It’s that time of the year again — playoff time. In ESPN standard leagues, Week 14 marks the beginning of the playoffs. If you made the playoffs, congratulations. If you didn’t, you clearly didn’t read my column. This is the most crucial time of the year. You have one chance — if you win, you move on; if you don’t, you’re done. One player can make all the difference. That player could make you look like a pure genius, or a complete moron. He could make you jump for joy, or drown in disappointment. One player can literally make all the difference.
Quarterbacks I love in Week 14
Josh Freeman, Buccaneers: He’s playing the Eagles. Need I say more?
Andre Luck, Colts: At home this season, Luck is 5-1, averages 293 yards per game, and has nine touchdowns and just three interceptions. Luck completed just 44.4% of his passes last week, but, against a poor Tennessee secondary, Luck should have a much better performance this week.
Russell Wilson, Seahawks: Lost in all the hubbub surrounding Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III has been Russell Wilson. You can’t forget about him when discussing Rookie of the Year candidates, and, yes, even MVP candidates. Wilson, an undersized, 3rd-round draft pick has exceeded all expectations this year. Despite facing a stout Cardinals defense, Wilson should be able to come through — something he’s done all season.
Quarterbacks I hate in Week 14
Philip Rivers, Chargers: I’d be rather impressed if you were in the playoffs and still starting Rivers. Huge disappointment.
Running backs I love in Week 14
Bryce Brown, Eagles: I don’t even remember the last time I had an Eagle under “love.” Brown’s last two gams were no fluke. This kid can play and I wouldn’t be surprised if he puts up more big numbers this week against Tampa Bay — despite its being the number one ranked run defense in the league. Since taking over for the injured LeSean McCoy two weeks ago, Brown rushed for 178 yards and two touchdowns against the Panthers and for 169 yards and two touchdowns against the Cowboys. While he might not crack the 150-yard mark and he might not find the end zone twice, Brown should be just fine.
Jamaal Charles, Chiefs: After suffering the loss of his wife’s first cousin several days ago in the homicide-suicide involving Chiefs starting linebacker Jovan Belcher, Charles ran for 127 yards on 27 carries against the Carolina Panthers. In two career games against the Browns, Charles has accumulated 203 yards on 36 carries (5.64 yards per carry, 101.5 yards per game) and a touchdown. I’d be shocked if Charles didn’t extend his two-game 100-yards rushing streak this week.
Running backs I hate in Week 14
Ryan Mathews, Chargers: Considering he was taken in the fourth round in my league, I think it’s safe to finally label him a bust. It’s too bad, I really though he was going to break out this year.
Reggie Bush, Dolphins: He’s crossed the 100-yard plateau just once this season, and that was back in Week 2. Since then, his highest total — a modest 87 yards — came two weeks ago against the Seahawks. Did I mention he was playing the 49ers?
Beanie Wells, Cardinals: Last week’s game: 15 carries, 22 yards.
Wide receivers I love in Week 14
Pierre Garcon, Redskins: He made his return three weeks ago, but he didn’t look 100% recovered until two weeks ago. In the past two games, he’s been targeted 17 times, catching 12 of those targets, and has racked up 192 yards and two touchdowns. Garcon is Robert Griffin’s guy.
Randall Cobb, Packers: In Cobb’s last game against Detroit, he reeled in 9 catches for 74 yards and a touchdown. Cobb has pretty much been the man this year in Green Bay, which was definitely unexpected. Jennings has been battling injuries all year and Nelson has had his fair share of injury struggles as well. Since Cobb has managed to stay healthy, and since he’s a reliable receiver, he’s transformed into Rodgers’ go-to-guy.
Mike Williams and Vincent Jackson, Buccaneers: Look at what I wrote for their quarterback a little earlier.
Wide receivers I hate in Week 14
Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals: It’s such a shame, too. I mean, look who is quarterback is. It’s really not his fault.
Dwayne Bowe, Chiefs: Man, what a disappointment he’s been this year. I know his quarterbacks are Matt Cassel and Brady Quinn, but, he did manage to score 15 touchdowns just two years ago when Cassel was his quarterback.
When it comes to deciding on your lineup, one minor slip-up could be that utterly frustrating difference between a win and a loss; choose wisely.