Crowder already had been ruled out of Sunday's regular-season finale against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was hurt on the second play of last weekend's loss to the Houston Texans.
A decision regarding whether Crowder needs surgery will be made after the swelling in his foot goes down. Reggie Torbor will replace Crowder in the starting lineup.
The Bengals also promoted rookie tight end Darius Hill, who had been on their practice squad since Sept. 6. Hill is an undrafted player from Ball State who signed with Cincinnati in May and played in all four preseason games.
Rookie tight end Carson Butler took Hill's spot on the practice squad. The undrafted free agent from Michigan originally signed with the Green Bay Packers and was waived. He played in all four of the Detroit Lions' preseason games before being waived. He was on the San Francisco 49ers' practice squad for one week.
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Buffalo Bills starting quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick returned to practice Wednesday and hopes to play in this weekend's season finale against the Indianapolis Colts.
Fitzpatrick, who hurt his ankle 10 days ago during a loss to the New England Patriots, took most of the reps in practice -- though he was limited on the injury report -- and said his ankle has been improving over the past few days, opening the door for his return after he missed last weekend's loss to the Atlanta Falcons.
"I felt good today," Fitzpatrick said. "There's still pain in there, but it felt good, and hopefully, it will continue to feel good throughout the week."
Made the starter soon after Perry Fewell took over as interim head coach following the firing of Dick Jauron in November, Fitzpatrick has completed 55 percent of his passes while throwing six touchdowns and 10 interceptions for the Bills (5-10).
"He looked pretty good," Fewell said. "It was nice to have him back out there."
Eight players, including starting defensive tackle Marcus Stroud (back) and starting left tackle Jonathan Scott (ankle), were missing from Wednesday's practice.
Indianapolis (14-1) is coming off its only loss of the season and already has clinched homefield advantage throughout the AFC playoffs.
The game also will be televised locally after Time Warner Cable announced Wednesday that they will purchase any remaining unsold tickets, ending the possibility of the Bills having their first blackout of the season.
The Bills have sold out every home game the past three years.
NEW ORLEANS -- Saints defensive end Bobby McCray issued a written apology Wednesday concerning disparaging comments he made on a social networking Web site about the officer who arrested him after a traffic stop this week.
In the statement released by the EAG sports management agency in California, McCray said he regretted that private messages about his arrest were unintentionally posted on Twitter.
"I have respect for the men and women who serve the New Orleans Police Department and I never meant to convey otherwise," the statement said. "My attorneys are now handling the matter and I have faith that the legal process will rectify the situation in my favor."
By Wednesday afternoon, McCray's Twitter page had been taken down. However, a series of comments posted earlier included a reference to the arresting officer being a "short guy with a Napoleon complex" who became angry when McCray asked why he had been ordered out of the car for a routine traffic stop. In another comment, McCray stated he was pulled over for "DWP," or "Driving with pizza."
McCray went on to call the charges "bogus" and claim he wasn't drunk. He also said he and his fiancee were on their way home and that she was feeding him some pizza as he drove.
Police have said McCray refused to take a breathalyzer test, which under Louisiana law can result in a one-year suspension of a person's driver's license.
The traffic stop occurred about 4:30 a.m. on Tuesday. McCray was booked on charges of driving while intoxicated, speeding, careless operation of a vehicle and not having his registration. He was released a few hours later.
The Saints returned to practice Wednesday after taking Tuesday off as usual. McCray didn't practice, but coach Sean Payton said it was because he had a sore back.
Payton said the team wouldn't discipline McCray at this time.
"There's a league protocol, and it shifts to the league, and we'll follow the process and gather the information," Payton said. "Given that we're just two days removed from it, there are still a number of steps to be taken."
McCray wasn't available when the Saints' locker room was opened to reporters Wednesday afternoon.
McCray is in his sixth NFL season out of the University of Florida. He has been credited with 10 tackles and 1.5 sacks in 15 games this season.
Bulluck tore his left anterior cruciate ligament during a Dec. 20 victory over the Miami Dolphins. The Titans didn't immediately need the roster spot, but they placed him on injured reserve Wednesday. Bulluck tweeted that he was having surgery Wednesday.
Harper said he re-broke his right forearm at the spot where he originally hurt his arm Oct. 11. He said he had been playing through pain when he returned five weeks after the injury to start six consecutive games.
The Titans filled the roster spots by signing cornerback Jamar Love and promoting offensive lineman Fernando Velasco.
I have to bench Peyton Manning this week, but who should I start in his absence from Matt Hasselbeck, Matt Ryan and Mark Sanchez? -- J. DesJardins
Michael Fabiano: Ryan is without question the best option of the three quarterbacks you've listed. He's coming off a strong stat line against the Bills, throwing for three touchdowns in a blowout win. Next he'll face a Buccaneers defense that's allowed an average of close to 18 fantasy points per game to quarterbacks. That makes him a much better choice than Manning, Hasselbeck or Sanchez in Week 17.
| Follow Fabiano on Twitter  NFL.com Fantasy football columnist Michael Fabiano is on Twitter. Follow along as Fabiano posts daily updates, columns and video spots to help you win a fantasy championship. More ... |
Thanks for all your advice this year, but my team didn't do you proud! I'm hoping to rebound next year. I'm in a 50/50 keeper league that gives points for punt and kickoff return yardage and touchdowns. We get to keep a minimum of three and a maximum of four players. Who out of the following do I need to hang on to for next season: Tony Romo, Joseph Addai, Rashard Mendenhall, Ryan Grant, Fred Jackson and DeSean Jackson? -- F. Ajose, Minneapolis, Minn.
M.F.: Glad to help. Sorry you didn't take home a championship! I think your best keeper options at Romo, Mendenhall and Jackson. Romo has had a solid and underrated season for fantasy owners, and Mendenhall has established himself atop the Steelers' depth chart. At 22, he is a great option for keeper leaguers. Jackson, an explosive playmaker, is also a strong long-term option in an Eagles offense that loves to throw the football. The fact that you get points for return yards and touchdowns makes Jackson even more valuable in this keeper format.
In our league, we are able to keep one player from the previous year's lineup. Which running back should I retain: Steven Jackson or Ray Rice? -- A. Henderson, Reno, Nev.
M.F.: Jackson is coming off a solid season, but the lack of talent around him hurts his stock in both seasonal and keeper leagues. While changes are coming in St. Louis -- I'd expect a new starting quarterback and more skill position players added on offense -- Jackson still doesn't have the same value of Rice. The Rutgers product, 22, proved this season that he can be a featured back at the NFL level. He does lose some goal-line work in the team's backfield rotation, but Rice more than makes up for it with his combined skills and production as a runner and a receiver out of the backfield. As a result, Rice is the one to retain. Look for him to be a first rounder in all 2010 drafts.
I need to start three wide receivers in Week 17 from Devin Aromashodu, Santonio Holmes, Calvin Johnson, Chad Ochocinco and Sidney Rice. Who would you start? Thanks! -- T. Maffia, Jefferson City, Mo.
M.F.: The three wideouts to start are Holmes, Johnson and Rice. Holmes has a great matchup against the Dolphins, and Johnson is a solid choice against the Bears and their questionable pass defense. I also like Rice, who should put up great numbers against a Giants team that hasn't been able to stop the pass all season. Ochocinco is a major fantasy risk this week, as he faces Jets CB Darrelle Revis at the Meadowlands. Ochocinco could also be rested for part of Week 17 since the Bengals don't have much to play for in terms of the postseason.
Hi Michael, how many quarterbacks do you think will be worth a first-round pick in 2010 drafts? -- D. Drake, Davie, Fla.
M.F.: As someone who has always taken running backs in the first round, I'm envisioning some changes for my own strategies in 2010. Backs will still rule Round 1 overall, but I think Drew Brees, Aaron Rodgers, Peyton Manning and Tom Brady will all be worth a first-round pick next season. Furthermore, Philip Rivers, Matt Schaub and even Tony Romo could come off the board in the second round. The times they are a changing in fantasy football, as the NFL has clearly become more of a passing league and is putting less emphasis on featured backs.
I can't believe this is a legitimate fantasy question based on where these players were ranked back in the preseason, but would you keep Miles Austin or Calvin Johnson? -- L. Marcos, England
M.F.: The NFL and fantasy football can be unpredictable! Austin, a preseason sleeper on NFL.com, has increased his value in both seasonal and keeper leagues as the top option in the Cowboys' pass attack. But despite his success, I'd still keep Johnson ahead of him. Sure, Megatron was one of the biggest disappointments of the season. But quarterback issues and an injured knee were mostly to blame. Johnson is still one of the most talented wide receivers in the league, and his rapport with Matthew Stafford will only grow and improve with time.
Michael, I need to retain two players from Drew Brees, Matt Forte, Ray Rice, Greg Jennings, Reggie Wayne and Antonio Gates. Help me out! -- P. Danson, Detroit, Mich.
M.F.: You have some solid options, but I'd have to retain Brees and Rice. The Saints quarterback is a virtual lock for 4,000-plus passing yards and 30-plus total touchdowns every season, and he's one of the few players in the league that can single-handedly win you a fantasy matchup in a given week. I also like Rice, for the reasons I stated above in a previous answer. He has all the tools to be a fantasy star into the future.
What would be your perfect offensive scoring system? The guys in my league want to make some changes to our standard scoring league and figured we'd ask the expert. What categories do you prefer? Thanks and Happy New Year! -- P. Langston, Middleton, Wis.
M.F.: Well, my perfect scoring system is part traditional and part new wave. I reward six points for all touchdowns and don't put a ton of stock into defenses. Sure, defenses are important, but scoring systems shouldn't allow them to outscore the top fantasy players on a regular basis. I saw that happen a lot this season, and to me it doesn't make sense. I would also reward 0.05 points for every passing yard and 0.1 points for every rushing and receiving yard, rather than one point for every 25 passing yards and 10 rushing and receiving yards. So if you have Chris Johnson and he rushes for 129 yards, you would receive 12.9 fantasy points rather than just 12 points. I also reward one point for all receptions and reward players, not defense and special team units, for return yards and touchdowns. Much like passing yards, I reward 0.05 points for every return yard and six points for all return touchdowns. Hope this helps -- Happy New Year to you as well!
Hope you had a Merry Christmas! I've been following you since back in the CBS days. I remember you started a celebrity league with all of the CBS Sports talent. Do you plan to do that at the NFL? I'd love to hear guys like Rich Eisen and Warren Sapp talking fantasy football! Anyways, which running back should I sit this week from Cedric Benson, Jamaal Charles, Matt Forte and LaDainian Tomlinson? I need to start two. Thanks! -- L. Stevens, Baltimore, Md.
M.F.: Funny, I remember your name from back in the CBS days! You're a huge Ravens fan right? Anyways, I will be starting an NFL Network talent league in 2010, so look out for it. Rich, Warren, Rod Woodson, Marshall Faulk, Jamie Dukes, Alex Flanagan, Lindsey Soto and I are a few of the names who will be involved. I'm envisioning a 12-team league, and you'll be able to view all of the rosters, transactions, matchups and standings throughout the season. It should be a lot of fun. To answer your second question, I'd start Charles and Forte. The Broncos have been a bit vulnerable to the run at home this season, and Forte is a great option against the Lions. The fact that Benson and Tomlinson could be rested in Week 17 makes both of them far less attractive from a fantasy perspective. Keep them on the bench.
Simple lineup question for Week 17: Which quarterback do I start from Ben Roethlisberger and Eli Manning? -- J. Marsales, Austin, Texas
M.F.: The Steelers still have a shot to reach the NFL's postseason, so Roethlisberger is a safe option. He also has a tremendous matchup against Miami. The Dolphins have allowed a combined five touchdown passes to the last two quarterbacks they've faced, and their defense has allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to the position. I like Manning as well, but Big Ben is the better of the two options.
ASHBURN, Va. -- The Washington Redskins placed offensive lineman Mike Williams and safety Reed Doughty on injured reserve Wednesday, officially ruling them out for this weekend's season finale against the San Diego Chargers.
The Redskins signed running back P.J. Hill and cornerback Marcus McCauley to take the open roster spots.
Williams tore a muscle in his foot during Sunday's loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Doughty sustained a high ankle sprain after making his first career interception in the game.
Hill was signed off the Philadelphia Eagles' practice squad. McCauley has been with the New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings in his three NFL seasons. He was cut by the Saints last week.
The Redskins now have 12 players on IR.
Start 'Em & Sit 'Em is the ultimate look at the best and worst matchups of the week and how those matchups will affect your fantasy team. Sleeper alert highlights a player who's under the radar but could produce strong numbers based on the opponent. Owners beware highlights a player who's a regular starter in most fantasy leagues but could fail to meet expectations. For your final lineup decisions, check our weekly lineup rankings.
| Team | Player | Analysis |
Pittsburgh Steelers | 
Ben Roethlisberger | The Steelers still have a shot to reach the NFL's postseason, so Roethlisberger is a safe option with a tremendous matchup against Miami. The Dolphins have allowed a combined five touchdown passes to the last two quarterbacks they've faced, and their defense has allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to the position overall. Look for Big Ben to find big success in this regular-season finale. |
| Team | Player | Analysis |
Houston Texans | 
Matt Schaub | Schaub has turned into one of the top quarterbacks in fantasy football. He has already put up career bests across the board, and this week's matchup against a Patriots team that has nothing to play for is favorable. In seven road games, the P-Men have allowed an average of over 250 passing yards. The Texans also have an outside shot to reach the postseason, so Schaub should be extremely motivated. |
| More quarterbacks with favorable matchups |
| 1. Eli Manning at Vikings: Minnesota has allowed an average of 19.3 fantasy points per game to quarterbacks in 2009.
2. Matt Ryan at Buccaneers: Tampa Bay has allowed an average of 17.9 fantasy points per game to quarterbacks. 3. Alex Smith at Rams: St. Louis has allowed the seventh-most fantasy points (19.3 PPG) to quarterbacks in 2009. 4. Vince Young at Seattle: Seattle has allowed the sixth-most fantasy points (19.7 PPG) to quarterbacks this season. 5. Jay Cutler at Lions: Quarterbacks have scored more fantasy points against Detroit than any other NFL team. Sleeper alert: Chad Henne vs. Steelers: Pittsburgh has allowed 92 fantasy points to quarterbacks since Week 13. |
| Team | Player | Analysis |
Indianapolis Colts | 
Peyton Manning | If you watched last week's contest against the Jets, you know that Manning is not going to play the entire game against Buffalo. In fact, he might be active for the first series or two before backup QB Curtis Painter replaces him under center. It's a disastrous situation to lose a quarterback of Manning's caliber in fantasy championships, but that's what can happen when teams clinch postseason berths so soon. |
| More quarterbacks with unfavorable matchups |
| 1. Kurt Warner vs. Packers: Warner could see limited work if this game has no postseason implications in the NFC.
2. Carson Palmer at Jets: New York has allowed the fewest fantasy points (10.9 PPG) to quarterbacks this season. 3. Joe Flacco at Raiders: Oakland has allowed an average of just 188.0 passing yards per game at home in 2009. 4. Matt Cassel at Broncos: Quarterbacks have averaged the third-fewest fantasy points against Denver this season. 5. Matt Moore vs. Saints: New Orleans has allowed the fifth-fewest fantasy points (15.1 PPG) to quarterbacks. Owners beware: Philip Rivers vs. Redskins: Risk-reward option; Rivers could be rested for part of Week 17. |
| Team | Player | Analysis |
Chicago Bears | 
Matt Forte | Forte has been a monumental bust in fantasy circles this season, but this week's matchup against the Lions makes him an attractive option. Detroit has allowed an average of 24.5 fantasy points per game to running backs, and Forte scored 19 points against them in Week 4. With a few solid backs being rested or limited in their finales due to clinched postseason berths, Forte should be active in most formats. |
| More running backs with favorable matchups |
| 1. Frank Gore at Rams: St. Louis has allowed the fifth-most fantasy points (24.2 PPG) to running backs this season.
2. Knowshon Moreno vs. Chiefs: Kansas City has allowed an average of 143.1 rushing yards per game on the road. 3. Jonathan Stewart vs. Saints: New Orleans has allowed an average of 21.1 fantasy points to running backs in 2009. 4. Jamaal Charles at Broncos: Denver has allowed an average of 128.3 rushing yards (4.6 YPC) per game at home. 5. Mike Bell at Panthers: Carolina has allowed the ninth-most fantasy points (21.3 PPG) to running backs this season. Sleeper alert: Donald Brown at Bills: Buffalo has allowed the most fantasy points (26.0 PPG) to running backs. |
| Team | Player | Analysis |
New York Giants | 
Brandon Jacobs | Jacobs has been a disappointment for fantasy owners, and two major factors should force him to the bench this week. First, he was unable to finish last week's game against the Panthers due to soreness in his knee. Second, Jacobs will next face a Vikings defense that has allowed the second-fewest fantasy points to running backs. If you start a Giants running back, it should be Ahmad Bradshaw, not Jacobs. |
| More running backs with unfavorable matchups |
| 1. LaDainian Tomlinson vs. Redskins: Risk-reward option; Tomlinson could be rested or limited vs. Washington.
2. Joseph Addai at Bills: Buffalo ranks 32nd in run defense this season, but Addai could be rested in Week 17. 3. Marion Barber vs. Eagles: Barber has averaged just 42.8 rushing yards in his last five games vs. Philadelphia. 4. Brian Westbrook at Cowboys: Westbrook playing limited snaps; Dallas ranks fifth in run defense this season. 5. Darren McFadden vs. Ravens: Baltimore has allowed the third-fewest fantasy points to running backs this season. Owners beware: Ricky Williams vs. Steelers: Check injury status; Pittsburgh ranks third in rushing defense in 2009. |
| Team | Player | Analysis |
Atlanta Falcons | 
Roddy White | White is coming off one of his best fantasy performances of the season, posting 139 yards and two touchdowns in a win over the Bills. He should have another nice stat line against the Buccaneers, who have allowed the fifth-most fantasy points (21.8 PPG) to wide receivers this season. With QB Matt Ryan back at the helm of the offense, owners should start White with confidence in this NFC South clash. |
| More wide receivers with favorable matchups |
| 1. Brandon Marshall vs. Chiefs: Marshall scored a solid 15 fantasy points in his last game vs. Kansas City (Week 13).
2. Sidney Rice vs. Giants: The last four No. 1 wideouts to face New York have averaged 14.0 fantasy points per game. 3. Calvin Johnson vs. Bears: Chicago has allowed the eighth-most fantasy points (21.4 PPG) to wide receivers. 4. Santonio Holmes at Dolphins: Wide receivers have scored the sixth-most fantasy points (21.8 PPG) against Miami. 5. Michael Crabtree at Rams: St. Louis has allowed the ninth-most fantasy points (21.3 PPG) to wide receivers. Sleeper alert: Devin Aromashodu at Lions: Detroit has allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to wide receivers. |
| Team | Player | Analysis |
Cincinnati Bengals | 
Chad Ochocinco | I know, you're supposed to start all of your studs in the fantasy postseason. And if I had Ochocinco and no legitimate options to replace him, I would keep him active. But in a game where he'll go up against Jets CB Darrelle Revis, even a wideout as good as Ochocinco is a risk. Furthermore, there's a chance that coach Marvin Lewis could rest some of this starters, including Ochocinco, in the second half. |
| More wide receivers with unfavorable matchups |
| 1. Marques Colston at Panthers: Hard to bench; Carolina has allowed the second-fewest fantasy points to wideouts.
2. Braylon Edwards vs. Bengals: Cincinnati has allowed the fifth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers in 2009. 3. Vincent Jackson vs. Redskins: Jackson could be rested or limited for part of the game against Washington. 4. Dwayne Bowe at Broncos: Bowe will face CB Champ Bailey; No touchdowns in last three games vs. Denver. 5. Roy E. Williams vs. Eagles: Williams was held to one catch for five yards in his last game vs. Philadelphia (Week 9). Owners beware: Reggie Wayne at Bills: Wayne will likely be rested or limited for most of the contest against Buffalo. |
| Team | Player | Analysis |
Dallas Cowboys | 
Jason Witten | Witten has been a PPR dream for fantasy owners in recent weeks, posting a combined 29 catches in his last four games. His success should continue against the Eagles, who have allowed the second-most fantasy points (9.8 PPG) to tight ends this season. Furthermore, Witten has averaged six catches in his last seven games against this NFC East opponent. Look for Witten to thrive in this important battle. |
| More tight ends with favorable matchups |
| 1. Brent Celek at Cowboys: Celek has averaged 12.3 fantasy points and scored two touchdowns since Week 14.
2. Kellen Winslow vs. Falcons: Winslow had seven catches for 81 yards in his last game against Atlanta (Week 12). 3. Jermichael Finley at Cardinals: Arizona has allowed the ninth-most fantasy points (8.0 PPG) to tight ends. 4. Greg Olsen at Lions: Detroit has allowed the fifth-most fantasy points (8.6 PPG) to tight ends this season. 5. Visanthe Shiancoe vs. Giants: Tight ends have scored more fantasy points against New York than any NFL team. Sleeper alert: Kevin Boss at Vikings: Minnesota has allowed an average of 9.6 fantasy points to tight ends in 2009. |
| Team | Player | Analysis |
San Diego Chargers | 
Antonio Gates | It's only in Week 17 with the Chargers locked into the No 2 seed in the AFC postseason that Gates will land in the sit 'em portion of this column. But with nothing to gain by playing his starters, chances are that coach Norv Turner will limit his most prominent players. That list includes Gates, who is a huge risk for owners based on his potential to see limited time on the field. Keep him benched if possible. |
| More tight ends with unfavorable matchups |
| 1. Dallas Clark at Bills: Risk-reward option; Clark is very likely to be rested or limited against Buffalo in Week 17.
2. Jeremy Shockey at Panthers: Carolina ranks fourth in fewest receiving yards allowed (209.8 YPG, 14 TDs). 3. Tony Scheffler vs. Chiefs: Kansas City has allowed an average of 48.7 yards per game to tight ends in 2009. 4. Todd Heap at Raiders: Oakland has allowed an average of 5.5 fantasy points per game to tight ends this season. 5. Zach Miller vs. Ravens: Baltimore has allowed the eighth-fewest fantasy points (5.8 PPG) to tight ends in 2009. Owners beware: Tony Gonzalez at Buccaneers: Gonzalez could be either limited or out due to an injured calf. |
| Team | Player | Analysis |
Denver Broncos | 
Matt Prater | Prater has been a fantasy monster in recent weeks, scoring 10 or more points in four of his last five games. His streak of success should continue against the Chiefs, who have allowed the fourth-most fantasy points (9.4 PPG) to kickers this season. That includes a 15-point output from Prater back in Week 13. The Broncos kicker should be considered a viable top-10 option at his position in Week 17. |
| More kickers with favorable matchups |
| 1. Nate Kaeding vs. Redskins: Washington has allowed the seventh-most fantasy points (8.1 PPG) to kickers in 2009.
2. Rob Bironas at Seahawks: Seattle has allowed an average close to eight fantasy points per game to kickers. 3. Billy Cundiff at Raiders: Oakland has allowed the third-most fantasy points (9.4 PPG) to kickers this season. 4. Robbie Gould at Lions: Gould scored a total of 14 fantasy points in his last game against Detroit (Week 4). 5. Jeff Reed at Dolphins: Miami has allowed an average of 9.5 fantasy points per game (30/36 FGA) to kickers. Sleeper alert: Josh Scobee at Browns: Cleveland has allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to kickers in 2009. |
| Team | Player | Analysis |
Oakland Raiders | 
Sebastian Janikowski | Janikowski has been on fire for fantasy leaguers in recent weeks, averaging 10.5 fantasy points in his last four games and hitting a 61-yarder against the Browns. But despite his recent success on the field, the man nicknamed "Sea Bass" is still a risk against the Ravens. Their defense has allowed an average of just 6.4 fantasy points to kickers this season, which ties for the ninth-fewest in the league. |
| More kickers with unfavorable matchups |
| 1. Ryan Longwell vs. Giants: New York has given up the fourth-fewest fantasy points (5.9 PPG, 15/18 FGA) to kickers.
2. Garrett Hartley at Panthers: Carolina has allowed an average of 6.2 fantasy points per game to kickers in 2009. 3. Shayne Graham at Jets: New York has surrendered an average of 5.7 fantasy points per game to kickers in 2009. 4. Kris Brown vs. Patriots: New England has allowed the fewest fantasy points (5.1 PPG) to kickers this season. 5. Mike Nugent vs. Packers: Green Bay has allowed the second-fewest fantasy points (5.3 PPG) to kickers. Owners beware: Lawrence Tynes at Vikings: Minnesota has allowed an average of 6.6 fantasy points to kickers. |
| Team | Player |
49ers defense | If you're in need of a defensive unit to start in Week 17, the 49ers are a solid option against the St. Louis Rams. Outside of RB Steven Jackson, the Rams are devoid of any offensive firepower with QB Keith Null at the helm. Furthermore, they've averaged a mere 14.1 points per game on the road this season. I see the Niners as a top-five option. |
| More defenses with favorable matchups |
| 1. Ravens defense at Raiders: Defenses facing Oakland have scored the sixth-most fantasy points this season.
2. Broncos defense vs. Chiefs: Kansas City has averaged just 16.1 PPG and 264.3 total YPG on the road this season. 3. Chargers defense vs. Redskins: Defenses facing Washington have scored the fourth-most fantasy points in 2009. 4. Titans defense at Seahawks: Seattle has allowed 38 sacks and thrown 18 interceptions in 15 games this season. 5. Colts defense at Bills: Defenses facing Buffalo have scored the third-most fantasy points per game in 2009. Sleeper alert: Bears defense at Lions: Defenses facing Detroit have scored the second-most fantasy points. |
| Team | Player |
Panthers defense | The Panthers defense has played well in recent weeks, averaging 18 points on NFL.com over its last two games. But based on a matchup against the Saints, this unit should be reserved in most leagues. No team has scored more points on the road than New Orleans, which has averaged 35.1 points and 408.1 total yards per game. |
| More defenses with unfavorable matchups |
| 1. Giants defense at Vikings: Defenses facing Minnesota have scored just 8.1 fantasy points per game in 2009.
2. Cardinals defense vs. Packers: Green Bay has averaged 29.9 PPG and 409.0 total YPG on the road this season. 3. Steelers defense at Dolphins: Miami has averaged a solid 27.6 PPG and 377.0 total YPG at home in 2009. 4. Cowboys defense vs. Eagles: Philadelphia has averaged 28.6 PPG, 343.6 YPG in road games this season. 5. Seahawks defense vs. Titans: Defenses facing Tennessee have scored the fourth-fewest fantasy points in 2009. Owners beware: Eagles defense at Cowboys: Dallas has averaged 25.0 PPG and 392.7 YPG at home this season. |
INDIANAPOLIS -- Six weeks ago, here at Lucas Oil Stadium, Patriots coach Bill Belichick went for a first down from two yards away, deep in his own territory with time winding down when the percentages told him he should punt. His team failed to follow through on his decision and opened the door for the Colts to pull out a 35-34 victory and win their ninth game of a 14-game streak to open the season.
At this same venue in Week 16, with far more time and many more variables in play, the Colts made a far more calculated, but equally controversial, decision to pull many of their starters in the third quarter against a Jets team that was fighting for its playoff life.
| Yes |
| No |
In theory, it seemed okay. Diminish the risk of injury to key players so they'll be healthy for the playoffs, where the No. 1 seed had already been secured. Can you imagine if Peyton Manning got hurt in a game that, in the big picture, didn't mean much?
In reality, though, this didn't seem like what meaningful football was supposed to be about. The Colts surrendered a five-point lead and a shot at going 16-0 in the regular season as rookie quarterback Curtis Painter couldn't quite fill the role of Manning and Hank Baskett couldn't be Reggie Wayne in the Jets' 29-15 upset.
Manning, Wayne and others were safe and sound on the sideline. However, watching them sacrifice possible perfection for the unknown in the postseason was like imagining Sinatra clearing his throat in the middle of New York, New York so he could belt out the final note with more range.
Manning made sure that there was no Favre/Childress-like issues when Caldwell told him he was done halfway through the third quarter. Manning said that he was prepped for the possibility all week, so when it came he wasn't taken aback or insulted. Manning knew that once he was taken out that he wasn't going back in.
The loyal fans in the building booed the team's decision. Team president Bill Polian reiterated that it was never this team's goal to go 16-0. But doesn't practice make perfect? Isn't perfection the goal? Yes, the Colts earned the right to do what they did and yes, the Patriots' perfect regular season in 2007 didn't translate to a Super Bowl championship, but who's to say Indianapolis' special season wouldn't?
It worked for the '72 Dolphins, who, once again, get to celebrate in their own special way.
Said Polian: "The perfect season was never an issue with us. We've said it time and time again. It is somebody else's issue. Not ours. That was of no concern."
| ||||||
| Colts with nothing to play for (since 2004) | ||||||
| Year | Games | W-L | Playoff W-L | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 1 | 0-1 | 0-1 | |||
| 2007 | 2 | 1-1 | 0-1 | |||
| 2006 | 0 | 0-0 | 4-0* | |||
| 2005 | 3 | 1-2 | 0-1 | |||
| 2004 | 1 | 0-1 | 1-1 | |||
| * Won Super Bowl XLI | ||||||
Polian is right, in that he'd rather be cut on the dull side of a double-edged sword than to have one or two key starters get hurt against a Jets team that boasts the top defense in the NFL. And make no mistake, the decision to withhold starters wasn't a unilateral move by first-year coach Jim Caldwell, who lost his first game against the Jets.
As Manning said, this was "an organizational decision."
At the same time, not everybody could justify losing, regardless of the rationale.
"Our job is to win every game," said Colts center Jeff Saturday, one of the few players who seemingly provided his honest opinion. "That's what I come here to do. That's what I come here to play like and we didn't do so. So, whatever anybody says about goals, my goal is to come up and win."
It turns out that the Colts' decision to pull most of their starters has far more effect than on their fortunes. By surrendering the victory to the Jets -- a team that couldn't move the ball against the starters -- Indianapolis opened the door for New York to clinch a wild-card berth. The Jets have to win next week against visiting Cincinnati, but odds are pretty good that the Bengals, who clinched the AFC North, are going to pull some of their starters before the opening coin toss.
That will allow the Jets, should they win, to bounce a team like Denver or Pittsburgh or Houston from the playoffs. Granted, those teams didn't handle their own business and should they miss the playoffs, they have nobody but themselves to blame, but the Jets got a Christmas gift from the Colts.
"At this point, I'll take whatever I can get," Jets linebacker Bart Scott said. "I could care less how we get in. You just want to get to the tournament. We had some bad luck this year. We've lost some heartbreaking games. Like I said, I don't care how we get in. Once you're in the tournament, you never know what will happen."
Cliché, but true. In fact, the Jets could come back to Indianapolis and give it to the Colts in the postseason, fair and square. Then again, a full-strength Colts team could make the Jets realize their regular-season win was a matter of good fortune on Indianapolis' behalf.
Did the Colts do the right thing by pulling their stars in the third quarter of Week 16's loss? Bucky Brooks tackled that question and more during a live chat Sunday night. More ... There really is no wrong or right to Indianapolis' strategy. And you can feel pretty sure that it won't wait until the third quarter to pull players in the regular-season finale against Buffalo. The Colts will still be the top seed with a 14-2 record.
"I want to win the Super Bowl," Wayne said. "Whatever we have to do to get there, I'll take it. We take care of business in the playoffs and go on to win the Super Bowl, I think a lot of this stuff will be forgotten. There is always a bigger picture, and hopefully we have the formula for it."
For the Colts, they better be right. If they don't get to the Super Bowl, this decision will be second guessed, as it should, even though there is no way to know whether a victory over the Jets would have mattered much if Indy can't find its way in the playoffs.
You can give as much merit to the Colts' strategy as you'd like, but there is this to note about the franchise's recent history: In the past six seasons of Indianapolis' enviable playoff run, the only time it wasn't in position to rest players came in 2006 -- the only time it claimed a Super Bowl championship.
It's not their fault that they're good.
They just better be right.
BEREA, Ohio -- Empowered to run an NFL team any way as he sees fit, Mike Holmgren's first major decision will hit close to home.
A coach's fate rests in his hands.
Holmgren, the Super Bowl-winning coach in Green Bay who signed a five-year contract as Cleveland's new team president, said Monday that he has not yet decided if coach Eric Mangini will return as Browns coach next year. Holmgren is waiting until Cleveland concludes its season before addressing Mangini's status.
Holmgren has spoken with Mangini over the phone on other "football" issues, but the two have not talked about the coach's future.
"It would be really unfair," Holmgren said on a 25-minute conference call from Arizona. "He's at the end of finishing his first season here and the team is doing well, clearly responding to him. That type of decision will be made once I get back there."
Holmgren will arrive in Cleveland on Monday, one day after the Browns (4-11) conclude their first season under Mangini at home against Jacksonville.
Having coached 17 seasons in the pros, the 61-year-old Holmgren has empathy for Mangini, whose turbulent first season in Cleveland is ending on a surprising uptick. The Browns have strung together a three-game winning streak for just the third time since their 1999 expansion return.
Holmgren did not provide any clues as to which way he's leaning regarding Mangini. He was diplomatic in addressing what could happen to the embattled coach. He appreciates it's difficult to transform a team into a winner in one season.
Holmgren sounded reluctant to walk through the Browns' doors and show Mangini the way out.
"I'm not a big fan of the quick hook," he said. "I never did that with quarterbacks when they played for me and I really don't think one year is enough to prove what you're trying to get done. I wouldn't be a big fan of just allowing a guy to coach just one year and out. But having said that, I haven't made any decisions yet."
Holmgren intends to evaluate the entirety of Mangini's season in Cleveland, and won't decide based solely on the team's late surge.
"I feel I have some time to think about this and I want to do what is right for the organization and the Cleveland Browns," he said. "That's my charge. I want to see the team's record get better. I want the organization to be functioning properly. I want the fans to be very proud of their team.
"That's the decision I have to make and that is going to take a little time. Not a lot of time, but a little time."
Other moves will take deeper thought and calculation. Holmgren did not get into specifics about plans to restructure Cleveland's front office but said he plans to hire a general manager. The Browns have not had a GM since George Kokinis was fired on Nov. 2.
Holmgren, who took teams to the playoffs 12 times, also indicated he hasn't completely shaken the coaching bug.
"As far as coaching on the field, in the near future I'm not going to do that," he said. "Things can change, I suppose, down the road."
Now that he's finally seeing some success, Mangini hopes he gets a chance to build on it. He believes in what he has started with the Browns and would like to see it through.
"I'd like to be able to teach the lesson of dealing with success," he said. "That's a great lesson to have to keep teaching."
Holmgren said he and Mangini have had productive discussions and that any philosophical differences, whether on offense of defense, could be worked out.
"He wants the same things I do," Holmgren said. "We want the team to be better, we want to win, we want the fans to feel good, we're going after the same thing. I think when you have guys -- their vision's the same and you're pulling in the same direction -- some of the other stuff, you can get it done, you can come to an agreement and make it work."
Holmgren said the chance to rebuild a once-proud franchise is what drew him to the Browns, who have made one playoff appearance since 1999.
Brady Quinn or Derek Anderson? Or neither? Who will quarterback the Browns is another question that will have to be answered, in part, by team president Mike Holmgren, who said it's too early for him to comment.
"I took the job because there is something inside of me that enjoys the challenge of fixing something, tweaking something to get it back on track again," he said.
When he stepped down as Seattle's coach after last season, Holmgren went into semiretirement to spend more time with his family. But his time away from the game only made him realize he needed it in his life. His chance came last month when he was invited to Cleveland by owner Randy Lerner, who was searching for a leader of Holmgren's esteem.
It didn't take long for Holmgren to be sold on the Browns.
"I'd never really met Randy or spent any time with him," Holmgren said. "I will tell you this, it was very, very refreshing. When he presented the job to me and what it would entail and the type of access I would have to him, and his vision for the team and the fans and the city of Cleveland, as far as I was concerned he hit a home run.
"Obviously the job's a great job. I really took this job because of the owner. I think he cares that much and I don't want to let him down."
BEREA, Ohio -- Cleveland Browns coach Eric Mangini says he wouldn't object to having two bosses.
Don't be surprised if Eric Mangini's first season with the Browns also is his last, writes Jason La Canfora, who expects wholesale changes in Cleveland.
With new team president Mike Holmgren due to arrive next week and planning to hire a general manager, Mangini said he wouldn't be opposed to a hierarchy that would place him below two football executives.
Mangini, who is expected to meet with Holmgren early next week, reiterated that he's in favor of adding anyone who can help the Browns.
"You get smart people, looking to do the same thing, committed to the same thing, it's great," the coach said Wednesday
Holmgren signed a five-year deal and said he will not decide Mangini's fate until after they meet. Holmgren said he will evaluate the whole season, not just Cleveland's current three-game winning streak.
