Plaxico Burress is a bleeder. That’s not a joke about his recent gun troubles, but in the fantasy world, the Giants receiver saps points from your team.
By the 12th game of last season, Burress had nine touchdown catches and had six games with five or more catches. This year? Four touchdown catches and just two games with five or more catches — and those came in Weeks 1 and 2.
Burress, like Steven Jackson (Rams), Larry Johnson (Chiefs), Brandon Marshall (Broncos), Joseph Addai (Colts), LaDainian Tomlinson (Chargers), Frank Gore (49ers) and others, are high-draft talents who can explode any week and almost force owners to play them. This season, they have fizzled more than sizzled.
It’s playoff time for many leagues. Your decision to sit or start those talents could be the difference between water-cooler glory and looking like the water boy.
Good news for Burress owners is that his gun accident makes him an easy decision.
It’s all about matchups now, and don’t forget to keep an eye on the weather forecast.
Tony Romo (Cowboys) owners might take a long look at playing him in Week 13 on the road against the nasty Steelers. Philip Rivers and the rest of the Chargers could be on the verge of implosion. . . . Of course, they do play the equally puzzling Raiders.
The Battle of the Superdome should mean pinball numbers for the Saints and Falcons. Desperate owners might take a look at Pierre Thomas, who has quietly found a way to the end zone in three straight games.
Peyton Manning (Colts) owners should be in for a strong night at home against the Bengals. The projected numbers for the Texans vs. Packers game are high, but the frozen tundra could have a lot to say about that.
Clinton Portis (Redskins) owners have to be nervous about playing the Ravens this week. Portis showed in Week 12 against the Seahawks that he can play through pain, but the Giants bottled him up Sunday and the Ravens are nastier.
FIVE WHO ARE HOT
Joe Flacco, QB, Ravens 19 completions, 280 yards, 2TDs
Peyton Hillis, RB, Broncos 22 carries, 129 yards, TD
Larry Johnson, RB, Chiefs 24 carries, 95 yards, TD
Pierre Thomas, RB, Saints 11 carries, 34 yards, 1 catch, 20 yards, TD
Amani Toomer, WR, Giants 5 catches, 85 yards, TD
FIVE WHO ARE NOT
Brett Favre, QB, Jets 23 completions, 247 yards, INT
Justin Gage, WR, Titans 2 catches, 40 yards
Tim Hightower, RB, Cardinals 7 carries, 7 yards; 3 catches, 34 yards
Julius Jones, RB, Seahawks 11 carries, 37 yards, fumble lost
Santana Moss, WR, Redskins 4 catches, 55 yards, fumble lost
