Still reading? Of course you are, because it’s trophy time.
In just about every league, this is the week when the hardware is decided. It’s also the most frustrating week, as teams get unusually coy about injuries, and teams that have clinched playoff spots can go vanilla.
Take the Arizona Cardinals. They clinched a playoff spot for the first time since the Clinton administration and they suddenly go AWOL in the desert. Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin owners should be nervous.
In desperate times, it’s good to have players on desperate teams.
San Diego’s Malcom Floyd could be a steal next week for the Chargers. Miami has the same potential, but the Dolphins’ receiving corps reads like a witness relocation form.
Seattle is looking plucky and could be in for a shootout with the desperate Jets, and the Seahawks have plenty of players available. Atlanta (receiver Michael Jenkins, running back Jerious Norwood) at Minnesota (receiver Bobby Wade) has the potential for a track meet, and the Bears will be winging it (weather permitting) at home against the Packers.
The Broncos have their backs near the wall, but their only source of untapped fantasy gold will be in the backfield. If you like playing with curses, keep an eye on whoever gets the nod, although it’s not a pretty sight against a solid Bills defense.
If you have players in those matchups, they are must-starts. If you’re desperate, there might be enough gravy to make a bit player worth the chance.
Few owners are looking for help on the waiver wire, but Ryan Fitzpatrick (Bengals), Tarvaris Jackson (Vikings), Kyle Orton (Bears), JaMarcus Russell (Raiders) and Darren McFadden (Raiders) are probably available and have pretty good matchups.
FIVE WHO ARE HOT
Malcom Floyd, WR, Chargers 5 catches, 67 yards, TD
Tarvaris Jackson, QB, Vikings 11 completions, 163 yards, 4 TDs
Calvin Johnson, WR, Lions 9 catches, 110 yards, TD; fumble lost
Sammy Morris, RB, Patriots 14 carries, 117 yards, TD
Steve Smith, WR, Panthers 9 catches, 165 yards, TD
FIVE WHO ARE NOT
Anquan Boldin, WR, Cardinals 6 catches, 34 yards; fumble lost
Ronnie Brown, RB, Dolphins 10 carries, 67 yards
T.J. Houshmandzadeh, WR, Bengals 3 catches, 19 yards
Clinton Portis, RB, Redskins 25 carries, 77 yards
Tony Scheffler, TE, Broncos 1 carry, minus-1 yard
