Sunday, December 29, 2013

Sunday morning updates -- Week 17

Good morning, Fools.  Hard to believe the regular season will be over in about 36 hours.  Hopefully you're celebrating a league title and playing a "Free for All Bowl," or similar, today.  But I know some of you stubbornly refuse to listen and keep playing your Super Bowl in Week 17.  When will you learn?

So, for those with something big or small on the line today, here's the lay o' the land across the NFL:

The Chiefs have nothing to play for, as they're locked into the 5 spot in the AFC.  Look for cameo appearances from Jamaal Charles, Alex Smith and most of the other starters in this game.  Best to bench them all, unless you have little choice.  Dwayne Bowe (concussion) won't play.

AP has been ruled out of the Vikings' meaningless finale.  With Toby Gerhart also sidelined, look for the return of the great Matt Asiata.  Though the Lions have a stout run D, they've got nothing to play for, either.  So who's to say Asiata won't flourish again?

Speaking of the Lions, Megatron has also been ruled out.

Shane Vereen (groin) is expected to sit as well, according to ESPN, leaving the Patriots' backfield in the hands of…who, exactly?  Will it be back to Ridley?  LeGarrette Blount?  Hard to say, but my best guess is they'll split the load and Blount will get the early goal-line carries.  Ridley might get some late ones, too.  But really, I have no clue.  And neither does anyone else.  Just the way Bellichick likes it.

You know Aaron Rodgers will start, and now we know that Randall Cobb has been activated as well.  Cobb is questionable, and will be on a snap count if he plays; so don't expect a lot out of him.  Go ahead and put Jordy in your starting lineup, and James Jones is definitely a contender as well.  Jarrett Boykin is a wild card.  I would only play him if you're desperate.

EJ Manuel, Stevie Johnson, Steve Smith, Jonathan Stewart, Jacquizz Rodgers, Wes Welker and Garrett Graham have been ruled out today.  Matt Schaub will be under center for the Texans, with Case Keenum sidelined.

Houston RB Dennis Johnson's moment in the sun has passed.  Jonathan Grimes will get the start today.

Both Cincinnati TEs -- Tyler Eifert and Jermaine Gresham -- are inactive.

In something of a surprise, Jordan Cameron (concussion) will play.  That said, I'm not sure we can expect a lot out of him against the Steelers.  He had just 3 receptions for 32 yards when they last met in Week 12.

You were going to start Antonio Brown anyway, but it's nice to know Joe Haden won't be covering him.  The All-Pro CB is inactive.  That's good news for Big Ben's owners, too.

OK, that's it for now.  Inactives coming up via Twitter next.

Good luck, Fools!

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