Start 'Em & Sit 'Em: Week 17
In his torrid second half stretch, Muhsin Muhammad has torched several defenses, including New Orleans. In the final edition of Start 'Em and Sit 'Em, Alex Riethmiller predicts the Carolina WR will again light up the Saints -- this time with a playoff berth on the line.
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9 min read
Start 'Em & Sit 'Em is our weekly look at the best and worst matchups from around the NFL and how they might affect your Fantasy Football team.
| START OF THE WEEK |
Domanick Davis, RB, Houston: With Philadelphia's Brian
Westbrook unlikely to play in Week 17, Davis is the best
dual-threat back playing this weekend. The Texans' RB has topped
1,000 yards rushing and has 63 receptions on the year. He has been
red-hot in December, averaging 153 total yards over his past three
games. Even better, Davis has scored a touchdown in eight straight
games and has 10 TDs in the past two months. He is a lock to keep
his TD streak alive in Week 17, as he will face the Cleveland
Browns and the 31st ranked rushing defense. The Browns are tied
with the 49ers for dead last in the NFL in rushing TDs allowed
(21). Davis should have a feast to end the season.
|
| QUARTERBACKS -- START 'EM |
Trent Green, Kansas City: The Kansas City offense is
clicking on all cylinders right now and that is due in large part
to the efforts of Green. Unfortunately, it's too late to lead the
Chiefs into the playoffs, but for Fantasy owners the Kansas City
QB can still pay big dividends in Week 17. Green has been the best
Fantasy QB in the NFL over the past month -- yes, even better than
Peyton Manning -- as he has 11 TDs against just three interceptions along
with 1,166 yards. He will end his season against the San Diego
Chargers and the 29th ranked pass defense in the league. Even more
appealing is that San Diego should be playing reserves at all
positions as they look ahead to the playoffs.Other quarterbacks to start: Jake Delhomme vs. New Orleans, Jake Plummer vs. Indianapolis, Byron Leftwich at Oakland. |
| QUARTERBACKS -- SIT 'EM |
Tommy Maddox, Pittsburgh: With rookie Ben Roethlisberger
nursing sore ribs and the Steelers looking ahead to the postseason, coach
Bill Cowher will call on Maddox to start the last game of the
regular season. That's fitting since he started the season as the
No. 1 QB in Pittsburgh. Of course, an elbow injury in Week 2
allowed "Big Ben" to take over and the Steelers haven't looked
back since. Maddox will make a tough go of it in Week 17 against a
motivated Buffalo defense. The Bills need to win to secure a
playoff spot and their defense (No. 3 in NFL) should harass Maddox
who will be surrounded by backups at many positions. Buffalo has
the second most interceptions (22) in the league and the sixth
most sacks (43). It will add to those totals at Maddox's expense.Other quarterbacks to sit: Kyle Boller vs. Miami, Josh McCown vs. Tampa Bay, Ken Dorsey at New England. |
| RUNNING BACKS -- START 'EM |
Curtis Martin, N.Y. Jets: Martin needs 141 yards rushing in
Week 17 to set a single-season record for running backs who
entered a season at age 30 or older. He just might get it against
the St. Louis Rams and the 27th ranked rushing defense in the
league. Martin certainly hasn't looked his age this year, rushing
for 1,544 yards (3rd in NFL) to go along with 14 total TDs. In a
game the Jets need to win badly, look for coach Herman Edwards to
lean on his workhorse on a fast track in the Edward Jones Dome.Other running backs to start: Kevin Jones at Tennessee, Julius Jones at N.Y. Giants, Jamal Lewis vs. Miami. |
| RUNNING BACKS -- SIT 'EM |
Michael Bennett, Minnesota: Countless Fantasy owners were
no doubt excited to see Bennett's big numbers in Week 16. The
Minnesota back had 159 total yards and a touchdown against the
Packers and looks to be very secure in his role as the No. 1
option for coach Mike Tice. However, before owners rush to
activate Bennett for Week 17, be aware he will be going up against
one of the toughest run defenses in the league. The Redskins have
the No. 3 rushing defense in the NFL and are only separated by 49
yards from the No. 1 spot (Pittsburgh). Washington is particularly
stingy at home and should definitely limit Bennett to an average
outing.Other running backs to sit: Willis McGahee vs. Pittsburgh, Kevan Barlow at New England, Steven Jackson vs. N.Y. Jets. |
| WIDE RECEIVERS -- START 'EM |
Muhsin Muhammad, Carolina: To say that Muhammad has been
the best Fantasy receiver in the second half of the season really
wouldn't do him justice. He has dominated the scene since Week 8,
posting 12 TDs and 1,020 yards in that time. Together with QB
Jake Delhomme, Muhammad has sparked the Panthers from their
1-7 start and now has them playing for a chance to make the
postseason. And don't you know the ninth year WR out of Michigan
State is drooling at the prospect of facing the Saints in this
must-win game. After all, Muhammad torched the New Orleans
secondary for 179 yards and a touchdown in Week 13. With the 32nd
ranked "defense" in the NFL, Muhammad could easily post those
figures again on the Saints this weekend.Other wide receivers to start: Eddie Kennison at San Diego, Joe Horn at Carolina, Jimmy Smith at Oakland. |
| WIDE RECEIVERS -- SIT 'EM |
Anquan Boldin, Arizona: This season has certainly been
forgettable for Boldin, who tore his meniscus in August and had to
have surgery. However, the receiver has finally made it back to
the field and is actually coming off the best game of his
shortened season. Boldin hauled in seven passes for 107 yards and
a TD at Seattle in Week 16 but it's doubtful he can repeat that
performance in Week 17. The Cardinals will play host to the Tampa
Bay Buccaneers, a team that boasts the second best past defense in
the league. The Tampa defensive line will constantly harass QB
Josh McCown and not allow him to find Boldin, who will be
shadowed by CB Ronde Barber.Other wide receivers to sit: Travis Taylor vs. Miami, Hines Ward at Buffalo, Eric Moulds vs. Pittsburgh. |
| TIGHT ENDS -- START 'EM |
Tony Gonzalez, Kansas City: San Diego's Antonio Gates
might have risen up the Fantasy tight end chart quickly, but
don't forget than Gonzalez is still the best option at the
position. The former Cal Bear just keeps producing outstanding
numbers, as he did in Week 16 when he had 124 yards and two TDs
against the Raiders. It will be hard to top those numbers at San
Diego in Week 17 but the Chargers are only 29th against the pass,
so owners can expect a nice stat line. And don't forget, with San
Diego resting many starters for the playoffs, Gonzalez will be
matched up against second-stringers for most of this game.Other tight ends to start: Jason Witten at N.Y. Giants, Jeremy Shockey vs. Dallas, Jermaine Wiggins at Washington. |
| TIGHT ENDS -- SIT 'EM |
Alge Crumpler, Atlanta: There are multiple reasons to keep
the Atlanta tight end on your bench. Not only is Crumpler
questionable for Week 17 with a knee injury, but the Falcons are
planning ahead for the postseason and will be careful with many of
their stars. QB Michael Vick will start the game, but it's
doubtful he will even play a full half. The same can be said for
Crumpler, who will likely be replaced early on by Eric Beverly
.Other tight ends to sit: Daniel Graham vs. San Francisco, Marcus Pollard at Denver, Freddie Jones vs. Tampa Bay. |
| KICKERS -- START 'EM |
Jeff Wilkins, St. Louis: Wilkins has been one of the top
Fantasy kickers for years now. However, this season has not been
one of his best, connecting on just 18 of his 23 field goal
attempts. That pales in comparison to the top kickers this season,
many of which have attempted at least 30 field goals. With that
said, Wilkins could emerge as one of the best options in Week 17.
This is the only game to be played this weekend in a domed
stadium, obviously ideal conditions for a kicker. The Rams offense
has QB Marc Bulger back from a shoulder injury and rookie
RB Steven Jackson is running well. They should be able to
move the ball, but against a Jets defense that has allowed the
third fewest points in the league, will often call on Wilkins when
drives stall.Other kickers to start: Adam Vinatieri vs. San Francisco, David Akers vs. Cincinnati, Jason Elam vs. Indianapolis. |
| KICKERS -- SIT 'EM |
Olindo Mare, Miami: Mare has been dogged by injuries all
season, the most prevalent being a right calf injury that has
caused him to miss several games. He is back in action but might
not be needed in Week 17. That's because the Dolphins are
traveling to Baltimore to face an angry Ravens defense. Baltimore
has lost four of their last five games and is dangerously close to
not making the playoffs. Their last gasp at making the postseason
will come at the expense of the 4-11 Dolphins. Miami will be led
by QB Sage Rosenfels, who will be making his first-ever NFL
start. As the 7th best defense in the league (Baltimore) battles
the 28th ranked scoring offense (Miami), Matt Turk, the Dolphins
punter, will get a lot more action than Mare.Other kickers to sit: Neil Rackers vs. Tampa Bay, Paul Edinger vs. Green Bay, Billy Cundiff at N.Y. Giants. |
| DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS -- START 'EM |
|
Other D/STs to start: Baltimore vs. Miami, Tampa Bay at Arizona, New England vs. San Francisco. |
| DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS -- SIT 'EM |
|
Other D/STs to sit: Oakland vs. Jacksonville, Tennessee vs. Detroit, Cleveland at Houston. |
Domanick Davis, RB, Houston: With Philadelphia's Brian
Westbrook unlikely to play in Week 17, Davis is the best
dual-threat back playing this weekend. The Texans' RB has topped
1,000 yards rushing and has 63 receptions on the year. He has been
red-hot in December, averaging 153 total yards over his past three
games. Even better, Davis has scored a touchdown in eight straight
games and has 10 TDs in the past two months. He is a lock to keep
his TD streak alive in Week 17, as he will face the Cleveland
Browns and the 31st ranked rushing defense. The Browns are tied
with the 49ers for dead last in the NFL in rushing TDs allowed
(21). Davis should have a feast to end the season.
Trent Green, Kansas City: The Kansas City offense is
clicking on all cylinders right now and that is due in large part
to the efforts of Green. Unfortunately, it's too late to lead the
Chiefs into the playoffs, but for Fantasy owners the Kansas City
QB can still pay big dividends in Week 17. Green has been the best
Fantasy QB in the NFL over the past month -- yes, even better than
Peyton Manning -- as he has 11 TDs against just three interceptions along
with 1,166 yards. He will end his season against the San Diego
Chargers and the 29th ranked pass defense in the league. Even more
appealing is that San Diego should be playing reserves at all
positions as they look ahead to the playoffs.
Tommy Maddox, Pittsburgh: With rookie Ben Roethlisberger
nursing sore ribs and the Steelers looking ahead to the postseason, coach
Bill Cowher will call on Maddox to start the last game of the
regular season. That's fitting since he started the season as the
No. 1 QB in Pittsburgh. Of course, an elbow injury in Week 2
allowed "Big Ben" to take over and the Steelers haven't looked
back since. Maddox will make a tough go of it in Week 17 against a
motivated Buffalo defense. The Bills need to win to secure a
playoff spot and their defense (No. 3 in NFL) should harass Maddox
who will be surrounded by backups at many positions. Buffalo has
the second most interceptions (22) in the league and the sixth
most sacks (43). It will add to those totals at Maddox's expense.
Curtis Martin, N.Y. Jets: Martin needs 141 yards rushing in
Week 17 to set a single-season record for running backs who
entered a season at age 30 or older. He just might get it against
the St. Louis Rams and the 27th ranked rushing defense in the
league. Martin certainly hasn't looked his age this year, rushing
for 1,544 yards (3rd in NFL) to go along with 14 total TDs. In a
game the Jets need to win badly, look for coach Herman Edwards to
lean on his workhorse on a fast track in the Edward Jones Dome.
Michael Bennett, Minnesota: Countless Fantasy owners were
no doubt excited to see Bennett's big numbers in Week 16. The
Minnesota back had 159 total yards and a touchdown against the
Packers and looks to be very secure in his role as the No. 1
option for coach Mike Tice. However, before owners rush to
activate Bennett for Week 17, be aware he will be going up against
one of the toughest run defenses in the league. The Redskins have
the No. 3 rushing defense in the NFL and are only separated by 49
yards from the No. 1 spot (Pittsburgh). Washington is particularly
stingy at home and should definitely limit Bennett to an average
outing.
Muhsin Muhammad, Carolina: To say that Muhammad has been
the best Fantasy receiver in the second half of the season really
wouldn't do him justice. He has dominated the scene since Week 8,
posting 12 TDs and 1,020 yards in that time. Together with QB
Jake Delhomme, Muhammad has sparked the Panthers from their
1-7 start and now has them playing for a chance to make the
postseason. And don't you know the ninth year WR out of Michigan
State is drooling at the prospect of facing the Saints in this
must-win game. After all, Muhammad torched the New Orleans
secondary for 179 yards and a touchdown in Week 13. With the 32nd
ranked "defense" in the NFL, Muhammad could easily post those
figures again on the Saints this weekend.
Anquan Boldin, Arizona: This season has certainly been
forgettable for Boldin, who tore his meniscus in August and had to
have surgery. However, the receiver has finally made it back to
the field and is actually coming off the best game of his
shortened season. Boldin hauled in seven passes for 107 yards and
a TD at Seattle in Week 16 but it's doubtful he can repeat that
performance in Week 17. The Cardinals will play host to the Tampa
Bay Buccaneers, a team that boasts the second best past defense in
the league. The Tampa defensive line will constantly harass QB
Josh McCown and not allow him to find Boldin, who will be
shadowed by CB Ronde Barber.
Tony Gonzalez, Kansas City: San Diego's Antonio Gates
might have risen up the Fantasy tight end chart quickly, but
don't forget than Gonzalez is still the best option at the
position. The former Cal Bear just keeps producing outstanding
numbers, as he did in Week 16 when he had 124 yards and two TDs
against the Raiders. It will be hard to top those numbers at San
Diego in Week 17 but the Chargers are only 29th against the pass,
so owners can expect a nice stat line. And don't forget, with San
Diego resting many starters for the playoffs, Gonzalez will be
matched up against second-stringers for most of this game.
Alge Crumpler, Atlanta: There are multiple reasons to keep
the Atlanta tight end on your bench. Not only is Crumpler
questionable for Week 17 with a knee injury, but the Falcons are
planning ahead for the postseason and will be careful with many of
their stars. QB Michael Vick will start the game, but it's
doubtful he will even play a full half. The same can be said for
Crumpler, who will likely be replaced early on by Eric Beverly
.
Jeff Wilkins, St. Louis: Wilkins has been one of the top
Fantasy kickers for years now. However, this season has not been
one of his best, connecting on just 18 of his 23 field goal
attempts. That pales in comparison to the top kickers this season,
many of which have attempted at least 30 field goals. With that
said, Wilkins could emerge as one of the best options in Week 17.
This is the only game to be played this weekend in a domed
stadium, obviously ideal conditions for a kicker. The Rams offense
has QB Marc Bulger back from a shoulder injury and rookie
RB Steven Jackson is running well. They should be able to
move the ball, but against a Jets defense that has allowed the
third fewest points in the league, will often call on Wilkins when
drives stall.
Olindo Mare, Miami: Mare has been dogged by injuries all
season, the most prevalent being a right calf injury that has
caused him to miss several games. He is back in action but might
not be needed in Week 17. That's because the Dolphins are
traveling to Baltimore to face an angry Ravens defense. Baltimore
has lost four of their last five games and is dangerously close to
not making the playoffs. Their last gasp at making the postseason
will come at the expense of the 4-11 Dolphins. Miami will be led
by QB Sage Rosenfels, who will be making his first-ever NFL
start. As the 7th best defense in the league (Baltimore) battles
the 28th ranked scoring offense (Miami), Matt Turk, the Dolphins
punter, will get a lot more action than Mare.













