Complete Week Fourteen Player Rankings & Projections l More Sit & Starts
While most fantasy leagues have been wrapped up, there are still some games to be played and some leagues that are still hinging on Week 14 performances. If you're league is still alive, here are some sits and starts that could wrap up your championship.
Quarterbacks
Start Em!
1. Nick Foles, Arizona vs. Arizona State
Foles is a smart decision maker at the helm and if given time, operates like a surgeon as he knifes apart opposing secondaries. All you need to do is see how well Richard Brehaut (321-3-1) did against the Sun Devil defense to know how much better Foles will do.
2. Nathan Scheelhaase, Illinois vs. Fresno State
Scheelhaase has been a freshman sensation this year with over 1,500 yards passing with 16 touchdowns and eight picks. However, he has done the bulk of his damage in the zone-read running game with 684 yards and three more scores. Sheelhaase has revitalized the offense, helped running back Mikel LeShoure lead all Big Ten running backs in rushing, and cool head coach Ron Zook's seat. Fresno State fields a relatively small and slow defense so Scheelhaase should easily eclipse 100 yards on the ground with at least 3 total scores to his name.
3. Corey Robinson, Troy vs. Florida Atlantic
Robinson has been another 'diaper dandy' as he has more than adequately filled in for the graduation of Levi Brown by throwing for 3,015 yards and 21 touchdowns. Robinson has the poise of an upperclassman and should have no problem putting up 300 and three against the Owls.
4. Nathan Enderle, Idaho vs. San Jose State
A win against the Spartans would make Idaho bowl eligible and you have to believe that Enderle will do all that he can do to extend his season. Look for him to go off on their hapless secondary as he nears 400 yards passing with at least three aerial scores.
Sit Em!
1. Brock Osweiler, Arizona State vs. Arizona
Osweiler was golden against UCLA but will find no such success against the Wildcats. First of all, Arizona has dangerous pass-rushing bookends Ricky Elmore and Brooks Reed. Secondly, they have Trevin Wade who shuts down half the field. Thirdly, this is a big rivalry game and Arizona will bring the heat early and often.
2. Landry Jones, Oklahoma vs. Nebraska
Want to know how effective the Cornhusker pass defense has been this year? Take a look at this article from ESPN. They currently rank 2nd in the nation in pass defense giving up just 144 yards per game through the air. Jones will have some success but they will make him quite uncomfortable and hold him below standard.
3. Dwight Dasher, Middle Tennessee vs. Florida International
Dasher had a good game last week but FIU has a lot to play for at this point and will force Dasher to make many mistakes and commit just as many turnovers.
4. Ross Jenkins, Louisiana Tech vs. Nevada
I see the Bulldogs leaning on Creer in this game and therefore limiting the amount of work that Jenkins will have to do in this game. Also keep in mind that he should be playing catch up for the bulk of the game which will lead to Dontay Moch teeing off towards Jenkins.
Running Backs
Start Em!
1. Mikel LeShoure, Illinois vs. Fresno State
LeShoure is bigger than most of the bulldogs linebackers but is faster than their safeties. Fresno will have no answer for the rushing attack of LeShoure and Scheelhaase which will lead to at least 100 and some scores before he is relocated to the sideline.
2. Jacquizz Rodgers, Oregon State vs. Oregon
The Civil War is always a good game and while Oregon is the runaway favorite, you have to believe that the Beavers will give chase. Rodgers may not hit triple digits on the ground, but will bolster his numbers through the air and will certainly reach the endzone a couple of times.
3. Noel Devine, West Virginia vs. Rutgers
Devine is looking to go out on a high point and Rutgers is playing poorly across the board. Devine will have a nice day against the Scarlet Knights and you can reap the benefits if you start him.
4. Lennon Creer, Louisiana Tech vs. Nevada
Creer ran for over 150 yards on Boise State and should be pretty close to that number against Nevada. The Wolfpack should be feeling a bit of a "biggest win in the history of the program" hangover and that will certainly clear up after Creer punches them in the mouth a few times.
Sit Em!
1. Marcus Lattimore, South Carolina vs. Auburn
Lattimore got shut down against Auburn last time they played and the Tigers have a lot more on the line this time. Lattimore does a lot of his damage in between the tackles but that will stop when he meets big Nick Fairley.
2. Robbie Rouse, Fresno State vs. Illinois
Illinois has been pretty stout against the run this season and although Mighty Mouse Rouse has run well, he will hit a brick wall against the Illini.
3. Jordan Todman, Connecticut vs. USF
This is a bit of a risk as Todman has gone over the century mark in all but one game this season, but I see South Florida stacking the box and forcing Zach Frazer to beat them with his arm.
4. Dion Lewis, Pittsburgh vs. Cincinnati
Cincinnati was a rock against the run at the beginning of the year but has fallen off a bit. Lewis was cold as ice in the beginning of the year but has since heated up quite a bit. So why sit Lewis? The Bearcats are out of bowl contention but will not go down without a fight. Plus you can never tell when Ray Graham will heat up and steal carries away.
Wide Receivers
Start Em!
1. Juron Criner, Arizona vs. Arizona State
Nobody has stopped Criner all year. Against his team's rival, you know he will rise to the occasion and torch the Sun Devils secondary.
2. Rishard Matthews, Nevada vs. Louisiana Tech
Matthews had a breakout game last week against Boise State and is Colin Kaepernick's go-to guy. Matthews is fast, dangerous on end arounds, and is the team's top receiving threat. All of this equals another big game against the Bulldogs.
3. Robert Woods, USC vs. UCLA
Quarterback Matt Barkley should be back for this rivalry game which bodes well for Woods. The last full game that Barkley was slinging the ball, Woods caught eight balls and should stretch the field against the Bruins.
4. T.Y. Hilton, Florida International vs. Middle Tennessee
The Golden Panthers have started to run the offense through and around Hilton and for good reason as he is the most dynamic playmaker in the history of the school. Look for Hilton to light up the Raider secondary but to also get some carries out of the backfield.
Sit Em!
1. Jeff Maehl, Oregon vs. Oregon State
Maehl is no longer a secret and will demand double teams. The Beavers will do well to make Darron Thomas look elsewhere in passing situations.
2. Justin Veltung, Idaho vs. San Jose State
Veltung is the team's deep threat but is the ultimate boom-or-bust player. He reminds me a lot of Devery Henderson for the Saints a few years ago. He either caught nothing in a game or he had a 75-yard touchdown reception. I am banking on somewhere in between.
3. Jermaine Kearse, Washington vs. Washington State
Kearse has slowed down as his quarterback has struggled in the past few weeks. Kearse has not seen the endzone in a month and has not gone over 100 yards receiving in six weeks. On the other side of the Apple Cup, Washington State is playing inspired and I just do not see much production from the Huskies as a whole.
4. Ryan Broyles, Oklahoma vs. Nebraska
Broyles has consistently performed all season but I expect the Cornhuskers to isolate him and try to make Jones and Co. beat them with another receiver.