Week 17 Playoffs - Which teams might rest players? (1 Viewer)

[Raider Nation]

It could very well be that Jones simply wants to beat Snyder like a drum... every time.

 

[BustedKnuckles]

Call me naive, but Jerruh sounds pretty convincing here:

Jason Garrett said Monday that he had no plans of sitting key players Sunday against Washington.With the Cowboys having already secured the NFC East title, it’s unlikely that a win over Washington will do much in terms of playoff seeding.

But Jerry Jones is on the same page as the team’s head coach.

“I feel strongly about going all out against the Redskins,” the Cowboys owner and general manager said Tuesday on 105.3 The Fan [KRLD-FM]. “There’s several reasons, but No. 1, I think there’s a bigger concern about losing your edge than there is ever about some of those other issues that are involved. There will be opportunities enough as the game goes along to see if anybody needs to be resting. But we need that win. We could really need it. It could really make a difference. And, so, that’s that.”

DeMarco Murray is 29 yards away from setting a new single-season franchise rushing record. And to Jones, that plays a factor in playing Murray despite his surgically-repaired left hand.

“We all know the risk of losing a player in a game,” Jones said. “And all of those have their way or sorting out. I think you can make a good case for even someone like Murray getting his reps in. You know, you’ve got Murray, who’s got – let’s look at the record aspect of this thing, 29 yards to go. That’s not just Murray’s record. That offensive line – I know as a former offensive lineman, you’re so proud of those yards, it’s like you made every one of them yourself. And so, there’s an inspirational thing about doing well, winning, stats.

“You’ve got to temper all of that as to the risk. As you know, I’m a risk-taker. You’ve got to weigh that against the reward. And I think the mental, feel-good of competing, or give yourself a chance to compete, is good.”

I`m betting that once Murray gets his 29 + yards he will come out

 

[ROCKET]

If the Broncos (of any team that could rest top players) has a big lead at halftime chances are good their best players had something to do with it. So you could have gotten good production even without getting the players for four quarters. The Packers went through a stretch this season where they had a few games over at halftime. Rodgers, Lacy, Cobb and Nelson never played four full quarters but still put up strong numbers consistently. You obviously want four quarters out of everyone but you don't always need a full game to get the desired or at least acceptable results.

Very true. The Broncos are tough to predict since the Bengals/Steelers isn't until Sunday night. But they should have no problem with the Raiders.

I'm not convinced the Raiders won't keep it close. It's a divisional game, Denver hasn't looked great lately and the Raiders have been decent the last three weeks or so. I think Denver wins but I don't see them pulling away til the 3rd/4th quarter if at all.

 

[Jeremy]

Call me naive, but Jerruh sounds pretty convincing here:

Jason Garrett said Monday that he had no plans of sitting key players Sunday against Washington.With the Cowboys having already secured the NFC East title, it’s unlikely that a win over Washington will do much in terms of playoff seeding.

But Jerry Jones is on the same page as the team’s head coach.

“I feel strongly about going all out against the Redskins,” the Cowboys owner and general manager said Tuesday on 105.3 The Fan [KRLD-FM]. “There’s several reasons, but No. 1, I think there’s a bigger concern about losing your edge than there is ever about some of those other issues that are involved. There will be opportunities enough as the game goes along to see if anybody needs to be resting. But we need that win. We could really need it. It could really make a difference. And, so, that’s that.”

DeMarco Murray is 29 yards away from setting a new single-season franchise rushing record. And to Jones, that plays a factor in playing Murray despite his surgically-repaired left hand.

“We all know the risk of losing a player in a game,” Jones said. “And all of those have their way or sorting out. I think you can make a good case for even someone like Murray getting his reps in. You know, you’ve got Murray, who’s got – let’s look at the record aspect of this thing, 29 yards to go. That’s not just Murray’s record. That offensive line – I know as a former offensive lineman, you’re so proud of those yards, it’s like you made every one of them yourself. And so, there’s an inspirational thing about doing well, winning, stats.

“You’ve got to temper all of that as to the risk. As you know, I’m a risk-taker. You’ve got to weigh that against the reward. And I think the mental, feel-good of competing, or give yourself a chance to compete, is good.”

I`m betting that once Murray gets his 29 + yards he will come out

So do you start Randle over Murray then?

 

[Cheesedawg]

Belichick's history has often been to play his starters in meaningless games (remember Welker's ACL injury several years ago). They often play into the fourth quarter before he pulls them.

Pagano said yesterday he's playing the starters because the team needs to build some momentum going into the playoffs. So Luck and Hilton (if he plays) look safe to play as of right now.

You gotta believe the day will be shortened considerably for key Pats and Colts along with possibly the Cowboys. Does Luck play into the third quarter? Brady? Romo?

 

[packersfan]

I think the last time NE had a meaningless Week 17 game was in 2010. Brady played a little over a half. He left early in the third quarter after throwing his 2nd TD pass. In 2009, Belichick did rest five starters but many of the key guys (including Brady, Moss and Welker) played. That was the game where Welker tore his ACL in the first quarter. Despite losing Welker that day, Brady and Moss played deep into the fourth quarter.

As always with Belichick, there's no way of having any idea what he plans to do until he does it. But if past history is any indication Brady's a good bet to play at least a half this week and possibly longer.

 

[heckmanm]

Call me naive, but Jerruh sounds pretty convincing here:

Jason Garrett said Monday that he had no plans of sitting key players Sunday against Washington.With the Cowboys having already secured the NFC East title, it’s unlikely that a win over Washington will do much in terms of playoff seeding.

But Jerry Jones is on the same page as the team’s head coach.

“I feel strongly about going all out against the Redskins,” the Cowboys owner and general manager said Tuesday on 105.3 The Fan [KRLD-FM]. “There’s several reasons, but No. 1, I think there’s a bigger concern about losing your edge than there is ever about some of those other issues that are involved. There will be opportunities enough as the game goes along to see if anybody needs to be resting. But we need that win. We could really need it. It could really make a difference. And, so, that’s that.”

DeMarco Murray is 29 yards away from setting a new single-season franchise rushing record. And to Jones, that plays a factor in playing Murray despite his surgically-repaired left hand.

“We all know the risk of losing a player in a game,” Jones said. “And all of those have their way or sorting out. I think you can make a good case for even someone like Murray getting his reps in. You know, you’ve got Murray, who’s got – let’s look at the record aspect of this thing, 29 yards to go. That’s not just Murray’s record. That offensive line – I know as a former offensive lineman, you’re so proud of those yards, it’s like you made every one of them yourself. And so, there’s an inspirational thing about doing well, winning, stats.

“You’ve got to temper all of that as to the risk. As you know, I’m a risk-taker. You’ve got to weigh that against the reward. And I think the mental, feel-good of competing, or give yourself a chance to compete, is good.”

I`m betting that once Murray gets his 29 + yards he will come out

So do you start Randle over Murray then?

That'll be my dilemma.

Hoping to get big games out of Newton, Beckham and Gates like last week to make it not matter.

 

[Drunken Benson]

Everyone has to remember that for the teams NOT in the playoffs, a number of players are playing for bonuses and such, and a lot of coaches realize this. Several coaches are also playing to keep their jobs and/or want to have positive momentum at the end of the season. So they will play to win...

Actually it might be useful to see if there's any list of possible bonuses that could be earned. Remember Brees with the yardage record a couple of years ago? Are there other players that have some sort of incentive for their team to feed them more than they otherwise might in a meaningless game?

-QG

Fans forget that players are much less concerned about their teams than their jobs. Especially on bad teams, where lots of guys are going to get cut. The best way to make sure they don't draft your replacement is to play well.

 

[Fear The Turtle]

Call me naive, but Jerruh sounds pretty convincing here:

Jason Garrett said Monday that he had no plans of sitting key players Sunday against Washington.With the Cowboys having already secured the NFC East title, it’s unlikely that a win over Washington will do much in terms of playoff seeding.

But Jerry Jones is on the same page as the team’s head coach.

“I feel strongly about going all out against the Redskins,” the Cowboys owner and general manager said Tuesday on 105.3 The Fan [KRLD-FM]. “There’s several reasons, but No. 1, I think there’s a bigger concern about losing your edge than there is ever about some of those other issues that are involved. There will be opportunities enough as the game goes along to see if anybody needs to be resting. But we need that win. We could really need it. It could really make a difference. And, so, that’s that.”

DeMarco Murray is 29 yards away from setting a new single-season franchise rushing record. And to Jones, that plays a factor in playing Murray despite his surgically-repaired left hand.

“We all know the risk of losing a player in a game,” Jones said. “And all of those have their way or sorting out. I think you can make a good case for even someone like Murray getting his reps in. You know, you’ve got Murray, who’s got – let’s look at the record aspect of this thing, 29 yards to go. That’s not just Murray’s record. That offensive line – I know as a former offensive lineman, you’re so proud of those yards, it’s like you made every one of them yourself. And so, there’s an inspirational thing about doing well, winning, stats.

“You’ve got to temper all of that as to the risk. As you know, I’m a risk-taker. You’ve got to weigh that against the reward. And I think the mental, feel-good of competing, or give yourself a chance to compete, is good.”

I`m betting that once Murray gets his 29 + yards he will come out

So do you start Randle over Murray then?

I'm leaning that way.

 

[Darryl Talley]

Would you guys start Hilton over Wallace? I bet Wallace has like a 12.5 mil bonus if he hits 1000.

 

[Cheesedawg]

I think the last time NE had a meaningless Week 17 game was in 2010. Brady played a little over a half. He left early in the third quarter after throwing his 2nd TD pass. In 2009, Belichick did rest five starters but many of the key guys (including Brady, Moss and Welker) played. That was the game where Welker tore his ACL in the first quarter. Despite losing Welker that day, Brady and Moss played deep into the fourth quarter.

As always with Belichick, there's no way of having any idea what he plans to do until he does it. But if past history is any indication Brady's a good bet to play at least a half this week and possibly longer.

Thanks for your always-quality insight. Merry Christmas!

 

[BustedKnuckles]

Devonta Freeman will crank it up this sunday in place of S.Jackson

 

[stbugs]

Devonta Freeman will crank it up this sunday in place of S.Jackson

Maybe, but the Panthers D has come around lately. They were one of the top last year against the run and week 9 is the last time any RB has gotten more than 10.9 points in my PPR league. In week 11, Jackson had 6.7 points (best among their RBs). Freeman may be OK, but I wouldn't play him if Jackson is active.

 

[BustedKnuckles]

Devonta Freeman will crank it up this sunday in place of S.Jackson

Maybe, but the Panthers D has come around lately. They were one of the top last year against the run and week 9 is the last time any RB has gotten more than 10.9 points in my PPR league. In week 11, Jackson had 6.7 points (best among their RBs). Freeman may be OK, but I wouldn't play him if Jackson is active.

has`nt the panthers run D given up 14 td`s and over 1,700 yards this year? Im pretty sure they are ranked 19th against the run

 

[packersfan]

Devonta Freeman will crank it up this sunday in place of S.Jackson

Maybe, but the Panthers D has come around lately. They were one of the top last year against the run and week 9 is the last time any RB has gotten more than 10.9 points in my PPR league. In week 11, Jackson had 6.7 points (best among their RBs). Freeman may be OK, but I wouldn't play him if Jackson is active.

Smith said yesterday Jackson isn't expected to play.

 

[Kid_kong]

What are Gronk owners doing?

 

[chocula]

So teams already eliminated will be playing for pride ,like the saints for example. Im trying to remember if they play to win or not ?

The Saints did not play to win for the first 16 weeks this year, why do you think they will play to win in week 17?????

 

[Yenrub]

Devonta Freeman will crank it up this sunday in place of S.Jackson

Maybe, but the Panthers D has come around lately. They were one of the top last year against the run and week 9 is the last time any RB has gotten more than 10.9 points in my PPR league. In week 11, Jackson had 6.7 points (best among their RBs). Freeman may be OK, but I wouldn't play him if Jackson is active.

Smith said yesterday Jackson isn't expected to play.

Do you have a link for this?

 

[BustedKnuckles]

So teams already eliminated will be playing for pride ,like the saints for example. Im trying to remember if they play to win or not ?

The Saints did not play to win for the first 16 weeks this year, why do you think they will play to win in week 17?????

this is true im afraid to say lol

 

[Steed]

What are Gronk owners doing?

I don't own him but he's arguably their mvp on offense and the most injury prone. I don't think he suits up.

 

[Smack Tripper]

What are Gronk owners doing?

personally I kept Kelce all season for this week, so if he sits, I'd love to know with an inactive.

If he suits, I probably have to play him.

3 quarters of Gronk > 4 quarters of Kelce

 

[Raider Nation]

Garrett has been consistent all week:

On Monday Jason Garrett was asked if he would play his regulars on Sunday against the Washington Redskins. He was asked about it on Wednesday. He was asked again on Thursday.

It’s been the gift that keeps on giving. It goes to this premise: “There are no meaningless games,” the Dallas Cowboys coach said.

So the Cowboys practice this week as if everything is on the line Sunday at FedEx Field. There are remote chances at home-field advantage and a first-round bye that override the factor of a potential injury. It doesn’t matter that Tony Romo has hurt his back in the last two meetings against the Redskins, including the Oct. 27 meeting when he suffered two transverse process fractures.

“There’s a playoff scenario with us winning the game will give us an opportunity to get a first-round bye so we’re going to take advantage of what we can take advantage of and players are football players,” Garrett said. “There are 16 opportunities to play and guys who are healthy are going to play in this game and practice this week and play in the game. Ballgames are important to us.”

I look to Vegas as a guide when I have questions about how long starters will play. Dallas is favored by 6 in Washington. Their business is based on not setting weak pointspreads, and there is ZERO chance that the Cowboys would be favored by close to a TD on the road if they expected Brandon Weeden to be playing the majority of the time.

 

[packersfan]

Garrett has been consistent all week:

On Monday Jason Garrett was asked if he would play his regulars on Sunday against the Washington Redskins. He was asked about it on Wednesday. He was asked again on Thursday.It’s been the gift that keeps on giving. It goes to this premise: “There are no meaningless games,” the Dallas Cowboys coach said.

So the Cowboys practice this week as if everything is on the line Sunday at FedEx Field. There are remote chances at home-field advantage and a first-round bye that override the factor of a potential injury. It doesn’t matter that Tony Romo has hurt his back in the last two meetings against the Redskins, including the Oct. 27 meeting when he suffered two transverse process fractures.

“There’s a playoff scenario with us winning the game will give us an opportunity to get a first-round bye so we’re going to take advantage of what we can take advantage of and players are football players,” Garrett said. “There are 16 opportunities to play and guys who are healthy are going to play in this game and practice this week and play in the game. Ballgames are important to us.”

I look to Vegas as a guide when I have questions about how long starters will play. Dallas is favored by 6 in Washington. Their business is based on not setting weak pointspreads, and there is ZERO chance that the Cowboys would be favored by close to a TD on the road if they expected Brandon Weeden to be playing the majority of the time.

That's a great point. Same could apply to the Colts being 7-point favorites while the Patriots are only 4.5-point favorites. Vegas might be thinking Pagano was being truthful when he said the starters needed to play a good game this week whereas Vegas may not think the Patriots' top offensive players play more than a half or so.

 

[packersfan]

Devonta Freeman will crank it up this sunday in place of S.Jackson

Maybe, but the Panthers D has come around lately. They were one of the top last year against the run and week 9 is the last time any RB has gotten more than 10.9 points in my PPR league. In week 11, Jackson had 6.7 points (best among their RBs). Freeman may be OK, but I wouldn't play him if Jackson is active.

Smith said yesterday Jackson isn't expected to play.

Do you have a link for this?

No link but Falcons beat writers were Tweeting it out yesterday. I think RotoWorld had something too.

 

[BustedKnuckles]

Devonta Freeman will crank it up this sunday in place of S.Jackson

Maybe, but the Panthers D has come around lately. They were one of the top last year against the run and week 9 is the last time any RB has gotten more than 10.9 points in my PPR league. In week 11, Jackson had 6.7 points (best among their RBs). Freeman may be OK, but I wouldn't play him if Jackson is active.

Smith said yesterday Jackson isn't expected to play.

Do you have a link for this?

No link but Falcons beat writers were Tweeting it out yesterday. I think RotoWorld had something too.

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- Atlanta Falcons running back Steven Jackson, who suffered a quadriceps injury in last Sunday's 30-14 win over the Saints, is expected to be inactive for Sunday's NFC South showdown against the Carolina Panthers, multiple sources told ESPN.com.

Jackson missed his second consecutive practice Thursday while recovering. The initial word on Jackson's status was optimistic, but that was before he underwent an MRI earlier in the week.

Jackson started all of the first 15 games. His absence would mean more touches for Jacquizz Rodgers and rookie Devonta Freeman. The two have split first-team reps in practice this week.

"This whole year, we've been running a four-back rotation and three-back rotation, so the load just becomes more for us,'' Rodgers said. "But we've prepared the same. We just have to go out there and execute, stick to the game plan and make plays because our number will be called now.''

Falcons coach Mike Smith wouldn't officially declare Jackson out, which is his typical approach in such situations. Smith did say he hopes Jackson will get a chance to "move around a little bit'' during Friday's practice, so it wouldn't be a surprise to see Jackson working with the athletic performance staff on a side field.

Although the Falcons could use Jackson's ability to pick up the tough yards in a crucial game, Rodgers and Freeman are a capable combination. The team is anxious to see what Freeman can do with more touches after he scored on a 31-yard touchdown run last week and also caught a pass down the sideline for 36 yards.

"We've got to get both of those guys ready to go,'' Smith said. "And I think both of them, if they have to play, will be prepared and ready to go.''

The Falcons promoted rookie running back Jerome Smith from the practice squad this week with Jackson ailing. Coach Smith already said Smith will be active Sunday, which was another sign Jackson would be unable to go.

 

[Yenrub]

Thanks for the link BK

I stopped paying attention after losing in the semi finals Monday night

Only to find out this afternoon that there was a stat correction and now I am in the finals

 

[Tennessee_ATO]

Garrett has been consistent all week:

On Monday Jason Garrett was asked if he would play his regulars on Sunday against the Washington Redskins. He was asked about it on Wednesday. He was asked again on Thursday.

Its been the gift that keeps on giving. It goes to this premise: There are no meaningless games, the Dallas Cowboys coach said.

So the Cowboys practice this week as if everything is on the line Sunday at FedEx Field. There are remote chances at home-field advantage and a first-round bye that override the factor of a potential injury. It doesnt matter that Tony Romo has hurt his back in the last two meetings against the Redskins, including the Oct. 27 meeting when he suffered two transverse process fractures.

Theres a playoff scenario with us winning the game will give us an opportunity to get a first-round bye so were going to take advantage of what we can take advantage of and players are football players, Garrett said. There are 16 opportunities to play and guys who are healthy are going to play in this game and practice this week and play in the game. Ballgames are important to us.

I look to Vegas as a guide when I have questions about how long starters will play. Dallas is favored by 6 in Washington. Their business is based on not setting weak pointspreads, and there is ZERO chance that the Cowboys would be favored by close to a TD on the road if they expected Brandon Weeden to be playing the majority of the time.

That's a great point. Same could apply to the Colts being 7-point favorites while the Patriots are only 4.5-point favorites. Vegas might be thinking Pagano was being truthful when he said the starters needed to play a good game this week whereas Vegas may not think the Patriots' top offensive players play more than a half or so.

Vegas knows the Titans are the worst team in the NFL and it ain't close. Indy could pick a random dude from the crowd to play QB in the 2nd half and Vegas would have them laying a TD -- and I would STILL take Indy. Indy will score. The problem will be ID'ing who will be doing that scoring. Hell, Richardson might go off for 85 and 2.

 

[BustedKnuckles]

Thanks for the link BK

I stopped paying attention after losing in the semi finals Monday night

Only to find out this afternoon that there was a stat correction and now I am in the finals

now THATS a great Christmas surprise lol....good luck

 

[Cheesedawg]

Saw Mike Reiss speculating that NE will be resting players after the offense shows some rhythm early. Not sure they will vs Buffalo's D but I do think the backups will get a lot of play, maybe as early as the first half.

 

[FUBAR]

Saw Mike Reiss speculating that NE will be resting players after the offense shows some rhythm early. Not sure they will vs Buffalo's D but I do think the backups will get a lot of play, maybe as early as the first half.

As crazy as it sounds, anyone starting Patriots this week got perhaps the best possible matchup as they may need all game to find that rhythm.Although I guess it depends on how much rhythm they want to see.

I won't be surprised if buffalo wins.

 

[stbugs]

Devonta Freeman will crank it up this sunday in place of S.Jackson

Maybe, but the Panthers D has come around lately. They were one of the top last year against the run and week 9 is the last time any RB has gotten more than 10.9 points in my PPR league. In week 11, Jackson had 6.7 points (best among their RBs). Freeman may be OK, but I wouldn't play him if Jackson is active.

has`nt the panthers run D given up 14 td`s and over 1,700 yards this year? Im pretty sure they are ranked 19th against the run

They had been bad, but I am just warning you as a Panthers fan that their D has recently looked a lot more like last year. It probably has to do with their QB play improving as well. 11 points in PPR for a RB isn't a large amount. Here is the breakdown:

Weeks 1-9: 11 RBs with 11 or more points

Weeks 10-16: 0 RBs with 11 or more points

They aren't the best run D in the world, but they have been more effective lately and for whatever reason RBs aren't doing well.

 

[theplayer11]

"Theres a playoff scenario with us winning the game will give us an opportunity to get a first-round bye so were going to take advantage of what we can take advantage of and players are football players, Garrett said. "

I thought it didn't matter if Dallas lost or won..if SEA and ARI lose, then Dallas gets a bye win or lose...is this not correct?

 

[stbugs]

"Theres a playoff scenario with us winning the game will give us an opportunity to get a first-round bye so were going to take advantage of what we can take advantage of and players are football players, Garrett said. "

I thought it didn't matter if Dallas lost or won..if SEA and ARI lose, then Dallas gets a bye win or lose...is this not correct?

Is it possible that Dallas could get the 1 see if Seattle and Arizona both lost depending on who wins the GB/Detroit game? I don't know, just wondering if they won and Seattle/Arizona lost.

 

[Yenrub]

"Theres a playoff scenario with us winning the game will give us an opportunity to get a first-round bye so were going to take advantage of what we can take advantage of and players are football players, Garrett said. "

I thought it didn't matter if Dallas lost or won..if SEA and ARI lose, then Dallas gets a bye win or lose...is this not correct?

I don't think that is correct, of course I'm not sure of all of the tie breakers

Dallas only has 7 conference wins

Arizona has 8 and Seattle has 9

All 3 have 11 wins as do the Packers and Lions

 

[packersfan]

Garrett has been consistent all week:

On Monday Jason Garrett was asked if he would play his regulars on Sunday against the Washington Redskins. He was asked about it on Wednesday. He was asked again on Thursday.

Its been the gift that keeps on giving. It goes to this premise: There are no meaningless games, the Dallas Cowboys coach said.

So the Cowboys practice this week as if everything is on the line Sunday at FedEx Field. There are remote chances at home-field advantage and a first-round bye that override the factor of a potential injury. It doesnt matter that Tony Romo has hurt his back in the last two meetings against the Redskins, including the Oct. 27 meeting when he suffered two transverse process fractures.

Theres a playoff scenario with us winning the game will give us an opportunity to get a first-round bye so were going to take advantage of what we can take advantage of and players are football players, Garrett said. There are 16 opportunities to play and guys who are healthy are going to play in this game and practice this week and play in the game. Ballgames are important to us.

I look to Vegas as a guide when I have questions about how long starters will play. Dallas is favored by 6 in Washington. Their business is based on not setting weak pointspreads, and there is ZERO chance that the Cowboys would be favored by close to a TD on the road if they expected Brandon Weeden to be playing the majority of the time.

That's a great point. Same could apply to the Colts being 7-point favorites while the Patriots are only 4.5-point favorites. Vegas might be thinking Pagano was being truthful when he said the starters needed to play a good game this week whereas Vegas may not think the Patriots' top offensive players play more than a half or so.

Vegas knows the Titans are the worst team in the NFL and it ain't close. Indy could pick a random dude from the crowd to play QB in the 2nd half and Vegas would have them laying a TD -- and I would STILL take Indy. Indy will score. The problem will be ID'ing who will be doing that scoring. Hell, Richardson might go off for 85 and 2.

Agree the Titans stink but 7 points on the road is a pretty big spread if one was assuming it was going to be Colts' reserves trying to put up all the points. Especially when you factor in that Indy's defense is pretty bad too.

I think we'll likely have to wait for Sunday morning to find out for sure what the Cowboys and Colts plan to do (good luck trying to guess Belichick's plans) but the Vegas lines are an interesting angle for potential insight and one I hadn't considered before.

 

[stbugs]

"Theres a playoff scenario with us winning the game will give us an opportunity to get a first-round bye so were going to take advantage of what we can take advantage of and players are football players, Garrett said. "

I thought it didn't matter if Dallas lost or won..if SEA and ARI lose, then Dallas gets a bye win or lose...is this not correct?

I don't think that is correct, of course I'm not sure of all of the tie breakers

Dallas only has 7 conference wins

Arizona has 8 and Seattle has 9

All 3 have 11 wins as do the Packers and Lions

If Seattle and Arizona lose, Seattle gets the NFC West and Dallas will win the tie-breaker with Seattle (head to head win) for the #2 seed since either GB/Detroit will have 12 wins to Dallas and Seattle's 11 wins. Arizona will not matter in the tie-breaker as they won't win the division if both lose. If Seattle or Arizona wins, then Dallas is done.

The only scenario that I am not sure about is if Seattle/Arizona lose and Dallas wins. I know Dallas gets the bye as above with all 3 losing, but is the tie breaker the conference wins with GB/Detroit since it is head to head vs a three way tie? Is Garrett saying they could still get the #1 seed versus the #2 seed?

 

[BustedKnuckles]

Devonta Freeman will crank it up this sunday in place of S.Jackson

Maybe, but the Panthers D has come around lately. They were one of the top last year against the run and week 9 is the last time any RB has gotten more than 10.9 points in my PPR league. In week 11, Jackson had 6.7 points (best among their RBs). Freeman may be OK, but I wouldn't play him if Jackson is active.

has`nt the panthers run D given up 14 td`s and over 1,700 yards this year? Im pretty sure they are ranked 19th against the run

They had been bad, but I am just warning you as a Panthers fan that their D has recently looked a lot more like last year. It probably has to do with their QB play improving as well. 11 points in PPR for a RB isn't a large amount. Here is the breakdown:

Weeks 1-9: 11 RBs with 11 or more points

Weeks 10-16: 0 RBs with 11 or more points

They aren't the best run D in the world, but they have been more effective lately and for whatever reason RBs aren't doing well.

The Panthers are 24th in Football Outsiders' run-defense DVOA. Because the Falcons are without their theoretical early-down bellcow runner, expect OC Dirk Koetter to primarily attack the Panthers in pass-oriented formations. Neither Freeman nor Rodgers is a good bet for more than 12 carries in this game. I suspect they'll combine for 18-22.

 

[Tennessee_ATO]

"Theres a playoff scenario with us winning the game will give us an opportunity to get a first-round bye so were going to take advantage of what we can take advantage of and players are football players, Garrett said. "

I thought it didn't matter if Dallas lost or won..if SEA and ARI lose, then Dallas gets a bye win or lose...is this not correct?

I don't think that is correct, of course I'm not sure of all of the tie breakers Dallas only has 7 conference wins

Arizona has 8 and Seattle has 9

All 3 have 11 wins as do the Packers and Lions

If Seattle and Arizona lose, Seattle gets the NFC West and Dallas will win the tie-breaker with Seattle (head to head win) for the #2 seed since either GB/Detroit will have 12 wins to Dallas and Seattle's 11 wins. Arizona will not matter in the tie-breaker as they won't win the division if both lose. If Seattle or Arizona wins, then Dallas is done.The only scenario that I am not sure about is if Seattle/Arizona lose and Dallas wins. I know Dallas gets the bye as above with all 3 losing, but is the tie breaker the conference wins with GB/Detroit since it is head to head vs a three way tie? Is Garrett saying they could still get the #1 seed versus the #2 seed?

People have really over complicated the Dallas scenarios. Here are the 3 possible outcomes:

#1 seed -- GB and Det tie and ONE OF: Dallas and Seattle win OR Dallas wins, Seattle loses, and Arizona ties/loses OR Dallas, Seattle, and Arizona lose

#2 seed -- Arizona and Seattle lose

#3 seed -- Everything else

For all practical effect, Dallas's outcome is completely and utterly irrelevant to seeding.

 

[Tennessee_ATO]

Garrett has been consistent all week:

On Monday Jason Garrett was asked if he would play his regulars on Sunday against the Washington Redskins. He was asked about it on Wednesday. He was asked again on Thursday.

Its been the gift that keeps on giving. It goes to this premise: There are no meaningless games, the Dallas Cowboys coach said.

So the Cowboys practice this week as if everything is on the line Sunday at FedEx Field. There are remote chances at home-field advantage and a first-round bye that override the factor of a potential injury. It doesnt matter that Tony Romo has hurt his back in the last two meetings against the Redskins, including the Oct. 27 meeting when he suffered two transverse process fractures.

Theres a playoff scenario with us winning the game will give us an opportunity to get a first-round bye so were going to take advantage of what we can take advantage of and players are football players, Garrett said. There are 16 opportunities to play and guys who are healthy are going to play in this game and practice this week and play in the game. Ballgames are important to us.

I look to Vegas as a guide when I have questions about how long starters will play. Dallas is favored by 6 in Washington. Their business is based on not setting weak pointspreads, and there is ZERO chance that the Cowboys would be favored by close to a TD on the road if they expected Brandon Weeden to be playing the majority of the time.

That's a great point. Same could apply to the Colts being 7-point favorites while the Patriots are only 4.5-point favorites. Vegas might be thinking Pagano was being truthful when he said the starters needed to play a good game this week whereas Vegas may not think the Patriots' top offensive players play more than a half or so.

Vegas knows the Titans are the worst team in the NFL and it ain't close. Indy could pick a random dude from the crowd to play QB in the 2nd half and Vegas would have them laying a TD -- and I would STILL take Indy. Indy will score. The problem will be ID'ing who will be doing that scoring. Hell, Richardson might go off for 85 and 2.

Agree the Titans stink but 7 points on the road is a pretty big spread if one was assuming it was going to be Colts' reserves trying to put up all the points. Especially when you factor in that Indy's defense is pretty bad too.I think we'll likely have to wait for Sunday morning to find out for sure what the Cowboys and Colts plan to do (good luck trying to guess Belichick's plans) but the Vegas lines are an interesting angle for potential insight and one I hadn't considered before.

As someone who has had to watch the Titans weekly, let me just suggest that you are way overestimating the Titans. They are the worst thing I've seen on an NFL field in years. Completely and utterly devoid of talent at any position. They can't cover. They can't stop the run. They can't generate a pass rush. The ineptitude is evenly distributed so when a quasi-competent offense plays them every skill position player has a chance to score on every play.

 

[heckmanm]

Toying with the idea of starting both Murray and Randle, and sitting Fred Jackson, especially if there's nothing definitive from the Cowboys before game time.

 

[Neal Cassady]

"Theres a playoff scenario with us winning the game will give us an opportunity to get a first-round bye so were going to take advantage of what we can take advantage of and players are football players, Garrett said. "

I thought it didn't matter if Dallas lost or won..if SEA and ARI lose, then Dallas gets a bye win or lose...is this not correct?

I don't think that is correct, of course I'm not sure of all of the tie breakers Dallas only has 7 conference wins

Arizona has 8 and Seattle has 9

All 3 have 11 wins as do the Packers and Lions

If Seattle and Arizona lose, Seattle gets the NFC West and Dallas will win the tie-breaker with Seattle (head to head win) for the #2 seed since either GB/Detroit will have 12 wins to Dallas and Seattle's 11 wins. Arizona will not matter in the tie-breaker as they won't win the division if both lose. If Seattle or Arizona wins, then Dallas is done.The only scenario that I am not sure about is if Seattle/Arizona lose and Dallas wins. I know Dallas gets the bye as above with all 3 losing, but is the tie breaker the conference wins with GB/Detroit since it is head to head vs a three way tie? Is Garrett saying they could still get the #1 seed versus the #2 seed?

People have really over complicated the Dallas scenarios. Here are the 3 possible outcomes:#1 seed -- GB and Det tie and ONE OF: Dallas and Seattle win OR Dallas wins, Seattle loses, and Arizona ties/loses OR Dallas, Seattle, and Arizona lose

#2 seed -- Arizona and Seattle lose

#3 seed -- Everything else

For all practical effect, Dallas's outcome is completely and utterly irrelevant to seeding.

 

[Neal Cassady]

My question is who gets #2 seed if Dallas, Seattle and Arizona ALL LOSE?

 

[stbugs]

My question is who gets #2 seed if Dallas, Seattle and Arizona ALL LOSE?

Dallas. Seattle has head to head over Arizona so they win division and Dallas then has head to head over Seattle.

 

[Neal Cassady]

Then how does Seattle get #1 if they and Dallas both win and Arizona loses? I'm getting stuck on Dallas beating seattle head to head and Dallas getting #3 if they both win and a #2 if they both lose..confusing

 

[BustedKnuckles]

Jonas Gray (ankle) has been ruled out for Week 17.
Gray didn't practice all week due to his ankle injury. The Patriots will get him extended rest before the playoffs. LeGarrette Blount (shoulder) and Shane Vereen (ankle) are listed as questionable against Buffalo.

 

[stbugs]

Then how does Seattle get #1 if they and Dallas both win and Arizona loses? I'm getting stuck on Dallas beating seattle head to head and Dallas getting #3 if they both win and a #2 if they both lose..confusing

Either GB or Detroit will be 12-4, so if Dallas and Seattle both win then the conference wins are the deciding factor with 3 12-4 teams. If Dallas and Seattle both lose with Arizoba then it is a two way tie for the 2 seed because Seattle and Dallas are division winners. Even with 4 11-5 teams the GB/Detroit loser and Arizona don't matter for the 2 seed because they are wild card teams. With a two way tie head to head matters and Dallas beat Seattle. It's a little weird that Dallas could tie Seattle at 12-4 and not get a bye but at 11-5 (assuming Arizona loses) Dallas wins the tie breaker. When you at a third team to tie breakers the head to head is ignored.

 

[Team Smokin']

What are Gronk owners doing?

I don't own him but he's arguably their mvp on offense and the most injury prone. I don't think he suits up.

Funny how Footballsguys have Gronk ranked fairly high this week so far...and all the guru "experts" on fantasy radio say sit him. Sit him for guys like Ertz. So what gives? Personally, it's like getting into the head of Belicheck. Patriots would like to find rhythm and an early lead so he can pull his guys. He'll pull them either way. After a series or two, first quarter, halftime, or sometime into the 3rd? Rhythm means rolling along with a good taste going into the playoffs.I think if Gronk plays half the game I would play him over everyone except Graham. Yes, there is risk in playing Brady, Gronk, Revis - that's a football life! If you sit em for the entire game you could lose momentum too?

 

[ROCKET]

There is no way I'm starting players from New England (other than Gronk), Dallas or Indy given their games mean nothing. I'd rather use an inferior player on a team playing for something and lose than watch my stud player sit on the bench for the whole game. And betting on one of these games makes about as much sense as betting preseason games.

 

[ROCKET]

What are Gronk owners doing?

I don't own him but he's arguably their mvp on offense and the most injury prone. I don't think he suits up.

Funny how Footballsguys have Gronk ranked fairly high this week so far...and all the guru "experts" on fantasy radio say sit him. Sit him for guys like Ertz. So what gives? Personally, it's like getting into the head of Belicheck. Patriots would like to find rhythm and an early lead so he can pull his guys. He'll pull them either way. After a series or two, first quarter, halftime, or sometime into the 3rd? Rhythm means rolling along with a good taste going into the playoffs.I think if Gronk plays half the game I would play him over everyone except Graham. Yes, there is risk in playing Brady, Gronk, Revis - that's a football life! If you sit em for the entire game you could lose momentum too?

I think Gronk is different than most scenarios. Even if he plays one quarter and sits he probably puts up better #'s than 75% of other TE's. Other positions don't have that same gap.

 

[theplayer11]

any opinions on Herron?..any word on how much he will play?