Week 17

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Well, this is it – the final week of the NFL regular season! And that means the last week of fantasy games (unless you join some sort of fantasy playoff league, I guess…) Anyway, if your league’s championship game is this week and you are in it, your task could end up being as challenging as ever. With so many NFL team’s playoff positions already fixed, many vital fantasy players will be resting, resulting in very unpredictable statistical performances. Colt, Cowboy, and Giant players are likely to be affected by this, among others. In the future I would suggest moving your championship game to Week 16 to avoid this problem, but for now our Start & Sit Rankings can help you make the best of it. Good luck, and we’ll see you next year!

Our system is based on two separate rankings: Risk and Reward. Each player or defense was given a statistical ranking for each of the two categories.

Risk is determined by anything that could negatively affect the player in question’s performance. This includes such things as matchup, situation, and injuries.

Reward is determined by anything that could positively affect the player in question’s performance. This includes such things as talent, matchup, and situation.

The Ranking for the two categories is as follows:

Risk: Score of 0 being the lowest risk, 10 being the highest risk.
Reward: Score of 0 being lowest reward, 10 being the highest reward.

 

Quarterbacks	Opponent	Rating	Risk	Reward
Kurt Warner – ARI	vs STL	15.1	3.3	8.4
Derek Anderson – CLE	vs SF	14.4	3.2	7.6
Tom Brady – NE	at NYG	14.3	4.0	8.3
Carson Palmer – CIN	at MIA	13.9	2.9	6.8
Drew Brees – NO	at CHI	13.1	3.8	6.8
Matt Hasselbeck – SEA	at ATL	12.9	4.3	7.2
Shaun Hill – SF	at CLE	12.6	3.6	6.2
Brett Favre – GB	vs DET	12.6	3.8	6.4
David Garrard – JAC	at HOU	12.4	4.3	6.7
Tony Romo – DAL	at WAS	12.1	4.0	6.1
Ben Roethlisberger – PIT	at BAL	12.0	4.9	6.9
Tarvaris Jackson – MIN	at DEN	11.9	5.0	6.9
Philip Rivers – SD	at OAK	11.8	4.3	6.1
Vince Young – TEN	at IND	11.8	4.3	6.0
Donovan McNabb – PHI	vs BUF	11.8	4.8	6.5
Todd Collins – WAS	vs DAL	11.6	4.1	5.7
Jay Cutler – DEN	vs MIN	11.6	4.3	5.8
Chris Redman – ATL	vs SEA	11.5	4.5	6.0
Marc Bulger – STL	at ARI	11.4	4.5	5.9
Cleo Lemon – MIA	vs CIN	11.1	5.3	6.4
Eli Manning – NYG	vs NE	11.1	4.2	5.3
Matt Moore – CAR	at TB	10.8	4.5	5.3
Peyton Manning – IND	vs TEN	10.8	5.7	6.4
Sage Rosenfels – HOU	vs JAC	10.7	4.3	4.9
Kyle Orton – CHI	vs NO	10.6	4.5	5.1
Jon Kitna – DET	at GB	10.1	5.4	5.5
Damon Huard – KC	at NYJ	9.9	5.3	5.3
Trent Edwards – BUF	at PHI	9.6	5.9	5.5
Kellen Clemens – NYJ	vs KC	9.5	5.3	4.8
Brodie Croyle – KC	at NYJ	8.3	5.9	4.3
Jeff Garcia – TB	vs CAR	8.2	7.3	5.4
Chad Pennington – NYJ	vs KC	7.8	5.7	3.4
Kyle Boller – BAL	vs PIT	7.7	6.3	4.0
Luke McCown – TB	vs CAR	7.4	6.5	3.9
JaMarcus Russell – OAK	vs SD	6.3	7.8	4.1
Josh McCown – OAK	vs SD	5.9	7.8	3.8
Billy Volek – SD	at OAK	5.9	7.2	3.1
John Beck – MIA	vs CIN	4.8	7.3	2.2
Jason Campbell – WAS	vs DAL	4.4	7.1	1.5
AJ Feeley – PHI	vs BUF	4.0	7.4	1.4
Brooks Bollinger – MIN	at DEN	3.8	7.4	1.2
Trent Dilfer – SF	at CLE	3.8	7.4	1.2
Vinny Testaverde – CAR	at TB	3.7	8.7	2.3
JP Losman – BUF	at PHI	3.7	7.6	1.3
Gus Frerotte – STL	at ARI	3.7	7.7	1.3
Matt Schaub – HOU	vs JAC	3.5	7.4	0.9
Brian Griese – CHI	vs NO	3.3	7.7	0.9
Joey Harrington – ATL	vs SEA	3.1	8.7	1.8
Daunte Culpepper – OAK	vs SD	2.9	7.8	0.8
Byron Leftwich – ATL	vs SEA	2.7	8.1	0.8

 
Start:
Drew Brees, NO (13.1 rating): Brees’ second half resurgence will likely not be quite enough to sneak New Orleans into the playoffs, after a disappointing loss to the Eagles last week. But the Saints are not technically out of it, they can still get in if they win and both the Vikings and Redskins lose. And since they play before either of those other teams, they will certainly hold nothing back. At the very least, Brees should be motivated to end the season on a high note and wash out the bad taste of last week’s defeat. Chicago’s defense was impressive against Green Bay last week, but they can be vulnerable to the pass, and the Saints are not shy about going to the passing game early and often.

Sit:
Peyton Manning, IND (10.8 rating): Manning will probably only play a few drives this Sunday against the Titans, with the Colts locked into the #2 seed in the AFC. On the other side, the Titans need a win to get into the playoffs so they will be pulling out all the stops. A few drives of Manning may be better than a full game of a few other quarterbacks, but he is probably not worth starting in most situations. Hopefully you have a good backup.
 

Running Backs	Opponent	Rating	Risk	Reward
Brian Westbrook – PHI	vs BUF	15.4	3.3	8.7
Frank Gore – SF	at CLE	15.3	2.7	7.9
Kenny Watson – CIN	at MIA	14.9	3.8	8.7
Steven Jackson – STL	at ARI	14.8	4.0	8.8
Jamal Lewis – CLE	vs SF	14.8	3.3	8.0
Ryan Grant – GB	vs DET	14.8	3.4	8.2
Fred Taylor – JAC	at HOU	14.5	3.3	7.8
LenDale White – TEN	at IND	13.8	3.8	7.6
Kolby Smith – KC	at NYJ	13.8	3.8	7.7
Marshawn Lynch – BUF	at PHI	13.7	3.5	7.2
Clinton Portis – WAS	vs DAL	13.6	3.9	7.5
LaDainian Tomlinson – SD	at OAK	13.3	3.8	7.0
Adrian Peterson – MIN	at DEN	13.1	5.3	8.3
Darius Walker – HOU	vs JAC	13.1	3.5	6.6
Adrian Peterson – CHI	vs NO	12.8	4.3	7.1
Darren Sproles – SD	at OAK	12.8	4.5	7.3
Maurice Jones-Drew – JAC	at HOU	12.8	5.2	8.0
Edgerrin James – ARI	vs STL	12.8	4.1	6.8
Thomas Jones – NYJ	vs KC	12.6	3.8	6.4
Dominic Rhodes – OAK	vs SD	12.5	3.6	6.1
Aaron Stecker – NO	at CHI	12.5	4.3	6.8
Jesse Chatman – MIA	vs CIN	12.5	5.3	7.8
Najeh Davenport – PIT	at BAL	12.3	4.2	6.5
Marion Barber – DAL	at WAS	12.2	4.3	6.4
Earnest Graham – TB	vs CAR	11.8	4.9	6.8
Chester Taylor – MIN	at DEN	11.6	5.3	6.9
TJ Duckett – DET	at GB	11.4	5.2	6.6
Shaun Alexander – SEA	at ATL	11.3	4.8	6.2
Leon Washington – NYJ	vs KC	11.2	4.0	5.2
DeAngelo Williams – CAR	at TB	11.0	6.0	7.0
Laurence Maroney – NE	at NYG	10.9	5.2	6.1
Maurice Morris – SEA	at ATL	10.6	5.0	5.6
Michael Turner – SD	at OAK	10.6	5.0	5.6
Lorenzo Booker – MIA	vs CIN	10.5	5.9	6.4
Brandon Jacobs – NYG	vs NE	10.5	5.9	6.4
Ahmed Bradshaw – NYG	vs NE	10.5	6.3	6.8
Kenton Keith – IND	vs TEN	10.1	5.3	5.3
Chris Brown – TEN	at IND	9.8	5.3	5.0
Jerious Norwood – ATL	vs SEA	9.6	5.7	5.3
Clifton Dawson – IND	vs TEN	9.5	5.2	4.7
Ladell Betts – WAS	vs DAL	9.5	5.7	5.2
Joseph Addai – IND	vs TEN	9.4	6.0	5.4
Michael Pittman – TB	vs CAR	9.3	5.4	4.7
Warrick Dunn – ATL	vs SEA	9.1	6.1	5.2
Julius Jones – DAL	at WAS	8.9	6.0	4.9
Correll Buckhalter – PHI	vs BUF	8.9	5.4	4.3
DeShaun Foster – CAR	at TB	8.7	6.8	5.5
Jason Wright – CLE	vs SF	8.5	5.8	4.3
Fred Jackson – BUF	at PHI	8.3	6.4	4.8
Rudi Johnson – CIN	at MIA	8.3	5.5	3.8
Musa Smith – BAL	vs PIT	8.2	6.5	4.7
Mike Anderson – BAL	vs PIT	8.1	7.3	5.3
Garrett Wolfe – CHI	vs NO	7.9	6.4	4.3
Greg Jones – JAC	at HOU	7.8	6.5	4.3
Selvin Young – DEN	vs MIN	7.7	7.4	5.1
Aveion Cason – DET	at GB	7.5	7.0	4.5
Travis Henry – DEN	vs MIN	7.3	7.3	4.7
Ron Dayne – HOU	vs JAC	7.3	6.8	4.1
Reggie Bush – NO	at CHI	7.2	6.2	3.3
Michael Robinson – SF	at CLE	7.0	6.2	3.2
Jason Snelling – ATL	vs SEA	6.7	7.1	3.8
LaMont Jordan – OAK	vs SD	6.7	7.3	4.0
Leonard Weaver – SEA	at ATL	6.7	6.7	3.3
JJ Arrington – ARI	vs STL	6.6	6.8	3.3
Samkon Gado – MIA	vs CIN	6.6	6.8	3.3
Pierre Thomas – NO	at CHI	6.6	7.0	3.6
Kevin Faulk – NE	at NYG	6.5	7.1	3.6
Antonio Pittman – STL	at ARI	6.5	7.1	3.6
Reuben Droughns – NYG	vs NE	6.4	6.8	3.3
Michael Bennett – TB	vs CAR	6.3	7.1	3.4
Gilbert Harris – KC	at NYJ	6.3	6.9	3.3
Marcel Shipp – ARI	vs STL	6.2	7.3	3.4
Heath Evans – NE	at NYG	6.2	7.3	3.4
Maurice Hicks – SF	at CLE	6.1	7.1	3.2
Jerome Harrison – CLE	vs SF	5.9	7.2	3.1
Patrick Cobbs – MIA	vs CIN	5.8	6.5	2.3
Joe Echemandu – HOU	vs JAC	5.7	7.3	3.0
Dwayne Wright – BUF	at PHI	5.6	6.5	2.1
Carey Davis – PIT	at BAL	5.4	7.6	3.0
Vernand Morency – GB	vs DET	5.4	7.5	2.9
Brandon Jackson – GB	vs DET	5.3	7.6	2.9
Anthony Thomas – BUF	at PHI	5.3	6.7	1.9
Brian Leonard – STL	at ARI	5.0	7.6	2.6
Justin Fargas – OAK	vs SD	4.9	6.8	1.8
Mewelde Moore – MIN	at DEN	4.8	7.6	2.4
Chris Henry – TEN	at IND	4.8	7.6	2.4
Tony Hunt – PHI	vs BUF	4.8	7.7	2.5
Andre Hall – DEN	vs MIN	4.6	8.2	2.8
Gary Russell – PIT	at BAL	4.2	8.2	2.3
Ahman Green – HOU	vs JAC	3.9	7.3	1.3
Mike Bell – DEN	vs MIN	3.2	7.6	0.8
Tatum Bell – DET	at GB	3.2	8.5	1.7

 
Start:
Clinton Portis, WAS (13.6 rating): Portis has been a big part of Washington’s three game winning streak, accounting for over 100 total yards in each game and three total touchdowns (2 rushing, 1 passing). He should play a big role again this week as the Redskins need a win against Dallas at home to lock up the final wildcard spot in the NFC. Dallas has nothing to play for with the top seed clinched, so they will likely be resting several starters on defense. Portis will see plenty of action and should have success against an undermanned Cowboy defense.

Sit:
Brandon Jacobs, NYG (10.5 rating): Jacobs had a huge game against the Bills last week, helping the Giants clinch the 5th seed in the NFC. But he does have a bit of an ankle injury going into this week. Nothing serious, but it could certainly result in him playing less than he would otherwise, especially considering that this game will not affect the Giants’ playoff seeding. The assumption is that New York will play its starters for the most part, but I just can’t see Jacobs being a good play. Even if he does play the whole game, the Patriots are not all that easy to run the ball against. Not to mention rookie Ahmad Bradshaw had a breakout game for the Giants last week, so he will probably take some carries away from Jacobs anyway.
 

Wide Receivers	Opponent	Rating	Risk	Reward
Braylon Edwards – CLE	vs SF	15.1	2.7	7.8
Chad Johnson – CIN	at MIA	14.9	2.9	7.8
Randy Moss – NE	at NYG	14.7	4.2	8.8
TJ Houshmandzadeh – CIN	at MIA	14.7	3.3	8.0
Brandon Marshall – DEN	vs MIN	14.1	3.6	7.7
Anquan Boldin – ARI	vs STL	14.1	3.8	7.8
Reggie Wayne – IND	vs TEN	13.8	3.9	7.8
Bobby Engram – SEA	at ATL	13.7	3.8	7.5
Larry Fitzgerald – ARI	vs STL	13.5	4.3	7.8
Marty Booker – MIA	vs CIN	13.3	3.5	6.8
Dwayne Bowe – KC	at NYJ	13.2	3.7	6.8
Deion Branch – SEA	at ATL	12.9	4.1	7.0
Hines Ward – PIT	at BAL	12.9	4.4	7.3
Greg Jennings – GB	vs DET	12.7	5.0	7.7
Andre Johnson – HOU	vs JAC	12.7	4.4	7.1
Wes Welker – NE	at NYG	12.3	5.3	7.6
Torry Holt – STL	at ARI	12.3	4.7	6.9
Roydell Williams – TEN	at IND	12.3	5.2	7.4
Jerricho Cotchery – NYJ	vs KC	12.2	4.2	6.3
Steve Smith – CAR	at TB	12.1	4.9	7.0
Santana Moss – WAS	vs DAL	12.0	5.2	7.2
Donald Driver – GB	vs DET	11.9	4.1	6.0
Vincent Jackson – SD	at OAK	11.8	3.8	5.5
Lee Evans – BUF	at PHI	11.8	4.6	6.3
Santonio Holmes – PIT	at BAL	11.8	4.7	6.4
Chris Chambers – SD	at OAK	11.7	3.8	5.4
Roddy White – ATL	vs SEA	11.7	4.3	6.0
Kevin Walter – HOU	vs JAC	11.7	4.8	6.5
Calvin Johnson – DET	at GB	11.6	4.8	6.3
Reggie Brown – PHI	vs BUF	11.5	4.5	6.0
Patrick Crayton – DAL	at WAS	11.4	4.8	6.3
Kevin Curtis – PHI	vs BUF	11.4	4.9	6.3
Shaun McDonald – DET	at GB	11.2	4.9	6.1
Ted Ginn – MIA	vs CIN	10.8	5.4	6.3
Derrick Mason – BAL	vs PIT	10.8	4.4	5.2
Justin Gage – TEN	at IND	10.8	5.1	5.8
Donte Stallworth – NE	at NYG	10.6	5.9	6.5
Marques Colston – NO	at CHI	10.5	6.9	7.4
Isaac Bruce – STL	at ARI	10.4	5.3	5.8
Antwaan Randle El – WAS	vs DAL	10.3	5.4	5.8
Reggie Williams – JAC	at HOU	10.3	5.5	5.8
Sam Hurd – DAL	at WAS	10.3	5.3	5.5
Josh Reed – BUF	at PHI	10.2	4.8	4.9
Jabar Gaffney – NE	at NYG	10.2	6.1	6.3
Chris Henry – CIN	at MIA	10.1	4.6	4.7
Justin McCareins – NYJ	vs KC	10.1	4.9	5.0
Ronald Curry – OAK	vs SD	10.1	5.4	5.5
Amani Toomer – NYG	vs NE	10.0	5.8	5.8
Mike Furrey – DET	at GB	9.9	5.4	5.3
Bernard Berrian – CHI	vs NO	9.7	5.3	5.0
Mark Clayton – BAL	vs PIT	9.7	4.4	4.1
Nate Washington – PIT	at BAL	9.7	5.7	5.3
Ike Hilliard – TB	vs CAR	9.6	6.2	5.8
Anthony Gonzalez – IND	vs TEN	9.6	6.5	6.1
David Patten – NO	at CHI	9.4	5.8	5.2
Devin Aromashodu – IND	vs TEN	9.3	5.3	4.5
Michael Jenkins – ATL	vs SEA	9.2	4.3	3.5
Sammie Parker – KC	at NYJ	9.0	5.3	4.3
Derek Hagan – MIA	vs CIN	8.8	5.4	4.3
Terrance Copper – NO	at CHI	8.8	5.9	4.8
Arnaz Battle – SF	at CLE	8.8	5.7	4.4
Troy Williamson – MIN	at DEN	8.8	6.0	4.8
Darrell Jackson – SF	at CLE	8.8	6.1	4.8
Nate Burleson – SEA	at ATL	8.8	6.4	5.2
Eric Moulds – TEN	at IND	8.7	5.1	3.8
Muhsin Muhammad – CHI	vs NO	8.7	5.5	4.2
Plaxico Burress – NYG	vs NE	8.7	7.5	6.2
Laurent Robinson – ATL	vs SEA	8.6	5.3	3.9
Dennis Northcutt – JAC	at HOU	8.6	5.6	4.2
Jerry Porter – OAK	vs SD	8.4	5.8	4.3
Greg Camarillo – MIA	vs CIN	8.3	6.3	4.6
Bryant Johnson – ARI	vs STL	8.3	5.3	3.6
Javon Walker – DEN	vs MIN	8.3	7.0	5.3
Drew Bennett – STL	at ARI	8.2	6.8	4.9
Keenan McCardell – WAS	vs DAL	8.2	6.2	4.3
Bobby Wade – MIN	at DEN	8.2	6.4	4.6
Ernest Wilford – JAC	at HOU	7.9	5.6	3.5
Glenn Martinez – DEN	vs MIN	7.9	6.3	4.2
Jerheme Urban – ARI	vs STL	7.7	5.3	3.0
Andre Davis – HOU	vs JAC	7.7	6.5	4.2
Joey Galloway – TB	vs CAR	7.4	6.3	3.8
Joe Jurevicius – CLE	vs SF	7.2	6.5	3.7
Matt Jones – JAC	at HOU	7.0	6.4	3.4
Hank Baskett – PHI	vs BUF	7.0	6.8	3.8
Craig Davis – SD	at OAK	6.9	6.6	3.5
James Jones – GB	vs DET	6.9	6.5	3.4
Cedrick Wilson – PIT	at BAL	6.9	6.7	3.6
Antonio Chatman – CIN	at MIA	6.8	6.2	2.9
Terry Glenn – DAL	at WAS	6.7	7.4	4.1
Lance Moore – NO	at CHI	6.6	6.4	3.0
Ruvell Martin – GB	vs DET	6.6	6.7	3.3
James Thrash – WAS	vs DAL	6.5	6.2	2.7
Drew Carter – CAR	at TB	6.5	7.3	3.8
Devery Henderson – NO	at CHI	6.5	7.6	4.1
Brad Smith – NYJ	vs KC	6.4	6.5	2.9
Robert Ferguson – MIN	at DEN	6.3	7.3	3.7
Ben Obomanu – SEA	at ATL	6.3	6.0	2.3
Devin Hester – CHI	vs NO	6.3	7.3	3.5
Michael Clayton – TB	vs CAR	6.1	7.3	3.3
Sidney Rice – MIN	at DEN	5.9	7.8	3.7
Tim Carter – CLE	vs SF	5.8	6.8	2.6
Malcolm Floyd – SD	at OAK	5.8	6.4	2.3
Jason Avant – PHI	vs BUF	5.8	7.2	3.0
Roscoe Parrish – BUF	at PHI	5.8	7.5	3.3
Brandon Jones – TEN	at IND	5.7	6.6	2.3
Ashley Lelie – SF	at CLE	5.7	7.0	2.7
Dwayne Jarrett – CAR	at TB	5.7	7.5	3.2
Brandon Stokley – DEN	vs MIN	5.6	7.9	3.5
Craphonso Thorpe – IND	vs TEN	5.5	6.5	2.0
DJ Hackett – SEA	at ATL	5.5	6.6	2.1
Rashied Davis – CHI	vs NO	5.4	7.3	2.7
Tim Dwight – OAK	vs SD	5.3	7.7	3.0
Koren Robinson – GB	vs DET	5.1	7.3	2.3
Sam Aiken – BUF	at PHI	5.1	7.8	2.8
Dante Hall – STL	at ARI	4.9	7.9	2.8
Eddie Kennison – KC	at NYJ	4.9	8.0	2.9
Jacoby Jones – HOU	vs JAC	4.8	7.9	2.8
Demetrius Williams – BAL	vs PIT	4.6	8.0	2.6
Laveranues Coles – NYJ	vs KC	4.6	7.3	1.8
Steve Smith – NYG	vs NE	4.5	8.0	2.5
Marvin Harrison – IND	vs TEN	3.4	9.1	2.5
Joe Horn – ATL	vs SEA	3.3	8.4	1.8
Terrell Owens – DAL	at WAS	2.9	7.8	0.8

 
Start:
Randy Moss, NYG (14.7 rating): Moss is now one touchdown short of tying Jerry Rice’s single season record of 22. That should be pretty good motivation for him, as the Patriots look to finish the regular season undefeated. Moss and Brady (who will be looking to break Peyton Manning’s record of 49 touchdown passes in a season) have a lot more to play for than their opponent, the New York Giants. I expect the Patriots to get a few quick scores through the passing game, and then coast for most of the second half. If I were a betting man I’d say Moss will tie the record, at least.

Sit:
Anthony Gonzalez, IND (9.6 rating): Gonzalez has been a great late season fantasy pickup, as he has really stepped up his game in place of the injured Marvin Harrison. But he will likely not be very busy in Week 17. He has a foot injury that will limit him, if not keep him out all together as the Colts do not need to win this final game. Even if Gonzalez does play, he will be receiving passes from backup QB Jim Sorgi for most of the game. No offense to Sorgi, but he will not provide his receivers with the same opportunities that Peyton Manning does.
 

Tight Ends	Opponent	Rating	Risk	Reward
Kellen Winslow – CLE	vs SF	15.3	2.7	8.0
Tony Gonzalez – KC	at NYJ	14.3	3.5	7.8
Chris Cooley – WAS	vs DAL	14.1	3.7	7.8
Vernon Davis – SF	at CLE	13.8	3.5	7.3
Tony Scheffler – DEN	vs MIN	13.7	4.1	7.8
Jason Witten – DAL	at WAS	12.6	5.0	7.6
Donald Lee – GB	vs DET	12.2	4.8	6.9
Desmond Clark – CHI	vs NO	11.9	4.1	6.0
Owen Daniels – HOU	vs JAC	11.3	4.7	6.0
Ben Watson – NE	at NYG	11.2	6.0	7.2
Randy McMichael – STL	at ARI	11.2	4.4	5.6
Alex Smith – TB	vs CAR	11.0	4.2	5.2
Alge Crumpler – ATL	vs SEA	10.9	5.3	6.2
Dallas Clark – IND	vs TEN	10.9	5.8	6.8
Antonio Gates – SD	at OAK	10.4	5.3	5.7
Chris Baker – NYJ	vs KC	10.3	3.9	4.3
Visanthe Shiancoe – MIN	at DEN	10.3	4.8	5.2
Kevin Boss – NYG	vs NE	10.1	4.6	4.7
Zach Miller – OAK	vs SD	9.7	4.6	4.3
Robert Royal – BUF	at PHI	9.7	5.0	4.7
Brent Celek – PHI	vs BUF	9.4	4.8	4.3
Reggie Kelly – CIN	at MIA	9.3	4.5	3.8
Ben Patrick – ARI	vs STL	9.3	4.8	4.1
Heath Miller – PIT	at BAL	9.3	5.8	5.1
Ben Utecht – IND	vs TEN	9.0	4.7	3.7
Jeff King – CAR	at TB	8.8	5.0	3.8
Greg Olsen – CHI	vs NO	8.3	6.1	4.4
Quinn Sypniewski – BAL	vs PIT	7.7	5.9	3.6
Bubba Franks – GB	vs DET	7.4	6.2	3.6
Bo Scaife – TEN	at IND	7.3	6.5	3.8
Marcedes Lewis – JAC	at HOU	7.2	6.3	3.5
Anthony Fasano – DAL	at WAS	7.2	5.9	3.1
Daniel Graham – DEN	vs MIN	6.8	6.4	3.3
Todd Heap – BAL	vs PIT	6.8	6.8	3.5
Marcus Pollard – SEA	at ATL	6.6	6.3	2.8
Eric Johnson – NO	at CHI	6.2	6.7	2.8
Ben Troupe – TEN	at IND	5.9	6.7	2.6
Todd Yoder – WAS	vs DAL	5.8	6.8	2.7
Billy Miller – NO	at CHI	5.8	7.2	3.0
Anthony Becht – TB	vs CAR	5.8	7.0	2.8
Sean McHugh – DET	at GB	5.6	7.7	3.3
Jeb Putzier – HOU	vs JAC	5.5	6.9	2.4
Kyle Brady – NE	at NYG	5.4	7.5	2.9
David Martin – MIA	vs CIN	5.3	7.2	2.4
Richard Angulo – JAC	at HOU	5.2	7.5	2.7
Will Heller – SEA	at ATL	5.0	7.3	2.3
Christian Fauria – CAR	at TB	5.0	7.8	2.8
Jason Dunn – KC	at NYJ	4.8	7.6	2.4
Bryan Fletcher – IND	vs TEN	4.8	7.9	2.8
Matt Spaeth – PIT	at BAL	4.8	7.7	2.4
LJ Smith – PHI	vs BUF	4.1	8.2	2.3
Justin Peelle – MIA	vs CIN	4.0	7.7	1.7
Matt Schobel – PHI	vs BUF	3.6	8.3	1.9
Casey Fitzsimmons – DET	at GB	3.4	8.5	1.9

 
Start:
Vernon Davis, SF (13.8 rating): Davis has been productive since the introduction of quarterback Shaun Hill to the starting lineup. Hill and Davis (both University of Maryland products!) have connected for a touchdown in two straight games now. Will it continue against the Browns this week?… Why not? The Browns defense is hardly a juggernaut against the pass.

Sit:
Antonio Gates, SD (10.4 rating): Gates managed only one catch in each of his last two games, which is due in part to the Chargers getting out to big leads and then benching him. Conditions appear to be no different this week, as the Chargers face the 4-11 Oakland Raiders. I don’t expect Gates to play a huge role this week as the Chargers look ahead to the playoffs. You may not have many other options at tight end, but if you do I would give them strong consideration.
 

Kickers	Opponent	Rating	Risk	Reward
Phil Dawson – CLE	vs SF	14.7	2.8	7.5
Shayne Graham – CIN	at MIA	14.4	3.1	7.5
Stephen Gostkowski – NE	at NYG	14.4	3.1	7.5
Nate Kaeding – SD	at OAK	14.2	3.1	7.4
Mason Crosby – GB	vs DET	14.0	3.2	7.2
Neil Rackers – ARI	vs STL	13.6	3.0	6.6
Robbie Gould – CHI	vs NO	13.3	3.3	6.6
Josh Brown – SEA	at ATL	12.9	3.3	6.2
Jeff Reed – PIT	at BAL	12.9	3.7	6.6
Josh Scobee – JAC	at HOU	12.7	3.1	5.9
Adam Vinatieri – IND	vs TEN	12.7	3.6	6.4
David Akers – PHI	vs BUF	12.7	3.7	6.4
Rob Bironas – TEN	at IND	12.6	3.8	6.4
Shaun Suisham – WAS	vs DAL	12.1	3.8	5.9
Jeff Wilkins – STL	at ARI	12.1	4.4	6.4
Martin Gramatica – NO	at CHI	11.8	2.9	4.7
Kris Brown – HOU	vs JAC	11.7	4.1	5.8
Jason Hanson – DET	at GB	11.6	4.3	5.9
Jason Elam – DEN	vs MIN	11.6	4.6	6.2
Nick Folk – DAL	at WAS	11.6	3.9	5.5
Jay Feely – MIA	vs CIN	11.4	4.1	5.4
Ryan Longwell – MIN	at DEN	11.4	4.1	5.5
Matt Bryant – TB	vs CAR	11.1	4.4	5.6
Mike Nugent – NYJ	vs KC	11.1	3.5	4.6
Lawrence Tynes – NYG	vs NE	11.1	4.3	5.4
Matt Stover – BAL	vs PIT	10.9	4.1	5.1
John Kasay – CAR	at TB	10.9	4.4	5.3
Rian Lindell – BUF	at PHI	10.9	4.6	5.4
Morten Andersen – ATL	vs SEA	10.7	4.0	4.7
John Carney – KC	at NYJ	10.4	4.4	4.7
Joe Nedney – SF	at CLE	10.2	4.2	4.4
Sebastian Janikowski – OAK	vs SD	10.1	4.5	4.6

 
Start:
Nate Kaeding, SD (13.4 rating): The Chargers offense has been clicking, and that has led to many chances for their kicker. Kaeding kicked 3 field goals in each of the past two games, along with a bunch of extra points. He seems like a pretty good bet to put lots of points on the board against the lowly Raiders.

Sit:
Nick Folk, DAL (11.6 rating): Folk is having a nice year for a rookie, but with Dallas’ offense playing it safe in preparation for the playoffs, the kicker might not get as many chances as usual. The Cowboys, without TO and possibly Romo for most of the game, will likely be looking to run out the clock and end the game, not get into a shootout.
 

Team Defense	Opponent	Rating	Risk	Reward
San Diego	at OAK	15.1	2.9	7.9
Pittsburgh	at BAL	14.0	3.0	7.0
Green Bay	vs DET	13.9	3.4	7.3
New England	at NYG	13.4	4.6	8.0
Minnesota	at DEN	13.4	3.9	7.3
Cleveland	vs SF	13.4	3.4	6.7
Seattle	at ATL	13.3	4.3	7.6
Tampa Bay	vs CAR	13.1	3.4	6.5
Tennessee	at IND	12.4	3.9	6.3
Jacksonville	at HOU	12.3	3.9	6.2
Kansas City	at NYJ	12.1	3.6	5.7
Chicago	vs NO	11.9	5.1	7.1
Cincinnati	at MIA	11.6	5.1	6.6
New Orleans	at CHI	11.2	4.6	5.8
New York Jets	vs KC	11.1	4.8	5.9
Indianapolis	vs TEN	10.8	5.4	6.1
Miami	vs CIN	10.7	4.9	5.6
Washington	vs DAL	10.5	4.9	5.4
Dallas	at WAS	10.5	5.1	5.6
Philadelphia	vs BUF	10.2	5.2	5.4
Arizona	vs STL	10.1	6.1	6.1
Buffalo	at PHI	10.1	5.0	5.1
Carolina	at TB	9.9	4.7	4.6
Denver	vs MIN	9.8	5.7	5.5
Baltimore	vs PIT	9.1	5.9	5.0
Detroit	at GB	8.6	6.3	4.9
Houston	vs JAC	8.5	6.0	4.5
New York Giants	vs NE	8.1	6.8	4.9
San Francisco	at CLE	8.0	6.9	4.9
St. Louis	at ARI	7.7	6.0	3.7
Oakland	vs SD	7.3	6.4	3.6
Atlanta	vs SEA	6.9	6.6	3.5

 
Start:
Minnesota (13.4 rating): The Vikings’ opportunistic, run-stuffing defense was well documented over their 5 game winning streak. They did not play their best in a dissapointing loss to the Redskins last week, but they should have an easier game this week against Denver. The Broncos are struggling on offense. They have scored only 13 and 3 points in their last two games, respectively. Minnesota can still make the playoffs if they win and Washington loses, so they do have something to play for. Their defense is a good start once again.

Sit:
Buffalo (10.1 rating): Buffalo’s defense got abused last week by the Giants in the snow. The Bills held their ground for a while, but eventually the Giants’ running backs broke free and started to run wild, accumulating almost 300 rushing yards between them. This week, the Bears play another NFC East team in Philadelphia. The Eagles looked good against New Orleans with Donovan McNabb completing almost 70% of his passes while throwing three touchdowns and zero interceptions. Philly may be peaking too late to make the playoffs, but they can certainly give the Bills’ defense all they can handle.

 
Special thanks to SwiperNoSwiping, dream_017, madaslives911, treat24, plantation, TaDa, and BlueBandit24 for their rankings and involvement with this week's article. For more insights and additional fine-tuning, visit our Who to Start/Bench forum section or listen to The Coach's Voice on Fantasy Cafe Radio.
 

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