1. Adrian Peterson vs. Chicago Bears
The Vikings have gotten a bit away from the run of late and it’s affected their entire offense. This is a good week to get back on track. Peterson has absolutely annihilated the Bears in recent years in Chicago and will do so again against this demoralized Bears defense. He’s the top fantasy football RB in Week 16.
2. Cedric Benson vs. Kansas City Chiefs
James Harrison just ran for 286 yards and 3TDs on this unit. The Bengals are looking to re-establish their running game and this is the perfect week to do it. Expect over 125 and a few TDs for Benson in Week 16.
3. Frank Gore vs. Detroit Lions
Gore’s now had two consecutive 100 yard games against defenses much better than this one. Everyone picks up yards and TDs on the Lions. Expect another 100 yard game with two TDs.
4. Maurice Jones-Drew vs. New England Patriots
The Patriots, uncharacteristic of past years, are soft against the run. And they’ll be even more vulnerable if Vince Wolfork and Co. continue to miss time along that D Line. Jones-Drew has historically done well against New England and the Jags will continue to feed him the ball in what could be cold weather.
Sleepers
1. Mike Bell vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Saints should enjoy a big first half lead which will allow Bell to pick up a ton of second half carries. He’ll also be the primary goal line runner and could score multiple TDs like he did last time in Tampa. He’s a strong fantasy sleeper this week.
2. Ahmad Bradshaw vs. Carolina Panthers
The Giants figure to run the ball on Carolina as the Panthers possess one of the better pass defenses in the league. Bradshaw, playing with a few bum ankles, figures to have the bigger day of the Giants duo. He’ll be used on screen passes in addition to his carries and 100 total yards with a score looks attainable.
Others We Like
Ray Rice vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Rice might be more of a factor as a receiver out of the backfield in this one. The Steelers LB’ers aren’t fast enough to keep pace with Rice and he burned them on a long pass in the fourth quarter of their last game. Expect another 100 plus total yards and one TD.
Ryan Grant vs. Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks rolled over and died against the Bucs in Week 15 and will find it difficult to get up for this one. And because of that, Grant is an excellent start and should run all over this unit. Look for 100 yards and 2 TDs.
Chris Johnson vs. San Diego Chargers
Johnson rattled off his 10th 100 yard game on Sunday and will make it No. 11 on Thursday. Expect CJ to be used prominently in the passing game too and blow past the Chargers defenders for a long one.
A Few More
Jonathan Stewart vs. New York Giants
Chris Wells vs. St. Louis Rams
Steven Jackson vs. Arizona Cardinals
Jerome Harrison vs. Oakland Raiders
Michael Bush vs. Cleveland Browns
Pro Football 101 » 2009 NFL Picks - Week 16
December 24th, 2009 at 15:30
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[...] run the ball first, pass second. Favre’s been tremendous this season but it all starts with Adrian Peterson. Some of his best games have come at Chicago’s [...]
Pro Football 101 » 2009 Fantasy Busts and Booms - Week 16 (Playoffs)
December 25th, 2009 at 10:59
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[...] 0 for the season on the road and don’t stop the run. All this adds up to a stellar day for Frank Gore who will easily eclipse 100 yards with a [...]
Pro Football 101 » 2009 NFL Picks - Week 17
December 31st, 2009 at 20:31
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[...] playing for a higher draft selection on Sunday. The Titans on the other hand are focused on getting Chris Johnson to 2,000 yards – and the single season total yards mark – and will beat up a demoralized Seahawks [...]
Pro Football 101 » The Largest Bust In NFL Draft History: JaMarcus Russell
May 11th, 2010 at 08:22
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[...] the end, the Raiders could’ve had their choice of WR Calvin Johnson, RB Adrian Peterson or LT Joe Thomas, and that in itself is a tough pill to swallow, but if you’re a Raiders fan [...]