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Week 17 - December 28
Q: Would it be wise to keep players like Plaxico Buress, Terrell Owens, Chad Ocho Cinco Johnson, and Vince Young who have had off-field problems? Or should I rid myself of all problem players and start from scratch next draft? - Matthew, Chambersburg, PA
A: Do not be brash in your decision making. It is obvious that these players have a lot of talent, but have been affected this season due to several different issues. I would evaluate each player’s performance and take into consideration their future. Prior to making a choice of which player to keep, if any, I would make sure to look forward in trying to see where each player will be come next season.
Q: Jaws - Can you give me some insight as to who in the 2009 NFL draft should be considered for Fantasy Team next year? After this season, I really need an edge in my league. - Andy, Simi Valley, CA
A: In my early evaluation of possible players for the 2009 NFL Draft there are some players which are attractive for fantasy football at this time. Keep in mind these players importance may increase or decrease leading up to the draft due to several things: what team drafts them, poor workout or combine, potential injuries, etc.
At Quarterback, Matthew Stafford from Georgia and Sam Bradford from Oklahoma are the best college QB’s when projecting to the NFL.
At Running Back, Chris Wells of Ohio State, Knowshon Moreno of Georgia, and Shonn Greene seem to be atop the RB class this year as of now.
At Wide Receiver, Michael Crabtree of Texas Tech has displayed special talent as an all-around receiver who will be a good fit for most NFL teams.
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Week 17 - December 28
Miami Dolphins @ New York Jets – Sunday 4:15 PM ET
This match-up has huge playoff implications with Miami Dolphins (10-5) and the New York Jets (9-6) both fighting to earn either a playoff berth or AFC East Division Championship. The Dolphins have rattled off four straight wins and now control their own destiny in the division; if they beat the Jets this week in New York they earn a home playoff game as the AFC East Champions. Miami has developed its offense into a well-balanced attack, both through the air and on the ground. The addition of Chad Pennington has helped lead the NFL’s 10th ranked offense within one win of winning the AFC East. Pennington has completed 67% of his passes for 3,453 yards, 17 TDs and seven INTs with a QB Rating of 96.4. Although Pennington’s skill players are not the most explosive in the league, his ability to run Miami’s offense efficiently allows for players like Ted Ginn, Jr., Davone Bess, Anthony Fasano, Ronnie Brown, and Ricky Williams to make plays in both the running and passing game.
The New York Jets are coming off a very disappointing loss this past week to the Seattle Seahawks and are looking to keep their playoff hopes alive with a win. The Jets offense has struggled as of late, which has affected their efficiency and limited their success, in losing three of their last four games. They must get back to their balanced offensive attack and utilize their ability to both run and pass the football, and defend both the run and pass more consistently on defense. Brett Favre under center has the ability to get the ball down field to their playmakers like Thomas Jones, Leon Washington, Jerricho Cotchery, Laveranues Coles, and Dustin Keller. Expect both teams to run the football, but also to take their shots down field. The importance of this game, for both teams will translate into a competitive and exciting game this week in New York.
Dallas Cowboys @ Philadelphia Eagles – 4:15 PM ET
This match-up between the Dallas Cowboys and the Philadelphia Eagles is a crucial game for both teams looking to clinch the last playoff spot in the NFC. Dallas can clinch a wild-card birth with a win in Philadelphia this week. The Cowboys suffered a tough defeat last Thursday to the Baltimore Ravens due largely to the inconsistent offensive play. The Cowboys, led by Tony Romo, clearly have firepower with Marion Barber, Felix Jones, Tashard Choice, Terrell Owens, Roy Williams, and Jason Witten in both the running and passing game.
While the Eagles are also hoping to earn the last playoff spot in the NFC, they made things more difficult on themselves by losing to the Washington Redskins this past week. The Eagles have firepower at all positions on offense with Donovan McNabb leading the way to Brian Westbrook, Correll Buckhalter Kevin Curtis, and DeSean Jackson. he Eagles returned back to their pass first, run second offensive approach, but Philadelphia will surely look to run Brian Westbrook this week. Expect the Eagles to pressure the Cowboys, making it difficult for them to maintain consistent offense. Expect both teams to make several big plays and to perform at a very high level on both sides of the ball, because the winner of this game could have a good shot at making the playoffs.
Denver Broncos @ San Diego Chargers – Sunday 8:15 PM ET
Denver Broncos verses the San Diego Chargers is technically the NFL’s first playoff game because the winner of this game wins the AFC West and earns a home field playoff game. Denver has been unable to clinch the division and because of their last two losses now has to play the Chargers in San Diego for the AFC West championship. The Broncos strength clearly lies in their passing game – Cutler has numerous playmakers to throw the football to in Brandon Marshall, Eddie Royal, Brandon Stokley, and Tony Scheffler. Denver will likely rely heavily on throwing the football and will be doing so against on of the NFL’s worst pass defenses in the Sand Diego Chargers.
Like the Broncos, the San Diego Chargers will also rely heavily on their passing game to move the football. The Chargers do have a better rushing attack than the injury depleted Broncos, with the tandem of LaDanian Tomlinson and Darren Sproles. The Chargers have explosive players in both the running game with Tomlinson and Sproles and in the passing game led by QB, Philip Rivers to Chris Chambers, Vincent Jackson, and Antonio Gates. Expect both teams to have some big plays and to perform at a very high level on both sides of the ball because of what’s at stake in this game.
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