This is it! Week 16 is the Super Bowl of the Fantasy Football world, and I am proud to say my squad has made it to the big game. My opponent is none other than WWL First News producer Jordan Fiegel. He handed me a beat down back in week 10. Well, now it's time for some pay back on the biggest stage…THE WWL BOWL.
Here are some of my picks for this championship week:
SIT 'EM
Josh Freeman: Quarterback, TB
Freeman has appeared on many fantasy lists as a starter over the past few weeks. I thought he would be a solid option against a reeling Saints defense, but went on to complete 26 of 47 pass attempts for just over 275 yards with four INTs and a fumble loss. This week he faces a St. Louis defense that is ranked in the top 15 vs. the pass. Freeman's middle of the season surge seems to have dwindled, and his performance of late does not warrant a fantasy Super Bowl start.
Jordy Nelson: Wide Receiver, Green Bay Packers
Nelson has sat out Green Bay's last two outings with a hamstring injury. It appears he may start this week vs. Tennessee though. It may seem like an appealing match-up, but consider Nelson's stats. He has only recorded four double-digit fantasy weeks this season. QB Aaron Rodgers has targets and will spread the ball as needed. I do not expect much from him this week if he does start.
Jermaine Gresham: Tight End, Cincinnati Bengals
This guy has been up and down this season in terms of his production. Gresham has the ability to step up his game and perform better, especially since he has chemistry with Andy Dalton and sees more targets than just about anyone on his squad. This week he is up against a Pittsburgh defense that is ranked second against tight ends, allowing an average of 5.7 fantasy points per game. Look for Gresham to see his targets, but be held to 3-4 receptions for less than 40 yards.
START 'EM
Sam Bradford: Quarterback, St. Louis Rams
Despite being on his way to setting career highs in all passing categories, Bradford has been very inconsistent so far this season. Don't expect that to be the case again this week. He is coming off his best game of the season in a loss to Minnesota, passing for 377 yards and 3 touchdowns. Count on him to build on that this week when he faces the worst pass defense in the NFL, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (who are giving up a disgusting 310 yards per game through the air). Facing the Bucs has become every QB's dream this season, and this week will be no different.
Justin Blackmon: Wide Receiver, Jacksonville Jaguars
After a very slow start to the season, this rookie has really come on since week 11. Just last week he had 6 receptions for 93 yards. Sadly, he had another 2 catches and 52 yards with a TD called back due to penalties, holding him back from a very big day. This week the Jags are in a tough spot, as they face an angry Patriots team that will most likely take out their frustrations from last week on poor Jacksonville. This means the Jags will be down early and have to rely on passing for most of the game, and that's a good thing for Blackmon. It means many targets against a defense giving up 270 yards per game through the air. SWEET!
Dennis Pitta: Tight End, Baltimore Ravens
While he won't be confused with one of the top TEs, Pitta has been very solid since week 10. His best week was last week thanks to no Torrey Smith in the lineup, as Pitta went off for 7 catches, 125 yards, and 2 touchdowns. It is very possible Smith doesn't play this week as he recuperates from a concussion, leaving more opportunity for the tight end. The Ravens are also facing the fifth worst pass D in the league in the NY Giants, so Pitta is a very attractive start.
