Free Agent Flames/Lames: It’s time to take Reggie Bush seriously again

Source: Roto Arcade by Brad Evans

Roughly seven weeks ago the final seconds ticked off the Superdome clock. Confetti cascaded from the rafters. A champion was crowned. Baltimore fended off a late-charge by San Francisco to take Super Bowl XLVII. Its fans entered a perpetual state of euphoria. The rest of the pigskin community, however, mourned.

Tears streamed down wing-stained checks. Jerseys went into hibernation. Fantasy discussions around the water-cooler subsided. Life became unfulfilled.

The annual football famine was officially underway.

Now multiple firings, several cuts and one bloated Joe Flacco contract later, the NFL is again a hot topic. In recent days, seismic trades (e.g. Alex Smith to KC, Percy

Report: Falcons sign former Rams RB Steven Jackson

Source: Fantasy Football Toolbox

We knew Steven Jackson would be moving on from the Rams after spending his entire nine-year career in St. Louis. The destination remained unclear until Thursday when the the soon-to-be 30-year-old running back agreed to a 3-year, $12 million contract with the NFC South champion Atlanta Falcons. Jackson played all 16 games last season, finishing with 1,042 yards while averaging 4.1 yards per carry and scoring four touchdowns. The three-time Pro Bowl selection also hauled in 38 receptions for 321 yards. The Falcons were in the mix for a starting runner after recently releasing veteran Michael Turner. The Packers were also reportedly in the mix for Jackson's services. FANTASY ANALYSIS: We now may finally see what the powerful back can do on a

Steven Jackson - RB Jackson signs with Falcons

Source: The Huddle

The Atlanta Falcons signed free-agent RB Steven Jackson (Rams) to an undisclosed 3-year deal.
Huddle Up: Jackson was coveted by several teams, but he wasn't going to find a better fit than Atlanta, where he steps right in for the recently released Michael Turner as the team's No. 1 back. Jackson is a far superior pass catcher than Turner -- 407 career receptions to Turner's 70 -- and he allows the smallish Jacquizz Rodgers to maintain his role a third-down, change-of-pace back.

Steven Jackson signs with the Falcons

Source: Draft Sharks

The Falcons have signed RB Steven Jackson to a 3-year deal.  The Packers were looking like the favorite for the top RB on the free-agent market, but they weren't willing to overpay.  Atlanta was searching for a lead back and got their man.  Steve Jax turns 30 this July but hasn't shown any signs of decline.  He recorded his 8th straight 1,000-yard campaign this past year and has missed just 2 games over the past 4 seasons.  Now he's headed to a much better situation in Atlanta.  Jackson should at least see the 222 carries Michael Turner handled in 2012 -- and will be much more active in the passing game.  RB Jacquizz Rodgers, meanwhile, will stay in a change-of-pace role.

Steven Jackson agrees with Falcons

Source: FFToday

Perfect for team and fantasy

Reports: Rams free-agent RB Steven Jackson has reached an agreement with the Falcons. (Fox Sports via Twitter)

FF Today's Take: This was a likely landing spot for Jackson along with Green Bay. He'll get the starting job and be a better fit for the Falcons offense due to his pass-catching abilities. He'll share time with Jacquizz Rodgers but should get the bulk of carries on the goaline. He's shaping up as a

Falcons | Could pursue Steven Jackson

Source: Footballguys.com

The Atlanta Falcons could pursue free-agent RB Steven Jackson (Rams) after the team released RB Michael Turner. He has an athletic blend of speed, power and pass-catching ability which would work well with RB Jacquizz Rodgers.

Falcons release RB Michael Turner, DE John Abraham, CB Dunta Robinson

Source: Fantasy Football Toolbox

The Falcons parted ways with three big-name veterans Friday. Running back Michael Turner, defensive end John Abraham and cornerback Dunta Robinson were all on the chopping block. The three cuts save Atlanta $21.4 million and creates $18.7 million in salary-cap space. FANTASY ANALYSIS: Abraham will turn 35 in May, but he is still a quality pass-rusher and may be the best defensive end available in free agency. Robinson is definitely not worth the six-year, $57 million contract he is working under, and with three years remaining on that deal, he had to be released. But the biggest fantasy angle here is Turner. He has looked slow -- to put it nicely -- for the past couple of seasons. In 2012, he just looked done as he had his worst year as a

Michael Turner - Michael Turner released

Source: The Huddle

The Atlanta Falcons released RB Michael Turner.
Huddle Up: Everyone saw this coming, as the Falcons clear $6.4 million in cap space by releasing the 31-year-old running back. The move leaves Jacquizz Rodgers as Atlanta's primary ball-carrier, at least for the moment; expect the Falcons to address the position via the draft or free agency.

Falcons release three, including Turner

Source: FFToday

RB Michael Turner, DE John Abraham and CB Dunta Robinson cut

The Atlanta Falcons cleared some salary-cap room Friday, releasing running back Michael Turner, defensive end John Abraham and cornerback Dunta Robinson. By letting the three veterans go, the Falcons put themselves $15.9 million under the cap, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. (

Atlanta Falcons dumping Turner, 2 others

Source: Draft Sharks

The Falcons will cut RB Michael Turner, DE John Abraham and CB Dunta Robinson today to create $15.9 million in cap space. None of the moves is surprising. The Turner release had been previously reported. Rumors had surfaced of the same for Abraham and Robinson. Turner's performance and position come nowhere close to matching what his 2013 salary would have been. Robinson is a solid corner but not special. He was in the middle of a 6-year, $57 million deal signed in 2010. Abraham remains the most effective of the 3, but he'll turn 35 in May and doesn't play every down. The Falcons might look to bring him back, just as they did after he hit unrestricted free agency last spring. Abraham took less money to return then than he could have

Steven Jackson to void contract

Source: FFToday

Will test free agency, Falcons would be good fit

Rams running back Steven Jackson will void the final year of his contract March 12, league sources told the Post-Dispatch on Monday. That means Jackson, the Rams' career rushing leader, will test the free-agent market. One of the most likely suitors is Atlanta, which according to reports plans to release veteran back Michael Turner. (St. Louis

Multiple reporters think RB Steven Jackson will join Falcons

Source: Fantasy Football Toolbox

NFL free agents will be able to sign wherever they want two weeks from today. Until then, all we've got is speculation as to where these players will next call home. And we've got some matching speculation from Rams beat writer Jim Thomas and Yahoo! Sports' Jason Cole. Both of them wrote Tuesday that the Atlanta Falcons are one of the most -- if not the most -- likely landing spots for Rams running back Steven Jackson. Thomas reported Monday that Jackson will become a free agent by voiding the final year on his current contract. The Falcons will have an opening for a bulky veteran back as they are expected to cut Michael Turner soon. FANTASY ANALYSIS: Jackson will turn 30 in July had has more than 2,700 touches on his record, so he is not

Steven Jackson headed to Atlanta?

Source: Draft Sharks

Yahoo!'s Jason Cole reports that Atlanta appears the likely destination for RB Steven Jackson "based on what was happening at the NFL scouting combine." Such a move would devastate the fantasy-breakout hopes for Jacquizz Rodgers. Jackson is a far more effective runner than Michael Turner and has long delivered in the passing game. Signing Jackson would indicate that Falcons coaches don't really belive in Rodgers as a feature back. Of course, his usage patterns last season already suggested as much. Fantasy football owners should like Jackson's value in Atlanta, though. A much better offense should finally give him more scoring chances.

Jacquizz Rodgers "can handle all 3 downs"

Source: Draft Sharks

Falcons HC Mike Smith reiterated that RB Jacquizz Rodgers is capable of being a 3-down back.  “We found out very quickly that even though he is short, he is not little," Smith said. "He can handle all three downs and he does a very good job for us returning kicks."  This isn't the first time the boss has endorsed 'Quizz as a 3-down back.  But actions speak louder than words.  And most Falcons insiders believe the team will add a bigger back this offseason to share the workload with Rodgers.  The latest rumor has Atlanta interested in free agent Shonn Greene.  We'll see what the next few months bring to the backfield.

Falcons head coach Mike Smith says RB Jacquizz Rodgers can be a 3-down player

Source: Fantasy Football Toolbox

Falcons running back Jacquizz Rodgers is five-foot-six and weighs less than 200 pounds. That certainly doesn't sound like the body type of a player who can physically handle carries on first, second and third downs. But head coach Mike Smith said he can do it. quot;We thought he was only going to be a change-of-pace back," Smith said of Rodgers via the team's official website. "We found out very quickly that even though he is short, he is not little. He can handle all three downs, and he does a very good job for us returning kicks." FANTASY ANALYSIS: Rodgers had 89 carries last season, up from 57 in his rookie campaign. He has thick legs, but he is still too small to be considered a true three-down back. But I figure the team has to talk

Report: Falcons will 'likely' release RB Michael Turner

Source: Fantasy Football Toolbox

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Friday that it's quot;likely" the Falcons will release running back Michael Turner. He did not specifiy when the move will come. Turner's scheduled salary for next season is $6.9 million, and the team would save $6.4 million by releasing Turner. The 31-year-old running back scored nine touchdowns last season, but he averaged just 3.6 yards with his 217 carries. FANTASY ANALYSIS: The Falcons have been expected to release Turner before the start of next season; this report makes it feel like Turner's dismissal will come in a matter of days. It will be interesting to see what's next for Turner and the Falcons. Yes, he doesn't fit into their up-tempo offense. But I don't think Jacquizz Rodgers or really anyone

Michael Turner - Michael Turner likely to be cut

Source: The Huddle

The Atlanta Falcons are likely to release RB Michael Turner. He's scheduled to make $6.9 million in 2013.
Huddle Up: Jacquizz Rodgers and Jason Snelling would be in line to share the backfield workload in Atlanta sans Turner, but you would have to think the Falcons would look for additional backfield help in the draft or free agency. Turner, meanwhile, would be a short-yardage committee option elsewhere.

Michael Turner to be cut

Source: Draft Sharks

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that the Falcons are expected to cut RB Michael Turner. It's big news but not exactly a shock. Turner is due $6.9 million in 2013, which doesn't come close to matching his production. Perhaps Atlanta will seek to bring him back at a reduced rate. Either way, Jacquizz Rodgers should be in for significantly more touches next season. The biggest thing to watch will be whether and how the Falcons address the position in the draft. Rodgers has shown he can run between the tackles, but the team might still want more of a complement for him than fantasy owners would like.

Michael Turner - Falcons could restructure Turner's deal

Source: The Huddle

The Atlanta Falcons could consider restructuring RB Michael Turner's contract and use him as a red zone running back next season.
Huddle Up: Turner had digressed into the lead dog in an RBBC by season's end, with the bulk of his fantasy value coming as a goal line back. Jacquizz Rodgers may not be the Falcons' answer as an every-down back, but he could be involved in another committee approach with Turner as the goal line guy. Either way, Turner's days as a consistent 20-carry per game back appear to be in his rear-view mirror.

Michael Turner likely to be cut by ATL

Source: FFToday

Falcons' RB rumored to be on the chopping block

On CBS Sports' player page on Michael Turner, it is saying that the AJC has reported that Turner will be cut, most likely. (Falcoholic)

FF Today's Take: This shouldn't come as too much of a surprise. Turner, who turns 30 in a couple weeks, saw a 79 carry reduction this season, producing 540 fewer rushing yards than in 2011. Jacquizz Rodgers was used with greater frequency

2012 Conference Champioship Playoff Rankings

Source: Fantasy Football Xtreme by Tavaner

Quarterbacks

1. Colin Kaepernick (SF)
2. Joe Flacco (Bal)
3. Tom Brady (NE)
4. Matt Ryan (Atl)

Running Backs

1. Frank Gore (SF)
2. Ray Rice (Bal)
3. Steven Ridley (NE)
4. LaMichael James (SF)
5. Shane Vereen (NE)
6. Michael Turner (Atl)
7. Bernard Pierce (Bal)
8. Danny Woodhead (NE)
9. Jacquizz Rodgers (ATL)
10. Vonta Leach (Bal)

Wide Receivers

1. Michael Crabtree (SF)
2. Torrey Smith (Bal)
3. Wes Welker (NE)
4. Roddy White (Atl)
5. Jacoby Jones (Bal)
6. Julio Jones (Atl)
7. Anquan Boldin (Bal)
8. Brandon Lloyd (NE)
9. Randy Moss (SF)

Tight Ends

1. Aaron Hernandez (NE)
2. Dennis Pitta (Bal)
3. Tony Gonzalez (Atl)
4. Delanie Walker, (SF)
5. Ed Dickson (Bal)
6. Vernon Davis (SF)

Falcons | Rushing offense provided a spark

Source: Footballguys.com

The Atlanta Falcons recorded a season-high 167 rushing yards in the team's NFC Divisional Round win. RB Michael Turner rushed for 98 yards, while RB Jacquizz Rodgers added 64 yards.

Jacquizz Rodgers could be lead back in 2013

Source: Draft Sharks

ESPN's Pat Yasinskas says Falcons RB Jacquizz Rodgers is "auditioning to be the feature back next season."  Michael Turner is on his last legs and due a prohibitive $5.5 million in 2013.  Rodgers believes he's capable of being the man in Atlanta's backfield.  “Go back and look, most of my carries this year were between the tackles," he said. “I think I’m a guy that can be physical while also using some finesse. I know I can run between the tackles."  Rodgers averaged about 6 carries and 3 catches per game this season.  We think he's capable of 15+ touches -- despite going just 5'6 and 196 pounds.  Quizz carried at least 256 times in each of his 3 years at Oregon State.  He has breakout potential if he enters 2013 atop

Early Top 200 for the 2013 Fantasy Football Season

Source: Fantasy Football Xtreme by FFAdvantage

Here’s an early look at my Top 200 for the 2013 fantasy football season. There are a number of factors that will certainly be changing over the next several months so expect to see big changes. Use the comments section at the bottom of this article to tell me where you agree or disagree.

2013 Top 200

1. Adrian Peterson

2. Arian Foster

3. Calvin Johnson

4. CJ Spiller

5. Marshawn Lynch

6. Ray Rice

7. Jamaal Charles

8. Doug Martin

9. Aaron Rodgers

10. Tom Brady

11. AJ Green

12. LeSean McCoy

13. Trent Richardson

14. Drew Brees

15.

2012 Divisional Playoff Rankings

Source: Fantasy Football Xtreme by Tavaner

Quarterbacks Peyton Manning (Den) Tom Brady (NE) Russell Wilson (Sea) Matt Ryan Matt Schaub (Hou) Colin Kaepernick Aaron Rodgers (GB) Joe Flacco Running Backs Marshawn Lynch (Sea) Knowshon Moreno (Den) Frank Gore (SF) Arian Foster (Hou) Ray Rice (Bal) Steven Ridley (NE) Michael Turner (Atl) Dujuan Harris (GB) Danny Woodhead (NE) Jacquizz Rodgers Bernard Pierce (Bal) Ben Tate (Hou) Ryan Grant (GB) Wide Receivers Demaryius Thomas (Den) Wes Welker (NE) Eric Decker (Den) Julio Jones (Atl) Michael Crabtree (SF) Andre Johnson (Hou) Roddy White (Atl) Randall Cobb (GB) Sidney Rice (Sea) Greg Jennings (GB) Anquann Boldin (Bal) Golden Tate (Sea) Brandon Stockley

Michael Turner - Michael Turner healthy entering playoffs

Source: The Huddle

Atlanta Falcons RB Michael Turner carried the football just 222 times this season, well below his 301 carries last season. Entering the team's previous three playoffs trips, in 2008, 2010 and 2012, Turner had 376, 334 and 301 carries in the regular season, respectively. Turner also enters the playoffs healthy. "I tore my groin the last two years, one side one year, the other side the next year," Turner said. "So I don't have those problems coming into this year. I'm good."
Huddle Up: Um... ouch? Turner hasn't looked particularly spry down the stretch, but perhaps he's just been pacing himself. If he is indeed healthy and can give the Falcons 20 quality carries a game he'll provide a nice balance to the explosive Atlanta

2012 Playoff Rankings – Tavaner

Source: Fantasy Football Xtreme by Tavaner

The NFL Playoffs are now set after 17 grueling weeks of play! There are a ton of story lines to follow. Among the more intriguing are three rookie quarterbacks, one of whom is guaranteed to win a playoff game in their first year; a second year quarterback who took over in week ten; a Colt’s team who went from worst last year to a playoff team this year, riding an emotional high after the return of their head coach from a successful bout against leukemia; and a team that went from the favorite for a first round bye to the number three seed in a few short weeks.

These are the overall rankings for the playoffs. Some formats require you to choose from all the teams in the playoffs, others allow you to go week to week. These

Submitted for your derision: Fantasy ranks for NFL playoff leagues

Source: Roto Arcade by Andy Behrens

Perhaps the dumbest thing a fantasy manager can possibly do is publish player ranks on a mainstream sports site on the morning of a draft. Definitely not recommended. Poor strategy, requiring a special combination of stupidity and hubris. Far from ideal.

Nonetheless, I'm doing it today. My first fantasy playoff draft is coming up in just a few short hours, and I'm publishing ranks in advance. (Again: Unwise). Obviously I'd prefer to post this thing much later in the afternoon, after the draft, but my schedule is pretty jammed. I've blocked off eight-and-a-half hours to watch the Big Ten get mauled across five bowl games. The conference requires my full attention. So let's just rank the NFL playoff field right

Submitted for your derision: Fantasy ranks for 2013 playoff leagues

Source: Roto Arcade by Andy Behrens

Perhaps the dumbest thing a fantasy manager can possibly do is publish up-to-date player ranks on a mainstream sports site on the morning of a draft. Not recommended. This requires a special combination of stupidity and hubris. Far from ideal.

Nonetheless, today you're getting my NFL playoff ranks just a few hours before my first postseason draft of 2013. I'd prefer to publish this thing much later in the afternoon, post-draft, but unfortunately my schedule is pretty jammed. I've blocked off most of the day to watch the Big Ten get mauled for eight-and-a-half hours, across five games. So let's just rank the field right now.

But first, a few details about league settings...

My upcoming draft is a

Matt Ryan (QB)

Source: Fantasy Football Xtreme by George Rev

It’s really amazing this guy hasn’t been in the MVP talks this year, leading his team to the best record in the NFC (13-2), and putting up gaudy statistics. Ryan has thrown for 4,481 yards, AND 31 touchdowns (both ranking 5th) Matty Ice has debatably the best receiving core in the league, scratch that they are the best in the league. They have the stud veteran receiver in Roddy White, the emerging superstar (superhuman) Julio Jones, a future hall of fame TE in Tony Gonzalez, and a quick change of pace receiving back in Jacquizz Rodgers. With all of these weapons how could he not be great? Ryan’s value moving forward should continue to rise, with him maturing and becoming an elite QB in the NFL. I predict he’ll have another big year in 2013, and have him ranked 6th behind RG3, Brady, Rodgers, Newton, and Brees. If Gonzalez decides to return next year, Ryan’s value will be even higher. Listen guys, he plays in a dome, he has a ridiculous arsenal of receivers, he’s young, and he’s clutch. Dare I say he even has a Brady-esk competitive fiery nature. If you’re lucky enough to have him on you’re team, hold on to him. His fantasy value will continue to improve.

Exit Interview: 2012, the year we all bowed down to the Purple Jesus

Source: Roto Arcade by Brad Evans

In a year where quarterbacks were consistently front page news, most rushing attacks took a back seat, further damaging the position's once sterling reputation. Though new points sources emerged (e.g. Alfred Morris, Doug Martin and Trent Richardson) and Adrian Peterson, less than a year from major reconstructive knee surgery, posted the greatest single season, regardless of position, in NFL history,  RBs collectively suffered yet again.  Just 12 rushers averaged 12.0 fantasy points or better, down from 16 in 2012 and 17 in 2011. Suffice it to say, with certified workhorses the lone exception, RB remains a position in transition. Below is our recap of this season's RB

Matchup Meter

Source: SI.com

The Falcons have tried to nudge Michael Turner from the featured running back role; it just hasn't happened. Turner has been more reliable than Jacquizz Rodgers and is too valuable in short yardage situations. This week, Turner could bring back memories of past seasons with a big day against a suspect Lions defense.

Week 16 – Flex Play Rankings

Source: Fantasy-Info.com by Sean Douglas

Photo By: Michael Ivins / USA TODAY Sports

If you happened to draft Brandon Lloyd this past summer like I did, you’ve probably been shaking your head when watching the Patriots play on prime-time television the past two weeks as the veteran has looked like a Pro Bowl star. In that time Lloyd has been targeted a whopping 25-times, hauling in 17-receptions for 279-yards a score and even picking up a fumble recovery in the end zone for another touchdown.

Problem is, many of you didn’t have him in your lineup let alone on your team at this point, after Lloyd struggled throughout the season and was demoted out of two receiver sets against the Dolphins and Colts.

Outside of Wes Welker  and Lloyd

Week 16 – RB Rankings

Source: Fantasy-Info.com by Sean Douglas

Photo By: Derick E. Hingle / USA TODAY Sports

For all the success Doug Martin has had in his rookie season, fantasy owners had to be disappointed and a little shocked by his numbers against the Saints last week. Playing against one of the worst run defenses in the league, Martin appeared to be a shoe in for over 100-yards and at least one score, but the Saints built up a big lead in the first half, forcing the Buccaneers to stick with the passing game.

Don’t expect the same situation this week as Tampa Bay heads back home to play the Rams. Look for St. Louis to give them a competitive game, but the game scripts will play out the way we’ve grown accustomed to seeing from this team most of the year, and

Week 15 – Start’em – Sit’em

Source: Fantasy-Info.com by Sean Douglas

Photo By: Kim Klement / USA TODAY Sports

Heading into the second week of the fantasy playoffs, I can understand if fantasy owners are down on those players who failed to help them last week. However, one bad game doesn’t mean a player is going to let you down again this week. While rookie Bryce Brown struggled against the No.1 defense in the league against the run, expect a bounce back performance as the Eagles return home for a Thursday night matchup against the Bengals.

Week 15 Standard Rankings – QB |

Week 15 – Flex Play Rankings

Source: Fantasy-Info.com by Sean Douglas

Photo By: The Star Ledger / USA TODAY Sports

Finally! Dynasty owners like myself with David Wilson on their bench have been waiting for the ultra talented rookie to receive an opportunity to show case what he can do. Earlier in the season he had a long touchdown run against the Browns, but because of early fumbling issues and pass protection concerns, Andre Brown moved past Wilson on the depth chart.

Brown was placed on injured reserve a few weeks back and the Giants countered with Craig Lumpkin as added depth. Lumpkin saw a few snaps against the Redskins, but the Giants decided to use Ahmad Bradshaw as the teams feature back again as a counter to the Brown’s injury, rather than working Wilson in as a

Week 15 – RB Rankings

Source: Fantasy-Info.com by Sean Douglas

Photo By: Kelley L. Cox / USA TODAY Sports

Darren McFadden returned last Thursday night after missing four games with a lower leg injury. His performance brought mixed results as he carried the football 11 times for 52-yards and hauled in two receptions for 12-yards and a touchdown.

McFadden had one good run of the night as he had a nice block on the edge, turned the corner and picked up 37-yards on the run. On that play it appeared McFadden was wincing in pain and he seemed to almost go into a jump when he had to cut back to his right throughout the night.

At the end of the game, McFadden tweaked his ankle, but it appears it was a

Falcons | RB snap breakdown

Source: Footballguys.com

Atlanta Falcons RB Jacquizz Rodgers was on the field for 30 offensive snaps, which was 46 percent of the offensive snaps. RB Michael Turner took 20 snaps, and RB Jason Snelling had 15 snaps.

Who's in and who's out of the early games in Week 14

Source: Fantasy Football Toolbox

PLAYOFFS!? Yep, playoffs. It's time to get real with the fake football, kids. To help you this morning, as always, we'll be letting you know who is active and inactive for the 1 p.m. Eastern kickoffs. With 10 early games, there are a lot of names to watch this morning. Chief among them are no Chiefs, but they do include Michael Turner, Danny Amendola, Steve Johnson and Michael Bush. Keep refreshing this page until the early kicks for all of the necessary info. Players who have already been ruled out for Week 13 include Jordy Nelson, James Starks, Cecil Shorts, Rashad Jennings, Donald Brown and LeSean McCoy. For a full list of injuries around the league this week, click on the link below to the NFL's official injury report. -- Good news

Shuffle Up: Bryce Brown saves the day

Source: Roto Arcade by Scott Pianowski

You probably have a good sense of how your running back depth chart stacks up for the remainder of the fantasy season, but if you want another opinion, click through below. Here's how I'd arrange the running back board if I were drafting right this second, from scratch.

Again, these are not Week 14 ranks . . . they're Week 14-16 ranks. You probably know the drill by now, gamer.

One assumption I'm making with this exercise: I don't think Shady McCoy plays again in 2012. I also don't think there's anything fluky about Bryce Brown: he's quick, he's powerful, and he's making things work despite a patchwork Philadelphia offensive line. He needs to get a hold on the fumbling problem, but otherwise, he's

Falcons | Jacquizz Rodgers ready for bigger workload

Source: Footballguys.com

Atlanta Falcons RB Jacquizz Rodgers, who has 23 carries over his last three games, will be ready to assume a lead role at running back if RB Michael Turner (elbow) can't play in Week 14. 'Absolutely,' head coach Mike Smith said. 'Jacquizz is one of many guys we feel like deserves to get touches on our offense. If need be, we think he can take carries that other guys may get in other games.'

Michael Turner questionable, expected to play

Source: Draft Sharks

Falcons RB Michael Turner (elbow) was limited in practice all week and is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Panthers. There's been no indication that he's in danger of sitting out, but that elbow is clearly an issue. Consider Turner a risk/reward RB2 in the plus matchup -- and check back Sunday morning to make sure he's active. Jacquizz Rodgers, meanwhile, could pick up a bigger workload this weekend and is an intriguing RB3 or flex play.

Michael Turner - Falcons' Turner expected to play

Source: The Huddle

Atlanta Falcons head coach Mike Smith said RB Michael Turner (thumb) should be able to play in Week 14 against the Carolina Panthers.
Huddle Up: Turner will be out there and that means the timeshare with Jacquizz Rodgers will continue. Turner's best asset has been his goalline work (7 TDs), and his fantasy owners will be banking on a score or 2 Sunday.

Week 14 – Flex Play Rankings

Source: Fantasy-Info.com by Sean Douglas

Photo By: Ron Chenoy / USA TODAY Sports

After struggling through the first half of the season to pickup the teams new zone blocking scheme, Darren McFadden suffered another injury and for the 5th year in a row McFadden will now have missed at least four games. It just so happens that McFadden has only played five season in the league, so fantasy owners who drafted him this summer should have known the risk in taking him as a high round draft pick.

If you happen to be one of the luck fantasy owners that has survived McFadden’s bust season and still made the playoffs, this could be the time to cash in on what you hoped for all year.

While we don’t know what his workload with be this Thursday it

Week 14 – RB Rankings

Source: Fantasy-Info.com by Sean Douglas

Photo By: Mike Carter / USA TODAY Sports

With the playoffs on the line last week fantasy owners with Arian Foster had to be disappointed in the distribution of touches in Houston’s backfield. Justin Forsett carried the football 14 times, the same amount as Foster and he actually ran for more yards than the star veteran.

Credit this committee approach to the fact that the Titans made it easy (big lead by half time, horrible play from Jake Locker) on Houston, it probably made sense to ease Foster’s workload as the Texans have an all-important matchup against the Patriots this week. Expect Forsett to give Foster a breather at times this week, but this should be a game where Foster touches the football

Sunday Scene, Week 13: Russell Wilson shames the Bears

Source: Roto Arcade by Andy Behrens

If we asked you to evaluate two unnamed NFL quarterbacks based only on these stats...

Player A — 7.1 Y/A, 17 TDs, 16 INTs, 54.4% comp, 216 rush
Player B — 7.4 Y/A, 19 TDs, 8 INTs, 63.4% comp, 298 rush

...it's unlikely you'd conclude that Player A was better. You definitely wouldn't suggest that he was substantially better.

However, that's the way many still perceive the relative worth of Andrew Luck (Player A) and Russell Wilson (Player B).

Of course you might also argue that we can't reasonably evaluate QBs based on a few cherry-picked stats, omitting team context and win-loss record — and you'd be right. I'm not all that interested in making

Week 13: Bargain Hunter

Source: Fantasy Football Toolbox

Consider using these players in weekly salary cap leagues. This week's picks include Chad Henne, Knowshon Moreno, Jacquizz Rodgers, Shane Vereen, and Cole Beasley.

Over/Under: Will Cecil Shorts permanently silence skeptics?

Source: Roto Arcade by Brad Evans

Fantasy is a speculative game. Predict the future, and you look like a genius. Don't, and you're painfully human. Gazing into the crystal ball here's our view on 10 intriguing over/unders for Week 13.

Cecil Shorts, the No. 5 wideout in scoring since Week 8, receiving yards versus Buffalo 84.5

Dalton — OVER. The Bills' defense has played better of late, and they have allowed a modest 7.3 YPA on the year, but Shorts has emerged as Jacksonville's clear WR1, and Chad Henne has been a big upgrade at QB. I actually expect the Jags to be close in this game, but it may require a lot of pass attempts with such a bad RB situation.

Scott — UNDER. I hate saying this, I

Week 13: PPR Watch

Source: Fantasy Football Toolbox

We profile players that will be difference makers in your PPR league this week. This week's picks include Ryan Broyles, Jacquizz Rodgers, Michael Bush, Knowshon Moreno, and Antonio Brown.

Falcons | Taking committee approach at RB

Source: Footballguys.com

The Atlanta Falcons prefer a committee approach at running back these days between RBs Michael Turner and Jacquizz Rodgers. 'We feel like Jacquizz is a very viable option to carry the football and has done a nice job for us,' head coach Mike Smith said. 'It has become more of the vogue thing to do, to have a 'running back by committee.'' RB Jason Snelling also had three catches for 33 yards in the team's Week 12 victory. Turner is receiving fewer chances to run the ball as the team spreads out the touches. He has had only 62.7 percent of the team's carries this year, by far his lowest total in each of his previous three years. Turner is only averaging 3.5 yards per carry, too, which is on pace for the worst mark of his career.