Must Start:
1. Baltimore Ravens vs. Jacksonville Jaguars. Win and they’re in. And that’s exactly what they will do with their suffocating defense. We don’t think the Jags will want any business with the Ravens’ physical nature in the finale, so look for a dominant fantasy defensive effort by Lewis and Co.
2. Atlanta Falcons vs. St. Louis Rams. The Falcons are already in (the playoffs), but with a win, and a Panthers loss, they can advance all the way to the No. 2 seed. Look for Abraham and Co. to make Bulger’s life miserable on Sunday and force sacks and turnovers in the process.
3. Green Bay Packers vs. Detroit Lions. Let’s see, the Lions only managed seven points against the Saints. And if the Saints had a defense, they’d be in the playoffs. So that output speaks volumes…We see the Packers, in a game that’s quite meaningless, continuing that trend and shutting down the Lions to put them, and their season out of its misery.
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Oakland Raiders. The Bucs have had a tough three game stretch, losing every game and putting themselves into a situation where they’ll need help to make the post-season. But a win is in their control, and we think it’ll come quite easily against Gruden’s former crew. Look for a solid fantasy performance on Sunday.
Sleepers:
1. San Francisco 49ers vs. Washington Redskins. The Skins have little to play for as they’re not going to the post season and HC Jim Zorn has already been assured that he’ll be brought back in ’09. The Niners on the other hand, are still playing for interim HC Mike Singletary’s job and their own. Look for a solid effort in their home finale and a low scoring game by the Bay.
2. Houston Texans vs. Chicago Bears. The Texans had a very poor showing in Oakland in Week 16 but still have a chance to end up with a .500 season, a first for the franchise. And the Bears’ offense isn’t its strong point. Look for Mario Williams and Co. to harass Orton when he drops back and force him into a few turnovers.
Others with favorable match-ups:
1. Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns. Even the Steelers, who will probably be resting their starters, have a great shot at keeping the Dorsey-led Browns out of the end zone on Sunday. The Browns have just become an embarrassment to themselves and the NFL in ’08.
2. New England Patriots vs. Buffalo Bills. The only way New England can make the playoffs is with a win and some help. And they’ll get it in impressive fashion (offensively and defensively) as Belichick usually buries his division rival.
3. Tennessee Titans vs. Indianapolis Colts. Even though both teams will be playing their back-ups for most of this game, once Manning is removed for Sorgi, it’s all over. The Titans, who have great defensive depth, will be all over him and force him into sacks and turnovers.
