIT & DAL (32, TE16)Both of thse tight ends are in a bad position. James won’t get as heavy a workload with Ladarius Green returning, and the Cowboys have decent defense that can pressure him and his offense. Witten is facing a pretty tough linebacker corps, along with a strong week for a lot of tight ends. Witten’s value is going down solely because he’s not a Top 12 tight end. He’s also getting older, so he can only do so much for your fantasy team. Tight ends won’t be targeted much in this game, especially with Antonio Brown and Dez Bryant healthy for it.
@ 
Must-Sit
Christine Michael, RB, SEA (28.5, RB32)Michael has not been as good in the last couple of games, and the Patriots defense won’t let him bulldoze through. C.J. Prosise is cutting into his workload, and soon Thomas Rawls will too. He’s not the lock-in RB1 at this point. Michael has a very tough match-up, his workload is shrinking, and he’s not a reliable option this Sunday. Michael could soon become a drop candidate if he does not have another big game.
@ 
Must-Start
OBJ has a good match-up, but he’s not the only Giants receiver that will get a fantasy workload. Sterling Shepard and Victor Cruz could be deciding factors in whether the Giants win or lose. They have good match-ups has the secondary’s attention will be on OBJ, so all three receivers will put up a lot of points. If you have OBJ, Shepard or Cruz, start your Giants receiver this week.
Okay, so this week is going to be a week of close match-ups. But there shouldn’t be any tough decisions fantasy-wise if you start the must-starts, sit the must-sits, and go by my rating index at QB, RB, WR and TE.
Week 12: Match-Up Breakdown
Week 12 is just hours away and this is the ultimate cheat sheet to a all of the games. Know what to watch for and you can even create a DFS lineup using this. Oh, and speaking of DFS, let’s start with my suggested lineup.
DFS Lineup
I know there are a lot of injuries, but Dalton and Johnson are now probable. DeMaryius Thomas did better with Brock Osweiler at QB than Manning, and A.J. Green is just plain out on fire.
Chris Johnson is also having a monster season, and Yeldon is facing a weak, banged up Chargers defense.
Vikings @ Falcons
Matt Ryan is looking to bounce back after the Vikings had a tough week. But the Falcons also lost last week, and to the Colts. Will A.P. bounce back and lead the Vikings to victory, or will Matt Ryan turn things around after countless recent struggles. Both of these teams are good, and are still easily playoff contenders, but have a lot of adversity to overcome.
How Can The Falcons Win?
First, you need to keep Adrian Peterson covered throughout the entire game. They need linebacker Paul Worrilow or Justin Durant to keep an eye on him, and prevent him
from reaching the end zone. Next, Matt Ryan’s o-line needs to provide better protection, allowing Matt Ryan to make up for the loss of Devonta Freeman by passing a lot to Julio Jones, Leonard Hankerson, Roddy White, who bounced back last game, and other targets. Reception TDs need to be scored. You also have to keep the young guns like Stefon Diggs under enough pressure to slow them down. But still don’t forget about veterans like Mike Wallace and Kyle Rudolph. Good luck, Falcons.
How Can The Vikings Win?
Good question. It’ll be difficult, but there are ways. First, you have to keep Matt Ryan under pressure. That is what teams have done to “break” Matt Ryan and defeat what would be a pretty darn good Falcons squad. Second, Adrian Peterson needs to get to the defense’s heads a little more. If they can’t do those two things, they will be disappointed as they lose to the Falcons and the Packers take the NFC North lead.
Saints @ Texans
The Texans are one of the hottest teams in football. DeAndre Hopkins is having a season for the record books, and after suffocating in a huge loss to Miami, the Texans have won their last three games, soon to be four. This is because the Saints are also struggling at the same time. They have lost their last two games to the Titans and Redskins. But seeking vengeance, the Saints have a chance, and of they lose, they’ll prove that they still have something left in the tank for the rest of the season.
How Can The Saints Win?
The Saints are clear underdogs, so they have to do several things to secure a win. First, Drew Brees needs to get rid of the ball fast so that J.J. Watt doesn’t have a chance to get his hands on Brees. Watt ties for the league lead with Ezekiel Ansah of the Lions in sacks (11.5). Ansah’s team played on Thanksgiving, so they’ve played twelve games and the Texans, only eleven. Second, the defense needs to do several things to step it up. They need strong double coverage on DeAndre Hopkins. They need to stop the run better, and can’t let the streaking Brian Hoyer slip away. Third, Mark Ingram can’t run the running game all alone. C.J. Spiller has a role on this team, and he needs to take responsibility for it, especially to help Ingram get past this strong rush defense.
How Can The Texans Win?
As long as the defense is on their best, and the offense keeps working their magic, there isn’t much else the Texans need to do. Is this their winning formula. Could continuing to play like this get them to the playoffs. However, even if they win, they can count this as almost, but not quite a trap game. They need to treat it like they’re facing Bart Starr’s Green Bay Packers, or Dan Marino’s 1970’s Dolphins, even Tom Brady’s 2007 Patriots. The Saints will try hard, but of the Texans do that, expect them to win by a nose.
Giants @ Redskins
This is a crucial division match-up. This could factor into deciding this cluttered NFC East division. If the Redskins win, they could have a serious chance at making the playoffs. If the Giants win, they will likely steal the division. So, let’s break down the match-up and discuss the keys to each team winning.
Giants
1. Don’t let DeSean Jackson go far. Through three games this year, he averages approximately 49 yards a game, and has one TD on the season (last week). Jackson is bringing back his Eagles days, and he’ll just get better again, not worse.
2. If Hakeem Nicks plays, use him heavily. DeAngelo Hall will be on OBJ, so Nicks won’t get as much defensive attention. Nicks couldn’t make the cut in Tennessee, but should be used as a starting WR2. Nicks was fighting to be the backup to Kendall Wright in Tennessee, but lost the fight to Justin Hunter and Dorial Green-Beckham, with Harry Douglas winning the WR3 role.
Redskins
1. Don’t just use Matt Jones. Jones will get serious defensive attention. Mix in the other running backs: Alfred Morris, Chris Thompson and Silas Redd. Morris had a stellar 2014, and hopefully he can pick up where he left off if they use him more.
2. Try and have a guard for everyone on the field. Don’t heavily focus the defense on stars like OBJ and Rashad Jennings. Also pay attention to Shane Vereen, Andre Williams, Rueben Randle, Hakeem Nicks, Dwayne Harris and Will Tye.
Rams @ Bengals
The Rams haven’t looked great these past couple games, and the Bengals have not lost during the day time. Their two losses are on Sunday and Monday Night, to the Texans and Cardinals. Can they continue history and beat the Rams? Let’s break down the keys to each team winning.
Bengals
1. Stop the run better. The Bengals D needs to find a way to limit Todd Gurley, especially in the red zone. Gurley has had a dominant rookie year so far and if the Bengals can’t have better rush defense, he’ll lead the Rams to victory.
2. The Bengals need to include everyone. Against a defense like the Rams, a mixed offensive game plan is the best approach.
Rams
1. Make sure receivers like A.J. Green and Tyler Eifert are under pressure. Despite a weak secondary, they still should know how to apply pressure to the team. They also need to pressure Andy Dalton. That is the formula for Dalton to scramble, in which case he struggles to get the team very far.
2. Don’t put everything you got on Gurley. The Bengals will keep an eye on Todd Gurley. If you just go to him, you lose to a feast or famine rush D. If you mix it up and use Tavon Austin, Wes Welker and Jared Cook too, then you might be able to break through by confusing the defense. You need to change your plans.
Buccaneers @ Colts
The Colts surprisingly pulled a win out against the Bucs division rivals, the Falcons. Can they beat the not as good, but good for themselves Bucs? The Colts still have a shot at the AFC South, but they have to win this game.
Keys To A Win
Colts
1. Doug Martin has been red hot these past couple games, and so has Mike Evans. The Colts have to improve their defense. They have the players to do it, they just need to be on the same page as each other, or the defense isn’t functional.
2. TY Hilton and the other receivers need to take advantage of the empty secondary and score. Hilton just needs to keep doing what he’s doing, but Andre Johnson, Donte Moncrief, Philip Dorsett and Dwayne Allen need to step it up, just do more.
Buccaneers
1. If Vincent Jackson and ASJ are out, tight ends Brandon Myers, Cameron Brate and Luke Stocker need to step it up. The Bucs don’t have many other options at receiver. The running game can’t win this game alone.
2. Apply enough pressure to the Colts defense to break them up and be able to break through. That could mean a big game for the entire offense. Otherwise this could be a huge disappointment. Whoever wins, this will be a blowout, especially based on the keys to each team winning.
Dolphins @ Jets
Both of these teams have been pretty bad lately, even though the Jets started the year at 4-1. However, the defense has lots of injuries and the Jets are just overall slumping. Can they get a home win vs. Miami and bring back the sensation of the early games? Here are the keys to the win for each team.
Jets
1. Keep an eye on Lamar Miller, Jarvis Landry and Jay Ajayi. This trip is all that’s really keeping the Dolphins in this thing. What’s left on the defense needs to provide good guard for the star players on the Miami offense.
2. The Jets need to be able to overcome the middle tier guys on the Dolphins defense, and the stars need to just overcome any defense. Guys like Tony Lippett and Brent Grimes can be stopped, especially by guys like Chris Ivory and Brandon Marshall. The Jets are very capable.
3. Although the stars on this team have it easy, use some sleepers too. Guys like Jeremy Kerley, Stevan Ridley and Jeff Cumberland may have no defensive attention at all.
Dolphins
1. The Dolphins rush defense is starting to lose its power. It needs to be as strong as it used to be. If guys like Ndamukong Suh and Olivier Vernon do their thing, and guys like C.J. Mosley and Tony Lippett step it up, they will stand by.
2. The offensive line has screwed up way too much. They had a three game freak of giving up safeties. Mike Pouncey and Ryan Tannehill must take the blame for this mess. Aren’t they both typically decent players?
3. The secondary needs to keep working their magic formula. Keep getting interceptions, maybe even a pick six. Reshad Jones and crew have done it all lately, and they need to continue to do so.
Chargers @ Jaguars
The Chargers are one of the worst teams in football, and have really showed it lately? Can the shocking Jaguars keep it up and get another win to make that 5-6?
Keys To A Win
Chargers
1. Step it up on rush defense. Don’t let T.J. Yeldon go anywhere. It’ll be difficult without Corey Liuget, but they need to find their next young star in their front seven.
2. Use Malcom Floyd like he’s Jerry Rice. Floyd needs to play a bigger role due to the Chargers’ injury woes at receiver. Stevie Johnson is the other good receiver left, so Floyd plays an important role for the rest of his last season.
Jaguars
1. Basically, make sure the Chargers do exactly what they’ve been doing. Because the Chargers SUCK!!! If you want to go the extra mile, go for 50+ points. This is a very easy game for the Jaguars, any game against the 2015 Chargers will be from here on out.
Raiders @ Titans
The Raiders have struggled recently, but the Titans just plain out suck. Can Marcus Mariota pull the upset in this home match?
Keys To A Win
Titans
1. Don’t let Amari Cooper score. This should be an easy one, as long as Jason McCourty has a breakout game. He is one of the great McCourty twins.
2. The o-line needs to keep the strong d-line away from Marcus Mariota. Marcus Mariota has had a good season. No pressure, no problem. That’s how Mariota has rolled during his time in the NFL.
Raiders
1. If Derek Carr is under pressure, he’ll have another sloppy week. The offensive line needs to have a field day and protect Carr well.
2. Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree also need to break free from the defense. They also struggled greatly last week.
Bills @ Chiefs
This match-up is crucial to the AFC Wild Card Race. The winner will have a pretty nice shot at it. The losing team could very likely be out of contention. Will Rex Ryan and the Bills hold up, or will Andy Reid bring a surprise?
Keys To A Win
Bills
1. The Chiefs injuries have done plenty to help the Bills defense, but they need to keep an eye on those sleepers. Sleepers are capable of more than you think. Sleepers can win teams games. The Bills better be careful.
2. They have to overcome the rush defense. They have such a good running game, but the Chiefs’ rush defense is powerful, and they need to exceed their expectations to overcome it.
Chiefs
1. The young secondary has to watch out. The Bills have guys like Sammy Watkins and Charles Clay that can win them the game. They need to apply good guarding and Marcus Peters needs to keep up his strong rookie year.
2. The Chiefs cannot let injuries get to their heads. If it means heavily using sleepers like Albert Wilson and Spencer Ware, then they need to do so. If it means putting more work on Jeremy Maclin, they should. If it means starting Knile Davis, they should do so.
Steelers @ Seahawks
Pete Carroll and the Seahawks could be looking for playoff contention by winning this game, and so could Big Ben and the Steelers. Another tough game worth watching.
Keys To A Win
Steelers
1. The rush defense needs to be able to stomp on Marshawn Lynch’s handcuff, Thomas Rawls. Can Lawrence Timmons and Ryan Shazier step it up to do so, along with Cameron Heyward and Alvin “Bud” Dupree?
2. Big Ben’s receivers, like Antonio Brown, Martavis Bryant and Heath Miller need to overcome Richard Sherman, Kam “Supreme” Chancellor and Earl Thomas III. 3 on 3. Steelers have got to win this battle.
Seahawks
1. Take advantage of the weak secondary. Jimmy Graham and Doug Baldwin need to have big games, along with the sleep receivers.
2. Win the battle I was talking about with the Steelers receivers.
Cardinals @ 49ers
The Cardinals are clear favorites, but can the 49ers win?
Keys To A Win
49ers
1. NaVorro Bowman and the rush D need to stop Chris Johnson and the rest of the run game. If the 49ers are being blown out, the Cardinals will run the football.
2. Patrick Peterson cannot get to Garrett Celek, Anquan Boldin and Torrey Smith. Otherwise, the 49ers will be left with their sloppy run game, and they’ll be done.
Cardinals
1. Make sure the Niners continue to struggle, and do your thing!!!!
I know the NFL, so you might ask what I think about Playoff Challenge, knowing I did fantasy. Here’s my say.
QB
My Favorite
Tom Brady
Worth It
Peyton Manning
Andrew Luck
Aaron Rodgers
Middle Ground
Tony Romo
Cam Newton
Russell Wilson
Bust
Joe Flacco
Top 3
1.Brady
2.Rodgers
3.Luck
RB
My Favorites
DeMarco Murray
Eddie Lacy
Worth It
Marshawn Lynch
Justin Forsett
Middle Ground
LeGarrette Blount
Trent Richardson
Jonathan Stewart
Shane Vereen
Bust
Dan Herron
Bernard Pierce
Lorenzo Taliaferro
Jonas Gray
Lance Dunbar
CJ Anderson
Juwan Thompson
James Starks
Robert Turbin
Christine Michael
Fozzy Whittaker
Joseph Randle
Top 5
1.Murray
2.Lacy
3.Lynch
4.Forsett
5.Stewart
WR
Favorites
Jordy Nelson
DeMaryius Thomas
Worth It
Emmanuel Sanders
TY Hilton
Randall Cobb
Dez Bryant
Middle Ground
Julian Edelman
Steve Smith
Torrey Smith
Kelvin Benjamin
Brandon LaFell
Wes Welker
Reggie Wayne
Bust
Hakeem Nicks
Donte Moncrief
Davante Adams
Jarrett Boykin
Cole Beasley
Terrance Williams
Philly Brown
Jerricho Cotchery
Doug Baldwin
Jermaine Kearse
Top 5
1.Nelson
2.Thomas
3.Bryant
4.Hilton
5.Cobb
TE
Favorite
Rob Gronkowski
Worth It
Julius Thomas
Greg Olsen
Jason Witten
Middle Ground
Dwayne Allen
Coby Fleener
Owen Daniels
Tim Wright
Bust
Richard Rodgers
Andrew Quarless
Brandon Bostick
Jack Doyle
Michael Hoomanawanuui
Luke Willson
Tony Moeaki
Cooper Helfet
Top 3
1.Gronkowski
2.Olsen
T3.Thomas
T3.Witten
K
Favorite
Stephen Gostkowski
Worth It
Adam Vinatieri
Steven Hauschka
Middle Ground
Justin Tucker
Mason Crosby
Dan Bailey
Bust
Graham Gano
Connor Barth
Brandon McManus
Top 3
1.Gostkowski
2.Hauschka
3.Vinatieri
DST
Favorite
Broncos
Worth It
Seahawks
Middle Ground
Panthers
Packers
Cowboys
Patriots
Ravens
Bust
Colts
Top 3
1.Broncos
2.Seahawks
T3.Patriots
T3.Panthers
T3.Ravens
This league is what held me back from posting during a nearly empty November, and I tried to talk about it on the blog when I noticed my posting drought. I just started posting again on weekends and vacations in December. With this over, I can post a lot more for the upcoming year, the second on my blog. But I decided to tell you about this fun league that held me back from posting. I was in a frenzy in early September to quickly get together our league, I will plan ahead and try to post more about it and other stuff. I had the draft the Saturday before the next day’s game day. I quickly drafted and set my first lineup that morning. Around Week 5 is when my posting drought began, as I started a balanced scorecard for my tough lineup decisions, and it took up hours and hours of my after school and weekend time, which slowed my blogging down. I couldn’t ever finish my NFL in detail post, not to mention NBA and NHL, which I was going to do. Also, after a good start, the weighted scoring slowed my team down, up until Saturday night on Week 11. My brother was ahead of me, he didn’t even manage his team, my dad did it for him with my assistance. Except when I played him, he set his own lineup then. We started using a quick computerized spreadsheet and soon after, yay, I started blogging again. Two people didn’t touch fantasy, one of them my brother, and one person tanking late. Next year, we’ll be mor prepared, my dad and brother will merge, and I might even ask some more people to join if some of last year’s players quit. So, happy 2015, and it’s been a great fantasy football and blogging year for me, and hopefully it’ll be the same for you. Also, I just noticed a typo that reminded me of something. I typed ben instead of been, and that’s the name of somebody I might ask to join, although he already has his own league, which may mean even more players in ours.
Boston Sports Mania 