Sunday morning observations -- Week 16

Good morning, Fools. If you're reading this, you're probably playing for a fantasy championship, and that makes me happy. What makes me even happier is that I am, too!

I'm already playing from behind, however, since I started Adam Thielen and my opponent had Stefon Diggs. But there's plenty of ball left to be played -- including a two-fer on Christmas Monday.

Here's what we need to know to set our best lineups today:

In case you've been living under a rock, Zeke Elliott is back. If you've been sitting on him, look for a fine outing from him today. It looks like LT Tyron Smith will play, too, which is great news for him and the Cowboys' passing attack.

Samaje Perine has been dealing with a groin injury and at one point was trending toward not playing. Now, he's a game-time decision. If he plays, he'll get some help from Kapri Bibbs. Against Denver's solid run D, I don't like either of their chances.

I doubt you're counting on Matt Forte or Elijah McGuire, but both are expected to play. Maybe you have Bilal Powell; so note that he'll have a lot of competition for touches.

It's never good when a player lands on the injury report late in the week, but that's what happened to Michael Thomas. He tweaked his hammy -- presumably in practice -- and is questionable for today's contest. That could be a brutal, unexpected loss, so keep an eye on the inactives in a bit. He did appear to warm up well this morning, so there's reason for optimism; but he's clearly going to be a game-time call.

Both Emmanuel Sanders and Cody Latimer stayed behind in Denver and will not play in Washington.

Allen Hurns is likely out. And the Pats are planning to play without both Chris Hogan and James White. Rex Burkhead is already on I.R.

Kelvin Benjamin is expected to play today, but he's been a disappointment ever since he was traded to Buffalo. He's also still dealing with a knee injury that will require offseason surgery. Despite the good matchup with the Pats, I wouldn't start him.

And if you're counting on any Eagles players, you got good news last night. The Vikings' win means Philly still has incentive to play its starters. They need a win to advance their cause for the top seed in the NFC.

Finally, it's the time of year for weather concerns, and we have some potential issues today in Chicago (snow, winds) for the Bears and Browns; in Kansas City (cold, winds) for the Dolphins and Chiefs; and in Tennessee (wind, rain) for the Titans and Rams.

That's it for now, Fools. I probably won't be able to tweet the inactives today because we're leaving early for Christmas Eve service. So be sure to check them yourself (http://www.nfl.com/inactives). Good luck to all Fools! Let's go get us another title!