RotoExperts.com delivers all the important player news with in-depth fantasy analysis for the Conference Round.
Quarterbacks
- Mark Sanchez (knee) was a full participant in practices throughout the week. His health has not been a real concern during the NFL Playoffs, but the other three quarterbacks remaining are certainly better potential point producers in any style of NFL playoff fantasy football.
Running backs
- Joseph Addai (shoulder) was a full participant in practices during the week. He left last week's playoff game in the first half, but appears to be fully ready for the matchup against New York. Addai is always a threat to score, but his rushing totals have been disappointing. Don't expect much from him against a tough Jets defense. There are better alternatives for this week in the NFL Playoff Challenge.
- Thomas Jones missed Wednesday's practice, but his absence was not injury-related and he returned to workouts on Thursday. Tony Richardson (rib) was back at full practices by Thursday as well, and he's a key cog in the Jets' strong running game. In fact, his presence only helps keep the value of Jones and Shonn Greene at a high level.
Wide receivers
- Bernard Berrian (ankle) is listed as probable to face the Saints. He could operate in a more prominent role if Percy Harvin is unavailable. Still, even if Berrian must step up, he has been unreliable all year long and is not recommended for fantasy usage.
- Percy Harvin (illness) was not able to practice and is listed as questionable. He should be started in deeper NFL playoff fantasy formats if his migraine issues subside in time for Sunday's game. In a best-case scenario, the rookie should get some chances to make important plays if the Saints secondary focuses heavily on Sidney Rice.
- Robert Meachem (ankle) was limited in practices on Thursday and Friday, but he is still listed as probable. The ankle issue, along with the possibility of a more controlled passing game, limits Meachem's statistical upside for this week. Consider other options.
Tight ends
- Dallas Clark (illness) is listed as probable and practiced fully on Thursday and Friday. He is the best tight end remaining in the NFL playoffs and a must-start for fantasy owners.
- Jeremy Shockey (knee) missed practices throughout the week and is listed as questionable to face the Vikings. He will likely be a game-time decision. Even if he can play, Shockey could be at less than 100 percent. As a result, it's better to go with a safer option in the NFL Playoff Challenge.
Defense
- Vikings DE Ray Edwards (knee) was limited in Friday's practice and is listed as questionable to face the Saints. DTs Kevin Williams (knee) and Pat Williams (elbow, foot) are also questionable. Kevin Williams was limited in Friday's practice, and Pat Williams did not practice. DT Jimmy Kennedy (thumb) is also on the injury report as probable. These injuries make the Vikings defense a unit to avoid this week.
- Saints FS Darren Sharper (knee) is listed as probable. The ball-hawking veteran can be a prime factor against his former team, but Brett Favre is limiting his mistakes, so do not count on an ideal performance from the New Orleans defense in the turnover department. Favre might choose to avoid Sharper often rather than test him.
- Jets LBs Bart Scott (ankle) and David Harris (ankle) are listed as probable to face the Colts. S Kerry Rhodes (knee) and DE Shaun Ellis (hand, knee) are also probable. The Jets defense is the best unit remaining of all four teams and can keep the score respectable against the Colts, so start New York with confidence.
Scott Engel is Managing Director and Senior NFL Editor at www.rotoexperts.com. For more conference championship game fantasy insights, check out Mike Gilbert's full preview.
