We've hit Week 13 of the 2012 NFL season, and that means this is it. The end of the line. The final stanza. This week brings with it the end of the regular season in many IDP leagues, meaning that for any number of fantasy owners this week's game is a must-win if they want to advance to the playoffs.
Rather than go over last week's recommendations (which, as usual, contained both hits and misses) I'm going to offer a little unsolicited advice. Even if you've been eliminated from postseason contention please be sure to make every effort to win this week just as you would any other. It's not fair to your league mates to roll over and quit, as you could be throwing the competitive balance of the league out of whack or screwing a team out of a playoff spot.
Now that I've finished with my sermon it's time for another week of IDP Studs and Duds, where I'll point out some Individual Defensive Players who could be set to exceed expectations this week (Studs) and some that for whatever reason are riskier plays than usual (Duds).
That isn't necessarily to say that every "Stud" is a must-start (it depends on your other options) or that every "Dud" should be glued to your bench (just that the odds of a letdown week are greater than usual).
Finally, before we get on with the show, if you have a specific IDP Start/Sit question you'd like my take on you can e-mail me at askgary@fantasysharks.com or post the question in the " Kilroy Krystal Ball " thread in the Fantasy Sharks IDP Forum. I can't promise I'll get to every question, but I'll do the best I can.
STUDS
Jared Allen -- DE, Minnesota Vikings (at GB): Allen has had an off season in 2012, with only seven sacks this year after tallying 22 in 2011, but the stage is set for the ninth-year veteran to rebound this week against a Green Bay Packers team giving up the second-most fantasy points per game to defensive lineman this year.
Derrick Morgan -- DE, Tennessee Titans (vs. HOU): Despite only having 2.5 sacks on the season Morgan's relatively high tackle numbers have kept him among the top 20 fantasy options at his position this year, and there's little reason to think that won't continue Sunday against the Houston Texans in a very favorable IDP matchup.
Muhammad Wilkerson -- DE. New York Jets (vs. ARI): 3-4 defensive ends that are IDP relevant are more exception than norm, but Wilkerson has an excellent shot at bucking that trend this week against a terrible Arizona Cardinals offensive line that has allowed ...