Sizzle:
Matt Cassel: Tom Brady’s understudy not only threw for over 400 yards but also showed his moves outside the pocket by running for 62 yards against the Jets last Thursday. Though running is probably the only advantage he has over Tom Terrific, Cassel is finally coming on. He fired three touchdowns versus the Jets and looks far more composed and comfortable than he did during the earlier portion of his tenure as New England’s starting quarterback. Keep an eye on him for the stretch drive towards the fantasy playoffs.
Kurt Warner: Over the last four games, Warner is averaging 361 yards per game and has tallied eight touchdown passes to just two interceptions over the same span. His season numbers (20 TDs, 7 INTs) are certainly MVP-worthy. Facing division foe Seattle, he did it again by throwing for 395 yards and a score. While he appears on his way to one of the best seasons of his career, he now approaches a vastly more difficult part of the schedule, starting with the Giants at home in Week 12.
Anquan Boldin: Warner’s numbers would certainly be different if he wasn’t throwing to Boldin, who is putting forth the best season of his career. He hauled in a season-high 13 catches for 186 yards en route to roughing up the Seattle secondary. Boldin is the number one receiver in fantasy football and it’s long overdue. Typically guys like Randy Moss, Terrell Owens, Steve Smith and Chad Johnson receive more hype; however, finally it’s Boldin’s time.
Maurice Jones-Drew: MJD has scored five times in the past six weeks after scoring twice against the 10-0 Tennessee Titans. After a shockingly poor performance against the Bengals, Jones-Drew has picked up his play, notching six touchdowns in the last three games. Finally, the Jaguars running back is starting to live up to his draft-day promise and now has 11 touchdowns on the season.
DeAngelo Williams: Playing the Raiders and Lions over the past two weeks was a major advantage, but Williams took advantage nonetheless. As a part of the Detroit demolition on Sunday, Williams ran for 120 yards on Sunday and has rushed at least 100 yards in three straight games. Most importantly, Williams is cashing in on long runs over the past two games including touchdown runs of 69 and 56. The only issue surrounding Williams is the success of teammate Jonathan Stewart, who also ran over 100 yards in the victory over Detroit.
Fizzle:
Jason Campbell: Much like his teammates, Campbell has slowed down in the season’s second half. He managed only 162 yards passing against Dallas and hasn’t put up a multi-touchdown pass game since Week Four versus Dallas. The big plays downfield to Santana Moss have disappeared, and now the well is running dry for the Washington passing game.
Chris Johnson: The Titans must get back to the business of running the football effectively. After facing some stingy opponents the last two weeks, Johnson’s success has declined. He managed only eight yards on the ground in Chicago and 64 yards on 17 carries Sunday against the Jaguars. Teams are refusing to let the Titans beat them on the ground. Johnson must adjust and find ways to contribute to the offense if nothing is generated on the ground.
Brian Westbrook: Westbrook recently admitted that he is not 100 percent, and he is playing up to that note. Cincy held him to 60 yards in that epically awful tie game on Sunday. Westbrook has not landed into the end zone since Week Eight against Atlanta. A running back with cracked ribs is not a good investment for the fantasy playoffs.
Tim Hightower: Following his breakout performance versus the Rams in Week Nine, Hightower has responded impressively in his new starting role. In the last two games, he has totaled just 57 yards and is now losing carries to J.J. Arrington.
Julius Jones: Despite Matt Hasselbeck’s return, the woes continued for the Seahawks’ running attack. Jones has not scored since Week Three, which was also the last time he topped the 100-yard mark.