Conference championship player rankings

Here are our rankings for the coming week at each position to help you decide your starting lineup. Our rankings are based on the following scoring system: three points for a passing touchdown; six points for a rushing/receiving touchdown; one point for every 20 passing yards; and one point for every 10 rushing/receiving yards.

Last updated January 14. * = check status (not necessarily injury status)

Quarterbacks

1. Tom Brady NE vs. SD
   2. Brett Favre GB vs. NYG (Note: Will he have enough time to take advantage of Giants' injuries in the secondary?)
   3. *Philip Rivers SD at NE (Note: Expects to play despite missing the fourth quarter against the Colts.)
   4. Eli Manning NYG at GB

Running Backs

1. Ryan Grant GB vs. NYG
   2. Laurence Maroney NE vs. SD
   3. *LaDainian Tomlinson SD at NE (Note: Hyperextended his knee against the Colts, but expects to play against the Pats.)
   4. Brandon Jacobs NYG at GB
   5. *Michael Turner SD at NE
   6. Ahmad Bradshaw NYG at GB
   7. Kevin Faulk NE vs. SD
   8. Brandon Jackson GB vs. NYG
   9. *Reuben Droughns NYG at GB
   10. *Darren Sproles SD at NE

Wide Receivers

1. Randy Moss NE vs. SD
   2. Greg Jennings GB vs. NYG
   3. Wes Welker NE vs. SD
   4. Chris Chambers SD at NE
   5. *Plaxico Burress NYG at GB (Note: Playing through all sorts of pain in his ankle.)
   6. Donald Driver GB vs. NYG
   7. Amani Toomer NYG at GB
   8. Vincent Jackson SD at NE
   9. Jabar Gaffney NE vs. SD
   10. Steven Smith NYG at GB
   11. Donte Stallworth NE vs. SD
   12. James Jones GB vs. NYG
   13. Koren Robinson GB vs. NYG

Tight Ends

1. *Donald Lee GB vs. NYG (Note: Sat out the season finale, but presumably there was nothing serious.)
   2. *Ben Watson NE vs. SD
   3. Kevin Boss NYG at GB
   4. *Antonio Gates SD at NE (Note: Wearing a protective boot for his toe, questionable at best for Sunday.)
   5. *Brandon Manumaleuna SD at NE (Note: Would start if Gates can't go.)
   6. *Kyle Brady NE vs. SD
   7. *Bubba Franks GB vs. NYG

Kickers

1. Stephen Gostkowski NE vs. SD
   2. Mason Crosby GB vs. NYG
   3. Nate Kaeding SD at NE
   4. Lawrence Tynes NYG at GB

Defenses

1. Green Bay vs. New York Giants
   2. New England vs. San Diego
   3. San Diego at New England
   4. New York Giants at Green Bay