Week Seventeen Match-ups
December 29, 2006
Quarterbacks
The question that comes up in Week Seventeen -- How long are the playoff-bound starters going to play? That's why you see some strange names in the lower reaches of the rankings this week. First off, the QBs -- Drew Brees, Tom Brady and Matt Hasselbeck. They are ranked lower than normal not for their match-up, but for the likelihood that they will not play the entire game. They could rattle off a long drive or two via the pass and notch a TD or two, or they could hand the ball off most of the first half. Just keep that in mind.
Plus Play:
Marc Bulger, STL – Bulger is picking the right time of the season to peak (for fantasy purposes, at least). He has thrown for over 310 yards three of the past four weeks and has thrown nine TDs over that time period. This week, he faces the 32nd-ranked Minnesota pass defense (238 ypg) that has allowed at least 285 ypg in four of their last five games, and three of those teams exceeded 335 yards passing.
Jay Cutler, DEN – Cutler is still not piling up the yardage, but he is still has a solid TD-to-INT ratio (8 TD to four INT) the last four weeks. He is the first QB in NFL history to throw for at least two TDs in his first four starts. He has been working well with rookies Tony Scheffler and Brandon Marshall. This week, he faces the 27th-ranked pass defense of San Francisco (224 ypg) that has given up 24 passing TDs to date.
Ben Roethlisberger, PIT – This pick is about Big Ben’s pride. It was dashed in Week Three, when he threw three INTs and no TDs against the Bengals. That set the tone for Roethlisberger this season, as he’s continued to struggle. But the Bengals’ pass defense is flat out rotten – 31st, with 236 ypg and 23 passing TDs allowed this season. Roethlisberger would like to make up for Week Three and end the Bengals' season.
Negative Play:
Jake Delhomme, CAR – When Delhomme last played New Orleans, he was healthy when he posted 65%, 169 yards and two TDs. Delhomme has missed the last three weeks with a sprained thumb, and he faces the third-ranked pass defense of the Saints (177 ypg). They are susceptible to the TD, though, having allowed 15 through the air. Jake might find the end zone this week, but don’t expect a lot of yardage.
Aaron Brooks, OAK – The Raiders are a beaten-up offensive team right now. Brooks sat out last week with a sore neck, but he has no one to throw to. The Jets’ are just average against the pass (207 ypg), but they have stiffened a bit of late (173 ypg the last three weeks) – enough to create plenty of problems for Brooks.
Rex Grossman, CHI – Grossman had a solid performance in the season opener against the Packers (69%, 262 yards, one TD, one INT), but this Packer pass defense is playing a lot better of late. Ranked 17th for the year (209 ypg) with 24 passing TDs allowed, they have the fourth-highest number of sacks (44). In the last three weeks, they have made 10 sacks and five INTs while only allowing 102 ypg passing. The ineffective Grossman was replaced by Brian Griese in the second half, so that could happen again if Grossman struggles.
Injury Status per Friday's Injury Report
P = Probable
Q = Questionable
QBs that are OUT: Matt Leinart, ARI
1 Marc Bulger, STL
2 Peyton Manning, IND
3 Carson Palmer, CIN
4 Jeff Garcia, PHI
5 Tony Romo, DAL
6 Jay Cutler, DEN
7 Ben Roethlisberger, PIT P
8 Jon Kitna, DET
9 Michael Vick, ATL
10 Vince Young, TEN
11 Steve McNair, BAL
12 Eli Manning, NYG
13 Kurt Warner, ARI
14 Brett Favre, GB
15 Jason Campbell, WAS
16 Philip Rivers, SD
17 David Carr, HOU
18 Trent Green, KC
19 David Garrard, JAX P
20 Chad Pennington, NYJ P
21 Jake Delhomme, CAR P
22 Drew Brees, NO
23 Tom Brady, NE P
24 Matt Hasselbeck, SEA
25 Tavaris Jackson, MIN P
26 J.P. Losman, BUF
27 Tim Rattay, TB
28 Alex Smith, SF
29 Cleo Lemon, MIA
30 Aaron Brooks, OAK Q
31 Ken Dorsey, CLE
32 Rex Grossman, CHI
33 Brian Griese, CHI
34 Jamie Martin, NO
35 Seneca Wallace, SEA
36 Matt Cassell, NE
37 Andrew Walter, OAK
Running Backs
The Week Seventeen Effect isn't quite as strong for RBs as it is for QBs and WRs (see LT2 is still atop the rankings because he'll get some easy yards and a score for sure before sitting). But there is some effect -- namely with Shaun Alexander, Deuce McAllister, Corey Dillon and Thomas Jones. They'll get some yards and maybe a score, but will let their younger cohorts carry most of the load.
Plus Play:
Ladell Betts, WAS – Expect another big game from Betts this week. Over the last three weeks, he has 93 touches for 511 total yards and two TDs and has five consecutive 100-yard games. The Giants are 15th against the run (114 ypg), but they are a mess right now, having given up an average of 147 ypg rushing over the last three games.
Ronnie Brown, MIA – After missing three games with a broken hand, Brown responded last week with 125 total yards against the Jets. With Cleo Lemon getting his first start at QB, the Dolphins will focus their offense through Brown. That should be easy against the Colts (32nd, 175 ypg) – a squad that Ron Dayne rolled through for 153 yards and two TDs last week.
Ron Dayne, HOU – Dayne has kept his NFL career alive by gaining 356 total yards with five TDs the last three weeks. He should continue to get a paycheck this week against the Browns, who are 30th against the run (145 ypg).
Negative Play:
Tatum Bell, DEN – Tatum Bell's two fumbles the past two weeks will keep Tatum in the Broncos’ doghouse – especially since last week’s fumble led to an opponent’s TD. It’s hard to expect that Tatum will carry the load this week. So, despite a good match-up against the 49ers (121 ypg), expect Mike Bell to get the most touches. Tatum could break for a TD, though.
Ahman Green, GB – Green has had a roller-coaster season this year, but he should be able easily crack the 1,000-yard barrier this week. Over the last three weeks, he has been decent (73 touches, 282 yards, one TD), but he hasn’t faced a defense this strong since the Bears in Week One, when Green was fresh (132 total yards). The Bears are ranked sixth against the run (100 ypg), but over the last three weeks, they have allowed just 75 ypg. On the year, they have allowed just seven rushing TDs.
Willis McGahee, BUF – McGahee has scored five TDs over the last five weeks, but he failed to surpass 100 yards in four of those games. This week, he faces the second-ranked run defense of Baltimore (79 ypg) that has allowed the fewest TDs this season (five).
Injury Status per Friday's Injury Report
P = Probable
Q = Questionable
RBs that are OUT: LaMont Jordan, OAK
1 LaDainian Tomlinson, SD
2 Larry Johnson, KC
3 Brian Westbrook, PHI P
4 Frank Gore, SF
5 Ladell Betts, WAS
6 Tiki Barber, NYG
7 Willie Parker, PIT
8 Steven Jackson, STL
9 Maurice Jones-Drew, JAX P
10 Ronnie Brown, MIA P
11 Chester Taylor, MIN P
12 Rudi Johnson, CIN
13 Jamal Lewis, BAL
14 Ron Dayne, HOU P
15 Shaun Alexander, SEA
16 Joseph Addai, IND
17 Travis Henry, TEN Q
18 Edgerrin James, ARI
19 Marion Barber III, DAL
20 Tatum Bell, DEN
21 Ahman Green, GB P
22 Reggie Bush, NO
23 Mike Bell, DEN
24 Reuben Droughns, CLE
25 DeShaun Foster, CAR
26 Willis McGahee, BUF
27 Cedric Benson, CHI
28 Warrick Dunn, ATL P
29 Michael Pittman, TB
30 Deuce McAllister, NO
31 Julius Jones, DAL
32 Cedric Houston, NYJ Q
33 Michael Turner, SD
34 Corey Dillon, NE
35 Laurence Maroney, NE
36 Fred Taylor, JAX P
37 DeAngelo Williams, CAR
38 Justin Fargas, OAK
39 Dominic Rhodes, IND Q
40 Leon Washington, NYJ
41 Arlen Harris, Det
42 Thomas Jones, CHI
43 Brandon Jacobs, NYG
44 Mike Alstott, TB
45 Sammy Morris, MIA
46 Jerious Norwood, ATL
47 Correll Buckhalter, PHI
48 Kevin Faulk, NE Q
49 Mewelde Moore, MIN
50 Aveion Cason, DET
51 Kenny Watson, CIN
52 Vernand Morency, GB
53 Jerome Harrison, CLE
54 LenDale White, TEN
55 Maurice Morris, SEA
56 Najeh Davenport, PIT
57 T.J. Duckett,WAS
58 Artose Pinner, MIN
59 Anthony Thomas, BUF
60 Wali Lundy, HOU
Wide Receivers
Same here as with the QBs -- Marques Colston, Devery Henderson, Deion Branch, Reche Caldwell, among others, will probably leave the field soon after their starting QB does.
Plus Play:
Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce, STL – With Bulger on a roll, Holt and Bruce have played very well of late. Holt has averaged five receptions for 76 yards and a TD over the last four weeks, while Bruce has averaged five receptions for 86 yards and has a TD in two of the last four games. Expect solid games from both this week.
T.J. Houshmandzadeh, CIN – Carson Palmer threw four TDs in the Bengals’ last meeting against Pittsburgh in Week Three. Housh, who almost always has a big game against the Steelers, had nine receptions for 94 yards and two TDs. The Steelers’ pass defense has deteriorated of late. They are ranked 18th against the pass (210 ypg), but over the last three weeks, they have allowed 243 yards passing. They also gave up three TDs to Steve McNair last week.
Mark Clayton, BAL – Clayton has quietly stepped forward to be the Ravens' top performer of late (21 targets, 13 receptions, 262 yards and two TDs over the last three weeks). The Ravens face a solid pass defense in Buffalo (seventh, 187 ypg) that does allow a fair number of scores (18). McNair is coming off a big game, so Clayton should remain a big target.
Negative Play:
Laveranues Coles, NYJ – Coles is playing hurt this week against the top-ranked Raiders pass defense (151 ypg). Chad Pennington has been very inconsistent this season and his struggles should result in another poor performance from Coles.
Braylon Edwards, CLE – The Browns are on their third QB of the season. Following season-ending injuries to Charlie Frye and Derek Anderson, Ken Dorsey will get his first start of the season. He is very rusty and Edwards should be very lonely downfield. After scoring in three straight games, Edwards was targeted just seven times last week, with two receptions for seven yards. The Browns will keep things very simple to survive, while the Texans tee off on Dorsey. Houston is ranked 24th against the pass (218 ypg), but has allowed just 177 ypg the last three weeks.
Bernard Berrian and Muhsin Muhammad, CHI – Facing an improved Packer pass defense, and with an uncertain QB situation, Berrian and Muhammad should have rather pedestrian numbers this week.
Injury Status per Friday's Injury Report
P = Probable
Q = Questionable
WRs that are DOUBTFUL: Joe Horn, NO; Terrance Copper, NO; Joe Jurevicius, CLE; Randy Moss, OAK; Darren Jackson, SEA
WRs that are OUT: Ashley Lelie, ATL
1 Torry Holt, STL P
2 Marvin Harrison, IND
3 Terrell Owens, DAL
4 T.J. Houshmandzadeh, CIN
5 Plaxico Burress, NYG
6 Chad Johnson, CIN
7 Reggie Wayne, IND
8 Steve Smith, CAR
9 Donald Driver, GB P
10 Roy Williams, DET
11 Hines Ward, PIT
12 Larry Fitzgerald, ARI
13 Javon Walker, DEN
14 Anquan Boldin, ARI P
15 Andre Johnson, HOU
16 Santana Moss, WAS
17 Lee Evans, BUF
18 Donte Stallworth, PHI
19 Isaac Bruce, STL
20 Marques Colston, NO
21 Joey Galloway, TB
22 Terry Glenn, DAL
23 Mark Clayton, BAL P
24 Reggie Brown, PHI
25 Laveranues Coles, NYJ Q
26 Deion Branch, SEA
27 Mike Furrey, DET
28 Vincent Jackson, SD Q
29 Ronald Curry, OAK
30 Jerricho Cotchery, NYJ
31 Santonio Holmes, PIT
32 Chris Chambers, MIA
33 D.J. Hackett, SEA
34 Keyshawn Johnson, CAR
35 Braylon Edwards, CLE
36 Arnaz Battle, SF
37 Chris Henry, CIN
38 Brandon Jones, TEN
39 Eddie Kennison, KC
40 Matt Jones, JAX P
41 Bernard Berrian, CHI
42 Derrick Mason, BAL
43 Muhsin Muhammad, CHI
44 Michael Jenkins, ATL
45 Reche Caldwell, NE
46 Rod Smith, DEN
47 Drew Bennett, TEN
48 Bryant Johnson, ARI P
49 Terrance Copper, NO
50 Reggie Williams, JAX
51 Brandon Marshall, DEN
52 Peerless Price, BUF
53 Bobby Engram, SEA
54 Eric Moulds, HOU
55 Devery Henderson, NO
56 Greg Jennings, GB
57 Travis Taylor, MIN
58 Wes Welker, MIA
59 Kevin Curtis, STL
60 Antwaan Randle-El, WAS
Tight Ends
Injury Status per Friday's Injury Report
P = Probable
Q = Questionable
TEs that are DOUBTFUL: Mark Campbell, NO
TEs that are OUT: Jeremy Shockey, NYG
1 Antonio Gates, SD
2 Tony Gonzalez, KC
3 Todd Heap, BAL
4 Alge Crumpler, ATL P
5 Kellen Winslow Jr, CLE Q
6 Chris Cooley, WAS
7 Vernon Davis, SF
8 L.J. Smith, PHI P
9 Jason Witten, DAL
10 Tony Scheffler, DEN
11 Visanthe Shiancoe, NYG
12 Heath Miller, PIT
13 Jerramy Stevens, SEA
14 Randy McMichael, MIA
15 Desmond Clark, CHI
16 Ben Utecht, IND
17 Daniel Graham, NE
18 Chris Baker, NYJ
19 George Wrighster, JAX
20 Robert Royal, BUF
21 Bubba Franks, GB
22 Jermaine Wiggins, MIN
23 Anthony Becht, TB
24 Joe Klopfenstein, STL
25 Ben Hartsock, IND
Kickers
Injury Status per Friday's Injury Report
P = Probable
Q = Questionable
1 Robbie Gould, CHI
2 Nate Kaeding, SD
3 Jeff Wilkins, STL
4 Jason Elam, DEN P
5 Adam Vinatieri, IND P
6 Shayne Graham, CIN
7 David Akers, PHI
8 Neil Rackers, ARI
9 Matt Stover, BAL
10 Mike Nugent, NYJ
11 Jay Feely, NYG
12 Martin Gramatica, DAL
13 Josh Brown, SEA
14 John Carney, NO
15 Shaun Suisham, WAS
16 Rob Bironas, TEN
17 Josh Scobee, JAX
18 Lawrence Tynes, KC
19 Stephen Gostkowski, NE
20 Jason Hanson, DET
21 Ryan Longwell, MIN
22 Jeff Reed, PIT
23 John Kasay, CAR
24 Kris Brown, HOU
25 Morten Anderson, ATL
26 Dave Rayner, GB
27 Rian Lindell, BUF
28 Matt Bryant, TB
29 Joe Nedney, SF
30 Olindo Mare, MIA
31 Phil Dawson, CLE
32 Sebastian Janikowski, OAK
Team Defenses
1 Baltimore Ravens
2 New York Jets
3 Chicago Bears
4 San Diego Chargers
5 Dallas Cowboys
6 Philadelphia Eagles
7 Jacksonville Jaguars
8 New England Patriots
9 Denver Broncos
10 Cincinnati Bengals
11 Minnesota Vikings
12 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
13 Seattle Seahawks
14 Houston Texans
15 St. Louis Rams
16 New Orleans Saints
17 Indianapolis Colts
18 Tennessee Titans
19 Green Bay Packers
20 Kansas City Chiefs
21 Cleveland Browns
22 Pittsburgh Steelers
23 Buffalo Bills
24 Oakland Raiders
25 Washington Redskins
26 Miami Dolphins
27 Carolina Panthers
28 New York Giants
29 Arizona Cardinals
30 Atlanta Falcons
31 Detroit Lions
32 San Francisco 49ers
Defensive Backs
Injury Status per Friday's Injury Report
P = Probable
Q = Questionable
DBs that are DOUBTFUL: David Macklin, ARI; Marcus Trufant, SEA
DBs that are OUT: Ryan Clark, PIT
1 Adrian Wilson, ARI P
2 Ken Hamlin, SEA
3 Will Demps, NYG
4 Chris Hope, TEN
5 Gibril Wilson, NYG
6 Kerry Rhodes, NYJ Q
7 Sean Taylor, WAS
8 Troy Polamalu, PIT P
9 Roy Williams, DAL
10 Madieu Williams, CIN P
11 Antoine Bethea, IND
12 Antoine Winfield, MIN
13 Keith Lewis, SF
14 Sean Jones, CLE
15 Stuart Schweigert, OAK
16 Jermaine Phillips, TB Q
17 Corey Chavous, STL
18 Yeremiah Bell, MIA
19 Nick Collins, GB
20 Michael Huff, OAK
21 Oshiomogho Atogwe, STL
22 Sammy Knight, KC
23 Josh Bullocks, NO
24 Sean Considine, PHI
25 Ed Reed, BAL
26 Glenn Earl, HOU
27 Richard Marshall, CAR
28 Greg Wesley, KC
29 Shaun Williams, CAR
30 Marlon McCree, SD
31 Lawyer Milloy, ATL
32 Anthony Henry, DAL
33 Rashean Mathis, JAX
34 John Lynch, DEN
35 Kenoy Kennedy, DET
36 Erik Coleman, NYJ
37 Terence Newman, DAL
38 Brian Dawkins, PHI
39 Chris Harris, CHI
40 Dwight Smith, MIN
41 DeAngelo Hall, ATL P
42 Danieal Manning, CHI
43 Darrent Williams, DEN
44 Marquand Manuel, GB
45 Brodney Pool, CLE
46 Terrence Holt, DET
47 Dawan Landry, BAL
48 Terrance Kiel, SD
49 Nick Harper, IND
50 Ricky Manning, CHI
Linebackers
Injury Status per Friday's Injury Report
P = Probable
Q = Questionable
LBs that are DOUBTFUL: Gerald Hayes, ARI
LBs that are OUT: Andra Davis, CLE; Clark Haggans, PIT
1 London Fletcher, BUF
2 Antonio Pierce, NYG
3 Keith Brooking, ATL
4 DeMeco Ryans, HOU
5 Zach Thomas, MIA
6 Shawne Merriman, SD P
7 Keith Bulluck, TEN
8 Ray Lewis, BAL
9 Kirk Morrison, OAK
10 E.J. Henderson, MIN
11 Karlos Dansby, ARI
12 Gary Brackett, IND
13 Donnie Edwards, SD
14 Demarcus Ware, DAL
15 Lofa Tatupu, SEA
16 Kawika Mitchell, KC
17 Cato June, IND
18 A.J. Hawk, GB
19 Brandon Moore, SF
20 James Farrior, PIT
21 Jeremiah Trotter, PHI P
22 Derrick Brooks, TB
23 Derrick Johnson, KC
24 Brian Urlacher, CHI
25 Adalius Thomas, BAL Q
26 Lance Briggs, CHI
27 Nick Barnett, GB
28 Shelton Quarles, TB
29 Shaun Phillips, SD
30 Will Witherspoon, STL P
31 Ernie Sims, DET
32 Julian Peterson, SEA
33 Landon Johnson, CIN
34 Bart Scott, BAL P
35 Roger McIntosh, WAS
36 Thomas Howard, OAK
37 Leroy Hill, SEA
38 Lemar Marshall, WAS
39 Daryl Smith, JAX
40 Rosevelt Colvin, NE
41 Tedy Bruschi, NE
42 Napoleon Harris, MIN
43 Scott Fujita, NO
44 Ian Gold, DEN
45 David Thornton, TEN
46 Jonathan Vilma, NYJ
47 Chaun Thompson, CLE P
48 Clint Ingram, JAX
49 Joey Porter, PIT
50 Thomas Davis, CAR Q
Defensive Linemen
Injury Status per Friday's Injury Report
P = Probable
Q = Questionable
1 Leonard Little, STL P
2 Ebenezer Ekuban, DEN
3 Justin Smith, CIN
4 Aaron Schobel, BUF
5 Julius Peppers, CAR
6 Jared Allen, KC
7 Andre Carter, WAS
8 Jason Taylor, MIA
9 Trevor Pryce, BAL
10 Charles Grant, NO
11 Aaron Kampman, GB
12 Terrell Suggs, BAL
13 Derrick Burgess, OAK
14 Will Smith, NO
15 Bryan Thomas, NYJ P
16 Robert Mathis, IND
17 Mathias Kiwanuka, NYG
18 Cornelius Griffin, WAS
19 Trent Cole, PHI
20 Osi Umenyiora, NYG
21 Cory Redding, DET
22 Tommy Kelly, OAK
23 Kyle Vanden Bosch, TEN
24 Aaron Smith, PIT
25 Mark Anderson, CHI
26 John Henderson, JAX
27 Vonnie Holliday, MIA
28 Tyler Brayton, OAK
29 Warren Sapp, OAK
30 Brian Young, NO
31 Dwight Freeney, IND Q
32 Darwin Walker, PHI
33 Mario Williams, HOU P
34 Darren Howard, PHI
35 Ty Warren, NE
36 John Abraham, ATL
37 Adewale Ogunleye, CHI
38 Bryce Fisher, SEA
39 Tamba Hali, KC
40 Elvis Dumervil, DEN
41 Richard Seymour, NE P
42 Greg Spires, TB
43 Robert Geathers, CIN
44 Bryant Young, SF
45 Mike Patterson, PHI
46 Victor Adeyanju, STL Q
47 Darrion Scott, MIN
48 Chike Okeafor, ARI
49 Dewayne Robertson, NYJ
50 Shaun Ellis, NYJ
Fantasy Football 
Thanks, again.
Peace to all of you as we fight terror.