Week 14 news and notes
Michael Fabiano | Tags: Chris Jennings, Chris Redman, DeAngelo Williams, Jason Snelling, Jerious Norwood, Jerome Harrison, Kerry Collins, Matt Moore, Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, Mike Bell, Mike Sims-Walker, Mike Thomas, Percy Harvin, pierre thomas, Reggie Bush, Sean Payton, Tom Brady, Torry Holt, Vince Young
- Browns RB Chris Jennings didn’t start against the Steelers, but he finished with more carries (20) and fantasy points (13) than RB Jerome Harrison. This is a confusing situation for fantasy owners, as it looks like coach Eric Mangini will go with the hotter back week to week. Even against the Chiefs and Raiders, that makes starting either back a risk in the next two weeks.
- Patriots QB Tom Brady (finger, shoulder, rib) returned to practice on Friday and is in no danger of missing Sunday’s game against Carolina. The Patriots certainly won’t be starting rookie QB Brian Hoyer in an important game. The Panthers have allowed the fourth-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks this season, but Brady is still a must start in all fantasy leagues.
- NFL Network’s Jason La Canfora reports that Titans QB Vince Young (knee) missed Friday’s practice and will be a game-time decision to face the Rams. He’s become a viable fantasy option across the board in recent weeks, so this injury comes at a bad time. QB Kerry Collins would start in his absence, but he’s a lesser option in fantasy circles.
- Jaguars WR Mike Sims-Walker (calf) was unable to practice on Friday and is doubtful to face Miami. In his absence, fantasy owners should expect WRs Torry Holt and Mike Thomas to see more targets. The Dolphins have allowed the 10th-most fantasy points to wide receivers, so owners in desperate need at the position should consider Holt a risk-reward option.
- Panthers RB DeAngelo Williams (ankle), who missed last week’s game against the Buccaneers, has returned to practice and will be back in action for Week 14. With QB Matt Moore under center for the second consecutive week, look for Williams and the Panthers to run the ball often against a Patriots defense that has allowed an average of 30 points in its last two games.
- The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports that RB Mike Bell (knee) missed Friday’s practice and is questionable for Week 14. If he is unable to go, RB Pierre Thomas could become a must-start option in countless leagues against a Falcons defense that has struggled to stop the run. With RB Reggie Bush still dealing with a sore knee of his own, Thomas could dominate the carries for coach Sean Payton.
- Falcons QB Matt Ryan (toe) and RB Michael Turner (ankle) were unable to practice on Friday and are listed as questionable for Week 14. QB Chris Redman looks likely to get another start, but he’s a risky fantasy option. RBs Jason Snelling and Jerious Norwood would share carries if Turner were out, but Snelling has more value because of his role as the team’s goal-line option.
- Vikings WR Percy Harvin (headaches) was unable to practice on Friday and is listed as questionable for Week 14. Harvin, who ranks 18th in fantasy points among wide receivers on NFL.com, could come down to a game-time decision. Fantasy leaguers should be sure to check our Sunday inactives before using the talented rookie against the Bengals.


