QB Drew Brees, NO - How can you upgrade the top fantasy QB? Simple -- he needs 402 yards to break the all-time regular season passing yards record held by Dan Marino, and New Orleans may just give him every chance to get it in Week 17. The Saints host Carolina next week and Sean Payton may let Brees drop back 50 times to take a shot at the record. Brees has topped 400 yards twice this season.

QB Marc Bulger, STL - Marc Bulger spread the ball around effectively to Torry Holt and Donnie Avery, besting 200 yards in the air and completing just over half of his 36 attempts. The Rams' passing attack was bolstered by Steven Jackson's 100-yard game, which kept the 49ers honest. Bulger will be throwing early and often again as the Rams travel to Atlanta next week to try and keep pace with a Falcons team that could be playing for the NFC South title.

QB Matt Cassel, NE - Cassel turned in another outstanding day Week 16 against the Cardinals. There are a couple of reasons to like his potential in Week 17. First, they are facing a team in Buffalo that is merely closing out the season. The Bills likely lack the desire to compete with 100 percent intensity, and that will benefit Cassel. Furthermore, the Patriots desperately need to win to have a chance at making the playoffs. They should score in bunches.

QB Trent Edwards, BUF - Edwards returned to the lineup after missing two games with a groin injury. He was impressive in the Bills road win at Denver, despite having nothing to play for but pride. Edwards started off slow, but in the end he was fairly efficient completing 68% of his passes with one key third down TD pass to rookie WR Steve Johnson that put the Bills in front for good. The Bills play New England next week (at Toronto) to finish the season.

QB David Garrard, JAX - Garrard started the game on fire. He has picked up his game the last couple of weeks. In just the first half of the Thursday night game, Garrard completed 15 of 20 passes for 175 yards, including a 28 yard scoring pass to Dennis Northcutt. He added a two yard touchdown dash in the second quarter. Garrard did have a costly interception returned for a touchdown in the fourth quarter. For the game, he completed 28 of 41 passes for 329 yards, a scoring pass and the pick that went for a touchdown. On the ground, Garrard totaled 9 yards and the scoring dash on three quarterback keepers. This was a good fantasy game for the mobile quarterback.

QB Tarvaris Jackson, MIN - Jackson had another good game for the Vikings. He has played well since taking over for the injured Gus Frerotte. Jackson completed 22 of 36 passes for 233 yards and two touchdowns. On only eight carries, Jackson tied Adrian Peterson for the team high in rushing yards with 76. He was effective and efficient, looking more confident than earlier in the season. The Giants will be a tough test next week.

QB Byron Leftwich, PIT - *** POTENTIAL WAIVER WIRE GEM *** - Pittsburgh has clinched a first round bye regardless of what they do next week against Cleveland. Don't be surprised to see the Steelers rest some of their key starters, including QB Ben Roethlisberger, who has seen his share of sacks and pressure this season, especially the last few weeks. The match up against Cleveland is a favorable one. Pay attention to the news this week to see if Roethlisberger will indeed sit.

QB Chad Pennington, MIA - Chad Pennington had another strong first half as the Dolphins looked to stay in the playoff chase. In just the first half against the Chiefs, Pennington completed 15 of 22 passes for 135 yards and two touchdowns. He did throw a pick with under a minute left in the second quarter while trying to answer a Chief score. For the game, the veteran passer completed 26 of 34 for 235 yards, three scoring passes and the second quarter interception. All three of the touchdowns were to tight ends, two to Anthony Fasano and one to David Martin. Pennington gets to go back to New York to face the Jets in a game that will determine the Dolphins' playoff situation.

QB Tyler Thigpen, KC - Thigpen has played well since taking over as the starter. His running ability has helped him become a very good fantasy quarterback. In just the first half against the Miami Dolphins, Thigpen completed 12 of 23 passes for 226 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. But, the young passer was very effective as a runner. He had six rushes for 57 yards and a touchdown just in the first two quarters. This was a very productive half for Tyler Thigpen. The Chief quarterback had a great fantasy game. He finished with 320 passing yards on 20 of 41 passing. Thigpen threw two touchdowns and three interceptions. Thigpen was very effective on the ground with the 57 yards (all in the first half) and a touchdown on six carries.

QB Vince Young, TEN - *** POTENTIAL WAIVER WIRE GEM *** - The Titans have clinched the number one seed in the AFC, which means next week's game at Indianapolis is meaningless with the exception of fine tuning and staying healthy. We would not be surprised at all to see Vince Young get more reps in the offense - he might even start the game. The Colts have also clinched a playoff spot, thus making this game even more meaningless. It all points to a great opportunity for Tennessee to see what they have in Vince Young.

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QB Kerry Collins, TEN - The Titans have wrapped up the number one seed in the AFC and could decide to rest QB Kerry Collins and give Vince Young a chance to get his game legs back. The Titans play at Indianapolis, who is locked into the fifth seed in the AFC. Neither team needs to win, so it may be a very low key game which should give way to less playing time for Collins under center. We don't recommend starting Collins next week as a result.

QB Brett Favre, NYJ - Favre has had a disappointing stretch to end the season. In three of the last four New York Jet games, the veteran passer has failed to toss a scoring pass. Yes, the snow was an issue in Seattle, but Favre should know how to play in the unsavory conditions after his tenure in Green Bay. Favre completed 18 of his 31 passes for 187 yards and two interceptions. He did have a deep throw slip through the hands of Laveranues Coles late in the fourth quarter, but Favre has not played well for a few games in a row.

QB Ben Roethlisberger, PIT - If there's any QB in the league that needs a two-week break it's Ben Roethlisberger. He has been beaten and bruised all season long in several games against tough defensive opponents. The Steelers have clinched a first round bye and if they sit Big Ben next week, he could have two weeks off to heal his aching body before hosting a playoff game. There has not been any official announcement yet, but we would be surprised to see Roethlisberger take many snaps if any in next week's game against Cleveland.

QB Tony Romo, DAL - Romo was favoring his sore back in the first half against the Ravens in Week 16, throwing two interceptions deep downfield to safety Ed Reed. Romo seemed to not have his usual ability to throw a strong deep pass, leaving the ball with too much hang time on his first long toss and then doing well to avoid a sack but underthrowing Terrell Owens just before halftime. He finished with horrible first half numbers (8 of 17, 59 yards, 2 INTs) but recovered and played better in the final 30 minutes. Romo led the Cowboys in a comeback effort with almost 200 yards and two touchdowns in the second half but the effort fell short due to Dallas' defensive lapses. The Cowboys have to travel to Philadelphia next week for their final regular season game where Romo will face a Top 5 passing defense.

Holding steady

QB Donovan McNabb, PHI - McNabb threw a ton once again for the pass-happy Eagles, but with so few options at receiver McNabb's upside was kept in check. He failed to throw a touchdown for the first time since being benched against the Ravens, but WR DeSean Jackson had several chances to score and dropped key balls. Reggie Brown also had a chance to score on the final play but was tackled one yard shy of the end zone. McNabb's options were limited as his receivers could not gain separation as he was without both Kevin Curtis and Hank Baskett. The Eagles host Dallas in Week 17.

QB Kurt Warner, ARI - Warner had a very ugly day in the New England snow before he was pulled during the third quarter, having thrown for just 30 yards to that point. The Cardinals return to Arizona next week to play the Seahawks, who have had trouble defending the pass all season. Expect Warner to bounce back with a strong week 17 in much better weather conditions.

Running Back

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RB Cedric Benson, CIN - Benson had a huge game against the Browns who clearly just want to end the season. Benson was monumental in the Bengals offense, carrying the ball 38 times for 171 yards. Benson was so effective, the Bengals didn't even have to pass the ball - QB Ryan Fitzpatrick only needed to make eight pass attempts all game. He totaled only 55 yards passing. Benson and the Bengals end the season with a favorable match up against the Chiefs at home. We recommend starting Benson if you've got him.

RB Tashard Choice, DAL - Tashard Choice was technically not named as the starter for the Cowboys, but he was in the backfield on the opening drive and stayed there for most of the game as Marion Barber rested on the sidelines. Choice broke off a nice 22-yard rush up the middle in the opening quarter but was kept mostly in check the rest of the game by a swarming Ravens defense. Choice showed quick burst to and through the holes, but he also made a few mistakes such as dropping an option pitch that would have been good enough for a key first down. He also complimented the passing game well, adding seven catches out of the backfield for 25 yards to go along with his 90 yards on the ground. Choice's performances of late will make for interesting playing time decisions when both he and Barber are 100% healthy. Dallas travels to Philadelphia for their final regular season game next Sunday.

RB Justin Fargas, OAK - Fargas was again the primary ball carrier for the Raiders, keeping rookie Darren McFadden as more of a change of pace back. Fargas and the Raiders visit the Buccaneers next week who have been anything but impressive against the run lately. As a result Fargas represents good value as a RB3 or flex option.

RB Fred Jackson, BUF - *** POTENTIAL WAIVER WIRE GEM *** - Jackson had a great game filling in for Marshawn Lynch, who left the game at the end of the second quarter after re-aggravating his shoulder. Jackson was able to move the ball well and was a key contributor in the passing game as well. He totaled 113 yards and a TD in what was really only two quarters of action. It is unclear if Marshawn Lynch will miss next week's game, but if he does Jackson is a solid RB option in week 17 against the Patriots.

RB LaMont Jordan, NE - *** POTENTIAL WAIVER WIRE GEM *** - Jordan shared carries with Sammy Morris on Sunday against the Cardinals, but it was Jordan who got the goal line carries (and he scored on two of them). Jordan has just an average matchup this week against the Bills, but if he gets 20+ touches again, including the goal line carries, he could be a factor in fantasy games.

RB Deuce McAllister, NO - Deuce McAllister returned to activity for the Saints in Week 16, rushing nine times for 61 yards and a score. The Saints face Carolina in their home finale and they may give Deuce some playing time before the home crowd one last time. The Panthers were slashed by the New York Giants in Week 16 so the running lanes may open up easily once again.

RB LeRon McClain, BAL - Le'Ron McClain topped 100 yards against Dallas in Week 16 thanks to an 82-yard run in the final quarter. McClain broke several tackles before bursting downfield, getting a key block before finding the end zone. He was averaging under three yards per carry before the long gainer but he remains the top option in the Baltimore backfield going forward as he had 22 carries compared to just eight for Willis McGahee. While not flashy, McClain consistently pounds the ball inside and gets the tough yardage between the tackles for the Ravens, keeping the defense honest and the clock moving. Baltimore hosts the Jaguars next week.

RB Willis McGahee, BAL - McGahee had 11 touches against the Cowboys, highlighted by a huge 77-yard touchdown run up the middle late in the game that helped to seal the victory for Baltimore. McGahee took on the role of Ray Rice (who was inactive), lining up in the shotgun often next to Joe Flacco. McGahee had three catches for 21 yards, showing good hands and burst in the open field. Most of McGahee's 108 yards on the ground came on his career long touchdown, but he showed enough promise out of the backfield as the secondary option behind Le'Ron McClain to likely warrant more touches next week. Baltimore hosts Jacksonville in Week 17.

RB Mewelde Moore, PIT - Don't be surprised to see the Steelers rest some of their starters next week. They have clinched a first round bye regardless. As a result, Moore should see more looks. If word does surface that Pittsburgh will rest their starters, Moore is an excellent start against Cleveland.

RB Maurice Morris, SEA - Morris had a big game against the once-stout rush defense of the New York Jets. He was able to rack up the rushing yards, with the offensive line opening up good holes. He had the season highs in carries and rushing yards. Morris ran the ball 29 times for 116 yards. With the poor weather conditions, the Seahawks were committed to running Morris. He had more carries than quarterback Seneca Wallace had passing attempts. Maurice Morris saw a lot of carries after the Seahawks got the lead.

RB Kevin Smith, DET - Smith ran hard out of the Lion backfield, topping 100 yards for the second time in his rookie season. Despite Detroit's big deficit on the scoreboard the Lions kept feeding Smith the ball and he performed adequately. The Lions travel to Green Bay next week for their season finale. The Packers are a good matchup for Smith and may see his fourth consecutive 20+ touch game to close out the season.

RB LaDainian Tomlinson, SD - The Chargers' offensive line opened some holes in the running game last week against Tampa Bay, paving the way for Tomlinson to rush for 90 yards on 21 carries. Tomlinson's toe problems seem to be behind him, so if the OL can continue to play well, Tomlinson could have a big day against Denver's woeful run defense this week. The Broncos have given up the 5th most fantasy points to opposing RBs this season.

RB Cadillac Williams, TB - Although the Buccaneers never really got the running game going against the Chargers, that should change in Week 17 against the Raiders. The Raiders' defense has generally been unable to stop the run this season, and Williams has split carries with Warrick Dunn pretty evenly over the past two games (while getting more goal line carries than Dunn), making him a decent RB3/flex option in Week 17.

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RB Joseph Addai, IND - Addai was active for the Thursday night game, but did not see any game action. He is still battling the shoulder injury. In addition, it has been reported that the Colts will rest their players this coming week since they have nothing to play for. It is very likely that we have seen the last of Joseph Addai until the playoffs. Coach Tony Dungy stated "I don't know exactly yet, but I don't think we'll scale back too much [in practice next week]. The one thing we will do is we'll protect the guys that are a little bit banged up. So the guys that are iffy [injury-wise] probably won't play. But we definitely want to win [the Titans game]," he said.

RB Marion Barber, DAL - Marion Barber only had three first quarter touches, all coming on consecutive plays on the same Cowboy drive. Barber caught a short screen in the flat before adding two short rushes that ended his evening. Barber did not look to be 100% healthy and continues to favor his injured toe. With rookie Tashard Choice looking more than capable of filling in for him, Barber may not get much work once again next week in Philadelphia.

RB Warrick Dunn, TB - Dunn was almost invisible in the game against San Diego. He split carries with Cadillac Williams, but didn't get any of the goal line carries and finished with just 20 rushing yards and 39 total yards on the day. The week 17 game against the Raiders looks like a good matchup on paper, but unless Dunn takes on a bigger role in the offense he won't make much of a fantasy contribution.

RB Marshawn Lynch, BUF - Lynch managed to gain 34 yards on 11 carries before he was forced to leave the game at the end of the first half after he re-aggravated his shoulder injury. It is not known if Lynch will miss the last game of the season against the Patriots. If he does, Fred Jackson will get the start. Jackson has been solid in relief of Lynch all season, so it might just be reason enough for the Bills to sit Lynch next week, especially without any post season opportunities looming.

RB Willie Parker, PIT - Parker, who has been hampered by injuries this year, may rest next week against Cleveland. The Steelers have clinched a first round bye in the playoffs regardless of what happens next week. If Pittsburgh does decide to rest their key players, we wouldn't put too much stock into Parker's value next week. Mewelde Moore would then likely shoulder the load.

RB P.J. Pope, DEN - suffered a pulled hamstring in Week 16 and will miss the remainder of the season.

RB Selvin Young, DEN - suffered a ruptured disk in his neck in Week 16 and will miss the remainder of the season

Holding steady

RB Frank Gore, SF - Gore missed the Week 16 contest against the Rams with an ankle injury and remains questionable for Week 17. The 49ers host Washington next week in what could be a decent matchup should Gore be healthy, but that remains to be seen. Gore needs only 22 more rushing yards to hit 1,000 for the season, so it seems likely that he'll play if at all possible.

RB Maurice Jones-Drew, JAX - The diminutive runner had a good game against the Colt defense. He racked up good yardage and was virtually unstoppable for most of the game. But, Jones-Drew injured his knee late in the game. The degree of the injury is not known at this time. He did say that the injury "was not serious", but we should know more by mid-week. The Jaguars' star said he "I'm all right. I'll definitely play next week," he said. "It's not a big deal, just a bruise. It's football. You get tackled and you get back up." For the game Jones-Drew rushed 20 times for 91 yards. He added 71 more yards through the air on seven catches.

RB Derrick Ward, NYG - Ward had a huge day against the Panthers, rushing for 215 yards on only 15 carries. His stats were boosted by his 82 rushing yards in overtime. This week, however, the Giants head to Minnesota where they will face one of the tougher run defenses in the league. Brandon Jacobs should get the majority of the carries, and it will be difficult for Ward to have another big day.

Wide Receiver

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WR Isaac Bruce, SF - Bruce was the top target for San Francisco, getting a dozen looks for the second week in a row. Bruce snagged seven balls for 61 yards and a score against his former team in St. Louis, including his 1,000th career catch. He was force-fed the ball in the fourth quarter to make the touchdown and the career mark happen, but he still is the top option in the 49er passing game. San Francisco hosts Washington next week to end the season.

WR Antonio Bryant, TB - Garcia looked Bryant's way all day against San Diego, targeting him 10 times including on a number of deep balls. Garcia and Bryant hooked up on a 71-yard touchdown pass, and barely missed on a few other big-play opportunities (including what would have been a 68-yarder that was just off Bryant's fingertips). Bryant did have a fumble as well as a few dropped balls, but Garcia kept looking his way. Antonio Bryant appears to be the primary weapon in the Bucs' offense at this point, and although the Raiders have done a good job at shutting down opposing WRs this season, we expect Garcia to keep looking in Bryant's direction.

WR Marques Colston, NO - Colston looked unstoppable against the Lions in Week 16, catching nine passes for 99 yards and two scores in Week 16. Colston is a must start for Week 17, as Drew Brees will be throwing early and often in an attempt to get over 400 yards and break Dan Marino's record for regular season passing yards.

WR Devery Henderson, NO - *** POTENTIAL WAIVER WIRE GEM *** - Once again Devery Henderson is relevant despite only two targets against Detroit in Week 16. Henderson stood out again as the deep threat, catching both for a combined 96 total yards. If you need a wide receiver for Week 17, consider using him as Drew Brees will be throwing early and often in an attempt to get over 400 yards and break Dan Marino's record for regular season passing yards.

WR Johnnie Lee Higgins, OAK - *** POTENTIAL WAIVER WIRE GEM *** - Slight upgrade here. Higgins has very quietly been gaining steam over the last few games. He has been a stalwart in the return game this year, but recently he has improved in the passing game, catching TDs in each of his last two games. He is someone to possibly target as a flex option in deeper leagues, if you're absolutely in dire need of a WR.

WR Bryant Johnson, SF - Bryant Johnson had nine targets in Week 16 against St. Louis, reeling in four of them for 60 total yards. He started opposite of Isaac Bruce but did give up some snaps to rookie Josh Morgan. There seems to be plenty of chances in Mike Martz's offense so if you are in a need for a wideout to close the season, Johnson should be on the waiver wire list. The 49ers host the Redskins in Week 17.

WR Derrick Mason, BAL - Mason played a very strong game, fighting through an injured shoulder injury that he aggravated in the first quarter. Mason was visibly hurting after nearly every catch and virtually played with one arm but still managed six catches for 66 yards and a touchdown. The Ravens control their playoff destiny next week against Jacksonville, a weak passing defense that yielded big yardage to Indianapolis last Thursday.

WR Dennis Northcutt, JAX - Northcutt scored again this week. It was the only pass target to a wide receiver on the first drive. The play designed for him. Northcutt was lined up in the slot to the right and ran a corner pattern. It was good for a 28 yard scoring grab. He also drew a penalty in the first half on a double move (out and up). Northcutt finished the first half with five receptions for 68 yards and a touchdown. He finished the game with 101 receiving yards on eight receptions and the first quarter touchdown. Dennis Northcutt was targeted eight times in the first half. David Garrard did not throw the ball his way in the third quarter, but looked for him to make the play in the last period with six passes thrown his way.

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WR Bernard Berrian, MIN - Berrian was having an off game before leaving in the second half with an ankle injury. He muffed a punt and was not effective as receiver. With Tarvaris Jackson under center, Berrian's chances of a big game are reduced. Jackson does not air it out like Gus Frerotte. For the game against the Falcons, Berrian caught just two of his pass targets for 18 yards. He has averaged just two receptions a game over the last half of the season.

WR Anquan Boldin, ARI - Boldin sat out the game in New England with a shoulder injury, and may rest again during the week 17 game. The Cardinals are headed to the playoffs, and don't want to risk further injury to their starters before they get there. A decision regarding whether Boldin will play in week 17 will be made later in the week; we'll keep you updated on his status. But even if Boldin plays, he is a risky start because he may see just limited action.

WR Marvin Harrison, IND - Harrison missed the Thursday night game because of injury. It is unlikely that he plays in week seventeen. The Colts will rest their players since they have little at stake in the game. Coach Tony Dungy stated, "I don't know exactly yet, but I don't think we'll scale back too much [in practice next week]. The one thing we will do is we'll protect the guys that are a little bit banged up. So the guys that are iffy [injury-wise] probably won't play. But we definitely want to win [the Titans game]," he said.

WR DeSean Jackson, PHI - The Philadelphia Eagles dropped a key game to the Redskins in Week 16, and Jackson had a few drops of his own. He was targeted deep on several passes including one in the end zone that could have been long gainers but Jackson was unable to reel them in. Jackson also left the game due to a rib injury for a portion of the first half. With the Eagles very thin at wideout, coverage will be favoring Jackson so his upside may be limited next week against Dallas.

WR Calvin Johnson, DET - Johnson remains the lone receiving option of note for the woeful Lions, catching four balls for 64 yards. He failed to reel in a touchdown catch on one of his several deep targets and left the game with an ankle injury in the second half. If he does not practice much this week he will be a questionable fantasy option in Week 17. Detroit travels to Green Bay next week for their season finale.

WR Roddy White, ATL - White had an off game against an average Viking secondary. This was White's sixth straight game without a touchdown reception. He was targeted seven times, catching three for 24 yards. Roddy White has been unable to get open deep like the first part of the season. Without the touchdowns, the upside for White is limited.

Holding steady

WR Chris Henry, CIN - Henry had one catch for 20 yards against the Browns that happened to be for a TD. Henry would get another start opposite TJ Houshmandzadeh if Chad Johnson is not healthy enough to play next week. Keep an eye on Johnson's playing status as things progress this week. If he can't go, Henry could be a nice sleeper start as a flex option of WR4 next week against the Chiefs.

WR Chad Johnson, CIN - Johnson was a late scratch last week and did not play. Coach Marvin Lewis' only comments were "he's sore today, so we rested him". Something doesn't sound right about that, but we'll give him the benefit of the doubt. It's possible that Chad may "be sore" next week too. If that's the case Chris Henry would get the start in his place. Until we know more about his status, we don't recommend risking Johnson next week.

WR Steve Smith, CAR - Smith had a down week against the Giants, as he was limited to three first-half catches and was shut out in the second half. Life will get easier for him this week, however, as the Panthers head to New Orleans to play in the Superdome. The Saints have struggled to stop opposing WRs all season, and Steve Smith should be able to get deep for some big plays in New Orleans.

Tight End

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TE Antonio Gates, SD - Slowed by a toe injury and then a hip injury for much of the season, Gates looked like his old self against the Buccaneers, making several nice catches including two that went for touchdowns. The Broncos have given up the 5th most points in the league to opposing fantasy TEs this season, so Gates has a good Week 17 matchup.

TE Tony Gonzalez, KC - How can we not mention this guy? It was his third week in a row to catch a touchdown. He has been under 62 yards receiving in a game only once since the Chiefs' Week 6 bye. On an inconsistent offense, the veteran has been very consistent. Against the Miami Dolphins, he caught seven of his twelve pass targets for 64 yards. The Chiefs looked to him early in the game with six pass targets in the first quarter, including one that was picked off. For the game, two of the passes intended for Gonzalez were intercepted. This game put him over the 1,000 yard mark for the season once again.

TE Billy Miller, NO - *** POTENTIAL WAIVER WIRE GEM *** - Billy Miller caught four passes for 38 yards, but the upside here is twofold. First, Jeremy Shockey went down with an ankle injury and may not be available next week for the Saints. The second reason to grab Miller if you need a tight end is that Drew Brees will be throwing early and often in an attempt to get over 400 yards and break Dan Marino's record for regular season passing yards.

TE Visanthe Shiancoe, MIN - Shiancoe had a disappointing game in Week 15 with only one reception. He responded in Week 16 with a monster game. The ex-Giant caught seven passes for 136 yards and two touchdowns. He had three targets in the first half and caught them all, and in the second half, Shiancoe caught all four of his targets. Also, Tarvaris Jackson seems to be looking his way often than Frerotte.

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TE Dustin Keller, NYJ - Keller has endured a disappointing string of games lately. He caught his only pass target for two yards in the game against the Seahawks. This was on the Jets' first drive. He has suffered through the problems at the quarterback position. The rookie tight end has not had over 35 receiving yards in the last three games. In addition, it has been six weeks since Keller has found the endzone.

TE Jeremy Shockey, NO - Jeremy Shockey left the Week 16 contest against Detroit in the third quarter with an ankle injury after grabbing five catches for 37 yards. He will be questionable to practice and may not be available for the finale against Carolina.

Holding steady

TE Owen Daniels, HOU - Daniels was very involved in the Texans passing game against the Raiders, but don't expect him to be that much of a factor next week against the Bears. The Raiders, led by stand out CB Nnamdi Asomugha, were a blanket on WR Andre Johnson all game, which allowed Daniels to be wide open for several plays down field. Houston took advantage of this, but don't expect the same result next week against the Bears. It was good while it lasted, but Daniels, who had seven catches for 111 yards, likely won't see those numbers next week.

Kicker

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PK Stephen Gostkowski, NE - Gostkowski has been scoring in bunches lately as he as attempted an amazing 20 kicks (seven FGs and 13 PATs) over the last three weeks. With the Patriots facing a must-win game in Week 17, look for Gostkowski to continue to thrive.

PK Matt Stover, BAL - The Ravens are not a polished offensive machine, but Stover is afforded a good number of FG opportunities (he is 8-for-8 in his last three games). Baltimore needs to win in Week 17 in order to make the playoffs, so Stover should have multiple tries again.

Downgrade

PK Nick Folk, DAL - Folk is kicking well, but he simply isn't getting many opportunities. In his last three games, Folk has tried only three FGs and six PATs. Even though he made them all, that just isn't enough points.

PK Jeff Reed, PIT - There are few issues with using Reed in Week 17. First, he's struggling right now. Over his last three games, he has missed two of his six FG attempts. Plus, he has only tried five PATs over the time frame. Finally, the Steelers have nothing to play for in Week 17 and could easily go through the motions as they rest their top offensive players.

Holding steady

Team Defense

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TD Atlanta Falcons, ATL - *** POTENTIAL WAIVER WIRE GEM *** - This is the perfect storm for fantasy defenses. The Falcons have shown the ability to play well at home, and a win could possibly give them the NFC South crown. They face a Rams team with little desire to win and that has made many opposing defenses look good this season.

TD Tennessee Titans, TEN - The Titans have locked up the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoff, and that would ordinarily keep us away from their defense in Week 17. However, they face a Colts team that is already locked into the No.5 spot. We don't expect to see much from Peyton Manning and the other top Indianapolis weapons, so the Titans look like a great option.

Downgrade

TD Indianapolis Colts, IND - The Colts face Tennessee in a game where neither team needs to win and only wants to survive without major injury. We downgrade the Colts because they are far more likely to rest their stars (such as Bob Sanders) and are unlikely to force the Titans into mistakes.

TD Jacksonville Jaguars, JAX - The Jaguars have been pretty bad at times, but they could easily allow multiple 100-yard rushers in Week 17. With the Ravens needing a win and the Jaguars ready to start the offseason, the route should be on in Baltimore.

Holding steady