Week 17: Pickups of the Week
QB Tyler Thigpen, CLE
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Thigpen was exciting, if sloppy, against the Dolphins last week as he scored two by air and one by ground while fumbling twice and giving up two interceptions. Miami's pressure had him on the run for most of the game, but he gets an easier draw in week 17 against the Bengals. Cincinnati is averaging one measly sack per game (K.C. is worse; they've recorded a microscopic nine sacks through 16 games), so Thigpen should have plenty of time to throw. Larry Johnson's strong play of late will also mean the Chiefs will see some eight man fronts. That should open up plenty of opportunities downfield.
RB Cedric Benson, ---
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Benson broke loose for 171 yards last week, but somehow managed to avoid the end zone. He should overcome that particular abnormality against the Chiefs, who have given up 24 rushing touchdowns this season -- good enough for 31st in the league. The game will be played outdoors at Arrowhead stadium and weather might be an inhibiting factor for the passing game. Benson is a burly, bulldozing back who is ideally suited to tromping through the snow and trouncing snowflake K.C. defenders. He should get plenty of carries and another 100-yard game may be in the cards for the season wrap-up.
RB Lamont Jordan, ---
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He's getting healthy just when they need him most. In snowy conditions, the Patriots need a big, strong, straight ahead back like Lamont Jordan. New England made him their workhorse in a snowy Gillette Stadium during their week 16 romp of Arizona and Jordan should continue to get a hefty workload with similar cold and snowy conditions expected in Buffalo this weekend. Jordan already has three touchdowns so far this December and will have chances to add a few more on Sunday.
RB Derrick Ward, ---
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It's possible that Brandon Jacobs gets the start this weekend, but don't expect him to stay in the game very long. The Giants have wrapped up home field advantage and really have nothing to play for. Tom Coughlin might want his players to stay game-ready going into the Wild Card layoff week, but players like Jacobs could certainly use the extra time to rest. Ward absolutely eviscerated the Panthers in week 16 and he could be in line for even more touches to close off the season in a nothing game against Minnesota.
WR Deion Branch, IND
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Branch's big play ability makes him a smart start against a team that is approaching historical levels of ineptitude against the pass. The Cardinals have allowed a league-worst 34 passing touchdowns this season - seven more than the next closest team. To put that in perspective: you have to go way back to the 2003 Chargers to find a team that gave up more (36), and there's still one game left for Arizona to challenge and potentially pass that shameful mark.
