LestersLegends.com

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Here are the Lester’s Legends kicker rankings for the Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs.
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1. Stephen Gostkowski, New England Patriots
Gostkowski led the NFL in scoring with 29 field goals and 66 extra points. The Houston Texans allowed 21 field goals and 38 extra points.
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2. Shayne Graham, Houston Texans
The Texans have been moving the chains, but have had their drives stall. Graham has 14 field goals in his past four games. Early on against the Patriots, I expect that trend to continue. New England allowed 21 field goals and 38 extra points.
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3. Matt Prater, Denver Broncos
Prater finished with 26 field goals and 55 extra points. The Baltimore Ravens allowed a league-high 37 field goals and 31 extra points.
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4. Justin Tucker, Baltimore Ravens
Tucker finished with 30 field goals and 42 extra points. The Broncos allowed 22 field goals and 29 extra points.
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5. Ryan Longwell, Seattle Seahawks
I like the situation Longwell finds himself in. He could be a little rusty, but Seattle should give him scoring chances.
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6. Matt Bryant, Atlanta Falcons
Bryant was third in the league in scoring with 33 field goals and 44 extra points. The Seahawks allowd 23 field goals and 24 extra points. Their defense allowed the fewest points in the league. Bryant is riskier than usual.
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7. David Akers, San Francisco 49ers
Akers missed 13 field goals this year. Billy Cundiff was brought in so there is a chance that Akers doesn’t kick this weekend.
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8. Mason Crosby, Green Bay Packers
Crosby has had his issues, missing a dozen field goals on the year. He has been solid of late, but he is a slight risk. The 49ers allowed 22 field goals and 27 extra points.
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Also check out:

• 2012-13 Divisional Round Fantasy Football QB Rankings
• 2012-13 Divisional Round Fantasy Football RB Rankings
• 2012-13 Divisional Round Fantasy Football WR Rankings
• 2012-13 Divisional Round Fantasy Football TE Rankings
• 2012-13 Divisional Round Fantasy Football DEF Rankings
• 2012-13 NFL Divisional Round Picks
• 2013 NFL Mock Draft: Top Ten Picks

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Here are the Lester’s Legends team defense rankings for the Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs.
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1. Denver Broncos
The Broncos ranked second in total defense and fourth in scoring defense. The Baltimore Ravens rank near the bottom among the remaining teams in both total offense and scoring offense. Von Miller and Elvis Dumervil combined for 29.5 sacks.
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2. Green Bay Packers
The Packers just have that feel to me of a team that is getting better at the right time. Now that Clay Matthews and Charles Woodson are back, they should be better defensively than they were for most of the year. They still managed to finish 11th in the league in both total defense and scoring defense. The San Francisco 49ers are near the bottom among the remaining playoff teams in total offense and scoring offense.
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3. Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks led the league in scoring defense and finished fourth in total defense. They have allowed 17 or fewer points in their past six games. Atlanta can score in bunches, but they could also be flat after a bye and a meaningless Week 17 game.
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4. New England Patriots
The Patriots give up their share of yards, but they buckle down and keep the scoring down. Their strength on defense is stopping the run. That, and the fact that their offense will likely force Houston to rely more on the pass than they want to, works into New England’s favor. Houston is a run-first team.
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5. Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons have to prove they are over the playoff hump before I buy into them. Seattle is on fire and Russell Wilson doesn’t seem to get rattled.
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6. San Francisco 49ers
Aaron Rodgers has all of his weapons healthy. They are also getting some production from the running game. This is a scary team to face defensively.
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7. Baltimore Ravens
Ray Lewis’ return was a nice story, but Peyton Manning’s comeback season has been even more compelling. The Broncos ranked fourth in total offense and second in scoring offense. Baltimore ranks near the bottom among the remaining teams in both total defense and scoring defense.
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8. Houston Texans
The Texans took a step back in pass defense towards the end of the season. Not a good thing when you’re facing Tom Brady with his full arsenal. The Pats led the league in total offense and scoring offense.
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Also check out:

• 2012-13 Divisional Round Fantasy Football QB Rankings
• 2012-13 Divisional Round Fantasy Football RB Rankings
• 2012-13 Divisional Round Fantasy Football WR Rankings
• 2012-13 Divisional Round Fantasy Football TE Rankings
• 2012-13 Divisional Round Fantasy Football K Rankings
• 2012-13 NFL Divisional Round Picks
• 2013 NFL Mock Draft: Top Ten Picks

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Here are the Lester’s Legends wide receiver rankings for the Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs.
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1. Demaryius Thomas, Denver Broncos
Thomas finished with 1434 yards and 10 touchdowns. The way Peyton Manning is playing, coupled with Thomas’ athleticism, will make him tough for the Baltimore Ravens to contain. Thomas finished the year with back-to-back 100-yard, one touchdown games.
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2. Andre Johnson, Houston Texans
The Patriots have the worst pass defense of all the remaining playoff teams. In fact, they ranked 29th against the pass this year. Johnson finished second in the league with 1598 receiving yards. He had 95 yards in the first meeting with the Patriots.
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3. Julio Jones, Atlanta Falcons
For whatever reason Julio Jones has been a much better road play. The Seattle Seahawks have a strong pass defense. Still, Julio is such a talent. He scored four touchdowns during Weeks 14-16 as Atlanta was locking up the number one seed.
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4. Eric Decker, Denver Broncos
Decker scored 13 touchdowns this year, including five in the final three games of the year. He’s also locked in with Peyton Manning.
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5. Wes Welker, New England Patriots
Welker scored in the final two games of the year. With Rob Gronkowski back, teams can’t key in on Welker. He doesn’t score a lot of touchdowns so his ceiling isn’t high, but with the targets he receives, his floor isn’t low.
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6. Greg Jennings, Green Bay Packers
The Packers are as tough on defenses as they are on fantasy owners. They have so many good options at wide receiver that it’s hard to zero in on one for your fantasy playoff challenge. Jennings has been Aaron Rodgers favorite target of late.
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7. Roddy White, Atlanta Falcons
White had another strong year with 1351 yards and seven touchdowns. Unlike Julio, White finished with consistent home and road splits.
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8. Michael Crabtree, San Francisco 49ers
Crabtree quietly posted 1105 yards and nine touchdowns. He had four touchdowns in his last three games and dropped a ridiculous 172 yards against the Arizona Cardinals in the season finale. Crabtree had 76 yards against the Packers. Colin Kaepernick leans heavily on Crabtree.
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9. Jordy Nelson, Green Bay Packers
Jordy is another one of Rodgers’ favorites. He is sneaky quick and can take it to the house from anywhere.
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10. James Jones, Green Bay Packers
Jones led the NFL with 14 touchdown catches. Rodgers spreads the ball around a ton, but Jones is definitely on his radar.
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11. Randall Cobb, Green Bay Packers
Cobb is as dynamic a player as there is in the league. He had 77 yards in the first meeting with the San Francisco 49ers. He should be closer to full strength (ankle) and a bigger part of the game plan. I still like the other options better.
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12. Brandon Lloyd, New England Patriots
Lloyd had 89 yards and a touchdown in the first meeting with Houston. He could lose out with Gronk, Welker, and Aaron Hernandez getting a heavy dose of targets.
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13. Anquan Boldin, Baltimore Ravens
Boldin had a monster Wild Card game (145 yards, touchdown), but the Broncos will be a tougher challenge.
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14. Torrey Smith, Baltimore Ravens
Smith is so hit or miss. He could put up a monster game, but he’s equally likely to lay an egg against the Broncos.
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15. Golden Tate, Seattle Seahawks
Tate is also hit or miss, but if a Seattle receiver is going to have a nice game against Atlanta, it’s likely Tate.
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Also check out:

• 2012-13 Divisional Round Fantasy Football QB Rankings
• 2012-13 Divisional Round Fantasy Football RB Rankings
• 2012-13 Divisional Round Fantasy Football TE Rankings
• 2012-13 Divisional Round Fantasy Football DEF Rankings
• 2012-13 Divisional Round Fantasy Football K Rankings
• 2012-13 NFL Divisional Round Picks
• 2013 NFL Mock Draft: Top Ten Picks

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Here are the Lester’s Legends running back rankings for the Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs.
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1. Marshawn Lynch, Seattle Seahawks
The Atlanta Falcons had the worst run defense of all the remaining playoff teams. They gave up 123.2 yards and a touchdown per game on the ground. Beast Mode has averaged 123 total yards with eight touchdowns in his past six games.
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2. Arian Foster, Houston Texans
Foster has averaged 170 total yards with four touchdowns in his three career playoff games. Foster was “held” to 85 total yards in the first meeting with the New England Patriots, but he scored a touchdown.
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3. Ray Rice, Baltimore Ravens
The Denver Broncos have the third-rank run defense, but Ray Rice is more versatile than most backs. If you slow him in the running game, he can still get his in the passing game.
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4. Knowshon Moreno, Denver Broncos
Moreno averaged 110.8 with three touchdowns in the six games in which he assumed the starting gig. The Ravens ranked 20th in run defense, allowing 122.8 yards per game and 15 rushing scores.
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5. Frank Gore, San Francisco 49ers
The Green Bay Packers had the 17th-ranked run defense, but if you take away Adrian Peterson’s dominance, they were a little more respectable. Gore had a solid season and with Colin Kaepernick making his first playoff start, the Niners will likely lean on the veteran running back.
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6. Stevan Ridley, New England Patriots
Ridley had 72 yards and a touchdown in Week 14 against the Texans, but that was one of five rushing scores allowed for the league’s seventh-ranked run defense.
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7. Michael Turner, Atlanta Falcons
Turner scored 11 touchdowns this year, but he is all or nothing. If he doesn’t get in the end zone, he doesn’t provide enough yardage to make up for it. I particularly don’t like him against the Seahawks.
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8. DuJuan Harris, Green Bay Packers
Harris scored, but only averaged 2.8 yards per carry. Ryan Grant took seven carries away and John Kuhn had a short touchdown run to go along with his short touchdown pass. Harris is the most reliable play among the Packers’ running backs, but I’d go elsewhere.
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Also check out:

• 2012-13 Divisional Round Fantasy Football QB Rankings
• 2012-13 Divisional Round Fantasy Football WR Rankings
• 2012-13 Divisional Round Fantasy Football TE Rankings
• 2012-13 Divisional Round Fantasy Football DEF Rankings
• 2012-13 Divisional Round Fantasy Football K Rankings
• 2012-13 NFL Divisional Round Picks
• 2013 NFL Mock Draft: Top Ten Picks

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Here are the Lester’s Legends quarterback rankings for the Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs.
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1. Tom Brady, New England Patriots
The Houston Texans kept Andy Dalton in check, but Brady is a different animal. He torched them for 296 yards and four touchdowns in Week 14. He won’t be quite that productive, but he’s certainly capable of putting up a monster game, especially with Rob Gronkowski in his arsenal this time around.
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2. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers
Rodgers is playing at as high of a level as any quarterback has ever played. He is the career leader in passer rating in both the regular season and the postseason. The San Francisco 49ers are a tall order, but with his full assortment of weapons, Rodgers is as deadly as they come.
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3. Peyton Manning, Denver Broncos
Manning had a couple of slow games in Weeks 14 and 15, but ramped back up with 300-plus yards three touchdown passes in each of the final two games. One of the slow games was against the Baltimore Ravens (Week 15), but the Broncos were aided by a defensive touchdown and a strong ground game as they jumped out to a big, early lead. I expect the Ravens to put up more of a fight this time around, which will mean a heavier dose of Manning.
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4. Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks
Wilson is the last rookie standing after RGIII and Andrew Luck exited stage right. He is averaging 54.8 rushing yards in his past six games, including 67 yards last week against the Washington Redskins. He has thrown just two interceptions in his past nine games while tossing 17 touchdowns.
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5. Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons
Ryan, like Peyton, had a small dip in production prior to a strong finish (disregarding Week 17 when the Falcons were coasting). The Seahawks are on fire, but they did look vulnerable early in last week’s Wild Card win over the Redskins.
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6. Matt Schaub, Houston Texans
Schaub is inconsistent, but has a favorable matchup against the Patriots secondary. I expect the Patriots to put up points, which will mean Schaub will have to throw plenty. He can do some damage against that secondary.
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7. Joe Flacco, Baltimore Ravens
Flacco is the Rodney Dangerfield of NFL quarterbacks. He gets no respect. All he does is win at least one playoff game every year. That said, I don’t love him as a QB option against a tough Broncos team.
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8. Colin Kaepernick, San Francisco 49ers
The Packers had a little difficulty dealing with Joe Webb’s running ability last week until he proved that he could not pass the ball. Kaepernick has the ability to run the ball, but unlike Webb, he can actually beat you with his arm too. I fear that the stage will be a little intimidating
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Also check out:

• 2012-13 Divisional Round Fantasy Football RB Rankings
• 2012-13 Divisional Round Fantasy Football WR Rankings
• 2012-13 Divisional Round Fantasy Football TE Rankings
• 2012-13 Divisional Round Fantasy Football DEF Rankings
• 2012-13 Divisional Round Fantasy Football K Rankings
• 2012-13 NFL Divisional Round Picks
• 2013 NFL Mock Draft:  Top Ten Picks

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Here are the Lester’s Legends tight end rankings for the Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs.
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1.  Rob Gronkowski vs. Denver Broncos:  Just got finished having the best season a tight end has even had in NFL history.
2.  Jimmy Graham @ San Francisco 49ers:  Graham is darn close to Gronk, and that is saying a ton. Almost always leads the Saints in targets. When Brees is looking for you that frequently, particularly in the red zone, you’re a great bet.
3.  Aaron Hernandez vs.  Denver Broncos:  Picked apart Denver for nine catches for 129 yards and a score last time. With as much attention as Gronk and Welker get, Hernandez could be the poison that Denver picks.
4. Vernon Davis vs. New Orleans Saints:  Averaged 81.3 yards in his past three games. The Niners are going to have to air it out more than usual against the Saints.
5.   Jermichael Finley @ New York Giants:  His speed and size make him a tough cover.
6.  Jake Ballard vs. Green Bay Packers:  He didn’t do much (two catches, 16 yards), but he’s healthy. He had three catches for 47 yards in the first meeting with Green Bay.
7.  Ed Dickson vs. Houston:  Just a hunch, but Dennis Pitta was the guy in Week 17 so it’s Dickson’s turn.
8.  Joel Dreessen @ Baltimore:  With Owen Daniels suffering a broken hand last week I would roll with Dreessen given the choice between the Texans’ TEs. I don’t really like either as Joel didn’t catch a pass last week.
9.  Daniel Fells @ New England:  Had 57 yards last week, but is not a huge part of the game plan other than blocking.
10.  Owen Daniels @ Baltimore:  He’s going to try to play through the broken hand, but that concerns me too much to even consider using Daniels.
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Also check out:

• Divisional Round Fantasy Football QB Rankings
• Divisional Round Fantasy Football RB Rankings
• Divisional Round Fantasy Football WR Rankings
• Divisional Round Fantasy Football DEF Rankings
• Divisional Round Fantasy Football K Rankings
• Divisional Round NFL Picks

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Here are the Lester’s Legends team defense rankings for the Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs.
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1.  Baltimore Ravens vs. Houston:  The only match-up of the four that I can see both teams staying under 30 points. I give the Ravens the edge because they are playing at home and have more experience. The Ravens ranked third in yards (288.9) and points (16.6) allowed per game.
2.  Houston Texans @ Baltimore Ravens:  Houston is no pushover on defense either. They ranked second in yards (285.7) and fourth in points (17.4) allowed.
3. New England Patriots vs. Denver Broncos: Tebow is coming off a brilliant game, but the Broncos have the lowest scoring offense (19.3 pgg) of the remaining teams. Belichick saw Tebow once so look for a better game plan this time.
4. New Orleans Saints @ San Francisco 49ers: The Niners racked up the least amount of yards (310.9 ypg) of any of the playoffs teams. If their defense can’t slow up Drew Brees they could be forced out of their comfort zone.
5. Green Bay Packers vs. New York Giants: Eli is playing unbelievable football right now, and he isn’t afraid to play on the road. It’s a coin toss between the Packers’ D and the Giants’ D, but I’ll give the Pack the edge because they are playing at home and they force so many turnovers.
6. New York Giants @ Green Bay Packers: I wouldn’t be surprised if the Giants pulled off the upset. They are as hot as anyone right now. Their defensive line is a force to be reckoned with. Ultimately I think Rodgers will end up picking their secondary apart.
7. San Francisco 49ers vs. New Orleans Saints: I love the Niners’ defense, but not this week. The Saints are on a roll and I just don’t think they can be slowed down. This is a battle of the second-highest scoring team against the second-lowest scoring allowed team. I think the irresistible force overtakes the immovable object in this one.
8. Denver Broncos @ New England Patriots: The Broncos have a rock solid defense and they have the ingredient (pass rush) that presents the biggest challenge to New England. In the end, I think Brady’s methodical style will be too much. You simply can’t slow down Welker, Gronk, and Hernandez.
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Also check out:

• Divisional Round Fantasy Football QB Rankings
• Divisional Round Fantasy Football RB Rankings
• Divisional Round Fantasy Football WR Rankings
• Divisional Round Fantasy Football TE Rankings
• Divisional Round Fantasy Football K Rankings
• Divisional Round NFL Picks