Sunday, January 1, 2012

Sunday morning updates -- Week 17

Good morning, Fools, and welcome to Week 17. As I've stated all week, you shouldn't be playing your championship today. Rather, I hope you're waging a "Free for All Bowl," per this week's column.

Whatever you're playing for, here's the news you can use to emerge victorious. Keep in mind, when the inactive lists come out, you can't assume the active players will necessarily be very active. Andre Johnson, for example, is likely to be active and to start the game; but he's expected to be on a strict snap count. Also, if Detroit wins the early game, all bets are off for the Falcons in the later game.

OK, here's what we know so far:

Aaron Rodgers, LeSean McCoy, Arian Foster, Mark Ingram, James Starks, Lance Moore and Owen Daniels have all been declared inactive already.

I like Matt Flynn's chances against the Lions. He's a sneaky starting option and he's the kind of guy who typically emerges at the top of the passing rankings in Week 17.

It will be another start for Kellen Clemens, with Sam Bradford and AJ Feeley inactive for the Rams. Sorry, Brandon Lloyd owners.

Jackie Battle has been placed on IR, so look for Dexter McCluster and Thomas Jones to split the backfield work. It's hard to like either (they've scored one TD between them all year), but it also wouldn't be a total surprise if one of them has a nice afternoon. If I had to bet -- and I'm glad I don't -- I'd say Jones gets the TD run.

Reggie Bush is out today, leaving the rushing duties to Daniel Thomas. He faces a strong Jets run defense, but the rookie should still have a decent day.

Jacoby Ford is expected to suit up. Wouldn't be surprised if he found his way into the end zone against the Chargers.

There's 100% chance of snow on the frozen tundra of Green Bay. Both of these teams are pass-centric, though; so it will be interesting to see how the weather affects the offensive game plans. Kevin Smith could have a very nice day for the Lions.

It will be very windy in Cleveland, with a 50% chance of rain or snow. Lousy conditions for kicking field goals, and it should put more emphasis on the runners. Mendenhall is positioned for a great game, but Peyton Hillis has a tough row to hoe against the Steelers' run D.

OK, that's it for now. Inactive tweets (@ladd_biro) coming up next. Good luck, Fools!

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