Matt Hasselbeck is back in the Seattle Seahawks' starting lineup. Head coach Pete Carroll announced Thursday that Hasselbeck will start Saturday's playoff game versus New Orleans. The 13-year veteran didn't play Sunday against the St. Louis Rams because of a hip injury. Charlie Whitehurst stepped up and led the Seahawks to victory in a win-and-you're-in contest. The two QBs have split reps during practice this week, but Hasselbeck will get the snaps that really matter this weekend. He has nine career playoff starts, including in Super Bowl XL.

Fantasy Analysis:

Whitehurst played relatively well against St. Louis, but it wasn't like he was asked to put the team on his back and will it to victory. Seahawks coaches kept his passes short and safe and he did a better job of protecting the ball compared to his showings earlier this season. But Hasselbeck is a better player and gives Seattle the best chance to win. Now, I know that's not saying a whole lot since Hasselbeck's 73.2 quarterback rating is his lowest since 2001 in any season in which he played at least 10 games, but let's not overrate Whitehurst after one simply decent performance. If you're playing in fantasy playoff leagues, this is good news for wide receiver Mike Williams , who has a much stronger rapport with Hasselbeck.