Something To Play For
December 17, 2008 at 6:15 pm | Article by Paul Hickey |
Print This Page
| 
While it isn’t always the biggest factor during Week 16 of the NFL season (a.k.a. Fantasy Football Championship Week), it’s important to recognize which teams still have something to play for this time of year, and which teams might be benching some studs due to having already clinched their division, or simply being out of the running completely. Especially with some fantasy leagues playing through Week 17, owners need to assess the NFL Playoff picture right now to see who will be bringing their “A-Game.”
Teams like Tennessee, Pittsburgh, the New York Giants and Arizona have already clinched their respective divisions, while the 8-5 Jets, Dolphins and Patriots will be competing until the bitter end to win theirs. The Broncos, Vikings and Panthers could all also clinch their respective divisions this weekend, meaning there is plenty for all of those teams to play for.
Technically, even Tennessee and Pittsburgh, and the Giants and Panthers all have home field advantage throughout the playoffs to compete for this weekend, so you shouldn’t see anyone pull studs early. Below is a look at some guys who should absolutely play well for their squads until the bitter end, thus making solid fantasy options this week, and even into dreaded Week 17.
Chad Pennington and Ronnie Brown, Dolphins – Not only has 32 year old Chad Pennington led the Dolphins to an 8-5 record and a shot at the playoffs, after the franchise went 1-15 a season ago, but he’s thrown for six TDs in his last three games while running for one. Not to mention the fact that he plays the Chiefs’ 30th ranked pass defense in Week 16 and 29th ranked Jets defense in Week 17 – in a match-up that could decide the division. Pennington really should be in all fantasy line-ups over the next two weeks. As for Brown, the 27 year old made the Pro Bowl after tearing his ACL just 14 months prior. While he’s only rushed for 100 or more yards three times this season, he’s reached the end zone 10 times, and should do so in Week 16 against the Chiefs 30th ranked run defense, which has allowed the third most rushing TDs (22) in the league this season.
Matt Cassel, Wes Welker, Randy Moss and Kevin Faulk, Patriots – Nobody turns it up in crunch time quite like the New England Patriots, and even though they’re being led by someone other than Tom Brady this season, the man calling the signals has put up Brady-like digits of late. Matt Cassel has four games with three or more TDs in his last nine contests, including four against the Raiders in Week 15. He faces the Cardinals in Week 16, who also happened to be torched for four passing scores by Minnesota’s Tarvaris Jackson last week. Wes Welker and Randy Moss should be in all fantasy line-ups, after combining for 11 catches and three scores in Week 15. 32 year old RB Kevin Faulk is a great option over the next two weeks, especially in points per reception formats, as he’s hauled in five or more balls in each of his last four games, and four or more passes in eight games this season. Believe it or not, Faulk has 957 yards from scrimmage this season, with 54 receptions and five TDs.
Thomas Jones and Leon Washington, Jets – Thanks to a fumble recovery returned for a TD with less than two minutes left in Week 15, the Jets’ playoff hopes are alive and well as they travel to Seattle this weekend. While veteran QB Brett Favre’s numbers have been average this season, and WRs Jerricho Cotchery and Laveranues Coles have been very inconsistent, New York has relied upon the solid play of RBs Thomas Jones and Leon Washington. Both are very solid starting options against the Seahawks’ 21st ranked run defense. Look for Cotch and Coles to get back into the swing as well, as the Seahawks boast the league’s worst passing defense.
Antonio Bryant, Buccaneers – At 9-5, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are trying to hang in there and earn a playoff berth in the NFC. After back to back losses to Carolina and Atlanta, the Bucs absolutely need a win against the Chargers – who are trying to keep their slim playoff hopes alive. Bryant is quietly the NFL’s hottest receiver over the past three weeks, hauling in 20 balls for 371 yards and four TDs with two different QBs tossing him the rock. And, oh by the way, his next two games are against the Chargers’ 31st ranked pass defense and the Raiders – who have been absolutely torched via the air in their last two contests.
Matt Ryan, Michael Turner and Roddy White, Falcons – The 9-5 Falcons have overachieved all season, and want to prove that they’re not a fluke. In order to avoid being this year’s version of the Cleveland Browns, Matt Ryan and company need to overtake the Vikings and Rams. While Minnesota’s run defense ranks at the top of the league, they’re without Pro Bowler Pat Williams, which makes Michael Turner a must start. The Vikes also have the 22nd ranked passing defense in the league, which thrives on putting pressure on opposing QBs. Considering Matt Ryan has only been sacked 14 times this season, it looks like something has to give in this match-up. With the playoffs on the line for the Falcons, and the division on the line for the Vikings, some solid fantasy digits will appear in this game, making Turner, Ryan and Roddy White all solid options. Oh yeah, and if by some chance your league plays through Week 17, all three should be in line-ups against the Rams.
This article is also featured on Athlon/Grogan’s Fantasy Football, your spot for Cheat Sheets updated daily, and Fantasy tools to manage your team all year long.
Are you curious to learn more about how to play in a dynasty league, or looking for Solid 2009 Dynasty Rankings? Are you dying to strategize with other intelligent fantasy football owners? Check out our Ultimate Strategist Package.
Related posts
Loading ...
