This reader has officially motivated me.  I love August. 

QB pre-season rankings will be complete, w/ my obnoxious commentary, by Sunday before I crash. 

Stegman

...I will not participate in head to head season-long fantasy football leagues that play their Super Bowl (or any portion thereof) during Week 17.   

NFL teams that have already secured their playoff position or are mathematically eliminated treat Week 17 much like their third pre-season contest;  a time to fire up their second teamers.  This is more prevalent for teams that have locked up their playoff spots, but guys on teams that have been eliminated that are nursing knee or ankle sprains are probably riding pine by half-time (if they play at all).  Who needs 16 weeks of brutal competition to boil down to either?  No thanks.   

I’m a bit editorially hung over from seven straight months of doing NFL research, but here are a few examples from 2009 off the top of my head:

• The Colts’ starters were all riding pine by mid-way through Week 16 and most all of Week 17 (playoff spot locked)
• Most of the Saints starters only played in the first quarter of Week 17 (playoff spot locked)
• Adrian Peterson saw only nine carries in Week 17 of 2009 (game was a blowout but playoff spot was locked)
• Vincent Jackson and Ladainian Tomlinson both sat out most/all of Week 17 (playoff spot locked)
• Cedric Benson did not play in Week 17 (playoff spot locked)
• Steve Smith (Panthers) did not play Week 17 (Carolina was eliminated)

A comprehensive audit of last and previous years will reveal a ton more, but the point is, the allure of extending fantasy leagues to include an extra week is just not worth the heartbreak and frustration that will likely ensure.    

On the other hand, the emergence of weekly contests for cash has made Week 17 relevant again as the playing field is level with a weekly draft. 

With that, I’d like to take a comprehensive look at what is at stake for all 32 NFL teams and how it could potentially affect fantasy producers during the final week of the regular season.

NFC West

San Francisco 49ers – Eliminated from the playoffs – Michael Crabtree and Vernon Davis should be out there trying to pad their stats, so no real concerns, here.

St. Louis Rams – A win and they lock up a division title, with an 8-8 record, no less. 

Seattle Seahawks – They trail the Rams by a game and face them in Week 17, so plenty at stake for them.

Arizona Cardinals – Eliminated from the playoffs – Larry Fitzgerald is not nursing any significant injury and is looking to extend his record of a reception in 97 straight games intact.

NFC South

Atlanta Falcons – A win in Week 17 and they secure their first division title since 2004 and only fourth in franchise history, so they’ll be gunning in this one.

New Orleans Saints – A win and an Atlanta loss and they could win the division, but they have locked up a wild-card at worst. The good news is that both teams kick early on Sunday, so expect a full effort from the Saints.   

Tampa Bay Buccaneers – A win would keep their wild-card hopes alive, so they will be playing their studs in all four quarters.

Carolina Panthers – Eliminated from the playoffs and then some – the only fantasy consideration is Jonathan Stewart, and I expect him to be out there trying to pad his 2010 stats.

NFC North

Chicago Bears – They have won the NFC North but are neck and neck with the Eagles for that valuable two-seed, and could possibly catch Atlanta for a one-seed, in either event, can earn a 1^st round bye, so Cutler (who is surging), Forte, and Knox should be leaving it all out on the field in Lambeau this Sunday.

Green Bay Packers – A win will guarantee them a wild-card by way of their romping of the New York Giants last weekend. 

Minnesota Vikings – Eliminated from the playoffs – Adrian Peterson will be a huge question mark as he is already nursing a bruised thigh injury that kept him out of Week 15. 

Detroit Lions – Eliminated from the playoffs – The Lions have nothing to play for, but Mega-tron was out there producing in Week 17 in 2009, so just be sure to comb the injury reports before considering any Lions in Week 17.  Calvin did miss some practice time this week and is said to be a game-time decision.

NFC East

Philadelphia Eagles – They have locked up a division title, however are still competing for a first round bye, so I expect to see full participation in Week 17.

New York Giants – They are playing for their playoff lives (vs. Tampa and Green Bay) after dropping their last two, and they have a juicy fantasy match up vs. the Redskins.

Dallas Cowboys – Eliminated from the playoffs – Jason Garrett is still interviewing for the coaching slot in Dallas, so while injury could play a factor (Kitna went down in Week 16), all healthy fantasy ballers’ (Miles Austin) should be given normal consideration.

Washington Redskins – Eliminated from the playoffs – Ryan Torain should be out there trying to prove his value to the organization, but I’d be wary of an old veteran like Santana Moss.

AFC West

Kansas City Chiefs – They have locked up a division title and cannot catch either Pittsburgh or Baltimore for a bye week due to their conference record trailing both.  They face Oakland in a meaningless game for both and I would not be shocked to see their stars grabbing some pine at half-time.  

San Diego Chargers – Eliminated from the playoffs – The Bolts face Denver in a meaningless game for both clubs, but Rivers, Tolbert, rookie Ryan Mathews, and Vincent Jackson should all be competing in the absence of any minor injuries.

Oakland Raiders – Eliminated from the playoffs – As with the Chargers, only dinged up Raiders are at risk of bench time in this one, however extra attention should be paid to their news breakers.

Denver Broncos – Eliminated from the playoffs – Here is a perfect example – Knowshon Moreno “could have gone” last week after injuring his ribs, but with nothing on the line, why bother?  Keep close tabs on all news breakers for fantasy Bronco ‘ballers.    

AFC South

Indianapolis Colts – What a difference a year makes.  Owners of Colts do not need to stress in this one as they need a win to secure a playoff spot.  They split games with Jacksonville, who they lead by a game, but with identical conference and divisional records, if they were to lose, it would boil down to common opponent’s record, which will be decided via Week 17.

Jacksonville Jaguars – Ditto above, and be mindful that MJD is all kinds of banged up.

Tennessee Titans – Eliminated from the playoffs – CJ28 was running full bore in Week 17 last year with nothing on the line, and I see no reason he won’t be seeking to do the same this year.  One more factor to consider is that the game is vs. the Colts, and there is nothing like playing spoiler to a divisional foe.

Houston Texans – Eliminated from the playoffs – You can expect Andre Johnson to again sit, given he is nursing an injury that kept him out of action in Week 16.  Arian Foster was out there for a full load despite missing a few practices last week, and with 1,500 rushing yards within grasp, he should be out there for 20+ touches.

AFC North

Pittsburgh Steelers – They are tied with the Ravens in record, head to head, and conference record, so the bottom line is that they need to win to ensure a divisional title and first round bye. 

Baltimore Ravens – Ditto with the Steelers.  This will be a full effort.  Also, both the Ravens and Steelers play at 1pm EST, so there is no danger of a rollover in the later games by either.

Cincinnati Bengals – Eliminated from the playoffs – Guys like Ochocinco will probably ride pine because of injury, but I wouldn’t worry about Cedric Benson taking time off, given that he is playing for a contract and is of full health.

Cleveland Browns – Eliminated from the playoffs – The only worthy fantasy consideration should be avoided (Peyton HIllis) because A) he is playing the Steelers and B) he is nursing a knee injury and there is no point in him risking it further.

AFC East

New England Patriots – They have a one-seed sealed and expect that Brady, Welker, Branch, and Benjarvus Green-Ellis to all be riding pine by half-time. 

New York Jets – They have a wild-card berth locked up, and all that is at stake is which division winner they face as either the five or six seed.  This is where it gets very interesting.  My guess is that they’d much prefer to face the Chiefs than the Colts.  If things ended today, they’d be playing the Chiefs.  However that all can change based on Week 17’s games.  If the Colts win and the Chiefs lose, the Colts become the three seed which would pair them up with the Jets if they lose.  There are about five other scenarios that could affect this (getting as granular as common opponent record compared with Baltimore and Pittsburgh), and I don’t pretend to know how much Rexxy cares. 

Miami Dolphins – Eliminated from the playoffs – The fantasy-worthy players (basically just Brandon Marshall) should be out there padding stats, but ride their news breakers hard this week as well.

Buffalo Bills – Eliminated from the playoffs – I wouldn’t worry about any key Bills’ players sitting this one out, except for the fact that they are playing the Jets. 

Start 'Em

QB

John Kitna - @ Arizona – Jason Garrett should have a job next summer, check it:  He took over six weeks ago and this offense has scored no less than 27 points in each game and has averaged 32.2 per.  They have gone 4-2 after a miserable start at the direction of the lifeless Wade Phillips.  The players have responded to Garrett, and no one more so than his QB2.  Kitna has exceeded all expectations in Tony Romo’s place averaging a healthy 21.3 fantasy PPG since taking over.  Kitna faces a highly over-rated Arizona defense that ranks 8^th best according to the stat charts, but their competition (primarily in the NFC West) has been weak.  Nine of the 14 QB’s Arizona has faced this season rank 20^th or worse in fantasy average points among QBs.  If you are desperate for a concern relative to Kitna, I suppose the fact that the AZ’s inability to score is concerning, although journeyman Rex Grossman looked like an all-pro notching his 2^nd 300+ yard passing afternoon and was able to add four TD passes on this Dallas D, so my guess is John Skelton should be able to get something going through the air, forcing the Cowboys to pass to keep a lead.  

Matt Ryan – Home vs New Orleans – Ryan has played exceptional at home in his career leading the Falcons to a 19-1 record in the Georgia Dome.  His only loss came when Roddy White dropped a sure TD pass in the finals minutes in a game against Denver that would have given them the lead. This season Ryan is 6-0 at home averaging 257 passing yards and two TD.  After three straight games on the road Ryan will be returning home to face the New Orleans Saints. The Saints rank second in fantasy points allowed to QB but have rarely been tested.  The Saints have not faced a top nine fantasy QB yet this season, and only have faced three top 15 fantasy QBs so far. Beyond that, you may want to consider that Matt Ryan is averaging over 22 fantasy PPG over his career facing division rival New Orleans.   

Tim Tebow – Home vs Houston – 200 yards passing, 50 yards rushing & a couple of TD passes are a real possibility for Tebow this week against a Texans defense that has allowed at least 19.7 fantasy points to all QBs they faced except Florida Atlantic U’s own Rusty “Trombone” Smith.  The Texans are allowing an average of 289 yards passing and 2.2 TD to opposing QBs in 2010. While Tebow may be a little risky to play  since it’s most likely your fantasy super bowl,  he makes for an intriguing play in weekly contest do to his low salary.  Obviously, if you play in a two QB league, you must consider him.

Rex Grossman – @ Jacksonville – Yes, we are on the Grossman bandwagon for at least one week.  Yes, it’s true, his 32 fantasy points in Week 15 came against a Cowboys defense that has allowed the second most points to fantasy QBs this season.  This week Grossman has another great match up against a Jaguars defense that has allowed the 5^th most points to fantasy QB this year.  In 11 of 14 games this season a QB facing the Jaguars has scored at least 19.2 fantasy points (the lone holdouts were the Titans QB corps led by the talented Rusty Smith, Vince Young, and Kerry Collins, and then Matt Cassel).  Jason Campbell & Colt McCoy both went for over 20 fantasy PPG vs. this Jags D.  Another thing Grossman has going for him is the Redskins defense might actually be worse than the Jaguars. Over the Redskins last seven games they are allowing 30 points per game.  

Ryan Fitzpatrick – Home vs New England – The Pats have given up the 3^rd most fantasy points QBs this season, and while many had thought they had turned the corner after healthy outings vs. the Jets and Bears, they seem to have reverted to their old ways last week against QB2 Matt Flynn by allowing him 25.9 fantasy points. Fitzpatrick has slowed  down as  of late only averaging 16.8 fantasy over his last four games after averaging  23.5 in his first eight games.  He came back around last week vs. a stout Miami pass D going for 223 yards and two TDs.   He faced the Pats in Week three and rattled off 22.2  fantasy points in his first start of this season.  This is a solid match up with no pressure.  He’s worth a look in deeper leagues, and weekly salary leagues.  

Matt Schuab - @ Denver – Schaub investors who held onto him all year and still managed to slip into the playoffs are being rewarded huge with his last three games in which he’s averaging 351 yards per while throwing 7 TDs.  If Schaub passing attempts can reach at least 35 he should have a big game. The Broncos are giving up an average of 22.33 fantasy points to QBs over their last eight games and check out their competition: Jason Campbell (twice), Troy Smith, Matt Cassel (twice), Sam Bradford, Philip Rivers, & John Skeleton. Jason  Campbell,Troy Smith,Matt Cassell and Sam Bradford all scored at least 20+ points against Denver.  Make sure to monitor the health of Andre Johnson, though, as he is listed as a game-time decision. 

RB

Benjarvus Green-Ellis - @ Buffalo – He had a nice line last week considering it was vs. the Packers.  He is only the 4^th RB to score 10 or more fantasy points vs. them.  The Bills are 3^rd worst allowing 14 TDs on the season and an average of 141 rush yards per game. Ronnie Brown has three double digit fantasy point games in 2010 and two of have come vs. the Bills.  BJGE has 96 carries for 439 yards and five scores over his last six games which is solid.  It’s more solid when you review who he’s played (Steelers, Packers, and Jets who are 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd best-  and another was vs. the Bears, who are 8^th best)   In an earlier meeting with Buffalo Green-Ellis rushed for 98 yards and a score on only 16 carries and scored 16.4 fantasy points

Felix Jones & Tashard Choice - @ Arizona – Only play one of these guys if Marion Barber is inactive, otherwise, there is no empirical data to point to which of the three will dominate carries or goal-line touches.  Arizona currently ranks second worst in fantasy points allowed to RB, so it would be a fantasy shame if Barber does play.

The Cowboys have really committed to the run since Jason Garrett took over averaging 31 attempts in six games versus only 21 attempts in eight games with Wade Philips. The Redskins allowed Choice and Jones to notch a total of 26 fantasy points in Week 15.  Choice is the better option as he is the goal-line guy, but Jones should also see about 15 touches in this one and at least used to be a threat to bust off a long one, though not as much this season.

LaGarrette Blount – Home vs Seattle – Blount has gone over the century mark and scored a TD in two of this last three contests. He is averaging an impressive 5.3 YPC over his last five games and 4.7 YPC on the season. He’s been even more effective at home scoring a minimum of 15 fantasy points in his last three home games. Here is a nice complementary stat for you: Over the Seahawks last four road games they have given up an average of 192 total yards to RBs and have allowed an average of 26.73 fantasy points (to RBs) in the four games.

Ryan Torain - @ Jacksonville – When Torain plays, he is productive.  He’s played in eight games this season, and has either gone over 100, scored a touchdown, or both in six of the eight games.  He had two lean games vs. the Rams (14^th best vs. the run)  in Week three and the Packers (3^rd best) in Week five.   Torain will face the 21^st ranked Jaguar rush defense who is allowing 4.63 YPC and 14 TDs on the year. They’ve been even worse the last two games allowing Darren McFadden and Donald Brown to rush for over eight yards per carry and rack up multiple scores. Four different RBs have had their best fantasy outings for 2010 (Joseph Addai, Donald Brown,Mike Tolbert, & Thomas Jones) and McFadden had a close 2^nd (his Denver game was slightly better).

Mike Tolbert – @ Cincinnati - Ryan Matthews started last week but anyone who watched the game knows who San Diego’s real RB1 is.  Tolbert got 17 of the first 22 carries last week and scored another TD.  Tolbert has 11 TDs on the season and has scored in nine of his last eleven games. The Bengals rank 12^th best in fantasy points allowed to RBs but in the last five weeks have allowed  both Chris Ivory and Fred Jackson to top 23.5 points each.  Even if the defense holds Tolbert in check he should have plenty of opportunities to score as the Chargers are among the top teams in goal-line attempts in 2010.

Rashad Jennings – Home vs. Washington – MJD is doubtful and if he DNPs, Jennings is a no-brainer.  MJD was not able to finish the game last week.  Jennings has looked good in limited action averaging 6.8 YPC this season.  Even if you take away his 74 yard TD run a couple of week ago he still is averaging 5.3 YPC.  The Jags will be welcoming a Redskins rush defense that is allowing 167.4 total yards to RBs per contest and ranks 8^th worst in fantasy points allowed to RBs at 21.9 fantasy PPG.    They’ve been worse of late, for over their last six games they are coughing up 27.1 fantasy PPG to RBs. For perspective, Denver has allowed the most points to fantasy RBs with an average of 26.8 per game. Ride the news-breakers up until the last possible minute and make the right call.

WR  

Santana Moss - @ Jacksonville – Moss has been hot the last two weeks combining for 15 receptions for 154 yards and scoring three TDs. The Jags are allowing over 12 fantasy PPG to WR1s on the season, and in 11 of their 14 games at least one receiver has scored 11.7 fantasy points against them.   The three games it didn’t happen were vs. the Titans twice and Cleveland, and we need not explain how poor those passing attacks are.  Also, Britt was not in the 2^nd meeting and in the first he did catch a TD to go along with about 30 or yards, so he was close.  Moss should toy with this secondary assuming Rex Grossman does not implode.

Wes Welker & Deion Branch - @ Buffalo – This is a welcome match up for the Patriot wide outs, as few teams have had a rougher schedule in the NFL than New England where the pass defenses are concerned.  The Bills have allowed the 8^th fewest fantasy points to WRs however have been more porous of late giving up 289 yards and three TDs to Sidney Rice, Davone Bess, & Brandon Marshall in their last two.  In an earlier meeting this season with the Bills, Tom Brady threw for 252 yards and three TDs and completed 78 percent of his passes. Branch missed a few practices this week but appears on target to play.  Welker is a no-brainer.

Josh Morgan –  @ St. Louis – Fine, this is a stretch; some might call it a “super” sleeper.  If we were into labeling every piece of analysis, maybe we would call it just that.  Lucky for you, we aren’t; we feel start’em – sit’em covers most.  This advice is for teams in deeper leagues with this cat sitting at the end of your bench, while you have other much more questionable options, but check it:  Morgan has been targeted 12 times in two games and has caught 10 of those for 188 yards and a score. He became only the third receiver this season to reach 100 yards against the Chargers in Week 15.  Meanwhile, Crabtree has seemed to fallen out of favor with the organization and his numbers are showing it. He has caught four of his nine targets for 18 yards and no TDs during the same two week stretch.  Crabtree, though, will continue to draw the top coverage, leaving Morgan with easier match ups, and St. Louis ranks 11^th worst in fantasy points allowed to WRs.  It’s a stretch, but I’d start him over Crabtree without hesitation.

Steve Johnson – Home vs New England – Stevie got himself off the shneid last Sunday with his TD catch, his first since tweeting and blaming God for dropping that game-winner vs. the Steelers.  He is 57 yards away from his first 1,000 season and that will likely happen this weekend vs. a Patriots pass defense that allows the 5th most fantasy points to WRs on the season and 9th most over the last five weeks. Finally, and this is key, opponents of the Patriots are averaging 38.4 pass attempts per game making this call rather easy.

Mike Williams – Home vs. Seattle – This is, perhaps, his best match up of the season as he's playing at home and facing the 3rd most porous fantasy pass defense in the NFL.  He torched the Lions for 96 yards on six catches and a score in Week 15 and currently sits 15th on the fantasy WR stack rankings... the dude's a rookie playing with a second year QB; he's special.  He's also a high-end WR2 this Sunday.

Pierre Garcon - @ Oakland – Garcon only goes as far as Collie will let him.  "Huh?" you ask?  What I mean is, if Collie is in the game, get Garcon out of it, because his stats have been dreadful in games that Collie has been healthy (Week six withstanding).  And good news, Collie owners, Collie has been placed on the IR leaving Garcon as Manning's 2nd target facing a Raider pass D that is short one healthy Nnamdi Asomaghu.  Since Nnamdi has been dinged up, this Raider pass D has struggled; on the season they are 8th best defending fantasy WRs, however over the last five games they've allowed the 10th most fantasy points to WRs.  Garcon makes for a rock solid WR2 play this weekend.

TE

Jason Witten - @ Arizona - He has come alive since Kitna took over and with Antonio Gates on the pines most likely for the remainder of the season, Witten is now the top TE on the board.  He is averaging 12.8 fantasy points over his last five games which is 5.1 points higher than the next closest TE.  He has notched four TDs in his last three games after scoring  only four TDs in his previous 27 games.  

Kicker

Sit Em

It's week 16, and if you've managed your team this far, you shouldn't need sit'em advice, but moreso who to play over who advice.  So we will go on ahead and play Master of the Obvious by drawing up the biggest bust of 2010, but other than that, please email us stegman@ffarmory.com with any questions and we will be happy to respond asap.

WR

Randy Moss - @ Kansas City – This guy should of kept his trap shut. He could of ended up with great numbers playing with Tom Brady heading into free agency next year and would have been in high demand.  Now there won’t be as many suitors and his deal won’t be for  1/4 of what it would have been. Moss is now a backup on the 29^th ranked passing offense in football.  He does not see the field much and has not been targeted in the last two games

Observations:

Santana Moss must be lamenting on why it took so long for Mike Shenanigans to make the switch from McNabb to Rex Grossman.  Kidding, he's probably not, but he's also not complaining about it given his five red zone targets in Week 15. 

Well, TO owners, it was a nice run.  He laid a big giant fat goose turd for you in the playoffs, but he undoubtedly got you there.  There are no points for getting bounced out in the first or second round (at least not in any league I play in), but the takeaway here, is that TO isn't done, and while he nursed a knee injury here the last couple of weeks, owners must be calculated in assessing his value depending on where he lands.  If he ends up with another bottom-feeder (Bengals/Bills), as long as there is an able-bodied QB, don't hesitate to invest in him, but keep him in your trade-high bucket.  His problems, though, are that his options are likely limited and might just take the highest bidder to close out his career. 

Miles Austin was targeted by Kitna five times in Week 15 after being largely ignored over the four previous weeks.  The timing is perfect heading into the Super Bowl, although, don't be quick to write this one off as an easy match up as the Cardinals have allowed the 7th fewest fantasy points over the last five games.  Still, I think Austin could bust free for a long one while these two teams keep each other company in a meaningless Week 16 for both.

Danny Amendola owners (queue chuckle) might want to consider him as a deep sleeper in Week 16 based on his four RZ targets from last week.  I am having a monster feeling about Bradford in this one, and where RZ targets are, fantasy points are close behind (See Earl Bennett).  Yes, you have to be desperate if you are starting Amendola and in the Super Bowl, but maybe this snippet is for teams competing in some type of consolation round?  I don't know, I just like him, and will be ranking w/in the top 30 WRs for this Sunday.

(queue Darth Vader voice) "Mike Sims..Waaaaaaaalker" I am your faaaaahhhtha.  I am also weird, and totally sober, I swear.   Now that I have your attention, you might want to go on ahead and give his cat a serious consideration this weekend in the Jags' must-win game against the Redskins' secondary that allows the 7th most fantasy points to WRs.  Yes, they've been stingier of late (3rd fewest over their last five games) but those were against weaker passing offenses including Vikings, Titans, Tampa, Dallas, and the Giants (without Nicks or Steve Smith).  PS - MSW did tweak his ankle en route to catching to TDs in Week 15, but he should be good to go.  Just double check the FFArmory.com news-breakers for the latest.

Click here for FFArmory.com full WR Week 16 rankings!

*We ranked the below table by most red zone (RZ) targets over the past three weeks.  As always, the final column represents RZ touchdowns only.  The RZ is defined as inside your opponent’s 20 yard line.

There were 30 more goal-line carries (rush attempts 3 yards or closer in opponent's red zone) of which 10 were converted into touchdowns. 

Run DMC owners would be wise to consider starting both Raider ball carriers (he and Michael Bush) this Sunday as the Raiders play host to the porous run defending Indy Colts.  Bush was given all three of the goal-line carries and he converted two of them into scores.  It's a prettty solid 1-2 punch and the Colts allow the 7th most fantasy points to opposing RBs.

Jamaal Charles was given his second goal-line carry this past Sunday and oh gee, shocker, he converted that one, too. So here is the count... Thomas Jones has 11 goal-line attempts and has converted five of those (including his sole attempt this past weekend as well), while JC is two for two.  If TJ musters another season in him, expect for the frustration to continue in 2011.

Arian Foster is the gold-standard on the goal-line harboring the best conversion percentage for RBs with at least five attempts on the season.  Tell that to his fantasy owners.  Foster chose a terrible time to go on a two-game TD drought, but I say he snaps that trend as the Texans travel to mile-high to kick the Donkeys around for 60 minutes who lead all NFL teams in fantasy points allowed to RBs.

Fantasy owners looking to make the correct call as to which Dallas RB they should start hopefully settled on Tashard Choice.  He appears to the goal-line RB going forward, and faces the Cardinal's run defense who's mission it is to lead the NFL in fantasy points allowed to opposing RBs (They trail on Denver).

*The below chart is ranked in order from most to least goal-line TDs.  The far-right column does NOT include total TDs.  The point of the chart is to bring to light which RBs are getting the money carries on their respective teams.

QBs

RBs

WRs

TEs

Start 'Em

QB

Eli Mannings - Home vs. Eagles - The Eagles boast the 7th most porous pass defense where fantasy QBs are concerned, however Eli just lost Steve Smith -- again -- but this time for the season. With Manningham dealing with a hip flexor, the options are boiled down to Hakeem Nicks, Kevin Boss and unproven Derek Hagan.

WR

Johnny Knox @ Minnesota - Blizzard conditions, outdoors in the state of Minnesota, late December, need more?  Fine, how about that Joe Webb is the starting QB for the Vikings and this game should be over by half-time?  The Vikings are right smack dab in the middle from a pass defense ranking perspective, but there will be a heavy dose of running on both sides, and Cutler looks primarily for Earl Bennett in the red zone anyway.  Knox has been a huge disappointment this season.

Sidney Rice home vs. Chicago - Tarvaris Jackson has been placed on the IR and Brett Favre is hiding in a corner with his eyes closed making himself believe that no one can see him. That leaves rookie Joe Webb to start. Uh oh. Leave Rice on the bench. Did I mention the blizzard conditions expected in Minnesota, and that they are playing outdoors because the Metrodome roof collapsed?  If you still aren't convinced, just know that the Bears allow the 11th fewest fantasy points to opposing WRs.