Watchlist Q & A – Week 17
After all of the weekly games are finished be sure to check our waiver wire column, studs and duds, a who’s hot, and who’s not report plus more in our fantasy football guide.
Week 17 – kind of an odd week wouldn’t you say. I mean, a lot of good players are not going to see the field this weekend.
There are still plenty of things to keep your eye on this in Week 17 of the NFL.
Here is what I will be watching explained in Dave B’s Week 17 Watchlist Q & A.
1. Which teams are going to rest their players, and who’s playing all-out?
AFC
Colts: The Colts starters might last a quarter – that’s it!!!
Chargers: Not exactly sure what will play out here. Chances are that the starters could be pulled at some time in this game.
Patriots: Nothing is official, but I for one can’t see Belichek resting his guys. I think that the Patriots will play to win this weekend.
Bengals: All signs point to the Bengals resting their guys. I hope that you don’t have this game set to record!!!
NFC
Saints: Sean Payton has given no reason for us to think that he’s resting his players. It should be a much needed tune-up for the playoffs.
Vikings: Need a win to secure a bye. They also need a tune-up
Eagles/Cowboys: Winner of this contest wins the NFC East – big game – should be good.
Packers/Cardinals: For the Cardinals, it all depends on whether Minnesota wins or loses. If Minnesota loses, the Cards will have to beat the Packers to finish ahead of Minnesota. If Minnesota wins, it all moot, and Warner and the boys will rest – Got it???? Me neither.
As for the Packers, all signs point to the starters sitting out a lot of the game.
2. Will the 2 “win and your in” teams win this weekend?
New York Jets (8-7) – If The Playoffs Started Today: In; No. 6 seed (wins tiebreaker over Baltimore based on strength of victory and conference record over Houston)
Remaining Schedule: vs. Cincinnati – If the Jets win this game and they are the 5 seed. The math has been done – I have no idea. Cincinnati figures to rest most of their starters in that game. You do the math!!!
Baltimore Ravens (8-7) – If The Playoffs Started Today: Out
Remaining Schedule: at Oakland – The Ravens are in the same boat as the Jets — win, in; lose, out. When they win (common sense says so), they will be the No. 6 seed – in the playoffs.
3. Will there be any “bubble teams” that sneak into the playoffs?
Denver Broncos (8-7) – If The Playoffs Started Today: In; No. 5 seed (wins tiebreaker over N.Y. Jets and Baltimore based on strength of victory and conference record over Houston) 
Remaining Schedule: vs. Kansas City – The Broncos win this game and their 9-7. There are a slough of ways that the Broncos can make it. They need some help – too complicated for me to discuss. Their position is moot if the Jets and Ravens win.
Pittsburgh Steelers (8-7) – Remaining Schedule: at Miami – They need to win and need a crazy voodoo mix of other teams to lose in order to get in. It looks dire.
Houston Texans – (8-7) – Remaining Schedule: vs. New England – Another unlikely combination of losses is needed for the Texans to get in.
Miami Dolphins – (7-8) – Remaining Schedule: vs. Pittsburgh – First of all, they have to beat the Steelers. Second of all, they need too many teams to lose in order to have a shot.
Jacksonville Jaguars – (7-8) – Remaining Schedule: at Cleveland – Never mind!!!
4. Which incredible milestones will be reached this weekend?
Chris Johnson – Tennessee – Johnson needs 128 yards rushing to get to the 2000 yard mark!!! What’s more incredible is that if Johnson gets his 128 yards and also gets 17 yards receiving, he’s have 2500 yards combined yards!!! That breaks Marshall Faulk’s NFL record. He plays Seattle this week – it will be the Chris Johnson show!!
Ray Rice – Baltimore – Rice needs 48 combined yards to reach 2000 combined yards on the year. The dude has 683 receiving yards!!!! Unreal.
Wes Welker – New England – Needs just 3 catches for 125 receptions on the year. He’s 20-25 catches ahead of the next highest. Good job Wes!!!!
That’s what I’ll be watching for in Week 17. Sorry about not talking about the NFL Playoff race – my head is spinning. Enjoy
Lots of info. Folks – I hope it helps.
