Must Start

Le’veon Bell, Jamaal Charles, Marshawn Lynch, Eddie Lacy, LeSean McCoy and DeMarco Murray*

Tier 1

Arian Foster vs. Bal – The prospect of facing a tough D and having to do so with a 3rd stringer behind center moves Foster down a notch.

CJ Anderson vs. Cin – The threat of Manning throwing has opened everything up or Anderson.

Joique Bell vs. Chi – The Bears run D is a sieve.

Jeremy Hill vs. Den – Hill’s a load and the Broncos will find this out Sunday.

Fred Jackson vs. Oak – Expect Buffalo to make Jackson a large part of the game plan.

Mark Ingram vs. Atl – The Saints ground game has gotten off track in recent week. Atl is a good place to get back on track.

Tier 2

Justin Forsett vs. Hou – Don’t expect a trip to the end zone but he’ll pick up 100 total yards.

Alfred Morris vs. Phi – Morris will top 80 yards with a TD.

Daniel Herron vs. Dal – Expect Herron to be involved in the passing game.

Latavius Murray vs. Buf – The Bills have shown vulnerability against the run recently.

Lamar Miller vs. Min – Miller is a solid No. 2 against the 23rd ranked rush D.

Jonathan Stewart vs. Cle – The Browns are missing key defenders that are crucial against stopping the run.

Steven Jackson vs. NO – The old man is still a threat and has a solid matchup here.

Bust

Ryan Mathews vs. SF – The 49ers are beat up but still field a formidable run D.

Fantasy Sleeper

Matt Asiata vs. Mia – The Dolphins don’t stop the run well. Asiata is a big fantasy sleeper on championship weekend.

Seattle Seahawks (+2.5) vs. Den – I’m not entirely sure how Denver is the favorite although the “Peyton Manning mania” set in immediately after Championship Sunday. The Seahawks opened up as favorites but then saw the betting line turn and now they’re underdogs.

Let’s look at the game which features the NFL’s best offense vs the NFL’s best D.

When the Broncos have the ball, look for Peyton Manning to run a spread offense and dink and dunk to his receivers. This will act as a rushing attack because Knowshon Moreno will not be able to get going against the Seahawks front.

However, the Broncos will not want or be able to abandon the run because Seattle’s attacking D will make Manning’s life miserable if it turns Denver one dimensional. The two wild cards will be WR Eric Decker and TE Julius Thomas.

While WR DeMaryius Thomas is a tremendous receiver, CB Richard Sherman should be able to contain him. Welker will be contained for the most part, too, as Seattle is excellent covering the middle of the field. Decker could make some plays on the outside as could Julius Thomas, but that will come when they move the TE outside on an island. Seattle’s safeties Kam Chancellor and Earl Thomas are the best duo in the game. Look for Denver to put up between 14-20 points on the day.

When Seattle has the ball, look for them to pound Marshawn Lynch mercilessly into Denver’s D. And look for him to have success. The Seahawks OL is big and matches up well with Denver’s front. This will set up the pass. QB Russell Wilson’s struggled lately, but he won’t be asked to put the offense on his shoulders.

When he throws the ball, it will come off play action and by moving him around, and he’ll find some success on the intermediate to deeper routes. Also, expect slant patterns mixed in to keep the chains moving. The Wild Card is Percy Harvin, but even 30-40 yards from him on a few plays will add another dimension to the Seahawks. All in all it’s not flashy, but this offensive unit is physical and efficient.

When the clock hits 0:00, look for Seattle to win by 4-10 points. Super Bowls tend to remain closer in our era of parity, but Seattle is the better and more complete team. And high flying passing games haven’t had much success in the big game facing dominant defenses.

The Seahawks are bullies and will wear this Denver team down late 24-17 or 27-17.

Seattle is solid on the money line (+115) too.

1. Jamaal Charles vs. Ind – Charles unreal fantasy effort in Week 15 will be followed up by a 150 yard effort and multiple TDs.

2. Adrian Peterson vs. Cin – Look for Peterson to top 125 yards with a score.

3. LeSean McCoy vs. Chi – The Bears have had difficulty stopping the run all season.

4. Marshawn Lynch vs. Arz – The Seahawks will ride Lynch to the top seed in the NFC.

Not far behind

Matt Forte vs. Phi – Forte will top 100 yards with 1-2 TDs.

Frank Gore vs. Atl – The 49ers will be playing with a large lead in this one.

Eddie Lacy vs. Pit – GB will ride its horse again in this one.

Rounding things out

Reggie Bush vs. NYG – Look for the dynamic threat to hurt the Giants in the passing game.

Alfred Morris vs. Dal – The Cowboys run D is atrocious.

Giovani Bernard vs. Min – The dynamic rookie will excel in the passing game.

DeMarco Murray vs. Was – Murray’s been on a roll of late and that will continue here.

Shane Vereen vs. Bal – Expect Vereen to be used more heavily than last week.

Ray Rice vs. NE –The Pats run D has many holes in it.

CJ Spiller vs. Mia – He has performed much better at home in ’13.

Knowshon Moreno vs. Hou – Moreno will bounce back this week.

Ryan Matthews vs. Oak – Matthews has raised his game in McCoy’s offense. This will be another 100 yard effort.

Le’veon Bell vs. GB – Bell will hit 12-15 fantasy points on Sunday.

Chris Johnson vs. Jax – Look for Johnson to reach the end zone and top 80 yards.

Lamar Miller vs. Buf – He’s a No. 2 / flex play due to his time split with Daniel Thomas.

Potential Bust – Beware

Andre Brown vs. Det – Look for the Lions D Line to overwhelm the Giants offense and stuff Brown.

1. LeSean McCoy vs. Min – Look for Shady to keep rolling with 150 yards and 2 TDs.

2. Marshawn Lynch vs. NYG – The Giants played uninspired football in Week 14. Lynch will top 100 yards with a TD.

3. Jamaal Charles vs. Oak – Expect 125 yards with multiple TDs vs. the Raiders.

4. Knowshon Moreno vs. SD – The passing game will open up large holes for Moreno.

Not far behind

Eddie Lacy vs. Dal – The Cowboys run D is very weak.

Reggie Bush vs. Bal – He’ll be used as a receiver on the fast turf and excel in PPR leagues.

Matt Forte vs. Cle – Forte will top 100 total yards and score a 1-2 TDs.

Not far behind

Shane Vereen vs. Mia – He’s been deadly as a receiver out of the backfield.

Le’veon Bell vs. Cin – Expect Roethlisberger to include him heavily in the passing game.

Zac Stacy vs. NO – The Rams will pound Stacy to keep Brees and Co. on the sidelines.

Frank Gore vs. TB – The 49ers massive O Line will overpower the Bucs front 7.

Alfred Morris vs. Atl – The Falcons D is a sieve; Morris will top 100 yards with a TD.

Steven Jackson vs. Was – Look for Jackson to find running room all afternoon.

Pierre Thomas vs. Stl. – Thomas will have a large role in this one.

DeMarco Murray vs. GB – Murray will top 80 yards with a TD.

Giovani Bernard vs. Pit – The rookie is being featured more within the 20s and responding. Look for another big game on Sunday Night.

Danny Woodhead vs. Den – The Chargers will have many plays dialed up for Woodhead.

Lamar Miller vs. NE – Miller is tough to trust but the Pats D is Swiss cheese the last few weeks.

Ray Rice vs. Det – The return of TE Dennis Pitta will open up running room for Rice. The Lions were run ALL over vs. the Eagles.

Potential Bust – Beware

Andre Brown vs. Sea – The Seahawks D will come in refocused when they face NY.

1. Jamaal Charles vs. Was – Charles will top 25 fantasy points at Washington.

2. Eddie Lacy vs. Atl – The Falcons have a hole in their run D.

3. Adrian Peterson vs. Bal – Look for All-Day to top 100 yards and find the end zone.

4. Marshawn Lynch vs. SF – The 49ers have had difficulty stopping Lynch in recent match-ups.

Not far behind

Matt Forte vs. Dal – The Cowboys have serious issues stopping the run. Look for Forte to top 100 yards rushing and 50 receiving.

LeSean McCoy vs. Det – McCoy’s value will come more as a receiver against the Lions.

Reggie Bush vs. Phi – Ditto for Bush. He’ll have a strong game against an Eagles D as a receiver and runner.

Rounding things out

Knowshon Moreno vs. Ten – The Broncos top runner is a beneficiary of a ridiculous passing game. He never sees a stacked front.

DeMarco Murray vs. Chi – The Bears run D has been horrible the past 7 weeks.

Andre Brown vs. SD – Look for the Giants to ride Brown again on Sunday. He’ll top 90 yards with a TD.

Chris Johnson vs. Den – They may be playing catch-up which will mean more opportunities in the passing game for Johnson.

Giovani Bernard vs. Ind – The Colts D has suffered a number of injuries the past month. It’s become increasingly easier to run against the Colts as a result.

Le’veon Bell vs. Mia – Check his status before starting him. But, this is a solid match-up for Bell.

Maurice Jones-Drew vs. Hou – The Texans have thrown in the towel.

CJ Spiller vs. TB – Looks like he has his old legs back. Had his best week of the year in Week 13.

Fred Jackson vs. TB – He’ll see a lot of short passes and be the primary goal line back.

Steven Jackson vs. GB – Jackson will thrive against an underwhelming Packers D.

Alfred Morris vs. KC – Morris will top 85 yards with a TD.

Ben Tate vs. Jax – Look for Tate to follow up a strong week 13 with another excellent game.

Shane Vereen vs. Cle – He’s the only reliable Patriots back and deadly in PPR leagues.

Zac Stacy vs. Arz – The Cards are stingy against the run but Stacy’s style will bode well this week. Look for 75 yards and a TD.

Bobby Rainey vs. Buf – This is a more favorable match-up than recent weeks.

Potential Bust – Beware

Frank Gore vs. Sea – The Seahawks will take away the run and force Colin Kaepernick to beat them.

1. Adrian Peterson vs. Chi – Peterson catches a Bears D that is terrible. Look for Peterson to top 150 yards and 2 TDs.

2. Marshawn Lynch vs. NO – Expect Lynch to top 125 yards with 2 TDs.

3. LeSean McCoy vs. Arz – Expect a top performance out of McCoy this week.

4. Jamaal Charles vs. Den – The Chiefs will ride Charles all day.

Not far behind

Reggie Bush vs. GB – The Lions RB will top 20 fantasy points in a big-time performance on Turkey day.

Matt Forte vs. Min – Expect the Bears to take advantage of the Vikings front 7.

Alfred Morris vs. NYG – The Giants had difficulty stopping Morris a year ago.

Rounding things out

Fred Jackson vs. Atl – The Falcons are planning their January vacations.

Andre Brown vs. Was – Brown has come back running with authority and will top 100 yards vs. the Skins.

Frank Gore vs. Stl – Gore lit up the Rams in their last contest.

Giovani Bernard vs. SD – The Bengals will continue incorporating Bernard into the game plan. He has a great match-up here.

Knowshon Moreno – His match-up is even more appealing if his health is good.

Shane Vereen vs. Hou – He’s the only reliable Pats RB and tremendous for PPR leagues.

Danny Woodhead vs. Cin – He will reach 12-15 points in this one.

CJ Spiller vs. Atl – His ankle should be healthy and he is a threat to break a long one.

Chris Johnson vs. Ind – Just two weeks ago he torched the Colts for 2 TDs.

DeMarco Murray vs. Oak – Expect Murray to top 85 yards with a score.

Eddie Lacy vs. Det – The Packers will continue to ride their back on Thanksgiving.

Chris Ivory vs. Mia – Rex Ryan and Co. will get back to pounding the rock at home.

Darren Sproles / Pierre Thomas vs. Sea – Expect both to be active in the passing game.

Potential Bust – Beware

Le’veon Bell vs. Bal – The Ravens D at home will clamp down on the Steelers running game.

1. Marshawn Lynch vs. Min – Beast mode will roll for 125 yards and 2 TDs.

2. Jamaal Charles vs. Den – He’ll light up the Broncos D on SNF.

3. Reggie Bush vs. Pit – Bush will top 125 total yards and find the end zone.

4. Frank Gore vs. NO – Expect the 49ers to rely heavily on the run game this week.

Not far behind

LeSean McCoy vs. Was – Expect a repeat of Week 1.

Adrian Peterson vs. Sea – He’ll find it tough sledding in Seattle but All Day is always a threat to break one.

Alfred Morris vs. Phi – Morris will hit the 100 yards mark again and find the end zone.

Rounding things out

Chris Johnson vs. Ind – There will be room to run vs. the Colts on Thursday.

Andre Brown vs. GB – The Giants have recommitted to the run game.

DeAngelo Williams vs. NE – Williams will top 80 yards with a score.

Knowshon Moreno vs. KC – The passing game will open up holes for Moreno. He’ll hit 75 yards with a TD.

Giovani Bernard vs. Cle – The big play rookie will be a threat as a receiver as well as runner.

Darren Sproles vs. SF – He’ll make a major impact in the passing game, primarily on screens.

Ben Tate vs. Oak – The Raiders just got run over by the Giants.

Le’veon Bell vs. Det – He’ll catch 4-5 balls in addition to his rushing yards.

Danny Woodhead vs. Mia – The Chargers will continue to give him No. 1 touches.

Eddie Lacy vs. NYG – The Giants have been tough on opposing RBs so this lowers him a bit.

Potential Bust – Beware

Stevan Ridley vs. Car – The Panthers front 7 is extremely physical and good against the run.

1. Adrian Peterson vs. Was – The Skins run D has plenty of holes in it. Peterson will top 125 yards with 1-2 TDs on Thursday.

2. Marshawn Lynch vs. Atl – The Seahawks will pound Lynch all afternoon.

3. Chris Johnson vs. Jax – After his stellar Week 9 performance (100+ yards, 2 TDs), look for a repeat effort right back.

4. Alfred Morris vs. Min – The Skins have rediscovered their running game and Morris will top the century mark with a TD on Sunday.

Not far behind

LeSean McCoy vs. GB – McCoy’s stats aren’t as strong when Foles plays, but he’ll be a big factor in GB.

Reggie Bush vs. Chi – The Bears interior D is in shambles and Bush torched Chicago in the first go around.

Eddie Lacy vs. Phi – Lacy will top 100 yards with a TD vs. Philly.

Rounding things out

Matt Forte vs. Det – The lion’s share of his success will come through the air.

Le’veon Bell vs. Buf – The dual threat out of the backfield will score between 12-15 fantasy points.

CJ Spiller vs. Pit – The ankle looks to be almost fully healthy. Spiller will go over 100 again here.

Knowshon Moreno vs. SD – The Chargers were run all over by the Skins.

Lamar Miller vs. TB – Miller has reasserted himself as the lead back and will top 100 yards on Monday Night.

Danny Woodhead vs. Den – His pass receiving skills out of the backfield will be heavily utilized here.

Pierre Thomas vs. Dal – Expect him to pick up the slack with Sproles likely out.

Ben Tate vs. Arz – Tate is more of a No. 2 on Sunday against a stingy Cards D.

Frank Gore vs. Car – The same goes for Gore. He’ll likely get between 50-60 yards.

Zac Stacy vs. Ind – The breakout rookie should find a lot of success vs. the Colts run D.

DeMarco Murray vs. NO – Dallas will want to keep Brees and Co. on the sidelines.

Fred Jackson vs. Pit – Expect him to reach between 60-70 yards with a score against a sad Steelers D.

Potential Bust – Beware

Giovani Bernard vs. Bal – The stellar rookie faces a difficult test in Baltimore.

1. Jamaal Charles vs. Buf – His tremendous 1^st half will continue in Buffalo.

2. Marshawn Lynch vs. TB – Lynch will run all over the Bucs D in Seattle.

3. Eddie Lacy vs. Chi – The Bears are severely depleted along the interior of its D line.

4. LeSean McCoy vs. Oak – His stock is slightly down due to QB issues but he’ll bounce back this week.

Not far behind

Adrian Peterson vs. Dal – He has to break out of his slump shortly.

Darren McFadden vs. Phi – The Raiders rushing attack will find room to work against the Eagles D.

Matt Forte vs. GB – Chicago will rely even more heavily on Forte with Cutler out.

Rounding things out

Alfred Morris vs. SD – Morris will top 100 yards with a TD against the Bolts.

Arian Foster vs. Ind – The Colts run D is surprisingly good. Don’t expect a monster game and he’s still nursing a sore hamstring.

Stevan Ridley vs. Pit – The outside weapons will continue to open up the running game.

Ryan Matthews vs. Was – His last two games have shown promise.

Ray Rice vs. Cle – Rice is closer to a flex play against the Browns.

Lamar Miller vs. Cin – Look for Miami to get Miller involved in the rushing as well as passing game.

Giovani Bernard vs. Mia – He’s a goal line threat on Thur.

Zac Stacy vs. Ten – He’s a solid No. 2 facing Fisher’s former team. The RB runs tough.

Potential Bust – Beware

Chris Johnson vs. Stl. – Jeff Fisher coached Johnson his first few years and will likely know his weaknesses to go after.

1. Adrian Peterson, Min - The modern day version of superman plays RB for the Vikings. Peterson’s historic season coming off major knee surgery means he’s once again the top running back in fantasy football, as well as the top pick overall.

2. Arian Foster, Hou – Not too far behind is Foster. The Texans have a big O-Line and Foster excels in this system. He’ll be the 2nd RB taken off the board.

3. Marshawn Lynch, Sea – The Seahawks feature a legitimate passing game and massive O-Line, but remain a power running team first. Lynch is poised for a big season and could top 15 TDs.

4. Jamaal Charles, KC -Andy Reid will maximize Charles’ value in this system, as both runner and receiver. The Chiefs are coming off a horrible season but Charles will thrive and post top fantasy numbers.

5. LeSean McCoy, Phi – Injuries and ineptitude on his teammates part doomed McCoy a year ago. Chip Kelly will feature McCoy who will be one of the lone bright spots in Philly this season.

6. Ray Rice, Bal – His overall stock is down due to the losses outside (Boldin and Pitta), but he’s still a dependable No. 1.

7. Doug Martin, TB – The rookie sensation took the league by storm and will be high on fantasy draft boards once again. However, buyer beware. The Bucs were playing a last place schedule and the going will get tougher this year.

8. Trent Richardson, Cle - Richardson could easily end up a top 5 fantasy football runner this year. His supporting cast is improving and the Browns are on the upswing.

9. CJ Spiller, Buf – Can you imagine what type of numbers Spiller would put up playing behind a good O-Line and with a quality QB? Well, he still doesn’t either,  but he’s a home run threat on every play.

10. Alfred Morris, Was – Morris is at risk to take a step back, but Shanahan’s run system always seems to work well. Even with a slight decline in numbers Morris will be a worthy No. 1 back for your fantasy squad.