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Hopefully you are in the midst of a deep playoff run was we watch the Cowboys flounder towards the end of the season. If so, here are a few tidbits to help you this weekend
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Quarterback
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Ben Roethlisberger - Big Ben gets a depleted Ravens D this weekend. This is a big rivalry game, and you know the Steelers QB is going to be looking to pour it on against the hated team from Baltimore. With the quick strike capabilities of his offensive mates and the vulnerable secondary of his opposition I have no qualms banking on Roethlisberger this weekend.
Blake Bortles - The young passer has experienced some good fantasy success for his owners this season and now he faces a Saints defense whose only real experience this season has been in futility. Look for Bortles to put together another good outing against his opposition, possibly even his best outing to date.
Kirk Cousins - Yes I said Kirk Cousins. The Washington QB has put together a string of very good outings to close out the season, and his next opponent will be the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles defense has given out about as many gifts this season as has Santa himself. Cousins should expect to receive a belated present or two this weekend.
Sit
Aaron Rodgers - Yes I said that, too. The Arizona pass defense is pretty darned good, and the Packers offense is not all that. Any passer needs help from his offensive line and the men who catch his passes. Rodgers is not getting the help he needs, and that makes him a risk to start if you have someone else with a decent match up.
Tyrod Taylor - Taylor has impressed me with his performances this season, and I am looking forward to watching him against Dallas. That being said, one of the things the Cowboys do well is put up a solid defense against the pass. Starting Tyrod this week might be tempting but remember Dallas only allows about 15 points per game to the QB slot.
Running Backs
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David Johnson - The Arizona runner was kind to yours truly this past week, and he is going to be in my lineup again. The Pack has a pretty decent run support unit, but they can be had. Remember the success the Cowboys had on the ground. I think that Johnson and the Cardinals will find similar opportunities, especially if he can get going early.
Doug Martin - Look for the veteran back to find success against a Bears defense that has been constantly kind to opposing backs this season. Martin is coming off of a down week, and should be well motivated to regain his form as the season winds to a close.
Sit
Eddy Lacy - There is still time for Lacy to wind up back in the dog house this week, but even if he doesn't you still don't want to count on riding him to victory this weekend. The Cardinals are pretty stout up front, and they should have little trouble from the Green Bay ground game this weekend. There are better opportunities out there.
Ronnie Hillman - Hillman is in free fall, at least as far as fantasy football goes. This week he has the ill fortune to face a Bengals run defense that is on top of its game. The cats in the striped hats give up less than 17 points per game to enemy runners.
Wide Receivers
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DeSean Jackson - DJax is finding a rhythm with Kirk Cousins and that has been the catalyst for the success the Skins are experiencing of late. This is a revenge opportunity for Jackson. You know he is licking his chops going against the dismal pass defense of Chip Kelly's feathered flock. I want DJax in my line up this weekend. Good things are going to happen.
Jeremy Maclin - No this is not a former Eagle love fest. Maclin too has an outstanding match up. Joe Haden is gone, and the Browns have struggled in his absence. They are among the league's worse pass defending teams. Maclin is on a hot streak, look for that to continue against Cleveland.
DeAndre Hopkins - Hopkins is in a mini-slump but he faces a Titans defense that is in a major one. Tennessee has struggled all year against opposing receivers, so DeAndre will have an excellent opportunity to get his season back on track to close out the year.
Sit
Dez Bryant - I would love to have Bryant in against the Bills defense, even though he is having a down year. The issue is that I don't see the Cowboys taking the risk with one of their most valuable assets. In their shoes I wouldn't play him again this season.
Randall Cobb - Remember what I said about Rodgers not having the support of his weapons. The biggest disappointments have been Lacy and Cobb this season. For that reason I would not count on any of the three when I am in playoff mode. Call it a season for these guys.
Tight End
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Jordan Reed - Reed will see plenty of opportunities this weekend and the Eagles have an issue with stopping the tight end position. TE is not currently a strength position in fantasy football, but individual match ups still count for something. Reed has one of those this weekend.
Sit
Heath Miller - This season I have been telling you to sit Miller when Big Ben is out, but now I say sit him with Roethlisberger under center. Why, you may ask. The one thing the Ravens D does well is to defend the tight end. With so many other options available, why would the Steelers go at the one strength of their opponents?
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