San Francisco Bolster's Up Their Secondary

With the draft just mere weeks away San Francisco 49'ers coach, Jim Harbaugh can still taste the bitterness of defeat. After losing decisively to the Baltimore Ravens, Harbaugh and San Francisco management upgraded their entire team...and it was already elite.

Nnamdi in San Francisco

To accompany Carlos Rodgers in the backfield, the 49'ers pursued star cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha. After a lackluster season with the Philadelphia Eagles, he was not revered as such a great pickup. However, the Oakland Raiders faithful know full well what he is capable of when utilized in the correct defensive schemes. Now loaded in the secondary, the 49'ers become an even more dominant team on paper. However, general manager Trent Baalke did not stop there. He pursued a new target for quarterbacks Alex Smith and Colin Kaepernick: All-Pro Wide Receiver (fresh off of a super bowl victory) Anquan Boldin.

Boldin adds a great deep target, and can double as a possession receiver making him formidable for opponents to cover. Combined with the incredible hands of Michael Crabtree, the long reach of Randy Moss, and the flashiness of Mario Manningham, Boldin completes a wide receiver corps that other quarterbacks only dream of having.

Given the emergence of a former Oregon standout LeMichael James at running back to spell an aging Frank Gore, the 49'ers give every indication of being completely poised for success. Each position has exceptionally talented newcomers (Kaepernick, Crabtree, James, and more), along with veteran counterparts for mentorship (Patrick Willis, Smith, Moss, and Gore). Look to these relationships to pay huge dividends. One thing is certain: San Francisco fans aren't expecting anything less than the hardware this year.

And Then There Were 8.....

Is it always good for a team to be on the bye week? Not necessarily. In the past three playoff seasons, teams who didn't have a bye week had more wins and more momentum going into the final games of the season. Yes, it helps the team recover from injuries, but it seems as though the risks far outweigh the benefits. As coaches, and team management begin to understand this, look for teams to aim for a valuable #3 seed. This will never be something that no team/coach will ever admit, but it will be done.

Case in point: Many people didn't feel like Green Bay played their hardest football in the final quarter of the final game of the season, vs. the Minnesota Viking. They were playing for a bye, but came up short. The Packers appeared nonchalant and unmotivated to win. Were they strategically aiming for the #3 sport, or were they outplayed? Now that the league knows more about the practice, look for sanctions to be put into play.....

SGAAASVY3VBW

Why Adrian Peterson Getting Close is Enough

Is 9 yards short of the record a close enough call?

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In short, yes! The strategies of most NFL teams today are "West Coast Offenses". In other words, the strategy is either touchdown or check down to the running back. This north/south approach relies on a quarterback with an accurate arm, and talented wide receivers. However, all this does is discount the importance of a dynamic running back. Adrian Peterson, however, is one of the few exceptions in the league. He was able to become the centerpiece of the Minnesota Vikings, and waltz his team into a playoff spot. This is atypical of teams today who are reliant on the pass attack.

More importantly, when you compare Eric Dickerson's record to Adrian Peterson's attempt, it is clear that Adrian Peterson came dangerously close to breaking a record in which the odds were stacked against him. Dickerson had roughly 40 more rushing attempts to achieve his monumental number that Peterson did. What does that mean? Peterson, who is one year removed from a debilitating surgery, was one of the most efficient runners in history, averaging six yards per carry. This is a nearly unattainable number over the course of the season, eclipsing even the legendary Jim Brown's average.

With all of these factors taken into account, it is clear that although Peterson fell short in terms of final numbers, true football fans do not discount the performance Peterson put on in 2012. After the game he appeared unaware in his interview that he was only 9 yards from shattering the record. He will play next week against the same team, the Green Bay Packers. He will undoubtedly rush for greater than 9 yards at that time and he will undoubtedly be heralded by many as potentially the greatest running back of all time.

Injuries Abound in Week 14....

How do Injuries Affect Your Fantasy Playoffs?

Several of the key injuries that took place this week will undoubtedly make you think twice about starting them. Many key running backs are involved in tight divisional races. Consider the injuries on the following players:

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Ahmad Bradshaw, Running Back, New York Giants After showing some flashes of brilliance he once again hurt his knee and Coach Tom Coughlin is uncertain as to his ability to play next week.

Donald Brown, Running Back, Indianapolis Colts This powerhouse was a big contributor to Andrew Luck's success as a rookie. Brown's injury placed him on the injured reserve for the rest of the year

Fred Jackson, Running Back, Buffalo Bills If you're a fantasy owner you know how Jackson has top ten running back potential. After a Grade 1 knee sprain. The Bills coaching staff shut Jackson down for the season

Dez Bryant, Wide Receiver, Dallas Cowboys Since his Thanksgiving performance, Dez has been unstoppable. A fractured index may not keep him off the field, but it will surely hurt his ability to catch

Robert Griffin III, Quarterback, Washington Redskins After an MRI revealed a sprained knee, Griffin was given the option to practice. Griffin tweeted that he feels great and ready to go for Sunday. RG3 owners can only hope that his knee can sustain the running!

Good luck in your fantasy playoffs, and other football related endeavors!

NFL Fantasy Analysis for Week 14

What Running Backs Are Good For Your Lineup Week 14

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Perhaps you have made it to the coveted second round of your fantasy playoffs? Continue your playoff run, and take it to the next level by making all of the right calls!

Darren McFadden is scheduled to make his return to the Raider's starting line-up. Back up tailback, Michael Goodson should be back, also. What does this mean? There will be very few touches for Marcel Reece who was doing a great job bearing the load in Oakland.
Next, be sure to get C.J. Spiller in your lineup, if you have him. This Bill's running back has been seeing fewer carries because of the presence of a healthy Fred Jackson. However, like the new hybrid-style running back, Jamaal Charles, he knows exactly how to get large chunks of yards per carry. Also. With Bill's receiverStevie Johnson out with a strained hamstring, look for the Bill's to try to use Spiller in the screen game.
A surprising start on our list is Ahmad Bradshaw. The fiesty Giant's running back has only had a few breakout moments this season. However, after coming off a heartbreaking Monday night loss vs. the Redskins, Bradshaw will have a chance to gash the run-friendly N.O. Saints this week!

Who should you think twice before starting?

Although Dolphin's running back, Reggie Bush has had what some would call a fantastic year, he is facing a very stout San Francisco defense. This is one of the top run-defending defenses, and they are coming off a shocking overtime upset vs. St. Louis. Look for the 49'ers to load the box on Bush.
New England sensation, Stevan Ridley has had an outstanding season. We know the Texans are looking to make a statement game against the powerful New England offnese. J.J. Watt, and Brooks Reid are talented enough to contain the explosive Ridley from making long runs.
Abandon all hope you had leading up to the season that Ryan Matthews would have an amazing season. He has fallen far short of expectations this year. The Charger's are now relying on Philip River's arm to get them through the game.

Whoever you start, always check the match-ups, and last minute reports here for the latest news regarding fantasy, injuries, and NFL Highlights!