Fantasy Falafel
2007 Season Week 14

By: Collin "Kool-Aid" Kilpatrick

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If you're into fantasy football, then Kool-Aid is your man. This man has served in the trenches of statistical warfare, wrestled with the demons of the injured reserve and solved the mystery of the split backfield. After years of fantasy football experience Kool-Aid decided that it was time for him to impart his knowledge to the rest of the football universe. Each week he combs the league for the best match-ups and waiver wire pick-ups so you can be ready by kick-off. Soak up the wisdom in Kool-Aid's analysis below and if you're still thirsty for knowledge drop him a line at fantasyfalafel@gmail.com.

Now, on to your regularly scheduled Fantasy Falafel...

Alright, time for the playoffs; as stressful as your fantasy draft but without any room for error. I know you're excited, but you can admit if you're a little scared. You have got to show your confidence in front of the rest of the league, but I'm here in the background to help out. It's cool if you're nervous. Let's talk through this. So your buddy has won your league the last three years and when he wins it makes you feel like you're dying inside. Ok, that's understandable. Now let's make sure your team has the best chance to win on Sunday.

1. Ok, here is the situation that you need to keep your eyes on. Marshawn Lynch practiced this week but coach Dick Jauron said that his reps were limited. The Bills are trying to get a wildcard birth, but they don't want to risk the health of Lynch, who has rushed 196 times for them this year. Buffalo plays Miami this week and could be looking to save Lynch for tougher opponents (the Browns, the Giants and the Eagles...but hey, anyone is tougher than the Dolphins). If Marshawn doesn't play, look for third string running back Fred Jackson to start against a Miami defense that gave up 163 rushing yards last week. Jackson produced 82 yards on 16 carries against Washington last week. Based on his 5.1 yards per carry average last week, Jackson could see a larger this week. If you're looking to snag a RB off the wires, Fred Jackson is your best bet.

2. With all the talk about the Detroit Tigers trade, you may have forgotten that the Lions play in Detroit as well. What you may not have heard is that WR Roy Williams has a sprained PCL and will probably miss the rest of the season. That's very sad news for Williams owners but great news for anyone who remembers Mike Furrey's 1,086 yard season last year. With Roy out, Mike should find himself with a bigger role in the Lions offense. This should allow him to improve on the 7 grabs for 57 yards that he had last week. The Lions won't have it easy this week against Dallas (or against San Diego in the following week. But with a wildcard berth on the line, Furrey should be playing passionate football. If you're hurting at WR, Mike Furrey is this week's best grab.

3. This week's defensive patch for your team is none other than the Buffalo Bills. No, I haven't been bribed by Bills majority owner Ralph Wilson. The Bills haven't been a defensive monster and so far fantasy owners have avoided them like Ricky Williams. But let's not forget who they play this week. Last year everyone received much joy from poking fun at the Oakland Raiders but this year's Miami Dolphins have gone above and beyond the call of being a horrible team. The 0-12 Dolphins have scored an average of just 8 points per game over the last five games and should be on tap for another abysmal outing. Even if they score in double digits, Miami will have a hard time matching the 22 point average that Buffalo has allowed this year. The Bills have averaged 1 sack, 1 interception and 1/2 a fumble recovery per game. Look for all those numbers to improve this week. When in doubt, bet against the Fins.

Alright, that's all I got for you this week kids. I know it's all on the line, but your team got you here and they can take you all the way if you let 'em. Let's go show your buddy that there's a new boss in town. Good luck everyone.

- Collin "Kool-Aid" Kilpatrick