Fantasy Football
Heading to the playoffs? Make your move now

By Jerry Faull
Seattle Times staff

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In our quest to help you get your team into the playoffs, here's how we think Week 12 of the fantasy-football season will play out.

Remember, there are two games today, so get your lineups set.

• Indianapolis at Detroit (today): Don't see how the Lions can stop QB Peyton Manning and the Colts' offensive machine. Go ahead and start Detroit RB Kevin Jones, who will get a lot of chances early.

• Chicago at Dallas (today): Our apologies if you're counting on anyone from either of these teams other than Bears RB Thomas Jones to help carry you to a win. At least we'll get a chance to see if Cowboys QB Drew Henson has what it takes to be a starter in the NFL.

• Tennessee at Houston: Texans QB David Carr and WR Andre Johnson could erupt against a Titans secondary that has been ravaged by injuries. RB Domanick Davis is also a solid play. It could be a tough day for Titans RB Chris Brown, who is questionable with turf toe; play someone else if you can.

• Washington at Pittsburgh: With Steelers WR Plaxico Burress (hamstring) out, WR Hines Ward should get back to being featured in the passing game. Steelers RB Duce Staley (hamstring) is expected to return, so RB Jerome Bettis is back to sharing carries. Pittsburgh's defense will dominate again. Sit Redskins RB Clinton Portis if you have a strong player with a better matchup.

• Philadelphia at N.Y. Giants: Eagles RB Brian Westbrook joins QB Donovan McNabb and WR Terrell Owens on our must-play list. Keep riding Giants RB Tiki Barber and expect TE Jeremy Shockey to serve as rookie QB Eli Manning's safety valve against the blitzing Philadelphia defense.

• Cleveland at Cincinnati: Bengals RB Rudi Johnson and WR Chad Johnson should succeed. Browns QB Jeff Garcia lit up Cincinnati for four TDs in Week 6, but the Bengals have allowed just five passing scores since. No Browns player seems like a great play this week.

• San Diego at Kansas City: Sit back and watch the points pile up. From the Chargers: QB Drew Brees, RB LaDainian Tomlinson, WR Keenan McCardell and TE Antonio Gates are must-plays. From the Chiefs: go with QB Trent Green, RB Derrick Blaylock, WR Johnnie Morton and TE Tony Gonzalez.
 
• Tampa Bay at Carolina: The Buccaneers' pass defense is terrific, but Panthers WR Muhsin Muhammad (454 total yards, seven TDs in past four games) is too hot to sit. Tampa Bay RB Michael Pittman (506 total yards, six TDs in past four games) will continue to produce.

• Jacksonville at Minnesota: Vikings WR Randy Moss — who has surely ruined more than a few teams' chances — is expected to play, but how much will he be used? Play it safe and go with someone else — like teammate Nate Burleson. Jaguars RB Fred Taylor will score, as well as get 100 rushing yards for a third consecutive week.

• New Orleans at Atlanta: The Michael Vick-Alge Crumpler show will continue as the Falcons' QB-TE tandem shreds the Saints. New Orleans should get some solid ground work from RB Deuce McAllister if it's not a blowout early.

• Buffalo at Seattle: The Bills' run defense is stout, but don't even think about benching Seahawks RB Shaun Alexander. Bills RB Willis McGahee and WR Eric Moulds should have productive days.

• N.Y. Jets at Arizona: Nothing much to get excited about here. Keep playing Jets RB Curtis Martin, and maybe give a start to Cardinals WR Anquan Boldin, who's bound to break out soon.

• Miami at San Francisco: We're sure CBS will send its No. 1 broadcasting crew to work this battle of 1-9 teams. Dolphins WR Chris Chambers (410 total yards in past four games) will stay hot against the horrible 49ers' pass defense. TE Eric Johnson is about it for San Francisco.

• Baltimore at New England: This should be a great game to watch, but it's pretty slim fantasy-wise. Both defenses, both kickers and Patriots RB Corey Dillon are the only must-starts.

• Oakland at Denver: Play seven Broncos (QB Jake Plummer, RB Reuben Droughns, WRs Rod Smith, Ashley Lelie, TE Jeb Putzier, K Jason Elam, defense). As for the Raiders, QB Kerry Collins is a good desperation start.

• St. Louis at Green Bay: Most of the usual suspects should get starts, including QB Brett Favre, RB Ahman Green (if he plays through rib injury), WRs Javon Walker and Donald Driver of the Packers, and Rams QB Marc Bulger and WRs Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce. Be wary of the developing platoon situation between St. Louis RBs Marshall Faulk and Stephen Jackson.

Got a question about fantasy football? Send them to Jerry Faull: jfaull@seattletimes.com, or Jerry Faull, Seattle Times Sports, 1120 John St., Seattle, WA 98109. His look at fantasy football will appear each Thursday during the NFL season.