Fantasy Forecast: Week 14

Hey folks. Week 13 was a GR-R-R-E-A-T week to be a fantasy owner. I am sure many of you had your noses pressed against a computer monitor, determining whether or not you scored enough points with the Seahawk defense to win and make the league playoffs. That's right! I SAID PLAYOFFS! Week 14 is when most leagues start their playoffs and I sincerely hope that you were fortunate enough to make yours.

Other than "who's hot and who's not," lineup decisions seem to have four major factors that play into whether or not you should play a particular player. This is especially true during the playoffs. The first factor is one you consider over the first few weeks of the season when you we are trying to determine which players to pick up off of the waiver wire, while being ever so careful as to not pick up a "flash in the pan."

The second factor is determining who does and doesn't have a bye week. This can be difficult to remember and could very well result in a loss that could cost you a trip to the playoffs. Knowing you missed the playoffs by one game because you started a player that was not even scheduled to play can be haunting.

Now is when factor three really comes into play. It is bad enough you have the pressure of making decisions in a playoff atmosphere, but note; weather can determine whether or not you advance in the playoffs. Just as it can determine who wins in the NFL, it can also affect your fantasy team's score. As an owner, you have got to remember to look at a weather report prior game-time and make sure your quarterback won't be throwing in 45 MPH winds, that your running back won't be running on ice, or that your kicker won't have to kick out of the snow.

Then there is the fourth. This is when you attempt to read the minds of NFL coaches and determine if they are going to start their star running back even though they have home field sewn up throughout the playoffs. Fortunately the Colts are working on an undefeated season, or those decisions would be in question this week.

This week, let's do something a little different and only list who to start.

QUARTERBACK

Brad Johnson (MIN) -- Johnson has thrown for five touchdown passes in his last two starts. The Vikings have been on a roll, both offensively and defensively. Look for Johnson to top 250 yards through the air while hooking up with his wide receivers for at least two touchdown passes. START HIM.

RUNNING BACKS

Chris Brown (RB) -- IF, and I say IF Brown is healthy, he will run over the Houston Texans defense. This is a reach, considering he has averaged just 40 yards rushing the last three weeks. Look for him to have a party this week and score a touchdown while rushing for over 100 yards. START HIM.

Clinton Portis (WAS) -- Portis has a reputation for showing up in crazy getups and outfits in an act of rebelling against the NFL's dress code. The Rams do something very similar by dressing up in pads and uniforms to rebel against us fans for expecting them to play defense.

The Rams defense, and I use the term loosely, made yet another NFL running back look like a future Hall of Famer. This week, the Redskins face a defense that is just as bad as the Rams. The Arizona Cardinals will have Portis feeling as if he is experiencing Déjà vu, because once again, he will rush for more that 125 yards and score twice. Regardless of what Portis wears to the stadium, look for him to run wild once in uniform. START HIM.

WIDE RECEIVERS

Donald Driver (GB) -- I believe this is a first. Even though Favre is in pain, and Green Bay's offense has been atrocious, I am suggesting you start a Packer wide receiver. Why is that? Two words-- DETROIT LIONS. The Packers will put the ball up often as Favre takes a step into yesteryear, throwing the ball left and right while hooking up with Driver for 10 receptions, 100 yards and a touchdown. START HIM.

Deion Branch (NE) -- In Week 8, Branch caught a touchdown pass and had 93 yards receiving. Why do I bring this up? He did it against the Bills, who the Patriots face in Week 14. Look for Brady to give Branch many opportunities to duplicate those numbers. This is one of those games where I suggest looking at a weather forecast. If it is snowing and the wind is howling, Branch may not be the smart play, but until then, START HIM.

TIGHT END

Chris Cooley (WAS) -- Cooley caught five balls last week and got to do a little touchdown dance while accumulating 58 yards receiving. Look for more of the same this week, as the Redskins face the Cardinals of Arizona. I must admit I didn't look to see how good they are at stopping the opponent's tight end, but when do you remember the Cardinals being good at anything? Cooley is a good play this week. START HIM.

DEFENSE

Steelers (PIT) -- The Steelers have struggled defensively the last two weeks, giving up over 60 points combined. Those points and yards came mostly against the pass. The secondary just isn't as good as it has been in years past, but fortunately for them, they will be facing the Bears in Week 14. The Bears have not had a 100-yard receiver all season and Kyle Orton has a pass rating that is hovering somewhere in the 60s. The Steelers have a very strong front seven and have had fewer problems stopping the run, so they are a solid start. START THEM!

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