2011 Week 17 Fantasy Advice

If you're still playing for a fantasy title this week, then shame on you for picking a bad league. Sorry, I had to say it. Good luck if you're still playing, but this week there are very few sure plays, because it's week 17.

Who to Start:

QB Philip Rivers (SD) vs. OAK: The Chargers are mad. They're gonna want to play hard for Norv Turner, who will likely be fired after the game. The Raiders have a very bad defense, and the Chargers badly want to play spoiler. This is a good combination for Rivers and the Chargers.

RB C.J Spiller (BUF) vs. NE: He's finally showing why the Bills drafted him so high last year, with good performances against Miami and Denver. He should have another one against the bad Patriots defense, no matter what the situation.

WR Hakeem Nicks (NYG) vs. DAL: Both of the teams in the NFC East Title game have horrible defenses, but I'd feel more confident in Nicks because his QB situation is more stable. He should have a big game Sunday night.

TE Brent Celek (PHI) vs. WSH: He's enjoyed a nice resurgence this season, and that should continue against a terrible Redskins defense that lost to Joe Webb and Toby Gerhart last weekend.

DEF Atlanta vs. TB: Tampa Bay has lost 9 in a row, and they haven't looked very good in any of those games. Atlanta may or may not have anything to play for, but that doesn't change the fact that this is a good matchup.

Who to Sit:

QB Joe Flacco (BAL) vs. CIN: He's struggled at points this season, including last week against Cleveland.  The Bengals have plenty of motivation for this Sunday, and their defense has been very stout for most of the year.

RB Shonn Greene (NYJ) vs. MIA:  The Dolphins surprisingly rank 3rd in the NFL against the run, and they should do a good job stopping the inconsistent Jets running attack, led by Greene.

WR Antonio Brown (PIT) vs. CLE: Despite being the Steelers team MVP this season, he won't have the best of luck against a stout Cleveland secondary, even if Big Ben plays.

TE Kellen Winslow (TB) vs. ATL: He just hasn't played very well all season, and he hasn't been a featured option in the Bucs arsenal. Even in PPR leagues, he's still not a very viable start this week.

DEF Cincinnati vs. BAL: Fantasy wise, this defense hasn't been the best unit out there, as they aren't a very high scoring fantasy defense. The Ravens have the potential to spoil the Bengals postseason party, so watch out for this unit.

Super Sleeper:

QB Dan Orlovsky (IND) vs. JAX: If you're VERY desperate, Orlovsky may be the start for you. He's had a very good last 2 weeks, and the Jaguars defense is so banged up, that many players don't even know the guys behind them. Orlovsky has a chance to light up the injured Jags defense.

Buyer Beware:

TE Vernon Davis (SF) vs. STL: Can you believe that as bad as the Rams are, they are very good defending the Tight End? Neither can I, but if you have Vernon Davis starting, you may want to.

Good Luck in Week 17, and I hope you have enjoyed these columns all season long. Through the playoffs, I'll be writing previews for each of the 11 games through the postseason, so you don't want to miss those.