Anybody know why there's no Saturday night game this year? I looked back at a few random years and, as I had remembered it, there used to be Saturday night games in Week 15, 16 and 17. Is this something we've sacrificed for our Thursday games? College football? Is it because we're all supposed to be watching It's a Wonderful Life on the Saturday before Christmas? (I know it aired last night, but there's way too many commercials to actually watch it that way.) Disappointing.
So it's Championship Week, and the games and decisions are bigger than ever. I'll do my best to answer questions, or explain/defend our Weekly rankings when I can. I'm playing in one Super Bowl and another league where I need to make up 45 points on the leaders to finish in the money -- Thanks, Denver Broncos! Let's get right to it.
Dolphins at Bills: No EJ Manuel or Stevie Johnson, and it's possible it will rain in this game. That's the big news, I think. We like both defenses, and both running games have potential, though they should be divvied up. Conditions might be difficult for passing. Dolphins have much more at stake, but I think Buffalo will play hard.
Saints at Panthers: Can New Orleans win this game against a team they just blew out, but in Carolina this time? Interesting game to watch, but nerve-wracking, I think, if you're counting on the Saints. For reasons outlined in the Weekly, I would start DeAngelo Williams in this game. Jimmy Graham and Marques Colston, just because of the last meeting, are worth the risk. Well, Graham is anyway. Saints have a new kicker, if you've for some reason been starting Garrett Hartley all year.
Vikings at Bengals: No Bengal left behind! They all look good here. I'm starting Giovani in a PPR flex spot over Larry Fitzgerald for the first time in a couple of months. The big question is Adrian Peterson. I'm assuming he's playing, but I would be checking those inactives just in case, and he's not the sure thing he would be if healthy. Good run defense he's facing, too.
Broncos at Texans: Broncos let us all down last Thursday night. Here, I think, is where they make it up to those who survived that disappointment. Manning and his receivers (minus Welker) have to be big here. Texans should sleepwalk through this game and I imagine a decent number of fans here will be rooting for the Broncos, probably traveling from various area spots. I would use Dennis Johnson in this game, particularly in a PPR league; sorely regretting cutting him a week ago in my dynasty league. Oh well.
Titans at Jaguars: Jaguars now softest against the pass, so Kendall Wright might be better than Chris Johnson. Biggest question here is at running back, and we regret the confusion over MJD's status (explained elsewhere on the site). It sure sounds like MJD won't play and Jordan Todman will be very good, but we won't know for sure until those inactives come out. If MJD is active, I wouldn't use either runner. If he's out, I like Todman quite a bit.
Colts at Kansas City: Weather might be a factor here, but since it's a meaningful game, still, starters should be used regularly. I think there's a chance that KC tries to get Jamaal Charles a few more snaps off, but not enough to actually bench him or start Knile Davis or anything. Wouldn't use the Colts running backs and not really crazy about any of their offense here. Using Rivers over Luck, again, in the league I have that choice.
Browns at Jets: Kind of funny, after going to the Jets game two weeks ago, the organization has been calling me all week trying to give away tickets for this game. Hey, I'd love to see Josh Gordon play, but two Jets games in a three-week stretch is too much. Gordon should be good, no Jordan Cameron, no interest in anything connected with the Jets (though I suppose Chris Ivory might be OK). Browns defense has some value, like almost every defense all season long against Geno Smith.
Bucs at Rams: Two teams that started out poorly but have played well lately. I like the running backs in this game. Passing games, not so much, but Vincent Jackson too good for most to sit. Tavon Austin iffy at best.
Cowboys at Washington: I don't think I've noticed any stories on it, did the Cowboys suffer a tough loss last week or something? Good grief. Both offenses have potential, but something about Washington makes me think they're not going to be fully invested in this one. Kirk Cousins, well, he's playing for a future job somewhere (Washington?) so he'll be motivated. I guess Alfred Morris, too. I just hate gambling on train-wreck teams with coaching staffs on the way out. This kind of applies to Dallas, but at least they're still fighting for a playoff spot. No Jordan Reed, that's the major injury here. At least RGIII won't get hurt, whew!
Giants at Lions: Debating with friends whether the Giants will show up for this game. Physically or mentally. Maybe, maybe not. I'd use Rueben Randle, and that is pretty much the only Giant I'd even think about using. Detroit's offense should be great.
Cardinals at Seahawks: I like the Seahawks offense a lot better than Arizona's. Tough matchup for Marshawn Lynch, but I wouldn't bench him. Supposed to rain in this game. No Percy Harvin, of course.
Patriots at Ravens: Should be a good game, but I'm a little nervous about fantasy production here. New England will have Edelman and Amendola as their main receivers, and Shane Vereen. Those guys and Tom Brady are about all I'd even think about. For the Ravens, seems Ray Rice is playing with a hip injury, and Torrey Smith doesn't like fantasy owners. I hate to break it to Torrey, but yes, there are some idiots out there with access to Twitter. There were idiot fans long before fantasy football. Anyway, this could be more of a defensive game.
Steelers at Packers: No Aaron Rodgers. Eddie Lacy and LeVeon Bell both look good here, and Ben Roethlisberger and Antonio Brown have been good throughout. Snow and/or rain possible.
Raiders at Chargers: Both offenses should be decent here, neither team plays much defense. I like all the Chargers' starters, and for Oakland you can consider the main receivers and Rashad Jennings. San Diego sort of alive for a playoff spot, it would help if Miami loses in Buffalo, which I think might -- might -- happen.
Bears at Eagles: Game of the Week! As discussed in the Weekly, I am a little nervous the Eagles might take fewer chances with key stars if the Cowboys win their game. If Dallas wins, setting up a showdown for the NFC East next Sunday no matter what happens in this game, will the Eagles consider pulling LeSean McCoy a little early? I know, I know, Chip Kelly says no. I believe him, I do, I just imagine a scenario where McCoy takes a big hit early, and the Eagles think about using Chris Polk or Bryce Brown more. Probably not going to happen. Anyway, both offenses look way better than the defenses. Should be a great game with a lot on the line in the NFC (Eagles are playing for the No. 3 seed, which is meaningful -- they could avoid a trip to Seattle in the divisional round if they're the 3 rather than the 4).
Falcons at 49ers: Yawn. There are some key fantasy players in many leagues in this game -- Kaepernick, Davis, Gore, maybe a Falcon or two. But it is not the most interesting game unless the Falcons manage to make a game of it, which seems unlikely. If you've got 49ers, use them. If you've got Falcons, consider that it's a tough defense playing at home and Atlanta has nothing to play for. If guys are close in the rankings I want the guy who either has something to play for or is home or is facing a soft defense, and none of that applies with the Falcons. So tread carefully with White, Gonzo, Douglas and Ryan.
Enjoy the games, enjoy the season, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to one and all. Good luck, and thanks for reading.
