As the great Motorhead song “The Game” says, it’s all about the game, and how you play it. All about control, and if you can take it. And that saying could not be any more true as many leagues next week enter into their title game, where all the marbles are on the line. Every week we have provided a quick look ahead so that you can be out in front of your waiver wire and snag the next week's biggest fish, one that no one else knows about. With that in mind, in our swan song for 2011, here are the gems to dig up and play next week.
Start your Broncos, all your Broncos!
No no, not Tim Teblow, Eric Decker and those Broncos, we mean Alex Carder, Jordan White, Chleb Ravenell and Tevin Drake of the Western Michigan Broncos. They have totaled 100 points in their last two weeks and get the cupcake known as Akron in Week 13. Akron, as of this writing, has one win. 60 points and monster fantasy numbers are within reach.
Shootout of the Year?
It is entirely possible that the Houston and Tulsa game can be a gold mine for fantasy points in Week 13. Houston may finally have found a team that can keep up with them, meaning Case Keenum, Patrick Edwards and Charles Sims may actually play four quarters. While both defenses are two of the best units in the conference, it will be hard for the Houston defense to stop G.J. Kinne and company on the road. Thus, start all of your skill position players in this matchup.
Time to reel in the Hogs?
This is the week where you would consider benching Tyler Wilson, Jarius Wright and company as they go to Baton Rouge to face LSU. Unless you play in an SEC-only league, none of these players can be considered startable.
Can we trust anyone on UAB?
IF Pat Shed is healthy, he is a must-start against winless Florida Atlantic. But the more intriguing guy to own in a pinch, one who threw for over 400 yards this past week is Jonathan Perry, who also can run for points and against the worst team in D-1, is a sneaky yet solid option in two quarterback leagues.
How ugly will the Civil War game be?
This one can get ugly. Not only is Oregon State having a down year, 2-8 at this point, Oregon is in the position that it needs to impress voters and the computers to somehow sneak into the title game if Okie State loses. The entire Ducks offense should be started as 70 points cannot be counted out. They won't hold punches in this rivalry, especially with so much on the line.
Other Matchups to Exploit
James Franklin, QB, Missouri vs. Kansas
Austin Davis, Kelvin Bolden, Jamal Woodyard, USM vs. Memphis
Terrance Williams, Tevin Reese, Kendall Wright vs. Texas Tech
Ryan Lindley, QB, San Diego State vs. UNLV
All Hawaii players vs. Tulane