Sunday morning updates -- Week 17

Good morning, Fools.  I hope you're not contesting a championship today, but there's no reason you have to stop playing altogether, either.

In two of my leagues, we play a Week 17 "Free for All Bowl," in which every team -- including those that missed out on the playoffs -- sets one final lineup.  The top overall scorer wins 5% of the pot.  It's a good way to keep the fantasy fun going for another weekend, and it gives us another reason to tune in the Red Zone Channel one last time.

So, for those of us with something on the line in today's games, here's the latest skinny from around the league:

Why shouldn't you play a Week 17 title match?  Here's your latest reason: Ray Rice is NOT expected to play today, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.  With little on the line, there's no reason for the Ravens to risk their star to injury prior to the postseason.  While this isn't official, Schefter usually knows what he's talking about.

It could be a big day for rookie RB Bernard Pierce...

No word yet on Flacco, Torrey Smith and Anquan Boldin (shoulder); but it sure makes you think a similar stance would be taken on them.

We learned earlier this week that Trent Richardson, MJD, Mike Wallace, Pierre Thomas, Mario Manningham and Mike Nugent were done for the season.  Since all but Richardson have been placed on IR, they won't appear on the inactive lists.  Jets TE Dustin Keller also won't play today.

Don't count on Jonathan Stewart or Vernon Davis (concussion) to be available either.

However, it appears that Rob Gronkowski will suit up, and at least get a few snaps.  It's not clear that he will make more than a cameo appearance, however; so if you have a decent TE alternative, you might be better off taking it.  That said, nobody would be surprised to see Gronk spike one in the end zone today.

I was wrong earlier in the week when I indicated that Matt Leinart would be the starting QB in Oakland.  That will be Terrelle Pryor instead.  The change doesn't make me feel any differently about the Raiders' wideouts, including Denarius Moore.  Keep him on your bench.

That's it for now.  Inactives come next via Twitter (www.twitter.com/ladd_biro).  Have a great Sunday, and good luck to all Fools playing for something!