1. Adrian Peterson

The Panthers strength of its defense lies in stopping the pass, not the run. Adrian Peterson will receive 25 carries and easily top the 100 yard mark with 2 TDs on Sunday Night.

2. Ray Rice vs. Chicago Bears

Ryan Grant took the 1st hand off in Week 14 to the house for a 62 yard TD. Overall, he finished with 137 yards and 2 TDs. Rice is hot right now (166 yards, 1TD vs. Det) and the Ravens will use their 2nd year back heavily against the Bears.

3. Maurice Jones-Drew vs. Indianapolis Colts

There’s a great possibility that the Colts will not play their starters the entire game. This would be excellent for Jones-Drew, who will receive between 20-25 carries and be utilized as a receiver out of the backfield. Look for a big game with another return trip to the end zone.

4. Cedric Benson vs. San Diego Chargers

San Diego has shored up its run defense over their eight game winning streak but can still be hurt on the ground. The Bengals, in a bit of an offensive funk themselves, will look to re-establish the running game and Benson, who totaled 96 yards vs. the Vikings, will top the century mark with a score on Sunday.

Sleepers

1. Justin Forsett vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Buccaneers have consistently worn down late in games against the run and make most opposing RBs look like fantasy football stars. The Seahawks will win big on Sunday and Forsett will top 100 yards with a TD.

2. Chris Wells vs. Detroit Lions

“Beanie” Wells ran with authority against the Niners (79 yards, 1TD) and has a considerably easier task against the Lions. He’ll  top the 100 yard mark with a TD in round two of the playoffs and is an excellent fantasy sleeper.

Others We Like

Chris Johnson vs. Miami Dolphins

CJ is easily the top fantasy football RB in 2009 and is dominating this season as DeAngelo Williams did last year. He’s now run for over 100 yards in eight straight games and scored nine rushing TDs over that span. While Miami’s pretty good against the run and might slow Johnson a little,  he’ll be hard to keep under wraps the entire game.

Frank Gore vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Gore’s improved running between the tackles has helped his overall game. He rushed for 167 and a TD on Monday Night in an impressive effort against Arizona. This week he gets Philly, whose defense pales in comparison to the days when Jim Johnson was running the show. Expect a solid game from No. 21.

Thomas Jones vs. Atlanta Falcons

The Jets are wisely taking the ball out of their QB’s hands and placing it into the hands of Thomas Jones. He has five 100 yard games in his last eight and 6 rushing TDs. The Jets offensive line should have its way against a smaller Falcons defense so look for another big game from Jones.

A Few More

Steven Jackson vs. Houston Texans

Jamaal Charles vs. Cleveland Browns

Brandon Jacobs vs. Washington Redskins

1. Indianapolis Colts (-7) vs. Denver Broncos

With a win on Sunday, the Colts will wrap up home field advantage in the AFC. The Broncos, who are still fighting for a Wild Card, have beaten the Giants and Chiefs in consecutive weeks but will find that the Colts are a different beast.

Look for Peyton Manning to have success through the air and force Denver into a shootout, which is not their style of play. Defensively, Freeney and Co. will shut down Kyle Orton en route to an easy win in Week 14.

Next In Line

2. Cincinnati Bengals (+6.5) vs. Minnesota Vikings

Although Minnesota is a tough place to play, it’s tough to bet against the Bengals in a big game situation this year. They’ve won every single one they’ve played in. And still vying for the No. 2 seed in the conference, expect Cincinnati to pull out a close victory on the road behind the legs of Cedric Benson and arm of Carson Palmer. The loss of MLB EJ Henderson to the Vikings’ defense will be difficult to overcome.

3. New England Patriots (-13.5) vs. Carolina Panthers

The Patriots are finally back to a place they can win: home. They’re 6-0 in New England and just 1-5 on the road. The Panthers will likely have to go with Matt Moore at QB and even the beleaguered Patriots defense can handle this assignment. Offensively, look for Brady and Co. to put between 25 to 30 on the board and wear the Panthers down late.

4. Miami Dolphins (+3) vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

See Money Line Analysis

Others We Like

Dallas Cowboys (-3) vs. San Diego Chargers

The Chargers are on a roll right now but have mostly feasted off a soft schedule during their seven game winning streak. And while the Cowboys certainly have issues of their own – can’t win in December, this is a must-win game for them. Their ability to run the ball will end up being the deciding factor in the game.

Philadelphia Eagles (+1) vs. New York Giants

The Giants potentially saved their season with their win over Dallas in Week 13. And while they did a lot of good things in that game, they’ve still got a number of issues rushing the passer and getting off the field on 3rd down. Andy Reid always has his teams prepared against New York and will attack the Giants porous pass defense with the Eagles talented young pass catchers (DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, Brent Celek).

Also, the +1 point spread suggests that the odds makers think Philly will win; home teams are usually alloted a 3 point spread if the book makers think the game is even.

Arizona Cardinals (-3.5) vs. San Francisco 49ers

The 49ers hopes for the post season will come to an end on Monday Night when the Cards head out to San Francisco. Kurt Warner is playing extremely well and Fitzgerald and Boldin will be too much for the Niners secondary. Defensively, the Cards will take Frank Gore out of the game and force Alex Smith to beat them.

Money Line

Miami Dolphins (+120) vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jags are the most unimpressive 7-5 team in the NFL.  Outside of Maurice Jones-Drew and the running game, they don’t do anything particularly well; the passing game is inconsistent and the defense is soft against both the run and pass.

The Dolphins are by no means a powerhouse, but they’ve won three of their last four (including a 22-21 win over the Patriots on Sunday) to move to .500. Chad Henne is slowly getting better and the improvement to the offensive side of the ball reflects his growth as a QB.

Offensively, Miami will focus on the running game with Ricky Williams to set-up the pass. Look for Henne to then execute a safe passing attack designed to keep the clock/chains moving and wear Jacksonville down. Miami will score at least 21.

Defensively, Miami will focus its efforts on stopping the run, which it’s quite good at. They’ll force David Garrard to beat them and he’ll struggle against an improving secondary.

When clock hits 0:00, Miami will win 21-17 to move even with the Jags at 7-6.

1. Chris Johnson

Johnson’s streak of 125 yard games ended at six after he  managed only 113 rushing yards against the Colts. This week he gets the Rams, and you can bet that he’ll respond with a huge game on Sunday. Look for over 150 yards and 2 TDs as he remains on pace for 2,000 yards.

2. Rashard Mendenhall vs. Cleveland Browns

Mendenhall rushed for over 100 yards and a TD in their demoralizing loss to the Raiders. He faces another defensive slouch and will top the century mark with another score on Thursday.

3. Ray Rice vs. Detroit Lions

Ray Rice is a fantasy football force because of his running as well as receiving ability out of the backfield. The Lions don’t stop either particularly well so look for over 150 total yards and one TD on Sunday.

4. Marion Barber vs. San Diego Chargers

The Cowboys need this game more than the Chargers and will rely heavily on their running game against an average run defense. Barber should receive at least 20 carries and will top 100 yards with a goal line TD.

Sleepers

1. Mike Bell vs. Atlanta Falcons

Bell’s carries have increased due to Reggie Bush’s injury and he remains the team’s primary goal line runner. The Saints should easily beat Atlanta in Week 14 and Bell’s is looking at a potential two TD game. He’s a great fantasy sleeper here.

2. Justin Forsett vs Houston Texans

Forsett’s been much better on the  road than at home and faces a mediocre Texans defense in Houston on Sunday. Look for Seattle to pound the rock and for Forsett to score in Week 14.

Others We Like

Cedric Benson vs. Minnesota Vikings

The loss of EJ Henderson to the Vikings defense changes its entire complexion against the run.  He was the rock in the middle of that defense. Benson’s best games have come against top tier defenses so expect another strong outing on Sunday.

Maurice Jones-Drew vs. Miami Dolphins

MJD was kept in check (76 yards) vs. Houston but will see a bigger role against Miami. Look for him to get back on track with over 100 vs. the Dophins.

DeAngelo Williams vs. New England Patriots

The Patriots defense is soft all around and Williams, who was out nursing an ankle injury in Week 13, will top 100 yards with a score in New England.

A Few More

Brandon Jacobs vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Adrian Peterson vs. Cincinnati Bengals

Pierre Thomas vs. Atlanta Falcons

1. Chris Johnson

Can he rush for over 125 yards seven games in a row? We think he can – and will. Look for Johnson to amass over 175 total yards and score a few times on Sunday. Right now he’s the most dangerous player in fantasy football.

2. Adrian Peterson vs. Arizona Cardinals

The wheels have seemingly come off to the once top ranked Cardinals run defense. They’ve been torched each of the past three weeks (150 yards, 1TD to Johnson on Sunday) and face a monster task on Sunday Night. AD will find huge running lanes and should top 100 yards with 2 TDs.

3. Maurice Jones-Drew vs. Houston Texans

The last time these two teams met MJD topped 100 yards with 3 TDs. He’ll be relied on heavily once again and will top the century mark with a few scores on Sunday.

4. Rashard Mendenhall vs. Oakland Raiders

The Raiders possess one of the worst run defenses in football. They allowed nearly 200 yards on Thanksgiving Day to the Cowboys trio of backs. Look for Pittsburgh to get back into the win column riding the legs of Mendenhall and he’ll easily top 100 yards with a few TDs.

Sleepers

1. LeSean McCoy vs. Atlanta Falcons

The potential absence of DeSean Jackson on Sunday will mean the Eagles rely more heavily on McCoy. And he’ll find ample running room against a soft Falcons D. He’s a great fantasy sleeper in Week 13.

2. Cadillac Williams vs. Carolina Panthers

The Bucs offense has received a jump start with the insertion of QB Josh Freeman who has provided better balance to the unit. Look for Tampa to run the ball on Sunday and Williams to be the main guy receiving carries.

Others We Like

Cedric Benson vs. Detroit Lions

It appeared as if Benson would be a go last week but the Bengals, playing the porous Browns, decided to hold off another week. Cincinnati won’t want a rusty Benson for the post season and have already said he’s starting this week. He’ll run all over a very suspect Lions run defense.

Ricky Williams vs. New England Patriots

Williams has taken the No. 1 spot by storm and notched two consecutive 100 yard games with four total TDs. The Dolphins will pound the rock in an attempt to keep Tom Brady and the Patriots high powered offense off the field and we like him to reach 100 yards in Week 13.

LaDainian Tomlinson vs. Cleveland Browns

While this is an extremely easy matchup, Tomlinson has been unable to capitalize on the poorer teams this year and we don’t think he’ll do so here. However, he should score a few TDs, making him a quality start.

A Few More

DeAngelo Williams vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Marion Barber vs. New York Giants

Ray Rice vs. Green Bay Packers

Thomas Jones vs. Buffalo Bills

Matt Forte vs. St. Louis Rams

Steven Jackson vs. Chicago Bears

1. Adrian Peterson

Some of AD’s best games in his career have come at the expense of the Bears. In his rookie year, he went for 224 yards and 3 TDs and has consistently eaten up Chicago’s defense. This week will be no different; expect 150 plus yards with a few scores.

2. Steven Jackson vs. Seattle Seahawks

No. 39 has been a one man wrecking crew the past few weeks gaining over 100 yards and a TD against both the Saints and Cardinals. This week, he has an easier matchup than the past two and will top 100 yards with 2 TDs.

3. Marion Barber vs. Oakland Raiders

The Bengals No. 2 option, Bernard Scott, torched the anemic Raiders defense for 119 yards. The Cowboys should enjoy a healthy lead on Thursday and Barber will get 20 plus carries and top the 100 yard mark with 2 TDs.

4. Cedric Benson vs. Cleveland Browns

Benson took Week 11 off to rest his hip but should be ready to go in this one. Look for another 25 plus carries with 100 yards and a score against a very soft Browns defense.

Sleepers

1. Knowshon Moreno vs. New York Giants

While the Broncos offensively have hit a wall, Moreno has a chance to have a nice game against the Giants on Thanksgiving Night. New York’s defense has been plagued by poor scheming and opposing RBs have had success against their front seven. He’s a solid fantasy sleeper in Week 12.

2. Jamaal Charles vs. San Diego Chargers

Charles’ speed make him a dangerous threat as a receiver out of the backfield as well as when running the ball. The Chargers have addressed some of their run defense issues but will be tested by the 2nd year back on Sunday. He could break 100 total yards and find the end zone.

Others We Like

Ricky Williams vs. Buffalo Bills

The Bills did an excellent job stopping Maurice Jones-Drew as they committed extra men into the box. But overall they’ve been extremely poor against the run in 2009. Look for Williams to enjoy an excellent day and top 100 yards with a few TDs.

DeAngelo Williams vs. New York Jets

The Jets have been unable to overcome the loss of DT Kris Jenkins and opposing RBs have pretty much had their way with this unit. Williams has put up impressive numbers over the past month and Carolina will once again rely on the running game to set-up the pass. Look for Williams to top 100 yards with a TD.

Chris Johnson vs. Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals top five rushing defense has given up 100 yards and a score in consecutive weeks. This week they face the most dangerous RB in the game right now; Johnson can beat you on the ground and as a receiver out of the backfield and we think he’ll top 150 totals yards with two scores here.

A Few More

Maurice Jones-Drew vs. San Francisco 49ers

Thomas Jones vs. Carolina Panthers

Kevin Smith vs. Green Bay Packers

LaDainian Tomlinson vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Ryan Grant vs. Detroit Lions

The Titans have improved defensively since the bye week but they’re still vulnerable against the pass. The Texans will pass in order to win on Monday Night and we like Schaub to hook up with Johnson, Walter and Jones for a few big plays and scores. 250 yards and two or three TDs is certainly within reach.

2. RB Maurice Jones-Drew vs. Buffalo Bills

The Bills are extremely beat up on defense and haven’t stopped anybody this season on the ground. And that’s not going to start this week. Maurice Jones-Drew has been on fire over the past three games (377 yards, 4TDs) and will go wild in Week 11. A 150 yard game is not out of the question.

3. WR Larry Fitzgerald vs. St. Louis Rams

The Rams are playing better ball on defense but lack the quality DBs to keep up with a player like Fitzgerald. He and Warner should have a field day in St. Louis and we think Larry could score twice on Sunday.

Fantasy Busts

1. QB Matt Ryan vs. New York Giants

The likely absence of RB Michael Turner makes the Falcons offense much less imposing. His running ability set-up everything for the passing game. Without the fear of a running threat, the Giants can be more creative on defense and keep Atlanta one dimensional, which will limit Ryan’s effectiveness.

2. RB Ryan Grant vs. San Francisco 49ers

Grant’s already endured a tough year running behind a line that cannot open up holes. This week it gets even tougher; the Niners bring the No. 3 ranked run defense to Lambeau on Sunday and will keep this running game in check all afternoon.

3, WR Miles Austin vs. Washington Redskins

Defenses have begun to shift coverage Austin’s way and outside of his lone catch (TD) vs. Philly, he’s been shutdown the past few weeks. Expect the Redskins to keep an extra eye on his side of the field and for Austin to once again be shut down.

1. Adrian Peterson

The Seahawks just surrendered 85 yards and two TDs to Chris “Beanie” Wells and now they get the premier RB in fantasy football - and the NFL. Look for AD to top 125 yards and a few scores against a very suspect run defense.

2. Maurice Jones-Drew vs. Buffalo Bills

Running backs have feasted on the porous Bills run defense in 2009. Over 100 yards and a few TDs is literally a given when playing this unit. Look for MJD to have a huge game on Sunday and top 125 yards and at least two scores.

3. Chris Johnson vs. Houston Texans

If Johnson keeps up his current pace, he has a great shot at 2,000 yards in 2009. In Week 10, he had another stellar outing with over 100 yards both rushing and receiving and two TDs.

He’s also very familiar with the Texans defense; he carved them up for almost 300 total yards and three TDs earlier in the season. Expect another big game here.

4. Ray Rice vs. Indianapolis Colts

Rice is a premier dual threat and will be a load for the Colts defense to handle. Look for Flacco to incorporate him into the passing game and for Rice to hit the century mark with a score on the ground.

Sleepers

1. Chris Wells vs. St. Louis Rams

Wells is coming on strong and just notched the first two-TD game of his career vs. the Seahawks. The Rams defense is soft and Beanie’s slowly becoming the Cardinals No. 1. He’s a great fantasy sleeper this week.

2. LeSean McCoy vs. Chicago Bears

Frank Gore ran through this depleted Bears defense last Thursday Night and with the loss of Brian Westbrook to another concussion, McCoy will have an opportunity to do the same. Expect Reid to call a more balanced attack on Sunday.

Others We Like

Pierre Thomas vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Bucs have done very little in 2009 with regards to stopping the run. Opposing RBs have feasted on this unit. Thomas will do the same in Week 11 with a 100-yard game.

Steven Jackson vs. Arizona Cardinals

The Cards, and their top ten run defense, were surprisingly torched by Justin Forsett of the Seahawks for over 100 yards and a TD on Sunday. This week they face Steven Jackson who’s a beast stuck on a poor team. However, he’ll still top 100 yards with a TD.

Cedric Benson vs. Oakland Raiders

Benson exited the Steelers game early but says he’ll be fine for the Raiders. Everyone runs on the Raiders and Benson, even if he were only 70%, would easily top the 100 yard mark with a few scores.

A Few More

Frank Gore vs. Green Bay Packers

Brandon Jacobs vs. Atlanta Falcons

Rashard Mendenhall vs. Kansas City Chiefs

1. Maurice Jones-Drew

MJD ran for 177 yards and two long TDs (80,79 yards) on just eight carries. Which begs the question: why only eight carries? Because Jacksonville has no idea how to utilize their best player. You can be sure he’ll get 20 plus carries vs. the Chiefs and easily top 125 yards with at least two TDs. He’s our top fantasy football RB in Week Nine.

2. Pierre Thomas vs. Carolina Panthers

The Panthers strength is its pass defense, not run. Look for Pierre Thomas, coming off a solid two TD game on Monday Night, to be featured heavily in Week Nine and finish with over 100 yards and a TD.

3. Ray Rice vs. Cincinnati Bengals

Rice’s has been the MAN the past three weeks (four total TDs) and is even more dangerous due to his receiving skills. He’ll be heavily featured against this division rival and look for the Bengals to have very few answers for the second year back.

4. Cedric Benson vs. Baltimore Ravens

The last time these two teams played, Benson became the first RB in 40 games to eclipse the 100 yard-mark with a 120 yard effort and a TD against the Ravens. He’s shown a propensity to do well against the better run stopping teams and after his impressive 189 yard performance vs. the Bears, we like him right back in this one.

Sleepers

1. Julius Jones vs. Detroit Lions

The Lions are awful against the run and will have a tough time stopping Jones on Sunday. The Seahawks, while playing with injuries along the line, have enough firepower at the receiver position to keep the Lions defense back to play the pass. Which is exactly what you want from the top fantasy sleeper at RB in Week Nine.

2. Ryan Moats vs. Indianapolis Colts

It looks like Steve Slaton has been benched due to his fumbling issues. Moats made the most of his opportunity in Buffalo finishing with over 126 yards and three TDs. Look for another solid effort vs. Indy and some catches out of the backfield.

Others We Like

Brandon Jacobs vs. San Diego Chargers

The Chargers still have trouble stopping the run and have been unable to overcome the loss of DT Jamal Williams. All things considered, Jacobs has ran well the past two weeks, and we expect him to notch at least one score on Sunday.

Ryan Grant vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Grant fared poorly against trough Vikings run defense but has a dynamite matchup against the Bucs here. Tampa’s been a gold mine for opposing RBs and each one has put up a huge fantasy day. Expect at least 100 yards on Sunday.

Frank Fore vs. Tennessee Titans

Gore showed no ill effects from that foot injury as he rattled off a long TD vs. the Colts on Sunday. Look for San Francisco to continuing feeding him the ball and for No. 21 to top the 100 yards mark with at least one TD vs. Tennessee.

A Few More

Chris Johnson vs. San Francisco

Ronnie Brown vs. New England

Rashard Mendenhall vs. Denver Broncos