If you are reading this, then you still have a lot on the line in your fantasy league. While many leagues end their season in Week 15 and 16, there are still some of us who have to endure the hardships of making a million roster changes just to get a full line up for the Week 17 Fantasy Playoffs. This is mostly due to players resting and teams having nothing to play for.
Today I'll talk about 2 teams who are on the opposite sides of the spectrum.
First up is the Patriots, who have a lot riding on Week 17's game against the Bills. At 12-3, they can clinch home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs with a win or losses by both Baltimore and Pittsburgh. Luckily for owners, the Patriots play at home at 1pm EST. Tom Brady, Wes Welker and Rob Gronkowski are huge options this week. As for the running game, I don't know if I can trust anyone. I don't even have Benjarvus Green-Ellis ranked in my Running Back Rankings. Steven Ridley has 24 carries in the last 2 games and has led the team in carries in both of those weeks, but I don't see him as anything more than a flier in larger leagues. If I'm Bill Belichick, I give Ridley the rock as much as possible just to see what he has in him as a possible starter for 2012 or as a bigger part of the running game in the playoffs.
On the opposite side, sorry Aaron Rodgers owners, the Packers don't have anything to play for as they face the Lions in Week 17. With the win over the Bears Sunday night, Green Bay wrapped up home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. It's amazing that the Packers, like late last year, have succeeded without much of a running game. Their leading rusher, James Starks, has just 578 yards and a touchdown. Ryan Grant has 511. You would think that defenses would be able to stop Rodgers and the passing game, but most have failed so far.
As for who is in and who is out: Rodgers is a must sit this week. If you are a Rodgers owner, Matt Flynn should be on your roster as of now, or sitting in your waiver-wire list. As an unrestricted free agent in 2012, Flynn has plenty to play for as he shows off to teams in need of a starting quarterback. I wouldn't play Starks or Grant. Even if the Packers did have to play for something, neither player would have been worth anything more than a flex. Greg Jennings has been declared OUT with a knee injury and Jordy Nelson also figures to be riding the bench. Randall Cobb is a question mark after missing Wednesday's practice with a groin injury. James Jones is a very strong option. He played a huge part in the team's win Sunday night, catching 4 passes for 50 yards and 2 touchdowns. He should be Flynn's go-to guy. If Cobb sits, Donald Driver figures to get a bigger role, but both he and Tom Crabtree aren't anything more than desperation options in larger leagues.