Survivor - Week 14 Dec 6, 2012 | More
More articles from Nick Pagliuca

Week 14 is more popular in fantasy circles than in survivor pools because the playoffs are here. However, if you have reached it to Week 14 in your survivor pool, I would consider that more of an accomplishment than getting into your league’s playoffs. There are just four weeks to go, so you must choose wisely and strategically plan ahead. Check out the analysis and selections for this upcoming week.

THURSDAY NIGHT GAME

Denver Broncos at Oakland Raiders – It has been another embarrassing year for Raiders' fans as it has been a season with few bright spots. Darren McFadden got hurt, yet again, and Carson Palmer has not been the answer since arriving last season. The Raiders are marred in a five-game losing streak while Denver is soaring in the opposite direction, winning seven straight. It all started for the Broncos in San Diego with their fiery comeback. They are 10-point favorites in Oakland on a short week. Many of these Thursday night games have been brutal for fantasy purposes, but we will find out if it affects Peyton Manning. My guess is that he will still light up that Raiders secondary. If you haven’t used Denver on its seven-game run, you can consider the Broncos this week, but take a look at the other home favorites first.

SUNDAY AFTERNOON GAMES

The Cleveland Browns will host the Kansas City Chiefs, who are coming off an emotional win against the Carolina Panthers last week. They are about six-point favorites in this one and are a strong option for Week 14. The Browns have just four wins this season, but have a few close defeats. They are not more than a few plays away from being 6-6.

The Indianapolis Colts host the Tennessee Titans in a divisional matchup. The Colts are winning games that they should be winning. This is one of those games Sunday.

Stay away from the New York Jets at Jacksonville game.

Divisional matchups, including Chicago-Minnesota and Atlanta-Carolina should be avoided.

Tampa Bay is an option at home against the Philadelphia Eagles, who played tough against Dallas last week, but they usually get up for that matchup.

The San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks are good options at home if you have them available.

You likely do not have the New York Giants at this point, but they are a deeper option if necessary.

Buffalo is intriguing, if you are desperate, against a dome team (St. Louis), but I would hold off.

Cincinnati hosts Dallas in a huge game for both of their playoff hopes.

Lastly, it will be very interesting to see how the Washington Redskins respond after winning three straight NFC East games and now host the Baltimore Ravens.

SUNDAY NIGHT GAME

Detroit Lions at Green Bay Packers – The Lions just lost three straight home games and each one was worse than the previous. It began against Green Bay, then on Thanksgiving against Houston, and finished up against Andrew Luck and the Indianapolis Colts. They now head to Green Bay, who has had their own issues particularly with the run game and offensive line. However, I do not expect the Packers to struggle with this one. They are a potential option.

MONDAY NIGHT GAME

Houston Texans at New England Patriots – Sit back and enjoy this game in playoff football weather from New England.

SELECTIONS

You actually have a decent number of options for this late in the season. Here are the selections for this week in order: Seattle, San Francisco, Tampa Bay, Cleveland, Denver and Green Bay. Regarding teams you probably have not used, this would be your only chance to take Cleveland for the season. Tampa Bay could be used this week or at home in Week 16 against St. Louis. Seattle also has two more home games this season, but one is with San Francisco.