Randy Moss (WR, SF)
With the signing of Randy Moss the Niners are hoping they’ve found a wide receiver who can compliment Vernon Davis.  While I think it’s unrealistic to expect Moss to be the same player he was years ago lost a step, there’s almost no way to not see him being the Niners’ top wideout next season.  As bad as Crabtree looked in games, he did have some productive fantasy days, so I think Moss is at minimum a WR3, with the upside to be a WR2.

Brandon Marshall (WR, CHI)
The Dolphins traded Marshall to the Chicago Bears on Tuesday.  He will be reunited with Jay Cutler who he caught balls from in Denver to start his career.  While they’ve done great things, it will be interesting to see how Marshall responds to playing in Chicago where they still hope to be a clock controlling team.  If he can keep his ego in check he should remain a WR1.

Marques Colston (WR, NO)
After tagging Drew Brees, it looked as if the Saints were going to lose their most productive WR.  They were able to make it work and signed Colston to a 5 year deal.  His fantasy value remains mostly unchanged, although it will be interesting to see how the loss of Robert Meachem and his field stretching capabilities affects the space Colston gets.

Vincent Jackson (WR, TB)
Vincent Jackson took the big contract Tampa Bay was offering, and looks to continue his success with Josh Freeman throwing him the ball.  While his talent hasn’t been questioned, he was often disappointing last year as he wouldn’t produce to expectations.  He still has the upside to be a WR1, but it’s risky especially now with a new quarterback.  This signing should increase the value of Mike Williams (and to some extent Arrelious Benn).  Williams should see a lot more single coverage and he should be able to capitalize on that to produce numbers many expected from him last season.

Robert Meachem (WR, SD) 
After losing Vjax, the Chargers wasted no time in signing Robert Meachem.  Phillip Rivers loves to throw the deep ball and Meachem remains one of the league’s best at stretching the field.  I think Meachem will be ownable in most leagues next year and I would put the sleeper tag on him.

Redskins acquire Rams’ 2nd overall pick    
With this bold move, it looks like the Redskins are going to take RGIII to be their QB of the future.  If this turns out to be the case, I like how this benefits the wideouts for Washington as I watched Griffin extensively last year (he led my CFB Fantasy team to the title) and he’s already a better passer than Grossman/Beck.  His athleticism should also lead to some rushing touchdowns which would normally lower the value of the RB’s, but with all the Shanahanigans it’s hard to see their value dip any lower.


Written by Ilyn Yeh exclusively for TheFantasyFix.com
Follow The Fantasy Fix on Twitter @thefantasyfix

or  for Free Fantasy Sports Advice use our Quick Fix to get help with your team!

(December 25, 2010 - Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images North America)

Remember to check out our 2012 Fantasy Baseball Draft Guide, with Ranks, Auction Values, Expert Mock Draft and tons of articles. Click here to learn more or purchase.

YOU ARE THE CHAMPION! But what do you do to repeat next season?

You’re season is over, or at the very least has one more week left. For the majority of leagues a champion has already been crowned. And if you read this column for the second half of the season, and followed the players listed here you probably won, I know I did. But the hard part isn’t over just yet, there is still next season you need to worry about. And while you may be scratching your head trying to figure out why I would be worrying about next season when technically this season isn’t over yet, it’s for good reason. Just like the NFL, as an entirety repeating championships isn’t an easy task to complete. Players get hurt, they get traded, new teams sign them and things can completely go awry, So going into next season here is my list of guys rising up the charts, and those falling to the bottom.

RISE:

Cam Newton (CAR, 3) has SHATTERED some NFL records let alone rookie records. Before the season even began NO ONE knew what was about to happen as for the most part Cam went undrafted. Following his first week performance when he came out and outplayed most veteran QBs he was snatched up faster then fallen money at a strip club. Next season we may see a drop off in rushing TDs, but when you score 14 rushing TDs one season the drop off would still be well worth a top QB pick. He only gets better as he goes and with a full off season for him to work out just imagine what he will be capable of going forward.

Matthew Stafford (DET, 5) finally stayed healthy, and has brought his Lions to the playoffs for the first time in more than a decade because of it. Many fantasy prognosticators believed that if healthy Stafford would be a monster, and they were absolutely right. Stafford threw for multiple TDs in every game except for two, including 6 games with 3 or more touchdowns. Combined with his great TD statistics Stafford also threw for more than 240 yards 12 times this season resulting in him finishing as a top 5 QB in the NFL.

Maurice Jones-Drew (JAC, 4) proved that his injury is something of the past. The beginning of the season he was a yard-gaining monster, running for no less than 85 yards through the first 7 weeks of the season, and he only ran for less than 85 yards once all season. The problem was his inability to get in the end zone, and that had a lot to do with the Jaguars anemic offense. As the season went on MJD was able to find the end zone more frequently scoring 5 times on the ground in the last 7 games with three more through the air. If Jones-Drew can keep up the pace scoring more often than he was he will be back to a top 5 draft pick in 2012.

If you’re a Jets fan you will think I am absolutely out of my mind, but Mark Sanchez (NYJ, 10) put together a pretty good fantasy season. With double-digit touchdowns in 8 weeks so far this season, and 6 games of more than 230 yards passing puts him in the top 10 of fantasy QBs this season. His turnover numbers were high, and he had more under 230-yard games then he had over, but if he can grow on those numbers next season and become more consistent in the passing game Sanchez could find himself rising up the charts even more in 2012.

Not only was Rob Gronkowski (NE, 1) the best overall tight end this season, but also the 2nd best wide receiver to Calvin Johnson (DET, 1) and not by much. Gronkowski finished 16th among all fantasy point getters, ahead of some quarterbacks including Michael Vick (PHI, 11) and topnotch running backs like Adrian Peterson (MIN, 6). Rob caught at least 5 passes in 9 games this season and surpassed 70 yards receiving 9 times as well. Gronkowski blew people away with his record setting touchdown grabs breaking the record for the most touchdowns by a tight end in a season and that was done in a season where in 6 games he had zero scores. The Gronkman is going to warrant a very high draft pick next season and I could see him being the highest drafted tight end in fantasy sports history.

Marshawn Lynch (SEA, 5) proved me wrong, and showed that matchups mean nothing to him. Going into the final playoff weeks of the season Lynch had the toughest schedule for opposing running backs going up against strong run defenses such as the Bears and the best of the best 49ers. Not only did Lynch prove me wrong but he recorded 100 yards or more in 4 of his last 5 games, scored 6 touchdowns in his last 4 games and was the only running back to gain 100 yards and the only running back to score on the vaunted 49er defense. Lynch seems to be back to his early career form and that should be represented with a high draft pick next season.

FALL:

Josh Freeman (TB, 18) was a highly touted sleeper candidate for quarterbacks in 2011, but man did he disappoint. Freeman was outscored by Tim Tebow (DEN, 14), Ryan Fitzpatrick (BUF, 13), and Alex Smith (SF, 17) and only had two double-digit touchdown performances all season long. For the most part Freeman had the yards completing more than 240 yards passing 7 times this season, but his inability to find the end zone not only hurt him, but the playmakers around him.

Mike Williams (TB, 49) was one of those playmakers around Freeman that struggled big time in 2011. Williams came off an amazing rookie season scoring more than 10 times, but this year was a major difference with only 3 scores. It wasn’t just the number of touchdowns, or lack thereof that was the problem but his inability to gain yards that caused most of the problems. Williams had 11 games where he caught 4 or more passes, but had 8 games of 50 of fewer receiving yards and 4 of those games under 40 yards. If Williams plans on getting drafted next season he better pick it up big time in the off season.

Probably the biggest flop of the season was Chris Johnson (TEN, 17). Formerly known as CJ2k only had 5 games of more than 60 yards and only found the end zone 4 times on the ground. No one knows if it was the signing of his contract, or the hold out that slowed him down, but everyone waited for him to break out and the consistency just never came. His back to back 150+ yard games a few weeks ago were extremely promising, his 3 straight under 60 yard performances to follow sent him right back to the cellar where he belongs. CJ0K is not worth drafting in 2012.

Speaking of flopping first round draft picks, Rashard Mendenhall (PIT, 18) actually played worse than Chris Johnson. Mendenhall matched CJ’s 5 games of more than 60 yards rushing, and scored more touchdowns than Johnson did, but with only two 100-yard rushing games Mendenhall found him in the flex spot realm more often than not. Until Mendenhall can show that he consistently can get it done on the ground keep him off your draft boards entirely.

Another struggling halfback goes to Ahmad Bradshaw (NYG, 22) who was drafted among the top running backs in the league to start the season and finished outside of RB2 honors in the end. Missing 4 games in a row can easily do that to a player, but injury isn’t the reason why Bradshaw found himself falling as far as he did. With only one 100-yard game and only one other game over 60 yards rushing Bradshaw just didn’t get it done for your fantasy team. He couldn’t find the end zone consistently either. He did score 8 times on the ground this season, but with 3 in one game, and 3 in the last two weeks Bradshaw found himself with more goose eggs than not. Bradshaw just like Mendenhall, and Johnson have the talent of top tier halfbacks, but until he can prove that he can be there with fluidity he should be skipped on draft day.

Despite Mark Sanchez reaching top 10 numbers for fantasy QBs, his wide receivers weren’t all that consistent in their own rankings this year. Santonio Holmes (NYJ, 27) and Plaxico Burress (NYJ, 34) combined for only 205 fantasy points and never were able to put things together on a week-to-week basis. Burress and Holmes were able to combine for 16 receiving touchdowns which normally would be an amazing total however they only combined for 6 games of more than 60 yard performances and no games of 100 yards which brought their values down greatly. In 2012, flex spots for either wide receiver should be market value, reaching on either of these athletes would be a major mistake.

Congratulations on winning your leagues, and if you didn’t or came up short there is always next year (just ask the New York Mets, haha). Your seasons may be over, but the job is not done. Many of you are playing in keeper leagues, which will need to be worked out over the next 8 months until draft day. Knowing where these guys rank now and going forward will be a helpful tool going forward. Please look for my "I was right, I was wrong" column next week, as I break down the players who I was right about rising, and those who I was wrong about.

You can follow me on twitter @PeckinTheFix

All Stats are up to date as of Week 16 games, and follow NON PPR Standard leagues unless otherwise stated

As always you can find me on twitter from 10am – 12pm every Sunday answering your start / sit questions.

Check out my Baseball PeckinOrder coming to you in the middle of January. 

Start ‘Em 

Ryan Fitzpatrick (Buffalo Bills, Week 17: @ New England Patriots)

The Patriots have given up at least 14 fantasy points to every QB they’ve faced not named Tyler Palko.  Enough said, moving on...

Mark Sanchez (New York Jets, Week 17: @ Miami Dolphins)

The Dolphins have allowed the 7th most passing yards and the second fewest rushing yards, so the way to beat them is obviously to air it out.  Sanchez probably won’t throw it 50+ times as he did last week, but 40+ is a definite possibility.

Ben Tate (Houston Texans, Week 17: Tennessee Titans)

This little factoid has been mentioned in this space several times this year, but it’s worth noting again that Tate has double digit fantasy points in each of the games where he has received twelve or more carries.  With Houston locked into the three seed, you can expect Arian Foster to be on the bench for most if not all of this one, which should allow Tate to get well over twelve carries and at least ten fantasy points.

Darren Sproles (New Orleans Saints, Week 17: Carolina Panthers)

Sproles is solid as Sears.  He has nine games with double digit fantasy points and only one game with less than five fantasy points.  With a matchup against the second worst run defense in football, it is unclear why ESPN’s Karabell and Harris have him outside their top 20 and why the Expert Consensus Ranking on him on FantasyPros.com is only #20.

Jeremy Maclin (Philadelphia Eagles, Week 17: Washington Redskins)

Maclin’s reception and yardage totals have increased each of the last two weeks, so it looks like he’s working his way back into the offense nicely.  With no real reason for Philly to sit starters, Maclin should be a nice play this week.

Michael Crabtree (San Francisco 49ers, Week 17: @ St. Louis Rams)

With Braylon Edwards released and Kyle Williams and Ted Ginn unlikely to play, Crabtree and Brett Swain are the only San Francisco receivers healthy for a game they need to win.  As will be discussed below, Vernon Davis may struggle to be productive in this matchup, so Crabtree is easily the best option for Alex Smith this week.  Frank Gore and Kendall Hunter should see a lot of work, but what San Fran gets through the air figures to go through Crabtree.

Brandon Pettigrew (Detroit Lions, Week 17: @ Green Bay Packers)

Green Bay sucks against tight ends to begin with, and if they rest any defensive starters (likely), it makes sense that they would suck even more against tight ends.

Jared Cook (Tennessee Titans, Week 17: @ Houston Texans)

Cook has 17 catches for 272 yards the last two weeks, and he’s available in 88% of leagues.

Detroit Lions D/ST (Week 17: @ Green Bay Packers)

Speaking of Green Bay sitting starters, there is a huge difference between Rodgers/Nelson/Finley and Flynn/Jones/Crabtree.

Sit ‘Em 

Atlanta Falcons (Week 17: Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

Assuming Detroit beats Green Bay during the 1:00 games, Atlanta would be locked into the #6 seed before their 4:15 game.  Even though coach Mike Smith has suggested he’ll play his starters no matter what, there’s no way you could trust Ryan/Roddy/Julio/Turner/Gonzalez to play much if at all.

Cedric Benson (Cincinnati Bengals, Week 17: Baltimore Ravens)

Benson did score two touchdowns against Baltimore in week 11, but he only managed 41 yards in 15 carries in that game.  Benson has only managed 80+ yards in four games this year, but if he can get 84 on Sunday, Cincinnati would owe him an additional $250,000 for reaching 1,100 yards.  As a result, it wouldn’t be a shock if Bernard Scott saw an extra series or two.

Shonn Greene (New York Jets, Week 17: @ Miami Dolphins) See: Mark Sanchez 
Vincent Jackson (San Diego Chargers, Week 17: @ Oakland)

Don’t be fooled by Jackson’s participation in practice late this week.  San Diego has been eliminated from the playoffs, and it’s just too risky to put Jackson in your lineup when he could be held out of the game or pulled from it at the slightest sign of trouble.

Vernon Davis (San Francisco 49ers, Week 17: @ St. Louis Rams)

The Rams have allowed the fewest yards, touchdowns, receptions, and fantasy points to opposing tight ends.  They held Davis to 3 catches for 32 yards in week 13.  There’s no way you can trust Davis in a fantasy final.

Written by Brett Talley exclusively for thefantasyfix.com.  Brett is a law student in Dallas who will see you as soon as baseball mock draft lobbies get going.  You can follow him and/or ask him for fantasy advice on Twitter @therealTAL.

(November 12, 2011 - Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images North America)

1.  San Francisco 49ers (@STL) - With a win the 49ers will secure the #2 seed and an all-important bye.  When these two teams met in week 13 the Rams were unable to put any points on the board.  Repeating a shutout on the road will be a tough task, but this is still a great matchup for San Francisco.

2.  Pittsburgh Steelers (@CLE) - The Steelers need to win and have the Ravens lose to win the division and secure a bye.  Their defense was able to shut out the Rams last week and has been playing better as of late.  They will face a Cleveland team on the road, that has struggled all year to score touchdowns.

3.  Atlanta Falcons (TB) - The Falcons couldn't stop Drew Brees on Monday night, but this week get to face a Tampa Bay team that seems to have given up on their season.  The Falcons should be able to turn them over while limiting their scoring.

4.  Baltimore Ravens (@CIN) - The Ravens need a win to gaurantee themselves a bye.  They will be facing the surprising Bengals who put up a good showing when they last faced.  All year, the Ravens have run hot or cold.  When hot, they are easily one of the best defenses in the league.  I think they show up this week and make life tough for the rookie Dalton.

5.  Houston Texans (TEN) - The Texans don't have anything to play for in terms of improving their playoff seed, but after dropping two straight they will be fighting to gain some momentum.  They will also be fired up to play spoiler to the Titans who need a win and some help to make the playoffs.

6.  Denver Broncos (KC) - The Broncos will claim the AFC West with a win against the Chiefs.  Their defense looked terrible in Buffalo, but this week they're back at home and get to face a Chiefs team that has yet to sustain anything on offense.  They should be able to force Orton to make throws, as they should be able to stop their run game. 

7.  Philadelphia Eagles (WAS) - The Eagles have nothing to play for this week, but it seems like having the pressure off of their shoulders, has actually allowed them to play better.  They had a shutout intact against the Cowboys, albeit sans Romo, until a late punt block allowed a late Miles Austin touchdown.

8.  Chicago Bears (@MIN) - The Bears have also been eliminated from the postseason, but their defensive unit isn't the type to let up.  Minnesota's offense has looked more potent with Joe Webb behind center, but without Adrian Peterson their run game will be lacking.

9.  Tennessee Titans (@HOU) - The Titans are hoping for a few thigns to go their way to secure a playoff berth.  The only thing they can control is to beat the Texans.  The Texans will most likely use Arian Foster sparingly as they need to make sure he is healthy for their first ever postseason.  Look for the Titans to stack the box, and make Yates beat them down the field.

10.  New York Giants (DAL) - The Giants defense came out extremely motivated against their corss town rivals and their "big bellied" coach and it showed.  They were applying pressure on Sanchez all game long.  I expect more of the same as their playoffs begin in Week 17.  It doesn't hurt that Romo suffered a hand injury on Saturday.

11.  Arizona Cardinals (SEA) - The Cardinals defense has been playing extremely well lately.  They should be able to slow down Marshawn Lynch to an extent.  The Seahawks have also not played nearly as well on the road this season.  This could be a good matchup for the Cardianls.

12.  Jacksonville Jaguars (IND) - The Indianapolis Colts have won 2 in a row, but this week face a Jaguars team whose defense has played pretty well all season.  The Colts' two wins both came at home, and I don't think they'll be able to muster enough offense to beat MJD and the jags in Jacksonville.

13.  Cincinnati Bengals (BAL)
14.  New York Jets (@MIA)
15.  New Orleans Saints (CAR)
16.  New England Patriots (BUF)
17.  Minnesota Vikings (CHI)
18.  Miami Dolphins (NYJ)‎
19.  St. Louis Rams (SF)
20.  Detroit Lions (@GB)
21.  Green Bay Packers (DET)
22.  Washington Redskins (@PHI)
23.  Indianapolis Colts (@JAX)
24.  Dallas Cowboys (@NYG)
25.  Seattle Seahawks (@ARI)
26.  Cleveland Browns (PIT)
27.  San Diego Chargers (@OAK)
28.  Kansas City Chiefs (@DEN)
29.  Oakland Raiders (SD)
30.  Buffalo Bills (@NE)
31. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@ATL)
32.  Carolina Panthers (@NO)

Written by Ilyn Yeh exclusively for TheFantasyFix.com

Follow The Fantasy Fix on Twitter @thefantasyfix

or  for Free Fantasy Sports Advice use our Quick Fix to get help with your team! 

(December 3, 2011 - Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images North America)