By Derick Moss
The peril of playing in a league in which the championship is in Week 17 is that many NFL teams are resting starters. That will be an issue for about 10 teams this week, so check that out before setting your lineup.
Weather shouldn't be much of an issue anywhere this week with the possible exception of Green Bay, where it's in the 30s and windy, with a slight chance of snow.
SATURDAY
New England at New York Giants
8:15 p.m., NFL Network, CBS, NBC
SCOUTING THE PATRIOTS
Suit 'em up: It appears the Patriots are not only gunning for a perfect season, they also seem intent on breaking every offensive record within reach. This could be a game in which the Pats don't rest their starters until they get a big lead, but the Giants might rest everyone in the second half. Tom Brady, Randy Moss and Wes Welker are all great plays, while Laurence Maroney is back as a solid RB2.
Sit 'em down: Can't imagine sitting any of the usual Pats players -- even their defense is a nice play this week.
SCOUTING THE GIANTS
Suit 'em up: With nothing on the line, the Giants might rest their starters in the second half unless the game is close. Brandon Jacobs looks healthy again, but he's a risky play given the team's gameplan.
Sit 'em down: Eli Manning isn't a good start even if he plays the entire game. Ahmad Bradshaw will be on some rosters this week after his Week 16 breakout, but he's nursing a thigh bruise, meaning Reuben Droughns might get most of the carries this week.
SUNDAY
Seattle at Atlanta
1 p.m., FOX
SCOUTING THE SEAHAWKS
Suit 'em up: Here's another team that's locked up its playoff position and could rest some starters. But Maurice Morris would get most of the carries if Shaun Alexander is rested. D.J. Hackett, if he returns from injury, might become the primary receiving threat if Deion Branch and Bobby Engram are rested.
Sit 'em down: Matt Hasselbeck might do enough damage in a quarter to justify a start, but that's a risky bet. Alexander will be among those getting first crack at the bench, as well.
SCOUTING THE FALCONS
Suit 'em up: Roddy White is going to have 1,200 yards receiving this season, and it's been with little fanfare and with three starting quarterbacks. Look for him to finish with a bang. And those desperate for a QB2 should look at Chris Redman, who's potentially playing for a job next season.
Sit 'em down: We've not been able to figure out the Jerious Norwood-Warrick Dunn split all season, and even though Norwood is getting half the carries, neither is more than a flex play this week.
New Orleans at Chicago
1 p.m., FOX
SCOUTING THE SAINTS
Suit 'em up: Watch the weather, which will be cold but will be OK if there's no snow or ice. If that's not an issue, Drew Brees is a low-end QB1, Marques Colston (who should play) is a WR1 and Aaron Stecker is a RB2 against a Bears team that has given up an average of 135 yards on the ground the last three games. David Patten (19 catches, two TDs last three weeks) is a sneaky WR2 pick this week, as well.
Sit 'em down: Reggie Bush might play this week, but he'll be a risky play coming off an injury. Even against the Bears offense, the Saints defense is not a realistic fantasy play.
SCOUTING THE BEARS
Suit 'em up: Adrian Peterson gets a great matchup this week and will get a ton of touches. Desmond Clark and Greg Olsen are both good starts, and one might break out with a nice game.
Sit 'em down: The Bears receivers. Muhsin Muhammad did not have a catch last week and hasn't had more than 60 yards in a game since week 11. Bernard Berrian missed some practice this week and will be a gametime decision. Devin Hester doesn't seem to be fitting in with the offense yet.
Cincinnati at Miami
1 p.m., CBS
SCOUTING THE BENGALS
Suit 'em up: The Bengals are a strange team. The defense has played better in recent weeks, and the offense has become focused on short passes and the running game. Carson Palmer is a decent start, but Kenny Watson might prove to be the real gem against a porous Miami run defense.
Sit 'em down: Rudi Johnson probably won't play this week. Chris Henry had only one target last week and is becoming less of an option as the year winds down.
SCOUTING THE DOLPHINS
Suit 'em up: Cleo Lemon has enough athleticism to make plays with his feet and deliver a minimal amount of fantasy value, but this team is bereft of fantasy talent. Jesse Chatman and Lorenzo Booker are flex options, at best.
Sit 'em down: Pretty much everyone. Ted Ginn Jr. hasn't improved, Marty Booker provides little fantasy punch and Samkon Gado is simply filling a roster spot. Bill Parcells has his hands full here.
Detroit at Green Bay
1 p.m., FOX
SCOUTING THE LIONS
Suit 'em up: Watch the weather here. The forecast is for 32 degrees and 30-percent chance of snow. With Kevin Jones out, T.J. Duckett becomes a fantasy factor and might have room to run against a defense that gives up 107 yards per game on the ground. Jon Kitna has fallen to QB2 status these days because of his propensity to turn the ball over.
Sit 'em down: It's tough to get a read on the Lions receivers. Calvin Johnson and Shaun McDonald could be flex options, but Mike Furrey's stock is falling fast.
SCOUTING THE PACKERS
Suit 'em up: With nothing on the line, the Packers might rest starters. But with Greg Jennings out, James Jones could be in line for a fantasy breakout. Ryan Grant might play a few series, leaving Brandon Jackson to carry the load and earn at least a flex play.
Sit 'em down: Despite the matchup, it's likely Brett Favre won't play more than a half, while Donald Driver and Grant might also see the bench early.
Jacksonville at Houston
1 p.m., CBS
SCOUTING THE JAGUARS
Suit 'em up: The Jags are locked into their playoff spot and could rest some starters. Fred Taylor might not play much, making Maurice Jones-Drew a quality option (assuming he plays more than a half). Reggie Williams might be playing late and could be a nice WR2.
Sit 'em down: Taylor might not play and David Garrard will likely be rested in favor of Quinn Gray most of this game. In short, be careful with Jaguars this week.
SCOUTING THE TEXANS
Suit 'em up: Darius Walker has been an adequate back of late and will get his chances with Ron Dayne likely out this week. Sage Rosenfels and Andre Johnson are options as well.
Sit 'em down: Dayne might be a gametime decision, while Andre Davis has lost almost all of his fantasy value since Johnson returned.
Carolina at Tampa Bay
1 p.m., FOX
SCOUTING THE PANTHERS
Suit 'em up: Carolina quarterback Matt Moore is still not a fantasy option, even though Carolina has played better since he took over. However, he's rejuvenated Steve Smith's season, and Smith is a possible WR1 this week. DeAngelo Williams is also valued higher than DeShaun Foster, though both will split carries and neither is a trusted fantasy factor.
Sit 'em down: Foster was limited to begin with, but has even less value with Williams finally getting touches. No receiver other than Smith is of much value.
SCOUTING THE BUCCANEERS
Suit 'em up: The Bucs appear to be prepared to rest most of their starters, meaning Jeff Garcia, Earnest Graham and Joey Galloway -- the team's most consistent fantasy options -- are not good choices this week. But Michael Pittman and Michael Bennett will split rushing duties and are flex plays, while Luke McCown is a QB2 this week. Michael Clayton is a sneaky wide receiver play, as well.
Sit 'em down: As stated, Garcia, Graham and Galloway are not options this week.
Buffalo at Philadelphia
1 p.m., CBS
SCOUTING THE BILLS
Suit 'em up: Marshawn Lynch has had a very solid rookie season. Lee Evans needs 153 yards this week to top 1,000 this season, and the team might help him get it.
Sit 'em down: Trent Edwards hasn't been much of a factor yet, and won't be against the barrage of blitzers he'll see Sunday.
SCOUTING THE EAGLES
Suit 'em up: Philly is playing much better these days; of course, that could change at any time. Donovan McNabb would be a solid play this week, and Brian Westbrook is a no-brainer. Kevin Curtis is a good WR2 play now that McNabb is passing downfield a little more, and the Eagles defense is a solid play.
Sit 'em down: Correll Buckhalter's touchdown last week was nice, and his 5.3 average per carry is great, but he only gets garbage time carries and the occasional series to rest Westbrook. Reggie Brown is inconsistent and shouldn't be more than a flex play.
San Francisco at Cleveland
1 p.m., FOX
SCOUTING THE 49ERS
Suit 'em up: Frank Gore is the team's only reliable option this week, and he could have a huge day against a soft Browns defense. He'll get plenty of carries as long as the game stays close and will be the focal point of the offense considering their quarterback issues.
Sit 'em down: Chris Weinke will start as Shaun Hill (back fractures) is out. The same can be said for Arnaz Battle, who had a decent season going before injuries derailed him.
SCOUTING THE BROWNS
Suit 'em up: Jamal Lewis is a No. 1 option, and Derek Anderson, Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow also fit that description.
Sit 'em down: Joe Jurevicius is too inconsistent to play, and Jason Wright's playing time means he's just a flex option despite his considerable pass-catching skills.
Pittsburgh at Baltimore
4:15 p.m., CBS
SCOUTING THE STEELERS
Suit 'em up: Najeh Davenport is a decent option, but might see the bench as Pittsburgh rests starters this week. Gary Russell could be a sneaky flex play if you're desperate. Nate Washington might be a WR2 if Hines Ward sees the bench early enough. The Steelers defense is a great start despite the potential benching of star players.
Sit 'em down: Charlie Batch will start at quarterback but isn't a good option this week.
SCOUTING THE RAVENS
Suit 'em up: Not a lot to choose from here. Musa Smith could be a flex play as he starts ahead of the injured Willis McGahee. Derrick Mason needs three catches for 100 and is sure to get enough targets to get there, but don't expect too much.
Sit 'em down: Troy Smith starts but is facing a rugged defense and has few weapons on his side. Todd Heap (hamstring) might not play, and won't be much of a factor if he does.
San Diego at Oakland
4:15 p.m., CBS
SCOUTING THE CHARGERS
Suit 'em up: This game is set up for a Chargers blowout win. San Diego's won eight consecutive games in this series, and the Raiders seem to have given up already. Darren Sproles and Michael Turner could be flex options this week, and Antonio Gates needs a good game to get set for the playoffs. The Chargers defense is a top play this week.
Sit 'em down: LaDainian Tomlinson has 1,653 yards and 16 TDs in 13 games against his rival, but he had some hamstring issues last week and could be pulled if San Diego gets an early lead. The Raiders are good against the pass, so Philip Rivers and the San Diego receivers could be in for a mediocre outing.
SCOUTING THE RAIDERS
Suit 'em up: Dominic Rhodes is the clear featured back these days, but he's a low-end RB2 this week. Don't expect much from the Oakland offense this week.
Sit 'em down: JaMarcus Russell gets his first start, and he's playing a defense that leads the league in interceptions. Stay far, far away.
Dallas at Washington
4:15 p.m., FOX
SCOUTING THE COWBOYS
Suit 'em up: If you've got Tony Romo, Terrell Owens, Jason Witten or Marion Barber, you could be out of luck as the Cowboys rest starters this week. But Julius Jones regains some value as a potential RB2, and Patrick Crayton becomes a WR2 and Sam Hurd a flex play for the Cowboys.
Sit 'em down: The stars will likely sit, so be careful. Brad Johnson will quarterback, but he's not a recommended option.
SCOUTING THE REDSKINS
Suit 'em up: A must-win game, and a rivalry game, at that. Todd Collins would have been a decent pay against the Dallas starters, but is an even better value against the backups, and might be a low-end QB1 in deep leagues. Clinton Portis is a RB1, Chris Cooley is a TE1 and Santana Moss might be a nice WR2 this week. The Redskins defense is not a bad play considering the Dallas gameplan.
Sit 'em down: Antwaan Randle El is too inconsistent to be counted on, and Reche Caldwell is no more than a flex play despite passing James Thrash on the depth chart.
St. Louis at Arizona
4:15 p.m., FOX
SCOUTING THE RAMS
Suit 'em up: Two bad defenses could yield more fantasy points than any other. Steven Jackson is a RB1, Torry Holt is a WR1, Marc Bulger is an interesting QB1 play and Isaac Bruce is a solid WR2 as the Rams look to peak in a meaningless Week 17 game.
Sit 'em down: Drew Bennett had a TD last week, but he's no more than a flex play.
SCOUTING THE CARDINALS
Suit 'em up: A bad Rams rushing defense should give Edgerrin James a chance at his first touchdown in more than a month. Kurt Warner, Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald are all No .1 options this week.
Sit 'em down: It's hard to sit any Cardinal, but Bryant Johnson doesn't have much more than flex value. J.J. Arrington doesn't get enough touches to be a fantasy factor despite James' recent struggles.
Minnesota at Denver
4:15 p.m., FOX
SCOUTING THE VIKINGS
Suit 'em up: Adrian Peterson wants to end his rookie campaign on a good note, and the soft Broncos present the perfect matchup. Chester Taylor is a great flex play as the Vikes figure to pound it right at Denver.
Sit 'em down: Tarvaris Jackson's midseason surge is over, and the Broncos corners will give him fits. On that note, downgrade the Vikings receivers this week, as well.
SCOUTING THE BRONCOS
Suit 'em up: Jay Cutler gets a crack at a weak Vikings secondary and should connect with Brandon Marshall all afternoon, making both potential No. 1 options. With other receivers injured, Tony Scheffler might be a sneaky start at TE this week.
Sit 'em down: Selvin Young is struggling, Travis Henry hurting and the Vikings have a great run defense. Steer clear of the Denver running game this week. Brandon Stokley is a gametime decision, so check his status Sunday.
Kansas City at New York Jets
4:15 p.m., CBS
SCOUTING THE CHIEFS
Suit 'em up: Kolby Smith might be a low-end RB2 this week, but Jackie Battle could get a look around the goal line making him a flex play (and taking some of Smith's value). No matter who throws it to him, Dwayne Bowe could have a big game against a weak Jets defense.
Sit 'em down: The Chiefs quarterback situation will be a gametime decision, and both Brodie Croyle and Damon Huard might play. That means you should look for other options.
SCOUTING THE JETS
Suit 'em up: Thomas Jones doesn't break many big plays, but he could get a chance to do that against an average KC run defense this week. Jerricho Cotchery is the primary receiver in the offense these days and is a high-end WR2 this week.
Sit 'em down: The Jets are being coy about their starting quarterback, but neither Chad Pennington nor Kellen Clemens is worth a start, anyway. And even with Laveranues Coles out, Brad Smith is no more than a flex option despite eight targets last week.
Tennessee at Indianapolis
8:15 p.m., NBC
SCOUTING THE TITANS
Sit 'em down: Justin Gage had a nice midseason run, but might only be a flex option. Chris Brown's value is based on LenDale White's status, but he's a flex option, anyway.
SCOUTING THE COLTS
Suit 'em up: With few Colts slated to play more than a half, it's looking like risky business. But Reggie Wayne needs eight catches for 100, so he's a safe bet to play. And with Joseph Addai very unlikely, Kenton Keith becomes a RB2 option.
Sit 'em down: Peyton Manning has something to play for -- he needs 55 yards for 4,000 this season. But he'll get that in a quarter, and might not play much after that. Anthony Gonzalez is banged up and the team will be careful with him, so pick up Devin Aromashodu if you need bench help.
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