Fantasy Friday: Week 17
PITTSBURGH (93-7 THE FAN) -- Most fantasy leagues wrapped up last week, but we didn't forget those who still have 1 week to go. Here is this week's Championship Preview.
The biggest thing to look for in 17 week leagues is to make sure you are playing guys that actually have something to play for in the final week of the regular season. You don't want to trust players and their coaches when nothing is on the line.
Here are my stars and duds for week 17.
Quarterbacks To Play:
It sure takes some guts do this, but I love the rookie QB trio this week. All have something to play for and all have been playing lights out and will be taking their game to the playoffs as rookies.
Robert Griffin III: The Redskins are playing with a chance to win their 1st division title since 1999 and are going to need RG3 to be playing on all cylinders to do it. The Cowboys have been hot, but they have been winning shootouts, not defensive battles. Sunday should be more of the same with Griffin leading that offensive charge for the 'Skins.
Andrew Luck: The Colts aren't playing for anything in the standings, but you can bet they are playing for Chuck Pagano. Plus, Luck has something to prove. Just 2 weeks ago the Texans shutdown the Colts and jumped out to a big 1st half lead. The Colts became 1 dimensional and could never come all the way back. The bright spot was the play of Luck after they were already down 20-3. Luck plays better at home and should be able to build on his second half performance two weeks ago.
Russell Wilson: Wilson has been the best of the bunch in the past month and with him going up against the terrible Rams defense he should once again have a huge week. The Seahawks have to win to have a chance at the NFC West title, so you can be sure that Wilson is playing the entire game too.
Quarterbacks to Bench:
Matt Schaub, Matt Ryan, Andy Dalton:
There is no reason for these QB's to play the whole 60 minutes for their teams on Sunday. For that reason alone I would stay away from them all.
Aaron Rodgers: He also doesn't have much to play for, more than the other 3 I listed, but if you have a quality back-up behind Rodgers you are going to want to think long and hard about playing him on Sunday.
Running Backs to Play:
Shonn Greene: The only option that the New York Jets have anymore on offense is running the ball, and somehow, despite the Jets not having any threat as a passing team whatsoever, he has still been able to run well. In the last 3 games he has had at least 70 yards and has averaged almost 20 carries. With Sanchez back under center, expect Greene to get lots of chances to get over the 1,000 yard mark for the season, he only needs 11 more.
Frank Gore: In a must-win game for the Niners and going up against a very good pass defense in the Cardinals, Gore will be key for their success on Sunday.
Running Back to Bench:
Mikel Leshoure and Joique Bell: The Lions have played musical chairs with their back more than any other team this season and you just can't trust either player this week. Plus, you can bet that the Lions will be pass heavy Sunday to get Megatron the yards needed to reach 2,000.
Wide Receivers to Play:
Calvin Johnson: As I mentioned, you can be certain that the Lions will throw the ball as many times as needed to get Johnson over the 2,000 yard plateau. Johnson needs 108 yards to reach that mark. In the past 7 games Johnson has had double-digit targets, which has led to 69 catches.
Antonio Brown: Heath Miller is out and Mike Wallace is questionable, so Brown should get tons of chances on Sunday.
Wide Receivers to Bench:
Falcons Wide Receiving Duo: As tough as it might be, I think you have to be VERY cautious about playing either Roddy White or Julio Jones this week in a completely meaningless game for Atlanta.
That is your Fantasy Friday update for Week 17, good luck in your championship and don't forget to update your rosters.
