Absence With Malice – Our Week #13 Picks | NFL and College Football | NFL and College Football Previews, Predictions, and Recaps

I guess apologies are in order. Somehow, some way our Week #12 article was “lost” in cyber space. Don’t know how it happened but I’m man enough to admit that it wasn’t pretty. Our picks were nearly all average at best with a few “duds” sprinkled in. Though it seems that I’m brushing over this poor performance, it’s just filler at this point. Let’s talk about what we can control…week 13′s best opportunities.

Many fantasy leagues use an abbreviated regular season schedule to allow for the last weeks during the NFL season to apply towards the fantasy playoff format. That means that this may in fact be one of, if not the last week of the regular season for many of our fellow fantasy gurus. What better time to pull it all together.

We absolutely love Michael Vick of the Eagles against the Texans. Discounting last week’s effort against a third string quarterback, Houston’s defense has averaged yielding 30+ points in it’s previous 4 games (giving up 305 passing yds/game during that stretch). You’ve got to look at Philip Rivers of the Chargers at home against division rival Oakland. He’s on an MVP pace and should continue on pace. Lastly, we also recommend Peyton Manning in what many are calling a must-win home game against an improved, yet still flawed Dallas defense.

Running backs are a little less predictable this week. Jamaal Charles of the Chiefs stands to have a strong game against a Denver squad devoid of any motivation. Normally, Jacksonville does not fair well on the road in Tennessee but given the standings and current rosters of each team, we’d give Maurice Jones-Drew a play. Finally, take Arian Foster of the Texans to get the ball early and often against Philly. The only shot the Texans have in this game is to control the clock and keep the Eagles offense on the sideline.

Obviously, we like those receivers our fanatasy stud quarterbacks will be throwing to. Either Eagle starting receiver is worth a play, as well as the Chargers’ Crayton, Floyd and yes, even Jackson. Reggie Wayne is also a given this week. In a pinch, take a shot at the Giants’ Manningham or the Broncos’ Lloyd. At tight end, take a long look at Indy’s Tamme or the Jets’ Keller.

The teams that will likely get the most opportunities from their kicking game are the Bears and the Eagles. We suggest taking either Gould or Akers with no concerns about either. And finally, drum roll please, take a flyer on the Vikings defense at home (seriously, just a hunch) or the Ravens at home playing for first place.

There you have it….and hopefully this article makes it to print. Not angry mind you, just wishing for the best!!!!