Week 12 - On the Rise, On the Fall Nov 30, 2009 | More

UP – Josh Freeman, QB, Buccaneers – the Tampa Bay quarterback has been able to play well in that Buccaneer offense, which has increased the team’s stock, specifically of tight end Kellen Winslow. The Bucs have played much better football since their Week 8 bye than they were earlier in the season.

UP – Jamaal Charles, RB, Chiefs – it appeared evident that Charles was not a fluke after his performance against Pittsburgh last Sunday. His 147 yards rushing and receiving total, along with a rushing touchdown, showed that he can be a critical waiver wire addition to your championship run. While he won’t be available in many or all leagues, it appears to be time to get him off your benches. He is very explosive as dangerous in the open field, as he showed Sunday. The Chiefs play the Bills and Browns in the first two playoff weeks (14 and 15) of many leagues.

DOWN - Kevin Smith, RB, Lions – the Lions’ upcoming schedule is not very friendly. It includes matchups in Cincinnati and Baltimore in the next two weeks. Smith has been saving his owners in the passing game, but don’t expect much in your playoff run in the next few weeks.

DOWN - Marion Barber, RB, Cowboys – Barber has been on this list before, and after it appeared he may be bouncing back, Felix Jones feasted on Thanksgiving. Tashard Choice even rushed for more yards thanks to his wildcat scamper. Dallas’ December schedule is very tough so don’t expect much from one specific player in the Dallas backfield.

DOWN - Brandon Jacobs, RB, Giants – he’s been a disappointment this year for sure, but it is not all his fault. The entire Giant running game is not the same as the offensive line is not doing its part, either. Everyone is talking about how Jacobs is running east to west, but when there is nowhere to run, what do you expect? While it may not be his fault, that doesn’t provide any sympathy from his fantasy owners. It will be tough to start Jacobs over the next few weeks against NFC East rivals.

DOWN – Atlanta Falcons offense – This entire group will be in trouble if Michael Turner and Matt Ryan are to miss any significant time. They face the Eagles next weekend and I know that Chris Redman found success against Tampa Bay, but he’ll be facing a totally different animal against Philadelphia and New Orleans in Weeks 13 and 14, respectively. In addition, with Jerious Norwood back, the value of Jason Snelling takes a hit.

Do you like interceptions?

The interception kings met in the Meadowlands on Sunday as Jake Delhomme took on Mark Sanchez and the Jets. Delhomme was 14-of-34 and threw four interceptions. Sanchez threw just one, but has 17 on the season. Jake surpassed that mark and now has 18 on the season.

Cincinnati Backfield

Keep an eye on this backfield with a matchup looming against the Lions. If Cedric Benson is active, he is the only one you should start. However, if Larry Johnson is still available, he is a must-add. Bernard Scott is a lesser play, but still can be considered as a flex if you do not have any better options.

Stayin’ hot

The Chargers and Titans are two of the hottest teams in the NFL right now. Even though the Titans are not far from a wildcard spot, starting 0-6 is going to haunt them at some time or later. The Chargers are surging into December and seem to be the team left out with all of the Colts and Patriots talk. However, they’ll start to be noticed as they sit at 8-3 and winners of six straight. Other than the comeback win in the final seconds at the Meadowlands, they have completed dominated their opponents.

The Colts and Vikings also deserve credit as Indianapolis remained undefeated in winning against the Texans, who were a hot pick this week. Minnesota continued to roll as they defeated Chicago to move to 10-1.

Look Ahead to Week 13

The Sunday night game has been flexed into a Vikings-Cardinals game, which should be entertaining if Kurt Warner is back. The Thursday night game is a snoozer as the Jets play the Bills in Toronto. The Eagles travel to Atlanta in a big NFC game while the Titans travel to Indianapolis in an attempt to keep their magical run alive. The Giants have their season on the line at home against the Cowboys. The Monday night game is also going to be a fun one with the Ravens traveling to Lambeau field.

Monday Night Football

There would be no better scene to have one of the biggest games of the 2009 regular season. The Saints will host the Patriots on Monday Night Football in the Superdome, which will no doubt be extremely raucous. Tom Brady and company will try to spoil the Saints’ chances of perfection, and in doing so, expect lots of fireworks in primetime. It goes without saying to start everyone in this one. Enjoy the game! The X-factor is the atmosphere in the dome … Saints 35, Patriots 31.

Questions/comments: pags2122@yahoo.com