With a divisional matchup against the Chiefs on deck, Darren McFadden comes in at No. 1 going into Week 7.

One of the best things regarding fantasy football is that there will always be a at least one option that comes out of the woodwork, especially at running back. In Week 5, we saw Jackie Battle make a name for himself. Last weekend we saw Earnest Graham showing us he still has some legs left. And now that Felix Jones is dealing with a high-ankle sprain, rookie DeMarco Murray has a chance to make it big against the Rams.

Below are my running back rankings going into Week 7.

TOP FIVE WEEK-SEVEN MATCHUPS (MUST START)

1. Darren McFadden (OAK) vs. KC: Like last week, McFadden is the head of the pack going up against AFC West rival Kansas City. The Chiefs are giving up over 22 fantasy points a game thus far, so I expect big things from McFadden playing at home. The Raiders figure to use the run heavily while Carson Palmer gets used to playing again..

2. Ray Rice (BAL) @ JAX: Rice may have lost a touchdown to Ricky Williams against the Texans, but he still chipped in 161 total yards and 5 receptions. Rashard Mendenhall torched the Jaguars Defense last weekend. Expect Rice to do the same in Week 7.

3. Adrian Peterson (MIN) vs. GB: The Packers run defense is starting to look a bit shell shocked after Steven Jackson came four yards short of a 100-yard game in Week 6. Christian Ponder will get the start this week, but that might be good news considering how bad Donovan McNabb has looked. The Vikings are going to run-run-run a lot to give Ponder some confidence.

4. Rashard Mendenhall (PIT) @ ARI: Mendenhall finally broke out of his fantasy slump, putting up 146 rushing yards and a touchdown against the Jaguars last week. He faces an Arizona D that is giving up close to 119 rushing yards a game. I smell another 100+ from Mendy this week.

5. Arian Foster (HOU) @ TEN: Foster played horrendous last week against the Ravens, chipping in a measly 49 yards on the ground. The Ravens only give up 11.2 fantasy points to running backs, so he did have an excuse. It could have been much worse, but Foster managed to salvage some of his value with his 6 receptions and 52 receiving yards. Foster even admitted that he played “terrible,” but I expect him to bounce back this week.

DeMarco Murray cracks the top 20 amongst fantasy running backs for Week 7, coming in at No. 18 against the Rams.

BEST OF THE REST:

I wish everyone the best of luck this week. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to post below.

Darren McFadden comes in at No. 1 going into Week Six.

Week Five had its ups and downs, just like any other week. Darren McFadden was held in check by the Texans, while Adrian Peterson blew up against the Cardinals. LeSean McCoy was, once again, under used against the Bills and Michael Turner punched in a touchdown against a strong Green Bay rushing defense. And for the first time, we actually had a Chief not named Jamaal Charles put up huge stats after unknown Jackie Battle put up 100+ against the Colts..

Below are my running back rankings going into Week Six.

TOP FIVE WEEK-SIX MATCHUPS (MUST START)

1. Darren McFadden (OAK) vs. CLE: McFadden let his owners down last week against the Texans after he put up a meager 51 rushing yards and 17 receiving yards. But it wasn’t like McFadden was stinking it up because of his play. The Texans Defense made it a point to stop McFadden all game long, but they still wound up losing anyway. DMC should get on track this week against the Brown.

2. Adrian Peterson (MIN) @ CHI: The AD of Week Five is the one we had been hoping for. His 122 rushing yards against the Cardinals was sweet, but his three rushing touchdowns put him among the elite fantasy backs over the weekend. Facing a Bears Defense that just got burned by Lions RB Jahvid Best, AD should put up quality stats in Week Six.

3. Ray Rice (BAL) vs. HOU: Coming off a bye week, Rice should have a big day against the Texans. I know the Texans Defense was able to hold Darren McFadden in check, but the Texans are facing a slightly better passing offense with Joe Flacco and Anquan Boldin. Rice averaged almost 135 total yards a game through the first four weeks of the season. I don’t expect that to stop now.

4. Fred Jackson (BUF) vs. NYG: Jackson doesn’t budge from his No. 4 spot from last week. As expected, he came up big against the Eagles, who literally can’t stop anyone on the ground. The Giants Defense made Marshawn Lynch look like the Lynch of old Sunday. Jackson should be in for another strong outing playing at home.

5. Ahmad Bradshaw (NYG) vs. BUF: Nope this isn’t a typo. Some owners will shy away from Bradshaw because of his poor performance against the Seahawks. Even though Seattle isn’t that great, their rushing defense is only giving up 97.8 rushing yards a game. Compare that to 138.4 that the Bills are giving up and you have the makings of a bounce-back week for Bradshaw.

Arian Foster has a tough matchup this week against the Baltimore Ravens.

BEST OF THE REST:

I wish everyone the best of luck this week. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to post below.

If I showed you the next page you would have seen the last of 11 week 3 match-ups which was a $9 win in a heads up expert only game. Expert only means you get less $$$ to play with. Expert get $55,000 - standard gets $60,000 and Beg. get $65,000

Here is what I do to find the excellent match ups headed into the week and rank them accordingly.

1. Get the top 10 or so fantasy points allowed by position (listed below)
2. Find the obvious studs with great match ups (high dollar value guys on fanduel)
3. Find the “flex starts” with great match ups that present high upside (low dollar value guys on fanduel)
4. TOP 10 Teams allowing the most fantasy points to opposing QB’s this year.

You can use this method to determine who is a great weekly fantasy play based on match up, helpful for you guys without a backup for Antonio Gates, more on that later.

I’ll start at the Quarterback position.

Eli Manning comes to mind over the next several weeks, this week he face the Cardinals who allow the 8th most fantasy points to Quarterbacks.

TOP 10 Teams allowing the most fantasy points to opposing QB’s this year.

1. New England Patriots vs. QB – 1,163 yards – 6 TD
2. Green Bay Packers vs. QB – 1,153 yards – 6 TD
3. Oakland Raiders vs. QB 937 yards 6 TD
4. Miami Dolphins vs. QB 957 yards 8 TD
5. St. Louis Rams vs. QB 799 yards 7 TD
6. Buffalo Bills vs. QB 829 yards 7 TD
7. New Orleans Saints vs. QB 929 yards 7 TD
8. Arizona Cardinals vs. QB 884 yards 4 TD
9. Kansas City Chiefs vs. QB 796 yards 8 TD
10. Minnesota Vikings vs. QB 956 yards 5 TD

QB Match-ups to exploit in week 4 are:

• Jason Campbell faces the New England Patriots who, as you see above, are allow a sever amount of fantasy stats to opposing QB’s.
• Rex Grossman AKA “Sexy Rexy” have a juicy match-up against St. Louis Rams who rank 5th in most fantasy points allowed.
• Andy Dalton should bounce back this week versus the Bills, who rank 6th in points allowed to opposing QB’s.
• Eli Manning comes to mind over the next several weeks, this week he face the Cardinals who allow the 8th most fantasy points to Quarterbacks. Excellent Value on Fanduel.

The obvious starter with exceptional match ups:

• Tom Brady obviously.. Oakland just sweetens the pot.
• Phillip Rivers is another no brain-er with a sweet match-up versus Miami who ranks 4th in most points allowed.

Here are are WEEK 4 Quarterback Rankings

Either Cedric Benson (if allowed to play) or Bernard Scott should have success this week versus Buffalo however, I'd only start Bernard Scott in PPR leagues as the Bengals will have to play from behind.

TOP 10 Teams allowing the most fantasy points to opposing RB’s this year.

1. Philadelphia Eagles vs. RB 394 yards 2 TD, 15 Catches for 185 yards 3 TD
2. Kansas City Chiefs vs. RB 360 yards 5 TD, 16 Catches for 153 1 TD
3. Oakland Raiders vs. RB 305 yards 2 TD, 24 Catches for 283 2 TD
4. St. Louis Rams vs. RB 399 yards 2 TD, 19 Catches for 187 1 TD
5. Minnesota Vikings vs. RB 190 yards 3 TD, 27 Catches for 256 2 TD
6. New York Jets vs. RB 356 yards 4 TD, 15 Catches for 106 0 TD
7. Buffalo Bills vs. RB 292 yards 2 TD, 25 Catches for 152 2 TD
8. New England Patriots vs. RB 202 yards 2 TD, 30 Catches for 271 1 TD
9. Indianapolis Colts vs. RB 315 yards 4 TD, 11 Catches for 73 0 TD
10. Atlanta Falcons vs. RB 277 yards 2 TD, 18 Catches for 165 1 TD

RB Match-ups to exploit in week 4 are:

• Dexter McCluster faces the Vikings BUT WAIT they got back some players in Week 3 and picked up the run stuff. Only consider McCluster in PPR leagues as a strong FLEX.
• BenJarvus Green-Ellis / Stevan Ridley are both good flexes this week versus the porous Raiders. I like Ridley this week to get plenty of chances as New England burns the clock holding a lead.
• Frank Gore could easily bounce back this week against the Eagles who are allowing the most points to RB’s this year.
• Tim Hightower should toss the Rams salad this week, they rank 4th in points allowed.
• LeGarrette Blount should have a bounce back week against Indy, but don’t keep your hopes to high.
• Either Cedric Benson (if allowed to play) or Bernard Scott should have success this week versus Buffalo however, I’d only start Bernard Scott in PPR leagues as the Bengals will have to play from behind.

The obvious starter with exceptional match up:

• A. Peterson is an obvious start any week but this week is exceptional as he faces the Chief’s who can’t stop tumbleweed from blowing across the field.

Here are our Week 4 Running Back Rankings

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TOP 16 Teams allowing the most fantasy points to opposing WR’s this year.

Denarius Moore is poised for a break out game.

1. New England Patriots vs. WR 48 catches for 794 yards and 4 TD
2. Green Bay Packers vs. WR 42 catches for 660 yards and 4 TD
3. St. Louis Rams vs. WR 34 catches for 535 yards and 6 TD
4. Miami Dolphins vs. WR 37 catches for 578 yards and 5 TD
5. New Orleans Saints vs. WR 39 catches for 525 yards and 3 TD
6. San Francisco 49ers vs. WR 36 catches for 514 yards and 5 TD
7. New York Giants vs. WR 41 catches for 606 yards and 3 TD
8. Baltimore Ravens vs. WR 50 catches for 600 yards and 3 TD
9. Arizona Cardinals vs. WR 41 catches for 581 yards and 3 TD
10. Houston Texans vs. WR 37 catches for 503 yards and 4 TD
11. Kansas City Chiefs vs. WR 37 catches for 484 yards and 4 TD
12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. WR 44 catches for 582 yards and 2 TD
13. Oakland Raiders vs. WR 45 catches for 519 yards and 3 TD
14. Buffalo Bills vs. WR 36 catches for 517 yards and 3 TD
15. Denver Broncos vs. WR 42 catches for 517 yards and 3 TD
16. Carolina Panthers vs. WR 20 catches for 437 yards and 4 TD

WR Match-ups to exploit in week 4 are:

• Brandon Lloyd and Eric Decker should have a good day against Green Bay who allow the 2nd most fantasy points to WR so far this year.
• Oakland has some nice flex plays lined up for you this week but gamble at your own risk here, while someone in Oakland is going to have a great day it’s hard to predict. I expect the Pats to stack the box and force Campbell to pass, Denarius Moore is poised for a break out game.
• Santana Moss WILL have a big day versus the Rams. I don’t think the Rams will move the ball on offense and Washington will be able to air it out versus their weak secondary who ranks 3rd in points allowed.
• Minnesota has a possible deep sleeper in PPR formats, deep leagues only, Michael Jenkins is on the rise as a nice match-ups based flex starter and this week he gets the Chiefs who rank 11th in points allowed.

More obvious starters with great match-ups

• Larry Fitzgerald versus NYG
• Vincent Jackson, especially if Gates returns to the line-up. Miami allows the 4th most points to WR.
• Hakeem Nicks / Mario Manningham or Victor Cruz depending on Manninghams status – Arizona allows the 9th most fantasy points to WR.

Greg Olsen has a great match-up versus the Bears, nice flex play in your a Antonio Gates owner in a time of need.

TOP 10 Teams allowing the most fantasy points to opposing TE’s this year.

1. Miami Dolphins vs. TE 25 catches for 315 yards and 3 TD
2. San Diego Chargers vs. TE 14 catches for 180 yards and 4 TD
3. Chicago Bears vs. TE 19 catches for 237 yards and 3 TD
4. New Orleans Saints vs. TE 14 catches for 259 yards and 2 TD
5. Kansas City Chiefs vs. TE 12 catches for 159 yards and 3 TD
6. Cincinnati Bengals vs. TE 17 catches for 217 yards and 2 TD
7. Dallas Cowboys vs. TE 15 catches for 214 yards and 2 TD
8. Jacksonville Jaguars vs. TE 21 catches for 207 yards and 2 TD
9. Green Bay Packers vs. TE 9 catches for 178 yards and 2 TD
10. Buffalo Bills vs. TE 13 catches for 164 yards and 2 TD

• Greg Olsen has a great match-up versus the Bears, nice flex play in your a Antonio Gates owner in a time of need.
• Marcedes Lewis is a deep sleeper in DEEP leagues – he faces the Saints who can’t cover TE and you can bank that the Saints will score a lot of points.
• Randy McMichael (If Antonio Gates sits out) has a DECENT match-up versus Miami, but they’re ranked number one in points allowed due to the thrashing they took in week 1 versus the Pats.
• Jermaine Gresham is another Antonio Gates weekly flex replacement – the Bungles will have to air it out versus the Bills who rank 10th in points allowed.

More obvious starters with great match-ups this week:

• Jimmy Graham get the Jags who have trouble with tall TE’s.
• Scott Chandler gets the Cincinnati Bengals and they can’t cover TE either, rankings 6th in points allowed. Chandler has a TD in every game this year, it won’t stop this week.

Bouns Round for Kickers – top 10 teams allowing the most Kicker Fantasy Points

1. Cleveland Browns vs. K 10.7 points allowed
2. Kansas City Chiefs vs. K 10.3 this week they face Ryan Longwell
3. Indianapolis Colts vs. K 10.0 points allowed
4. Atlanta Falcons vs. K 9.7 points allowed
5. New Orleans Saints vs. K 9.3 points allowed
6. Chicago Bears vs. K 9.0 points allowed
7. Green Bay Packers vs. K 8.7 points allowed
8. Denver Broncos vs. K 8.7 this week they facec Jason Hanson
9. Dallas Cowboys vs. K 8.3 points allowed
10. Seattle Seahawks vs. K 8.3 points allowed

Locks this week are:

Ryan Longwell and Jason Hanson – both kickers present favorable TOP 10 match-ups this week and they’re in the TOP 10 in regards to FG and XP attempts.

After the Titans backed up the money truck to Johnson's house, he moves right back up to the top 3 behind AD.

The top 40 list for running backs is now fully updated as of 9/3. This will be the last ranking of the preseason, unless there is major news regarding someone who is injured during the next. As of now, we still don’t have any official word on Arian Foster’s condition (day-to-day), so make sure to check back with the site to see if there have been any changes. These rankings are based on standard PPR leagues where all scoring touchdowns are six points.

Players in red italics have been updated with new outcomes since last week.

If you have any questions, concerns or see something that sticks out like a sore thumb, make sure you leave a comment below or email me at Greg@FantasyKnuckleheads.com.

Running Backs 1-10

Monterio Hardesty's knee woes have helped Peyton Hillis gain some of his fantasy value back.

Running Backs 11-20

With injuries aplenty in Dallas' backfield, Jones could be in store for a career season.

Best of the Rest 21-30

Mike Tolbert cracks the top-40 for the first time in the preseason. He could be a solid flex options.

Best of the Rest 31-40

UPDATED: 6/10/2011:
Last week I skimmed the surface on 5 Free Agent WR in 2011 you needed to know about and today we are going to cover the ever pressing running back situation.

I say ever pressing because the running backs that are available have more questions looming over their fantasy football future value than other positions, so it’s good to get a leg up now before things really heat up.

The importance of this list is to also highlight a few players who may be on your mind now, but should be as far from your memory by the start of the fantasy football season as possible.

Wanna know who and why? Well read on kids, and if there is a specific player you have a question about, leave your comment below and I’ll get to it promptly.

+++

Cedric Benson – Cincinnati: There are few folks who believe Benson will return to Cincinnati and there are a few folks who believe his days as a member of the Bengals are over.

Benson himself feels he is deserving of a big-time contract saying on Sirius NFL Radio that “I think I’m deserving. I just hope a couple teams feel the same way. It would be nice if it would be the Bengals.”

So it appears that Benson will play anywhere so long as the price is right, but there are some huge concerns here.

1. Benson turns 29 this year—not a good age for overworked running backs.
2. Benson had a career year in carries last year, and it was a DOWN season for him in regard to ground yardage, suggesting he could be on the decline.
3. The Bengals aren’t going to sit on Bernard Scott for too much longer either, so even if they do bring Benson back, a time-share could be in line to protect BOTH investments.
4. Benson maybe reaching for the stars with a lofty contract altogether.

Outlook: This is a situation that warrants a constant look as it is sure to change regularly. My personal opinion is Benson is not going to hold as much value in the 2011 fantasy football season as he did in 2010—just too many variables standing in his way.

At this point, he is a nice RB2 consideration, but keep checking back with us for the latest news and updates surrounding Cedric Benson and other noteworthy players all year long.

+++

Mike Tolbert – San Diego: There were times in the 2010 fantasy football season that Tolbert offered owners limited value, and there were other times where he was a non-factor.

Much of the same is probably in line for the 2011 season.

Tolbert is more of a traditional fullback than anything else at 5’9” – 245, and his real value is being the blocking force and setup man for Ryan Mathews, as long as Mathews remains healthy in 2011.

Tolbert is the kind of guy you will easily find on the wire after your 2011 fantasy football draft, so it’s not like you should consider pulling the trigger in draft time, but keep an eye on him and Mathews through the summer, in case something drastic changes.

Outlook: Tolbert is a three-year vet which means he is restricted and that will keep him in San Diego for one more year. His projected fantasy value is minimal at best right now, barring any unforeseen changes this summer.

+++

Ronnie Brown – Miami: Before the lockout began, both Brown and the Dolphins were miles apart in regard to re-signing a deal.

In reality, it doesn’t really matter.

Brown has now said that he is open to mentoring and sharing carries with top draft pick Daniel Thomas, and if given the choice, you can expect the Dolphins to re-sign Brown over free agent Ricky Williams.

Outlook: Ronnie Brown has little to offer fantasy owners in the 2011 fantasy football season, and at this point, you would be wise to put Daniel Thomas on your watch list as early as possible.

+++

Ahmad Bradshaw – New York Giants: The Giants have a few conundrums on their hands and it all has to do with the backfield.

Ahmad Bradshaw’s future will ultimately be dependent on what the final outcome of the labor talks are, and Brandon Jacobs will be looking for an increase in pay.

In addition to the one-two punch the Giants already have, they also will have some quality depth in their seventh round selection: Da’ Rel Scott from Maryland.

What this all means for fantasy owners is this:

The Giants backfield situation is very much up in the air right now, but expect Bradshaw to be brought back along with Jacobs if he is willing to restructure.

Both backs are still quality backs, but in a time-share situation, they could be more of a high RB2 draft pick in your 2011 fantasy football draft.

Outlook: Bradshaw is more than likely to stay in New York in a time-share role with fellow back Brandon Jacobs, but if Jacobs moves on to greener pastures, Bradshaw’s value will skyrocket.

And Brandon Jacobs will be a brand new study piece for all us as well.

+++

DeAngelo Williams – Carolina:

UPDATE – 6/10/2011: The Denver Post’s Jeff Legwold has reported that the Broncos will give DeAngelo Williams a “long look” alongside Rams fullback Mike Carney.

The growing suggestion is that if the Broncos can afford it, they may infact go after Williams given his history with coach Fox.

There is a serious upside to Williams and a serious downside to Williams as we approach the 2011 fantasy football season.

But in addition to what I am about to get into, Williams’ future will be solely dependent on the final outcome of the labor agreement.

But that’s ok, and here’s why.

Williams already has Jonathan Stewart and Mike Goodson to compete with and the Panthers could choose to dangle Williams out there for players or—more likely—future NFL draft picks.

The skinny is, if he’s traded there are plenty of hungry teams out there—specifically Denver—where Williams could fit right into.

If he is re-signed, his value may drop a bit thanks to a possible RBBC.

My guess is with John Fox having a better run blocking O-line in Denver, and the Panther’s interest in trade upgrades for next year’s draft, there is a good chance Williams could reunite with his old coach.

In two years Williams has only missed 13 games, but it was due to ankle and foot sprains so a quality compliment back would be in order if you do draft high on him.

Outlook: Williams retains his fantasy football value for the interim, but where he winds up will be the final determining factor.

In one season, the Bengals went from a solid playoff team with high expectations heading into 2010, to an AFC North bottom-feeder with several high-priced free agents likely on their way out. The Bengals have a lot of needs across the board, so let’s try to sort out the mess on the next stop during our mock draft profiles of all 32 NFL teams.

Quarterback - As if the Bengals don’t already have enough draft needs, quarterback just jumped to the top of the list after Carson Palmer’s threats to retire if he’s not traded. Assuming that the Bengals decide to trade Palmer, they’ll seek a first round pick for a guy who is still one of the top 10 quarterbacks in the league (provided he has protection). With an extra pick, the Bengals will no doubt choose a QB with one of the two 1st round picks, which will likely be their fourth overall pick. After an impressive workout at Auburn’s pro day, Cam Newton may have erased his poor Combine performance, and shot ahead of Missouri’s Blaine Gabbert as the most talented quarterback in this class. In addition to a good arm, Newton also showed some newfound footwork skills and passing accuracy. Of course, they might opt for another prototypical pocket passer in Gabbert to fill Palmer’s shoes. Keep in mind though that this is all speculation based on what happens with the Palmer situation; in the end, he may retire (leaving the Bengals without an extra first round pick) or he may actually play.

Wide Receiver - The ToCho show wasn’t enough to save the Bengals (mainly due to Chad Johnson’s ineffectiveness), and Terrell Owens will probably sign elsewhere since he figures to make bank after a very good season. Since the Bengals need a weapon on offense badly, they might opt to take Georgia’s A.J. Green with the fourth overall pick instead of a QB. Green is a solid route runner with the best hands in the draft, which would definitely be welcome after all of the balls that Johnson dropped in 2010. If the Bengals don’t take Green, both Maryland’s Torrey Smith and Miami’s Leonard Hankerson should be around when Cincinnati picks in the second round. Smith has 4.4 speed and good hands, but his route running could use some improvement. Hankerson is another speedster who runs a 4.4, but like Torrey, could work on his route running skills.

Defensive End - With all of the Bengals needs, it’s difficult predicting exactly what they will do with that fourth overall pick. Just like their division rival Browns, Cincinnati needs to bolster their pass rush after getting just 27 sacks in 2010. After a successful rookie campaign, Carlos Dunlap (9.5 sacks) seems to have one side of the pass rush covered, but Michael Johnson (2.5 sacks) just isn’t the answer on the other side. The Bengals might go with Da’Quan Bowers out of Clemson if he is available; however, many predict that Bowers will be taken in the top three. That leaves North Carolina’s Robert Quinn as another likely candidate, but since he missed the entire 2010 season because of a suspension, Cincinnati may not take their chances with a guy who hasn’t played in two years. With so much depth in the 2011 defensive end class, it’s not inconceivable to think that the Bengals would wait until the second round to fill this need where Ohio State’s Cameron Heyward or Purdue’s Ryan Kerrigan could be waiting.

Running Back - Starting running back and free agent Cedric Benson could be gone next year, and Bernard Scott has never filled an every-down back role, so expect the Bengals to draft a running back in one of the middle rounds. The Bengals could probably land bruising halfback Daniel Thomas out of K-State in the third round if they decide that running back is of enough importance. Thomas isn’t the fastest player, but he had plenty of power, and could even work in a split-back role with Scott. Later possible picks in this shallow class of running backs include Clemson’s Jamie Harper, Syracuse’s Delone Carter, and LSU’s Stevan Ridley.

The Bengals also have serious needs at offensive tackle, guard, inside linebacker, free safety, and strong safety, so it’s safe to say that they’re in rebuilding mode. In the end, trying to predict the Bengals draft choices is like throwing darts blindfolded.

Waiver Wire Week 17

The Waiver Wire pick ups for week 16 were really good with Danny Amendola, Jimmy Graham, Andre Caldwell and Tim Tebow; while had a big dud with Mike Sims-Walker, who lost to Rex Grossman and the Redskins to basically forfeit any chance at making the playoffs. Here comes week 17, it is the most hated week of them all in terms of fantasy football. So, to start out the article I am going to make a list of which teams have clinched and have the chance to sit their players and which teams either need to play for seeding, or are yet to clinch a playoff berth. Anytime you hear about championships played in week 17, people constantly are against it; but for you fantasy owners that do have a big championship in week 17 [I have 3 of them, I understand], here are your waiver wire pick ups for week 17… let’s go out there and win a championship people [a lot more players than usual due to injuries + clinching byes].

Updated Injuries and Resting Players:

Hakeem Nicks- DOUBTFUL with broken toe

David Garrard- DOUBTFUL with surgery on middle finger on right hand

Maurice Jones-Drew- DOUBTFUL; he needs surgery on his knee, report says he has not gone on IR because he is waiting to see if team makes the playoffs; would be “tremendous miracle” if he was not OUT for Sunday

Michael Vick- OUT with rest

Playoff Scenarios-

NFC:

Atlanta Falcons, Chicago Bears, New Orleans Saints and Philadelphia Eagles [check status of LeSean McCoy, possible good pick up for Jerome Harrison; Michael Vick has now been ruled OUT for Sunday versus the Cowboys, so Kevin Kolb should get the start there] all have clinched playoff spots, but neither of them has clinched home field advantage; so they all have something to play for.

St. Louis Rams play the Seattle Seahawks [Charlie Whitehurst] for the right to clinch their division and host a playoff game; both teams have something to play for.

Green Bay Packers, New York Giants [Hakeem Nicks now listed as DOUBTFUL for Sunday with a broken toe] and Tampa Bay Buccaneers all can clinch playoff berths with different scenarios, but they all have something to play for.

Teams that are eliminated from playoff contention-

Washington Redskins- Rex Grossman and Ryan Torain

Minnesota Vikings- Joe Webb/Brett Favre [Favre seems to be ruled out for Tuesday Night Football] and Adrian Peterson/Toby Gerhart

Detroit Lions- Shaun Hill and Jahvid Best/Maurice Morris

San Francisco 49ers [New Head Coach]- Troy Smith/Alex Smith and Brian Westbrook [I think has distinct advantage over Anthony Dixon]

Arizona Cardinals- John Skelton and Beanie Wells/Tim Hightower [Week 16: Beanie 11 carries, Hightower 6 carries]

Dallas Cowboys- Stephen McGee/Jon Kitna [looks to be leaning on McGee with injury to Kitna] and Felix Jones/Tashard Choice/Marion Barber [Felix getting bulk of carries and starting]

Carolina Panthers- Jimmy Clausen and Jonathan Stewart [will be Clausen last start before the Panthers are on the clock for April’s NFL Draft]

AFC:

New England Patriots have both clinched their division and have been earned home field advantage for the playoffs; they have nothing to play for this week at home versus the Dolphins. Possibly expect Brian Hoyer to replace Tom Brady at some point in this game and possible limited carries and touches for Benjarvus Green-Ellis, Danny Woodhead, Wes Welker and Deion Branch.

Kansas City Chiefs and New York Jets have both clinched playoff berths and have nothing to play for because they cannot move up or down in terms of seeding. Keep updated all week on the status of Matt Cassel, Jamal Charles/Thomas Jones and Dwayne Bowe for Kansas City and for the Jets keep an eye on Mark Sanchez, LaDanian Tomlinson and Santonio Holmes.

Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens have both clinched playoff berths, but both can also win their respective divisions, which would give one of these teams the number two seed and the other one, the number five seed. Both teams will play all of their starters and expect the same amount of targets and touches for all studs.

Indianapolis Colts and Jacksonville Jaguars have neither clinched playoff berths, but both will play all of their starters with the opportunity to make the playoffs with a few different scenarios. What you are watching for here is the status of Maurice Jones-Drew [reportedly listed as OUT with his knee injury], if he does not go again this week; Rashad Jennings remains a very good option. David Garrard is now listed as DOUBTFUL for Sunday due to surgery on his right middle finger, so if this is someone you are relying on, you will have to look in some other places [Shaun Hill, Tim Tebow, Joe Webb or Kevin Kolb most likely].

Teams that are eliminated from playoff contention-

San Diego Chargers- Phillip Rivers and Ryan Matthews/Darren Sproles [Matthews has advantage here with recent injury to Mike Tolbert]

Miami Dolphins- Chad Henne and Ronnie Brown/Ricky Williams

Oakland Raiders- Jason Campbell and Michael Bush/Darren McFadden [early reports have McFadden questionable, and Oakland could rest him with nothing to play for]

Tennessee Titans- Kerry Collins and Chris Johnson

Houston Texans- Matt Schaub and Arian Foster

Cleveland Browns- Colt McCoy and Peyton Hillis

Denver Broncos- Tim Tebow and Knowshon Moreno/Correll Buckhalter [Moreno was banged up last week, check on status against San Diego this week]

Buffalo Bills- Ryan Fitzpatrick and Fred Jackson/C.J. Spiller [Fred Jackson should get a bulk of the carries, but check status later in the week]

Cincinnati Bengals- Carson Palmer and Cedric Benson/Bernard Scott [could definitely share carries this week, check on injury status to both backs by Sunday]

Here is a list of some back ups that could come in handy:

Jay Cutler- Todd Collins

Mark Sanchez- Mark Brunell

Matt Ryan- Chris Redman

Joe Webb- Brett Favre [if Favre cannot go, Patrick Ramsey]

Drew Brees- Chase Daniel

Matt Cassel- Brodie Croyle

David Garrard- Trent Edwards then Todd Bouman

Michael Vick- Kevin Kolb

Michael Turner- Jason Snelling

Matt Forte- Chester Taylor

Andre Johnson- Jacoby Jones

Waiver Wire: Shonn Greene, RB, New York Jets- With LaDanian Tomlinson possibly resting up for the playoffs, I think this is my top waiver wire pick up based on the match up with Buffalo and the style of football the Jets will play in a game that does not mean anything to them.

Waiver Wire: Joe Webb, QB, Minnesota Vikings- Depending on what happens on Tuesday Night Football, Joe Webb is a great option for people that have him as a “WR/QB” in some leagues it’s a good option in fantasy standards. If he does not start and Brett Favre goes in week 16 or 17, make sure you have a replacement for him.

Waiver Wire: Mike Thomas, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars- All season long I have been picking the wide receivers that play against Houston, I will not change that just because it is week 17. Mike Thomas has been good in the second half of the season and I think he will see a good amount of targets against this poor secondary. UDPATE: David Garrard now listed as DOUBTFUL for Sunday, which really hurts the status of Mike Thomas, Mike Sims-Walker and Mercedes Lewis.

Waiver Wire: Atlanta Falcons, Defense- Cannot deny the good match up against Carolina and they just lost at home in week 16 versus the Saints. This is a must win in terms of seeding and home field advantage for them and I see their defense stepping up big time in this one.

Waiver Wire: Jerome Harrison, RB, Philadelphia Eagles- The Eagles might decide to rest LeSean McCoy due to injury and a multitude of options in terms of seeding, Jerome Harrison was a fantasy savior in the playoffs last year and I think he has the ability to show that potential again this year in week 17.

Waiver Wire: Mario Manningham, WR, New York Giants- I am sure this guy is owned in a good percentage of leagues, but Eli Manning has been looking for him every week and they are playing the week Washington Redskins secondary and the Giants will be out for blood after two very poor performances in the past few weeks. UPDATE: great pick up now due to injury to Hakeem Nicks with a broke toe [listed as DOUBTFUL for Sunday].

Waiver Wire: Blair White, WR, Indianapolis Colts- With Austin Collie on IR for the rest of the season, Blair White steps in as Peyton Manning’s new slot target and that receiver, whoever it is, always produces for the Colts and this week will be no different against the Tennessee Titans. White caught a TD last week and I see that trend continuing in a must win game for the Colts.

Waiver Wire: Michael Bush, RB, Oakland Raiders- Like I said earlier, with Darren McFadden hurt at the moment wait and see if Oakland decides to sit him or limit his carries against a Chiefs team that has nothing to play for and have already clinched. Bush had 2 TD in week 15 versus the Broncos, so there is a good chance he can extend that success.

Waiver Wire: Emmanual Sanders, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers- He has caught 11 passes for 132 yards in his past two games and it really seems Roethlisberger is looking for him on a more constant basis than in the past. He seems to have slid right into the number 3 receiver for the Steelers and is being targeted multiple times per drive.

Like I said, a lot more information than usual this week, but since it is the last week before the playoffs I thought I would give you as much information as possible to help win you your championship this week. If your league already ended in week 16, hope I helped this season and very much look forward to week 1 next season.