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As hard as it is
to believe, Week 17 is here. Those of you still playing for a championship are
sweating it out one final time, and there are plenty of factors that still could
throw a wrench in your plans for a championship celebration.
The final week of the season is dangerous because many NFL teams have one eye
looking ahead to the playoffs, while others already have turned their focus
to next year. With so many teams having so little to play for, star players
often are given extra rest and younger players are given a shot to show what
they've got. Then, of course, we have the nagging injuries.
We'll try to sort it all out:
QUARTERBACKS
Titans QB Steve McNair (ankle/calf): McNair remains a game-time decision. He hasn't practiced all week, but that is the norm for him, and he usually ends up behind center each week. If he could earn you fantasy points for guts, he'd be a sure thing this week (and every week). However, McNair will be an easier target for Tampa Bay's pass rush if he plays, and the Titans aren't exactly running the ball well enough to concern the Bucs. If you have a decent backup option, use it.
Seahawks QB Matt Hasselbeck (shoulder): Hasselbeck told the Seattle Times he will start Saturday. Although the Seahawks struggle on the road, the offense hasn't been the problem. With the team in a must-win situation, go ahead and start Hasselbeck in San Francisco.
Giants QB Kerry Collins (ankle): He is out for Sunday's game, according to the New York Daily News. Collins had a couple of big games, but just like the rest of the Giants' offensive stars, he underachieved this season. Jesse Palmer will start at QB once again.
RUNNING BACKS
Panthers RB Stephen Davis (ankle): The Charlotte Observer reports Davis practiced Friday, though his status for Sunday's game still isn't crystal clear. The Panthers have little to play for and plan to rest their starters as much as possible in this one. Because Davis already is less than 100 percent, he will be used sparingly, if at all. You'd be better off with DeShaun Foster.
Saints RB Deuce McAllister (knee): Coach Jim Haslett told the New Orleans Times-Picayune that McAllister will start Sunday. He practiced Friday. On paper, it looks like a bad matchup. The Cowboys' run defense is superb, and McAllister will be less than 100 percent. However, Dallas already has a playoff spot locked up, and the Saints are at home. McAllister is simply too productive to bench, and his receiving totals should make up for any struggles running the ball.
Vikings RB Michael Bennett (ankle): Bennett practiced Friday, and coach Mike Tice told the St. Paul Pioneer Press that he looked strong. Bennett hadn't practiced the previous two days because of an ankle injury. Bennett will start the game, but the Vikings still will be very careful about keeping him healthy. That means plenty of carries for Onterrio Smith and Moe Williams, both of whom also are getting healthy at the right time. Starting Bennett isn't a great move this week because the carries will be divided, and he could sit if the Vikings get a nice lead.
Dolphins RB Ricky Williams (shoulder): Williams told the Miami Herald that it might be wiser to skip Sunday's game in order to prevent further damage to his shoulder, but he plans to play. He obviously has seen the Jets' attempts to stop the run this season. They rank 30th, and Williams is piling up 100-yard games late in the season. So start him.
Giants RB Tiki Barber (shoulder): Barber is expected to play Sunday, according to Newsday. He is one of the few Giants healthy enough to play, but don't count on him this week. The Panthers have no reason to respect New York's passing game and can load up against the run.
Titans RB Eddie George (ankle): George was back in practice Friday and will be ready for Week 17, according to the Tennessean. However, fullback Robert Holcombe (hamstring) isn't expected to play Sunday. The Titans aren't exactly running the ball well as it is, so this won't help. Chris Brown figures to get some extra playing time and carries behind George.
Niners RB Garrison Hearst (knee): Coach Dennis Erickson told the Contra Costa Times that Hearst will miss his fourth consecutive game. At one point, there was talk of Hearst missing just one game following his knee surgery. In any case, Kevan Barlow has been terrific as the full-time starter, so keep him in your lineup.
Broncos RB Clinton Portis (ankle): Coach Mike Shanahan told the Denver Post that Portis will not play against Green Bay on Sunday. Quentin Griffin, who is coming off a 136-yard rushing performance in Week 16, looks like your best bet if you are a Portis owner. Mike Anderson also will get some carries, but Griffin should get more.
WIDE RECEIVERS
Rams WR Isaac Bruce (ankle): Coach Mike Martz told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that the team is prepared to enter Sunday's game without Bruce. Not exactly the most promising way to word it. Leave Bruce on your bench. The Rams aren't going to take any chances with the playoffs ahead.
Steelers WR Hines Ward (abdomen): The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports Ward sat out practice Friday. However, he is expected to play Sunday. Ward is a talented enough player that you shouldn't worry about starting him against the Ravens. In fact, he had two TD receptions against them in Week 1. However, don't expect that kind of production this week.
Titans WR Derrick Mason (ribs): He was back in practice Friday, according to the Tennessean. Barring a setback, it appears as if Mason will play, and he is worth a start. The Bucs' defense still should put up a fight, but Mason is the team's top receiver. With the running game struggling, the Titans will lean heavily on the passing game.
Seahawks WR Darrell Jackson (ankle): The Seattle Times reports Jackson is expected to play Saturday. With five TDs in his past four games, he deserves to start this week. Don't be overly concerned about his ankle injury because it appears the team simply is being very cautious.
Saints WR Joe Horn (shoulder): The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports Horn will miss Sunday's game. Donte' Stallworth should start in his place, though he isn't worth a fantasy start this week.
Bengals WR Peter Warrick (knee): He practiced Friday but was limited, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. Coach Marvin Lewis said Warrick looked "great," though he still is listed as doubtful. Bad timing for Warrick, who was having a career season until he opted for arthroscopic knee surgery on December 19. It sounds as if the chances of him playing Sunday are a little better now, but he still is a long shot. And even if he plays, he won't be near 100 percent.
Packers WR Robert Ferguson (Achilles): The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports Ferguson missed practice again Friday, but coach Mike Sherman said he thinks Ferguson will play because he has a history of playing hurt. Count on him being in the lineup for such an important game. And count on him doing some damage. Ferguson has improved this season and has been impressive in the past few weeks. The passing game really is clicking right now, and Brett Favre likes to look his way.
Raiders WR Jerry Porter (calf): Coach Bill Callahan told the San Jose Mercury News that Porter is "very doubtful" for Sunday's game. He hasn't done much since Week 12 (seven catches, 89 yards) and his only TD came in Week 10. Plus, he has Rick Mirer at QB. Fantasy owners should leave Porter on the bench and hope for a better, healthier season next year.
Bears WR Justin Gage (knee): Gage is officially listed as out for Sunday game in Kansas City, as is teammate Dez White. This will mean more playing time for rookie Bobby Wade. As for Gage, he was very impressive once he was given a chance to play, and he is someone to keep an eye on for next season.
Giants WR Ike Hilliard (knee): He isn't expected to play against the Panthers. Hilliard owners have moved on by now, but this officially ends his season.
Niners WR Terrell Owens (shoulder): His season is over thanks to a broken collarbone, meaning more playing time for Cedrick Wilson and Brandon Lloyd. While Wilson will move into the starting lineup, he is far from proven. His best totals this season were four catches for 57 yards in Week 2. Lloyd is someone to watch for next season. But he won't help you now.
TIGHT ENDS
Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez (foot): The Kansas City Star reports Gonzalez was held out of practice Friday. Don't worry, the Chiefs are just being cautious. There still isn't a better choice at tight end, so Gonzo belongs in your lineup. The only concern is how long the Chiefs' starters will play. By kickoff, their playoff fate already could be determined.
Eagles TE L.J. Smith (back/groin): The Philadelphia Inquirer reports Smith will play Saturday, despite being at less 100 percent. He has little fantasy value at this point, so move along.
Giants TE Jeremy Shockey (knee): The New York Daily News reports Shockey will
miss the season finale. Though injuries cut his season short, remember how productive
he was when he was in the lineup. He still should be one of the first tight
ends chosen in next year's drafts.