Fantasy Minute: Lots of risks in Week 17

OK, let's get past the fact that you shouldn't even be playing fantasy football in Week 17! The reasons are apparent, but since this is the holiday season and I'm not in the mood, I'll spare the lecture. You don't have to be reminded how insane it is to be playing at this time.

So, assuming you are still playing (and since you’re reading this, there is a good chance you are), what do you do? As you know, there's a bunch of guys who might play some, maybe a little or not at all. Peyton Manning, Brett Favre, Matt Hasselbeck, Jeff Garcia, Tony Romo, Philip Rivers, David Garrard, LT, Joseph Addai, Marion Barber, Earnest Graham, Joey Galloway are just a few who might make cameo appearances this week.

Add in this week's injuries and fantasy rosters are further depleted. Ben Roethlisberger, Willie Parker, Willis McGahee, Terrell Owens, Aaron Stecker, Greg Jennings all are expect to either sit out or play very little.

But, there is hope.

Booms and Busts for Week 17….
I really like that St. Louis – Arizona matchup and think it could be quite an aerial show. I'd be seriously looking at both QBs and all wide receivers in this one…

QBs like Tampa's Luke McCown, Seattle's Seneca Wallace and Pittsburgh's Charlie Batch have shown they can be fantasy-effective and you might want to consider them if you have a QB dilemma this week…

Personal milestones can come into play at this time of year so consider the following: Chicago's Bernard Berrian needs 80 yards to reach 1,000 for the season; Denver's Brandon Marshall needs 8 catches to hit the 100-mark and TE Tony Gonzalez also needs 8 receptions to reach 100, too. Carolina might force-feed Steve Smith who needs 18 catches for 100 on the season.

Both Ryan Grant and Earnest Graham need about 100 yards rushing for 1,000, but I'm not so sure their teams will risk them…

As far as this week's busts go just refer to the guys mentioned in paragraph two. They're the high-risks for this week…

There will be some very sneaky plays this week and I'd consider Musa Smith who might have to do all the running for Baltimore since Willis McGahee is out and Mike Anderson has a hamstring injury. WR Terry Glenn will likely make his first appearance of the season and might even start for the Cowboys. Finally, Colts' RB Kenton Keith will likely see the bulk of the rushing action with Addai resting.

For the final time in '07, good luck to everyone and Happy New Year!

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