D Up: Week 17
Week 17 is a truly a surreal time in fantasy football. It's a weird time in the NFL, too. Most team's have little to play for, while some have everything on the line. The most frustrating thing about Week 17 in fantasy is that it's not really about the guys that got you there, rather what teams they play for. It's silly when a fantasy team is punished for having players on top, locked-in playoff teams. On the other hand, there is something fun about the dumpster diving and start/sit stress this final week induces. For further proof that Week 17 is almost like preseason Game 5 for many teams, I've been offered tickets to the Jets, Eagles and the Ravens this weekend. When does that ever happen?
If this is your championship week, you know that the money is on the line. It only makes sense then to target players who are truly playing for something. In the NFC, Minnesota, New Orleans and Washington are all playing for their playoff lives. In the AFC, Pittsburgh and San Diego are looking to avoid the Pats while Tennessee needs to win to get in. If there's doubt surrounding the status of one of your defensive players, consider the names below.
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Consider using these players if you are in immediate need of impact defenders, especially in deep leagues.
Linebackers and Linemen: It's likely too little, too late for many of Aaron Schobel's owners but he is legitimately on fire right now with a sack in four straight contests. Look for Schobel to be a nice value in drafts in 2008 as this poor campaign is likely an anomaly. … Morlon Greenwood and David Thornton are two solid and slept-on 'backers to consider as both of their teams will truly play to win. … Kyle Vanden Bosch, aka KVB, has quietly amassed 12 sacks in Albert Haynesworth's considerable shadow. Consider both of these Titans valid fantasy starters against a second-team Colts offense. … Jon Beason has been as consistent as my cable bill for fantasy owners and is a great sleeper/keeper going into '08. … Kawika Mitchell went Bobby Boucher on the Bills and should put up nice tackle numbers against the tank that is the Patriots offense. …Taking a cue from the Ravens, Osi "Thank you Winston Justice" Umenyiora should apply some legit pressure to Tom "I'm sorry, my ring finger is already full" Brady. … Chad Greenway and Shaun Phillips are two of my favorite IDP players heading into 2008. They are also both playing in games with playoff implications Sunday.
Defensive backs: Antonio Cromartie established an elite reputation in a four-game stretch where he tallied a ridiculous six interceptions, three off them off Peyton Manning, and three touchdowns, one of which is the longest play (109 yards) in NFL history. Look for Cromartie to add to his league-leading interception total against the ever-reeling Raiders offense … Ike Taylor is a consistent tackle source with some legit interception potential against the Ravens. … Shawn Springs has played inspired ball lately and is a great waiver plug-in with interception potential against a rusty Brad Johnson. … Clinton Hart is enjoying a career year and should cap it off nicely against the Raiders. … Leigh Bodden is a big-play corner in the truest sense. He either gives up the big play or makes it. In the week that matters most for Cleveland, Bodden should step up. … Bernard Pollard has played well in an improved KC secondary and is closing out the season on a statistical tear. … O.J. Atogwe is proving to be one of the few standouts on a feeble Rams defense.
Target these guys for depth with an eye on their potential to be full-fledged starters.
Linebackers and Linemen: Thomas Davis has turned it up lately and is playing for pride on a suddenly weak and unspectacular Panthers defense. … Stewart Bradley is playing for a starting gig in 2008 and should rack up sweet tackle numbers against the Bills. … Nick Greisen is a nice plug-in player in a Baltimore system that nets 'backers big numbers. … Paris Lenon and Boss Bailey are valid plays to consider, especially in crazy first-names leagues. Fellow Lion Shaun Rogers should produce as well. … If Will Smith is on the wire in your league and you're not elite at DE, please add him. … Ty Warren is one Patriot that could produce even if his snaps are limited. … Luis Castillo is a good bet to tally a sack against whoever is playing QB for Oakland.
Defensive backs: Whenever I see Fred Bennett's name I think of Fred Barnett. In any case, Bennett is putting up linebacker-esque tackle numbers lately and is a great play against the short-pass, run-heavy Jags' offense. … Jonathan "JJ" Joseph's numbers have gone up lately as he's been a heavily-targeted corner. Joseph makes for an ideal sleeper against Cleo "Psychic Hotline" Lemon. … Once elite, Corey Chavous is now a serviceable emergency play. Chavous is worth considering if you're in a deep league, thanks to his tackle and interception potential against the highly targeted Cards receivers. … Brent Grimes is getting clock in the depleted Atlanta secondary and is a worthy sleeper play in deep leagues. … Say it with me kids: Chinedum Ndukwe. Dude needs a nickname, stat. In all seriousness, Ndukwe is auditioning for a gig in '08 and is a valid play in abyss-deep leagues.
Jim McCormick is an IDP analyst for ESPN.com Fantasy. He can be reached at jmccormick@TalentedMrRoto.com.
