I need to preface this post with some words for all the leagues that play until Week 17...don't do it! Having your championship game in Week 17 is a horrible way to end your season, and a disservice to the two teams that are playing. They will now be punished for having players that are on winning teams in the NFL. But enough about this, you get the picture. The bottom line is if you're the commish in one of these leagues, change the settings for next season. And if you are a manager in one of these leagues, find a new league next season. A team shouldn't be punished for having Peyton Manning or stealing Chris Johnson in the draft.
With that said, there are still managers out there trying to win their leagues, so I'm going to do my best to help you navigate through the darkness that is Week 17. Here's the rundown of the teams and players that will or might have their fantasy values negatively affected this week.
NEW YORK GIANTS:
The Giants won't take a risk with Brandon Jacobs and his knees before this week. It's also been confirmed that David Carr will finish the game, but it's unknown at what point in the game he will come in for Eli Manning. Derrick Ward is also a tiny bit hobbled, so the best fantasy option on the Giants this week looks like Ahmad Bradshaw. All in all, you're taking a big risk starting any Giants offensive players.
ARIZONA CARDINALS:
I don't think the Cardinals can afford to rest any of their starters while they desperately need some momentum and cohesion going into the playoffs. I haven't heard anything that would suggest the Cardinals are planning on resting any of their guys. Be aware that Boldin still hasn't practiced yet, they're hoping he'll be able to play, but make sure to get confirmation before inserting him into your lineup.
TENNESSEE TITANS:
Their passing attack isn't start-worthy anyways, but Collins probably won't finish the game who knows how the time will be divided among the receivers. I don't expect to see Chris Johnson much at all this week. LenDale White will probably see the bench some too, but does present a possible start at a flex position if you need him. Otherwise avoid this offense also.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS:
The Steelers look like another team likely to rest their starters for at least part of the game. I don't expect Roethlisberger, Parker, Holmes or Ward to finish the game. Gary Russell might lead the Steelers in carries. Ward seems like a safer play over Holmes as he has been vocal about playing this week and needs 27 yards for a 1,000 yard season. Despite those facts, I don't think Ward or any other Steeler offensive players present a good option in your starting lineups.
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS:
And the Colts, the kings of resting during Week 17. Don't listen to anything Tony Dungy says about not resting his players. The only Colt playable this week might be Dallas Clark or Anthony Gonzalez, but I would strongly advise against starting even them as it wouldn't surprise me if every single offensive skill player is out of the game by the time the 2nd Quarter begins. They've already declared Dominic Rhodes a two starting LBs out for the game this week.
BALTIMORE RAVENS:
If the Patriots lose to the Bills in the morning, then the Ravens will have clinched a playoff spot before they play on Sunday. That doesn't seem that likely to me, but just know that it's a possibility that the Ravens will rest some of their players such as many of their IDPs and QB Joe Flacco and WR Derrick Mason if the Bills manage to win.
Good luck and make sure you're not in this position next year. |
 | » posted by: Fantasy Football Blog (Dunn) |
Thursday, December 25, 2008