Fantasy studs and duds: Will Calvin Johnson bounce back?
Every NFL team is on the schedule the rest of the way, but fantasy football players still face tough lineup choices as most leagues start their playoffs after this week.
STUDS
WR Calvin Johnson, Detroit Lions: Megatron, who's regaining his strength after missing time with an ankle sprain, should ditch his lame Week 12 for a tasty Thanksgiving Day matchup. The Chicago Bears have no stud defensive back to contain him and, more importantly, have been one of the biggest statistical pushovers for opposing quarterbacks in the last five weeks.
RB Alfred Morris, Washington Redskins: With Robert Griffin III remaining the starting quarterback, expect Washington to pound the ball with their bruiser until the Indianapolis Colts cry. Morris is coming off a surprisingly huge effort against the San Francisco 49ers and should bowl over the middle of this defense.
RB Denard Robinson, Jacksonville Jaguars: "Shoelace" disappointed as a runner last week but still was dangerous as a pass-catcher. He'll serve both roles effectively this time. The New York Giants have been puny against the run: An opposing back has trampled them for 100-plus scrimmage yards in five of their last six games.
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QB Mark Sanchez, Philadelphia Eagles: The Dallas Cowboys have become increasingly vulnerable to the pass in recent weeks, and Philly's deep stable of receivers (don't forget Darren Sproles) should continue that trend. Though he'll probably commit a turnover or two, Sanchez has thrown for at least 307 yards in all three of his Eagles starts.
TE Vernon Davis, San Francisco 49ers: A bold listing for someone who has caught just 19 passes without a touchdown in his last eight games? Sure. But it's also foolish to ignore how bad the Seattle Seahawks have been this season against talented tight ends. Davis still has it in him to throw in a big game — and what better opportunity for a reeling Niners club to unleash him?
DUDS
WR Sammy Watkins, Buffalo Bills: Browns cornerback Joe Haden should pester the rookie wideout, who has just 59 receiving yards over his last two games. QB Kyle Orton has been content with taking what defenses give him, and this could be more of a run-happy game for Buffalo.
RB Ryan Mathews, San Diego Chargers: Coming off a brilliant Week 12, Mathews has the unfortunate honor as this week's pendulum running back. The Baltimore Ravens haven't allowed a 100-yard rusher — no one above 68, to be exact. Baltimore has absorbed some damage from opposing backs who can catch the ball, but that's not Mathews' strength or role.
RB Isaiah Crowell, Cleveland Browns: Crowell affirmed his backfield lead after his 88-yard, 2-touchdown Week 12. But Cleveland may change its attack on Sunday. The Buffalo Bills defensive line is one of the league's best and has helped them stifle enemy ground games.
WR Julio Jones, Atlanta Falcons: It's hard to say bench Jones, but he stares down another tough cornerback matchup in Arizona's Patrick Peterson. Jones succeeded Sunday versus Haden, who's prone to struggling against speedier wideouts. But Peterson should be a physical test for Jones, and QB Matt Ryan won't hesitate to go to Roddy White and others if Peterson is winning the battle. Keeping Jones at WR2 or 3 expectations still makes him lineup-worthy, though.
SLEEPERS
WR Justin Hunter, Tennessee Titans: Rookie QB Zach Mettenberger is finding his footing, especially with the deep ball. Hunter snared a 40-yard score from him Sunday. Hunter's 17.8 yards-per-catch average ranks fourth among all players with 20-plus receptions, and the Houston Texans have been one of the weakest defenses against opposing wideouts in the last five weeks. In their first meeting, Hunter caught four passes for 31 yards and a touchdown.
RB Matt Asiata, Minnesota Vikings: Will this be another three-touchdown surprise? Don't go that far, but Asiata (concussion) could bust loose again if he's healthy enough to play. The Carolina Panthers have folded against some bruisers this year (Mark Ingram and LeGarrette Blount included) while suffering against the run in general. Even with Ben Tate in town, Asiata is a justified gamble for a big day as the Vikings' goal-line specialist.
TE Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs: The inconsistent use of and production from this special talent has maddened many a fantasy owner, but the Denver Broncos have been damaged by teams that have talent at tight end. Kelce compiled 81 yards on four catches in his Week 2 dance with Denver, and with cornerback Aqib Talib probably busy with wideout Dwayne Bowe, Kelce should have space to roam after the catch.
WR Andre Holmes, Oakland Raiders: Holmes has had trouble standing out after a ridiculous Week 6, but he's coming off a 5-catch, 55-yard Week 12 in which he was targeted 10 times. Oakland's upcoming schedule should make things easier for the passing game. The St. Louis Rams, in fact, have been a top-five fantasy doormat for wideouts in the regular season and even more so in the last three weeks.
QB Drew Stanton, Arizona Cardinals: For quarterback streamers, Stanton is probably the best widely available option. The Atlanta Falcons remain sloppy against aerial assaults. They've been burned by quarterbacks. Even if Larry Fitzgerald (knee) can't play, Stanton should rebound from his Week 12 disaster.