The coin toss: Week 15

BY ZACH COSBY

SPORTSNET.CA

The fantasy playoffs not only compound the pressure on each member of a fantasy lineup, but they intensify the focus with which us fantasy freaks watch our chosen stars. Be warned, this almost superhuman state of observation can lead to some very sobering reminders. Like the one that dawned on me last Monday as I watched the Rams throw away 6 attempts from the 1-yard line before Steven Jackson finally sealed my fantasy win (and more importantly, helped those who took last week's Coin Toss advice). In that moment I couldn't help thinking "This is hilarious - WE CONTROL ABSOLUTELY NOTHING." Of course, we're all aware of this major threat to our fantasy lives, but like Cole Trickle and Rowdy Burns, we don't need people (like that nosy Nicole Kidman) making it obvious that we could crash and burn at any moment. Thankfully, the satisfaction of the moment took over and the unbridled jubilation that comes with a playoff victory reminded me why we play this awesome game. Then I started looking ahead to Week 15...

Felix Jones (@ TB) vs. The Monday Night Options

DeMarco Murray's injury couldn't have come at a worse time for fantasy owners (pause for a moment to recognize Murray owners). In real-life, it couldn't have come at a better time for Felix Jones. Tampa's allowing the most fantasy points to running backs this season and, no matter how much Jason Garrett tries to sabotage Jones' success, the Dallas back should put up 100 total yards and a touchdown at worst.

The Monday Nighter doesn't look promising for either rusher. Gore is not 100 percent and faces a Dick LeBeau 'D' that will likely make Alex Smith beat them. Mendenhall is up against a San Francisco defence that is historically good. They're the first team since the 1920 Decatur Staleys to not allow a rushing touchdown in their first 13 games to start a season. By Tuesday, you'll be calling Felix a king, Jones is the call.

Ben Roethlisberger (@ SF) vs. A Plug-in

It's Week 15 -- could you really see yourself waiting to see if Ben plays and then having to start Chaz Batch or Alex Smith? Me neither. While it's up to you to weigh the injury information you gather by Sunday at 1 o'clock, and I don't envy that decision, all I can do is offer up some names that may be out there in your league. While they may be risky plays, they're better than risking a donut when Big Ben can't play through an injury (it's not like him - but high ankle sprains are not good).

Be comfortable taking a shot with one of the following -- in order of rank: Rex Grossman (@ NYG), Matt Moore (weather-permitting @ BUF), T.J. Yates (vs. CAR) and Caleb Hanie (I'm kidding, I'm kidding, I'm kidding. Just seeing if you were paying attention. But the other 3 are good substitutes, honest).

Doug Baldwin (@ CHI) vs. Eric Decker (vs. NE)

The editors wouldn't allow an NFL article to be published without including the Pats/Broncos late afternoon affair (cough ... that you can see on Sportsnet ... cough).

We'll start in Chicago, though, where the fantasy spotlight from last Monday is still shining on Baldwin. The Bears defence, who have allowed just one TD to a fantasy-relevant WR since their bye, will shatter that spotlight on Sunday and leave Baldwin -- and his 3 catch average over his last 2 road games -- standing in the dark with his less-than-appealing QB, Tarvaris Jackson.

Over the last 2 games it has been obvious that Demaryius Thomas has become the go-to-guy in Denver. However, since Tebow (heard of him?) took over, Decker has averaged over 5 looks per game. The Broncos have trailed in nearly every game, yes, but in the game they got blown out Decker got a hefty 12 targets. I'll take 7 to 10 targets against one of the worst secondaries in the league any day. Decker's the call.

Accountability Section - Week 14

Steven Jackson vs. The Low-carry Crew - Cosby's call: Ste-Jack (aka The Predator) (flip). The aforementioned touchdown made Jackson the seventh-best-Week-14-start (too many hyphens) at his position.

Joe Flacco vs. Rex Grossman - Cosby's call: Grossman (flip). Flacco (227 yards, 2 TD) had a better day than expected while Good Rex (252 yards, 2 TD) outweighed Bad Rex (INT) but the pick made this one a push.

Miles Austin vs. His Replacement - Cosby's call: Austin (flip). If Miles (4 rec, 63 yards, TD) hadn't lost one in the lights he could have finished in the Top 10 at his position instead of merely 19th - still a solid play.

How could Sportsnet possibly top the fine piece of fantasy prognostication above? While it seems impossible, they're going to try ... Jim Lang of Brady and Lang in the Morning (and Sportsnet.ca's NFL aficionado of course) will join our live chat during the Broncos and Pats! As if that game needed any more hype...

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