If you're like me and you carelessly signed up for a fantasy league with championships that extend into Week 17, you may be facing the possibility of your star players sitting out at a time when you need them most. Here's a rundown of what's happening in the NFL, which teams have the most at stake, and which players might not see playing time.
In the AFC the Broncos and the Texans will be playing for Homefield Advantage. Denver is playing Kansas City, though, so if the Broncos get ahead early, they're likely to take out their starters and save them for the playoffs. Houston is going up against Indianapolis and that should be a better game so their starters will probably generate more points for you.
The Patriots, Ravens, Colts, and Bengals have all clinched playoff spots with no threat of losing them in Week 17. This means their key players are likely to sit out to rest and avoid risk of injury going into the playoffs. If you have a big name player from one of these teams, don't count on them to put up big (or any) numbers for you this week. Start looking for backups.
In the NFC, things are more interesting. No NFC East team has clinched a playoff spot yet. If Washington loses, the Giants have a chance to clinch the Division. The Giants are going up against the Eagles at 1:00 and will likely sit out starters only toward the tail end of the game and only if they have a significant lead. This is an important game for the Giants so don't discount their players. If the Giants lose, the Redskins will likely sit their starters for their 8:20 game. If the Giants win, the Redskins need to beat the Cowboys to maintain their Division Title. In other words, if you have guys on the Redskins, pay attention to the Giants game, as that will determine the likelihood of the Redskins' starters playing.
The Falcons have clinched a playoff spot and Homefield Advantage so their starters aren't likely to see playing time. The Packers have also clinched a playoff spot so again, don't count on their starters to generate any points for you.
Elsewhere in the Conference, the 49ers and the Seahawks are competing for the NFC West Division Title but both teams will make it into the playoffs no matter what, as one will come away with a Wild Card spot. The other Wild Card in the Conference could go to either the Redskins, the Vikings, or the Bears. The Redskins will only get a Wild Card spot if they lose their game and the Vikings and the Bears lose their games. Whether or not the Redskins lose, the Vikings and the Bears will both have a shot at the second Wild Card spot. The Vikings will be going up against Green Bay, who likely won't have their starters in.
So what does this all mean? It means that if you have players on:
The Patriots
The Ravens
The Colts
The Bengals
The Falcons
The Packers
there's a strong possibility they will see limited playing time and might not be good starting options in your championship game.
My picks for teams that are going to be playing hard, putting up good numbers, and not sitting their starters are:
The Giants
The Vikings
The Bears
The Redskins (if the Giants win)
Ultimately, your decision on whether or not to put in second-string players is going to depend on who you have on your bench and who is a Free Agent or on Waivers in your league. Also, it is early in the week, so stay updated on fantasy news to make sure my information is accurate.
