I was in Baltimore at Camden Yards in 1993 when Cito Gaston chose to act in a manner befitting only those who kick puppies and punch babies in the face, but congratulations Cito, you are no longer alone in Terriblehumanbeingville. Jim Caldwell is coming to town, and rumor has it he's looking to run for mayor on the 16and0isdumbI'drathersinkfantasyteamsbybenchingPeytonandAddai platform.

Follow Yardbarker on Twitter or Cito Gaston will punch your child in the face.

I'm really good at, you know, fantasy football, but I'm apparently not so good at keeping straight Tom Brady and Peyton Manning. Oops. Obviously I meant the Colts when I was talking about the top seed. Not Brady and the Pats. But I had Brady on the brain because I dislike him that much. On the flipside I love Yardbarker on Twitter and if you don't follow 'em I'm gonna cut you. Not from the roster. Cut you. Like with a knife.

For some of you, the second round of the playoffs kicked off on Thursday night. For others, your run to a fantasy championship begins this in Week 15.

Let's get after it...

GET ‘EM IN YOUR LINEUP

Beanie Wells RB Arizona Cardinals: After running back Tim Hightower put the ball on the ground yet again -- this time against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 14 -- Wells stepped in and put up some solid numbers, rushing for 79 yards on 15 carries (5.3 YPC) and one touchdown. Week 15 is an excellent matchup for the rookie out of Ohio State as the Detroit Lions are giving up an average of 24.4 fantasy points per week to opposing running backs (28th).

Another outstanding option from Arizona in Week 15 is quarterback Kurt Warner, who plays out of his mind coming off a loss. Following three Arizona defeats this season, Warner has come back the next week to throw a total of nine touchdowns with zero interceptions while leading the Cardinals to a 3-0 record.

Antonio Bryant WR Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Consider Bryant a solid WR2/WR3 option in Week 15. Over his past three games, the Bucs’ pass catcher has hauled in 10 receptions for 229 yards and one touchdown. He was locked down by Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis last Sunday (two receptions for 22 yards) but faces a much easier challenge in the Seahawks this Sunday. Seattle is giving up an average of 26.4 fantasy points per week to opposing wide receivers, which ranks 31st in the NFL.

From the same game, you should also start Seahawks wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh. The former Cincinnati Bengal has had a somewhat slow year (65-721-3) but should produce some respectable numbers for two reasons: First, wide receiver Nate Burleson is likely out with a high ankle sprain that could force him to the sidelines for the remainder of the season. Second, Tampa Bay ranks 28th in the NFL in fantasy points allowed to opposing wideouts (22.4 pts./gm).

Fred Davis TE Washington Redskins: Davis has been a beast over the past few weeks as the second-year tight end out of USC has caught 12 passes for 146 yards and four touchdowns in his past three games. The Redskins host the New York Giants on Monday night, which is excellent news for Davis owners as no defense in the NFL is giving up more fantasy points per week to opposing tight ends than the Giants (10.6 pts/gm).

Knowshon Moreno RB Denver Broncos: The rookie out of Georgia has become an excellent flex option during the second half of the season, averaging 11.8 fantasy points per week over his past five games. In addition, he’s slowly becoming a more integral part of the Broncos’ offense. Moreno is averaging 19.8 touches over his last five contests and has carried the ball 44 times in his last two games, his highest two-game total of the season. He looks even more appealing in Week 15 once you find out that his opponent -- the Raiders -- ranks 30th in points allowed to opposing running backs (25.5 pts./gm).

This week’s schedule winner is…New England Patriots running back Laurence Maroney, who gets a crack at the NFL’s worst run defense this Sunday in the Buffalo Bills. The Bills have been a dream for opposing fantasy running backs this season as they rank 32nd in run defense (170.0 yds./gm), 30th in rushing touchdowns allowed (17) and 32nd in fantasy points given up per week (27.6).

Vince Young QB Tennessee Titans: If you’re in desperate need of some help at the quarterback position in Week 15, look no further than Vince Young. In his last five games, Young is averaging 217.2 passing yards per game with six touchdowns and only two interceptions. In addition, the mobile signal-caller has rushed for 170 yards during that same five-game span. The best part? Young and the Titans host the Miami Dolphins this weekend and a defense that’s giving up an average of 19.5 fantasy points per week to opposing quarterbacks, good for 28th in the NFL.

Three fantasy defenses to start…

1. Houston Texans (at St. Louis)
2. Arizona Cardinals (at Detroit)
3. New England Patriots (at Buffalo)

Note: Why are these three defenses good Week 15 options? Because their respective opponents rank 32nd, 31st and 30th in points allowed to opposing defenses in 2009. Enjoy.

KEEP ‘EM ON YOUR BENCH

Rashard Mendenhall RB Pittsburgh Steelers: The Steelers’ recent troubles have not been lost on Mendenhall, who has scored just two total touchdowns and posted two 100-plus-yard rushing efforts in his last seven games. Expect his fantasy woes to continue Sunday when the Packers come to the Steel City. Green Bay is giving up an average of just 13.3 fantasy points per week to opposing running backs, which ranks third in the NFL.

Roddy White WR Atlanta Falcons: White ranks third in the league in targets (133), but even the excessive number of passes thrown his way each week won’t be enough to combat the fact that he’s going up against the best lockdown cornerback in the league in Darrelle Revis of the New York Jets. Revis has shut down Randy Moss (twice), Terrell Owens (twice), Steve Smith (Carolina), Andre Johnson and Marques Colston, just to name a few. Expect Week 15 to be slim pickings for White.

As reliable as he’s been, you should also consider sitting Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez. The Jets are giving up an average of just 4.7 fantasy points per week to opposing tight ends, which ranks second in the league.

Matt Forte RB Chicago Bears: Forte is becoming a regular in the sit column and for good reason. Projected by many experts (including us) as a first-round draft pick last August, Forte is currently ranked 17th in fantasy points among NFL rushers. He’s scored just one rushing touchdown in his past six games, is averaging 3.4 yards per carry and has topped 100 yards rushing in a game just once this year. To make matters worse, Forte and the Bears hit the road this weekend to face the Baltimore Ravens, who are allowing an average of 14.9 fantasy points per week to opposing running backs, ranking them fourth in the NFL.

Brett Favre QB Minnesota Vikings: It’s been an outstanding year for the ageless wonder as Favre has managed to climb into the top six in scoring among fantasy quarterbacks. But be careful how much faith you’re willing to put into the 40-year-old signal caller this Sunday as the Vikings head to Carolina to take on a Panthers defense that has limited opposing quarterbacks to an average of only 14.3 fantasy points per week, fourth best in the NFL. Cornerbacks Richard Marshall and Chris Gamble have done an excellent job slowing down opposing wide receivers. Be advised.

Chad Ochocinco WR Cincinnati Bengals: He’s found the end zone in each of the last two weeks, but Ochocinco has caught for more than 67 yards only one time in his last six games. The motivation factor will be in play as teammate and fellow wide receiver Chris Henry died this morning after he was thrown from the back of a moving pickup truck. But don’t let emotion get in the way of a fantasy championship. The Chargers have won their last 16 games in the month of December and are allowing an average of 18.4 fantasy points per week to opposing wide receivers, good for ninth in the NFL.

Kevin Boss TE New York Giants: Boss has been a situational start this season as owners should get him in the lineup when he’s facing a favorable matchup and yank him when the stats suggest it. Week 15 is one of those games when Boss is better left on the bench. The Giants tight end runs into a Washington defense Monday night that has limited opposing tight ends to an average of 5.1 fantasy points per week, which ranks fifth in the league. There are better options out there.

Three defenses to sit…

1. Cincinnati Bengals (at San Diego)
2. Dallas Cowboys (at New Orleans)
3. Miami Dolphins (at Tennessee)

Note: These three units are going up against offenses that are allowing an average of fewer than 7.0 fantasy points per week to their opponents. Keep them all on the bench. The opposition speaks for itself.

Hit me up on Twitter: @JoeFortenbaugh

Follow Yardbarker on Twitter!

Fantasy playoff time is finally upon us, and the National Football Post is here to help.

GET ‘EM IN YOUR LINEUP

Jamaal Charles RB Kansas City Chiefs: Any time you have a fantasy running back on your roster who’s playing the Buffalo Bills, you want him in your lineup. Buffalo ranks dead last against the run (172.1 yards/game) and is giving up an average of 27.8 fantasy points per week (standard scoring) to opposing running backs (32nd in NFL). Charles is averaging 13.2 fantasy points per game over his past four outings, with four touchdowns.

Be careful starting…wide receiver Chris Chambers. As bad as Buffalo has been against the run this season, it has actually been somewhat stingy against the pass, allowing just 188.2 yards per game through the air (fourth in NFL). Only the New York Jets are giving up fewer fantasy points per week to opposing wide receivers. Chambers was held to only two catches for 11 yards and no scores in Week 13 when he went against Champ Bailey and the Denver Broncos.

Terrell Owens WR Buffalo Bills: Forget about last Thursday’s dud in which T.O. caught just three passes for 31 yards. He was matched up with all-world Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis, who has locked down just about every receiver he has faced this season. Remember, Owens was red-hot entering last week, averaging 14.7 fantasy points in the four games he played prior to running into Revis. In addition, the Chiefs rank 26th in fantasy points allowed to opposing wideouts and are giving up an average of 22.8 per week.

Joe Flacco QB Baltimore Ravens: Flacco has been brutal lately, throwing just two touchdown passes with six interceptions in his last five games. But the good news is that he and the Ravens welcome the Detroit Lions this weekend. No team in the NFL has given up more fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks than the Lions (23.1 points/game). In addition, Detroit ranks last in the NFL in points allowed (29.8) and passing yards (274.8) per game.

That being said…Ravens wide receiver Derrick Mason is a solid WR2 option in Week 14. The Lions are giving up an average of 26.1 fantasy points per week to opposing wide receivers, which ranks 31st in the NFL.

Kevin Boss TE New York Giants: The last time Boss faced the Eagles (Week 8), the tight end caught three passes for 70 yards and one touchdown. Opposing tight ends are averaging 10.4 fantasy points per week against the Birds, which ranks Philly 31st in the NFL.

If you thought the Eagles were bad defending tight ends…you should take a look at the New York Giants, who rank 32nd in the NFL in fantasy points allowed (10.5), making Eagles TE Brent Celek a solid play in Week 14.

Robert Meachem WR New Orleans Saints: The time has come for Meachem to be an every-week starter in your fantasy lineup. The third-year wide receiver out of Tennessee has scored eight touchdowns in his past seven games and faces an Atlanta secondary this weekend that ranks 29th against the pass (254.7 yards/game). In addition, the Falcons are giving up an average of 20.4 fantasy points per week to opposing wide receivers. The last time these two teams met (Week 8), quarterback Drew Brees threw for 308 yards and two touchdowns.

Yes, this also means that wide receiver Marques Colston is a strong play in Week 14.

Tennessee Titans D/ST: With defensive tackle Jason Jones lost for the season (shoulder), this becomes a somewhat riskier play than normal, but the Titans are still a solid start for owners lacking a better option. The Rams rank 25th in total offense (303.8 yards/game) and are scoring an average of only 11.6 points per game (32nd in NFL). In addition, opposing fantasy defenses are posting an average of 11.5 points per game against St. Louis, which ranks 29th in the NFL.

KEEP ‘EM ON YOUR BENCH

Carson Palmer QB Cincinnati Bengals: The Cincinnati signal-caller has been ice-cold lately, throwing only two touchdown passes with three interceptions in his last four games. Palmer and the Bengals head to Minnesota this weekend to take on a Vikings defense that gets even better when it has home-field advantage in the noisy Metrodome. The crowd noise gives defensive ends Jared Allen (12½ sacks) and Ray Edwards (6½ sacks) a split-second advantage in coming off the ball and getting after the cornerback. Expect Palmer to face heavy pressure Sunday.

Antonio Bryant WR Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Congratulations, Antonio Bryant! You’ve won this week’s “I get to face Darrelle Revis” award. NFP analyst Matt Bowen wrote a great piece this morning on how deadly Revis has been against opposing wide receivers. All you need to know is this: Randy Moss (twice), Terrell Owens (twice), Marques Colston, Andre Johnson, Steve Smith (Carolina) and Mike Sims-Walker have combined to score two touchdowns against Revis this season.

Brandon Jacobs RB New York Giants: Jacobs gave fantasy owners one hell of a performance last Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys, totaling 22 fantasy points in New York’s 31-24 divisional win. That being said, send him back to the bench Sunday as he takes on a Philadelphia defense that ranks seventh against the run (98.8 yards/game) and is only allowing an average of 16.8 fantasy points per week to opposing running backs (ninth). Yes, Jacobs totaled 100-plus total yards in his earlier meeting with the Birds (Week 8), but that was mostly due to the Eagles sitting back in nickel and dime coverages as they jumped out to an early lead and won the game 40-17. In addition, expect backup running back Ahmad Bradshaw to steal some carries, further limiting Jacobs’ Week 14 potential.

Denver Broncos D/ST: Two words: Peyton Manning. No team in the NFL has shredded fantasy defenses more than the Indianapolis Colts. Opposing D/STs are averaging a paltry 4.2 fantasy points per week against the Colts, which ranks dead last in the NFL.

LaDainian Tomlinson RB San Diego Chargers: LT has been a fantasy stud of late, mostly because he has found the end zone eight times in his last six games. But keep in mind that the aging running back is averaging just 3.3 yards per carry and has rushed for more than 75 yards in a game just once in 2009 (no 100-plus-yard rushing games this season). Tomlinson runs into a Dallas defense this weekend that has given up only five touchdowns via the ground, good for fifth in the NFL. In addition, the Cowboys are giving up just 17.3 fantasy points per week to opposing running backs, which ranks 10th in the league.

Kellen Winslow TE Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Winslow has scored only one touchdown in his last seven games. While that stat isn’t promising, here’s one that’s even worse: The New York Jets have limited opposing tight ends to an average of just 4.8 fantasy points per week, which ranks fourth in the NFL. Keep him on your bench.

Hit me up on Twitter: @JoeFortenbaugh

Marshawn Lynch has done next to nothing all season. As manager of Team Beast Mode I find this particularly troubling. Fortunately I have Chris Johnson and Ricky Williams to pick up the slack, but c'mon Marshawn, it's time to put in work, and I'm pretty sure this is the week it's gonna happen. Also, Heath Miller doesn't suck anymore, but if you don't follow Yardbarker on Twitter chances are you'll be taking Heath's place as Mayor of Suckville.

Crunch time is here.

Some of you enter the fantasy playoffs this week while others are still looking to clinch a spot in the money round. Whatever situation you’re in is irrelevant. The only thing that matters heading into Week 13 is that you stay on top of your game and put the best possible team on the field.

GET ‘EM IN YOUR LINEUP

Jeremy Maclin, Jason Avant WRs Philadelphia Eagles: Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson is likely out for the Birds’ Week 13 game at Atlanta due to a head injury he suffered last Sunday against the Redskins. Owners in medium-sized to deeper leagues should seriously consider getting Avant or Maclin in the starting lineup. The Falcons rank 27th in the NFL against the pass (252.6 yds/gm) and are giving up 20.6 fantasy points per week to opposing wide receivers (24th). Avant looked impressive against a tough Redskins pass defense last Sunday in place of D-Jax when he caught five passes for 94 yards.

Also Start…Quarterback Donovan McNabb, who is our ninth-ranked quarterback in Week 13. The Eagles absolutely love to throw the football. They currently rank sixth in the NFL is pass-to-run ratio, as Andy Reid’s team is putting the ball in the air 61.4 percent of the time in 2009.

Matt Forte RB Chicago Bears: There’s no denying that Forte has been a complete bust this season, which is exactly why owners should jump at the opportunity to confidently lock him into their starting lineups. The Monsters of the Midway play host to a St. Louis Rams defense that’s giving up an average of 25.2 fantasy points per week to opposing running backs (29th). In addition, you should never discredit a motivated man, which Forte will be after being called out by injured linebacker Brian Urlacher for “not making defenders miss.”

Visanthe Shiancoe TE Minnesota Vikings: Has any player in the NFL been flying further below the radar than Shiancoe this season? The guy ranks seventh in scoring among tight ends and is second only to 49er Vernon Davis in touchdown receptions (8). Shiancoe has found the end zone seven times in his last eight games and is frequently targeted by quarterback Brett Favre when the Vikings get inside their opponents’ 20-yard line. Start him with confidence against an Arizona defense that will have its hands full trying to slow down running back Adrian Peterson and wide receivers Sidney Rice and Percy Harvin.

Knowshon Moreno RB Denver Broncos: What’s not to like about this matchup? There’s a reason Moreno is one of my highest “Buy Recommendations” heading down the home stretch. For starters, he’s coming off 10 days of rest after posting 107 total yards and a touchdown in the Broncos’ 26-6 win over the New York Giants on Thanksgiving. In addition, he gets a crack at a Kansas City Chiefs defense that has been torched on the ground this season. The Chiefs are giving up 22.9 fantasy points per week to opposing running backs (26th), not to mention the fact they rank 27th against the run (134.5 yds/gm). Be advised that running back Correll Buckhalter will get a piece of the workload as well.

San Diego Chargers D/ST: This unit may have gotten off to a slow start, but after 12 weeks of NFL football, the Bolts’ defense currently ranks fifth in standard-scoring formats. As if that information wasn’t promising enough, you couldn’t ask for a better defense to start in Week 13 than the Chargers as they head to Cleveland to take on a Browns offense that ranks dead last in the NFL in yards per game (230.6) and 31st in scoring (11.1 pts/gm). Cleveland’s offense not only lacks playmakers, but quarterback Brady Quinn struggles with his accuracy when taking shots down the field.

When is your trade deadline? This question is important because Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson is about to hit a rough stretch of games that could sink your team in the playoffs. Despite the fact that LT has scored seven touchdowns in his last five games and will no doubt shred the Browns on Sunday, his final four games take place at Dallas, vs. Cincinnati, at Tennessee and vs. Washington. Not exactly the friendliest run defenses in the league, especially for a guy who’s averaging just 3.4 yards per carry.

Bonus Starts

If you play in a deeper fantasy league or are in desperate need of some quarterback help this weekend, look no further than the 49ers-Seahawks showdown. Matt Hasselbeck and Alex Smith are respectable starts as both Seattle and San Francisco rank in the bottom eight in pass defense this year.

SEND ‘EM TO THE BENCH

Beanie Wells RB Arizona Cardinals: For those of you in keeper leagues, Wells is going to be an excellent value pick to carry over into 2010. For those of you looking for a big day out of him in Week 13, it’s time to start looking elsewhere for three reasons. The rookie from Ohio State is about to run into the NFL’s second-ranked rushing defense (81.6 yds/gm) on Sunday when the Cardinals host Jared Allen and the Minnesota Vikings. Second, as always, Wells is going to lose touches to running back Tim Hightower. Last -- and most worrisome -- is that the Vikings are giving up just 12.5 fantasy points per week to opposing running backs, which is tops in the NFL in 2009.

Roddy White WR Atlanta Falcons: The Falcons’ top target has scored only one touchdown in his past four games and has topped 100 yards receiving in just two outings all season. Yes, his most recent touchdown came last week, but it was thrown by backup quarterback Chris Redman, who will get the start in place of the injured Matt Ryan against the Philadelphia Eagles. For those who think Redman can duplicate last week’s success, think again. His 243 passing yards and two touchdowns came against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who are giving up an average of 20.6 fantasy points per week to opposing quarterbacks (28th). The Eagles, on the other hand, are allowing just 16.2 fantasy points per week to opposing wide receivers, good for fourth in the NFL.

Eli Manning QB New York Giants: There’s nothing about this matchup that can make you feel confident about starting Peyton’s younger brother. For starters, Manning’s foot injury continues to get worse, which affects his movement in the pocket. Second, now that we’ve hit the month of December, the swirling winds at the Meadowlands are about to pick up. Don’t think that matters? For his career in December at the Meadowlands, Manning is 3-7 with a QB Rating of 74.2, a completion percentage of 54.0 percent and eight interceptions. If that’s not enough to scare you off, the Cowboys are coming to town and are allowing just 16.5 points per game in 2009 (second in NFL).

Calvin Johnson WR Detroit Lions: He’s battling a knee injury and has caught only 20 passes with two touchdowns in his last five games. In addition, quarterback Matthew Stafford continues to battle a shoulder injury he suffered two weeks ago against the Cleveland Browns. Not exactly the type of news you want to hear when your star wideout is heading to Cincinnati to face a Bengals defense that’s giving up fewer points than any other team in the league this season (15.8). In addition, the Cincy defense is allowing an average of only 16.3 fantasy points per week to opposing wide receivers, good for fifth in the NFL.

Brent Celek TE Philadelphia Eagles: There are worse tight ends out there heading into Sunday, but be cautious about how much faith you put in Celek. The Eagles TE sprained his thumb in last Sunday’s win over the Redskins, resulting in four dropped passes -- something rarely seen from the normally sure-handed Celek. He’ll continue to see a healthy dose of targets, but if his thumb acts up, you may be in for a long day.

Hit me up on Twitter: @JoeFortenbaugh

NFL fans wouldn't recognize Heath Miller if Tiger's wife beat him with a golf club in the red zone, and she just might when dude lays a goose this weekend.

Follow Yardbarker on Twitter or Elin'll beat your ass.

GET ‘EM IN YOUR LINEUP

Matt Ryan QB Atlanta Falcons: Ryan has struggled of late, throwing 10 interceptions and topping 250 passing yards just twice in his last six games, prompting many experts to recommend you bench him until further notice. Well, now is the time to get him back in your starting lineup.

Sunday, Ryan and the Falcons host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who bring a defense that has been victimized by the passing game this season. In 10 games, opposing quarterbacks are averaging 209.4 yards per game and have tossed 12 touchdowns with just four interceptions for a QB Rating of 94.0. In addition, the Bucs are allowing 29.4 points per game, good for 31st in the NFL. Look for Ryan and the Falcons to get back on track in Week 12.

Also Start: Wide receiver Roddy White, who has caught just 14 passes for 170 yards and zero touchdowns in his last three outings. Expect his three-game scoreless streak to end Sunday. In addition, if running back Jason Snelling gets the start again this week (there’s a chance Michael Turner will play), make sure he’s in your lineup as well. Tampa ranks dead-last against the run in 2009, allowing 168.9 yards per game on the ground.

Mike Sims-Walker WR Jacksonville Jaguars: For owners in deeper leagues, this is a no-brainer. But for those of you with a stacked receiving unit in smaller leagues, be sure to get MSW in the starting rotation for his Week 12 showdown with the San Francisco 49ers. Sims-Walker has been red hot over his past three games, catching 17 passes for 287 yards and three touchdowns on 24 targets.

On the other side of the field, the 49ers have struggled against the pass this season and are currently allowing 256.1 yards per game through the air (30th). San Francisco has given up five 300-plus-yard passing games this season as well as 20 plays of 25 or more yards and 11 touchdowns via the air.

Justin Forsett/Julius Jones RB Seattle Seahawks: This one is up in the air at the moment as Jones returned to practice on Thursday for the first time since bruising his lung Nov. 15. In any event, whichever running back gets the nod on Sunday should be in your starting lineup.

The Seahawks travel to St. Louis to take on a Rams defense that has really struggled stopping the run. The Rams are giving up an average of 167.0 yards per game over their last five outings with eight touchdowns coming by way of the rush during that span. They’ve given up 11 rushing scores over their past six games while allowing opposing ball carries to average 4.7 yards per rush on the season. Look for either Forsett or Jones to put up some serious numbers in Week 12.

Also Start: Wide receiver Nate Burleson, who caught seven passes for 74 yards and one score on 11 targets the last time these two teams met back in Week 1.

Carson Palmer QB Cincinnati Bengals: Palmer’s been sluggish in his last two contests, averaging just 192.5 yards per game with zero touchdowns and one interception. However, if there’s one thing that cures a fantasy slump for a quarterback, it’s a date with the Cleveland Browns.

Palmer lit up the Browns secondary for 230 yards and two touchdowns the last time these teams squared off in Week 4 (Cincinnati won 23-20 in overtime). Remember, the Browns gave up five passing touchdowns to rookie Matthew Stafford and the Lions last week, and the Bengals are coming off an embarrassing 20-17 loss to the Raiders in Week 11. You know Cincy had a serious week of practice after that display.

Also Start: Chad Ochocinco and Bernard Scott (unless Cedric Benson gets the start).

Kellen Winslow TE Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Since rookie quarterback Josh Freeman took over the starting job in Week 9, Winslow has quickly become his favorite receiver. The former Miami Hurricane is averaging 9.6 targets and 60.2 receiving yards over his last three games with 16 receptions and one touchdown.

In addition, the Falcons got lit up by Giants tight end Kevin Boss last Sunday for 76 yards and two touchdowns on five receptions. Keep in mind, Atlanta is giving up an average of 7.8 fantasy points to tight ends over the last six weeks. Not great, but definitely a good sign for a player like Winslow.

Keep an eye on…

New Orleans Saints running back Pierre Thomas and New England Patriots running back Laurence Maroney. When the Pats and Saints meet on Monday night, most people assume this will be a pass-happy affair. But the best way to slow down another team’s offense is to keep them off the field. In the Patriots last “shootout” (vs. Indy), Maroney posted 10 fantasy points (standard scoring), while Thomas posted 21 for New Orleans when they took on the Falcons in a Week 8 “shootout.”

Three defenses to consider…

1. San Diego Chargers (vs. Kansas City): The Bolts are allowing an average of just 13.8 points per game during their five-game winning streak.

2. Miami Dolphins (at Buffalo Bills): The Bills rank 28th in total offense (275.7 yards per game) and 28th in points (15.5 per game) this season.

3. Seattle Seahawks (at St. Louis Rams): If you need a sleeper defense to get your through Week 12, check out the Seahawks. Backup quarterback Kyle Boller will get the start in place of the injured Marc Bulger, and the Rams are averaging just 11.3 points per game in 2009 (31st).

SEND ‘EM TO THE BENCH

Braylon Edwards WR New York Jets: After catching five passes for 64 yards and a score in his Week 5 Monday night debut with the Jets in October, Edwards has been an afterthought in the New York offense, hauling in just 12 passes for 217 yards and one touchdown in his past five games. While his lack of production can be partly attributed to the rookie struggles that quarterback Mark Sanchez is currently going through, the fact remains that Edwards is no longer a viable fantasy option.

Look for the trend to continue Sunday when the Jets host the Carolina Panthers and the NFL’s fourth-ranked passing defense (185.0 yards per game). Carolina cornerbacks Richard Marshall and Chris Gamble have been outstanding this season, and if the Panthers can get a decent pass rush on Sanchez, look for Edwards to turn in another sub-standard fantasy performance.

Also Sit: Wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery, who is averaging just 72.7 receiving yards per game this season and has only topped the 100-yard receiving mark once in eight games.

Joe Flacco QB Baltimore Ravens: Flacco’s recent struggles are well documented, as the second-year quarterback has thrown only one touchdown with three interceptions over his past four games, while topping the 200-yard passing mark just once during that span. But Flacco’s lack of fantasy production is only half of the reason why he should be riding the pine this weekend.

The main reason? Here come the Pittsburgh Steelers and a pass defense that’s holding opposing quarterbacks to an average QB Rating of 79.1 in 2009. The Steelers have given up just 11 passing touchdowns in 10 games and are holding opposing quarterbacks to a 59.1 completion percentage while giving up an average of just 208.7 passing yards per game (12th). Look for another option at quarterback this weekend as Flacco’s fantasy struggles are going to continue.

However, you should feel confident about starting running back Ray Rice. While the Steelers have done an excellent job against the rush this season, the Ravens are going to rely heavily on their most potent offensive weapon in this AFC North divisional showdown. Running backs Chris Johnson, Kevin Smith, Cedric Benson, Adrian Peterson and Jamaal Charles have combined to average 9.0 fantasy points per week against the Steel Curtain (standard scoring). While that number isn’t going to carry you to victory, it should be enough to warrant a starting spot in the rotation, especially with the amount of touches Rice is likely to see.

Steve Smith WR Carolina Panthers: He’s scored four touchdowns in his past four games, but it’s time to send Smith back to the bench. The Panthers travel to New York this weekend to take on the Jets, and shutdown cornerback Darrelle Revis will be waiting.

Check out what Revis has done this season against some of the league’s best receivers:

Randy Moss (two games combined): Nine receptions, 58 yards, one touchdown
Marques Colston: two receptions for 33 yards
Andre Johnson: four receptions for 35 yards
Mike Sims-Walker: three receptions, 49 yards, one touchdown

Enough said.

Beanie Wells RB Arizona Cardinals: This is a Week 12 matchup that deserves a hell of a lot more attention than it’s going to get.

Wells has been red-hot the past two weeks, touching the ball 34 times for 202 total yards and three touchdowns. Meanwhile, the Tennessee defense seems to have figured out how to stop the running game, as they’ve allowed an average of only 73.0 yards over their past two outings, with no rushing touchdowns.

My money’s on the Titans as I expect Arizona to take to the skies in an effort to exploit the NFL’s 31st-ranked passing defense (271.7 yards per game).

Matt Forte RB Chicago Bears: Back to the bench for Forte this weekend as the Bears travel to Minnesota to take on the NFL’s third-ranked rushing defense (85.5 yards per game). Keep in mind that even when Forte was tearing up the league during his rookie season in 2008, he averaged just 3.6 yards per carry and 76.0 rushing yards per game with one touchdown in two meetings with the Vikings.

In unrelated, but not surprising news…

You’ve also got to keep Bears quarterback Jay Cutler on the bench this Sunday, no matter how badly you think the Vikings’ pass defense may be. Minnesota is 5-0 at the Metrodome this season with 17 sacks and has allowed just one passing touchdown over the past two games. Meanwhile, Jay Cut has already thrown 18 interceptions and has only one passing TD in his last two games.

Three defenses to avoid in Week 12…

1. Chicago Bears (at Minnesota): The Vikings are averaging 30.4 points per game at home this season.

2. New Orleans Saints AND New England Patriots: They play each other Monday night. Would you feel comfortable going against Drew Brees or Tom Brady?

Hit me up on Twitter: @JoeFortenbaugh

I'm sure Tony Romo's a nice guy or whatever, but that don't change the fact that I love watching his annual collapse.

Follow Yardbarker on Twitter or no turkey for you!