December 26th, 2008 11:45am PST
MORE DAILY DIGEST
MORE DAILY DIGEST
Player News
Young could see some action Sunday...
....with the top seed all wrapped up in the AFC, don't be surprised to see Titan's head coach Jeff Fischer sit down many of his starters early on Sunday. Quarterback Vince Young is expected to see action against the Colts, likely to play most of the game. Since Young has not seen much action this season, it would be a stretch for owners to hope for a big game from the former Longhorn.
Gradkowski expected to start Sunday...
....the Brown's have confirmed that quarterback Bruce Gradkowski will start Sunday against the Steelers. Considering that Gradkowski has only been with the team for about a month, it may be the time of season for miracles, but now is not the time to wish for the impossible.
Johnson looking forward to facing Bengals...
....the Chief's running back Larry Johnson should be excited about seeing the Bengals this Sunday. In his last three games against Cincinnati, Johnson has totaled 514-yards (rushing and receiving) and scored 4 touchdowns. Facing the leagues 24th ranked run defense (allowing 126-yards per game), Johnson could be looking at a big day this Sunday.
Megatron expected to play in Week 17...
....the Lion's receiver has been limited this week in practice, but he is expected to go on Sunday. Johnson was big in the team's first matchup with Green Bay scoring twice, so he should be a decent low WR2 play this week on the road.
Roethlisberger could be limited...
.....the Steelers have little to play for on Sunday other than pride, fantasy owners should not expect to see much of Big Ben against the Browns. Roethlisberger is expected to start, but likely won't last very long. The Steelers quarterback has been dropped 46 times this season and banged up most of the year, so don't expect to see a lot of him on Sunday.
Thigpen leading the way on the ground...
.....the Chief's quarterback in only 10 starts this season has rushed for 382-yards and scored 3 rushing touchdowns. Thigpen leads all quarterbacks this season in rushing and has been a solid fantasy play over the past month. With 12 touchdown passes over the team's last six games and his mobility, Thigpen should be considered a decent QB2 play against the Bengals.
Thomas misses practices again...
....the Saint's running back has missed the last couple of days of practice and there is growing concern about his availability for Sunday. Thomas was also limited to 16 carries last week, implicating that maybe his injury could limit his workload this week. Owners should check Friday’s status to determine Thomas' outlook.
Wallace will make start Sunday...
....the Seahawks will roll with quarterback Seneca Wallace this Sunday against the Cardinals. This will be his fourth consecutive start for Seattle. In his last three starts, Wallace has completed 68% of his passes and thrown for 613-yards with 4 touchdowns and no picks. This Sunday Wallace should be a decent QB2 against the Cardinals 20th ranked pass defense.
Manning not expected to finish game...
....the Giants have everything wrapped up for the playoffs heading into the season finale. While Coughlin is expected to start the game with many of his starters, according to the New York Post they won't stay in. Fantasy owners still vying for a win on Sunday should avoid all the Giant's skill position players.
Romo returns to practice...
....the Cowboys quarterback returned to practice after missing Wednesday due to illness. His return should come as great relief to fantasy owners and a good sign he'll be under center on Sunday. With everything riding on a win against Philly, fantasy owners can expect the Cowboys offense to go through Romo and his arm.
MORE FANTASY
WHO IS THE BETTER PLAY?
Looking for more fantasy football for the NFL's final weekend of regular season action? Here’s a look at some player matchups for Week 17 with recent trends to consider.
This is my look at preferred fantasy plays for this weekend’s slate of games.
Running backs
Ryan Grant over Chris Johnson:
The Packers have nothing to play for other than a sense of pride and wanting to avoid being the only team to lose to the Lions. Grant has not had the same type of season he enjoyed in the second half of last season, but he has over 1,000-yards on the year and a chance to better his numbers considerably against a woeful defense that ranks dead last against the run. In the cold December Lambeau winds, owners can expect the Pack to run a bit more this week. The Titans rookie running back Chris Johnson will likely see action on Sunday, but like many players on teams that have already clinched the post season, he'll fall victim to an early exit. Owners who need production on Sunday should not bank on the rookie putting up big numbers in a meaningless game for Tennessee.
Larry Johnson over Willie Parker:
There's little doubt that the Chiefs running back has fallen from Fantasy Football Grace with his suspensions this season. But Johnson will have more than reputation or pride to play for this Sunday. With the team likely to face many changes in the off season, Johnson's likelihood of returning next year with his high price tag look 50-50 at best. Johnson may be playing for more than just a win on Sunday, but for his own marketability. Owners should look for a big game from LJ going up against a team that he had historically had great success against. The Steeler's running back "Fast Willie Parker" (FWP) has battled injuries much of the season, explaining his drop in productivity for 2008. With the number 2 seed locked up, the Steelers are more likely to try and rest many of there starters, in particular those that may be dinged up a bit. With Parker's recent fragile history, don't expect to see him in for very long on Sunday.
Cedric Benson over Brandon Jacobs:
In keeping with the current theme this weekend, Benson is one of those backs that has a favorable matchup on Sunday against a very poor run defense (Chiefs are ranked 30th). Last week the Bengal's running set a career high with 171-yards rushing against the Browns. This week the team will likely feature a lot of Benson, so owners could see another big day. The Giants 6'4" 260-pound runner has not practiced all week, although he has participated in some individual drills. It is not likely that Coughlin will play Jacobs at all this week. Owners should expect the Earth to rest this week in preparation for the Giant's run at a second consecutive championship.
Ahmad Bradshaw over Derrick Ward:
This is simply the last man on the totem pole will see the heavier load this week. Derrick Ward has been the primary back up for running back Brandon Jacobs all season, so he is expected to start this Sunday. But like his predecessor, Ward will likely see a limited work load, while owners should expect to see "Fire" (Bradshaw) much of the second half. Ward needs just 52-yards to reach 1,000-yards for the season, so it's hard to imagine that he'll play much more after reaching that plateau. Bradshaw should be the play of choice and while the Vikings are tough against the run, Fire has a way of burning the defense.
Wide Receivers
Derrick Mason over Lee Evans:
The Ravens receiver has just proven he is a reliable option week in and week out. Over his last four starts, Mason has totaled more than 12 fantasy points in three of those games. He is averaging over 5 catches for 60-yards with three touchdowns in the team's last four games. These are not great numbers, but they are reliable. The Bills receiver started this season as one of the leagues top wideouts averaging 91-yards receiving per game with 3 touchdowns and a 20.5-yard per catch in his first six games. In his last three starts Evans has just 64 receiving yards and will face a team that he has yet to post over 40-yards in a single matchup in his last five meetings. Owners would probably be wise to avoid Evans against the Patriots this Sunday.
Lance Moore over Vincent Jackson:
While the Saints don't have much to play for on Sunday, their opponents do. The Panthers need to win and will likely focus on trying to slow down the Saints potential record setting quarterback. Over the past several weeks, Brees and Colston have started to groove while Lance Moore has played second fiddle. Fantasy owners should expect to see the Panthers key on Colston and Brees to reconnect with his other wideout. Moore had just 3 catches in the teams last home game (in Week 14), but just one week earlier against the Packers he was huge with 115-yards and a two scores. Look for this Moore on Sunday. The Broncos-Chargers matchup was the recipient of NFL's flex schedule and with so much on the line for both teams, why not. One of the keys for the Chargers has been the play of quarterback Phillip Rivers and his receiver Vincent Jackson. The two have hooked up 18 times for 348-yards and two scores in the last three weeks. There's little doubt with a healthy Champ Bailey back on the field, Jackson is going to see a lot of him all evening and could have a quiet night.
Quarterbacks
Aaron Rodgers over Brett Favre:
The Packers quarterback has been a pleasant fantasy surprise this season with 25 touchdowns and nearly 250-yards passing per game. This week owners will be licking their chops with a matchup against the Lions and their 26th ranked pass defense. Rodgers was huge in the first meeting with 328-yards passing and three touchdowns. While weather could play a small factor in the outcome, owners should not be concerned with Rodgers, who has 820-yards and 7 touchdowns in his last three home starts. Favre, on the other hand has been the epitome of Mr.Inconsistent, with 21 touchdowns and 19 interceptions. With the Jets back to the corner and needing a win (and help) to keep post season hopes alive, Favre will likely be pressed into making plays, something he's not had recent success with. In his last three starts he has just one touchdown and five picks. In their first meeting way back in week 1, Favre did play well, but he'll see a much better prepared Joey Porter (18 sacks) led Dolphin defense.
Matt Schaub over Jake Delhomme:
The Texans has little to lose on Sunday and will feature a full line up. With weapons like Andre Johnson (1,427-yards), Owen Daniels (67 receptions), and Kevin Walter (8 touchdowns) to throw to, Matt Schaub will have a great shot at a big day against the Bears 28th ranked pass defense. The Panthers are coming off a heart-breaking loss to the Giants, in a game that they could have won, if not for the foot of kicker John Kasay. Jake Delhomme played well nonetheless, but his numbers were not spectacular. Delhomme is on the road this week where he has not been particularly great. In his last four road starts Delhomme is averaging just 13 completions per game and has just two touchdown passes with four interceptions (although all 4 came in week 10). He'll face a Saints team that is much different at home with 4 straight wins and 6 interceptions in those games.
Check back soon for more "David's Daily Digest" and fantasy news...
By David G. Ortega
Looking for more fantasy football for the NFL's final weekend of regular season action? Here’s a look at some player matchups for Week 17 with recent trends to consider.
This is my look at preferred fantasy plays for this weekend’s slate of games.
Running backs
Ryan Grant over Chris Johnson:
The Packers have nothing to play for other than a sense of pride and wanting to avoid being the only team to lose to the Lions. Grant has not had the same type of season he enjoyed in the second half of last season, but he has over 1,000-yards on the year and a chance to better his numbers considerably against a woeful defense that ranks dead last against the run. In the cold December Lambeau winds, owners can expect the Pack to run a bit more this week. The Titans rookie running back Chris Johnson will likely see action on Sunday, but like many players on teams that have already clinched the post season, he'll fall victim to an early exit. Owners who need production on Sunday should not bank on the rookie putting up big numbers in a meaningless game for Tennessee.
Larry Johnson over Willie Parker:
There's little doubt that the Chiefs running back has fallen from Fantasy Football Grace with his suspensions this season. But Johnson will have more than reputation or pride to play for this Sunday. With the team likely to face many changes in the off season, Johnson's likelihood of returning next year with his high price tag look 50-50 at best. Johnson may be playing for more than just a win on Sunday, but for his own marketability. Owners should look for a big game from LJ going up against a team that he had historically had great success against. The Steeler's running back "Fast Willie Parker" (FWP) has battled injuries much of the season, explaining his drop in productivity for 2008. With the number 2 seed locked up, the Steelers are more likely to try and rest many of there starters, in particular those that may be dinged up a bit. With Parker's recent fragile history, don't expect to see him in for very long on Sunday.
Cedric Benson over Brandon Jacobs:
In keeping with the current theme this weekend, Benson is one of those backs that has a favorable matchup on Sunday against a very poor run defense (Chiefs are ranked 30th). Last week the Bengal's running set a career high with 171-yards rushing against the Browns. This week the team will likely feature a lot of Benson, so owners could see another big day. The Giants 6'4" 260-pound runner has not practiced all week, although he has participated in some individual drills. It is not likely that Coughlin will play Jacobs at all this week. Owners should expect the Earth to rest this week in preparation for the Giant's run at a second consecutive championship.
Ahmad Bradshaw over Derrick Ward:
This is simply the last man on the totem pole will see the heavier load this week. Derrick Ward has been the primary back up for running back Brandon Jacobs all season, so he is expected to start this Sunday. But like his predecessor, Ward will likely see a limited work load, while owners should expect to see "Fire" (Bradshaw) much of the second half. Ward needs just 52-yards to reach 1,000-yards for the season, so it's hard to imagine that he'll play much more after reaching that plateau. Bradshaw should be the play of choice and while the Vikings are tough against the run, Fire has a way of burning the defense.
Wide Receivers
Derrick Mason over Lee Evans:
The Ravens receiver has just proven he is a reliable option week in and week out. Over his last four starts, Mason has totaled more than 12 fantasy points in three of those games. He is averaging over 5 catches for 60-yards with three touchdowns in the team's last four games. These are not great numbers, but they are reliable. The Bills receiver started this season as one of the leagues top wideouts averaging 91-yards receiving per game with 3 touchdowns and a 20.5-yard per catch in his first six games. In his last three starts Evans has just 64 receiving yards and will face a team that he has yet to post over 40-yards in a single matchup in his last five meetings. Owners would probably be wise to avoid Evans against the Patriots this Sunday.
Lance Moore over Vincent Jackson:
While the Saints don't have much to play for on Sunday, their opponents do. The Panthers need to win and will likely focus on trying to slow down the Saints potential record setting quarterback. Over the past several weeks, Brees and Colston have started to groove while Lance Moore has played second fiddle. Fantasy owners should expect to see the Panthers key on Colston and Brees to reconnect with his other wideout. Moore had just 3 catches in the teams last home game (in Week 14), but just one week earlier against the Packers he was huge with 115-yards and a two scores. Look for this Moore on Sunday. The Broncos-Chargers matchup was the recipient of NFL's flex schedule and with so much on the line for both teams, why not. One of the keys for the Chargers has been the play of quarterback Phillip Rivers and his receiver Vincent Jackson. The two have hooked up 18 times for 348-yards and two scores in the last three weeks. There's little doubt with a healthy Champ Bailey back on the field, Jackson is going to see a lot of him all evening and could have a quiet night.
Quarterbacks
Aaron Rodgers over Brett Favre:
The Packers quarterback has been a pleasant fantasy surprise this season with 25 touchdowns and nearly 250-yards passing per game. This week owners will be licking their chops with a matchup against the Lions and their 26th ranked pass defense. Rodgers was huge in the first meeting with 328-yards passing and three touchdowns. While weather could play a small factor in the outcome, owners should not be concerned with Rodgers, who has 820-yards and 7 touchdowns in his last three home starts. Favre, on the other hand has been the epitome of Mr.Inconsistent, with 21 touchdowns and 19 interceptions. With the Jets back to the corner and needing a win (and help) to keep post season hopes alive, Favre will likely be pressed into making plays, something he's not had recent success with. In his last three starts he has just one touchdown and five picks. In their first meeting way back in week 1, Favre did play well, but he'll see a much better prepared Joey Porter (18 sacks) led Dolphin defense.
Matt Schaub over Jake Delhomme:
The Texans has little to lose on Sunday and will feature a full line up. With weapons like Andre Johnson (1,427-yards), Owen Daniels (67 receptions), and Kevin Walter (8 touchdowns) to throw to, Matt Schaub will have a great shot at a big day against the Bears 28th ranked pass defense. The Panthers are coming off a heart-breaking loss to the Giants, in a game that they could have won, if not for the foot of kicker John Kasay. Jake Delhomme played well nonetheless, but his numbers were not spectacular. Delhomme is on the road this week where he has not been particularly great. In his last four road starts Delhomme is averaging just 13 completions per game and has just two touchdown passes with four interceptions (although all 4 came in week 10). He'll face a Saints team that is much different at home with 4 straight wins and 6 interceptions in those games.
Check back soon for more "David's Daily Digest" and fantasy news...
By David G. Ortega
No comments:
Post a Comment