Houston Texans at New England Patriots
The Game of week and possibly the game of the year will be played this Monday at Foxborough Stadium. The Houston Texans travel to New England to face the Patriots. Many pundits are hyping this AFC battle as the AFC Championship game preview. It may end up exactly that. These two power house teams are both pushing for a first round playoff bye. The winner of this game will end up with the critical head to head tie breaker, should it come down to that. New England is well known for their high velocity offense, the question will be whether New England’s defense can stop running back Arian Foster and the Houston offense. No matter the outcome football fans are in for a real treat on Monday night.
The Patriots offense will have their hands full with the formidable Texans defense. Pro Bowler J.J. Watt is having a monster year for the Texans and will keep New England quarterback Tom Brady looking over his shoulder all game. To neutralize the Houston pass rush Brady and gang will rely on the short passing game that they execute to perfection. New England’s defense has a big challenge ahead. A challenge only the Green Bay Packers have been able to accomplish this season, beating the Texans.
Fantasy Outlook
This time of year most leagues are starting their playoffs or are already underway. This is not the time of year to gamble on a hunch. Start the players that got you to the playoffs and unless you have a very favorable matchup, you should stick to this formula. Fantasy Must-Starts: Tom Brady and Arian Foster. I also like Wes Welker, even though he is listed as questionable, expect him to play. With injuries to Julian Edelman and Rob Gronkowski expect Welker to see plenty of targets.
Miami Dolphins at San Francisco 49ers
The Miami Dolphins travel across the country to face the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday in a cross conference battle. Both teams are looking to rebound from disappointing losses last week. The Dolphins are looking to keep their slim playoff hopes alive, while the 49ers are looking to lock down a playoff berth.
Miami matches up well with the 49ers, which should make for a close game. The question will be whether Miami quarterback Ryan Tannehill and co. can score enough points against a very tough 49er’s defense. The 49ers have a powerful rushing attack lead by Frank Gore. The good news for Miami fans is that the Dolphin defense plays the run well.
Miami may be a year or two away before they can be considered a playoff contender but a tough road victory could get them one step closer. The 49ers on the other hand, expect nothing less than Super Bowl contention and a home victory against an underdog team is imperative.
Fantasy Outlook
With fantasy playoffs underway, be cautious starting anybody in this contest. Both teams have good defenses and it may turn out to be a low scoring affair. If the game gets out of hand and the Dolphins are forced to throw a lot, look for the 49ers defense to come up with some scoring plays.
The New York Jets at Jacksonville Jaguars
After an ugly victory last week against the Arizona Cardinals the New York Jets turn back to quarterback Mark Sanchez after being benched last week for third stringer Greg McElroy. The Jets face the Jacksonville Jaguars who have quarterback troubles of their own. The Jaguars have turned to backup quarterback Chad Henne for the rest of the season. Henne has played well in relief duty and looks to continue the trend Sunday when these two AFC teams collide.
The NFL sideshow known as the Jets will travel to Florida and attempt to keep their small playoff hopes alive. The Jets have been one of the most fascinating teams to follow all season, much like watching a train wreck, you can’t look away. What Jets drama will unfold this week? Will we finally see Tim Tebow? We will have to wait and see. One thing is for sure, Sanchez has a lot pressure to play well or we may finally see Tebow under center quickly.
Fantasy Outlook
Chad Henne knows the Jets well from his days in Miami. With wide receiver Cecil Shorts sidelined with an injury, I expect wide receiver Justin Blackmon to see more targets. Proceed with caution starting anyone else in this matchup.
St. Louis Rams at Buffalo Bills
While neither team is officially eliminated from playoff competition, chances are slim we see the St. Louis Rams or the Buffalo Bills in the post season. Both of these teams appear to moving in the right direction after posting impressive victories last week. The Bills and Rams may not get the national attention that teams like the Dallas Cowboys get but they play well enough at times to earn NFL legitimacy.
Buffalo showed off its impressive rushing attack last week against Jacksonville and will look to do the same against a tough Ram’s defense. Bills running backs C.J. Spiller and Fred Jackson will be playing for a repeat performance against defensive end Chris Long and the Ram's defense. Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick will look to lead the Bills offense to another Buffalo victory.
Fantasy Outlook
Even with running back Fred Jackson back in the mix C.J. Spiller has seen plenty of touches. Spiller is a safe start as Buffalo will employ a heavy ground attack in the cold weather. Rams running back Steven Jackson is descent RB2 option and wide receiver Chris Givens is a safe option with Danny Amendola out with an injury.