Teams on bye: San Diego ChargersAFC East
Buffalo — Don’t expect rookie RB Travis Henry to play, and if he does,
don’t expect it to be for very long. Shawn Bryson should shoulder the load and
could have a big day against a Dolphins defense that hasn’t done well against the run
since the loss of DT Daryl Gardener. … In the last meeting between
these teams, the Bills mustered up 422 yards of total offense.
Indianapolis — This might be a good week to sit RB Dominic Rhodes, as the
Broncos’ defense has been very stout against the run of late. In five of its last
seven games, Denver has held teams under 100 rushing yards. … QB Peyton Manning
is still hit and miss, though Manning has done marginally better in home games, posting a
14-12 TD-interception ratio in the RCA Dome, compared to a 10-10 ratio on the road.
Miami — RB Travis Minor, who should see a significant amount of touches
this week, had his best rushing day of the year against the Bills in Week 11, when he
rushed for 38 yards on eight carries. Minor probably won’t carry more than 20 times
in the game, but he will have a greater role than he had in previous outings. … MLB Zach
Thomas is expected to rough it this week with a shoulder injury and play, but if he
does not, Miami’s defense becomes even more of a sieve against the run than they were
after the loss of DT Daryl Gardener. Thomas was the unit’s saving grace and
losing him would lead to its demise.
New England — The Patriots are fighting to win the AFC East and a first-round bye
in the playoffs, so don’t expect them to take the Panthers too lightly. RB Antowain
Smith is an automatic start the way he’s played down the stretch, and you should
consider starting QB Tom Brady and WRs Troy Brown and David Patten,
as the Panthers’ defense has given up an average of 30.0 points per game in the past
four games.
N.Y. Jets — RB Curtis Martin is an absolute must-start for the Jets this
week against the Raiders, who have been unable to stop the run much all season. … QB Vinny
Testaverde’s numbers have gotten progressively worse as the offense has been
opened up down the stretch, and he probably isn’t the best option to start at
quarterback. … Since Week Seven, Wayne Chrebet is averaging 5.1 catches and
63.0 yards per game. But Chrebet has still only hit paydirt one time this year, making his
WR mate, Laveranues Coles, a better option in fantasy leagues. The problem is,
Coles hasn’t scored in four weeks.
AFC Central
Baltimore — Even though RB Jason Brookins is fully recovered from the
broken foot that has kept him out of the lineup the last month or so, we hear he is
expected to get only a limited number of touches this Monday night vs. the Vikes in a game
that could be crucial for the Ravens in order to make the playoffs or, if the Jets or
Seattle loses Sunday, just a tuneup for the playoffs. Look for RB Terry Allen, who
has run pretty effectively since returning from his broken hand, to get most of the
carries vs. Minnesota. Also, look for QB Elvis Grbac to direct a more conservative
attack that minimizes the chances of him throwing interceptions. … TE Shannon
Sharpe is listed as probable with a knee injury. A key fantasy weapon could be fellow
TE Todd Heap, who is becoming a more frequent red-zone target. Once in each of the
past two games, Grbac has tried to hit Heap in the endzone, which shows that he has a lot
of confidence in the Ravens’ first-round pick.
Cincinnati — The Bengals’ WR corps had a record-setting day against the
Steelers in Week 17 and will be facing a Tennessee pass defense ranked last in the league.
Peter Warrick and Darnay Scott could be viable options in larger leagues.
… RB Corey Dillon said Wednesday that the injured pinky finger on his right
hand is still giving him trouble, but he doesn’t expect it to keep him out of the
season finale.
Cleveland — Your only viable option among the Browns wide receivers in Kevin
Johnson, as the other members of the WR corps have largely been disappointments this
year. … Jamel White had been fairly impressive since taking over the starting
job, rushing for 131 yards in Week 15 and then scoring two TDs in Week 16. But he faces a
scary Steelers defense this week, which could limit his production.
Jacksonville — RB Stacey Mack is a good option based on his recent string
of 100-yard games. He has topped the century mark in three straight games. With Fred
Taylor still on the sideline, Mack has made the most of his opportunities of late.
However, he will be facing a tough Bears run defense in Week 17.
Pittsburgh — The status of RB Jerome Bettis was still up in the air at the
time of this posting. Even if Bettis plays, however, he’ll probably be quite limited
and won’t play the entire game. In fact, Steelers head coach Bill Cowher will
probably pull his starters if this week’s game vs. the Browns gets out of hand to
rest them for the playoffs. … OLB Joey Porter and RB Amos Zereoue are
expected out to rest their shoulder injuries.
Tennessee — The Titans expect Steve McNair to return to Nashville today
after the quarterback spent all week in Mississippi following the death of his
father-in-law. Missing all that practice time is a concern for head coach Jeff Fisher.
"This is going to be a challenge for Steve because he missed the last two days
completely," Fisher said. "We’ve been faxing information back and forth and
the plan back and forth, and we have to get him caught up. Hopefully, he is able to
practice (today) and get in the plan quickly and have success on the field."
AFC West
Denver — QB Brian Griese probably deserves consideration for a start this
week despite the WR woes in Denver. He’s facing a Colts defense that has had its fair
share of trouble stopping anyone, and he had no lingering effects from his concussion last
week. … The 28th-ranked run defense that awaits in Indianapolis means RB Terrell
Davis should be in most starting lineups as well.
Kansas City — If you’re in desperate need of help at the WR position, believe
it or not, Eddie Kennison could be a viable option. Kennison has made his presence
felt in his short time in Kansas City and has made three catches of 40 yards or more in
three-plus games with the Chiefs. His speed also has opened things up underneath for TE Tony
Gonzalez, whose subtle remarks about not getting the ball enough seemed to help his
production last week.
Oakland — Keep and eye on WR Jerry Rice’s status for this week’s
game. He flew home to Mississippi earlier this week to be with his ill father, and he
wasn’t expected to return to the team until today at the very earliest. … The
Raiders were busy trying out kickers this week in case Sebastian Janikowski’s
foot infection doesn’t heal in time for him to take the field. They signed Brad
Daluiso late Thursday in case Janikowski is unable to kick vs. the Jets. …
QB Rich Gannon has thrown an astonishing 99 passes in the last two weeks.
San Diego — bye week
Seattle — QB Trent Dilfer was given the starting nod for the final game,
which could mean more receiving yardage and downfield potential for WR Darrell Jackson.
NFC East
Arizona — The Cardinals are looking to get RB Thomas Jones a little more
involved. He had 16 carries for 69 yards last week. That’s his highest total of
carries since Week One, and it’s his highest yardage total of the season. While, Michael
Pittman will continue to play a large role in the offense, Jones could get extra
carries this week vs. the Redskins.
Dallas — Start Emmitt Smith this week vs. the Lions. Not only are the Lions
struggling defensively, but Smith enters this game very motivated. He needs just 56 yards
to reach 1,000 for the season — which would be the 11th consecutive time
he’s accomplished that feat.
N.Y. Giants — RB Ron Dayne has quieted some of his critics with a couple of
decent performances in recent weeks. While Tiki Barber remains the focal
point of the offense, Dayne will likely get additional touches this week vs. the Packers.
Philadelphia — It would be wise to bench any Eagles starter, as the team is
expected to sit most of its top players very early into the game vs. the Buccaneers.
Because the Eagles will face the Buccaneers the following week in the wild-card round,
Philly doesn’t want to expose players to injury or show too much of its offense in
what is essentially a meaningless game.
Washington — Be careful with RB Stephen Davis this week. He is listed as
questionable with a knee injury, and Marty Schottenheimer isn’t inclined to put a
player on the field unless he’s close to 100 percent healthy. The coach doesn’t
want to risk further injuring a star player in a game that has little importance. Last
week, Schottenheimer didn’t allow LB LaVar Arrington to play because
of a knee injury, despite the player lobbying to get on the field.
NFC Central
Chicago — If WR Dez White can’t go Sunday because of his hamstring
injury, look for D’Wayne Bates to continue to see playing time. Last week at
Detroit, Bates caught four passes for 107 yards and a touchdown in White’s place.
Though Bates dropped what would have been a sure touchdown, he made some tough grabs and
looked like he’d been playing all along. The Bears have confidence in Bates, and
he’s prepared himself every week. Even if White does play, Bates likely would take
some playing time away in three-WR sets. White is listed as questionable on the
Bears’ injury report.
Detroit — QB Mike McMahon threw some this week for the first time since
spraining his foot Dec. 23, but he’s listed as doubtful on the injury report and is
unlikely to play Sunday vs. Dallas. That would mean another start for Ty Detmer,
who threw for 303 yards and was intercepted twice last week vs. Chicago. Detmer’s
leading receiver was FB Cory Schlesinger, who caught 11 passes. RB James Stewart
has a slightly better chance to return if his sprained ankle continues to recover. Stewart
suffered his injury the same day McMahon did his. Without Stewart last week, Lamont
Warren carried a team-high six times for 19 yards.
Green Bay — Frustrated with the Packers’ wide receivers? You should be, for
none have had "breakout" fantasy games. None of the team’s top three
wideouts — Antonio Freeman, Bill Schroeder and Corey Bradford
— have caught more than one TD pass in a game all season. And in the last four weeks,
only Schroeder has caught more than four passes in a game. The Packers apparently have
been a bit nervous as well. This week they studied tape of former Falcons WR Tony
Martin, who was recently released. But for the time being, Green Bay will stick with
the status quo, as frustrating as it has been.
Minnesota — WR Cris Carter could miss Monday night’s game at Baltimore
with a rib injury. Carter is listed as probable on the team’s injury report, but he
did not practice Thursday. The injury occurred Dec. 23 and worsened last week at Green
Bay. If Carter can’t go or is limited, look for Jake Reed to see
more playing time. … QB Spergon Wynn will make his second consecutive start
this week. Todd Bouman practiced little Thursday because of his injured right
thumb, and Daunte Culpepper is still unavailable because of a knee injury. …
Some team observers believe RB Michael Bennett ran better last week than he had all
year. He could do some damage to a Ravens defense that hasn’t been the same lately.
Tampa Bay — PK Martin Gramatica kicked Thursday in awful conditions and
came away smiling. He kicked 15 field goals and missed "a few" but felt
"great." Gramatica said he would love to kick Sunday vs. Philadelphia but
understands why the coaches might rest him for another week. After all, the game means
nothing. Gramatica is listed as questionable on the team’s injury report. … Head
coach Tony Dungy said RB Warrick Dunn isn’t definitely out this week, but the
team is leaning that way. Dunn is listed as doubtful with turf toe … Dungy also said
backup QB Shaun King will see "significant" playing time in place of Brad
Johnson, "maybe a half, maybe more."
NFC West
Atlanta — QB Michael Vick, coming off a breakthrough performance in relief
of the injured Chris Chandler (elbow) in last Sunday’s loss to Miami, will
make his second career start vs. the stingy Rams defense. Vick was outstanding both
throwing and running and should be considered a strong fantasy possibility (9.7-yard
rushing average per carry). With Tony Martin having been released earlier in the
week, Shawn Jefferson will start at split end in his place. Terance Mathis,
who needs one reception for his eighth consecutive 50-catch campaign, starts at flanker,
with Brian Finneran (foot — probable) expected to see increased action in
three-WR formations. … TE Reggie Kelly (ribs) is doubtful, which could make
TEs Alge Crumpler and Brian Kozlowski bigger factors. … FB Bob
Christian (knee/foot) is listed as probable.
Carolina — So why should you stay away from the Panthers if at all possible from a
fantasy perspective? Let us count the ways. Already ranked last in the league in total
offense, the Panthers will be missing three of their major receiving weapons — TE Wesley
Walls (knee sprain) and WRs Muhsin Muhammad (turf toe) and Isaac Byrd
(concussion). Donald Hayes (probable — ankle) and Patrick Jeffers are
expected to be the starters vs. Carolina, with Jim Turner a good bet to be signed
off the practice squad before game time. … Making matters worse for the Panthers will
be a Patriots defense that is well-rested (coming off a bye) and has also allowed just one
TD in the last 15 quarters. … In addition, a winter storm is making its presence felt
in Carolina, with freezing rain and or snow predicted on Sunday. Considering the weather,
both team’s running attacks could see more action, which means Panthers RB Richard
Huntley (12 carries for 62 yards last Sunday vs. Arizona) will probably get some
decent opportunities.
New Orleans — While the Saints don’t have any injuries of note, their psyches
are a mess after two horrendous losses to Tampa Bay and Washington. RB Ricky Williams
— who hasn’t been a factor for weeks because his team has fallen so far behind,
thereby negating New Orleans’ ground game — could have some success vs. a 49ers
defense that gave up 186 yards rushing to Dallas last week. Williams has 427 yards from
scrimmage in three games vs. the 49ers. QB Aaron Brooks, coming off an awful,
three-interception outing vs. Washington, needs 287 yards passing for the first 4,000-yard
season in team history. … WR Joe Horn has 21 catches for 383 yards in the last
three meetings with the 49ers. … WR Willie Jackson needs 15 yards receiving
for his first career 1,000-yard campaign. Horn and Williams can become the first pair of
WRs in Saints history to amass 1,000 yards each in the same season.
San Francisco — The Niners will be hoping to get their offense back on track after
gaining only 213 yards in their loss to Dallas last Sunday. The Niners are expected to
continue emphasizing a ground-oriented, smashmouth attack vs. New Orleans, but they may
reconsider, taking into account the Saints’ extremely banged-up secondary. A key
factor for the 49ers’ ground game is the condition of FB Fred Beasley (broken
hand), who has been downgraded to questionable. Beasley’s lead blocking is an
underrated key this season to the Niners’ rushing success, and the Niners had
problems vs. Dallas when he was forced to leave the game early. … WR Terrell Owens,
who continues to lead the NFL with 14 TD catches, has eight TDs in his last seven games
vs. the Saints. He needs seven catches for a career high. QB Jeff Garcia had four
TD passes vs. the Saints in their game earlier this year. He needs two TD passes for
consecutive 30-TD seasons. TE Eric Johnson (foot) didn’t practice Thursday but
is still listed as probable for Sunday.
St. Louis — A real interesting fantasy factor for the Rams will be the outcome of
the Jaguars-Bears game on noon Sunday, which the Rams will be aware of by the time they
kick off at 3:05 CST vs. the Falcons. If Jacksonville beats the Bears, the Rams will
clinch the home-field advantage throughout the playoffs before the Falcons game and could
decide to rest a lot of key players. Fantasy lineups will have been handed in before the
games start Sunday, however, so just hope that you guess right. The Rams still have a lot
to play for on Sunday besides the home-field edge, though. RB Marshall Faulk needs
79 yards from scrimmage for his fourth consecutive 2,000-yard season from the line of
scrimmage. … QB Kurt Warner needs 197 yards passing for the third-best season
in NFL history and 253 for the second. The Rams have dominated Atlanta in recent games,
outscoring the Falcons 197-75 in the last five meetings. |
