Well, the long haul is nearly over as we are just one day away from the end of the 2008 NFL regular season. Hopefully, there's been more ups than downs for you during this fantasy football season, and to ensure that you get one more up, the Bruno Boys bring to you the Week 17 Updated Ranking, alerting you to whose stock has risen and whose has fallen during this Holiday week.
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RISERS
WR Steve Breaston & WR Jerheme Urban (Arizona Cardinals) vs. Seattle
With Anquan Boldin nearly a sure thing when it comes to missing Sunday's action and Larry Fitzgerald likely to see a lighter workload, both Breaston and Urban should see an increased amount of work against the league's worst passing defense in the Seattle Seahawks. Use Breaston as a WR2 play this weekend, and if you're in need for a plug play, look to Urban as a WR3 / flex-type option.
WR Derrick Mason (Baltimore Ravens) vs. Jacksonville
Still dealing with issues regarding his dislocated shoulder, Mason is listed as "questionable" for Sunday's game with the Jaguars; however, being the tough wide out he is, it is expected Mason will once again play through the pain, something he's been doing quite well as he does have 3 double digit outings over the past 4 weeks. Feel free to use him as a low-end WR2/ high end WR3 play as the Ravens still need a win to clinch their playoff birth.
RB Fred Jackson (Buffalo Bills) vs. New England
With double digit outings in each of his last three games, Jackson was already warranting fantasy consideration as a flex play, but with Marshawn Lynch dealing with shoulder problems, Jackson becomes a must play flex play as he should see his workload expand this Sunday.
WR Muhsin Muhammad (Carolina Panthers) @ New Orleans
With many teams resting their big guns and a match-up with the New Orleans Saints, Muhammad makes for a WR3 play for week 17, so it's good news for those who own him that the wide receiver is "probable" despite a foot injury.
QB Tony Romo (Dallas Cowboys) @ Philadelphia
Battling flu-like symptons, Romo may not be at 100% this weekend against the Eagles, but the quarterback is fully expected to go in a do-or-die situation for the Cowboys. Last time Romo faced the Eagles, he went for 20 fantasy points. If you own him, don't be afraid to use him in the season finale.
RB Tashard Choice (Dallas Cowboys) @ Philadelphia
With ESPN's John Clayton reporting that Marion Barber will simply be used as a role player in Sunday's match-up if he goes, Choice becomes an excellent fantasy play for week 17 even with a tough match-up against the Eagles. After all, the Steelers, Giants, and Ravens all had problems shutting the back down as he posted 15+ fantasy points against all three defenses. He should be somewhere in that range again this Sunday against the Eagles.
TE Jason Witten (Dallas Cowboys) @ Philadelphia
An ankle injury, suffered by Witten last weekend against the Baltimore Ravens, raised some concerns for his owners; however, with Witten practicing both Thursday and Friday, it's a near certainty he will go in this must win game for the Cowboys. The last time Witten met with the Eagles, he went for 110 receiving yards. Another fine outing should be in store for the tight end in week 17.
QB Jay Cutler & WR Brandon Stokley (Denver Broncos) @ San Diego
It appears that Stokley, who currently is listed as "probable," will go Suday against the Chargers. That's good news for Cutler and Stokley's fantasy owners. Lacking a true running game, the Broncos will need to pass often in this one, so the more targets Cutler has the better. Look for Stokley to play as a low-end WR2 / high-end WR3 play in week 17.
RB Kevin Smith (Detroit Lions) @ Green Bay
While he may be sporting a "questionable" tag, don't be afraid to use Detroit Lions' running back, Kevin Smith. Smith has been playing on the injured ankle for the last few weeks, and with 15 point and 17 point efforts the last two Sundays, it doesn't seem to be hindering him too much. Look for another double digit performance this weekend against the 26th ranked rush defense of the Green Bay Packers.
WR Calvin Johnson (Detroit Lions) @ Green Bay
After being limited in practice on both Wednesday and Thursday, Megatron was a full participant on Friday, making it all but certain that the "probable" wide out will play on Sunday against the Packers. Johnson is obviously a muct play, especially when you consider the 24 fantasy points he put up against the Pack earlier this season.
RB Najeh Davenport (Indianapolis Colts) vs. Tennessee
With running back, Dominic Rhodes, already ruled out of Sunday's game, Joseph Addai, likely to earn some rest, and Chad Simpson, missing practice all week due to an ankle injury, the majority of the workload on Sunday will more than likely fall on Davenport's shoulders. It is a tough match-up on paper, but with the Titans resting players for the playoffs, Davenport may find some room to run. He could be utilized as a RB3 / flex play.
RB Maurice Jones-Drew (Jacksonville Jaguars) @ Baltimore
After participating fully in Friday's practice, MJD will start Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens do sport a tough defense, but with Fred Taylor out, MJD will remain the focal point of the Jags' offense. His expected workload, alone, warrants him RB2 status.
WR Bernard Berrian (Minnesota Vikings) vs. New York Giants
While his participation has been limited in practice both on Thursday and Friday due to an ankle injury, the fact that he was on the field makes us think that Berrian will be active this Sunday in a must-win game for the Vikes. Still, due to his inconsistencies, Berrian is probably a wide receiver you want to avoid this weekend.
TE Billy Miller (New Orleans Saints) vs. Carolina
With Jeremy Shockey already ruled out for Sunday's match-up with the Carolina Panthers, Miller makes for a solid week 17 play among a tight end position that has been lacking depth all season long. Miller has posted some solid games this season while filling in for Shockey and that should be the case again Sunday as the Saints will be passing often as Drew Brees attempts to break Dan Marino's single season yardage record.
WR Laveranues Coles (New York Jets) vs. Miami
As been par for the course this season, Coles enters week 17, once again, listed as "questionable." As usual, ignore the "questionable" status as Coles will go on Sunday. He is coming off two decent weeks of 8 and 6 fantasy points, and should once more fall in that range on Sunday, making him a WR3 / flex type play.
RB Darren McFadden (Oakland Raiders) @ Tampa Bay
The rookie running back is sporting a "questionable" tag; however, with a full day's worth of practice under his belt on Friday, it appears he'll be a go on Sunday against the Bucs. Solid outings of 16 and 8 fantasy points over the past two weeks make him an intriguing flex option this weekend, but pay more attention to see what McFadden can do for next year's fantasy draft.
RB Brian Westbrook (Philadelphia Eagles) vs. Dallas
Granted with just 17 fantasy points combined over the past two weeks, Westbrook has been somewhat disappointing following his two 30 point performances in weeks 13 and 14; however, if you own him, you need to utilize him in week 17 as the back is likely to go as he's listed as "probable" and he'll match-up with a Cowboys' team he burned for 27 points earlier in the year.
TE Brent Celek (Philadelphia Eagles) vs. Dallas
Fellow tight end, LJ Smith, is listed as "doubftul" for Sunday's game, which means it's likely tight end duties fall to Celek. Celek does have a 131 yard effort this season, but even with the lack of depth at the tight end position, we can't recommend you use him.
RB Frank Gore (San Francisco 49ers) vs. Washington
Needing just 22 yards to reach the 1,000 yard mark, Frank Gore will give it a go this Sunday against the Washington Redskins, despite an ankle injury that caused him to miss weeks 15 and 16. However, be aware that due to the ankle and a match-up with the 8th ranked rush defense of the 'Skins, Gore makes for nothing more than a RB2 play this Sunday.
QB Seneca Wallace (Seattle Seahawks) @ Arizona
Already a top 5 play in the Bruno Boys week 17 quarterback rankings, Wallace's value gets a further boost as it appears that Adrian Wilson will miss part or all of Sunday's affair as the safety is dealing with toe issues.
RB Steven Jackson (St. Louis Rams) @ Atlanta
Limited participation on Jackson's behalf for Wednesday's and Thursday's practices may have caused a scare for Jackson's owners, but with the running back fully taking part in Friday's practice and sporting just a "probable" tag, there is nothing to fear as Jackson will go Sunday against the 21st ranked rush defende of the Falcons. As such, he makes for a RB1 option in week 17.
QB Jeff Garcia & WR Antonio Bryant (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) vs. Oakland
It's not official yet, but in missing practice all week, it appears that Raiders' cornerback, Nnamdi Asomugha, will miss Sunday's battle with the Bucs. Currently, the best cornerback in the league, Asomugha's absence would definitely increase the value of both Garcia and Bryant, further allowing the Bucs' duo to continue the hot streaks they're on.
RB Quinton Ganther/Chris Henry (Tennessee Titans) @ Indianapolis
With the Tennessee Titans likely to rest many of their key guys this Sunday in a meaningless game, Henry and Ganther should be the backs that end up with the most carries this Sunday. Against a poor Colts' rush defense that will be without Bob Sanders that makes both worthy of flex play consideration. However, if you have to pick between the two, Henry is expected to see more touches.
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FALLERS
WR Anquan Boldin (Arizona Cardinals) vs. Seattle
The Cardinals are looking to get their offense back on track prior to heading into the playoffs, but that might be difficult to do with Anquan Boldin, who missed practice all week this week likely sitting out. With the Cardinals unwilling to risk their stud wideout for the playoffs, you should be unwilling to go with him this week.
RB Ray Rice (Baltimore Ravens) vs. Jacksonville
Running back, Ray Rice's chances of playing Sunday are dodgy as the running back is sporting a "questionable" label. Even if Rice does go, he'll have a hard time getting carries as LeRon McClain and Willis McGahee are likely to get the majority of work after fine performances against the Cowboys in week 16. Avoid him at all costs.
RB Marshawn Lynch (Buffalo Bills) vs. New England
Lynch was able to practice on Thursday; however, the team then held him out on Friday due to his banged up shoulder. Even if Lynch goes on Sunday, look for him to share much more of his workload with back-up Fred Jackson. Against a motivated Patriots' team, less carries won't turn into more points for Lynch.
WR Chad Johnson (Cincinnati Bengals) vs. Kansas City
After sitting out last weekend's game and not practicing with the team throughout the week, it appears Chad Johnson's NFL season has come to an end. Granted, his fantasy season should have come to an end long, long ago. The biggest splash Johnson made this season was his name change to "Ocho Cinco," and even that wasn't truly successful as no "Ocho Cinco" jerseys hit shelves this season.
QB Bruce Gradkowski & WR Braylon Edwards (Cleveland Browns) @ Pittsburgh
It appears high winds and rain will make Gradkowski's debut as a Brown particularly difficult. The weather and match-up with the Steelers severly hinders Edwards' opportunity at fantasy glory in week 17. Look for yet another disappointing performance.
TE Kellen Winslow (Cleveland Browns) @ Pittsburgh
A disappointing end to a disappointing season for Winslow as the Browns' tight end is listed as "doubtful" for the team's week 17 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
RB Marion Barber (Dallas Cowboys) @ Philadelphia
Already a game-time decision for Sunday's affair with the Philadelphia Eagles, it has now been reported that even if Barber does go, he'll be used simply as a role player. Avoid using him at all costs.
RB Dominic Rhodes & RB Chad Simpson (Indianapolis Colts) vs. Tennessee
Rhodes has already been ruled out Sunday's contest with a chest injury, and it seems that Simpson may be following suit as the running back missed practice all week due to an ankle injury.
RB Pierre Thomas (New Orleans Saints) vs. Carolina
Three consecutive missed practices should raise some concern for Thomas' owners. Heading into Sunday's game with the Panthers, Thomas is currently listed as a game-time decision, and as such, his owners should be sure to have a back-up plan in order. If Thomas can't go, look for Deuce McAllister and Mike Bell to split carries.
TE Jeremy Shockey (New Orleans Saints) vs. Carolina
Already ruled out for Sunday's game against the Panthers, Shockey will finish 2008 with the worst numbers of careers as the tight end managed just 483 receiving yards and no scores on the year.
RB Brandon Jacobs (New York Giants) @ Minnesota
It makes absolutely no sense for the New York Giants to put Jacobs on the field in this meaningless game, especially since the back is dealing with a sore knee. Look for the Giants to play it smart and rest Jacobs up for their playoff run.
TE Kevin Boss (New York Giants) @ Minnesota
Listed as "doubtful" on Friday's injury report, it appears Kevin Boss will not go in Sunday's match-up with the Minnesota Vikings as the game holds no importance to the Giants or their playoff seeding.
TE LJ Smith (Philadelphia Eagles) vs. Dallas
Tight end, LJ Smith, who continues to fail to live up to his potential will likely miss Sunday's affair with the Dallas Cowboys as he sports a "doubtful" tag. Not like you were going to use him anyways, but just in case, make sure Smith is now on your bench.
RB LenDale White (Tennessee Titans) @ Indianapolis
An illness kept White out of practice all week long, and with this Sunday's match-up with the Colts holding no significance, the illness will keep White out of the game as well.
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WEEK 17 RANKINGS (click to view)
Quarterbacks
Running Backs
Wide Receivers
Tight Ends
Kickers
Team Defense
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Also Read: Fantasy Football Week 17 Start 'Em & Sit 'Em
Also read: Fantasy Football Week 16 Waiver Wire
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