Upon Further Review: Week 16
It might have taken 16 weeks, but Vikings RB Michael Bennett seems to have reclaimed his old job. As another Fantasy football season winds down, Upon Further Review looks at the ever-changing backfield in Minnesota.
•
5 min read
Upon Further Review takes a closer look at Sunday's games to give Fantasy owners an edge in making transactions and setting lineups for the upcoming week.
Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings
Once again we have a change of scenery in the Minnesota backfield. Onterrio Smith now appears to be the odd man out and Michael Bennett has resumed his role as the centerpiece of the Vikings rushing attack. Bennett carried 17 times for 92 yards against the Packers and caught three passes for 67 yards and a touchdown. 159 total yards and a touchdown is certainly a nice days work.Oakland Raiders at Kansas City Chiefs
Speaking of backfield changes, the Raiders don't exactly appear to have a main man in their stable of runners at the present time. With Tyrone Wheatley (hamstring) out, it appears to be a true running back-by-committee in Oakland with Justin Fargas, Zack Crockett, J.R. Redmond and Amos Zereoue all seeing time. None is productive enough to warrant much Fantasy consideration, however Crockett is probably the best of the bunch since he will receive all the goal line carries. The Raiders welcome the Jaguars to Oakland in Week 17.Denver Broncos at Tennessee Titans
Keeping with the backfield theme, the Broncos have a nice one-two punch with Reuben Droughns and rookie Tatum Bell. Droughns will likely remain the starter and has the Fantasy edge on Bell for now, although that could change when Denver goes to training camp in 2005. Droughns is a solid No. 2 for Week 17 against the Colts and Bell is an attractive No. 3 or flex option.
San Diego Chargers at Indianapolis Colts
In the absence of Keenan McCardell (hamstring), Eric Parker has emerged as the No. 1 WR for QB Drew Brees. Of course, TE Antonio Gates is still the go-to guy, but Parker has two games with over 100 yards in his past three while hauling in a couple of touchdowns. With McCardell likely out again in Week 17, Parker is definitely worth a look as a No. 3 option when the Chargers face the defensively challenged Chiefs.Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers
Plaxico Burress returned to the lineup in Week 16 from his hamstring injury and his impact was immediate. The rangy receiver picked up right where he left off as QB Ben Roethlisberger's big play target, catching three passes for 97 yards and a touchdown. It is safe to get Burress back in the lineup as a No. 2 option in Week 17 against Buffalo. Speaking of Roethlisberger, the rookie was injured in the second half against the Ravens when defensive end Terrell Suggs drilled him after releasing a pass. He left the game with an unspecified rib injury and it is highly unlikely he will play in Week 17. Tommy Maddox will get the start for Pittsburgh.Houston Texans at Jacksonville Jaguars
RB Fred Taylor (knee) was unable to play in Week 16 against Houston, giving RB Greg Jones his first NFL start. It certainly wasn't a memorable one, as the rookie out of Florida State only gained 38 yards on nine carries. Taylor should be ready to go in Week 17 against Oakland, a game which is a must win for Jacksonville if they are to have any shot at the playoffs.Buffalo Bills at San Francisco 49ers
So much for Willis McGahee not playing. The Buffalo back didn't look bothered by the knee injury he suffered in Week 15, gaining 102 yards on just 15 carries while scoring two touchdowns. He will really be tested in Week 17 when the Bills welcome the Steelers and the No. 1 rushing defense to town but remains a solid Fantasy starter.Washington Redskins at Dallas Cowboys
Star running back Clinton Portis left the game early in the second half with a chest bruise. He finished the game with just 32 yards on 10 carries and was replaced by Ladell Betts. If Portis can't go in Week 17 against the Vikings, Betts will likely get the start.














