NFL teams still alive in the playoff race are fighting for their lives. Fantasy owners still in contentionn can’t afford to make any mistakes down the stretch. Look for these guys to give you the edge you need as the season winds down.
QUARTERBACK:
Vince Young, Tennessee Titans:
If you didn’t pick VY last week and he’s still available in your league, snag him now. After shocking the Giants in Week 12, Young one-upped himself last week, pulling off another huge upset against Peyton Manning and the 10-2 Colts. Young completed 15 out of 25 passes for 163 and two touchdowns. He also threw two picks, but those were offset by 78 rushing yards, his highest total of the season. This week against an unspectacular Titans defense, Young should have little trouble playing like he has the last two weeks.
RUNNING BACK:
Cedric Houston, New York Jets:
When Kevan Barlow was traded to the Jets earlier in the season, he looked like a lock for the starting running-back position. After Barlow flopped and Leon Washington had a couple good games, the rookie looked poised to take over the job. After a few forgettable performances from Washington, it’s back to running back by committee for the Jets. Bottom line? Don’t trust the guys in the Jets backfield. That being said, Cedric Houston looks like a great one-week fix if you are in a pinch. He’s playing against a Buffalo Bills defense that is allowing a woeful 173 yards per game and is coming off a decent performance in which he ran for 40 yards and a touchdown and caught two passes for 26 yards. Although Houston can’t be expected to be a long-term solution, he does look poised for a good game this week.
WIDE RECEIVERS:
Eddie Kennison, Kansas City Chiefs:
With all apologies to Damon Huard, the real quarterback in KC – Trent Green – is back. The veteran gunslinger had a field day last week against the Cleveland Browns, throwing for 297 yards and four touchdowns. With his return comes the awakening of the dormant Chiefs pass offense, and the re-emergence of their most consistent receiver, Eddie Kennison. The veteran was Green’s favorite target last week, catching seven passes for 117 yards and a touchdown. Kennison faces a tough challenge this week against a stingy Baltimore defense, but as T.J. Houshmanzadeh (10 catches for 106 yards and a TD) and Chad Johnson (eight for 91) proved, the Ravens are mortals. With Green back, Kennison should be a great option this week and for the rest of the season.
Matt Jones, Jacksonville Jaguars:
It’s always hard to say for sure with a shaky Jacksonville passing game, but last week’s game against a tough Miami defense could have been just what the Jags needed to get on track. David Garrard, who has been doing an ample job since filling in for Byron Leftwich, hooked up with Matt Jones six times for 128 yards and a touchdown in the Jags’ 24-10 win over the streaking Dolphins. This week, the Jaguars play Indianapolis. Although the Colts have all but clinched the AFC South, Jacksonville is still fighting for a playoff berth. With the postseason on the line, look for Jones and the Jacksonville offense to have another big week.
