So who of consequence is getting benched week 17? (1 Viewer)

[Horses Mouth]

Manning/Wayne/Clark/Addai.

I guess NO players now have to play to keep their number one seed so with a MIN win tomorrow night, they still need to show up.

Rodgers?

Chris Johnson is good apparently as TEN is determined to give him a shot at rushing history.

MJD? playing for nothing?

Who else?

 

[QuizGuy66]

I don't know Marvin's philosphy on this but Palmer could be limited. Benson and Chad as well. Key defenders possibly as well.

May depend on if they have a shot at the #3 seed and how they want to approach a team that they could meet the following week if they lose.

-QG

 

[Raider Nation]

I'm trying to figure out if EITHER team in the Green Bay/Arizona game has any reason to play their starters.

Also don't know if New England and Cincy will be giving full effort.

 

[QuizGuy66]

Manning/Wayne/Clark/Addai.I guess NO players now have to play to keep their number one seed so with a MIN win tomorrow night, they still need to show up.Rodgers? Chris Johnson is good apparently as TEN is determined to give him a shot at rushing history.MJD? playing for nothing?Who else?

MJD won't be playing for nothing. They still have a shot at the playoffs (mainly because they have a great conference record).True, it would take at least 4 other teams to lose for them to get a chance, but stranger things have happened. Just ask the Jets this week.-QG

 

[QuizGuy66]

Found this quote from Carson on bengals.com FWIW:

Palmer, for one, thinks the Bengals have to play it for real and not take a rest.“Not at all,” Palmer said of resting Sunday in New Jersey. “We’d like to be the third seed. You want to go into the playoffs with as good a position as you can ... we’re playing to win. That’s the way Marvin is, that’s the way our team is. We’d like to hang an 11-5 record and we’d like to go out and play good football against a good team. Especially a good defense. We hit a little bit of a skid (in '05). There’s nothing like winning the previous week. The Saturday night before a game watching the highlight video from a win that you don’t get to watch from a loss. There’s so many nice things about that week of preparation coming off a win that we want that going into the first playoff game.”

-QG

 

[Mr. Retukes]

Fantasy leagues need to start switching to a Week 15 championship.

 

[Eviloutsider]

Matt Flynn vs. Matt Leinert next week will be must see TV.

 

[ceo3west]

I would never play in a league with a week 17 title game, its ridiculous.

 

[Statorama]

I'm trying to figure out if EITHER team in the Green Bay/Arizona game has any reason to play their starters.

Lots of fantasy gold on those teams. I'll be sweating out a Fitz decision this week.

 

[Statorama]

I would never play in a league with a week 17 title game, its ridiculous.

Our league uses the last two weeks combined. Seems to reward the guy with the better team.

 

[Oh Yes!]

I would never play in a league with a week 17 title game, its ridiculous.

thanks for your help

 

[ceo3west]

I would never play in a league with a week 17 title game, its ridiculous.

Our league uses the last two weeks combined. Seems to reward the guy with the better team.

I could live with that format.

 

[Horses Mouth]

I would never play in a league with a week 17 title game, its ridiculous.

the league is awesomely ancient and intolerant of change, but thanks for the input.

 

[Please See Mine]

Manning/Wayne/Clark/Addai.I guess NO players now have to play to keep their number one seed so with a MIN win tomorrow night, they still need to show up.Rodgers? Chris Johnson is good apparently as TEN is determined to give him a shot at rushing history.MJD? playing for nothing?Who else?

I'm not locked up yet, but I've been working on picking up some guys to give me options in week 17. Up by 1 point with Min Def vs. Forte tomorrow night.Clark and Thomas are my TE's, so definitely rooting for Min tomorrow.I've got Alex Smith vs. StL in case Rodgers sits.Arian Foster (and Moats) is still on my waiver wire, so definitely a guy to look at.Branch (on my roster) and Butler going against the worst-ranked past D in the league, but Hass . . .Josh Morgan (on my roster) vs. StL ?Bennett (on my roster) or any other Chi WR vs. DET ?Muhammad now that Smith is out?

 

[Darryl Talley]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but it now looks like Aaron Rodgers will play vs AZ as they can claim the 2 seed with a win and Philly & Minny loss. Even if they both win, they can earn a home playoff game if they beat the Cards. Is this right?

And that probably means Fitz is playing, too.

 

[Raider Nation]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but it now looks like Aaron Rodgers will play vs AZ as they can claim the 2 seed with a win and Philly & Minny loss. Even if they both win, they can earn a home playoff game if they beat the Cards. Is this right?And that probably means Fitz is playing, too.

Green Bay has very little reason to go all out. They will be either the 5 or 6 seed.If the Giants beat Minnesota at 1, Arizona plays to win.

 

[Mr. Retukes]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but it now looks like Aaron Rodgers will play vs AZ as they can claim the 2 seed with a win and Philly & Minny loss. Even if they both win, they can earn a home playoff game if they beat the Cards. Is this right?And that probably means Fitz is playing, too.

Green Bay can't get higher than the #5 seed.Arizona could get the #2 seed with a win plus losses by both Minnesota AND Philly.

 

[gradin123]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but it now looks like Aaron Rodgers will play vs AZ as they can claim the 2 seed with a win and Philly & Minny loss. Even if they both win, they can earn a home playoff game if they beat the Cards. Is this right?And that probably means Fitz is playing, too.

Green Bay can't get higher than the #5 seed.Arizona could get the #2 seed with a win plus losses by both Minnesota AND Philly.

But by the time they play could be eliminated from the #2 if the Vikings win in the morning.

 

[gradin123]

San Diego is playing for nothing. I wouldn't expect to see much of their starters at all.

 

[flyonthewall]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but it now looks like Aaron Rodgers will play vs AZ as they can claim the 2 seed with a win and Philly & Minny loss. Even if they both win, they can earn a home playoff game if they beat the Cards. Is this right?

And that probably means Fitz is playing, too.

Green Bay can't get higher than the #5 seed.Arizona could get the #2 seed with a win plus losses by both Minnesota AND Philly.

This is true. I wouldnt expect much from them unless they care if they are the 5 or 6 seed. And at this point they have no idea which position would be better or worse for them because Minnesota, Philly, Arizona and Dallas all still have a shot at the two seed. I havent looked at the game times for Sunday, but I would expect all of these teams to play in full. I am sure there will be some scoreboard watching so maybe some players get pulled in the 4th qtr, but for the most part they all play IMO.

 

[Menace]

would Lienart be a good play over Rodgers? He is available on my ww.

 

[bushdocda]

Does DBrown become a difference maker this week or is The Painter effect too strong? Is Maroney staying doghoused making Sammy Morris touches go up?

 

[H.K.]

Any word from Payton on what the Saints will do this week after the Vikings loss last night?

 

[RUSF18]

Any word from Payton on what the Saints will do this week after the Vikings loss last night?

Yes please. The Carolina D may be a great start this week if Brees sits.

 

[shader]

At this point, the only teams with absolutely NOTHING to play for are New Orleans, Indy and San Diego.

New England and Cincy are battling over the number 3 spot.

Green Bay is battling Dallas for the 5th or 6th spot.

Arizona could be battling for a first round bye, and at worst will be battling for the number 3 seed.

I don't see how you can go all season and then rest your starters when you have a chance to improve your playoff positioning.

If that one scenario happens in which you are on the road in the playoffs when you could have been at home if you played your starters, you'd feel like a big idiot as a coach.

I expect to see starters for all the above teams play at least one half.

But you never know. It will make for some fun roster moves this week.

 

[QuizGuy66]

I can't see Green Bay being anything other than vanilla this week against the Cardinals. I would expect a good dose of Matt Flynn and Ahman Green as well.

Eliminating potential ties, there are 8 ways that the 2 though through 6 seeds can go.

In 6 of these 8 scenarios, GB will end up going to Arizona. If Minnesota has won already by kickoff, GB is guaranteed to play the Cardinals next week.

The Scenarios:

Shamlessly grabbed from the sporstline.com playoff blog:

Winning team listed = Final NFC Seeding

1) NYG.....GB.....PHI = 1-NO, 2-PHI, 3-MIN, 4-ARI, 5-GB, 6-DAL

2) NYG.....GB.....DAL = 1-NO, 2-DAL, 3-MIN, 4-ARI, 5-GB, 6-PHI

3) NYG....ARI.....PHI = 1-NO, 2-PHI, 3-ARI, 4-MIN, 5-GB, 6-DAL

4) NYG....ARI.....DAL = 1-NO, 2-ARI, 3-DAL, 4-MIN, 5-PHI, 6-GB

5) MIN.....GB.....PHI = 1-NO, 2-PHI, 3-MIN, 4-ARI, 5-GB, 6-DAL

6) MIN.....GB.....DAL = 1-NO, 2-MIN, 3-DAL, 4-ARI, 5-GB, 6-PHI

7) MIN....ARI.....PHI = 1-NO, 2-PHI, 3-MIN, 4-ARI, 5-GB, 6-DAL

8) MIN....ARI.....DAL = 1-NO, 2-MIN, 3-ARI, 4-DAL, 5-PHI, 6-GB

Link to the cbs sportsline blog

-QG

 

[KCC]

Why do people think Cincy will sit their starters? (I'm not saying they won't - just want to hear the logic behind the reason.)

 

[gradin123]

Why do people think Cincy will sit their starters? (I'm not saying they won't - just want to hear the logic behind the reason.)

If NE Wins against Houston then Cincy will be locked into the 4th seed before they play and they will rest their starters for sure.If Ne losses the Bengals will have a shot at the 3rd seed but that would only matter in terms of an extra home game if both the Colts and Chargers lose their first games after the Bye.

I have a feeling the Pats will rest Brady at some point because I don't think the 3rd seed is that important to them so Cincy may stand at a shot at 3rd but then the question is whether that is shot is worth risking players for.

I don't think it is but that it was they have to determine.

I personally would rather play Indy right now than SD. Indy had a soft schedule and they weren't really tested much. The Patriots really should have won the game they played against them as they carried the play in the game.

The chargers I'd want no part of whatsoever right now. By playing for the 3rd seed you are fighting for the right to potentially face the Chargers instead of the Colts in the second round. I think the Patriots probably would much rather face the Colts. They have to feel like they can beat them.

 

[gradin123]

At this point, the only teams with absolutely NOTHING to play for are New Orleans, Indy and San Diego.

New England and Cincy are battling over the number 3 spot.

Green Bay is battling Dallas for the 5th or 6th spot.

Arizona could be battling for a first round bye, and at worst will be battling for the number 3 seed.

I don't see how you can go all season and then rest your starters when you have a chance to improve your playoff positioning.

If that one scenario happens in which you are on the road in the playoffs when you could have been at home if you played your starters, you'd feel like a big idiot as a coach.

I expect to see starters for all the above teams play at least one half.

But you never know. It will make for some fun roster moves this week.

The difference between the 5th or 6th spot really is near meaningless. It would only matter if both the 5th and 6th seeds advance to the conference finals. I would say the chances of that happening may actually be higher this year than most but still it is hardly worth risking your stars to injury for.

 

[gradin123]

Does DBrown become a difference maker this week or is The Painter effect too strong? Is Maroney staying doghoused making Sammy Morris touches go up?

You are assuming Brown plays the whole game. I don't think Addai plays at all this week but I also believe at some point Brown will be rested.

 

[Utter Chaos]

At this point, the only teams with absolutely NOTHING to play for are New Orleans, Indy and San Diego.

New England and Cincy are battling over the number 3 spot.

Green Bay is battling Dallas for the 5th or 6th spot.

Arizona could be battling for a first round bye, and at worst will be battling for the number 3 seed.

I don't see how you can go all season and then rest your starters when you have a chance to improve your playoff positioning.

If that one scenario happens in which you are on the road in the playoffs when you could have been at home if you played your starters, you'd feel like a big idiot as a coach.

I expect to see starters for all the above teams play at least one half.

But you never know. It will make for some fun roster moves this week.

The way New Orleans has played lately I think Green Bay may be better off with the #6 seed. I can't believe how wide open and evenly matched the NFC playoff situation is. If the Vikings beat the Giants then the #1 and #2 seeds have played the worst football of the six teams during the month of December.

 

[gradin123]

would Lienart be a good play over Rodgers? He is available on my ww.

Not really. You have to get someone instead of Rodgers but Lienart is too risky. If the Vikes lose in the morning then the Cards still would have a shot at the #2 seed which is huge. Even if the Vikes win and the Cardinals decide to rest players there is no guarantee Lienart even plays a full game. He too may be rested at some point. I think you'd be better off looking elsewhere and probably at a team that isn't going to the playoffs or a team that has to win to get in.Don't know who is available in your league but some possible names.Kyle Orton? Matt Moore?Moore is available in most leagues and he is playing against a Saints Defense that is really struggling and may rest players. No Steve Smith certainly hurts but I still think Moore might post decent numbers.

 

[KCC]

Why do people think Cincy will sit their starters? (I'm not saying they won't - just want to hear the logic behind the reason.)

If NE Wins against Houston then Cincy will be locked into the 4th seed before they play and they will rest their starters for sure.If Ne losses the Bengals will have a shot at the 3rd seed but that would only matter in terms of an extra home game if both the Colts and Chargers lose their first games after the Bye.

I have a feeling the Pats will rest Brady at some point because I don't think the 3rd seed is that important to them so Cincy may stand at a shot at 3rd but then the question is whether that is shot is worth risking players for.

I don't think it is but that it was they have to determine.

I personally would rather play Indy right now than SD. Indy had a soft schedule and they weren't really tested much. The Patriots really should have won the game they played against them as they carried the play in the game.

The chargers I'd want no part of whatsoever right now. By playing for the 3rd seed you are fighting for the right to potentially face the Chargers instead of the Colts in the second round. I think the Patriots probably would much rather face the Colts. They have to feel like they can beat them.

Thanks for taking the time to provide such a thorough answer.

 

[QUEZILLA]

would Lienart be a good play over Rodgers? He is available on my ww.

Not really. You have to get someone instead of Rodgers but Lienart is too risky. If the Vikes lose in the morning then the Cards still would have a shot at the #2 seed which is huge. Even if the Vikes win and the Cardinals decide to rest players there is no guarantee Lienart even plays a full game. He too may be rested at some point. I think you'd be better off looking elsewhere and probably at a team that isn't going to the playoffs or a team that has to win to get in.Don't know who is available in your league but some possible names.Kyle Orton? Matt Moore?Moore is available in most leagues and he is playing against a Saints Defense that is really struggling and may rest players. No Steve Smith certainly hurts but I still think Moore might post decent numbers.

Even Brohm could be safer than Leinart.

 

[gradin123]

At this point, the only teams with absolutely NOTHING to play for are New Orleans, Indy and San Diego.

New England and Cincy are battling over the number 3 spot.

Green Bay is battling Dallas for the 5th or 6th spot.

Arizona could be battling for a first round bye, and at worst will be battling for the number 3 seed.

I don't see how you can go all season and then rest your starters when you have a chance to improve your playoff positioning.

If that one scenario happens in which you are on the road in the playoffs when you could have been at home if you played your starters, you'd feel like a big idiot as a coach.

I expect to see starters for all the above teams play at least one half.

But you never know. It will make for some fun roster moves this week.

The way New Orleans has played lately I think Green Bay may be better off with the #6 seed. I can't believe how wide open and evenly matched the NFC playoff situation is. If the Vikings beat the Giants then the #1 and #2 seeds have played the worst football of the six teams during the month of December.

I'm pretty sure the Eagles now control the #2 seed. I don't think a Vikes win guarantees them the #2 seed. They need a win and a Eagles loss.

 

[Raider Nation]

would Lienart be a good play over Rodgers? He is available on my ww.

Not really. You have to get someone instead of Rodgers but Lienart is too risky. If the Vikes lose in the morning then the Cards still would have a shot at the #2 seed which is huge. Even if the Vikes win and the Cardinals decide to rest players there is no guarantee Lienart even plays a full game. He too may be rested at some point.

Why?

 

[QuizGuy66]

Why do people think Cincy will sit their starters? (I'm not saying they won't - just want to hear the logic behind the reason.)

If NE Wins against Houston then Cincy will be locked into the 4th seed before they play and they will rest their starters for sure.If Ne losses the Bengals will have a shot at the 3rd seed but that would only matter in terms of an extra home game if both the Colts and Chargers lose their first games after the Bye.

I have a feeling the Pats will rest Brady at some point because I don't think the 3rd seed is that important to them so Cincy may stand at a shot at 3rd but then the question is whether that is shot is worth risking players for.

I don't think it is but that it was they have to determine.

I personally would rather play Indy right now than SD. Indy had a soft schedule and they weren't really tested much. The Patriots really should have won the game they played against them as they carried the play in the game.

The chargers I'd want no part of whatsoever right now. By playing for the 3rd seed you are fighting for the right to potentially face the Chargers instead of the Colts in the second round. I think the Patriots probably would much rather face the Colts. They have to feel like they can beat them.

Thanks for taking the time to provide such a thorough answer.

Not thorough enough A Patriots victory over Houston, by itself, DOES NOT clinch the #3 seed for the Patriots. They need to also clinch strength of victory over the Bengals as well.

That said, it is very very likely that the Patriots will have the SoV tie-breaker as it will take several results for them not to. But it's not impossible.

That also said, the Bengals will know exactly their status going into the Jets game, whether they are locked into the #4 or (very improbably) locked into the #3. I do think that they will find the #3 worth playing for, btw.

-QG

 

[gradin123]

would Lienart be a good play over Rodgers? He is available on my ww.

Not really. You have to get someone instead of Rodgers but Lienart is too risky. If the Vikes lose in the morning then the Cards still would have a shot at the #2 seed which is huge. Even if the Vikes win and the Cardinals decide to rest players there is no guarantee Lienart even plays a full game. He too may be rested at some point.

Why?

Twofold. Even if the Cards decide to rest Warner do they rest him right from the start or do they let him play a couple of series? Remember the Cardinals may not know if they are eliminated from the #2 seed until after their game starts.But for arguments sake let's say they know they can't get the #2 seed and decide to rest Warner from the get go. At that point they probably treat it like a preseason game and rarely in preseason games does one QB go all the way. They might give the last part of the game to their 3rd stringer whoever that is. Remember Warners health is a major concern so they need to have a healthy Leinart too going into the playoffs. Why risk him a full game?

 

[gradin123]

Why do people think Cincy will sit their starters? (I'm not saying they won't - just want to hear the logic behind the reason.)

If NE Wins against Houston then Cincy will be locked into the 4th seed before they play and they will rest their starters for sure.If Ne losses the Bengals will have a shot at the 3rd seed but that would only matter in terms of an extra home game if both the Colts and Chargers lose their first games after the Bye.

I have a feeling the Pats will rest Brady at some point because I don't think the 3rd seed is that important to them so Cincy may stand at a shot at 3rd but then the question is whether that is shot is worth risking players for.

I don't think it is but that it was they have to determine.

I personally would rather play Indy right now than SD. Indy had a soft schedule and they weren't really tested much. The Patriots really should have won the game they played against them as they carried the play in the game.

The chargers I'd want no part of whatsoever right now. By playing for the 3rd seed you are fighting for the right to potentially face the Chargers instead of the Colts in the second round. I think the Patriots probably would much rather face the Colts. They have to feel like they can beat them.

Thanks for taking the time to provide such a thorough answer.

Not thorough enough A Patriots victory over Houston, by itself, DOES NOT clinch the #3 seed for the Patriots. They need to also clinch strength of victory over the Bengals as well.

That said, it is very very likely that the Patriots will have the SoV tie-breaker as it will take several results for them not to. But it's not impossible.

That also said, the Bengals will know exactly their status going into the Jets game, whether they are locked into the #4 or (very improbably) locked into the #3. I do think that they will find the #3 worth playing for, btw.-QG

Maybe the Bengals will. I don't think the Patriots will though. The Patriots rested their starters before when all that was at stake was the #3 or #4 seed and I see them resting Brady again.I just can't see them risking Brady for a remote chance at a extra home game and I honestly believe they'd rather play the Colts than the Chargers in the second round anyways.

 

[Raider Nation]

would Lienart be a good play over Rodgers? He is available on my ww.

Not really. You have to get someone instead of Rodgers but Lienart is too risky. If the Vikes lose in the morning then the Cards still would have a shot at the #2 seed which is huge. Even if the Vikes win and the Cardinals decide to rest players there is no guarantee Lienart even plays a full game. He too may be rested at some point.

Why?

Twofold. Even if the Cards decide to rest Warner do they rest him right from the start or do they let him play a couple of series? Remember the Cardinals may not know if they are eliminated from the #2 seed until after their game starts.But for arguments sake let's say they know they can't get the #2 seed and decide to rest Warner from the get go. At that point they probably treat it like a preseason game and rarely in preseason games does one QB go all the way. They might give the last part of the game to their 3rd stringer whoever that is. Remember Warners health is a major concern so they need to have a healthy Leinart too going into the playoffs. Why risk him a full game?

I guess. I just see no logical reason why Leinart wouldn't finish the game. He needs as many live reps as he can get.

 

[Menace]

picked up Campbell vs SD to play over Rodgers. SD has nothing to play for and Campbell might be playing for his job next year.

 

[QuizGuy66]

picked up Campbell vs SD to play over Rodgers. SD has nothing to play for and Campbell might be playing for his job next year.

Hope you have better luck with him than I did in week 15! Anyhow, since it's germaine to the topic, I give you this from bengals.com:

Quarterback Carson Palmer said as of Wednesday he was taking all the snaps in practice, so from what he can see the Bengals are preparing to go all out Sunday against the Jets…

-QG

 

[Horses Mouth]

any new info on Rodgers? I have Matt Moore and Garrard on the bench but just can't decide what to do

 

[Burgendy]

So is Green Bay going to play their starters or sit them? I see some sites say they play and some that say they don't. Even FBG's is conflicted as Dodd's projections appear to have the starters going and Bloom's projections state otherwise. I understand that Arizona may have nothing to play for, and that Green Bay may want to just play a vanilla game, but does anyone have any good insight here as to playing GB's starters or not?

To disclose: I have Jennings and don't want him burning me one last time in my total points league and the guy that has Driver just dropped him for Aromashodu and he's benching Rodgers for Flacco. So I would love nothing more that to see GB's guys go off and put me in the money.

 

[packersfan]

With Brees the third QB and Thomas already ruled out, I'd stay far away from all of the Saints this week. If Colston, Bush, Meachem etc. play, it may not be for long. The last time they were in this position, the starters played just the first series and that was it. I think it's way too risky to start any Saints this week.

As far as the Packers, this is pure speculation on my part but I think the starters play a half, maybe a little into the third quarter. They will likely have nothing to play for and are likely to face the Cardinals again next week so I don't see them wanting to show much in this game. As for the key guys here's how I'd break it down:

Rodgers: If 2 TDs and modest yardage will get it done, I'd start him. Otherwise, I'd look for another option. I do think he'll throw 1-2 TDs tomorrow.

Grant: I'd find another option. At best, I think he's a low-end RB3 this week.

Driver: More of a WR3 this week. A handful of catches, modest yardage and outside shot at a TD.

Jennings: He's been inconsistent all year so I wouldn't trust him this week given the playing time issues.

Finley: So-so starter. Decent shot at a TD.

Crosby: I think the Packers get 20-24 points so he's decent if you've gotten this far with him.

Packers D: I'd start them if I needed them. It's not like Leinart is all that good so even the backups could do well this week.

 

[⚡DEADHEAD⚡]

With Brees the third QB and Thomas already ruled out, I'd stay far away from all of the Saints this week. If Colston, Bush, Meachem etc. play, it may not be for long. The last time they were in this position, the starters played just the first series and that was it. I think it's way too risky to start any Saints this week.As far as the Packers, this is pure speculation on my part but I think the starters play a half, maybe a little into the third quarter. They will likely have nothing to play for and are likely to face the Cardinals again next week so I don't see them wanting to show much in this game. As for the key guys here's how I'd break it down:Rodgers: If 2 TDs and modest yardage will get it done, I'd start him. Otherwise, I'd look for another option. I do think he'll throw 1-2 TDs tomorrow.Grant: I'd find another option. At best, I think he's a low-end RB3 this week.Driver: More of a WR3 this week. A handful of catches, modest yardage and outside shot at a TD. Jennings: He's been inconsistent all year so I wouldn't trust him this week given the playing time issues.Finley: So-so starter. Decent shot at a TD.Crosby: I think the Packers get 20-24 points so he's decent if you've gotten this far with him.Packers D: I'd start them if I needed them. It's not like Leinart is all that good so even the backups could do well this week.

Fanball reporting that the Green Bay Press Gazette believes Packer starters will not play this weekend.

 

[zamboni]

Pierre Thomas is out - what are the thoughts as to how the load is split between Bell and Hamilton?

 

[Ridgelake]

GB and NO are the NFC teams with nothing to play for. Philly, Minny, Dallas, AND AZ all have a chance at the #2 seed. Philly does control that spot while the others need help. If Minny does win early, then AZ gets either the #3 or 4. If Minny loses, then AZ needs a win and a Dallas win to get the #2. Dallas/Philly winner gets the division title and a home game, so both those teams will go all out.

 

[packersfan]

With Brees the third QB and Thomas already ruled out, I'd stay far away from all of the Saints this week. If Colston, Bush, Meachem etc. play, it may not be for long. The last time they were in this position, the starters played just the first series and that was it. I think it's way too risky to start any Saints this week.As far as the Packers, this is pure speculation on my part but I think the starters play a half, maybe a little into the third quarter. They will likely have nothing to play for and are likely to face the Cardinals again next week so I don't see them wanting to show much in this game. As for the key guys here's how I'd break it down:Rodgers: If 2 TDs and modest yardage will get it done, I'd start him. Otherwise, I'd look for another option. I do think he'll throw 1-2 TDs tomorrow.Grant: I'd find another option. At best, I think he's a low-end RB3 this week.Driver: More of a WR3 this week. A handful of catches, modest yardage and outside shot at a TD. Jennings: He's been inconsistent all year so I wouldn't trust him this week given the playing time issues.Finley: So-so starter. Decent shot at a TD.Crosby: I think the Packers get 20-24 points so he's decent if you've gotten this far with him.Packers D: I'd start them if I needed them. It's not like Leinart is all that good so even the backups could do well this week.

Fanball reporting that the Green Bay Press Gazette believes Packer starters will not play this weekend.

That doesn't surprise me. I thought McCarthy might play his guys for at least a half to keep them fresh but it looks like he'll follow the NFL party line for Week 17. So add the Packers to the list of teams with players their fantasy owners shouldn't start this week. I'd still roll with the GB defense if I needed them. I don't see Leinart doing all that much.

 

[BustedKnuckles]

With Brees the third QB and Thomas already ruled out, I'd stay far away from all of the Saints this week. If Colston, Bush, Meachem etc. play, it may not be for long. The last time they were in this position, the starters played just the first series and that was it. I think it's way too risky to start any Saints this week.As far as the Packers, this is pure speculation on my part but I think the starters play a half, maybe a little into the third quarter. They will likely have nothing to play for and are likely to face the Cardinals again next week so I don't see them wanting to show much in this game. As for the key guys here's how I'd break it down:Rodgers: If 2 TDs and modest yardage will get it done, I'd start him. Otherwise, I'd look for another option. I do think he'll throw 1-2 TDs tomorrow.Grant: I'd find another option. At best, I think he's a low-end RB3 this week.Driver: More of a WR3 this week. A handful of catches, modest yardage and outside shot at a TD. Jennings: He's been inconsistent all year so I wouldn't trust him this week given the playing time issues.Finley: So-so starter. Decent shot at a TD.Crosby: I think the Packers get 20-24 points so he's decent if you've gotten this far with him.Packers D: I'd start them if I needed them. It's not like Leinart is all that good so even the backups could do well this week.

Fanball reporting that the Green Bay Press Gazette believes Packer starters will not play this weekend.

That doesn't surprise me. I thought McCarthy might play his guys for at least a half to keep them fresh but it looks like he'll follow the NFL party line for Week 17. So add the Packers to the list of teams with players their fantasy owners shouldn't start this week. I'd still roll with the GB defense if I needed them. I don't see Leinart doing all that much.

12/30/2009 5:10:00 PM et Packers coach Mike McCarthy said Wednesday that he plans to play his starters and attempt to win Sunday's game against Arizona. Meanwhile, Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt said leaving his starters in will come down to a game-time decision. The Packers and Cardinals are probable to meet in the first round of the playoffs, so neither team is likely to use its front-line players for four quarters. If Kurt Warner is in the game, the Packers are going to dial up heavy pressure to knock him out.