Fantasy Falafel
2007 Season Week 15

By: Collin "Kool-Aid" Kilpatrick

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If you're into fantasy football, then Kool-Aid is your man. This man has served in the trenches of statistical warfare, wrestled with the demons of the injured reserve and solved the mystery of the split backfield. After years of fantasy football experience Kool-Aid decided that it was time for him to impart his knowledge to the rest of the football universe. Each week he combs the league for the best match-ups and waiver wire pick-ups so you can be ready by kick-off. Soak up the wisdom in Kool-Aid's analysis below and if you're still thirsty for knowledge drop him a line at fantasyfalafel@gmail.com.

Now, on to your regularly scheduled Fantasy Falafel...

Can it be Week 15 already? With games on Thursday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, I get so confused. You may feel quite the same way looking at your fantasy playoff line-ups, which is why we're back with three potential adds who can help your team this weekend. Keep in mind that these players won't fix a team that doesn't have a shot, but they may patch up some holes so that your fantasy ship doesn't sink in the final stretch.

Without further ado...

1. Marvin Harrison will again miss this week's game with a sore/bruised knee. If my addition is correct, this will make the eighth week that Marvin has been absent from the Colts lineup. Either this injury is more serious than the Colts management let on or the coaching staff figures they don't need Harrison right now and are resting him for the playoffs. Either way, rookie WR Anthony Gonzalez looked great last week with 6 catches for 134 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Although Gonzalez had just one catch during Week 13, his Week 12 performance was solid (another 6 catch, 100+ yard outing that made some fantasy owners take notice). This week Indy should be able to easily handle the Oakland defense, which has allowed an average of 342 yards per game this season. Use Gonzalez if you need a third WR, but don't expect numbers like last week.

2. While Reggie Bush hasn't said that he will miss the remainder of the season, it is clear that he will miss the Saints' Week 15 match-up against the Cardinals at the least. What this means, my fantasy friends, is that Aaron Stecker will again get the starting role after a great showing on Monday night. Last week Stecker had 100 yards on 20 carries and he should see similar numbers of carries this week. Expect around 80 yards for Stecker this week (as well as a chance to hit paydirt). Pierre Thomas won't take many -- if any -- touches away from Stecker.

3. Growing up, one of my Dad's favorite phrases was "Defense wins championships." I generally agree. The point of this bit of advice is this: make sure that your fantasy defense is going to come through for you this week.

Personally, I've been riding Pittsburgh's defense for most of the season. But after the last couple of weeks, that really isn't an option anymore. This week, I say go with the Tampa Bay defense. In the last three games, they've allowed 18.7 points while grabbing 2.3 fumbles and 2.7 sacks. The Bucs play at home against an Atlanta Falcons team that is having a hard time scoring the football. Also, their head coach decided to run for the hills. If Tampa isn't an option, consider the Bengals D; they play at San Francisco. My poor Niners are starting third string QB Shaun Hill. Enough said.

As this week unfolds, try to remember that you play fantasy football to have fun. Show confidence in your team. If you didn't make it this far, you have my condolences. Remember, it is never too early to be thinking about next year's draft. Good luck. We'll see you back here next week.

- Collin "Kool-Aid" Kilpatrick