We’ve come a long way this season, from injuries to beakout years from guys we’d never heard of to replace injured stars, to the disappointments that make us say “What was I thinking drafting him?” It’s almost playoff time, and I’m here to help you make that final push for a playoff spot.

The Starts

Jay Cutler – Cutler has played some good football over the last month or so, becoming a winner for an organization that had been labeled as a loser for the last couple of years. The reality is, Cutler didn’t score much fantasy wise the last two weeks, but he was also against some tough competition in Green Bay and against Denver. This week, he gets a reprieve in the form of the San Francisco 49ers, how have been atrocious on defense this season, I’d look for a good game from Cutler this week.

Broncos RBs – Ronnie Hillman and CJ Anderson go against the San Diego Chargers this week, who seem to be fielding a squad of backups around Phillip Rivers, the offense is still functional, as for the defense, not so much, if you’ve got either Bronco running back, starting them might be a good idea as no one gives up more points than San Diego does to opposing running backs

Jarvis Landry – Going against the Ravens this week… I can stop there, but I won’t. Landry had an incredulous 13 catches for 165 yards and a touchdown against the vaunted Jets secondary. The Ravens don’t have nearly that level of talent in their secondary, if you’ve got him, play him.

Jordan Reed – Reed has been Captain Kirk’s favorite target when he’s in the lineup, and even more so in the last 5 weeks, having been targeted at least 8 times in 3 of those games. Combine that fact with the fact that Dallas is awful against the tight end position, and you’ve got yourself a formula for success, Start Reed this week, you won’t be disappointed.

The Sits

Tyrod Taylor – A rising Texans defense going against a player in Taylor that has been trending down is not a recipe for success. Taylor has struggled since returning from injuries, and it shows by his fantasy numbers being below average, and the Bills not winning games the way they did in the early part of the season. Taylor is primed to ride the pine in most leagues this week.

Melvin Gordon – Gordon has struggled to say the least in this, his rookie season, as he has fumbled 4 times, losing 3 of them, and has yet to score a touchdown. Plus his Chargers go against the Denver Bronco defense this week, giving him little chance to be successful.

Brandin Cooks – Against the Panthers defense, and one of the best corners in the league: Josh Norman, I don’t see how Cooks is a starter in your lineups this week, there’s just too much potential for him to be blanketed and blanked by, arguably, the top corner in the league this season.

Jordan Matthews – The Eagles are a bad football team, this is not a new piece of news, but a necessary one, and Matthews is not a #1 receiver, as much as Chip Kelly may like to believe he is, he has disappointed in a big way this season. While he had a good Stat line against the Lions, don’t expect that to continue against the Patriots, take a chance on another player, Matthews won’t win you a matchup this week.

The Risks

Russell Wilson – It’s DangeRuss to try to predict what Wilson will do against the Vikings this week… I’ll show myself out. All puns aside, Wilson has been on fire the last few weeks, but the Vikings defense is far superior to the Steelers and 49ers units, as the Vikings have only given up 14 touchdown passes this season. Wilson could continue his hot streak, but he’s also a risky play, proceed with caution

Doug Martin – Martin has been having a terrific season, eclipsing the 1000 yard mark last week against the Colts, and has found his inner “Douggernaught” again (I still prefer “Muscle Hamster”, but what do I know?) and this week, faces a team that has been near the top of the league in run defense all season in the Atlanta Falcons. Last time against Atlanta, Martin only gained 71 yards on 23 carries, and failed to score a touchdown, however, Martin could break away on a long run and put up terrific numbers the way he did against the Eagles, I’d consider him a risk this week that might be worth taking, depending on your other RB options.

Sammy Watkins – Watkins feels like he’s a perpetual risk so long as he is inconsistent – take last week as a perfect example, in a PPR format, he scored over 30 points in the first half, then did nothing the entire second half, if that doesn’t sum up the season for Watkins, then I’m not sure what does. As the ultimate boom or bust play every week, proceed with caution against the Texans suddenly stout defense.

Jordan Cameron – Cameron has been a disappointment this season, having only 25 catches for 302 yards and only 2 touchdowns. Normally a talented pass catcher, he has been unable to play to his potential this year, but could he find a way against a Ravens team in tatters this week? It’s possible, even though the Ravens have been solid against tight ends this year, there won’t be much of a focus on Cameron, as all of the Ravens energy may go to try to stop Jarvis Landry. Leaving Cameron to play his game in single coverage. It’s a risk, but this is a play with potential.