There is an old saying “What you don’t know won’t hurt you”. Obviously whoever said that never played fantasy sports. In fantasy sports, not knowing can kill your prospects of winning. And having the best players does not assure one of a victory. This is especially true if your fantasy league is planning its championship game this weekend. The reality is that having the best players can be a detriment to winning this weekend. With this being the final weekend of the regular season, many teams who are playoff bound will be limiting the play of their starters and other key players. This is beyond those who cannot play due to injury – see NFL Week 17 48 Hour Report for the injury update. Teams will be sitting or limiting playing time for players who otherwise would be playing. Even players who are listed as probable on the injury report may not play this week. And That is one reason many leagues now conclude their fantasy season in week 16. Here is a look at some of the players you might be planning to start this week. Who is in, and who is out for week 17. Owners beware.
I have searched the net and here is what information I have discovered. If a game has no information, that indicates I have not found anything out of the normal for that game. Business as usual. Check the injury updates and the weather but expect the normal players to play. Check the inactive list for today. Example: Green Bay has listed Donald Driver, Greg Jennings and TE Lee all as inactive for today's game!
Saturday
New England
NY Giants
Expect the Patriots to start their normal starters. However don’t be surprised that if the game is in hand that the starters are pulled early. The only reason they are playing tonight (the starters) is because of the undefeated season, and the opportunity for Brady and Moss to set some NFL records. A risky move that backfires on the Patriots if either Brady or Moss gets injured in what is otherwise a meaningless game.
The Giants have indicated they may sit some of their starters in this one. However Plaxico has practiced this week for just the 2nd or 3rd time since early season due to his injured ankle. Also Bradshaw has not practiced which means Jacobs may play more than the Giants would desire.
Sunday 12/30
Buffalo
Philadelphia
San Diego
Oakland
Look for LT and Gates to sit early. 3rd seed is on the line however so expect the starters to play until they have a lead. Sproles may be the best fantasy value for the Chargers.
For the Raiders, they plan to play Russell at QB
Minnesota
Denver
Minnesota needs a win to keep playoff hopes alive. They will play all of their normal starters who can play. They also need the Redskins to lose against a Dallas team that has no reason to risk their starters.
St. Louis
Arizona
Dallas
Washington
Look for most of the starters to sit early in this one for Dallas. TO is already out. Romo has a sore thumb and should sit the second half for sure. He will probably start since Glenn is getting his first playing time of the season. But don’t look for him to play more than a half. All Dallas starters are risky plays since a loss means nothing to Dallas. Look for the starters to rest at least the second half.
Washington needs a win to advance to the playoffs. They will play their normal starters who are able to go.
Cincinnati
Miami
Rudi Johnson will not play. That makes Kenny Watson a good play.
Cleo Lemons is listed as the starter at QB for Miami.
Tennessee
Indianapolis
Marvin Harrison will start but how much will he play? The same question applies to all the starters for Indy as well as key backups such as Keith. Look for Indy to play the starters maybe a half. Look for Addai, Keith, Wayne and Peyton to all get plenty of rest this game. Gonzalez is questionable to play.
Tennessee will be business as usual as they are fighting for the final playoff berth. They need a win.
San Francisco
Cleveland
If you planned to start Shaun Hill at QB this week, change your plans. Shaun has been having back spasms all week.
Chris Weinke will start Sunday's game for the 49ers. "Chris Weinke will start in the game," coach Mike Nolan reported to Sports Network. "The backup will be Drew Olson. The third quarterback will come out of either Arnaz or Michael Robinson. Hopefully, we'll just stay with Chris Weinke there for the entire game."
Cleveland is fighting with Tennessee for the final playoff berth. They will have all available starters playing.
Seattle
Atlanta
Seattle has said it will play its starters. But if Seattle gets a lead, look for them to get an early exit.
Atlanta should play its normal roster.
Pittsburgh
Baltimore
Big Ben will probably not play. He says he wants to play but don't expect it. Pittsburgh could still get the 3 seed with a win and a Charger loss but look for Big Ben to rest his sore ankle. Charlie Batch is the next in line for Pittsburgh. Here is a link to
the latest article in the Pittsburgh Tribune.
Todd Heap will not play for Baltimore while WR Mark Clayton says he will play.
New Orleans
Chicago
Reggie Bush will not play. Stecker has a turf toe and has been stated to be questionable. Pierre Thomas may carry the load for the Saints. Saints need a win to keep playoffs hopes alive. They need a win along with Minnesota and Washington losing.
Bernard Berrian is questionable for the Bears.
Jacksonville
HoustonWe probably won't see Matt Schaub in the Texans' last game of the season. Coach Gary Kubiak said Schaub will be the No. 3 quarterback, according to the Houston Chronicle.
Jacksonville is in the playoffs. How much will they play their starters? Look for Fred Taylor to sit early and possibly MJD also.
Detroit
Green BayUpdate: Sunday 12:30 Eastern Green Bay has listed Donald Driver, Greg Jennings and Donald Lee as INACTIVE for today's game against the Lions. While Favre will play and so will RB Ryan Grant, there is no guarantee how long they will play. And other than James Jones, who will Brett throw the ball to today?
Most people are under the impression that Favre is a bad play this week. That may not be true. Aaron Rodgers has been inactive the past 2 weeks due to a sore hamstring. He is still not well. Further Favre has publicly stated he wants to play the entire game. Look for Favre to start and play for at least the first half and possibly the entire game. It may depend upon how much pressure the Lions are able to get on him. If he isn’t getting hit, look for him to play at least 3 Quarters or the game is safely out of reach.
For the Lions, Tatum Bell is still questionable leaving TJ Duckett as the primary rb.
Carolina
Tampa Bay
Garcia and other TB starters should see little action in this one. Coach Gruden has apparently said he plans to rest players this week. Look for Luke McCown to get the majority of the QB work on Sunday for TB. Joey Galloway has been confirmed as "out" for Sunday's game.
Kansas City
NY Jets
Clemens has been announced as the starter for the Jets at QB.
Brady Croyle is set to start at QB for the Chiefs.