Matchup Proof: Reasons to Like Players With Some of the Worst Matchups This Week
Dorian “The Trashman” Colbert, Rosterwatch.com

Photo by Alex Dunlap, RosterWatch
Week 13 is not the week to take chances with your lineup, but things aren’t always what they seem in fantasy. I’ve found some compelling reasons to roll with these seemingly doomed players. 

LeSean McCoy vs. Arizona: OK, it’s unlikely that you’re not going to play McCoy against any defense, but Arizona has been brutal against backs to the point that you have to think long and hard before you roll the dice against them. You don’t have to be apprehensive with McCoy. Some of his best games this season have come against SD,KC, NYG, and TB (15.5 point avg.), teams that have been stout against the run.

Danny Woodhead vs. Cincinnati: The Bengals have been fourth toughest against the the run this season, but I still love Woodhead in this contest. Cincinnati has been allowing 8 receptions by running backs per game over the last 4 games, and Ryan Mathews is a bit banged up. Use Woodhead as usual.

Le’Veon Bell vs. Baltimore: It’s a concrete fact that the Ravens are the most difficult team to run on in the NFL. It is also true that Bell ran for 93 yards against them already this season. You can always take supposed strengths and weaknesses with a grain of salt in divisional games.

Golden Tate vs. New Orleans: Tate may actually benefit from the increased coverage on Percy Harvin we will see by the Saints. He put almost 90 yards on them in their meeting last year, and he’s always one big play away from a payday.

Marques Colston vs. Seattle: With the recent suspension of Brandon Browner, Seattle has lost two of their best corners now. They will still put pressure on Brees up front though, so you can expect him to rely on Jimmy Graham and Colston throughout the game.

DeAngelo Williams vs. Tampa Bay: Williams actually led the Panthers backfield last week, and Tampa is one of the few teams he’s scored against this season. There isn’t a lot of upside here, but he’s playable.

Cecil Shorts vs Cleveland: Shorts is making a visit to Haden Island this week, and that is enough to make most people sit him. Normally, I would do the same, but Shorts has a couple of things going for him. One, he gets more targets than anyone else in the league, and two, Shorts is a Cleveland native who is stoked about getting to play in front of his friends and family. You can’t count him out on Sunday.