Who's in and who's out of the early games in week 16
For most of you, this is it. Championship week. If you've had the right amount of luck, you're going for the whole enchilada today. Bragging rights -- or maybe something more valuable -- are on the line. So know who's going to active during the 1 p.m. Eastern time games by checking back on this post until kickoff. There aren't a ton of notable names, but we'll bring you the latest on Maurice Jones-Drew
, Mark Sanchez
, Todd Heap
, Mike Sims-Walker
and all the rest. Merry Christmas! Here's hoping you can get the gift of a fantasy football title one day after the fact.
Maurice Jones-Drew is officially inactive for today's game against Washington. he was listed as doubtful on the injury report because of a knee injury, so this is not unexpected. Rashad Jennings
will get the start. If he's still available in your league, please do yourself a favor and pick him up. He's going to touch the ball at least 20 times, he's a fine receiver and has a great matchup against a Redskins' defense that has allowed 148 fantasy points to RBs in its past six games.
Mike Sims-Walker is active but isn't expected to start against the Redskins. He caught two touchdowns last week and the matchup is fine, but his uncertain amount of playing time makes MSW a risky play in a fantasy championship game.
Shaun Hill will start for the Detroit Lions against the Miami Dolphins. He's been out since Thanksgiving because of a broken right index finger. Now he'll replace the man who replaced him in the starting lineup, Drew Stanton. You shouldn't want to use him against Miami's tough pass D, but Calvin Johnson remains a must-start.
Anthony Dixon is active for the 49ers despite an ankle injury. He will backup Brian Westbrook and should be on your bench.
It's a skinny docket for early-game injuries, so here are a couple of late-game notes: ESPN is reporting that Andre Johnson and Chad Ochocinco are expected to be INACTIVE in their respective game today. Johnson is battling more problems in his injured ankle. Kevin Walter and Jacoby Jones will start out wide for Houston against the Broncos. Knock down your expectations for Matt Schaub. With Ochocinco and T.O. out, Andre Caldwell, Jordan Shipley and Jerome Simpson will have increased playing time. Start them at your own risk against the league's top-rated pass defense, San Diego. UPDATE: Ochocinco tweeted moments ago that he will not play today. So that's as official as it gets.
Players who have already been ruled out for this week included Antonio Gates, Aaron Hernandez and Terrell Owens.
Todd Heap is officially inactive because of his hamstring injury. Ed Dickson, if you need a Hail Mary option, will start against the Browns.
Mark Sanchez and Santonio Holmes are active for the Jets today in Chicago. Sanchez was limited during the week because of some torn cartilage in his right (throwing) shoulder, and Holmes has turf toe. Neither of them are fantastic starts against a strong Bears defense. Also, the forecast calls for bad weather in Chicago, so the Jets' passing game should be limited even further. Sanchez is a below-average QB2 while Holmes is probably a WR3 this week.
Peyton Hillis is active for the Browns. I guess you have to start him against the Ravens, a defense he carved up earlier this year. But he seems to be worn out and I don't think he'll find a whole lot of room. Temper your expectations.
Patriots' Deion Branch is active despite a knee injury. He's a fine WR3 at Buffalo today.
Fantasy Analysis:
Dealing with the inactives: Gates will likely not be seen playing on a football field until the playoffs, if the Chargers qualify. Randy McMichael will fill in for him at tight end, but the real beneficiary of his absence seems to be Vincent Jackson. With Malcom Floyd still being bothered by a hamstring injury, you should expect another big game from Jackson today. Maybe not three-touchdown big, but good enough. Aaron Hernandez has been ruled out because of a hip injury. Rob Gronkowski will get the start versus the Bills and is a nice choice in 12-team leagues this week. Terrell Owens is done for the year after undergoing knee surgery earlier this week. Chad Ochocinco is also injured and will be limited today versus San Diego, so look for Andre Caldwell to get a healthy number of targets. He caught four passes for 89 yards last week and is a deep sleeper.
Source:
NFL.com