With many teams not playing their stars, putting together a good fantasy lineup this week is a bit tricky. Hopefull, you're league was one of the smart ones and didn't have its championship decided Week 17. In case it wasn't, here's the final Top 30 of the 2009-2010 season.
Elite (26-plus points)
1. Chris Johnson, RB, Titans
at Seahawks
Johnson has 2,000 yards in his sights and the Titans are going to give him every opportunity to reach it. Look at last week. Tennessee was blown out by San Diego, but Johnson still touched the ball to run for 142 yards and a score.
2. Maurice Jones-Drew, RB, Jaguars
at Browns
Mathematically, the Jaguars are still in the playoff hunt. No matter how dim their hopes may be, if they want to get in, then they have to get the ball to MJD.
3. Ray Rice, RB, Ravens
at Raiders
Rice might be the NFL's breakout player of the year. If Baltimore wins, its in the playoffs. Expect Rice to be heavily involved in the game plan.
4. Jonathan Stewart, RB, Panthers
vs. Saints
Looks like DeAngelo Williams is going to be out again. Last week, the starting opportunity netted Stewart more than 200 yards and ended the Giants season. This week, the Panthers can hand New Orleans a third straight loss, especially if the Saints rest a majority of their starters as expected.
Stellar (21-25 points)
5. Tony Romo, QB, Cowboys
vs. Eagles
The biggest game of the week is taking place in Dallas. Romo has arguably been the league's best QB this month, removing the December monkey from his back. A win over Philly to clinch the NFC East might take the huge December ape off the team's back as well.
6. Donovan McNabb, QB, Eagles
at Cowboys
McNabb manages the NFL's most explosive offense heading into the playoffs. He'll be highly motivated with the big game at Cowboys Stadium.
7. Frank Gore, RB, 49ers
at Rams
Gore against the Rams? Obvious must start. He should be an elite play, but the Niners haven't always consistently given him the ball.
8. Matt Schaub, QB, Texans
vs. Patriots
The Texans need some help, but can still qualify for the playoffs for the first time in franchise history. Schaub is the key as always and should be able to get past a Pats team looking to rest up for the postseason.
9. Knowshon Moreno, RB, Broncos
vs. Chiefs
Moreno is making his bid for offensive rookie of the year and can pad his numbers -- and lead the Broncos to the playoffs -- against a bad Chiefs defense.
10. Jay Cutler, QB, Bears
at Lions
Cutler flashed his brilliance against the Vikings last week. He should be able to do the same against the Lions, but who knows with this guy.
11. Andre Johnson, WR, Texans
vs. Patriots
If Schaub is going to go off, then Johnson is most likely to follow suit.
Super (16-20 points)
12. DeSean Jackson, WR, Eagles
at Cowboys
Just don't ever let Jackson get behind you. If you do, then he's gone. That's the best and simplest advice this Cowboys fan can give Dallas this week.
13. Jerome Harrison, RB, Browns
vs. Jaguars
Talk about an answer to prayers. Cleveland fans have to be wondering why Harrison was taking a backseat to Jamal Lewis all season. The Browns finally have an offensive weapon to be excited about. Too bad it's the end of the season.
14. Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Steelers
at Dolphins
Roethlisberger needed every bit of 500 yards passing to keep the Steelers in the hunt. They still need some help and the Dolphins have dim hopes as well. You know Big Ben will be up to the task.
15. Vince Young, QB, Titans
at Seahawks
It's good to know Young might be able to play in the NFL. That was proven in the second half of the season. How he grows in the offseason will answer the question on whether he can take the next step.
16. Miles Austin, WR, Cowboys
vs. Eagles
Austin remains the league's best deep threat. He wasn't a flash in the pan for a few games. The Eagles did a great job taking him away the first time around, but he still showed up with the game on the line and scored the winning TD.
17. Matt Forte, RB, Bears
at Lions
Forte hasn't had many good games this season, but one of them was an earlier matchup with the Lions.
18. Fred Jackson, RB, Bills
vs. Colts
Indy is resting its players. Buffalo isn't. Advantage Jackson.
19. Eli Manning, QB, Giants
vs. Vikings
The Vikes have nothing to play for this week. Neither do the Giants, well, other than pride. Maybe Eli can find some of that. He didn't play with it last week.
20. Vernon Davis, TE, 49ers
at Rams
Davis was the best fantasy TE of the year and cam put an exclamation pont on that honor against the putrid Rams.
Strong (11-15 points)
21. Adrian Peterson, RB, Vikings
vs. Giants
Peterson isn't going to play a whole game. If the Giants play run defense like they did last week, AD might only need a half of football to put up big numbers.
22. Aaron Rodgers, QB, Packers
at Cardinals
Who knows how long Rodgers will play? Who knows how long the Cards will play their starters as well?
23. Thomas Jones, RB, Jets
vs. Bengals
It's hard to gauge how much the Bengals starters will be in the game. If they are, then Cincy has one of the best run Ds in the league. Jones might have a field day if the backups are in.
24. Brett Favre, QB, Vikings
vs. Giants
Again, it's unknown how long Favre will play. He might refuse to come out, too.
25. Kurt Warner, QB, Cardinals
vs. Packers
Warner might be good for half? Still, all considered, he's worth possibly having in the lineup.
26. Alex Smith, QB, 49ers
at Rams
Smith vs. the Rams. Pretty easy decision. He might win someone a championship this week.
27. Jamaal Charles, RB, Chiefs
at Broncos
Charles should have been a featured cog in the Chiefs offense all season. He's going to be a fantasy sleeper next year.
28. Kyle Orton, QB, Broncos
vs. Chiefs
Orton could throw for four TDs in this game. He could also throw for none. At least he'll be starting the whole game. That kind of guarantee is needed this week.
29. Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Cardinals
vs. Packers
Fitz will play as long as Warner. One TD catch makes him worth it.
30. Jason Campbell, QB, Redskins
at Chargers
Campbell is probably making his last start as the Skins' QB. Let's see if he makes it a memorable one. |
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