Mendenhall vs. the vaunted SF D (1 Viewer)

[Dentist]

Rashard Mendenhall has had what i'd consider to be a pretty disappointing season given his draft status and expectations relative to his career arc.

He has scored a decent number of short yardage TD's.

However, the 49ers aren't allowing much of anything on the ground.

Is Mendenhall a "stud" you can't bench this weekend if you have anything resembling a decent alternative?

What kind of players are you starting over Mendenhall this weekend?

 

[LionOfGosforth]

Just cannot trust this dude, I think the only time i've started him this year with low expectations and he's produced is against Jacksonville (only time he's gone over 100yds this year). I started him with something approaching confidence against the Browns and he once again disappointed. I benched him for both of his games against the Bengals of course, then again only 2td's in both saved his fantasy day as he had low yardage. I suppose you could use the theory of reverse logic, he's not supposed to do much this week so therefore he probably will. At best, I see 40-60 and a shot at a td. I'm benching him for some combination of Beanie, Mcgahee and Gerhart (assuming AP is out again).

**Edit to say...I don't blame him necessarily for a disappointing year, more a feature of Steelers general shift to a passing offense that I didn't really think would be quite as dramatic as it's been and him as a result not being able to develop a rythmn in games. Check out game logs for other feature backs such as S-Jax and Foster, mutltiple weeks where they get 25+ carries. Mendenhall rarely exceeds 15-17 and has only had 1 20+ carry week against...Jacksonville.

 

[Godsbrother]

I started him over Shonn Greene last week but I am not going to do it again.

 

[treat88]

I will have to choose between Mendenhall and a hopefully "healthy" Kevin Smith.

Hurry back Kevin!

 

[doowain]

He hasn't been a stud all year. Even against not #1 rush defenses. Do you really want to rely on him for your fantasy playoff life? Only start him if you have zero other options. I'd start Pierre Thomas/Ryan Grant/CJ Spiller over him easily.

 

[goldenchild]

Is Big Ben playing?

If yes, then no

If not, then hell no

YWIA

 

[Godsbrother]

Is Big Ben playing?If yes, then noIf not, then hell noYWIA

 

[Dentist]

He hasn't been a stud all year. Even against not #1 rush defenses. Do you really want to rely on him for your fantasy playoff life? Only start him if you have zero other options. I'd start Pierre Thomas/Ryan Grant/CJ Spiller over him easily.

Spiller and/or a WR (andre johnson if he plays) are coincidentally who i'm debating him for

 

[fightingillini]

Consider starting him next week against STL, but you don't play him this week unless you're desperate and have no other options.

 

[Resident A]

I've started him his last 4 games, but no way for this week.

 

[thehornet]

playing benson over him.

 

[3 hour lunch]

I was going to post the exact same question. SF hasn't allowed a rushing TD all year. I don't know the yardage numbers off the top of my head but I know they've made Beanie look pedestrian twice. I will probably roll with Kevin Smith if healthy, maybe even Morris if he's healthy and Smith is out. Anything could happen of course, but I'd expect something in the line of 15-40-0 from Mendy....

 

[footballnerd]

No Ben, no Mend

(KFFL) Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger (ankle) is dealing with a Grade 1 sprain of his left ankle, which is the least severe sprain. QB Charlie Batch will start in Week 15 against the San Francisco 49ers if Roethlisberger is unable to play.

(TheHuddle) Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger is expected to play in the team's Week 15 game against the San Francisco 49ers Monday, Dec. 19. C Maurkice Pouncey (ankle) also said he expects to suit up for the game. Both players have been using walking boots for their injuries. Analysis: Big Ben has been a stud in terms of playing through nagging injuries. He'll give it a go, unless there's a setback, but don't expect big fantasy output against the Niners.

 

[Godsbrother]

No Ben, no Mend

(KFFL) Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger (ankle) is dealing with a Grade 1 sprain of his left ankle, which is the least severe sprain. QB Charlie Batch will start in Week 15 against the San Francisco 49ers if Roethlisberger is unable to play.

(TheHuddle) Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger is expected to play in the team's Week 15 game against the San Francisco 49ers Monday, Dec. 19. C Maurkice Pouncey (ankle) also said he expects to suit up for the game. Both players have been using walking boots for their injuries. Analysis: Big Ben has been a stud in terms of playing through nagging injuries. He'll give it a go, unless there's a setback, but don't expect big fantasy output against the Niners.

Tomlin said today in his weekly presser that Ben and Pouncey are both currently considered questionable.

 

[Hairy Snowman]

I have had Mendy all year and my expectations haven't been nearly as high as most, however...

He does seem to have good games against the great defenses. He scored his TDs against Baltimore, Cinci, Jacksonville, Houston, and Seattle. I start 3 RBs in my league, so my expectations are low. But how many teams go an entire year without letting up a single rushing TD? There are two ways to look at it. Follow the team trend, or follow the league tread.

 

[bonesman]

My other option would be Ryan Grant... not sure I can make that move... even against KC.

 

[FDC]

Sounds like Willis is a GTD. If he sits I'm willing to roll the dice on Mendy.

 

[bonesman]

But how many teams go an entire year without letting up a single rushing TD? There are two ways to look at it. Follow the team trend, or follow the league tread.

Zero. I think the record for fewest is 3.

 

[ponchsox]

against SF

against the Rams week 15 (even Isaac Redman would be a decent play)

 

[unckeyherb]

Unfortunately, playoffs started last week. He really let me down against a cream puff in Cleveland. Not sure what to think going against the top Rushing Def in the league...My other options are Ingram or Tate. Not much of a choice IMO, besides, I can't get cute with my lineup in week 15. He'll be going for me. Frankly, when I have high expectations for him he sucks-when I fully expect 7 points from him he gets 2 TDs, so maybe my pessimism is okay.

 

[todisco1]

Starting Felix Jones and Beanie Wells over him.

 

[need2know]

My other option would be Ryan Grant... not sure I can make that move... even against KC.

looks like I am playing grant. or pierre thomas. not excited about it. damn rb injuries...

 

[Mr. Mojo]

I played him every week except for the week he was out (played Redman).

That said, I am hoping Kevin Smith is healthy as he will be in my lineup instead.

 

[TwinTurbo]

SF has the #1 rush D in the league and is only allowing an average of 70 rush yds per game. They held Ray Rice to 59 yds rushing (2.8 yd avg) at BAL. They held McCoy to 18 yds rushing (2.0 yd avg).

They also completely shut down Steven Jackson (twice), Beanie (twice), Marshawn Lynch, Jacobs, Felix, and Benson. Roy Helu is the only RB that had a decent day against them and that was mostly in the receiving game. Jahvid Best also had a decent amount of receiving yds. But since Mendenhall isn't going to get a bunch of receptions, the best you can hope for is a couple goal line TDs to go with a 2 yds per carry average. This will be an ugly game for him.

 

[bonesman]

My other option would be Ryan Grant... not sure I can make that move... even against KC.

looks like I am playing grant. or pierre thomas. not excited about it. damn rb injuries...

After looking at it a little more, I'll probably roll with Grant too. Luckily the championship for this particular league is week 15 and 16 and Mendy/Mathews have much easier sledding next week.

 

[VicLic2]

I played him every week except for the week he was out (played Redman).That said, I am hoping Kevin Smith is healthy as he will be in my lineup instead.

Have the identical situation and I am also hopingfor a healthy Kevin Smith! Good vibes Kev-Dog.

 

[lazyike]

Against the 49'ers I'm benching Mendy. Not only is he not worth starting he isn't even worth as a topic here. I'd think the Steelers would soon be looking at starting Redman after those 4 goal line tries by Mendy last week.

 

[da_budman]

SF has the #1 rush D in the league and is only allowing an average of 70 rush yds per game. They held Ray Rice to 59 yds rushing (2.8 yd avg) at BAL. They held McCoy to 18 yds rushing (2.0 yd avg). They also completely shut down Steven Jackson (twice), Beanie (twice), Marshawn Lynch, Jacobs, Felix, and Benson. Roy Helu is the only RB that had a decent day against them and that was mostly in the receiving game. Jahvid Best also had a decent amount of receiving yds. But since Mendenhall isn't going to get a bunch of receptions, the best you can hope for is a couple goal line TDs to go with a 2 yds per carry average. This will be an ugly game for him.

This. I guess it depends on your options but after watching him get stuffed over and over last week from the 1 (or 2?) and considering sf doesnt seem to even give up goal line td's no way do I start him over even a decent to less than decent RBBC. If your stuck starting a pure backup...then MAYBE....ONLY MAYBE

 

[maxwjom0]

Against the 49'ers I'm benching Mendy. Not only is he not worth starting he isn't even worth as a topic here. I'd think the Steelers would soon be looking at starting Redman after those 4 goal line tries by Mendy last week.

I'm a Pittsburgh homer and there is no doubt Mendy has fallen from the status of good RB this year. At least from the fantasy perspective.But the goal line incident last week wasn't his fault. The O-line got dominated 4 downs in a row.

 

[shotgun72]

My only other option is Spiller. Going up against the #2 ranked Defense against the run in Miami.......

 

[dkocourek]

Unfortunately, playoffs started last week. He really let me down against a cream puff in Cleveland. Not sure what to think going against the top Rushing Def in the league...My other options are Ingram or Tate. Not much of a choice IMO, besides, I can't get cute with my lineup in week 15. He'll be going for me. Frankly, when I have high expectations for him he sucks-when I fully expect 7 points from him he gets 2 TDs, so maybe my pessimism is okay.

I also have Tate as an option. Since the Texans are going against Carolina, even if he gets only a third of the carries, I'm leaning toward Tate.

 

[matttyl]

playing benson over him.

Here too, and I think that's a great move. Playing the #31 rushing defense who's on a short week is a no brainer.

 

[Steeler]

But the goal line incident last week wasn't his fault. The O-line got dominated 4 downs in a row.

I watched "Chalk Talk" at Steelers.com with Tunch Ilkin and he said the Browns did a nice job schematically against the Steelers on that goal line stand. They lined up Fugita (IIRC) out of the blocking scheme and then they sent him right into the hole on each play. So basically, he wasn’t accounted for by the Steelers blocking scheme. That plan left him one-on-one in the hole with MundaneHall at least twice, and Fugita won decisively on both of those occasions.So the problem is that I don't like seeing my "franchise" RB getting blown up and landing on his back when he meets a LB in the hole one-on-one.</rant>

 

[Mr. Mojo]

I played him every week except for the week he was out (played Redman).That said, I am hoping Kevin Smith is healthy as he will be in my lineup instead.

Have the identical situation and I am also hopingfor a healthy Kevin Smith! Good vibes Kev-Dog.

 

[ditka311]

I didn't get to see the 4 plays at the goal line. Did he turn his back on any of those runs? Seriously, I have never seen an RB turn his back to the defenders/ run backwards as much as Mendenwuss. I even saw him try to pick up a blitz by boxing the guy out.

I am torn this week. If I had a healthy Forte it wouldn't an issue. Considering going with the 2 TE set and using Witten as the flex with J Graham but as someone said above, these are the games he tends to actually do something.

 

[Godsbrother]

But the goal line incident last week wasn't his fault. The O-line got dominated 4 downs in a row.

I watched "Chalk Talk" at Steelers.com with Tunch Ilkin and he said the Browns did a nice job schematically against the Steelers on that goal line stand. They lined up Fugita (IIRC) out of the blocking scheme and then they sent him right into the hole on each play. So basically, he wasn’t accounted for by the Steelers blocking scheme. That plan left him one-on-one in the hole with MundaneHall at least twice, and Fugita won decisively on both of those occasions.So the problem is that I don't like seeing my "franchise" RB getting blown up and landing on his back when he meets a LB in the hole one-on-one.</rant>

Don't forget he had to get over that lump-of-a-lineman Kemoeatu who not only did not block his man but was an obstruction to the end zone.

 

[SeniorVBDStudent]

It is beginning to become apparent that SF will be an offensively challenged one-and-done playoff team, imo, particularly with a knicked up Frank Gore.

I predict Ben rips the top off the SF defense in the first half with bombs to Milli Vanilli (Brown & Wallace). I would expect 1.5 TDs and about 65 yards from Mendy, and yes I'm aware that SF is stout against the run.

Basically, I'm kicking dirt on San Fran.

 

[Godsbrother]

It is beginning to become apparent that SF will be an offensively challenged one-and-done playoff team, imo, particularly with a knicked up Frank Gore.I predict Ben rips the top off the SF defense in the first half with bombs to Milli Vanilli (Brown & Wallace). I would expect 1.5 TDs and about 65 yards from Mendy, and yes I'm aware that SF is stout against the run. Basically, I'm kicking dirt on San Fran.

As it stands right now the Steelers will be without James Harrison on Monday night and Ben, Pouncey and Polamalu are all questionable and not practicing. They do get an extra day to heal but the Steelers may decide to rest them, especially if the Ravens beat the Chargers on Sunday night, because the Steelers will still clinch if they lose this week with a loss by Oakland, Tennessee, Denver or the Jets.If they do rest them you are looking at Charlie Batch behind a very shakey o-line and a Steelers defense without two of its biggest playmakers, playing on the road on the west coast. San Francisco would have a huge advantage.

 

[SeniorVBDStudent]

It is beginning to become apparent that SF will be an offensively challenged one-and-done playoff team, imo, particularly with a knicked up Frank Gore.I predict Ben rips the top off the SF defense in the first half with bombs to Milli Vanilli (Brown & Wallace). I would expect 1.5 TDs and about 65 yards from Mendy, and yes I'm aware that SF is stout against the run. Basically, I'm kicking dirt on San Fran.

As it stands right now the Steelers will be without James Harrison on Monday night and Ben, Pouncey and Polamalu are all questionable and not practicing. They do get an extra day to heal but the Steelers may decide to rest them, especially if the Ravens beat the Chargers on Sunday night, because the Steelers will still clinch if they lose this week with a loss by Oakland, Tennessee, Denver or the Jets.If they do rest them you are looking at Charlie Batch behind a very shakey o-line and a Steelers defense without two of its biggest playmakers, playing on the road on the west coast. San Francisco would have a huge advantage.

Not worried about Harrison or Troy against SF's offense. Not worried about Pouncey if Ben plays. If Ben doesnt play, SF wins. If Ben plays, SF loses. imo.

 

[Hoss_Cartwright]

It is beginning to become apparent that SF will be an offensively challenged one-and-done playoff team, imo, particularly with a knicked up Frank Gore.

I predict Ben rips the top off the SF defense in the first half with bombs to Milli Vanilli (Brown & Wallace). I would expect 1.5 TDs and about 65 yards from Mendy, and yes I'm aware that SF is stout against the run.

Basically, I'm kicking dirt on San Fran.

Why? Is it just a gut feeling?

 

[Bayhawks]

As it stands right now the Steelers will be without James Harrison on Monday night and Ben, Pouncey and Polamalu are all questionable and not practicing.

They do get an extra day to heal but the Steelers may decide to rest them, especially if the Ravens beat the Chargers on Sunday night, because the Steelers will still clinch if they lose this week with a loss by Oakland, Tennessee, Denver or the Jets.

If they do rest them you are looking at Charlie Batch behind a very shakey o-line and a Steelers defense without two of its biggest playmakers, playing on the road on the west coast. San Francisco would have a huge advantage.

No offense, but this (the bolded) is nonsense. The Steelers don't just want to clinch a playoff spot; they want to win their division, get a first round bye, and get the #1 seed. They are currently tied with the Pats, Ravens, & Texans at 10-3, but they lose out on the division tie-breaker to the Ravens, and they lose out on a head-to-head tie-breaker with the Texans. While they would win a head-to-head tie-breaker with NE, they would lose out on a 3-way tie-breaker with NE and Houston.So, there is NO WAY they decide to "rest" Ben, Troy, or Pouncey (if they are healthy enough to play) EVEN if Baltimore, NE, Houston, Oakland, Tennessee, Denver, and the Jets all lose, because if they lose to SF, they would be back in the tie, and lose out in virtually all tie-breaker scenarios (especially when you consider the relatively "cake" schedules Balt, NE, and Hou have in weeks 16 & 17-if one or more of those teams lose this week, Pitt HAS to win, because it's likely their last chance to win the division & get the #1 or #2 seed).

 

[Dentist]

My only other option is Spiller. Going up against the #2 ranked Defense against the run in Miami.......

yeah.. i'm looking at that.. spiller or ryan grant... going to be a tough call.i'm an underdog, so i'm more looking for someone with a higher ceiling

 

[Godsbrother]

As it stands right now the Steelers will be without James Harrison on Monday night and Ben, Pouncey and Polamalu are all questionable and not practicing.

They do get an extra day to heal but the Steelers may decide to rest them, especially if the Ravens beat the Chargers on Sunday night, because the Steelers will still clinch if they lose this week with a loss by Oakland, Tennessee, Denver or the Jets.

If they do rest them you are looking at Charlie Batch behind a very shakey o-line and a Steelers defense without two of its biggest playmakers, playing on the road on the west coast. San Francisco would have a huge advantage.

No offense, but this (the bolded) is nonsense. The Steelers don't just want to clinch a playoff spot; they want to win their division, get a first round bye, and get the #1 seed. They are currently tied with the Pats, Ravens, & Texans at 10-3, but they lose out on the division tie-breaker to the Ravens, and they lose out on a head-to-head tie-breaker with the Texans. While they would win a head-to-head tie-breaker with NE, they would lose out on a 3-way tie-breaker with NE and Houston.So, there is NO WAY they decide to "rest" Ben, Troy, or Pouncey (if they are healthy enough to play) EVEN if Baltimore, NE, Houston, Oakland, Tennessee, Denver, and the Jets all lose, because if they lose to SF, they would be back in the tie, and lose out in virtually all tie-breaker scenarios (especially when you consider the relatively "cake" schedules Balt, NE, and Hou have in weeks 16 & 17-if one or more of those teams lose this week, Pitt HAS to win, because it's likely their last chance to win the division & get the #1 or #2 seed).

No offense taken but if the Ravens beat the Chargers it is going to be tough for the Steelers to win the division and if they don't win the division they are pretty much stuck as the #5 seed as long as they don't collapse and lose to the Rams at home and the Browns on New Years (though even that game could be a throw away).I do think that if they are healthy they will play but if they are GTD then the outcomes of the other games will come into play. The Steelers Super Bowl hopes rest squarely on Ben Roethlisberger. If he is out the Steelers are one & done in the playoffs.

I just don't think you risk an immobile Ben behind a shakey offensive line against one of the NFL's top defenses. On the other hand if Baltimore loses then the Steelers have a chance to at the #1 or #2 seed and in that case I think the risk is worth it.

Just my

 

[lazyike]

I have had Mendy all year and my expectations haven't been nearly as high as most, however...He does seem to have good games against the great defenses. He scored his TDs against Baltimore, Cinci, Jacksonville, Houston, and Seattle. I start 3 RBs in my league, so my expectations are low. But how many teams go an entire year without letting up a single rushing TD? There are two ways to look at it. Follow the team trend, or follow the league tread.

Is it a team trend or just about opportunity at the goal line where the line was somehow able to open up a hole. I'm putting my money on Mendy not scoring this week.

 

[Bayhawks]

As it stands right now the Steelers will be without James Harrison on Monday night and Ben, Pouncey and Polamalu are all questionable and not practicing.

They do get an extra day to heal but the Steelers may decide to rest them, especially if the Ravens beat the Chargers on Sunday night, because the Steelers will still clinch if they lose this week with a loss by Oakland, Tennessee, Denver or the Jets.

If they do rest them you are looking at Charlie Batch behind a very shakey o-line and a Steelers defense without two of its biggest playmakers, playing on the road on the west coast. San Francisco would have a huge advantage.

No offense, but this (the bolded) is nonsense. The Steelers don't just want to clinch a playoff spot; they want to win their division, get a first round bye, and get the #1 seed. They are currently tied with the Pats, Ravens, & Texans at 10-3, but they lose out on the division tie-breaker to the Ravens, and they lose out on a head-to-head tie-breaker with the Texans. While they would win a head-to-head tie-breaker with NE, they would lose out on a 3-way tie-breaker with NE and Houston.So, there is NO WAY they decide to "rest" Ben, Troy, or Pouncey (if they are healthy enough to play) EVEN if Baltimore, NE, Houston, Oakland, Tennessee, Denver, and the Jets all lose, because if they lose to SF, they would be back in the tie, and lose out in virtually all tie-breaker scenarios (especially when you consider the relatively "cake" schedules Balt, NE, and Hou have in weeks 16 & 17-if one or more of those teams lose this week, Pitt HAS to win, because it's likely their last chance to win the division & get the #1 or #2 seed).

No offense taken but if the Ravens beat the Chargers it is going to be tough for the Steelers to win the division and if they don't win the division they are pretty much stuck as the #5 seed as long as they don't collapse and lose to the Rams at home and the Browns on New Years (though even that game could be a throw away).I do think that if they are healthy they will play but if they are GTD then the outcomes of the other games will come into play. The Steelers Super Bowl hopes rest squarely on Ben Roethlisberger. If he is out the Steelers are one & done in the playoffs.

I just don't think you risk an immobile Ben behind a shakey offensive line against one of the NFL's top defenses. On the other hand if Baltimore loses then the Steelers have a chance to at the #1 or #2 seed and in that case I think the risk is worth it.

Just my

OK-I misinterpreted what you posted. I thought you were implying that if one of the other teams in WC contention lost (thus Pitt clinching a playoff spot) that they would "rest" those guys.I still don't agree that they will "rest" these guys if Bal beats SD, because if Balt has a hiccup in week 16/17, the Steelers could win the division (its not likely that Balt will lose in 16/17, but it could happen). If the Steelers lose on MNF, then they need Balt to lose BOTH week 16 AND 17, which is even less likely.

 

[Godsbrother]

As it stands right now the Steelers will be without James Harrison on Monday night and Ben, Pouncey and Polamalu are all questionable and not practicing.

They do get an extra day to heal but the Steelers may decide to rest them, especially if the Ravens beat the Chargers on Sunday night, because the Steelers will still clinch if they lose this week with a loss by Oakland, Tennessee, Denver or the Jets.

If they do rest them you are looking at Charlie Batch behind a very shakey o-line and a Steelers defense without two of its biggest playmakers, playing on the road on the west coast. San Francisco would have a huge advantage.

No offense, but this (the bolded) is nonsense. The Steelers don't just want to clinch a playoff spot; they want to win their division, get a first round bye, and get the #1 seed. They are currently tied with the Pats, Ravens, & Texans at 10-3, but they lose out on the division tie-breaker to the Ravens, and they lose out on a head-to-head tie-breaker with the Texans. While they would win a head-to-head tie-breaker with NE, they would lose out on a 3-way tie-breaker with NE and Houston.So, there is NO WAY they decide to "rest" Ben, Troy, or Pouncey (if they are healthy enough to play) EVEN if Baltimore, NE, Houston, Oakland, Tennessee, Denver, and the Jets all lose, because if they lose to SF, they would be back in the tie, and lose out in virtually all tie-breaker scenarios (especially when you consider the relatively "cake" schedules Balt, NE, and Hou have in weeks 16 & 17-if one or more of those teams lose this week, Pitt HAS to win, because it's likely their last chance to win the division & get the #1 or #2 seed).

No offense taken but if the Ravens beat the Chargers it is going to be tough for the Steelers to win the division and if they don't win the division they are pretty much stuck as the #5 seed as long as they don't collapse and lose to the Rams at home and the Browns on New Years (though even that game could be a throw away).I do think that if they are healthy they will play but if they are GTD then the outcomes of the other games will come into play. The Steelers Super Bowl hopes rest squarely on Ben Roethlisberger. If he is out the Steelers are one & done in the playoffs.

I just don't think you risk an immobile Ben behind a shakey offensive line against one of the NFL's top defenses. On the other hand if Baltimore loses then the Steelers have a chance to at the #1 or #2 seed and in that case I think the risk is worth it.

Just my

OK-I misinterpreted what you posted. I thought you were implying that if one of the other teams in WC contention lost (thus Pitt clinching a playoff spot) that they would "rest" those guys.I still don't agree that they will "rest" these guys if Bal beats SD, because if Balt has a hiccup in week 16/17, the Steelers could win the division (its not likely that Balt will lose in 16/17, but it could happen). If the Steelers lose on MNF, then they need Balt to lose BOTH week 16 AND 17, which is even less likely.

I agree. I don't think the rest them if they are healthy but if they GTD and have already clinched and the Ravens beat the Chargers then I am guessing they would err on the side of caution. The Ravens play the Bengals week 17 so maybe not...

 

[silentmark]

BENCH.

 

[xfactor99]

It is beginning to become apparent that SF will be an offensively challenged one-and-done playoff team, imo, particularly with a knicked up Frank Gore.I predict Ben rips the top off the SF defense in the first half with bombs to Milli Vanilli (Brown & Wallace). I would expect 1.5 TDs and about 65 yards from Mendy, and yes I'm aware that SF is stout against the run. Basically, I'm kicking dirt on San Fran.

Well Mendenhall did get 64, so you were somewhat close on one prediction.

 

[doowain]

He hasn't been a stud all year. Even against not #1 rush defenses. Do you really want to rely on him for your fantasy playoff life? Only start him if you have zero other options. I'd start Pierre Thomas/Ryan Grant/CJ Spiller over him easily.

Spiller and/or a WR (andre johnson if he plays) are coincidentally who i'm debating him for

Hope you went Spiller.

 

[unckeyherb]

I benched him for Tate, which could have toasted me. As it were, I survived and am now licking my chops at the prospect of Mendenhall going against a St. Louis defense that is letting up an average of 25 RB points per week in my league's scoring.