Empty the Bench

Ranks Preview by Brian Spencer

You already know how we feel about anybody wearing Packers green this week: start ‘em, including emerging fantasy threat Jermichael Finley, who looks to finally be healthy and could be primed for a breakout run these final 5 weeks of the fantasy season. (I know we’re beating up on the Lions this week; for the record, I’m a lifelong Lions fan and would love to see them upset the Pack on Thanksgiving. But, well, it is what it is.)

All of the elite TEs have favorable matchups this week, though it’ll be interesting to see if Brent Celek can get involved against the Redskins: last time he faced the ‘Skins, in Week 7, he caught just 3 passes for a total of 8 yards. If you’re hurting for a plug-in play this week–and I’m looking at you, Jason “Game-time Decision” Witten owners–consider Lions rookie TE Brandon Pettigrew a sneaky play with upside, even without Matthew Stafford behind center.

The big, bruising first-round pick is starting to come into his own, with 15 catches for 165 yards and 2 TDs in the last three weeks, including the game-winning score with no time remaining on the clock against the Browns. This is a defense that TEs are exploiting: last week, Vernon Davis burned the Pack for 6 catches, 108 yards, and 1 TD, while in the past month the Bucs’ Kellen Winslow and the Vikings’ Visanthe Shiancoe have also found the endzone against Green Bay.

Daunte Culpepper does not inspire confidence, but given his preference to check down and the fact that Calvin Johnson probably won’t play, Pettigrew (and RB Kevin Smith) is the closest thing the Lions will have to a receiving threat. Keep expectations modest, but he’s a decent gamble if you’re in need.

See also:
- Week 12 QB Rankings
- Week 12 RB Rankings
- Week 12 WR Rankings
- Week 12 DEF Rankings

1. Dallas Clark, Indianapolis Colts @ HOU
2. Antonio Gates, San Diego Chargers vs. KC
3. Vernon Davis, San Francisco 49ers vs. JAX
4. Tony Gonzalez, Atlanta Falcons vs. TB
5. Kellen Winslow, Tampa Bay Bucs @ ATL
6. Brent Celek, Philadelphia Eagles vs. WSH
7. Jermichael Finley, Green Bay Packers @ DET
8. Jason Witten, Dallas Cowboys vs. OAK (Check Status)
9. Jeremy Shockey, New Orleans Saints vs. NE
10. Visanthe Shiancoe, Minnesota Vikings vs. CHI
11. Heath Miller, Pittsburgh Steelers @ BAL
12. Kevin Boss, New York Giants @ DEN
13. Greg Olsen, Chicago Bears @ MIN
14. John Carlson, Seattle Seahawks @ STL
15. Brandon Pettigrew, Detroit Lions vs. GB
16. Zach Miller, Oakland Raiders @ DAL
17. Benjamin Watson, New England Patriots @ NO
18. Dustin Keller, New York Jets vs. CAR
19. Tony Scheffler, Denver Broncos vs. NYG
20. Todd Heap, Baltimore Ravens @ PIT